Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to stand in solidarity with Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, and stand against anti- Semitism and other forms of religious bigotry.

On January 15 of this year, Congregation Beth Israel, in our North Texas area, endured a preplanned terrorist attack with the explicit purpose of targeting Jews.

This attack was personal to me, because I know the rabbi of that congregation, Charlie Cytron-Walker, and his wife, Adena, very well. I met them when they first moved to the North Texas area.

That is why I am here today, because no community should have to endure that type of attack while they are trying to worship. It doesn't matter what religion they happen to be. It has absolutely no place in our houses of worship.

Tomorrow, in the House, we will vote on a bipartisan resolution that my fellow colleague from North Texas, Beth Van Duyne, and I are leading. This resolution condemns the actions taken in Colleyville in January and underscores our commitment to fighting anti-Semitism. I ask everybody to support it, because we must root out hate.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of Ms. Channing Hill of Texas' 33rd District. Channing is an aspiring lawyer pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Strategic, Legal, and Management Communication at Howard University. She also has used almost all her life advocating for social justice and equality for all.

At only 20 years old, Channing has organized and led protests in public schools in her home state of Texas since her adolescence. Channing first found her voice in her NAACP Youth Council in Arlington, Texas. She now leads as the Howard University NAACP Chapter President and the Region 7 National Youth-Works Committee Representative. This past fall, Channing continued her fight for social justice when she was one of eight student leaders to participate in the #Blackburn Takeover.

Now this month, her work is being honored at the highest level. On February 26th, she proudly received the NAACP Award for Youth Activist of the Year. This award recognizes NAACP members for their work to improve their community, educate the masses, identify the problems, and lead the revolution to fix them.

We are so proud of Channing for her work and for this accomplishment. We know her continued commitment to social justice and equity will make our community a better place for all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and accomplishments of Reverend Lawrence Irving Slater, Sr.--a pillar of our Fort Worth community.

Reverend Slater was a graduate of Como High School in Fort Worth, Texas before serving as a brave member of the United States Army and then graduating from Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth. Reverend Slater was a man of faith who proudly served our community through his preaching tenure at Strangers Rest Baptist Church and as an Associate Pastor at Greater Rising Star Baptist Church.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those who knew and loved Reverend Slater, particularly his wife, Lessie Slater, and his five children, Diana Lynn Wright, Shirley Thomas, Kathy Slater, Lisa Holmes, and Lawrence Slater, Jr. May his memory last forever.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate a great milestone for the Church of Philadelphia. On November 21st, the church will celebrate 40 years of ministry in Fort Worth.

The Church of Philadelphia has been a pillar of our North Texas community. This church celebrates the rich fabric of our community and welcomes people of all backgrounds to worship. Over the four decades since this church was founded by Pastor Gregory W. Spencer, the amount of growth that has occurred has been incredible. The Church has used their prosperity to give back to our community by helping all of those in need.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Church of Philadelphia on their great work so far, and wish them best of luck for what is yet to come as they continue to serve communities across Fort Worth.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Daphne Brookins an incredible mentor, mother, and friend to the people of Fort Worth's 4th District.

Brookins was a young adult motivational speaker, writer, Fort Worth ISD District 4 trustee, and most recently served as an adjunct instructor at her alma mater, Texas Wesleyan University. She and her late husband, Carl Brookins, leave behind three sons.

Brookins served previously as council member and mayor pro tempore for the city of Forest Hill. Brookins' other affiliations include leadership roles with the One Star Foundation board, which she was appointed to by Gov. Greg Abbott, as well as the YMCA Metropolitan Board, Director's Circle with Girls Inc., Tarrant County Challenge Inc. board member, Advisory Board member for Expanding Your Horizon, Tarrant County CHIP Coalition co-chairperson for the Marketing Task Force, and the Ladder Alliance board member.

In 2019, Brookins was elected to the FWISD Board of Trustees. She was later elected to a full term in May 2021. As a FWISD board member Brookins' main focus was on advancing opportunities for young women and children and ensuring all daycare facilities in Fort Worth were on the same page as the district's early learning program. She was also an early supporter and board member for the district's Young Women's Leadership Academy.

As a part of Fort Worth's 4th District, she represented 13 schools which included O.D. Wyatt High School, I.M. Terrell Academy, Morningside Middle School, Morningside Elementary School, W.M. Green Elementary School, David K. Sellars Elementary School, Harlean Beal Elementary School, Clifford Davis Elementary School, Carter Park Elementary School, Edward J. Briscoe Elementary School, Carroll Peak Elementary School, Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary School, and Versia Williams Elementary School.

It was said that Brookins was always focused on students and never allowed any opportunity to further their needs to be lost. She always wanted to ensure that families received resources that allowed stability and a good education for their children. Brookins was a champion for kids and a person who embraced her board work with collegiality and dedication.

Daphne Brookins leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment to service that will be missed by all in the Fort Worth community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and contributions of Mabel Kehinde Sodeinde of Arlington, Texas.

Mabel was a diligent, respectful, and intelligent young woman who lit up the lives of all those around her during the twenty-three years that she spent on this earth. Mabel was a proud 2017 high school graduate of the Uplift Summit International Preparatory and then went on to study at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. During her time at Texas Tech University, Mabel held multiple leadership positions and graduated magna cum laude with dual degrees in both political science and history and numerous honors in 2021.

My office and I had the privilege of getting to know Mabel as a congressional intern in our office in early 2020. She was a great member of our team who worked with both our staffers and the other interns to serve the people of Texas' 33rd District.

Most recently, Mabel was focused on making a difference in the world and advancing civil rights through continuing her education as a first- year student at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.

Her loss is devastatingly painful for her family, friends, and all of us who had to privilege to know her during her time on Capitol Hill. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones. We will miss her dearly.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Trini Garza Early College High School for becoming a 2021 National Blue Ribbon Awardee.

Trini Garza Early College High School is a public school located in the southwest quadrant of the Dallas Independent School District, the second largest urban school district in Texas. The school opened in 2006 and works in collaboration with Mountain View College to provide a partnership that ensures the goal of college success is attained. Garza ECHS students attend both high school and on-site college classes in order to graduate with their high school diploma and associate degree. Most of the students are the first in their family to attend college in an area where about only 10 percent of the population has a college degree.

The high school's namesake is well-known Dallas civic leader and businessman, Trinidad ``Trini'' Garza. Mr. Garza is known as an advocate for progress for the Hispanic community as early as 1969 when he helped organize the city's first Mexican American Leadership Conference. Mr. Garza has also been a strong advocate and supporter of education. Elected as the first Hispanic member of the board of trustees in 1969, Mr. Garza was then appointed Deputy Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Education in President Clinton's Administration. Throughout his life, Mr. Garza has served his community through involvement in numerous civic organizations. In 2010, the Early College High School at Mountain View College was named after Mr. Garza.

Every year, the U.S. Department of Education recognizes hundreds of public and private schools across the country for their commitment to educational excellence and their ability to overcome outstanding odds to properly educate their students. These schools receive the National Blue Ribbon of Distinction, an award reserved for schools that boast students who meet and maintain high educational goals. The Blue Ribbon Award celebrates the idea that all students, regardless of background, ability or location, deserve an excellent education.

The culture of Trini Garza Early College High School provides a place where students, parents, and faculty become life-long learners. There is no punishment for taking risks, no systemic anxiety about failure. Students are encouraged to advocate for their own learning, and teachers tailor student experiences based on individualized needs so that all are successful in whatever endeavor they choose.

Trini Garza Early College High School's commitment to excellence has exceeded expectations on the state accountability systems attaining ALL seven distinctions listed in Academic Achievement: Reading/Language Arts; Mathematics; Science; Social Studies; Top 25 percent Student Progress; Top 25 percent Closing Performance Gaps; and Post-secondary Readiness. The philosophy ``All Children Can Learn'' is ingrained in every aspect of this school. It is an honor to celebrate them for this historic achievement and their lifelong impact on the Dallas community.

Mr. Speaker, I bet every single person on this floor today--every single person--knows someone who has had an abortion or exercised their constitutional right to reproductive healthcare.

But that lawful right is under attack in the State of Texas because Republicans in my home State have passed what is probably the most dangerous and draconian law that we have seen since Roe v. Wade.

It literally creates a vigilante bounty system that allows a private citizen to sue anyone who knowingly aids or abets a procedure.

In a State like Texas, where people are always professing about freedoms and different things like that, it is amazing to see conservative politicians wage this war against women's rights and against women's healthcare.

I think it is deplorable. This law is dangerous, and it is un-Texan.

Who it is really going to hurt is, disproportionately, low-income women, who are going to find it harder to be able to leave the State to seek these services.

The doctor who wrote the op-ed who said that he performed an abortion, I think that that doctor is a hero, and we ought to applaud him on this House floor today. That is why I am going to vote for the Women's Health Protection Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Shirley Ann Johnson, a caring wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, godmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Shirley graduated from Booker T. High School in Norfolk, VA, and went on to marry the love of her life, Rolland L. Johnson, Sr. They had two children, Rolland L. Johnson,

Jr., and Nicole D. Collier who affectionately called her Momma. They moved to Northern Virginia where they settled their family in Dale City.

Shirley's strong faith led them to Little Union Baptist Church in Dumfries, VA. There, she was an integral part of the Children's Ministry and quickly became a beloved favorite of the local children. Shirley loved to play softball and volleyball and encouraged her children to enjoy sports as well.

Shirley and Rolland Sr.'s children supplied them with 9 grandchildren who all referred to Shirley as Nana. They became the object of her affection and often the grandchildren would be found at Nana's while she whipped up her famous oatmeal cookies or delicious macaroni and cheese. Always generous with her time, Shirley could be seen shuffling the grandchildren from place to place and she was always present for pivotal moments in their life. The close bond that they shared did not falter when they teased that Nana had ``no filter'' later in life, when she shared her opinion about their choice of clothes or hair style.

Shirley's faith was only strengthened when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, with a 25 percent chance to live. Arising from the debilitating treatment, she even surprised medical professionals with her amazing courage, faith, and strength.

However, as the years went by, the remnants of chemotherapy and twice a day radiation took a toll on her body. Gradually losing strength but always maintaining her sharp mind, her beloved husband took on the task of giving her the best love and attentive care only he could provide. Cameron, her granddaughter spent countless days and hours assisting Nana towards the end of her life and was always able to bring a smile to her face or make her laugh even when the days were long and hard.

On August 29, 2021, phrases like ``please don't go Momma,'' or ``today was not your day, Nana'' were spoken but God had a different plan and called her home to Glory. She is now reunited with her parents Helen and Thomas Joyner, her sisters Gladys, Mary, and Willie Mae, her brothers Walter, Lewis and Donald and other loving family members.

Shirley leaves behind a legacy of love and precious memories to be cherished by her relatives, friends, and community. Shirley's love and unwavering commitment to faith and family will be deeply missed by our Fort Worth community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the legacy of Jimmy Jenkins--a veteran, educator, and inspirational member of our Fort Worth community.

Jimmy was born in Overton, Texas. Growing up in a small city he learned the value of communication and appropriate attitudes toward others. He united with Zion Baptist Church in Overton, Texas at an early age. After high school he enlisted in the military.

During his service in the Korean war, Jenkins earned the Korean Silver Medal with one Bronze Star, United Nations Silver Medal, and National Defense Silver Medal. He served eight years in the 3rd infantry division with no time lost. Upon his return home from the war, he obtained his Bachelors of Science and Master of Education from Prairie View A&M University. While playing basketball in college, Jenkins decided to become a high school educator and coach. He wanted to uplift, empower, and motivate students to achieve scholastically and athletically.

Jenkins began his teaching and coaching career in Terrell, Texas, and coached for five years before moving to Fort Worth, Texas. He finished his career at Arlington Heights High School as their first Black Assistant Football Coach, first Black Head Basketball Coach, and first Black Girls Soccer Head Coach in North Texas. Even after retirement, he volunteered with Jefferson ISD's Athletic Program. A fervent believer in helping others, Jenkins established a scholarship fund at Zion Baptist Church in Overton, Texas, in his late mother's name.

He was a member of the Minority Business Coalition of Marion County,

AARP Chapter No. 3694, and Marion County Civic and Social Concerns Organization. Also, he was the wind behind the SAILs of Summer Adventures in Learning, a non-profit organization that offers a summer enrichment program for the youth of Marion County.

Jimmy's unwavering dedication to and compassion for helping others will be deeply missed by our Fort Worth community.

Madam Speaker, as I stand here today, Republicans in the Texas State Legislature are rapidly advancing some of the most restrictive voting laws that we have seen in our Republic since the Voting Rights Act was passed in the 1960s.

That is why it is so important that we pass H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, because H.R. 4 will help us fight against this dangerous GOP-led anti-voter discrimination that we are seeing, discrimination against the very voters who have fueled growth in our State and who are allowing Texas to pick up two new seats after reapportionment.

It will help restore full protections of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 and re-implement the critically needed VRA preclearance provision to focus on States with a recent history of discrimination, like the State that I live in. It is a State that has consistently pushed racially charged anti-voter legislation that will allow everything from empowering partisan poll watchers to intimidating Texas voters to imposing criminal penalties.

We have to do something about this. Let's pass H.R. 4.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the legacy of Dr. Maxwell Scarlett--the first Black graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and a Fort Worth physician who specialized in emergency medicine.

Dr. Scarlett grew up in Fort Worth's historic Stop Six neighborhood surrounded by a family of educators. His mother was a teacher, as were both of her grandparents. So, while growing up, Dr. Scarlett always knew that he would attend college. But what he didn't know was that his graduation would break racial barriers.

He initially enrolled at the University of North Texas (known then as North Texas State), and almost instantly began to break barriers. He was one of the first three African American men to live in a dorm there. Then, he integrated the school's biology honor society and later became the first Black student to grade papers and teach in the school's Science Department.

Dr. Scarlett transferred to UTA his senior year--three years after the school first integrated. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology in 1966. Looking around at his graduation ceremony, he wondered if he was the only Black graduate that year. In fact, he was the first Black graduate in UTA's entire history, a fact he did not learn until 1997--about 30 years after his graduation.

After graduating, Dr. Scarlett enrolled in medical school at Howard University. He later returned to Fort Worth to start his medical practice because he noticed there was a need for doctors back home. He even continued seeing emergency medicine patients after retiring from his Fort Worth practice in 2014.

Dr. Scarlett never set out to break barriers, but through his hard work and dedication, he did just that. He helped open doors for so many young African Americans, and many others who faced exclusion. Today, we honor his legacy, and may we continue to follow his lead in creating a more equal America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the legacy of Devoyd ``Dee'' Jennings--a hardworking and dedicated member of our Fort Worth community.

Dee dedicated his life to ensuring the success, strength and mobility of the Black community in Fort Worth. Dee was born in 1947 in Fort Worth. After graduating from I.M Terrell High School in 1966, he attended Tarrant County College and continued his education at Texas Wesleyan University where he graduated with a marketing degree in 1971.

He began his nearly 30 years of service for North Texas with TXU as a Community Affairs Specialist, and served as the first Black lobbyist for Texas Electric. Dee used his own experiences to help others. He quickly became an influential mentor to minorities pursuing careers in business as he served on numerous boards including the Texas Association of Business, the North Texas Commission, the Texas Association of African American Chambers and as a chairman of the NTTA's Business Diversity Advisory Committee.

The pinnacle of Dee's career came when he began his most recent position as president and CEO of the Fort Worth Black Chamber of Commerce. He left a powerful legacy by using this position to fight for economic opportunity for the Black community in Fort Worth.

Dee also assisted with the creation of two stand-alone organizations that directly serve to benefit minority development--the William Mann Community Development Corp and Southeast Fort Worth Inc. Because of his work with local government bodies, he was able to establish minority and women-owned business enterprise goals.

His long and appreciated service to the community of Fort Worth has been honored as he was a proud receiver of the Minority Leaders in Business Award in 2017 and was recognized with a proclamation for Devoyd Jennings Day.

Devoyd ``Dee'' Jennings--a public servant, successful businessman, and strong leader--will be deeply missed by our Fort Worth community.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to urge my colleagues to pass the National Medal of Honor Monument Act. This is bipartisan legislation, as was mentioned, that I introduced with Representative Moore of Utah.

This bill honors our Nation's brave servicemembers by paving the way for the creation of a monument in our Nation's Capital recognizing the Medal of Honor and its more than 3,500 recipients.

Our Nation's Medal of Honor recipients are patriots. They have put their lives on the line to ensure we can live freely and prosperously in the greatest nation on Earth. That is why I am happy to have spearheaded this from the beginning and pay homage to the values the Medal of Honor represents--courage, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, commitment, and sacrifice--and the brave individuals who earned it in service to our country.

The National Medal of Honor Museum will actually open in my district in Arlington, Texas, in the next few years, and it will also serve as a beacon for these values.

My hope is that we are able to pass this legislation to honor these individuals because this is a very, very prestigious award for our Nation's veterans and for those that have sacrificed. We want to make sure that we do everything we can to rally around this and honor the bravest individuals who serve in our country by having a monument here in Washington, D.C.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a longstanding stalwart from Fort Worth, Texas, Howard Henry Miles. It's his birthday today, and I'd like to share how Howard's contributions to our community have helped shape us for the better.

Howard Henry Miles committed much of his life to his family and his community, when the family of seven were forced to relocate to the city after an unfortunate event by an angry White mob. The family went on to become influential pillars in the African-American community as they opened various businesses in which Howard took ample pride.

Howard is a graduate of the historic I.M. Terrell High School. As a student, Howard ran track, and played the clarinet in multiple bands at the school before graduating in 1951. Howard then earned a science degree in chemistry in 1958 from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, where he was also a cherished member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Amidst his educational journey, Howard served as a supply clerk for the U.S. Army in the United Kingdom from 1954 to 1956 due to the Korean War.

Howard Henry Miles returned to his high school, I.M. Terrell, as a Science teacher and beloved coach while he simultaneously earned a master of science degree in biochemistry from Syracuse University. Howard continued his teaching and coaching career at Amon Carter- Riverside High School in 1970 and Polytechnic High School in 1975 where he spent more than 20 years doing what he loved most: teaching AP science courses and coaching sports teams. He is respectfully remembered and admired by many students as ``Coach Miles,'' one who helped break down racial barriers for them between the 60's and 70's.

Howard is also recognized for his tough love teaching style and ``painstaking drills'' which resulted in his girls track team winning two state championships for which he was recognized by the Texas State House representatives. Howard was given many opportunities to move up in his career, however his heart belonged to the city of Fort Worth where he retired in 1999.

Howard's long and varied service to Fort Worth also includes playing in the Fort Worth Civic Orchestra and Arlington Band, religiously attending St. Andrews United Methodist Church serving as a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, male chorus member and youth choir director. Therefore, I am honored to have had Howard Henry Miles as my constituent in Texas' 33rd District.