Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bright Start Initiative and its founders, Michael and Marcus Kang. The Bright Start Initiative was founded by two brothers who saw firsthand that oral-health education and basic supplies were not reaching every family equally.

The Bright Start Initiative is a student-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit bringing free dental supplies and multilingual oral-health education to underserved students across the United States. Student-led teams partner with schools and dental professionals to deliver supplies and lessons families can actually use, in the languages they already speak at home.

One in five children in the United States lives with untreated tooth decay, and it is the number one chronic illness among children. The Bright Start Initiative is prepared to support over 5,000 students, with lessons translated into over 18 languages, and have partnered with 100 schools in six states.

Michael and Marcus Kang are leaders in Washington State and in the country. I applaud Michael and Marcus's championship of their fellow students and look forward to all that they will accomplish in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Ellery ``Ken'' Choke, the chairman of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, who passed away on August 4, 2026.

Chairman Choke was born on February 25, 1964, in Centralia, Washington, and served as chairman of the Nisqually Tribe from 2018 to 2021 and was reelected chairman in 2024.

Chairman Choke was a respected and beloved leader who placed his community at the center of service. He was dedicated to protecting the land, water, salmon, and people of the Nisqually Tribe for generations to come. He will be remembered for his tireless service and commitment to his Tribal nation and to the South Sound community at large.

I was personally pleased to work with him on our efforts to transfer the Clear Creek Hatchery from U.S. Fish and Wildlife to Tribal ownership. I remain committed to honoring his legacy by moving this project forward and making it reality.

I am hopeful that his dedication to ensuring Tribal treaty rights, protecting our natural resources, and boosting salmon species in our region will continue on through those he knew.

He made South Sound, the State of Washington, and the Nation better; and he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, eight children, and six grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I now ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in a moment of silence and hold Chairman Choke's family, loved ones, and the entire Nisqually Tribe of Indians in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a distinguished veteran from Washington's 10th Congressional District, Mr. Jason Jerrodd Haley, Sr.

Mr. Haley served with distinction in the United States Navy for over eleven years. His service was highlighted by an extraordinary, continuous assignment to the USS Nimitz (CVN 68). From March 18, 1993, to June 1, 2001, Mr. Haley remained assigned to the Nimitz for a consecutive 8 years and 3 months.

During this extensive period, he served as an AO2/E5 AW (Aviation Ordinance-man Second Class/Aviation Warfare Specialist) within the Weapons Department. Maintaining weapons readiness on a nuclear aircraft carrier requires immense technical expertise, precision, and unwavering focus. Mr. Haley was a cornerstone of the ship's crew during a pivotal era, keeping the vessel's combat systems sharp through multiple high- tempo deployments and the grueling Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) process.

A resident of Puyallup, Washington, Jason Jerrodd Haley, Sr. represents the absolute highest traditions of the naval service: resilience, consistency, and a deep-seated ``Old Salt'' dedication to a single command. Spending over 3,000 consecutive days assigned to the Nimitz is a profound testament to the sacrifice, endurance, and steadfastness of our nation's sailors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Haley's remarkable service record and ensuring his dedication is permanently preserved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the student winners of my first annual Black History Month Essay Competition: Waverly Davis from Reeves Middle School in Olympia, Washington, and Rion Walker from Curtis Senior High School in University Place.

I created this program to help students share the stories of Black leaders who have influenced Washington State, especially in the times we are in today.

Waverly highlighted Dorothy Hollingsworth, the first Black woman elected to the Seattle School Board in 1975, who went on to serve on the Washington State Board of Education. Hollingsworth's commitment to civil rights and equality laid the foundation for all Washington students.

From Waverly's essay: ``Her story has made me feel hope that things aren't always as set in stone as they seem.''

Rion wrote about Quincy Jones, producer, composer, and musician, who started his journey in Seattle and broke racial barriers across the music and film industries.

From Rion's essay: ``Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not, and addressing this gap is a civic responsibility.''

I thank our judges and all the students who participated. These essays remind us that Black history is Washington State history and American history.

Happy Black History Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Victoria Woodards, who is retiring as Tacoma, Washington's 39th Mayor.

A graduate of Lincoln High School, she proudly served her country in the U.S. Army, thinking she would see the world, and ended up right back home at Fort Lewis. She also pursued a long career in public service as a parks commissioner, as a city councilmember, and as mayor of Tacoma.

I congratulate Victoria on an exemplary and distinguished career of more than 15 years serving the people of Tacoma. Under her leadership, the city launched the Equity and Empowerment Initiative, which led to the creation of our Office of Equity and Human Rights. The city implemented key police reforms, including updates to the use-of-force standards. She established the city of Tacoma's first Youth Commission, giving high school students a chance to learn how government works. She passed Home in Tacoma, which expanded key and necessary housing opportunities across the entire city. She also raised our profile nationally by serving as president of the National League of Cities, promoting the platform of people, partnership, and possibilities. She launched the Growing Resilience in Tacoma, otherwise known as GRIT, one of the first guaranteed income pilots in the entire Nation to address systemic poverty. She supported the creation of Maritime 253, which is a skills training center in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools and the Port of Tacoma.

Throughout her career, Mayor Woodards has broken barriers, championed equity and justice for all, and has been instrumental in ensuring that every voice in our community is heard. I thank Mayor Woodards for her selfless service to the City of Destiny, Tacoma, Washington, and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Victoria Woodards, who is retiring as Tacoma's 39th mayor.

A graduate of Lincoln High School, she proudly served her country in the U.S. Army, thinking she would see the world and ended up right back home at Fort Lewis. She also pursued a long career in public service as a parks commissioner, as a city councilmember, and as mayor of Tacoma.

I congratulate Victoria on an exemplary and distinguished career of more than 15 years serving the people of Tacoma. Under her leadership, the city

launched the equity and empowerment initiative, which led to the creation of our Office of Equity and Human Rights. The city implemented key police reforms, including updates to the use of force standards, and established the city of Tacoma's first Youth Commission, giving high school students a chance to learn how government works. She passed Home in Tacoma, which expanded key and necessary housing opportunities across the entire city.

She also raised our profile nationally by serving as president of the National League of Cities, promoting the platform of people, partnership, and possibilities. She launched the Growing Resilience in Tacoma, otherwise known as GRIT, one of the first guaranteed-income pilots in the entire Nation to address systemic poverty. She supported the creation of Maritime 253, which is a skills training center in partnership with Tacoma Public Schools and the Port of Tacoma.

Throughout her career, Mayor Woodards has broken barriers, championing equity and justice for all, and has been instrumental in ensuring that every voice in our community is heard.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mayor Woodards for her selfless service to ``The City of Destiny,'' Tacoma, Washington, and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Willie Adams, former president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, who recently retired. For more than 40 years, Willie focused on supporting working families, workers' rights, and civil rights.

Born in Kansas City, he first came to Tacoma, Washington, as a longshore worker at the port in 1978, and worked his way up, including to secretary-treasurer of the executive board. In 2018, he broke barriers as the first Black international president of the ILWU.

He fought for increased wages and benefits for his longshore brothers and sisters and navigated the safety and supply challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the former mayor of Tacoma and now a Member of Congress, I have witnessed Willie's leadership firsthand for working people everywhere.

In Tacoma, he highlighted notable Black figures and entrepreneurs with celebrations of Black history, which led to his being the recipient of the City of Tacoma Destiny Award.

I thank Willie for his contributions to the international labor movement, and I congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.

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 thank Representative Takano for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for my bill, H.R. 970, the Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025.

I first thank Chairmen Bost and Luttrell and Ranking Members Takano and McGarvey for working with me to get this bill to the floor. I also thank my partners in this effort, Congressman Keith Self and Senator John Cornyn.

The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act will help ensure that life insurance benefits for servicemembers and veterans account for changes in the economy.

This bill will require the Department of Veterans Affairs to periodically review and report on the maximum coverage available under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance. Accurate and reliable data will allow the VA to make necessary policy adjustments to ensure accurate payments.

I have the honor of representing Joint Base Lewis-McChord, home to tens of thousands of servicemembers and their families. Our servicemembers courageously put their lives on the line for our country, and we must secure the well-being of their families and loved ones in the event of a tragedy.

Servicemembers' life insurance plans must keep pace with economic demands. A robust life insurance policy can provide a grieving family with the financial security they need to navigate the loss of their loved ones and do so with dignity.

The brave men and women who sacrifice their lives deserve peace of mind, knowing their families will be taken care of. For nearly two decades, the maximum coverage of the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs has been stagnant, even as the costs of housing, goods, and services have risen over the past 20 years.

This bill ensures that these programs are reviewed periodically to verify their value sufficiently and to make sure they are updated to the current CPI or Consumer Price Index.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I thank my colleagues for their unwavering commitment to supporting veterans. I look forward to it being passed and signed into law.

Madam Speaker, this week House Republicans are bringing forth their ill-conceived, cruel budget resolution. This resolution will set the stage across the board for cuts on the basic services our constituents depend on the most. These constituents, by the way, live in both red States and blue States.

As the majority brings up their budget resolution, they have already said what they plan to do because they told us. They want to take away Head Start

school lunches. They want to take away food assistance from children and needy families. They want to take away Medicaid and Affordable Care Act premium assistance. Instead of strengthening the social safety net, the MAGA majority has decided to strip Medicaid coverage from almost 65,000 children in my district alone.

Almost 40 percent of children in Washington State get their healthcare through Medicaid, 35 percent of moms giving birth and their newborn babies rely on Medicaid for their healthcare, and the MAGA majority wants to strip away their healthcare.

If any of my colleagues vote for this, they have forfeited the right to claim they are pro-life ever again. It is not pro-life to take away a newborn baby's healthcare. It is not pro-life to take away healthcare from 65,000 children in my district. It is not pro-life to take away food from hungry children.

We were promised that president Musk and the MAGA majority would lower costs for the American people from day one. This does none of that. Instead, they are trying to take away healthcare and food from our kids.

I urge everyone to vote ``no'' on this resolution and stop the Republican rip-off.

Unprecedented Firing of Military Leaders

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak out against the unprecedented firing of some of our most qualified and senior military leadership, including General CQ Brown, the eminently qualified Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

General Brown is an exceptional leader, a dedicated servicemember, and an American hero. His firing, the dismissal of Admiral Franchetti, and the judge advocate generals for the services is a travesty. When nominated, General Brown had logged in over 3,000 flying hours, including 130 combat hours and command of the Pacific Air Forces for the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. His service and dedication are impeccable.

Most galling is that the person President Trump nominated is affirmatively less qualified than General Brown was when he was nominated. This person has not even met the most basic qualifications to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

What does this tell our servicemembers and their families and our future recruits that expect to be promoted on merit and ability?

President Trump has decided to prioritize nominating people who will make us less safe and less secure because his only requirement is blind loyalty.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, we constantly hear the drumbeat of needing to prepare for the threats that we face both today and tomorrow, both here at home and abroad. President Trump's abrupt dismissal has created chaos, will degrade our readiness, hurt recruitment, and empower our enemies.

Life and Legacy of Ernest Charles Tanner

Madam Speaker, I rise today, as we celebrate Black History Month, to recognize the life and legacy of Ernest ``Ernie'' Charles Tanner.

Ernie Tanner was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 5, 1889. His family moved to Tacoma, Washington, my hometown, in 1900, where he attended Tacoma High School, which is now known as Stadium High School. At Whitworth College, he was the first African American to play football at the college level in the entire Pacific Northwest.

After college, Mr. Tanner worked as a Tacoma elevator operator, and in 1918 he joined the Tacoma chapter of the International Longshoremen's Association, then known as ILA. He remained a member until he died.

In 1934, Mr. Tanner was the only Black member of the Tacoma strike committee during the big strike that shut down every single Pacific Coast port. Mr. Tanner worked closely with San Francisco leader, Harry Bridges, to keep Black and White workers united during the strike so employers could not break the union.

He was a trustee of Local 2897 from 1934 to 1936, where he pressured leaders to pay Black dockworkers the same wages as their White counterparts.

Ernest Charles Tanner passed away in 1956 at the age of 66. He achieved what many seek when they join a union, the recognition of the dignity of all work, to rise out of poverty, and to provide a better life for his family. This was exemplified when Mr. Tanner's son, Jack Tanner, became the Pacific Northwest's first Black Federal judge in 1978. This is generational success and wealth.

Ernie Tanner broke barriers in sports and labor. On behalf of his community, it is appropriate that we recognize his life and legacy today. Happy Black History Month to everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I have the distinct honor of being the only Black and Korean person serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As I stand with my colleagues from CAPAC in recognition of Black History Month, I celebrate the long history and importance of allyship in the Black and AAPI community.

From when Frederick Douglass denounced the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1869 to Jesse Jackson taking a stand and taking time away from his Presidential campaign to protest the murder of Vincent Chin to when AAPI groups stood with the Black community after the murder of George Floyd, today we continue that fight.

As the Republican majority seeks to cut Medicaid, which 11 million Black and 4.5 million AAPI Americans rely on, we know that we have a lot in common, and when we work together, we can be powerful and strong and use our voices.

On cutting SNAP food assistance, 30 percent of recipients are Black or AAPI. We must continue to stand together to use our voices, to use our political power, and to show up.

As this administration seeks to attack the civil rights that our ancestors fought for, we must let everyone know that the Black experience and the Asian American experience are indeed the American experience.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Aaron Pointer, who is retiring from the Metro Parks Tacoma board after more than 20 years of service.

During his career in professional sports and public service, Aaron has broken records and barriers and expanded recreation opportunities in Pierce County.

While growing up in Oakland, California, Aaron was passionate about all sports and played basketball and baseball at the University of San Francisco.

In 1961, he signed a contract with the Houston Colt .45s, which is today known as the Astros. Aaron was often the only Black player on the team and faced prejudice and discrimination, including being forced to eat, travel, and stay in lodging separate from his White teammates.

Despite this, Aaron broke records on the field and became the last pro baseball player to hit over .400.

After retiring as a player, Aaron continued his exceptional career in sports through officiating football. He was the first Black official in the Pac-10 Conference, and in 1978, he became an NFL referee, where he officiated for 17 years.

He empowered the next generation of athletes with Pierce County Parks, where he supervised sports leagues and athletics for young people. He has also been a longtime member of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, working for more equitable education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for the Black community.

I am so proud to recognize Aaron for his impactful career at the highest levels of professional sports, and I thank him for his years of service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Viorene Womack, a remarkable member of our community who spent decades tirelessly volunteering and donating her time to help those around her.

After moving to the South Sound in 1960, Mrs. Womack joined the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Tacoma, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, President of the Young Women's Christian Council, Church Secretary, and was honored as `Mother of the Year' in 1975.

Mrs. Womack volunteered for 15 years with El Shaddai Christian Ministries' Food Bank, ensuring families in need had food for their tables, and served as both president and vice-president of COGIC's Executive Hospitality Board. In 2008, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from COGIC in Lakewood, WA.

Mrs. Womack was deeply committed to the children of this community, being a foster parent to more than 20 children in Pierce County, Washington.

Although she passed away this past month, those of us who were fortunate to know her will always remember the time and energy she dedicated to her community. I am grateful to not only have known Viorene, but to have had the honor of calling her a friend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vance Lelli, who retired earlier this month from his positions as a committed longshoreman and as head of the Pierce County Central Labor Council. He also served over two decades on the Washington State Labor Council Central Committee.

The Lelli family are known for their instrumental role in attracting new businesses and economic opportunities to the Port of Tacoma and transitioning it into one of the principal ports of entry on the Pacific Coast. Vance Lelli has built upon this legacy in his own way, profoundly impacting our local longshoremen and women and the broader labor community in Washington State.

Throughout his career, Vance has been a tireless advocate for working people, championing their rights and welfare with dedication. His efforts have strengthened working conditions and are supporting working families and retirees across the state. On behalf of the thousands of union households in the South Sound, I thank Vance for his decades of service and leadership. His contributions have made a lasting difference. I wish him all the best as he begins this new chapter of his life.

Congratulations to Vance.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Takano for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 2911, the Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2024.

I first thank Chairmen Bost and Luttrell and Ranking Members Takano and Pappas for working with me to get this bill to the floor. I also thank my partners in this effort, Congressman Don Bacon and Senator John Cornyn.

The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act would help ensure that life insurance benefits for servicemembers and veterans account for changes in the economy. This legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to periodically review and report on the maximum coverage available under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance. Accurate and reliable data will allow the VA to make necessary policy adjustments to ensure accurate payments.

I have the honor of representing Joint Base Lewis-McChord and tens of thousands of servicemembers and their families who call the South Sound home. Our servicemembers courageously put their lives on the line for their country, and it is our duty to reciprocate and help them. This means ensuring the well-being of their families and loved ones in the event of a tragedy.

Servicemembers' life insurance plans must keep pace with economic demands. A robust life insurance policy can provide a grieving family with the security they need to navigate the loss of their loved ones with dignity.

The brave men and women who sacrifice their lives deserve peace of mind, knowing that their families will be taken care of.

For nearly two decades, the maximum coverage of the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs have been stagnant, even as the cost of housing, goods, and services rose, as they typically do over time.

This bill would ensure that these programs are reviewed periodically to verify that their value sufficiently reflects the contemporary Consumer Price Index.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their unwavering commitment to supporting veterans and their families and for prioritizing their care.

Finally, I will take a point of privilege to thank my Army fellow who worked in my office last year, Major Felix Gumbiner, for bringing this issue to my attention and for working with the offices of Congressman Bacon and Senator Cornyn to develop this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the House passing the Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2024 and for it to become the law of the land.