Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the 12th Congressional District recognizes David Kline. He is being recognized for his outstanding contributions by being named the City of Dearborn Veteran of the Year.

Born and raised in Detroit, Mr. Kline enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 after graduating from Detroit's Cody High School. During his 10 years and 11 months of service, Mr. Kline earned many commendations, awards, recognitions, and certifications, including the Army Commendation Medal as well as the Presidential Unit Citation, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

As an engaged member of our community, Mr. Kline remains very active in numerous veteran organizations in southeast Michigan, including Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 267 and American Legion Post 364.

He is a passionate and dedicated resident of our community. We are honored to recognize him as Dearborn, Michigan's 2023 Veteran of the Year.

Madam Speaker, auto insurance discrimination continues to keep our residents in the cycle of poverty in Michigan.

The Prohibit Auto Insurance Discrimination Act, or PAID Act, would prohibit auto insurance companies from using education level, marital status, credit scores, ZIP Codes, Census tracts, or homeownership status in insurance rating or underwriting decisions.

Madam Speaker, these factors don't determine your driving ability, yet our neighbors, especially in my district, regularly face higher auto insurance rates.

Currently many people are charged hundreds or even thousands of dollars more based on these factors, even though they aren't related to driving.

Madam Speaker, I don't know what the heck marital status or education level have to do with whether or not you are a good driver.

This summer Michigan residents saw a 42 percent fee increase adding on to higher fees that are still unaffordable for many families.

I am really grateful to be working with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman on the PAID Act.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to please fight against this discriminatory practice.

Mr. Speaker, I am the only Palestinian American serving in Congress. My perspective is needed here now more than ever.

I will not be silenced, and I will not let you distort my words. Folks forget I am from the city of Detroit, the most beautiful, Blackest city in the country, where I learned to speak truth to power, even if my voice shakes. Trying to bully or censure me won't work because this movement for a cease-fire is much bigger than one person. It is growing every single day.

There are millions of people across our country who oppose Netanyahu's extremism and are done watching our government support collective punishment and the use of white phosphorus bombs that melt flesh to the bone.

They are done watching our government, Mr. Speaker, supporting cutting off food, water, electricity, and medical care to millions of people with nowhere to go.

Like me, Mr. Speaker, they don't believe the answer to war crimes is more war crimes.

The refusal of Congress and the administration to acknowledge Palestinian lives is chipping away at my soul. Over 10,000 Palestinians have been killed. The majority were children.

Let me be clear: My criticism has always been of the Israeli Government and Netanyahu's actions.

It is important to separate people and governments, Mr. Speaker. No government is beyond criticism. The idea that criticizing the Government of Israel is anti-Semitic sets a very dangerous precedent, and it is being used to silence diverse voices speaking up for human rights across our Nation.

Do you realize what it is like, Mr. Speaker, for the people outside of the Chamber right now listening in agony to their own government dehumanizing them, to hear the President of the United States we helped elect dispute death tolls as we see video after video of parents and dead children under rubble?

Mr. Speaker, do you know what it is like to feel rising hate crimes, to know how Islamophobia and anti-Semitism make us all less safe, and to worry that your own child might suffer the horrors that 6-year-old Wadea did in Illinois?

I can't believe I have to say this, but Palestinian people are not disposable. We are human beings just like anyone else. My sity, my grandmother, like all Palestinians, just wants to live her life with the freedom and human dignity we all deserve.

Speaking up to save lives, Mr. Speaker, no matter faith, no matter ethnicity, should not be controversial in this Chamber. The cries of Palestinian and Israeli children sound no different to me. What I do not understand is why the cries of Palestinians sound different to you- all.

We cannot lose our shared humanity, Mr. Speaker. I hear the voices of advocates in Israel, in Palestine, across America, and around the world for peace. I am inspired by the courageous survivors in Israel who have lost loved ones yet are calling for a cease-fire and the end to violence. I am grateful to the people in the streets for the peace movement, with countless Jewish Americans across the country standing up and lovingly saying: ``Not in our name.''

We will continue to call for a cease-fire, Mr. Speaker, for the immediate delivery of critical humanitarian aid to Gaza, for the release of all hostages and those arbitrarily detained, and for every American to come home. We will continue to work for real, lasting peace that upholds human rights and the dignity of all people and centers peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, censures no one, and ensures that no person, no child, has to suffer or live in fear of violence.

Seventy-one percent of Michigan Democrats support a cease-fire. You can try to censure me, but you can't silence their voices.

I urge my colleagues to join with the majority of Americans and support a cease-fire now to save as many lives as possible. President Biden must listen to and represent all of us, not just some of us.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the President to have the courage to call for a cease-fire and the end of killings.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, the premier professional orchestra serving the people of Livonia, Wayne County, and Oakland County, as they celebrate 50 years of musical programming.

Founded in 1973 (originally as the Oakway Symphony), the Livonia Symphony Orchestra has been a musical force that brings a wide array of music, from Broadway to the classics, as well as world-renowned performers to the community. The Livonia Symphony has only had two musical directors in its entire history, founder Francisco Di Blasi and currentjy Maestro Volodymyr Shesiuk who also serves as the orchestra's conductor. Under their leadership, the orchestra has thrived.

The Livonia Symphony Orchestra is also a champion for music education. The group encourages all young people to engage in music education. Their Musical Outreach Program helps provide musical instruments to students across the Livonia and Clarenceville upper elementary and middle schools. In keeping with the Symphony's belief that accessibility inspires interest and engagement, the organization encourages young people to explore music by providing these instruments free of charge to those in need.

Please join me in recognizing the Livonia Symphony Orchestra as they celebrate 50 years of music and community engagement in Michigan's 12th District.

Mr. Speaker, the 12th Congressional District is celebrating. We are celebrating the grand opening of Covenant Community Care, an essential health clinic on Joy Road in Detroit.

For 8 years, Covenant Community Care operated a small healthcare clinic, limiting very much their ability to provide and serve the most vulnerable. However, my team and I worked incredibly hard and successfully obtained community project funding of $500,000 to expand to a 10,000 square foot health center, tripling healthcare services for our community.

The facility will serve 10,000 patients and offer primary care like medical, dental, and behavioral health services. I saw it myself. It is incredible. This increases healthcare access to people living in that part of Detroit that is right now designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration as a ``health professional shortage area'' and a medically underserved area.

Again, I am incredibly proud and congratulate the CEO there, Joslyn Pettway, and the Covenant Community Care staff for their ongoing partnership to serve and care for our communities and residents.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize longtime Detroit and 12th District

resident, Alva Greene as we mourn her passing.

Born and raised in Tyler Town, Mississippi, Ms. Greene was the eldest of eight in her close-knit family. She was a proud graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, where she met the love of her life Joe Green, who she married in 1960.

Ms. Greene was drawn to a career in education. She worked as a home economics teacher in the Water Valley Mississippi Public School System and in Detroit Public Schools when she and her family moved to Detroit in 1966. Her dedication to caring for the youth of our community, combined with her love of the church made her an absolute beam of light to be around. Her work throughout her life speaks volumes to her courageous and generous character. She was a beloved educator at Detroit's Northwestern High School for more than thirty years, retiring in 2000 to spend more time traveling and enjoying time with her family, especially her granddaughters Breanna and True.

In addition to her teaching career, Ms. Greene was always involved in her church community. As an active member of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, she dedicated her time volunteering to visit sick and hospitalized church members in need of empathy and cheer and working with the Hartford Vacation Bible School.

Alva Greene's ambitious, kindhearted, and encouraging attitude will be greatly missed. Please join me in honoring her memory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to take a moment to honor the life of Samantha Woll, as our neighbors across Michigan and throughout the country mourn Samantha's tragic murder. She was a deeply loved member of our social justice community. She was a friend of mine.

Our mutual friend, Dan, reminded me how she showed up to my swearing- in ceremony with that beautiful, sweet smile and the warmest eyes that greet you. She embraced him in a hug, saying she was so happy that he showed up and how important it was. That is who she was. She showed up for others always.

Her organizing work, from progressive politics to interfaith work between Jewish and Muslim communities, has built bridges and made our communities stronger.

Please keep her loved ones and our community in your prayers as her family seeks justice and healing during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to honor Life Directions, a community-based organization whose mission is to motivate young adults, to mature into responsible, productive adults through self-direction, as they celebrate fifty years of service.

Life Directions was founded in Detroit in 1973 when five like-minded individuals, Alexander and Judith MacDonald, Reverend John Phelps, Sister Rosalie Esquerra, and Reverend Alex Steinmiller, came together in search of community-based solution to combat increasing rates of violence in impoverished areas of the city that was impacting and taking the lives of young people. From these initial meetings, Life Directions peer mentorship programming was born. Eventually Life Directions' programs such as Peer Motivation, Peer Mentor and other enrichment programs were offered in schools to help teens and young adults navigate better solutions and become peace builders in their communities.

The Life Directions Programs were established in Detroit, Tucson, New Orleans, Chicago, and San Antonio. To date, Life Directions combined programs, Peer Motivation, Peer Mentor, Neighborhood Enrichment, focus: Life Retreats, Focus Family, Enfoque la familia, Women Bridging Change and Men Bridging Change has reached over 180,000 youth and young adults.

Please join me in recognizing Life Directions' commitment to building a brighter future for young people, as they celebrate fifty years.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize an incredible friend and community leader, Samantha Woll. Our community is deeply saddened by her tragic death and the sudden loss of a courageous and tenacious fighter for all.

I first met Samantha, affectionately known as Sam, in 2016. Sam was driven by her Jewish faith that led to her interfaith work. Sam had the ability to connect with diverse communities and bring people together in a way that made us all stronger. Her lasting impact is a testament to her strong values and character.

Not only did she serve as the President of the Isaac Agree Detroit Downtown Synagogue where she worked tirelessly in preparation of its recent re-opening, Sam also served with numerous community organizations, including serving on the board of the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy. Through her work, Sam created spaces for both Muslim and Jewish youth together. Sam served on a number of Democratic campaigns and volunteered for many political causes, helping support local, state and national issues.

Above all, Sam was a daughter, sister and aunt who absolutely adored her family. If she wasn't actively organizing her community, she was spending most of her time with family and traveling. Sam was our beacon of hope and a light for many.

Samantha Woll's infectious spirit, warmth, and friendship will be sorely missed. Please join me in recognition of Samantha Woll's life and legacy. May her memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize Covenant Community Care, a well-known and trusted healthcare provider, as they celebrate the grand opening of their newest health clinic on Joy Road in Detroit in the 12th Congressional District.

Covenant Care grew from humble beginnings in southwest Detroit when a doctor and pastor joined forces to with the simple idea of providing free healthcare access to the uninsured. The doctor delivered on her promise to provide free healthcare to the uninsured and many more rallied behind the cause, creating Covenant Community Care in 2000. The need for more resources was evident, and Covenant Community Care has been steadfast in its mission to remove barriers to high quality healthcare services. Over the years, Covenant Community Care has leveraged partnerships with other medical service providers and now has several locations across metropolitan Detroit.

I had the honor of securing House-appropriated Community Project Funding for Covenant Community Care in FY2023 to support the construction of their newest clinic to provide critical services to our community. Covenant has operated a small health clinic at 18917 Joy Rd in Detroit for nearly eight years that has limited their ability to expand services. This project will be impactful not only tripling the clinical footprint in the community but providing accessibility to essential care like primary medical, dental, and behavioral health services to the Cody-Rouge neighborhood and surrounding communities.

I am always incredibly honored to serve as a partner for the Covenant Community Care team and appreciate the ongoing high level of care and compassion you provide to our communities across the district and region. We offer congratulations and wish them well on the opening of their new clinic.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today, I want to recognize the outstanding contributions of George Khoury, a community leader who proudly served as founding board member of ACCESS, a leading service organization in Michigan's 12th District, as we mourn his loss.

Mr. Khoury was born in Jerusalem, Palestine in 1942 and immigrated to the United States in 1961, eventually making his home in southeast Michigan. Mr. Khoury knew first-hand the challenges facing immigrants and new Americans. Through his strong connections to the Arab American community, Mr. Khoury came together with others who saw the need for an organization that would create a welcoming space, as well as connect people with critical human services, such as English as a Second Language classes, career training, and healthcare. George Khoury was incredibly proud of seeing his vision for community empowerment come to life and to see ACCESS thrive and grow in the services it offers.

In addition to his monumental work with ACCESS, Mr. Khoury served in leadership roles at a number of local and national organizations. He co-founded the Detroit chapter of Arab American University Graduates as well as the Organization of Arab Students (OAS) at Wayne State University. He was an active member of the Arab American Anti- Discrimination Committee of Michigan.

Please join me in recognizing the legacy of George Khoury. He was an inspiration and a leader, whose loss is deeply felt.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Bertha Ramsey, a long-time resident of the City of Detroit, as she celebrates 100 years of life.

Born October 2, 1923, Mother Ramsey's loving parents instilled in her the values of patience and hard work, as they raised her and her 12 siblings in rural Laurel, Mississippi. Her compassionate nature shined through in everything she did, and she always held onto faith, especially in trying times.

A move to Detroit in 1942 was pivotal for Mother Ramsey. It wasn't merely a change of address. In Detroit, she witnessed the World War II era, the Detroit race protests of 1943, the milestones of the Civil Rights Movement, the profound impact of the 1967 Detroit Rebellion, Detroit's first Black mayor, and the groundbreaking election of Barack Obama. Detroit was also where Bertha's path crossed with Burnett Ramsey. Together, they raised 4 children in a home full of love. As the family tree expanded to 8 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren, Bertha emerged as the spiritual compass, always emphasizing the importance of faith and kinship.

Please join me in wishing Mother Bertha Ramsey a happy 100th birthday as we recognize her contributions to our community in Detroit.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions of Ms. Goldie Simpson, a lifelong Detroit resident and ``Rosie the Riveter,'' as she celebrates 100 years of life.

Born in 1923, Ms. Simpson was a bright student who studied business after she graduated from Detroit's Northeastern High School. After the outbreak of World War II, she directed her energies toward the cause of bolstering our nation's economy and morale by taking on work that had previously been performed by men who had been called up to military service. She was one of the hundreds of ``Rosies'' who contributed so much during a dark time for our Nation and the world, providing critical labor during a time of need.

Ms. Simpson found true joy in her family. She married the love of her life, Elmore Simpson in 1949, and together they raised 9 children. Ms. Simpson embodies the spirit of generosity. She has continued to be an engaged member of the community, whether as a neighborhood mother who looked out for all of the children in her neighborhood or as an active member of her community in faith. Ms. Goldie Simpson embodies the grace, strength, and resilience of Detroit.

Please join me in wishing Ms. Goldie Simpson, a happy 100th birthday as we recognize her contributions to our country and to our community in Detroit.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize the parish of Our Lady of Victory and its founding mother, Anna Bates, as they celebrate eighty years of service in faith to the people of Detroit in Michigan's 12th Congressional District.

Our Lady of Victory's story begins in a store front on Eight Mile Road in 1943. Mother Bates was instrumental in ensuring that the parish had a home in Detroit in spite of segregation and other challenges to a predominately Black place of worship. In 1941, the city built an eight- foot segregation wall that extended a half-mile long just blocks from the new Our Lady of Victory mission site. As tensions over disparity and racial injustice came to a head, resulting in the 1943 protests, the wall became a symbol for the increasingly unjust living conditions for Black residents.

Spurred by the protest and increasing tension, Mother Bates spent ten years petitioning the archdiocese to create a house of worship for Black residents who were not permitted to enter any of the neighboring white Catholic Churches. Nearby Catholic parishes were adamantly opposed to welcoming Black Catholics. But Mother Bates persevered. Our Lady of Victory was finally recognized as a parish. Though the parish has relocated over the years, we are glad they are now housed in the St. Scholastica campus in Michigan's 12th District.

Please join me in recognizing of Our Lady of Victory's legacy in the fight against racial injustice, as they celebrate eighty years of service and fellowship in faith.

Mr. Speaker, there are human beings behind every single number that we talk about. Folks want to debate policy and different kinds of extremist agenda items when they are in charge. They can have committee hearings and deal with it separately, but right now we are literally hours away from direct impact on children and families and even the Federal workers, many of whom are living paycheck-to-paycheck.

A government shutdown will harm the American people. That should be at the center of the urgency that needs to be met in this Chamber as we move forward.

I know in Michigan I am going to see 207,000 women and children lose the WIC program that provides nutrition assistance, and literally 120,000 of them are children.

I still remember, Mr. Speaker, in 2019 there was a shutdown for 35 days. Colleagues were wondering why the Federal workers were in food bank lines. Why can't they get loans, one of them said. What are you talking about? These are Federal workers who are living--like a majority of Americans--paycheck-to-paycheck, and you are expecting them to pay their rent, get

food on the table, all the utilities which continue to go up, but let's go ahead and cut LIHEAP by 75 percent.

Republicans' priorities in this Chamber are clear: starve, evict families living in poverty, and cut people from essential services. They don't care. You don't care because they are going to continue to get paid. You all are going to continue to get paid while your residents are being impacted. If I hear you lying one more time to the American people and saying that Federal employees are going to get paid, they are not. They are going to be forced to work with no pay, especially those on military bases, especially those that, again, are on the front lines that cannot just sit at home while you all fight amongst each other.

It is time for Republicans to stop playing these games with the American people's lives. They know this is an extremist bill; many of them know. It is not going to go anywhere.

The American people, Mr. Speaker, deserve better.