Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, in his 22 years of service as the president of the American Federation of Teachers of Michigan, David Hecker has been consistent in his commitment to working families, our teachers, and our education system, especially public education.

Mr. Hecker became a member of AFT in 1977 and has served as the AFT president in Michigan since 2001. AFT Michigan, Madam Speaker, has 35,000 members who are educators and healthcare providers working in K- 12 as well as intermediate schools, community colleges, universities, and hospitals across the State of Michigan.

During his tenure, AFT Michigan has organized many new locals representing thousands of new members, particularly in higher education and healthcare.

Mr. Hecker is a lifelong labor leader committed to working families and worker rights and building a stronger labor movement. For many years, David has been a member of the Michigan State AFL-CIO and Metro Detroit's AFL-CIO executive committees.

I am blessed to call David a friend. Please join me in recognizing his 22 years of public service and commitment to improving the lives of teachers across Michigan as we wish him well in his retirement.

congratulating steve densmore on his retirement

Madam Speaker, I recognize Assistant Fire Chief and Melvindale City Council member Steve Densmore for his 27 years of service with the Dearborn Fire Department in Michigan's 12th District Strong.

Assistant Fire Chief Densmore got his start in public service in 1996, Madam Speaker, and he was instrumental during many difficult times in our community. He helped lead the effort with the COVID vaccine clinic, the handling of two federally declared disasters, multiple commercial fires, and other emergency incidents.

He has been recognized numerous times for saving lives and his commitment to our community. Over the course of his career, Assistant Chief Densmore showed his unwavering commitment through his achievements that include numerous certification programs and various rescue operations, techniques, and other technical programming.

Assistant Chief Densmore has been an outstanding public servant, so please join me in recognizing his 27 years of commitment to protecting our families across Michigan's 12th District as we wish him well in his retirement.

Honoring the Memory of Rocio Ocampo

Madam Speaker, today I recognize a dear friend, Rocio Ocampo, a community mother, whose contributions had an enormous impact on the families of southwest Detroit, as we honor her memory.

I first met Rocio when I served in Michigan's State Legislature at a parent advocacy meeting at Phoenix Elementary School. I was instantly impressed by Rocio. She was tenacious, and she had a drive to pursue a better quality of life and future for all children.

She was involved in numerous community organizations, serving on the board of Urban Neighborhood Initiatives as well as the City of Detroit's Property Assessment Board of Review, as well as a Parent Teacher Association member at her children's school. Rocio's active involvement in our community was marked by her dedication not only to making it a safer and healthier place to live, but to making it a more beautiful place to thrive.

Above all, Rocio loved her children and her grandchildren deeply. Her love extended out to the children of the neighborhood where she lived. She could always be counted on for a kind word, warmth, and generosity of spirit.

Rocio Ocampo's vibrant presence will be sorely missed. Please join me in recognizing her contributions and services as we honor her memory.

Recognizing Marsha Bruhn

Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of Marsha Bruhn, a public servant and longtime resident of Detroit, Michigan's 12th Congressional District, for her numerous outstanding contributions to the city as well as the Grandmont Rosedale community she calls home.

Madam Speaker, before settling in Detroit's Grandmont Rosedale community, Ms. Bruhn lived all over the country. She developed her passion for community development when she volunteered with the Staten Island Citizens Planning Commission. The community engagement work she witnessed while later living in Los Angeles spurred her to return to school to complete her master's degree in urban planning. She used that experience and education over 22 years of service as the director of the Detroit Planning Commission.

We were really, really blessed that she chose to live in our community in Detroit's North Rosedale Park neighborhood. She quickly became a champion of North Rosedale Park and the entire neighborhood area that comprises Grandmont Rosedale.

Ms. Bruhn has contributed immensely to strengthening housing and retaining and attracting small businesses that are the backbone of our community's corridor. She spearheaded the capital campaign to revitalize the North Rosedale Park Community House. I thank Ms. Bruhn and recognize her dedication and thank her for her commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marsha Bruhn, a public servant and long-time resident of Detroit in Michigan's 12th District Strong, for her numerous outstanding contributions to the city and the Grandmont Rosedale community she calls home.

Before settling in Detroit's Grandmont Rosedale community, Ms. Bruhn lived all over the country. She developed her passion for community development when she volunteered with the Staten Island Citizens Planning Commission. The community engagement work she witnessed while later living in Los Angeles spurred her to return to school to complete her master's degree in urban planning. She used that experience and education over 22 years of service as the director of the Detroit Planning Commission.

In 1988, Ms. Bruhn fell in love with and made her home in Detroit's North Rosedale Park neighborhood. She quickly became a champion for North Rosedale Park and the entire 5-neighborhood area that comprises Grandmont Rosedale. She has steadily invested her time and energy into maintaining and further cultivating this unique and close-knit community for future generations to enjoy. As a long-time board member of the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation, Ms. Bruhn has contributed immensely to strengthening housing, retaining and attracting new small businesses that are the backbone of the community's corridor, and beautifying the neighborhoods. Notably, she spear-headed the capital campaign to revitalize the North Rosedale Park Community House, a major hub and home to numerous neighborhood events and gatherings.

Please join me in thanking Ms. Marsha Bruhn as we recognize her dedication and thank her for her commitment and service to North Rosedale Park, Grandmont Rosedale, and the City of Detroit.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize Rocio Ocampo, a community mother, whose contributions had an enormous positive impact on the families of southwest Detroit, as we honor her memory.

I first met Rocio when I served in Michigan's State Legislature at a parent advocacy meeting at Phoenix Elementary. I was instantly impressed with her tenacity and drive to pursue a better quality of life and future for all the children. She was involved with numerous community organizations, serving on the board of Urban Neighborhood Initiatives and City of Detroit's Property Assessment Board of Review, as well as the Parent Teacher Association at the school her children attended. Rocio's active involvement in the community was marked by her dedication, not only to making it a safer and healthier place to live, but to making it a more beautiful place to thrive.

Above all, Rocio loved her children and grandchildren deeply. Her love extended out to the children of the neighborhood where she lived. She could always be counted on for a kind word, warmth, and generosity of spirit.

Rocio Ocampo's vibrant presence will be sorely missed. Please join me in recognition of her contributions and services to our community in Detroit as we honor her memory.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize Jack and Jill of America's Oakland County Michigan Chapter. For 45 years, they brought leadership and mentorship programming to African-American young people across Oakland County.

Founded in 1978, the Oakland County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America was the realization of a dream of two mothers, Robbie Johnson and Bobbye Wilhite, who were looking for more opportunities for their young children. The 39 charter members were united in seeking social, cultural, educational, recreational, and community service opportunities for their children. The Oakland County Chapter is 1 of 262 chapters nationwide.

Education, civic service, health, cultural awareness, and recreation are the keystones of Jack and Jill of America's programming. Their goal is to give children of color opportunities to develop as leaders and have access to opportunities that will allow growth, development, and a better quality of life. Jack and Jill members work on service projects that are aligned with its five values and are hands-on opportunities for young people to become involved with their communities.

Please join me in recognition of Jack and Jill of America's Oakland County Chapter, as they celebrate 45 years of service, education, and excellence.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize the Conference of Western Wayne, a bipartisan organization that serves to connect the 18- member communities of western Wayne County in Michigan as they celebrate 45 years of service.

The Conference of Western Wayne was founded in 1978 with the purpose of coordinating 911 services across western Wayne County. Beyond connecting on the day-to-day coordination of emergency response, the Conference of Western Wayne provides a monthly meeting and creates stronger connections across the communities of western Wayne County. These monthly meetings, which are held in rotating locations across the county, are held with the purpose of creating strong connections across communities and a way for community leaders to exchange ideas and resources to improve the quality of life for all residents.

Whether it's helping to create opportunities for residents to engage or coming together to improve services, the Conference of Western Wayne has been an outstanding hub point and partner. We offer gratitude and wish them well on their 45 years of service.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Latino Press, a Detroit-based newspaper, that serves Spanish-speaking readers all across Southeast Michigan, as they celebrate 30 years of sharing information and keeping communities connected.

Founded in 1993 by Elias Gutierrez, Latino Press has grown to become the area's largest Hispanic publishing company in Southeast Michigan. Mr. Gutierrez immigrated to the United States from Chile in 1991 in search of better opportunities in the United States. He took odd jobs by day and educated himself in the basics of design, layout, and publishing. Five years after starting Latino Press, Mr. Gutierrez was able to focus solely on publishing.

Latino Press is widely recognized as one of the leading voices in Spanish-speaking media. Countless readers rely on its information to stay informed about current and community events. In addition to its vast print outreach, Latino Press has a robust electronic presence, reaching thousands of our neighbors each week.

Please join me in recognizing Elias Gutierrez and Latino Press, as they celebrate 30 years of service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize the Jack and Jill of America, Oakland County, Michigan chapter. For 45 years, they have brought leadership and mentorship programming for our African-American young people across Oakland County.

Founded in 1978, the Oakland County chapter of Jack and Jill of America was the realization of a dream of two mothers, Robbie Johnson and Bobbye Wilhite, who were looking for more opportunities for their young children.

The 39 charter members were united in seeking a better quality of life and opportunities for success for young African Americans in our community.

The Oakland County chapter is currently one of 262 chapters nationwide whose programs are centered on education, public service, health, cultural awareness, and recreation.

Please join me, Mr. Speaker, in recognizing the Jack and Jill of America, Oakland County Chapter as they celebrate 45 years of service, education, and excellence in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I am the proud daughter of the UAW. My family knew the power of being part of a union family.

My dad, who came to the United States with only a fourth grade education, felt human dignity for the first time when he worked at the Ford Motor Company in Flat Rock on the assembly line and became a member of the UAW.

We know this week hundreds of thousands of workers are fighting for a fair contract to support their families. Their current contract, Mr. Speaker, expires at midnight on September 14.

The right to strike in our country is the single most powerful tool to fight corporate greed. In the first 6 months of this year alone, the Big Three: Ford, Stellantis, and GM made a combined $20 billion in profits.

The Big Three CEOs received a whopping 40 percent increase in pay while the majority of workers today are living check to check.

Did you know that since 1948, every single UAW contract had a cost- of-living adjustment, a COLA. In 2009, something spectacular happened, workers came together and helped the Big Three stay afloat. They decided to put COLA aside, allowing the companies to create tier systems.

In 2023, the contract doesn't have the cost-of-living adjustment. These are the same workers, Mr. Speaker, that sacrificed so much, and now the Big Three are refusing to have their backs when they are struggling.

Two workers doing the same job side by side should not be receiving drastically different wages and benefits due to tiers that were put in place during the Great Recession. Tier systems have no place on an assembly line.

These companies should not be able to find loopholes to hire supplemental workers just so they can get away with paying them lower hourly wages and no retirement benefits.

Mr. Speaker, my dad in the 1980s was vested in health benefits within 90 days. There was no five, six, seven, eight--I even met a young girl who said it took her dad 10 years to get on top of that tier.

Folks don't realize the majority of the UAW workers in our country do not have a pension today. It is 2023. Autoworkers should be able to retire with dignity. Every worker deserves a guaranteed pension and healthcare when they retire.

The Big Three need to value their workers more than they value profits and their own CEO pay increases. They need to do what is right. They have record profits, and that should result in a record contract.

Mr. Speaker, I am, as you know, a proud mother and a proud founder of the Congressional Mamas' Caucus.

When we passed the American Rescue Plan, I was proud to have included a Federal investment for childcare; keeping childcare providers open and ensuring working parents could access childcare when they needed to go back to work.

The American Rescue Plan included $24 billion in funding for childcare stabilization, $15 billion alone for childcare programs for low-income families, and so much more.

This Federal funding was critical in enabling providers to pay personnel costs and keep programs afloat.

These critical funds are already running out in many States and are set to expire at the end of this month. Without immediate action here in Congress to invest in childcare, there will be dire consequences for working families.

It is estimated, Mr. Speaker, that we will lose 3.2 million slots. That is 3.2

million less children that will be able to have childcare nationwide, and it also includes 56 children in Michigan alone.

As the founder of the Congressional Mamas' Caucus, we are fighting, many of us Members, for fair and equitable access to childcare, paid leave, benefits for our care workers, and so much more. We must come together, Mr. Speaker, to find solutions to address this childcare crisis.

To all my colleagues, please realize that childcare isn't a luxury. It is a necessity for working families. Childcare is essential, and the Federal Government must renew this critical funding.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize Assistant Fire Chief and Melvindale City Council Member Steve Densmore for his 27 years of service with the Dearborn Fire Department in Michigan's 12th District Strong.

Assistant Fire Chief Densmore got his start in public service in 1996. After only 1 year of service, he received the first of many Meritorious Company Commendations. In addition, he has been recognized numerous times for valor and lifesaving. Over the course of his public service career, Assistant Chief Densmore has committed himself to continuous professional development, completing numerous certification programs in various rescue operations techniques and other technical programming.

Assistant Chief Densmore has been an outstanding public servant to the communities served by the Dearborn Fire Department. Please join me in recognizing his 27 years of commitment to protecting our families' safety across Michigan's 12th District Strong as we wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to celebrate the legacy of our nation's Rosie the Riveters in recognition of the dedication of the Rosie the Riveter Rose Garden in Garden City.

During World War II countless women from across the nation and right here in Southeast Michigan took over jobs that had been previously performed by men. Three hundred thousand Rosie the Riveters held our country down during extremely trying times and became icons of women's empowerment and strength. This Labor Day, I am proud to recognize these women who blazed the trail for women in the workforce and for their contributions to the labor movement and our history.

As we gather to ring a bell for Rosie, please join me and the people of Garden City in Michigan's 12th District Strong as we honor their legacy with the dedication of the Rosie the Riveter Rose Garden.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Eddie Williams for his 17 years of service to the congregation at Lakeridge Ministries Church of God in Christ.

Lakeridge Village Ministries was founded on the principle of uplifting people from all walks of life in spirituality and that the gift of spirituality is not limited to clergy. Pastor Williams has sought to lead his flock under that guidance, fostering a true sense of community and caring for the most vulnerable. In addition to his work in ministry, Pastor Williams has sought to expand resources and options for people suffering from the pain of addiction and mental illness. His work at Lakeridge Village has accomplished so much in fighting the stigma around mental health issues and connecting those struggling with substance abuse to the assistance they need. In short Pastor Williams has performed outstanding service to the community through his ministry and charitable work.

Please join me in tribute to Pastor Eddie Williams in celebration of his 17 years in spiritual service to Lakeridge Ministries Church of God in Christ.

Mr. Speaker, I want to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Detroit City Chess Club and congratulate its members as they celebrate 20 years.

Under the incredible leadership and vision of Mr. Kevin Fite, Detroit City Chess Club's founder, students from across Detroit Public Schools have been recognized regionally and nationally for their skills. Inspired by the popularity and success of the teams he coached at Detroit's Duffield Elementary and Middle Schools; Coach Fite founded the Detroit City Chess Club in 2003. He leveraged a partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts to provide a permanent home for students to play outside of regular school hours.

Since then, Detroit City Chess Club has strived to engage young people in the game of chess. The club has grown from only a handful of members at its inception to reaching thousands of students and adults alike. The Detroit City Chess Club has played all over the world, winning 15 National titles, 16 regional championships, 28 state championships, and hosting 4 individual No. 1 players in the U.S.

The 12th Congressional District is proud to recognize the Detroit City Chess Club, its members, and volunteers for their outstanding contributions to our community as we wish them well on 20 years of gamesmanship, education, and camaraderie.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Reverend Solomon W. Kinloch, Jr.'s incredible community and pastoral leadership in Michigan's 12th Congressional District.

Reverend Solomon W. Kinloch, Jr. was born to the late Solomon, Sr. and Janie Cousar Kinloch on July 28, 1973. He began his work in ministry under the tutelage of Rev. Robert Smith, Jr. at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. In 1998, Reverend Kinloch accepted his call to pastor at Triumph Church in Detroit, Michigan. At the beginning of his tenure, Triumph Church's membership was less than 50 people. Under Rev. Kinloch's visionary leadership, Triumph Church has since grown into several campuses with thirteen weekly services for more than 40,000 members.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Reverend Kinloch spearheaded the expansion of Triumph Church's outreach with the creation of `Drive-In Church' at their Southfield location and 6 online worship services, spreading hope and helping the community stay connected when they could not safely gather in person. Reverend Kinloch held prayer calls to help our community and their membership remain grounded in their faith and continuing to spread joy amongst fear. Reverend Kinloch ensured our communities had access to basic needs for their ability to not just survive the pandemic but thrive, by providing free laptops for members in need and other essentials like food and access to testing. Reverend Kinloch's year-round exemplary leadership will always be a testament to his unwavering faith and his commitment and drive to serve others.

Please join me in recognition of Reverend Kinloch's numerous accomplishments and service to the people of Michigan's 12th District. We thank him for his service and wish him well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Goodfellows, a charitable organization, based in the city of Dearborn in Michigan's 12th District Strong, as they celebrate 100 years of giving.

Founded in 1923 as the Good Cheer Club, Goodfellows is Dearborn's oldest charitable organization. Local business owners came together to raise money by selling newspapers to ensure ``no child without Christmas.'' That became the organization's motto. Over the years, Goodfellows has grown in its reach and capacity, partnering with local fire and police departments to serve families in need from far beyond its beginnings in Dearborn. Countless families can count on their holiday gift distribution program, an event I happily volunteer my time to each year. And even more families are served by their school supply drives, scholarships and even emergency funding. Dearborn

Goodfellows relies heavily on committed volunteers every year who bring heart to everything they do.

Please join me in recognizing Goodfellows of Dearborn for its outstanding work and commitment to serving families in need.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Congress' very own Joyce Hamlett, the Keeper of the Mace as the House of Representatives Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms, as she retires from more than 3 decades of public service.

I still remember my first few months here, almost 5 years ago. One of the people who I looked for was a young woman sitting at the left of the House chamber. I would lock eyes with her and when she smiled at me, it was always a warm welcome.

Joyce Hamlett will be sorely missed as she retires as our Keeper of the Mace and Assistant Sergeant at Arms. She took her role very seriously. I know because I was one of the members, she reminded every so often of the rules of House. Ms. Joyce would even take out 1 of those laminated black and white articles from decades ago to remind me, this is how it has been.

Ms. Joyce has worked here in the Capitol for over 35 years. Her story is inspiring. She is the first Black woman to hold the post. From growing up in the tobacco fields of Broadway, N.C., to making history here in Congress, she never forgot her roots, and the strong character that her grandparents instilled in her. In a place that can sometimes be harsh, she always remained kind and fair to all. I will dearly miss Mother Joyce and never forget her hugs on some of the toughest days for me in this chamber. She may have been the Keeper of the Mace for the House Chamber, but she will always be my ``Auntie'' (Khalto).

Please join me in recognizing Sergeant-at-Arms Joyce Hamlett as we thank her for her many years of public service.

Mr. Speaker, I am so incredibly grateful that the House passed my amendment to the Military Construction and VA appropriations bill.

Earlier this year, I was proud to lead 64 of our colleagues in calling for a significant increase to address the funding gap in our State Veterans Homes system. My amendment increases the funding for the VA State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program by $5 million.

As many in the Michigan delegation know, southeast Michigan is home to the largest concentration of veterans in the Midwest, however, we don't have a VA home in the Detroit area. State Veterans Homes are a critical counterpart for our VA system in providing long-term care and services for our veterans.

With more than 30,000 beds nationwide, the State Veterans Home program is the largest provider of long-term care for our Nation's veterans with services that include nursing care and adult daycare.

The program enables States to construct, renovate, or repair these State-owned facilities with the VA providing up to 65 percent of the cost of construction.

Currently, there are more than $600 million in unfulfilled Priority 1 grant requests by the States, demonstrating that the States are eager, willing, and prepared to take on an important responsibility, as well as a share of the cost, of caring for our Nation's veterans.

Unfortunately, only $150 million was appropriated in the fiscal year 2023, and this bill only allocates $164 million, leaving many grant requests unfulfilled and an inability for States to move forward.

Mr. Speaker, if we cannot take care of our Nation's veterans, we shouldn't be sending them to war. My amendment, with the support of all of you, is a small step toward addressing that funding gap.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the committee for their support in this effort, and I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting this amendment. I look forward to continuing this fight to ensure that our veterans get the care they deserve.

Credit is an Obstacle for Meeting Basic Needs

Mr. Speaker, credit and consumer reports that often contain errors are increasingly an obstacle for many of our residents from meeting their basic needs.

Victims of financial abuse and fraud, or those strapped with medical debt, are regularly denied access to employment, housing, and transportation because of their credit history.

Our neighbors should not have to go without basic necessities because they fell victim to fraudulent activity or predatory lenders.

Survivors of domestic abuse, for instance, do not deserve to have debt resulting from the abuse of their credit report.

Medical debt should not prevent someone from securing shelter or an education.

That is why I am reintroducing the Restoring Unfairly Impaired Credit and Protecting Consumers Act to provide credit restoration for victims of predatory lending, fraud, and other financial abuse; prohibiting the reporting of medical debt; and to reduce the length of time that adverse information appears on credit reports from 7 down to 4 years.

Economists say 7 years is not a good indicator. Many of the residents, especially in our districts, will tell you that reducing it down to 4 years can be transformative for their families.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to please support this bill.

Recognizing the 1-Year Anniversary of the Mamas' Caucus

Mr. Speaker, it is the 1-year anniversary of the Congressional Mamas' Caucus that I founded with Congresswomen Jayapal, Bush, Meng, and Williams.

The Mamas' Caucus is not only committed to advocating for mothers of color and working families, but committed to making sure that all mothers have a seat at the table where policy decisions are made.

We can't be talking about mothers without mothers at the table. For instance, the cost of raising a child in our country is among the highest in the world, and our policies and social safety nets too often leave many behind.

We must build childcare policies that support every family, and ones that ensure providers are paid a living wage.

Whether on Black maternal health, reproduction justice, paid leave, and so many other issues, mothers must be centered in the policies that we advance here in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues who have joined us in this fight and know that we have many efforts in store in the year to come.