Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of my dear friend Debra Walker, who has recently gained her wings.

Debra was one of the most thoughtful, kindest human beings. She was an artist, crafter, poet, and spoken word performer.

She founded and led Power in Poetry Experience of Detroit, served as their treasurer and on the boards of many local nonprofits, and traveled the world training people on cost reduction methods.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, neighbor, and community member. My sons have always known her as Gabriel's grandmother.

Debra would always show up for anyone, and she did it with her full, authentic self.

I am sending her daughters, grandbabies, and family prayers of strength. We will miss Debra.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Masjid Muhammad, the Nation's Mosque, as they celebrate their 85th year of establishment.

Representing one of the oldest established Muslim communities in the country and the first mosque built in the District of Columbia, Masjid Muhammad has long been a beacon for community service, religious freedom, and human rights.

With their motto of ``Our Community, Our Responsibility,'' Masjid Muhammad has been a central force in their service to the people of DC. They frequently distribute hundreds of pounds of food each month to those in need. They work to build affordable housing and develop programs to address violence, substance abuse, recidivism and countless other social justice issues. They also sponsor several programs including senior citizen support, after school youth activities, vocational training, job placement and more.

Masjid Muhammad has been a pioneer in breaking down barriers for the Muslim community across this country. They established the nation's first Muslim American Veterans Association (MAVA) over 25 years ago with several chapters growing around the nation. They produced the first Islamic Chaplains in the U.S. Military and Department of Justice, the first Muslim Judge for the State of Maryland, the first Muslim Woman to work on a White House Staff, and the first Muslim Boys and Girls Scouts programs in DC.

In addition to their work domestically, Masjid Muhammad has facilitated and participated in numerous conferences and forums on human rights, interfaith peacebuilding, and international religious freedom in over a dozen countries--cementing them as an international voice for peace and justice for all.

Please join me in recognition of Masjid Muhammad's 85 years of service and their contributions to this city, this country, and the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Tyrone Winfrey, a beloved resident of Michigan's 13th Congressional District. He was a tireless advocate for our students, a fighter for higher education opportunities, and so much more.

Tyrone Winfrey served as the Executive Director of Community Affairs for Detroit Public Schools Community District and was the former school board president. He worked tirelessly to advocate for our youth, and to ensure that every single student had access and an opportunity to quality education and a pathway for college and higher education opportunities.

Tyrone served our communities at Detroit public schools for almost 35 years, and during his time, he inspired, supported, and uplifted so many of our students and families.

He lost his 5-year battle with cancer, and I am proud to stand here in honor of his life and his love for our community and our youth. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Detroit Public Schools Community District, and all who were impacted by Tyrone Winfrey.

Recognizing the Islamic Center of America

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Islamic Center of America for their outstanding service on behalf of our communities of Wayne County and Southeastern Michigan as they celebrate their 60th anniversary.

They were founded in 1962, and there, the Islamic Center of America's roots can be traced back to 1949 when our religious leader, scholar, Imam Chirri, who could not speak or understand English, came to America at the request of a small group of residents.

A committed group of community members came together and worked to establish the Islamic Center as Michigan's first mosque and invited Imam Chirri to lead this family in faith.

Since its humbling beginnings, the Islamic Center of America has grown to accommodate its growing family in faith and offers numerous community programs, including education and senior services. They are a pillar of cross-cultural understanding in one of our area's most vibrant and diverse communities.

Please join me in recognizing the Islamic Center of America as they celebrate 60 years of faith and service.

In Memory of Joey Smith

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sadness about the death of Joey Smith, a 12-year-old resident of Dearborn Heights, whose young life was tragically cut short when he was struck by a car.

A seventh-grade student at O.W. Best Middle School, Joey was always surrounded by friends and classmates who will dearly miss him. He will be remembered for his bright smile.

I offer my deepest condolences and sympathy to Joey's family and his friends as they mourn his loss.

As a mother myself, my heart especially goes out to Joey's mother, Katie. I pray that she finds the strength and peace during this very difficult time of unimaginable grief. Our community is deeply saddened by this tragedy.

Please join me in honoring the memory of Joey Smith.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Tyrone Winfrey, a beloved resident of Michigan's 13th District, a tireless advocate for students, and a fighter for higher education opportunities and so much more.

Tyrone served as the executive director of community affairs for Detroit Public Schools Community District and was our former school board president. He worked tirelessly to advocate for our youth and to ensure that every student had access to quality education.

Tyrone served our community over 35 years at the school district, and during this time, he inspired, supported, and uplifted so many of our students and families.

Unfortunately, Mr. Winfrey lost his 5-year battle with cancer this month, but I am proud to stand here in honor of his life and his love for our community.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and our school community, as well as all those impacted by Tyrone Winfrey.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dear friend, a former colleague, a trailblazer in our community, Michigan State Senator Vincent Gregory of Southfield, who passed away recently at the age of 74.

State Senator Vincent Gregory had a passion for public service his entire life and was known for his integrity.

He was a Vietnam war veteran, a union president, a county commissioner, as well as, again, a former State representative whom I had the honor to serve with.

In 2010, Vincent made history as the first Black resident of Oakland County elected to the Michigan State Senate. He was a strong advocate for voting rights, especially for our overseas servicemembers, and his lasting impact will be remembered for years to come.

My thoughts are with his wife of 44 years, Yvonne, and his entire family during this very difficult time. May his life and legacy serve as a testament of all we can accomplish if we lead with compassion, strength, and purpose.

Madam Speaker, today, I want to recognize Pastor Ronald K. Benson of Greater Haven of Rest Church of God in Christ, in Michigan's 13th District Strong, as he celebrates his fifty years of service in faith.

Pastor Ronald K. Benson was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He is the eldest of ten siblings. Pastor Benson is the fourth generation of his family to be raised in the Church of God in Christ. He was called to the ministry as a young man and member of the Conner Avenue Church of God in Christ. Pastor Benson's mission has been to be a faithful servant of the Lord and the people of his flock. Pastor Benson has served over the years in many capacities; he is the Superintendent of the Progressive District, Northeast Michigan Jurisdiction, Executive Secretary and Liaison to the late Honorable Bishop P.A. Brooks, Northeast Michigan Jurisdiction, Finance Committee member and Trustee Board member and Secretary.

Pastor Benson possesses a true passion for community service. He has assisted and coordinated numerous programs and events, including an annual school supplies giveaway, winter coats for children in need program, and a community health screening fair. He also spearheaded the creation of a resource center for adults. The 13th Congressional District is grateful for Pastor Benson's compassion and humble spirit by the many people he has helped on his journey.

Please join me in celebrating Pastor Ronald K. Benson for fifty years of service to Greater Haven of Rest Church of God in Christ and the community of Detroit.

Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize the outstanding work of the Ruth Ellis Center, based in Highland Park, Michigan, as they celebrate the grand opening of its Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center in Detroit. This expansion will allow Ruth Ellis Center to expand housing, access to healthcare, and community space for our most vulnerable LGBTQI+ youth in our district.

Founded in 1999, Ruth Ellis Center has established a national reputation for quality and innovation in providing trauma-informed services for lesbian, gay, bi-attractional, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth, and young adults, with an emphasis on young people of color, experiencing homelessness, involved in the child welfare system, and/or experiencing barriers to health and wellbeing for residents in Detroit. Its mission has remained true and continues to uplift and serve our communities. Ruth Ellis Center has implemented safe and supportive environments around young people to build their vision for a positive future. The Clairmount Center expands on that vision by providing an integrated health clinic at the housing center, while including access to a library, technical center, and much more. The Ruth Ellis Center goes above and beyond in its mission to ensuing access to holistic care and support services to one of the most underserved communities. I am proud to have secured direct investment for this critical work and project and I look forward to the continued partnership in serving our underserved.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Ruth Ellis Center's numerous contributions on behalf of the people of southeast Michigan and the 13th District Strong as we congratulate them on the grand opening of the Clairmount Center.

Madam Speaker, today, I want to recognize Reverend Dr. John Duckworth of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Michigan's 13th District Strong, as he celebrates his twentieth pastoral anniversary.

Reverend Dr. Duckworth began his career in ministry at Samaritan Missionary Baptist of Detroit, where he faithfully served until 2002 when he accepted the Call from Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church of Westland. Dr. Duckworth has incorporated his holistic view of the ministry into his spiritual leadership of the flock at Gethsemane. He has executed that vision through the implementation of numerous ministries that integrate church and community, including the Body & Soul Health and Well Being and the senior-focused Sage Ministry. Dr. Duckworth's commitment to the community involves annual events. He also serves the community through his leadership to the various boards: Wholistic Living Community Corporation, Henry Ford Health Systems, Interfaith Health & Hope Coalition, and Authority Health.

Reverend Dr. Duckworth holds dual Bachelor Degrees in Business Administration and Marketing & Management from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. He also earned an Associates of Arts Degree in Advertising while attending Northwood University. He has also earned a Master of Divinity Degree at the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. His education includes international study of Biblical Geography and Archeology in Israel and Trans-Cultural Ministry in Ghana, West Africa. He has earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Ecumenical Theological Seminar in Detroit. In addition to his duties at Gethsemane, Reverend Dr. Duckworth serves as an instructor at the Heritage Center for Religious Studies and as an adjunct Professor at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. He currently serves on the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity, Inc, as well as the Inkster Ministerial Alliance.

Please join me in celebrating Reverend Dr. John Duckworth's 20 years of service to Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church and the community of Westland.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6364) to amend the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act to extend the exception to the closure of certain roads within the Recreation Area for local businesses, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may

have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include additional material on the measure under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6364 introduced by my colleague, Representative Matt Cartwright. This bill will amend the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act to extend the use of Highway 209 within the recreation area until 2026.

Mr. Speaker, in 1981, the section of Highway 209 that runs through the recreation area was transferred from the State to the National Park Service.

In 1983, Congress enacted a provision of law that closed that section of Highway 209 to commercial traffic, with an important exception for vehicles serving businesses located in or adjacent to the recreation area. Since then, the United States Congress has extended the exemption multiple times, with the latest exemption set to expire on September 30 of this year.

Mr. Speaker, without this exemption, commercial vehicles have limited acceptable alternatives. Commercial traffic would have to travel a minimum of 10 extra miles to avoid the recreation area.

This permitted access contributes to economic vitality that impacts that community, the public safety, and the quality of life of the park's adjacent communities.

I, again, thank my good colleague, Representative Cartwright, for introducing this important legislation and championing this bill on behalf of his constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Cartwright), the main sponsor of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1638) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer certain National Forest System land to the State of South Dakota, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1638, the Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act, introduced by my colleague, Representative Johnson.

The bill will authorize South Dakota to purchase approximately 266 acres of U.S. Forest Service land in Lawrence County, South Dakota.

Any proceeds received by the Forest Service from the conveyance will be deposited in a fund for the maintenance and improvement of the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota.

Mr. Speaker, the conveyance is necessary due to the Gilt Edge Mine, which is located within the Black Hills forestry boundary. Since Brohm Mining Company abandoned the mine and its responsibilities to address contaminated water in the late 1990s, South Dakota and the Environmental Protection Agency have worked together to conduct a cleanup effort of the mine and contaminated water.

Mr. Speaker, currently, the mine encompasses a patchwork of Forest Service lands and lands owned by South Dakota. Consolidating ownership of the entire Gilt Edge Mine with South Dakota will make it easier for the State to fulfill its obligation for site remediation and monitoring.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good colleague, Representative Johnson, for introducing this important legislation and championing this bill on behalf of his constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1638, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize John Smith, a member of the Garden City Fire Department, on the occasion of his promotion to Fire Marshal.

Fire Marshal Smith attended Schoolcraft College where he obtained his paramedic training while also attending the fire academy. He began his career in public safety in 2005, working for Huron Valley Ambulance. During his twelve years of service at Huron Valley, he steadily rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as Senior Paramedic in the Ann Arbor and Chelsea area. In addition, Fire Marshal Smith provided valuable support to law enforcement while he served as a member of the Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) team as a Tactical Casualty Care (TAC) medic for the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team, Washtenaw Metro SWAT team, and other local law enforcement agencies. During his service, Smith provided them critical medical support during high-risk search

warrants and other law enforcement operations. In addition to his official duties in public service, Smith was also a member of the bike team and worked many special events including medical support for University of Michigan sporting events.

In 2017, Fire Marshal Smith left Huron Valley Ambulance to pursue his dream of working in the fire service. After briefly serving the City of Westland, he came to Garden City where he has remained a dedicated member of the Fire Department. Fire Marshal Smith discovered his passion for fire prevention, completing the city's Fire Inspector I and II and plans examiner training. He worked closely with the former Fire Marshal throughout his training, learning as much as possible before the retirement of his predecessor.

I am honored to witness the swearing in of John Smith as Garden City Fire Marshal. Please join me in wishing him well in his new role, as we give thanks for his service to the people of Garden City in Michigan's 13th District Strong.

Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize the congregation at True Love Missionary Baptist Church, located in Detroit in Michigan's 13th District Strong, as they celebrate eighty years of faith, family, and service.

True Love as we know it today grew from humble beginnings. Founded in 1942 by eight worshippers united in their vision of faith and service, the church has moved its location in Detroit many times to accommodate its burgeoning flock and its many programs. True Love has remained at its current location on Tireman Street since 1967. Over the past eighty years, the congregation has witnessed upheaval, change, and progress, but has remained steadfast in their faith and commitment to providing services to its members and the surrounding community.

Whether it's providing youth programming, adult education, or support services to community elders, there is no doubt that True Love has made an indelible impact on the surrounding community. Due to its outstanding leadership and incredible devotion of its congregation, True Love Missionary Church has been blessed with a bright future.

Please join me in recognizing the congregation at True Love Missionary Baptist Church as they celebrate this milestone and many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Resolution Recognizing the Human Rights to Utilities.

I read an article about a couple in their seventies in Detroit who had to melt snow in a bucket in front of their home so they can flush their toilet. That is when I knew when I came to the United States Congress, I had to introduce water as a human rights act.

Millions of our neighbors across our country right now struggle with utility insecurity, fear of shutoffs, and are subject to inhumane living conditions.

I proudly stand with Representatives Bush and Bowman and other colleagues in the House in changing the conversation around what we all deserve.

The resolution ensures that everyone has access to water, sanitation, electricity, heating and cooling, public transit, and broadband communications all as a basic human right.

It is past time that we take the profit motive out of providing the basics of a good life for many of our neighbors who continue again to struggle. I appreciate everyone that is working on this issue and the advocates out there that know that this is important to our country.

Madam Speaker, I thank the ever-amazing partner in good trouble, Congressman Bowman, for hosting this Special Order hour on one of the most critical issues facing our Nation, youth mental health.

As a mother of two young boys, I know that there are few people who see this mental health crisis amongst our children quite like our teachers and our educators. They are on the front lines of it every single day, and it is in no way an exaggeration to say America's teachers are the ones saving lives in the face of a tidal wave of trauma and grief brought about by many crises impacting our young people today.

From COVID-19 to schools turning into war zones, severe economic hardship, and an education system that continues to be underfunded for a number of issues that, again, our kids are dealing with, we are seeing that trauma is at the center of it.

I know according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 57.8 percent of Michiganders from the age of 12 to 17 who have experienced depression did not receive any care in the last year, and high school students with depression are more than two times more likely to drop out than their peers.

These are just a few of the compounding traumas impacting our young people today. These traumas have stolen our children's sense of safety and our children's support systems. So, the fact that the rates of youth in mental health distress have skyrocketed should be a surprise to no one, especially not anyone in this body.

We have failed to address gun violence. We have failed to protect basic human rights. We have failed to ensure that every child in the richest nation on Earth has access to the clean air, safe water, and healthy food that they need to grow and thrive. We have failed to truly address childhood poverty.

Instead of investing in schools, combating poverty, and taking action on reducing violence, this body continues to double down on failed approaches.

I know I continue to be asked in my community: What good is another 100 F-35s when our children go to sleep on empty stomachs? What is the point of spending more money on militarization of our communities than any other country spends on defense instead of making sure that our children have safe drinking water and that they are not exposed to lead and PFAS?

While our children are crying out for help as loud as they can, over in the Senate, their elected leaders, many of whom have been bought and paid for by the fossil fuel lobby, are working hard to--you guessed it--sell out their chances at a livable future and improve the lives of many of our folks in the future.

This body, this Congress, isn't just failing to address this youth mental health crisis. It is turbocharging it.

I know in my community, we have the most polluted ZIP Code in the

State of Michigan, 48217, where we see high rates of asthma. When I go read to children in the third grade class during March Reading Month, I ask how many children there know what I do for a living, and they don't know, usually, and I have to give them a civics lesson. I tell them that I am trying to fight for clean air. I ask them: ``How many of you have asthma or are suffering from asthma?'' A third of the class always raises their hands.

I ask them: ``It hurts to have an asthma attack, doesn't it? It is hard to breathe. Isn't it hard to breathe?'' They shake their heads.

Every day, we fail. We fail them by not taking action on climate for a livable future.

Please know this: Our children cannot learn if they are hungry, but they also cannot learn if they are breathing dirty air, if they are being poisoned by lead-infested water, so we must take action.

I know that we also have failed to enact real, meaningful gun control that our children can be proud of, that our teachers can feel is meaningful and that it actually does keep them safe.

Every day that we have failed to enact bold reforms to resurrect and protect our democracy is a day closer to dooming our children to a fascist future where their rights are stripped from them.

This isn't new for our communities, but I know for many of the young people of color in my community, the LGBTQI youth, our immigrant youth, our religious minorities, these failures have been amplified by the horrifying pandemic of racism, bigotry, and hate that has exploded in our country.

Make no mistake, the crisis of hate facing our country is 100 percent the result of continued political motivation that is literally a factor in pushing elected officials and social leaders in spewing out fear rather than trying to address the root causes of the issues that our children are facing.

I know the only solution here is fundamental overhaul of what we govern. We must put our children before corporations, people before profits, and community solidarity before hate and fear.

Madam Speaker, I cannot thank my colleague enough for his incredible leadership. Sometimes it is our lived experiences that we bring into this Chamber that give us the passion and inspiration to work hard. I am so honored to be able to serve with somebody that not only was a principal but is also a father himself and understands and has been on the front line and seen the lack of action in this body for our youth mental health crisis in our country.

Madam Speaker, today I want to celebrate the life of Elvata Calloway, a resident of the 13th District, in memory of her passing this month.

Mother Elvata Calloway was born on December 25, 1934, in Pickens, Mississippi, and later moved to River Rouge with her aunt Elisa Day Adams and her family. She married the love of her life, Willie Calloway, Sr., in 1951. Soon after, they moved to Detroit to grow their family.

Ms. Calloway was a member of the Eastern Star organization, where she dedicated her life to service of others. Ms. Calloway was a light to all her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. The 13th Congressional District is saddened by the loss of Mother Elvata Calloway and share our deepest prayers and sympathy with the Calloway family.

Please join me in celebrating the life of Mother Elvata Calloway, who will truly be missed by her family and loved ones, as we honor her memory.