Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 313.

Mr. Speaker, 267 percent, that is how much energy prices increase in communities located near Big Tech data centers.

DTE Energy, in my State, already charges us some of the highest rates in the Nation with some of the most unreliable services.

Do you like clean water coming out of your taps at affordable prices? So do I. You better hope a data center doesn't get built near you.

Do you like breathing clean air and being outdoors? I do. Organize like hell to keep these extremely loud data centers and their emissions out of your community.

So, for more expensive utility bills, and increased air, water, light, and noise pollution, we get a lot more AI slop bullshit that nobody asked for.

The Silicon Valley billionaires don't care about our communities. Believe me when I tell you, all they care about is profit. They don't care that these data centers will absolutely make life miserable. All they care about is the money and the power.

I am so inspired by the grassroots movement in the State of Michigan right now popping up all over the State to protect our communities from data centers. I want them to know loud and clear, here in Congress, I have your back.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend, Fred Durhal, Jr. He was a former colleague and a remarkable public servant who devoted decades of his life to fighting for Detroiters.

Throughout his years in the Michigan statehouse and as the chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, Fred carried with him passion, courage, and a deep commitment to public service. He was so kindhearted.

From his advocacy for working families to his dedication to mentoring the next generation of leaders, Fred truly helped shape our communities and uplift countless lives. His impact can be seen in the people he guided, the change that he championed, and the lives he inspired.

I join our community in mourning his passing during this difficult time and send my deepest condolences to his family, his children, and all who were touched by his life.

Mr. Speaker, may his legacy continue to live in the city he loved so dearly, and may he rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, we know that our families can't afford the basics right now. Their electricity and gas bills are out of control. Their water bills are out of control. Don't get me started about their auto and home insurance. It is all out of control. Grocery costs are up 28 percent, healthcare costs are up and out of control, and it is even worse for those family members who are sick.

Our families can't afford the basics. Everyone in this Chamber can agree to that. There is an affordability crisis in our country, and the corporations and billionaires driving up these costs don't care. They not only don't care, they were also rewarded with a big tax break in the betrayal bill.

This is why it is important to understand that this is a policy choice, that many of our families feel like they are intentionally being put in survivor mode instead of being able to thrive.

I know that right now nearly one in five children in Michigan live below the poverty line, Madam Speaker, and 60 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck.

I am not going to wait for President Trump to keep his promise to address the cost of living in this country. I am going to help and push back and introduce the economic dignity for all agenda, a plan to tackle the high cost of living in our country.

We need to ensure that in every family in every single corner in our country, a child has resources that they need to live and thrive in our country, not just hope to survive.

This plan includes the End Child Poverty Act, the Baby Bonus Act, and the BOOST Act. The End Child Poverty Act would provide a universal child benefit of $458 per child per month. It would bring us closer to a nation where all children have the opportunity to flourish, not just grow. This plan will make it easy for our families to afford the basics. I hear it from them: Formula, diapers, and childcare are all out of control. It will provide, again, a long-overdue safety net for our families.

We know right now this bill, the End Child Poverty Act, is estimated to cut child poverty by 50 percent according to the People's Policy Project, and it will cut deep child poverty by 70 percent.

The second bill, a part of the plan, is the Baby Bonus Act, which would provide every family with $2,000 upon the birth of their child, bringing economic stability to households through timely and flexible assistance at a pivotal moment for a child's development.

The birth of a new child is often a time of increased economic insecurity. Families face new expenses of childcare, diapers, baby clothes, and more, while many parents must take time off leading up to and following the birth of a newborn. Without universal childcare, parents are often forced to choose between healing, caring for their newborn, and keeping their job.

As a founder of the Congressional Mamas' Caucus, it is time we listened to mothers who are urging our government to focus on families.

Roughly 134,000 families are driven into poverty annually because of the cost of childcare alone. This is not surprising when countless families are one job loss, disability, and emergency away from crushing financial hardship.

Finally, part of the plan includes the BOOST Act. It is one of my district's favorites. It is the Building Our Opportunities to Survive and Thrive Act. It would provide $250 per month to adults between the ages of 19 to 67 years old, promoting economic security for all.

Studies show that this is effective. What is not effective is continuing to give billionaires big tax breaks. Again, that doesn't impact our families in a positive way.

While costs for necessities like housing, groceries, healthcare, and education increase annually, wages fail to keep up. We all know this in this Chamber. It puts many of our families in economic insecurity. An unexpected expense like medical bills should not be a threat to a family's financial livelihood. It is important that we start looking at new ways. Regular cash assistance would make a tremendous difference to families literally on the edge of poverty and struggling to pay their bills.

Everyone in our country deserves human dignity.

We know that corporate greed is driving costs up and creating this affordability crisis, so we need to push back. If my colleagues in Congress are serious and wanting to improve the lives of the American people, they should stop corporate giveaways and support and pass the economic dignity for all plan.

Mr. Speaker, Republicans have to decide if they are going to protect pedophiles or seek justice for survivors of sex trafficking and abuse.

I sat across from survivors--some of them were as young as 13 and 14 at the time--and they told us over and over again to follow the money.

The Treasury Department, Mr. Speaker, is sitting on suspicious activity reports on Epstein's financial network, detailing thousands of transactions totaling more than $1.5 billion. In fact, J.P. Morgan knew about these suspicious transactions for more than a decade. He had 134 accounts with J.P. Morgan, but they chose to look the other way and continue to profit.

The corrupt administration would rather protect the rich and powerful, their billionaire donors, and stop the truth from coming out.

Survivors of this horrific and systematic sexual abuse deserve justice, and the public deserves to know the full truth.

Don't be fooled. President Trump has the power to release the full, unredacted files right now without congressional action and end the coverup today.

Mr. Speaker, today, the 12th Congressional District honors The North, East, West, South (N.E.W.S.) Queens and Vice Queens of Michigan Council, chapter of the Red Hat Society. As the Red Hat Society and CEO Mrs. Debra Granich celebrate 27 wonderful years, we would like to recognize the inspirational fellowship, community, and work of all its members. We commend Mrs. Granich for bringing together women 50 and over for sisterhood and friendship.

In 1998, the Red Hat Society was founded to encourage women to make the most of their lives. We honor their support for women in the pursuit of five goals: fun, friendship, freedom, fitness, and the fulfillment of lifelong dreams. The Red Hat Society is truly a unique international group for women, spreading joy to every woman involved. Through their work, Mrs. Granich and local chapters have been committed to supporting small, local, and growing businesses and empowering women business owners. The Red Hat Society's powerful stories have worked to reshape the view of women in today's culture.

The 12th Congressional District extends our deepest gratitude to not only the Red Hat Society, but to Mrs. Granich and our region's chapters, ambassadors, and leaders. Our community is forever inspired by their work and advocacy for women. We wish them all prosperity, health, and happiness and thank them for their impact in changing many women's lives for the better.

Mr. Speaker, today, the 12th Congressional District proudly celebrates a significant achievement: the 20th anniversary of the University of Michigan Detroit Center on Woodward Avenue, right in the heart of Detroit.

For two decades, this space has become a hub for grassroots community organizing and education. Programs like ``Semester in Detroit'' have created a mutually beneficial relationship, allowing my office to mentor talented young college students while also gaining valuable support from their work as interns. By supporting education and leadership in Detroit, these programs help build stronger, more inclusive, and thriving communities.

As we celebrate 20 years, I look forward to many more years of partnership and progress together.

Mr. Speaker, today, the 12th Congressional District honors an exceptional leader in our community, Angela G. Reyes of Southwest, Detroit. Angela Reyes is a proud Latina and always centered her work on human dignity and rights of immigrant neighbors. Her legacy as the founder and Executive Director of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC) is nothing short of extraordinary, and her impact will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Since founding DHDC in 1997, she has been a beacon of hope and transformation for the Southwest Detroit community. Angela's tireless dedication to youth violence prevention and community empowerment has saved lives but also created opportunities for countless individuals to thrive. She has been active in community organizing in Southwest Detroit for over 30 years and has received several awards. She is known globally as a consultant and speaker on issues affecting the Latino community, including cultural awareness, immigration, and education.

The 12th Congressional District extends our deepest gratitude for her vision and courage. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps, and her contributions will forever be a cornerstone of DHDC's mission. We wish her all the best in this next chapter of her journey, knowing that her impact will continue to shine brightly.

Mr. Speaker, today, the 12th Congressional District honors Steve Spreitzer for his decades of bringing our communities together. His love for interfaith work shined through with his work at the Michigan Roundtable for Just Communities. For over forty years, Steve has dedicated his life's work to advancing racial equity, building bridges across equity divides, and uplifting the voices of those too often left out of the decision-making that directly affects them. His steady and compassionate leadership guided the Roundtable through times of challenge and transformation, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire us all.

Under his leadership, the Michigan Roundtable has become a hub for justice, dialogue, and action, forming coalitions, strengthening partnerships, and creating programs that brought communities together to confront systemic racism and discrimination. His vision has paved the way for a new generation of leaders who will continue this vital work.

On behalf of Michigan's 12th District. I thank Steve for his extraordinary service. His impact will echo through our communities for years to come and inspire all who fight for justice, equity, and workers' rights. We wish him well in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, today, the 12th Congressional District honors the life and legacy of Jeffrey ``JT the Great'' Thomas, a beloved Detroiter, entrepreneur, and family man whose impact reached far beyond his community. Mr. Thomas co-founded Sweet Potato Sensations, transforming a dream that began with cookies sold from the trunk of his car into a Detroit staple, a family table where neighbors could feel at home.

Beyond business, Mr. Thomas' life was full of laughter, competition, and love. From golf outings with his daughters, basement parties, cook- offs, and spirited games of Bid Whist, he poured joy into every moment. A man of faith, he embraced his role as a teacher and scholar.

Above all, Mr. Thomas took great pride in his family, nearly 49 years of marriage to Cassandra and their daughters, Charisse ``Reese Pooh'' and Jennifer ``Jenny Loops.'' His legacy of love, family, hustle, and faith will inspire our community for generations.

Mr. Speaker, the 12th Congressional District is proud to honor Wayne County Commissioner Martha G. Scott with the renaming of ``Rhode Island Street'' in her hometown, Highland Park, to ``Martha G. Scott Boulevard,'' a truly well-earned recognition.

Ms. Scott has dedicated more than half a century to public service in multiple capacities, including functioning as the first woman mayor of the city, the first Black mayor in Michigan, and as a member of the Michigan legislature, where she has championed causes such as preserving the Davison Freeway and pursuing insurance reform, among other issues.

The 12th Congressional District honors Wayne County Commissioner Martha G. Scott for her distinguished service, and with great pride, we are proud to celebrate her remarkable legacy as former Mayor of Highland Park, Michigan State Representative, Senator, and as the current Wayne County Commissioner for District 3. I thank her for being a true advocate for the people and the light in many of our lives.

Mr. Speaker, today, the 12th Congressional District honors Bishop Tony Shomari Marshall and the House of Prayer Institutional Church in Detroit, Michigan, as they celebrate 25 years of ministry and public service.

Bishop Marshall, the founding pastor, is a revered preacher, educator, chaplain, and author who has dedicated his life to serving people in need. A committed ``teaching priest,'' he has studied under numerous scholars and earned degrees and certificates from respected institutions, including Taylor University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Trinity International University, Andersonville Theological Seminary, and Ecumenical Theological Seminary.

Consecrated to the office of Bishop in 2021, he now serves on the Board of Bishops with the Deliverance Tabernacle Fellowship of Ministries. For 25 years, his church has uplifted Detroit through worship, education, service, and love. I congratulate Bishop Tony Shomari Marshall and the House of Prayer Institutional Church on this extraordinary milestone.

Mr. Speaker, the 12th Congressional District is proud to celebrate the 100th birthday of Ms. Mable Emma Jean Wright, who was born October 3, 1925. We extend our warmest wishes for this joyful celebration and offer heartfelt congratulations on reaching a remarkable milestone.

As a devoted mother of four, grandmother to seven, and great- grandmother to three, Ms. Wright has been a pillar of her family and community. For thirty-five years, she was an employee of the DMC Harper University Hospital, as well as the oldest and one of the most cherished members of ``I AM'' Temple Detroit for nearly forty-three years. Her service to the church has been immeasurable. With deep love and admiration, she is affectionately known as ``Mother Wright'' by fellow church members and friends alike.

The 12th Congressional District honors Ms. Wright's blessing of longevity, her legacy of faith and service, and with great pride, we celebrate 100 remarkable years of her life. I thank her for being a light in many individuals' lives and wish her a wonderful birthday.

Mr. Speaker, today, the 12th Congressional District proudly honors Macedonia Baptist Church as they celebrate 105 years of spiritual worship and leadership in our community. As part of their milestone celebration, we recognize the unveiling of the new historical marker, commemorating the profound impact the Macedonia Baptist Church has had on the city of Detroit and beyond.

Since its founding in 1920, the Macedonia Baptist Church has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving the spiritual and moral needs of Detroit and its surrounding communities. The church has consistently demonstrated deep roots and has always cared for the well-being of the community, engaging in meaningful outreach and service projects.

Their 105th anniversary shines a spotlight on the legacy of those whose labor and devotion have made the Macedonia Baptist Church a pillar in both Hamtramck and Detroit. This ceremony marks a historic occasion of remembrance, celebration, and renewed commitment to building a stronger future together through faith. The 12th Congressional District honors their service and dedication to creating a place of friendship and learning for our community. I thank them for being a guiding light rooted in faith and service to all.

Mr. Speaker, today, the 12th Congressional District honors the extraordinary life and legacy of Michael ``Mike'' Friedman, a tireless champion of economic justice and workplace democracy. From his early days as a truck driver and founding member of Teamsters for a Democratic Union to his distinguished legal career. Mike's life was rooted in advancing the rights and dignity of working people.

As General Counsel at the Center for Community-Based Enterprise, Mike dedicated himself to helping businesses transition to worker ownership, empowering employees, and strengthening communities. His leadership extended beyond C2BE to the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Detroit Community Wealth Fund, where he shared his expertise and vision for a fairer, more just world.

Mike believed deeply in the power of unions to transform lives, which was reflected in his lifelong advocacy and teaching. His legacy will continue to inspire all who fight for justice, equity, and workers rights. Our thoughts are with his wife Barbara Harvey.

We extend our love to his wife, siblings, children, grandchildren, and friends as we celebrate his life, and we are committed to carrying forward his spirit of service, joy, and justice.