Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because Americans continue to die from gun violence while this White House and this Congressional majority does nothing to stop it.

Instead of working to pass commonsense, lifesaving legislation that keeps guns out of the hands of people who should never have them, Republican Congressional leadership is already eyeing the door to campaign before the November election.

We are already hearing rumors that the next two weeks could be cancelled. Instead of running off to campaign, we should remain in Washington to debate any number of bipartisan commonsense gun safety proposals that will save American lives.

Sadly, this Republican majority is too beholden to the NRA and gun lobby to do the right thing.

Speaker Ryan and Congressional Republicans will head out to hit the campaign trail while Americans will continue to die because of their criminal inaction.

These are the names of 156 Americans that this Republican majority has failed by their inaction on gun violence:

Florida's 17th Congressional District

1. Highlands County Sheriff's Deputy William Gentry Jr.

2. Hinso Estriplet

3. Trent Bartol-Thomas, 19

4. Anthony Mathison

5. Rhiannon W. Layendecker

6. Samuel Jones, 22

7. Eric Young, 18

8. Matthew Eugene Collins

9. Joshua Jordan, 23

10. Guy Jr. Alabre, 16

11. Steven Gonzalez

12. Kehsawn Souvenir

13. Ivan Garcia

14. Maria ``Angeles'' Delosangeles Evaristo Bautista

15. Alejandro Manuel Luis

16. Theodore King

17. Verkiesha Charmaine Massaline, 21

18. Jimmie Olds

19. Jose Alonso Rodriguez

20. Amanda Gayle Suarez

21. Mohammed Allam

22. Aaron Hankerson

23. Marcus Dupree Davis Jr., 19

24. Lawrence Lockley, 18

25. Mary Knowlton

26. Urte Rottman

27. Rikard Rottman

28. Ricardo Vaca, 20

29. Amparo Moreno

30. Eddie Powell Jr., 22

31. Christopher Jermaine Allen

32. Antoinette ``Ann'' Gordon

33. Hugh Gordon

34. Barbara Kavanaugh

35. Frank Kavanaugh

36. Earlon Eugley

37. Kyle Farishian, 18

38. Mirabel Sandoval, 26

39. Manuel Galindo Oquendo

40. Christina B. Galvez

41. Daniel Gonzalez, 25

42. William `Bear' Curry

43. Thomas Markland

44. Martin Plummer

45. Blake Reeves, 20

46. Officer Larry Phelps

47. Michael Gavin

48. Maxie Broome Jr.

49. Randall Scott Ford

50. Charles Herzberger

51. Tyshawn Markess Hall, 21

52. Daysha Releesha Crapp, 21

53. Jaqwan Salvalas Hall, 21

54. Korynn Jennifer Siwniewski, 19

55. Michael Murphy,

56. Terry Wayne Snyder

57. Jesus Garcia-Renteria, 22

58. Brian Gorby, 19

59. Tyler Henthorne

60. Jesus Nieves Gomez

61. Patrick Fields

62. John Paul Kirby

63. Linda Kirby

64. Brandon Orlando

65. John Stalnaker

66. Emmanuel Shird

67. Carlos Delgado, 5

68. Angela Morales

69. Spencer Philipe, 18

70. Thomas Crispin

71. Peta Gaye Muschette

72. Adeirean Carey.

California's 10th Congressional District

73. Alejandro Lizarraga-Cabrera

74. Daniel ``Danny'' Russell

75. Emilio Gerardo Enriquez Almanza, 15

76. Richard Lee Short III, 17

77. Brisa Covarrubias, 13

78. Ismael Guzman, 16

79. Muhammad Sharieff, 21

80. Lisandra Corrales, 28

81. Pierre Hurtado, 6

82. Nathan Hurtado, 4

83. Jordan Correia

84. Lydia Nicholson

85. Ricardo Vasques, 24

86. Cody Lea, 21

87. Xavier Smith, 5

88. Lisa Herger, 29

89. Tiffany Herrera, 27

90. Norberto Martinez

91. Joga Shergill

92. Terelle Swearengin, 25

93. Stephen Cain

94. David Reyes

95. Evin Olsen Yadegar

96. Benito Garcia, 17

97. Rafael Avina

98. Kalpesh Patel

99. Sheila Marie Sanders

100. Dahvish Gilliam

101. Sylvia Oliver

102. Stanislaus County Deputy Sheriff Dennis Randall Wallace

103. Robert Farish

104. Gergory Pimentel

105. Sylvia Chavarria

106. Brisa Covarrubias, 13

107. Pablo Vargas Jr.

108. Falane Jones

109. Andre Penn, 25

110. Jorge Santana

111. Derek Mauldin

112. Andrew Miller, 24

113. Gabriel Rodriguez

114. Zachary McGee, 25

115. Marcus Culebro, 22

116. Louis Ramos

117. Oscar Peralta

118. Robert Herrera

119. Maricela Martinez

120. Mario Medina

121. Derrick Farrow

122. Cynthia Antrim

123. Chad Evert Romesha

124. Hunter Davis, 11

125. Dillon Reynolds, 22

126. Darell Esguerra, 25

127. Juan Jose Calvillo

128. David Cruz, 21, and

129. Alejandro Lizarraga-Cabrera.

New Jersey's 11th Congressional District

130. Najee Broadway, 18

131. Omar Broadway

132. Daniel Martone

133. Barbara Martone

134. James Hofstetter

135. Christina Prestianni

136. Christopher Minichini

137. Raymond Torres

138. Joan Bramhall

139. Julian Knott

140. Alita Knott

141. Brendan Tevlin, 19.

California's 48th District

142. Liz Noriega

143. Benjamin Ullestad

144. Brandon Ullestad

145. Douglas Ferguson

146. Lisa Cosenza

147. Amanda Jensen

148. Rick Moore

149. Kevin Sotelo

150. Julian Barragan

151. Francisco Sotelo Gonzalez

152. Chief Richard Bukowiecki

153. Leoncio Banuelos

154. Brandon Dufault

155. Todd Kuchar, and

156. Steve Rodriguez.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank a longtime staff member, my deputy chief of staff, Audra Wilson.

After more than 5 years of service to the people of Illinois' Second Congressional District, Audra is leaving my office to serve as the new executive director of the League of Women Voters of Illinois.

I first met Audra in 2003 while serving as a State representative. Audra has been with my congressional staff from day one. As my deputy chief of staff and district director, she has played an important role in organizing essential district programming like our jobs and health fairs, our local Black Women & Girls programming, and has skillfully maintained our local district task forces.

Audra is also my constant plus one whenever I want to grab a bite of Indian food.

I congratulate Audra and her family, especially her beautiful and brilliant daughter, Ava, my future district director in the year 2038.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had the privilege to work with Audra, and on behalf of the people she served for over 5 years, I commend her and say: Job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because Americans are dying from gun violence and this Congress continues to do nothing.

Gun violence in America has become a daily reality in our cities, in our suburbs and in rural communities, yet this Republican-controlled Congress does nothing.

Instead, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle offer their `thoughts and prayers' on social media while collecting NRA checks with zero after zero on them.

Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker, money has poisoned our politics with deadly results. No other peer nation sees the level of gun violence that occurs in America--perhaps because our peer nations don't have a gun lobby dedicated to a dangerous and misguided `gun everywhere, commonsense nowhere' agenda that kills Americans on a daily basis.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the names of 244 Americans, from just three Congressional districts: Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District, North Carolina's 13th Congressional District and North Dakota's At-Large Congressional District, who've been lost to gun violence in recent years.

Pennsylvania's 17th District

1. Michael Davis

2. Sharae Thompson

3. Xander Thompson, 3

4. Zackary Yashkus

5. David Gombert

6. Victor Grandy

7. David Howard

8. Jack Sipple

9. Kenneth Schreiner

10. Jane Schreiner

11. Robert Eli Greene

12. Scott Allen Baver

13. Michael Bond

14. Joe Molinaro

15. Marylouise Meixell-Moyer

16. Kervin Lee Garcia

17. Diane Brobst

18. Ryan Craig Boomer

19. Donald Garey

20. Morgan McGee

21. Gary Marchalk

22. Bentley Thomas Koch, 4

23. Ethan Robles

24. Anni Robles

25. Lisa Menzo Santoro

26. Leonard Moser

27. Terrance ``Lex'' Ferguson

28. Lawrence E. Purcell, Jr.

29. Rosemary Smith

30. Shyheem Smith

31. Michael Rogers

32. Jose L. Ocasio-Shouverer

33. Kyre Williams, 16

34. Taron Walker, 14

35. Donna Kimmel

36. Shaun Briggs

37. Michael Saunders

38. Mitchell Rook

39. Haydee Delgado

40. David Spence

41. Devin Cosme

42. Officer Seth Kelly

43. Austin Naples

44. Emmanuel Cancel

45. Joseph R. Becker

46. Alex Rosario

47. Devin Andresen

48. Kyle Garrison

49. Alex Spaid

50. Sean Grady

51. William Anderson

52. Melissa Dombroski

53. Vanesa Batista

54. Trevor Oliver

55. Robert Purdy

56. Harry Read

57. Bentley Thomas Koch, 4

58. Ethan Robles

59. Sharae Thompson, 21

60. Xander Thompson, 3

61. Zackary Yashkus, 23

62. Kyre Williams, 16

63. Taron Walker, 14

North Dakota's At-Large Congressional District

64. Derrick Left Hand

65. Ila Averson

66. Louis Averson

67. Kevin Nelson

68. Carole Glomstad

69. Nicole Haliaaloh Gututala-Hoff, 25

70. Arianna Talmage, 6

71. Aidan Talmage, 10

72. Tyler Talmage, 14

73. Astra Yolk

74. Kommika K. Gregory

75. Casey Gene Jensen

76. Cherish Ranae Petersen, 26

77. Vance Neset

78. Grant Poyner

79. Nick Laqua, 23

80. Ronald Rechtzigel

81. Rolette County Deputy Sheriff Colt Eugene Allery

82. Kevin White

83. Tanner Carrico, 21

84. Jaide Tosseth, 14

85. Richard Young, 24

86. Diandre Lott

87. Donzell Washington

88. Fargo Police Officer Jason Moszer

89. Billy Holladay

90. Roger Falana

91. Caine Fischer

92. Brian James Story

93. Christopher Rusk Sluder

94. Gene Paul Jassmann

North Carolina's 13th Congressional District

95. Michael Jerome Potts

96. Wanda Taylor

97. Dionte' Raynard Bethea, 23

98. Roland Vincent, 24

99. Denard Herbin

100. Michael Jaytuan Ingram, 28

101. Mirah Turner, 25

102. Antoine Gelzer, 18

103. Caitlin Heath, 21

104. Eric Johnson, Jr., 21

105. Michael Faulk

106. Gene Aikens

107. Elizabeth Smith

108. Shaquanna Shana Hudson

109. Jermaine Anton Wilson

110. Quavist Phillips, 20

111. James Christopher Davis

112. Austin Matulevic

113. Michael Luther

114. Tyree R. Miller

115. Lynn C. Baskins

116. Griffin L. Weathers, 17

117. Zoe Fleming, 16

118. TyQuan Von Ricco Washington, 18

119. Gregory Yarborough, 21

120. Derrick Demont DeWalt

121. Emmanuel Alexander

122. Wanda Alexander

123. Amar Clark

124. Justin Lynn Alspaugh, 24

125. Freeman Jacobi Wells

126. Charles A. Anderson

127. Na'kayla Bynes, 16

128. Qumain Pratt

129. Kenaya Ricardo James

130. Robert Allen Smith

131. Simmie Junior Bethea

132. Teresa Neal

133. Ronald Neal

134. Jose Santiago

135. Larry Darnell Dalton, Jr.

136. Centell Carter

137. Isaiah Malik Gillespie, 20

138. Stephen Nathan McKinney, Jr.

139. Timothy Frierson, 26

140. David Christopher Bohne

141. Devin Christofer Bilodeau

142. Karla Ayde-Garcia Arellano, 25

143. Javier Garcia Aguilar

144. Robert ``Bob'' Eugene Owens

145. Rolesville Police Chief Bobby Langston II

146. Gina Williams

147. Michele Kennington Williams

148. Sharod Mathis, 22

149. Timothy Bennett, 24

150. Rebecka Pearce

151. Granville County Deputy Jeremy Pearce

152. Victor Hairston, Jr., 25

153. Londale Samuel Williams, 18

154. Sebastian Unique Smith

155. Joshua Omar Forbes, 25

156. James Robert Battle

157. Mark Edward Rice

158. Tony Braswell, 21

159. James Calvin Graham, Jr.

160. David Vasquez

161. Wesley Collin Carpenter, 27

162. Sandy Mazzella

163. Stephenie Ann Mazzella, RN

164. Elaine Toby Mazzella

165. Pedro Joel Reyes Dias, 24

166. Allan Uriel Rodriguez, 25

167. Don Pipkin

168. Kathleen Pipkin

169. Carlos Cesar Vasquez Luna

170. Alfred Garcias, 25

171. Bailey Lynch, 19

172. Stephanie Autry

173. Georgina Fajardo

174. Jerry Eugene Sumpter

175. Steven Andrew Short

176. Sean Fitzsimmons Guess

177. George Lee Dickens, Jr.

178. Ana Marlen Cruz-Franco, 28

179. Ventura Sanchez

180. Martha Yses Campusano Cisneros

181. Emilio Rodriguez-Rizo

182. Britny Jordan Puryear, 22

183. Danielle Anita Hodges

184. Arthur Brown

185. David McKoy

186. Lloyd Woodlief

187. Lloyd Peyton Woodlief

188. Dana Andrew Lauffer

189. Renwick Earl Davis

190. Brandon Maurice, 22

191. Sherrod Maurice Crum

192. David Bruce Elrod

193. Tyler D. Pratt

194. Antron L. Breeden

195. Officer Tyler Horn

196. Anthony Kristopher King, 18

197. Nakayla Brown, 16

198. Kjuan Boyd

199. Tobechi Opara, 22

200. Julian Nelson, 17

201. Devron Davis, 25

202. Melquan Lapip Glover Sr., 25

203. Timothy Earl Dawkins

204. Cornelius Colson

205. Mosahn Elijah Robinson, 18

206. Zarrie James

207. Rose Correll

208. Kelvin Harper, 13

209. Robert Chad Christie

210. Shakeya Jones, 9

211. Demetric Brooks

212. Christina Hudson

213. Regina Gray

214. William Pierre Hargrave, 21

215. David Gamble

216. Darwin Lewis ``D.J.'' Turner

217. Chance Lebron

218. Roderick James

219. Joshuah Kristopher Keating

220. Christopher Lee Cantrell

221. Raven Cauthen

222. Tyonne Mckinnon, 19

223. Garrett Johnson

224. Samuel Tilley, 19

225. Jessica Holt, 22

226. Alcalvin Rogers

227. Tonya Boyd

228. Emmanuel Boyd, 21

229. Valencia Hussey

230. Isephine Garner

231. Leroy Carter

232. Steven Brian Perkins

233. Scott Cole

234. Kenneth Stagg, Jr.

235. Jarod Tory Vinson

236. Rhonda Williams

237. Joseph Meacham, 7

238. David Padron, 20

239. Alexis Patterson, 17

240. Dymond Patrice Fowler, 19

241. Christopher Scott Wilson

242. Himoud Ahmad Al-Awamleh

243. Jerome Edward Fogg, Jr.

244. Officer K.J. Barefoot.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because Americans continue to die from gun violence.

They die on our streets, in their homes, in elementary schools and grocery stores.

Yet, despite the shocking statistics, this Republican-controlled Congress does nothing.

The Speaker offers ``thoughts and prayers'' on social media and then jets off for summer vacation or a fundraiser.

Meanwhile, kids continue to die. Families continue to be torn apart and my GOP colleagues gleefully cash their NRA checks.

Money has poisoned our politics with deadly results. This Congress-- controlled entirely by Republicans--continues to ignore the carnage taking place in our streets.

It seems the zeros on the NRA checks have become blinders to reality.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the names of 191 New York residents, including an infant and numerous teenagers, who this House-- controlled by you and Republicans--have failed by your continued inaction on gun violence.

New York 22nd District

1. Deon Williams,

2. Corey J. Hobart,

3. Erika Smith,

4. Quintin J. Horner,

5. Amy Sliwowski,

6. Adam Atkinson,

7. Brandon Palmatier, 16,

8. David Davis,

9. Thomas E. Shepherd,

10. Tyquan Gumbs,

11. Brandon Hernandez,

12. Theodore ``Teddy'' Talerico,

13. Dasean Chastine,

14. Roxanne Shipman,

15. David Sanborn,

16. Jordan Doolittle,

17. Shanley J. Johnson,

18. Shai A. Johnson,

19. Christopher Bush,

20. Stephen Parker,

21. Lawrence Edwards,

22. Debra Rogers,

23. Leon Rogers,

24. Vincent Wynder,

25. Jayson Pulluaim,

26. Jamaal Moses,

27. Jamal Mathis,

28. Nathaniel Hitt, infant,

29. Alagujuan White,

30. James High,

31. Andrew Abston,

32. Zachary R. Rogers,

33. Stephanie R. Excell,

34. Derek D. Prindle,

35. Derek S. Prindle,

36. Rose G. Ortiz,

37. Daniel Brennan,

38. Pammi Mroczek,

39. Robert Mroczek,

40. Scott Wright, Jr., 19,

41. Kareem Christopher,

42. Andre Oliver-Kennedy,

43. Zachary Garcia-Kenyon,

44. Grady Hunter,

45. Travis Dam,

46. Dajuan Jones,

47. Robert Everetts,

48. Sivad Davis,

49. Wilbert Lawson,

50. Guthrie J. Hood,

51. Kevin Barber,

52. Rakiim Patterson,

53. Angel Aviles,

54. Chad Czternastek,

55. Julio A. Matos,

56. Durrell Dow,

57. Vincent Wynder,

58. Adrian Liggins,

59. Memphis Delacruz, 22,

60. Ezra McLean,

61. Rodney Pearson, 23,

62. Corwin Weathers,

63. Rahmel Weathers,

New York's 21st District

64. Rudy Ray Rockett, Sr.,

65. Philip B. Goolden,

66. David Carpin,

67. Devin Fierro,

68. Dennis Puglisi,

69. Trooper Joel Davis,

70. Tyler Johnson,

71. Parker Huckabone, 13,

72. James Huckabone,

73. James Kohl,

74. Pamela Williamson,

75. Wayne C. Cashman,

76. Ann Marie Cashman,

77. Nichole Walters,

78. Rebecca Finkle,

79. Ken Fish, Jr.,

80. Michael Desnoyers,

81. Anthony A. Lewis,

82. Jim Rypkema,

83. Katie Gilbert,

New York's 19th Congressional District

84. Joshua Laveck,

85. Inderly In'stinfil, 19,

86. Lawrence Burns, 19,

87. Margarita Soto,

88. Jose Cruz,

89. Efrain ``Ping'' Lopez,

90. Timothy A. Perry,

91. Solveige E. Perry,

92. Lana Florio,

93. Kevin Whitening,

94. Maritza E. Ovsak,

95. Juan C. Ovsak,

96. Brandyn Dayne Foster,

97. Amy L. Burger,

98. Trevor Sasso,

99. Ramona Gonzalez,

100. Michael Northcote,

101. Tifanne K. Wells,

102. George L. Jones,

103. Richard Miller,

104. Daniel Brennan,

105. Pammi Mroczek,

106. Kerstin S. Williams,

107. Ryan Gray,

108. Thomas DeMarco,

109. Aron J. Thomas,

110. LaToya M. Brandow,

111. Sara A. Butler,

112. Abduke London,

113. Ian Delaney,

114. Mackenzie Alexander,

115. Ida David,

New York's 23rd Congressional District

116. Brittany Bean Corkwell, 16,

117. Jeremiyah Alford, 12,

118. Mitchell Potts, 16,

119. Rudy Ray Rockett, Sr.,

120. Robyn Roper,

121. David M. Cady, Jr.,

122. Bryan A. Willis,

123. Emily Carson,

124. Tiffany S. Crossett,

125. Obryan Ramos,

126. Shari J. Robbins,

127. Kimani Meadows,

128. Robyn Roper,

129. Duane Hurlbutt,

130. Donna Hahn,

131. Anthony Garrett,

132. Marquise Sutton,

133. Kimberly Podolski,

134. Dennis Larwethand,

135. Daniel Podolski,

136. Mary E. Whitaker,

137. Sam Reynolds,

138. Nicole Sheehan,

139. Najee Holmes,

140. Lawrence K. Baker,

New York's 24th Congressional District

141. Emmanuel Aguaya, 17,

142. Demari Neely, 17,

143. Akil Williams, 15,

144. Juan Martinez,

145. Shaquan Lockwood, 19,

146. Devanere Thomas, 16,

147. Juan Martinez,

148. Daniel Diaz-Marrero, 17,

149. Ismael Diaz-Marrero, 19,

150. Tyquan Jones, 15,

151. Nyair Hall, 13,

152. Luis Sepulveda,

153. Christopher McLauren,

154. James E. Smith, Jr .,

155. Francis Mercado, 16,

156. Jeremy Jackson,

157. Jeffrey M. Harris,

New York's 11th Congressional District

158. Usman Zafar, 17,

159. Raquan Jenkins,

160. Bryan Contreras, 17,

161. Torrie Smith, 20,

162. Joshua Robertson,

163. TJ Bills,

164. Raymond Banks,

165. Tyreak Holloway,

166. Junior Bailey,

167. Nathaniel Calhoun,

168. Elijah McCall,

169. David Estrella,

170. Sheldon Bell,

171. Khalil Scott,

172. Marino Stocco,

173. Abdalhamid Alswelim,

174. Diamond Roberson,

175. Bridget Shenk,

176. Ivan Valentin,

177. John Hesterhagen,

178. Vincent Castro,

179. Tairiq Matthews, 19,

180. Whalen Johnson Gurley,

181. Keith Keita,

182. Robert D'onofrio,

183. Michael Genovese,

184. Carl Clark,

185. Tanoon Quiquoi,

186. Peter Olivo,

187. Denise Taylor,

188. Gavin Bacerra,

189. Derrick Bacerra,

190. Walbert Ryan Dale,

191. Diamond Roberson,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because gun violence claims the lives of more than 90 Americans every day while hundreds of others are injured, many permanently.

Despite these stark and shocking statistics, this Congress has not held a single vote to prevent gun violence--even though polling shows that more than 90 percent of Americans support commonsense, lifesaving policy changes, like a background check on every gun sale.

Mr. Speaker, we--this Republican-controlled Congress--are failing American families by refusing to act and protect their lives.

Here are the names of many, many Americans that we've failed.

Americans failed by a Congress too beholden to the NRA to act:

Virginia's 10th District

1. Murtada A. Marof

2. Ahmed S. Osman-Ahmed

3. Bao Hung Van

4. Shayna E. Lacy

5. Christopher Prevatt

6. Mala Manwani

7. Rishi Manwani

8. Mario M. Bowles

9. Wilfredo Guardado-Huezo

10. Hong Chen

11. Shirley Zhou

12. James Chen, 16

13. Jose Tomas Velasquez

14. Christina Fisher

15. D'Londre Minifield

16. Eugene Rumsey

17. Andre T. Howell

18. Naomi H. Howell

19. Corey Mattison

20. Officer Chris Campbell

21. Officer Matthew Eggers

Pennsylvania's 12th District

22. Marquise Martin, 13

23. Nick Ursiny, 15

24. Jaimill Kenney, 16

25. William Cade Booher, 16

26. Keenan Williams, 16

27. Kasper Martin, 17

28. Donovan Nottingham, 18

29. Dane Mathesius, 18

30. Zackary Cutshall, 19

31. Luke J. Yuzwa, 19

32. Amanda Bennett, 20

33. Akielah Solomon, 20

34. Katelyn ``Kaytee'' Francis, 21

35. Kevin Gibson, 21

36. Kavan Worlds

37. A'Von Perry

38. Rachael DelTondo

39. Antwaiin Lawson

40. Lex Miller

41. Jason Neill

42. John Rosey

43. Diane Rosey

44. Tavion Williamson

45. Dennis Mercadante

46. Eddie Wanamaker

47. Julius Ceccarelli

48. Angela Ceccarelli

49. Cambria County Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Dunkleberger

50. Tevin Sitton

51. Tremayne Foster

52. Renae Johnson

53. Dennis Drum Sr.

54. Raghib Dolphin

55. Britteny E. Kyle

56. Tyrell Ferguson

57. Patricia A. Monk

58. Gregory Monk

59. Greg Simmons

60. Justin Simmons

61. Sonya Myers

62. Duane Myers

63. Robert Klein

64. Suzanne Klein

65. Eric Klein

66. Addaleigh A. Huzyak

67. St. Clair Township Police Officer Lloyd Reed

68. Desmond Nowlin

69. Matthew Williams

70. Tyrone Williams

71. Antwan Dash

72. Sharon DeMore

73. Abrianna Kovalcik's newborn

74. Caressa Kovalcik

75. Tony Phillips

76. Lemme McDade

77. Mark McDade

78. Karen Cubbage

79. Chloe Kruse

80. Ronald Prettyman

81. Weldon Branche

82. James Pinkston

83. Lisa Stover

84. Sharteake Tisinger

85. Theresa McDonald

86. Eric L. Hubbard

87. James Bucaro

88. Officer Alan Loskoch

89. Christopher Little

90. Ruth Preisser

91. Thomas Hornyak

92. Anthony Slappy, Jr.

93. Rashund Smith

94. Jessica Jackson

95. Thomas Paris

96. Stephen Huger

Illinois' 14th District

97. Elaine M. Zene

98. Raymond T. Zene

99. Allania S. Yarber

100. Cesar Rangel

101. Tony Butler, Jr.

102. Ozell Sampson, Jr.

103. Lidia Juarez

104. Tiffany Coffland, 16

105. Brittany Coffland, 16

106. Randall R. Coffland

107. Nathan Hofkamp

108. John Nightingale

109. Daniel Bakker

110. Christopher C Kemble, 19

111. Joseph Laudicina

112. Taylor James Cano

113. Olvan Quezada, 18

114. William Servin, 18

Virginia 7th District

115. Stephan B. Clarke

116. Davonte L. Mitchell

117. Tatiana Wells

118. Umar Abdus Salaam

119. Thornell Sledge

120. Caleb Q. Smith

121. Jhanae Short

122. Jesse R. Coulter

Illinois' 13th District

123. David Hicks

124. Jason Danenberger

125. Danny Lee

126. Bernard Norvell

127. Sherman Neal

128. Matthew Greer-Blakey

129. Ricky Green, 18

130. Montrez Vonner

131. Micheal White

132. Tyrone A. Grady

133. Julius D. Evans

134. Ralph J. Evans Jr.

135. Dana A. Stone

136. Nathaniel Majors, 22

137. Todd Daniel Feldkamp

138. James M. Basse

139. Andrian Chatman

140. Steven Suber

141. Andre N. Robinson

142. Brandon J. Smith, 19

143. Steven W. Flack

144. Zachary Hubbartt

145. Jason A. White

146. Reginald Day

147. John Laprice Morgan, 26

148. Kortez Brown Joiner, 24

149. Tyler Cox

150. Darien Carter, 24

151. Austin Durham, 24

152. Jim Tipsford

153. Andrei E. Ford

154. Jamison Kerr

155. Demetrius Lane

156. Duston Smith-Fonville

157. Deveonta Lindsey

158. Jeremy Robinson

159. Stephon B. Clarke

160. Davonte L. Mitchell

161. Tatiana Wells

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because gun violence continues to claim the lives of Americans and it remains unchecked by this Congress.

Just this weekend, Chicago--our nation's third largest city--saw 74 people shot, 11 of whom passed away and 63 of whom were injured and will never be the same.

Mr. Speaker, what are we doing? Or more correctly, what AREN'T we doing?

We should be passing legislation to stop interstate gun trafficking, to prevent stalkers from accessing weapons, to keep suspected terrorists from purchasing weapons and to ensure a background check on every gun sale.

Tragically, this Republican-controlled Congress shows no intention to consider any of these commonsense, lifesaving policy changes that we know work and save lives.

Mr. Speaker, we--well, more correctly, this Republican-controlled Congress is failing the American people and putting their lives and families at risk.

Here are the names of many, many Americans that we've failed .

Americans failed by a Congress too beholden the NRA to act:

Florida's 25th Congressional District

1. Melani Valencia, 7

2. Deborah Ledesma, 14

3. David Bettancourt, 15

4. Jennifer Cordero, 16

5. Marcos Aleman, 17

6. Michael Stallone, 18

7. Jael Valencia, 18

8. Brady Walker, 18

9. Juan Herrera Jr., 19

10. Tyquarn Johnson, 19

11. Jeffrey Eskridge Jr., 20

12. Andrew Verde, 20

13. Sai Kiran Aila, 21

14. Michael Nicholas Zaldua, 21

15. Rosemery Ramirez-Morales, 23

16. Javier Enrique Pupo, 23

17. Diamond Tisdale, 24

18. Elena Maria Diaz, 27

19. Christopher Patrick Hunter

20. Thomas Anthony Hunter

21. Omaida Garcia

22. Eduardo Gonzalez

23. Army Ranger Fernando Duarte

24. Carlos Gonzalez Penalver

25. Lucila Mercedes Suarez Rodriguez

26. Lourdes Torres

27. Carlton Fair

28. Jesus Valencia

29. Rocky E. Priser

30. Noarian Pino

31. Ramon Emilio Gutierrez Castillo

32. Elva Rosa Alcala

33. Andres Alcala] Gutierrez

34. Elia Falcon

35. Edna Jarboe

36. August Steen Jr.

37. Lazarus Morejon

38. Diana Maria Castro

39. Robert Parker

40. Andres Lezcano

41. Niurvy Dlima

42. Estela Cuba

43. Juan Agriel

44. Yolanda Samaniego

45. Charlie Davis

46. Valrie Davis

47. Hidelsia Echemendia

48. Blesilda Dominguez

49. Yanetsy Pastrana

50. Onelia Canales

51. Juan Carlos Hernandez

52. Deputy Jayson Moorehead

53. Richard Acosta

54. Yurien Diaz

55. Melvin Culpepper

56. Angel Garcia

57. Dogoberto Barrios

58. Xavier Pringle

59. Lashelle Williams

60. Marjorie Hunton

61. Timothy Hunton

62. Officer Yandier Hernandez

63. Yoan Leon-Gonzalez

64. Danielle Trevino

65. Carlos Alberto Cura

66. Shay Harvey

67. Tony Green

68. Jessica Cifuentes

69. Eduardo Rodriguez

70. Juan Guellmes

71. Paris Rome

Florida's 26th Congressional District

72. Alfredo Hernandez-Siena, 18 months

73. Camell Williams-Thomas, 2

74. Eric ``E.J.'' Wright, 5

75. Amiere Castro, 7

76. Amberly Hernandez-Sierra, 8

77. Treasure Clark, 9

78. Makaih Smith, 10

79. Jamarie London, 11

80. Cornell Dunn, 12

81. Anthony Elison, 13

82. Darin ``Book'' Booker, 13

83. Cedrick Pemell, 13

84. Teddra King, 13

85. Lazara Retana,13

86. Jonathan Wells, 14

87. Jaquwaivyon Mattes, 14

88. Martwan Santiago, 14

89. Fabian McIntryre, 15

90. Kondrea Wilson, 16

91. Joe'eara Riley, 16

92. Jatavious Williams, 17

93. Corey ``CJ'' Johnson, 17

94. DeAndre Foster, 17

95. Jennavi Small, 18

96. Sergio Emanuel Franco, 18

97. Joshua Mosely, 18

98. Laquavius Hudson, 18

99. Christian Aguilar, 18

100. Robert Engleton, 18

101. Eddie Yoo, 18

102. Marlin Goodluck, 19

103. Kemorie Wallace, 19

104. Nuckeria ``Keria'' Hanis, 19

105. Dennis Collins, 20

106. Brittany Clay, 20

107. Kenneth Hubert, 20

108. Priscilla Macia, 21

109. Tabitha Jamison, 21

110. Grace Frazer, 22

111. Christian Martinez, 22

112. Raheem Shannon, 23

113. Anthony Sikora, 23

114. Sam Salehi, 24

115. Ashley Francois, 24

116. Ivan Filgueira, 26

117. Jermaine Lee, 26

118. Leon Dye, 26

119. Ahmed Jabado, 26

120. Takeisha Forbes, 26

121. TawaigPerpall, 27

122. U.S. Marine Guillermo Comme, 27

123. Nisleydis Sierra, 29

124. Deborah Ramos-Arce

125. David Fluitt

126. Alfred Alvarez

127. Johnny Eugene Brown

128. Takeeya ``KeKe'' Fulton

129. Wilfredo Siam

130. Juan Cruz

131. John Stevens

132. Manuel ``Manny'' Madruga

133. Steve Jones

134. Bassima Jabado

135. Larry Harshman

136. Lisette Iglesias

137. Pastor Paez

138. Alfredo Maestre

139. Josmel Herrera

140. Cedric Lyons

141. Rosseny Lustin

142. Renaldo ``Ziggy'' Clayton

143. Terrence Haynes

144. Enrique Gonzalez Alfonso

145. Jose Yero

146. Lorenzo Haynes

147. Gale Sikora, RN

148. Jorge Garcia-Ramirez

149. Santiago Garcia

150. Jesus Hernandez, Jr.

151. Lt. Gary King

152. Charles Whitaker

153. Rochelle Johnson

154. Raynier Miranda

155. William Selesnick

156. Kelvin Harris

157. Ryan Tolmos

158. Monroe County Sheriffs Deputy Josh Gordon

159. Isalia Hernandez

160. Sgt. Sydney Whitehouse

161. Gustavo Gutierrez-Escoria

162. Vladimie Jean-Gilles

Florida's 27th Congressional District

163. James Leake, 1

164. Ekari Fussell, 10

165. Damian Escovedo, 12

166. Christian Torres, 13

167. Albert Brooks, 13

168. Steven Odeus, 14

169. Alexander Rafael Sanchez, 16

170. Stanley Blanc, 16

171. William Pagan, 16

172. Richard Hallman, 16

173. Rahkeem Zabaleta Brown, 16

174. Tayvontae Robinson, 16

175. Juan Acosta, 17

176. Danny Alvarez, 17

177. Demetric McCall, 19

178. Emilio Perez, 19

179. Priscilla Torres, 19

180. Cariann Denise Hithon, 23

181. Luis L. Herrera Kindelan

182. Francisco Martinez Jr.

183. Kamil Patel

184. Thomas Brendecke

185. Juan Garcia

186. Andres Marquez, Jr.

187. Daniel Adames

188. John Spaulding

189. Lester Machado

190. Ragelio Castro

191. Robert Young

192. Ryan Rice

193. Marcarrous Clark

194. Jose Rivero

195. Daniel Adames

196. John Spaulding

197. Ladarian Tyrell Phillips

198. Jeffery Alexander

199. Madlin Guardado

200. Yenat Guardado

201. Jose Reina

202. Mario Hortis

203. Janine Ackerman

204. Abeku Wilson

205. Jose Manuel Reyes

206. Ricardo Soler Reyes

207. Markeith Nickles

208. Terrance Carter

209. Lavon Walker

210. Michael Tito Lorenzo

211. Katrina Padgett

212. Sophia Cheeks

213. Joe Louis Padgett

214. Tania Adams

215. Alfonso Rafael Sr.

216. Alfonso Rafael Jr.

217. Margery Glickman

218. Thebaldo Tanes

219. Marcia Vazquez

220. Robetio Calixto Gomez

221. Lourdes Martinez-Rodriguez

222. Rafael Baster Sanchez

223. Bryan Gomez

224. Francisco Castro

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because Americans continue to die from gun violence while this Congress does nothing to stop it.

As my colleagues head out the door for their summer vacations, thousands of American families will never again experience a vacation with a loved ones because of gun violence.

As my colleagues leave town to enjoy summertime picnics, thousands of American families will never again experience a summer with their loved ones lost to gun violence.

As my colleagues enjoy the August recess with their family and friends, more Americans will lose family and friends to gun violence because this Congress failed to act.

I include in the Record the names of many Americans that this Republican-controlled Congress has failed.

Victims of Gun Violence in America--Americans Failed by a Congress too

Beholden to the NRA To Act

1. Dove Lindsey, 1,

2. Abigail Buckley, 1,

3. Kamaya Lloyd, 1,

4. Jace Alexander, 2,

5. Laila Johnson, 2,

6. Paxton Edwards, 3,

7. Brinley Edwards, 4,

8. Ky'Marley Harrington, 4,

9. Jacob Edwards, 6,

10. Aidan Lindsey, 6,

11. Taylor Hayes, 7,

12. Jennifer Trejo, 9,

13. Makiyah Wilson, 10,

14. Lillia Pluth, 10,

15. Irayan Pluth, 11,

16. Vaughn Bigelow, 13,

17. Demonte Walker, 15,

18. Tyrelle Bowyer, 15,

19. Jeremiah Stewart, 16,

20. Khambrel Manning, 16,

21. Judy Wilson, 17,

22. Tranard Gray, 17,

23. Antwon Rose, 17,

24. Shakerria King, 17,

25. Captain David Rosa,

26. Olasunkanmi Esho,

27. Bourk Esho,

28. Olivia Esho,

29. Michelle Krek,

30. Michelle Krek's unborn child,

31. Dr. Mark Hausknecht,

32. Tavish Harris,

33. Jorge Colon,

34. Firefighter Emesto Torres,

35. U.S. Capitol Police Detective John Gibson,

36. U.S. Capitol Police Officer Jacob J. Chestnut,

37. Tremel Thomas, 22,

38. Officer Dave Smith,

39. Quentaun G. McClinton,

40. Tim Reddington, 24,

41. Deantate Neshonellitt LeJohn,

42. Temisha Collier,

43. Renee Isadore,

44. Antone Davis,

45. Ryan Hatchett,

46. Mary Elizabeth Madison,

47. Lavonne Wilson,

48. Melyda Corado,

49. Naader Rizk,

50. James C. Lewis, Sr.,

51. Sherman Williams,

52. Spc. Austin James Sampson,

53. Robert Garcia,

54. Sergio Sanchez,

55. Rachel Dann,

56. Stephanie Curtis,

57. Janet Cook

58. Andre Charleston,

59. Avery Birthrong, 25,

60. Brandon Edward Bittner,

61. Cynthia Stack,

62. Elsie Berrios,

63. Reginald Sweet, 23,

64. Jose Lugo,

65. Shevaun, 80,

66. Christopher Goudeau, 23,

67. Dakota Ryan Bailey, 20,

68. Caleb Bowman, 18,

69. Michael W. Johnson,

70. Lisa Blankenship,

71. Christian Broder,

72. Chad Merrill, 25,

73. Angela Green,

74. Officer Bronson K. Kalila,

75. Jacob Stough,

76. Michael ``Thumbs Up Mike'' Gentry,

77. Curtis Lee Wadkins,

78. Edward Sean Aiken,

79. Laurie Suzann Colon,

80. Naiasalyn Brown, 18,

81. Brittany D. May,

82. Emesto Aybar,

83. Joseph Jehonathan Gill,

84. Jessica Finster, 20,

85. Shawn J. Manymules,

86. Devonte Ortiz, 19,

87. Clifton M. Leager,

88. Filip Kirilov,

89. Stephanie Davis,

90. Brandon Irlmeier, 20,

91. Dwayne Grimes, 19,

92. Sage Chebere,

93. Jamie Scott Barron,

94. Debora Huerta,

95. Derrick Dent,

96. Joshua Benson,

97. Aristeo Pena-Robles,

98. Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui,

99. Firefighter Charles ``Bert'' Miller,

100. Matthew Edwards,

101. Julie Burton Edwards,

102. Parish McKenzie, 21,

103. Jahseh ``XXXTentacion'' Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy,

California's 49th District

104. Alonso Canseco,

105. Steven Hernandez,

106. Jose Jimenez,

107. Erik Ramsey,

108. Alfredo Astorga,

109. Della Astorga,

110. Bemaldo Ramires,

111. Ines Villa,

112. Travis Whitt,

113. Kimberley Williams,

114. Richard Contreras,

115. Joel Bishop,

116. Tyler Branon, 22,

117. Dr. Weidong Henry Han,

118. Huijie Yu,

119. Emily ``Jennie'' Han, 5,

120. Timothy Harris,

121. Jordan Luis,

122. Kirsten Jelinski,

123. John Patrick Dillard,

124. Cynthia Jean Rosier Dillard,

125. Andra Sachs,

126. Brad Sachs,

127. Gregory Mulvihill,

Illinois' 12th District

128. Shemita Lowery,

129. Bruce Henley Jr.,

130. Aaron D. Prayer,

131. Jennaine C. Ingram,

132. Elijah S. Ingram,

133. Derrick J. Vaughn,

134. Derrick D. Garner,

135. Roosevelt Davis Jr.,

136. Demarco Bush,

137. Roosevelt Davis,

138. Verree I. Pomerlee,

139. Marcus Glass,

140. Thomas I. Stines,

141. David M. Stines,

142. Keirson D. Coleman,

143. Brandon L. Brooks,

144. Cole Wierciszewski, 18,

145. Timiji Jackson,

146. Wilma Louise Aaron,

147. Billie Gene Aaron,

148. Graziano Baker,

149. Catherine Jackson,

150. Anqwan ``Quan'' Palmer, 16,

151. Javon Gibson,

152. Akeem Haynes,

153. Johnny Lovett,

154. Kaylen A. Everson,

155. Evan Koegler, 18,

156. Robeti L. Gilmore,

157. Kerwin Williams,

158. Tony Johnson,

159. Quiantez Fair,

160. Edwin D. Cook,

161. Moeshia January,

162. Larry Hardy Jr.,

163. Kentrez T. Williams,

164. Burl Ritcheson,

165. Clemente ``Harry'' Morales,

166. Brenda Ritcheson,

167. Teon L. Slaughter,

168. Phillip Smith,

169. Deontavian Wilson,

170. Diondre D. Shanklin,

171. Carlos Johnson,

172. Martavion King, 18,

173. Matthew Reed,

174. Darren Henderson,

175. Michael A. Lee,

176. Deveion Edwards,

177. Kyle Keith Savant,

178. Derrance G. Taylor,

179. Edrick Wicks,

180. M'RQuan Jefferson, 19,

181. Andre D. Chapman,

182. Wilbert Hall Jr.,

183. JaVon T. Trott,

184. Joseph Henagan,

185. Gregory Bryon Kinser,

186. Toni Ladd,

187. Mario A. King,

188. Deandray Jackson,

189. Jonathan Cobble,

190. Portia Adams,

191. Kiron I. Carter,

192. Kyle Watson,

193. Traveon Hunter,

194. Beth Pheasant,

195. Detrick Rogers,

196. Kevin D. Johnson,

197. DeAndre M. Davidson,

198. Jamell Bridges,

199. Timothy Holcomb,

200. Anthony Pannell Jr.,

201. Amber Bieser,

202. Amber Bieser's unborn child,

203. Jessie Jamison,

204. DeAnthony Dillard,

205. Asante McCoy,

206. National Guardsman Quincy Ware,

207. Roderick D. Williams,

208. James A. Moore,

209. Lamondo Brown,

210. Jarrett Richardson,

211. Brandi Hill,

212. Morris P. Mason,

213. Preston Jermaine ``P.J.'' Rockett,

214. John E. Middlebrook,

215. Leroy Short, 19,

216. Tim Beaty,

217. Johnnie Brim, 16,

218. Romell Jones, 11,

219. DeAngelo Oliver,

220. David Stockstill Jr.,

221. Kelvin Buntyn,

222. Ralph Collier,

223. Roderick Taylor,

224. Salahudin Malik Robbins,

225. Xavier Mosley,

226. Jermion D. Conley,

227. Nicholas Hood,

228. Ronald W. Martin,

229. Caseyville Sgt. Scott Miller,

230. Mitchell Coleman Jr.,

231. Cortez Pickett,

232. Keon Ivory,

233. Toni Hannon,

234. John Hannon,

235. James Hubbard,

236. Sherrain House,

237. Ray Adams,

238. H. Matthew Wilder

239. Edward R. Sholar Sr.,

240. Latayia Johnson, 19,

241. Kenneth Easley,

242. Christopher Nelson,

243. Anton Daniels, 16,

244. Jerray Jackson,

245. Josh Young,

246. Glen Campbell,

247. Broderick Miller,

248. Samantha Holmes,

249. Micheal Reed,

250. Marques Stewart,

251. Keon Logan,

252. Fredrick Purnell, 19,

253. Amy Smith Blaise,

254. Daniel Blaise,

255. Calvin L. Tally,

256. Myron Jordan, 16,

257. Sheila Ann Marie Hodges,

258. Jeffrey Harris,

259. Robert Okraj,

260. DeAndre L. Bell,

261. Joshua Custer,

262. Kirk Anthony,

263. Lisa K. Uzzle,

264. Melvin L. Hayes,

265. Eugene Coleman,

266. Marcus Harris,

267. Malik Garrett, 16,

268. Charles Harper,

269. Vernon K. Haynes,

270. Kenneth Deal,

271. Travis Mayes,

272. Herman S. Stewart, Jr.,

273. Joyce Boxx,

274. Joseph Griggs,

275. Leon Lucas Jr.,

276. Jared Blackmon,

277. Derundrae Smith III, 19,

278. Darrin Hayes II,

279. Demetrius C. Lucas,

280. Jarad L. Daughtrey,

281. Anthony D. Shelton,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental health challenges do not discriminate. They affect Americans of all ages, races, backgrounds, and genders. It doesn't matter if you are from a blue State, a red State, or a swing State. Mental illness is in your community. It affects your family and exists in your friend group and with your coworkers.

Tragically, while mental health challenges impact so many people across the board, too many never see or get treatment because of the stigma associated with mental healthcare. It shames them into silence.

So it is fitting that this year's theme is ``CureStigma.'' While stigma keeps far too many from seeking and receiving the care that they need, the silence of stigma plagues African American populations and other ethnic groups.

It is a sad and staggering statistic that African Americans are 20 percent more likely to report serious psychological distress than their White counterparts but just 25 percent will seek care. There is a tragic inequity in that figure, given that 40 percent of their White counterparts will seek care.

Is this a matter of stigma? Of access to care, culturally competent care, and associated resources? Or perhaps a combination of them all.

Mr. Speaker, it is past time that we tackle the stigma associated with mental health that keeps too many trapped without hope, recourse, or recovery.

As for access to care, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance plans are required to cover mental health services, just as they would cover cancer screenings and tetanus shots. Still, this administration, either through cruelty or willful ignorance, has actively attacked the mental health requirement and sought to push bad or, as I call them, junk insurance plans that neglect mental health services.

We must do better. Congress must be better. Too many, especially in vulnerable populations, are still in desperate need of this care.

That is why I am proud to be cosponsoring the Mental Health in Schools Act offered by my good friend, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. This bill will provide comprehensive mental health programs to students in schools, with a special focus on dealing with trauma and violence. Congress can make a world of difference today, if we pass this bill.

I am also proud to be cosponsoring the Veterans Mental Health Accessibility Act introduced by my colleague from Pennsylvania, Congressman Matt Cartwright. His bill would make veterans who serve in combat zones eligible for more mental health services through the VA.

This is really commonsense legislation. With more than 20 of our brave veterans committing suicide daily, it is of critical importance that we pass this bill.

In closing, I want to remind everyone, my colleagues, and those watching at home on C-SPAN that mental health is something that we can all work on. Simple, small, everyday things can make a huge difference. Here is my personal top five.

First, take care of your body. It is all connected. Even a little bit of exercise or even a little more sleep can improve mood, reduce stress, and improve your health all around.

Second, find a stress management strategy that works for you. For some, it is reading or running, while for others, it is coffee with friends or takeout and a movie. Do whatever works for you.

Third, surround yourself with good people, be it family, friends, or someone you can trust in your community.

Fourth, volunteerism is a great way to get out of your own head and give back to your community. It is good for you and great for your community.

Finally, if you or someone you love needs help, please get it. Don't let stigma hold you back.

Mr. Speaker, as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, let's cure stigma.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today yet again because Congress continues to do nothing as Americans die from the scourge of gun violence.

It is just over 2 years from the tragedy at Pulse nightclub that claimed 49 lives and changed hundreds of lives forward; 1 year since mass shootings in Baltimore, Maryland, and University City, Missouri, that claimed 2 lives and wounded 6 others; nearly 1 year since the Republican majority whip was shot just a few miles from here preparing for the annual Congressional Baseball Game; and I will add, this past weekend, 9 more wounded in Chicago and over 30 shot.

Mr. Speaker, what are we doing? How can we let this continue?

We have school shootings almost weekly. People are dying in their homes, in movie theaters, and in city parks; yet this House, this Republican majority, does nothing.

How much longer will we allow our children and loved ones to be terrorized before we take action?

Mr. Speaker, here are the names of some of the Americans that this House, this Republican majority, have failed:

Patricia Carney;

Jimmie Caruthers;

Kriemhild Davis;

Lieutenant Colonel Steven Dody;

Al Gratia;

Ursula Gratia;

Debra Gray;

Dr. Michael Griffith;

Venice Henehan;

Clodine Humphrey;

Sylvia King;

Zona Lynn;

Connie Peterson;

Ruth Pujol;

Su-Zann Rashott;

John Romero, Jr.;

Thomas Simmons;

Glen Arval Spivey;

Nancy Stansbury;

Olgica Taylor;

James Welsh;

Lula Welsh;

Juanita Williams;

Meredith Hight;

Anthony Cross;

Olivia Deffner;

James Dunlop;

Darryl Hawkins;

Rion Morgan;

Myah Bass;

Caleb Edwards;

Cassie Bernall;

Steven Curnow;

Corey DePooter;

Kelly Fleming;

Matthew Ketcher;

Daniel Mauser;

Daniel Rohrbough;

William David Sanders;

Rachel Scott;

Isaiah Shoels;

John Robert Tomlin;

Lauren Townsend;

Kyle Velasquez;

Lieutenant Brian Murphy;

Madison Finch;

Claire Van Landingham;

Samuel Rosales;

Lonnie Hutcherson;

Trennis Milam;

Lonnie Rucker;

Lazerrek T. Ellis;

Deshawn D. James;

Joseph Graves;

Brianna Jenkins;

Ciara Philumalee;

Ky'yon Evans;

Davion Funches;

Eric Garth;

Ben Wilson;

Gloria McKie;

Catherine Cole;

Melinda Estes Glenn;

Dawn E. Hearn;

Sandra K. Posey;

Davetta Roseboro;

Barbara Grate;

Joan Simon;

Rhonda Fleming;

Connie Waldrop;

Nicole S. Thorpe;

Novena Mathis;

Cody B. Oller;

Cory Lee Channon;

Anthony Reed;

Antoinette Heyward;

Mary Kathleen Ard;

Courtney Taylor;

Kim Sophia Sanders;

Leticia Shivers Brown.

Mr. Speaker, I include the names of 250 additional gun violence victims into the Congressional Record. These are the names of 250 Americans this Congress has failed:

Parkland Shooting Victims (34)

Alyssa Alhadeff; Scott Beigel; Martin Duque; Nicholas

Dworet; Aaron Feis; Jaime Guttenberg; Chris Hixon; Luke

Hoyer; Cara Loughran; Gina Montalto; Joaquin Oliver; Alaina

Petty; Meadow Pollack; Helena Ramsay; Alex Schachter; Carmen

Schentrup; Peter Wang.

Samantha Fuentes; Daniela Menescal; Alexander Dworet;

Isabel Chequer; Stacey Lynn Lippel; Madeleine Wilford;

Anthony Borges; Kyle Laman; Samantha Grady; Ashley Baez;

Justin Colton; Marian Kabachenko; Kheshava Managapuram;

Samantha Mayor; William Olson; Genesis Valentin; Benjamin

Wikander.

Santa Fe High School Shooting (10)

Jared Conard Black; Shana Fisher; Christian Riley Garcia;

Aaron Kyle McLeod; Glenda Anne Perkins; Angelique Ramirez;

Sabika Sheikh; Christopher Stone; Cynthia Tisdale; Kimberly

Vaughan.

Sandy Hook Shooting Victims (27)

Charlotte Bacon; Daniel Barden; Rachel Davino; Olivia

Engel; Josephine Gay; Ana M. Marquez-Greene; Dylan Hockley;

Dawn Hochsprung; Madeleine F. Hsu; Catherine V. Hubbard;

Chase Kowalski; Jesse Lewis; James Mattioli; Grace McDonnell;

Anne Marie Murphy; Emilie Parker; Jack Pinto; Noah Pozner;

Caroline Previdi; Jessica Rekos; Avielle Richman; Lauren

Rousseau; Mary Sherlach; Victoria Soto; Benjamin Wheeler;

Allison N. Wyatt; Nancy Lanza.

Chicago Young Gun Violence Victims 2018 (15)

Malaysia Woodard; Damarcus Wilson; Larenzo Smith; Mateo

Nathan Aguayo; Jose Aguilar; Joseph Smith; Jaheim Wilson;

Martin Duncan; Jazmyne Jeter; David Thomas; Jechon Anderson;

Demariah Bridges; Arrie Pitts; Enija Moore; Makayla Evans.

Chicago Young Victims (50)

Malik Mcneese; Diabolique Anderson; Bruce Owens; Willie

Woodus; Clavonte Eubanks; Kanari Gentry-Bowers; Takiya

Holmes; Lavontay White Jr.; Laquan Allen; Darmayah Smith;

Alexis Stubbs; Corey Hill; Jacquez Mack; Daishawn Moore;

Alandis Allison; Rayshon D. Price Jr.; Jesus Escobar; Xavier

Soto; Kahari Stovall; Diego Villada; Demonis Johnson; Julio

Cesar Garcia-Lara; Mishawn Green; Jazebel Aleman; Jaquarius

Davis.

Deshawn Martin; Jose Mendoza; Gustavo Garcia; Alex

Gonzales; Hector Lopez Trevino; Dwayne Franklin; Keziah

Shealy; Asante Glover; Daishawn Moore; Dakayla Hart; Theotis

Luckett; Elijah Johnson; Alexander Gonzales; Lan'Phoray

Morris; Tyree Wise; Charlie Lawrence; Eshunte Mayfield;

Jeyson Gonzalez; Michael D. Hickingbottom; Melvin James Jr.;

Antwon Green; Kejuan Thomas; Damien Santoyo; Brian Jasso;

Clavont Eubanks.

VA Tech Shooting (32)

Ross Abdallah Alameddine; Brian Bluhm; Austin Cloyd; Kevin

Granata; Caitlin Hammaren; Christopher James Bishop; Ryan

Clark; Jocelyne Couture Nowak; Matthew G. Gwaltney; Jeremy

Herbstritt; Rachel Elizabeth Hill; Emily Hilscher; Jarrett

Lane; Matthew J. La Porte; Henry Lee; Liviu Librescu.

G.V. Loganathan; Partahi Lumbantoruan; Lauren McCain;

Daniel O'Neil; Juan Ramon Ortiz; Minal Panchal; Erin

Peterson; Daniel Perez Cueva; Mike Pohle; Julia Pryde; Mary

Read; Reema Samaha; Waleed Shaalan; Leslie Sherman; Maxine

Turner; Nicole White.

Aurora Movie Theater Shooting in Colorado (82)

Jessica N. Ghawi; Micayla C. Medek; John T. Larimer; Alex

M. Sullivan; Alexander J. Boik; Gordon W. Cowden; Alexander

C. Teves; Matthew R. McQuinn; Jonathan T. Blunk; Jesse E.

Childress; Rebecca Ann Wingo; Veronica Moser-Sullivan; Petra

Anderson; Adan Avila; Jennifer Avila-Arredondo; Brandon

Axelrod; Kaylin Bailey; Stephen Barton; Toni Billapando;

Christina Blache.

Kelly Bowen; Jarrell Brooks; Maria Carbonell; Alejandra

Cardona-; Shirley Clark; Corbin Dates; Kirstin Davis; Lauren

Ellis; Craig Enlund; Alex Espinoza; Evan Farris; Jacqueline

Fry; Nickelas Gallup; Yousef Gharbi; Zackary Golditch;

Munirah Gravelly; Eugene Han; Gage Hankins; Hailee Hensley;

Amanda Hernandez-Menije.

Mckayla Hicks; Richelle Hill; Nathan Juranek; Jasmine

Kennedy; Marcus Kizzar; Patricia Legarreta; Kelly Lewis;

Brenton Lowak; Ryan Lumba; Caleb Medley; Katie Medley;

Anggiat Mora; Evan Morrison; Ashley Moser; Stefan Moton;

Victor Nava; Joshua Nowlan; Pierce O'Farrill; Prodeo Patria;

Rita Polina.

Caitlin Peddicord; Bonnie Pourciau; Christopher Rapoza;

Carli Richards; Ethan Rohrs; Jamie Rohrs; Dion Roseborough;

Carey Rottman; Lucas Smith; Heather Snyder; Farrah Soudani;

Catherine Streib; Daybra Thomas-Kizzar; Jamison Toews; Denise

Traynom-Axelrod; Marcus Weaver; Michael White, Jr.; David

Williams; Alleen Young; Jansen Young; Samantha Yowler.

It is sad that it took me too little time to find the names of 250 Americans killed by gun violence, sad because we could save lives but refuse to do so. We could save other families from enduring this trauma and pain if the majority could find the courage to put American lives before NRA checks and Big Gun lobbies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Pride Month.

For generations and across industries, LGBTQ Americans have directly contributed to America's greatness. Chicagoland is home to many of these leaders, like Carol A. Johnson, a union and HIV activist; Kim Hunt, a policy expert; the late Vernita Gray, a community activist; business leaders like Fred Eychaner and Tracy Baim.

In the last few years, we have made remarkable progress towards equality. On June 26, we will celebrate the fifth anniversary of marriage equality for all Americans, yet much work still remains.

Trans Americans are still too often the victims of violence, harassment, and exploitation. Too many struggling with who they are or whom they love resort to self-harm and suicide. And, sadly, we have a man in the White House who is unwilling to recognize June as Pride Month.

Despite these challenges, LGBTQ Americans and their family, including me, stand as united as ever, and we will keep pushing until real, true, and lasting equality isn't just encoded in law but encoded in our hearts.

Happy Pride.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Congresswoman Clarke leading this gun violence session. I will tell her, it is sickening to me that I am here again. I cannot believe I have been here 5 years and we have not brought one gun violence prevention piece of legislation to the floor.

There is legislation that a variety of people want to bring to the floor, but for some apparent reason, Speaker Ryan and Speaker Boehner before him, I guess they don't care enough about our kids dying not only in schools, not only in mass shootings, but dying in the streets of various cities in our Nation. It is absolutely ridiculous.

American children are being massacred. They are being massacred in city parks and in classrooms, at movie theaters, concerts, and even in their car seats, because of this Congress's criminal--that is what I said, criminal--inaction on gun violence.

Last week, instead of debating broadly supported legislation to ensure a background check on every gun sale, we spent hours debating a deeply flawed farm bill that would take food out of the mouths of hungry American children.

I don't think we care about children in this Congress, at least my colleagues on the other side. This disaster of a farm bill failed because it didn't meet the needs of American farmers and families, just like we are failing to meet the needs of American families on gun safety.

Mr. Speaker, couldn't we have better spent our time debating and advancing a bill to save lives? Shouldn't we be more interested in protecting the lives of American children?

Instead of working to take food away from hungry children, perhaps we should work to take guns away from dangerous individuals.

Mr. Speaker, I wish I could say last week's events in Santa Fe, Texas, were unusual. I wish I would say this never happens, that it that was unusual or a freak accident. But that is not true. In fact, one of the young ladies said she was not surprised. It has been happening all over and she knew it would come to her school. That is an absolute shame that that young lady said that.

I wish I could say that about Palmdale, California, or Mobile Alabama; Parkland, Florida, or Raytown, Missouri. But I can't and I won't because, again, it is not true.

School shootings are no longer unusual, no longer shocking. They happen nearly every week in our Nation. It is only May 21 and we have already had 22 school shootings this year. Twenty-two school shootings in a matter of 5 months. Yet, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle see no problem with this.

The GOP offers thoughts and prayers, but nothing in the order of solutions or actions. Do you hear what the people are saying?

They don't want any more thoughts and prayers. They shun TV and radio interviews about this crisis, while mothers and fathers cry themselves asleep in an empty house. They speak about investing in mental health and expanding school security, while people who should never have guns walk into gun shows and walk out with the latest in military-grade weapons.

They produce a budget that really takes away from mental health.

We are better than that and the American people certainly deserve better than that. Every single day, Mr. Speaker, there is a mother burying her child because of gun violence. Every single day, dreams of college, a career, and a family get packed into tiny pine boxes because of House Republicans' gross negligence and inaction.

One thing is crystal clear: While the House majority may not have pulled the trigger, it is a blind embrace of inaction that makes it just as guilty--guilty for the murder of Bailey Holt, 15, in Benton, Kentucky; guilty for the murder of Jaelynn Willey, 16, in Lexington Park, Maryland; and guilty for the murder of Martin Duncan, 16, of Chicago, Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, you have heard us say it over and over: How many more? When is enough enough? How much more guilt will you bear? How many more times will we hold moments of silence with no follow-through on action?

When will this Congress have a fraction of the courage that Scott Beigel showed at Parkland? When will House Republicans follow the example of Victoria Leigh Soto in Newtown and actually protect kids' lives? When will Speaker Ryan show the slightest bit of courage that Aaron Feis had?

Instead of finding the courage to act, this House, this Speaker, the majority have stood on the sidelines while kids die, and all because of those big, fat NRA checks and because they don't have the courage. That is disgusting and it is wrong.

As we look to assign responsibility for these mass shootings, as we ask ourselves: Why all the violence? Where did it come from? As we ask ourselves: Why does this keep happening? We need to look no further than Longworth 1233, Speaker Ryan's office, for the responsibility of inaction, the responsibility of omission, and the responsibility of being too beholden to the NRA to save lives, instead of beholden to the people of this country, to the mothers and fathers who have lost their kids, to the future kids going to school.

When will it end?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about something critical to each and every person in the House and the millions of Americans whom we represent: our health.

It is no secret that the Affordable Care Act was an important start toward increasing access to care and addressing long-lingering health disparities that plague our communities. Thanks to the ACA, millions of Americans have access to quality, affordable healthcare, many for the first time. The impacts have been positive across the country, but especially in the African American community, where the uninsured rate has been cut in half.

Mr. Speaker, this is remarkable progress, but we still have a long way to go. Globally, the U.S. ranks 24th in healthcare. Let me say that again. We, the United States, the richest country in the history of the world, ranks 24th when it comes to healthcare. Nations like Slovenia, Antigua, and Barbuda outrank us. Mr. Speaker, that is outrageous. We can and must do better.

One area we desperately need to do better in is mental health. One in five Americans--that is more than 40 million of us--suffer from a mental health condition. Thankfully, the Affordable Care Act mandated, for the first time, that mental health services be included in coverage.

But stigma and a persistent lack of access to care continue to prevent many from seeking and receiving treatment. It is estimated that more than half of those struggling with a mental health condition cannot, or do not, receive the care that they need.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to challenge my colleagues to join efforts to end stigma and bring these issues out into the open: join a rally, send a tweet on available services in your district, or host a roundtable with veterans who are struggling.

Do something, anything, to help deconstruct the stigma.

If every Member of this House did something, that is more than 440 moments to help tear down this stigma that keeps too many struggling without care.

This month, May, is also Lupus Awareness Month. Despite affecting more than 1.5 million Americans, lupus is poorly understood and often overlooked even by medical professionals.

It is estimated that a patient with lupus will go 6 years before they finally receive an accurate diagnosis.

More than 90 percent of those living with lupus are women, and a disproportionate number are people of color. In fact, African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans are as much as three times more likely to be diagnosed with lupus than White Americans.

I hope that this House will mark May and Lupus Awareness Month by recommitting research, improved awareness, and increased access to care to support the 1.5 million Americans living with lupus.

This month, I also want to draw attention to the fact that more than 75 million of us suffer from high blood pressure.

Tragically, more than half--or 38 million--of us do not have this condition under control, leading to worsening complications, including heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in this country.

High blood pressure is often called the silent killer, and I know that nearly every one of us in this House has a story of losing a friend or loved one to stroke or a heart attack.

Again, as with nearly every disease, African Americans are disproportionately impacted. In fact, more than 40 percent of African American women and men have high blood pressure.

Our community often tends to develop this disorder earlier and experience it more severely than our White counterparts.

So this month I challenge everyone to ``embrace the squeeze'' and get your blood pressure checked. Knowing is half the battle, and it can save your life.

We have a chance for Congress to tackle these issues head-on.

Next week, my dear friend, mentor, and colleague, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, will introduce the Health Equity and Accountability Act, also known as the HEAA bill.

This bill, that I have personally had the honor of introducing last Congress, takes a comprehensive look at where we need to address Americans' health disparities crisis.

I hope that all Members will take a careful look at this important bill and join us as cosponsors.

While many of these health disparities have existed for years, they don't need to persist. We can address them, we can solve problems, so let's get to it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Reverend Andrew D. Singleton, Jr., pastor of Victory Apostolic Church in my hometown of Matteson, Illinois, as today's guest chaplain.

For more than 20 years, Pastor Singleton has been a powerful and positive force in our community working to improve the lives and futures of our neighbors while tending to their spiritual needs.

Pastor Singleton has a unique gift of communicating a message of faith, justice, and equality across generations. I could not be prouder to welcome him and his inspirational voice to Capitol Hill, especially at this critical time for our Nation.

I hope his words serve as an example and challenge to this Congress to redouble our efforts to uplift and empower families and communities.

Thank you, Pastor Singleton, for joining us and leading us in prayer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust to commemorate National Minority Health Month and to challenge Congress to take bold action to end health disparities that continue to plague our communities.

Mr. Speaker, it is a sad fact that in America your race, class, and ZIP Code very much determine how long you will live and how healthy you will be; whether you will die of a heart attack in your forties or develop type 2 diabetes and lose a limb.

These three factors speak volumes about your life and health. That is just wrong, and it is up to us to change that.

From cradle to grave, and at every stage in between, people of color, low-income people, rural Americans, Native Americans, and first- generation Americans are sicker, receive less care, have less access to care, and, tragically, die sooner.

In 2010, we took a major leap forward with the passage of the Affordable Care Act. This law has started to reduce these disparities by increasing access to care, ensuring mental healthcare, expanding research, and creating a

pipeline of doctors and medical professionals from underrepresented communities.

A major result of the ACA has been to cut the excessive risk of cancer death in half for African-American men. The same risk factor for Black women was reduced by seven points, according to the American Cancer Society's 2017 report.

They clearly state: ``Increasing access to care as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may contribute to a further narrowing of the racial gap across all population groups.''

However, the ACA is not just fighting cancer. It is improving other aspects of care and increasing access to care.

While the Affordable Care Act has made major strides, disparities remain deeply entrenched in our society and our healthcare system today.

Today, I would like to talk about several of them. The first and most entrenched is access to care. Far too often, the sickest among our neighbors are those with the least access to the care they need. They cannot see a provider because they can't afford it, can't get the time off work, can't find transportation; or there is simply no care available in their community.

Let's work together to make sure that everyone can get the care they need, no matter where they live, whether in a city, the suburbs, or on a farm.

This Minority Health Month, we must also address the challenge of mental health being stigmatized in communities of color.

We know that African Americans are 20 percent more likely to report serious psychological distress than their White counterparts, but just 25 percent will seek care, compared to 40 percent of White Americans.

Thankfully, there are some great organizations, like New York City's First Lady Chirlane McCray's Cities Thrive Coalition, working to deconstruct the stigma and improve access to care, but much work remains.

Just like with mental health, another health subset, maternal health, shows stark differences between different demographic groups.

Mr. Speaker, it is a shame and a tragedy that America is the only developed nation where women die from childbirth now more than they did in the recent past.

Despite technology and innovation, it is becoming more dangerous to have a child, especially for women of color. Growing your family shouldn't mean putting your life on the line.

In the coming weeks, I will be introducing comprehensive legislation to start pushing these numbers down.

Another public health crisis that affects some groups more than others is the issue of gun violence.

Last month, hundreds of thousands of young people and supporters came to Washington, D.C., to challenge Congress to act and save lives. Millions more marched in their own cities with the same message.

Like all public health issues, people of color, women, and rural Americans are far more impacted by gun violence. In fact, it remains the leading cause of death for African-American men from birth to 44.

We are also tragically seeing spikes in rural and veteran suicides by guns, another public health issue that this House has ignored.

Despite these calls for action and the cold, hard facts, this House has yet to act to save lives.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I just spoke extensively about many problems and challenges facing the health of Americans, but I want to close by highlighting some recent successes to end health disparities.

First, this February, this House passed my Action for Dental Health Act, a bill that will better target existing resources to more effectively deliver oral and dental healthcare to underserved communities and populations.

And finally, I want to praise the new leaders in the medical, research, and advocacy professions who are working to end these deeply entrenched disparities.

Next week, I will honor the National Minority Quality Forum's 40 Under 40, young leaders in the healthcare field who are working to support and empower minority communities to live longer, healthier lives.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to challenge this House to follow the example of these young people and come together to improve the health of all Americans, especially those who have been forgotten for far too long.

Mr. Speaker, as February's National Children's Dental Health Month draws to a close, I thank Chairman Walden and Ranking Member Pallone for their leadership in making sure that this bill came to the floor today.

It has been a tremendous honor to work with my colleague, Mr. Simpson from Idaho, in moving this legislation that I am intensely passionate about--the Action for Dental Health Act.

I want to acknowledge that, while Members of this Chamber may not always see eye-to-eye on matters of health policy, I am proud that my colleagues were able to work together in a constructive, compassionate, and considerate way to address the critical public health matter of improving oral health in America.

Mr. Speaker, all Americans deserve a healthy smile; but, sadly, each year, tens of millions of Americans forego needed oral healthcare due to poverty, fear, language or cultural barriers, or the simple fact that there isn't a dentist in the area in which they live.

We know that regular visits to a dentist can do more than keep your smile attractive. They can tell a whole lot about your overall health, including whether or not you may be developing a disease like diabetes, or if you are at risk for a stroke.

Fifty million Americans live in places with limited access to dental care, and economically vulnerable adults are almost twice as likely to have had no dental care in the previous year than Americans in middle- and upper-income brackets.

Dental problems are a leading problem of school absences for kids and missed work for parents. Oral health has a direct relationship with school performance. Kids who reported having recent tooth pain were four times more likely to have a low grade point average--below the median GPA of 2.8--when compared to children without oral pain, according to a study by the Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California

My bill improves oral health for Americans by breaking down barriers to care. It allows organizations to qualify for oral health grants to support activities that improve oral health education and dental disease prevention.

This includes developing and expanding outreach programs that will facilitate establishing dental homes for children and adults, including the elderly, blind, and disabled.

The Action for Dental Health Act has received the endorsement of the American Dental Association, the National Dental Association, the American Dental Education Association, and a bipartisan coalition of our congressional colleagues.

On a final note, I would like to thank the staff of the Energy and Commerce Committee; Mia Keeys on my staff; Jamie McNeil with Congressman Simpson; and also Dr. Cheryl Watson-Lowry, who came to testify on behalf of the bill, in working together to help shepherd the bill before us today.

I am a true believer in the power of order and bipartisanship in making a difference in the lives of the families we represent. The process of working with you all in advancing this bill has truly strengthened my belief in that power.