Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and celebrate the service of Sally Chen, a truly remarkable staffer who is leaving the New Democrat Coalition following two years of service.

As the New Democrat Coalition Vice Chair of Member Services, I've had the pleasure of working alongside Sally and seeing firsthand her outstanding work ethic and steadfast commitment to public service. From bolstering our offices' franking programs to organizing trainings for legislative staff, Sally's thorough understanding of all things New Democrat Coalition has greatly contributed to the strength

and success of our 98 Member offices--including my own.

On a personal note, Sally's sense of humor, warm personality, and team-oriented attitude have endeared her to us all, making her not just a respected coworker, but a treasured part of our New Democrat Coalition family.

Though we're sad to see Sally go, I'm excited to see what she accomplishes in her new role in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, I wish Sally all the best and look forward to witnessing the tremendous impacts she'll make in her career.

Mr. Speaker, May is Mental Health Month. When we think about health in general, we normally think of physical bodies. When someone is hurt, we can often tell. I did mixed martial arts and I know a little thing or two about physical hurt.

The thing is, we can't always tell when someone in our lives is struggling internally. Mental and emotional health is health, especially after the difficult and isolating years of the pandemic, and it is absolutely critical that we treat it as such.

This month and every month, I encourage folks to check in on your families, neighbors, and friends. I know I am going to do the same. If you or someone you know needs help, we have some amazing local organizations in Kansas' Third District, like Zero Reasons Why or the Johnson County Mental Health Center, who are ready to assist you however they can, or you can call 988 to speak with a trained counselor.

Finally, to our youth who may be struggling right now--I see you. Even on the toughest days, please know that you are not alone. Please don't be afraid to ask for help.

Mr. Speaker, I am going to keep working to improve access to mental health so folks in Kansas and around the country can have the resources they need to take better care of themselves and their loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of a great Kansan, Susan Massy, journalism adviser for 44 years, all but 2 at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School.

Since 1980, Susan Massy built an award-winning journalism program and has been a passionate educator for her students in Shawnee, Kansas. Last year, the school's newspaper, The Northwest Passage, and the school yearbook, The Lair became recipients of top awards. Many students pursued careers in journalism because of their experience in Mrs. Massy's classroom and her continued mentorship.

In addition to educating students, Mrs. Massy became an advocate for her students outside of the classroom. She worked with the Kansas Legislature to pass the Students Publication Act, which gave school publications protections against censorship of school principals, administrators and school boards. She encouraged her students to stand up for themselves and brought them in to testify before the state legislature. She has been a key component in amplifying the voices of students across the state, teaching them that responsible journalism is vitally important to the longevity of our country.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Mrs. Massy led her students graciously and compassionately through uncertain times, giving them space to hone their skills despite not having all the tools at home that they did in the classroom. Despite the obstacles they faced completing schoolwork online, Mrs. Massy and her program were able to continue publishing their news magazine and their yearbook. This type of diligence encouraged by Mrs. Massy has earned the publications a number 45 and number 1 spot in the Pacemaker Top 100.

Susan Massy's love and dedication to her community has made her an integral part of educational journalism in our state. Mrs. Massy has received an Individual Honor of Recognition from the National Student Press Association (NSPA), a Charles R. O'Malley Award for Excellence in Teaching, and a Journalism Education Association (JEA) Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Susan Massy on her illustrious career. I wish her happiness in her well-deserved retirement with her husband, David, their daughters Caitlin and Erika, and Clover, their rescue dog.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Mr. Michael Boehm, five-term Mayor of the City of Lenexa, Kansas. Mayor Boehm was first elected in April of 2003, after being appointed to the position in January of the same year while serving on the Lenexa City Council. Mr. Boehm is a lifelong Kansas resident, graduating from Olathe High School in 1978 and the University of Kansas in 1982.

Mayor Boehm has been a devoted public servant and transformed the City of Lenexa during his tenure as Mayor. Under his leadership, Lenexa annexed 2,172 acres of land and grew by over 20,000 residents, while the Mayor spearheaded the economic modernization of the city through a series of infrastructure projects.

In 2007, the City of Lenexa and the Kansas Department of Transportation began making improvements to West 87th Street Parkway and the U.S. 69 and Interstate-35 exchange. This project was the catalyst for the revitalization of downtown Lenexa. In 2017, under Mayor Boehm's leadership, the City opened the new Civic Center, relocating City Hall and establishing both the Lenexa Recreation Center and the Lenexa Public Market.

The completion of 87th Street Parkway led to the development of the nearby Lenexa City Center, a now thriving business, living, and entertainment district. In addition to the Public Market and the Rec Center, Lenexa City Center has since grown to include an aquatic center, a Johnson County Public Library branch, and the Park University Lenexa campus.

While Mayor of Lenexa, Mr. Boehm concurrently served on the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce Board, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Board of Directors, the Johnson County Community College Foundation Board of Directors, and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Mayor Boehm is also an active member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Lenexa, Kansas.

Most recently, in October of 2022, Mayor Boehm received the Excellence in Government Award from the Kansas League of Municipalities. This award honors excellence and leadership at the highest level, demonstrated outstanding service to the awardee's city, and an active commitment to strong local government. I cannot think of better words to encapsulate Mr. Boehm's twenty-year career as Mayor of Lenexa.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mayor Boehm on his illustrious tenure as Mayor of Lenexa, Kansas. Mayor Boehm will continue his work as senior vice president at Commerce Bank. I wish Mayor Boehm a peaceful and prosperous retirement from the City of Lenexa and thank him for his public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Corporal Robert Mahon of Kansas. Corporal Mahon spent 30 years exemplifying the motto of the United States Marine Corps--Semper Fidelis, or ``Always Faithful'' in his service to the Third District as a member of the Leawood Police Department and the United States as a Marine.

After graduating high school in Placerville, California, Corporal Mahon joined the United States Marine Corps in October of 1993. Corporal Mahon proudly served four years in the Marines as an anti-tank missile gunner, or ``TOW.'' At his honorable discharge in 1997, his years of leadership and hard work allowed him to rise to the rank of corporal.

Following his discharge, Corporal Mahon moved to Kansas City and began working with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. On July 19, 1999, Corporal Mahon began his 24-year service to Leawood Police Department. During these years, Corporal Mahon spent much of his time on patrol in addition to a 4 year stint in the traffic unit as a motorcycle officer. He continued to lead as a firearms instructor, armorer, and less-lethal projectile instructor for nearly 15 years.

Corporal Mahon's leadership did not end there. He worked to educate and inspire others as a police marksman, a police cyclist, an active shooter instructor, an original member of the department's honor guard, and was the first Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone pilot in the department. His outstanding performance was rewarded with a promotion to the supervisory ranks of the department, and he was named a patrol corporal on May 11, 2019.

Corporal Mahon received the Metro Chiefs and Sheriffs Association Bronze Award for Valor, two Leawood Police Department Lifesaving Awards, and the Leawood Police Department's Medal of Valor in 2022. In addition to his career achievements, Corporal Mahon is a devoted husband and father to his wife Vicki, and their children, Garrett, Alyssa, and Julia.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and congratulating Corporal Mahon on his three decades of service and his distinguished career. I thank Corporal Mahon for his leadership and valor and wish him the peaceful and prosperous retirement that he deserves.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share my support for four important bills that were considered by the House on Monday: H. Res. 132, a resolution responding to the earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023; H.R. 538, Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act; H.R. 1059, the SECURE Notarization Act of 2023; and H.R. 1108, To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a license or construction permit through a system of competitive bidding.

Regrettably, I was unable to cast my votes for this legislation, but had I been able to, I would have voted to pass all four.

I had the pleasure of voting for the SECURE Notarization Act when this bill passed the House in the 117th Congress, and I would have gladly voted for it in the 118th Congress as well.

I regret having missed the vote on H.R. 1108, to extend the FCC's spectrum auction authority. In the 117th Congress, I introduced legislation to extend the FCC's spectrum auction authority through March of 2024, which passed the House in July 2022. However, only a short-term extension was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, and this bill would push that deadline back to May of 2023. This will give the FCC confidence to host upcoming auctions and to raise revenues for the federal government while Congress debates long-term action.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and work of Deputy Sonny Johnson of the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Department. Deputy Johnson led a dutiful life of public service and was known to those around him as one who emitted selflessness. Deputy Johnson leaves behind a family and community that will miss him dearly.

Deputy Johnson was born July 24, 1962, in Czechoslovakia, later moving to Germany where he spent most of his youth. In the late 80's, Deputy Johnson moved to the United States, earning citizenship and beginning his career in service to Wyandotte County. Deputy Johnson became a deputy with the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office on August 07, 2008, proudly serving his entire career in the adult detention center where he worked multiple positions--including acting supervisor. Those who knew him would say that no deputy was prouder to put on the uniform and wear a badge each day.

Deputy Johnson's compassion and service did not end with his career-- he cared for his community. As Wyandotte County Sheriff Daniel Soptic shared, Deputy Johnson would walk by his coworkers and greet them with a kind ``Hey Bubba,'' his way of asking after you to see how you were doing. He was devoted to family, to caring for his chickens, and to bringing laughter to those he loved. He loved his wife, Nadine. Those who knew Deputy Johnson best know he would do anything, for anybody, at any time.

Mr. Speaker, I know that Deputy Johnson will be remembered by many for the way he loved his job, he loved his family, and he loved the country he served.

Madam Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise today to mourn the passing of Mr. Broderick Rayfel Crawford, who passed away on November 27, 2022. Mr. Crawford was a consummate servant leader and his dedication to the people of Wyandotte County touched countless lives. He leaves behind a family and community that will miss him greatly.

Mr. Crawford's passion for health and his compassion for others manifested early in his childhood, when he would care for his mother after surgeries, act as medic for his six siblings, and become the problem-solver for the community children his mother helped. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1985 and began to pursue a career as an infectious disease specialist, first as a clinic supervisor at the University of Kansas Medical Center and later at Saint Luke's Health System.

His medical work inspired a lifelong commitment to improving health equity in his community of Wyandotte County. From community health to food and nutrition to housing and transportation, Mr, Crawford was a tireless advocate, activist, and organizer. He served on over 25 task forces in the Kansas City area, using his voice to unwaveringly demand better for his community.

Mr. Crawford was deeply involved with the New Bethel Church, where he was a Deacon and beloved member of the congregation. He worked with members of the church to create programs that would address community health and health inequities in Kansas City, Kansas, including pushing for pastors to take the lead in congregation health. He also served as Community Health Director, then Executive Director, and ultimately President of the New Bethel Church Community Development Corporation. In this role, he acquired funding for numerous health initiatives in the Douglas-Sumner neighborhood and the greater Kansas City area.

Mr, Crawford also recognized the disparate impact of COVID-19 on minority communities. He co-founded the Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force to respond to the pandemic public health crisis, and he was an early advocate for equitable COVID testing and vaccine access.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the well-lived life of Mr. Broderick Crawford. Mr. Crawford saw people in his community who needed help and chose to dedicate his life to service. Though his absence will be keenly felt, his memory lives on in his legacy: the programs he started, the lives he saved, the volunteers he inspired, and the countless people whose lives he touched.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephen P. Dailey, Professional Engineer and General Manager of the Fairfax Drainage District of Wyandotte County for his exemplary professional accomplishments.

Mr. Dailey's career in public service began after graduating from the University of Missouri--Kansas City with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and becoming licensed as a professional engineer. He spent 14 years in the municipal well drilling industry prior to his time at Fairfax Drainage District.

Throughout Mr. Dailey's 30-year tenure as General Manager, he was responsible for protecting investments amounting to nearly $6 billion in a 2,000-acre industrial park. He oversaw preparations and guided flood control operations for multiple record-breaking high-water events, a highlight that only begins to scratch the surface of three decades working in honorable service to Kansas.

Beyond supervising operation and maintenance of the district's complex flood projection system comprised of 5 miles of levee, over 100 relief wells, 12 pump stations and a computerized communications network, Mr. Dailey spent 27 years serving on the Fairfax Industrial Association Board of Directors and over 15 years as an active board member and committee chair of the Missouri and Associated Rivers Coalition, promoting water resource management for effective flood control and navigation works.

I've also had the pleasure of working with Mr. Dailey while in Congress. Last year, I had the pleasure of sponsoring community project funding to perform maintenance of the Fairfax Jersey Creek Upper Levee. I commend Mr. Dailey for his dedication to our state and to our country, and the 120-plus businesses in the Kansas City, Kansas community he has tirelessly worked to support and protect.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephen P. Dailey, Professional Engineer and General Manager of the Fairfax Drainage District of Wyandotte County for his exemplary professional accomplishments.

Mr. Dailey's career in public service began after graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and becoming licensed as a professional engineer. He spent 14 years in the municipal well drilling industry prior to his time at Fairfax Drainage District.

Throughout Mr. Dailey's 30-year tenure as General Manager, he was responsible for protecting investments amounting to nearly $6 billion in a 2,000-acre industrial park. He oversaw preparations and guided flood control operations for multiple record-breaking high-water events, a highlight that only begins to scratch the surface of 3 decades working in honorable service to Kansas.

Beyond supervising operation and maintenance of complex flood projection system comprised of 5 miles of levee, over 100 relief wells, 12 pump stations and a computerized communications network, Mr. Dailey spent 27 years serving on the Fairfax Industrial Association Board of Directors and over fifteen years as an active board member and committee chair of the Missouri and Associated Rivers Coalition, promoting water resource management for effective flood control and navigation works.

I've also had the pleasure of working with Mr. Dailey while in Congress. Last year, I had the pleasure of sponsoring community project funding to perform maintenance of the Fairfax Jersey Creek Upper Levee. I commend Mr. Dailey for his dedication to our state and to our country, and the 120-plus businesses in the Kansas City, Kansas community he has tirelessly worked to support and protect.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 70th anniversary of the Missouri and Associated Rivers Coalition (MOARC).

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jack Cline, former Associate Vice Chancellor of federal relations at the University of Kansas (KU), for his advocacy on behalf of the University and the University of Kansas Medical Center.

For a decade, Mr. Cline served as a tireless, dependable, and admired advocate of the educational and research enterprise in Kansas. As he begins his new role as Vice President for federal relations at Northeastern University in Boston, I can only express gratitude for Mr. Cline.

Mr. Cline was recognized for his hard work last year when he was named a ``Top Lobbyist'' by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics.

The previous year, he received the Jennifer Poulakidas Achievement Award for his contributions to and achievements in university governmental relations; he was also recognized as a ``Top Lobbyist'' by The Hill that same year.

Alone, these accolades don't tell you what's truly special about Mr. Cline, and why we'll miss him so much. Following a career in the armed services, Mr. Cline chose to continue living a life of service, spending years walking these hallways to ensure the entire Kansas congressional delegation knows the valuable work occurring at KU.

Not once has Mr. Cline shied away from a question, a task, or a request; he's bent over backwards to ensure KU's priorities are heard throughout Congress.

Mr. Cline may now be a Northeastern University Husky, but he will always remain a part of our KU family and will forever be a Jay hawk. Rock Chalk.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the life of Reverend Marlene Faye Whiterabbit Helgemo.

Marlene was a powerful Ho-Chunk woman and strong leader recognized nationally for her commitment to her faith and family and her mentorship for so many.

When I was elected as one of the first two Native American women to serve in Congress, she was standing right beside me.

I was proud to call her an inspiration and mentor. I am positive so many others would say the same.

Her impact on our world and our lands goes far beyond her recognitions, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention a few of them.

Marlene was the first Native American woman to be ordained in the Lutheran Church. She was cofounder of the National Native American Boarding Schools Healing Coalition, which is working to understand and address the trauma created by the U.S. Indian boarding school policy.

Marlene leaves behind a legacy filled with love, compassion, and service to our community. Our hearts are with her family: her husband, Harvey; two daughters; and her grandchildren.

I am just one of many Ho-Chunks who will miss her sincerely, miss her wisdom, and we say thank you to Marlene.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr. Arthur ``Art'' Cleveland Hester. Mr. Hester led an accomplished life, serving his nation during a time of war, and influencing the next generation. He leaves behind a large family and community that will miss him greatly.

Mr. Hester was dedicated to serving this nation diligently throughout his life, and this is well exemplified by his military service. After graduating The United States Military Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering, Mr. Hester served two campaigns in Vietnam where he was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. He earned several commendations for his service, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. But of course, he was most proud of his time as an Airborne Ranger. After returning to the United States, he received a master's degree in Finance from New York University and a master's degree in industrial engineering from Stanford University. When he retired from active duty in 1981, he became a reservist in the Army and began working at the General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas. He would devote much of his career to automotive manufacturing, working in plants across the country as a manager and supervisor. Even when he eventually left GM in 1998, he continued to work in automotive manufacturing as a founding partner of engineering firm CHB and as a program manager who provided technical support to automotive and manufacturing organizations.

Mr. Hester was generous with his time, often choosing to help mentor young people at his church and in his local community. I will always be grateful to Mr. Hester for serving on

my office's Academy Nominations Panel, where he helped evaluate and advise local academy candidates that were interested in serving their country as he had. His perspective was unique and highly valued; I will sincerely miss his wit, empathy, and candor.

Mr. Hester leaves behind a large legacy of service, compassion, and dedication that all Americans can admire.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Velazquez and our ranking member for all the work they are doing on the House Committee on Small Business.

I rise today to urge my colleagues to stand up for the small business owners in their community and vote for my bill to support the Women's Business Centers.

Women are the engine of our economy. Women-owned businesses employ 9.4 million people nationwide, contributing $1.2 trillion to our economy each year. When we invest in the success of women, we are giving our entire economy a boost.

Women's Business Centers are an effective resource that reach more than 88,000 entrepreneurs each year through training, mentorship, and counseling. In 2020 alone, the WBC program increased its outreach by 22 percent and helped start and sustain more than 30,000 small businesses.

To put it clearly, during the pandemic, they increased their outreach. That is a solid record of success made even more impressive by the commitment to stepping up when they were needed the most.

I have visited with the local Kansas City Women's Business Center in Overland Park. They serve the Kansas City metro area and the entire State of Kansas. I have also spoken with women who have used their services, folks like Lenora, who started Technology Group Solutions 15 years ago with the help of the Kansas City Women's Business Center. She now oversees more than 80 employees in three States.

She told me that she hears from women who don't have the network or access to capital that they need to get their businesses off the ground. She sends them to the WBC because when Lenora first started her business, the center helped fill those gaps, paving the way for her to grow what is now a multimillion-dollar company.

Other women I have spoken with specifically cite the WBC's evening and weekend hours and that they offer childcare during training sessions. It is those tailored services that have made these centers such a crucial contributor to the success of so many businessowners.

My bill, which we are voting on today, will enhance the WBC program to ensure that women entrepreneurs all across the country have access to counseling and training services. I have seen it in action, and it is why I introduced and strongly support this bipartisan piece of legislation.

It would raise the cap on grants for the first time since the program began and create an accreditation system to help establish standards of excellence, ensuring that our funds are being spent wisely to help growing entrepreneurs.

The Kansas City Women's Business Center served more than 800 clients last year. How many more businesses could they grow? How many more aspiring entrepreneurs could they reach with more resources?

I am proud to have introduced this important piece of legislation alongside Congresswoman Tenney, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.