Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month and Caribbean American Heritage Month, reminders of the courage of those who came to this Nation seeking freedom, safety, and opportunity.

As the proud daughter of Haitian immigrants, I carry the hopes of my parents and the legacy of the people who fought for dignity and justice.

Today, I honor Dr. Vivens, a Haitian American who rose from a non- English speaking factory worker to a nationally recognized healthcare executive and entrepreneur. Dr. Solanges Vivens reshaped the landscape of long-term care, providing that with unwavering faith, even the highest mountains can be moved with determination, persistence, and excellence.

Because of leaders like Dr. Vivens, we are reminded that diversity is our strength and that unity is our power. I am extremely proud to recognize Dr. Solanges Vivens and to have her today in the gallery with her family.

Let's honor the past and ensure everyone has a fair shot at the American Dream to do great things in our country and also to help all Americans achieve greatness. Thank you, Dr. Vivens, for all your service.

Mr. Speaker, the images emerging from California--ICE raids escalating into chaos, immigrant families fleeing their homes, and the National Guard troops confronting peaceful protesters--are a chilling reminder of how far we have strayed from my democratic values that we claim to uphold.

This is not the America I know. This is not the America we aspire to be. We are a nation built on justice, compassion, and the unwavering belief that every person deserves dignity and respect. What is happening in Los Angeles betrays our core beliefs.

The Federal response to deploy more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 marines without a local request is a troubling overreach. It risks escalating tensions and chilling the right to protest, which is protected by the Constitution.

We need leaders that listen and not the ones that answer concerns with intimidation and threats. In south Florida, immigration isn't an abstract political issue for us. It is personal. Our region is home to vibrant Jamaican, Haitian, Venezuelan, Cuban, and Central-American communities. They are nurses, doctors, pastors, teachers, small business owners, and caregivers.

The reason our economies thrive is because of our immigrant communities. The attacks on immigrants and Americans exercising their right to protest must end now.

Mr. Speaker, today Republicans are jamming through a reckless bill that would wreak havoc on south Florida. In response, I introduced a series of commonsense amendments to protect American families.

Over the past few weeks, multiple hospitals, including several children's hospitals, have come into my office and pleaded with me to stop the devastating Medicaid cuts.

One children's hospital, in particular, showed me their net operating margins for 2024. They were in the negative. This bill will close them down and deprive more than 80,000 children of lifesaving care.

This bill also threatens the integrity of this lifeline program, while giving tax breaks to the wealthy and well-connected and leaving our children sicker, poorer, and without healthcare.

I am offering an amendment to protect Florida's ability to fund Medicaid. I refuse to stay quiet and silent while this body attempts to rip away healthcare from our most vulnerable children who need it.

I also introduced another amendment to protect south Florida's small businesses and the workers they depend on. Immigrants are the economic engine of south Florida. Their hard work and ingenuity make the region a desirable travel destination that thousands of people flock to each year.

Unfortunately, this tax-breaks-for-billionaires bill threatens to upend the district's economy, shutter small businesses, and disrupt south Florida's tourist industry.

As it is currently written, this bill would impose excessive fees on employment authorizations sought by asylum seekers and individuals holding temporary protective status to work in the United States. At a time of unprecedented worker shortages for south Florida businesses, Congress should make it easier for companies to hire and not more difficult.

My amendment caps employment authorization fees at $550 for asylum seekers and TPS holders. It is a commonsense change that would give south Florida businesses the flexibility they need to keep moving and to keep thriving.

I also have an amendment that strikes the visa fee for this bill. Imposing a fee on tourists at a time when U.S. tourism is experiencing instability and unprecedented lows because of reckless trade wars would be catastrophic to our economy.

Furthermore, my amendment eliminates the cruel remittance tax that will exacerbate crises in places like Haiti, Venezuela, and African countries that depend on them. Taxing this lifeline will only bring more economic instability to the Caribbean and result in increased migration to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, remittances should not be taxed but should be incentivized. I will continue to fight relentlessly to protect south Florida from this reckless bill.

Mr. Speaker, this week, a group of Afrikaners arrived in the United States. They were greeted with open arms and American flags. Every single one of them skipped to the front of the line thanks to the expedited pathway that the administration handed them.

Although they are not facing any imminent threat, nor any persecution, according to this administration, these farmers were victims who were being brutally killed as a part of a genocide. These claims are absolutely false.

We must ask ourselves: Why wasn't any grace extended to those fleeing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, home to the deadliest conflict in the world? There is no temporary protected status for them.

Why wasn't any grace extended to Afghans, who helped our soldiers at war and risked their lives for the American people? This administration ended their deportation protections on the same day they welcomed Afrikaners.

For those Haitians who fled instability and gang violence, why were TPS and humanitarian parole ripped away from them?

Around the world, we have victims of war, famine, and bloodshed, but they have been left out to dry, where these Afrikaners were welcomed with open arms and, once again, without any persecution or risk of harm.

We can't simply open our doors to the vulnerable when they serve political purposes. Refugee policies should never align with an agenda. It should serve those who are in need, those families overseas who will be murdered if America abandons them, not to people who serve a political purpose and for political gain.

They should be awarded the same pathway that Afrikaners were given.

Mr. Speaker, this administration's deportation process has been sloppy and reckless since day one. No due process and no transparency, just families being illegally ripped apart and left to fend for themselves.

In severe instances, innocent people have actually died, like Marie Blaise. She was a 44-year-old Haitian woman who was in ICE custody in Pompano Beach. Marie had been complaining about chest pain for hours. They gave her some pills and told her to go lie down. Unfortunately, Marie never woke up.

Her loved ones deserve answers. They deserve accountability, like so many immigrant families who have their loved ones missing and who are hurt. These conditions at the ICE facilities are inhumane and unsanitary.

Immigrants are being treated without basic dignity and being denied medical care. I am calling for a full and transparent investigation into Marie's death, and I will be visiting the Broward Transitional Center very shortly. It is this neglect and cruelty that is really hurting our American families who are being deported even at this moment.

Mr. Speaker, we must have transparency. We must have justice.

Mr. Speaker, over the last few weeks, Americans have actively watched the dismantling of Social Security and direct attacks on our seniors, our families, and also our veterans.

I have heard directly from my constituents, and they are scared. They are worried about their next meal. They are worried if they will be able to see their doctors. They are worried if they will be able to retire with dignity. They are worried about the skyrocketing cost of living and the price of groceries. It is because they have heard so much about the cuts to Medicaid, the cuts to SNAP, and the cuts to the VA, all being proposed by the House Republicans.

Let's take a closer look at what the House Republicans are proposing. House Republicans are proposing Medicaid cuts of $880 billion, SNAP cuts of $230 billion, Social Security cuts of $1.5 trillion, Medicare premiums raised by 22 percent, and 83,000 veteran employees being fired.

Let's take a closer look at what they actually promised the American people.

House Republicans have promised the American people to actually put forward bills that will make their life better.

Let's take it to the board. Nothing, nada, nothing has been proposed to help them with their financial situation. To make a visual of it, nothing has been proposed for the American people.

I dare my House Republicans to join House Democrats to put forth bills that will actually help the American people. The American people do not want $880 billion cut from their healthcare. The American people do not want $230 billion cut from SNAP and other assistance programs. They want to actually live the American Dream, and they want opportunities.

Right now, House Republicans have offered nothing but a blank piece of paper.

Why, you may ask? Elon Musk says the only way to save America is by jeopardizing our most vulnerable. It is by eliminating entitlement programs. In fact, Mr. Musk said that the biggest issue that he has and what he must do is eliminate these programs.

What types of programs are we talking about?

It is Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans' benefits.

For the American people, this is ridiculous. These are our most vulnerable populations. We had promised our warriors and our heroes that we would be there for them and that we would provide their benefits for them.

What are we doing? I dare House Republicans to join the Democrats and stand up for the American people and to stand with us as we fight for the American people.

I dare House Republicans to stand up for Social Security, to stand up for Medicaid, to stand up for our heroes.

The time is now. Let's stop the madness and make sure that all Americans

have a real opportunity to live with dignity and pursue the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against the Republicans' latest budget proposal, which could deny American families of the healthcare they need to survive.

In my district alone, more than 149,000 people on Medicaid are now at risk of losing their healthcare. This includes more than 84,000 kids and over 21,000 seniors. Medicaid is a lifeline for the most vulnerable Floridians.

In Palm Beach County, Medicaid has allowed Reverend Latifah Griffin to care for her 10-year-old son who suffers from pain and has severe difficulty walking. Her son has cerebral palsy and depends on a wheelchair and pediatric extended care.

In Alachua County, Medicaid has meant that Virginia, an adult with a disability, has a home health aide to care for her every single day so that she won't just survive, but so that she can thrive at home, in her environment.

These are the people who will suffer the most if these proposals move forward. I will do whatever it takes to push back and to make sure that every vulnerable American has the services that they need.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the illegal dismantling of USAID and its detrimental effects on Haiti.

Not only is Haiti currently dealing with massive gang violence that has killed thousands of people and displaced millions of people, it is a country also on the verge of famine. The World Food Programme projects that they will run out of food assistance to Haiti in March due to this aid freeze.

This will fuel the gangs who recruit starving children to join them, worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis, and cause thousands more to flee the nation, meaning mass migration to the United States.

Make no mistake, gutting USAID means gutting regional security. It will also directly harm my constituents. The Port of Palm Beach exports $160 million in food to the Caribbean alone, much of which is distributed by USAID and their partners. The farmers and dockworkers in my district will directly lose out on all critical business.

I urge my colleagues to stand for USAID, the backbone of our national security, and remember either we feed them now or we will end up fighting them later.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order hour.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to anchor the CBC Special Order hour. For the next 60 minutes, members of the CBC have an opportunity to honor the legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm, an individual of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Alabama (Ms. Sewell).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Brown).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Kamlager-Dove).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. McClellan).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas (Mrs. Lee Carter), who is the daughter of Sheila Jackson Lee, for the first time.

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

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

Mr. Speaker, in continuance of honoring the life and legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, I wish to highlight her unflinching devotion to the American people.

No matter how daunting it was or had seemed to onlookers to be the first and only Black woman in Congress, Congresswoman Chisholm rightfully earned the nickname ``Fighting Shirley'' for her determination in empowering underserved communities.

She fought hard and fast for the least represented in the United States, introduced over 50 pieces of legislation geared toward reviving her constituents and the Nation's, and relieving them of injustice.

She was regarded as being deeply in touch with the Nation as she advocated for policies that uplifted citizens out of poverty and empowered them through job training and education. She advocated for our veterans and introduced legislation to increase their benefits so that those who served our country would not suffer from inflation.

Her determination to create a nation where every American could succeed lives through us all. Let us continue to honor her legacy by continuing the fight to deliver justice for the American people.

It is my honor to be here today serving in the CBC. Because of Shirley Chisholm we women are here today. The CBC has over 31 women who are in Congress today, increasing in the next Congress. We are here today, each one of us, holding a piece of Shirley Chisholm, hoping to actually fulfill her dream of one day pushing this Nation forward, where all of our children and the American people can live together in a city and in every nation where we have equality, justice, and a clear education for everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), my co-chair.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Jonathan Jackson for that passionate speech.

Mr. Speaker, today we recognize Shirley Chisholm's tireless commitment to justice and equal opportunity.

During her time in office, Congresswoman Chisholm consistently fought against racial discrimination and systemic inequalities endured by all African Americans. She was a vocal supporter of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, working to create an America where everyone could thrive regardless of race.

She was a trailblazer who fought for the inclusion of women and African Americans in positions of power. Her election to Congress inspired generations of Black women, showing them that they, too, could hold public office.

Shirley Chisholm has a special place in my heart, being a Caribbean woman born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens, and later moved to Florida. Seeing her do that inspired all women to know that was possible. Today in Congress, we proudly stand 31 strong Black women, and we are about to welcome the highest number of Black women in history for the 119th Congress.

Congresswoman Chisholm advocated for economic opportunities for marginalized communities, believing economic mobility was key for empowering African Americans and building a strong America. Her tireless commitment to underserved communities is still inspiring today.

As we honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, we must continue to uphold her values and strive to create the America she envisioned.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. Speaker, before we close, I once again recognize Barbara Lee for all her hard work in Congress. It is so fitting that we celebrate 100 years of Shirley Chisholm and have Barbara Lee with us. She will be sorely missed. I know Shirley Chisholm is looking down right now and is so proud of Barbara.

Because of Barbara Lee and her mentorship, we have a sisterhood in Congress with the CBC women, a sisterhood, a bond that can't be broken. I thank Barbara Lee for her mentorship, her sisterhood, for everything she has done.

I can't help but think that Shirley Chisholm is looking down at all of us and saying how proud she is that we have gotten here. We have a lot of work to do. What she started has to be finished, I hope by our generation, by working together and all of us recognizing her hard work on both sides.

Mr. Speaker, you have heard from my distinguished colleagues about Ms. Shirley Chisholm, all issues of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, our constituents, Congress, and all Americans.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order hour.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to anchor this CBC Special Order hour. For the next 12 minutes and 30 seconds, Members of the CBC have an opportunity to discuss the importance of Suicide Prevention Month, an issue of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter).

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Suicide Prevention Month to bring attention to a deeply troubling issue affecting our Nation: racial disparities in suicide rates, particularly among Black youth.

According to the recent data from the CDC, the suicide rate among Black youth aged 10 through 19 climbed by a staggering 54 percent between 2018 and 2022, exceeding, for the first time, that of their White peers.

In my home State of Florida, where the suicide rate among Black teens is the third highest in the country, the need to address this crisis is especially urgent. Black youth are also significantly less likely to receive the mental health support they need as they face stigma and mistrust toward the healthcare system.

Racial discrimination, economic disenfranchisement, and the lack of culturally competent mental health services fuels disparities and creates barriers to accessing care, even when it is available.

We have long understood suicide prevention and mental health initiatives to be public health interventions that benefit all Americans. It pains me to see such drastic disparities within these communities.

As Black youth suicide rates continue to climb, investments in cultural competence training, mental health screenings, research, and resources are desperately needed. By taking these steps, we can ensure those at risk are connected to the appropriate accessible and culturally sensitive care they need and deserve.

Lastly, we need to do more research into the specific risk factors affecting Black youth. Understanding the full scope of the problem is essential to developing practical solutions. Federal funding for studies that explore how stigma, cultural identity, and community engagement influence suicide risk in the Black community is long overdue. These studies will guide us in crafting policies and interventions that are both targeted and effective.

The importance of prevention and awareness cannot be understated. This Suicide Prevention Month, we must reaffirm our commitment to addressing the disparities in mental health head-on and ensure that no youth's life is lost to a preventable cause.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 56 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the

House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order hour.

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

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to anchor the CBC Special Order hour. For the next 60 minutes, members of the CBC have an opportunity to honor Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, an individual of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all Americans.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Horsford).

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke).

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia (Mr. Johnson).

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from the Seventh Congressional District of Maryland (Mr. Mfume).

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to yield to the Honorable Assistant Leader Joe Neguse.

Madam Speaker, it is now my privilege to yield to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts, Representative Ayanna Pressley.

Madam Speaker, it is now my privilege to yield to the gentleman from Louisiana, Mr. Troy Carter.

Madam Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), my co-anchor.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

The Nation mourns the loss of a tireless advocate for justice and a beacon of hope for so many. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was not just a Member of Congress. She was a force of nature, a relentless champion for civil rights, and a voice for the voiceless.

For nearly three decades, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's work in this Chamber showcased her unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Her reintroduction of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is just one example of her dedication to fight for equal justice.

This bill, which I was so proud to cosponsor, aimed to hold law enforcement accountable, improving training, and rebuilding the trust of the communities they serve. It is a testament to her vision for a fair and more just America.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee believed deeply in the power of the Federal Government to enact meaningful reform. She knew that while no single policy could erase decades of systemic racism, it was imperative to take bold steps toward structural change. Her legacy will be felt in every stride we make toward justice.

To me, Sheila Jackson Lee was the originator. We always joked around when she said: She is the first Sheila, and I am the second Sheila. I always said: Sheila, you are the originator.

Every time she saw me, she asked if I needed anything. I remember when I last spoke to her, I said: Sheila, you sound strong today. And she said: Sheila, whatever you need, call me. I will be there. If you need to know how to do it, I will show you. She made me a promise. She said: I will always be there.

The day she passed, I said: Sheila, we will remember your legacy. She was at every Special Order hour, every single one, and the last one I looked back, and I said: Sheila, are you ready? And she said she couldn't do it. Jonathan held her, and I knew that was the last time.

Rest in power, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 58 minutes p.m.), under its previous order and pursuant to House Resolution 1366, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 9 a.m., as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the new 2024 Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. I proudly introduced a resolution commending the team for this historic win.

June 24, 2024, will forever be reminders of a monumental day for south Florida. For the first time in their 30-year franchise history, the Florida Panthers have won the Stanley Cup, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in an exhilarating game 7.

For 30 seasons, Florida Panthers fans, myself included, have eagerly waited to see our favorite team raise the Stanley Cup. Led by the outstanding performance of Captain Aleksander Barkov and Head Coach Paul Maurice, our Panthers showcased the very best of south Florida's competitive spirit.

I also want to pay tribute to the devoted Panthers fans. Their unwavering support and enthusiasm were crucial in propelling the players forward game after game to finally finish the hunt.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the players, coaches, staff, and the entire Panthers organization. Let's bring the cup home again next year.

As always, go Cats.