Floor Statements

I thank Congressman Ivey for organizing this Special Order hour.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of more than 9,000 Federal workers in my district and their dedicated colleagues across the country.

Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker. President Trump and unelected billionaire Elon Musk are waging an all-out assault on Federal workers. In just 2 weeks, they have engaged in unlawful union busting, budget freezes, and civil servant layoffs all designed to intimidate, weaken, and dismantle our Federal workforce.

This isn't just an attack on Federal employees. It is an attack on all of us. In northeast Ohio, Federal workers process Social Security checks for seniors. They are doctors and nurses caring for veterans. They are TSA agents and air traffic controllers who keep us safe when we fly. They are researchers developing new technologies at NASA Glenn. These are hardworking, honorable public servants who deserve our respect, not threats and not pink slips.

Let's be clear. This reckless effort to push Federal workers out isn't about rightsizing government; it is about gutting it. It is about dismantling the very services that millions of Americans depend on. This is part of a coordinated effort to erode trust in government because the President and his billionaire buddies want it to fail. They don't want experienced workers loyal to the country. They want political lackeys loyal to only one man. They push the lie that government is inherently wasteful and that Federal employees are part of some so-called deep state.

It is nonsense, and it is dangerous. Here is why they are really doing it: To strip away labor, consumer, and environmental protections. Most notably, it is to hand billionaires and their corporations massive tax breaks while sticking it to working Americans.

We have to ask: Is this a government of the people, by the people, and for the people? Or is it a government of the billionaires, by the billionaires, and for the billionaires?

Federal workers don't serve a President or his billionaire buddy. Let me say that again: Federal workers don't serve a President or his billionaire buddy. They serve the American people, and we stand with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Congressman Louis Stokes as we approach what would have been his 100th birthday.

Born on February 23, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, Louis Stokes rose from humble beginnings to become a giant in the fight for civil rights and a champion for the underserved. Along with his brother, Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes, he made history and made a difference for northeast Ohio.

His story is one of perseverance, service, and an unshakable belief in the promise of this Nation. A veteran of the United States Army and an attorney who argued landmark cases before the Supreme Court and a lifelong voice for the voiceless, Congressman Stokes' path was paved with courage and conviction, diligence, and determination, and a deep and abiding commitment to justice.

In 1968, he became the first Black Representative for Ohio, bringing much-needed representation to this Chamber. During his 15 terms in the House, Congressman Stokes advocated for the poor, fought for civil rights, and supported our servicemembers and ensured that communities, like my district in Cleveland, received the resources and representation they deserve.

As 1 of 13 founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, he helped advance civil and human rights and promote economic empowerment. Today, the CBC has grown to a historic 62 members because of the work of Louis Stokes, Shirley Chisholm, and their generation.

His legacy lives on through the laws he championed and the institutions that bear his name, from the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and the Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library at Howard University, to the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in

Mr. Speaker, during Black History Month and throughout the year, it is important that we honor the legacies of those that came before us.

Today, I rise to reflect on a remarkable story that hits close to home. I recently learned that a late resident of northeast Ohio, Alma Gladys Minter, served as a tech sergeant in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

Ms. Minter was part of a legacy that demonstrated the strength, resilience, and determination of African-American women. The Six Triple Eight was the first and only all-Black Women's Army Corps unit to serve overseas during World War II.

In February 1945, nearly 850 women were assigned to a vital task: ensuring letters continued to flow between soldiers on the front lines and their families back home. Their assignment was daunting, clearing a backlog of over 17 million pieces of mail in Europe.

In less than 90 days, they completed this Herculean task in half the time expected by the Army. The women of the Six Triple Eight endured freezing warehouses, relentless schedules, and the twin enemies of racism and sexism. Their motto was: ``No mail, low morale,'' which speaks to the importance of their work.

However, in a stark injustice, their hard work was not formally recognized after the war. They didn't join in the victory day parade, and their story was not told in mainstream accounts.

However, Ms. Minter's family in Ohio knew her story, as did the families of the communities that were home to the Six Triple Eight veterans in the decades that followed.

Mr. Speaker, I was deeply honored to vote for legislation awarding the Six Triple Eight the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by this body. It was a long overdue recognition for their extraordinary contributions.

The Six Triple Eight Gold Medal has been minted. In the months to come, it will be formally presented, forever serving as a reminder of the heroes like Ms. Minter who stepped up when our country needed them most.

The story of Ms. Minter and the Six Triple Eight is one of service, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. Their story is part of not just Black history but American history. To Ms. Minter and all the women of the Six Triple Eight, we say a long overdue thank you. Their service will not be forgotten, and their legacy will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in the House of Representatives, the Congressional Black Caucus and people across the country in extending my gratitude, appreciation, and congratulations to the great Congresswoman Barbara Lee as she prepares to leave the House of Representatives.

As a friend, mentor, and collaborator to so many of us, Congresswoman Lee will be truly missed in the House of Representatives. However, Congresswoman Lee's legacy and impact will long endure--not just in these halls, but in the lives of the people that she fought for.

I am honored to have served alongside Congresswoman Lee. Her incredible life and career connects us to so many landmark moments and shining heroes of the fight for civil rights and justice, including Shirley Chisholm, John Lewis, and Ronald Dellums.

Congresswoman Lee championed causes that were right before they were popular, causes that were difficult before they were easy, and causes that ware marginalized before they were mainstream.

As we face the inauguration of a new president, there will be calls for Democrats to capitulate on our principles. However, Congresswoman Lee showed us time and time again that we should always listen to our constituents, vigorously advance our values, and never stop standing up for liberty and justice for all. We endure by championing what is enduring.

Mr. Speaker, we need more Barbara Lees in this institution. As we celebrate her legacy, may we all draw upon her courage, compassion, and foresight, and her unstinting defense of the poor, marginalized, and oppressed.

I thank Congresswoman Lee for all that she has done for our country.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor an individual whose service, character, and dedication have left an indelible mark on this institution and the people it serves.

I first met Veleter M.B. Mazyck in 2017 when I was selected to participate in the CBC Institute bootcamp. I could not have known then that four years later Veleter would become not only my chief of staff but also a trusted advisor, confidant and an unwavering partner in serving the people of Ohio's Eleventh Congressional District.

A steady hand who had served my predecessor for more than a decade, Veleter has been vital to the success of my office ever since.

As she prepares to retire, I rise to recognize a career defined by integrity, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Too often, the contributions of Congressional staff remain behind the scenes--unnoticed by the public, but essential to our democracy.

Far from the cameras, the House chamber, or the committee dais, staff work long hours--they are driven by a deep and abiding sense of duty.

Veleter Mazyck personifies this culturally, spiritually and professionally.

She is known for being both wise and witty, spontaneous and strategic, careful and kind, thoughtful and thorough but most importantly a loving, loyal, steady and steadfast steward of our Nation. And a calm and commanding force behind every success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Veleter Mazyck ensuring her legacy endures for years to come.

An unsung hero of this institution, Veleter committed herself to honing the skills and talents the Lord had blessed her with . . . To bending the moral arc of the universe that little bit closer to justice . . . And to ensuring our government serves its people with respect, dignity, and compassion.

After a celebrated career as a General Counsel to large metropolitan school districts, Veleter agreed to serve as Congresswoman Fudge's Chief of Staff--for one year or maybe two.

And yet--a decade later . . . Veleter was still here--a cornerstone of the office, the Congress and, dare I say, the country and the constitution.

Through her efforts, legislative priorities were championed with purpose and passion, crises were managed with character and charisma, and partnerships were forged both publicly and privately--all with the goal of creating a better future for the people of Ohio's Eleventh District.

Following my predecessor's appointment to President Joe Biden's cabinet, Veleter skillfully managed the office during the transition, ensuring constituents continued to receive the support they needed.

Upon my swearing in, her wealth of experience and knowledge allowed me to confidently step into my role. Ever since, Veleter's deep understanding of this institution has been invaluable.

In moments of uncertainty, Veleter was the steady hand, navigating challenges with poise and resolve. In moments of triumph, she celebrated not personal accolades, but the victories achieved for the people of Northeast Ohio. And in every moment in between, she exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and dedication.

What truly sets Veleter apart is her ability to bring out the best in those around her.

Whether mentoring young staffers or building coalitions with colleagues, she led with patience, humility, and a genuine belief in the power of collaboration.

After 13 years, the countless individuals she has impacted, from colleagues to constituents, are a testament to the lasting influence she has had on all who have worked with her.

Those testimonials include the following reflections from former colleagues:

Eyang Garrison: ``Veleter once told me she believed smart people could do anything and I've never forgotten that. I often think back on her saying that to me when I interviewed with her back in 2019 after I expressed doubts about newly taking on a managerial role. To feel that someone as well respected as Veleter, saw something in me that at the time I didn't see in myself, was one of the most influential moments in my professional career. There really is no one like Veleter. Thank you for your love and support for both me and my family throughout the years. Love you!''

Kellie Adesina: ``When I reflect on my career on Capitol Hill, I often refer to my time in former Rep. Marcia L. Fudge's office as the transformative years that helped shape me into the government affairs professional I am today. My experience was, in large part, due to the guidance, firm support, and encouragement from Veleter. As her Legislative Director, she empowered me to lead, never allowed me to settle for mediocrity, and demonstrated through her actions what it meant to guide a team with grace, humility, and compassion. I'm forever grateful for the impact she's made on my life and wish her the very best of everything as she retires from federal service because she deserves it and more.''

LaDavia Drane: ``Veleter and I shared an office back in the early 2010s. I can recall so clearly the day she was introduced to the team by our member of Congress. Veleter inspired me, and demanded of me, to do my very best at work every single day. She modeled the high standards of a woman in politics on the Hill, providing me with a safe place to learn and grow. I miss those days and will always fondly remember our time together. I wish Veleter the best as she journeys forward. I hope she'll continue to teach, mentor and coach, as she did for me, wherever she spends her time after her retirement from the Hill. Love you, Veleter!''

Kim Edwards: ``Veleter is the kind of person I wish I had met earlier in my professional journey. From the moment I joined Congresswoman Brown's team, she quickly became not only a role model but also a source of clarity and focus. One of the most striking things about Veleter is her ability to cut through the noise. She expected clear, concise communication, particularly when it came to goals and direction for the team. To her, everything else was secondary. Her straightforward, no-nonsense approach taught me the importance of focus, discipline, and above all, staying priority driven. Veleter and I also made a great team--she, a Green from the Pace Color Palette, always demanding excellence from our staff, and I, a Blue, often seeking to find the best in everyone. Together, we struck a balance that helped us elevate the work we did while maintaining a positive, collaborative environment. At the end of the day, Veleter always knew how to analyze the situation, identify the key priorities, and get the work done. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the work she did for the people of OH-11. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with her and to have learned so much along the way. Wishing you all the best in your retirement, Veleter. You will be greatly missed.''

Jasmine Butler: ``Veleter has been one of the most impactful mentors in my life. I had no idea what to expect or how to prepare to work in a Congressional office when I arrived on the Hill on November 15, 2021. What I appreciate most about my experience with Veleter is that she required a level of excellence that pushed me beyond what I thought I could achieve. She embodies unapologetic excellence, refusing to shrink for the sake of others. To witness another Black woman so fearless and bold in the presence of those who may consider themselves more prominent helped me subconsciously eliminate personal beliefs of unworthiness. She showed all of us that we can do and achieve anything. It was no cliche. It was our reality because she required excellence, innovation, and the highest level of service to the constituents of Ohio's Eleventh Congressional District. I cannot thank her enough for her impact on me as a professional, a confidant, and a friend. I wish her all the joy, love, excitement, new adventures, and peace her heart can hold. She truly deserves that and so much more.''

Imani Edwards: ``Without the mentorship, correction, and love from Veleter Mazyck, I would not be the woman or professional I am today. Veleter has a way of always making you want to try harder and show up as the absolute best version of yourself. As a young Black woman navigating Capitol Hill, Veleter reminded me that if I could find a way to excel in midst of chaos, trial by fire is how she put it, then no person, place or thing would ever hinder my success. She gave me a confidence that I continue to carry with me in any professional arena I enter. I wish her all the

best in her well-deserved retirement! Thank you for everything, Veleter!''

As Veleter steps away from Capitol Hill, I know that her contributions will continue to ripple outward. The legacy she leaves is one of progress, integrity, and hope.

Throughout her career, she has often spoken about the importance of getting off the dance floor. It was, as she says, your role as a leader is to get to the balcony--to better see the bigger picture.

As she retires, it's time to leave both the balcony and the dance floor behind. Now, the stage is her's to set. Whether it's traveling, writing, or pursuing new passions--retirement is her front-row seat to a life of her own design.

On behalf of a grateful Congress, a grateful district, and a grateful Nation, I thank her. I thank her for her vision, virtue and vigilance. We are better because of her sacrifice, and for her unwavering commitment to seeing our Nation not for what it was--but for what it could be.

We wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement, with full confidence that her impact on this institution and the Nation it serves will live on for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor an individual whose service, character, and dedication have left an indelible mark on this institution and the people it serves.

I first met Veleter M.B. Mazyck in 2017 when I was selected to participate in the CBC Institute boot camp. I could not have known then that 4 years later Veleter would become not only my chief of staff but also a trusted adviser, confidante, and unwavering partner in serving the people of Ohio's 11th Congressional District.

A steady hand who had served my predecessor for more than a decade, Veleter has been vital to the success of my office ever since.

As she prepares to retire, I rise to recognize a career defined by integrity, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Too often the contributions of congressional staff remain behind the scenes, unnoticed by the public but essential to our democracy. Far from the cameras, the House Chamber, or the committee dais, staff work long hours. They are driven by a deep and abiding sense of duty.

Veleter Mazyck personifies this culturally, spiritually, and professionally. She is known for being both wise and witty, spontaneous and strategic, careful and kind, thoughtful and thorough, but, most importantly, a loving, loyal, steady, and steadfast steward of our Nation. She is a calm and commanding force behind every success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to etch the name of Veleter Mazyck into the Congressional Record, ensuring her legacy endures for years to come.

An unsung hero of this institution, Veleter committed herself to honing the skills and talents the Lord had blessed her with, to bending the moral arc of the universe a little bit closer to justice, and to ensuring our government serves its people with respect, dignity, and compassion.

After a celebrated career as a general counsel to large metropolitan school districts, Veleter agreed to serve as Congresswoman Fudge's chief of staff for 1 year or maybe 2. Yet, a decade later, Veleter was still here, a cornerstone of the office, the Congress, and, dare I say, the country and the Constitution.

Through her efforts, legislative priorities were championed with purpose and passion; crises were managed with character and charisma; and partnerships were forged, both publicly and privately, all with the goal of creating a better future for the people of Ohio's 11th Congressional District.

Following my predecessor's appointment to President Joe Biden's Cabinet, Veleter skillfully managed the office during the transition, ensuring constituents continued to receive the support that they needed.

Upon my swearing in, her wealth of experience and knowledge allowed me to competently step into my role. Ever since, Veleter's deep understanding of this institution has been invaluable.

In moments of uncertainty, Veleter was the steady hand navigating challenges with poise and resolve. In moments of triumph, she didn't celebrate personal accolades but the victories achieved for the people of northeast Ohio. In every moment in between, she exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and dedication.

What truly sets Veleter apart is her ability to bring out the best in those around her. Whether mentoring young staffers or building coalitions with colleagues, she led with patience, humility, and a genuine belief in the power of collaboration.

After 13 years, the countless individuals she has impacted, from colleagues to constituents, are a testament to the lasting influence she has had on all who have worked with her.

As Veleter steps away from Capitol Hill, I know that her contributions will continue to ripple outward. The legacy she leaves is one of progress, integrity, and hope.

Veleter, throughout her career, has often spoken about the importance of getting off the dance floor. It was, as she says, her role as a leader to get to the balcony to see the bigger picture.

As she retires, it is time to leave both the balcony and the dance floor behind. Now, the stage is hers to set. Whether it is traveling, writing, or pursuing new passions, retirement is her front-row seat to a life of her own design.

I thank Veleter on behalf of a grateful Congress, a grateful district, and a grateful Nation. I thank her for her vision, virtue, and vigilance. We are better because of her sacrifice and for her unwavering commitment to see a nation not for what it was but for what it could be.

We wish Veleter all the best in her well-earned retirement with full confidence that her impact on this institution and the Nation it serves will live on for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for pulling the CBC together for this Special Order hour along with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson).

I am honored to join my CBC colleagues in recognition of the 100th birthday of the great Shirley Chisholm here in the House Chamber.

It is so appropriate that we are here because this is one of the places where Shirley made history. On January 3, 1969, she was the first Black woman to walk into this Chamber as a Member of Congress. That was the 91st Congress of the United States, meaning that the first 90 Congresses, dating back to 1789, had not featured a Black woman.

Of course, most Congresses had not featured many women or many Black Representatives at all. In fact, the same day that Congresswoman Chisholm was sworn in, my predecessor, representing northeast Ohio, the Honorable Louis Stokes, another founding member of the CBC, also took office, being the first Black Member of Congress from Ohio after 166 years of statehood.

That is why I have so much pride when I look at my colleagues because we are here now, and it started with Shirley Chisholm.

Shirley Chisholm served, legislated, and lived like she was making up for

lost time, making up for all the times that people like her had been shut out of the conversation or left out of the room. That is why her legacy is so strong today.

She wasn't just a first. She wasn't just a historical footnote. She was a fighter. Shirley Chisholm was someone who came here on day one and demanded to be heard and demanded that her constituents be heard. She fought, unbought and unbossed, for the nutrition benefits, for people in need, for childcare, for universal healthcare, and for justice for Black women and Black Americans and all people in this country.

These fights are not over. As we head into a new Congress next year along with a new President, it is clear that many of these same battles will be fought anew.

Therefore, as we celebrate Congresswoman Chisholm's 100th birthday, let us all draw strength from her example and the courage to carry on her legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Find and Protect Foster Youth Act.

Every day 55 foster youth in the United States go missing. Their average age is 15. Missing means we don't know where they are or if they are safe, and all too often they are not safe.

Right now, the system is failing foster youth. So often, people say: They fell through the cracks. It is our job to find where those cracks are and to fill them.

That is what this bill does. It requires the Federal Government to coordinate with States to find the gaps and fill them so that we can keep foster youth safe.

Mr. Speaker, 55 new foster youth missing each day is 55 too many, and I urge my colleagues to pass this bill for foster youth in Ohio and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues from the Ohio delegation to pay tribute to Cleveland Officer Jamieson Ritter, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our community last week.

Officer Ritter honorably served his country in the National Guard and Army Reserve and served his community for 4 years as a police officer. Facing the terrible risk law enforcement officers deal with every day, officer Ritter lived the motto, ``Protect and Serve.'' For example, he provided heroic emergency assistance multiple times this year, including saving the life of a gunshot victim wounded just weeks ago.

For his consistently selfless service, he was named Officer of the Month in May. Officer Ritter exemplified the best of law enforcement, and for that we are profoundly grateful.

May God hold Officer Ritter in the palm of His hand and give strength to his family and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all in the Chamber to rise for a moment of silence in remembrance of Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Hayes for organizing this Special Order hour on SNAP.

Today, I rise because tomorrow the House Agriculture Committee will vote on the GOP's partisan farm bill. If passed, it will force severe cuts to the SNAP program that would risk benefits for years to come.

SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp program, is a vital resource to families and individuals who have fallen on hard times. In Ohio's 11th Congressional District, almost one in four households rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table.

These are our friends, our family, neighbors, and my constituents. It shouldn't be controversial to want members of your community fed.

On the House Agriculture Committee, I am committed to making that known, but this farm bill will see the largest cut to SNAP benefits in over 30 years, taking nearly $30 billion in food out of the mouths of people who really need it.

Being poor isn't a condemnation of morals, but Republicans have shown they want to treat it that way, which is why I urge my Republican colleagues to reconsider their extreme proposal and to join Democrats as we continue to put people over politics.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues from the Ohio delegation to pay our respects to Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin. On Saturday, while responding to a distress call, Officer Derbin was ambushed and killed.

Like so many of our law enforcement officers in northeast Ohio and across the country, Officer Derbin put himself at risk to protect others. Even after he was shot, Officer Derbin was able to warn others, likely saving other lives.

He was just 23 years old, a new officer who was engaged to be married in July. He had so much ahead of him.

Officer Derbin's life was about service. He was a veteran who served his country, and, tragically, he made the ultimate sacrifice for his community.

We ask that God give strength to Officer Derbin's family, friends, and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all present in the Chamber to please rise for a moment of silence in remembrance of Euclid, Ohio, Police Officer Jacob Derbin.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my friend, mentor, and predecessor in Congress, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia Fudge.

As Secretary Fudge retires, I join people from the White House to Warrensville Heights in celebrating her lifetime of service and achievement.

Under her leadership, HUD helped more than 2 million families stay in their homes, served over a million people experiencing homelessness, and helped 250,000 Black homeowners purchase a home.

Secretary Fudge has been a voice for justice and a champion for her constituents, and she has always been about results.

Quite simply, in Congress and the Cabinet, she set the standard, and I am honored and humbled to follow her as the Representative of the 11th Congressional District.

I congratulate Secretary Fudge. We in Ohio's 11th Congressional District are excited to welcome her home.

Mr. Speaker, my guest for the State of the Union tomorrow will be Ms. Annette Watts of Warren, Ohio, the mother of Brittany Watts.

Last year, Brittany Watts dealt with a common medical problem. She had a miscarriage. Instead of receiving care, she was charged with a crime.

Mr. Speaker, this is because of the cynical, sinister, violent, vicious, blatant, barbaric, callous, and cruel agenda to deny women their rights--their right to IVF, to contraception, to miscarriage care, and, yes, the right to an abortion.

One in three women live in States that have passed abortion bans and now face health issues far more dangerous than the procedure itself, like maternal sepsis. In addition, Black women, like Brittany, are on the front line. We are more likely to miscarry, more likely to need an abortion, more likely to die during pregnancy, and, yes, more likely to be targeted.

It is time to restore rights rather than restrict them. We must pass the Women's Health Protection Act because everyone deserves access to reproductive care.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question so we can bring up this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Jackson and Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick. I thank our CBC colleagues for speaking tonight on this important topic and for the incredible work they do on so many issues impacting our communities.

National Diabetes Month is a call to action. It is a call to action to invest in our people, invest in our neighborhoods, and invest in public health and medical research. It is a call to take the simple and direct actions that are often right in front of us.

Just a few weeks ago, President Biden declared November to be National Diabetes Month.

While diabetes is truly a widespread problem, it is also a disease that shows some of the deeper sickness of America's history. Roughly one in eight Black Americans has diabetes, and nearly 40 percent of the population that doesn't have diabetes is already prediabetic. It is not just an older person's disease.

In the last two decades, the prevalence of diabetes among people under 20 who are Black and Hispanic Americans has increased by 95 percent.

Mr. Speaker, when you add it all up, Black Americans are 60 percent more likely than White Americans to have diabetes.

In Cuyahoga County, which I represent, the Black diabetes rate is 25 percent. For Whites, it is 7 percent. When the CDC released the Census tract data, it showed there were neighborhoods in Cleveland where the diabetes rate was nearly 40 percent.

We aren't just more likely to have this disease; it is also hitting Black people much harder. Nationwide, we are two-and-one-half times more likely to be hospitalized by diabetes than White Americans, and we are twice as likely to die from diabetes.

There is a lot that is broken here, and it doesn't have to be this way. Three years ago, as a member of the Cuyahoga County Council, I helped lead the effort to pass a resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis, and diabetes is one of the indicators we pointed to. It has so many systemic and structural factors: the legacies of Jim Crow and slavery, poverty and a lack of opportunity, denied access to healthcare, and a lack of doctors and nurses from our community who can hear us and listen to us. There are so

many different factors all coming together to produce a disparate impact.

In so many ways, this is the same story we see repeated with Black maternal health and other racial health disparities.

Unfortunately, with diabetes rates this high, it is having a cascade effect on our overall well-being because diabetes is expensive, chronic, and potentially deadly.

We just saw this with the pandemic. Four in 10 adults who died from COVID-19 also had diabetes.

Nonetheless, step one is identifying the problem, and that is why we are here this evening. Step two is action. We have real progress to celebrate thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, which established a $35 per month cap on insulin costs for those on Medicare. In response to the IRA, Eli Lilly and other pharmaceutical companies also announced price caps and price reductions for people with non-Medicare insurance.

Not a single Republican in either Chamber voted for the Inflation Reduction Act. Nevertheless, Democrats in Congress and the Biden-Harris administration stepped forward to deliver anyway.

Just about every week, there is another effort by House Republicans to repeal some part of it, but the IRA is here to stay. Black Americans are benefiting from this law. The IRA is lowering healthcare costs for seniors across the country and saving many of our constituents hundreds of dollars a year.

While the data around diabetes is alarming, the Inflation Reduction Act shows that we don't have to accept the unacceptable. We have a lot more work to do to address diabetes and public health disparities more broadly. The stark disparities with diabetes were centuries in the making. We can't change that past, but we can build a better future.

We need to make healthcare more affordable, from drugs and treatment to coverage. We also need to ensure that healthcare providers look like America and look like the communities they serve. We need to help train the next generation of Black medical professionals. We need to invest in SNAP and WIC so people can afford healthy food. We need to invest in and fully fund NIH and CDC efforts to study diabetes and treat diabetes so we can improve care.

The budget fight we have been fighting for the past 6 months shows where each party is aligned and whose side they are on. If we cut funding for SNAP, push more people off Medicaid, continue to cut investments in public health, and forbid every Federal agency from even using the words ``equity, diversity, and inclusion,'' then we know exactly what will happen and who will suffer.

The stakes are clear, and my CBC colleagues and I are going to keep fighting for our constituents.

Mr. Speaker, let's fight diabetes and help every American live a healthy life.

Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Jackson and Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick for leading a Special-Order Hour on July 25 to discuss the impact of gun violence on Black communities.

As members of the Congressional Black Caucus, we have an obligation to speak out

on behalf of our constituents, and an obligation to work towards a more just society for everyone.

And this Special Order is so important because gun violence is devastating our communities. The conservative Supreme Court and radical state legislatures have weakened our gun safety laws and Black families in Black neighborhoods are paying the price.

My district is not immune. In Cleveland earlier this month, 9 people were shot in a mass shooting. Gun violence is leaving trauma, fear, and pain across Northeast Ohio. The party that likes to talk about freedom, has left my constituents in fear, unable to enjoy everyday activities without the fear of gun violence.

And I am a licensed gun owner. But I fully support gun safety legislation, including an assault weapons ban, creating universal background checks, closing dangerous loopholes and more. Because I have the audacity to believe that my constituents deserve to feel safe.

Finally, I want to stress that we can't give up hope.

Large majorities of the American people want us to act. And last year, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. That's right, it was bipartisan. And we were able to strengthen background checks and impose new penalties on illegal purchases.

That's why we have to continue to speak out and continue to work the legislative process. We owe our constituents nothing less.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Jackson and Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick for leading this Special-Order Hour.

The Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action is a disaster for the Black and Brown young people that I represent in Northeast Ohio. It's a disaster for underserved communities across the country. And frankly, it's a terrible outcome for the entire Nation, because diverse schools are better schools, for all students. This is a ruling that denies the reality of our past and undermines our Nation's future. And we need to be upfront about what this ruling will mean for real people.

Because of this ruling, there are going to be drastically fewer Black and Brown students admitted to the Nation's most selective schools. Because of this ruling, the Nation's top schools, the schools that feed into power, influence, and wealth--are going to be whiter. So, let's be real: this ruling is a lot of things--but it's not about fairness. Mr. Speaker, last week I had the honor of hosting HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in Cleveland and introducing him to students and faculty at Lincoln-West High School.

At Lincoln-West, we have the only high school in the country located inside a hospital--and the students are doing incredible things. They're shadowing doctors and nurses, interning at MetroHealth hospital, and earning certifications at a very young age.

During our visit to Lincoln-West's facilities at MetroHealth, we met with recent graduates Tavion Lindsey and Khandah Abdullah. These talented young people impressed us deeply, introducing themselves and describing the program and their experience seamlessly with multiple members of Congress, a member of the Cabinet, and the President of the hospital. Tavion and Khandah demonstrate how this program at Lincoln- West is instilling understanding, confidence, and expertise in its students.

Mr. Speaker, Lincoln-West is in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, which is nearly 80 percent Black or Hispanic, and where a majority of students are from low-income households. The success of this innovative hospital program shows students can do so much--if they're given a chance. And Mr. Speaker, that's why this ruling cut so deep. I think of all the brilliant minds in my district and across America who are going to be denied opportunities because of this shameful and ignorant ruling. We owe it to those young people to keep fighting, keep working, and keep speaking out.

We must support schools and students and teachers in every zip code, and we must make higher education more affordable. We must invest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities and support the students that attend them. Finally, we must build a more inclusive economy, with programs and policies that are equitable.

Mr. Speaker, the Supreme Court may have decided to ignore centuries of slavery, centuries of discrimination, centuries of inequality--but I have not. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, because we understand that this ruling is a setback, but that it is also a call to action. We must keep fighting for an America where all people can thrive.