Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I honor the centennial legacy of empowerment and service embodied by the Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, celebrating 100 years of unwavering commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action.

Chartered in the heart of the 13th Congressional District on January 24, 1924, Tau Chapter stands proudly at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, the inaugural Black Greek letter organization on the campus.

Founded 111 years ago at Howard University by 22 visionary women, Delta Sigma Theta set the standard for service and advocacy. Boldly standing for women's rights in the women's suffrage march shortly after its inception, Delta Sigma Theta continues to inspire positive change.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the members of Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated as they celebrate 100 years of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action.

Tau Chapter was charted in the 13th Congressional District on January 24, 1924, and was the first Black Greek letter organization charted on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Delta Sigma Theta, A Service Sorority, was founded 111 years ago on January 13, 1913, on the campus of Howard University by twenty-two collegiate women. Just two months after its founding, the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta, in their first act of public service, participated in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington, D.C., advocating for the right to vote for all women

It is no coincidence that an organization committed to public service, and political awareness would have trailblazing and dedicated members who have contributed so much to congress. From my great state of Michigan, I want to recognize my predecessors, also members of Delta Sigma Theta, Congresswomen Barbara-Rose Collins, Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick and Brenda Lawrence.

In the 100 years since its chartering, Tau Chapter has continued the mission of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action within Detroit, MI. Congratulations.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation honoring the 15th Anniversary of the Shen Yun Performing Arts Days:

Whereas, Shen Yun Performing Arts was established in 2006 by a group of elite Chinese artists in New York with a mission of reviving 5,000 years of Chinese culture, and since then, has grown into a household name around the world; and

Whereas, Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture, its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired; and

Whereas, Shen Yun features the world's foremost classically trained dancers, a unique orchestra blending East and West, and dazzling animated backdrops--together creating one spectacular performance; and

Whereas, There has been an overwhelming and positive response to Shen Yun Performing Arts around the world, it is traditional Chinese culture as it was meant to be, a study in grace, fluidity, inner strength, and positive virtues; and

Whereas, Themes of kindness, compassion, and courage are brought out through the songs of eminent vocalists and stunning choreography, the human spirit triumphs over adversity in powerful, thought-provoking dances, providing an uplifting and inspiring experience, energizing our Motor City with hope; and

Now therefore, be it resolved, I, Shri Thanedar, Member of Congress, do hereby proclaim the Shen Yun Performing Arts to be recognized for their artistic accomplishments and culture contributions to the city of Detroit.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following proclamation.

Whereas Claude Rowe was born to Jamaican immigrant parents and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and was accepted as one of the first Black Americans into the prestigious Cast Technical High School where he excelled in engineering.

Whereas Claude Rowe interrupted his aeronautical studies at the University of Michigan at the outbreak of World War Two to serve his country as a pilot.

Whereas Claude Rowe, discovering that no black Americans were permitted to be pilots, took advantage of his dual American and Canadian citizenship and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force where he was the only black man in his unit who was trained to be a pilot.

Whereas Claude Rowe, still desiring to become an American Military pilot, heard about the Tuskegee training program for young black fighter pilots, applied and was selected.

Whereas Claude Rowe, along with approximately 900 selected Tuskegee airman who follow the vision to outwork every fighter group and to work for the good of the group rather than for personal glory, accomplished an incredible feat as fighter escorts: they never lost a bomber entrusted to their care. The Tuskegee airman became the most requested and preferred escort bomber pilots. Because when the red tail painted planes arrived, victory was guaranteed.

Whereas Claude A. Rowe, the only Tuskegee airman to earn two sets of wings stands as a shining example of a man who overcame prejudice and discrimination in the 1940s to leave us a legacy that resulted in the desegregation of our armed forces and the confirmation of American ideal that all men are created equal.

Whereas, Claude Rowe, will always be loved and respected and esteemed highly by his wife of 55 years, his 8 children and other friends, family and community members for his devotion to them and to civil rights and to America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rosa Parks, a beacon of hope during the civil rights movement.

As we mark the 68th anniversary of her historic defiance against racial segregation, we remember her decision to not give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955 and how it ignited a movement that reshaped our Nation's history.

Detroit, her adopted home and final resting place, has been indelibly marked by her courage. Her spirit and resolve continue to inspire generations in Detroit to stand up against racial disparity and champion inequality.

In her honor, and in recognition of the city she loved, we must persist in our efforts to dismantle systemic racism and build a society where every individual, regardless of race, can achieve their full potential.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the longest serving mayor of the city I so proudly represent, Mayor Coleman A. Young, on the 26th anniversary of his passing.

Born in the throes of segregation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Mayor Young rose from the humble beginnings of the Great Migration to become a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength for the city of Detroit. His journey was marked not just by the offices he held, but by the indomitable spirit he embodied--a spirit that challenged inequality, fought for justice, and tirelessly sought to uplift every resident of Detroit.

As Detroit's first African-American mayor, he broke barriers and built bridges. He led our city through times of challenge and change, always with an unwavering vision for a more inclusive and prosperous Detroit. His efforts to integrate the Detroit Police Department and to fight excessive use of force were not just administrative actions, but bold steps towards healing and unity. His advocacy for affirmative action and his dedication to economic development were testament to his belief in a Detroit that offered opportunity for all. Under his leadership, Detroit saw the rise of vital infrastructure and community projects, laying the groundwork for the city's future.

As we reflect on Mayor Young's legacy, let us remember his courage, his unwavering commitment to civil rights, and his enduring love for Detroit. His life's work reminds us of the power of resilience, the importance of visionary leadership, and the unyielding pursuit of equality. Mayor Young's legacy is not confined to the past; it is a guiding light for our future, motivating us to continue building a city

that is as strong, as vibrant, and as inclusive as the remarkable leader we commemorate today. May his memory continue to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, in Congress, our mission is clear: to serve the people. However, a pattern has emerged that is troubling.

We are seeing an endless cycle of censure resolutions and impeachment measures from some factions within the Republican Party.

This isn't just about disagreement. It is about distraction.

These actions are eating up valuable time and resources, resources that should be spent on solving real issues facing our constituents.

I call on my colleagues across the aisle: Let's rethink this path. Our duty to govern, to really serve our people, must come before personal promotion or political posturing. We are here to work for the well-being of our Nation and its citizens.

I urge my friends on the other side to put an end to this relentless brinkmanship. It is not about backing down. It is about stepping up to our responsibilities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 771.

I firmly stand with Israel in the face of terrorism from Hamas.

When I visited Israel in August, I saw how they were surrounded by threats. Now, those threats have come true in the most violent and terrible possible way.

Let me be clear, our goal is the eradication of terrorists and terrorism from the face of this Earth.

We call on and expect the Israeli army to try to minimize civilian casualties. We should make every reasonable effort to protect innocent Palestinians, but there can be no cease-fire until Hamas releases all hostages, stops its rocket attacks, and surrenders the leaders of the terrorist attack.

Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 3881, the Credit Card Competition Act.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate a constituent, a resident of the 13th District of Michigan, Candice Jackson, for winning the Teacher of the Year award.

As we observe Teacher Appreciation Week, I also want to draw attention to over 36,000 teaching posts left vacant this year. The newest figures show that the top income a teacher might earn in 17 percent of the school districts, even with 30 years of service and a Ph.D., is only $60,000. This is intolerable.

As a cosponsor of the American Teacher Act, I am proud to advocate for our teachers. We must ensure that our educators earn at least $60,000, not at most. Our teachers deserve our gratitude, respect, and just compensation. Together, we will make this a reality for them.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member, Mr. Thompson, for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today as a symbol of what our immigration system can achieve. In 1979, at the age of 24, I entered this country alone with no friends, no family, but I had my American Dream.

At times, I slept in a car or at a homeless shelter that was funded by a faith-based nonprofit. At times, I got sick and needed to go to the hospital.

H.R. 2 would cut funding for these nonprofit organizations and remove reimbursement systems for immigrants to get healthcare.

When my colleagues on the other side of the aisle ask me why I don't support this bill, my answer is simple. I don't support cutting programs that helped me and help immigrants like me in times of their need and their hardship. I stand with countless immigrants who have contributed greatly to our country and urge opposition to H.R. 2.

When my colleagues and I went down to the southern border, we met with many nonprofit organizations and saw the important and necessary work that they do. We met with the border agents and learned that they are working with a broken immigration system.

Reforming this system is going to be complex, but the Republicans are proposing an enforcement-only strategy. This is not going to work.

I propose that we expand legal pathways, restore asylum systems, and work with nonprofit organizations like the ones that housed me and cared for me when I was just arriving to this country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to request support for naming a Federal building after the late Congressman John Conyers, Jr.

Mr. Conyers was a civil rights legend, the dean of the House of Representatives and, above all else, a faithful and devoted public servant for the city of Detroit.

In this House, Mr. Conyers had many firsts. He was one of the first members of the Congressional Black Caucus. He was the first African American to serve on the Judiciary Committee and to become its chairman. He was the first to introduce the bill making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a Federal holiday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask for your support in naming a Federal building after this Detroit icon.

Mr. Chair, H.R. 1 is not an all-of-the-above energy bill that will help lower costs for Americans.

I rise today in opposition to this bill because it would worsen the destructive effects of climate change and line the pockets of the wealthy at the expense of the most vulnerable constituents in my district.

Mr. Chair, my constituents are sick and tired of politicians in this town using their positions of power to help corporations at the expense of people.

Fossil fuel companies and the lobbyists want to lessen environmental regulations so that they can pump massive amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and cash in, all at the expense of the people.

In southwest Detroit, corporations continue to emit harmful and unpleasant fumes around the low-income neighborhoods in the area. This bill will help them continue to pollute and worsen environmental injustice.

In my district, climate change has increased the rate and severity of flooding. My constituents must endure property damage, water contamination, and in some cases the loss of loved ones.

Last Congress, this body made historic changes by passing the Inflation Reduction Act, reducing the pollution in our communities that is disproportionately felt by low-income and disadvantaged communities. We must not turn back.

I came to Congress to fight against bills like H.R. 1 because they put my constituents directly at risk. It is absurd to lessen environmental regulations at a time when corporations choose pollution and profits over people. Please don't pass this disastrous bill.

Madam Speaker, I stand today to speak about the importance of uplifting small businesses in our country.

About 50 percent of U.S. GDP is generated by small businesses. Despite this, big corporations seem to always rake in big profits during economic hardship, while small businesses struggle to get by.

As a result, small business owners barely have enough leftover funds after payroll to reinvest into their businesses.

As a former small business owner, I know firsthand the difficulties these hardworking men and women face. Today, entrepreneurs, especially women and minorities, find it hard to get access to capital. I am calling for targeted programs to provide access to capital for Black and Brown communities for businesses led by veterans, the disabled, and women across this country.

Mr. Speaker, today I stand before this body to remind Congress of the following names:

Arielle Diamond Anderson, Brian Fraser, Alexandria Verner.

The lives of these three students were brutally taken from us this month on the campus of Michigan State University. Arielle Anderson and Brian Fraser were students at schools in my district.

Although this tragedy has personal significance for me today, it is a sad truth that until our country recognizes the sickness of gun violence, we will continue to have tragedies like this. These incidents are all too common in this country. We as a Congress must ensure and demand that these atrocities never happen again.

It is past due that we pass sensible gun laws that expand safe storage regulations, reform red flag laws, and improve access to mental health care.

Mr. Speaker, we can't keep living like this. We must act now.