Floor Statements

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

More than one in five adults in the United States live with mental illness. We must ensure that community practitioners, from mental health workers, social workers, crisis managers, and law enforcement are educated on implicit biases that they may have and the social determinants of health that negatively impact patients of color.

While people of all ages and backgrounds experience mental disorders, minorities face significant treatment disparities. Cultural humility training has advanced healthcare equity, but we must do better.

In my area in the Caribbean, communities affected by hurricanes, most recently Grenada, St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and Jamaica, experience a different level of mental strain, leading to mental health crises in families among adults and children.

I urge my colleagues to better address the tremendous mental health disparities and barriers to treatment for minority communities.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment No. 256 included in this en bloc.

The United States and its allies are engaged in a global strategic competition with China and Russia. While Europe and the Indo-Pacific are the primary theaters of this contest, China and Russia are increasing their malign influence in the global south, including in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

My amendment directs the Department of Defense to assess the impact of Russia's influence in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean on the national security and economic interests of the United States.

This builds upon my amendment included in the fiscal year 2023 NDAA, which directed the Department of Defense to assess the standing U.S. military force posture in the Caribbean, given U.S. national and regional security interests in the region.

Mr. Chair, I urge support of my amendment in amendments en bloc No. 4.

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to honor one of the Virgin Islands' very own, the recently departed, Pam Richards.

A dedicated public servant, Pam's unwavering service to the Virgin Islands and tireless efforts to enhance our culture and heritage leave behind a legacy and an indelible mark on all us.

Pamela Richards served as Commissioner of Tourism of the Virgin Islands Government, executive director of the 29th legislature of the Virgin Islands, district director of my office, and more recently, she was the interim chief of staff for President David Hall of the University of the Virgin Islands. She served on too many nonprofits and government boards to mention.

Although deeply saddened by her passing, I find comfort in the memories of her: her sarcastic humor, our shared stories of our Virgin Islands ancestors, history, and culture.

Mr. Speaker, I say to Pam, rest well, queen. We will remember her legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate June as National Homeownership Month.

We know the vital role that homeownership plays in building strong, sustainable, inclusive communities. It is critical that our shared goal is making quality, affordable homes available in every corner of the American experience.

In 2017, my home of the Virgin Islands was devastated by two Category 5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria. Seven years later, the housing stock of the Virgin Islands is only just recovering to pre-storm levels. Homeownership remains difficult to achieve as demand dramatically outstrips supply, distorting the market.

I am heartened by the Department of Housing and Urban Development's efforts to expand access to homeownership nationwide, reversing the effects of decades of redlining and other forms of discrimination or keeping individuals out.

We know that homeownership is the greatest means for families to build wealth. I stand in celebration of former Secretary of HUD Marcia Fudge and the continued work of Acting HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman, a fellow Virgin Islander. I urge continued congressional support for home-building programs in any corner of the American experience.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on the decision by the U.S. Department of Justice to condemn the use of the Insular Cases.

Last month, I co-led a bipartisan, bicameral letter signed by 43 Members of Congress, from both the House and the Senate, urging the U.S. Department of Justice to condemn and cease relying on the racist rulings of the Insular Cases that continue to negatively impact Americans living in U.S. territories.

The Department of Justice has finally agreed that the language is, in fact, racist and that the logic of the Insular Cases deserves no place in the law of the United States.

Residents of U.S. territories deserve fair treatment and the opportunity to determine their own political future. I am proud to see that our efforts have come to some fruition and have the Department of Justice clarify and denounce their position on those cases.

We are one step closer. We still have so much work to go to be equitable, to be treated fairly. I am asking all Virgin Islanders and all members of U.S. territories to continue the fight.

I will also continue to advocate for the reversal of the Insular Cases at the Supreme Court level and ensure the fair treatment of all residents living in U.S. territories.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 5034, a bill to designate the United States Post Office located at 2119 Market Square in Christiansted, St. Croix, as the Lieutenant General Samuel E. Ebbesen Post Office.

Lieutenant General Samuel E. Ebbesen, a native of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, has led a distinguished career in military, business, community, and public service. Throughout his tenure, General Ebbesen held numerous key command and staff positions, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication. From his role as operations officer at the 7th Infantry Division in California to commanding the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, and the 6th Infantry Division, his impact has been profound.

Notably, he led the Department of Defense Joint Task Force during the rescue and recovery operations following Hurricane Andrew in south Florida, showcasing his unwavering commitment to service. His illustrious military career culminated in his retirement as a three- star general in January of 1997.

As a young man at City College, Lieutenant General Ebbesen became great friends with former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who became his professional mentor. As two Caribbean men in New York, they became fast friends and supported each other's military careers. General Ebbesen had the honor of being one of few people who spoke at the funeral services of Secretary Powell.

By passing this bill, we recognize the significant contributions of a remarkable Virgin Islander whose life and career exemplified the very best of what it means to serve both in uniform and in civilian life. We also acknowledge the sacrifices and achievements of Lieutenant General Ebbesen and affirm our commitment to honoring those who have served with distinction.

Virgin Islanders have served this country in military service since its inception, even before we were a part of the United States, in every conflict from Alexander Hamilton as aide-de-camp to General George Washington to scores of young men who volunteered in World War II and then served in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and today. Virgin Islanders have gladly answered the call in greater numbers per capita than elsewhere on the mainland.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5034 and ensure that the legacy of Lieutenant General Samuel E. Ebbesen as an example of the service of men and women is forever preserved through the naming of the Market Square post office in St. Croix in the town of Christiansted where he grew up as the Lieutenant General Samuel E. Ebbesen Post Office.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank my colleagues, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Senator Tim Kaine, and many other Members of both Chambers who are urging House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member James Risch to lift the hold on the State Department's request for $94 million for the multinational security support mission in Haiti.

Congressional Republicans' refusal to support this mission is a serious obstacle to restoring peace, security, and democratic governance in Haiti. As Kenyan President William Ruto visits Washington this week, it is crucial that we find a path forward on these funds. Establishing the MSS is vital to advancing U.S. national security interests, demonstrating American leadership in the Caribbean, and providing a lifeline to the Haitian people.

We must act decisively and together. Haiti has a fighting chance to mitigate the chaos plunging and plaguing its communities if we support the MSS mission now.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for anchoring this time.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud that we have gathered here this evening to celebrate the life and legacy of our dear friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.

When I came to Congress, I knew of his father, Donald Payne, Sr. I had gone to Georgetown's Foreign Service School and all of us Black students knew of the work of his father in elevating Africa, but I came to learn of his son, Donald Payne, Jr., and understood that he was just as passionate as his father; that he, in fact, elevated the legacy of his father by forging his own trail in the issues that were important to him.

We have lost a great man in the House, but Newark, New Jersey, the State, his staff, and especially his family, have lost a dear loved one who can never be replaced.

We must keep his legacy going: the impeccable fashion sense, kind heart, warmth, and a very wry sense of humor, very quiet, but it was there. It was very edgy at times. Donald Payne was, above all, a gentleman. He was a leader in healthcare, specifically with screening for colorectal cancer, Black men's health, and ensuring affordability. He had many initiatives for supporting disadvantaged communities.

I was proud to cosponsor H.R. 3382, the Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act and H.R. 1765, the SNAP Benefits Fairness Act alongside him.

Mr. Payne was an advocate for minority and low-income communities and a voice of support for my home, the Virgin Islands. He was there with us after the hurricanes in 2017 of Irma and Maria. He was a man who always dealt in common sense, in kindness, and what is right, a man that put people over politics and he was our friend. He will be dearly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advocate not only for Virgin Islanders, but for all American families who risk losing access to affordable high-speed internet. The Affordable Connectivity Program, a key component of President Biden's bipartisan infrastructure law, has been critical to bridging the digital divide, providing over 23 million households nationwide significant savings on their monthly internet bills. In the Virgin Islands alone, this program benefits over 6,000 households, representing one in every six homes across our territory.

Through this initiative, Virgin Islands' families maintain access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Yet, this crucial lifeline hangs in the balance.

To my Republican colleagues, we, once again, call on the majority to provide additional funding through the Affordable Connectivity Program. For the sake of our children, our economy, and our future, we must ensure that every household remains connected.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak about the need for congressional support for energy stability in offshore, isolated and underserved areas. In the Virgin Islands, we are acutely aware of the impacts of climate change, including the increasing frequency and severity of hurricanes, as evidenced in 2017 with two Category 5 hurricanes hitting our home.

Energy remains the single most critical factor for our territory's future. High electricity costs and power instability continue to hamper economic recovery. Systemic energy instability has direct and indirect negative impacts on sustainable economic development, which magnifies existing societal vulnerabilities.

The Biden-Harris administration's energy policy offers the Virgin Islands and places like it a transformative opportunity, including the Energy Department's State Energy Program and Loan Programs Office, the Interior Department's Energizing Insular Communities, and EPA's Solar for All programs.

We must continue to utilize and champion this administration's vision to enable disadvantaged, isolated areas to define and implement our energy future through a modern-day lens, fundamentally addressing our needs as we see them.

Mr. Speaker, this Black Maternal Health Week, we confront the glaring reality that Black women in America are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications across socioeconomic criteria and education than similarly situated White women.

Research highlights a disturbing attribution, that Black women are also significantly more likely to encounter disrespectful treatment during childbirth, facing scolding, threats, and even outright hostility.

These disparities in treatment are not new. They are deeply embedded in the fabric, unfortunately, of our healthcare system and our society.

The fact that maternal death in the U.S. has more than doubled over two decades, with Black mothers suffering the highest rate, is a national tragedy. Moreover, the CDC's finding that over 80 percent of those deaths were preventable should be a call to action.

As a mother of five and a mother for a daughter, I find the current trajectory deeply troubling and wholly unacceptable. It poses a severe threat to the health and safety of Black women and all women across our Nation. It is paramount that we improve awareness of the urgent maternal warning signs and ensure the provision of timely, respectful, and quality care. We must save these lives.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus- McCormick, as well as her co-chair, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, who have led this Special Order hour for some time now, bringing to America, as well as to other Members of Congress, the issues that are important to the Congressional Black Caucus, the conscience of the Congress.

It is these Special Order hours which really allow our colleagues and others to understand those issues which may not get the kind of attention through the media or even in our hearings that they deserve. I thank them for spending this time to allow us to talk about a festering crisis that is directly at our border, that Congress has not engaged in sufficiently to ensure that democracy continues to reign in this near neighbor of ours.

The time for dawdling, procrastination, pointless disputes, reviews, and continual talking has long expired. Haiti cannot wait.

Haiti is a nation that has endured a tremendous amount of misfortune. Although it holds the distinction of being the first republic of people of African descent and one of the oldest nations in the Americas, second only to the United States of America, Haiti faces a significant and ongoing humanitarian and political crisis.

The world has witnessed the Republic of Haiti face a profound political, security, and humanitarian crisis as the nation continues to be overwhelmed now by gangs that systematically endanger its democratic process. During this period, the U.S. has condemned the violence, imposed sanctions on gang leaders, and called to hasten the transition to elections.

That is not enough. While observing Haiti's plight--the sustained, consistent misfortune, lack of access to resources, abject poverty, and rampant corruption--one might wonder: What is the root cause of these issues? I know I have. I know others have. They have said: Why are they in this situation?

In understanding Haiti's disadvantaged state, we must acknowledge the ways in which the nation and its resources have, in fact, been exploited for many years.

In the early 1800s, Haiti was forced to pay huge reparations to France in exchange for independence, which they had won fairly. They have paid to the tune of $21 billion to France, a debt that took over a century to pay off, payment for freedom.

Can we as Americans imagine paying England for the right to be independent, for winning a revolution?

But France required it, and we, the United States, forced that payment on Haiti, a debt that took over a century to pay, paid to a European superpower that had colonized and enslaved them in order to profit from their labor and the resources of the land. Like many European nations, the wealth and ease of living enjoyed by the French today were built at the expense of Haiti, the Haitian people, and many other colonized areas, affecting many generations.

The continuous and often gross exploitation that organically accompanied colonial rule in places like Haiti, along with the results that followed, is something that is often ignored. We want to forget that that happened. We want to just look at the state that they are in now and not think about what brought them there, how we may have led to that exploitation as well. It is rarely acknowledged and almost never remediated. The nation of Haiti, with its past, current, and ongoing dilemmas, is a testament to the tragedy of this reality.

How could a nation, entrenched in billions of dollars of debt over multiple generations, even begin to establish the necessary infrastructure and societal structure needed to build a semblance of normalcy and make significant progress towards economic growth and prosperity?

The severity of the situation has far surpassed the usefulness of words.

We, in the United States, must assist. We are operating on borrowed time, with Russia having already set its sights on expanding its reach from the African Continent closer to our shores. Intent on capitalizing on Haiti's political instability, the Wagner Group has sought to offer the Haitian Government military strength to combat the gangs. If the United States does not take immediate action, our foreign adversaries, not limited to Russia and China, may be 700 miles from our shores. That is how close Haiti is, as you have heard from Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, to the United States.

This continued marginalization has negatively impacted the entire region--in this case, Haiti--and threatened to derail U.S. security and economic interests in the Western Hemisphere. The fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act included an amendment that directed the Department of Defense to assess the standing U.S. military force posture in the Caribbean, given U.S. national and regional security interests, and to thwart our foreign adversaries, Russia and China.

Those adversaries have set their sights on expanding their reach in the region of the Caribbean and Latin America. The continued expansion of Russian and Chinese influence threatens our national security, our prosperity, and our democratic values.

China's economic investments and financial assistance target vulnerable countries in the Caribbean and carry collateral conditions, including diplomatic expectations.

Through their Belt and Road Initiative, BRI, China has entrenched its presence by signing agreements with countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Guyana, the Dominican Republic, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and others. These investments span vast infrastructure projects including the development of major ports, highways, and energy sectors.

For example, recently, the Dominican Republic received a $600 million loan to expand the country's electric grid, along with a $3.1 billion package of investments. Do we not think that China will not use this as leverage while these projects bolster economic growth and infrastructure development? They also raise concerns about the leverage and strategic advantages the investments have.

What will happen to Haiti?

Haiti is in a position where they need financial support. We in the United States have got to pass the Caribbean Trade Resolution. The resolution recognizes the importance of enhanced trade and investment in the Caribbean. We are also working on strengthening existing trade relationships, like the Caribbean Basin Initiative or the sponsorship of HOPE for Haitian Prosperity Act of 2023, to signal our long-term commitment to Haiti.

As a member of the New Democratic Coalition, I join my colleagues in calling for renewal and enhancement of the Generalized System of Preferences, in which numerous Caribbean nations participate. In strengthening our economic partnership, the support of these nations is vital not only to their economic growth but to our national security.

As the United States' third border, the Caribbean's economic stagnation directly impacts U.S. security and stability.

As co-chair of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, I am acutely aware that the economic and political challenges facing our neighbors are complex and as such require collaborative and sustained efforts from policymakers, industry experts, financial institutions, and civil society.

We must have U.S. leadership in the region. Neighboring nations will continue to look elsewhere for support.

Venezuela is another country that they are looking to. My colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus agree that Haiti is at an inflection point and that we need to act decisively by approving the State Department's request for $40 million in funding for the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti.

For over 6 months, this Congress has held those funds. Congressional Republicans have refused to deliver the necessary resources to carry out this mission, even as the situation on the ground has deteriorated.

The instability in Haiti is not only a humanitarian crisis but a threat to our national security. We believe that the Multinational Security Support Mission would advance the national security interests not just of Haiti but of the United States. It would demonstrate American leadership in the Caribbean and provide a lifeline to the Haitian people.

Depending in large part on what Congress does or does not do next, the situation could start to improve or, by contrast, devolve into chaos and even civil war. If we act decisively, then Haiti has a fighting chance. If we dither and delay, then we are likely to watch as the Haitian National Police collapses, violent gangs overrun the country, and irregular immigration to the United States and other countries surges.

We recognize that, of course, there is a right and responsibility to be careful to scrutinize the funds to ensure the State Department has explained, but we believe that the burden of persuasion has been met and that it is time to release the remaining funds.

We regard American leadership as indispensable in this area. What is happening in Haiti is a test of American

mettle, and we must pass this test. Our hands-off and apathetic approach to Haiti is an affront to our values. This is a country that helped us during our Revolutionary War. Haitian men came and fought alongside our American soldiers in the American Revolution. When they sought their own revolution, what did we do at the end but require them to pay our ally France?

Our support of Haiti must be clear. We must support our democratic neighbor to the south.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support all measures that would advance stability in this nation and ensure that the people of Haiti can, in fact, prosper.

I thank Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick for the opportunity to speak. I know that this is an issue that is very dear to her not only because of her own familial ties to Haiti but so many of her constituents as well in Florida are crying out for support for their families and friends who remain there. They are Americans trying to ensure that their brothers and sisters, their family members, can, in fact, prosper. I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership on this issue.

I thank the Congressional Black Caucus for doing all that they can do. Of course, my sister from another mister, Yvette Clarke of Brooklyn, I thank her for always being there in the fight, as well.

Mr. Speaker, the time for dawdling, procrastinating, and pointless disputes has long expired.

This body has become consumed with self-serving ambition and such a manufactured divide that we have forgotten

that this Nation has and must continue to be a global defender of freedom and democracy.

Our failure to fulfill this vital role and turn a blind eye to systemic injustices around the world, particularly in the African Continent and the Caribbean region, is not only unethical, but it is un-American. It also has legal ramifications, not just for the people, economy, and stability of those nations, but lethal ramifications for our own safety and national security.

The African Continent and the Caribbean region have long suffered from a legacy of slavery and colonialism, symptoms of which have led many of these countries to be volatile and prone to political and economic instability.

For example, Haiti had to pay France for its freedom. After winning a revolution, they had imposed on them a debt to the French Government for that freedom, for the lost revenues of slavery, if you can believe that.

They have had to pay literally $28 billion to France. Literally, as my 14 year old would say, literally.

Mr. Speaker, 40 percent of the Nation's economy went to debt services. The precarious state of these nations has positioned them to be prime targets for foreign influence. Now U.S. adversaries, such as China and Russia have been proliferating throughout the African Continent and China, particularly in the Caribbean Basin, exploiting those vulnerabilities for profit and to expand strategic interests.

The Chinese multinational Huawei has constructed roughly 70 percent of Africa's information technology infrastructure and continues to make similar investments in the Caribbean Basin in its Belt and Road Initiative. Over 10 nations have signed agreements to open their borders up to Chinese influence.

Russia has bolstered its ties and influence as well, primarily through mercenary groups such as the Wagner Group. Between 2015 and 2019, Moscow signed 19 military collaboration agreements with African Governments.

By exploiting the instability of those nations, Russia has established African reliance on military to secure access to resources, extracting minerals, such as cobalt, gold, and uranium from the continent.

Furthermore, Russia and China's involvement undermines the continent's democratic aspirations, driving conflict, worsening human rights abuses, and spurring growing militarization in governance: Niger in 2023, Mali in 2022, Sudan in 2021, Guinea in 2023, Burkina Faso in 2024. These were all coups in the last few years, displacing democratically elected governments with military juntas.

For years, the world has witnessed the Republic of Haiti face a profound political, security, and humanitarian crisis. The severity of the situation has far surpassed the usefulness of words.

We are operating on borrowed time. Our hands-off and apathetic approach to Haiti is an affront to our values. Following President Jovenel Moise's assassination, gangs seized complete control, creating a humanitarian catastrophe.

Since February, 15,000 people have been displaced adding to the 362,000 already internally displaced in the country. The hunger crisis worsens as armed groups block food supply routes.

The approval of the State Department's funding request to support a Kenya-led multinational security support mission to Haiti is critical, as it will train and bolster the Haitian National Police, align with U.S. national security interests, and showcase decisive leadership.

Blocking $40 million in aid by GOP leadership, despite the risk of a worsening humanitarian crisis and potential migration surge is unacceptable. Without the release of those funds, our borders will be overrun, and people will die. We must do better.

Mr. Speaker, well before equality for women was discussed in the U.S. mainland, the Virgin Islands have lauded, uplifted, and seen women fighters and leaders.

All Virgin Islands' children know the stories of our queens, but our girls have a wealth of women who have sacrificed their time, privacy, and professions in elected leadership.

Most recently, women like my soul sisters Alicia Barnes and Diane Capehart; sorors Janette Millin Young and Allison DeGazon; Marise James; Donna Frett-Gregory; Genevieve Whitaker; Janelle Sarauw; Carla Joseph; Alma Heyliger; our recently departed Alicia ``Chucky'' Hansen; our first women elected in 1954: Lucinda Millin and Ruby Rouss; local Senate's first female president Cleone Creque in 1977, who won the first territorial-wide race; and, of course, Donna Christensen, my predecessor, the first female physician to serve in Congress; Lorraine Berry, Carol Burke; Carmen Wesselhoft; Lilliana Belardo; Anne Golden; and Norma Pickard. The list goes on of strong, fervent, and resilient women who shape our path and ignite our future.

They are VI strong.

Madam Speaker, this Women's History Month, we find ourselves confronted by the regressive forces of Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans. This faction seeks to propel our Nation backwards at the sacrifice of centuries of progress and the well-being of American lives for their own self-serving interests.

Their agenda aims to strip women of their reproductive freedoms nationwide, slash Social Security and Medicare, rip healthcare away from millions, and funnel even more wealth to the already wealthy through massive tax breaks for big corporations and billionaires. This radical agenda is something everyday Americans, including Virgin Islanders, who continue to receive the brunt of inequity in benefits and access to resources, simply cannot afford.

Extreme Republicans and the former President attack not just the American people, including veterans and elected officials, but as we saw January 6, the democratic institutions that are a bedrock of our Nation when things don't go their way. Their actions are an unequivocal declaration of war against our democracy.

Madam Speaker, Republicans must secure and defend our Republic and secure the rights and safety of all Americans, especially American women.