Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Black History Month and to highlight the importance of our Nation's historically Black colleges and universities and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

This month is a time to reflect on and recognize the immense sacrifice and contributions that Black Americans have made throughout our Nation's history.

Today, we are witnessing blatant attempts to stifle DEI efforts, which were designed to promote fairness and provide resources to communities that have systemically been left behind.

These initiatives, in tandem with our Nation's rich web of HBCUs, have allowed for culturally relevant and supportive environments for Black Americans, making higher education more accessible to students of color, many of whom are first-generation college students and are producing top talent in a wide variety of fields.

These efforts are about supporting those in our community with the resources and education they need to thrive, and these policies help close the racial wealth gap and create more opportunities for upward mobility.

There is still much work to be done to properly support the Black community, and I am committed to eliminating discrimination in all forms and continuing to uplift the invaluable contributions of Black Americans to this country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the Representative of North Carolina's Fourth Congressional District, and the home of the Research Triangle Park, to share the story of a Federal scientist, in their own words, who was fired by President Trump and Elon Musk.

I worked for the Department of Health and Human Services. I

was responsible for leading technical oversight over the

Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network in order to

ensure patient safety, maximal usage of donated organs,

continued confidence in the donor system, efficient spending

of taxpayer dollars, and a secure, modern technology

infrastructure.

These aggressive and sweeping mass firings of hundreds of thousands of Federal employees will have profound and devastating consequences across the country.

Our dedicated civil servants work tirelessly each day to deliver essential services, conduct critical scientific research, and ensure the safety of our communities. They deserve better.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to the life and service of Captain Rebecca Lobach, an accomplished U.S. Army aviation officer who was aboard the Black Hawk helicopter during the tragic accident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

A native of Durham, North Carolina, and a distinguished military graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Captain Lobach excelled in every aspect of her military career.

From her rigorous flight training to her role as a White House social aide, her dedication to excellence, coupled with her remarkable leadership skills, earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and superiors alike.

During her service, Captain Lobach was awarded several honors, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.

She was a dedicated officer with a bright future, and her service to our country will not be forgotten. I offer my deepest condolences to Captain Lobach's family and loved ones and to all those affected by this devastating national tragedy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. E. Lavonia Allison, a fierce civil rights activist, accomplished educator, and esteemed political leader.

As a lifelong resident of Durham, North Carolina, Dr. Allison's impact was profound and multifaceted. From her time serving as first vice chair of the Durham County Democratic Party to her leadership as chair of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, she worked tirelessly to uplift the African-American community and ensure that their voices were heard and represented in local politics.

She was quite literally the personification of Ella Baker. Her steadfast focus on civic engagement in the City of Durham has been a catalyst for over 60 years, connecting our civil rights past to our hopeful present through the power of the ballot box.

Her lessons will echo across the campus of North Carolina Central University and the State for years to come, and her legacy will live through the life of young people that she trained and mentored throughout her dynamic life.

Mr. Speaker, I will miss her as a trusted adviser and supportive colleague and a dear friend. I offer my heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, and the entire community during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of The Beta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for their outstanding service, leadership, and brotherhood. Since its chartering in 1924, the Beta Phi Chapter has been a beacon of excellence, making significant contributions to NCCU and the Durham community by upholding the high standards of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Over the past century, the Beta Phi Chapter has achieved numerous milestones and accolades, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the fraternity's cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. The chapter has been instrumental in fostering academic excellence, providing scholarships to deserving students, and supporting various educational initiatives.

In addition to its support and countless contributions to NCCU, the Beta Phi Chapter has been a pillar of community service. Members have dedicated countless hours mentoring youth, organizing health and wellness programs, and participating in civic engagement activities. The chapter's efforts have positively impacted countless lives, reinforcing the fraternity's mission to uplift the community. There are many buildings and structures named after Omega men on campus and in Durham to include:

Buildings On NCCU Campus Named in Honor of Omega Men: Farrison-Newton Communications Building (William E. Farrison); H.M. Michaux Jr. School of Education Building (Henry McKinley ``Mickey'' Michaux); Dr. LeRoy T. Walker Physical Education Complex (Dr. LeRoy T. Walker Sr.); McLendon- McDougald Arena (John B. McLendon); W.G. Pearson Dining Hall (William Gaston Pearson); William Jones Building (J. William Jones); A. Leon Stanback Jr. Legal Clinic Conference Room in Turner Law Building (A. Leon Stanback Jr.).

Buildings in Durham Named in Honor of Omega Men: William Daniel (W.D.) Hill Recreation Community Center; Rencher Nicholas Harris Elementary School; Charles Clinton Spaulding Elementary School; Lucas Middle School (John Harding Lucas, Sr., and House Senator Jennie Lucas); John H. Wheeler Federal Courthouse; Lowell Siler Administration Building II Lobby; Carl Dubois Hodges, Sr. Durham County Cooperative Extension; Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity (Duke University); Dr. J. Randaldo Lawson Community Bench at Hillandale Golf Course; McDougald Terrace, Durham, North Carolina (Richard L. McDougald); A. Leon Stanback, Sr. Middle School, Hillsborough, North Carolina.

As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we reflect on the rich history and legacy of the Beta Phi Chapter. We honor the trailblazers who laid the foundation for our success and the current members who continue to uphold the fraternity's values with pride and dedication.

On behalf of North Carolina Central University, we proudly recognize the Beta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity as our Centennial Partner.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024. I thank the chairman of the Science Committee, Mr. Lucas, for his leadership of this bipartisan bill, of which I am an original cosponsor.

I am pleased that we are able to continue our committee's long history of bipartisanship when it comes to supporting NASA and our Nation's preeminent science and technology enterprise. I also thank the many members of the Science Committee for their constructive contributions and amendments that made needed improvements to this legislation.

While not perfect, this is a good bill that builds on the NASA Authorization Act of 2022 that was enacted as part of the CHIPS and Science Act. H.R. 8958 reaffirms America's commitment to science exploration, Earth and space science, aeronautics, innovation, education, and inspiration.

Through NASA's triumphs, our Nation has demonstrated to the world what can be achieved when great minds work together. There are countless technologies and services originated in the science program that benefit the everyday lives of Americans. Our investment in civil space has and will continue making remarkable contributions to innovation and economic prosperity here on Earth.

However, many of the dividends that NASA pays are immeasurable. NASA's science and human spaceflight missions have inspired generations of Americans and NASA's outreach and STEM programming have set countless young people on a path to degrees and careers in STEM.

Just last week, we were finally able to honor NASA's hidden figures with their Congressional Gold Medals. We have these women to thank for the success of our space program. Throughout their careers, they faced the unjust cruelties of racism and sexism, and still they persevered. It is with the legacies of Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and all the women computers, mathematicians, and engineers at NASA and NACA during the space race in mind that we ensure NASA and the rest of our Federal science enterprise help lead the way in building STEM opportunities for all.

Put simply, we can only lead in science and technology with a STEM workforce that represents the rich diversity of our Nation. It is with the legacies of these trailblazing women in mind that this legislation supports NASA's STEM education portfolio, including the Minority University Research and Education Project.

I am pleased this bill provides continuity of policy and purpose for human exploration, the Moon to Mars program, and provides for NASA's continued use of low-Earth orbit to advance science and reduce exploration risks.

The bill directs NASA to both prepare for the safe deorbiting of the International Space Station at the end of its operational life while also planning for a robust and resilient architecture for the future of low-Earth orbit.

This legislation also supports NASA's science and aeronautics portfolios under which essential work is done. For example, NASA's Earth science satellites and research are critical to understanding and responding to global climate change. Under this bill, we will also improve our ability to detect large methane emission events and monitor greenhouse gases. Close to home for me, the NASA Ames Research Center does important aeronautical work to improve aerial responses to wildfires, including by developing and testing drone technology and aerial operations for wildland fire response.

I appreciate and commend the constructive input of NASA and the space and aerospace community as this bill came together. I thank Chairmen Lucas and Babin and their staffs for their hard work, cooperation, and consideration of our recommendations. I give special thanks to Ranking Member Sorensen for his leadership on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee and to Pam Whitney and Ashlee Wilkins on the Democratic staff of the committee.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and pass the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no requests for time to speak on this bill, and I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 8958, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of the ASCEND Act, which is sponsored by Representatives Kean and Bonamici. Their bill would codify the existing program, the Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition program, after NASA successfully demonstrated the viability of purchasing commercial small-satellite data to support NASA's Earth system science programs.

During evaluation of the initial pilot project, the data acquisitions were shown to complement the suite of Earth observations taken by NASA's fleet of satellites and instruments. NASA has continued the activities as the Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program. This bill capitalizes on the accomplishments of the initial pilot by authorizing the program.

It also authorizes the Administrator, in carrying out the program, to procure commercial Earth remote sensing data and imagery from commercial vendors and to establish or modify end-use license terms and conditions to allow for the use of the procured data and imagery by individuals other than NASA-funded users.

The bill includes measures to support data publication and transparency, reporting to Congress on the program, and the widest possible use of the data procured under the program consistent with program goals.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the bill's sponsors for their work on the ASCEND Act, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers to speak on this bill, and I am prepared to close.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7685, the bipartisan Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies Act, or the IMPACT Act, which will boost the competitiveness of American manufacturing through innovation and development of technologies to decarbonize and improve the efficiency of cement, concrete, and asphalt production.

The climate crisis is one of the most pressing issues of our lifetime, and it is critical that we continue to take significant strides to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors.

Globally, we know that concrete accounts for 8 percent of all carbon emissions, but we can reduce pollution in the cement and concrete production process right now by creating new innovation and manufacturing opportunities here at home that can take the place of aging processes based on fossil fuels.

This bill marks a critical step forward to innovate and decarbonize America's concrete and asphalt sectors, and it will enable partnerships between industry, innovators, and the U.S. Government to enhance existing production methods, unlock new and innovative techniques, and offer technical assistance to entities seeking to promote the application of low-emissions cement, concrete, and asphalt.

The United States is leading the way into the 21st century, where we know that our Nation is poised to play a critical role in reducing industrial emissions through modernizing our manufacturing processes and implementing clean technology strategies.

This can be seen in my own district, North Carolina's Fourth, where local startup Biomason is helping lead the way in advancing low-carbon concrete and asphalt production.

Just earlier this year, I was proud to join the first-ever White House Concrete Innovation Summit, with innovators, researchers, startups, industry, and leaders from across the country, to further build consensus on our path forward for a more sustainable future.

As we consider the future of American R&D, we must prioritize investments and advancement in materials, science, and manufacturing by fostering and building out an innovation pipeline that creates good- paying, clean American jobs and enhances our competitiveness on the world stage, and this bill does just that.

This bill will also help to achieve measurable and meaningful greenhouse gas emissions reductions, improve public health, and modernize the current manufacturing processes of sustainable building materials that are essential for our Nation's infrastructure.

I am glad to join Representative Max Miller in sponsoring the IMPACT Act, which passed through the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology unanimously. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, which will prioritize innovation in clean manufacturing and production to improve public health and protect our planet.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose this bill that undermines our ability to hold corporate wrongdoers accountable for unlawful conduct. This bill will prevent Federal agencies from entering into settlements that set aside funds for third parties, such as legal aid, housing, or financial counseling groups, or community assistance, settlements that provide some relief for victims of corporate misconduct.

For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. My amendment would have provided for exceptions in the case that a settlement agreement pertains to the abuse of opioids, and that includes allegations of false claims against the United States related to a healthcare benefit program.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues join me in voting for this motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of this amendment into the Record immediately prior to the motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of two civil rights leaders and educators, Dr. Dock J. Jordan, and Carrie Thomas Jordan, who helped shape the education system in Durham and Alamance counties, leading the way for future generations in North Carolina.

Dr. Jordan, the son of a former slave, persevered in a deeply segregated environment in rural Georgia. Despite attending just three months of school yearly, Dr. Jordan graduated high school, and later from Allen University in 1892. During his time at Allen University, Dr. Jordan would go on to receive his law degree, eventually passing the bar in South Carolina in 1892 and in Georgia in 1904.

Following stints as the Professor of Literature at Morris Brown College, Dr. Jordan co-authored, ``An Appeal for the Colored Schools in the State of Georgia'' with W.E.B. Dubois in 1901 to appeal to the white Georgia legislators and defeat a bill that would close one-half to two-thirds of Black public schools in the state. This was an important step towards highlighting gaps in education, as only 15 percent of public-school property was owned by Black schools, despite 48 percent of the school population being represented by Black children.

In 1917, Dr. Jordan was placed on the United States watchlist when the Raleigh Independent published his letter criticizing President Woodrow Wilson's administration. The letter explained the brutal treatment of African Americans during the 1917 East St. Louis Riots and accused President Wilson of disregarding the feelings and rights of African Americans and not valuing them as humans. This letter would resonate deeply within the African-American community and placed a further spotlight on the mistreatment of Black Americans at the time.

Dr. Jordan's academic career would continue until 1939, serving as the President of Kittrell College in North Carolina from 1902 to 1912. From 1912 to 1920, he served as the director of the Teaching Training Department at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College in Greensboro. And from 1918 to 1939 Dr. Jordan was a professor and the chair of the history department at State Normal School in Durham, now known as North Carolina Central University.

Dr. Jordan's wife, Carrie Thomas Jordan, was as equally dedicated towards advancing African-American education. Growing up in a family with deep ties to educators, Carrie Jordan uniquely emphasized spelling, geography, and nature study during her time as a school administrator. Mrs. Jordan served as the superintendent of colored public schools in Durham and is credited with the construction of twelve new schools, as well as hosting the first commencement exercises in Durham County for African American students.

Mrs. Jordan's new commencement tradition for Durham County's African- American schools became a key pillar for the local community. The county commencements were a time that the Black community could gather and celebrate their achievements, academic or otherwise. Carrie Jordan would later note that these academic achievements were proof to both the Black and White communities of the strength, potential, and resilience of the Black community.

The accomplishments, progress achieved, and contributions to African American students by Dr. Dock J. Jordan and Carrie Thomas Jordan should not go unnoticed. The Jordans were educational powerhouses, contributing immensely to the advancement of African American education in Durham County, Alamance County, and what is now North Carolina's 4th District, as a whole.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge Congress to confront and act on the deadly epidemic that plagues our communities each day: gun violence.

This is a painful topic and one that is near to my heart. In this year alone, there has been an average of two mass shootings per day. Gun violence continues to be the leading cause of death for children and teens in this country.

Earlier this month, a 5-year-old girl from my district was shot and killed by one of her family members after an argument, and the girl's 15-year-old babysitter was also shot--seven times.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated event. In Durham, which is located in my district, over 20 young people under the age of 17 have been victims of gun violence since the start of this year.

Thoughts and prayers are not enough and will never be enough. Gun violence victims, gun violence survivors, their families, and their loved ones all deserve more. Congress must act urgently to save lives and keep our communities safe.

The House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force has been pushing for action by signing discharge petitions for the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, the Assault Weapons Ban, and to block the Charleston loophole.

This is a bipartisan issue that a majority of Americans support, but we need support from across the aisle.

Addressing gun violence requires an all-hands-on-deck approach that includes increasing access to mental health services, investing in youth mentoring programs, decreasing firearm access through safe storage, and much more.

My Republican colleagues claim to be working on this issue, but not one of them has joined our task force to help end gun violence nationwide. Instead, they have unilaterally worked against gun violence prevention action on this House floor.

No one in America should have to fear for their lives in our schools, our stores, our places of worship, our streets, or anywhere in our communities.

House Democrats and the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force stand united, and we will not waiver. I encourage our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to put their words into action and join us in these efforts to save lives.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my esteemed colleague from Florida for her leadership and this opportunity to speak.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in condemning the Supreme Court's decision to roll back decades of judicial precedents and strike down race-conscious admissions efforts.

Since 1978, the Supreme Court had consistently held that race-based admission policies in colleges and universities are in the best interest of educational institutions, but this recent radical decision will dismantle efforts to ensure higher education is accessible to all students, further questioning the legitimacy of this politicized Supreme Court, which seems more eager to protect legacy admissions than providing students who are historically disadvantaged with equal opportunity to a quality education.

Diversity makes our Nation stronger, and the repercussions of this decision will be felt for generations.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus stand united in our fight for a more equitable society, and we will continue to push for equal opportunity admissions for students across this country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to call on my Republican colleagues to stop playing ideological games and to do the job that they were sent here to do.

As our country teeters on the brink of an economic catastrophe, they rushed out of town and abandoned their responsibilities just like they want the United States to abandon our fiscal responsibilities.

House Republicans have made their message clear: Their needs come before the needs of hardworking families, seniors, children, students, and veterans. They are willing to hold our economy hostage and are willing to risk the livelihoods of millions of Americans with devastating cuts to vital programs that keep folks housed, fed, healthy, and secure.

However, Democrats are united. We stand ready to pass a clean debt ceiling and to do what is best for our country and the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to formally recognize and commend North Carolina Central University's football team by introducing a resolution congratulating them for winning the Historically Black Colleges And Universities National Football Championship in the 2022 Celebration Bowl.

NCCU is located in my district in Durham, North Carolina, and is known for its distinguished academic and athletic excellence. It is a prime example of the importance and great value of our Nation's HBCUs.

Under the steadfast leadership of Chancellor Dr. Johnson Akinleye in the classroom and Head Coach Trei Oliver on the field, NCCU brought home the Black College Football National Title for the fourth time in the university's history with Eagle Pride and Eagle Promise.

I am deeply honored to represent NCCU, and I extend my sincere congratulations to the entire team, the coaches, athletic staff, the students, and the faculty for this well-deserved victory. Go Eagles.