Emanuel Cleaver

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a deep sense of gratitude that I rise today to honor the lifelong public service career of Mr. David Warm, who has served as the Executive Director of the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) for 36 years. Let us take a moment to recognize this accomplished individual in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District who has worked to build better communities for the people of Kansas City and beyond for nearly four decades. A Southern California native, David earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and later received a Master of Public Administration from the University of California, Riverside. As a Cookingham-Noll Fellow, David relocated to Kansas City in 1979 to learn about the ins and outs of local government and the opportunities found in city management. What was only meant to be a year of experience would mark the start of his distinguished career and lead to a life-long dedication to service in our community. David planted roots in the Midwest and took on the role as Assistant City Administrator of the City of Liberty and eventually became the City Administrator for the city. After years of experience working in local government, David took his expertise to MARC, a nonprofit organization serving as a council of governments across the state line, where he joined as the Executive Director in 1990. Under David's selfless leadership, MARC grew from 50 to 160 staff members, a total of 9 counties, functioning with a budget of 20 percent more than what it once was. The organization has been fundamental in transforming the Kansas City metropolitan area and regional surroundings through its comprehensive solutions on questions regarding transportation. early education, and environment. Throughout his 36-year tenure, David has faced challenges headstrong with patience and innovation. With an understanding of government and a deep respect for democracy, David grew the organization into a resource hub for cities, building trust and ambition and in turn, bridging collaboration among the many different governments MARC aids. An avid problem solver, David often sees issues as opportunities for growth and helps take what was once a mere idea into a reality. From taking on the management of more Head Start programs in the area to helping cities overcome the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, David led by listening to the issues that were raised and handling them through innovative approaches. As a testament to his invaluable work ethic and devotion to serving his community, he was named the Kansas Citian of the Year by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce in 2020. Furthermore. his influence and impact did not go unnoticed when he received the President's Award from the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) in 2021. Most recently, as a host of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Kansas City made its way to the global stage and welcomed the world. Its success, safety, and efficiency are the result of the collective action of many partners and cities built around a broader network made possible by MARC. Serving as a liaison between so many voices, David and his team have strengthened the foundation between the cities and coalitions while assisting them in reaching their goals in an effective and efficient manner. Beyond his role at MARC, David is active in many initiatives and civic groups, serving on nonprofit boards focusing on education, health care, and community development, among many more. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing David for his tremendous accomplishments, his commitment and tireless community service. As executive director for 36 years, David focused on ways that he could better his community, and his selfless spirit of determination is displayed throughout his career. His immense impact will continue through the multitude of lives he has impacted. On behalf of Missouri's 5th Congressional District, I wish David great joy and relaxation in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I extend my congratulations to the Northland Neighborhoods, Inc. (NNI) on its 30th anniversary. For three decades, NNI has demonstrated what can be accomplished when neighbors come together under a shared commitment: to make a community a better place for all who live there. Since its founding in 1996, NNI continues to play a crucial role for those living in the Northland, covering a diverse range of efforts to build upon the foundations of their community. One key way this has been done is by supporting vulnerable homeowners through the Home Repair Program. The program, which allows homeowners to cover potentially costly repairs at critical moments, allows neighbors to maintain their community pride and lessen the possibility of deterioration or vacancies of communities. As a result, homeowners can directly invest in their future as members of their streets and subdivisions. These efforts have culminated in $1.4 million dollars spent on 103 home repairs in the last year. Whether it be a plumbing issue, roof leaks, or the thousands of other home repairs that can occur and start to snowball, the Northland knows it can turn to NNI for help. In celebrating this milestone, it is worth focusing on how NNI has kept residents connected and engaged over the past three decades. NNI's engagement through public meetings and service has been directed at the chief cornerstone of what makes communities strong and unique, providing a shared space for people to unite and share their concerns and beliefs. Your continuous advocacy and core mission has demonstrated the significant impact of housing and its role in constructing a healthy community. Local progress begins in the homes where the lives of those young and old unfold. NNI has shown that its commitment to the people they serve is enduring and strong no matter their stage in life, from being brought home from the hospital, buying one's first house, to new families introducing children into the world. Commemorating these 30 years of service, we must recognize the people who have made NNI's accomplishments possible. To the leadership, contractors, and community partners, thank you for your contributions that have placed the voices of the Northland at the center of all you have done. Their dedication represents the time, energy, and talents of an organization built in service to others. As the Northland continues to grow, your work will have played no small part in what makes the area special. I am confident that the new opportunities and new challenges that this growth brings will be met by the same spirit and dedication that has defined NNI since 1996. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to join me in celebrating this anniversary. We thank them for making the Northland a stronger, safer, and more connected place for future generations of residents and families and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Prairie View A&M University as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. Since its founding, this university has served countless individuals, bringing its historic legacy, academic excellence and enduring service to the nation. Prairie View A&M University's rich history begins in 1876 when the Texas Constitution created an agricultural and mechanical college that would then turn into Texas's oldest public HBCU. In spring 1878, the university would welcome its first eight students. Originally designed to be a teaching college, the university expanded its curriculum to include agriculture, nursing, arts, sciences, and mechanical arts by 1887. Furthermore, as the university continued to grow and succeed, it became a land-grant institution by 1890, offered baccalaureate degrees in 1919, and finally added graduate studies in various academic fields by 1937, as a testimony to its achievements. The university's longstanding history of supporting the higher education of Black students has played a transformative role in fostering academic excellence, civic engagement, and postgraduate employment for historically underrepresented communities. This institution has time and time again demonstrated its commitment to teaching and service, strengthening communities and improving lives throughout the state of Texas and beyond. With President Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande leading the university forward with its ``Journey to Eminence'' plan, the university plans to further establish itself as a premier HBCU and blueprint for other universities across the country. As a Carnegie-classified high-research (R2) university, it has further cemented itself as a distinguished research institute and is home to the National Center for Infrastructure Technology and the Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center. As a member of the NCAA Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference, students can compete in a high-sports level environment which in turn, can enable future athletic careers. With more than 170 student-led organizations, students have a wide range of interests and topics to engage with in addition to the academic opportunities available. Since its inception, this university has not only developed a reputable history in the state of Texas but in the country as a whole. With generations upon generations of educated graduates, Prairie View A&M University has helped bring educators, engineers, military leaders, elected officials, scientists and public servants at all levels of government into the world. Notably, this institution leads in graduating Black students with degrees in architecture and engineering and is highly ranked for increasing the number of Black nursing graduates in Texas through its clinical training. The access to quality education is key to a thriving community and this institution delivers this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Prairie View A&M University's 150th anniversary. This is an accomplishment deserving of recognition in our Nation's Capital, and I am honored to extend my congratulations as the university celebrates this milestone. I anticipate many more monumental anniversaries, for I know this university will continue to be a fountain of knowledge and joy for our community, continuing its outstanding contributions to higher education for generations to come.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud co-chair of the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force because I believe in one simple truth: The 14th Amendment is now under siege. For more than 150 years this amendment has stood as one of the greatest promises our Nation has ever made: That every person born in this country is entitled to equal protection under the law and that no government may deny anyone due process simply because of who they are or where they were an immigrant from. It was born from one of the darkest chapters in American history. After slavery ended, our Nation faced a choice: We could preserve injustice under a different name, or we could expand the promise of freedom. The 14th Amendment was our answer. It declared boldly that citizenship could not be rationed, equality could not be optional, and liberty belonged to all of us. Today, that promise is being tested. This administration has made no secret of its willingness to chip away at the constitutional protections generations of Americans have fought, marched, bled, and even died to secure. They are using every tool at their disposal to weaken the very rights that safeguard us all. For me, this fight is deeply personal. I was born in the Jim Crow South, little place called Waxahachie, Texas. I came of age in a nation where equal protection existed only on paper long before it existed in practice. I marched with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference starting when I was 15 years old. The SCLC was led by a young preacher by the name of Martin Luther King, Jr. I marched because I believed America could become what it claimed to be. I believed that the Constitution should protect every citizen equally. I witnessed firsthand what happens when governments decide some people deserve fewer rights than others. The progress we celebrate today did not happen by accident. It happened because brave Americans demanded that the 14th Amendment finally be honored. It was the Equal Protection Clause that became the constitutional foundation for Brown v. Board of Education, ending legally sanctioned segregation in our public schools. It was the 14th Amendment that strengthened the fight against discriminatory voting laws, housing discrimination, and unequal treatment in employment. It was the 14th Amendment that has protected interracial marriage, expanded equality for women, safeguarded the rights of people with disabilities, and affirmed the dignity of LGBTQ Americans. Time and time again, when our Nation has taken a step toward justice, it has done so because someone stood up and insisted that the words of the 14th Amendment actually meant what they say. That is why attack of any kind on equal protection and due process are not isolated legal disputes. They are attacks on the very foundation of modern civil rights. They are attacks on the constitutional principle that tell every child they matter before the law. They are the attacks on the guarantees that protect workers from exploitation, families from discrimination, religious liberty, voting rights, and the simple expectation that government must treat people fairly. When government weakens these protections for one group, it weakens them for everyone. History teaches us that constitutional rights are rarely lost all at once. They are chipped away slowly, one exception, one excuse, one precedent at a time until Americans wake up and discover that what once seemed guaranteed has quietly disappeared. We cannot allow this to happen. Our constituents know what is at stake. They understand that the promise of America has been bigger than politics. They know that the Constitution belongs to every American, not just those in power. As the co-chair of the 14th Amendment Task Force, I stand with my colleagues in defense of one of the most important guarantees ever written into our Constitution. We will defend equal protection. We will defend due process. We will defend, yes, birthright citizenship. We will continue fighting until the promise of the 14th Amendment is not merely something we celebrate in history books, but something that every American can experience in their daily lives. The struggle to perfect our Union has never been easy, but every generation is called to protect the freedoms it inherited. Now, it is our turn.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the inspiring resilience and perseverance of my constituent Liliana Haggerty. At just 14 years old, Liliana was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that spread through her lymphatic system. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of meeting Liliana and her wonderful family in my office. Her courage in the face of a frightening disease was profound. As a patient, she founded a nonprofit dedicated to providing pediatric hospital patients with pajamas, blankets, and socks. Thanks to the exceptional care she received at Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City and an aggressive 12-week chemo plan, Liliana's cancer is now in remission. Today, Liliana dedicates her time to advocating for other patients and families navigating through serious illnesses. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Liliana's accomplishments and wishing her continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 7128, the TRIA Program Reauthorization Act of 2026, sponsored by Representative Flood. I am pleased that today we are considering this critical legislation to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program for 7 years. This is a bipartisan bill, as it has been in past reauthorizations. I first thank Chairman Hill, Ranking Member Waters, Representative Flood, and our staffs for working to ensure long-term certainty and availability of affordable terrorism risk insurance all across the country, which small businesses, hospitals, universities, not-for- profits, and others rely on. TRIA was first enacted after the September 11 terrorist acts. After the attack, terrorism risk insurance all but disappeared, and any coverage that could be found was extremely expensive. Without terrorism insurance, commercial reconstruction in New York stalled, raising the threat of larger economic fallout. In response, Congress passed TRIA in 2002 to provide certainty for insurers and policyholders and access to terrorism risk insurance by creating a Federal backstop in the event of catastrophic losses. Since then, the program has effectively done just that. As we look back nearly 25 years since 9/11, it is important to recognize the Federal Government's role in supporting economic development through TRIA. In our role in Congress, as stakeholders, we unanimously agree with that act. TRIA is set to expire at the end of 2027. By reauthorizing the program ahead of that deadline, it will offer desperately desired certainty to policyholders moving forward. This legislation will provide a long-term reauthorization through 2034 and make targeted but sensible updates to the program. The bill would increase the threshold to certify an individual terrorism event to require more than $10 million in property and casualty insurance losses from the current level of more than $5 million. It would also codify the existing regulatory requirement that Treasury provides public notice in the Federal Register within 30 days of beginning the process of certification determination and require Treasury to issue its determination within 90 days of that notice. To address minor technical feedback from Treasury, the bill will now allow the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the review period for an additional 365 days if there is insufficient information at the time to determine certification. I also thank Congresswoman Velazquez and Congresswoman Pressley for their efforts on the bill, as their communities were directly impacted by tragedies caused by terrorism. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this essential legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to enter into a colloquy with the chairman. I was appalled by reports that a FEMA employee used their authority entrusted by the United States to determine access to Federal aid based on a political yard sign. Whether we are talking about FEMA or the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, this type of action violates the mission of Federal programs that Congress designs to work for all Americans. Likewise, H.R. 7128 is also designed to avoid anything like that from happening in the future with regard to the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program. Congress passed TRIA shortly after the horrific September 11 terrorist attacks in an effort to ensure all businesses, not just some, could access terrorism insurance coverage. Since then, we have repeatedly reauthorized the act to provide certainty to all American businesses and the insurance market. However, a capricious use of TRIA would undermine the certainty, and, for that reason, some of the changes we made to the act would ensure that certainty is a part of what both sides believe to be necessary. Mr. Speaker, I know the chairman agrees with me on this matter, and I value his thoughts as well. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) to engage in a colloquy with me.

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, TRIA exists because the private market, left alone, will not provide adequate terrorism risk insurance for businesses, universities, and policyholders. The losses are too large and too unpredictable for private insurers to price or absorb alone. We learned this after September 11 when coverage all but vanished and commercial reconstruction stalled in New York City. Congress stepped in with a Federal backstop, and for over two decades, TRIA has kept the market functioning. H.R. 7128 reauthorizes that Federal reinsurance program for 7 years, extending certainty to small businesses, hospitals, universities, and not-for-profits that rely on it. This is a bipartisan piece of legislation. With TRIA set to expire at the end of 2027, passing this bill now and by reauthorizing it through 2034 with sensible targeted updates is both timely and necessary. Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman Flood has previously stated, bipartisanship is more than just a policy. A genuinely bipartisan effort is defined not only by the substance of the policy but also by the process that meaningfully incorporates input from both parties. Mr. Speaker, I have been here quite a while, and believe me, there are always reasons not to work with the other side: the President, elections, political strategy, or policy disagreements. Americans, though, at this particular time are looking for those who can deliver results, despite these changing but ever-present realities. I commend the leadership of Chairman Hill; Ranking Member Waters; my counterpart, Chairman Flood; and our colleagues in the Senate on this bipartisan legislation. Since our Nation's founding, the ability to own land and a home has been closely tied to the promise of freedom, responsibility, and opportunity. As this Nation turns 250, it is our responsibility to preserve that promise for the next generations. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is an important step in that direction. This legislation strengthens existing programs, improves coordination among regulators, encourages governments to address local barriers to housing supply, and includes key banking reforms, including raising the public welfare investment cap to unlock billions in private capital. I thank the hundreds of national organizations and everyone who was involved in this effort, especially Chairman Flood, Ranking Member Waters, Chairman Hill, and Senators Scott and Warren on their very, very difficult work in the Senate. Chairman Flood has talked about housing is personal, and he is absolutely right. We all have our American stories. Mine began in a little shack in Texas without running water and electricity. I have to say this, and I wish my dad were here to hear me say it: Our family was poor, but we always had a home. We just didn't have a house to put it in. My main goal in coming to Congress was to ensure that a family in America can work hard and afford a safe, decent house in which to deposit their home. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in this effort.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the revision of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act introduced by Chairman Hill, Ranking Member Waters, Chairman Flood, and myself. I appreciate very much the leadership of Ranking Member Waters and Chairman Hill in negotiating this very important revision. To quote Chairman Hill: ``This is how Congress is supposed to work.'' I could not agree more. I might add, this is how the vast majority of the American public would like to see us conduct business. Housing remains the single largest expense for the Americans who sent us to Washington. Rising housing costs are consuming an increasing share of household income. Families are struggling to cover necessities and are increasingly unable to save enough to transition into homeownership. The legislation we will be voting on is extraordinary. The underlying concept--updating Federal housing programs--is a matter, really, of common sense. What sets this moment apart is not just the concept of the bill, but the bipartisan, open, and deliberative process. The process in the House has made the bill appealing legislatively and politically. It reflects a monthslong and difficult effort to do what our constituents sent us here to do. Chairman Hill did not get everything he wanted. Ranking Member Waters did not get everything she wanted. Chairman Flood did not get everything he wanted, and I can say very clearly I did not get everything I wanted. However, I understand that democracy demands deliberation, and we have a bill that is supported by housing stakeholders and will deliver for the American people. I thank Chairman Flood for working with me to reform the HOME program. I thank Chairman Flood and Representative Rose for working with me to expand access to manufactured housing. I thank Representative Nunn for working with me to reform USDA rural housing programs. I thank Representative Lawler for working with me on HUD oversight and to improve Section 8. Finally, I thank Ranking Member Warren for her partnership in working with me on the innovation piece. I also thank Ranking Member Warren and Chairman Scott in the Senate, who I greatly respect. The revised bill, negotiated by Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters, is an effort to advance the priorities of the House, Senate, and White House. The constituents in my district, like those all around this country, want to see this bill passed and signed into law. This was one of the greatest opportunities I have had since I have been in Congress.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor Chief Charles lseman, who has dedicated more than 35 years of service to the City of Grandview as a police officer. Let us take a moment to recognize this accomplished individual in Missouri's 5th Congressional District who has worked to protect and provide safety to the people of Grandview for over three decades. Beginning his career at the young age of 21, Chief Iseman joined the Grandview Police Department, where he would remain for the entirety of his years in service. Chief Iseman's work ethic, integrity, and skill to solve problems allowed him to advance through the ranks within the department. From being promoted to Sergeant of the Patrol Division in 2000 to eventually being appointed Chief of Police for the Grandview Police Department in 2011, Chief lseman has continuously demonstrated his professionalism and care for his community. Serving a city with a population of over 20,000 individuals. Chief Iseman used his leadership to lead the Grandview Police Department in a new direction that prioritized a community-oriented policing approach and listened to stakeholders. This new approach proved to be beneficial as trust continued to be built and collaborations began to increase. Additionally, the creation of new initiatives such as the ``Move Toward the Badge'' further showcased the desire to involve the community in decisions that the Grandview Police Department earned the ICMA 2021 Community Partnership Award. Moreso, Grandview was one of the first 15 cities in Missouri to earn the Blue Shield Community designation under Governor Mike Kehoe, which recognizes cities with strong community support. Chief lseman led the department to create successful partnerships with schools and faith leaders which in turn allowed the department to have increased funding to bring in new technology, more officers, crime reduction while maintaining one of the fastest police responses in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Chief Iseman's legacy is not just in the cases closed or hours worked, but in the lives, he has touched and the example he has set for the next generation of officers. He has exemplified a long and distinguished career that will not be forgotten. We know that a career of this length involved immense sacrifice, and we are grateful to him and his family, and his dedication. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to join me in celebrating the contributions that Chief lseman has made to Grandview and to Missouri's 5th Congressional District. As Chief lseman closes out this chapter, we hope he can look back with pride of a job well done. We thank Chief Iseman for his unwavering commitment, he has earned a long and happy retirement, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. I thank him for his service.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a towering figure in the history of Kansas City, Missouri, and in the life of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, Mr. Alvin Brooks, on the occasion of the 300th consecutive meeting of the Alvin Brooks Wednesday night Black men's chats. That is 300 consecutive weeks. That is 300 consecutive weeks of showing up, 300 sacred spaces for dialogue, and 300 opportunities for healing, mentorship, accountability, and growth. At age 93 years young, Mr. Brooks has not only witnessed history, he has helped shape it. As a young man growing up in the super-segregated city called Kansas City, Alvin Brooks refused to accept the limitations imposed on him by racism and injustice. At a time when the color of our skin too often determined the boundaries of our opportunity, Mr. Brooks chose courage. He chose service. He chose to become one of Kansas City's few Black police officers in 1954. That decision was not only about a career. It was about breaking barriers. It was about ensuring that marginalized voices would have a place where they could be heard. Alvin Brooks was a mover and shaker. Throughout his distinguished career in law enforcement, Mr. Brooks became a crucial pillar of our community. He served not only as an officer but as a bridge-builder. He served not only as a public servant, but as a civil rights advocate. He served not only as a leader within the department, but eventually as president of the Kansas City, Missouri, Board of Police Commissioners. Even beyond those titles, Mr. Brooks has always been what Kansas City knows him to be: a steady presence in moments of crisis, a trusted voice in times of unrest, and a moral compass when our city needs clarity and calmness. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, ``Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.'' Alvin Brooks has been and continues to be that light: a light of nonviolence, a light of racial reconciliation, a light of justice, and a light to show the way for the changing and coming generations. Even at an age when many would have long ago stepped back, Mr. Brooks stepped up. In the midst of a global pandemic in 2020, a time of isolation, anxiety, and national reckoning, Mr. Brooks established the Alvin Brooks Wednesday night Black men's chats. What began as a virtual gathering became something extraordinary, a consistent intergenerational forum bringing together men from across Missouri and eventually from across the whole Nation. The discussions included faith and public policy, civil rights, education, public health, the history of the Negro Leagues, and the urgent issues facing Black communities in America. For nearly six uninterrupted years, Mr. Brooks has convened those meetings every single week. The chats have brought together civic leaders, education, faith leaders, civil rights advocates, students from historically Black colleges and universities and public officials, including Members of this very House in a space rooted in respect and growth. That consistency is not accidental. It is a reflection of how Alvin Brooks has always been and will always be. His commitment to service extends even further through the work of a civil rights leader and as a former member of the Hickman Mills school board, where he continued to invest in the future of Kansas City's children. He understands that community empowerment begins with education and that equity must be built generation by generation. Mr. Speaker, what makes this milestone so powerful is not just the number 300. It is the discipline, faith, and the love behind it. In an era when civic discourse can feel fractured and fleeting, Mr. Brooks reminds us that democracy is strengthened in small rooms and virtual gatherings just as much as it is on this floor. He reminds us that leadership is not about spotlight but stewardship. For decades, Alvin Brooks has carried the mantle of responsibility with grace, helping guide communities through pain and progress alike. Today, as we recognize this historic man, this giant of a man, his legacy of resilience and courage and service without ego will continue. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Alvin Brooks.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor Kansas City's very own ``Hollywood Cowboy,'' Nathaniel ``Rex'' Purefoy, who has dedicated his life to preserving the legacy and culture of African American cowboys through performances and storytelling. Let us take a moment to recognize this extraordinary individual in Missouri's 5th Congressional District who has captivated the public with his unique horsemanship and roping techniques for over 50 years. African American cowboys were an essential part of American history in the various territories and into statehood for many states. They worked on ranches and in cattle drives on trails coming through mid- western states such as Missouri and Kansas before the Civil War and through the early 1900s. They also performed in rodeos when not on the trail. In Kansas City, native Rex Purefoy further contributed to ensuring that generations upon generations did not forget about African American cowboy culture but rather embrace its heritage and celebrate it. Along with his loyal partner, his horse Ringo, Rex brought his famous ``Hollywood Cowboy Show,'' a performance full of rope twirling, music, and Western fashion across the United States. As an avid trick-roper and horseman, Rex traveled across state lines performing in rodeos, shows, parades, and even performed with the Barnum and Bailey Circus and The UniverSoul Circus for many years. In addition to his own shows and live performances, Rex was a special guest star in the 1970s ``The Flip Wilson Show'' and had cameo roles in movies and local Kansas City area television programs. As a testament to his talents, Rex appeared in a critically acclaimed movie with boxing legend Muhammad Ali entitled ``The Black Rodeo,'' in 1972. Rex's commitment to create not only an entertaining performance but one that would leave the audience with a lasting memory of African American culture led to him being recognized nationally, becoming an inductee of the National Cowboys of Color Museum and the Hall of Fame. Beyond his work as a performer, Rex has found other ways to further protect the legacy of African American cowboys. Working as a photographer, Rex has documented other African American cowboys and the Black community, submitting the works to noted Black publications to preserve their history. He has contributed to numerous photographs to African American publications, such as Jet Magazine, Ebony Magazine, The Kansas City Call newspaper, The Kansas City GLOBE newspaper, The Next Page KC newspaper, The Carolina Times, and the New Jersey Gazette. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to join me in celebrating the contributions that Nathaniel ``Rex'' Purefoy has provided to the African American community and the United States overall. We thank Rex for sharing a piece of history with our community and feel more at ease knowing that the legacy of African American cowboys has been preserved for years to come.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mrs. Beatty for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6644, also known as the Housing for the 21st Century Act. This legislation, introduced by Chairman Hill, Ranking Member Waters, Chairman Flood, and me, advanced out of the Financial Services Committee by an impressive 50-1 vote. This legislation reflects input from Democrats, Republicans, and hundreds of organizations nationwide. If enacted, the Housing for the 21st Century Act would streamline regulations, expand affordable housing financing, and modernize Federal housing programs to significantly expand the Nation's housing supply. Passage of this bill would be historic not because it is extraordinary but because it is overdue. For decades, chronic underbuilding in the United States has driven up housing costs, priced millions out of homeownership, strained household budgets, and constrained employers' abilities to attract workers. Americans want their Representatives to act on the rising cost of living. For most American families, the monthly housing payment is their single largest expense. Representing about one-third of the Consumer Price Index, housing is also the single largest component of overall inflation. I commend Chairman Hill, Ranking Member Waters, Chairman Flood, and others for prioritizing good policy over bad politics on this important matter. I am especially proud that the Housing for the 21st Century Act includes the HOME Reform Act, which represents the most significant update to the HOME Investment Partnerships Program since its creation. This bill may not increase spending, but it ensures that every dollar we do spend goes further. Although this legislation is significant, we must view this legislation as the beginning of a new era of accommodating the American movement of housing for all. In the Senate, the introduction of the ROAD to Housing Act highlights growing bipartisan cooperation on housing. I look forward to negotiations with the Senate on a bicameral product that can make it to the President's desk for signature and, above all, a product that would deliver tangible results for the American people.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with immense sorrow along with Missouri's 5th Congressional District, to commemorate the life and legacy of a great Kansas Citian, Ms. Alice Kitchen. The fruits of Alice's advocacy for women, children, and marginalized communities will live on for generations to come. Alice was a force to be reckoned with, stopping at nothing to ensure that others could live free of abuse, injustice, and discrimination. Her undeniable impact will continue to grace Kansas City with inspiration. Alice's long history of advocacy began when as a high school student, she became involved with Guadalupe Center as a volunteer in the 1950s. As she saw the many families in predominately Hispanic neighborhoods in Kansas City who lacked access to food, running water, and electricity disturbed her, she questioned the morality behind sitting by when others lived that way. After graduating from her Catholic high school, she moved to Encino, California, where she joined the Sisters of Social Service convent where she ministered to domestic workers in Beverly Hills, most of whom were Mexican immigrants. These individuals, she described, were lonely, poorly paid, and isolated. She took those experiences and paved a life of activism. After graduating with her master's degree in social work at the University of California--Los Angeles (UCLA), Alice returned to Kansas City to work in a legal aid office where she helped young, first-time offenders avoid longer criminal records. With a love for social services, she continued her career at Children Mercy's where she served as the director of social services for two decades. Under her leadership, she sought funding for specialized treatments needed by children with medical issues and initiated programs to assist young mothers fight their battles with addiction. Alice was devoted to bringing light to issues she believed in, and a full-time job was not going to hold her back. During Alice's voluntary night shifts, she established Amethyst Place, a supportive housing program that served mothers and children recovering from abuse, organized neighborhood cleanups as a board member of the Kansas City Housing Authority and assisted young mothers in obtaining health insurance. As a volunteer co-chair of the Affordable Care Public Education Committee in the Kansas City Metropolitan area, she advocated for the expansion of Medicaid and accessible healthcare. In March of 2012, her efforts were recognized, and Alice received the Champion of Change award from President Barack Obama at the White House. Gender equity and advocating for policies that support women was another mission that peaked Alice's interest. During her time with the League of Women Voters and Women's Equality, she was able to educate women voters and bring light to the disparities women were facing within workplaces. Her fearlessness led Jane McQueeney, a friend of Kitchen, to give testimony to the City Council in Kansas City when McQueeney was receiving less pay when working for the federal government. Kitchen worked with Kansas City to adopt an ordinance to prohibit discrimination against women and to stop employers from penalizing women with less experience. When it was time for retirement, Alice saw it as an opportunity to do her evening tasks full-time. At age 69, she traveled to the Mosquito Coast of Honduras on a human rights observation mission. She took her mission on headfirst and investigated bullet holes in boats, houses that had burned down, and wounded villagers with her international activist group, the Cross Border Network. Alice never stopped looking for a way to improve the lives of others or to push anyone to their fullest potential. She lived her life to her fullest potential, and she continues to inspire others to do the same. In fact, she had a knack for finding strengths in people before they did themselves and pushed them to foster their strengths. As a woman who was one in a million, she continued to prove to the people who surrounded her, that they were also just as special. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life of Alice Kitchen. Her passing is devastating, but the legacy she leaves behind reminds us that no matter how short life tends to be, we can still make a world of difference. While she is not here to grace the community in Kansas City with her valiant voice, or her indominable spirit, her soul will live on through the extensive and beautiful legacy that she built. The legacy she left has lit fires under enough people in Kansas City, so they can forage through the noise and echo her advocacy, which will keep her spirit alive for eternity.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to commemorate the life of James ``Jim'' Neil Crain and recognize him for the excellent work and impact he had on the Grandview community. Introduced to public service at an early age as an Eagle Scout, Jim dedicated the rest of his life to serving the City of Grandview and caring for anyone he crossed paths with. Jim showed endless love for his community, and the impact he had will be remembered forever. Born on October 3, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri, Jim spent his early years studying in the Grandview school system before moving onto William Jewell College where he graduated with his bachelors in 1967. To further his studies, obtained a master's degree in business administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In addition to his education endeavors, Jim served during the Vietnam War in the U.S. army as First Lieutenant and was later honorably discharged in 1971. As an Operations Manager at Hallmark Cards, Jim had a 34-year successful career before retiring in 2004. Being a Grandview native, Jim decided to seek ways to get involved with his hometown and committed himself to improving and growing the City of Grandview. Leading with kindness, service, and compassion, Jim served as a Grandview Alderman for 40 years and remained active on the Parks and Recreation Commission during his tenure. Jim's dedication to the constituents of Grandview is evident through the various groups he was involved in, including serving as Board Director for the Grandview Assistance Program, and as a founding member of the Grandview Youth Court where he acted as treasurer and board member. Beyond his professional life, Jim led a life of faith, empathy and wisdom. Jim could often be found spending time with his family, watching a Kansas City Chiefs game or NASCAR race. He spent his life uplifting and empowering the residents of Grandview through his leadership and commitment to being a voice for the community. Though Jim has passed, his legacy and impact on his community will remain long past our mortal lifetimes. I am reminded of Mark 10:45--``For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'' Jim's life was one dedicated to serving others in need, improving the lives of countless people throughout. Jim's legacy will live on through his loving family, friends, and the current and future generations of Grandview. As we celebrate and fondly appreciate the decades of devoted service from Jim, let us be inspired by him to uplift our community.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed 4 votes on September 10, and September 11, 2025. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 261; NAY on Roll Call No. 262; YEA on Roll Call No. 263; and NAY on Roll Call No. 264.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Dina Bennett, Director and visionary of the American Jazz Museum (AJM), as she bids farewell to the iconic institution and transitions to new professional ambitions. Dr. Bennett's dedication to sustaining, cultivating, and celebrating music has echoed throughout her life. Growing up in a music family, music was always around her; her father was in a band with her uncle, and as a young girl she attended the Fun Factory of the Arts, a program that aimed to nurture the talents of children with an interest in music. The camp not only gave her a space to begin exploring the artistry of music, but it recognized a capacity within her that was needed to sing. As a result, she was offered a scholarship for piano lessons, which gave her a consistent and formal setting to refine her skills. In addition to her love for music, service was an equal part of her life, starting with sharing her newfound expertise in piano. She went on to become a Minister of Music at her Baptist church, playing for Sunday school, for the choir, and for her dad before sermon. Once Dr. Bennett hit thirty, her childhood passion began to beat louder, and she decided it could no longer be a side-gig, music and the arts would be her contribution to the world. This led her to pursue her PhD in Folklore and Ethnomusicology, with a minor in African American and African Diaspora Studies at Indiana University. Dr. Bennett chose to study jazz; her fieldwork and dissertation took her, not to the birthplace of jazz, but to where it was raised: Kansas City. She did her anthropological work in the 18th and Vine District, and it is beyond fitting that her career in museum curation led her back to our beloved Jazz District, starting as Deputy Director of AJM and leaving as Director. AJM is a cultural touchstone of Kansas City and a beacon of the Black community, history and legacy. As Dr. Bennett says, ``In African American music, music is part of everything from birth to the grave.'' The strength of jazz is in its variability, in riffs and chord changes that demand improvisation and invention. Its melodies can serve as an anthem of joy, a requiem of pain, and a force of creativity and evolution. AJM appreciates and preserves jazz as an art form, with all its whims and caprices. The museum showcases legendary musicians; Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, and countless others who have played a pivotal part in composing the symphony ofAmerican jazz. Beyond recounting the rich history of jazz in the United States, AJM carries the art form into the modern era by offering jazz instruction to middle and high school students and orchestrating The Blue Room, a jazz club that hosts professional artists and community jam sessions. These contributions could not come to fruition without an outstanding conductor ensuring all the pieces move together in harmony. That is where Dr. Dina Bennett has so spectacularly shined. As an employee of AJM for nearly five years and now its Director, Dr. Bennett, has orchestrated the success of many remarkable exhibits at the museum. To mark their 25th anniversary, the museum created a timeline of jazz that allowed visitors to engage and share their own memories and moments in history, creating a community record of jazz in Kansas City. Dr Bennett also worked on an exhibit that partnered with Disney to examine the significance of the movie Soul and incorporated an interactive piano for guests to play themselves. In these examples and many more, the skill and influence of Dr. Bennett resound. She has been instrumental in maintaining and refining our beloved American Jazz Museum that Kansas City enjoys today. Dr. Bennett has set AJM on a new course, one that will strum new engagement with jazz and its cultural wellspring, while supporting the never-ending transformation of the art form in Kansas City and beyond. The time, effort, and sacrifice that Dr. Bennett has invested in the museum will not be forgotten and her impact will continue to ring through AJM and our 18th and Vine District for many years to come. With a surplus of gratitude, we thank her and watch with anticipation as she continues to be a formative voice in the legacy of jazz and Black music.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, as I sat on the bed this morning, trying to get up, I received a phone call to tell me that Congressman Bill Clay had just passed. I sat there for a few minutes, feeling sad. Then it occurred to me that death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss in life is to die with a life not lived and still inside a man. Bill Clay did not die with hope for his country inside him. He did not die with his brilliant writing inside him. He did not die with creativity. Bill Clay did not die without working every day he walked into this place for the people of St. Louis.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Raytown as it celebrates the 75th anniversary of its incorporation as a city. Finding its foundations as a crossroads for road-weary travelers, this city remains one of the warmest and most welcoming communities in my district. Raytown's rich history begins long before its incorporation, stretching back to the 1820's when pioneers transversing the Santa Fe Trail built a small settlement there. A mere day's journey from Independence via covered wagon, Raytown represented the final township for settlers and adventurers to stock up on supplies. Cattle, oxen, fresh fruits and vegetables were commonly purchased from farmers in the area. Skilled laborers such as blacksmiths, wagon repairmen, and iron workers began to settle in the area as well, responding to a growing need for their expertise along the wagon trains. One such laborer, a blacksmith named William Ray, moved to Jackson County in 1848 and established his forge at the crossroads of the Santa Fe Trail with other local trails. Ray's shop, and even Ray himself, soon became a prominent landmark, and by 1854, the area was known as ``Ray's Town,'' which eventually turned to ``Raytown''. The city's legacy as a center of trails and as a rendezvous meeting point, echoes today in the community's strong network of parks, historic sites, and trails throughout the city. A century after people began to call the area Raytown, residents acted to legally incorporate the city on July 17, 1950. They mobilized in response to Kansas City's annexation of surrounding towns and began signing petitions to remain a distinct locality from Kansas City, showing the same streak of local pride, fierce autonomy, and initiative that still embodies Raytown and its residents 75 years later. Raytown's community has changed substantially since its advent, from the city's agrarian roots to a suburban business hub. The city began with a single store, a post office, and a doctor's office, but currently hosts over 2,500 businesses, a testament to how the city has expanded over the years. Its proximity to Kansas City and small-town charm makes it appealing to city commuters looking for a slower pace to life. Just over 30,000 residents call Raytown home, truly making it a small city with huge opportunity. Raytown's residents can enjoy a thriving community that offers a wide variety of amenities. Visitors stop by to enjoy Raytown's rich history, including the Rice-Tremonti Home and Cave Spring--both former campsites for wagon trains--as well as the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trail crossings. Raytown's welcoming atmosphere and small-town feel exemplify the values of Missouri's 5th District, and the city's recent revitalization efforts come just in time for our district to welcome thousands of international visitors next year for the 2026 World Cup. As Raytown prepares, I am sure that visitors will experience the same hospitality that I know so well. On behalf of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, I congratulate Raytown on its 75th Anniversary of incorporation and may its community enjoy many more years of prosperity and fellowship.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Miss Willa Robinson, the founder and steward of Willa's Books & Vinyl, a cultural cornerstone that has stood for 30 years as a beacon of knowledge, dignity, and Black heritage in Kansas City, Missouri. At 84 years old, Miss Robinson is retiring, but her impact, much like the stories she helped preserve, will live in perpetuity. Miss Robinson's journey with books began in her hometown, Happy Bend, Arkansas. While attending high school in the town, Miss Robinson's desire to uplift others through books was cultivated when she asked her teacher where she could learn about the contributions of Black people to American life. She was told, plainly and painfully, that there were none. Rather than accept that answer, Miss Robinson began collecting books. Her collection started modestly with a few children's titles in which young Black boys and girls could see themselves reflected in the pages. After graduating high school at 17, Miss Robinson moved to Kansas City in search of opportunity. She came alone, determined to build a better future, and brought with her a dream to showcase Black literature. In time, she married Cledwell Robinson Sr., raised five children, and worked faithfully for the United States Postal Service for nearly three decades. At the USPS, Miss Robinson learned the rhythms of her community, met with people from all walks of life, and began to share the books she had been collecting since high school. In 1998, during her time at the post office, Miss Robinson experienced the tragic bereavement of her daughter and granddaughter. Despite the grave loss she experienced, she turned her grief into purpose. Miss Robinson began travelling to Salvation Army locations throughout Missouri, rescuing books that others had overlooked. She first sold them from a table at the post office where she worked, but when new federal building restrictions displaced her, she did not abandon her passion. Instead, Miss Robinson began selling her books as a street vendor at the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, eventually leading to her permanent storefront Willa's Books & Vinyl, which first opened its doors in 2009. What Miss Robinson created was more than a bookstore, it was a sanctuary. Now located on Troost Avenue, a road long seen as the racial dividing line between east and west Kansas City, Willa's Books & Vinyl became a living archive of African American history and culture. Inside, one could find rare editions, including works by Frederick Douglass, vintage jazz LPs, 45s of soul music, and early issues of historic Black publications. Her collection eventually grew to over 20,000 works. Ensuring these titles ended up in caring hands was an act of resistance, remembrance, and radical love. What truly makes Willa's Books & Vinyl sacred is what it represents-- a space for conversation, education, and community. For three decades, it has welcomed the curious and the committed. Willa's gave countless young people their first introduction to Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, and other titans of Black literature. The store helped college students, local artists, historians, and everyday neighbors reconnect with the richness of Black thought and scholarship. In Missouri, Willa's Books & Vinyl holds the distinction of being the oldest and longest- standing Black-owned bookstore in the state. In a nation where Black bookstores have dwindled, where history is too often erased or edited to appease those in power, Willa Robinson stood firm in her mission to make Black stories visible. As she steps into retirement, we must take a moment to not only congratulate Miss Robinson, but to thank her. Thank her for never giving up, for keeping the books alive, and for showing generations of Missourians that literature is more than leisure, it is a form of liberation. Her legacy, rooted in resilience and powered by purpose, cannot be measured in the number of books sold or even the thousands of titles she preserved. It is measured in the minds she opened, the narratives she protected, and the history she helped write. So today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Miss Willa Robinson for her immeasurable contributions to the cultural, educational, and spiritual life of Kansas City and beyond. As a teenager, Miss Robinson asked a teacher about Black Americans' contributions to our nation's history and was told there were none. From that point forward, she dedicated her life to proving just the opposite. Willa's Books & Vinyl may have started with a question and a few books, but it became a movement. One that will continue to echo for generations.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a steadfast leader, a tireless advocate, and a committed public servant, Mr. Reginald L. Thomas, who has dedicated his time to improving the lives of workers in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District and throughout the state. As Mr. Thomas steps down from his roles as Vice President of the Missouri AFL-CIO and Business Manager of Laborers Local 264, a position he held for more than 15 years, let us celebrate the work he has done to defend workers' rights, raise workplace standards, and expand union access across numerous industries. Mr. Thomas began his career in the labor movement with Laborers Local 264 in May 1996, earning promotions to Laborer Foreman and Crew Supervisor. In these positions, he was responsible for managing job- site teams, ensuring safety compliance, and overseeing the timely and effective completion of construction projects. In April 1999, Mr. Thomas was appointed Secretary-Treasurer of Local 264, where he managed financial operations, enforced fiscal accountability, and ensured resources were directed toward member support and workforce development. He then went on to serve as Assistant Business Manager and Field Representative, where he coordinated grievance procedures, negotiated collective bargaining agreements, and advocated for safer job conditions on behalf of the local membership. These roles prepared him well for his election as Business Manager of Laborers Local 264 in February 2010, a position he held for over a decade. As Business Manager, Mr. Thomas spearheaded numerous initiatives to empower union members, improve labor protections, and expand job opportunities. He worked to create training partnerships with local school districts and technical colleges, building pre-apprentice and apprenticeship programs aimed at opening doors for young people to enter family-supporting careers in construction and skilled trades. Throughout his career, Mr. Thomas has demonstrated strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to the labor movement, and his contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, he received the Lillian L. McKittrick Labor Advocacy Award from the NAACP, an honor named in memory of Lillian L. McKittrick, a lifelong advocate for the rights of minorities and women. Having worked for many years in the garment industry, McKittrick witnessed firsthand the need for reform within the labor movement. This honor recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding dedication to labor advocacy while advancing the broader goals of civil rights and economic justice. In 2019, Reggie was named Labor's Representative of the Year by the Labor's Educational & Political Club Independent in recognition of his effectiveness in organizing, legislative engagement, and grassroots mobilization. These accolades reflect the tangible, community-level impact of Mr. Thomas' contributions toward creating more equitable hiring practices, greater workplace protections, and a stronger pipeline for economic mobility. Beyond the state of Missouri, Mr. Thomas' voice has been heard across the country. As Special International Representative for the Laborers International Union of North America and Vice President of the Missouri AFI-CIO, he played a major role in supporting national labor efforts. These included advocacy for the expansion of wage protections, along with infrastructure-investment legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Mr. Thomas was also a vocal proponent of pro-labor reforms to the National Labor Regulation Act, aligning Missouri's agenda with national priorities. Mr. Thomas' service is not only defined by awards and titles, but by the lasting impact of his work. He forged partnerships between unions and civic groups and strengthened the role of labor in addressing housing, healthcare, and education challenges. Additionally, he led efforts to remove systemic barriers to union jobs for communities of color and championed a public education campaign on the economic and social benefits of organized labor. Now, as Secretary-Treasurer of the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO, Mr. Thomas continues to provide leadership and vision for the future. Those who have worked with Reggie know him as a man of principle, integrity, and resolve. He is respected by colleagues, union members, and public officials alike. His legacy includes not only stronger institutions but a more empowered, united labor force in Missouri and beyond. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing and thanking Mr. Reginald L. Thomas for his years of extraordinary service to the American labor movement. As he begins this new chapter, we celebrate his legacy of progress and look forward to the continued impact he will have in building a more equitable and empowered workforce for Missouri and beyond.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Carter Broadcast Group (CBG), a pillar of Black music and culture in the Kansas City metropolitan area, and the oldest Black-owned and family-operated radio broadcast company in the United States. Let us take a moment to reflect on the 75 years of creativity, 75 years of challenges overcome, and 75 years of community contribution that have undisputedly been instrumental in shaping the Kansas City I know and serve today. The station's story began with a visionary, Andrew Skip Carter. Born in 1919, in Savannah, Georgia, Carter always had a passion for radio. However, Carter's ambitions coincided with a time when segregation and Jim Crow laws worked to prevent their realization. Due to the color of his skin, Carter was turned down from jobs and forced to work in a hostile industry. However, in keeping with the principles that would come to define CBG, Carter advocated for himself and his community. In August 1948, he wrote a letter to Broadcast magazine criticizing the FCC's prejudiced treatment of African Americans. Through this effort, he was able to make a connection with former Kansas Governor Alf Landon, who would assist Carter in receiving his FCC license in August 1949, making him the second African American to obtain one. Through financial backing from Landon and continued demonstrations of grit, Carter was able to launch KPRS, the Kansas People's Radio Station, in 1950. Two years later, Carter purchased the station, making it the first Black-owned radio station west of the Mississippi River. CBG prioritizes playing Black music of all genres, with a specific focus on exploring jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, and hip-hop. Not only does the station promote Black music, but it engages with the artists behind it, interviewing creators who have cultivated fan bases around the world, including Kansas City locals like Janelle Monae and Tech N9ne. Indeed, listeners throughout the KC area all feel the impact of having a radio station that amplifies Black voices and stories. Beyond music programming, CBG is an informational hub. Its hosts regularly interview political figures to discuss topics ranging from student debt on a national level to issues facing Kansas City locally. In hopes of building a healthier Kansas City, programmers craft segments to inform local listeners of critical resources. Whether disseminating information regarding suicide prevention and COVID-19 vaccination clinics, or shining a light on local organizations like Giving Hope and Help, which works to support domestic abuse survivors, and Harvesters, which works to prevent food insecurity, the Carter Broadcast Group consistently serves the city it calls home. Indeed, this station epitomizes the ideas expressed in 1 Corinthians 12:25-27, ``So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it: if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.'' Carter Broadcast Group recognizes the obligation we have to one another and surpasses it to a commendable degree. The impact is clear. Countless listeners proclaim their praise for the station, citing the significance it has had on their lives and the lives of their loved ones. CBG is dedicated to providing a Black radio station that plays amazing music and nourishes the community culturally, socially, and politically. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating CBG's 75th anniversary. This is an accomplishment deserving of recognition in our Nation's Capital, and I am honored to extend my congratulations as the station begins its celebrations. I anticipate many more monumental anniversaries, for I know CBG will continue to be a fountain of knowledge and joy for our community, progressing the innovative work of Andrew Skip Carter.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Literacy KC, Kansas City's only adult-focused literacy organization, for their exceptional work challenging illiteracy in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. For forty years, Literacy KC has ceaselessly pursued its mission of promoting literacy for all and has empowered thousands of low-literate individuals through the organization's direct services, advocacy work, and community collaboration initiatives. Literacy KC was born out of a passion for community engagement and mutual support. In 1985, a group of volunteers led by Catherine Mathews perceived a need for adult literacy services and took the initiative to form a small, literacy tutoring group. Initially, with only a handful of students, the organization worked out of the basement at Country Club Congregational Church and relied solely on volunteer labor. Mathews affiliated the organization with the National Laubach Literacy Council, which gave the fledgling group access to curriculum and materials. Mathews and her team of unpaid instructors called themselves the Kansas City Laubach Literacy Council before changing their name to Literacy KC. What began as an ambitious dream eventually became a reality, with the organization hiring an executive director and full-time staff as classroom sizes swelled and funding was secured. Literacy KC has advocated tirelessly for adult education programs since its inception, working to acknowledge and address the barriers low-literate adults face in the workforce and in daily life. Whether via direct service programs or advocacy efforts, Literacy KC seeks to address the consequences of low literacy--including an increased likelihood of poverty, incarceration, and health problems--for the 225,000 adults in the Kansas City area that are classified as low-literate. Literacy education provides innumerable benefits, both to individuals and to our society at large. Greater literacy rates are correlated with higher levels of economic output, improved health outcomes, heightened civic participation, and decreased crime levels. Beyond practical considerations, the ability to read opens a portal of knowledge, discovery, and imagination that can transport readers across time, throughout space, and beyond reality. Literacy KC does not just focus on the downstream consequences of illiteracy, but works with thousands of students each year to tap into the wellspring of opportunities that literacy provides, empowering learners with the tools needed to improve their own lives. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the work that Literacy KC has done to improve literacy rates throughout Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. Since 1985, Literacy KC has offered hope to people in challenging situations and acted as a springboard for individuals that receive their services, propelling them to new heights. Whether helping students obtain their GEDs, study for citizenship exams, or pursue job-specific certifications, their services have left an indelible mark on our community, bringing great meaning, fulfillment, and empowerment to the lives of thousands. As we mark Literacy KC's 40th anniversary this year, I am proud to commemorate their work and champion their mission of literacy for all.

Mr. CLEAVER

Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, it is pretty clear to me, while it may not always come across your television, radio, or cell phone, I believe that the overwhelming majority of Members of Congress are good and decent people. Whether we agree on everything is not factored in on what I just said. Unfortunately, as polls continue to indicate, the American people don't believe that that is the way it is. Congress right now is about as popular as a soiled baby's diaper, and we are pushing it down further by failing to hold ourselves accountable. It is absolutely ridiculous that Members of Congress can sit in a committee hearing room or get some information by just moving around this city and then come in here and vote on something that would enrich them. This is wrong, and one of the reasons that you are not going to find anybody else coming in here taking an opposite position is because they are ashamed. If they are ashamed that means they know they are wrong. If they know they are wrong, they ought to support this legislation or tell the public I believe in enriching myself and I am not going to support it. Now, I represent a place that sometimes is referred to as ``Chiefs Kingdom.'' I know some of you are probably offended because we win all the time, but in the recent years, we are accustomed to seeing Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and Chris Jones lead one of the greatest teams in history. They won three championships overall, two in the last 3 years. They can pass. They can run. They can kick. They can play defense, and they are not too shabby at their kicking game. But there is one thing they cannot do, one thing that they cannot do even as a Super Bowl champ: They cannot bet on football. They cannot play football and then bet on who is going to win. They can, but then they will get kicked out of the league. That makes no sense. They could fall down. They could miss a pass on purpose. There are all kinds of things they could do that are wrong. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate very much the opportunity to be just a tiny voice in what is going on because this is right and not doing it is wrong.