Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative McClellan for hosting this tonight and for hearing the cries of our district, what they are suffering and the political anxiety that they are living in just thinking that healthcare for them and their families will be stripped from them. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for a woman named Maria. Maria lives in Broward County. She is a home health aide who works full time, raising two children, and still cannot afford health insurance without the tax credit from the Affordable Care Act. Because of those credits, Maria can take her blood pressure medication, and her son can see a specialist for his asthma. These are not extras. These are basic human survival and dignity matters. If these credits expire, Maria's premiums will more than double. She will be forced to choose which child sees a doctor and which child stays home and waits to get better. Mr. Speaker, that is not a choice any mother should have to face. That is not freedom. That is fear. Maria is not alone. In Florida's 20th District, more than 200,000 people depend on these tax credits, and many are already dealing with serious gaps in their healthcare. This is not a policy debate. This is not a question of who we choose to value. This is a question of dignity for all Americans and their right to survive. I am calling on every Member in this House to look beyond party politics, party games, and trying to get the limelight to actually put human beings' lives front and center. The shutdown may be over, but our responsibility to protect the health and dignity of the American people is not. If we do not pass the ACA tax credits, we will be guilty of political malpractice for each person who goes without healthcare and has an unfortunate demise. Once again, I stress to every Member in this body to make sure we retain healthcare and the dignity of all Americans in this country and their right to have healthcare and survive like anyone else.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the extraordinary service and enduring legacy of Ms. Loretta Young, Commander of American Legion Post 365. Her steadfast leadership and tireless advocacy have shaped the lives of countless veterans and community members across South Florida. Ms. Young will be honored in Sunrise, Florida, for more than 25 years of distinguished service as Commander, the second-longest tenure of any Post Commander in the State of Florida. Born in 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised between the city and the heartlands of South Jersey, Ms. Young is a proud member of the Lenape Nation of New Jersey. Her early years were marked by academic excellence and a deep sense of civic duty, inspired by her father, a retired Philadelphia firefighter. That sense of duty led her to enlist in the United States Air Force, where she served with honor at Travis Air Force Base in California, achieving the rank of A3C in Administration and Base Personnel. Since assuming command of Post 365 in the year 2000, Ms. Young has exemplified the values of patriotism, leadership, and service. Her tenure includes roles as Post Historian, Service Officer, Executive Officer, and 9th District Commander. She has served on national committees for Legislative Affairs and National Security, and chaired the Department's JROTC and Junior Shooting Sports Program for over two decades. Her leadership has extended far beyond the American Legion, touching civic institutions, youth organizations, and advisory boards throughout Broward County. Ms. Young's community engagement is both vast and impactful. She co-founded the JROTC Support Association in 2006 and currently serves as its President. She has chaired the 23rd Congressional Academy Board for the past ten years and was appointed to the Veterans Advisory Board in 2015. Her commitment to youth, veterans, and civic education has earned her recognition as a Pioneer Day Recipient by the City of Sunrise and induction into the Broward Senior Hall of Fame in 2015. Her journey of service began in earnest after retiring from American Airlines in 1995, when she began volunteering at assisted living facilities and later co- founded the Professional Women Veterans Association, the first nonprofit in Broward County dedicated to female veterans. Through workshops, retreats, and outreach, she helped elevate the voices and needs of women in uniform and played a formative role in the early development of Mission United, a program supporting homeless veterans. Ms. Young's story is one of resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment. She is a global traveler, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a beacon of optimism who sees the glass half full. Her life reflects a profound dedication to service, safety, and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity to uplift others. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Loretta Young for her decades of leadership, advocacy, and community-building. Her legacy is etched into the fabric of South Florida and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have when guided by purpose, compassion, and a deep love for country and community.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to co-lead H.R. 3579 the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act alongside Congressman Ciscomani. This bipartisan bill expands economic opportunities for our veterans and brings much-needed transparency for the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program which helps veterans with service-connected disabilities transition to civilian careers. Serving over 125,000 veterans each year, the VR&E program is critical, especially for veterans in Florida and nationwide, helping them gain the skills and opportunities needed to build successful and dignified lives after service. To ensure veterans receive the support they deserve, the Department of Veterans Affairs must provide timely and accurate data on program outcomes. Veterans should not have to endure excessive wait times before accessing their critical services. This requires the VA to report on employment rates, wages, and average wait times, guaranteeing that veterans receive prompt and effective assistance. These measures will improve program effectiveness and ensure veterans benefit from high quality and timely support. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I encourage the Senate to act quickly.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following proclamation honoring Dr. Reverend Griffith Davis. Whereas, born one of eighteen children to Mr. Lindsey and Mrs. Ruth Davis, Reverend Griffin Davis emerged early as a charismatic and gifted leader, first a performer alongside his sister, to then becoming the iconic drum-major at Roosevelt High School in West Palm Beach, channeling his creativity and gift for leadership into divine purpose; Whereas, at age 21, Reverend Davis courageously answered his calling, leaving behind a successful management role, answering God's calling to set out with only ten cents and a command to ``Go Build''; Whereas, after attending seminary in Nashville, Tennessee, Reverend Davis returned to his community with his wife, Mrs. Hughetta Davis, and their three sons, Reverend Griffin Davis Jr., Denzel Davis, and Sydney Davis, to establish Hilltop Missionary Baptist Church, a sanctuary built on prayer, faith, generosity, and service; Whereas, for more than 55 years, Reverend Davis led his congregation by powerful example, ringing in each new year with a forty-day fast and prayer, instilling the transformative power of spiritual discipline and neverending faith; Whereas, his ministry extended far beyond the church walls, touching the lives of the most vulnerable through food and clothing drives, housing initiatives, compassionate counsel, and tireless community advocacy, all of which are reminiscent of his mantra that ``Being nice costs nothing, but it pays a million''; Whereas, his legacy as a servant-leader, spiritual father, and pillar of goodwill lives on in the countless lives he touched and in the enduring foundation of Hilltop Missionary Baptist Church; and Therefore, be it resolved that we, Florida's 20th Congressional District, proudly honor and celebrate the contributions, wisdom, and life, of Reverend Griffin Davis for his spiritual guidance, unwavering dedication to service, and elevation of morality.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following proclamation honoring Band CaRiMi. Whereas, music has long been a unifying force that transcends borders and generations, preserving culture and celebrating heritage. Few bands have embodied this mission more profoundly than CaRiMi, a pioneering group that has played an instrumental role in shaping and elevating Haitian music and culture. Through their infectious rhythms, they have inspired generations and brought people together through the universal language of music; Whereas, the band's founding members--Carlo Vieux, Richard Cave, and Mickael Guirand--left their homeland of Haiti to pursue education but never abandoned their passion for music. Their name, ``CaRiMi,'' derived from the first two letters of their names, became a symbol of unity, passion, and innovation in the music industry; Whereas, their impact quickly transcended borders, garnering international recognition with Best Album of the Year in Haiti, topping music charts in Guadeloupe, Paris, Martinique, French Guiana, Canada, and beyond. Their success led to a distribution deal with Virgin Records Worldwide, further cementing their reputation as global ambassadors of Haitian music; Whereas, their high-energy performances have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide, from the prestigious Olympia in France to the electrifying spectacle of Haiti's Carnival, where they performed before 300,000 fans. With sold-out concerts across multiple continents, CaRiMi has solidified its place in music history and has helped shape and modernize Konpa while remaining deeply rooted in its traditions; Whereas, as they reunite for their final concert at Amerant Bank Arena, this momentous occasion is not just a celebration of their remarkable career, but also a tribute to the unity, resilience, and cultural vibrancy of the Haitian community. Their music has uplifted hearts, provided solace, and reinforced a shared cultural identity among Haitians worldwide, making this reunion a truly historic and emotional event; and Therefore, be it proclaimed that we, the 20th Congressional District of Florida, do hereby commend CaRiMi for their dedication to innovation, artistic excellence, and cultural preservation, and express gratitude for the joy and inspiration they have provided countless fans worldwide. Their legacy is a testament to the power of music to unite, heal, and inspire, and their contributions will be celebrated for years to come.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record the following proclamation honoring Dr. Solanges Vivens. Whereas, Born in Haiti and inspired by the wise, enduring strength of the turtle, Dr. Solanges Vivens immigrated to the United States and devoted over four decades to advancing healthcare and business leadership; and Whereas, Rising from a non-English-speaking factory worker, to a renowned healthcare executive, author and advocate; Dr. Vivens embodies perseverance, courage, and visionary leadership; and Whereas, Her academic achievements including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Long Island University, a Master's in Health Services Administration from Georgetown University, and a Doctorate in Humane Letters from Voorhees College, epitomize her lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and service; and Whereas, Dr. Vivens has received numerous accolades recognizing her achievements, including the D.C. Health Care Association Leadership Award, Nelson Mandela Children's Fund Award, Hope Giver Award, and the Champion of Women Award, a Miami-Dade Public County Schools Proclamation, the city of North Miami's ``Dr. Solanges Vivens Day'', and induction into the Island Space Caribbean Museum, each honoring her service to women, children, and underserved communities worldwide; and Whereas, Through her acclaimed works, Girls Can Move Mountains, A Revelation, and Educated Girl, Empowered Woman, Dr. Vivens uplifts Haitian youth and shares stories of resilience, while serving as a beacon of hope and healing, representing the Caribbean and African diaspora at international forums like the Global Leaders Women's Conference in Dubai and the Venice Film Festival; and Therefore, be it resolved that we, Florida's 20th Congressional District, in celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, proudly honor Dr. Solanges Vivens for her extraordinary contributions to healthcare, women's empowerment, education, humanitarian advocacy, and Caribbean excellence.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month and Caribbean American Heritage Month, reminders of the courage of those who came to this Nation seeking freedom, safety, and opportunity. As the proud daughter of Haitian immigrants, I carry the hopes of my parents and the legacy of the people who fought for dignity and justice. Today, I honor Dr. Vivens, a Haitian American who rose from a non- English speaking factory worker to a nationally recognized healthcare executive and entrepreneur. Dr. Solanges Vivens reshaped the landscape of long-term care, providing that with unwavering faith, even the highest mountains can be moved with determination, persistence, and excellence. Because of leaders like Dr. Vivens, we are reminded that diversity is our strength and that unity is our power. I am extremely proud to recognize Dr. Solanges Vivens and to have her today in the gallery with her family. Let's honor the past and ensure everyone has a fair shot at the American Dream to do great things in our country and also to help all Americans achieve greatness. Thank you, Dr. Vivens, for all your service.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, the images emerging from California--ICE raids escalating into chaos, immigrant families fleeing their homes, and the National Guard troops confronting peaceful protesters--are a chilling reminder of how far we have strayed from my democratic values that we claim to uphold. This is not the America I know. This is not the America we aspire to be. We are a nation built on justice, compassion, and the unwavering belief that every person deserves dignity and respect. What is happening in Los Angeles betrays our core beliefs. The Federal response to deploy more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 marines without a local request is a troubling overreach. It risks escalating tensions and chilling the right to protest, which is protected by the Constitution. We need leaders that listen and not the ones that answer concerns with intimidation and threats. In south Florida, immigration isn't an abstract political issue for us. It is personal. Our region is home to vibrant Jamaican, Haitian, Venezuelan, Cuban, and Central-American communities. They are nurses, doctors, pastors, teachers, small business owners, and caregivers. The reason our economies thrive is because of our immigrant communities. The attacks on immigrants and Americans exercising their right to protest must end now.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, today Republicans are jamming through a reckless bill that would wreak havoc on south Florida. In response, I introduced a series of commonsense amendments to protect American families. Over the past few weeks, multiple hospitals, including several children's hospitals, have come into my office and pleaded with me to stop the devastating Medicaid cuts. One children's hospital, in particular, showed me their net operating margins for 2024. They were in the negative. This bill will close them down and deprive more than 80,000 children of lifesaving care. This bill also threatens the integrity of this lifeline program, while giving tax breaks to the wealthy and well-connected and leaving our children sicker, poorer, and without healthcare. I am offering an amendment to protect Florida's ability to fund Medicaid. I refuse to stay quiet and silent while this body attempts to rip away healthcare from our most vulnerable children who need it. I also introduced another amendment to protect south Florida's small businesses and the workers they depend on. Immigrants are the economic engine of south Florida. Their hard work and ingenuity make the region a desirable travel destination that thousands of people flock to each year. Unfortunately, this tax-breaks-for-billionaires bill threatens to upend the district's economy, shutter small businesses, and disrupt south Florida's tourist industry. As it is currently written, this bill would impose excessive fees on employment authorizations sought by asylum seekers and individuals holding temporary protective status to work in the United States. At a time of unprecedented worker shortages for south Florida businesses, Congress should make it easier for companies to hire and not more difficult. My amendment caps employment authorization fees at $550 for asylum seekers and TPS holders. It is a commonsense change that would give south Florida businesses the flexibility they need to keep moving and to keep thriving. I also have an amendment that strikes the visa fee for this bill. Imposing a fee on tourists at a time when U.S. tourism is experiencing instability and unprecedented lows because of reckless trade wars would be catastrophic to our economy. Furthermore, my amendment eliminates the cruel remittance tax that will exacerbate crises in places like Haiti, Venezuela, and African countries that depend on them. Taxing this lifeline will only bring more economic instability to the Caribbean and result in increased migration to the United States. Mr. Speaker, remittances should not be taxed but should be incentivized. I will continue to fight relentlessly to protect south Florida from this reckless bill.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, this week, a group of Afrikaners arrived in the United States. They were greeted with open arms and American flags. Every single one of them skipped to the front of the line thanks to the expedited pathway that the administration handed them. Although they are not facing any imminent threat, nor any persecution, according to this administration, these farmers were victims who were being brutally killed as a part of a genocide. These claims are absolutely false. We must ask ourselves: Why wasn't any grace extended to those fleeing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, home to the deadliest conflict in the world? There is no temporary protected status for them. Why wasn't any grace extended to Afghans, who helped our soldiers at war and risked their lives for the American people? This administration ended their deportation protections on the same day they welcomed Afrikaners. For those Haitians who fled instability and gang violence, why were TPS and humanitarian parole ripped away from them? Around the world, we have victims of war, famine, and bloodshed, but they have been left out to dry, where these Afrikaners were welcomed with open arms and, once again, without any persecution or risk of harm. We can't simply open our doors to the vulnerable when they serve political purposes. Refugee policies should never align with an agenda. It should serve those who are in need, those families overseas who will be murdered if America abandons them, not to people who serve a political purpose and for political gain. They should be awarded the same pathway that Afrikaners were given.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, this administration's deportation process has been sloppy and reckless since day one. No due process and no transparency, just families being illegally ripped apart and left to fend for themselves. In severe instances, innocent people have actually died, like Marie Blaise. She was a 44-year-old Haitian woman who was in ICE custody in Pompano Beach. Marie had been complaining about chest pain for hours. They gave her some pills and told her to go lie down. Unfortunately, Marie never woke up. Her loved ones deserve answers. They deserve accountability, like so many immigrant families who have their loved ones missing and who are hurt. These conditions at the ICE facilities are inhumane and unsanitary. Immigrants are being treated without basic dignity and being denied medical care. I am calling for a full and transparent investigation into Marie's death, and I will be visiting the Broward Transitional Center very shortly. It is this neglect and cruelty that is really hurting our American families who are being deported even at this moment. Mr. Speaker, we must have transparency. We must have justice.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, over the last few weeks, Americans have actively watched the dismantling of Social Security and direct attacks on our seniors, our families, and also our veterans. I have heard directly from my constituents, and they are scared. They are worried about their next meal. They are worried if they will be able to see their doctors. They are worried if they will be able to retire with dignity. They are worried about the skyrocketing cost of living and the price of groceries. It is because they have heard so much about the cuts to Medicaid, the cuts to SNAP, and the cuts to the VA, all being proposed by the House Republicans. Let's take a closer look at what the House Republicans are proposing. House Republicans are proposing Medicaid cuts of $880 billion, SNAP cuts of $230 billion, Social Security cuts of $1.5 trillion, Medicare premiums raised by 22 percent, and 83,000 veteran employees being fired. Let's take a closer look at what they actually promised the American people. House Republicans have promised the American people to actually put forward bills that will make their life better. Let's take it to the board. Nothing, nada, nothing has been proposed to help them with their financial situation. To make a visual of it, nothing has been proposed for the American people. I dare my House Republicans to join House Democrats to put forth bills that will actually help the American people. The American people do not want $880 billion cut from their healthcare. The American people do not want $230 billion cut from SNAP and other assistance programs. They want to actually live the American Dream, and they want opportunities. Right now, House Republicans have offered nothing but a blank piece of paper. Why, you may ask? Elon Musk says the only way to save America is by jeopardizing our most vulnerable. It is by eliminating entitlement programs. In fact, Mr. Musk said that the biggest issue that he has and what he must do is eliminate these programs. What types of programs are we talking about? It is Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans' benefits. For the American people, this is ridiculous. These are our most vulnerable populations. We had promised our warriors and our heroes that we would be there for them and that we would provide their benefits for them. What are we doing? I dare House Republicans to join the Democrats and stand up for the American people and to stand with us as we fight for the American people. I dare House Republicans to stand up for Social Security, to stand up for Medicaid, to stand up for our heroes. The time is now. Let's stop the madness and make sure that all Americans have a real opportunity to live with dignity and pursue the American Dream.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against the Republicans' latest budget proposal, which could deny American families of the healthcare they need to survive. In my district alone, more than 149,000 people on Medicaid are now at risk of losing their healthcare. This includes more than 84,000 kids and over 21,000 seniors. Medicaid is a lifeline for the most vulnerable Floridians. In Palm Beach County, Medicaid has allowed Reverend Latifah Griffin to care for her 10-year-old son who suffers from pain and has severe difficulty walking. Her son has cerebral palsy and depends on a wheelchair and pediatric extended care. In Alachua County, Medicaid has meant that Virginia, an adult with a disability, has a home health aide to care for her every single day so that she won't just survive, but so that she can thrive at home, in her environment. These are the people who will suffer the most if these proposals move forward. I will do whatever it takes to push back and to make sure that every vulnerable American has the services that they need.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the illegal dismantling of USAID and its detrimental effects on Haiti. Not only is Haiti currently dealing with massive gang violence that has killed thousands of people and displaced millions of people, it is a country also on the verge of famine. The World Food Programme projects that they will run out of food assistance to Haiti in March due to this aid freeze. This will fuel the gangs who recruit starving children to join them, worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis, and cause thousands more to flee the nation, meaning mass migration to the United States. Make no mistake, gutting USAID means gutting regional security. It will also directly harm my constituents. The Port of Palm Beach exports $160 million in food to the Caribbean alone, much of which is distributed by USAID and their partners. The farmers and dockworkers in my district will directly lose out on all critical business. I urge my colleagues to stand for USAID, the backbone of our national security, and remember either we feed them now or we will end up fighting them later.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order hour.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to anchor the CBC Special Order hour. For the next 60 minutes, members of the CBC have an opportunity to honor the legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chisolm, an individual of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Alabama (Ms. Sewell).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Brown).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Kamlager-Dove).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. McClellan).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas (Mrs. Lee Carter), who is the daughter of Sheila Jackson Lee, for the first time.