Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bowman).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Foushee).

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

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, you have heard from my distinguished colleagues about affirmative action and issues of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, our constituents, Congress, and all Americans tonight. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Jonathan Jackson for yielding. June marks National Reunification Month, allowing us to recognize the importance of keeping families together and the long-term benefits that come with stable family structures. As we observe this month, we must find ways to support the growing number of Black children who have been unnecessarily placed in foster care systems. As elected leaders, we must ensure that this trend does not continue in earnest. Although the share of Black children in foster care is lower than ever before, Black children are still drastically overrepresented in the child welfare system. Across the country, 20 percent of children entering foster care in fiscal year 2021 were Black, yet Black children represent just 14 percent of the general population. In my home State of Florida, it takes an extra 5 days, on average, for Black children to exit out-of-home care when compared to their White counterparts. This has been the status quo for far too long. From 2005 to 2021, 1 out of 125 children who identify as Black have been in foster care at any given point in time. That pains me not only as a Black American but as a parent. There are several factors behind these glaring statistics, but they stem in large part from a combination of historical trauma and structural and systemic racism. Families of color are more likely to live in communities marked by historic disinvestment. High poverty rates have been exacerbated by poor housing conditions, limited access to employment opportunities and healthy food, as well as other components that are critical to raising children. Through no fault of their own, many Black families have found it difficult to meet basic family needs and raise their children in safe, stable homes. Our Nation needs to course correct. Research shows that children have better outcomes in life when their own families safely nurture and care for them. When a child must be removed from their parents, it is profoundly distressing for the entire family. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the passage of the Family First Prevention Services Act. This law changed how we look at child welfare, focusing on families as a whole. I also helped fund evidence- based, prevention-focused activities, like those that address mental health needs and in-home parent skill-based programs. As we celebrate its anniversary, we must continue to fund programs that keep our children out of foster care and provide parents with the support they need.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, I rise today to recognize Dr. Judith Joseph, who has helped shine a light on mental health issues and inspired countless others to seek support. Dr. Joseph immigrated to the U.S. from Trinidad at the age of 4. After growing up in a religious community, with a father as a pastor, Judith became interested in exploring the intersection of spirituality and science. Today, she leads a team of 10 talented women at the Manhattan Behavioral Medicine, who are dedicated to developing and exploring novel treatments for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Dr. Joseph has shared her expertise with a wide audience, using social media as a positive vehicle for change in a digestible and accessible manner. I thank Dr. Joseph for her invaluable contribution to mental health research and education.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my co-chair, Representative Jonathan Jackson, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, I rise today to recognize Phyllisia Ross, whose prowess as a musician has allowed her to create unique music that reflects her Caribbean heritage. Since the age of 3, Ross has developed her craft of singing and playing the piano. In 2006, Ross graduated from the world-renowned A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida. Throughout her career, she has been able to incorporate several styles of genres in her music, ranging from classical to R&B, as well as world music in several languages. Her hit single ``Konsa'' is emblematic of her unique talents, paying homage to her Haitian roots in its kompa production style. Ross has brought her music around the globe--everywhere from the Ivory Coast to Jamaica--touching audiences worldwide. In addition, Ross also runs and operates her own independent music production company and has helped mentor young artists. I am proud to represent Ross and her extensive artistic contributions to the Caribbean community and to the United States.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to be here to celebrate our Caribbean Heritage Month. It is also an honor to be here coanchoring with Jonathan Jackson from Illinois, and I say a very special thank you to our chairman for allowing us to be here and speak about all the accomplishments of Caribbean Americans. As both the first Haitian-American Democrat elected to Congress and a permanent member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I am firmly committed to supporting strong U.S.-Caribbean ties. However, we cannot forget that the success of this global partnership depends directly on Haiti's prosperity and its ability to triumph in the face of challenges. Today, Haiti has found itself engulfed in chaos. The stability of the country and the preservation of its democratic institutions must remain of paramount importance to the United States. Last week, Guyana and the Dominican Republic issued a joint declaration emphasizing their commitment to enhancing bilateral relationships between their two countries. The reiteration of their commitment to address pressing challenges such as food insecurity, energy security, and climate change is inspirational, and as the United States, we must be doing the same. Both nations reaffirmed that Haiti is an important member of the Caribbean family of nations. They pledged the full support of their governments toward the achievement of political stability in Haiti. The regional commitment is to be applauded and continued. The ongoing situation in Haiti is far too unstable, and recognition on the world stage is vital as we work to bring an end to this crisis. It pains me to see Haiti in these times of struggle. The country now finds itself at one of the lowest points in its history, battling a surge of gang violence. Public health challenges, along with catastrophic hunger, stoke the flames of instability. As a neighbor, we have a responsibility to address this situation and respond accordingly. I am pleased that President Biden nominated Dennis Hankins, Foreign Policy Advisor to the National Guard Bureau, to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Haiti. This nomination demonstrates that the Biden-Harris administration recognizes America's role as an ally of Haiti to respond to the volatility of the situation today. Throughout Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we must continue to recognize the challenges that Haiti is currently grappling with and where our Nation can lend support in these efforts.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the invaluable contributions of the South Florida Caribbean American community as we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month. This month provides us with a valuable opportunity to honor the rich culture and heritage and the remarkable accomplishments of the Caribbean Americans, particularly in South Florida. The Caribbean American community has played a significant role in shaping South Florida's identity. Today, the greater Ft. Lauderdale metropolitan area has one of the largest Caribbean migrant populations nationwide. South Florida is home to immigrants from many Caribbean countries, including Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Dominica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, among others. The vibrancy of the Caribbean culture touches every part of our region. We see it in action at spaces like Island SPACE Caribbean Museum in Plantation, which elevates the profile of Caribbean art, history, and culture throughout South Florida and the broader diaspora. We can taste it in the restaurants that dot our street corners, serving soul-warming jerk chicken and oxtails and all types of delectable items that we find remind us of our childhood kitchen tables. The Caribbean American community has long been an integral part of the economic fabric of South Florida, contributing to its prosperity. Caribbean Americans have opened their own businesses and created jobs, making South Florida a vibrant and thriving region. During this month, we must recognize challenges currently faced by Florida's Caribbean American community. Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed into law a cruel immigration law that pushes the American Dream further out of reach for Florida and immigrant communities. For immigrants seeking a better life in Florida, many of whom who have come to the U.S. for economic opportunities and fleeing violence, this law is most certainly a slap in their face. As we celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month, let us always treat immigrants with the dignity they deserve and welcome them. Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to recognizing the immense and continued contribution of the Caribbean American community.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, as we recognize Caribbean American Heritage Month, I rise today to express my strong support for the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation is an important step in holding accountable those who have fueled violence in Haiti, and it sends a clear message that America and Americans stand with the Haitian people. This bill, which I am proud to cosponsor with several of my colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, would ensure the Secretary of State sanctions Haiti's economic and political elites who regularly use gangs as levers of power. This legislative body would receive regular reports on the nature of the relationship between Haiti's corrupt elite and the heinous gangs that they have colluded with. Recent headlines underscore just how grim the situation in Haiti has grown. As a result of the worsening gang violence, Haitians are now taking matters into their own hands. Many have turned to vigilante justice, using makeshift weapons to root out suspected gang members. At least 160 suspected gang members were killed between April 24 and May 24. This is by no means a viable or a safe long-term solution to gang violence. Vigilante justice leaves open the potential for innocent individuals to be wrongfully characterized as criminals. Haiti's government must be equipped to deal with this reign of terror on its own, without depending on its citizens to take up arms. The Haiti Criminal Collusion Act, which has been endorsed by the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network here in the United States, is a desperately needed legislative solution that can assist our brothers and sisters in Haiti. By shining a spotlight on bad actors imposing sanctions on the worst offenders, the United States is sending a clear signal that it will not tolerate individuals who exploit their positions of power for personal gain, and that they will not tolerate individuals who terrorize the Haitian people. As we begin Caribbean American Heritage Month, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my concern with MAGA Republicans' ransom plan which threatens access to SNAP and Federal food assistance programs that prevent families from going hungry every single day. Too often, households across the country find it difficult to put food on their tables. SNAP has been and remains a vital mechanism to alleviate this hardship. SNAP provides relief for more than 42 million people each year. We are talking about 42 million Americans who would go hungry if this program were to be put on the chopping block. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have no problem cutting food assistance programs. For extreme Republicans, what they deem to be fiscally responsible takes precedence over addressing food insecurity. It takes precedence over addressing poverty. I stand firmly against Republicans' heartless attempts to slash food assistance programs. Democrats are united to pay America's bills and not play partisan politics. It is time for Washington to work with American families.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 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 coanchor the CBC Special Order hour along with my distinguished colleague from Illinois (Mr. Jackson). For the next 60 minutes, members of the CBC have an opportunity to speak directly to the American people on Black veterans and their contributions to America, an issue of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Horsford), the honorable chairman of the CBC.

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

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

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) for her remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Moore for her remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Nation's brave Black servicemembers. I rise not only for our veterans who served our Nation with honor and integrity, but also for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Black soldiers have fought and given their lives in every American conflict since the Revolutionary War fighting for democracy at home and abroad, while being treated like second-class citizens on American soil. In 1944, this very body passed the GI Bill to provide free education, unemployment pay, and home loans for millions of veterans returning from World War II. These benefits helped to expand our American middle class after the war, but Black veterans were excluded from these benefits due to our Nation's original sin. This exclusion helped to widen the already existing wealth gap between White and Black Americans, the same gap that we feel and see today. The wide disparity in the bill's implementation increased wealth, education, and civil rights gaps. The inequitable implementation of the GI bill shut the door for 1.2 million Black people, veterans who bravely served the country during World War II in segregated ranks. The willingness on the part of African-American soldiers to serve and sacrifice their lives for a country that treated them as second-class citizens is beyond remarkable. It wasn't until President Truman's executive order 9981 that the Armed Services were forced to desegregate, but by this time the damage had already been done. In the South, the GI bill exacerbated rather than narrowed the economic educational attainment of Black veterans. After World War II, Black veterans who wanted to attend college in the South were restricted in their choices of about 100 public and private institutions. Only 6 percent of African-American veterans of World War II earned college degrees, compared to 19 percent of White veterans. For over 200 years, Black soldiers have endured individual and institutional racism while fighting for their country. It is time to honor every Black veteran and soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for a more perfect union at home. May their memory be a blessing, and may this Congress rectify injustices committed on this very floor. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise, again, today to be the voice of Black men and women who have selflessly dedicated their lives to the country, but now find themselves on the street. These veterans represent the heart and soul of our Nation, serving a country that did not always serve them, and yet we are failing to help them again. Homelessness is felt acutely by Black veterans. Black individuals made up around 12 percent of Active-Duty military personnel in 2018 but were 33 percent of the homeless veteran population. Throughout the pandemic, the VA reduced veteran homelessness by 11 percent and permanently housed over 40,000 veterans. This decrease can be directly attributed to the flexibilities that were found because of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, but now with the PHE having ended, many veterans may soon find themselves out on the street. Unfortunately, Republicans decided to vote against my proposal, H.R. 645, the Healthy Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act, which would have helped put roofs over veterans' heads. It is shameful. Our brave veterans willingly stepped into the line of fire and accepted the looming shadow of danger all to safeguard our cherished liberties. To honor that sacrifice, it is our duty as a Nation and as Members of Congress to ensure they return home to a Nation that provides opportunities for them and their families. We must equip our VA with the necessary tools to directly engage with and provide care for Black veterans grappling with housing insecurity. This isn't a partisan issue. For each day that we, as Congress, fail to authorize and address veterans' homelessness, we condemn another veteran to a night of needless suffering on the street. The time to act is now. For every night delayed is a night too long for those who have worn our Nation's uniform. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues from across the aisle to work with House Democrats so we may serve those who served us. A Nation's greatness is not measured by its military might or its economic power but by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens, especially those who have served our country so bravely. My Democratic colleagues and I will not leave our veterans behind on this very soil they volunteered to protect and defend. As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and ranking member of the Subcommittee for Modernization, I ask all of us to think about this Memorial Day not in the same reference, but to pledge ourselves to do more for our veterans and to ensure that they are not living in homelessness or housing insecurities and that they are having access to their benefits. Mr. Speaker, I rise, again, today to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving our great Nation. As a member of the House Veterans' Affair Committee, I pledge to fight for our veterans from all walks of life. Their stories of courage, resilience, and commitment demonstrate a legacy of service and sacrifice. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, post-9/11 veterans are becoming more and more diverse than previous generations. Today, women represent a remarkable 17 percent, while African Americans make up 15.3 percent of our current veteran population. We recognize the trailblazers who have not only served our Nation, but also enriched the diversity of our Armed Forces. I am fortunate to count among my constituents many such heroes. One of Florida's 20th Congressional District heroes is Ms. Shenetria Moore, a resident of West Palm Beach. A United States Army veteran, Ms. Moore is a beacon of self-discipline and leads a life guided by her deeply- held principles. Ms. Moore graduated with a diploma from the prestigious Academy of Health Science at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and was later honored with an Army accommodation award by her commanding officer. Once retired from Active Duty, she continued to serve by launching a nonprofit, Sha's Community Initiative, Inc., which provides mentorship and scholarships for young Black men. Ms. Moore's service-oriented philosophy has its roots in her family military experience. Today, as a proud veteran and a dedicated community advocate, she continues to serve with the same excellence she displayed while she was in uniform. I thank Ms. Moore for her service to this great Nation and to Florida's 20th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize my father-in-law, Corlie McCormick, Sr., who is no longer with us, who served as a Vietnam vet. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to wish the entire Haitian-American community a happy Haitian Flag Day. The Haitian flag is a global symbol of resilience and freedom and represents the spirit of Haiti, the world's first Black republic. Haiti's flag represents the indomitable spirit of the Haitian people. From the triumphant fight for independence to the resilient efforts to recover in the wake of a catastrophic earthquake, Haiti has inspired us all. The flag embodies the richness of Haiti's history and culture and unites over 1.3 million Haitian Americans across the United States. Haiti's journey has certainly not been without challenges. Today, Haiti finds itself in turbulent times, battling instability, violence, and threats to its democracy. It is so important that our communities remain present and united so we can address these difficult times as good neighbors. Hope is a powerful force. We will never stop hoping, but most importantly, we will never stop fighting for a better tomorrow. Union makes strength: strength through unity. ``L'union fait la force.'' Have a wonderful Haitian Flag Day.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, for the next 60 minutes, I have a chance to speak directly to the American people on issues of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all Americans. I rise today, Madam Speaker, to underscore how a failure to lift the debt ceiling would impact low-income Black families' access to healthcare. On the other side of the aisle, my colleagues are attempting to rip healthcare coverage away from the American people through burdensome Medicaid work requirements. Under McCarthy's proposal, more than 10 million people in Medicaid expansion States would be at significant risk of losing coverage, more than one in five enrollees. Medicaid is a crucial tool for promoting healthcare equality. It covers about 3 in 10 Black Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders as adults. It is a major source of coverage for people of color and provides financial protection from skyrocketing healthcare costs. Despite what Republicans say, Medicaid work requirements are unnecessary. Most adults already on Medicaid are working. What work requirements do is create new barriers to accessing healthcare equality and quality healthcare. According to the Congressional Budget Office, mandatory work requirements will cause 2.2 million people to lose healthcare insurance in just 1 year. These healthcare cuts are extreme and have the potential to be catastrophic for vulnerable communities. Medicaid expansions have worked for Americans. Ever since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, 16.8 million Americans have gained healthcare coverage because of Medicaid expansions. At least 19,000 lives have been saved as a result. Medicaid expansions have reduced devastating out-of-pocket medical costs that can be debilitating for many families already struggling to make ends meet. The debt ceiling proposal that Speaker McCarthy has floated would put healthcare out of reach for many Americans and drive them further into poverty. Medicaid enrollees cannot afford this brinkmanship of partisan politics. Their lives are quite literally depending on it. It is our time to act as a Congress to protect the American people and ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).