Jasmine Crockett

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank so much my amazing colleague from the great State of California for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a simple but clear message. First of all, I just have to clear up a few things. Instead of the President cosplaying as the next Pope, he may want to try to cosplay as an actual President of these United States. That means that he may have to do a little bit of research and decide that he wants to understand that he swore an oath, and this oath was to protect and defend the Constitution. That is the oath that he was supposedly taking on January 20. We may want as well that the President look into what the Declaration of Independence was about. We may want him to understand that there was a foundational document as relates to self-determination of those who had recently gained their independence from Great Britain. I hoped that he would maybe spend a few of these days in his first 100 days doing that. It is sad to say it is his second term, and he doesn't understand that the Declaration of Independence is about this idea that we are entitled to the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that is for all of us that are here. Let's go through some of the things that he did manage to do and some of the havoc that he has managed to wreak. In the first 100 days of the Trump administration, we have had to, unfortunately, endure a lot of pain. This administration clearly is not ready to lead. They are only here to tear down. In just 100 days, we have witnessed an administration hell-bent on dismantling the very systems designed to protect the most vulnerable amongst us. For Black Americans, those of us who have always carried the weight of a broken system and bad policies, the danger is real, it is tangible, and it is urgent. Let me be clear: The last 100 days have not been an accident or a fluke. He has done exactly what he said he was going to do. He gave us the blueprint in Project 2025. Some tried to warn us of the dangers and, well, here we are. Let's talk about education. Within weeks of taking office, the Department of Education quietly rescinded guidance encouraging schools to teach honest, inclusive Black history. Instead, they are attempting to whitewash history and have begun promoting so-called patriotic education, a sanitized version of history that skips over slavery, Jim Crow, redlining, and systemic racism. He signed an executive order reinstating ``commonsense discipline practices in school,'' rolling back previous administrations' attempts to address racial disparities in school discipline practices. Make no mistake: These decisions have a direct impact on Black children, children who deserve a fair shot to learn in safe and supportive environments. Let's talk about housing. HUD announced plans to gut fair housing rules meant to fight discrimination. Those are the same ones that he violated back when he was a landlord so many years ago. Yeah, those same rules that were supposed to fight discrimination in lending and zoning. This means there will be even more roadblocks for Black families trying to buy a home and yet another generation locked out of building wealth. Let's talk about public safety. While they are cutting afterschool programs and community violence prevention, they are pouring millions of dollars into militarizing police departments. They are criminalizing our communities while stripping away the very resources that keep us safe. Finally, money talks, so let's talk money. This administration slashed funding of seven government agencies that provide Black communities with educational materials and economic opportunities, including the Minority Business Development Agency, the only Federal agency dedicated to uplifting minority businesses. This agency helped entrepreneurs all across the country, including in my own district, keep their doors open and their workers employed. Now, it is under attack. While all of this is happening, they are dismantling environmental protections in environmental justice, slashing funding for HBCUs, and rolling back civil rights enforcement across Federal agencies. Let me repeat what that means. To roll back civil rights enforcement across Federal agencies, this is the so-called DEI attacks that we continue to endure in this country. This is their way of trying to roll back the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that so many died and bled for. Mr. Speaker, this is not just about policy disagreement. This is about direct attacks on Black futures, Black prosperity, and Black freedom. This is about right versus wrong, point blank. But here is what they don't understand. We have seen this playbook, and every time they have attempted to silence us, erase us, and hold us down, we have resisted and we have pushed this country closer to the ideals it claims to hold. They are trying to bury us, but what they don't realize is that we are seeds and still we rise. I stand here a proud Black woman and a proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and I refuse to stand by while this administration tries to turn back the hands of time. We will resist. We will continue speaking truth to power, and we will keep organizing until everybody is free because, in the words of Fannie Lou Hamer, nobody is free until everybody is free.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Edna Belle Pemberton, a beloved mother, grandmother, community leader, and a tireless advocate for positive change in the Oak Cliff community and beyond. Born on March 27, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Edna was the youngest of nine children. After losing her mother at a young age and growing up in the foster care system, she became a fierce advocate for her community and a force for good, committed to improving the lives of those around her. Edna's earthly journey ended on April 13, 2025, at the age of 81. Edna met the love of her life, the late DarNell Pemberton, while attending church as a teenager. The couple's bond grew into a strong partnership, and they married on September 19, 1964. Together, Edna and DarNell raised four daughters and, in a remarkable act of love and dedication, adopted and helped raise eight of Edna's nieces, nephews, and young relatives. Their family of fourteen lived in California before relocating to Dallas, where they settled in the Oak Cliff neighborhood, where Edna's advocacy continued to grow. A dedicated voice for the people of southern Dallas, Edna began her career at Kmart, where she worked her way up from stockroom employee to management, leading various community initiatives and supply drives along the way. Her efforts to enact a youth curfew to improve safety, extend bus lines to provide better access to services, and save the Southwest Center Mall, formerly known as Red Bird Mall, stand as testament to her determination to make a positive impact on her city. Edna was an active member of many local organizations, including the Dallas chapter of the NAACP, the Martin Luther King Center, and Camp Wisdom Now. She was a founder of Positively Oak Cliff, a nonprofit coalition of entrepreneurs and community leaders, and served as a voter registrar and the precinct chair of her local precinct. Edna received several Governors' awards for her contributions to her community, and she was honored to serve as a torchbearer in Dallas ahead of the 1996 Olympic Games. Known affectionately as ``Mrs. P,'' Edna was not only a community leader but a mother-figure and mentor to many. She personified her faith in her daily life as an active and longtime member of Concord Missionary Baptist Church, where she made an immeasurable impact. Her compassion for others, especially during times of disaster and financial hardship, made a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals. Above all, Edna Pemberton cherished spending time with her family. Her unwavering love and support for her children, who have gone on to become educators, community leaders, and volunteers, serve as a shining example of the dedicated spirit and servant heart she poured into those around her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many, and her legacy of compassion, resilience, and community service will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincerest condolences to Edna's family, her friends, and the Oak Cliff and wider Dallas community. May her extraordinary legacy of service, love, and dedication continue to inspire future generations.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great joy and honor that we celebrate Odessa Bowie's 111th birthday. I would like to celebrate her life and the impact she has had on others. A milestone that many people can only hope to reach one day. May we acknowledge this day and hope that this celebration be filled with love, joy, and gratitude as she celebrates alongside those most important. The life of Mrs. Odessa Bowie has had an immeasurable impact on those around her. As a mother and grandmother, she has extended love and kindness to her children and grandchildren. Instilling in them the value and importance of hard work, compassion, and grace for others. She has never hesitated to provide a system of support for those in her life or help them in a time of need. When one has experienced the many seasons of life and all that it brings to us, it can be easy to harden our hearts and lose faith, but Mrs. Bowie never has. She has remained a steadfast believer and a faithful attendant of St. Paul United Methodist Church. The faith she has carried throughout her life is one reflected in the character she possesses. Mrs. Bowie has been a pillar in her community, and we hope that her legacy is an inspiration to others to always be of service to others with a gracious heart and humility.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Black History Month, it's only right that I rise today to honor the rich history of 125 years of Black Aviation. I specifically would like to recognize the lives and contributions of two individuals who had the determination to fly in the face of discrimination and adversity. Mr. John Frederick Pickering of Gonaives, Haiti, applied for an aviation patent in 1899. The patent, granted in 1900, included an electric motor and directional controls, which later became known as the ``blimp.'' Mr. Charles Frederick Page of Pineville, Louisiana, was born into slavery, yet, taught himself to read and write. In 1903, Mr. Page applied for an aviation patent, which was awarded in April of 1906, just one month before the Wright Brothers' patent was approved. Mr. Page's patent advanced airship technology through his innovative design which improved stability, propulsion, and control of the airship. Both pioneering Black men made their valuable contributions to the exciting world of aviation during a time of intense prejudice. It is incumbent upon us to know, recognize, and celebrate their works, talents, and great efforts. Today's aviation industry would not be what it is today without Mr. Page and Pickering's bravery and intelligence.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Vernil Mitchell, a beloved nurse, philanthropist, wife, mother and constituent of the Texas' 30th District who poured love and joy into her family and her community. Born January 19, 1940, in Ashdown, Arkansas, Vernil was the oldest of thirteen children born to Prince Richard and Leatice Allen Richard. Her earthly journey ended January 20, 2025, in Dallas, the day after her 85th birthday. She spent much of her younger life with her Uncle Elbert and Aunt Ruth Bradley, and their six children. From modest beginnings in southeast Arkansas, Vernil developed a strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to family. She broke new ground as the first in her family to go to college, enrolling at North Texas State College, known today as the University of North Texas, to pursue a degree in nursing. While attending Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, she met Charles Mitchell in Sunday school--a chance encounter that blossomed into a lifelong love. The couple welcomed their first child, Charles Jr., before moving to Washington D.C., where their second son, Keith, soon joined the family. Vernil's career in nursing spanned over 40 years, serving as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Washington, D.C., a visiting nurse with the Visiting Nurses Association in the Bronx, New York City, and helping her husband Charles open his own medical practice. Charles was one of Dallas' first black orthopedic surgeons, and Vernil served as the primary nurse in his orthopedic practice. They had a shared passion for travel, the arts, tennis, skiing, gardening, cooking and most importantly being with family. Mrs. Mitchell's caring nature went beyond her patients. She worked tirelessly to support the next generation of African American leaders. In Dallas, Vernil supported numerous charitable activities and was incredibly active in the community. She was a charter member of the Dallas chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc., and was an active member of the Dallas chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She was an active member of Friendship-West Baptist Church. We ought to look to Vernil's commitment to uplifting others as a true example of devotion to service. Mr. Speaker, I send my sincerest condolences to her family, her friends, her former colleagues, and the entire Oak Cliff community. May her legacy live on through the people she loved.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. C.W. Whitaker, a dedicated leader in Dallas and friend to Texas' 30th District. Mr. Whitaker has used his platform as the owner of DFWBAM, a social media company to spread, in his words, ``blessings, love, and support'' to his community. Mr. Whitaker understands the value of investing in our youth and growing generational wealth for our communities. For thirty-one years, he mentored high school students on what it takes to start and run one's own business, taking them to visit Black-owned businesses in the DFW area. Yet. Mr. Whitaker's call to service is not limited to the classroom. Not only has he sat on multiple philanthropic boards and volunteered many hours through his company, Mr. Whitaker has also helped to elevate the businesses, churches, and other community events in the district. The exposure these businesses receive and the community that is built is an invaluable part of what makes this country and individuals, like Mr. Whitaker so amazing: neighbors helping neighbors for the good of all. That was clear during the pandemic when Mr. Whitaker graciously used his voice and resources to publicize four COVID vaccine events my office hosted, contributing to over two-hundred low-income constituents receiving their first and second vaccine shots. It is individuals like C.W. Whitaker that make serving Texas' 30th Congressional District a privilege and responsibility I do not take lightly. I am proud to recognize the humble servant that is Mr. Whitaker, for the deep passion and commitment he has. May we all follow in his footsteps of selfless action for the betterment of those around us. I thank Mr. Whitaker.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, I was absent during the time of votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 484; S. 709; YEA on Roll Call No. 485; H.R. 9598; YEA on Roll Call No. 486; H.R. 9600; YEA on Roll Call No. 487; Velazquez of New York Part B Amendment 1; YEA on Roll Call No. 488; Motion to Recommit; NAY on Roll Call No. 489; On Passage; H.R. 7198; NAY on Roll Call No. 490; Motion to Refer; H. Res 1068, and NAY on Roll Call No. 491; Motion to Refer; H. Res 1609. personal explanation

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, this past week, north Texas laid to rest a sworn officer and beloved public servant, Officer Darron Burks, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Long before anyone called me a Congresswoman, I was blessed to call Officer Burks a friend. I knew him before his time in law enforcement, when he proudly served his community as a public schoolteacher at Dallas Can Academy. As a teacher, Darron inspired a generation of Dallas students to seek better for themselves, attain their degrees, and follow his example. He believed in practicing what he preached, and it was this dedication to his community that inspired him to complete police training. Whether he was in front of a classroom or wearing a badge, Officer Burks was a shining example of servant leadership. He put his family, friends, and community before himself. His painful loss touches each and every one of us as we mourn his passing and celebrate his legacy. On behalf of the people of north Texas who he loved and cherished, I wish to thank him one more time for his service and vow to honor his legacy of selfless servant leadership.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Chair, my amendment today seeks to protect the bedrock of our democracy, free and fair elections, from attacks by foreign actors. While I have great concerns about the underlying bill today, given its overly broad language and its impact for universities in need of DHS funding, whether it be for disaster relief or campus hardening or threat protection, the issue of election interference is one that cannot be ignored. We know that our democratic processes are under attack by foreign countries. Last week, the Department of Justice issued indictments outlining efforts from the Russian Government to influence the 2024 Presidential election by funding and promoting divisive, inflammatory rhetoric and disinformation campaigns in the media and on online platforms. These efforts have been surprisingly effective in infiltrating the platforms of far-right influencers, conservative media, and even some of my fellow lawmakers, who have repeated some of this Russian propaganda right here on the House floor. The concerns about the PRC doing the same are not new. Last December, the National Intelligence Council detailed how the intelligence community assessed that ``China tacitly approved efforts to try to influence a handful of midterm races involving members of both U.S. political parties.'' Just last Friday, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued a report titled ``60 Days Until Election 2024,'' which stated the intelligence community ``is aware of PRC attempts to influence U.S. down-ballot races by focusing on candidates it views as particularly threatening to core PRC security interests.'' Make no mistake, preventing such influence and interference in our democratic processes is vital to maintaining our national security and international security in the Indo-Pacific region. It also preserves the United States' free and fair elections, thereby legitimizing our electoral process and reinforcing the principles of democracy. This is not the first time congressional Republicans put a bill on the floor defining a foreign entity of concern or foreign adversary, and it will not be the last. Strangely enough, I am starting to see a pattern. Attempts at election interference through mis- and disinformation is a problem. Mr. Chair, I am asking for support of my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the remarks of the gentleman. I have had an opportunity to travel to various portions of Asia since I have been here. In fact, I don't think that there is any place that I have traveled to more. I must say that as I have consistently traveled the world, a lot of times with a number of my Republican colleagues, the one thing that I can say has been very bipartisan all term long has been our concerns about the rising threat of the PRC. I appreciate the gentleman's remarks. I appreciate us standing together. That is standing against anyone that is a threat to our elections, as they are what makes America truly great. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Self for bringing this bill. It is interesting to just hear the overlap between Congressman Self's bill and the bill that I have been trying to get out of committee. Congressman Self is doing this on behalf of Congressman Johnson, and I am doing it on behalf of Congresswoman Johnson. Interestingly enough, they both were from the Dallas area or spent time in the Dallas area, as my predecessor is not from Dallas herself. However, she started her career at the Dallas VA, the Dallas VA that she ended up representing in Congress for 30 years. After becoming the first woman and the first Black woman to be a head nurse at the Dallas VA, she then became the first nurse to ever swear into Congress. As it was already laid out about Congressman Johnson, she went into the Texas State House, as well. She went into the Texas State House in 1972 as one of the two first Black women to ever swear into the Texas House, and then she went on to the Texas Senate where she was one of two only Black women to still ever serve in our Texas Senate. Most importantly, I currently represent the Dallas VA, and we lost a hero in Dallas. We lost a hero in this country just like here recently, her sorority sister, when we lost Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. I am just asking, considering the standards that are set out by this committee, that we allow my bill to move forward as well because the first standard is that such individual is deceased, which she meets. The person is either a veteran or a Member of Congress. She was a Member of Congress. The individual performed outstanding service for veterans. She did that in her 16 years in service directly but also in the work that she did afterwards. In addition to that, each member of the congressional delegation has demonstrated their support in the form of a letter. This was not met by Congressman Self's bill, and it is not met by mine. However, I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, that I stood with Congressman Self on his bill, and I am happy to say that he stood with me on mine, as well. The final requirement is letters of support from VSOs. We both have met those requirements. The only requests that I have--because I do, again, stand in support of this--is that we bring my bill to the floor as well to honor the late great Eddie Bernice Johnson who passed in December of 2023.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Don ``The Energizer'' Johnson, an outstanding and dedicated leader in the South Dallas community. Johnson has dedicated his life to serving and uplifting those around him. As a member of the Dallas South Lions Club and founder of Welcome House, Inc., he has helped those facing difficulty to get the resources they need to acclimate back into society. For more than 50 years, Johnson has set an example for all members of the community to follow. As a founder of Welcome House, he brought much needed resources to those battling with alcohol, drug, and HIV/AIDS related issues. Johnson became the first African American president of the Past District Governors of Texas Lions and served in various roles in the Dallas South Lions Club, the Dalclif-Wynnewood Lions Club and associate member of the Duncanville Lions Club. Through the Lions Club he has served on the boards of Lions Youth Camp, Lions Sight and Tissue Foundation, Lions Club's Charities and many other Lions Club activities. He also serves on Duncanville's Citizens on Patrol program, the Duncanville Park Board, and chairman of the Welfare Board, Mr. Johnson has committed his life to being an active community leader. He is vocal about the issues facing our community and ensures that others know that their voice matters too. A member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Johnson teaches classes for deacons and elders, and is a mentor to youth in the community. Mr. Johnson is a family man, and is a proud father to six daughters, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and a great-great grandfather. We are indebted to the service that Johnson has provided to the South Dallas community and Texas' 30th Congressional District. I am proud to recognize such an extraordinary constituent who is the embodiment of faith, perseverance, and community. May we all strive to live a life of service like Mr. Don Johnson.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Greg Porter, City Manager for the City of Cedar Hill, TX in my District. Mr. Porter assumed this role in January 2015 and has steadfastly served since then. While he has played a key role in putting Cedar Hill on the map and driving the growth of this rapidly developing City, it is important to acknowledge that Mr. Porter strayed away from his core of being a servant. Mr. Porter began his career with the City of Cedar Hill as an intern in 1987 and has dedicated the entirety of his 37-year career to the city. I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand his unwavering dedication to our neighbors and his unwavering commitment to building community. Serving in roles with the city's planning, parks & recreation, human resources, economic development, public safety, animal control, emergency management, utilities, and public works departments, it's safe to say that Mr. Porter is well-versed with the ins and outs of the city. Although Mr. Porter is set to retire from the city at the end of this month, I am confident that he will never cease to be the epitome of a true public servant. Because of him, I know that our communities across Cedar Hill have grown stronger, and many will continue to benefit from his leadership, impact, and foundation of service that he laid. Congratulations to Mr. Greg Porter on a job well done.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Chair, I was absent today during the time of votes. Had I been present, I would have voted NO on Roll Call No. 297, Brecheen Amendment No. 1; NO on Roll Call No. 298, Brecheen Amendment No. 2; NO on Roll Call No. 299, Brecheen Amendment No. 3; NO on Roll Call No. 300, Burchett Amendment No. 4; NO on Roll Call No. 301, Burchett Amendment No. 9; NO on Roll Call No. 302, Gosar Amendment No. 13; NO on Roll Call No. 303, Gosar Amendment No. 14; NO on Roll Call No. 304, Gosar Amendment No. 15; NO on Roll Call No. 305, Gosar Amendment No. 16; NO on Roll Call No. 306, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 18; NO on Roll Call No. 307, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 19; NO on Roll Call No. 308, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 20; NO on Roll Call No. 309, Hageman Amendment No. 21; NO on Roll Call No. 310, Hageman Amendment No. 22; NO on Roll Call No. 311, Mace Amendment No. 35; NO on Roll Call No. 312, Mace Amendment No. 36; NO on Roll Call No. 313, Moskowitz Amendment No. 45; NO on Roll Call No. 314, Ogles Amendment No. 50; NO on Roll Call No. 315, Perry Amendment No. 54; NO on Roll Call No. 316, Spartz Amendment No. 59; NO on Roll Call No. 317, Steube Amendment No. 61; NO on Roll Call No. 318, Tenney Amendment No. 63; NO on Roll Call No. 319, Tenney Amendment No. 64; NO on Roll Call No. 320, Tiffany Amendment No. 68; NO on Roll Call No. 321, Waltz Amendment No. 72; NO on Roll Call No. 322, Wilson of South Carolina Amendment No. 75; NO on Roll Call No. 323, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 56; NO on Roll Call No. 324, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 57; AYE on Roll Call No. 325, Jayapal Amendment No. 72; and NO on Roll Call No. 326, Moore of Alabama Amendment No. 129.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call Vote No. 188 on the motion to table H. Res. 1209, I mistakenly recorded my vote as YEA when I should have voted NAY.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this ridiculous Republican attempt to deny reality. You know, I must first start off by making sure that I can respond to some things that were just said. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, you probably know just like I do that we have a thing that we have been fighting for called sustainable aviation fuels. This is something that we know in speaking to organizations such as Boeing, we know that we can actually operate planes off of something like sustainable aviation fuels, and they are ready to do the hard work, and guess what? Our farmers are ready to participate. Our farmers need to make sure that they are going to expand their options for earning a dollar because we have this thing called climate change that is taking place. Right now, especially in the State of Texas, we are losing so much of our farmland because of this thing called climate change. We just had wildfires that destroyed land. We know that right now when it comes to our sugar crops we are having issues because it takes 6 years just to raise a sugar crop. So guess what? We have got to be creative. Honestly, if we would allow the Republicans to continue to decide on what we are going to do when it relates to energy, well, by gosh darn it, I think we would still be in a horse and buggy because it seems like advancements in technology are not what we are looking for. No one is saying that it is either or. What we are saying is that we need to make progress instead of being regressive. Under this current administration, we know that we have a record amount of oil that is being produced, but that doesn't mean that we can't also be smart about our energy and move forward. Now, let me get to my prepared remarks. Instead of taking action to build on President Biden's progress, House Republicans would rather sit on the sidelines in the least productive Congress in modern history and ridicule rather than serve. In this resolution, Republicans ridicule the President's energy supply chain policy, but while Republicans ridicule, Biden brings results.

Ms. CROCKETT. Madam Speaker, President Biden and the Democratic Party brought billions of dollars in investment into the U.S. energy sector through the Inflation Reduction Act. Republicans ridicule the President's record on jobs in the energy sector, but Biden is bringing over 1.4 million jobs to the U.S. through the IRA. Republicans ridicule the President's record on gas prices. These are the same Republicans, by the way, who are refusing to lift a finger to get critical aid to Ukraine which would lower gas prices even more. Nevertheless, despite Republican inaction by sharing intelligence and training with the Ukrainians, Biden, broke the blockade, lowering Americans' gas prices. Republicans ridicule the President's record on home energy affordability, but Biden brought billions of dollars to help families in need to pay their energy bills in each and every one of our districts through the LIHEAP program, which Republicans refuse to fully fund. The fact is we know what Republicans want to do with our energy sector. They showed us when they passed H.R. 1, which would put polluters over people. Without a positive agenda of their own, they stand on the sidelines to ridicule President Biden's agenda. I appreciate this resolution, if for no other reason than it clarifies where my colleagues on the other side of the aisle stand. I want the American people to know that Republicans ridicule President Biden's agenda to combat the climate crisis by lowering energy costs and investing in America. While Republicans ridicule, Biden brings results.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, on March 5, 2024, I was absent during the time of votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 60, H.R. 3391, Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, and YEA on Roll Call No. 61, H.R. 3838, Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Chair, as legislators, it is our job to make sure we are not moving forward with drafting legislation that is, on its face, flawed. If we want to legislate and address immigration, let's mean what we say and do so in an effective manner. This bill does not live up to that standard. The inclusion of the term ``actively assisting'' is ripe for judicial scrutiny and will, undoubtedly, result in court challenges wasting taxpayer dollars and government resources. Nonetheless, fiscal issues caused by poor legislative drafting are the least of my concerns with this bill. This language is so deeply concerning because we already have been witnessing how aggressive policing tactics and unconstitutional racial profiling directed by rogue Governors like Governor Greg Abbott have led to severe harm to-- and has undermined--our legal system all in the name of actively assisting the U.S. Border Patrol. Take, for instance, this last Christmas where U.S. citizens--a husband, wife, their 13-year-old daughter, and their grandmother-- living in El Paso were wrongfully targeted by Texas officers in unmarked vehicles after they were coming back from visiting relatives just across the border in Mexico. The officers ran the family off the road, and at least four Texas Department of Public Safety officers wearing street clothes and tactical vests quickly surrounded their car and began pointing semiautomatic rifles at them. Because of the accident, the grandmother had to receive x-rays and still has lingering back pain. The daughter was likely traumatized from having weapons of war pointed at her and her family. No one, including me, doubts more must be done to address the problems we are seeing at the border, but this type of unlawful harassment of citizens is not it. To be clear, my amendment in no way prevents Federal, State, or local officers from working with Border Patrol agents, nor does it say that Federal, State, and local officers do not have a role to play here. In fact, several border counties, including counties in Texas, already have U.S. Customs and Border Protection memoranda of understanding with State and local officials to work with immigration enforcement. Nothing in my amendment would prevent these written agreements that lay out clear chains of command and clear codes of conduct. What my amendment does do is prevent State and local law enforcement from acting lawlessly at the misguided direction of a Governor who refuses to work with men and women of the United States Border Patrol because he thinks he is above the law. If my Republican colleagues reject this amendment and keep the current language, then they are supporting actions that have historically lacked due diligence to prevent harm and encourage lawlessness that leads to more dangerous instances like the one that occurred at Christmas. If the House rejects this amendment, then it will give Governor Abbott a tool to carry out his unconstitutional border policies without Federal oversight and coordination. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Chairman, if the gentleman has opposition and has an offer to define ``actively assisting,'' then that would be great. However, the reality is that what is going to happen is what we have seen happen in the State of Texas where we have a Governor who has murders on his hands, as far as I am concerned, because we have had active deaths at the hands of mishandling this. If this is going to be a Federal issue, then the Federal Government needs to be the one that is absolutely going to be over Federal law. So they can have memorandums of understanding. If that means that every single county at the border needs to go ahead and enter into a memorandum of understanding, then they need to. Nonetheless, this is a Federal issue, it is not a State issue, and this protects federalism and makes sure that it will be under the hands of the Federal Government with this Federal law instead of State Government. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. CROCKETT

Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren).