Suzan DelBene

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for pulling everyone together. Earlier today, family, friends, colleagues, loved ones, and the community of Snohomish County gathered to honor the life and sacrifice of Everett Police Officer Dan Rocha. Officer Rocha was fatally shot while protecting and serving our community. He is survived by his wife and his two sons. Our hearts are with his family and his loved ones. Officer Rocha served with the department since 2017, and lived in the community for more than a decade. He worked his way up the ranks after starting in parking enforcement, before becoming a fully commissioned officer with the department. Police officers and first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe and, sadly, our State has lost far too many officers. There is more we must do to support police and first responders across the country. We often ask police to do too much for our communities when other proven alternatives exist. We need to invest in mental health services so those suffering behavioral issues get the appropriate care that they need. We need to invest in gun violence prevention to limit risk to officers and families. We need to invest in community-based policing to build trust between law enforcement and the communities that they serve. Congress has a role here, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to be part of the solution to protect those who put their lives on the line and the communities that they serve.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Build Back Better Act. This transformational legislation will help grow our economy, get families back to work, and set our next generation up for long-term success. The bill includes a 1-year extension of the child tax credit, a historic middle-class tax cut for families. It has already lifted 3.5 million children out of poverty. The bill also will help build or preserve over 800,000 affordable housing units over the next decade through an expansion of the low-income housing tax credit, ensuring millions more Americans will have a safe place to call home. There is so much more in this legislation that will deliver direct support to our families, like making childcare and healthcare more affordable and accessible and making historic investments in fighting the climate crisis. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote to build back better and support this legislation.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Mary Kate McTague for three years of invaluable service to my office and my constituents in Washington's 1st Congressional District. Mary Kate joined my office as an intern in September 2018, became my scheduler in January 2019, and was promoted to director of operations in May 2021. In each of these roles, Mary Kate exceeded the mark and met the challenges that come with running congressional operations with her signature resourcefulness, quick wit, and joyful personality. Over her tenure, she played an instrumental role in overseeing the smooth management of a fast-paced office and shaping internal processes--all while building lasting relationships with my team and those who had the pleasure of getting to know her. Mary Kate has grown into an amazing leader, and we will sorely miss her. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mary Kate and wishing her the best on her next step, one that she will undoubtedly rise to meet and make the most of.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of J.D. Grom, the longest-serving Executive Director of the New Democrat Coalition. J.D. departs Capitol Hill this month to continue his federal service as an appointee in the Biden Administration, but he leaves behind a legacy of sound management and strong leadership that will serve the Coalition for years to come. NewDems occupy an important place within the Democratic Caucus. We are the center of gravity for the House Democrats and an incubator for some of the best, most forward-leaning policy-making on Capitol Hill. None of that happened by accident. J.D. led the NewDems with a steady hand and a strategic vision that positioned the Members of this Coalition to make real, substantive, and lasting imprints on the legislative output in the House of Representatives. Under J.D.'s leadership, NewDems were firmly at the center of the work to shape this 21st century economy. Whether speaking out on trade or the ever-evolving future of work in America, NewDems delivered meaningful policy prescriptions and helped put kitchen-table issues front and center for this institution. NewDems are known for working across ideologies and party lines to deliver results. But more than that, we've also become a home for thoughtful, measured leaders who have had enough of the shouting and division that too often defines our politics. J.D. embodied that NewDem spirit as a selfless leader and mentor throughout his career. That includes his work on behalf of his hometown Representative, Melissa Bean of Illinois, his work at the Department of the Treasury, and service on behalf of four separate Chairs of the New Democrat Coalition, including me, Rep. Ron Kind, Rep. Jim Himes, and Rep. Derek Kilmer. On behalf of our entire 95-Member Coalition, I thank J.D. for his service, both past and future, and wish him all the best.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask this body to keep in mind four numbers: 6 million, 9, 15 trillion, and 4. Moody's predicts that if Congress fails to address the debt ceiling, we will lose 6 million jobs, reach a 9 percent unemployment rate, wipe out $15 trillion in household wealth, and see a decline in real GDP of 4 percent. That would trigger a global market panic not seen since the 2008 financial crisis. The brinkmanship that has been displayed by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle is really incomprehensible, but also dangerous. The debt limit has long been a bipartisan issue. Each of the last seven times the debt limit has been addressed, it was on a bipartisan basis. Putting politics ahead of the country is the exact kind of cynicism that makes American people sick. And as a former business leader, these are the games that keep our business community from being able to invest, to innovate, and grow. So I say to my colleagues, it is your duty to extend the debt ceiling and protect the American people from an economic crash. The Joint Economic Committee, which we all depend on for advice and guidance, predicts a default will result in a lasting downgrade of America's credit, drastically increasing costs for car loans, mortgages, student loans, and credit. Six million jobs, a 9 percent unemployment rate, $15 trillions in household wealth, and a decline in real GDP of 4 percent is what is at stake. We must vote ``yes.''

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Women's Health Protection Act, a historic vote which will cement the right to abortion in the United States. The impending cases before the Supreme Court are proof that the assault on women and Roe are real, and Congress must step up. Women have a right to full reproductive healthcare, including abortion. Lawmakers have a responsibility to uphold this right. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the Women's Health Protection Act.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Aaron Keith of Woodinville, Washington on his first Paralympic medal. Mr. Keith is a prolific cyclist, who started competing his senior year of high school. He went on to average 30 to 40 competitions a year as a collegiate athlete at the University of Virginia and later as a member of a cycling club in Charlottesville, VA. After suffering a biking accident and undergoing multiple surgeries, Mr. Keith was left with residual paralysis. As he recovered, Mr. Keith began researching para-cycling and went on to train diligently and join the U.S. Paralympic Cycling National Team in 2013. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Keith, an incredible athlete, teammate, and community member on his silver medal in the men's C1 time trial. He has left an indelible mark on para-cycling and the program at Team USA.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kathryn ``Katie'' Holloway of Lake Stevens, Washington on her fourth Paralympic medal and her second gold medal for Team USA in Sitting Volleyball. Ms. Holloway has helped shape the Sitting Volleyball program since she first competed in 2008. Her strength and determination are clear not only in her performances as a four-time Paralympian, but as a four-year Division I athlete on her college's basketball team. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Holloway, an incredible athlete, role model, and teammate on her gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. I could not be happier that the next generation of athletes has role models like Ms. Holloway to look up to and pave the way.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Natasha Dabrowski for her many contributions to the New Democrat Coalition as our recent communications director and senior advisor. Last month, Natasha left the New Democrat Coalition after over five years of service to join President Biden's administration. The New Democrat Coalition, which I have the honor to chair, is made up of 95 forward-thinking Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives who are committed to getting things done. We represent the expansion of the Democratic Party beyond our urban base into purple districts, which is key to Democrats holding the majority. By the nature of our members and area of focus, our communications director is a critical member of the New Dem team and Natasha was an invaluable resource in the role. Natasha joined the New Dem communications staff as press secretary & communications aide in April 2016. Over her career with the New Democrat Coalition, she served under four chairs--Reps. Ron Kind, Jim Himes, Derek Kilmer, and me--and was given more responsibility as the Coalition's communications director and senior advisor. Natasha helped shape and share our message during four Congresses and three administrations. Throughout her tenure, Natasha helped build out critical components of the Coalition's communications and outreach strategy. She developed deep relationships with reporters, increased the Coalition's coverage, built a community for New Dem Member office communications staff, and helped strengthen the Coalition's brand and message. Natasha matured the Coalition's communication's operation by overseeing the creation of a press assistant position and launching new products and internal processes that expanded our reach and made our work better. Natasha also served as a key communications advisor for many New Dem Members and their staffs. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the members of the New Democrat Coalition, I thank Natasha and wish her best of luck in the future.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a historic piece of the American Rescue Plan: the expanded child tax credit. Prior to this relief package, the child tax credit left behind one-third of all children because their parents earned too little to access the full benefit. The American Rescue Plan changed that by making the credit fully refundable, increasing the credit to $3,000 per child per year, $3,600 for kids under the age of 6, and providing the credit in monthly payments starting this July. This 1-year expansion was a critical first step, but we must go further to rebuild our middle class. Children don't grow up in just 1 year or 5 years. We must make this expansion permanent. In Washington State, this is estimated to benefit 1.4 million children and reduce childhood poverty by 40 percent. I will continue fighting to make this expansion permanent and provide all kids with a fair opportunity to succeed.

Ms. DeLBENE

Ms. DeLBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Shahid Ahmed for his many contributions to the New Democrat Coalition. This week, Shahid will be leaving the New Democrat Coalition after two years of service to become New Dem Congressman Donald McEachin's Communications Director. The New Democrat Coalition, which I have the honor to Chair, is made up of 94 forward-thinking Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives who are committed to getting things done. We represent the expansion of the Democratic Party beyond our urban base into purple districts and we are key to holding the majority. Our focus and composition of members, makes our communications team critical to the Coalition's success. Shahid joined the New Dem communications staff as the Staff & Digital Assistant in April 2019. Prior to joining the New Dem staff, Shahid was a Communications Fellow for Congressman Jared Huffman of California and a Press Intern for Congressman Donald McEachin of Virginia. In recognition for his hard work and digital expertise, he was promoted to Digital and Press Assistant in January 2020 all while pursuing his Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies at The Johns Hopkins University. Originally serving under former New Democrat Coalition Chair Derek Kilmer, Shahid has been an able communications staffer to me and many members of the Coalition. Over his tenure, the New Democrat Coalition has exponentially grown its digital footprint thanks to Shahid's knowledge of social media platforms, digital media, and effective communications. Most notably, Shahid created dynamic, creative content to promote the Coalition's key policy and message priorities. Shahid also served as a key digital advisor for New Dem Members and their staffs working with them to develop compelling ways to reach their constituents on issues that mattered most in their districts. Shahid will continue to be a valued mentor to communications staff in the New Dem family and beyond. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the members of the New Democrat Coalition, I thank Shahid and wish him best of luck.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elizabeth Waknuk of Bellingham, Washington on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Mrs. Waknuk migrated to the United States in 1954 from Canada. With her family, she moved to the United States with only $200 in hand and worked hard to start a life here while raising her four children. Until retirement, she worked as a supervisor for housekeeping at the University of Washington. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Elizabeth Waknuk on her 100th birthday. She has raised a wonderful and caring family, who I join in extending my heartfelt well wishes on this special occasion.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the American Rescue Plan, a bill that will deliver crucial relief to millions of Americans who have been struggling for far too long. The pandemic has caused economic uncertainty, hardship, and turmoil. An estimated 8 million people have fallen into poverty during this crisis making the need for relief even greater. This bill includes an antipoverty measure I have fought for: An expansion of the child tax credit. The expansion will provide increased payments to help families pay bills and buy essentials. The expansions in this bill are estimated to cut child poverty in half. This will transform the lives of many families and children. As chair of the New Democrat Coalition, I am working to make the child tax credit permanent with Representatives DeLauro and Torres. Democrats are united around our shared goal to rebuild the middle class and make some of the biggest antipoverty reforms in a generation. I welcome my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us. Lifting children out of poverty should not be partisan. The American Rescue Plan will get our economy back on track and crush the virus. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this critical legislation.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the American Rescue Plan. This bill contains critical support for our communities, including a provision that I fought for in expansion of the child tax credit. The child tax credit is the largest Federal investment we make in our children, but it still leaves behind one-third of all children who are in families who earn too little to get the full credit. Those left behind include half of Black and Hispanic children, families with young children, families in rural areas, and families headed by women. This bill will provide an increased credit and monthly payments to help families pay bills and buy essentials. An estimated 8 million people have fallen into poverty during this crisis, making the current need even greater. Today, my colleagues have the opportunity to vote to crush the virus, get our economy back on track, and transform the lives of impoverished children. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this critical legislation.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, almost 7 years ago, on March 22, 2014, Washington experienced one of its worst natural disasters ever. In a matter of seconds, a tragic landslide near Oso killed 43 people, destroyed over 40 homes, and severely damaged public infrastructure and private property. That day forever changed the people of Oso, Darrington, Arlington, the Stillaguamish Tribe, and the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe. But even in the aftermath of the landslide, it was incredibly inspiring to see a community come together to help each other through this tragedy. That is why I introduced this bill, the National Landslide Preparedness Act. In 2016, I introduced the first version of this bill and have been working tirelessly to get it signed into law. This will allow significant progress to be made in landslide science and will allow communities to be better prepared for when landslides do occur. As the Oso landslide demonstrated, simply sending aid after a tragic natural disaster is insufficient. We need to do more to fund programs and research efforts to prevent future natural disasters from becoming national tragedies. In recent years, we have seen dramatic increases in extreme weather events, and we need to do everything in our power to make sure that communities across the country are better prepared. Given the importance of this issue, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill. Getting it signed into law is long overdue, and I hope the Senate will pass this bill quickly and send it to the President's desk for his signature.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 45) providing for the use of the catafalque situated in the crypt beneath the Rotunda of the Capitol in connection with memorial services to be conducted in the Supreme Court Building and the Capitol for the late honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I was born in Selma, Alabama, and I was 3 years old when John Lewis crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge. My family moved away when I was young, but I still carried my birthplace. We moved quite frequently, and every new town we would go to, I would go to a school, and a teacher would ask where I was born. I would say Selma, and that started a whole conversation about what happened in Selma. It is on my passport: Selma, Alabama. So many people who have seen that have started a conversation about what John Lewis and so many people did, crossing that bridge in Selma. The story has become part of me, part of my life. And I never, ever imagined, first, that I would be a Member of Congress, let alone have the opportunity to serve on the Ways and Means Committee with my hero, John Lewis. One of the first trips I ever took as a Member of Congress was to go to Selma, to go back to my birthplace with Terri Sewell, with John Lewis. We were the Selma caucus, the three of us, on the Ways and Means Committee. Just to be able to experience that, to talk to John--I had the chance to go to South Africa with John when he gave a talk at the 50th anniversary of Bobby Kennedy's ``Ripples of Hope'' speech and talk to John and hear his stories. He lifted all of us up. He was an icon, yet when you were with him, I think we all became better people. He lifted us up, and he reminded all of us--in fact, he showed all of us what is possible, what each of us can do, how we can create change if we stand up, if we speak up for what is right and for what is just and what is fair. So we will continue to honor John, each of us, by doing that, by speaking out, by getting into ``good trouble,'' necessary trouble. And, John, we will always remember your words, your kindness, your leadership. Thank you for passing a little bit of that on to each of us. Rest in peace. We will miss you terribly.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act. It is comprehensive infrastructure legislation that will rebuild and modernize our infrastructure, build a clean energy future, and put people to work across the country. The bill also includes my bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, provisions from that act. I have heard, in my State of Washington, from several housing projects that are halted due to the falling 4 percent rate. This bill would establish a permanent 4 percent credit, helping projects that are currently stalled across the country. The bill makes a substantial investment in the housing credit by increasing the annual allocation by more than 50 percent over 2 years. It also adds important incentives for rural and Tribal communities and for projects that serve extremely low-income families. In total, the affordable housing credit provisions in H.R. 2 will produce more than 600,000 affordable housing units over 10 years. H.R. 2 is a crucial step for relief and recovery, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act. The high price of prescription drugs is one of the top issues I hear about from my constituents. In 2019, I received nearly four times as many comments about prescription drug costs as the year before. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis, addressing the issue of drug pricing is more urgent than ever. The patient stories are numerous and never-ending. I would like to share just one with my colleagues and the American people to remind us why this legislation is so necessary. A constituent of mine, Dana, from Kenmore, Washington, has lived with type 1 diabetes for 14 years. When Dana was first diagnosed with diabetes, insulin cost her $50 each month. Today, that same insulin costs over $600 per month. That is an 1,100 percent increase for the exact same product, and there have been virtually no changes to insulin since Dana's diagnosis, so the price spike is inexplicable. Madam Speaker, Dana is not only a diabetes patient but also a nurse practitioner and diabetes educator. She has told me about her patients who go to Canada, where they can get insulin for just $40 a month. But with the border closed because of the pandemic, for many, that option is shut off to them. Dana has also shared stories of her own patients who can't afford their medications and ration their insulin, which we know can lead to poor health, vision loss, kidney failure, and even death. Madam Speaker, I strongly support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act, which will strengthen and improve upon the ACA and finally give the Health and Human Services Secretary the power to negotiate a fair price for insulin, which will dramatically help patients, like Dana, and all the patients that Dana serves in my district. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, the HEROES Act will help workers stay connected to their employers, their paychecks, and their benefits. This bill includes an expanded employee retention tax credit. By building on this existing and bipartisan program, we help businesses keep their employees on the payroll through the end of the year and reduce unemployment. The bill also expands the child tax credit to help families and reduce child poverty. These policies, along with support for essential public services, expanded testing, and contact tracing, are the reasons why I will be voting ``yes.''

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Patricia ``Trish'' Berry-Bell, a treasured friend and constituent, who passed away peacefully on January 19, 2020 after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. Trish was a retired registered nurse. She began her career at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago in the Neuro- Intensive Care Unit. After moving to Washington in 1983, she became a staple of our health care community. She first worked as an ICU nurse, then later in Recovery and Research, at the University of Washington Medical Center. Though she retired in 2016, she certainly did not remove herself from the health care world. Trish was a strong advocate for both nurses and patients during her career and after her retirement. Trish was a jack-of-all-trades, receiving a degree in fashion design in addition to her degree in nursing. She exemplified the strong sense of community Washington is known for in so many aspects of her life, and any of us could count on her to be the first to step up if we needed help. Trish was loyal (a member of the same book club for twenty-seven years), loving, caring (my daughter's godmother), and was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. Her favorite holiday was St. Patrick's Day when we would gather at her house for a corned beef dinner. She was easily recognizable from her flaming red hair and her clear zest for life. I know her husband John, daughters Caitlin and Maeve, son-in-law John and all of us whose lives were better because we knew her will keep her memory alive. My family and I will miss her dearly.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, on Roll Call Number 1, On Cisneros Amendment requiring the DHS Secretary to prioritize the hiring of veterans, including disabled veterans, and other preference eligible individuals, including widows or widowers of veterans, for positions within the Transportation Security Administration I was unavoidably detained and missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA. I was also unavoidably detained for Roll Call Number 2, On Mucarsel- Powell/Schrier Amendment requiring the TSA Administrator, in coordination with the Director of Centers for Disease Control and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to ensure that TSA employees are provided proper guidance regarding prevention and protections against coronavirus. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA. I was also unavoidably detained for Roll Call Number 4, On final passage of H.R. 1140, Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act of 2020, which would enhance TSA's security operations by applying the personnel system of Title 5 of the U.S. Code to Transportation Security Officers. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise today in order to form a more perfect union, and I do that by supporting today's rule and the underlying resolution which will finally allow for the 28th Amendment to the Constitution, the equal rights amendment. The equal rights amendment will enshrine the fundamental principle that every American be afforded equal rights under the law, including women. In 1971 and 1972, Congress overwhelmingly passed the equal rights amendment. And just a few weeks ago Virginia became the 38th State to ratify it and the last State needed to amend our Constitution. H.J. Res. 79 would remove the deadline for States to ratify the equal rights amendment, clearing the path for full equality of rights for women. Because women are still subject to significant pay disparities and sexual harassment, our work is far from over. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support today's rule and the underlying resolution and join me in voting for a more perfect union.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of Federal privacy legislation. With every new app that is downloaded or website that is used, people run the risk of turning over their most sensitive personal data without even knowing it. Right now, consumers are left with virtually no rights or protections. We have seen the damage done by the Facebook Cambridge Analytica scandal, yet there has been zero action from Congress. This is unacceptable. I believe we can and must have a national data privacy law that gives consumers control over their data and that sets fair rules of the road for businesses to comply. I introduced H.R. 2013, the Information Privacy and Personal Data Protection Act, which would address both. I urge my colleagues to take up this issue to make it a priority and work with me in moving this legislation forward.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the implementing legislation. Congressional Democrats worked hard to secure labor-specific enforcement tools and robust environmental provisions that make this agreement a substantial improvement over the original NAFTA. Most importantly, this new agreement helps many of my constituents. Now, our dairy farmers will have greater market access to Canada, and our wineries will have an easier time selling their wine in British Columbia. When this new agreement is in place, it will be the first U.S. trade agreement with a digital trade chapter. It includes provisions on data localization, cross-border data flows, and other requirements that preserve a free and open internet. That is important to all segments of our economy. My district is home to a vibrant technology industry that is responsible for thousands of good-paying jobs and helps power America's large trade surplus in digital services. Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this agreement.