Val Demings

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his tribute. I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney).

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments, and we join him in grieving the death of the officer just yesterday. I yield to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Schrier).

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer).

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his tribute. Mr. Speaker, as someone who served 27 years in law enforcement, who had the honor of serving as the chief of police, one thing I know for sure is that the police are the community, and the community is the police. The police and the community are one. We are one. I do believe that when we come together, we can do anything, that we can have some of the safest communities that America has to offer, that we can truly be, in America, what we were created to be. We honor the men and women who put on the badge and the uniform every day, Mr. Speaker, and go to work not knowing whether they will ever make it back to their homes, to their families, to their loved ones. I am honored to stand once again--I have done it for a lot of years now--to honor National Police Week and recognize the men and women who have paid it all. Many have given much, but the men and women in law enforcement who have laid down their lives to keep us safe have given their all. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Congressman Alcee Hastings. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once said: ``The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.'' Madam Speaker, what we all know in this Chamber is that Congressman Alcee Hastings was never afraid to stand during times of challenge and controversy. You see, Congressman Hastings was born in central Florida in Altamonte Springs. He was always so proud to share his stories with me about growing up in a city not far from the district I now represent. Alcee Hastings was a giant in our State, the dean of the delegation. When I think about what it meant for Alcee, being the dean was a lot more than being the longest serving Member. Alcee Hastings was a giant of a man in Florida, but he was a giant of a man around the Nation and a giant of a man in our world. As you have heard, he was the first Black person, period, man or woman, appointed as a Federal judge in Florida. We all know the joys and the pain of being a first and paving the way for others to follow, paving the way for other boys and girls and men and women, regardless of the color of their skin, paving the way for them as a first. I remembered that appointment. I was working at the Orlando Police Department, and I was so proud to know of this giant of a man who was appointed as the first Black man to serve as a Federal judge. We were all so proud of him. One of the things I most appreciated about Congressman Hastings, my colleague from Florida--and hear me clearly, there were many things that I loved and appreciated about him. But one of the things was that he was big enough to share his space with you regardless of whether you were a freshman or you had been here for a considerable amount of time. Congressman Hastings never hesitated to share his space with you. He never hesitated to give advice. He never hesitated to mentor, and he genuinely wanted you to do well. Congressman Hastings was a true friend, and it didn't matter if he agreed with everything you said. He didn't have to. If you were his friend, he understood that friends didn't always agree on everything because, see, Alcee was his own man. We heard the song earlier today, and he did it his way. He was his own man with his own beliefs, his own principles. He allowed me to be my own woman with my own beliefs. He allowed all of us, in our respective places. That is the kind of man, the giant of a man, that he was. Congressman Hastings didn't waste a lot of time fighting over trivial matters. He was on a mission. He was fighting for justice. I really can't remember a time he was not fighting for justice. He didn't mind fighting for women's rights even after he had made it himself. He didn't mind fighting for equal rights. He didn't mind fighting for human rights. He didn't mind fighting for the LGBTQ community. He didn't mind standing up and fighting for people who were different from him. Congressman Hastings dedicated his life to fighting for a better Florida and, therefore, fighting for a better Nation. I say to my colleagues that if you were in a fight, you wanted Congressman Hastings on your side. Madam Speaker, as we know, someone will take his space, but I don't believe that anyone can ever take his place. I would like to close with just a short scripture from Psalm 56 that says: ``In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? I am under vows to You, O God; I will present my thank offerings to You. For You have delivered me from . . . stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.'' Congressman Hastings was not afraid, and we are forever grateful for his life well lived.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Orlando Police Officer Kevin Valencia. As a former chief in Orlando, I join my brothers and sisters at OPD and Kevin's wife, Meghan, and their two sons in expressing gratitude for his service and in mourning his passing. In 2018, Officer Valencia responded to a domestic violence call involving a convicted felon armed with a firearm who was holding four children hostage. Upon trying to gain entry and save the children, Kevin was shot and critically wounded. The subject later took the lives of those children. Kevin fought hard to survive but succumbed to his injuries on March 15 of this year. We use the word ``hero'' often, and sometimes I think we forget the many heroic actions our men and women in blue perform every day. But Officer Kevin Valencia was a hero in every sense of the word. On March 15, a part of America died. We are grateful for a life well lived. Courage, pride, and commitment.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I have attended more police officers' funerals than I care to admit. Some I have eulogized. The services are beautiful, but the loss is tremendous. Officer Sicknick's murder hit us hard. It hit me hard for a lot of reasons. But this death should be personal to every Member of Congress because I believe this body failed our Capitol Police officers. We tell everybody else that, if you see something, say something. Yet, while Brian was being murdered and other officers were suffering great bodily harm, a significant number of Members in this body said nothing and continued to uphold the big lie. They followed the unlawful, inhumane, and criminal orders of their Commander in Chief. But Brian remembered his oath. And if we want to honor his life, then all of us should follow his example. Many have given much, but Officer Brian Sicknick gave all. He paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we are forever grateful for a life well lived.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, five people died last week, one of them a Capitol Police Officer who lost his life trying to protect us. The attack and the loss of life were the culmination of the President's calls for violence over the last five years and my colleagues' refusal to hold him accountable. I was in the Gallery, and after reflecting on the violent attack as a Member of Congress and as a former law enforcement officer, it baffles me that some of my colleagues on the other side would say that today's vote is a ``rush to judgement.'' Well, I think it's the only appropriate response to Members of Congress having to rush for the doors to escape the violence incited by the President and encouraged by the Members of this body. Madam Speaker, what happened to Congress? For we now behold mere shadows where great men and women once stood. I remember my oath and I intend to uphold it. I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their support on this resolution. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that media plays a critical role in how we see the world and how we see each other. When a child sees someone on the screen who looks like them, it can change their life. Mr. Speaker, as you know, we continue to struggle with ongoing disparities in housing, education, social justice, and even this ongoing pandemic. Whether in news, movies, TV, or music, who tells the story matters because diverse perspectives are critical to us understanding the entire story. I am grateful for our cosponsors and for my colleagues who will vote for this resolution today, and for the media representatives who partnered with us to move this legislation forward. As we continue to work together to unite our country, break down barriers, and strengthen our future, let's continue to utilize the powerful diverse voices who truly are our strength. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their support on this resolution.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Ronald Rogers. Ron dedicated his life to public service and to creating opportunities for young people. Ron was a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a graduate of Florida A&M University. But above all, he was a proud graduate of Jones High School, and he loved the students with all of his heart and soul. As founder and president of the Orlando chapter of 100 Black Men of America, he worked hard to mentor students and provide scholarships and other resources to help them during their college years. Ron also served in numerous leadership roles, including as city administrator for the historic town of Eatonville, where his vision for Eatonville helped pave the way for the town's success today. Ron never stopped, paused, or exhaled. He had an unwavering sense of urgency about serving his community, about making his community better. Ron Rogers truly made a difference in the lives of others, and we are so grateful for a life well-lived.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Commissioner Daisy Williams Lynum, who transitioned from labor to reward on Thursday, October 8, 2020. Born in Leesburg, Florida, Commissioner Lynum was a proud graduate of Bethune Cookman University and chose to dedicate her life to public service at an early age. Daisy Lynum clearly understood that education was the greatest key to success, so she began her career as a teacher. Her commitment to service was just beginning when she became a social worker with the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Her work as a social worker further demonstrated her commitment to improving the quality of life for all people, not just the privileged few. In 1998, Daisy Lynum was called to even greater work when she was elected to the Orlando City Council, succeeding Commissioner Nap Ford. Commissioner Lynum was the right person at the right time. She was a tenacious, no-nonsense leader, who fought for educational and economic opportunities for citizens and business owners in her district. She was responsible for the introduction of initiatives, like the Blueprint Program, to ensure the largest public work projects had a direct benefit to the community, women and other minority-owned businesses. In addition, Commissioner Lynum was instrumental in bringing the Florida A&M University College of Law to District 5. Commissioner Lynum served 16 years, and I was honored to serve during a portion of that time as police chief. As such, I enjoyed working alongside Commissioner Lynum during good and challenging times in Orlando. I will forever cherish our numerous meetings, private conversations, laughs, strategy sessions, and debates. She was a master debater. Commissioner Lynum was my Sister in Delta and my friend. I learned much from her wisdom and leadership. Madam Speaker, Commissioner Lynum was a true public servant who fought to make District 5 one of the greatest communities to live, work, and visit. She loved her community and the community loved her. We are forever grateful for a life well lived.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Commissioner Billie Dean from the city of Apopka. Mr. Dean was a guiding light for Apopka. From bravery in Korea, to the classrooms and commission, to the forefront of racial integration in the South, Commissioner Dean was a champion for his community. He was a local hero for his work to revitalize South Apopka and to fight for justice. As a teacher and a commissioner, he made the future of Apopka his ultimate cause. There is no higher praise for a public servant than the love of his community. Apopka loved him, and he loved Apopka. Madam Speaker, we are grateful for a life well lived.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of City of Apopka Commissioner, Billie Dean. Commissioner Dean passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2020, but his life of service will continue to make a difference in the lives of others for decades to come. Mr. Dean proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning the Bronze Star for his heroism on the battlefield. After his military service, Commissioner Dean attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and received a master's degree in Agriculture. Commissioner Dean was a proud, ``rattler'' and everyone knew it! He was one of the most enthusiastic alumnus and served as an inspiration to young adults in college or preparing for the journey. Commissioner Dean had a long-standing career spanning 38 years as an agriculture teacher at both Phyllis Wheatley High School and Apopka High School. He fully understood that education was the key to success, and he committed to ensuring that his students were prepared for the future. Billie Dean loved Apopka and he was willing to do the work necessary to make the place he called home a great place to live, work, and visit. After retiring from the school system, he was elected to the Apopka City Commission. A visionary with a powerful voice, Commissioner Dean worked tirelessly to revitalize South Apopka by creating state of the art facilities, enhancing affordable housing opportunities, and increasing public safety. Commissioner Dean served on the city commission with honor and distinction for 24 years before retiring as the Vice Mayor. Madam Speaker, Mr. Dean was a true public servant. His unselfish service to his country and community has truly made a positive difference in the city of Apopka, in the State of Florida, and the United States of America. We are grateful for a life well lived.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, on June 12, 2016, a lone gunman walked into the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and opened fire with a semiautomatic rifle. That night, the shooter killed 49 people and injured 53 others. At the time, it was the largest mass shooting in American history. The Pulse nightclub is in my district, but I was not in Congress at the time. When I saw the Members of Congress taking to the floor and holding a sit-in, I was not surprised that the person leading the way was Representative John Lewis. To him, the victims were a part of the big family John Lewis often spoke about. Thank you, John, for never discriminating. Thank you, John, for never leaving people behind. Galatians 5 defines the fruit of the spirit as love, peace, long- suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. John Lewis was all of that to the House, to the Nation, and to the world, and I am grateful for his friendship and his counsel and grateful for a life well-lived.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, it is time to make the Pulse nightclub a national memorial, and the reason is that what Pulse symbolizes is relevant to all Americans. Let me say this: Orlando does not need Congress in order to honor the 49 victims, nor the 53 who were wounded that night. We have honored them and will continue to do so for as long as their memories live on. But it is still the right thing to do, that Congress take this action today, because, by making Pulse a national memorial, we honor not only the victims, but what they stood for, what they represent, and what our country could be and should be. Pulse is in my district. It was a sanctuary. It was a place where Orlando's LGBTQ residents could find safety and friendship. The people there that night were not in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were exactly where they were supposed to be, among friends and loved ones, taking joy together in what my bishop referred to as a late night fellowship. Isn't that worth celebrating? Isn't that worth protecting for every American? Could there be any right more basic? And that is why we are here: to honor and remember them. We will continue to grieve for those we lost and to help those who survived. We will continue together and remember. We will continue to act on gun violence and civil rights, for the survivors of Pulse have called upon us to honor those we lost with action, not just words. Today, with this vote, we state that Pulse was a national tragedy not only for what it was, but for what it meant; and it will be a national memorial not just to commemorate our past, but to guide our future.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I joined the police department in 1984. Few words can describe the feeling that I had when I took my oath to protect and serve. I took it to heart. We all know the majority of police officers do the job well every day. But today is about those who don't, those who should have never been hired, or those who have forgotten their oaths of office. Police misconduct has resulted in the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Rayshard Brooks--people who should be alive today. As Members of Congress, our primary responsibility is the health, safety, and well-being of the American people. We have made progress. We have come a long way, but we still have a ways to go. Good police officers want us to get there. They need us to help them improve the profession that they love. As a former police officer and a police chief, I am supporting the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Passing this bill will change much. I ask my colleagues to vote for it and pass this legislation.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this motion to recommit.

Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, 47,000 Transportation Security officers just heard the comments of my colleague, Mrs. Lesko, and many of them we will see today as we cast our votes and fly home to our districts. I am sure many people on this House floor will say, ``Thank you for your service,'' to the 47,000 men and women who do the jobs to keep the flying public safe every day. The behavior that Mrs. Lesko cited from LAX, that is offensive to, I am sure, everyone in this room. But let me be clear: There is nothing in this bill that will allow the TSA to hire individuals who have been convicted of sex crimes or offenses against a minor, a crime of violence, or terrorism. And let me be clear. In the example, also, that she cited, there is nothing that would have precluded this person from being hired in the first place. The behavior took place after the person was hired. This is a red herring. We decided not to offer this amendment because it simply isn't necessary. TSA conducts rigorous background checks and will continue to do so. Now, let me say this: I was assigned to the Orlando International Airport as a police captain during 9/11, and I did not come today to play political games, and neither did the 242 cosponsors of this bill. Mr. Speaker, let me make this clear. A vote for this motion to recommit is a vote against the Transportation Security officers. They are the frontline workers who worked through a government shutdown, without being paid, to keep America safe. They are still showing up today, each of them interacting with thousands of passengers even as we face a public health crisis. Today, you have a choice: move this bill forward and provide TSOs the basic rights and benefits they deserve, or deny them those rights. It is just that simple. Mr. Speaker, today, we have a bipartisan solution that will allow us to ensure that the workforce gets the same compensation, benefits, and protections as are available to most other Federal employees. It is about time that the TSA Federal workforce be treated like Federal employees. This is the time not to just say, ``We appreciate you,'' but to show them how much we appreciate them. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against this motion and in support of the bill on final passage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, we live in the greatest democracy in the world, and I am convinced that the overwhelming majority of Americans are good, decent people who work hard and play by the rules. But then, we have people who have no respect for the law, people who have little regard for the rules, people who spend a lot of their time trying to figure out how to game the system. Law enforcement officers call them habitual offenders. The more they get away with, the more likely they are to engage in misconduct. Some say it takes courage to hold powerful people accountable, but I see it differently. I see it as a sense of duty, a regular part of my job as a Member of Congress. However, habitual offenders usually don't sneak up on you. They usually telegraph their intentions time and time again. On July 27, 2016, in my home State of Florida, then-candidate Trump said, ``Russia, if you are listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails,'' thereby inviting foreign interference into U.S. elections. Then, the day after the special counsel testified before Congress, the President, feeling undeterred and emboldened, called President Zelensky and pressured him to help him rig the elections and chose to hold much-needed military aid over our ally's head until the President's demands were met. Now, I served 12 years on the hostage negotiations team, and I know that pressure and demands come in many forms. In this scheme, we had both. I have enforced the laws, and now I write the laws. But the laws mean nothing if the accused can destroy evidence, stop witnesses from testifying, and blatantly refuse to cooperate. I ask you to name somebody in your community or your family who can do that. I know the President said that he can get away with anything he wants to. I come today to tell you that, no, he cannot, because no one is above the law, and he shall be held accountable.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of someone I considered my sister and friend, Mrs. Lillian Audrey Seays, who passed away on November 20, 2019, three days before seeing her 82nd birthday. Always a champion for reading and education, Lillian served for 22 years as the librarian at Memorial Middle School. The Orlando community could not have been prouder when in 2016, the Media Center was renamed in her honor . Lillian Seays had a mission in life, and it extended well beyond her commitment to the youth of Central Florida. Lillian understood the importance of educating other cultures about the accomplishments and challenges of African Americans throughout Florida. In 1997, she and her husband, Lester Seays, co-founded ONYX Magazine, through their own publishing company, LBS Publications. Rooted in strong tradition, style and grace, ONYX Magazine continues to be a premier magazine that empowers, entertains and inspires persons of diverse backgrounds from around the world. The LBS Foundation has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarship to deserving youth. Lillian Seays was actively involved in her community where she served as a charter member of the Orange County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., President and Treasurer of the Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Under her leadership, Orlando experienced several ``firsts,'' including the first sickle cell screening clinic, health fair, Minerva Awards, and the very first and unforgettable Ebony Fashion Fair Show. Please note that the Ebony Fashion Fair Show raised thousands of dollars for scholarships. In addition, Lillian led the initiative to develop the Delteens of Orlando, now known as the Delta Gems, a mentoring group for young women. Moreover, Lillian Seays was a member of the Links, Inc., publisher and co-author of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and an active member of New Covenant Baptist Church. Lillian Seays was a true public servant who never forgot that service to humankind was a direct reflection of her service to God. We truly believe Central Florida is better, stronger and kinder because of her unselfish love for her community. Madam Speaker, Mrs. Lillian Seays will be missed by all who knew her, but we are forever grateful for her service, and join her family and the Orlando community in celebrating a life well lived.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Dr. King once said the true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience, but how he stands in times of challenge and controversy. Last Congress, I had the honor of serving with Chairman Cummings on the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and he did not look for the easy way out. He never ran from controversy or challenge. You see, Mr. Cummings was a true leader. Life is all about choices, Mr. Speaker, and true leaders have to make a lot of them. We can live in fear of what man will say or do to us, or we can stand up and speak out for what we know in our hearts is right. Elijah Cummings never failed to stand up and speak out. You see, he was a true leader. We can follow the crowd no matter how wrong the crowd may be, or we can choose to be a drum major for justice. Elijah Cummings chose to be a drum major for justice. Mr. Speaker, we can close our minds and our hearts, mentor no one, and share nothing with anyone. We can make life's journey all about us, or we can mentor, impart knowledge and wisdom, and look out for someone else and have their back. Elijah Cummings was a mentor, a role model. He cared about us. And every day, we knew it. Elijah Cummings had the Nation's back. For that, we are forever grateful to Chairman Elijah Cummings for a life well lived.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, Republican President Teddy Roosevelt said that ``patriotism means to stand by the country.'' It does not mean to stand by the President at any cost. The whistleblower is a patriot who stood up for their country. It is time for Americans of good conscience, starting with every member of this committee, to follow in that patriot's footsteps and unite behind the belief that no one is above the law. The President has abused the powers of his office. Perhaps he is afraid of losing the next election. Perhaps it is just who he is. When the President of Ukraine brought up a request to buy military equipment from the United States, the President said--and yes, it is quite clear--``I would like you to do us a favor.'' But even worse, press reports indicate that the whistleblower's complaint was far more extensive than any one call. The ongoing cover-up by this White House has prevented us from immediately reviewing the report that is required by law. Further, the administration must immediately move to ensure that the whistleblower is fully protected as required under law. To my colleagues, history is about to be written at this moment. I ask you to think about your place in that history. Decide whether you want to defend and stand up for corruption or abuse of power or stand up for the country we all swore to protect.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, September 11, 2001, is one of those days when everyone of age can remember where they were and what they were doing when the first plane hit. I was a police commander assigned to the Orlando International Airport. It appeared to be a normal day, and then the events unfolded. The planes hit. The towers collapsed. The Pentagon burned. The passengers of Flight 93 mounted their heroic resistance. It appeared time stood still as the world watched the results and the actions of the hijackers, evil men who set out to attack America, to kill Americans. But they could never have killed the idea of America. You see, that idea belongs to us. It will endure as long as we continue to believe in it, to perfect it, and to make it worth fighting for. 2,977 lives, 343 firefighters, 23 New York police officers, and 37 Port Authority officers--they took much from us that day. As a mother, I think of the roughly 100 babies who will turn 18 this year having never known their fathers. Today, I remember the passengers and crew. I remember the first responders who rushed into fire and smoke, dust and rubble in a desperate fight to save whomever they could; who worked for weeks on end, breathing deadly particles, trying to find survivors, or at least identify the dead; heroes who died that day or from illnesses contracted from the search, rescue, recovery; heroes who died as they lived, in service to others, who believed in service above self. These men and women didn't just save lives; they defined what it means to be a hero for a generation. On the day of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, our first responders showed us the best of us. I am relieved that, earlier this year, Congress passed lifetime funding for the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund. Yes, evil men took much from us that day; but the heart and soul of America, the courage and tenacity, the ability to endure and to stand no enemy can take away from us. The work of caring for those individuals who answered the call that day must go on, just as our work will go on to secure our Nation, to ensure that we will never again suffer the injury we did on that morning. But today, on September 11, we pause from that work to remember and to honor the victims and to acknowledge the service of 9/11 is not just something to be memorialized, but to be emulated, to put service above self. May we stand united and serve in the people's House with courage, devotion, gallantry, compassion, and grace.

Mrs. DEMINGS

Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I retired from law enforcement 8 years ago, but I am still amazed by and grateful for the men and women who rush towards danger with little regard for their own safety. First responders already do so much, but when there is a true emergency, a crisis, there is no one else who can do the job. That is why, when America was attacked on September 11, off-duty firefighters, law enforcement officers, and medical professionals showed up, and they joined their brothers and sisters on the front line, rushing into burning buildings. Being a first responder is not just what they do, it is who they are. They have earned our unwavering and timely support. We cannot ask our first responders to do this job while failing to cope with the consequences. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation. Let us never forget our heroes.