Sharice Davids

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate National Auctioneers Week, taking place this year between April 28 and May 3. The National Auction Association, located in the Kansas Third District, is the centralized headquarters for all auctioneering businesses, and I thank them for their advocacy on this matter. Additionally, I would like to recognize Livestock Marketing Association and the National Auto Auction for their advocacy work on this. An auction is one of the oldest methods of purchasing and selling goods and remains a prevalent practice in businesses throughout the country. And with rising prices, auctioneering remains a steady method of both purchasing and selling goods competitively. Auctions, and the auctioneers that run them, allow buyers an equal chance of receiving competitive prices for purchases and also allow the seller to receive the best possible return. The hardworking auctioneers that spend their time coordinating with clients and holding these events deserve recognition, and so I heartily support National Auctioneers Week.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate March as Youth Art Month in Kansas. Youth Art Month exists to honor our student artists and recognize the value of art education, especially for our children. In 1961, the Art & Creative Materials Institute created Children's Art Month as an event to emphasize the value of visual art education. In 1969, the celebration expanded to include secondary school students, and Children's Art Month officially became known as Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month is now celebrated across the Nation with art contests, exhibits, and special activities. Annually in Kansas, every art teacher in the state is eligible to submit one student's artwork from their school to be showcased in the Kansas Youth Art Month exhibit at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library. Nationwide, a student from each state designs a Youth Art Month flag to represent their state at the National Art Education Association's Convention. This year, on March 29, 2025, there was a celebration to recognize all of these artists. At this celebration, students engaged in fun art activities, viewed the exhibits, and received certificates and prizes for their involvement in the event. Youth Art Month exists to increase community understanding, interest, and participation in art and art education. Year round, Kansas art teachers strive to expand art programs in schools and provide opportunities for more students to explore their artistic creativity. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to these educators, and to the Kansas Art Education Association for organizing Kansas' Youth Art Month so that we can formally celebrate them and their students.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Women Construction Owners and Executives, or WCOE for short, on the organization's 40th anniversary. Forty years ago, a group of forward- thinking women construction entrepreneurs came together to help each other succeed in a competitive and male-dominated industry. Their goal was to promote business opportunities for each other and, as a result, formed WCOE. Today, WCOE is recognized as a leading national voice advocating for women business owners and executives in the construction industry. From its humble beginnings as a small group of women entrepreneurs, WCOE has developed into a powerful and influential nationwide network of local chapters. True to its goal of supporting women in the construction industry, WCOE members continue to mentor each other, sharing their knowledge, experiences, and resources to help one another thrive. This culture of mentorship has been instrumental in fostering a strong sense of community and empowerment among women construction professionals. Through various programs and initiatives, WCOE provides its members with the support they need to succeed, from business development and networking opportunities to educational resources and industry insights. WCOE has also been at the forefront of advocating for policies that recognize women in construction and promote equal opportunities within the industry. For example, WCOE was at the forefront of a hard-fought effort to mitigate fraud in the Women-Owned Small Business Program by eliminating self-certification. WCOE was also an early supporter of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to recognize the women who helped build this Nation, literally and figuratively. I applaud this strong group of women, who continue to be a resource and an inspiration to other women in the industry. Their dedication, resilience, and vision have paved the way for future generations of women in construction. As we celebrate WCOE's 40th anniversary, let us recognize and honor the remarkable achievements of this organization. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future for women in the construction industry.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 153, and I continue to express condolences for all the victims to their families, friends, and loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H. Res. 153, expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the plane crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 and U.S. Army call sign PAT 25, introduced by my colleagues from Kansas, Representatives Ron Estes and Tracey Mann. I thank both Congressman Estes and Congressman Mann for their leadership on this matter as well as the leadership and cooperation of the entire Kansas congressional delegation. The last couple of months have been heartbreaking and trying. It has been a hard time for our country and the U.S. aviation system. There have been numerous accidents, with the Potomac DCA midair collision being among the most tragic. At approximately 8:52 p.m. on January 29, 2025, American Airlines Flight 5342, flying from Wichita, Kansas, to Ronald Reagan National Airport, collided with UH-60 Army Black Hawk helicopter PAT 25 while on final approach to runway 33 at DCA, resulting in both aircraft crashing over the Potomac River. There were no survivors. Mr. Speaker, 67 innocent lives were lost: 60 passengers, 4 flight crew, and 3 Army soldiers. There is no one in my home State who hasn't been deeply affected by this tragedy. Kansas is known as the Air Capital of the World, a place where aviation is not just an industry, but a way of life. The passengers on Flight 5342 were our neighbors, our coworkers, and our loved ones. We are forever grateful for the more than 300 first responders who arrived almost immediately on the scene to try to rescue survivors. Responding parties initially included Washington, D.C., Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the Metropolitan Police Department, Virginia State and municipal police departments, and multiple Federal agencies, including the NTSB, FBI, and U.S. Coast Guard. Sadly, this and other events stand as a stark reminder of the complexities of the national airspace system and that we shouldn't take the precious few moments with loved ones for granted. We must investigate this accident thoroughly to prevent this event from ever happening again and ensure that aviation safety always remains a top priority. With regard to the investigation, we are grateful to the NTSB personnel who are actively supporting the victims' families through the agency's family assistance program. Family assistance is a critical function of the NTSB and invaluable to those mourning the loss of one or more of their loved ones. In times of tragedy, it can be difficult to sort through the torrent of emotions--sadness, rage, loneliness, and regret. While counseling cannot bring back the loved ones lost, it can help survivors process the storm and maybe, just a little bit, blunt some of the pain. The NTSB is also leading the accident investigation itself. The agency deployed over 40 investigators alongside the Coast Guard, FBI, dive teams, and the Army Corps of Engineers to aid in the recovery and analysis. Aside from the wreckage of both aircraft and the personal effects of the victims, the agency has recovered the recording devices from both aircraft, and they are being analyzed by NTSB experts. This effort also extended far beyond the NTSB's personnel. Hundreds of government employees are supporting this investigative mission, including employees from the FAA, FBI, and Department of Transportation. As a Member of Congress and as a citizen who cares deeply for U.S. aviation, I am proud of those public servants and grateful for their sense of duty and sacrifice. Even though we all want answers, we must resist the urge to speculate on the causes of aviation accidents and allow the NTSB to complete its work. Aviation safety is dependent on a stable operating environment and technical analysis. I, for one, would like to trust the experts as they continue their mission to make the skies safer. When the final report comes out and the time comes to act, I hope that this body remembers this moment. We must do everything in our power, working across the aisle, to prevent this from ever happening again. In the meantime, let us come together in expressing our deepest condolences and agree to this resolution. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the passengers, crew, their loved ones, and first responders. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Subramanyam).

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Beyer).

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) for yielding. I rise in support of the bipartisan Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans Act, or the SERV Act, which I introduced alongside Representatives Alford and Conaway. This bill honors our veterans' service by helping them succeed as entrepreneurs and small business owners. My mom served in the Army for 20 years, and my grandfather served in the Army, as well. Through them, I learned about service, leadership, and dedication to country. Our veterans defended our freedoms, and we owe it to them to provide real support when they return home. Yet, veterans face distinct barriers when starting a business, from accessing capital to overcoming stigmas around disabilities or PTSD. These challenges have contributed to a 35 percent decline in veteran entrepreneurship since World War II. The SERV Act addresses these challenges head-on, ensuring veterans have the resources that they need to thrive. At a time when harmful Federal worker layoffs at the VA are making it harder for veterans to access support, this legislation is more important than ever. By strengthening SBA programs, we are investing in our veterans, creating jobs, and boosting our local economies. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and show our veterans that we have their backs, both in uniform and beyond.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Crowley, who has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. As a dustoff pilot veteran of the United States Army, CW2 Crowley is a hero to his fellow service members and a source of pride for our country. In 1967, while CW2 Crowley was a pre-med student at Duke University, he decided to enlist in the United States Army to serve as a dustoff pilot. Dustoff pilots flew unarmed helicopter rescues of wounded soldiers and civilians from combat zones and were among the most perilous operations of the Vietnam War. These missions carried immense risk, with casualty rates exceeding 30 percent for pilots and crews. CW2 Crowley trained to be a dustoff pilot at the Army Aviation School at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he stood out as an exceptional student. Given CW2 Crowley's aptitude, his classmates and instructors recognized and awarded him the Guidon of Merit, a ceremonial banner which acknowledges excellence in leadership, skill, and performance among Army Warrant Officer candidates. Throughout his career, CW2 Crowley flew over 1,000 missions, rescuing more than 3,000 wounded personnel in unarmed helicopters under extreme conditions. For his extraordinary bravery, he was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and received the Air Medal for heroism while participating in aerial flight. His courage and selflessness in the face of constant danger reflect the highest ideals of military service, earning him the well-deserved recognition of the Congressional Gold Medal. I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking CW2 Crowley for his service to our country. He is a true patriot and a shining example of courage and dedication.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of SuEllen Fried. A shining example of a public servant, SuEllen made the lives of everyone around her brighter, particularly those who often went unseen. SuEllen began dancing in the St. Louis Muny Opera when she was 17. Later, she received her master's degree in dance therapy and creative arts from Park University. While she had not planned a career in dance therapy, her desire to spread joy to others naturally led her to that vocation. One day she was asked if she would come to Osawatomie State Hospital to give cha-cha lessons to psychiatric patients there. At the time of the initial request, she didn't know how to cha-cha, but she ensured she led a class that was joyful and treated each participant with dignity. The class turned out to be a polestar moment in SuEllen's life, and she spent the following 17 years working at the hospital as a dance therapist and became the 100th person registered to do so nationwide. SuEllen was also passionate about protecting children. She wrote or co-authored seven books on bullying and spoke at schools in 37 states to raise awareness at a time when bullying was an issue that received little attention. She also started the first state chapter of the organization that would later become Prevent Child Abuse America and served on the organization's board. It was through her work with children that SuEllen became involved with the justice system. In 1978, she received a newsletter that said that 80 percent of individuals who were incarcerated for lifetime sentences at the Lansing Correctional Facility in Lansing, Kansas, had been abused as children. As a result, she had a series of conversations with the authors of the newsletter, which ultimately led to the 400- page Blue Book on the causes and results of violence. In 1982, that book became the centerpiece of the organization she co-founded. Reaching Out From Within, a program led by justice-involved individuals to empower and heal each other. That program has now been adopted into every state prison in Kansas. The last time SuEllen left her home before her death, it was to say farewell to her friends in the Lansing Correctional Facility. SuEllen received a variety of honors throughout her life, including serving on President Richard Nixon's task force on mental health, being named as one of President George H. W. Bush's 1000 Points of Light, and receiving the American Red Cross Humanitarian Award. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life of SuEllen Fried. She was a tireless advocate for the voiceless, a star whose light will forever be shining.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Annabeth Surbaugh. Throughout her career, Annabeth was a pioneer in Johnson County, Kansas. A community leader and trailblazer for women, Annabeth changed the way county governments were structured across the state of Kansas and was a standard-bearer for everyone who followed in her footsteps.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the service of Colonel Constance C. Johnson-Cage, the Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Director of Personnel in the Office of the Air Force Reserve. Colonel Johnson-Cage, a Kansas City resident, is retiring from the United States Air Force after more than 38 years of service. Colonel Johnson-Cage's career has been marked by a distinguished commitment to our nation's defense and security. This commitment began in 1985, when Colonel Johnson-Cage enlisted in the United States Air Force as an air cargo specialist. Since then, Colonel Johnson-Cage has held an impressive portfolio of leadership positions, including serving at the Secretary of the Air Force level and Headquarters Air Force level, and as a commander in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. In her current position, Colonel Johnson-Cage assists in the oversight of Total Force policy development and guidance, prepares input for legislative initiatives and congressional testimony, and facilitates the integration of personnel policies across the Department of Defense. She also assists with the management and oversight of resources impacting a budget of nearly $450 million for accessions, recruiting, retention, education, training, force structure, compensation, and benefits impacting 360,000 reservists and their dependents worldwide. Her contributions have been recognized with an array of honors. Most notably, Colonel Johnson-Cage received a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and an Air and Space Longevity Service Award with two oak leaf clusters. The Kansas City area is proud to have Colonel Johnson-Cage as a part of our community. As Colonel Johnson-Cage enters into her next chapter, I have no doubt she will continue to spread the spirit of dedication and service to country. I thank Colonel Johnson-Cage for her lifetime of public service and wish her a happy and fulfilling retirement.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the city of Fairway, Kansas. Founded in 1949, the city of Fairway is known as the City of Trees, and like mighty trees that grow from tiny seeds, so has Fairway. Fairway may be diminutive in size--slightly more than 4,000 people live within one square mile of land, but the city boasts a strong and tight- knit community where all are welcome. This sense of community has sprung up in part through Fairway's beautiful surroundings: the city was initially named for the elegant golf fairways that framed it, and now it is known for the towering trees that line many of its streets. It's no wonder that Fairway has fostered a strong local business community and has been home to many notable Kansans over the last several decades. I want to congratulate the city of Fairway on its 75th anniversary, and I look forward to what the next 75 years will bring.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of Mr. Ed Dwight. In 1961, Mr. Dwight was a U.S. Air Force pilot when President John F. Kennedy selected him as a candidate for NASA's early astronaut corps. In the face of great pressure and prejudice, Mr. Dwight became the first Black astronaut candidate and advanced to the second phase of the training course. Despite his stellar accomplishments, qualifications, and graduation in the top half of a test pilot school, Mr. Dwight was not selected to be a part of the final astronaut group. But, on May 20, 2024, at 90 years old, Mr. Dwight finally achieved spaceflight. This story is perhaps a perfect representation of Mr. Dwight's drive and tenacity. He was born and raised in racially segregated Kansas City, Kansas. Mr. Dwight was the first Black male to graduate from Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City, a feat that did not come without experiencing hate and injustice. He earned his Associate of Arts in engineering from Kansas City Community College and graduated cum laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering before serving as a captain in the Air Force. Even in the wake of disappointment following his rejection from the final 1963 astronaut group, Mr. Dwight did not retreat. Instead, he worked for IBM, started a construction company, opened his own barbecue restaurant, and finally, as if none of this was enough, earned a Master of Fine Art in Sculpture from the University of Denver. He's since become a highly respected artist. His sculptures focus on Black history and include memorials and monuments across the country. The Kansas state motto is ``ad astra per aspera,'' which means ``through hardships to the stars.'' Mr. Dwight embodies everything it means to persevere and, literally, reach for the stars. He is a true example of the American dream, and I'm honored to have such an extraordinary individual call Kansas City home.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Dr. Robert Simari, executive vice chancellor for the University of Kansas Medical Center, who will be retiring from the University of Kansas on June 30, 2024. Dr. Simari's career has been marked by a distinguished commitment to uplifting the medical community and paving the way for critical medical research and advancements. The staff and students at KU are fortunate to have had Dr. Simari as a part of their community throughout his career. Dr. Simari graduated from the KU School of Medicine in 1986 before going on to serve as vice chairman of the Mayo Clinic's Division of Cardiology Diseases. He then returned to KU as executive dean of the School of Medicine from 2014 to 2019. Dr. Simari then began serving in his most recent position as executive vice chancellor of the KU Medical Center, where he has been credited with leading the Center during a particularly transformational period. He took part in hiring the deans of the schools of Medicine and Nursing, helped the KU Cancer Center earn comprehensive designation from the National Cancer Institute, led a commitment to building a valued and respected workforce, and helped grow KU's research infrastructure in such a way as to enhance KU's status of one of the Nation's top research institutions. As KU continues to produce excellent medical professionals, cutting- edge researchers, and lifesaving health discoveries, we will have Dr. Simari's legacy to thank. His service to the Kansas City community and the medical community at large will be forever cemented by these contributions, and I'm incredibly grateful for his lifelong dedication to the health and well-being of our region.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate this year's National Convention for the Astronomical League, occurring in Overland Park, Kansas, from July 18 to July 21, 2024. Our community is honored to host hundreds of amateur astronomers as they come together to embrace scientific discovery and expansion. For 78 years, the Astronomical League has worked to educate and expand humanity's understanding of the cosmos. The Kansas state motto is ``ad astra per aspera,'' which means ``to the stars through difficulties.'' This sentiment is at the heart of who we are as Kansans, and I hope Convention attendees take it with them moving forward. Together, we can overcome any difficulty and strive for what some may believe to be unattainable. With the bright minds that the Astronomical League has fostered, we truly can reach the stars. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending these astronomers as they continue our Nation's proud tradition of leading the world in scientific discovery and nurturing the future of astronomy.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lieutenant Commander Issac L. Belton. Throughout his distinguished career, LCDR Belton demonstrated exceptional leadership and a tireless devotion to the defense of his Nation. His expertise and dedication were instrumental in shaping the next generation of naval personnel and ensuring the readiness of our forces. LCDR Belton's service to our country began with his enlistment in the United States Navy in 1988 following his high school graduation from Rosa Fort High School in Tunica, Mississippi. He served aboard various commands, including the USS Raleigh, USS Donald B. Beary, and USS Eisenhower, where he developed his skills as a Boiler Technician. In 2000, after twelve years of exemplary service as an enlisted sailor, LCDR Belton was commissioned as an Ensign. As a Naval Officer, he continued to serve with distinction aboard several vessels including the USS Saipan, USS Tortuga, USS John Paul Jones, and USS Kearsarge. His roles varied from Auxiliary Systems Officer to Main Propulsion Officer, showcasing his versatility and leadership abilities. His contributions extended beyond the confines of individual commands, as he served as a Training Center Administrator, Master Training Specialist, and Surface Warfare Officer, among other roles. After 28 years of honorable and dedicated service, LCDR Belton retired from active duty, but his work did not stop there. In 2018, LCDR Belton founded Course Correction LLC, a service-disabled veteran owned small business which specializes in financial literacy education, leadership training, and contract management. His legacy of excellence continues to inspire and guide those who follow in his footsteps. LCDR Belton passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2024. In addition to his remarkable career, LCDR Belton's life was marked by love and commitment. Issac was married to Kansas City, Kansas native Lieutenant Commander Anjail Belton, also a retired Naval Officer. Together they have four adult children. They recently finalized the adoption of six of their grandchildren on December 20, 2023. It is with great pride and gratitude that I recognize the outstanding service and life of Lieutenant Commander Issac L. Belton. His numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon, attest to his exceptional valor and dedication. In his eyes, however, LCDR Belton's family was his greatest achievement. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our heartfelt appreciation to LCDR Belton and his family for their sacrifices and service to our country. May his legacy serve as a shining example of honor, courage, and selfless dedication to duty for generations to come.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1240, the Winnebago Land Transfer Act, introduced by my colleague, Mr. Feenstra from Iowa. This critical bill would transfer rightfully-owed land back to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. The land in question was taken from the Tribe in an illegal acquisition, and due to complex legal stipulations within the most recent court proceedings pertaining to this matter, the land has still not been returned to the Tribe. Legal complications of these sorts when it comes to federal tribal trust responsibility are an all-too-common phenomenon for Indian Country and demonstrates the importance of a strong relationship between the federal government and tribes. This bill would reinstate the autonomy of the land back to the Winnebago Tribe and protect their sovereignty. The state of Iowa, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and two affected counties are supportive of this bill, and have demonstrated their support for this cause. I applaud my colleagues who have moved swiftly to pass this bill.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that our Nation's entrepreneurs face challenges in starting and operating small businesses. Finding a skilled workforce, establishing an effective online presence, and building a customer base are hurdles common to all small business owners. However, our Native American small business owners face these challenges in a more severe way. Today, I will highlight a few reasons for that disparity. First, Native Americans are twice as likely to live in poverty as compared to other Americans. This significantly impacts their ability to use savings and assets to fund their small businesses, to access credit, and to take on the risk of entrepreneurship. Second, these businessowners face geographical barriers, with longer distances for supply deliveries and a lack of reliable broadband and telephone service. These physical obstacles make networking, finding mentors, and reaching out to a consumer base a bit more difficult, ultimately reducing their chances of success. Third, Native Americans who are entrepreneurs often face greater hurdles in attracting private investment and accessing Federal contracting opportunities. Addressing these challenges is crucial to leveling the playing field for Tribal small business communities and bolstering our overall economy. Currently, the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Native American Affairs works diligently to connect Native businessowners with entrepreneurial development, lending, and procurement programs. However, the absence of a congressional mandate for this office limits its capacity and leaves it vulnerable to changes from one administration to the next. That is why we really need to pass this Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act. This bill would codify the SBA's Office of Native American Affairs into Federal law, establishing an assistant administrator role to oversee operations and report directly to SBA leadership. It would also require the office to report to Congress on its successes in Indian Country. Native-owned businesses employ over 300,000 Americans and are vital drivers of our national economy. These Tribal businesses deserve a seat at the table to advocate not only for the challenges that I mentioned earlier but also for the successes and achievements that they have. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Crane, my Republican colleague and co-lead on this, for his partnership in introducing this bill. I urge Members on both sides of the aisle to stand united in support of this crucial legislation and vote in favor of successful entrepreneurship in Tribal communities.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take a moment to acknowledge the heartbreak that so many people in the Kansas City metro area, Kansas and Missouri, are feeling right now. I am positive that more eloquent words will be spoken in the future, and we will have many conversations about this. However, today, we had a tragedy occur, and I would like for us to take a moment of silence to honor the victims and families of those who are suffering right now. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver) for a few words.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the beginning of an innovative project that will address the critical need for affordable homeownership in the Johnson County, Kansas area. With the support of volunteers, donors, and community partners, Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City (Habitat KC) builds and renovates homes to help families achieve their dream of homeownership. Using American Rescue Plan Act funding, Pathway at Heritage Park will be Habitat KC's first pocket neighborhood development and first time employing the community land trust model. Under this model, Habitat KC ensures the homes built remain affordable, avoiding skyrocketing housing costs that put home ownership out of reach for too many. The importance of this project to our community cannot be understated. United Community Service of Johnson County estimates that 40 percent of renters and 20 percent of homeowners in Johnson County are housing cost-burdened, paying more than 30 percent of their income on housing. At Pathway at Heritage Park, mortgages will be capped at 30 percent of monthly income. Additionally, about 45 percent of the local workforce commutes from other communities due to the lack of affordable housing. This project is especially important as the Panasonic and Walmart beef processing plants are projected to bring more than 4,500 new jobs to the Johnson County area. I want to thank Habitat KC, Pathway Community Church, and all those that have contributed to making the groundbreaking of Pathway at Heritage Park a success. I look forward to this project making the dream of homeownership a reality for so many.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, when Roe v. Wade was overturned, people were scared. They feared for the future of their rights and ability to make deeply personal decisions about their own bodies. I have heard from many people who are concerned that their children and grandchildren might grow up with less rights than they had. In August 2022, Kansans made their voices overwhelmingly clear: Politics and politicians have no place in the middle of healthcare decisions. Those decisions are between a person and their doctor alone. However, despite the resounding messages delivered by Kansans and other States, extremists persist in their relentless effort to deprive Americans of their fundamental right to choose. Sadly, that is where we find ourselves today, where certain Members of this body are attempting to push legislation that would directly limit access to the full range of reproductive care. This bill blatantly misleads the American people, diverting funds meant for food, rent, and childcare to certain harmful facilities that purposely provide disinformation to people seeking access to care. I won't stand for it, and neither will Kansans. We should be expanding access to healthcare, including reproductive healthcare, rather than masking misinformation behind dishonest policies that actually endanger a person's health. Even further, we should be upfront with the American people. Isn't that the bare minimum? Let me be clear: The right to choose is fundamental. Working to strip that right should never be a priority, especially days before a possible government shutdown that would have devastating impacts on hardworking families. Mr. Speaker, I implore my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to stand with me in delivering a powerful message, one that the American people absolutely need to hear: Your ability to decide what is best for you, your body, your family, and your future is inherently your choice, now and always. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment that would ensure that taxpayer dollars cannot be allocated to pregnancy centers that provide medically inaccurate information and put the health of a woman at risk. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert into the Record the text of this amendment and hope that my colleagues will join me in voting ``yes'' on this motion to recommit.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Ms. Joyce Allegrucci, a dedicated public servant for the state of Kansas. Over a long and lasting career, Ms. Allegrucci served as Assistant Secretary of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services for Children and Family Policy, where she fiercely advocated for policies to make Kansas a safer place where children and families can thrive. She's also supported other public officials on the state level to ensure fair and equitable policies are at the fore, having served as chief of staff to former Governor Kathleen Sebelius and on Governor Laura Kelly's transition in 2018. Ms. Allegrucci is an example to us all of what it means to commit yourself to public service. We in Kansas owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude, and it is a privilege to honor her here today. I congratulate Ms. Allegrucci on an impressive, successful career, and wish her a peaceful retirement.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in strong support of the Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans Act, or the SERV Act, which I introduced alongside my friend and colleague from Missouri (Mr. Alford). The SERV Act not only honors our veterans; it honors their service. It empowers our veterans to embark on a new chapter as entrepreneurs and small business owners. My mom served in the Army for 20 years. My grandfather served, as well. Through them, I learned so much about service, about leadership, and certainly about the dedication to country. Our veterans have defended our freedoms from so many things and with unwavering commitment. We absolutely owe it to them to provide the support that they need to achieve personal and professional success as they return home. The SERV Act is a testament to that commitment that we have to the brave veterans that have served, and it is necessary because veterans do face distinct barriers when transitioning to civilian life, specifically when starting a business. Those challenges can include overcoming stigmas around physical disability or post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as difficulty accessing credit. It forces small businesses to sometimes turn to alternative lenders, which can be predatory or more expensive than traditional sources. While those challenges exist for all potential entrepreneurs and our small business owners, it can be especially difficult for our veterans who often have trouble accruing credit necessary to attract and attain capital. These barriers have led to a 35 percent decrease in veterans starting small businesses since World War II, and the U.S. Small Business Administration currently works closely with the VA and the Department of Defense on several excellent programs that we heard about from my colleague, Mr. Alford, specifically designed to help our veterans transition to civilian life and entrepreneurship, but those programs are not always as easy to find as they should be. The SERV Act recognizes those unique challenges and works to address them directly, fostering economic growth at the local level and harnessing the immense potential that our veteran communities have. One key provision of this legislation is the commission of a Government Accountability Office report on the ability of veterans and reservists to access capital and credit, which are crucial building blocks to opening a business. This report would include analysis on common sources of credit and how deployment of credit impacts our servicemembers and their individual credit. Moreover, the bill requires an Interagency Task Force at the SBA to develop an action plan for greater outreach of programs that already exist for veterans transitioning into the business world. That task force would report its findings annually to Congress on how the SBA can better support veterans, service-disabled veterans, reservists, and their families. The district I represent in Kansas includes a large rural population, and we know that businesses with fewer than 500 employees account for a majority of our rural establishments and employers. By supporting our veteran entrepreneurs and making it easier for them to start small businesses, we are boosting local economies in both urban and rural settings. I often say that due to the specialized training and learned skill set, there are few people that are as well suited to start and operate a small business as our veterans. The SERV Act is going to help those folks who served in uniform do just that. By providing enhanced access to SBA resources and programs, we are investing in the entrepreneurial spirit of our veterans. We are fostering economic growth. We are strengthening our communities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues, alongside my friend, Mr. Alford, on both sides of the aisle to stand united in support of this crucial legislation which did pass the House in a largely bipartisan way in the last Congress. Let us send a powerful message to our veterans that we appreciate their service, their sacrifice, and that we are dedicated to helping them succeed in their endeavors, both while serving and after they hang up their uniform.