Sharice Davids

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud member of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. I believe a big part of my role as a Native woman in Congress is to simply educate my colleagues about our federal governments' relationship and responsibilities to tribes. That includes the hard histories between the federal government and our Tribal communities--things that can be difficult to face. It would be difficult to find a Native person that has not had the Indian boarding school era impact their families or community. It is estimated that by 1926, nearly 83 percent of Native children were enrolled in one of at least 367 currently known Indian boarding schools across 30 states. Thousands of our children were torn or coerced from families and communities by the federal government or religious entities to be ``assimilated'' into American society. Students at Indian boarding schools were forced to change their entire sense of being with new names, hair, language, and culture. During these assimilation practices, many were not able to see their family or speak their language, and even experienced verbal and sexual abuse. There are so many stories of children that never returned home. Future artists, doctors, language keepers, storytellers, and leaders skipped generations. We still feel those impacts today. The federal government and our country must do better to acknowledge its legacy and understand the full truth of these policies. This Congress, I'm working with Congressional Native American Caucus Co-chair Tom Cole on the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States Act. This legislation seeks healing for stolen Native children and their communities. Originally introduced by now-Secretary Deb Haaland, this bill would establish a formal commission to investigate, document, and acknowledge past injustices of the federal government's Indian Boarding School Policies. This commission is a critical step to allow Native families and communities to begin to heal. Representative Cole and I are in the process and narrowing down the legislative text and hope to introduce the bill again soon. It received bipartisan support in the past, which shows that our relatives are being seen. And both the House and the Senate held hearings on the bill last Congress, which shows our colleagues are ready to listen. The importance of fully understanding the impacts of Indian boarding school policies in the United States transcends political lines. And I know that sharing these experiences and learning the truth is a brave and sometimes hard thing to do. We hope that in this difficult process, Tribal communities will also support each other physically, mentally, and spiritually. I will continue to amplify the voices of Indian Country in the halls of Congress and encourage my colleagues to join me in that mission.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and celebrate the service of Sally Chen, a truly remarkable staffer who is leaving the New Democrat Coalition following two years of service. As the New Democrat Coalition Vice Chair of Member Services, I've had the pleasure of working alongside Sally and seeing firsthand her outstanding work ethic and steadfast commitment to public service. From bolstering our offices' franking programs to organizing trainings for legislative staff, Sally's thorough understanding of all things New Democrat Coalition has greatly contributed to the strength and success of our 98 Member offices--including my own. On a personal note, Sally's sense of humor, warm personality, and team-oriented attitude have endeared her to us all, making her not just a respected coworker, but a treasured part of our New Democrat Coalition family. Though we're sad to see Sally go, I'm excited to see what she accomplishes in her new role in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, I wish Sally all the best and look forward to witnessing the tremendous impacts she'll make in her career.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, May is Mental Health Month. When we think about health in general, we normally think of physical bodies. When someone is hurt, we can often tell. I did mixed martial arts and I know a little thing or two about physical hurt. The thing is, we can't always tell when someone in our lives is struggling internally. Mental and emotional health is health, especially after the difficult and isolating years of the pandemic, and it is absolutely critical that we treat it as such. This month and every month, I encourage folks to check in on your families, neighbors, and friends. I know I am going to do the same. If you or someone you know needs help, we have some amazing local organizations in Kansas' Third District, like Zero Reasons Why or the Johnson County Mental Health Center, who are ready to assist you however they can, or you can call 988 to speak with a trained counselor. Finally, to our youth who may be struggling right now--I see you. Even on the toughest days, please know that you are not alone. Please don't be afraid to ask for help. Mr. Speaker, I am going to keep working to improve access to mental health so folks in Kansas and around the country can have the resources they need to take better care of themselves and their loved ones.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of a great Kansan, Susan Massy, journalism adviser for 44 years, all but 2 at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. Since 1980, Susan Massy built an award-winning journalism program and has been a passionate educator for her students in Shawnee, Kansas. Last year, the school's newspaper, The Northwest Passage, and the school yearbook, The Lair became recipients of top awards. Many students pursued careers in journalism because of their experience in Mrs. Massy's classroom and her continued mentorship. In addition to educating students, Mrs. Massy became an advocate for her students outside of the classroom. She worked with the Kansas Legislature to pass the Students Publication Act, which gave school publications protections against censorship of school principals, administrators and school boards. She encouraged her students to stand up for themselves and brought them in to testify before the state legislature. She has been a key component in amplifying the voices of students across the state, teaching them that responsible journalism is vitally important to the longevity of our country. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Mrs. Massy led her students graciously and compassionately through uncertain times, giving them space to hone their skills despite not having all the tools at home that they did in the classroom. Despite the obstacles they faced completing schoolwork online, Mrs. Massy and her program were able to continue publishing their news magazine and their yearbook. This type of diligence encouraged by Mrs. Massy has earned the publications a number 45 and number 1 spot in the Pacemaker Top 100. Susan Massy's love and dedication to her community has made her an integral part of educational journalism in our state. Mrs. Massy has received an Individual Honor of Recognition from the National Student Press Association (NSPA), a Charles R. O'Malley Award for Excellence in Teaching, and a Journalism Education Association (JEA) Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Susan Massy on her illustrious career. I wish her happiness in her well-deserved retirement with her husband, David, their daughters Caitlin and Erika, and Clover, their rescue dog.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Mr. Michael Boehm, five-term Mayor of the City of Lenexa, Kansas. Mayor Boehm was first elected in April of 2003, after being appointed to the position in January of the same year while serving on the Lenexa City Council. Mr. Boehm is a lifelong Kansas resident, graduating from Olathe High School in 1978 and the University of Kansas in 1982. Mayor Boehm has been a devoted public servant and transformed the City of Lenexa during his tenure as Mayor. Under his leadership, Lenexa annexed 2,172 acres of land and grew by over 20,000 residents, while the Mayor spearheaded the economic modernization of the city through a series of infrastructure projects. In 2007, the City of Lenexa and the Kansas Department of Transportation began making improvements to West 87th Street Parkway and the U.S. 69 and Interstate-35 exchange. This project was the catalyst for the revitalization of downtown Lenexa. In 2017, under Mayor Boehm's leadership, the City opened the new Civic Center, relocating City Hall and establishing both the Lenexa Recreation Center and the Lenexa Public Market. The completion of 87th Street Parkway led to the development of the nearby Lenexa City Center, a now thriving business, living, and entertainment district. In addition to the Public Market and the Rec Center, Lenexa City Center has since grown to include an aquatic center, a Johnson County Public Library branch, and the Park University Lenexa campus. While Mayor of Lenexa, Mr. Boehm concurrently served on the Lenexa Chamber of Commerce Board, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Board of Directors, the Johnson County Community College Foundation Board of Directors, and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Mayor Boehm is also an active member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Lenexa, Kansas. Most recently, in October of 2022, Mayor Boehm received the Excellence in Government Award from the Kansas League of Municipalities. This award honors excellence and leadership at the highest level, demonstrated outstanding service to the awardee's city, and an active commitment to strong local government. I cannot think of better words to encapsulate Mr. Boehm's twenty-year career as Mayor of Lenexa. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mayor Boehm on his illustrious tenure as Mayor of Lenexa, Kansas. Mayor Boehm will continue his work as senior vice president at Commerce Bank. I wish Mayor Boehm a peaceful and prosperous retirement from the City of Lenexa and thank him for his public service.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Corporal Robert Mahon of Kansas. Corporal Mahon spent 30 years exemplifying the motto of the United States Marine Corps--Semper Fidelis, or ``Always Faithful'' in his service to the Third District as a member of the Leawood Police Department and the United States as a Marine. After graduating high school in Placerville, California, Corporal Mahon joined the United States Marine Corps in October of 1993. Corporal Mahon proudly served four years in the Marines as an anti-tank missile gunner, or ``TOW.'' At his honorable discharge in 1997, his years of leadership and hard work allowed him to rise to the rank of corporal. Following his discharge, Corporal Mahon moved to Kansas City and began working with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. On July 19, 1999, Corporal Mahon began his 24-year service to Leawood Police Department. During these years, Corporal Mahon spent much of his time on patrol in addition to a 4 year stint in the traffic unit as a motorcycle officer. He continued to lead as a firearms instructor, armorer, and less-lethal projectile instructor for nearly 15 years. Corporal Mahon's leadership did not end there. He worked to educate and inspire others as a police marksman, a police cyclist, an active shooter instructor, an original member of the department's honor guard, and was the first Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone pilot in the department. His outstanding performance was rewarded with a promotion to the supervisory ranks of the department, and he was named a patrol corporal on May 11, 2019. Corporal Mahon received the Metro Chiefs and Sheriffs Association Bronze Award for Valor, two Leawood Police Department Lifesaving Awards, and the Leawood Police Department's Medal of Valor in 2022. In addition to his career achievements, Corporal Mahon is a devoted husband and father to his wife Vicki, and their children, Garrett, Alyssa, and Julia. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and congratulating Corporal Mahon on his three decades of service and his distinguished career. I thank Corporal Mahon for his leadership and valor and wish him the peaceful and prosperous retirement that he deserves.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share my support for four important bills that were considered by the House on Monday: H. Res. 132, a resolution responding to the earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023; H.R. 538, Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act; H.R. 1059, the SECURE Notarization Act of 2023; and H.R. 1108, To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant a license or construction permit through a system of competitive bidding. Regrettably, I was unable to cast my votes for this legislation, but had I been able to, I would have voted to pass all four. I had the pleasure of voting for the SECURE Notarization Act when this bill passed the House in the 117th Congress, and I would have gladly voted for it in the 118th Congress as well. I regret having missed the vote on H.R. 1108, to extend the FCC's spectrum auction authority. In the 117th Congress, I introduced legislation to extend the FCC's spectrum auction authority through March of 2024, which passed the House in July 2022. However, only a short-term extension was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, and this bill would push that deadline back to May of 2023. This will give the FCC confidence to host upcoming auctions and to raise revenues for the federal government while Congress debates long-term action.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and work of Deputy Sonny Johnson of the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Department. Deputy Johnson led a dutiful life of public service and was known to those around him as one who emitted selflessness. Deputy Johnson leaves behind a family and community that will miss him dearly. Deputy Johnson was born July 24, 1962, in Czechoslovakia, later moving to Germany where he spent most of his youth. In the late 80's, Deputy Johnson moved to the United States, earning citizenship and beginning his career in service to Wyandotte County. Deputy Johnson became a deputy with the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office on August 07, 2008, proudly serving his entire career in the adult detention center where he worked multiple positions--including acting supervisor. Those who knew him would say that no deputy was prouder to put on the uniform and wear a badge each day. Deputy Johnson's compassion and service did not end with his career-- he cared for his community. As Wyandotte County Sheriff Daniel Soptic shared, Deputy Johnson would walk by his coworkers and greet them with a kind ``Hey Bubba,'' his way of asking after you to see how you were doing. He was devoted to family, to caring for his chickens, and to bringing laughter to those he loved. He loved his wife, Nadine. Those who knew Deputy Johnson best know he would do anything, for anybody, at any time. Mr. Speaker, I know that Deputy Johnson will be remembered by many for the way he loved his job, he loved his family, and he loved the country he served.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, it is with profound gratitude that I rise today to celebrate the career of Mr. Richard Felts, who retired on December 5, 2022. Mr. Felts was the dedicated President of the Kansas Farm Bureau for eight years, where he served as a bold and committed advocate for Kansans. I will miss Mr. Felts' sincerity and passion for solving the problems facing Kansas. Before committing eight years as President, Mr. Felts also served as Kansas Farm Bureau's vice president and on KFB's board of directors. Mr. Felts was also a committed servant leader in his community. He held leadership and volunteer positions on a wide range of organizations. such as church and township boards, and fought for causes dear to his heart, including conservation and rural fire prevention. When I first entered public office, Mr. Felts was very generous with his time and advice. He was an invaluable mentor, friend, and link to the Kansas agriculture community. I will sincerely miss his insights and guidance. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the extraordinary career of Mr. Richard Felts. Mr. Felts saw people in his community who needed help and chose to dedicate his life to service and advocacy. I wish him a peaceful retirement with his wife Shirley on their farm.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of sports journalist and native of Kansas' Third District, Grant Wahl. Born in Mission, Kansas, Mr. Wahl epitomized everything we value in Kansas City: he was kind, curious, and welcoming to all. While growing up in Kansas, Mr. Wahl was an Eagle Scout, a diligent student, and a devoted fan of the Kansas City Comets soccer team. This groundwork of service, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for sports would serve him well throughout his life. After graduating from Shawnee Mission East High School, Mr. Wahl attended Princeton University. Once there, the Kansas City Comets fan became a Princeton Tigers fan. He not only rooted for the Princeton Tigers men's soccer team but also covered their games in the Daily Princetonian. His love of soccer grew deeper, and his coverage of the sport became richer and more nuanced. He began exploring the intersections of his lifelong interests in civics, journalism, and sports. This foundation would be crucial for the rest of his career as a sports journalist. While today we may know Mr. Wahl as one of the premier soccer journalists in America, soccer was only one of many sports that he covered in his career. His diverse coverage of sports led to some incredible journalistic highlights--including his prescient 2002 Sports Illustrated cover piece about then-high school basketball phenom LeBron James. No matter what he wrote about or who he interviewed, Mr. Wahl treated everyone with care and respect. He spent his career promoting women's soccer and the U.S. women's national team and dedicated his life to ensuring equal rights for all, including LGBTQ+ communities. Mr. Wahl loved soccer--much like we do in Kansas City--and used his passion to connect with fans from every corner of the globe. His voice will be missed not just in American sports journalism but by everyone who cheers for the world's game. Madam Speaker, I am proud that Grant Wahl had roots in the Kansas Third District, and I lament that his life ended so early. I send my condolences for this tragic death to Mr. Wahl's wife, Dr. Celine Gounder, his brother Eric, and all his loved ones. He leaves behind him a legacy of curiosity and compassion that we may all find light within.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise today to mourn the passing of Mr. Broderick Rayfel Crawford, who passed away on November 27, 2022. Mr. Crawford was a consummate servant leader and his dedication to the people of Wyandotte County touched countless lives. He leaves behind a family and community that will miss him greatly. Mr. Crawford's passion for health and his compassion for others manifested early in his childhood, when he would care for his mother after surgeries, act as medic for his six siblings, and become the problem-solver for the community children his mother helped. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1985 and began to pursue a career as an infectious disease specialist, first as a clinic supervisor at the University of Kansas Medical Center and later at Saint Luke's Health System. His medical work inspired a lifelong commitment to improving health equity in his community of Wyandotte County. From community health to food and nutrition to housing and transportation, Mr, Crawford was a tireless advocate, activist, and organizer. He served on over 25 task forces in the Kansas City area, using his voice to unwaveringly demand better for his community. Mr. Crawford was deeply involved with the New Bethel Church, where he was a Deacon and beloved member of the congregation. He worked with members of the church to create programs that would address community health and health inequities in Kansas City, Kansas, including pushing for pastors to take the lead in congregation health. He also served as Community Health Director, then Executive Director, and ultimately President of the New Bethel Church Community Development Corporation. In this role, he acquired funding for numerous health initiatives in the Douglas-Sumner neighborhood and the greater Kansas City area. Mr, Crawford also recognized the disparate impact of COVID-19 on minority communities. He co-founded the Wyandotte County Health Equity Task Force to respond to the pandemic public health crisis, and he was an early advocate for equitable COVID testing and vaccine access. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the well-lived life of Mr. Broderick Crawford. Mr. Crawford saw people in his community who needed help and chose to dedicate his life to service. Though his absence will be keenly felt, his memory lives on in his legacy: the programs he started, the lives he saved, the volunteers he inspired, and the countless people whose lives he touched.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephen P. Dailey, Professional Engineer and General Manager of the Fairfax Drainage District of Wyandotte County for his exemplary professional accomplishments. Mr. Dailey's career in public service began after graduating from the University of Missouri--Kansas City with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and becoming licensed as a professional engineer. He spent 14 years in the municipal well drilling industry prior to his time at Fairfax Drainage District. Throughout Mr. Dailey's 30-year tenure as General Manager, he was responsible for protecting investments amounting to nearly $6 billion in a 2,000-acre industrial park. He oversaw preparations and guided flood control operations for multiple record-breaking high-water events, a highlight that only begins to scratch the surface of three decades working in honorable service to Kansas. Beyond supervising operation and maintenance of the district's complex flood projection system comprised of 5 miles of levee, over 100 relief wells, 12 pump stations and a computerized communications network, Mr. Dailey spent 27 years serving on the Fairfax Industrial Association Board of Directors and over 15 years as an active board member and committee chair of the Missouri and Associated Rivers Coalition, promoting water resource management for effective flood control and navigation works. I've also had the pleasure of working with Mr. Dailey while in Congress. Last year, I had the pleasure of sponsoring community project funding to perform maintenance of the Fairfax Jersey Creek Upper Levee. I commend Mr. Dailey for his dedication to our state and to our country, and the 120-plus businesses in the Kansas City, Kansas community he has tirelessly worked to support and protect.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephen P. Dailey, Professional Engineer and General Manager of the Fairfax Drainage District of Wyandotte County for his exemplary professional accomplishments. Mr. Dailey's career in public service began after graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and becoming licensed as a professional engineer. He spent 14 years in the municipal well drilling industry prior to his time at Fairfax Drainage District. Throughout Mr. Dailey's 30-year tenure as General Manager, he was responsible for protecting investments amounting to nearly $6 billion in a 2,000-acre industrial park. He oversaw preparations and guided flood control operations for multiple record-breaking high-water events, a highlight that only begins to scratch the surface of 3 decades working in honorable service to Kansas. Beyond supervising operation and maintenance of complex flood projection system comprised of 5 miles of levee, over 100 relief wells, 12 pump stations and a computerized communications network, Mr. Dailey spent 27 years serving on the Fairfax Industrial Association Board of Directors and over fifteen years as an active board member and committee chair of the Missouri and Associated Rivers Coalition, promoting water resource management for effective flood control and navigation works. I've also had the pleasure of working with Mr. Dailey while in Congress. Last year, I had the pleasure of sponsoring community project funding to perform maintenance of the Fairfax Jersey Creek Upper Levee. I commend Mr. Dailey for his dedication to our state and to our country, and the 120-plus businesses in the Kansas City, Kansas community he has tirelessly worked to support and protect.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 70th anniversary of the Missouri and Associated Rivers Coalition (MOARC).

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jack Cline, former Associate Vice Chancellor of federal relations at the University of Kansas (KU), for his advocacy on behalf of the University and the University of Kansas Medical Center. For a decade, Mr. Cline served as a tireless, dependable, and admired advocate of the educational and research enterprise in Kansas. As he begins his new role as Vice President for federal relations at Northeastern University in Boston, I can only express gratitude for Mr. Cline. Mr. Cline was recognized for his hard work last year when he was named a ``Top Lobbyist'' by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics. The previous year, he received the Jennifer Poulakidas Achievement Award for his contributions to and achievements in university governmental relations; he was also recognized as a ``Top Lobbyist'' by The Hill that same year. Alone, these accolades don't tell you what's truly special about Mr. Cline, and why we'll miss him so much. Following a career in the armed services, Mr. Cline chose to continue living a life of service, spending years walking these hallways to ensure the entire Kansas congressional delegation knows the valuable work occurring at KU. Not once has Mr. Cline shied away from a question, a task, or a request; he's bent over backwards to ensure KU's priorities are heard throughout Congress. Mr. Cline may now be a Northeastern University Husky, but he will always remain a part of our KU family and will forever be a Jay hawk. Rock Chalk.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the life of Reverend Marlene Faye Whiterabbit Helgemo. Marlene was a powerful Ho-Chunk woman and strong leader recognized nationally for her commitment to her faith and family and her mentorship for so many. When I was elected as one of the first two Native American women to serve in Congress, she was standing right beside me. I was proud to call her an inspiration and mentor. I am positive so many others would say the same. Her impact on our world and our lands goes far beyond her recognitions, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention a few of them. Marlene was the first Native American woman to be ordained in the Lutheran Church. She was cofounder of the National Native American Boarding Schools Healing Coalition, which is working to understand and address the trauma created by the U.S. Indian boarding school policy. Marlene leaves behind a legacy filled with love, compassion, and service to our community. Our hearts are with her family: her husband, Harvey; two daughters; and her grandchildren. I am just one of many Ho-Chunks who will miss her sincerely, miss her wisdom, and we say thank you to Marlene.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr. Arthur ``Art'' Cleveland Hester. Mr. Hester led an accomplished life, serving his nation during a time of war, and influencing the next generation. He leaves behind a large family and community that will miss him greatly. Mr. Hester was dedicated to serving this nation diligently throughout his life, and this is well exemplified by his military service. After graduating The United States Military Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering, Mr. Hester served two campaigns in Vietnam where he was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. He earned several commendations for his service, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. But of course, he was most proud of his time as an Airborne Ranger. After returning to the United States, he received a master's degree in Finance from New York University and a master's degree in industrial engineering from Stanford University. When he retired from active duty in 1981, he became a reservist in the Army and began working at the General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas. He would devote much of his career to automotive manufacturing, working in plants across the country as a manager and supervisor. Even when he eventually left GM in 1998, he continued to work in automotive manufacturing as a founding partner of engineering firm CHB and as a program manager who provided technical support to automotive and manufacturing organizations. Mr. Hester was generous with his time, often choosing to help mentor young people at his church and in his local community. I will always be grateful to Mr. Hester for serving on my office's Academy Nominations Panel, where he helped evaluate and advise local academy candidates that were interested in serving their country as he had. His perspective was unique and highly valued; I will sincerely miss his wit, empathy, and candor. Mr. Hester leaves behind a large legacy of service, compassion, and dedication that all Americans can admire.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Velazquez and our ranking member for all the work they are doing on the House Committee on Small Business. I rise today to urge my colleagues to stand up for the small business owners in their community and vote for my bill to support the Women's Business Centers. Women are the engine of our economy. Women-owned businesses employ 9.4 million people nationwide, contributing $1.2 trillion to our economy each year. When we invest in the success of women, we are giving our entire economy a boost. Women's Business Centers are an effective resource that reach more than 88,000 entrepreneurs each year through training, mentorship, and counseling. In 2020 alone, the WBC program increased its outreach by 22 percent and helped start and sustain more than 30,000 small businesses. To put it clearly, during the pandemic, they increased their outreach. That is a solid record of success made even more impressive by the commitment to stepping up when they were needed the most. I have visited with the local Kansas City Women's Business Center in Overland Park. They serve the Kansas City metro area and the entire State of Kansas. I have also spoken with women who have used their services, folks like Lenora, who started Technology Group Solutions 15 years ago with the help of the Kansas City Women's Business Center. She now oversees more than 80 employees in three States. She told me that she hears from women who don't have the network or access to capital that they need to get their businesses off the ground. She sends them to the WBC because when Lenora first started her business, the center helped fill those gaps, paving the way for her to grow what is now a multimillion-dollar company. Other women I have spoken with specifically cite the WBC's evening and weekend hours and that they offer childcare during training sessions. It is those tailored services that have made these centers such a crucial contributor to the success of so many businessowners. My bill, which we are voting on today, will enhance the WBC program to ensure that women entrepreneurs all across the country have access to counseling and training services. I have seen it in action, and it is why I introduced and strongly support this bipartisan piece of legislation. It would raise the cap on grants for the first time since the program began and create an accreditation system to help establish standards of excellence, ensuring that our funds are being spent wisely to help growing entrepreneurs. The Kansas City Women's Business Center served more than 800 clients last year. How many more businesses could they grow? How many more aspiring entrepreneurs could they reach with more resources? I am proud to have introduced this important piece of legislation alongside Congresswoman Tenney, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, last Friday a student brought a gun into Olathe East High School. By noon, three people, an assistant principal, a school resource officer, and a student were on their way to the Overland Park Regional Medical Center with gunshot wounds. Students hid in classrooms sending texts that every parent dreads receiving: Someone is shooting inside the school. Thanks to the actions of Officer Erik Clark and the assistant principal Kaleb Stoppel, those parents were able to reunite with their students safely on Friday afternoon. We are all grateful and hoping for their full recovery. I know I am not alone in thinking that things could have been much worse were it not for their intervention. I would also like to commend the Olathe Police Department, fire department, and Johnson County MED-ACT for their exemplary response. Thank you for helping keep our community safe. These are the headlines that every American is tired of reading, that everyone fears will come to their doorstep. We must step up mental health support in schools--not just in the aftermath of trauma, but permanently. I stand with every parent, educator, student, and Kansan who has come together to call for commonsense gun safety. We have to be brave enough to put our kids' lives first.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). For decades, the EPSCoR program has been instrumental in supporting groundbreaking research and development in states that don't receive a majority of federal science funding. 28 states and territories benefit from this program, including my home state of Kansas. Nationwide, EPSCoR has inspired a generation of STEM professionals and created new opportunities for student researchers to succeed. Through its most recent award, the Kansas EPSCoR program has been researching microbiomes in our water, plants, and soil to enable more sustainable food production and lasting ecosystem protections. This federal funding has also allowed recipients to launch an internship program, a summer course for high school teachers, and more. From the University of Kansas to Haskell Indian Nations University, students and faculty that benefit from EPSCoR will help ensure that the United States leads well into the future when it comes to science, sustainability, and life-saving research. As the House and Senate consider legislation to make our nation more competitive, bolster our supply chains, and boost domestic manufacturing, I urge the inclusion of robust funding for the EPSCoR program. In 2020, EPSCoR states received just $190 million in federal funding--only two percent of the NSF's budget. Increasing dedicated EPSCoR funding to 20 percent of the NSF's budget, along with the large investments in research and development we are considering, will spur innovation in underserved communities without sacrificing support to states that have historically received high amounts of federal science funding. Student researchers in Kansas and other smaller states have so much to offer. I urge my colleagues to continue supporting them, their work, and the EPSCoR program with increased dedicated funding in the America COMPETES Act.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we consider legislation to strengthen supply chains and to stand up for our small businesses. For years, we have been too reliant on goods made in other countries. The pandemic has exacerbated and exposed that reality. We have seen shortages from personal protective equipment to ventilators and semiconductor chips. Those supply chain weaknesses continue to contribute to rising prices and inflation. We should be making more in America. We have many small businesses in Kansas and across the country that are willing and able to step up to the plate. As we take up the America COMPETES Act this week, legislation drafted with both parties and aimed at creating jobs, addressing inflation, and strengthening American manufacturing, it is absolutely essential that we include small and medium manufacturers in our consideration. In my district, the Kansas Third, we have businesses who pivoted their entire production lines to fill gaps in our medical supply chains, helping protect frontline healthcare workers amid significant shortages in personal protective equipment early in the pandemic. At that time, nurses and hospital staff were having to reuse masks and gowns, putting themselves at incredible risk. We were slowed by our reliance on foreign-made supplies, and here we had small businesses that were ready to help if we had just given them a chance. The America COMPETES Act includes a program to build a stable and adaptable supply chain for our national stockpile, one that is flexible enough to react in emergency situations without completely breaking down, as it did before. As we work to build that flexibility, it would be a mistake to shut out the producers we have right here at home. My amendment is going to ensure that when we are restocking and restructuring our strategic national stockpile that we are working with a range of businesses. It would require that smaller manufacturers get a seat at the table, not just big corporations, because I can tell you from experience that they stand ready to pitch in, ready to train and employ our workers. It is our job to ensure they get the chance to do just that. The America COMPETES Act is a major opportunity to deal in our domestic industries and workers. It is an opportunity to address root causes of inflation and bring down our costs long term, one particularly important example being incentives for domestic semiconductor manufacturing. And it is an opportunity for us to invest in our global standing, putting our workers, farmers, manufacturers, and businesses on a level playing field with countries like China and other nations. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment and to support small manufacturers.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to engage with my colleague, Representative Rick Larsen, the Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation. I thank Representative Larsen for his hard work to ensure that aviation priorities were included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. I am concerned about the many ground-based air traffic management systems that are now operating well beyond their planned service life. This includes the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) network of more than 2,700 navigation and landing systems located at more than 1,500 sites in all 50 states. For the last 20 years, the FAA has been systematically dedicated to the implementation of NextGen to enable more efficient flight operations in the National Airspace System. During this period, investment has shifted away from legacy ground-based air traffic control infrastructure. It is important for us all to recognize that aging electronic systems cannot be sustained indefinitely. I am concerned that accelerating rates of component failures combined with parts obsolescence creates a risk of field failures that would threaten aviation safety and the flying public. I am pleased that Division J, Title VIII of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $5 billion over 5 years for the FAA's Facilities and Equipment account. Included in this amount is funding to address investment and modernization shortfalls in ground-based aviation infrastructure, including landing and navigational aids. These systems are critical to maintaining safety in the national airspace and providing operational resiliency. Representative Larsen, I am glad that the bill reflects our shared priorities of providing more funding to the FAA's Facilities and Equipment budget and I want to be certain that a proportionate amount is spent on modernization of crucial infrastructure, such as lighting and landing systems. Is it your understanding that this is consistent with the intent of the committee? Can we continue to work to ensure that the U.S. Department of Transportation's 2022 spend plan reflects these congressional priorities?

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise today to honor the memory of former Congressman Dennis Moore, who passed away November 2, 2021 at the age of 75. His long career in public service has left an extraordinary legacy that inspired many, including myself. My heart is with his family, his friends, and the community that he leaves behind. As we mourn his loss, I'm reminded of the first time I met the Moores in person. I brought with me the pocket U.S. Constitution that I had carried with me all through law school--a pocket Constitution with an official label from the Office of Congressman Dennis Moore. After a good laugh about how on Earth I had managed to hold on to it all those years, he offered to sign my copy and gave me advice on my campaign. For his humor, his thoughtfulness, his dedication to public service (and his guitar playing skills), he will be missed. Dennis was born in Anthony, Kansas on November 8, 1945 and he attended high school in Wichita. He continued his education in Kansas and received his bachelors' degree in Lawrence at the University of Kansas and was awarded his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law. Even before serving as Congressman, Dennis demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service at a local and national level. He was a captain in the United States Army intelligence corps and served in the United States Army Reserve from 1970 to 1973. He also served as Johnson County District Attorney for over a decade. While he was District Attorney, he never lost a jury trial he argued and was instrumental in the founding of SafeHome, a refuge for battered women. In the late 90s, Dennis was elected to the Board of Trustees of Johnson County Community College. In 1998, after more than two decades of service in other roles, Dennis threw his hat in the ring to serve the Third District of Kansas in Congress. Although the Third District had not elected a Democrat for over 40 years before that, Dennis won the election against a Republican incumbent with over 52 percent of the vote. Then he won again in 2000, becoming the first Democrat since 1914 to win reelection in the Third District of Kansas. For over a decade, Dennis served in Congress, known for civility and a strong presence in the communities he served. He retired from Congress in 2011 after completing his sixth term. Dennis served as a Member of Congress during a uniquely fraught period between 1999 and 2011, during which Congress worked to respond to difficult national traumas such as the financial crisis of 2008. Even as Congress and the nation became increasingly polarized during this period, Dennis prioritized civility and bipartisanship to find solutions that would help average Americans. As Chair of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee on the House Financial Services Committee, Dennis held hearings on the impact of the 2008 financial crisis across the country. He also helped to produce the final version of the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 to respond to the financial crisis and to help America recover. Dennis had a traditional, common-sense approach to politics and worked hard to build consensus both within his party and across the aisle. When he first took office, Dennis was a member of a bipartisan group called the Center Aisle Caucus where Republicans and Democrats would come together at least once a month to improve cooperation and communication between the two parties. Within his party, he was a proud member of both the Blue Dog Coalition and the New Democrat Coalition, both of which focused on fiscal responsibility and promoting economic growth. Even though he was a pillar of centrism in Congress, he was never afraid to stand up for his values such as supporting women's reproductive rights and championing environmental activism at a time when climate denial was high. During his tenure as Representative, Dennis sought common-sense solutions on a number of issues that impacted his constituents. These issues included but were not limited to delivering tax relief for middle class families, addressing global warming, and investing in local needs such as transportation, flood control infrastructure, and social services. Among his many accomplishments in Congress, Dennis said that he was most proud of leading successful efforts to improve benefits for our military during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving Capitol Hill in 2012, Dennis continued to work as an advocate for causes close to his heart, such as increased funding for Alzheimer's research, education, and support. He came back to the Hill in 2014 to provide personal testimony on the burden that Alzheimer's can place on the health care system, families, and the federal budget. In that hearing, Dennis expressed a belief in a Congress that could come together and solve problems. ``I really think we need to find those areas where we can and should find agreement,'' he said. ``Good people on both sides work together, and there truly are good people on both sides.'' His optimism, practicality, and hope for bipartisanship were all trademarks of the leader that he was. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the life of former Congressman Dennis Moore. Dennis was a dedicated, gracious, and principled leader who will be remembered for his service to the Third District and the state of Kansas. To say he left big shoes to fill is an understatement--he leaves a legacy of fighting tirelessly for what is good and right and decent for the people he represented.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It would bring billions of dollars to much-needed infrastructure projects in my home State, from bridges to broadband, and it does so without raising taxes on people who make less than $400,000 a year. As I have said before, this bill is not absolutely perfect, but it is absolutely necessary. It is a product of compromise. That is, at the end of the day, what legislating often means. In the district I represent, this bill has received a remarkable amount of support, including everyone from labor unions to local chambers of commerce to climate groups. They are joined by national organizations like the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and hundreds of labor and trade associations. I urge my colleagues to listen to their communities who are calling for these investments and not to give in to the Washington machine that so often turns shared bipartisan goals into political games. This bill reminds me of the last time that we saw this level of investment in America's infrastructure, when President Eisenhower, who was from Kansas, recognized an opportunity to rebuild the economy and create jobs through infrastructure. We were then, as we are today, in a challenging time defined by a national crisis and economic difficulty. I believe, as Eisenhower did, that infrastructure is key to building long-term economic growth. At the end of the day, infrastructure is made up of many everyday systems that connect us to one another and broaden opportunities. If we don't invest in the health of those systems, whether it is the safety of highways like U.S. 69 in the district I get to represent, or access to high-speed internet in areas across Kansas, both urban and rural, we pay the price, and it is not just in the ways we might think. We feel the impact of past decades of underinvestment in infrastructure, in our economy, in our educational systems, in the health of our kids, and in the health of our planet. That is why this bill is absolutely necessary because infrastructure touches so many parts of our lives and the lives of our future generations. This bipartisan bill boosts American competitiveness, tackles climate change, and advances equity now and into the future. It is projected to create 2 million jobs per year for the next decade, with fair wage requirements written into the text. Independent studies have shown that the investments in this bill will have multiplier effects on the economy, improving productivity and boosting economic output without increasing inflation. This infrastructure bill is large, but so is the problem. There are immediate infrastructure needs, from roads and bridges to public transit and rail, waterways, and airports. All of these need attention. This bill will undoubtedly bring the Federal funding needed to address those issues here in the near term, and it makes significant progress toward longer-term goals, like replacing lead pipes so that every child can have access to clean drinking water or promoting Buy American provisions that create good-paying jobs for both construction and production of materials or modernizing our electric grid to prevent blackouts, like the ones we saw in Kansas and those we saw in Texas earlier this year. For people sitting in traffic on U.S. 69 or waiting for the bus in Wyandotte County or wondering why that one road floods every single year no matter how many times we fix it, this cannot wait. Not to mention, if we fail to act, critical surface transportation authorizations are going to run out by Friday. I urge my colleagues to set aside gamesmanship and not see this as an opportunity for political points but instead an opportunity to deliver for our communities, the opportunity that our communities have been asking for us to deliver on.

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas

Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask that you all join me in wishing Burdett Loomis a speedy recovery. You may not know Bird, unless you took a political science class at the University of Kansas anytime in the last 40 years, in which case he was probably your favorite professor. Or maybe you would know him from his decades as the KU Washington Semester coordinator, helping students gain real-world experience at various organizations and congressional offices here in D.C. Regular followers of Kansas politics and government will, of course, know him for his insight, wit, and frequent interviews and columns in the local news. He is an irreplaceable member of our community whose contributions are too numerous for me to list in my short time here. He has been a trusted friend and adviser to many Kansas officials over the years, and I am personally grateful for his guidance throughout my time in Congress and his unconditional dedication to the State of Kansas and the well-being of its democracy. Bird has a huge community wishing him well. From students to Senators and so many in between, we look forward to seeing you soon and are keeping you in our thoughts.