Jonathan Jackson

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we discuss the dismantling of voting rights and how many of my colleagues and I will continue to stand up to defend our most sacred right, I am proud to be joined by my colleagues who have stood up for the right side of history. Mr. Speaker, I want to say something about what I have heard and what I have not heard from the other side. My colleagues on the other side have had a great deal to say about constitutional principles, but I have not heard a plan to protect the votes for all Americans. I have not heard them say how these congressional maps will be fair for all people. I have heard a great deal about legal frameworks, but I have not heard a single proposal to replace the protection that Callais has taken away. I have heard about process and procedure through the proper channels, but I have not heard anyone on the other side of the aisle stand up and say in plain language that Black voters deserve full and equal representation and that this Congress will make sure that they get it. Why not? It should not be a complicated sentence. Let me talk about the history for a moment because one of the things I have heard today is the suggestion that we are living in the past. That is not true. We are relitigating things that have already been solved. It is time to move forward. We want to go forward to make America better and to keep America strong. Unfortunately, there is an eerie silence. There is a duplicity and a complacency, and trying to rest upon the laurels. There is something to be said by God himself about trying to turn a blind eye toward injustice. It should haunt your conscience. Your children are watching. The future will be taking note. History shall record us all. What side of history will you stand on? Will you say anything to stand up for justice? Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I thank you for your consideration.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Asian American History Month to honor the enduring constitutional victory of the United States v. Wong Kim Ark, a case born not in marble hallways but on the docks of San Francisco where a young Chinese-American man born on American soil was told that the country of his birth would not claim him. Wong Kim Ark stood at the crossroads of exclusion and equality. His parents could not become citizens because of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, yet he carried within him his very birth the promise of the 14th Amendment passed in 1868 that all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction are citizens. The Supreme Court affirmed that promise in 1898, declaring that citizenship could not be denied by race, ancestry, or the prejudice of the hour. This case matters not only to Asian-American history but to American history. The 14th Amendment was written from the ashes of Dred Scott to make clear that no government could again trade a cast of people born here but belonging nowhere. Wong Kim Ark reminds us that citizenship is not a favor. It is not a privilege reserved for the powerful. It is a constitutional birthright, and when America honors that truth, America honors its highest self.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, in the spirit of Frederick Douglass, whose vision of freedom was never narrow and never timid. It was in 1869, as anti-Chinese hatred was rising in America, Frederick Douglass delivered his great speech, ``Our Composite National.'' He stood against the spirit that would produce the Chinese Exclusion Act and declared: ``A liberal and brotherly welcome to all who are likely to come to the United States is the only wise policy which this Nation can adopt.'' Douglass knew that America's strength was in inclusion, not exclusion. He said: ``I want a home here not only for the Negro, the mulatto, and the Latin races, but I want the Asiatic to find a home here in the United States.'' That was moral courage. That was historical clarity. And that is the truth we must carry today. Asian Americans have helped build this country, defended this country, and have enriched this great country. Yet, they have faced exclusion, violence, suspicion, and injustice. This month, we do more than celebrate. We remember. We recommit. We reject anti-Asian hate and xenophobia. As Douglass said: ``A smile or a tear has no nationality.'' Let us build this composite nation he envisioned: just, inclusive, and free.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chair, I rise today not merely to speak about a piece of legislation, but to speak about a moral covenant, one that binds this Nation to those who till its soil; who rise before dawn and labor until dusk; and who ask not for charity but for fairness; not for sympathy, but for justice. The farm bill in its truest sense is not simply about crops and commodities. It is about the people. It is about the dignity of work, and it is about whether America will honor the hands that feed her. I come today to lift my voice in support of my amendments number 98 and 206, but also to lift a greater truth: that public policy, if it is to be righteous, must be rooted in both economic wisdom and moral clarity. My first amendment directs the Secretary of Agriculture to report to the Congress on the increased costs that American farmers are facing due to rising costs of diesel and fertilizer prices. These costs are a direct result of President Trump's unilateral action to embroil the United States in a protracted war with Iran. We cannot, Mr. Chair, turn a blind eye to the burdens facing our farmers. When diesel prices rise, it is not an abstraction. If there is a tractor that sits still when fertilizer costs soar, it is not theory. It is a field left barren. When global conflict disrupts the fragile balance between the supply and demand between our trade and our partners, it is not distance. It is deeply personal to the farmer whose livelihood hangs in the balance. A nation that depends upon its farmers must not ignore its cries. We must not pass legislation in the darkness of night when the lights are turned off and when we can use the truth of the light to let the American people see what is being proposed. To demand a full accounting of these rising costs is not a partisan act. It is an act of responsibility. We must hear the cries of the farmers for their food, for their fuel, and for their fertilizer. It is the least that we can do for those who give us our daily bread. There is a deeper issue before us. It is one that touches the very soul of this legislation. My second amendment increases civil rights accountability for employees and officials of the United States Department of Agriculture. Before I proceed, I must pause and pay tribute to a man of great conscience and steadfast courage, my friend and our friend and colleague, Chairman David Scott. Congressman Scott stood as a bridge between policy and principle. He understood that agriculture is not merely an economic enterprise, but that it is a human enterprise. He worked tirelessly in these Halls to ensure that the laws governing our land will reflect the highest ideals of justice and equality. Today, we labor to strengthen civil rights protections within this farm bill because we know that the history of the United States Department of Agriculture has not always been a story of fairness.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member Craig for the additional time. For too long, there were farmers--Black farmers, Brown farmers, and women farmers--who knocked on the doors of opportunity and were turned away not because of the content of their character but because of the color of their skin. We say today with clarity and conviction: No more. No more shall discrimination hide behind bureaucracy. No more shall injustice wear the mask of procedure. No more shall farmers be made to feel like a stranger on their own land. Accountability is not about punishment. It is progress. It is the foundation upon which trust is built. If this government is to ask its citizens to believe it, then it must prove itself worthy of that belief. My amendment is not radical. It is a righteous piece of legislation. It affirms that those entrusted with public service must also be held to public standards, Mr. Chair, and that justice delayed shall not become justice denied.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Chair, the farm bill is not just a legislative document. It is a moral document. It speaks to who we are as a nation. It declares what we value, and it reveals whether we are willing to match our words with our deeds. We will stand with the farmers struggling under rising costs. We will stand with the farmers seeking justice at the hands of this government. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for gracing me with more time. We will stand for fairness, for accountability, and for the dignity of work. We will not remain silent in the face of inequity and inequality. I submit to you today, Mr. Chair, that the time for silence has passed. Let us build a farm bill that feeds not only the body, but feeds the soul of America.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor an American giant and second lieutenant, the Honorable Jackie Robinson. On this Jackie Robinson Day, we remember that when he stepped onto Ebbets Field on April 15, 1947, he broke not only the color barrier, he broke racial segregation in the hierarchy of sports. He forced this Nation to confront its conscience. His courage, discipline, and unshakeable dignity changed baseball forever. More importantly, it changed America for the better. That is why it is disgusting when the Pentagon, under our current leadership, removed mention of Jackie Robinson's military service. Mr. Speaker, you cannot honor American history by erasing the very people who made it: Mr. O'Malley, the owner and Jackie Robinson, the player. Jackie Robinson's legacy is not a DEI to be thrown away. It is patriotism. It is service to the country, and it is sacrifice. It is the truth. Mr. Jackie Robinson was court-martialed for refusing to sit in the back of a segregated bus. You cannot understand American history, Mr. Speaker, without understanding the whole truth. Jackie Robinson proved: Diversity is not a weakness in this country but is one of our greatest strengths. Equity dismantles barriers allowing excellence to rise. Inclusion expands opportunity, so we as a country become stronger. Mr. Speaker, as we tell the full story of America, not a sanitized story, not an edited story, but the full story, we give the next generation the courage to keep pushing forward, to keep breaking barriers, and to speak the truth. Mr. Speaker, I rise today not merely to remember a man, but to summon a truth--one that this Nation has long struggled to face, and longer still to accept. We gather in the shadow and the light of Jackie Robinson, a man who did not simply step onto a baseball field, but stepped into the raging storm of America's conscience. On April 15th, 1947, when he walked onto Ebbets Field, he carried more than a glove and a bat. He carried the weight of a people who had been told, for generations, to wait--to be patient--to accept less. And yet, he did not wait. He did not bow. He did not break. In his silence, there was thunder. In his restraint, there was revolution. Jackie Robinson did not just change baseball. He exposed the lie at the heart of this country--that freedom could be partial, that dignity could be selective, that citizenship could be rationed. And in doing so, he forced America to see itself, perhaps for the first time, as it truly was. And so it is a grave and troubling thing--though not, I must confess, a surprising one--that there are those even now who would dare to diminish his legacy. To erase his service. To tidy up history into something more palatable, more convenient, more false. There is nothing new in this impulse. America has always had talent for forgetting the very people who made it possible. But you cannot honor this country by amputating its memory. You cannot claim patriotism while discarding truth. Jackie Robinson's life was not an accessory to history--it was a reckoning with it. He proved something that this Nation has resisted understanding: that what we call diversity is not a threat, but a revelation; that what we call equity is not charity, but justice; that what we call inclusion is not concession, but the expansion of the American promise itself. For the story of America, if it is to mean anything at all, must be told in full. Not the softened story, not the convenient story, but the whole, difficult, luminous truth. Because only in that truth can we find the courage to continue--to insist that the barriers before us are not permanent, that the limits imposed upon us are not final. Today, we honor Jackie Robinson not only as a ballplayer, but as a witness--as a man who testified, with his life, to the possibility of a more honest Nation. A more just one. And if we are worthy of that testimony, we will remember this: that America is not measured by how well it protects the powerful, but by how fiercely it defends the dignity of all who step forward--against the odds, against the noise, against history itself--to claim their place at the plate.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Women's History Month with both reverence and sorrow to honor the life and legacy of Bettye Jean Mason Odom, a trailblazer whose recent passing marks the loss of a visionary leader and beloved pillar of the Chicago community. In 1978, after studying in Paris, France, Mrs. Odom returned home with an idea: the concept of total skin care for the African-American community. She founded Bettye O, Incorporated, which has since become Chicago's premier and most imitated day spa. For more than four decades, her Hyde Park institution provided world-class wellness services, skin care, and affirmed the beauty and dignity of people of color through her groundbreaking Skins of Colour products. Mrs. Odom's life is a remarkable tapestry of service and achievement. A graduate of Fisk University and Meharry Medical College, she served our Nation as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Nurse Corps. She is also an accomplished actress, model, television host, author, entrepreneur, and educator inspiring generations of young people through her lectures on confidence, purpose, and professional ambition. Even into her later years, Mrs. Odom's light never dimmed. We celebrate her extraordinary life. We mourn her passing and give thanks for the profound and lasting impacts of Mrs. Bettye Odom. Mrs. Odom is survived by her daughter, Lori Odom. Mr. Speaker, may her memory continue to inspire all of us.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable American, Mr. Kamran Khan. Kamran Khan came to this country at the age of 18 with faith, determination, and a belief in the promise of America. He built a beautiful life with his lovely wife, Dr. Hamida Khan, and they raised six children. He devoted himself not only to his family's success but to the cause of dignity, equality, and inclusion for others. Mr. Kamran Khan understood something fundamental: that America is strengthened when every faith is respected and every community is seen. At a time when Muslim Americans had never seen Eid recognized at the White House, he helped change that. Kamran Khan, alongside other American-Muslim leaders, helped push forward a simple but powerful idea: Eid should be recognized in the White House just as faiths have had their holidays recognized and celebrated. On February 20, 1996, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton welcomed guests to what she called ``the first Eid celebration ever at the White House.'' In those same remarks, she thanked Mr. Kamran Khan personally by name, ``for all [his] help in creating this occasion.'' This historic achievement is an affirmation that Muslim Americans, too, belong fully in the civic and spiritual life of this Nation. It helped establish a tradition of recognition that would continue for the years that followed. During this Ramadan, Kamran Khan deserves our gratitude, our admiration, and our praise. His life reminds us that history is often shaped not only by those in higher offices but by citizens of conviction who quietly insist that America live up to its ideals. I honor Kamran Khan today for his vision, his leadership, and his enduring contribution to our country.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honorable Congresswoman for yielding. In the interest of time for my colleagues, I give a very special thanks for holding this Special Order hour. I am Congressman Jonathan Jackson from Illinois' First Congressional District, where African-American History Month was first created by then Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Carter G. Woodson comes from West Virginia. He was a coal miner's son by way of Ohio. He went to the first integrated college in United States of America in Berea, Kentucky. There were great abolitionists fighting for a noble cause. They saw African Americans as full human beings. He had the idea once he saw that there were no African Americans written in his curriculum that something was missing. He went on to ask a professor, a teacher, one time: Why are there no African Americans written about and our history is not chronicled? The person is quoted as saying: Your history of your people is not important. That echoes to this very day as we see so much of what is going on in this administration. Dr. Carter G. Woodson left from Berea College, the first integrated college in the United States of America, in Berea, Kentucky. Berea College was founded by an abolitionist Caucasian, a White man, who also had in his history, Henry Clay, the great Congressman from Kentucky, who served in this United States body--which has the family ancestry of Muhammad Ali and Cassius Clay--and you can see his statue just outside of this wall, as well, as part of the Clay family that is immortalized in this institution. (2030) From there, he went on to the University of Chicago, where he took that challenge and made it into a thesis. He wanted to show Blacks and Whites making progress together, so he put it in February strategically to honor both Abraham Lincoln's work and Frederick Douglass, showing Blacks and Whites making progress together. He did not want to isolate African Americans in history. He made it deliberate to show people of goodwill making it work together. I ask you, if we do not demonstrate and show this, how will people know that there were great abolitionists that always recognized that people were human beings? We only show one side of history. To erase African Americans out of history makes Caucasians less heroic in history as well, so I applaud the work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson. From there, after leaving the University of Chicago, he went to Harvard, where he became the second African American to get a Ph.D. in history. It went from Negro History Week, as Mr. Clyburn had said, to Black History Month, by Gerald Ford. It was Black and Whites making progress together. What are we seeing right now? Under the disastrous leadership of the Secretary of Defense, Mr. Pete Hegseth, he is trying to remove the history of then Mr. Jackie Robinson. You just can't talk about his phenomenal work in baseball. He challenged the color line. He broke the color barrier. When you take Harriet Tubman off the $20 bill, you are talking about a military strategist that broke the backbone of the Confederacy by being able to navigate people under the underground railroad. When you remove good people from history, this is a problem for all of our children. In the interest of time, I will be back this month repeatedly, and I hope my other colleagues will open their eyes so they can learn, so their children can see the happier and the better side of American history. They can see racial progress. Right now we are living in a time where people are trying to erase history. You cannot erase history. You must confront it and learn the truth about yourself. It will keep America strong. It will make America better. That is our goal. That is our desire.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with gratitude, with pride, and with purpose to honor a son of Chicago, Mr. Derrick Martell Rose. From the hard concrete of Englewood to the shining floor of the United Center, his journey has been a testimony that greatness can rise from any ZIP Code when faith meets discipline and talent meets sacrifice. When Derrick Rose became the youngest Most Valuable Player in NBA history, he did not just break a record; he broke a ceiling. He showed our children that brilliance can be humble, that power can be quiet, and that excellence does not require abandonment of one's roots. When injury knocked him down, Derrick Rose got back up, not bitter, not broken, but better, still believing, still becoming. Today as his jersey is lifted to the rafters, we lift a lesson. We can stumble and still stand. We can fall and still fly. Derrick Rose is not just an MVP of basketball. Mr. Rose is an MVP of resilience, of hope, of our sweet home, Chicago.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong defense of the great character of a loving friend, father, husband, and brother, Congressman Chuy Garcia. My friends, there are moments in the Nation's history when a single life stands up and declares without arrogance and without apology that freedom must mean something for everybody or it means nothing at all. Congressman Chuy Garcia is such a man. He is, in every profound and dangerous sense, a freedom fighter. Not in the fashion of myth or marble, but the kind born of neighborhoods where dreams have been bruised and people still need to rise. Yet, people still rise because of a Congressman like Chuy Garcia, the kind who understands that the struggle for human dignity is never finished and never optional. Chuy Garcia's life is stitched together with the same thread that carried our greatest fighters forward, the belief that one does not have to accept the world as it is, but he glimpses into what the world ought to be. That is leadership. Leadership is not a performance. It is not a posture. It is a way of standing with the vulnerable, a way of insisting that compassion is not weakness, that justice is not a luxury, and that democracy is not a spectator sport but a lifelong calling. Beside me is a picture that warmed my heart from childhood. This is Congressman Chuy Garcia then campaigning with the great Harold Washington, the former Congressman from the First Congressional District. Chuy brought the African American and Mexican communities together. There was a time--before the word Hispanic was created--we knew Chuy as a Mexican American. Chuy walked hand in hand with us in Chicago. In 1997, while he was the State senator serving alongside then Senator Barack Obama, Chuy Garcia was the chair of the Black Caucus of the Illinois State Senate.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. He has walked arm in arm with the African- American community, not as a visitor, not as a distant ally, but as a brother in the same long struggle for liberation. He understands that the battles of the South Side echo the battles of Little Village, that the pain of displacement, disenfranchisement, and dismissal does not respect ethnic boundaries, and that our triumphs, when we dare to claim them together, can shake the foundation of this Nation. He has marched with us, organized with us, fought alongside us because he knows that our destinies are intertwined. Today, let us honor the courage of a man who has refused to be cowed, refused to bow to power, or be silenced by cynicism; a man who reminds us that to lead is not simply to occupy an office but to carry a people; a man who teaches us that loyalty to the truth, to the community, to the least among us is the highest form of patriotism. Let Chuy Garcia's examples lead us out of our complacency and to a greater level of integrity and to a higher calling. Let this unyielding spirit remind us that America becomes America only when ordinary people dare to demand the extraordinary.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor celebrate the life and legacy of one of America's greatest civil servants, Mr. Stanley D. Moore, Sr. This September, Stanley will turn 90 years old and gather to celebrate the occasion with his family and friends in my hometown of Chicago. Stanley's career with the Federal Government began in 1956 and within 4 years, he started what would be a lifelong career with the U.S. Census Bureau. While working as a systems analyst for the Bureau, Stanley continually displayed a dedication and work ethic that few people can match. His work led him to be continually promoted until he was appointed as the regional director of the Bureau's Chicago Regional Office. In this position, he was responsible for overseeing all Census operations in the States of Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Stanley developed the Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing system (TIGER) and the Reaching Every Single Person on the Nation's Decennial (Operation RESPOND) program. His work on these matters revolutionized Census operations and continue to serve as part of the bedrock of Census operations to this day. His work led him to receive accolades, including the Bronze Medal for Superior Service, the Silver Medal Award for Meritorious Service, and the Gold Medal Award for Exceptional Service. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Hammer Award for National Partnership for Reinventing Government. In addition to his meritorious government service, Stanley was a powerful advocate for equality and justice throughout Chicago. In the 1970s, Stanley was instrumental in the desegregation of Chicago housing. His 4-year long legal battle against racial discrimination culminated in his success in court and the purchase of a new home in the Beverly community. Through his search for justice and equality, Stanley led the way for countless others to continue to work against the evils of segregation. I would like to express my gratitude to Stanley for his service and ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating his 90th birthday.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in staunch opposition to H.R. 4922, the D.C. CRIMES Act. This is not a serious legislative effort to enhance public safety; it is a blatant political maneuver to override the local authority of Washington, D.C., and restrict judges' ability to make individualized sentencing decisions for young adults. It is a bill that uses the nearly 700,000 residents of D.C., who pay more federal taxes per capita than any state, as political pawns. This bill is a direct assault on the District's local sovereignty. It would fundamentally alter D.C.'s criminal justice system by reducing the eligibility age for the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) from 24 to 18. It seeks to eliminate judicial discretion to impose sentences below mandatory minimums, and would restrict vital alternatives like probation, community service, and the ability to seal the records of young adult offenders. This proposal is particularly egregious because it undermines a program that works. The YRA, which provides a path for rehabilitation, has been shown to reduce recidivism, thereby supporting public safety. Individuals who have convictions set aside under the YRA are significantly less likely to reoffend. Instead of celebrating this success, H.R. 4922 would dismantle it. Let us be clear about the hypocrisy of this measure. House Republicans from 34 states, including Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Alabama, and North Carolina, voted to reduce the eligible age to 18 here in D.C., even though the age in their own home states is 20 or higher. Supporters of this bill are targeting a program in D.C. that is similar to laws that exist in their own states. In perhaps the most glaring example of this double standard, representatives from Utah voted to lower the age here while their own state sets the age at 25, a full year older than D.C.'s current law. In those states, such programs are deemed effective, but here, in the Nation's capital, they are being singled out for elimination. This double standard exposes this bill for what it is: an act of political punishment, not a genuine reform. Real solutions to crime do not come from a ``Super City Council'' in Congress. They come from empowering local communities and trusting judges to make thoughtful, individualized decisions. I urge my colleagues to stand with the residents of D.C. and against this discriminatory and hypocritical bill. Vote No on H.R. 4922.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 5140, the D.C. Juvenile Sentencing Reform Act. This bill is not a serious attempt to address crime; it is a regressive, discriminatory, and counterproductive piece of legislation that will only worsen the challenges facing our communities. This bill would lower the age at which children can be prosecuted as adults in Washington, D.C., from 16 to 14 years old for certain crimes. This will also have the impact of reducing the minimum age for transferring a juvenile to adult court to be tried as an adult. House Republicans from three states--South Dakota, Alaska, and California-- voted to reduce the age to 14 in D.C., even though the age is 16 in their own states. The supporters of this bill claim it will make D.C. safer, but the facts and history prove otherwise. First, let's talk about the discriminatory nature of this proposal. The juvenile justice system in Washington. D.C., already has stark racial disparities: more than 93 percent of youth arrests in the first half of 2025 were of Black youth. Lowering the age for adult prosecution will inevitably push more Black children into the adult system, a system that is not equipped to rehabilitate them. Furthermore, this proposal stands in direct opposition to what we know about juvenile justice and public safety. Research from the CDC and the National Research Council has consistently found that transferring juveniles to the adult system increases violence rather than reducing it. Youth charged as adults are more likely to reoffend than those processed in juvenile courts. This is not a deterrent; it is a recipe for a cycle of violence and incarceration. This bill would make Washington, D.C., an outlier in its approach to juvenile justice. While the current law already allows prosecutors to charge 16 and 17 year-olds as adults at their discretion, without a judge's approval, H.R. 5140 would lower that age even further. Even in states with a history of tough-on-crime stances, many are moving in a more rehabilitative direction. This approach aligns with a broader national trend, including in several Republican-led states, to reform juvenile justice with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. For example, Texas, a state known for its traditionally tough stance on crime, has undertaken significant reforms since 2007. These reforms have focused on encouraging local, evidence-based supervision for low-level youth offenders, which has led to a significant reduction in the state-level committed population and millions of dollars in cost savings while protecting public safety. Juvenile arrests in Texas dropped by 27 percent between 2007 and 2011 following these changes. Similarly, in Utah, Republican Governor Gary Herbert signed a comprehensive set of reforms in 2017 with near-unanimous support from the Republican-led legislature. These reforms have also reduced reliance on locked detention by diverting more young people into community-based programs. Early outcomes from these changes show that the use of locked detention has fallen significantly, while the use of diversion is on the rise. Even in Georgia, another state that has historically had a lower age for adult prosecution, there has been a movement to extend the juvenile justice system. In 2022, the state passed a bill to raise the adult criminal age from 17 to 18 for most crimes, recognizing that this provides adolescents with better opportunities for rehabilitation. This bill would make Washington, D.C., an outlier. While the current law already allows prosecutors to charge 16 and 17 year-olds as adults at their discretion, without a judge's approval, H.R. 5140 would lower that age even further. In contrast, many states are moving in the opposite direction, raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction, not lowering it. Real solutions to violent crime do not come from sending middle schoolers to adult court. They come from investing in communities. They come from supporting our schools, expanding after-school programs, providing job training, and ensuring access to mental health services. I urge my colleagues to reject this misguided and dangerous bill. Vote No on H.R. 5140.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the impactful life and remarkable dedication of Alice Smith Jones, an extraordinary educator and tireless activist whose commitment to fostering hope and empowering young minds has spanned decades. As we mark the anniversary of her fifth Juneteenth celebration, we take this opportunity to honor her inspiring journey. Born in Chicago, Alice Smith Jones was raised in a home steeped in community service and activism. Her mother, a dedicated nurse, worked tirelessly in public schools, while her father served both the post office and the streets and sanitation department. Both of her parents were esteemed activists and community leaders, instilling in Alice the profound belief in making the world a better place. Driven by a passion for learning and a desire to connect with others, Alice pursued higher education with zeal. She earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Columbia College, followed by a master's degree in education from Roosevelt University, and further specialized with a master's in Literacy from Northeastern University. This extensive academic journey laid the foundation for her distinguished career For an impressive thirty-three years, Alice Smith Jones has dedicated herself to the students of Chicago as a cherished public-school teacher. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in a deep desire to see the world become a better place, and she consistently finds profound hope when she sees noticeable growth in her students. She tirelessly instills in her students a strong sense of pride and identity, encouraging them to always find ways to improve themselves. Her classroom has been a beacon of inspiration, nurturing confidence and intellectual curiosity. Alice lives by the principle of finding what works for you and encourages others to live a principled life. Her commitment to personal growth and global understanding led her to significant milestones, including living and teaching in another country for three years. This transformative experience allowed her to truly find herself and broadened her perspectIve. Her dedication to excellence was further recognized when she became the recipient of a full Bright Scholarship and a Study Abroad opportunity, underscoring her exemplary achievements and thirst for knowledge. Beyond her professional life, Alice Smith Jones is deeply engaged in her community. She is a proud member of Operation PUSH, actively involved with the Woodlawn Summit Organization, and serves on the Board of ETA. Furthermore, she acts as a consultant for the African Festival of the Arts and generously volunteers her time at various churches, demonstrating her relentless commitment to social and community upliftment. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the extraordinary life and ongoing accomplishments of Alice Smith Jones, a tireless educator, a beacon of hope, and an inspiring leader whose dedication continues to enrich our Nation.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the impactful life and multifaceted contributions of Deborah J. Porter, a distinguished media professional, passionate stylist, and dedicated community advocate. As she marks her birthday on July 21, 1957, we take this moment to honor her remarkable journey and enduring legacy. Born in Port Gibson, Mississippi, and reared in Chicago from a very young age, Deborah J. Porter was shaped by the values of dedication and perseverance, instilled by her hardworking mother, a domestic worker, and her father, employed at a steel mill. A proud alumna of Columbia College Chicago, Deborah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Television in 1980. During her senior year, impactful internships at WBMX and WLS proved instrumental in launching her illustrious career. Her commitment to community empowerment began at just eleven years old when she joined the choir of Operation Breadbasket, remaining actively involved through its successor, Rainbow PUSH. This organization profoundly shaped her character, discipline, and ambition, fueling her remarkable success. Immediately after college, Deborah embarked on a decade-long career at V103FM (formerly WBMX-FM), evolving through various roles from receptionist to producer of ``Sunday Morning Live,'' and later contributing to traffic, music research, and sales. Her talent then led her to Black Entertainment Television (BET), where she enjoyed a sixteen-year tenure, starting as the first Sales Service Planner and advancing to management for both the Midwest and West Coast offices. Her outstanding contributions earned her numerous awards. Following her time at BET, Deborah freelanced at Burrell Communications before pursuing her passion for fashion. At Macy's flagship store on State Street in Chicago, her genuine care for people and standout personality made her the No. 1 Salesperson in the Midwest region. Today, Deborah continues to live with purpose, working part- time as an Ambassador at GCJ Hospitality and pursuing her love for styling, connecting with people and elevating their confidence through fashion. Deborah remains deeply connected to civic and cultural life, maintaining affiliations with Rainbow PUSH, The Power of Women, the Black Women's Expo (BWe) Advisory Board, and the BET Alumni Reunion Committee. Of all her accomplishments, she is most proud of her role as a loving mother to her two beloved sons, Herman Porter III and Harrison Jeffrey Porter, and cherishes her partnership with her fiance, Jerome ``JJ'' Jones. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the extraordinary life and ongoing accomplishments of Deborah J. Porter, a resilient professional, a community pillar, and an inspiring individual whose legacy of excellence, community engagement, and timeless style continues to enrich our Nation.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the extraordinary life and profound contributions of Sasha Daltonn, a distinguished founder, producer, and tireless advocate for arts and history. As she marks her birthday on June 25, 1950, we take this moment to honor her remarkable journey and enduring legacy. Born in Chicago, Sasha Daltonn was raised in a household that instilled the values of hard work and community. Her mother, Christine, contributed through her work in sales, while her father, Edgar, served as a proud Pullman porter. These foundations undoubtedly shaped Sasha's commitment to excellence and service. Sasha Daltonn's career is marked by her significant roles as both a founder and a producer, leaving an indelible mark on various cultural landscapes. Her dedication to the arts is evident through her long- standing affiliations, including a decade with Gospel Music According to Chicago (GMACC), two years with Jazz n' You, nine years with the Harold Washington Legacy Committee, and eight years with the South Side Jazz Coalition. She is also a proud member of Rainbow PUSH, demonstrating her commitment to broader social justice initiatives. Currently, Sasha brings her passion and expertise to the airwaves as the host of Sasha Daltonn Gospel on Omni Radio, and leads her own enterprise as President of Sasha Daltonn Entertainment. Her profound contributions have garnered well-deserved recognition from numerous esteemed bodies, including honors from the Advinity Awards, the AARC Awards, the Harlem Theater Association, and the Fred Hammond Awards, among others. These accolades underscore her significant impact and the high esteem in which she is held by her peers. Sasha Daltonn is guided by her faith and an unrelenting commitment to instill pride in our youth through the transformative power of the arts. She is a fervent champion for preserving Black history and honoring the historians and history-makers who have shaped our past and continue to inspire our future. Her life's work is a testament to celebrating and honoring those who paved the way. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the exceptional life and ongoing accomplishments of Sasha Daltonn, a true cultural pioneer, an inspiring producer, and a dedicated historian whose immense contributions continue to enrich our Nation.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the extraordinary life and profound contributions of Athens Weed, a distinguished veteran, dedicated professional, and tireless community activist. As he marks his birthday on July 24, 1952, we take this moment to honor his remarkable journey and enduring legacy. Born in Chicago, Athens Weed emerged from working class family roots, shaped by the strong values instilled by his parents, including his stepfather. Taylor Pouncey, who notably served as an Illinois House Representative. These early influences laid the foundation for a life dedicated to service and achievement. Athens pursued higher education, attending both the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) and Purdue University Calumet, before earning an Associate of Science degree from Olive Harvey College. His commitment to excellence and duty led him to serve our Nation with honor in the United States Navy, a pivotal experience in his life. A particularly proud moment in his distinguished military career was receiving his Dolphins Medal, qualifying him for Submarine Certification--a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication. Following his commendable military service, Athens continued to contribute significantly to his community and Nation. He became a valued member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134, showcasing his expertise and commitment to his craft. For many years, he also served the public through his employment with the Chicago Transit Authority, ensuring essential services for countless citizens. Throughout his professional endeavors, Athens Weed consistently demonstrates his core values; always working to his strengths, ensuring the job gets done with precision, treating everyone with respect, and extending a helping hand to those who need it most. Beyond his professional achievements, Athens Weed is a deeply engaged civic leader. He is a dedicated activist with Operation Breadbasket and Operation Rainbow PUSH, embodying the spirit of advocacy and community upliftment. His long-standing years of choir service further highlight his commitment to communal harmony and spiritual well-being. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the exceptional life and ongoing accomplishments of Athens Weed, a true American patriot, a compassionate leader, and an inspiring individual whose dedication continues to enrich our Nation.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 183 and NAY on Roll Call No. 184. Personal Explanation

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 179, NO on Roll Call No. 180, YEA on Roll Call No. 181, and NAY on Roll Call No. 182.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Bernard J. McCullough, better known as ``Bernie Mac'' by his fans. Born on the south side of Chicago on October 5, 1957, Bernie would go on to become a singular comedic talent who spent his entire career in show business, bringing laughter and joy to his audiences. To his fans and a world that adored him, he was comedian Bernie Mac. But his real name was Bernard Jeffery McCullough born October 5, 1957 as the second child of Mary McCullough and Jeffery Harrison, who had already made their life transition. Bernard, or ``Bernie'', as he was affectionately named, grew up in the gang-ridden Englewood Community of Chicago. Always a leader and not a follower, he gained the respect of most of the gang members without ever joining. He was forever the clown and always known for making people laugh. He accepted Jesus Christ at a young age and attended Burning Bush Missionary Baptist Church. His big break came in 1990 when he won first place with a remarkable performance in the Miller Lite Comedy Search. From that point, his popularity spread, and he garnered attention prompting Russell Simmons to give him a spot on his groundbreaking show Def Comedy Jam. Bernard's first stage appearance was so well received that he was invited back to perform a second time. From that moment on, the Mac Man was a phenomenon. He would soon go on tour as the opening act for Chaka Khan, Barry White, the Whispers and many other performers. Bernie made his film debut with the release of Mo' Money in 1992. His breakthrough performance, however, came in his role as Pastor Cleaver in Ice Cube's hit movie, Friday (1995). Bernie Mac's comedy was raw, honest, and fearless. His stand-up often revolved around his personal experiences, delivered with his signature raspy voice and bold stage presence. He gained widespread recognition as one of the four comedians in the 2000 standup film The Original Kings of Comedy, where his set stole the show with its hilarious takes on family and discipline. The Bernie Mac Show, his self-titled sitcom, was a groundbreaking hit, blending humor with heartfelt moments as he played a fictionalized version of himself raising his sister's kids. The show earned multiple awards and cemented his place in TV history. Bernie transitioned seamlessly into acting, appearing in films like Ocean's Eleven, Mr. 3000, and Guess Who. His charisma made him stand out in every role he took on. Even after his passing in 2008, Bernie Mac remains a beloved figure in comedy. His fearless approach and unique comedic style continue to influence comedians today, impacting hundreds of lives still. Bernie launched The Bernie Mac Foundation in Chicago, Illinois in 2005 as Founder and Chairman of the Board to bring awareness to sarcoidosis and build a bridge between awareness and a cure. He dedicated his mission to informing the community on the impact of sarcoidosis to patients and transform the opinions of treatment. Bernie used his celebrity to support the Bernie Mac Sarcoidosis Translational Advanced Research (STAR) Center at the University of Illinois Health Sciences System to provide patients with outstanding care. He was also passionate about patients receiving evaluations in a timely, compassionate and courteous manner for all forms of sarcoidosis. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life and legacy of Bernard J. McCullough.

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois

Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate an extraordinary achievement by a remarkable young man from my district, Zaire Tobar, a vital member of the Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts boys' basketball team, the Eagles. This team achieved a historic victory, winning the 2024-2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 2A State Championship with a decisive 52-41 win over Althoff Catholic High School on March 15, 2025. This championship is more than just a win on the court. It is a profound testament to the resilience, determination, and unity of the Dyett High School community and the vibrant Bronzeville neighborhood. A decade ago, Dyett faced the threat of closure, but through powerful community advocacy and unwavering commitment, its doors remained open. Today, the Eagles' triumph, in which Zaire Tobar played a crucial role, symbolizes the incredible potential that flourishes when a community invests in its youth and its institutions. Zaire Tobar, along with his teammates, demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, and teamwork throughout their season, navigating challenges and competing at the highest level. His hard work and dedication were integral to the team's success, culminating in this well-deserved championship that brings immense pride and joy to his school, family, and the entire community. I also extend my deepest gratitude to Head Coach Jamaal Gill, whose visionary leadership and guidance steered the team to this historic victory, and to Assistant Coaches Kimani Harris, Pierre Adams, and Nathan Townsen, Jr., whose mentorship was vital to the players' development. Mr. Speaker, Zaire Tobar's contribution to the Dyett Eagles' journey from near closure to state champions is an inspiring narrative for us all. It underscores the critical importance of supporting our public schools and investing in programs that empower young people to achieve their fullest potential. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Zaire Tobar and the entire Dyett High School boys' basketball team on their momentous achievement and in honoring them for the inspiration they provide to communities across our Nation.