Robin Kelly

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, I rise to express my support for H.R. 2339, the Protecting American Lungs and Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019. This critical legislation will protect young people, especially young people of color, from a lifetime of nicotine addiction. Simply put, prohibiting menthol and other flavored tobacco products will save lives, especially Black lives. Opponents of the legislation assert that because 85 percent of the African American smokers use menthol products that it would disproportionately harm communities of color. This logic only perpetuates the cycle in which many members of the African American community are already trapped. Tobacco companies specifically marketed menthol cigarettes to Black communities because they are more addictive. Opposing this bill only continues this shameful past. We must pass H.R. 2339 and ensure the tobacco industry can no longer target minority communities to the detriment of public health.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, today is a solemn day in America, a day that none of us hoped for when we came to Congress, but the events of today are something that each of us swore that we were prepared to execute in defense of the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This is the oath that binds the men and women of the 116th Congress, as our democracy implores we defend her. A clear and present threat to American democracy is what brings us here. The architect, a President who asked that a foreign nation interfere in our election: this was our Founding Fathers' greatest fear. I cast this solemn vote for the many individuals in my district who entrusted me to be their voice in Congress. They entrusted me to uphold our Constitution for them. I vote ``yes'' for Sarah in Chicago, Doug in Kankakee, Diane in Flossmoor; ``yes'' for Kathy in Momence, Kathryn in Crete, and Jimmy in Park Forest. The facts are simple. The path forward is clear. Impeachment is not an option, it is an obligation, because no one is above the law.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Plaskett for yielding and for her continued leadership in advancing equity and access for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to speak about something that is far too often ignored in our communities, especially the African American community: mental health. Before starting my career in public office, I obtained a master's in counseling and worked as a mental health professional. As someone with real-life experiences, I can tell you that mental health challenges are more common than anyone thinks and that the only path forward is to be open and honest about it so more people can get the help and support they need to be healthy and thriving. According to recent surveys, African Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience psychological distress than White Americans, but just 25 percent will seek care compared to 40 percent of White Americans. Clearly, stigma around mental health and therapy remain a significant barrier to connecting those in need with care. We can all agree that Americans, no matter where they live or what they look like, should have access to affordable and accessible mental health services. However, this was not the case until 2010, with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, which moved mental healthcare from a nice-to-have to essential care--what it always should have been considered. Defining mental healthcare as essential healthcare was a major step forward. But as I noted before, stigma still prevents too many from seeking and assessing the care they need. That is why I am proud of the efforts undertaken by the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust and the Congressional Caucus of Black Women and Girls, which I chair and co-chair, respectively, to destigmatize seeking mental healthcare. Last year, we were joined by the first lady of New York City, Chirlane Irene McCray, for a briefing on how we can destigmatize mental healthcare and better share our personal experiences to help and empower others. The video of that conversation is still on my Facebook page, and it warms my heart to see women sharing their stories on the thread months after the Facebook Live ended. We need more events like this. We need more conversations where we put it all on the table and accept the simple fact that, yes, it is hard sometimes, but there are people and organizations who can help. In addition to reducing stigma, which is something every Member of this House can do in their own districts and communities, we need to continue working to connect the most vulnerable with care, in particular, those who are regularly impacted by gun violence. In parts of Chicagoland, our young people have levels of PTSD on par with veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. While we absolutely must address easy access to guns--as a reminder, H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, has been sitting on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's desk for more than 200 days-- we cannot forget that communities have been experiencing this violence for decades because of congressional inaction. We talk about PTSD as post-traumatic. Many in my communities have present-traumatic; it is not ``post.'' It goes on day after day after day. To break the cycle of violence, these communities need programs that empower our young people and create hope. I always say nothing stops a bullet like an opportunity. We need to work together, Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, to ensure an end to gun violence and ensure robust programs that address the long-term psychological impacts created by years of unchecked violence. This is going to affect us for generations unless we do something about it. And, finally, I want to talk about a tragic reality in our Nation. Suicide rates are rising. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Generation Z, our Nation's young people. I believe our host, Congresswoman Plaskett, talked about the effects on African American young people. Our Nation's veterans are still struggling to access the care they need and deserve. In Chicagoland, we, tragically, experienced a marked rise in first responder suicides. Likewise, we are seeing rising rates in rural America, especially among our farmers because of severe weather, low commodity prices, and the failed Trump trade war. It is past time to make suicide prevention a priority. We are losing too many fathers, sisters, sons, and neighbors to this epidemic. We are losing too many African American fathers, sisters, sons, and neighbors to this epidemic. In conclusion, I want to challenge my colleagues to take up the mantle of mental health. In 2010, this House declared mental health essential, just like care for our heart, kidneys, and lungs. We now recognize that our minds and mental well-being are a key part of our overall health and should be covered as such. However, that declaration was nearly a decade ago. We know it is important, so we need to get to work on it now. Let's pass Congresswoman Grace Napolitano's bipartisan Mental Health Services for Students Act and help put more counselors and mental health professionals back in our schools to serve our students. Let's pass Congressman Cleaver's bipartisan Cady Housh and Gemesha Thomas Student Suicide Prevention Act to address the shocking and growing rate of suicide among our Nation's students and young people. And let's pass Congresswoman Plaskett's bipartisan Territories Health Equity Act to ensure that Americans living in territories have the same access to quality mental healthcare as Americans living in the continental United States. In summary, Mr. Speaker, 2010 marked a significant and bold step forward. We need to be bold today.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Well, in some communities there is a lack of both physical and mental healthcare, but I think we still have to deal with the stigma that people don't see mental health as a part of healthcare. I know, in the Chicagoland area, right when I became a Congresswoman, actually, there were six mental health facilities shut down, so if someone wanted help, they may have to take two buses, a taxi, on and on and on. There is such a barrier of not only a facility not being there, but also the ones that are around, it is so hard for people to get to them. And some of the neighborhoods, like I said, people don't even want to come outside because of the violence and some of the particular--not all over, but in some of the neighborhoods. People are traumatized by the block they live on. They don't want to send their kids to play in the park. They don't want to go to the store. To deal with this every day, to hear gunshots every day, to have to deal with violence every day, that affects you on that day, but it affects you years later, also.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. I think mental health gets put on the back burner, that people will talk about, ``Oh, my arm hurts,'' or this hurts, or that hurts, but they don't want to say, ``I am depressed,'' or ``I am down,'' or ``I need counseling.'' I sometimes think in our community--maybe in others, but we know in our community, ``You need to man up,'' or be strong, or give it to God even. You know, God will take care of this, that, and the other, so have faith, and those kinds of things. I think that God also put doctors and counselors on this Earth--and therapists--for us to use them and use their services. I think not enough of us do that, or we don't feel comfortable. If no one else in the family ever talks about it, then you don't grow up even thinking that is a possibility.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Definitely.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Congresswoman, you hit the nail on the head. That is so true. There have been so many studies that show you do better when the person who is helping you looks like you or is sensitive to your realities, your community, what you are really about. That is so true. Also, that is the other thing. With the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, the other thing that we really push to do is to diversify the healthcare pipeline because that is the only way that is going to change, too. The other thing is letting our young people know that that is a good thing, to be a counselor or a social worker or a psychiatrist or a psychologist, that we should be looking into those fields also. You hit the nail on the head. It is hard enough for people to go to counseling or to admit they are depressed, so when they do seek out care, it has to be someone who can be empathetic and sensitive to their needs. Because if they are not, then the person definitely is not going to go back, and then, we are back to square one.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Right. That would be devastating for our community for that to happen. When I think about my district, which is urban, suburban, and rural--

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Yes, I do. I have 1,200 farms. The other thing is, I have people in those areas who don't have cars. There are not buses and things like that, so again, they don't have the transportation or the means even to get out to go to, let's say, a bigger town in my district to go seek mental health help. We have to do more to have more professionals. This is not the time to cut back. When you think about just the stresses of living today, we need to have resources available for our students and even our veterans, our farmers, people who we named that are suffering from various things that are going on right now.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Right. I think it is hard enough for us to go, and then, if we go and don't feel comfortable or feel like we are getting the respect or getting the care, the likelihood of us returning is not there. I mean, you would think that with anybody, of course, that you want to be treated with a good bedside manner, with respect. You want to feel that the person is listening to you, not blowing you off. Even when it comes to physical healthcare, the idea that we can take more or we don't need this or don't need that, that has been found to be true in how we have been treated. The same thing in mental health. We don't want that either. We don't want to be looked at as the angry Black man or the angry Black woman as we are expressing ourselves.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. That is why we have the issue that you know I am very passionate about: maternal mortality and morbidity. Interestingly enough, yes, some happen before the full term, but some happen when the mom has the baby, and it also happens after the mom has the baby. There could be incidents more than 2 months after the mom has the baby. There is postpartum depression. But if we are not taken seriously, then one thing can lead to another.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Right.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Economic, educational, you could be in the best physical health. Black women die at three to four times the rate of White women. But depending on which State you go to, the rates are higher. In my State of Illinois, it is six to one times. I just met with someone out there, and they said it looks like it might be even a little higher. In New York, it is eight to one times. In the State of Washington, it is not Black women but Native women at eight to one times the rate of White women. Yes, it cuts across every socioeconomic characteristic that you can find.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership. Anything I can do to help, of course, I am always here.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember the late U.S. Army Captain Antoine Lewis of Matteson, Illinois, in the Second Congressional District. I was shocked and saddened to learn that Captain Lewis was among the 157 people killed in the tragic plane crash in Ethiopia on March 10. His funeral was November 9 because his family just received his remains. This incredible young man had so much more to give the world and constantly gave of himself to others. He possessed an irrepressible curiosity and a desire to make the world a better place. Captain Lewis was a man of passionate commitment to his family, to the Matteson community, to our country, and to his faith. He was a one- man recruitment team when it came to getting so many in his own family to enlist. An honorable man, he represented the very best of America whenever he served in uniform or wherever he traveled in the world. Captain Lewis was a patriot who proudly served his country. He had been stationed in Afghanistan, South Korea, and Canada. He had an adventuresome and free spirit and was filled with wonder and curiosity about other people and cultures. While he was raised in Matteson, he belonged to the world. He, like many others, went to Africa to offer hope and opportunity to others through mission work. As called to do by St. James, he put his faith into actions and deeds that uplifted others and worked to build a better world. As we grieve with his family and friends, we are comforted by the knowledge that he did fulfill his desire to make the world a better place by the love he gave to every person and mission that he encountered.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's Founders' Day. Founded November 12, 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho has been empowering women to give greater service to their communities and help bring about greater progress in our society for nearly 100 years. We were first established at Butler University in Indianapolis by seven illustrious founders, all educators. Today, we boast more than 100,000 members from more than 500 chapters across the United States, Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Korea, and Dubai. Throughout our history, we have undertaken work on many causes, including Act Against AIDS; Operation BigBookBag; the March of Dimes; St. Jude; and Swim 1922, a partnership with USA Swimming to increase diversity and inclusion in the sport while reducing drownings in our community. I am proud to be the third Sigma Gamma Rho elected to Congress, alongside Congresswomen Lindy Boggs and Corrine Brown. Our membership also includes Alice Dunnigan, the first Black female journalist accredited to cover the White House and Congress; and Mary T. Washington, the first Black female CPA. I want to give a special shout-out to our International Grand Basileus, Deborah Catchings-Smith. Happy Founders' Day, sorors. Greater service, greater progress.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember our dear colleague, Congressman Elijah Cummings. Throughout his life, he was a passionate and committed leader but also someone who would stop to show compassion and kindness to constituents, staff, and Members alike. His life was defined, in his words, by ``pain, passion, and purpose.'' At just 11 years old, he and his friends began working to integrate a segregated swimming pool in South Baltimore. He would go on to achieve many of the highest accolades in education, earning 12 honorary doctorate degrees. Before serving in the Halls of Congress, he served the people of Maryland for 14 years in the general assembly, including breaking the color barrier with his election to speaker pro tempore, the second highest ranking office in the Maryland House of Delegates. He would come to Congress in 1996. All of his contributions and service to this Nation could never be summed up in a few seconds, but it stands on its own. When the history books are written, I know his name and legacy will be proudly enshrined within its pages. His passing is a great loss to his family and friends, the city of Baltimore, this institution, and our Nation. I hope you are dancing with the angels. May you rest in peace, my friend.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to include in the Record the following Proclamation: Whereas, Black artists inspire the citizens of Chicago with the power of their imaginations and create works that heal, uplift, and transform our community; and Whereas, Black artists create works in all art forms that reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives; and Whereas, the appreciation of the full diversity and complexity of Black lives is crucial for the common good of our local, national, and international communities; and Whereas, Black artists play a leading role in shaping public attitudes about diversity and provide valuable role models for future generations; and Whereas, Black artists create work that touches our deepest emotions and builds bridges among people of all ages, abilities, races, religions, and sexual preferences; and Whereas, Pigment International,TM the Black art collective, in collaboration with The DuSable Museum of African American History, a Smithsonian Affiliate, and in partnership with the bold gallerists, esteemed art purveyors, talented curators, and prominent arts organizations across Chicago, across the country and globally, has organized a new international holiday called Black Fine Art Month, which is celebrated annually during October. Whereas, the citizens of Chicago are joining with artists and art supporters around the world to celebrate the Black fine art aesthetic and its global impact during this inaugural Black Fine Art Month proclaimed this October 3, 2019; now, therefore be it Resolved that I, Robin L. Kelly, serving as a Member of the House of Representatives, do hereby proclaim October as ``Black Fine Art Month,'' in the Second Congressional District of Illinois.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today for Hadiya Pendleton, taken by gun violence on January 23, 2013. She was 15. I rise for Terrell Bosley, taken by gun violence on April 4, 2006. He was 18 and unloading musical instruments from a car. I rise for Blair Holt, taken by gun violence on May 7, 2007. He was 16 and died shielding others from bullets. Today I rise for Gregory Shondale, killed yesterday. He was 41. Madam Speaker, I rise for them and for all those taken from us by senseless gun violence that continues unchecked in our Nation because of inaction on the part of the Senate Majority Leader and the President. I rise today more than 100 days after this House, the people's House, sent bipartisan universal background check legislation, H.R. 8, to the Senate, which has failed to consider any legislation for more than 8 weeks. I rise today for the 100 Americans who will lose their lives to gun violence today and Americans who will be shot, survive, and face a lifetime of recovery. That will be 210 Americans. I rise because someone must--someone must--stand up to speak for those who have had their voices silenced by gun violence. Someone must speak for the mom of five who suffered domestic violence, found the courage to leave her abusive relationship, and ended up dead because her abuser had easy access to a gun. Someone must speak up for the little girl playing in the park who was gunned down because guns are more common than schools in her neighborhood. Someone must speak for the veteran and the farmer who face what seem like insurmountable odds with no way out, who tragically end their own life. Someone must speak for those killed at Pulse and at supermarkets because of who they are and whom they love. Someone must speak for the person, often a young Black man, who will be gunned down by a cop who shot first and asked questions later. Someone must speak for the first responders who are taking their own lives at alarming rates. Someone must speak for them. Someone must tell the story of everyday gun violence that plagues our communities from Chicago to Key West. Too often, this House focuses on the mass shooting tragedies in this Nation that have become more and more common since our Republican colleagues allowed the assault weapons ban to expire in 2004. We hold moments of silence. My colleagues run to their tweets with their thoughts and prayers to justify their continued and negligent inaction. But we forget gun violence happens every day in every community. We cannot forget about those who died alone from gun violence in city parks, in road rage incidents, and in their own homes, entrapped by depression and despair. They, too, deserve to be remembered. Their lives and stories should also challenge us to actions so we can say ``not one more'' and then actually do something to prevent another death, another funeral, and another life forever altered. Madam Speaker, I am proud that this House finally acted. After the American people sent a historic wave of new Members to Congress, Members who understand that commonsense gun safety reform saves lives, we voted to enact bipartisan universal background check legislation that is supported by more than 90 percent of Americans and 70 percent of NRA members. We also voted to close the Charleston loophole, a clear gap in our laws that allowed a known white supremacist to legally purchase a weapon and use it to steal the lives of nine people seeking to better know their God. We know this is a problem. We passed legislation to close this loophole, and yet the Senate, controlled by Republicans, have still done nothing. My good colleagues in the Senate continue to do nothing while people die every day in every State and in every community. Still they do nothing. They refuse to act. Still they offer hollow thoughts and prayers while rushing to the bank with pockets full of NRA donations. Perhaps that is the problem, Madam Speaker. Perhaps it is the money. The American people should know that the President got $30 million from the NRA in his 2016 campaign. What are they buying? The American people deserve to know that the Senate majority leader has taken more than $1 million from the NRA over his career. What were they investing in? The American people deserve to know that too many in the GOP are bought and sold by the NRA or too often afraid of them to grow a spine and stand up for their constituents. It is a sad fact that just 8--that is right, just 8--of 198 Members, or a mere 4 percent of the House Republican Conference, had the courage to stand with gun violence victims and 90 percent of Americans. I thank those courageous eight Republicans for voting to save lives. Madam Speaker, to my colleagues still too afraid or too owned by the NRA to act, I say good luck next year. They had their chance, and they failed miserably. They are on the wrong side of history. Next year, the American people will not forget.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, today I pay tribute to the life and legacy of a selfless community servant, Eddie Jones, II, who passed away last week at the much-too-soon age of 69. Eddie was truly remarkable and exemplified the best in us. He was a steady hand for anyone who needed it and a sturdy presence who dedicated himself to being a good steward of our Chicagoland community. Born in Arkansas to Eddie and Rosie Jones, Eddie grew up in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, graduating from Wendell Phillips High School and Western Illinois University before embarking on a 30-year career with IBM and All Points Security. Eddie was chairman of the Iota Delta Lambda Educational Foundation, the March of Dimes, and served as the president of the Chicago Urban League Metro Board. He was a proud brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and made sure we all knew it. He was even prouder to be a grandfather and a father. I am thankful to have called Eddie my friend, and I am comforted and inspired by the fact that his life and legacy endure in the memory, smiles, and service of others. On behalf of a thankful Second Congressional District I say: We will miss you, Eddie. Thank you for a life well lived.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from the great State of North Carolina and my colleague from the great State of Michigan. I rise today because American moms are tragically dying. The majority of these deaths are entirely preventable, as we have heard. This weekend is Mother's Day, the day when we celebrate our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, stepmothers, and all the women who love and nurture us. There will be brunches and mimosas, cards and flowers, backyard barbecues and fancy dinners. Or it might just be a quick call saying: Hey, Mom, I love you. But each year, more than 700 American kids begin their lives without moms. Nearly 100 of these deaths are in my State of Illinois. These kids will never know their moms or celebrate a Mother's Day with her because of America's embarrassing maternal mortality crisis. Perhaps most shocking of all, a recent CDC report shows that 60 percent of these deaths are entirely preventable. While hundreds die, thousands suffer severe health complications that can endanger their lives and limit the ability of mothers to care for their families. Recently, Serena Williams and Beyonce have boldly spoken out about their personal experiences with these terrifying complications. As the mother and stepmother of adult daughters, it worries me that it will be more dangerous for them to have a baby today than it was for me to have them 20 years ago. On nearly every health issue, death rates have declined, except for pregnancy and birth-related deaths. In fact, America is the only developed Nation where the number of women dying continues to grow. We can and must do better because all mommas deserve the chance to be mommas. What can be done? Last year, Congress came together in a moment of bipartisanship to pass the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act thanks to the leadership of Congresswoman Herrera Beutler and Senator Heitkamp. This law will standardize data and reporting so we have a clearer picture of this crisis. Building on this bipartisan progress, I have proposed a comprehensive, multipronged approach called the Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Awareness Act, or, simply, the MOMMA's Act. It starts by expanding what is working. It builds on last year's work to further standardize data and reporting. It also takes the highly successful Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health program, called the AIM program, developed by our Nation's obstetricians and gynecologists and grows it. AIM's emergency protocols and best shared practices are already saving lives in hundreds of U.S. hospitals. The MOMMA's Act would leverage Federal resources and publications to grow this proven program. It also uses another proven strategy to prevent future deaths: mortality review committees. These committees examine every tragic death in great detail to prevent further ones. When the city of Philadelphia established one, it cut the number of deaths by 75 percent in just 1 year. Imagine what we could do with a nationwide committee. The MOMMA's Act also addresses a bizarre gap in current law that prevents many mothers from seeing their doctor. We know that one-third of deaths occur after giving birth. Right now, moms on Medicaid lose their coverage just 60 days after giving birth, but it takes a woman's body a full year to recover. More than 70 percent of moms will have some complications within a year of giving birth. These mothers should be able to see their doctors and get the care they need. While we are seeing approximately the same rate of maternal deaths regardless of a woman's income, education level, or other demographics, the recent CDC report shows that Black, American Indian, and Native Alaskan mothers are dying at more than three times the rate of White mothers. In my home State of Illinois, that disparity climbs to six times more likely to die for Black moms. My bill directly addresses this disparity by pushing for culturally competent care throughout the care continuum. As we celebrate Mother's Day, I hope my colleagues will join me in working to ensure that everyone gets a chance to know a mother's warm love and affection. We can prevent mothers from dying. We know how. The question is, do we have the will?

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to speak on my bill, H.R. 1503, the Orange Book Transparency Act, and the critical issue of transparency in the drug and medical device development space. Should my colleagues vote in favor of this significant bill, the Orange Book Transparency Act will more efficiently achieve lowered costs and higher quality life-saving medicines for consumers. It will enhance market competition by getting generic drugs to market more rapidly. As much data show us, enhancing the market for generic drugs is one of the quickest ways to lower the costs that consumers pay at the pharmacy. Two things matter to me with respect to healthcare costs. One, we must be proactive in enhancing transparency with regard to the information made available to generic drug developers. Most importantly, we must improve efficiency in the market for prescription drugs in order to ultimately lower costs to patients, their families, and their caregivers. The Orange Book Transparency Act addresses both of these points by ensuring clarity in patent and exclusivity information maintained by FDA. It also requires that the Government Accountability Office study the effects of listing drug delivery patents in the Orange Book. To be very clear, I support intellectual property protections for those researching and developing innovative treatments, but we have the responsibility to close loopholes that allow drugmakers to prevent timely access to information that would lead to new generic drug development, increasing patient access and affordability. Today, I present a strong and straightforward piece of legislation in order to get lower-cost drugs to Americans in my district and across the country. I am ecstatic that this bill is not only straightforward but also bipartisan. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Kentucky, Mr. Guthrie, for his work on this bill and key stakeholders for their feedback throughout the process. The Orange Book Transparency Act moves us in the right direction toward transparency and lower drug costs. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote in support of H.R. 1503 today.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1449) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3033 203rd Street in Olympia Fields, Illinois, as the ``Captain Robert L. Martin Post Office''.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 1449, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3033 203rd Street in Olympia Fields, Illinois, as the Captain Robert L. Martin Post Office. Captain Robert L. Martin was a true American hero dedicated to serving his country to ensure the continued safety of all Americans. Robert L. Martin graduated from Iowa State University, where he completed a civilian pilot training program, and joined the Army Air Corps in January 1944. Captain Martin was one of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, serving as a combat pilot in the 100th Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group. During his 64th mission, he was shot down over German-occupied territory and safely evaded capture for 5 weeks to return across Allied lines. He left the Army in 1945 with the rank of captain. His war decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, and the Purple Heart. Martin was also awarded the Congressional Medal in 2007 by President George W. Bush at a ceremony honoring the Tuskegee Airmen. Having lived in Olympia Fields, Illinois, it would be a tribute to his life's accomplishments to name the post office there as the Captain Robert L. Martin Post Office, bringing a source of pride to the community in honoring a great American hero. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.