Barbara Lee

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. That is right. It was an embarrassment, and it was a stigma on us. Welfare queens, that is what they tried to call us.

Ms. LEE of California. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Lee Carter for her leadership and her friendship. I was her mother's personal photographer, and we did travel the world. What Sheila wanted, Sheila got because she was a true warrior woman, as is Mrs. Lee Carter. Mr. Speaker, I yield to my colleague and very good friend from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore). I visited her district several times as she actually was in a film, a documentary. I thank her for that, the name of it was: ``Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power,'' but she was the star of that documentary.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Congressman Horsford, for that very sincere and very humbling statement and remarks. I thank him, again, for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas (Mrs. Lee Carter), who has made her mark in this Congress, not only on behalf of her dear late mother, Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, who we all know that this is her twin right here, but she is doing a great job here. I thank her for being here and upholding her mother's spirit and legacy, but also for charting a course forward.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath) who came to Congress hitting the ground running out of a very personal tragedy of gun violence in which she lost her son, and here she is moving forward being very successful and making sure that our young people are safe and that gun violence is no more.

Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise this evening to deliver my final floor speech as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. For 26 years now, it has been the privilege of my lifetime to serve my incredible constituents of California's 12th Congressional District. I was sworn in on April 21, 1998. The late, great Ronald V. Dellums retired early. I was his former intern, his former staffer, and he was my former colleague, my mentor, and good friend. Ron was actually the first African-American chair of the House Armed Services Committee, and I remember that day so well. He sat right here and encouraged me to give that first speech and to actually turn around and to sign a petition then calling for campaign finance reform. I was the 218 vote to sign the discharge petition on my swearing in day, which I was very proud of. Let me just first and foremost start by thanking my staff and all of the members of Team Lee that have worked tirelessly to serve our district 24/7 and to help us achieve so much. These are truly dedicated public servants, and their commitment has undoubtedly left an indelible mark, not only on myself, but on our district and our country. As I say constantly, once a member of Team Lee, always a member of Team Lee. Also, let me take a minute to thank my family who has stood beside me through all of the triumphs and challenges of the last 26 years. I could not have done it without them. In 1998, my late mother, Mildred Parish Massey, my late father, Garvin A. Tutt, my stepmother, Reiko Tutt, my Auntie Juanita who passed away at 100, and my Auntie Lois who just passed away at 103, they all were with me. They are not here today, but they have been my guardian angels over the years to guide me and to keep me moving forward. Also my sisters, Beverly and Mildred were with me, their husbands, Martin and Calvin, and my two sons, Craig and Tony--well, Carl a.k.a. Tony, Carl Anthony Lee. They both were with me. Now, they have their families, and I have five beautiful grandchildren. Actually, I just have to say, on that day that I was sworn in, I was talking to my dear friend and colleague Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager- Dove who was the cofounder of the Congressional Slow Fashion Caucus, and I want to thank her so much because I am wearing the same thing that I wore on April 21, 1998, when I was sworn in. This caucus is a caucus that is very important because it is creating climate-smart policies to reduce repair and wear and to recycle textiles. The only thing I have done with this outfit is to just shorten it a bit, but it is the exact same outfit I wore on April 21, 1998. I thank Sydney for her leadership. I am the OG of that caucus. As I look back on my time, though, I feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to not only serve my community, but to advance justice, equity, and peace throughout our country and the entire world. I am a woman of faith. I attended St. Joseph's Catholic School in El Paso, Texas. I was taught by the Sisters of Loretto whose motto is ``Going where the need is the greatest'' and whose work--and they have acknowledged this since they have been founded--they work for peace and justice, which has informed me since my childhood. I must, tonight, as I give my last speech on this floor after over 25 years of service, I am reminded of a Scripture, Galatians 6 verse 9, which says: And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Madam Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues who are with me tonight. I want to really say that I love them, I appreciate their support, and that I could not do anything without the support of Democrats and Republicans, friends and colleagues. Madam Speaker, I yield to the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus from Nevada, someone who is my sister's Congressional Member, someone who has done a phenomenal job as our chair in leading up to new heights, Chairman Steven Horsford.

Ms. LEE of California. 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.

Ms. LEE of California. No, I have to yield to a couple members, and then I will come back to you if you can stay.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me just say that I associate myself with the remarks that have been made tonight about my friend, the Honorable Dr. Michael Burgess. A couple of things that I thought, since I am retiring also and we are here on the floor tonight, to take a moment to tell Dr. Burgess how much I appreciate his leadership and his friendship. It is not often you hear about stories of Republicans and Democrats working together, so I decided to tell a few stories about Dr. Burgess. First of all, we believe that the taxpayer dollars need to be protected and to be used for what we intend taxpayer dollars to be used for. We talked and realized that the only agency that had never been audited was the Pentagon. Dr. Burgess and I worked for years to finally get the requirement into a bill that the Pentagon be audited because we know that there are billions of dollars in waste, fraud, and abuse, but we did not know how much and we were shocked that this was the only agency that hadn't been audited. This never would have happened had it not been for Dr. Burgess and myself working together. We finally put a requirement into the bill that the Pentagon conduct an audit finally, but guess what? We talked the other day about this, the Pentagon has flunked its seventh audit now. I am originally from Texas. I represent the beautiful 12th Congressional District of California. Just know that I am going to continue to work, and I know Dr. Burgess will work to make sure that we finally get a clean audit from the Pentagon. Taxpayers deserve to know where their tax dollars are going and that they are not being scammed by the Pentagon. Secondly, I thank you for your work on diabetes. As a member of the Diabetes Caucus--I think for a while you were co-chair of the Diabetes Caucus with Congresswoman Diana DeGette, and you have done remarkable work when you look at diabetes and the disproportionate impact on people of color, on African Americans especially. We looked at ways to prevent amputations and ways to really make sure that the healthcare is there for those who are suffering diabetes to prevent the terrible consequences of that disease. I just want to take a moment to thank you, Dr. Burgess, for your work on that. I know that I will be seeing you in this next chapter of your life and of my life, and I wish you well. May God bless you. You are also in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this very difficult period.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Board Director Dee Rosario as he prepares for retirement after an extraordinary 37 years of dedicated service to the East Bay Regional Park District. A proud native of the East Bay, Dee's journey began at Mt. Eden High School in Hayward, followed by an associate's degree from Chabot Community College and further studies at California State University, East Bay. His deep roots in this community have shaped both his personal and professional life, driving a career that has had a profound and lasting impact on our region. Dee's career with the Park District began in 1975, where he took on a series of vital roles, including park ranger, firefighter, fire lieutenant, and ultimately, park supervisor of Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. His unwavering commitment to preserving our natural resources and serving the public has left an indelible mark on the East Bay community. During the 1991 Oakland Firestorm, his bravery and leadership were instrumental in mitigating the devastation. His steadfast dedication to both protecting lives and safeguarding our natural landscapes proved invaluable during that critical time, demonstrating his remarkable courage and deep sense of responsibility. In November 2016, Dee transitioned to a new chapter as a Board Director, where his visionary leadership has shaped the direction of the Park District. Notably, he co-chaired Measure FF, a successful initiative that secured crucial funding for park improvements, wildfire prevention, and public safety--investments that will benefit generations to come. Dee's exceptional contributions to the Park District were recently recognized with the 2024 California Special Districts Association Board Member of the Year award, a fitting honor for his tireless work and dedication. One of Dee's most lasting legacies is his role in renaming Redwood Regional Park in honor of Aurelia Reinhardt, a pioneering figure in the Park District's history. This thoughtful and meaningful tribute not only celebrated Reinhardt's contributions but also underscored Dee's commitment to preserving the rich heritage of our community and our parks. Throughout his career, Dee has exemplified what it means to be a true leader. He has consistently sought to cultivate growth, creativity, and compassion in others, mentoring the next generation of public servants to continue his legacy of excellence and service. His belief that leadership is about empowering others will continue to resonate long after his retirement. On behalf of the entire community, I extend our deepest gratitude to Board Director Dee Rosario for his outstanding service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to enhancing our natural and recreational resources. His legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the impactful service of my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Cori Bush. Congresswoman Bush came to Congress making history as the first Black woman elected from Missouri. Her work as a faith leader, nurse and community organizer at the frontlines of the Black Lives Matter Movement prepared her to fight for the people of St. Louis in the halls of Congress. Since coming to Congress, Congresswoman Bush has made her mark as an outspoken voice for racial, social and reproductive justice. Rep. Bush fought to address systemic inequities in healthcare, policing and housing. She has been a consistent champion for policies that uplift and empower every community in St. Louis. Representative Cori Bush is and will continue to be a fearless voice for justice and equity. Her advocacy for working families, Black and brown people, the LGBTQ+ community, and all marginalized groups has made a lasting impact on her constituents not only on her district but our Nation. Her commitment to her values has shaped the direction of this Congress and inspired others to join the movement for change. I thank her for her incredible service and leadership, and I wish her well in this next chapter.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the impactful Congressional service of Congressman Jamaal Bowman. Congressman Bowman came to Congress as a progressive activist--a father, a teacher, a principal, and an organizer. He came to Congress ready to serve, fighting for a brighter future for his constituents in New York's 16th district. With a career in education spanning two decades, Rep. Bowman has been a tireless advocate for the rights of teachers, students, and families. He has organized and been an integral part of crucial movements that bring together communities from all different backgrounds fighting for equity in our education system. While in Congress, he fought for hundreds of millions in Community Project Funding for his district, he stood with workers fighting for labor rights, advocated for the health and well-being of Black men and boys, and so much more. He was a friend to all in our caucus, bringing a warm energy and a smile to every member he came in touch with. Congressman Bowman's dedication to service, advocacy, community, and meaningful change has made him a powerful force for justice and equity in Congress and I wish him well in his next chapter.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of strengthening United States' relationships with Africa and the Caribbean. The history and culture of the United States is inextricably linked to Africa and the Caribbean. The brutal history of colonialism, slavery, and the middle passage has shaped our shared destinies. As people of African descent in the Americas and Africans on the continent, we commemorate all of our tragedies and triumphs of the last four centuries. We know that there is strength and comfort in celebrating our shared Black ancestry and identity. These vital historic ties are an opportunity for the United States. As I travel in Africa and the Caribbean, I hear from many people, business leaders, and government leaders. They are actively seeking to partner with the United States. They specifically want to work with Americans to tackle global challenges that impact us all. Yet, Washington too often ignores or cannot hear these voices. We fail to invest the time, resources, and energy into building true partnerships. We have entered a new era of global competition. Governments like those of China and Russia openly seek to be the partner of choice. There is a void, thanks to our neglect, that they are filling. People in Africa and the Caribbean want to work with America as the partner of choice. If their partner of choice is not listening to them as sovereign countries, they will make decisions on their bilateral and multilateral alliances which exclude those countries which have all but ignored them. America needs to step up our game if we want to build the true and deep partnerships that will advance our shared goals. In these countries, respect, development assistance, trade, and investments go a long way. For example, in 2005, Hurricane Dennis devastated the Caribbean, causing billions of dollars in damage. I worked very hard to get a small amount of reconstruction assistance, which was $40 million, for Grenada. When I visited Grenada later, there were signs everywhere for the first time that read: Thank you, USA. It is also important that Members of Congress get out and visit African and Caribbean countries. China shows up, believe me, every day in Africa and the Caribbean. Members of the United States Congress need to show up. I remember once, when I visited Grenada just a couple of years ago, I stopped by the United States State Department Office there. I saw a picture on the wall of myself, the former chair of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, Congressman Eliot Engel, and several Members of Congress from a codel when we visited Grenada in 2007. I asked if that codel had made an impact, and I was told, in fact, that 2007 was the last time there had been a congressional delegation to Grenada. That is outrageous. I believe that this work can and should be bipartisan. Two decades ago, I worked with George Bush to designate June as the Caribbean American Heritage Month. Today, that commemoration is still celebrated among people in the Caribbean and Caribbean Americans here in the United States. It is a useful tool for building bridges with our Caribbean neighbors. I am proud that, during my term leading the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, I have worked substantially to increase American investment and partnerships with Africa and the Caribbean. As the chair of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, I managed to increase the development assistance account by more than $800 million. We were able to invest that increase in important priorities, like Prosper America, to grow jobs and incomes in Africa and the United States; Power Africa, which seeks to connect 60 million Africans to reliable electricity; and the United States African Development Foundation, which invests directly in African entrepreneurship and the Young African Leaders Initiative, which seeks to lift up and strengthen the brightest flowers of African youth. In the Caribbean, I created a program to invest in inclusive economic growth for the first time and worked with the State Department to expand our Caribbean diplomatic presence. One of our embassies in Barbados is responsible for seven countries. They don't even have a plane. They can't travel to those seven countries they are responsible for, so we are expanding our presence there. We expanded support for small-island states coping with sea-level rise and invested in the Caribbean Base and Security Initiative to tackle transnational security challenges, like crime and drug trafficking. Mr. Speaker, these investments are crucial, not only to support American security and interests, but to build an equitable and inclusive world which we seek. I urge my colleagues to listen carefully to African and Caribbean voices. We have millions of people of African descent in our own country. We have to continue to build these bridges toward a shared just and prosperous future for all people.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me, and I want to respond to Chairman McHenry and thank the gentleman for bringing up the story about George Wallace. I have an addendum to the story. I was working in her campaign during that period, and I was furious that she would go to visit segregationist and racist George Wallace. I called her, and I was about ready to leave the campaign because, to me, that was so inconsistent with who she was. She took me to task again, and she said: Little girl, we have to remember we all are human beings, first of all. This is the right thing to do. He is paralyzed, and you never know what might happen when I go visit him. I will tell you what happened when she visited him. I have to say hello and salute Peggy Wallace Kennedy, who is a friend and who lives in Birmingham, Alabama. Peggy, several years ago, told me the story of what happened in that hospital room. If my colleagues have seen the film ``Shirley,'' that really accurately depicts what happened, what Peggy told me, but Shirley Chisholm went and visited George Wallace. She chilled me out a little bit. I stayed with the campaign, thank God. She talked to him, she prayed with him, and she encouraged him to look at his ways, his views, and his horrible treatment of Black people. Peggy told me that he prayed. She prayed. Fast-forward to after he got out of the hospital. He went to Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in his wheelchair. Of course, I say too little, too late, but he went down the aisle and apologized to the people of Alabama for what he had done as a segregationist and the Governor of Alabama. Again, I say too little, too late. Finally, she carried many bills fighting for domestic workers and fighting for low-income wage workers and fighting for people who were marginalized and didn't have a shot at the American Dream. Mr. Speaker, George Wallace helped her get cosponsors for her bills and helped her become a very effective legislator, and the rest is history. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman so much for bringing up that story. That was a pivotal point in my life because she taught me a lot, and she taught me to try to look beyond what is. I thank our Speaker also for his leadership and for his assistance in helping us bring this to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, she prided herself on bipartisan work. Actually, when I introduced the first resolution honoring her, I called her from the Cloakroom. She couldn't understand why there were no Republicans except Connie Morella on the floor speaking on behalf of the resolution. She was really upset because she said: Has so much changed that the Republicans don't know me? They don't remember I worked with them? I explained to her that the bill was on suspension, that it was the first night we came in, and that we had bipartisan support. However, she was pretty upset about that because she really wanted Democrats and Republicans to vote for this resolution. Mr. Speaker, the first and only time I pulled a bill from suspension was that night. I pulled it from suspension and called for a recorded vote so she could see all of the green buttons that were punched, all of the lights. So I ran back, and I called her. I said: See, Shirley, Republicans and Democrats remember you. They remember your legacy, and you didn't have one ``no'' vote on this. Finally, I will just say, Caribbean-American Heritage Month is June, and, again, Shirley Chisolm inspired me with my work in the Caribbean. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke is a daughter of the Caribbean and, of course, exemplifies Shirley Chisolm's spirit. President Bush signed my resolution which established June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month to honor the legacy and highlight the good work of Caribbean Americans and to bring closer the ties with America and the Caribbean. Again, bipartisanship, Shirley Chisolm wanted to get the job done. She encouraged all of us to work together, to fight for what we believed, but to also understand we had to work together to make life better, quite frankly, for everyone. So Miss C, some of us called her Shirley, some of us called her Miss C, I thank you for paving the way and for being that catalyst for change. This Congressional Gold Medal is for you, and happy 100th heavenly birthday.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me take a moment to thank Speaker Johnson, Minority Leader Jeffries, Majority Leader Scalise, and Chairman McHenry for their leadership. Of course, I thank our ranking member, Maxine Waters, whom I met during the Shirley Chisolm campaign, for her tremendous leadership and her friendship. I thank Congresswoman Clarke, Congressman Donalds, Congressman Lawler, and Congressman Issa for their support. I thank everyone, all Democrats and Republicans, for their support. Also, I am deeply grateful to Senators Butler and Warnock and all the Members of the Senate for their leadership on the Senate companion bill. Let me take a moment to thank my team, the team of our leadership, Congresswoman Waters, Congressman McHenry, and especially Jordan Smith for their support. I especially thank Jordan Smith for her expertise and for her hard work in making sure that she worked with everyone, all staff, as a team to get this bill to the floor. I thank her so much for her hard work. Mr. Speaker, it brings me really great joy today that the House is voting on our bill to honor my mentor, friend, and the first Member of Congress who brought a new lens and experience which had never been included in this body since the first Congress went into session in 1789. Congresswoman Chisolm made history as the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress and the first Black woman to run for the Presidency of the United States. Now I am the 20th Black woman elected to Congress since 1789. Congresswoman Waters is the seventh Black woman elected since 1789. Because of Shirley Chisolm, I am. Because of Shirley Chisolm, there are 31 Black women serving in the House of Representatives and one Black woman now serving in the United States Senate. There have been two elected Black women in the United States Senate, one appointed, and that is Senator Butler, and that is since 1789. Throughout her seven terms representing New York's 12th Congressional District, Shirley worked across the aisle to advocate for her constituents and pass bipartisan reforms. She focused on tackling issues of food insecurity and economic justice. Known as Fighting Shirley, she was a fearless advocate for American families and served as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. As many of our colleagues know, Shirley was the catalyst for my career in public service. I met her when I was a student at Mills College in Oakland. Like so many young people today, I was intentionally disconnected from the political system. I did not believe that it worked for me, a young Black woman and a single mother raising two children on her own and on public assistance and food stamps. However, when I met and talked to Shirley Chisolm, I quickly saw that she represented a new and unique kind of political leadership in Congress. She stood up for people of color, for Black people, for women, for marginalized communities, for low-income people, for people who lived in rural communities and urban communities, for working families, and for everyone. She spoke on issues that I really hadn't heard Members of Congress talk about on a national stage before. When I told Shirley that I was not registered to vote, she took me to task. She called me little girl until the day she died. She got me involved in her campaign, and the rest is history. The path she paved had never been tread before. She carved out a new trail for all of us. She flipped the script and left an indelible legacy on American politics, all while holding the door open for the rest of us to step through. Throughout her life, she remained unbought and unbossed, and as my 26 years in this body comes to an end, this is really personally a full circle moment for me for which I am deeply grateful. The Congressional Gold Medal serves as the Nation's highest expression of gratitude for distinguished service and achievements. It is critical for the next generation of leaders to see the first Black woman elected to Congress get the recognition that she deserves. We celebrated what would have been Congresswoman Chisolm's 100th birthday this past Saturday as Congresswoman Waters mentioned, so it is past time Congress recognized her legendary career and honored her with a Congressional Gold Medal. Let me mention a couple of things I mentioned last night at the Congressional Black Caucus' Special Order. I thank Chairman Steven Horsford for his leadership in helping us bring this bill to the floor. First of all, Shirley Chisolm really fought for everyone, and she prided herself on bipartisan cooperation.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to add another dimension to this discussion regarding Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Her parents were from the Caribbean. Her father was from Guyana and her mother was from Barbados. Congresswoman Chisholm grew up in Barbados, even though she was born in New York. She had a very profound world view. She understood we all were connected to each other. Very recently, in honor of her 100th birthday, for the very first time an American's portrait was unveiled in the Parliament of Barbados. This is a significant historical fact for all of us to remember. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman again for giving us a chance to lift her spirit up tonight. I wish a happy heavenly 100th birthday to Shirley Chisholm.

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding and for her tremendous and steady leadership in bringing us all together during these very important Congressional Black Caucus Special Order hours. Yes, Congresswoman Chisolm made history as the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress. She was the first. I am the 20th. That is since 1789, mind you, when the first Congress went into session. She also was the first Black woman and the first woman to run for the Presidency of the United States of America. Throughout her seven terms representing New York's 12th Congressional District, and mine just happens to be California's 12th Congressional District, Shirley worked across the aisle to advocate for her constituents and to pass bipartisan reforms. She focused on tackling issues of food insecurity and economic justice. She was known as Fighting Shirley. She was a fearless advocate for American families who served as the founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. There are a couple of stories I would just like to mention tonight. When I came to Congress, there had been no real recognition of Shirley Chisolm, and I decided to introduce a resolution to honor her. I called her from right back there, the Cloakroom, and, of course, the resolution was on suspension. On suspension, of course, the first night we come back into session, there weren't very many Members here, but there were maybe two or three Democrats and maybe one or two Republicans. Connie Morelli from Maryland was on the floor to speak on behalf of the resolution. As I was talking to Shirley, I told her to turn on C- SPAN to watch it. She was very upset. She said: Barbara, where are the Republicans? She said: I worked very closely with the Republicans constantly. Nobody is there. I said: Shirley, you remember that on suspension votes, this is the first night we are coming back, and believe you me, Republicans are supporting this resolution. She was pretty antsy and upset about that, so I pulled it from suspension that night--it was the first and probably the only bill I have ever pulled from suspension--and called for a recorded vote. At the recorded vote, all green lights came up. There wasn't one red light, so I ran back and talked to her. I said: Okay, Shirley, now look. Look at that board. Not one Republican voted ``no.'' She was relieved. I mean, that is just how serious she took her bipartisan work. She was so happy to see everybody voting on her behalf, remembering her legacy that night. Another story that I think is very important for all of us to remember is, as the public comes into the Capitol, they see this beautiful portrait of Shirley in the hall, and a young African-American artist from Compton, California, painted that. I thank Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and the late Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald from California, who was the chair of the House Administration Committee. They fought like you would not believe to get this portrait authorized and appropriated and painted. I take this moment to remember Juanita Millender-McDonald tonight because there is no way we would have had that portrait had she not been chair of that House Administration Committee, and our Speaker leading the Democrats and working with Juanita to make that happen. Of course, to my Delta sisters here: Remember that day when we unveiled the portrait. There were many, many Delta members, and her sorors were there the day we unveiled that picture. Fast forward to the postal stamp. Everything has been very difficult. If you are a woman, a woman of color, sometimes everything gets a little challenging. We tried to have Shirley Chisholm's legacy memorialized in a postal stamp. I introduced the legislation. It had to be bipartisan. We received the bipartisan support. Then, after about 5 years, I was told I couldn't do it. To have a postal stamp in someone's honor, you have to wait 10 years until after they pass. I was never told that upfront, so we had to start all over again, but we finally got it done. If you don't have one of the Shirley Chisholm legacy historical stamps, please try to get the Postal Service to get you one because they are beautiful stamps, and they really exemplify her beauty and her strength. Finally, I will say one personal thing about Shirley because she was the catalyst for my career in public service. When I met her, I was a student at Mills College. Like so many young people today, I was intentionally, mind you--intentionally disconnected with the political system. It wasn't that I was apathetic. It wasn't that I didn't understand what was going on. It was that I did not believe that it worked for me, a young Black mother raising two children on her own on public assistance. I was very active. I was president of the Black student union. When I met and spoke with Shirley, she took me to task. She called me Little Girl until the day she died. I was 26 then. She said: Little Girl, you are not registered to vote? I said: No, ma'am. She said: Why not? I told her why not. I said I didn't believe in politics. It just wasn't working for me. Finally, she convinced me that I needed to get involved, and I ended up, bottom line, organizing her northern California Presidential primary out of my Mills College class with two students, Sandre Swanson and Sandy Gaines. I went on to Miami as a Shirley Chisholm delegate, where I met Mr. Clyburn, and the rest is history. I got an A in the class, actually. I was going to flunk that class because part of the work was to do field work, and I was refusing to work in the guy's campaigns. I say that it is important to remember that she flipped the script, and she left the indelible legacy on American politics, all while holding the door open for the rest of us to step through. Throughout her life, she did remain unbought and unbossed. Hopefully, this week, the House and the Senate will finally honor her with the Congressional Gold Medal. She deserves it, and I thank the CBC and the gentlewoman again for her leadership and for giving us a chance to really salute our Heavenly sister, Shirley Chisholm.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to commemorate World AIDS Day. This year's theme is Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress. Indeed, our collective action has delivered immense success to overcome the AIDS epidemic. While our Federal Government was initially slow to act, Federal investment has made a crucial contribution to the fight against HIV and AIDS. America's PEPFAR investments have saved more than 25 million lives. Nine out of ten Americans receiving care through the Ryan White and the minority AIDS programs are virally suppressed, improving their health and preventing transmission. Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS, or HOPWA, has ensured housing stability for tens of thousands of people living with HIV. Now, this progress was not accidental. It required deliberate, substantial Federal investment. We had to be intentional. Federal investment in fighting HIV and AIDS remains absolutely necessary. Pulling back now on our investments risks seeing HIV come roaring back. We cannot afford to go back to where we were nearly four decades ago. Mr. Speaker, I implore my colleagues to work together to support continued, robust Federal investments to end the HIV and AIDS epidemic by 2030 for everyone everywhere.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. McGovern for this Special Order and for giving me a minute to speak, but also for his tremendous leadership because this is such an important issue that I think sometimes gets swept under the rug. There are a couple of things I remember about my last life. I was a very active member of the SANE/Nuclear Freeze disarmament movement. I worked for a phenomenal Member of Congress, Congressman Ron Dellums. We talked about nuclear weapons and how it is an equalizer. It is an equal-opportunity destroyer. I think everyone in our country and throughout the world needs to understand what impacts nuclear weapons have had and will have. I visited Nagasaki. I visited Hiroshima. I also had a chance to meet with many children who were survivors of Chernobyl. I saw what the human impact was: permanent disabilities, generational trauma, generational DNA changes, physical disabilities. Let me read you what one report explains in a very quick paragraph: ``Nuclear weapons produce ionizing radiation, which kills or sickens those exposed, contaminates the environment, and has long-term health consequences, including cancer and genetic damage.'' I have seen this with people who had relatives who were impacted by a nuclear bomb and the genetic damage through the generations. ``Their widespread use in atmospheric testing has caused grave, long- term consequences. Physicians project that some 2.4 million people worldwide will eventually die from cancers due to atmospheric nuclear tests conducted between 1945 and 1980.'' Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for bringing this once again to the attention of this body because this world should not have one nuclear bomb. Our country should lead the effort for nuclear disarmament. We should set the standard. We need to reduce the investments that we make in the production of nuclear weapons. We need to eliminate nuclear weapons, and we need to be in the lead for that. Mr. Speaker, I will say again that a nuclear bomb is an equal- opportunity destroyer.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of a dear friend, dedicated wife and loving mother, Mrs Alma Rangel. She was an extraordinary woman who embodied strength, grace, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. I was fortunate enough to get to know Alma, laugh with Alma, and share many special moments with her. As a former staffer in the 1970s, I will always remember how Mrs. Rangel welcomed staff into her beautiful home for Sunday brunch after the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. Her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met, and her commitment to public service was evident. She was a founding member and longtime chair of the Congressional Black Spouses, and led fundraisers to provide scholarships to students around the country. Mrs. Rangel worked tirelessly throughout her life to better the lives of those around her. As a member of Congress, I had the privilege to travel throughout the world with Mrs. Rangel and her loving husband, Congressman Charlie Rangel--and always enjoyed our private times together. Alma was a fierce advocate, and we bonded over our passion for human rights and women's rights efforts around the world. Her work with CBC Spouses, the Ralph J. Rangel Foundations and other organizations have had a significant impact on women and families both in the U.S. and abroad. Alma's legacy is one of service, resilience, and dedication. My heartfelt condolences go out to Congressman Rangel and all of Alma's family and loved ones. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. May she rest in peace.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday September 25, 2024, I was unavoidably detained and unable to cast my vote on Roll Call No. 454. Had I been present, I would have voted NO.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club, and their continued dedication to conservation and environmental action and advocacy in the Bay Area. The Sierra Club was originally founded in 1892, and the San Francisco Bay Chapter was established in 1924, including Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Marin, and San Mateo counties. Since its founding in 1924, the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club has persisted in its mission to advance conservation and environmental action in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Throughout their history, the chapter has advocated for the preservation of natural landscapes, the protection of wildlife habitats, and the promotion of sustainability in public policy. Now in 2024, the Sierra Club continues its work to be a leader of climate action and environmental justice. Early accomplishments of the Bay Chapter include supporting the creation of Mt. Tamalpais State Park and the East Bay Regional Park District, a system of parks and trails throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. In the decades that followed, the chapter played a key role in the creation of landmark legislation such as the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Save the Bay movement of the mid-'60s, and the creation of McLaughlin Eastshore State Park in Berkeley, California. In more recent years, the Bay Chapter has focused on addressing pressing environmental challenges such as climate change and urban sprawl. Through grassroots organizing, advocacy campaigns, and community outreach, the Sierra Club has worked to promote renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and advocate for sustainable land use policies. The Bay Chapter balances its important campaign priorities with a love of the outdoors, encouraging community members to experience the outdoors for themselves through one of their vibrant activity groups. The Bay Chapter's commitment to environmental justice and equitable access to nature is a central part of its mission. From tree-planting campaigns in Oakland to passing Climate Literacy resolutions in local school districts, the Sierra Club aims to create a Bay Area where the outdoors and healthy, livable communities are available to all. I honor the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club for a century of environmental advocacy and critical service to our community. Their legacy of leadership and commitment to action will inspire positive change in California's 12th Congressional District and beyond for years to come. Here's to many more years of inspiring dedication to exploring, enjoying, and protecting our environment.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th anniversary of Living Jazz and their steadfast commitment to jazz rooted music education and performance programs for the San Francisco Bay Area. I want to congratulate Founder Stacey Hoffman and new Executive Director Lyz Luke on building and cultivating an organization that identifies and supports areas of need for all ages in music and performance. Their combined passions have had an immeasurable impact on the music culture in our community. Founded in 1984, Living Jazz has worked tirelessly to provide access to transformative programming that not only preserves and promotes the music, spirit, and culture of jazz in the Bay Area, but fosters an eminent and vibrant sense of community and shared humanity among all who take part. All ages, all abilities, all backgrounds are represented in their dynamic offerings, as the programs of Living Jazz are known not only for their artistic quality, but also for their commitment to build community based on diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The distinctive way in which Living Jazz encourages and supports artists of all skill levels and the artistic and personal growth they foster in participants has bolstered the cultural ecosystem of the areas they serve for the last 40 years. Living Jazz has developed a reputation for designing and launching programs that go on to become Bay Area treasures, as well as for incubating programs to the point of maturity at which time they successfully spin off to stand on their own and continue to develop and grow independently. During the pandemic, Hoffman and Luke ensured the survival of Living Jazz by identifying and securing relief funds and pivoting all programs to online, and even launching new programs focused on imminent mental wellness needs as a response to social isolation. Luke launched the Living Jazz Pickup Sessions to address serious issues around Oakland food insecurity and, in the summer of 2021, Living Jazz was able to safely and successfully bring back the internationally recognized in- person summer programs--Jazz Camp West and Jam Camp West. The organization's jazz-rooted performing arts education programs have expanded rapidly with the Living Jazz Children's Project in 14 underserved East Bay schools. Living Jazz is launching new mentorship programs, reigniting localized jam sessions, and renewed partnerships with local schools and businesses. It has been a fantastic journey watching Living Jazz support and transform the lives of people of all ages over the years. Their work honors the Black roots of the artform and continues to inspire generations of musicians. I thank Living Jazz for their dedication and commitment to music education. I want to wish Living Jazz the best of luck in their continued success. On behalf of the 12th Congressional District of California, I am proud to honor Living Jazz for their tremendous achievements. Congratulations on 40 years.

Ms. LEE of California

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Margo Michelle Goodwin-Gordon, who passed away at the age of 59 on July 11, 2024, in Oakland, California. Margo was born on March 25, 1965, in St. Louis, Missouri. She later moved to the Bay Area and attended El Cerrito High School. She loved to learn and pursued higher education at Contra Costa Community College, UC Berkeley, and the Academy of Art in San Francisco. Margo had a thriving career, spanning different fields including finance, entrepreneurship, architecture, and design. She was dedicated to giving back to the community, and held leadership roles at the Black Repertory Theatre, Women's Alliance Program, Crescent City Harbor District, and the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts. Margo had many hobbies, including writing, photography, fashion, and cooking. She was known to be a master gardener with a love for nature and spirituality. She said she would live forever in the gardens she nurtured over the years. Margo was preceded in death by her mother Marcella Goodwin and her siblings Frank Alan Goodwin, Truman Durley, Terry Goodwin, Avis Hall, and Julie Von. She is survived by her husband John M. Gordon, siblings Risa Durley, Gina Johnson Stelly, Ellen Arlon, Todd Goodwin, Toby Goodwin, Steven Goodwin, and Greg Goodwin, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Margo Goodwin-Gordon was a phenomenal woman and loving wife, sibling, cousin, and aunt. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her generous and loving spirit will live on in those whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace and power.