Barbara Lee

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I first want to thank the gentleman from Colorado for yielding and for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the American people. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition, first, to this terrible rule, of course, which made no Democratic amendments in order, but also in strong support of Congressman Polis' amendment that requires the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office to score the final bill, which is the bill to take away health care from 24 million people, to score it as amended by the Republican manager's amendment before the bill is on the House floor. This clearly is nothing new for Republicans, though. In fact, just 2 weeks ago, Republicans shamefully pushed ahead with the markup of their terrible ACA repeal bill without a score from the Congressional Budget Office. And this week, on the seventh anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, Republicans' terrible plan to repeal this lifesaving legislation will make it to the House floor. One thing is clear. Republicans' proposals, of course written in secret back rooms, would be a disaster for struggling families, seniors, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, the poor, and the middle class. It would, yes, rip away health care from 24 million people, reduce benefits, increase rates for those who can least afford this, and transfer $600 billion in tax cuts to the very wealthy. That is outrageous, but it gets even worse. Late last night, in secret back rooms, Republicans introduced a dangerous manager's amendment that doubles down on the war on women's health and the poor, low-income, and struggling families. Yes, once again, Republicans are attempting to move forward with a vote on the final GOP's take away health care from 24 million Americans, a bill that includes a manager's amendment, without an updated Congressional Budget Office score. The American people deserve to know the full damage of this disastrous bill. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question and support Congressman Polis' amendment to ensure that we have updated Congressional Budget Office scores before this bill is brought to the House floor. I thank the gentleman for this amendment, and I thank him for yielding me time.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first let me thank Congressman Veasey for his tireless work to protect healthcare for all people. Also to Congresswoman Plaskett, I thank the gentlewoman for continuing to speak out, to organize us, and for her stellar representation of her district. Let me also thank Congressman Richmond, Chair of the CBC, for his steadfast leadership on so many issues. Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago Republicans unveiled their dangerous plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act. A plan the CBO confirmed would rip healthcare away from 24 million Americans. This week--on the 7th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act--their terrible plan will make it to the House Floor. Mr. Speaker, one thing is clear: the proposal Republicans wrote in secret backrooms would be a disaster for struggling families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Their proposal would mean 24 million fewer people with health insurance and 2 million jobs lost. Their plan defunds Planned Parenthood and rations healthcare for low- income Americans. It would make working people sicker, in order to provide a $600 billion tax giveaway for billionaires. We know who this plan will devastate the most: communities of color, especially African Americans. By ending Medicaid as we know it, at least 1.5 million low-income African Americans could lose their coverage. And millions more would lose access to high-quality healthcare with the elimination of the ACA's marketplace. Mr. Speaker, this is outrageous. We know that African Americans already suffer from shocking health disparities, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. And sadly, these disparities are all too often fatal. Mr. Speaker, when we wrote the ACA, we worked hard to ensure that our healthcare bill would help end these disparities. I was Chair of the CBC at the time and addressing harmful health disparities--especially for African Americans--was at the top of our priorities in drafting the ACA. The final legislation was a huge step forward for underserved families--particularly communities of color. Through the exchanges and Medicaid expansion, millions of African Americans gained the insurance that they needed and they deserved, including those living with pre-existing conditions. Take the issue of HIV/AIDS for example. Although they represent only 12% of the population, African Americans disproportionately account for 44% of new HIV cases and 40% of those living with HIV in the U.S. Before the ACA, many African Americans living with HIV didn't have any insurance at all. Through the exchanges and Medicaid expansion, millions of African Americans gained the insurance that they needed and they deserved. Let me be clear: For people living with HIV in this country-- repealing the ACA could mean a death sentence. Without the Affordable Care Act, people living with HIV are at risk of losing access to the medicine and doctors that keep them healthy. Clearly, health insurance is critical to keeping people healthy and reducing health disparities. Mr. Speaker, we know that the ACA works. It has provided healthcare for over 20 million Americans--7 8 million of whom are African American--since it was signed into law. And because of this bill, young people, working class people, and people of color now have high-quality, affordable healthcare. But Republicans don't seem to care. They are on a rampage to make America sick again--and we must stand in their way. Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans are making their voices heard in protests, in town halls and in the streets. And their message is simple: ``Keep your hands off of our healthcare.'' I'm standing with the millions of Americans who are in opposition to this disastrous healthcare bill. The fight to protect affordable healthcare is on. We will not rest until Republicans and Trump end their cruel campaign to kick American families off their healthcare.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great religious, spiritual, and civic leader, Pastor Gillette James, of Beth Eden Baptist Church as he retires after more than 46 years of faithful service to his community. Pastor James graduated from the University of San Francisco with Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees, and completed additional studies at Oxford University in England. Pastor James joined the Beth Eden community in 1970 as an Assistant Pastor. Then only a year later, he accepted the call to lead the congregation of Beth Eden Baptist Church after the retirement of Pastor A.C. Dones. Under his strong leadership, the church built fifty-four units of senior housing and purchased other rental housing units for the community. Beth Eden also built a new sanctuary and administrative wing, and hired an architect for a new Family Life Center that is under development, vastly increasing the resources offered to the community of West Oakland. Pastor James is truly an inspiration to other aspiring clergy, helping forty two other members complete coursework at accredited seminaries during his tenure, and twelve of those received advanced degrees. His leadership has been invaluable to those who have worked under his guidance to achieve their dreams of becoming ministers themselves. Pastor James has also been a strong advocate for the role of women in church leadership positions. At one point, he was ousted from the California State Baptist Convention for his strong stance for women's involvement in the ministry. He has since been restored in the Convention, and they heeded his direction to keep churches that fully recognize women clergy. Pastor James' commitment to the rights of women in leadership positions has never wavered, and I am sure owes much to the example of his wonderful wife, the late Dr. Rosa James. Additionally, Pastor James has emphasized education as a key area of importance in his service to Beth Eden's community. Beth Eden's Scholarship Committee awards scholarships to high school graduates and college students to ensure that the youth of Oakland remain engaged and committed to their education. On behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, I take great pride in joining the Beth Eden community to salute the extraordinary Gillette O. James as he retires as Pastor of Beth Eden Baptist Church, and wish him many years of joyful retirement.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of International Women's Day, A Day Without a Woman strike. Today we are here and are joined by many of our sisters around the Nation to declare, once and for all, that women's rights are human rights. We are here to stand in solidarity with women across the country to send a clear message: We will not rest until we create a society where all women--all women-- have equal rights under the law. We are resisting and letting President Trump and the Republicans know that we will not go back. We stand with the millions around the Nation who have walked out today, and today we are walking out for them. We are raising our voices for the millions of women who can't because they might get fired or because they can't afford to lose their meager wages. I encourage all of my Democratic colleagues to join us, along with Leader Pelosi, the Democratic Women's Working Group, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, and so many others, for a walkout following these 1 minutes and attend the press conference on the House steps right outside in solidarity and in honor of all of the women in the world who are marching today and striking today for equal rights.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank Mr. Visclosky for yielding. I also thank him for his tremendous leadership as our ranking member, and giving us all an opportunity to really voice our opinions and put our points of view forward in a very fair way. I rise in opposition to this bill, however. I offered two amendments to this bill, the fiscal year 2017 Defense Appropriations bill, and I am really disappointed to once again see that my amendments were not made in order. I want to explain these two amendments because this is the only chance that we will have to talk about this. The first amendment, which I have offered several times on a bipartisan basis, would prohibit the funding for the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, the AUMF, beginning on September 30, 2017. And mind you, that 6-month window provides Congress ample opportunity to draft and debate a new AUMF and to vote it up or down. Clearly, Congress is required to act. This amendment would require Congress to finally debate and vote on nearly a 3-year-long war that is raging in the Middle East, a war that has already claimed the lives of several brave servicemembers. The House simply cannot continue to abdicate its constitutional responsibility to give the American people a voice in matters of war and peace. I offered another amendment, which would prohibit funding for United States combat troops in Syria. Mr. Speaker, this amendment was really simple, but, once again, I am sad to say that it was not made in order. This amendment would use the power of the purse to prevent funding for combat operations in Syria, unless the purpose is to rescue or protect members of the Armed Forces from danger. We can all agree that ISIL must be degraded and dismantled, but Congress continues to be missing in action from this debate.

Ms. LEE. We know that the 2001 authorization was specific to 9/11. And I voted against it because I knew it would be broadly interpreted, which it has been. Sadly, it is a blank check for war. Actually, the Congressional Research Service provided us a declassified report saying--and this was last year--it had been used over 35 times. Nothing related to 9/11. So this blank check needs to be repealed. We also know that ISIL didn't even exist in 2001. Every day, more bombs fall and the battlefield expands. We have already spent billions of dollars against this unauthorized war. Congress needs to show up for work, muster its courage, exercise its constitutional responsibility for debate, and vote on the ongoing war in Iraq and Syria. We owe nothing less to our brave men and women who are in harm's way. It is past time to force a debate and vote on this issue. Hopefully, one day we will make these amendments in order and, hopefully, we will have bipartisan support to just move forward and do our job as Members of Congress, which is what the Constitution requires.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Aileen Clarke Hernandez. With her passing on February 13, 2017 in Irvine, California, I look to recognize her passion for women's equality, and the invaluable influence it has had on our nation. Aileen was born in Brooklyn on May 23, 1926, to Charles Henry Clarke, and Ethel Louise Hall. Ms. Hernandez excelled in school and graduated magna cum laude from Howard University, where she was drawn into politics and worked with the NAACP. In 1951, she took an organizing job with the West Coast division of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Her work with the Garment Workers Union brought her to California, and led to her involvement in California politics and government, where she eventually was appointed as the assistant chief of the Fair Employment Practices Division for the State. In 1964, Clarke was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and in 1966, she left the commission to form her own consulting firm, Hernandez and Associates. Her firm worked to end racism, sexism and all forms of discrimination, and to establish standards for equity in government and corporations. In 1970 she was appointed the second President of the National Organization for Women (NOW) where she was instrumental in organizing the national Women's Strike for Equality on August 26, 1970. In 1973, Ms. Clarke took initiative and founded Black Women Organized for Action in San Francisco. In addition, Ms. Clarke was the Co-Chair and Founder with Marilyn Fowler, of the California Women's Agenda, a network and action alliance of over 600 organizations in California, and was chairwoman of the committee that led to the founding of the National Women's Political Caucus that worked to increase political power for women. Aileen Clarke Hernandez was a leader and fought against discrimination for more than seven decades. She took it as her mission to ensure a voice for women of color in the women's movement and civil rights movement, and worked on behalf of all people seeking social justice. Her monumental efforts have guided our nation on the right trajectory toward a more just society. On a personal note, I met Aileen in 1972 during Shirley Chisholm's groundbreaking presidential campaign. She became a mentor and helped shape my political views and guided my growing political involvement. I was constantly amazed at how she could build bridges between activists in the feminist movement, people of color, and the civil rights movement, in order to work together for positive change. I was proud to call Aileen my friend; I know that her legacy will live on, and her spirit will continue to guide us through the many challenges that we continue to face. Today, California's 13th Congressional District honors Aileen Hernandez's memory and her lifetime of service working on behalf of social justice and equality. We join her loved ones in celebrating her incredible life with a promise to honor her tremendous legacy.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary work of Donald R. White, who recently retired after 32 years of serving as Alameda County's Treasurer-Tax Collector. I recognize his exemplary work and the invaluable influence he had on our community in the County of Alameda. Mr. White graduated from California State University, Hayward (now Cal State East Bay) where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the California Society of CPAs, and a member of the American Institute of CPAs. These qualifications helped him become the first African American auditor at Ernst and Young's San Francisco office and he later co- founded Adams, Grant, White & Co, a minority owned accounting firm that had offices in Washington, D.C., Oakland, and Fresno. Donald began his work for Alameda County in 1985 when he made history as the first African American to be elected to the position of Treasurer-Tax Collector. As Alameda County's Treasurer, White oversaw billions of dollars in county funds, managed multiple departments, and supervised a staff of over 60 employees. Mr. White is a trailblazer. He dedicated his career to serving and supporting his community, investing years with countless community service organizations. He has committed himself to numerous non-profit boards, including service on the Board of Trustees for the East Oakland Youth Development Center and on the Board of Directors and as chair of the Audit Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of California. He served as treasurer for the Alpha Gamma Boule Foundation and treasurer of the Black Elected Officials and Faith Based Leaders of the East Bay. Over the years Mr. White has also committed his time and expertise to numerous professional organizations, including the California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors, National Association of Securities Professionals, National Association of Black Accountants, and is an active member of the Oakland Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Mr. White is an exemplary model of a positive community activist, promoter of equality, and role model for all. He has worked tirelessly as a public servant and committed himself to expanding and promoting diversity in every aspect of professional services for the county. On a personal note, I had the privilege to be involved in Don's first campaign, when I organized an event for him with Congressman Harold Ford. Don was also a member of a business delegation that I led to Africa, and the group benefitted tremendously from his expertise and insights. More than anything, Don always lived up to his role as an exemplary public servant, and I am proud to call him my friend. Today, on behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, I salute the long and successful career of Donald R. White. I offer my congratulations and acknowledge the positive impact that he had on the communities of Alameda County.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I include in the Record the names of the men and women who died in World War II while posted in Normandy, specifically the African-American men and women whom I will speak about. Names of African American Men Buried at Normandy American Cemetery (NAC) The 320th Battalion served with distinction during the D- Day invasion of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. That day, the 320th lost two of their own, Corporals Brooks Stith and Henry Harris. CPL Brooks Stith was born in 1922. While he was originally from North Carolina, he enlisted in the Army in Richmond, VA in December 1942. Corporal Stith had a family and made a living working with metal before the war. He was decorated with the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, and WWII Victory Medal. CPL Henry J. Harris was born in 1907. While he was originally from Pennsylvania, he enlisted in the Army in Boston, MA in April 1941. He was single and worked in furniture manufacturing before the war. Corporal Harris was decorated with the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, and WWII Victory Medal. PFC James M. McLean was born in 1922 and enlisted in the Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in December 1942. He was single and worked as a farm laborer before the war. Private First Class McLean was decorated with the American Campaign Medal, and WWII Victory Medal. He was a member of the 320th who died later on July 16, 1944. Others buried at the NAC are listed below: PFC Elihue E. Baltimore from Indiana of 963 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on April 28th, 1945. He was 27 years old. PFC Elihue E. Baltimore is buried in plot B, row 3, grave number 20. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. PFC Howard Anderson from Virginia of 3878 QM GAS SUP CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 6th, 1944. He was 32 years old. PFC Howard Anderson is buried in plot B, row 6, grave number 43. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. CPL Roy Bell from Pennsylvania of 237 QM SALV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 29th, 1944. He was 21 years old. CPL Roy Bell is buried in plot G, row 13, grave number 12. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. PVT James Blair from South Carolina of 4090 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 10th, 1944. He was 22 years old. PVT James Blair is buried in plot A, row 1, grave number 37. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. PVT John S. Brannon, Jr. from Massachusetts of 502 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 7th, 1944. He was 29 years old. PVT John S. Brannon, Jr. is buried in plot H, row 25, grave number 3. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. PVT Vernon F. Campbell from New York of 237 QM SALV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 29th, 1944. He was 24 years old. PVT Vernon F. Campbell is buried in plot J, row 6, grave number 35. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. PVT Andrew Collins, Jr. from Wisconsin of 237 QM SALV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 29th, 1944. PVT Andrew Collins, Jr. is buried in plot J, row 12, grave number 35. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. SGT Willie L. Collins from Georgia of 490 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 6th, 1944. He was 22 years old. SGT Willie L. Collins is buried in plot F, row 28, grave number 31. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. TEC 4 Oscar W. Davis from Texas of 815 TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 10th, 1944. TEC 4 Oscar W. Davis is buried in plot D, row 11, grave number 25. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. TEC 5 Howard F. Ellis from Virginia of 237 QM SALV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 29th, 1944. He was 38 years old. TEC 5 Howard F. Ellis is buried in plot E, row 13, grave number 14. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. TEC 5 William Gray from Mississippi of 3393 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 28th, 1944. He was 20 years old. TEC 5 William Gray is buried in plot C, row 9, grave number 16. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. M SGT Zylphus L. Greene from Pennsylvania of 237 QM SALV COLL CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 29th, 1944. He was 27 years old. M SGT Zylphus L. Greene is buried in plot B, row 8, grave number 44. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. PVT Charlie G. Harvey from Illinois of 3275 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 27th, 1944. He was 22 years old. PVT Charlie G. Harvey is buried in plot I, row 16, grave number 10. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. CPL Joseph N. Headd from New Jersey of 3912 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 16th, 1944. CPL Joseph N. Headd is buried in plot J, row 26, grave number 28. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. SGT Luther J. Irvin, Jr. from Indiana of 237 QM SALV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 29th, 1944. He was 29 years old. SGT Luther J. Irvin, Jr. is buried in plot G, row 19, grave number 31. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. PVT Eugene Jones from Illinois of 3275 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 30th, 1944. He was 22 years old. PVT Eugene Jones is buried in plot G, row 24, grave number 17. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. CPL James A. Long from Mississippi of 4090 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 10th, 1944. He was 27 years old. CPL James A. Long is buried in plot A, row 18, grave number 37. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. 1 SGT Willis G. Peele from North Carolina of 4454 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on March 21st, 1945. He was 29 years old. 1 SGT Willis G. Peele is buried in plot D, row 1, grave number 24. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. TEC 5 James G. Richardson from Texas of 237 QM SALV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 29th, 1944. He was 34 years old. TEC 5 James G. Richardson is buried in plot H, row 5, grave number 19. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. TEC 5 Robert J. Self from Virginia of 237 QM SALV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 29th, 1944. He was 29 years old. TEC 5 Robert J. Self is buried in plot E, row 9, grave number 14. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. TEC 5 Edward J. Thompson from Mississippi of 388 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on March 6th, 1945. He was 28 years old. TEC 5 Edward J. Thompson is buried in plot D, row 13, grave number 41. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. TEC 5 Lee H. Watson from Arkansas of 494 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on May 12th, 1945. TEC 5 Lee H. Watson is buried in plot B, row 19, grave number 11. He was decorated with a Purple Heart. PFC William D. Adams from Alabama of 1323 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 20th, 1944. He was 31 years old. PFC Joseph Allen from Mississippi of 244 QM BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on February 3rd, 1945. He was 26 years old. TEC 4 Florzell Anderson from New Jersey of 3116 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on January 19th, 1945. He was 23 years old. PVT Issac R. Anderson, Jr. from South Carolina of 4148 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on December 31st, 1944. He was 20 years old. PVT James R. Anderson from Indiana of 513 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on October 9th, 1944. He was 21 years old. TEC 5 Alvin T. Austin from Texas of 549 ENGR L PON CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on December 9th, 1945. TEC 5 Daniel Batts from Virginia of 485 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on April 20th, 1945. He was 38 years old. PVT William E. Beadle from Georgia of 511 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on March 29th, 1945. He was 21 years old. PVT E. L. Bolton from Tennessee of 3453 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on March 15th, 1945. He was 25 years old. PVT Dan Bouie, Jr. from Georgia of 821 AMPH TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on April 21st, 1945. He was 20 years old. SGT Bennie Boyd from South Carolina of 516 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on May 31st, 1945. He was 24 years old. TEC 5 Rochester Boyd, Sr. from Florida of 3398 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 1st, 1944. He was 24 years old. PVT Samuel S. Branson, Jr. from Pennsylvania of 4190 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 12th, 1944. He was 24 years old. TEC 5 Clyde Bridges from Georgia of 3519 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on May 24th, 1945. CPL Henry Brown from New Jersey of 999 FA BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 18th, 1944. He was 27 years old. PFC Otis Brown from Georgia of 388 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on October 12th, 1944. He was 24 years old. PFC William Law Campbell from New York of 435 ENGR DUMP TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 4th, 1945. He was 34 years old. SGT Robert Carey from Lousiana of 3399 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 11th, 1944. He was 20 years old. PFC Earlie Carothers from Mississippi of 364 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 7th, 1944. He was 25 years old. PVT William Carter from Michigan of 3862 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on November 8th, 1944. PVT Harold K. Chambers from Kansas of 452 AAA AW BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 6th, 1944. PVT Len Cleveland from Georgia of 501 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on January 1st, 1945. PFC Willie F. Cooper from Illinois of 399 QM LDRY CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 9th, 1944. He was 34 years old. STM2C Clarence N. Copeland from New York of USNR served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 8th, 1944. TEC 5 Eddie B. Culpepper, Jr. from Georgia of 17 SP SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 21st, 1945. TEC 4 Hoyt N. Daniels, Jr. from Arkansas of 414 PORT CD served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 19th, 1945. PFC William E. Davis from Pennsylvania of 515 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on April 26th, 1945. He was 21 years old. TEC 4 Dawson E. Dennis from Pennsylvania of 658 PORT CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 20th, 1945. He was 31 years old. PVT Cecil Dorsett from New York of 815 TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 24th, 1944. He was 34 years old. CPL Edward L. Drasdell from Kentucky of 4270 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on November 5th, 1944. CPL Randolph Easter from New York of 3867 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on January 21st, 1945. He was 33 years old. TEC 5 Cyrus S. Elliott from Arkansas of 514 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on November 5th, 1944. He was 23 years old. PVT Leo A. Fair from South Carolina of 4083 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 12th, 1944. He was 21 years old. PFC Harold G. Foster from New York of 818 TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 12th, 1944. He was 28 years old. PVT Sidney B. Fountain from Mississippi of 3135 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 3rd, 1945. He was 22 years old. MS Earlie J. Gabriel from North Carolina of USMM served his country honorably during WWII and died on December 14th, 1944. PVT Victor H. Gambles from Missouri of 365 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on April 4th, 1945. He was 32 years old. TEC 5 Frank Glenn from Texas of 1310 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on May 22nd, 1945. He was 31 years old. PVT Jessie Goode from North Carolina of 3556 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on November 7th, 1945. He was 22 years old. PFC Levester Goodman from North Carolina of 3193 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 16th, 1944. He was 24 years old. TEC 5 Ross Graham from South Carolina of 3138 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 29th, 1944. He was 23 years old. TEC 5 Tom Griggs from Ohio of 3682 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 24th, 1944. TEC 5 Thomas Hammonds from North Carolina of 392 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on November 30th, 1944. He was 31 years old. SGT Alex Hansboro from Texas of 434 PORT CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on January 21st, 1945. He was 22 years old. PVT John H. Harris from the District of Columbia of 1323 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 20th, 1944. He was 30 years old. PVT Roberta Hawkins from Texas of 3869 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on April 9th, 1945. He was 23 years old. CPL Charlie L. Herndon from Kentucky of 4083 QM V CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 12th, 1944. He was 23 years old. PVT William Hester from Arkansas of 306 RHD CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 10th, 1944. CPL Jimmie Hicks from Georgia of 1323 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 6th, 1944. He was 22 years old. TEC 5 Roy Hill from Oklahoma of 483 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on February 3rd, 1945. PFC Horace Horton from North Carolina of 499 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 3rd, 1945. He was 30 years old. PVT Harrison Hubbard from Arkansas of 3867 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 4th, 1944. PVT George Jackson from Ohio of 624 PORT CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on January 23rd, 1945. He was 29 years old. CPL Jinse C. Jackson from Kentucky of 549 ENGR L PON CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 8th, 1945. He was 27 years old. PVT Pete L. Jarber from Kentucky of 74 CML GENERATOR CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on December 2nd, 1944. He was 21 years old. 1 SGT Gelain J. Jefferson from Pennsylvania of 4335 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on March 14th, 1945. He was 22 years old. PFC Henry Jefferson from Louisiana of 988th QM Service Co served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 20th, 1944. He was 28 years old. PVT James H. Jeffries from Pennsylvania of 509 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on April 23rd, 1945. He was 20 years old. TEC 5 Albert Jenkins from New Jersey of 485 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 30th, 1944. PVT William H. Johnson from Virginia of 306 RHD CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 7th, 1944. He was 22 years old. TEC 5 John T. Jones from Virginia of 502 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 19th, 1944. He was 21 years old. SGT Melvin Jones from Georgia of 364 ENGR REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 8th, 1944. He was 22 years old. PFC Leroy Kelly from North Carolina of 516 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on November 24th, 1945. He was 24 years old. PVT Selmer Kendrick from Indiana of 4083 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 12th, 1944. He was 23 years old. M SGTJames W. Kersh from Tennessee of 364 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 11th, 1944. PVT Nollie J. Lewis from Texas of 317 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on March 7th, 1945. He was 34 years old. PVT Edmon T. Littleton from Alabama of 131 QM BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on April 30th, 1945. He was 23 years old. PVT Lindsay Lyles from Alabama of 511 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on March 4th, 1945. He was 21 years old. CPL Lloyd A. Martin from Pennsylvania of 236 QM BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on November 5th, 1944. He was 32 years old. 2 LT Eddie L. May from Wisconsin of 1349 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on May 26th, 1945. PFC Earl W. Mayes from Florida of 501 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on May 31st, 1945. He was 23 years old. PFC Vincent A. Mayo from New York of 4059 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 26th, 1945. He was 26 years old. TEC 4 Oscar L. Middlebrook from Tennessee of 513 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on April 7th, 1945. He was 21 years old. PFC Raymond T. Moore from Virginia of 1310 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 21st, 1944. He was 20 years old. PVT James E. Myers from Virginia of 3692 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on December 16th, 1944. He was 26 years old. PVT Chester Nash from Tennessee of 505 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on May 8th, 1945. He was 26 years old. TEC 5 Samuel G. Nathaniel from South Carolina of 3132 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on March 5th, 1945. He was 35 years old. PFC George M. Parker from Pennsylvania of 1323 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 9th, 1944. He was 35 years old. PVT Lawrence Payton from Lousiana of 388 ENGR REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on March 18th, 1945. He was 31 years old. SSGT Hiawatha L. E. Perry from Tennessee of 652 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on October 19th, 1944. He was 34 years old. PVT John D. Phillips from Pennsylvania of 502 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on May 29th, 1945. He was 21 years old. PVT James H. Pickens from Pennsylvania of 511 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on April 19th, 1945. PFC William A. Platt from North Carolina of 388 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on February 7th, 1945. He was 30 years old. TEC 5 Ernest R. Potts from Oklahoma of 3497 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on March 11th, 1945. He was 25 years old. SGT Curry Purser from Georgia of 389 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 6th, 1944. TEC 5 Mack Roby from Mississippi of 514 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 15th, 1944. He was 22 years old. PFC Jesse Rose from Illinois of 1432 Labor Sup Co served his country honorably during WWII and died on May 20th, 1945. He was 30 years old. PFC Paul L. Russell from Illinois of 3219 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on April 11th, 1945. PFC William L. Ryerson from New York of 364 ENGR REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 7th, 1944. He was 24 years old. TEC 5 Booker T. Saddler from Mississippi of 516 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on May 21st, 1945. He was 26 years old, PFC Orin D. Saddler from New York of 485 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on May 11th, 1945. He was 39 years old. PVT Logan S. Scott from Georgia of 951 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on November 18th, 1944. PVT John H. Showes from Ohio of 954 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on November 19th, 1944. He was 39 years old. CK3C Malcolm Slaughter from Mississippi of USNR served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 9th, 1944. PFC Charles C. Smith from Missouri of 4371 QM BAKERY CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on January 1st, 1945. He was 32 years old. PFC Frank W. Smith from South Carolina of 1697 ENGR COMBAT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 16th, 1945. He was 25 years old. PVT Albert Suber from Michigan of 1323 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 21st, 1944. TEC 5 Rufus Sykes from Virginia of 549 ENGR L PON CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 16th, 1945. He was 25 years old. PFC Luther J. Thompson from Michigan of 521 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on April 7th, 1945. PVT Vandyke S. Toye from Virginia of 388 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 10th, 1945. He was 27 years old. PVT Alexander Troop from Indiana of 165 CML GENERATOR CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on March 25th, 1945. He was 35 years old. PVT James Tucker from North Carolina of 973 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 19th, 1945. He was 25 years old. CPL Ernest J. Walker from Illinois of 4058 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 28th, 1944. He was 28 years old. CPL General U. Walker from Florida of 364 ENGR GEN SV REGT served his country honorably during WWII and died on July 7th, 1944. He was 25 years old. PVT David Webster from New Jersey of 3871 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on June 15th, 1945. He was 39 years old. TEC 5 Willie R. Weston from Pennsylvania of 663 QM TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on September 18th, 1944. He was 20 years old. TEC 5 Albert B. Williams from Georgia of 470 TRK CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on August 20th, 1944. He was 23 years old. PVT J. S. Willis from Missouri of 450 GAS SUP CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on December 27th, 1944. He was 22 years old. PVT William A. Wilson from Illinois of 485 PORT BN served his country honorably during WWII and died on March 31st, 1945. PFC Clifford Woods from Tennessee of 4057 QM SV CO served his country honorably during WWII and died on December 28th, 1944. He was 39 years old. Names of African American Women Buried at Normandy American Cemetery (NAC) 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was an all-women, all-black unit which processed mail in Europe during WWII. While women were not allowed In combat, PFC Mary H. Bankston and PFC Mary J. Barlow were killed in an auto vehicle accident on July 8, 1945 and SGT Dolores M. Browne from Connecticut died later from injuries on July 13, 1945. African American Men Missing in Action These men remain missing in action today. They are memorialized on the Wall of the Missing at the Normandy American Cemetery (NAC). TEC 5 Resse G. Boone from North Carolina of the 514 PORT

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, every year when we celebrate and reflect on Black History Month, we learn the stories of some of America's greatest scientists, actors, writers, entertainers, scholars, workers, and ordinary people who made major contributions to this great country. As a member of the Military Construction, Veteran Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, I want to share the unsung stories of the valiant Black men and women who served their country dutifully during World War II even in the face of adversity. We know about the brave Tuskegee Airmen--Red Tails--who flew fighter and bomber planes during World War II, but many do not know that the Red Tails were only a few of the nearly 1 million African Americans who served during the war. These courageous men and women fought bravely to protect the democratic ideals of freedom and equality. Sadly, the country they served did not live up to those ideals. When they returned from victory in Europe and the Pacific, many did not receive a hero's welcome because of the color of their skin. My dad, the late Lieutenant Colonel Garvin Tutt, was one of those heroes. He served in the 92nd Battalion in Italy supporting the Normandy invasion, was in World War II, the Korean war, and served in the Army for 25 years. Only recently have the contributions of African-American men and women during World War II been recognized as our country has attempted to acknowledge its sad and dark past. That is why I am taking time on the floor today to honor the 138 African-American men and women buried in Normandy American Cemetery and the 5 men who remain missing. It is my hope that, by sharing these stories today and entering their names into the Record, more people will come to appreciate the sacrifices of these brave men and women who served this country with distinction during World War II. Now, most people know that on June 6, 1944, approximately 2,000 soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy for what would be a major turning point in the war, but far fewer know that the all-Black 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion served with distinction during the D-day invasions. The 320th was the only Black unit to take part on D-day and the only balloon battalion dedicated to protecting troops from intense German aircraft attacks on Omaha and Utah beaches. This was unique because Black units were usually kept from combat and fulfilled essential support services instead. As part of their mission to protect Allied troops, the men of the 320th implemented innovative ideas to ease transportation to shore of barrage balloons that weighed half a ton. In addition to defending American soldiers during D-day invasions, the battalion also secured its own successful offensive strikes. The battalion's ingenuity and service was later recognized as an important element of the air defense team by Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was Supreme Allied Commander General at the time. Sadly, no sacrifice comes without the loss of human life. During the D-day invasion, the 320th suffered two casualties. Corporal Brooks Stith and Corporal Henry J. Harris from the 320th are both buried at the Normandy American Cemetery. Each of these men was decorated with the Purple Heart, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal for their valiant service. There is James M. McLean of the 320th, who died on July 16, 1944. He was also buried at the cemetery. African Americans who were buried at the cemetery, the men from the 320th, were buried with their White peers. Even though units were segregated until President Harry Truman changed official Department of Defense policies in 1948, Black and White soldiers who died in Normandy were buried together. At the Normandy American Cemetery, 135 African- American men and 3 African-American women were laid to rest from 1944 to 1945. Mr. Speaker, there are five Black men who remain missing in action while posted in Normandy. They are honored on the Walls of the Missing at Normandy with more than 1,700 others. While women were not allowed in combat during World War II, three Black women from the 6888th Postal Directory Battalion of the Women's Army Corps are also buried at the cemetery. They were killed during an accident with a jeep. Now, this was an all-women, all-Black unit that helped process mail in Europe during World War II. They were the first Black battalion deployed after First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune advocated for Black women to join the Women's Army Corps, the WAC, for nearly a year and a half. The women received basic training and were trained in jujitsu because they were not allowed to carry firearms. They successfully helped clear massive mail backlogs in various cities across Europe. While the women of the 6888th were celebrated for their work in Europe, some historians speculate that inspectors would sometimes give unsatisfactory reviews because of their prejudices. Unit commander Major Charity Adams was court-martialed once for pushing back when a general threatened to send a ``white first lieutenant'' to show her how to command her unit. We are indebted to these women for their exemplary work processing mail efficiently to keep up the morale of our troops during WWII. But more importantly, we owe them the respect they never received. Mr. Speaker, these men and women lost their lives too soon for a country that hasn't done a great job of remembering their bravery and their sacrifices. An analysis conducted by the Army showed that the average age of African American service members buried at the NAC is 27 years--the prime age when a young person is starting their life. That is why it is so important for us to remember and tell their stories during Black History Month. As Black History Month continues, I hope my colleagues will consider joining me in honoring their memories by also speaking on the Floor about other all-Black battalions who fought during WWII. As the daughter of a WWII and Korean Veteran, I am very honored to be on the Military-Veterans Appropriations Subcommittee to ensure our veterans receive the care and recognition they deserve. Let me close by thanking our Military-Veterans Chair, Congressman Charlie Dent and then Ranking Member Sanford Bishop and then full Committee Chair Rogers and Ranking Member Lowey, for their support in the Appropriations Committee and the commission for helping bring these great heroes and sheros to the attention of the American people and by properly recognizing their sacrifices and their legacies. Hopefully this effort will help us locate their descendants and families to and thank them and honor them as part of yes--Black History but of course this is American History that all Americans should recognize and learn from. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chair of our subcommittee, Mr. Dent, Ranking Member Lowey, Mr. Bishop, and you, Mr. Rogers, for your support in the Appropriations Committee and for the American Battle Monuments Commission's very dedicated work in helping us bring these great heroes and sheroes to the attention of the American people by properly recognizing their sacrifices and their legacies.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, let me thank Congresswoman DeGette for her tireless leadership in fighting for women's health, for healthy families in general, and for our children. I rise in strong opposition to H.J. Res. 43. It is no surprise that, once again, congressional Republicans are trying to undermine women's access to health care and basic family planning services. This ideological crusade--and that is what it is--will hurt those who need help the most, including low-income women, women of color, and young women. It would also deny thousands of families from choosing their provider of choice--and sometimes the only accessible provider-- under title X. Not only is this resolution antiwoman, it is also counterproductive. We know that for every dollar spent on title X family planning, we save more than $7 on Medicaid-related costs. But my Republican colleagues are so determined to take family planning options away from low-income women that they are prepared to put ideological perspectives above public health. As a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, I, unfortunately, see these attacks on women's health all too well. Last year, Republicans tried to completely eliminate funding for title X. So don't be fooled. This piece of legislation is not about Planned Parenthood. It is about Members of Congress trying to control women's bodies.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank Congressman Davis for yielding and for his tireless advocacy on behalf of the most vulnerable everywhere. I rise in strong opposition to H.J. Res. 42, which is really another baseless attack on the poor, on low-income individuals, and on the unemployed. Drug testing unemployed individuals is downright wrong. Let me be clear. This resolution is another way for Republicans to stop workers from claiming their right to unemployment benefits. It also is a scare tactic that flies in the face of facts. First, there is no evidence that people who receive public assistance use drugs any more frequently than those in the general population. Unemployment compensation, mind you, is not public assistance. By unnecessarily drug testing jobless workers, we are throwing them out in the cold when they are simply trying to get back on their feet. Mr. Speaker, workers receive unemployment benefits because they worked hard, they played by the rules, and they were laid off through no fault of their own. More importantly, working people have earned their right to apply for these benefits. They pay into the program. Their constitutional rights should not be violated. I also know that people want to work. People don't want to be on unemployment insurance. They want to provide for themselves and their families. Let me remind you, there is an opioid and heroin drug epidemic in this country, and it not only affects Democrats, this drug crisis is affecting Republicans, Independents--everyone. Yet, once again, you are throwing them out in the cold. Instead of passing this appalling resolution--and this resolution is appalling--we should be expanding job training, unemployment benefits for all, and provide resources for drug treatment. It is hard to believe that you want to punish people. That is what this resolution really does. It punishes people for working. That is really a shame and disgrace. So I strongly oppose this bill. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I also urge you to encourage people to work, to provide those job training resources and drug abuse resources for our mental health centers, for our drug counseling centers, and for everyone who needs treatment rather than drug testing to keep them from getting a job.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Raskin) and the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal) for their tremendous leadership. They have hit the ground running here in Congress in defense of our Nation's immigrants and refugees and for all who just seek to live the American Dream. So thank you very much for your leadership and for calling us together tonight. Mr. Speaker, in his first week as President, Donald Trump issued an executive order essentially banning immigrants and refugees from the United States on the basis of religion. This action effectively shuts our gates to some of the most vulnerable people in the world fleeing danger and death. This ban flies in the face of our fundamental values as Americans. It is, yes, morally reprehensible and will only serve to make the United States less safe. This executive order is also a direct threat to our national security. Banning Muslim immigrants and refugees only fuels ISIS propaganda by promoting the false idea that the United States is at war with Islam. This halfway ban is felt in our communities across the Nation. In my district, one Iranian student at the University of California, Berkeley was not allowed to board the plane to return to the United States. She is now forced to withdraw from the semester. This is a disgrace. Mr. Speaker, this Nation is and has been and will always be a Nation of immigrants. This ban and this President and his executive orders do not reflect our values. This is not who we are. As the President's divisive ban was implemented, we witnessed thousands of Americans bring what I call ``street heat.'' Men, women, and children across the country stood up to the President and declared with one voice: Not on our watch. These protests, the voice of the American people, give me hope. If we stand together and resist, we will prevail. While the President continues his attack on immigrants, refugees, and Muslims, I vow to stand up for our communities with my colleagues with a clear message saying once again: This is not who we are. This Muslim ban is hateful, it is unconstitutional, and it is downright wrong. Finally, let me just say that February is Black History Month. As an African American woman, I am reminded of the bans and exclusions of African Americans and my ancestors and the legacy of slavery where my ancestors were brought here in chains, built this country, and continued to fight for freedom and justice. As an African American, there is no way I can tolerate any ban on anyone seeking refuge in this great country. Finally, and in conclusion, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, I just want to say that I am going to fight tooth and nail to prevent funding for these misguided anti-immigrant and anti-refugee policies.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 724, which would rescind President Trump's refugee ban that prevented South Carolina resident and data scientist Nazanin Zinouri from returning to the United States after visiting her mother in Iran.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first let me thank Congressman Veasey for yielding and for his tireless work to defend rights and justice. Also to Congresswoman Plaskett, I thank the gentlewoman for continuing to speak out, to organize us, and for her stellar representation of her district. Mr. Speaker, in his first week as President, Donald Trump advanced dangerous conspiracy theories and enacted a Muslim ban that undermines our Nation's standing in the world. These actions show that President Trump will peddle his alternative facts no matter the consequences. Now, let me be clear. This approach to governance threatens our democracy and our national security. We must resist it. For starters, we cannot allow President Trump to erode our right to vote. Access to the ballot box is the cornerstone of American democracy, yet he spent his first week in office peddling the baseless myth that 3 to 5 million voted illegally in our election. Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. Both Republicans and Democrats have dismissed this myth as unsubstantiated, but the President continues to insist that millions of fraudulent voters cost him the popular vote. Let's call this what it is. This is a campaign by our highest elected official to fabricate reasons why he lost the majority of popular votes. He will use these blatant falsehoods to further undermine access to the voting booth. Mr. Speaker, this investigation that is being proposed really is a sham. The real attack on America's elections come from Republicans who make it harder for people of color, young people, and low-income people to vote. I include in the Record an editorial from The New York Times, ``The Voter Fraud Fantasy.'' [From The New York Times, Jan. 27, 2017] The Voter Fraud Fantasy (By Lilli Carre) There are varying degrees of absurdity in the fallacies President Trump peddled during his first week in the Oval Office. Perhaps the most damaging was his insistence that millions of Americans voted illegally in the election he narrowly won. Mr. Trump first made that false claim in late November, tweeting that he would have won the popular vote ``if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally.'' On Wednesday, he announced that he intended to launch a ``major investigation'' into voting fraud and suggested the outcome may justify tightening voting rules. What once seemed like another harebrained claim by a president with little regard for the truth must now be recognized as a real threat to American democracy. Mr. Trump is telegraphing his administration's intent to provide cover for longstanding efforts by Republicans to suppress minority voters by purging voting rolls, imposing onerous identification requirements and curtailing early voting. ``This is another attempt to undermine our democracy,'' said Representative Barbara Lee of California, one of the states where Mr. Trump falsely claimed results were tainted by large-scale fraud. ``It's about not honoring and recognizing demographic change.'' The apparent source of Mr. Trump's original claim of mass voter fraud was Gregg Phillips, a Texas man with a penchant for making wild allegations about voting fraud. Days before Mr. Trump's tweet, Mr. Phillips claimed on Twitter that he had ``verified more than three million votes cast by non- citizens.'' State election officials across the political spectrum promptly rejected that assertion, noting that ballot box fraud in the United States is exceedingly rare. On Friday, Mr. Trump tweeted that he was looking forward to seeing the results of an analysis of illegal votes, as promised by Mr. Phillips. Republican officials know the voter fraud claim is an indefensible lie. But few are challenging Mr. Trump or raising alarms about how severely this hurts our election system. Voter suppression initiatives have grown increasingly common since the Supreme Court invalidated a central provision of the Voting Rights Act in 2013, making it easier for local authorities to tweak election rules in a manner that disenfranchises particular groups of people. Under the Obama administration, the Justice Department aggressively fought these efforts. Lawsuits filed by civil rights advocates and the Justice Department led a federal appeals court in 2013 to strike down a North Carolina voter ID law that justices concluded had been designed to target African-American voters with ``surgical precision.'' Litigation in a similar Texas case is now on hold, pending guidance from the new attorney general. If Mr. Trump's attorney general nominee, Senator Jeff Sessions, is confirmed, the Justice Department will be likely to all but abandon enforcement of the Voting Rights Act. Mr. Sessions once called it a ``piece of intrusive legislation.'' That would allow state and national lawmakers to impose even tighter voting requirements, harming minorities, the young and the elderly, who tend to vote Democratic. Republicans may see these measures as a means of staying in power in the face of demographic changes. They should be ashamed of undermining the integrity of our system of government by trying to strip away a right Americans have fought for and died to secure.

Ms. LEE. If the President were serious about protecting access to the ballot, he would join members of the Congressional Black Caucus in our call for the restoration of the Voting Rights Act. Since it was gutted in 2013, millions of minority voters have been prevented from casting their votes. Last year alone, hundreds of thousands of minority voters were disenfranchised before and on election day. Instead of lodging investigations based on alternative facts, President Trump should be investigating the widespread efforts to disenfranchise voters, including the use of outdated voting machines, the mishandling of provisional ballots, the improper purging of voting rolls, and the widely reporting incidents of intimidation and misinformation at the polls. These are the truth threats to our democracy. If these threats are not enough to occupy President Trump's attention, he should turn to the widespread evidence of Russian interference in our elections. The facts are available and in need of bipartisan investigation, but President Trump has no interest in evaluating facts. He would rather focus on falsehoods. But the President's attacks on our democracy aren't restricted to alternative facts. This weekend we witnessed the erosion of another American value: our proud tradition as a refuge for immigrants of every religion. The President issued an executive order banning immigrants and refugees from the United States on the basis of religion. This outrageous executive order to shut people out from several Muslim nations runs counter to our fundamental values that we cherish as Americans. It is morally reprehensible and will only make the United States less safe. The order has done nothing but create chaos and fear among refugees and immigrants who have been admitted or have been approved to come to the United States. This Nation is, has been, and always will be a nation of immigrants and refugees. This is who we are. We don't turn our back to those in need. And certainly, we do not do so on the basis of religion. This is a watershed moment for our country, a moment that brings into question our moral character. Thousands of Americans took to the streets to protest the Muslim ban. Really? This is what the resistance must look like. Tonight, many of us joined our colleagues on the steps of the Supreme Court to demand a reversal of this hateful policy. We will continue to fight every attempt to erode our values to appease ideology and radical special interests. Our new bill, Statue of Liberty Values Act, known as the SOLVE Act, will reverse President Trump's Muslim ban executive order and ensure that funds or fees shall not be used to implement the order. I hope everyone signs on to Congresswoman Lofgren's bill. The President's order harms our families, our economy, and our national security. Once again, this is not who we are as a nation. We are better than. We must wake up and fight because the future of our democracy is at stake. My district is a district of immigrants. People are very afraid. We are a sanctuary district. What is taking place now is totally un- American.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman for yielding and for her tireless work and leadership on behalf of women's health. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 7. This discriminatory bill would undermine a woman's access to abortion care, which is a constitutional right as affirmed by Roe v. Wade, 44 years ago, by making the Hyde amendment permanent. This bill would restrict access to reproductive health care for millions of women and disproportionately harm low-income women and women of color. As if this isn't enough, H.R. 7 comes on the heels of a dramatic expansion of the global gag rule which denies lifesaving health care to women around the world; not to mention continuous Republican attacks on contraceptive access, comprehensive sex education, and Planned Parenthood. Madam Speaker, when I was a staffer on Capitol Hill when the Hyde amendment was passed, I remember the days very clearly of back-alley abortions. Clearly, Republicans are trying to take us back to the days when women died from unsafe abortions in this country. That is why I offered an amendment that would have recognized that women--not employers or politicians--have the right to make their own reproductive health choices. Shamefully, the Rules Committee refused to make it in order and allow for a debate. Madam Speaker, women should be able to make their own decisions about reproductive health care, including abortions, without Members of Congress or employers interfering.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Let me first thank Congresswoman Plaskett for her tireless leadership to protect our progress, but also for her vigilance and hard work on behalf of her district and the territories. I thank her and Congressman Marc Veasey for cosponsoring our Special Order, making sure that the drum is being beat very loudly throughout the country with regard to what is taking place here in Washington, D.C. For more than 45 years, the Congressional Black Caucus has been the conscience of the Congress. Since its founding, we have fought for robust legislative action to lift our constituents and the African American community, I guess, in a way, to ensure equal justice under the law so that everyone, including African Americans, will be able to live the American Dream. Now, make no mistake about it: we will continue to fight for justice and equality under President Donald Trump. The President's inaugural address, quite frankly, was appalling. In my nearly 20 years in the House, I cannot recall a darker, more pessimistic view of our Nation from an incoming President. The President's inaugural address distorted the truth about our communities. He used dog whistles to paint a frightening picture of our neighborhoods and stoke fear. Let me be clear: America is not the downtrodden, helpless Nation President Trump described. Yes, we have much more work to do to ensure equal justice under the law and to address the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation. But this means public investments in housing, education, jobs, not budget cuts and corporate tax breaks that just do the opposite and also dismantle the safety net. Within hours of taking office, the President already began to unravel the progress of the last 8 years. With the stroke of a pen, the President stuck a dagger in the heart of the Affordable Care Act that will take away health care for millions and pull the rug out from under low-income families seeking to buy homes. These destructive policies are an attack on the most vulnerable in our society. It is clear that these executive orders will disproportionately harm communities of color, the African American community, and the poor. Repealing the Affordable Care Act is just the tip of the iceberg. We have seen the Trump administration planning a full scale attack on the most marginalized community in our society. Last year, after continually insulting the African American community, Trump's so-called new deal for Black America really did just add insult to injury. Rather than helping struggling families, this agenda would gut Social Security, repeal the Affordable Care Act, and abolish the safety net. We know that these cuts now will just lead to more poverty. This approach is dead wrong. Instead of stepping on the most vulnerable to benefit special interests, President Trump should follow the CBC's lead by supporting a national strategy to eliminate poverty and extend economic opportunity to all Americans. He can start by supporting our Half in Ten Act, which would reduce poverty in half over 10 years. And if the Trump administration really wants a new deal to benefit African Americans, they should look to our assistant leader Jim Clyburn's 10-20-30 antipoverty plan, which would direct at least 10 percent of funds in designated accounts to spent in communities experiencing persistent poverty--those with a poverty rate of at least 20 percent over the last 30 years. These are just a few of the proposals that we have to address poverty and lift up our communities. What we won't do is allow President Trump to roll back progress or push more families over the edge into poverty. We should be identifying the root causes of poverty and developing policies to lift Americans up. Instead, President Trump has shown he would rather line the pockets of billionaires and advance those failed trickle-down economics. In President Trump's new deal for African Americans let me just read you very quickly what he said with regard to illegal immigration. He said: ``We will restore the civil rights of African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and all Americans, by ending illegal immigration.'' Our response is that the CBC will not buy into the divisive rhetoric that blames immigration for the social and economic problems in African American communities. Our members support comprehensive immigration reform. President Trump will not roll back the clock on our progress or doom another generation to the crippling effects of poverty. Let me be clear: this 10-point plan really is a slap in the face to African Americans everywhere. As co-chair of the CBC's Working Group on Poverty and the Economy, along with Congressman Cleaver and chair of the Democratic Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity, we will continue to work to make sure that the vital resources for low-income Americans, African Americans, and those struggling to make ends meet are there. We will make sure that the country understands that the Congressional Black Caucus continues to fight for a real deal for the African American community, for our entire Nation, and that means lifting people out of poverty, creating good-paying jobs, and moving forward on the progress that has been made. I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, if I were present, I would have voted no on roll call number 32 on the motion on ordering the previous question to H. Res. 40. If I were present, I would have voted no on roll call number 33 to H. Res. 40. If I were present, I would have voted yes on roll call number 34 to H.R. 39.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party. Originally called The Black Panther Party for Self Defense, the Party was founded in 1966 by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in response to the wide-spread poverty, lack of economic and educational opportunities, and police oppression experienced by the African American community in Oakland, California. Promoting the idea of ``All Power to the People'', and unwilling to wait for the political and social leaders of the time to address the needs of the African American community, the Panthers took action themselves to force change and bring about liberation from all forms of human exploitation and oppression. The most immediate need that the Party addressed was the rampant abuse of power by the police, and they soon began undertaking patrols and holding rallies to highlight incidents of police brutality throughout the East Bay. The images of armed Panthers storming the State House in Sacramento in 1967 in opposition to the Mulford Act brought national attention to these efforts, and highlighted the dire circumstances that many African Americans experienced on a daily basis. Beyond self-defense, the Panthers undertook a wide assortment of social programs to help improve the quality of life for inner-city blacks, organized around the Party's Ten-Point Program. The Panthers started a free breakfast program for children, medical clinics, drug and alcohol rehab programs, free groceries and clothing giveaways, legal aid, education and a housing cooperative, among other initiatives. As the Panthers numbers and influence grew nationwide, federal authorities saw their work as a threat to national security and undertook operations to monitor, obstruct, and undermine the party's activities. FBI Director Hoover even called the Party the ``greatest threat to the internal security of the country'' in 1968, and directed the covert ``COINTELPRO'' to neutralize the Party and its members. Despite this opposition by the authorities, throughout the 1960's and 1970's the Panthers became a national force for social change, empowering a new generation of African Americans to seize political power, partnering with other disenfranchised communities around the country, and demonstrating that the legacy of slavery and racial oppression still prevented so many from experiencing the promise of prosperity and equality that is the foundation of the American dream. I must also personally thank former Party Chairwoman Elaine Brown for her bold leadership, for being a strong role model for African American women, and for her friendship. Since 1971 I have witnessed her ability to face challenges with ``righteous indignation'' and a deep love for all people who lack power in our country. I was proud to work on her trailblazing campaign for Oakland City Council, and learned from her the importance of focusing on issues that have the ability to improve people's daily lives. For that I am deeply grateful. As we see so apparently every time another young African American is shot by police, the work of the Panthers is far from done. On behalf of California's 13th Congressional District, where the Panthers first came together and where their efforts were headquartered, I extend my sincerest congratulations to the Black Panther Party on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Thank you to all who continue the work to combat racial oppression, and work for a world of true justice, peace, and equality.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank our ranking member for yielding and also for his steadfast commitment to protecting the health and well- being of all Americans. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this resolution, which would advance the repeal of the Affordable Care Act without any replacement in sight. Let me be clear. This resolution would wipe away health care from 30 million Americans and raise premiums for millions more. It would also create chaos through our community and our economy and our Nation. It would put the insurance companies back in charge. It is not just the Affordable Care Act that is on the chopping block. Republicans also want to cut women's reproductive health care. Once again, they want to defund Planned Parenthood, one of the Nation's leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care for women and families. Women would be denied breast cancer screenings and preventive health care. Community clinics in rural and urban communities would be devastated. We know that Planned Parenthood is one of the Nation's leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care for women and their families. Denying access to healthcare providers such as Planned Parenthood will hurt women who need these services the most: low-income women and women of color. That is why I offered an amendment to protect these critical services. Shamefully, the Rules Committee refused to make it in order and even allow for a debate on this floor. I also cosponsored the amendment with Representative Pocan and others within the Congressional Progressive Caucus opposing cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefits. Republicans refused to allow a debate on this critical issue as well. The most vulnerable--the poor, seniors, and disabled individuals-- would be left to fend for themselves, and their lives would be shattered through these Republican cuts. Mr. Chairman, we must stand up for the millions of people who have coverage because the Affordable Care Act really does save lives. It is a disgrace; Republicans continue to raise this war to kill the ACA without replacing it. Once again, it will hurt the most vulnerable. People will be sicker again. America will be sick again. This is a matter of life and death.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck the nation of Haiti on January 12, 2010. This Thursday marked 7 years since a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, killing Haiti's population center and the seat of its government. The aftermath of the quake was unimaginable. 316,000 people perished, and 1.3 million were displaced. This tragedy struck a nation already hobbled by grinding poverty, health disparities, and food insecurity. Approximately 147,000 people remain internally displaced in Haiti, with countless others displaced outside IDP camps. The world and the American people, though, responded to the earthquake with generosity. To date, the United States has contributed billions to recovery efforts, along with donors from around the world. The Assessing Progress in Haiti Act, which was a bipartisan effort with Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and was signed into law 3 years ago, provides us critical oversight to ensure that aid continues in the most effective way possible. Unfortunately, more work needs to be done. Haiti continues to be struck by natural disasters, including severe drought and devastating effects of Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, let me first say how happy I am today to acknowledge the extraordinary accomplishments of two high school football teams in my beautiful congressional district. Until now, Oakland, California, never held a State championship, but now we have two. On December 17, Bishop O'Dowd clinched the CIF State Division 5-AA Championship. They beat Valley View High School 43-24, with former Oakland Raiders running back Coach Napoleon Kaufman leading them to victory. The same day, McClymonds' Warriors claimed the CIF State 5-A Championship with a 20-17 victory, becoming the first Oakland Athletic League team to win a State championship. McClymonds is a public historic high school in the West Oakland community of my district. Coach Michael Peters has coached McClymonds since 1992 and has shown his commitment over the years to ensuring his athletes succeed both on the field and in the classroom. Bishop O'Dowd, a Catholic high school, has been an athletic force for years, and I am so proud of their team. They have achieved the historic accomplishment of their championship also. These young athletes have embodied the spirit, the passion, and the sportsmanship of Oakland and the entire East Bay. Please join me in congratulating them on these championships.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from New Jersey for yielding, but also for her tremendous leadership on so many issues, including as a champion for women and women's health and reproductive health care, and also for this important discussion tonight. I just want to mention that I serve on the Budget Committee, and you mentioned a nominee, Congressman Tom Price of Georgia, for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Once again, we see President-elect Donald Trump making recommendations of those individuals who want to dismantle the safety net and dismantle health care within the agencies that they are going to run. This is a very, very troubling development in terms of these cabinet appointee nominees. I note that--and many know--President-elect Trump ran one of the most divisive and prejudiced campaigns that we have witnessed in modern history. Since winning the Presidency, he has nominated billionaires to serve in his cabinet, proving that he will govern just as he campaigned. Also, he has nominated individuals who want to dismantle, for the most part, the agencies that they will have jurisdiction over. Another example is his choice for Secretary of State, which Congresswoman Watson Coleman mentioned, and that is Rex Tillerson. I serve on the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee and understand the importance of our diplomatic initiatives, our USAID initiatives, and our efforts to really bring education and health care to the poorest of the poor around the world. Our Secretary of State serves as the Nation's chief diplomat and represents America's interests around the world. I have the opportunity and the privilege to serve on the committee that funds the majority of these efforts. So the nomination of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson really troubles me. His extensive ties to the Kremlin raises the question: Whose interest will he represent? Our country cannot afford a Secretary of State who will place private corporate interests over the needs of the American people and our national security interests. His recent confirmation hearing revealed what we have known all along in Republican-controlled Washington, that cabinet officials will cater to special interests, not to American families, based on the nominees that we have seen come forward. It is not just the Secretary of State we should be concerned about. Here at home, President-elect Trump has nominated cabinet officials that would turn back the clock on progress. His nomination for Secretary of Labor, Andrew Puzder, is another millionaire CEO who benefits from an economy rigged against families struggling to make ends meet. He earns more than $1 million a year, but opposes a raise for low-wage workers earning just $15,000 a year. He says that food assistance programs keep low-wage workers like those he employs at, I believe, Carl's Jr. and Hardee's--he says that if low-wage workers apply for these food assistance programs, then the programs actually discourage work. There are millions of people who are working two jobs being paid minimum wage who need food assistance, who need food stamps, because they can't survive in today's economy. So the working, poor, low-income individuals, should be very troubled by this appointment as Secretary of Labor, which is supposed to look out for the rights of working men and women. We need a Labor Secretary committed to helping working families and addressing the epidemic of poverty, not one who caters to the most affluent. Also, by nominating Senator Sessions to lead the Justice Department, President-elect Donald Trump is making it clear that he will abandon our fundamental civil and human rights. Senator Sessions has a long history of opposing civil rights and equality. I am very proud of members of the Congressional Black Caucus for really setting forth his record and his history, such as laying out the fact that he was rejected from serving as a Federal judge due to his blatantly racist comment. He forcefully degraded the LGBT community, opposed the Violence Against Women Act, and violated the Voting Rights Act, calling it an intrusive piece of legislation. Clearly, someone who has publicly shown prejudice and intolerance is not qualified to serve as the chief law enforcement for our civil rights laws. Once again, you see a nominee who really doesn't believe in the values of liberty and justice for all, a person to head an agency that is supposed to be an agency that ensures the civil and human rights for all. Let me be clear, these nominations are a chilling indication of how a Trump administration intends to govern. Our Nation has made tremendous progress in the fight to protect, preserve, and expand civil rights, civil liberties, and human rights for all Americans. We will not allow a Trump administration to drag us back into the past. Finally, let me just say something that is troubling me tremendously at this point in our history. Our Nation prides itself on being a democracy. We actually promote democracy abroad through our democracy programs, which, of course, I have historically opposed. The point I am trying to make and want to make clear is that this new administration, when you look at the majority of cabinet nominees, they are very, very wealthy and do not fundamentally believe in a strong public sector and in many ways do not support the mission of the cabinets they are actually asked to lead. Privatizing Medicare and other public sector programs that ensure that the most vulnerable have a safety net and an opportunity to live the American Dream by privatizing these agencies is dangerous. It will lead to chaos. Private sector takeover of the government is dangerous and it erodes our public institutions that are required in a democracy. So, Congresswoman Watson Coleman, I believe this is the dangerous, slippery slope that this administration has embarked upon, and we need to expose every step of the way who these individuals are, their background, and we have to urge that they comply with the ethics requirement and submit their financial disclosure statements and all the required ethics forms so that the public will know who they are. We must be transparent and, of course, we would like for our President- elect to release his income taxes also. Again, we kind of see what is taking place now. We knew this during the campaign. I thought that we were going to see now more of an effort to unify the country, but, unfortunately, I think these nominees show us which direction, unfortunately, this new administration will take.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, if I were present I would have voted YES on roll call number 29 to Velazquez Amendment No. 1. If I were present I would have voted YES on roll call number 30 to Clay Amendment No. 2. If I were present I would have voted NO on roll call number 31 to H.R. 79.