Susie Lee

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a true trailblazer and my dear friend, Susan Tose Spencer. She was the first and only general manager, legal counsel, and vice president in NFL history, leading the Philadelphia Eagles. After moving to Las Vegas, Susan started her nonprofit, A Level Playing Field, which donated thousands to local high school football teams like the one at Rancho High School. She also helped launch a rowing program at Nevada State, which at the time did not have any competitive sports programs. So many in Las Vegas and elsewhere have been touched by Susan's generosity and tenacity. Susan touched so many lives. Her mark on Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and the NFL will always be remembered.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Silverado Ranch Community Center in Clark County, Nevada. Since opening its doors, the Silverado Ranch Community Center has become a cornerstone of engagement, learning, and well-being for families and residents of all ages. From youth programs and senior activities to public meetings and fitness classes, the Center has served as a vital hub for connection and opportunity in the growing southeast area of the Las Vegas Valley. This achievement would not have been possible without the foresight and commitment of the Clark County Commission, whose leadership continues to invest in high-quality community infrastructure that enhances the lives of local residents. Their support reflects the values of accessibility, inclusion, and forward-thinking civic development. I would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Silverado Ranch Community Center. Their tireless efforts, professionalism, and welcoming spirit have made this first year a resounding success. As we celebrate this anniversary, let it serve as a testament to what can be accomplished when local government, public servants, and community members come together with a shared vision. This is a great milestone in our community. I look forward to many more years of growth, service, and celebration at Silverado Ranch.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Mountain's Edge community in Clark County, Nevada. Since its groundbreaking in 2005, Mountain's Edge has grown into one of the most vibrant communities in the southwest area of the Las Vegas Valley. Mountain's Edge sits at the foothills of the Spring Mountains, and was envisioned as a place where residents could live, work, and thrive with the surrounding natural beauty. Over the past two decades, that vision has become a reality for the more than 40,000 people that call Mountain's Edge home Today, its residents can enjoy outdoor living with 700 acres dedicated to open green spaces, parks and trails. This award-winning community is home to over 70 diverse neighborhoods with convenient access to strong schools, shopping centers, and other amenities. Not only does its outdoor recreation set it apart, but Mountain's Edge offers its residents a strong sense of community. I would like to extend my congratulations to the Mountain's Edge Master Association, local businesses, schools, first responders, and all the residents who have helped shape the community's success over the last 20 years. I wish its residents continued success and community spirit for decades to come.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the loss of a true caretaker of Las Vegas, my dear friend and mentor, Elaine Wynn. There are no words and certainly not enough time to express my sadness and share the enormous impact that Elaine had on Las Vegas, on Nevada, and on this country. Her trailblazing philanthropy touched the lives of millions, whether it was a kid able to play in afterschool sports, a struggling student who was able to graduate high school, or a kid who received food backpacks each weekend. Of course, there was her strong support of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Elaine was an incredible businesswoman because her bottom line started with taking care of her employees first and her customers second. While my heart is still heavy, I can't be anything but grateful that I was able to know her and to learn so much from such an amazing woman. Her memory and impact will be felt forever.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the week of March 24th to March 28th of 2025 as National Area Health Education Centers Week, or AHEC week. Southern Nevadans are facing a dire shortage of health care providers, which means longer wait times, fewer choices, and less access to quality care. To solve this crisis, underserved communities like ours need to expand the resources we offer so that medical providers can learn and grow their careers in southern Nevada. AHECs are a part of that solution. These centers connect students to local populations, which helps facilitate future engagement and boosts care in our communities. That has been and will continue to be key as we fight to ensure every Nevadan has access to the health care they need. The AHEC program has already trained millions of health care professionals. Across our state, from Elko to Reno to Las Vegas, the AHEC program is strengthening the future of our health care workforce which will help the collective health of all Nevadans. That's why I'm proud to support this program and why, year after year, I've fought to secure essential federal investments in the national AHEC program. On behalf of my constituents at the Nevada AHEC program, their national counterparts, and the thousands of Americans who benefit from the care fostered by AHECs, I am proud to recognize this National Area Health Education Centers Week. I thank them all for their dedication to keeping our communities healthy.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate who I believe will be the next winner of ``American Idol,'' Sierra Vista High School's own and Nevada Third District constituent Isaiah Misailegalu. Over the weekend, I watched Isaiah get his golden ticket to Hollywood after singing ``A Song for You,'' with his uncle playing the guitar by his side. With a voice like his, it is no wonder they are calling him Samoan Silk. Not only is Isaiah a powerful and talented singer, but he also shines on the football field and volleyball court and in leading his school's Polynesian Club. No matter what Isaiah does, I hope he knows that the entire southern Nevada community is behind him chasing his dreams. I wish him the best of luck on his ``American Idol'' journey.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr Speaker, My vote was not recorded today. Had it been recorded, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 56.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Let me tell you what the CFPB has done to protect working families for years, such as capping bank overdraft fees and credit card late fees, suing big banks for taking advantage of families, saving Americans over $20 billion from abusive corporations. Now, Elon Musk and DOGE want to kill it because it is better for billionaires and big corporations and not for you. Let me be clear: This does nothing to make your life more affordable. It is quite the opposite. In fact, none of what the Trump administration has done so far is making life more affordable for working Nevadans. If you are concerned about these attacks on working families and attacks on our Constitution itself, I implore you to call your nearest Republican. Let's face it: They control Congress, and it is up to them to stand up and help us stop this unconstitutional power grab and deliver on their promise to make life more affordable for you.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an incredible achievement by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas cheerleading team, who once again won the All Girl Division 1A Game Day Championship title last week. This isn't the first time these amazing women have taken the top spot in one of the most prestigious championships for cheerleading. With this year's performance, an iconic Elvis-inspired homage to our city, they have reaffirmed themselves as not just national champions, but a national powerhouse for years to come. I congratulate every cheerleader, coach, and family member who made this success possible. Go Rebels.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of retired Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Peterson, a champion for southern Nevada's veteran community. Chief Peterson was a highly decorated Army veteran and unrelenting advocate for those around him. After flying helicopters in the Army for more than 20 years, he came home to serve as the commander of the Henderson chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, to be a member of the Henderson Vietnam Veterans of America, and attend as many unaccompanied veteran burial ceremonies as he could find. He also went to every Veterans Treatment Court graduation and never hesitated to offer his support to fellow veterans in need. To be clear, it is impossible to sum up Chief Peterson's decades of service in just one speech on the House floor. That is part of the reason why I had the privilege of working with the Library of Congress for his story to be part of the Veterans History Project. While he has too many medals to name here, I can say this: Chief Peterson was a mentor, a father, a spouse, a leader, a friend, a protector, and a servant to both southern Nevada and our entire country. I extend my condolences and prayers to Dan's wife, Eileen, and his four children and stepchildren. We all owe Dan a debt of gratitude. We will all miss him. Unconditional Aid for Eaton Fire Victims

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the loss of retired Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Peterson--a champion for southern Nevada's veteran community. Chief Peterson was a highly decorated Army Veteran and unrelenting advocate for those around him. After flying helicopters in the Army for more than 20 years, he came home to serve as Commander of the Henderson Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, be a member of the Henderson Vietnam Veterans of America, and attend as many Unaccompanied Veterans Burial Ceremonies as he could find. He also attended every Veterans Treatment Court graduation and never hesitated to offer his support to fellow veterans in need. To be clear: it is impossible to sum up Chief Peterson's decades of service in just one speech on the House floor. That's part of the reason why I had the privilege of working with the Library of Congress for his story to be part of the Veterans History Project. But while he has too many medals to name here, I can say this: Chief Peterson, you were a mentor, leader, a friend, a protector, and a servant to both southern Nevada and our entire country. We all owe him a debt of gratitude, and we will all miss him.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Wednesday, December 11. Had it been recorded, I would have voted YES on Roll Call No. 499.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mrs. Peltola and Ms. Maloy for their leadership. Abandoned hardrock mines are scattered all across the American West, including in my own district, which is home to some of the oldest mine lands in Nevada. Their pollutants are poisoning our waters, threatening Tribal lands and resources, and creating hazardous landscapes that have injured and killed Americans. A range of highly qualified partners, from State and local agencies to the nonprofit guardians of America's great outdoors, such as Trout Unlimited, stand ready to work with the Federal Government to clean up these sites. Today's bipartisan, bicameral legislation will safely and responsibly cut through red tape currently preventing these Good Samaritans from doing so. It has taken 25 years of consensus building to craft this version of the Good Sam bill now on the floor. That is a quarter century of collaboration that has earned this version of the bill the support of every Member of the U.S. Senate; our Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers, myself included, who have led the charge to get this legislation across the finish line in this Congress; and stakeholders from The Nature Conservancy to the National Congress of American Indians and the Western Governors' Association. Mr. Speaker, here is a sobering reminder: Across these multiple decades, abandoned hardrock mines have continued to send mercury, arsenic, lead, and other toxic materials into our rivers and communities. Let's take a look back in history to highlight just one example. When the Senator from Montana first proposed the Good Sam legislation back in 1999, officials from the State were hoping that it would provide a pathway for them to help clean up an 1800s-era abandoned mine polluting Montana's Corbin Creek. After 25 years, with Good Sam bill after Good Sam bill dying here in Washington, Corbin Creek still remains on Montana's list of impaired waters to this day, and for no good reason since Good Samaritans have been willing to actively assist. The time for talking is over. It is now time for the House to act. Before Congress adjourns, we have a historic opportunity to put our Nation on an accelerated path to cleaner waters and safer landscapes. This Good Sam bill is a good bill. The Clean Water Act and Superfund both aim to restore and maintain the integrity of America's waters, and this bill moves us closer to that objective. It also includes multiple protections and provisions to prevent any abuse or backsliding. Mr. Speaker, I ask both my Republican and Democratic colleagues to join me in voting at long last to pass it.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, my votes were not recorded today. Had they been recorded, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 470, YEA on Roll Call No. 471, YEA on Roll Call No. 472, and YEA on Roll Call No. 473.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, my votes were not recorded today. Had they been recorded, I would have voted YES on Roll Call No. 466 and YES on Roll Call No. 467.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Madam Speaker, my vote was not recorded today. Had it been recorded, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 465.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Chair, I am not sure how familiar everyone is with the committee proceedings on this legislation, but just in case, I want to offer a little refresher. This is not the first time that I have spoken out on the majority's either inability or outright refusal to do what is right by our Nation's firefighters. In August 2023, my friend and colleague, Representative Joe Neguse, who is the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands, introduced the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act of 2023. This bipartisan legislation would permanently fix the pay cliff that our firefighters, our hometown heroes who are actually out there fixing our forests, are facing at the end of this week. We have known about this pay cliff for well over a year, but here we are, nearing the end of 2024, and the majority has still failed to enact a permanent fix. There is certainly not one in this bill, the Fix Our Forests Act. Right now, the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act of 2023 has over two dozen champions on both sides of the aisle, evenly divided by Democrats and Republicans, myself included. Yet, all we have to show for this is yet another temporary fix in this week's CR, with Republican leadership once again stringing along these men and women in uniform for another few months without a permanent solution. As appropriators on both sides of the aisle have emphasized, these temporary patches end up costing taxpayers more than simply locking in a permanent pay fix. Strangely, this all comes after the House Republicans actually did vote for a permanent fix, as the chairman has stated. Let me clear this up: It was part of the fiscal year 2025 Interior appropriations bill, which stands no chance of making it to the President's desk because of the majority's insistence on including over 80 poison pill policy riders to appease partisan extremists. If they were serious, they would have dropped these partisan riders. Now, in spite of the bipartisan support for both the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act and my own amendment to this bill to achieve the same goal, the majority is now claiming that that permanent pay fix is somehow not germane to the Fix Our Forests Act. I ask, again, who exactly are the people on the front lines doing the work of fixing our forests? Answer: Our wildland firefighters. Men and women are being paid less than a living wage in one of the wealthiest countries in the world to literally jump out of planes and contain fires before they burn down our homes and businesses.

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Chair, instead, we are going to slap a Band- Aid on this and revisit the pay issue after another congressional recess, which just got longer. Meanwhile, these firefighters will hold their breath for another torturous 3 months, or even worse, they will get fed up and walk off the job, and our country will be less safe as a result. What is happening is not just wrong, but it is nonsensical. We have firefighters risking their lives, needing a fix, with Republicans and Democrats both supporting a fix. Either a standalone bill or an amendment to this bill would provide that permanent fix, yet we don't have one. No more excuses.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, my votes were not recorded today. Had they been recorded, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 436, YEA on Roll Call No. 437, NAY on Roll Call No. 438, and YEA on Roll Call No. 439.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the first woman in history to score 1,000 points in a single WNBA season, the Las Vegas Aces' very own A'ja Wilson. I had the honor of witnessing A'ja make history last Sunday against the Connecticut Suns, where her signature fade-away mid-range jumper landed her in the history books once again. A'ja and the rest of the back-to-back world championship Vegas Aces are well known for breaking records, but this one felt particularly special. I thank A'ja and everyone in the Vegas Aces family for making their city proud. We look forward to cheering them all on as the Aces get one step closer to going back to back to back this year.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the vibrant Hispanic community that makes southern Nevada an incredible place to live, work, and raise a family. Hispanic Americans make up nearly one-quarter of my district and about 30 percent of Nevada. They are a testament to the American Dream that makes our Nation so strong. From businesses of all sizes, southern Nevada would not be the same without the entrepreneurship and dedication of our local Hispanic community. Folks who literally built Vegas from the ground up continue to be an enormous part of our one-of-a-kind 24/7 economy. Of course, these proud Nevadans aren't just creating businesses. They are transforming our local economy, fostering inclusive growth, and bridging cultural gaps between our communities. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our families to strengthen our Hispanic voices and complement their hard work at home with the economic resources they need. I look forward to being back in southern Nevada soon to celebrate this important month together. Child Tax Credit Ms. LEE of NEVADA. Madam Speaker, today I rise on behalf of working families across southern Nevada. I am talking about casino workers who work weekends, healthcare workers who often work through the night, or the entrepreneurs who take no breaks trying to launch their new businesses. Each and every one of these parents are trying to do what should be a basic right in this country: to work one job and to raise a family. However, in order to do that, they need more money in their pockets and access to quality childcare. We have a tool that can help make that a reality. It is expanding the child tax credit. That is why I was proud to vote for exactly that in the bipartisan tax package earlier this year that will lower costs and keep more money in Americans' pockets. Sadly, there are extremists right here in Congress who disagree. They want to cut the child tax credit, a proven tool for helping families who are struggling to make ends meet. If Congress does not act, these extremists will win, and the child tax credit will be slashed. I am calling on the Senate to get this legislation to the President's desk and deliver the relief that working parents in southern Nevada and beyond need.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, my vote was not recorded on Tuesday, July 9. Had it been recorded, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 340.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to support my legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chair of the committee for his leadership. Today, I am pleased that the House is considering the Accelerating Appraisals and Conservation Efforts Act, known as the AACE Act, my bipartisan, bicameral bill to cut red tape for everyone who relies on the Federal Government to buy, sell, or transfer public land. It will speed up appraisals and approvals for Nevada housing projects and cut governmental red tape that drives up housing costs. Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the public lands they have fought to preserve, and it will allow for better and faster infrastructure to power our communities. The U.S. Department of the Interior oversees hundreds of millions of acres of public lands nationwide. Its Bureau of Land Management alone stewards roughly 70 percent of the lands in my home State of Nevada. Before the Department of the Interior is able to buy, sell, lease, trade, or conduct any type of land-related transaction, it must first make sure that these activities are done at fair market value to protect the public trust. However, while full-time Federal appraisers are able to work quickly and easily across State lines, the private appraisers on whom the Department of the Interior must now rely to satisfy the growing demands on the agency can only work in specific States or territories in which they are individually credentialed. This is slowing progress across the country on a range of conservation, economic, housing, and infrastructure goals, all dependent on the Department of the Interior's ability to complete land transactions promptly. My bipartisan AACE Act would help alleviate and prevent appraisal bottlenecks by building upon a decades-old precedent of limited license reciprocity for appraisers established under the Bush-Quayle administration. It would enable the Department of the Interior to contract with private appraisers who are appropriately credentialed in one State to perform appraisal valuation services on the Department of the Interior's behalf in any State. Importantly, it would also require the Department of the Interior to continue to prioritize working with local appraisers, unlocking the enhanced flexibility provided by the bill only when no assignment- qualified or cost-competitive local appraisers are available. In short, this legislation would maximize DOI's efficiency without spending a single additional dollar of taxpayers' money. It better positions America's principal land management agency to complete land transactions of all kinds more effectively and efficiently, ensuring that the Federal Government can deliver on these critical projects without getting in its own way. That is why the bill has the support of Republican and Democratic Members of Congress, Senators, and Governors. It is also supported by the DOI and organizations ranging from Conservation Lands Foundation to Trout Unlimited to the Nevada Housing Coalition and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It benefits everyone, from conservationists to developers, who all find themselves waiting at the back of the same Federal appraisals line. I thank my colleague and good friend, Representative Dave Joyce, for writing this much-needed legislation with me to provide a simple, bipartisan solution to a simple, bipartisan problem. I thank Senator Catherine Cortez Masto for championing this commonsense legislation in the Senate. It is essential that we pass the bill in this Congress so we can get it to the President's desk without delay and deliver as soon as possible on the lands projects that Americans need. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. LEE of Nevada

Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 897 would establish the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary, which would safeguard a remarkable and ancient natural reserve. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan unearthed a well-preserved ancient cypress forest, still rooted in the mud, 60 feet underwater in the Gulf of Mexico, south of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Scientific analysis of the cypress trees reveals that they are over 50,000 years old, dating back to a time when the sea levels were approximately 400 feet lower than today. This forest is a unique relic of our planet's past and the only known site where a coastal forest of such antiquity remains preserved. The Alabama underwater forest is a valuable source of information, offering insights into ancient climate conditions, regional rainfall patterns, insect populations, and plant life on the Gulf Coast before humans inhabited the Americas. However, its preservation is under threat. In 2020, a furniture company applied for a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to harvest the ancient cypress wood for profit. Establishing this marine sanctuary will prevent commercial exploitation and protect this irreplaceable ecosystem for future generations. It will ensure that the site remains undisturbed, allowing for continued scientific research and environmental education. Additionally, the sanctuary will provide opportunities for ecotourism and research, boosting the local economy while fostering a greater understanding of our natural heritage. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to protect and preserve this unique piece of natural history. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.