Julia Letlow

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Herschel Ryan, an incredible individual who is not just a close personal friend but a true American hero. My personal experiences with Herschel Ryan started when I was a small child, but the most poignant moment that I ever had with him was when he chaperoned on our church mission trip in the seventh grade. It was there that he took a few minutes and shared with me his personal experiences from the Vietnam war. Mr. Herschel was a talented pilot in the Army, achieving the rank of captain and recognition for his skills in flying helicopter missions. It was while he was supporting a combat operation on February 9, 1968, that his flight encountered intense enemy fire, and he took a direct hit. His injuries were so severe that he would ultimately lose his left hand and eye, yet he still managed to direct his flight back to safety. For his gallantry and bravery, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Air Medal with 25 oak leaf clusters. Mr. Speaker, hearing Mr. Herschel's story was formational for me. It was the first time I had ever heard a personal perspective from a veteran. What a gift he gave to me that day. In this Chamber, we often talk about the need to honor our veterans and the desire to celebrate our heroes. When I think of those who served and sacrificed, I think of Herschel Ryan, a glowing example of some of the finest men and women this country has ever produced. He fought in a war that was unpopular and came home to a country that did not want to talk about heroism. {time} (1115) But in spite of all that and the personal challenges he faced; he never lost his joy. I cannot think of a more genuine, warm, and kind man. He has an infectious laugh and spreads happiness to everyone who is around him. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Herschel just turned 80 years old and has retired from a successful career in business. He now travels with his wife, Debbie, and volunteers his free time working with veterans who suffer from PTSD, wanting to continue to serve others. Mr. Speaker, today, here in the House of Representatives, we pause and pay tribute to a great man and true American hero, Mr. Herschel Ryan.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I ask the House to join me in recognizing the incredible life and tremendous legacy of Mayor Velma D. Hendrix of Melville, Louisiana. Tragically, we lost Mayor Hendrix last week, just hours before the polls closed in her campaign to win a second term in office. Velma Hendrix was born and raised in Melville, always proud of her roots in this small town on the banks of the Atchafalaya River. She dedicated her life to serving others. Her first calling was as a teacher in St. Landry Parish's schools, impacting the lives of countless students in the classroom. After a career in education, she stepped up to serve the people of Melville, serving as an Alderman before winning election as Mayor in 2018. She sought the office at age 80, wanting to help others at a time in life when most people are thinking about taking time off. She ran on a platform of bringing honesty, integrity, and accountability to the municipal government, wanting to rebuild a town that had fallen on tough economic times. When asked by a reporter what her goals were in office, she said, ``I just want to see Melville come back.'' Madam Speaker, I cannot think of a greater example of dedication to service and commitment to others than Mayor Velma D. Hendrix. While we mourn her untimely passing, we also take comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on in her community.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, today I want to honor the First United Methodist Church of Alexandria and its 175 years of service to its congregation and the community. The First United Methodist Church of Alexandria has an incredibly rich history. In 1847, they were known as the Methodist Church Episcopal South, then recognized as the Methodist Church Episcopal South, where they incorporated the introduction of Methodism in Central Louisiana by the intrepid Methodist Circuit Riders. Initially, the congregation would come together among various venues for services. The first church building is thought to have been on Front Street, among additional locations, until most of Alexandria was burned by Union troops as they retreated down the Red River in 1864. The church was rebuilt in 1907, with the new sanctuary located at 630 Jackson Street. In 1927, the construction of an education building followed. Both buildings stand proudly today, having served the Methodists of Alexandria and other congregations since 1968. In 1968, the church relocated to its current location at 2727 Jackson Street in Alexandria's historic Garden District. The church has since been expanded and updated to better serve the Congregation and the growing needs of Alexandria and the CenLa region. Among the church community are 69 pastors, many associate pastors, staffers, and lay leaders that have guided and supported the church as it serves the community through various organizations and initiatives such as sponsoring a Boy Scout Troop, an annual arts festival, Buddy Camp, and Fostering the Community Care Closet. Today, I come before the House to honor the First United Methodist Church of Alexandria on its 175th anniversary and applaud the service they have shown to the people of Central Louisiana.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express disappointment and frustration of thousands of my constituents after our effort to bring H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, to the floor for a vote, which was delayed this week. The Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset are unfair, bureaucratic deductions that cheat nearly 2 million Americans out of their earned Social Security benefits. These rules impact our public servants--the teachers who educate our children, firefighters and police officers who keep our communities safe. At a time when we desperately need more men and women to enter these fields, knowing these penalties exist deter them from pursuing these occupations. WEP and GPO have been in place since the 1980s and Congress has ignored this problem for decades. I want to be clear, we are not trying to create new entitlement programs or forgive debt. We are trying to ensure that retirees obtain the benefits that are rightly theirs. Just last week, I received a letter from Carla Moreau, a teacher from Bunkie, Louisiana, who retired after spending 23 years in the classroom. Carla recently lost her husband, Gerard, to cancer at age 60. However, due to WEP and GPO, she is ineligible to receive his Social Security survivor benefits simply because she was a teacher. If Carla had chosen any other profession outside of public service, she would automatically receive those benefits just like any other American would. Mr. Speaker, Carla's story is just one of the many from across my district and around our country, and each one is heartbreaking and unjust. Not a single day goes by that I don't hear from a constituent who is impacted. Since I took office over 1 year ago, almost 3,000 people have contacted my office to ask us to fix WEP and GPO--by far, the most calls concerning a single issue. High inflation and record price hikes continue to plague our Nation, and now, by refusing to address WEP and GPO, this Congress is essentially telling hardworking Americans that they must either not retire, reenter the workforce, or find other means to make ends meet. It is astounding to me that this administration and the Democratic majority spend trillions to forgive student loans, bail out private industry, and create new government programs, but the people impacted by WEP and GPO continue to be ignored. My colleague from Illinois, Rodney Davis, brought forward H.R. 82 to repeal WEP and GPO. I am a proud cosponsor of this bill, along with nearly 300 other Members of this House. Since the 117th Congress convened, we worked together as Democrats and Republicans to find a way to bring this bill to the floor for a vote. After nearly a year and a half of being denied, we worked to have it placed on the Consensus Calendar, a process that could force the bill to come to the House floor. Only when we were on the cusp of forcing a floor vote and had 300 Members ready to support this measure did Democratic leadership take action to remove the legislation from the Consensus Calendar and essentially bog it down in a backlog. Mr. Speaker, it is unconscionable to me that some would play procedural games and deny this body the opportunity to vote on a bill that fixes such an obvious wrong. What am I supposed to say to the people like Carla Moreau? That despite the fact that we were sent here to solve problems, we will just kick the can down the road? Is that really the answer that we are okay with relaying to her and the 2 million Americans who are adversely impacted? Mr. Speaker, I was sent here to represent the people of the Fifth District of Louisiana, and today, I can say with grave sincerity that their voices, along with 2 million other Americans, continue to be silenced. Instead of my standing behind this podium today, we should be doing the will of the people and bringing H.R. 82 to the floor for a vote.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 6538.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to pay tribute to the late Sherra Ann Everett Fertitta, a truly wonderful person and a dedicated mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, who was beloved by so many people across Ouachita Parish and northeast Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I believe that the best way to describe the kind of person Sherra was is to use the words of her daughter, Tori Fertitta Mortensen. She said, ``Her happiness was in seeing the happiness and good works of others.'' Sherra was the kind of person who lifted you up every single time you saw her. On a personal level, she was always kind and encouraging, never forgetting to tell me that she was praying for me. It is her caring spirit and remarkable kindness that emerges as a common theme in the memories of her friends. Sherra was a mom who was absolutely dedicated to her family. She was a teacher who believed that it is essential to pass along the love of learning to the next generation. She not only imparted her wisdom on others but also reminded them that ``education is the best investment.'' Sherra was a valued member of our community, who worked tirelessly to make it a better place. For instance, when she was working in the healthcare industry, she organized forums that would allow doctors and medical professionals to share information and connect with individuals who needed care and assistance. She believed that being involved in the political process, helping elect good people to office, and being a strong advocate for your beliefs and values was essential to improving not just our community but our country. She was a longtime leader for the Ouachita Parish Republican Women and served on the parish's Republican Executive Committee. She volunteered on numerous campaigns and even helped produce a local radio show. Madam Speaker, I could go on and on about all that Sherra Fertitta did for our community in Ouachita Parish, that is the kind of person she was. We know that her true legacy lives on through her family, her friends, and the countless people whose lives she touched here on Earth. We will miss her immeasurably and the joy that Sherra Fertitta brought to our lives will never be forgotten.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, on Saturday, we lost Congressman John Cooksey, a former Member of this body and an outstanding American who dedicated his life to serving his country and improving the lives of others. John Cooksey was born in Alexandria, Louisiana in 1941, and grew up near his father's sawmill in rural LaSalle Parish. He attended LSU and LSU Medical School and became an ophthalmologist. His love for practicing medicine ran so deep that he continued to treat patients for nearly 50 years. Madam Speaker, just yesterday, I heard the story of a World War II veteran whose vision had become distorted because of his combat injuries. Dr. Cooksey treated him, restored the man's vision, and performed the entire surgery free of charge. Dr. Cooksey also served as a medical missionary to Africa, volunteering his time and skills to treat those desperately in need of medical care. He was so moved by his experiences there that he returned home and personally led the fundraising drive to build a modern eye clinic in Kenya. Dr. Cooksey had a dedication to serving others and a deep commitment to serving our country. He was a pilot in the Air Force and flew missions during the Vietnam War. In 1996, Dr. Cooksey was elected to serve the people of Louisiana's Fifth Congressional District here in the House of Representatives. Throughout his three terms, he was known for delivering results that were transformational for our region and always going above and beyond to help his constituents. On a personal level, I will always be grateful to John Cooksey for giving my late husband, Luke, his start in politics, instilling a love for the work of this Congress in an eager young boy from Start, Louisiana. For me, he was more than a predecessor, he was a trusted mentor, a confidant, and a friend. Madam Speaker, we have lost a dedicated public servant who was an outstanding Member of this body. In his memory, I ask all Members in the Chamber to join me in observing a moment of silence as we honor the incredible life and remarkable accomplishments of Congressman John Cooksey.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on May 17, 2022, during rollcall No. 186, on ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 6531, H.R. 7309, and S. 2938, and for other purposes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 186. members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress Adams (Ross) Allred (Wexton) Bass (Takano) Bice (OK) (Lucas) Bilirakis (Fleischmann) Bishop (GA) (Thompson (MS)) Bourdeaux (Wexton) Bowman (Garcia (TX)) Boyle, Brendan F. (Neguse) Brooks (Moore (AL)) Brownley (Kuster) Butterfield (Ross) Cardenas (Soto) Castro (TX) (Garcia (TX)) Cawthorn (Moore (AL)) Craig (Pallone) Cuellar (Garcia (TX)) Delgado (Neguse) DeSaulnier (Beyer) Dunn (Miller-Meeks) Evans (Beyer) Fallon (Van Duyne) Fitzpatrick (Bacon) Gosar (Gohmert) Higgins (NY) (Pallone) Jackson Lee (Cicilline) Jayapal (Takano) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Lamb (Pallone) Langevin (Lynch) Lee (NV) (Neguse) Maloney, Carolyn B. (Wasserman Schultz) McEachin (Wexton) McHenry (Banks) Meijer (Katko) Nehls (Carl) Ocasio-Cortez (Takano) Payne (Pallone) Porter (Wexton) Ruiz (Correa) Ryan (Wexton) Schrader (Blunt Rochester) Scott, David (Jeffries) Sires (Pallone) Spanberger (Beyer) Spartz (Miller-Meeks) Stauber (Bergman) Stewart (Owens) Suozzi (Beyer) Taylor (Van Duyne) Van Drew (Tenney) Walorski (Bucshon) Wilson (FL) (Neguse) Wilson (SC) (Timmons)

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Clarence Fields of Pineville, Louisiana, who is entering his final weeks in office after an extraordinary career. A lifelong resident of Pineville, Mayor Fields has led the city for nearly 22 years. If you need any indicator of the amazing work he has done, look no further than the fact that he was reelected to City Hall six times and was unopposed in his last four elections. During his time in office, Mayor Fields has been committed to attracting investment to the community and creating good paying jobs for residents. He is also known as a bridge builder--working across racial, political, and geographic lines to deliver results for Pineville and Rapides Parish. He has been an outstanding public servant, and our region is better because he chose to share his talents with the people of his hometown. The mayor had planned on running again this year but decided to retire to spend more time with his grandchildren. While I will miss working with Mayor Fields, I wish him the best in his very well- deserved retirement.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the House considers H.R. 4738, the COVID-19 American History Project Act. The last 2 years have been unimaginable for every single American. As COVID-19 ravaged our Nation, we lost nearly 1 million citizens to this devastating virus. For countless families, those deaths were not just a number on the news but the visceral loss of a loved one: a grandparent, a husband, a wife, a mom, a dad, a sister, a brother, a daughter, or a son. My own family faced the pain of this pandemic as we lost my husband, Luke, just days before he would take a seat in this very Chamber. Studies tell us that when a person dies, approximately nine people from their inner circle, their family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors suffer profound grief. This bill is dedicated to them, the now nearly 9 million Americans who live every day with newfound emptiness and suffering. For families like mine, that loss means an empty chair at the dinner table, a son who won't be able to go fishing with his dad anymore, and a daughter who won't be able to dance with her father on her wedding day. But this bill also values our people's personal experiences during the pandemic which will help inform the collective narrative. Their accounts will facilitate healing and give hope to the generations of Americans to follow. The COVID-19 American History Project Act will task the Library of Congress to record, collect, and keep the stories of Americans impacted by the pandemic, personal accounts from those who survived this virus, from those who lost loved ones, and from our healthcare heroes, the doctors, nurses, technicians, ambulance drivers, and custodians who served on the front lines of this pandemic, and to whom we owe an enormous amount of gratitude. This bill will allow us to use our voices as citizens to write the history of this time. Personal stories are powerful and can promote healing while also helping others who are hurting. Medical research tells us that sharing a story through verbal or written means has a cathartic effect on a grieving individual. I know from my own life experiences that when we tell our stories of tragedy and loss, that is when true healing begins. It is time for the American people to heal. It is time for us to finally put the fear and divisiveness of this pandemic behind us. It is time to let the values of hope and peace guide our Nation once again. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is fitting for this bill to come up for a vote on the first day this House begins to reopen. As we welcome the American people back inside their House, let us also welcome the countless stories of those we lost throughout these last 2 years. Every day when I look into my toddlers' faces, I see their dad's amazing spirit, and I find comfort in knowing that his greatest legacy will live on through them. But it is my children's generation and those not yet born who will need to know the personal history and indelible impact of this pandemic, and it should be written by the very people who lived it and were impacted directly. My husband, Luke, loved history and had a tremendous passion for preserving our shared American heritage. His knowledge of the past profoundly shaped his public service. I think of the hours he spent poring over historical documents, writing and publishing the stories of the people who came before us. Let us preserve today's stories, not just to write a record, but to inform the decisions of those who will stand in this Chamber decades from now and chart the course for our Republic. It is the dawn of a new day in America, one where we can finally begin to move forward from COVID-19. And while we vow never to forget the great suffering and loss so many of us endured, we stand emboldened by the collective healing of the American spirit. The Library of Congress' mission is to engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity. Let us amplify the voices of the American people. Let us use their stories and experiences to write this history, and never let us forget those we lost. In closing, I am reminded of a quote from Rick Warren who said, ``Other people are going to find healing in your wounds. Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.'' Mr. Speaker, it is time for to us let our country heal. It is time for us to share our stories.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 70. Like countless Americans, I am deeply shocked by the recent threats against our Nation's historically Black colleges and universities. As a former educator who spent my career working on college campuses, I firmly believe that every student has the right to learn in a safe environment and free from threats and intimidation. I am proud to say that my State of Louisiana is home to some of the Nation's most iconic HBCUs, including Grambling State University, Southern University, and Xavier University of Louisiana. I am saddened to know the emotional anguish that students, faculty, and staff went through last month when threats were made against Southern and Xavier. Today, we send a clear message to those that want to use fear, intimidation, and hatred against our Nation's HBCUs: We will never just stand by and let you terrorize our students, our next generation of leaders, and our future. So many Members of this Congress are united, both Republicans and Democrats, and we are proud to support America's HBCUs with this resolution.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly outstanding individual from Louisiana's Fifth District. For almost 50 years, Irene Robinson, known to so many of us as Ms. Irene, has been the radio voice of West Carroll Parish, using the airwaves to keep our rural communities informed about the latest news, weather, and events around town. In addition, she is a diehard football fan and spent her Friday nights as the beloved announcer for the Oak Grove Tigers. Throughout her career, Ms. Irene ensured that her station, KWCL, was a community gathering place, highlighting some of the best in our region. Her love for family and for Louisiana, particularly her native West Carroll Parish, was always evident on the air. Ms. Irene's late husband, Ivy, also served as her engineer, ensuring that her broadcasts were always a family affair. I can tell you that the sense of family also extended to her guests as well. Madam Speaker, we are honored to celebrate Ms. Irene Robinson for her many contributions in northeast Louisiana, we recognize the incredible legacy she leaves behind, and wish her well in her retirement after decades of service to our region.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Councilman Harry Silver, a truly distinguished public servant, as he marks his 100th birthday. Harry Silver served the people of Alexandria, Louisiana, on the city council for more than 15 years before stepping down 11 months ago at age 99. At an age where most people are slowing down and taking it a bit easy, Harry stepped up to serve, wanting to give back to the community that he called home. After Harry's initial appointment in 2005, the people of Alexandria reelected Harry to the council four times. At the time of his retirement, Harry was both the oldest active elected official in the United States and the oldest elected official in Louisiana history. In his farewell message to the city, Harry said: ``Whether you or your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents agreed with me or not over the years, I hope everyone agrees that I acted only as I felt was best for our mutual home. Madam Speaker, that is all that we can ask of a public servant. We are honored and proud to salute Harry Silver of Alexandria, Louisiana, on his 100th birthday.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I rise to oppose the previous question so we can immediately consider H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act. I believe that this legislation is critical for our students, to ensure success in the current school year, and also address the learning gap that has arisen during this pandemic. As parents, we know that education is the most essential cornerstone in the foundation of our children's future. Throughout the past year I have heard from countless parents who had to put their lives on hold to assume the role of teacher in their child's virtual classroom, while other family priorities, including returning to work, took a backseat. As a former educator myself, I know how crucial classroom discussion is to the learning process. The statistics clearly show that students learn better when they are able to participate in person and interact with their peers and teachers, and not reduced to just a face on a screen. I also want to note that in rural areas such as my district, successful virtual learning is nearly impossible because of the lack of access to broadband internet. In my home State of Louisiana, our standardized tests show that the number of students in grades 3 through 8 who achieved the State's proficiency goals fell by nearly 5 percent during the pandemic. Over the past 2 years, Congress has appropriated billions of dollars so schools can take the necessary steps to reopen safely. I want to be clear: We are not asking schools to put either students or teachers into unsafe environments. We did not send States and districts that funding for them to simply shut their doors again. Madam Speaker, it is absolutely critical for us to move forward on this legislation to ensure that American students can continue to learn in safe, face-to-face classrooms across this country.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the previous question so we can immediately take up H.R. 6056, the Parents Bill of Rights Act. As a mom of two and a former educator, I can tell you from firsthand experience that education is not something that can happen without parents playing a role. The learning process requires both sides to work together and have collaborative partnerships that ensure a student's success. Parents should not have a system of values and beliefs forced on their children or send them to school while fearing indoctrination by a political agenda. The idea that government can exclude parents and have total control of the classroom will never work because it ignores the simple truth that these are our children, not the government's. The Parents Bill of Rights Act puts safeguards in place that ensure that the foundation of education is built on a meaningful dialogue between a family and their child's school. This bill has five core principles that are designed to create mutually beneficial partnerships and lead to greater collaboration. Those five principles are: one, parents have the right to review their school's curriculum, reading materials, and State academic standards; two, parents have the right to lawfully engage with their local school board and educators; three, parents have the right to see a school's budget and spending, including detailed information about revenues and expenditures; four, parents have the right to protect their child's privacy; and, finally, parents have the right to keep their child safe and be updated on any violent activity at school. The ideas contained in this bill are not partisan or polarizing; they are simple and common sense. In my home State of Louisiana, a similar parents bill of rights passed with broad support from both Republicans and Democrats, and I hope we can follow suit here in Congress. Several weeks ago, Louisiana's State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley, wrote about how family involvement is critical for educational success. He said: ``It takes a family to raise a child. Schools exist to support that effort with a responsibility to provide a quality education in a safe environment.'' Mr. Speaker, we have the opportunity today in this body to take a step forward for America's families, and I hope my colleagues across the aisle will join us in that effort.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I appreciate Dr. Foxx's strong leadership of the committee and on this important issue. According to CDC estimates, at least one in three Americans has experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by a partner. For decades, Congress has worked in a bipartisan fashion to dedicate resources toward preventing and healing the suffering of these victims. But today, the bill we are considering, H.R. 2119, the Family Violence and Prevention Services Improvement Act, includes several highly concerning provisions. First, this bill opens the door for entities to spend taxpayer dollars on abortions. Secondly, it forces an unnecessary conversation about sexual orientation and gender identity when these issues have never been a part of this bill before and should not be a barrier between people and the services they need. Our focus must be on supporting survivors and those who use these vital resources. That is why my substitute amendment replaces the full text of the bill before us with multiple key provisions to ensure victims of domestic violence and their dependents receive critical assistance to help them in their time of crisis. First, my amendment reauthorizes the current Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, FVPSA, for the next 5 years, ensuring that victims of domestic violence get the lifesaving, supportive services they need. FVPSA was enacted to save innocent lives, not put them in harm's way. That is why my amendment also rejects a change included in the Democrats' proposal that could lead to violence prevention dollars going to support abortion services. The amendment makes clear that Federal law should not support abortions. Upholding the sanctity of every human life is of utmost importance, and it is critical to ensure that no taxpayer dollars pay for abortions. Next, my amendment also protects the ability of faith-based organizations to continue helping victims of domestic violence. Countless religious organizations work tirelessly to help protect victims of domestic violence, but the Democrats' radical abortion agenda risks denying victims' access to these providers. Finally, my amendment brings much-needed transparency and Federal agency accountability to the programs authorized under this law. Congress should have safeguards in place to ensure that these resources are going to the people who truly need them and not being used to push a hidden agenda without the public's knowledge. The Republican substitute is a carefully crafted set of reforms that puts victims of family violence and the people who serve them first. Furthermore, it is a pro-life amendment strongly opposed by Planned Parenthood. I urge my colleagues to reject the other side's bill and instead embrace the commonsense, lifesaving provisions included in the Republican substitute amendment.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I rise to offer an amendment to this bill. However, before I talk about the amendment, I think it is important for the House to note that the legislation before us is perhaps the most extreme abortion measure that Congress has ever considered. It will overturn countless protections for the unborn that States have already put into place, including those in my home State of Louisiana. As both a woman and, most importantly, a mother of two children, I feel uniquely qualified to speak about this issue. I have experienced firsthand the miracle of life and know the incredible intricacy of how a child is formed in the womb. Intimately knowing the special bond that grows between a mother and a child over those 9 months, I do not understand how we can pass this bill, a law that will allow an abortion to be performed up until the actual moment of birth, despite the fact that the child has a fully developed heart and can feel pain. The amendment I am bringing forward is the text of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act in which my distinguished colleague from Missouri, Ann Wagner, has been an outstanding leader. This amendment is simple, straightforward, and the right thing to do. It would ensure that newborn children who survive an abortion are given the same crucial, lifesaving medical care that any infant would receive. The most transformational moment in my life was when I held my two children in my arms for the first time. I have always considered myself to be pro-life, but I never truly understood the sanctity of life until that moment. I can't image why anybody would intentionally deny a precious child taking his first beautiful, beautiful breaths of life the very care that would keep them alive. This language has received bipartisan support in the past, and I hope my colleagues across the aisle will join us in voting in favor of this important measure that will truly save the lives of countless children. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to include the text of the amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 272.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I voted incorrectly on roll call vote 231, I intended to vote YEA

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I rise to oppose the previous question so that we can amend the rule to allow the consideration of H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. This critical bill will finally codify the Hyde amendment and uphold the longstanding bipartisan agreement that prevents taxpayer dollars from funding abortions. While Republicans and Democrats have engaged in heated debates over abortion in the past 40 years, we were always able to agree on the simple principle that public funding should not be used for abortions. The Hyde amendment, which explicitly spelled this policy out, has been included in every single appropriations bill since 1976, including those passed under the Clinton and Obama administrations. This commonsense, lifesaving amendment has been supported by many Members of this body, including many of my colleagues across the aisle. It is incredibly disappointing to see that this administration and the Democratic majority have decided to ignore four decades of consensus and instead embrace a controversial new policy opposed by over 60 percent of Americans. As both a Christian and a mother, I deeply understand the preciousness of an innocent child's life. When I arrived in Congress a few months ago, one of my first actions was to sign on to H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. But whether you are a strong pro- life advocate like me, or hold an opposing view, we should all be able to get behind this bill. Taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund abortions. It is a simple, commonsense measure that should have as much bipartisan support this year as it has in the past.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, as a woman of faith, I am called to love my neighbor as myself and to bear one another's burdens. My heart is heavy with the burden, pain, and loss experienced by the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Unfortunately, we have seen a nationwide rise in hateful and harmful acts toward Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Targeted violence against anyone based on who they are cannot be tolerated. It is not who we are as a people and goes against everything we represent as a nation. Today, I had hoped to be able to support H. Res. 275, condemning the horrific shootings of the eight Asian women in Atlanta, to honor the lives of the victims, and recognize the basic American fundamentals that reject hatred and violence. Instead, what would have been a fitting and honorable resolution ended up being just another vehicle for delivering cheap shots against our former President. I am disappointed that I cannot support this resolution as written.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1065. As a working mother who has two beautiful children, I support reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers. Many of the provisions in the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act are admirable. However, it is equally important to protect First Amendment rights of our religious organizations, hospitals, and schools, including those located in the Fifth District of Louisiana. Under this bill, organizations could be forced to make employment- related decisions that conflict with their faith and sacrifice their religious rights. For example, a faith-based employer could be deemed in violation of this bill if it does not accommodate an employee's request for paid time off to undergo an abortion. Also, if signed into law, this bill allows an independent and uncontrollable Federal agency to make additional rules and regulations that could further erode religious liberties. It leaves decisionmaking in the hands of unelected government bureaucrats. Therefore, Congress must include a religious freedom exemption in the base text of this bill. When it comes to religious freedom and pro-life issues, we should not allow bureaucrats and potentially the judicial system to make decisions by reading between the lines. We must send a clear message that religious freedom is nonnegotiable.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to honor the 394 law enforcement officers whose names have been forever engraved into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in Washington, D.C. I am honored to join Congressman Michael Guest and 90 of my Republican colleagues in introducing a resolution to recognize these brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. The surviving families of these officers are now left to walk through the unimaginable path of pain and loss. My prayers are with them every day as they grieve for their loved ones. My district and State, like so many of my colleagues, did not escape loss. Fifteen law enforcement officers from Louisiana were killed in the line of duty in 2020, including four from the Fifth Congressional District: Kejuana Artez Bates with the Vidalia Police Department; Kietrell Michael Pitts with the Tangipahoa Sheriff's Office; Randy Michael Vallot with the Richland Parish Sheriff's Office; and Marshal Lee Walter, Jr., with the Mangham Police Department. These officers swore an oath to uphold the public trust. We remember them not just today or this week, but for years to come. We thank all law enforcement officers and their families for their sacrifice, and ask God to bless each and every one of you. The people of our country are forever grateful.