Gwen Moore

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Chair, Republicans pretend to care about the Nation's debt and annual deficits, but they have instructed Ways and Means to add $4.5 trillion to the debt to provide tax cuts to the wealthiest. What we have heard from our Republican opponents here today is that if we don't pass this resolution, everybody's taxes are going to be raised. I will tell you what, there will be crumbs from the master's table for the average American earning under $200,000 a year versus tax cuts for the wealthiest corporations and individuals. That is the math. I know how fond you are of math. That is the arithmetic. Let me tell you, the handouts to the wealthiest will come on the backs of the least of us, from affordable healthcare through the ACA and Medicaid, veterans healthcare, nursing home coverage, food assistance, student loan repayment options, energy tax credits, national security, and cancer research. You all contend that 78 million people voted for this. No, they did not.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I took the following oath my 20th year in Congress. I will read it and remind you, Mr. Speaker, of this oath of office: I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of which I am about to enter, so help me God. This is an oath, Mr. Speaker, that you and I took. Mr. Speaker, this was not an oath that they gave to the Democrats, this was not an oath that they gave just to the Republicans, this is an oath that we all took, and the insurrection continues. The insurrection really started, I think, December 14, 2020, when all of the electors in various States had put together their scheme and the plot to overturn the government. January 6, 2021, we saw the beginning of the insurrection. Four years later, we re-elected Donald Trump and the insurrection continues. It started with just pardoning violent criminals, people who caused the death by suicide and other means of police officers, who speared them and caused injuries to police officers and the insurrection continues. We now have unelected billionaires who have broken into the Treasury Department and this is not a political grab for power; it is a crime what they did. It is criminal, and courts have backed this understanding up. They have said to the Treasury Department: We want you to stop getting people's personal information. Stop getting their Social Security numbers. Stop putting your thumb drives in and taking it off to some laptop because we don't know what you are doing with this information. Mr. Speaker, guess what? Elon Musk and our Vice President, this is from the day's paper, have said that they should just ignore those court orders. These court orders should not matter, that they should continue to violate the law. Mr. Speaker, for the purposes of a colloquy, I will ask the gentleman from Illinois a question. I marched into our Speaker of the House's office to try to meet with the Treasury Secretary to ask them why they were committing crimes. Why there was unchecked authority over the Treasury data, to stop doing it? Why they needed to do this? Why they needed to surveil, penalize, or control this financial access? The Speaker told me he had no idea what they were doing. The Speaker of the House does not know what they are doing. These are the same people who have taken the same oath of office that all of us have taken, to have these 19-year-old kids with microwave processed security clearances, if they even have that, putting thumb drives in our mainframe. I am asking you, Mr. Casten, what does your Taxpayer Data Protection Act do to stop that?

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Let me get this clear: Have any of those conditions been met?

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Has anybody gotten the appropriate security clearances? Have they told us what they are going to do with it? What of Article I? We are Article I of the Constitution. Americans elected us to represent them, 300 million Americans, and the President of the United States says that he does not have to--Mr. Speaker, I realize that I am not supposed to mention his name. I didn't mention his name, but Mr. Speaker, I associate myself with the words of the gentlewoman from New Mexico, this is not normal. We are not having a normal session. Mr. Speaker, the House is on fire. The House is on fire. There is nothing legal or constitutional that is going on. We have unelected billionaires running the country. We have a President who is pardoning violent criminals. I suppose if they ignore the court orders, he will just have his daily list of people that he will pardon, so they can continue. Mr. Speaker, the House is on fire. The insurrection is continuing, and it is affecting you whether you are a Head Start child out there who needs it, a senior in a nursing home who will get inadequate care-- you are going to be lying in your feces for 10 hours because they are cutting Medicaid--or a farmer who has not gotten your USDA funding. The House is on fire. If you are a Social Security recipient, they have gone in and created a back door to your data. They know your bank account number. The House is on fire, you-all. We need to stop acting like things are normal. It is not normal.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary service of Shirley Ann Ellis. Shirley has worked as part of my staff for over 30 years, spending 12 of those years as my Chief of Staff in the Wisconsin State Senate. She has also served as my District Director and Senior Advisor for over 20 years throughout my time in the U.S. House of Representatives. It is with sadness, but also great pride, that I announce her retirement today, and it is an honor to recognize her incredible commitment to public service, our Nation, and the people of the Fourth Congressional District of Wisconsin. Shirley's remarkable journey began in Waukegan, Illinois, when she was born to parents Ruby Snowden Ellis and Lepolis Ellis. She grew up in my district alongside her sister, Betty Ross, and attended Milwaukee Public Schools starting at the age of four. She graduated from Rufus King High School at just sixteen. Shirley continued her education at Gustavus Adolphus College, earning a bachelor's degree in zoology with a minor in chemistry. At 22 years old, she went on to earn a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in library science. After completing her education, Shirley worked for the State of Wisconsin for 25 years, 11 of those years she served as the State Long Term Care Ombudsman, where she oversaw investigations into complaints of mistreatment of elderly and disabled individuals in nursing homes and community-based residential facilities. As an unwavering advocate for the most vulnerable members of society, she worked tirelessly to ensure their voices were heard and their injustices were addressed. Her work in this field, combined with her education, laid the foundation for a career defined by exceptional leadership and advocacy in healthcare, justice, labor, and women's issues. Throughout her career, Shirley has been driven by a commitment to reform and progress, ensuring a more prosperous, equitable, and inclusive Nation for all. In 1993, Shirley's journey in public service took a pivotal turn when she became my Chief of Staff during my tenure in the Wisconsin State Senate. Over the next 12 years, she played an essential role in advancing civil and women's rights, expanding welfare, investing in education, and reforming the criminal justice system. Her leadership during this time was invaluable, and she became an indispensable part of my team. With my election to this chamber in 2004, Shirley continued her work as my Senior Advisor and District Director. Simply put, without her extraordinary management and leadership, I would not be standing where I am today. The legislation and policies that have transformed the lives of my constituents and this country would not have come to fruition without Shirley's dedication and service. As District Director for the Fourth Congressional District of Wisconsin, she ensured that every community, group, and individual had their concerns heard, uplifted, and addressed. She continues to serve as a bright example of how governance can transform lives and inspire progress. At the heart of Shirley's service was her deep love for community and family. She was married to Gabriel Lee Shaw, Jr., for 42 years. Known to me as my brother-in-love, Gabe was Shirley's steadfast foundation and source of strength. Even beyond his passing in December of 2023, he remains a guiding light and inspiration for her advocacy. Those of us who know Shirley recognize that her compassion, trust, integrity, intelligence, and loyalty have been shaped by a love that transcends time. Shirley's dedication to public service is unparalleled. She has spent her career advocating for the most vulnerable people in our country, giving a voice to those who would otherwise remain unheard in this chamber. There was never a moment when she wasn't deeply in tune with the needs of the people she served. The progress we have witnessed across my district, the City of Milwaukee, and our Nation is a testament to her tireless efforts. While the impact of her work cannot be measured in numbers, it is felt in the countless lives she has touched and transformed. We will continue to see her legacy in the future leaders of this country, many of whom regard her as a mentor, role model, and a shining example of what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and empowerment. Shirley has received many praises for her vast knowledge of political and community networks. In 2020, she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the DPMC and was selected as a Senior Advisor for the 2020 DNC Host Committee and by the Biden for President campaign as Strategic Advisor for the State of Wisconsin. This was a result of Shirley's unmatched management skills and experience in the political field. Having worked alongside Shirley for 33 years, I will deeply miss her leadership and the way she brought my staff and constituents together. However, as her close friend, I am ecstatic to see what blessings this new chapter of life holds for her. Though she may no longer serve as my District Director, I know her spirit of service will remain unyielding. Shirley will continue to put others first, championing causes close to her heart and advocating for those around her. She has led her life with service first, and I am confident when I say that her graciousness, bravery, and compassion will never leave her spirit. Mr. Speaker, for all these reasons, it is with tremendous pride that I recognize the remarkable service of Shirley Ann Ellis today. She has changed the lives of so many, including my own constituents. On behalf of the people of the Fourth Congressional District, the State of Wisconsin, and the United States, I thank Shirley Ann Ellis for her 45 years of stunning service, powerful leadership, and loyal dedication to the public good.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, we want to protect moms from domestic violence acts, as homicide is the leading cause of death of pregnant women. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit so we can fix this bill. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his indulgence.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this dangerous legislation. It has been pointed out in this debate that H.R. 30 fails to protect domestic abuse survivors as it undermines the Violence Against Women Act, historic legislation that was carefully drafted in a bipartisan manner, which included critical protections like U visas and T visas, the battered spouse waiver, and the option to self-petition for permanent residence. This legislation, whether it means it or not or intends it or not, really cancels out these important protections. Immigrant survivors are already afraid. We don't need to fearmonger them anymore. They are already scared of contacting the police due to the deportation risk, and H.R. 30 exacerbates the real concerns that these victims will be swept up by this bill. As noted by a wide range of stakeholders, immigrant victims are particularly vulnerable to being arrested and prosecuted for domestic violence or acting in self-defense, even if they are falsely accused by an abuser of being a primary aggressor. We know that this comes straight out of a playbook by some of our historic traffickers and pimps. This bill would empower pimps and traffickers as it is written, and it will sweep more survivors into being inadmissible or deportable. Mr. Speaker, how does that protect them? In the name of protecting domestic violence victims, we cannot debate and pass a bill that makes it worse for them. If the majority is serious about addressing the epidemic of domestic and sexual violence in our country, then we can start by addressing the funding challenges facing the Victims of Crime Act, which supports services for victims, or by expanding access to U visas and T visas, which help law enforcement protect victims.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I will start by welcoming all of our new Members to the 119th Congress and to this esteemed Chamber. I look forward to finding a way that we can work together to better our country. I am introducing myself as one of the proud co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. I am here to tell you that protecting our kids is not a partisan issue. I am inviting you to join us in protecting our most valuable asset in this country, our future workforce, our children. In any given year, there are 390,000 children and youth who experience foster care in the United States. Foster care impacts every congressional district across the country, regardless of whether it is red or blue or urban or rural. Our Members come from all over the country and have vastly different backgrounds and experiences. However, we all share one thing in common, and that is the commitment to finding solutions that aim to improve the lives of children in care. Last Congress, we made great strides in child welfare policy by working across the aisle to deliver real results for children and families. In July last year, the Supporting America's Children and Families Act passed unanimously through the Ways and Means Committee. In September, it passed this House by a vote of 405-10. This bill provided the first major increase in child welfare funding in almost 20 years and reauthorized title IV-B funding for another 5 years. It also included provisions to prevent States from separating families solely on the basis of poverty; strengthen the Indian Child Welfare Act; recover overdue child support by intercepting Federal tax funds; expand evidence-based services to prevent abuse and neglect; and support foster youth transitioning out of care, among other important provisions. I am so proud to say that the Supporting America's Children and Families Act was signed into law by President Biden on January 4, 2025. This feat was made possible by bipartisan efforts from members of the Ways and Means Committee and the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. This bill is proof that we have one theme uniting us regardless of party: Our children and youth deserve loving, stable, and safe homes. As a member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, your fresh ideas and new perspectives will help address the ever-changing challenges that foster youth in our country face. You will hear directly from advocates, child welfare professionals, and even children and families with lived experience on how we as policymakers can better the foster care system. The caucus' largest event is shadow day where our members spend the day with a former foster youth. This allows us to learn about issues facing children involved in the child welfare system directly from people with lived experience. Our goal is to turn their feedback into action. If you care about the well-being of our most vulnerable children and families, like I know all of you do, please join us as a member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. We will be having our welcome back event on Tuesday, February 11, from 10 a.m. to noon, and it is open to Members and staff willing to learn about issues related to foster youth. I hope to see you there.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. I will because I need to ask you about a couple more things. I will return to the mic.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. This is a very emotional moment for me to see you leaving this body. You will never leave my presence. You will be part of my life. I am going to follow you wherever you go, Barbara Lee. I want to say that Barbara Lee has always been kind of a broker- dealer to me. She is someone, as her sisters of her Catholic training encouraged her to do, to go where the need is the greatest. I remember one of my earliest memories of Barbara Lee was 20 years ago when I went to the first Democratic Caucus and almost got into a fistfight with Steny Hoyer as the consultants were urging us not to use the word ``poor.'' Don't talk about poverty. That is kind of a bad message. That won't help us win. Let me just tell you, I was ready to fight and argue. I mean, I had decided to try and reinvent myself coming from the Wisconsin State legislature to be a kinder, gentler lady from Wisconsin, but already I was stepping into big doo-doo with Steny Hoyer, the Caucus minority leader, as Steny Hoyer defended our consultant's admonition that we don't use ``poor'' as a word. Barbara Lee not only came alongside me to encourage me and to try and validate me as I argued in my very strident, loud, obstreperous, disruptive way, not only did she come alongside me, but she worked Steny into putting together a task force on poverty and worked him into committing himself on a weekly basis to bringing in speakers, to bringing in experts, to bringing in people to talk about poverty in a way that ultimately, I believe, led us to one of the most revolutionary bills that has ever been passed in this House of Representatives: the child tax credit, as it was envisioned under the American Rescue Plan. Literally we were able to cut the poverty of Black children in half and cut poverty among all children by 40 percent. We were able to establish and prove and demonstrate that an investment in our children was an investment unlike all the other stuff we talk about like tax cuts are going to pay for themselves. We saw in a very short period of time the return on investing in children. That conversation really was made manifest by Barbara Lee bringing the issue of poverty to the front. I was on welfare, and Barbara was, too. It wasn't something that we talked about. It was kind of an embarrassment; is that right, Barbara?

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. I yield to the gentlewoman from California.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. It was a stigma, and I was the welfare queen. Barbara came and befriended me, and she went where the need was the greatest. Barbara Lee was our United Nations representative. We talked about all of her international impact, and Barbara Lee was our Congress United Nations representative. Barbara, you did so much in that space to bring the American side to have us visiting the U.N. because there are so many people in the United States that are not necessarily as supportive of the world and the United Nations, but you represented us so well. We have a country in our own hemisphere, Cuba, that is right in our hemisphere, Haiti, right in our hemisphere, full of people who are poor and destitute and marginalized, and Barbara Lee being that broker- dealer was not ashamed of them. She was not someone who shied away from them even though there was not only stigma but contempt and disdain and disbelief in them. Barbara went to Cuba. She has been to Cuba so many times. The last time she went to Cuba, I went with her, and as she was introducing all of us there, she introduced me and said, well, the reason that Gwen Moore is here is because she said that if I came back to Cuba one more time without her, she was going to kill me. That is how I got a chance to go to another country in our hemisphere and really see the resources that this country could bring to us. That is where Barbara learned about how people from the United States were going to Cuba--and maybe you could just share with us--becoming doctors at state expense, how they were providing care for people with diabetes without those folks getting amputations. Barbara, can you share a little bit about that? This was just revolutionary to me to experience that with you.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Representative Lee, this is what I admire about you so much: We all go to the White House, and we are in awe, and we shake the hand of the President and the First Lady, and we meet up with them and take selfies with them, and you always put the Presidents to work. We are going to continue on, and we can promise you that we are going to continue to make sure that we get to normalize our relations with Cuba. George W. Bush, a Republican, you got in his face. One of the things that George W. Bush will always be remembered for is his initiative on HIV/AIDS and saving millions of lives not only in Africa but all around the world. I just want to remind people that here, once again, was Barbara Lee breaking down a door of stigma. While most people were distancing themselves from HIV/AIDS patients because, you know, people were saying they were in sin, and they had somehow deserved it somehow, Barbara Lee was one of the people that marched right on up to the White House and made sure that someone in high places like George W. Bush, you gave him the cover to have the courage around this issue and break through that stigma. Barbara, let me thank you for that. Let me ask you to share with us a little bit more about that journey.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. You want me to stop talking?

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Barbara, let me just thank you.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Just let me thank you. You are that same cheerleader who fought to integrate the cheerleading team, but once you got on the team, you were a team player. The thing that I love about you so much is that, even with how competitive this place is, you always tried to lift people up, to encourage them, to help them get in position. I know so much snot and tears came out of my eyes because I couldn't get on Ways and Means, but you told me: Just keep on and don't give up. Barbara, thank you for encouraging us, for loving us, for getting us out of Iraq, your leadership in everything, and bringing us together on a bipartisan basis. I love you, Barbara, and this institution will never be the same.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 9580, to name a post office in North Carolina after Millie Dunn Veasey. As has been noted, she was one of the 855 women from across our country who would serve with the historic Women Army Corps 6888, Central Postal Battalion (Six Triple Eight) during World War II. The Six Triple Eight was the only African American Women's Army Corps Battalion unit deployed overseas during WWII. Their efforts to resolve a monumental months long backlog of millions of pieces of mail played a critical role in maintaining morale for those fighting in the European Theater. In England and then France, they sorted millions of pieces of mail while facing challenging social and war conditions. They not only completed their mission but did so in record time. Each of these women have their own individual stories but many of them are similar to Ms. Veasey's. A desire to serve their country. They didn't set out to make history but they did so anyway. They served their country honorably and extraordinarily. And came home with little fanfare or ceremony, which they did not mind. And many, like Ms. Veasey, continued to contribute to their communities after they came home. I am pleased that we are recognizing these women and that this story of service will no longer be lost to history. This postal designation will help ensure that Ms. Veasey's service and dedication is remembered in her local community. A few years ago, I was pleased to spearhead a successful effort in Congress, along with Senator Moran, to award the Six Triple Eight with the Congressional Gold Medal so that their service cannot only be appropriately acknowledged but remembered across our Nation. Ms. Veasey passed away at the age 100 in 2018 and was buried in Raleigh National Cemetery. Sadly, there are less than a handful of surviving members of the Six Triple Eight, including Anna Mae Robertson of Milwaukee, WI. Through efforts like this, we ensure that their story of service and sacrifice does not remain lost to history and help to inspire the next generation to military service.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life and work of Mahmoud Othman Atta a highly-respected leader in the Muslim and interfaith community, veteran, husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Mahmoud Othman Atta was born on June 22, 1936, and he died on November 10, 2016, at the age of 80. Mr. Atta was born in the Palestinian territories in El-Bireh, Palestine and moved to Milwaukee at age 16 with his dual-citizen father. He graduated from West Division Hjgh School in Mi]waukee, Wisconsin, attended two years of technical college and was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving as a medic. After his military service Mr. Atta returned to the Palestinian territories, where he married his wife, Intisar and had two children. He later returned to Milwaukee with his family in the mid-1960s. He is regarded as the Milwaukee area's first de-facto imam, leading prayers and religious services in homes, though he never held the title full time. Local Muslims hailed from various homelands, speaking different languages and Mr. Atta bridged those divides through communal worship. He organized classes to teach Arabic, the language of the Qur'an so that everyone would be able to pray and read the Holy Book together. Mahmoud Othman Atta was one of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee's seven founding members. Mr. Atta guided Milwaukee's Muslim community and the Islamic Society of Milwaukee in the 1970's, when an estimated 200 Muslims lived in the city. He helped lead fundraising for the purchase of its main center on the city's south side and served on the society's first board of trustees, a position he held for about a decade. Mahmoud Othman Atta was a natural leader. He saw the value in reaching across racial and religious lines, joining interfaith organizations and Muslim-Christian dialogue groups. He was respected for his character and his knowledge. Mr. Atta would open his home to a stranger, realizing how it felt like to be alone without family, so he always had a soft spot in his heart for students or individuals who were coming from overseas. Mr. Atta worked as an engine technician at Briggs & Stratton for about 25 years, retiring in 1990 after suffering his first stroke. Mr. Atta had been in declining health in recent years and suffered a stroke while he and his wife spent several months in the Palestinian areas. He returned to the Palestinian territories every year or two, where his large family is well-known. About 1,000 people there have attended visitations spread over three days, after his death. Mahmoud Othman Atta is survived by his wife Intisar; 2 sons Othman and Ihsan; 2 daughters Janan and Bayan; and 12 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Milwaukee has experienced a profound loss with the passing of Mahmoud Othman Atta. He had an attachment to Milwaukee, and he loved the Midwestern lifestyle. Today, I thank him and his family for their immeasurable achievements. I mourn his loss and I salute his legacy.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life and service of Frederick P. Kessler. It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of his passing on November 12, 2024. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the many people in our community whose lives he touched. Fred's remarkable career began in this very chamber, where, as a high school student, he acted as a Page in the United States House of Representatives. By the time he was 20 years old, Fred had been elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly. Throughout this time, he played a pivotal role in achieving compromise during Wisconsin's redistricting battles of the 1960s. Fred used his position to advocate for equal education, election reform, civil liberties, and fair housing. In the midst of his public service, he earned both a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Following the end of the legislative session in 1972, Fred was appointed to a judgeship in Milwaukee County. After working on the Wisconsin Legislative Council Committee on Court Reorganization in 1978, Fred was appointed as a circuit judge for Milwaukee County. He served with distinction for 10 years, upholding the law and administering justice to the people of Milwaukee. In 2004, Fred returned to the Wisconsin State Assembly for 14 more years. During this period, Fred once again championed critical reforms in Wisconsin's criminal justice system, elections, and federal relations. Fred's dedication to justice will be dearly missed. His unwavering commitment to public service fills me with honor in recognizing his incredible career and passion for creating a more equal and just nation. I have long admired Fred's dedication to improving the world around him. His legacy is one of selfless service, a steadfast pursuit of justice, and a profound care for others. Fred's life was defined by his compassion, his integrity, and his unwavering belief in the power of public service to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Fred was always a voice for the voiceless, a champion of fairness, and an advocate for those who needed it most. Mr. Speaker, for all these reasons, I am proud to pay tribute to Frederick P. Kessler today. He has changed the lives of so many people, including my own constituents. The people of the 4th Congressional District, the State of Wisconsin, and the United States join me in thanking him for his legacy of service and commitment to the public good.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8932, the FAFSA Deadline Act and a robust and efficient FAFSA application process. For many of our constituents, this process is the start of determining whether college is a reality or remains a dream. FAFSA can unlock critical financial aid that may make the difference between not only starting college, but also completing it. As we've seen over the past two years, the FAFSA application process has been plagued by delays and technical issues as the Biden Administration worked to implement a new form. During the 2024 to 2025 processing cycle, processing delays resulted in families struggling to fill out the forms and delayed financial assistance packages being sent to students, causing unnecessary burdens and stress. By standardizing the FAFSA application launch date on October 1, we not only ease burdens on Department of Education officials tasked with processing these applications, but on families who rely on federal assistance to be able to afford college. An efficient FAFSA application process is critical to making higher education more accessible and affordable. However, let's be clear: a better and more reliable timeline while we are cutting and gutting the federal programs that help provide support to students, like the Pell Grant and TRIO, isn't going to do much good for our constituents. So, while we take this first step, let's not lose sight of all the other steps that we need to take to protect access to higher education for those who choose to pursue it. We must do what we can to improve the processing of these applications in a timely manner, which is why I am in support of this bill. Rest assured, I will fight like hell in the next Congress to protect the federal programs and funding sources that help the students who will benefit from the FAFSA process stay enrolled and graduate, too.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Wisconsin, I would like to recognize the Arnwine Family for honoring their family's legacy of perseverance, activism, and dedication to create a more equal and just nation. Sterling Arnwine's 1936 interview with the Federal Writers Project captured the unimaginable hardship and persecution of him and his family while enslaved. I am inspired by the story of Sterling Arnwine and the commitment of his descendants to share the stories of Black Americans who suffered under the violent institution of American slavery. The sharing of stories not only memorializes the many people who suffered but also gives voice to the survivors. I thank them for all they have done to benefit our communities. The Arnwine Family has touched the lives of many, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact and change their family creates in the years to come.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I associate myself with all of the comments that have been made today in describing the importance of these bills and getting us one step closer to a really healthy, robust title IV-B reauthorization and putting that into law. I especially thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, for bringing us here today. As the chairwoman of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I am so grateful that so many of our priorities of the bipartisan caucus were addressed in this package, including ensuring that poverty is not synonymous with neglect; including enhancing peer- to-peer mentoring; listening to the voices of those with experience in the welfare system; supporting youth as they transition out of foster care; giving a larger, broader platform to considering kinship caregiving as opposed to removing children from homes; improving our child support collection mechanisms; and strengthening the Indian Child Welfare Act. This package includes a much-needed, albeit small, increase in title IV-B dollars. Whatever way it is sliced, we can't make the system better or work the way we want without making investments. One of my main priorities in Congress has been to make sure that poverty is not synonymous with neglect, and I was so very proud to work with the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith) during the reauthorization effort to include this provision in the bill before us.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me additional time. Mr. Speaker, I was proud to work with the gentleman to require that States receiving these Federal dollars to identify and implement policies that would prevent family separation solely based on poverty. I am so proud to have worked on the provision to make sure that those with lived experience in the foster youth system are included in the development of State plans. It is also critically important that we are passing the part of this legislation, the Strengthening State and Tribal Support Act, that piece of the legislation championed by the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Hern). I have joined him in cosponsoring this bill to improve a key mechanism for enforcing child support orders, and that is intercepting State tax refunds. Mr. Speaker, child support payments are vital to child well-being and development, and they help fight child poverty and keeping both parents engaged in supporting their child. Tribes are currently unable to directly request that tax refunds be garnished for child support, and States have problems, as well, with these hindrances. This is also a direct affront to Tribal sovereignty not to be able to provide these services directly. I am so glad that these provisions have been included. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from those 27 Governors, including Wisconsin's own Tony Evers, in support of the provisions which they argue will support the ability of State, Tribal, and local child support agencies to adequately service families. Hon. Charles E. Schumer, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Mike Johnson, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Hakeem Jeffries Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Johnson, and Minority Leader Jeffries: As governors from across the nation, we urge you to pass the bipartisan Strengthening State and Tribal Child Support Act (H.R. 7906), which will help support the ability of state, Tribal, and local child support agencies to serve families in each of our states. Maintaining states' and Tribes' ability to perform child support enforcement via federal tax offset is vital to ensuring the well-being of over 12 million children currently receiving the services of the child support program. It is critical that states and Tribes do not lose the ability to perform this essential action. Background Federal law requires child support agencies to access federal tax information (FTI) for establishment and enforcement purposes, including the federal tax refund offset program. Child support agencies across the country contract with private partners for this and a variety of critical services, including management of state disbursement units, which are responsible for disbursement of all child support funds collected in a state, as well as technology services related to the maintenance and development of child support case management systems. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has determined that direct access to FTI by Tribal child support programs is prohibited under current law and that contractor access to FTI is limited. Until last year, IRS audits of child support programs held those federal tax information findings in abeyance while waiting for a legislative solution. The IRS and the federal Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) had agreed for decades to allow contractor access to FTI for the sole purpose of establishing and enforcing child support obligations as long as contractors adhered to stringent measures to ensure that confidential information remained protected. Importantly, contractors have never breached the extensive confidentiality requirements. A legislative solution to this issue is long overdue. Legislative Solution Introduced by Representative Kevin Hern (R-Oklahoma) and lead cosponsors Representatives Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin) and Suzan DelBene (D-Washington), H.R. 7906 resolves a long- standing discrepancy in interpretation under the Internal Revenue Code of the use and definition of contractors, who are integral to assisting child support agencies in establishing and enforcing child support obligations. The companion to H.R. 7906, S. 3154, was introduced in the Senate by Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon). The federal tax refund offset program collects tens of millions in current and past due child support every year. These vital funds for children across the nation are in jeopardy if resolution to this discrepancy is not addressed. Based on preliminary cost estimates obtained from child support program directors across the country, absent this legislative solution, compliance with IRS requirements would total over $1 billion nationally in additional costs for child support programs each year. These are the additional administrative costs associated with bringing current vendor- provided services in-house. The legislation would also provide Tribes with direct access to federal tax information to offset federal tax refunds from parents owing support to their children and allow them to obtain vital information to establish and enforce child support for children served by tribal child support agencies. Bipartisan, Bicameral, Stakeholder Support After many months of review and negotiation, this important effort and bill as introduced has earned bipartisan support and a nearly identical bill is pending in the Senate. Additionally, the IRS and the Office of Child Support Services were meaningfully engaged and involved throughout the process and supported the provisions. The four national associations representing state and Tribal child support agencies also support the bill. This legislative fix clarifying the use of contractors provides administrative certainty for all agencies and provides Tribes with direct access to tax refund offsets, giving them another tool to support children and families. We support the passage of H.R 7906 to avoid disruption in these essential services. Sincerely, Governor Tony Evers, Wisconsin. Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio. Governor Kay Ivey, Alabama. Governor Gavin Newsom, California. Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut. Governor Josh Green, M.D., Hawaii. Governor Laura Kelly, Kansas. Governor Wes Moore, Maryland. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan. Governor Katie Hobbs, Arizona. Governor Jared Polis, Colorado. Governor John Carney, Delaware. Governor J.B. Pritzker, Illinois. Governor Janet Mills, Maine. Governor Maura Healey, Massachusetts. Governor Mike Parson, Missouri. Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey. Governor Doug Burgum, North Dakota. Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania. Governor Kristi Noem, South Dakota. Governor Phil Scott, Vermont. Governor Mark Gordon, Wyoming. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico. Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon. Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island. Governor Spencer Cox, Utah. Governor Jay Inslee, Washington.