Gwen Moore

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment No. 44--which has been included in the En Bloc amendment--to help ensure that the U.S. remains focused on helping to end female genital mutilation around the world at a time when some countries are considering repealing existing bans. Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves procedures that alter or injure the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. As the person who led efforts to outlaw female genital mutilation in the State of Wisconsin, I am too keenly aware that this remains a pressing issue. More than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation. And it is estimated that 4.4 million girls are at risk of experiencing this harmful practice this year alone. This is a practice that has no health benefits but harms girls and women. I share concerns that have been raised about the overall funding levels in this bill that have been so well articulated and the deep cuts to a range of programs that are vital to our Nation's interest and national security efforts. I am also troubled by a number of policy riders that have been inserted into this bill. The bill defunds agencies like the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) that have been working to address female genital mutilation for years. Agencies like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) that have also been engaged in helping to move the world towards the elimination of this practice. The Department of State has annually provided about $5 million to UNICEF to support a Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation. While we have not yet eliminated the practice of FGM, our investments and those of our international partners have seen results. As noted by the UN, over the last three decades, the prevalence of FGM has declined globally. It wasn't by accident. It took hard work by dedicated partners at all levels from the international community to the local community working to reframe laws and attitudes. But the work must continue. For example, the parliament in The Gambia is considering repealing the FGM ban enacted in that country in 2015. The repeal campaign began after the government dared to actually enforce the law a few years ago. Overall, there is concern that if The Gambia repeals its law, this could inspire other countries to do likewise. But more importantly, is what it would mean for the women and girls in Gambia, where some estimated that up to three-quarters of the women and girls have undergone the procedure. In February of this year, when the world commemorated the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, our Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, ``FGM, in all forms, is a Human rights abuse that harms all women.'' We cannot rollback the U.S. commitment to ending this human rights abuse and that includes ensuring that we adequately fund these efforts. Our commitment to eliminating FGM--working with international organizations, such as UNICEF and UNFPA, coUntries, survivors, and other stakeholders--will only go as deep as our resources take it. My amendment would send a message that we still think this is important even in a bill that makes harmful cuts across the board to development, diplomacy, and humanitarian assistance. I urge support.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate and celebrate the 150th anniversary of A.O. Smith Corporation, a cornerstone of American innovation and Industry. A.O. Smith was founded in 1874 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and over the past century, has grown from a small family business specializing in the fabrication of metal hardware into a global leader in water technology, manufacturing, residential and commercial water heaters, boilers, and water purification equipment. Today, A.O. Smith employs more than 12,000 people across the world and conducts business in over sixty countries. A.O. Smith provided family-supporting jobs for many of my constituents, their parents, and grandparents. A.O. Smith was instrumental in helping to usher in the automobile revolution, developing a new, lightweight steel car frame--a development that caught the interest of major car companies including Peerless, Cadillac, Packard, Oldsmobile and Ford. Ford's initial order of 10,000 frames led A.O. Smith to develop the world's first mass production process for assembling frames, later introducing the world's first automated frame production line. This first fully automated frame assembly plant came to be known as the ``mechanical marvel'' due to the line's ability to make a frame every eight seconds--10,000 frames a day. A.O. Smith was also a large component manufacturer that supplied parts to another early Wisconsin pioneering manufacturer, Harley- Davidson. A.O. Smith engineers discovered an improved method for welding, allowing for the production of a wide range of steel products. This included the pressure vessel for oil refining and large diameter steel pipe, important components in the oil and natural gas industries. One of the company's most important and enduring innovations was the process of fusing glass to steel. By perfecting this process, the company developed a range of new products, including glass-lined beer kegs, glass-lined brewery tanks, and glass-lined residential water heaters. Glass-lined water heaters rapidly became an industry standard that endures today and led to A.O. Smith's growth as a global leader in water heating products, which now includes industry leading models that are consistently among the most efficient in the market according to the ENERGY STAR program. In recent years, A.O. Smith has emerged as an industry leader in developing technologies that address our drinking water quality challenges. A co-founding member of the Water Council, A.O. Smith has helped ensure Milwaukee's place as a global water technology hub, while supporting economic development in Wisconsin. The Water Council helped bring about the creation of the Global Water Center, which houses water-related business accelerators and research facilities where engineers conduct controlled testing on water purification products sold around the world. Bringing together their work has helped transform Milwaukee into a world hub for water research, education, and economic development. I am proud to recognize A.O. Smith and I share my best wishes with the company and their employees for their continued success.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for heading up this Special Order hour. At this time, we have many Members in the Congressional Black Caucus who are concerned about this issue. I am so happy this evening that we have also been joined by not only Jonathan Jackson but by a member of the Ways and Means Committee, a mentor of mine, Representative Danny Davis, who has served as a social worker and has kept abreast of those formal studies by engaging and being passionate about foster youth. I thank the Congressional Black Caucus for shining a light on this particular issue. We must face it: These are our children. There are about 400,000 children currently in foster care, not counting the ones who are in informal arrangements of foster care. They are our children. They are children of color, and particularly Black children are disproportionately in the system. For example, I live in Wisconsin. While African Americans in Wisconsin make up only 9 percent of the population, almost a quarter of the children in foster care are African-American children. I can tell you that these are the most vulnerable kids in our country, but my God, they are also the most resilient children. Even the most resilient need our help and our support. As Congress, we must support them because, after all, these youth are our future workforce. They are our workforce, and who will support us if we don't support them? We just left May. May, of course, was National Foster Care Month. This year's theme of National Foster Care Month was ``Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.'' I think that that is a really important theme, as I want to announce happily that we are going to have another foster youth day, a shadow day. I invite all of my colleagues to engage in the extraordinary experience of letting one of these youth shadow you. You will be surprised that while you think that you are teaching them stuff about your craft as a ranking member or as a chairman, you will learn so much from these youth. That will be something that will carry through for the rest of your time serving. It is a blessing. June is National Family Reunification Month. We have had a foster care system in this country for many years. One of the things that we have learned is that foster care ought to be the last resort and that if we separate children from their families out of necessity, we ought to do everything that we can to try to reunify them and to learn what strategies work toward that effort. We want to do prevention to make sure that these children don't end up being separated from their families, but if they are, we need to prioritize kinship care. One of the co-chairs of this committee is a Republican, Representative Don Bacon, and he is adamant about kinship care and keeping kinship groups together. That is one of his passions, and we need make sure we support his legislation. We have another co-chair, a Democrat from California, Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove. She has come into this Congress, succeeding the now-mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, and gone headfirst into this issue and is a passionate supporter of our programming. Mary Gay Scanlon, an attorney from Pennsylvania before she joined us in this body, brought those skills and her own experience doing a lot of pro bono work for children and families caught in the foster care system. She is a passionate co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. Representative Nancy Mace, who we all know as a person who has served in our Armed Forces, brings her leadership to this task. Representative Zach Nunn is another Republican in our group. It is a bipartisan group, and we need to save our children. In just a few days, we are going to have the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth's annual Foster Youth Shadow Day. We want Members to sign up to pair with a foster youth. I can't explain how impactful it is for these former foster youth to shadow my colleagues for just a day and how beneficial it is for us as policymakers. It is a great reminder that beyond these statistics are real people. Madam Speaker, I have so much to say, but there are others here who want to share. I will be happy to get into a dialogue or colloquy with them.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great respect and admiration to honor the extraordinary life and contributions of Lupe Martinez, President and Chief Executive Officer of UMOS, as he transitions into the esteemed newly created title and role of President Emeritus. For an impressive fifty-four years, forty-nine of which he served as President and Chief Executive Officer, Lupe Martinez dedicated his boundless energy, unwavering commitment, and visionary leadership to UMOS, a non-profit advocacy organization tirelessly working to improve the lives of under-served populations across Wisconsin and beyond. Under his steadfast guidance, UMOS has evolved from its humble origins in Milwaukee to become one of the largest Hispanic-managed non- profits in Wisconsin and one of the most expansive multi-state nonprofit corporations in the United States. Through his strategic vision and tireless advocacy, Lupe has overseen the expansion of UMOS's reach into seven states, securing over $100 million in contracts and ensuring vital programs and services are accessible to those in need. Lupe served as a unifying force, reaching out to fellow citizens regardless of then ethnic backgrounds and mobilizing them toward a shared purpose that transcended personal boundaries and influenced all involved groups. Lupe Martinez's dedication to empowering others and fostering long- term sustainability for UMOS exemplifies his decision to step back from day-to-day management, which provides opportunities for others to step up into leadership positions. As he assumes the role of President Emeritus, Lupe remains steadfast in his commitment to the organization, focusing on long-range planning, strategic partnerships, securing funding, and assisting with the transition to new leadership. Throughout his illustrious career, Lupe Martinez has been a tireless champion for migrant and seasonal farm workers and other marginalized communities, locally and nationally. His advocacy efforts have extended to the highest levels of government, where he has served on numerous boards and councils, including the National Farmworker Alliance, Farmworker Justice, and the Wisconsin Council on Migrant Labor. Lupe's impact transcends organizational boundaries, as evidenced by his involvement in community events and organizations such as the Mexican Fiesta and the Employ Milwaukee Workforce Investment Board. His relentless pursuit of social justice and equity has garnered widespread recognition, earning him prestigious awards such as the Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award from the Green Bay Packers Foundation and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to have this opportunity to pay tribute to Lupe Martinez for his impeccable service to Milwaukeeans, Wisconsinites, and Americans everywhere. May his legacy inspire us all to continue building a more just and equitable society for generations.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, ten years ago, I had the honor and the esteemed privilege of addressing this body in honor of Anna Mae Wilson Robertson's 90th birthday. Today, it is with great pleasure and reverence that we gather once more to commemorate the extraordinary life of Anna Mae Wilson Robertson as she celebrates her centennial birthday. Anna Mae Wilson Robertson is a cherished mother, devoted volunteer, and esteemed veteran. Mrs. Robertson, a cherished figure in the community of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, marks a century of life on March 8, 2024. Anna Mae Wilson Robertson embarked on a Journey of resilience and service, exemplified by her marriage to John Robertson, a partnership that spanned 33 years and blessed them with eight children. Throughout her career, she made meaningful contributions as an employee of Marquette University and St. Camillus Health Center, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and lives of those she encountered. However, Mrs. Robertson's unyielding spirit and dedication to duty truly distinguished her. In 1945, amidst the backdrop of World War II, she answered the call to serve her country, enlisting in the Army and joining the Women's Army Corps (WAC) ranks. Notably, she became a member of the illustrious 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion, fondly known as the Six Triple Eight. Comprised of 855 courageous women, the Six Triple Eight achieved remarkable feats, blazing trails as the first African American all- female battalion and the sole all-women battalion deployed overseas. Their mission was clear: to address the logistical challenges hindering mail delivery to troops stationed across Western Europe. Mrs. Robertson and the Six Triple Eight surpassed expectations and demonstrated exceptional efficiency by overcoming logistical difficulties in just three months. Navigating treacherous waters plagued by German U Boats and facing the threat of enemy bombardment, the Six Triple Eight persevered, establishing a groundbreaking mail distribution system that became a lifeline for over 7 million military personnel and civilians. Despite adverse conditions, Mrs. Robertson and her comrades processed an astonishing 65,000 pieces of mail per shift, seven days a week. Yet, their triumphs were muted by the harsh realities of discrimination as they confronted the barriers of ``dual segregation'' based on gender and race. Undeterred, they forged ahead, creating their support systems, and achieving their objectives in record time. Following their valiant service abroad, Mrs. Robertson and her fellow soldiers returned home as unsung heroes. On February 11, 2021, I was honored to introduce H.R. 1012, The `Six Triple Eight' Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021, to recognize the service and sacrifice of Mrs. Robertson and her fellow heroes for their service. That long awaited recognition was passed in the 117th Congress and became Public Law No: 117-97 on March 14, 2022. Today, as we reflect on Mrs. Robertson's centennial birthday, let us also honor the legacy of the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion--a legacy of bravery, resilience, and unwavering dedication to duty. Let us pledge to uplift and celebrate the untold stories of individuals like Mrs. Robertson, whose contributions have long been overshadowed by the passage of time. Mr. Speaker, on this auspicious occasion, let us pin in celebrating Anna Mae Wilson Robertson's 100th birthday and expressing our profound gratitude for her exemplary service to our nation and her enduring impact on the community of Milwaukee. May her remarkable life continue to inspire generations to come.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, do you all remember when our good friend, Mitt Romney, talked about the 47 percent of the takers? This bill locks in the principle that we have takers and makers. We have $600 billion of tax breaks to the wealthiest corporations that may become permanent, and yet some woman who gets up in a rural area and marches off to the grocery store and works 30 hours a week still won't be able to get the full refundable child tax credit because she is too poor. She is a taker; she is not a maker. This is a compromise bill. It is better than current law where that same minimum wage worker would have to work 70 hours a week in order to get this tax credit now only has to work 40 hours a week, plus do a little Uber on the side to get the tax credit. So I think we need to compromise, but we don't need to capitulate. And I represent the 47 percent of those deemed takers. We are going to expand this tax credit for poor children, but the poorest will be even poorer.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. For childcare.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. DeLauro for putting together this Special Order. Mr. Speaker, I felt really compelled to come to the floor because 1 minute last night during the tax debate did not seem to be an adequate amount of time to explain why I adamantly opposed the tax bill in its current iteration. Mr. Speaker, what I have been told is that a half a loaf is just better than no loaf at all; that this tax bill was a compromise, and that somehow as a legislative body and as legislators, we ought to be used to compromising, but I just didn't want to capitulate. I didn't mind compromising, but I didn't want to capitulate. It wasn't just that we passed this tax bill that supposedly was an improvement for the child tax credit, but we passed $600 billion of tax breaks for businesses, which is the job of the Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Speaker, I don't know what Members of this body have against poor children. Are we in some sort of Dickensian reality here, like in a novel by Charles Dickens, where 5-year-olds have to go to work to take care of themselves? Part of what is flawed about the so-called improvement in the child tax credit is that it relegates children's well-being and their ability to get a supplemental income based on their parent's income. If you are married and you are a stay-at-home mom and your husband makes $399,000 a year, I am happy that we provide you the full credit because, even at that income level, we ought to recognize the tremendous expense that it is to raise children. We ought to consider the benefits of providing shelter and good food and good nutrition for children, but why is it that those children in that home are more deserving of a supplement than a child who lives in a household where a parent makes less than $22,000 a year? Why? Why is it that this body perceives that the lowest income children living in those households, that their parents need to put in a greater work effort? Well, I asked the Joint Committee on Taxation to do a little arithmetic for me, so that I could sort of understand the thinking behind what my colleagues were saying. They said people need to work. Children need to see their parents going to work before they just get this welfare money and this free money. Well, under current law, if a single mom gets out there and gets herself a minimum wage job, doing her part, she is only required under our welfare policy to work 20 hours a week, but if she gets out there and finds herself two minimum wage jobs paying 7.25 an hour and she goes and does Uber or Instacart after she finishes her two part-time jobs, then and only then will she be eligible for the tax credit. I don't know who takes care of her kids while she is working more than 40 hours per week in order to qualify for the child tax credit. I mean, that is just criminal. As my colleagues have pointed out, in this same package, we have corporations that are getting stuff like research expensing. I think R&D is a legitimate tax break, but there is research expensing that can hardly be called ``research.'' We also provide billions of dollars for bonus depreciation, which is really quite wasteful in our economy for companies to be able to buy new equipment year after year after year because they can expense it and write it off. And while they are able to write off their business expenses, we are writing off millions of children whose parents don't have tax liability. So companies can have no tax liability, pay no taxes, and get $600 billion and parents, who have no tax liability, get nothing. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. As a refundable tax credit, there are about 61 million children who are able to benefit from this provision, and yet I see through all of the talking points and literature and analyses of this proposal, that we are just supposed to be happy with this half loaf because now 16 million kids and 400,000 more are going to benefit from this proposal. Is this correct?

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Sixty-one million children?

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. And it incentivized them to work.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. We pushed more kids into poverty.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. As you mentioned, I had a proposal, a compromise.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. It was a compromise. It was not what I wanted. I wanted a fully refundable tax credit, but I was looking at our current work requirements for this tax credit and I said to myself--even though a work requirement really defies the whole purpose of a child supplement--if we were to compromise and had a work requirement, why would someone, who through no-fault of their own, finds themselves working for $7.25 an hour; they are subject to rules under our welfare reform protocols, under our TANF legislation, to work 20 hours a week when they have young children. I had the Joint Committee on Taxation do an analysis and if a woman with two kids worked 20 hours a week, did everything that was expected of her, she still would not qualify for this tax credit. And if she wanted to get a fully refundable tax credit, she would have to neglect her children in order to do it. She would have to work more than 40 hours, Mr. Speaker, in order to qualify. That is slavery, you all. I mean, why are we continuing to cling to these old models of financing our economy and deciding that women, who by definition are typically single parents struggling to raise their kids, must work more than 40 hours in order to receive a benefit from their government? Why is that? What do they have against these poor children?

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, my only proposal was to have a more generous phase-in. If you are going to require people to work, why not allow them to have 40 percent of the credit after the first $2,500 of income. That way, someone who was working and trying to meet all of the program requirements, a TANF recipient, could go to work and feel some dignity--as they claim that you get--some dignity going to work, making work pay. They go and do their 20 hours, and they are able to have time to deal with their children and help them with their homework. They get the earned income tax credit. They are playing by the rules, and all we do is just move the goal post further and further away. Under this bill you cannot work your way out of poverty, and we are going to make sure you stay there.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, do you all remember when our good friend, Mitt Romney, talked about the 47 percent of the takers? This bill locks in the principle that we have takers and makers. We have $600 billion of permanent tax cuts to the wealthiest people, and yet some woman who gets up in a rural area and marches off to the grocery store and works 30 hours a week won't see a dime of this tax credit because she is too poor. She is a taker; she is not a maker. You know, I think it is all right. This is a compromised bill. It is better than current law where that same minimum wage worker would have to work 70 hours a week in order to get this tax credit now only has to work 40 hours a week, plus do a little Uber on the side to get the tax credit. So I think we need to compromise, but we don't need to capitulate. We are not going to expand this tax credit for poor children, but the poorest will be even poorer.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to extend my condolences to the family and community mourning the passing of Lena Jacquelyn Taylor, affectionately known as ``Jackie,'' a caring and benevolent entrepreneur and a passionate champion for community engagement. It saddens me to say that Jackie passed peacefully in the early morning of Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Born on June 9, 1945, in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, to the loving embrace of Thomas Bartholomew and Delta Ivory Thompson, Jackie, the youngest of eight children, proudly stood as one of ``Mama Delta's Finest.'' Jackie's educational journey unfolded within the halls of Milwaukee Public Schools, where she assumed leadership as the cadet captain at Lee Street Elementary School. She progressed to John Marshall High School, where she became part of the inaugural class of African American students to integrate into the school. In 1965, Jackie and Wilbert united in matrimony, fostering a family that extended beyond their own, embracing nieces and nephews as their own. The marriage may have seen its course, but the commitment to parenting and supporting their daughter, Lena Carolyn Taylor, endured. Jackie's return to education at MATC and UW-Milwaukee marked a significant chapter, guided by her exceptional counselor, Jimmy Johnstone. Jackie's professional journey was interwoven with roles at American Motors, AO Smith, and Milwaukee Public Schools. Simultaneously, she immersed herself in her mother's business ventures, accumulating invaluable knowledge. After completing her coursework, fueled by her mother's entrepreneurial spirit, Jackie embarked on her path as a business owner, collaborating in managing a grocery store, restaurant, real estate holdings, and facilities aiding veterans and the unhoused. Her benevolent spirit, inherited from her mother, manifested in civic engagement as an Elks Temple No. 247 member. Jackie orchestrated debutante balls, displaying dynamic leadership, providing invaluable social etiquette and moral guidance to young black women. In the later stages of her life, she joyfully welcomed her ``darling baby boy,'' Jacques Taylor. A devout believer from a young age, Jackie's spiritual journey took a profound turn under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Thomas B. Moody at Solomon Community Temple United Methodist Church. Her commitment to Christ and the church catalyzed the establishment of The Love House in 1994, a faith-based initiative offering support to the unhoused, returning citizens and those grappling with mental health challenges. For nearly three decades, The Love House, initially rooted in her home, evolved into a beacon of hope. Jackie's tireless efforts surpassed counseling to encompass securing employment, fostering independence, and reuniting individuals with their families and communities. Every week, she hosted a food pantry, spreading love through her culinary creations and warmly welcoming everyone who crossed her path. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I am honored to pay tribute to Lena ``Jackie'' Jacquelyn Taylor. She has helped transform the lives of so many people, including my constituents. The people of the 4th Congressional District, the State of Wisconsin, and the United States benefitted greatly from her commitment to service.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this bill that diverts funds from the welfare program and the TANF program to these crisis pregnancy centers. Before I get into my argument, let me say how I think it is wonderful that these centers provide clothing, formula, diapers, and comfort to a woman who is planning to have a child and they are able to provide these resources. However, I do agree with my colleagues that have argued that these so-called crisis pregnancy centers don't meet the mark with regard to meeting a woman who is actually having a crisis pregnancy. When a woman is having a crisis pregnancy and presents herself, she is having a crisis because she has mental health issues, some social problems, she may have health problems, maybe she is 10 years old and finds herself pregnant as a result of incest. Maybe--and I have known cases like this--she has found herself pregnant and is now needing treatment for cancer and wondering what to do because she is going to have to have chemo and radiation and finds herself pregnant. The problem with these crisis pregnancy centers is that they only have one agenda, and that is to make sure you stay pregnant. They are going to continue to ignore the facts of your particular case which makes it a crisis pregnancy for you. I will tell you that I have great credibility on this issue. I am a mother. I am a grandmother of three granddaughters. I am a great- grandmother of three great-granddaughters. I have held women's hands when they have pushed and given birth, and I have held their hands when they needed an abortion because of reasons that are none of our business around here. I think that if we are going to divert the measly $16.5 billion block grant that we have to share all across the country that we should not be diverting it to these 2,500 care centers that don't meet the TANF goals of helping poor women deal with their poverty beyond 6 weeks after giving birth. It is fine to help women who are pregnant, but what do you do after you have given birth and we have diverted all these funds to places like pregnancy resource centers that care only about stopping you from having an abortion?

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to comment on H.R. 3058, the Recruiting Families Using Data Act. There is an undeniable shortage of foster care placements in America, and an even more drastic lack of foster families with individual foster parents that can care for our Foster Youth. Furthermore, it is imperative that Congress ensures that foster children receive the highest standards of care in all current and future placements. This includes ensuring the availability placements that can be respectful of all of the individualities that foster youth hold. That is why, in my capacity as a member of the Ways and Means Committee, who has jurisdiction over this legislation, as well as the Chairwoman on the Congressional Caucus on foster youth (otherwise referred to as CCFY) I am proud to support this bill. I will also point out that Congressman Kildee is one of our strongest advocates on the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, and I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation alongside my fellow CCFY cochairs, Representatives Bacon and Scanlon. I often reflect on an instance that occurred when I was age 14, upon a visit to my aunt in my home town. I was awakened in the middle of the night with the police at the door. They ushered in a family of twelve children. My aunt was identified as an emergency placement for these foster youth out of a limited number of adults who had been previously vetted to be foster parents. At midnight, I suddenly worked with my aunt to gather the needed supplies for these children, including items like bedding. While my aunt was an outstanding foster parent, moments like these occur frequently and exemplify the phenomenon that many youth feel when they enter care. Placements too often feel to youth like they are thrown to a stranger who the state has hired at random who is suddenly an authority of a child's life. Thankfully, the Recruiting Families Using Data Act takes several important steps that can ensure that a foster care placement feels less alien to a new foster youth and is a more comfortable place for foster children to land during a tumultuous time in their lives. One provision in this legislation is its requirement that whenever possible, the existing family of youth who are entering foster care are consulted regarding the most appropriate placement for the youth. This serves to not only maintain family bonds, but also increases the possibility that a foster placement has cultural competency with respect to a youth's background. This bill importantly also includes measures to improve cultural competency of foster placements. This is through its provision that states, ``diligently recruit potential foster and adoptive families that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of the children in foster care''. For example, we know that African American youth are disproportionately overrepresented in the foster care system however, there is not a like amount of African American Foster Parents. Another anecdote that often comes to mind is a little girl of mixed heritage who I knew that ran away from her foster home and chose to come to my own home. It came to light that her reasoning for these actions was because she was in a foster home with white parents, and she knew that my own daughter would actually be able to handle her African American hair in a way that her white foster parents were not able to. After working with these foster parents to improve their ability to help the girl with her hair, we were able to make a successful reunification. It is that simple. We can fix this. Finally, I would like to emphasize that with the shortage of foster placements, it is all the more difficult to place foster youth with special needs in homes that are prepared to meet their needs. One such example of special needs is sibling groups. It is certainly a tragedy that upon enduring the trauma of being brought into the foster care system, children often also face the trauma for being indefinitely separated from their known biological siblings. Another example is that foster youth who are part of the LGBTQ+ community need special considerations to secure a safe and accepting placement while in foster care. This is all the more challenging as we are seeing vitriol toward this community nationwide. Youth also can have particular dietary needs either pertaining to health matters or cultural identity that should be catered to in a foster placement. I am so glad that the House of Representatives is choosing to address all of these issues through the passage of the Recruiting Families Using Data Act. I am looking forward to continuing to work on behalf of foster youth with my colleagues in this constructive manner as we move forward.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to extend my deepest condolences to the family and community grieving the loss of the esteemed former United States Senator Herbert Hiken Kohl. Senator Herb Kohl, a notable figure in the political, sporting, and education spheres, passed away on December 27, 2023, at the age of 88. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the union of his Polish Jewish immigrant father, Max Kohl, and his Russian Jewish mother, Mary Kohl. Senator Kohl's humble beginnings trace back to Washington High School. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1956, where he also became a Pi Lambda Phi fraternity member. Continuing his academic pursuits, he obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School in 1958, concurrently serving in the United States Army Reserve from 1958 to 1964. Senator Kohl entered the political scene around the 1970s, initially as a donor and fundraiser for then Governor Patrick Lucey. Following Governor Lucey's 1974 inauguration, Senator Kohl assumed a prominent role as the chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party (WisDems). Under his leadership, WisDems achieved historic victories in the 1976 election, securing a supermajority in both chambers of the legislature. He remained chairman of WisDems until he resigned at the June 1977 state party convention. A stalwart public servant, Senator Kohl dedicated four consecutive terms to representing Wisconsin as a U.S. Senator from 1989 to 2013. Notably, he holds the distinction of having an undefeated record in politics, winning all 72 counties in Wisconsin during the 2006 election. His bipartisan approach and commitment to addressing crucial issues earned him respect across party lines. In addition to his political contributions, Senator Kohl left a permanent mark on the world of sports as the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks in the National Basketball Association. Acquiring the team in 1985, he guided them through challenges and triumphs, demonstrating his commitment to both the local community and the sport of basketball. Under Kohl's stewardship, the Bucks became a source of pride for Milwaukeeans, and his passion for keeping the Bucks in the city of Milwaukee was evident when he pledged $100 million of his own money to support the construction of what many now know as the Fiserv Forum. Beyond his political and sports achievements, Senator Kohl's passion extended to uplifting Wisconsinites. A staunch supporter of public education, he funded efforts to bolster public schools, students, and educators in the state. Establishing the Herb Kohl Philanthropies, he recognized students, teachers, and schools with grants to support educational achievement. Since its founding, the Herb Kohl Foundation has distributed over $20.9 million in grants and scholarships, impacting the lives of over 8,000 individuals and benefiting more than 3,000 schools. A singular thread unites the various tributes pouring in from the realms of politics, sports, and philanthropy: Senator Herb Kohl's sincere and compassionate demeanor. Colleagues, allies, adversaries, and athletes alike enthusiastically praise him for his boundless generosity, unassuming modesty, and the enduring relationships he fostered throughout his life. Mr. Speaker, Senator Herb Kohl stood as a beacon of moral principles during a time marked by commercializing professional sports and increasing political polarization. His legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the positive impact one person can make when guided by morality, empathy, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. Herb Kohl was a man of the people, who truly cared for all Wisconsinites. His footprint on our state will remain forever.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Larson for holding this Special Order on the importance of enhancing Social Security. Mr. Larson talked about how things have not changed for the last 80 years since Social Security has been in existence. I will tell you one thing; Social Security has not changed its emphasis and focus on allowing our workers to retire and age in dignity and not in poverty. We should and can enhance the program so that it will be solvent and useful for current and future beneficiaries. Take, for example, some provisions that I have included in the Social Security 2100 Act. That is to provide beneficiaries receiving payments for 20 years or more an enhancement. As our population lives longer, more and more people may end up living out their savings, especially women. As our students continue to face the daunting cost of pursuing higher education, it is critical that we reinstate the student benefits of retired, deceased, or disabled workers. These reforms would be particularly meaningful for students of color and low-income families. Before closing, I add my voice in supporting how important it is that Social Security 2100 recognizes that caregiving is, in fact, uncompensated work. In the United States, 43.5 million people, mostly women, work as unpaid caregivers to their children, aging parents, or to an adult family member with a disability, and they don't receive a single dime. The value of that unpaid caregiving is estimated at over half a trillion dollars annually. This bill provides caregiver credits to ensure that people, mostly women, are not penalized when it comes time to claim their Social Security benefits for taking time out of the workforce to care for children or other dependents. I thank Mr. Larson for his continued commitment to preserve and enhance Social Security.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise once again with a heavy heart to extend my condolences to the family and community mourning the passing of the esteemed Bishop Sedgwick Daniels. Bishop Daniels passed away on November 12, 2023, at the age of 64. Having been friends with Bishop Daniels and his family for decades, I personally admired and appreciated his unwavering commitment to both congregation and the greater community. Bishop Daniels was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin into the loving union of John and Kathleen Daniels. He was not only a spiritual leader but also an authentic advocate for empowerment, leaving an indelible mark on the Milwaukee area, both physically and spiritually. His dedication to fostering positive change extended beyond the confines of the Church, impacting our community, and reaching global proportions. As the Pastor and Establishmentarian of the Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Bishop Daniels played a pivotal role in our region's spiritual and community development. His visionaly leadership transformed lloly Redeemer COGIC into a thriving institution, addressing educational and social service needs with a multi-million- dollar impact, His commitment to youth success manifested through the establishment of educational institutions like Holy Redeemer Christian Academy, Young Coggs William Preparatory Academy, and Katherine T. Daniels University Preparatory Academy. Initiatives such as Trained Pulpit and Trained Pew underscored his dedication to shaping the future of the Milwaukee community. In 2001, Bishop Daniels was appointed Bishop by Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson and the COGIC General Board, a recognition of his exceptional spiritual leadership. Overseeing the growth of his jurisdiction from 39 congregations to more than 100 churches in Wisconsin and northern Illinois, Bishop Daniels became a beacon of inspiration in steering the spiritual course of the Church. His passing marks the end of an era, and we collectively grieve the loss of a visionary leader and spiritual guide. His leadership was impactful, and his absence will be deeply felt in the community. Mr. Speaker, Bishop Sedgwick Daniels was a revered member of Milwaukee, the 4th Congressional District, and the entire State of Wisconsin. I commend and sincerely appreciate his contributions as a public servant and am honored to pay tribute to the late Bishop Sedgwick Daniels.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Gabriel (Gabe) Lee Shaw, Jr., a dedicated individual, a family-oriented man, a lifelong learner, and one of my dearest friends. I fondly referred to him as my ``brother-in-love,'' it saddens me to say that Gabe passed peacefully on Thursday, December 7, 2023, with his beloved wife of 41 years, Shirley Ellis, District Director of Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District by his side. The breadth of Gabe's accomplishments far exceeds his 78 years. Gabe was born in Osceola, Arkansas, into the loving union of Gabriel Lee Shaw and Mary Hall Shaw. Gabe's life began as the first son among eight children, including five daughters and three sons. Graduating from North Division High School in 1963, he embarked on a path of hard work and continuous learning, which led him to proudly join the United States Air Force at the age of 17 the same year. His dedication was evident as he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal School at Eglin AFB in Florida. Gabe's military service was exceptional, marked by holding one of the highest security clearances during the Vietnam era, concluding with an honorable discharge in 1968. Gabe's work ethic and commitment to detail became a hallmark of his character. He often declared, ``you cannot talk work done,'' demonstrating his resolve to address and solve any challenge thrown his way. Following his military service, his pursuit of knowledge persisted, leading him to enroll in both UW-Platteville and UW-Milwaukee with a focus on mathematics. His passion for cars propelled him to become an Automotive Service Excellence Certified technician. Known for his love of challenges, Gabe accomplished the remarkable feat of passing all eight comprehensive exams required for the Automotive Excellence certificate on his first attempt, maintaining this certification for an impressive 15 years. He later attended Milwaukee Area Technical College and became a certified Air Conditioning and Heating Specialist. Gabe retired from Miller Brewing Company in 2005 after 30 years of service. His illustrious 30-year tenure at Miller Brewing Company showcased his dedication and loyalty. Gabe, son of a carpenter, had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge that extended to various subjects, including taxes, carpentry, electrical work, masonry, and heating/cooling. This extensive expertise paved the way for his successful career, culminating in becoming a licensed Real Estate Broker in 1977. With a wealth of knowledge, Gabe thrived as a property owner. His ability to repair and maintain properties enabled him to support his family and community. He bailed out countless people with home and auto repairs operating as a contractor under the telling banner of GOOD AND FAIR. Gabe's four daughters, son and grandchildren all benefited from his talent, intelligence, love, and generosity. In the weeks before his death, Gabe shared with me a message to all our progeny. ``Don't make excuses, if you work hard, look forward and not backwards you can accomplish anything with just an average aptitude.'' Gabe shared his life with his beloved wife, business partner and best friend, Shirley A. Ellis, who for over 41 years supported each other in health and sickness, exemplifying a dynamic and supportive partnership. Gabe's role as a great provider extended beyond his immediate family, as he generously shared his wisdom with mentees, especially young men, offering valuable insights into the trade. Personally, Gabriel supported me during some of the most challenging times of my life. My brother-in-love was a comforting resource for me as an 18-year-old new parent, as a candidate without a dime to donate to my own campaign, as a ``handy'' friend who rescued me time and time again as a new homeowner of an old house. Mr. Speaker, Gabriel Lee Shaw, Jr., was a cherished member of Milwaukee, the 4th Congressional District, and the entire State of Wisconsin. He is an example of how patriotism, hard work, lifelong learning, and kindness can create a fulfilling life, I will always treasure his personal impact on me, and I rise to honor the late Gabriel L. Shaw, Jr.

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin

Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment that was included in the En Bloc amendment to the FY 2024 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding bill. My amendment would recognize the success of the TRIO program. The TRIO program provides low-income, first-generation college students' with academic financial and social support. TRIO has produced more than 6 million college graduates--including me. When I was 18 years old and beginning college, I became pregnant with my daughter. As a single mother, it felt nearly impossible to complete my degree. But Marquette University's TRIO program provided the support I needed to reach my potential. TRIO championed me, and now as a Member of Congress, I can champion them. Because without TRIO I would not be here in these halls today. And it goes to show how high someone can climb if they are given the chance. November 8 was First Generation College Student Day--a now annual celebration focusing on the need to help first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni succeed in every possible way, a goal that TRIO is working everyday to help achieve. I am so proud to stand here today, as a TRIO alum, as a TRIO Caucus Chair, and as a Member of Congress, to advocate for this program. I know the Ranking Member understands very well the value of this program and greatly appreciate her support for its inclusion in this En Bloc.