Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill).

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Louisiana (Ms. Letlow).

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I stand in unequivocal support of H. Con. Res. 70. The series of bomb threats against historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, is extremely concerning. Threats of violence, especially ones motivated by racism and hate, have no place in this country. This resolution demonstrates our full and unwavering support for HBCUs. Since the beginning of February, over a dozen HBCUs in 5 states and the District of Columbia have received bomb threats. Threatening the safety and education of students in these historic institutions is unacceptable. The work HBCUs do on behalf of students, families, and communities, is critically important. These institutions are invaluable parts of the postsecondary education landscape, and they are changing lives by offering students an excellent education. For almost 200 years, these institutions have worked to provide Black Americans with the skills and education they need to become a vital part of our workforce. Generations of strong and capable leaders have graduated from these institutions, including 50 percent of Black teachers and doctors, as well as 80 percent of Black judges. Despite massive challenges throughout their histories, HBCUs have persevered. Their ability to thrive under immense pressure and hardship is how we know they will survive this current onslaught of hate. But they will not fight against these threats alone. We stand by their side so they can continue to play a critical role in preparing our country's next generation of leaders and innovators. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Education and Labor Committee, I have learned about the ways in which HBCUs serve our country's students and postsecondary education community. For decades, HBCUs have provided countless opportunities for men and women to achieve their goals, whether academic, professional, or personal. Threats of violence against HBCUs are despicable and cowardly. We fully and unequivocally condemn these acts of hate. They have no place in our country. HBCUs deserve to be celebrated, not threatened. That is why I am voting in favor of H. Con. Res. 70, and I urge all of my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, we certainly all remain unified in condemning the bomb threats, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young man from my district for shining the national spotlight on Central College by shattering one of the most impressive NCAA records. Last season, Central College senior quarterback Blaine Hawkins set the new NCAA season record for the most touchdown passes with a total of 63 touchdowns over 13 games, leading the Dutch to an impressive 12-1 season record. Blaine has garnered national attention for setting the Division III career touchdown record, and he has won several awards, including Player of the Year, Conference Offensive MVP for both the 2019 and 2021 season, and has been named an Academic All-American for the 2018, 2020, and 2021 season. Congratulations to Blaine and the Central College Dutch for a fantastic season. I wish you all the best.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce) for organizing this evening's Special Order hour. For months now, we have seen a steady rise in energy prices, highlighted by rising prices at the gas pump. The United States imports hundreds of thousands of barrels of Russian oil every day, a slap in the face to workers and businesses across our country. Sanctioning Russia's energy sector will cripple their economy and might be what it takes to end Russia's illegal invasion of a sovereign nation. Today, the administration took a much-needed step and banned the import of Russian oil and gas. To help counter a lack of oil from Russia, the administration is currently requesting that dictatorships like Venezuela and Iran increase their oil and gas output instead of unleashing domestic energy production. This is unconscionable. To support American workers and businesses, we should tap into the abundance of natural resources at home to counter high fuel costs, including Iowa-made ethanol and biofuels. As a Presidential candidate in 2020, President Biden pledged to promote and advance renewable energy, ethanol, and other biofuels to help rural America. Ethanol helps to extend our fuel supply, and this can help alleviate price pressure at the pump while giving access to American-made energy. If only the Midwest States switched from E10 to E15, it would easily replace all the barrels of oil that we will no longer be importing from Russia. American ethanol producers have well over 2 billion gallons of unutilized production capacity and are standing ready to play a larger role in our energy sector. We should continue to also grow our energy export network with our European allies and our NATO partners to help them wean off Russian energy. Biofuels, nuclear, oil, natural gas, hydro, and electric can all be part of our energy diplomacy and weaken Russia's influence in Europe. We must take an all-of-the-above approach to our domestic energy policy, especially in the face of Russian aggression. I will continue to fight to ensure that our energy sector continues to use oil and gas and American-made energy to end our dependence on Russia and other adversaries, diversify our energy usage, become more environmentally friendly, and create good-paying jobs here at home.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Glen McCall of Ottumwa, Iowa. Glen passed away peacefully on March 2 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center following a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. A native Iowan and an Army veteran, Glen and his wife, Kay, lived in Iowa for almost 60 years. He worked at CSI in Humeston as a radio technician for years and then worked as a farmer in Leon before moving to Ottumwa as an entrepreneur to open McCall Communications, a two-way radio sales and service shop. Glen and Kay ran the store for almost 40 years. Glen was always happy to give his neighbors a helping hand and was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Ottumwa, serving as secretary for decades. His kindness, compassion, humor, and ever-ready smile were appreciated by all those whom he encountered. Glen dedicated his life to serving and helping the community he loved and making Ottumwa the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Glen's wife, Kay, their children, four grandchildren, six great- grandchildren, and all his loved ones are in my prayers. I would also like to extend a joyful, happy 25th birthday to Caroline and Charlie Kiley. We also stand with Ukraine.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I claim time in opposition, although I am not opposed.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, as both a physician and a 24-year military veteran coming from a family of veterans, married to a veteran of 30 years, let me say to my colleagues: We can save lives today with a bill on the President's desk today by passing in this Chamber the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act. We can pass that now and they can receive healthcare now. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I claim time in opposition, although I am not opposed.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.