Jennifer McClellan

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, climate change and sea level rise and increased temperatures and increased storms have a direct impact on military readiness, operations, and the health and well-being of our servicemembers. Yelling and calling people names or ridiculing them for the type of car they choose to drive won't change that fact. When we had Navy leadership in a hearing, I asked them to talk about the impact of climate change on readiness. As sea level rise increases, we have more corrosion of our ships. As temperatures increase, that has a direct impact on the health of our servicemembers. I went to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval station in the world, which is in one of the most vulnerable places to sea level rise, the most vulnerable on the East Coast. I asked the commanding officer: What are you most worried about? She said: When increased storms come and literally water floods a street that bisects this base in half, that the increasing sea level rise is reclaiming the land that Naval Station Norfolk is on and they have nowhere to rebuild. This amendment would prohibit the Department of Defense from expending funds to implement a broad spectrum of the Biden/Harris administration's executive orders, everything from job-creating, clean energy projects to ensuring that rural, low income, Tribal, and minority communities are not continually, inordinately impacted by pollution from our military installations, which oh, by the way, in Norfolk at one time killed the Elizabeth River, which is slowly starting to come back because Naval Station Norfolk has decided to be a better neighbor and steward of the land that it is on. We don't need to speculate on the impacts of this amendment because a rider on the fiscal year 2024 Defense appropriations bill made a $500 million cut to climate-tagged accounts immediately impacting operational energy programs that make our servicemembers more effective and lethal, extending on-station times, and reducing the need for refueling. Come to these military installations that are vulnerable, that are impacted, and talk to their commanding officers and maybe that will help you connect the dots between climate change, climate policy, and military readiness. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Chair, do you know what I teach my children? I teach them the ripple effect. Your simple act of kindness today may not change and lead to world peace tomorrow, but it will have a ripple effect. What we do today to reduce our carbon footprint will have a ripple effect. The military has been one of the largest, not just contributors to greenhouse gases, but pollution that has damaged mostly low-income, rural, Tribal, and minority communities who didn't at the time have the power to contribute or consult on the decisions that were being made. The environmental justice executive order is designed to say we are going to be a better neighbor and we are going to be a better steward and make sure that we are not destroying the environment on which our military bases sit. That is a good thing. Extreme weather events, sea level rise, and severe flooding has a direct impact on military readiness. I think it is really sad that my colleague doesn't believe the commanding officer of the largest naval base in the world when unprompted is asked what the biggest thing you are worried about, she raised two issues that were related: I am landlocked with the sea encroaching on my base, I have nowhere to go, and it is impacting my ability to ensure we are ready to meet increased national security impacts. As other parts of the planet become uninhabitable, where do you think they are going to go? Mr. Chair, I ask that my colleagues oppose this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Chair, 80 years ago, after the invasion of D-Day, we witnessed the beginning of the end of the Hitler regime. In the wake of World War II and its devastation, NATO was created in an effort to deter then-Soviet expansionism, forbid the revival of nationalist militarism in Europe through a strong North American presence on the continent, and encourage European political integration. Given what is happening right now with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, now is not the time to say we are going to turn our back on or abandon NATO. We need to strengthen and recommit to our alliance.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lt. Colonel Theresa M. Claiborne, who was the first African American female pilot in the United States Air Force. Aside from her many accomplishments, Clairborne is flying her last commercial flight this month. Captain Claiborne was born on May 25, 1959, to Wayne Morris, Sr. and Dorothy Claiborne in Emporia, Virginia. She attended California State University, Sacramento, where she earned a degree in Communication, Culture, and Media in 1981. Claiborne completed the University of California-Berkeley Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) program and was commissioned as a United States Air Force second lieutenant on June 20, 1981. Following the completion of pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas, Lt. Claiborne graduated as the first African American female pilot in the United States Air Force on September 16, 1982. During Claiborne's active-duty years, she rose in rank to Captain and served as a KC 135 pilot at Loring Air Force Base, Maine. Captain Claiborne credits the Tuskegee Airmen as dutiful servicemen who paved the way for her and the Black women and men to follow. After 9 years of dedicated service, Captain Claiborne retired from active-duty service and Joined the United States Air Force Reserves as a flight commander and an instructor pilot, becoming a Lieutenant Colonel in November 2001. Concurrently, after leaving active-duty service, Captain Claiborne Joined United Airlines as a flight engineer, working her way up to the rank of captain She remained one of only 15 Black female pilots at United Airlines until 2019. On January 6, 2003, Lt. Colonel Claiborne retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves but maintained her position as Captain with United Airlines, accumulating over 15,000 civilian flying hours. However, Lt. Colonel Claiborne's service did not stop there. In 2016, she co-founded the Sister of the Skies with pilots Christine Angel Hughes and Nia Wordlaw, with the mission of supporting and building a diverse aviation workforce by offering workshops, mentorships, and scholarships. We owe a debt of gratitude to Lt. Colonel Claiborne for her more than 20 years of service to our armed forces and for paving the way for a new generation of Black female pilots.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Chair, I thank Mr. Pallone for his leadership. I rise today to urge my colleagues to oppose the House Republicans' ridiculous Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act, which would strip away commonsense energy efficiency standards that will save our constituents hundreds of dollars every year on their utility bills and save $1 trillion and cut greenhouse gas pollution by over 2.5 billion metric tons over the next 30 years. However, House Republicans want to put polluters over people by stoking fear that someone is coming after their household appliances. News flash: No one is coming after anyone's household appliances. We should be focused on the issues that the American people want us to focus on. Indeed, none of my constituents nor a majority of the American people are clamoring for Congress to protect their household appliances. Do you know what they are clamoring for? They are clamoring for Congress to do something about the fact that they have lost reproductive freedom and the ability to make healthcare decisions without interference from politicians since the Supreme Court gutted Roe v. Wade. Now over 40 percent of women of reproductive age live in a State with an abortion ban or extreme restrictions. They want us to do something about the fact that barriers to their exercise of the right to vote have been put in place since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act. They want us to do something about the fact that the impacts of climate change such as, sea level rise, increased temperatures, major storms increasing, and pollution is having an impact on their health, their businesses, their communities, and even our military readiness, as we heard from the Secretary of the Navy last week. Democrats are fighting to put people over politics and address these issues that actually matter to the American people. I urge my Republican colleagues to do the same. Vote ``no'' on this bill, and let's get back to work.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Earth Day, which will be on Monday, a day to honor and celebrate our remarkable planet. Earth Day is an important opportunity to renew our commitment to combating climate change, transitioning to a clean-energy future, promoting conservation and sustainability, and advancing environmental justice. We face serious environmental challenges across the globe, from preventing sea level rise on the coasts to combating the destruction of natural habitats in the Arctic and everything in between. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, Congressional Democrats made historic climate progress over the past few years, including the largest investment in climate action and clean energy in our Nation's history. The Inflation Reduction Act is creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs of the future, and as we continue to transition to cleaner, more sustainable technologies, we are working to ensure that everyone can benefit from these investments and that no one is left behind. The Biden-Harris administration is complementing our efforts with transformative executive actions that include finalizing strong standards that cut greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard our communities. Thanks to the administration, we have taken historic action to reduce methane emissions; strengthen standards for soot; limit emissions from cars, trucks, and buses; and curb PFAS, or forever chemical, contamination. In the coming weeks, we look forward to a strong final rule for Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for power plants. Last year, I led over 50 Members of Congress in urging the administration to finalize strong standards that will protect the health and well-being of the American people, and we eagerly await that final rule. I commend the administration for their commitment to ensuring that 40 percent of the overall benefits of Federal investments in climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other key areas flow to historically disadvantaged communities that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change and pollution. For too long, low-income communities, communities of color, our Tribal and indigenous communities, have borne the brunt of environmental degradation and our worsening climate. The climate crisis exacerbates longstanding inequities and contributes to worse public health outcomes for vulnerable populations. My predecessor, the late Donald McEachin, was a true environmental justice champion who always stood up for these vulnerable populations. Each year, he would lead a resolution to recognize Earth Day and call for action to protect our planet. This week, I look forward to building on his legacy and helping to reintroduce that resolution to honor Earth Day. As a mother to two young children, I am fighting to ensure a healthy, more sustainable future for my children and yours. Earth Day is a reminder that we have no planet B. We must continue fighting to protect our Earth and protect our next generation.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise, as we close out Black Maternal Health Week, to underscore the pressing need to continue addressing the maternal mortality crisis that plagues our Nation. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income nation in the world, and Black women bear the brunt of these disparities and are three times more likely to die in childbirth than White women. This crisis has been made worse by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, as the States with abortion bans have higher mortality rates than those that do not. I know the risks that Black women face all too well as I nearly died giving birth to my daughter, Samantha, when she was born 9 weeks prematurely and spent 6 weeks in the NICU. As a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I am encouraged by some of the progress that we have made, such as the Biden-Harris administration's Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis; allowing States to expand Medicaid postpartum coverage from just 60 days to 12 months postpartum, impacting approximately 65 percent of births for Black mothers; and adopting new regulations under the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act that gives millions of workers access to unpaid leave. We must do more, including passing the Momnibus Act.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sixth Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. In 1923, Reverend Edward D. Caffee led 25 members from Mount Carmel Baptist Church to establish a Mission, initially known as St. Luke's Mission. Despite initial challenges in obtaining recognition, on December 12, 1923, the Mission was officially recognized as St. Luke Baptist Church. Under Reverend Caffee's guidance, the church flourished, moving to North Sixth Street in 1924, where it held its first service on December 28, 1924. In November 1927, the Reverend Joseph Arrington was appointed as pastor of Sixth Baptist Church. At Arrington's recommendation and with the congregation's consent, the church officially changed its name from St. Luke Baptist Church to Sixth Street Baptist Church. Despite financial struggles during the Great Depression, the church persevered, paying off its mortgage in 1944. In 1952, recognizing the changing landscape of Richmond, the congregation moved to the West End, renaming itself Sixth Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Reverend Arrington, the church's membership grew to an astounding 350 members. After 33 years of faithful service, Reverend Arrington stepped down as pastor, paving the way for the appointment of Haywood Knight as Sixth Baptist Church's new senior pastor. Under Reverend Knight's leadership, the church renovated its fellowship hall and established the Fellowship Club and Youth Church. Reverend Knight served as pastor until 1968, when Reverend Dr. Emmett L. Fleming Sr. became the fourth pastor of the church. Under Reverend Dr. Fleming's tenure, the church embarked on ambitious projects, including erecting an educational building and renovating the sanctuary. His legacy of community outreach and ministry development laid a strong foundation for the future. In 2001, Reverend Dr. Yvonne Jones Bibbs became the fifth pastor of Sixth Baptist Church, continuing the tradition of stewardship and community engagement. As pastor, Rev. Dr. Bibbs has overseen the church through two phases of construction and renovations to improve facilities and worship spaces for the growing congregation. Throughout its 100 years, Sixth Baptist Church has remained a steadfast place of worship for congregants and members of the Richmond community. As we celebrate Sixth Baptist Church's centennial, we honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a future filled with continued growth and service.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to underscore the pressing need to protect Americans from rampant forms of online sexual harassment. With the widespread adoption of social media, dating apps, and other technologies, we are seeing a concerning rise in inappropriate online behavior that impacts users, including our own children. For too long, Congress has failed to pass legislation that keeps up with the rapidly evolving digital landscape and the new challenges posed by these developments. In particular, users--men, women, and children--are facing concerningly high rates of cyberflashing. Cyberflashing can include transferal of sexually explicit images, videos, and pictures without consent via social media, messaging apps, WiFi, Bluetooth, and even AirDrop. The rise in cyberflashing affects everyone, including everyday users, celebrities, and children. Over half of women between the ages of 18 and 29 have received an explicit image they never asked for, and overall, 32 percent of women and 30 percent of men have received unsolicited explicit images. Celebrities including Keke Palmer and Chrishell Stause, have also dealt with cyberflashing. Most concerning, cyberflashing is impacting our children, with a recent study estimating that 76 percent of girls aged 12 to 18 years old have been exposed to unsolicited nude images. These issues are further exacerbated by the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning, which is giving rise to unregulated deepfakes, personal image hacking, and more. The Stanford Internet Observatory and Thorn found that AI technologies exacerbate online sexual exploitation and contribute to the creation of child sexual abuse material. As a mother of two children, I am fighting to address these issues and protect users from unwanted, nonconsensual, and inappropriate sexual behavior. If someone flashed you on the street, they would be arrested, but if they flash you through your phone, nothing happens. Thanks to my work as a State legislator, it is illegal to send unsolicited nude photos in Virginia as of January 1, 2022. Now in Congress, I am continuing those efforts to make it illegal nationwide by introducing the Curbing Online Non-Consensual Sexually Explicit Nudity Transfers Act, or the CONSENT Act. I am proud that this is a bipartisan, bicameral bill with Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Texas and Senators Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Steve Daines of Montana. The CONSENT Act ensures a private right of action against individuals who knowingly send unsolicited, nonconsensual sexually explicit visual images, whether they are unaltered or manipulated by machine learning or AI. It allows an individual to obtain either statutory damages of up to $500 or compensatory damages for emotional distress, reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees, and a temporary restraining order to cease receiving sexually explicit images from the sender. This legislation also safeguards the privacy of minors by empowering legal guardians to bring a civil action on their behalf and elect to use the plaintiff's initials in all further court proceedings. I am grateful that the CONSENT Act enjoys a wide coalition of support. This bipartisan legislation is endorsed by the dating app Bumble, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Organization for Women, the Virginia chapter of the National Organization for Women, the National Women's Political Caucus, and the Richmond YWCA. The CONSENT Act will address the privacy and safety concerns of users and help ensure individuals have legal recourse against these troubling situations. I look forward to advocating for this legislation this Congress and urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it and protect America's online users and our children from cyberflashing.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, the Virginia General Assembly proclaimed March 28th as James Solomon Russell Day. Today, I use to honor his legacy and incredible contributions to our Commonwealth. Born enslaved in 1857, James Solomon Russell's life journey exemplifies resilience and determination. After receiving his teaching license in Warren County, North Carolina, and beginning to teach in the area, he attended Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute in 1874. However, due to financial difficulties, he was unable to complete his studies and returned to teach in Warren County. Thereafter, he became interested in the Episcopal Church and was the fist student at Saint Stephen's Normal and Industrial School (later Bishop Payne Divinity School) in Petersburg, VA. He dedicated himself to uplifting his community and worked among Zion Union members in Brunswick County. His tireless efforts included the establishment of schools, senior housing, and the founding of Saint Paul's College in 1888. Through his leadership, thousands of African American youth were empowered to pursue education, becoming beacons of progress across the Commonwealth. Despite closing its doors in 2013, James Solomon Russell's indelible mark at Saint Paul's College is kept alive at the James Solomon Russell--Saint Paul's College Museum and Archives in Lawrenceville, Virginia. I commend the James Solomon Russell Commemoration Committee and the Saint Paul's College Museum Committee for spearheading the community effort to open the museum to the public in 2019. Moreover, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture Robert F. Smith Center for the Digitization and Curation of African American History. Their collaboration with the James Solomon Russell-- Saint Paul's College Museum and Archives is invaluable. The Center's expertise in archiving and digitizing historical records ensures that Russell's story, along with the rich history of Saint Paul's College, remains accessible to future generations.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, in celebration of Women's History Month, I rise today to honor 23 women chosen by constituents in Virginia's Fourth Congressional District for my inaugural Women in Excellence Award. These women are recognized for their meaningful contributions and commitment to improving the lives of others and giving back to their communities. I commend these remarkable women who are spearheading progress across the district in the fields of advocacy, environmental justice, economic development, education, government, healthcare, law, public safety, and more. Chief Lynette Lewis Allston, Southampton Dr. Monica L. Ball, Richmond Ms Sherri Bowman, Charles City Dr. Shantelle Brown, Richmond Ms. Chelsea L. Buyalos, Chester Sheriff Vanessa R. Crawford, Petersburg Mrs. Dixie Daniel, Brunswick Detective Lakisha R. Davis, Chesterfield Dr. Tamara W. Dias, Chester Ms. Austine Ellis, Emporia Dr. Shonda Harris-Muhammed, Richmond Mrs. Evelyn M. Johnson, Chesterfield Ms. Michelle Johnson, Charles City Mrs. Rebecca L. Larkin, Henrico Ms. Tracy Lee, Colonial Heights Dr. Shantell Lewis, Henrico Ms. Danielle Milliner, Petersburg The Honorable Gammiel Poindexter, Richmond Ms. Aileen Rivera, Henrico Mrs. Vondrenna Smithers, Brunswick Ms. Kenda Sutton-EL, Richmond Dr. Phyllis Taylor Tolliver, Prince George Ms. Kim Walker-Lee, Southampton

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to underscore the devastating impacts that we have seen from Republicans' extreme and unrelenting attacks on reproductive freedom. Since the Trump-packed Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, we have seen children as young as 10 years of age who have been raped who could not get abortion services. We have seen women who have suffered miscarriages and who have had to sit in the car until they were septic to get the treatment that they needed. Moreover, now we have seen the Alabama Supreme Court strip away the right to in vitro fertilization with its decision last week and three centers stopping IVF services. Republicans in the House and the Senate say that they support in vitro fertilization, but when given the opportunity to actually preserve it, they failed. Mr. Speaker, 125 House Republicans cosponsored legislation that would ban IVF, and the Senate has rejected legislation to make it legal. These decisions belong between patients and their providers.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following essay by 1st Place High School Winner, Zahara Flowers: As a student and a future voter, the words of Barack Obama resonate deeply within me. In a world that constantly calls for transformation, it is crucial that we do not wait for others to usher in the change we desire. Instead, we must recognize our own influence and seize the opportunity to become active participants in shaping the future of our communities and our nation. Through a combination of education, advocacy, and civic engagement, we can harness our collective power to effect meaningful change. Education is the foundation of empowerment. As students, we have a unique opportunity to expand our knowledge and understanding of the pressing issues facing our society. By immersing ourselves in subjects such as history, civics, and social sciences, we gain valuable insights into the root causes of inequality, injustice, and structural barriers. Moreover, education equips us with the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze complex problems and develop innovative solutions. As such, I encourage my peers to prioritize their education and to actively seek out opportunities for learning both inside and outside the classroom. However, education alone is not enough. We must also translate our knowledge into action through advocacy. This involves raising awareness about key issues, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and holding our elected officials accountable. One way to do this is by engaging in community outreach efforts. Whether it's through volunteering with local nonprofits, participating in protests and demonstrations, or simply having conversations with friends and family, every action we take has the potential to create ripple effects of change. Additionally, we can utilize social media platforms to share information, mobilize support, and build solidarity around important causes. By harnessing the power of our collective voices, we can create a momentum that compels policymakers to take meaningful action. Furthermore, civic engagement is essential for fostering a culture of democracy and social responsibility. As future voters, we have a responsibility to participate in the electoral process and to exercise our right to vote. This means registering to vote, staying informed about candidates and ballot measures, and turning out to the polls on Election Day. Moreover, we must recognize that our civic duty extends beyond casting a ballot every few years. We must also actively engage with our elected officials, advocating for policies that reflect our values and priorities. Whether it's writing letters, making phone calls, or attending town hall meetings, our voices have the power to shape the political landscape and influence decision-making at every level of government. In conclusion, the journey toward meaningful change begins with recognizing our own power and embracing our role as change makers in our communities. Through education, advocacy, and civic engagement, we can harness the power of collective action to address the pressing challenges of our time. As students and future voters, we have the opportunity and the obligation to shape the future we want to see. Let us heed the call to action, knowing that the power to create change lies within each and every one of us. As the first Black President of the United States, Barack Obama, once said: ``Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.''

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following essay by 1st Place Middle Schooler, Frances Widmer: Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm did many amazing things to pave the way for Black women in politics during her life and legacy. Her childhood, experience in national politics, and tenure as a congresswomen all speak to the remarkable legacy she left behind. She paved the way for Black women to lead in politics by pushing against the odds, by running against white men, and by challenging the political system. Shirley Chisholm was born in Brooklyn, New York, but when she was three she moved to her system parents' homeland of Barbados to live with her grandmother. She was an intelligent girl and excelled in school and was ``bossy'' to all her older cousins. When she was eight years old, she moved back to Brooklyn with her parents. There she would listen into the political conversations her dad would hold and she became more and more interested in politics. She continued in her education and went to Brooklyn College to study Spanish and sociology, but she was not allowed to study political science because she was a Black woman. As Shirley became more interested in politics, she attended political meetings and joined the 17th Assembly District Democratic Club. In her club, she realized that they did more chores, like writing thank you cards and holding fundraisers, than helping their community. Shirley Chisholm also began to realize that the congressmen were making promises they could not keep. Wanting to change all of these things, she got Into action. In 1968 Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman to be elected to congress. For her to get to this point, she had to face lots of opposition both because of her race and gender. Despite that, she knew that she had what it took to govern our country. She won by over 21,000 votes, but not everyone applauded Shirley's win. No one in the congress looked like her. In Congress, her first assignment was a position in the Agricultural Committee in America, but she was disappointed. She then used her position to help feed the hungry including people in Brooklyn, her hometown, Shirley Chisholm said, ``You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.'' She kept trying and succeeded in her goal. In 1972 Shirley Chisholm ran to become the Democratic candidate for the Presidential election. She thought that the U.S. government should reflect America. Though her bid was unsuccessful, she broke the barrier for Black women in politics. Chisholm was the first African American to make a bid for a major party's candidate. She famously said, ``If you don't have a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair.'' She made an opportunity for herself and for others to serve in government. Shirley Chisholm had many firsts: She was the first Black woman to be in Congress and the first Black woman to make a bid for president in a major party. By doing this. she paved the way for Black women to serve in government. Rep. Lee said, ``Ms. Chisholm's mission to include women, children, African-Americans, and other minorities in public policy opened the door to a whole new debate lacking in Congress during that time. She is a remarkable woman who paved the way for many of us . . .

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Environmental Protection Agency on finalizing a stronger air pollution standard that will protect communities and achieve better outcomes across our Nation. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, the EPA strengthened the national air ambient quality standard for soot, from 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9. Today's final rule is a major step toward addressing one of the most dangerous environmental health risks in the country. As is too often the case, low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by soot pollution and experience worse health outcomes as a result, including higher rates of respiratory illnesses, particularly asthma, heart attacks, cancer, and infant mortality. Strengthening these standards will prevent 4,500 premature deaths, avoid 290,000 lost workdays, and result in as much as $46 billion in public health benefits. Shortly after being sworn in, I called on the EPA to curb soot pollution and finalize a strong rule, and I am grateful for the administration's action which will begin to address historic inequities in our marginalized communities across the Nation.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I rise today to recognize the legacy of the Honorable Yvonne B. Miller, who became the first Black woman to serve in the Virginia General Assembly when she was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates 40 years ago. Four years later, she became the first Black woman to serve in the Senate of Virginia. As a young member of the Virginia House of Delegates, I had the opportunity to work with Senator Miller when I was in the house until her untimely death of stomach cancer in 2012. I was proud to build on her legacy in the senate, and one of the habits that I took from Senator Miller was whenever she would have visitors come to her office, whether they were interns, students, university presidents, she would have them sit at her desk for a picture and she would say: This seat belongs to you as much as it belongs to me. She treated everyone the same whether you were a Governor, an intern, or anyone in between. You would often hear her shout in her loud, booming voice: You look gorgeous. She was a lifelong educator. She was a champion for those underprivileged and underserved communities, including her own in Norfolk, that she proudly represented. As the first Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia, I stand on Yvonne Miller's shoulders. I join my former colleagues in the Virginia General Assembly who recognized her with a commemorating resolution last week and are working on a tribute to her in our State capitol, where as a child she often did not feel welcome, but she broke barriers to ensure that Black women everywhere knew they belonged in that capitol. I honor her today and miss her very much, but I still hear her voice saying: You look gorgeous.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ahead of the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade to urge my colleagues to take action to protect reproductive freedom, which has been under assault since the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe in the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. I was 1 month old when the Roe decision came down, and I had peace of mind when entering my childbearing years that any decision on when to become a mother would be mine, and that any pregnancy-related decisions that I had to make would be between me, my partner, and my medical provider. Thirteen years ago, I became the first member of the Virginia House of Delegates to be pregnant while in office. As a Black woman in a Nation grappling with a maternal and infant health crisis, I researched everything that could go right and everything that could wrong. The conversations with my OB opened my eyes to the impact that abortion restrictions can have on pregnancy management decisions, and my doctor shared stories. My doctor shared stories like Suzie, a married 30-something with a hole in her heart who was on birth control but got pregnant anyway; or Beth, a pregnant woman who developed cancer. Each faced a heartbreaking choice of whether to terminate the pregnancy or sacrifice her life. There was Mary, who underwent fertility treatments to have a child and got pregnant with octuplets. The odds of carrying the pregnancy were very low, but if she reduced the pregnancy to two, the odds were better than 50/50 that both would survive. There was Amy, who suffered an incomplete or missed miscarriage in which the fetus dies but remains in the uterus. Often a medical procedure, an abortion, is required to remove the fetus and the placenta to avoid infection, sepsis, and death. There was Robin, whose fetus developed the most severe form of spina bifida, with horrific deformities. Her doctor suspected that the baby was already paralyzed from the waist down, and that the paralysis would spread as he grew. He was not expected to survive. I heard story after story, and I thought about how the abortion restrictions that I saw proposed then in Virginia and across the country would have taken away decisions on the best course of treatment for those patients. In today's post-Dobbs world, we are witnessing the devastating impacts of restrictive abortion laws on mothers and families across the United States right now. This anniversary of Roe is an important reminder that we must continue fighting to ensure that every American has access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, and that we do not insert the judgment of politicians in State legislatures or here in Washington for those of the healthcare providers' and patients' judgment. During my second pregnancy, I had placenta previa. I was aware of the risks associated with it, but that didn't stop me from being terrified when, 9 weeks before my due date, my placenta ruptured. I was rushed into the hospital and had an emergency C-section. Both my daughter and I nearly died. It was one of the scariest days of my life. However, I had peace of mind knowing that my doctor in that moment would make the decision she felt best to provide the treatment necessary based on the standard of care without fear of punishment from politicians if things went wrong. Thankfully, that delivery was successful and many of you have come to know my daughter, Samantha, as a thriving, precocious, healthy little girl. However, when she reaches childbearing years, will she have fewer rights than I did when I gave birth to her? That very thought makes me furious. It makes me livid that I am the first member of my family to lose a constitutional right in my lifetime. That reality has motivated me more than ever to protect reproductive freedom just as I did as a State legislator, passing legislation that makes Virginia the only State in the South without an abortion ban or extreme restrictions post-Dobbs. I will continue to fight for reproductive freedom for patients and providers to make the choice they believe is best given their necessary circumstances without interference from Washington or State legislatures.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this dangerous H.R. 6918. This legislation is the House Republicans' latest attempt to spread inaccurate information while advancing their extreme anti-abortion agenda and attacking reproductive freedom. This bill would divert TANF funding that is intended to help struggling families and children, the very families that face higher maternal and infant death rates than some Third World countries. It would divert funding to help these families to fund anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers whose sole purpose is to coerce, deceive, and manipulate pregnant patients into carrying their pregnancies to term. These centers often share biased and medically inaccurate information, purposefully misleading patients into believing they can get the healthcare they need. Abortion care is healthcare. These centers delay care, deny access to qualified medical professionals, and that is critically dangerous for pregnant patients who need timely healthcare services. These centers are unethical and jeopardize patients' well-being, yet extreme House Republicans want the Federal Government to support them at the expense of the vulnerable children and families, again, who face higher infant mortality rates than in many Third World countries. This legislation exemplifies Republicans' bad-faith efforts. Essential TANF funds should not be used to help these programs instead of helping needy families. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible career of the Librarian of Virginia, Dr. Sandra Gioia Treadway, who is retiring after serving in the capacity for the past sixteen years. The Library of Virginia is one of the oldest government institutions in Virginia and will celebrate its 200th anniversary this year. The Library plays a vital role in the preservation of our Commonwealth's historical documents and manuscripts. Dr. Treadway devoted a total of 45 years to the agency and led it with commitment, poise, and tenacity over the past decade and a half. Throughout her time as the Librarian of Virginia, Dr. Treadway expertly navigated various challenges and societal transitions that arose, including managing the devastating effects of the 2008 recession and significantly improving access to the Library's resources in our increasingly digital world. She adeptly built and strengthened relationships with the state government and broader library community and spearheaded efforts to ensure the Library meaningfully engaged in statewide commemorations of historical events in our Commonwealth's history. She also played a monumental role in the digitization of countless important historical documents and manuscripts, which will preserve these invaluable pieces for generations to come. Undoubtedly, Dr. Treadway made a profound impact in the lives of Virginians, bolstering outreach to communities, strengthening our historical research, and promoting the Library's mission and services. She has served our community, Commonwealth, and country with distinction. I commend her on her many accomplishments and wish her happiness in her retirement and best wishes in her next endeavor.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to S.J. Res. 38, which undermines the Biden-Harris administration's efforts to supercharge our transition to a clean-energy future and deploy more sustainable technologies. With this resolution, extreme House Republicans are actively trying to hamper the progress made through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. They are threatening the burgeoning electric vehicle industry and harming our communities, our economy, and our planet. It is clear we are in an infrastructure decade thanks to these transformative investments, yet House Republicans would rather try to undermine these efforts than acknowledge the clear benefits for communities across the Nation. In fact, thanks to the IIAJ, Henrico County, in my district, will receive over $1.4 million to build 38 EV charging ports at 7 publicly accessible facilities throughout the community. Similar awards are going out to localities across the Nation. House Republicans' solution would impede the growth of our EV industry across the country at a time when we must do more to address the climate crisis and as more Americans are switching to electric vehicles. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I'm excited to announce the winner of the first annual Virginia's Fourth Congressional District Veteran of the Year. Mr. Charles H. Talley, Jr. dedicated 34 years of his life to the United States Army and continues to serve the district with integrity. Mr. Talley was in the Pentagon during the September 11th terrorist attacks that shook our Nation before he deployed to Afghanistan to fight against those same attackers. He served his country with distinction and rose through the ranks before his retirement in 2018 as a Chief Warrant Officer Four. Now, he uses his specialized skills and years of experience in the Army and as an American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef to serve as the Quality Assurance Manager for the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence at Fort Gregg-Adams. In this capacity, he works to assess and improve the food for the entire U.S. Army in the battlefield environment. He also continues to serve and give back to our community as the current president of the Nu Omicron Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, where he organizes service events in Petersburg and the surrounding areas. He devotes his time to lecture Warrant Officers every year and young aspiring professionals at Virginia State University. As we celebrate Veterans Day this weekend, I am proud to name Chief Warrant Officer Four Charles H. Talley, Jr. as Virginia's Fourth Congressional District Veteran of the year.

Ms. McCLELLAN

Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, to share her strong support and statement regarding this important legislation. These are her words: ``I rise today in strong support of the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act. ``As many of you know, earlier this year, I shared that I have been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP for short, which is an atypical Parkinson's, a kind of Parkinson's on steroids. ``Even those of you with whom I have never interacted one on one have witnessed my physical deterioration, from my striding confidently through the Chamber earlier this year to walking more haltingly and dependent on my walking sticks this summer, to leaning heavily on my walker now. In all likelihood, some time in 2024, I will come to the floor in a wheelchair. ``Eventually, those of us who have these diseases will be unable to walk, talk, or even feed ourselves. We will require extensive and expensive institutional or in-home care, the cost of which will likely be borne primarily by U.S. taxpayers. ``Since my diagnosis, I have seen firsthand how Parkinson's disease or atypical Parkinson's can change everything, not only for those of us who suffer from the disease itself, but for all of the many people in our lives who love us and want us to be well again. ``The physical challenges are tough. In just 2016, I ran the Marine Corps Olympic-distance triathlon and as recently as last year got up every morning during session to go to the gym with Chair Rodgers and a small group of dedicated women Members. ``My family has felt the impacts, as well. My husband, Andrew, and I were supposed to be getting to the good part and were looking forward to enjoying our empty nest as our younger son went off to join his brother in college. ``Instead, he will be a caregiver, and we are looking for ways to convert the first floor study and half bath to a bedroom and en suite so that I will be able to remain in our home when I am no longer able to make it up or down stairs. ``Instead of scuba diving together in the morning and sitting under a palm tree and playing Scrabble in the afternoon, we will not enjoy a leisurely retirement a decade plus from now.'' ``I know it has been difficult for my sons to watch as their vivacious, cool--for a mom--confident Congresswoman mom goes through these changes and challenges as well. ``This is my family's story, but we, unfortunately, are not alone. There are over 1 million people in the United States who have these diseases, and countless loved ones surrounding them. ``We did not expect this to happen to us, and it could happen to anyone. That is why this legislation is so critical. Today marks a historic step forward toward a world where no family has to endure what ours has. ``To my colleagues, friends, and those from across the country from whom I have heard an outpouring of support, I have been touched by your kindness and the desire for action from both sides of the aisle. ``If there is one thing we can all agree on, it is that we can and must do better to fight these terrible diseases. ``The past year has been a difficult road and an emotional journey for me, not only facing the great health challenges that come with this diagnosis, but also coming to terms with the fact that I have to give up doing what I love. ``I have spent my career uplifting the stories of those in need and fighting to serve my community, and I am proud to continue that fight on behalf of the broader Parkinson's community for as long as I am able. ``I am grateful to have a platform to be a voice for those struggling with this disease and to fight and help bring greater resources to the search for a cure. The National Plan to End Parkinson's Act will do just that. ``This is not the end of the road, but a vital and necessary first step on a journey that will lead to a cure or, even better, eradicate Parkinson's and atypical Parkinson's altogether. ``I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation and reaffirm Congress' commitment to finding treatments and cures for millions of families across the country.'' Mr. Speaker, I would only add to the words of Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton that she is a fighter. Having served with her in the Virginia General Assembly, I saw her fight on behalf of others and turn their pain into progress, and now I am honored to serve with her as she does that with her own pain, turns it into progress to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. I join her in supporting this bill and asking our colleagues to vote ``yes.''