Kelly Morrison

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Tom Moe, a distinguished University of Minnesota student-athlete, administrator, and community leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on generations of Minnesotans. Tom Moe was a standout multi-sport athlete for the University of Minnesota in the late 1950s, excelling in both football and baseball. He led the Gophers in receiving yards in 1958, was named the football team's Most Valuable Player in 1959, and was a member of the 1960 NCAA national championship baseball team. Following his time as a student-athlete, Mr. Moe built a successful career in law and business, becoming a partner and later managing partner at Dorsey & Whitney, where he helped grow the firm into one of the largest in the Nation. He later returned to the University of Minnesota to serve as Director of the Men's Athletic Department, where he emphasized academic excellence and helped guide the successful merger of the men's and women's programs. Mr. Moe also played a key role in laying the foundation for the return of on-campus Gopher football, ensuring future generations could experience the tradition and spirit of Minnesota athletics. His lifelong dedication to the University extended through his family, with his children and grandchildren continuing his legacy as student- athletes. Throughout his life, Tom Moe exemplified leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to his community. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for the lasting impact he made on the University of Minnesota and the many lives he touched. On behalf of the people of Minnesota, I extend my deepest condolences to the Moe family and express our gratitude for Tom Moe's extraordinary life and legacy.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Tom Moe, a distinguished University of Minnesota student-athlete, administrator, and community leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on generations of Minnesotans. Tom Moe was a standout multisport athlete for the U, excelling in both football and baseball. Following his time as a student-athlete, Mr. Moe built a successful career in law and business, becoming managing partner at Dorsey & Whitney where he helped grow the firm into one of the largest in the Nation. He later returned to the U to serve as director of the men's athletic department where he emphasized academic excellence and helped guide the successful merger of the men's and women's programs. His lifelong dedication to the U extended through his family, with his children and grandchildren continuing his legacy as student- athletes. Throughout his lifetime, Moe exemplified leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to his community. He will be remembered both for his accomplishments and for the lasting impact he made on the University of Minnesota and the many lives he touched. On behalf of the people of Minnesota, I extend my deepest condolences to the Moe family and express our gratitude for Tom Moe's extraordinary life and legacy.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as President Trump is preparing to deploy thousands of troops to the Middle East. President Trump has no issue sending our sons and daughters overseas, putting their lives on the line for a war that no one asked for while decimating the care they receive when they come home. He is gutting their healthcare, eliminating the positions of thousands of doctors and nurses, and making the severe staffing crises we are seeing at VA hospitals across the country even worse. His massive cuts to healthcare in his so-called one big, beautiful bill put already strained hospitals that more than 700,000 servicemembers, their families, and veterans rely on at even greater risk of collapse. This is not how we treat the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our democracy and our freedom. Deploying troops while destroying their benefits is a disgrace and a betrayal of our solemn duty to care for them when they come home.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to call out this body's betrayal of the American people. The same week we learned that the Trump administration spent more than $11.3 billion on the first 6 days of the war in Iran alone, a survey found that one in three Americans are skipping meals, rationing medications, and delaying buying a home or having children because of the cost of healthcare in this country. The United States of America is the richest country in the world. These are not decisions people should have to make, but they are the decisions people are being forced to make because the unchecked party in power is prioritizing spending billions of dollars on dropping bombs in foreign wars that no one asked for instead of doing anything to make life better or more affordable here at home. In the richest country in the history of the world, Mr. Speaker, you should be able to afford to eat, to have kids, to have housing, and to get healthcare. The people deserve a Congress who will fight for them.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a resolution honoring the lives of Minnesota State House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who we lost to an unspeakable act of political violence last year. Last week, the Minnesota House of Representatives convened for the first time in more than 20 years without Melissa's presence. This resolution is a celebration of Melissa's and Mark's lives and a commemoration of the legacy that they left behind. Whereas, Melissa Hortman served her community and the State of Minnesota with humility, compassion, and perseverance; Whereas, Mark Hortman was outgoing, caring, and genuine; a skilled professional; and deeply devoted to his family; Whereas, when a politically motivated gunman took the life of Melissa Hortman, Minnesota lost a tireless public servant whose accomplishments distinguished her as one of the most consequential speakers in the history of the Minnesota House of Representatives; Whereas, Hortman was a mother of two children, Colin and Sophie, and wife to husband Mark Hortman, who was killed alongside her; Whereas, Melissa Hortman was a lifelong Minnesotan who was born, raised, and lived most of her life in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis; Whereas, Mark Hortman was born and raised in North Carolina, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and lived in Minnesota for over 30 years; Whereas, Melissa and Mark Hortman met while applying to be mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program and were brought together through their shared devotion to serving others; Whereas, Melissa Hortman was a lifelong learner who graduated from Blaine High School, Boston University, and the University of Minnesota Law School, then returned to school later in life to receive a master's in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School; Whereas, Hortman was a devoted public servant who spent her life helping others, teaching Sunday school, serving as a Girl Scout leader, and training service dogs for veterans; Whereas, one of Hortman's greatest loves was her family's golden retriever, Gilbert, who was adopted by the Hortmans after being deemed too friendly to be a service dog; Whereas, Hortman began her career in public service as a lawyer suing discriminatory landlords, reaching a record-setting verdict in a housing discrimination lawsuit; Whereas, Hortman demonstrated strength of character and perseverance in her determination to serve her community when she was victorious in her third run for the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2004; Whereas, Hortman went on to win reelection 10 consecutive times from 2006 to 2024 and was elected by her colleagues as minority leader in 2017 and speaker of the house in 2019; Whereas, Hortman was the longest serving female speaker in Minnesota State history; Whereas, Hortman was passionate about preventing gun violence, protecting reproductive healthcare, and leaving behind a better world for future generations by addressing climate change through investments in renewable energy; Whereas, Hortman was proud to author Minnesota's solar standard and community solar law; Whereas, Hortman led with humor and a calm and steady demeanor, emphasizing the importance of conversation and listening to one another and rejecting the idea that our political differences should prevent us from working together; Whereas, Hortman respected and looked out for all members of her caucus, recognizing their duty to serve each of their unique constituencies while also holding them together to deliver for all Minnesotans one of the most productive legislative sessions in Minnesota's history; Whereas, Hortman will be remembered for the crucial role she played in enacting legislation that allows Minnesotans to take time to care for their loved ones, ensures no student goes hungry, guarantees that every woman has the right to bodily autonomy, and upholds our democracy by protecting free and fair elections; Whereas, Hortman led with humility and was quick to deflect recognition, allowing others to take the spotlight; Whereas, Hortman recognized that true leaders do not bully and coerce; they listen and sacrifice, compromise while remaining true to their convictions, and inspire others to share in their vision of a better future; and Whereas, this is a moment of mourning a great giant among Minnesota lawmakers; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the House of Representatives honors the life of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman for her devotion and service to the people of Minnesota; honors the life of Mark Hortman for his devotion to his family and service to his community; honors the life of Gilbert Hortman for his devotion to Melissa, treats, and lying in the snow; honors the leadership of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, who led with kindness and compassion, passion and pragmatism, and conviction and respect; and honors the legacy of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman for her exemplary record in working through political differences through civil discourse and a shared desire to make Minnesota and her country a better place for the next generation.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and service of Minnesota State House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, whom we lost to an unspeakable act of political violence last year. The Minnesota House of Representatives will convene next week for the first time in more than 20 years without Melissa's presence. She was the single longest serving female speaker in Minnesota State history. She always led with a calm and steady demeanor, emphasizing the importance of conversation and listening to one another. She rejected the idea that our political differences should prevent us from working together, and she always encouraged us to focus on our shared desire to make our State and our country a better place for the next generation. Melissa was a giant among Minnesota lawmakers and modeled leadership qualities that we all should emulate. She recognized that true leaders do not bully and coerce. They listen and sacrifice, and they compromise while remaining true to their convictions. They lead with humility above all else. I think of her mentorship and her example every day and call on my colleagues to honor her legacy by prioritizing civility and humility in our service and always striving to make our communities just a little bit better for someone else.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, Minnesotans are grieving the loss of two precious lives and enduring immeasurable community suffering due to the ill-advised policies of the Trump administration and the failed leadership of DHS under Kristi Noem. Their systemic refusal to prioritize public safety and adhere to any semblance of due process in my home State of Minnesota has shown all of us that the trauma and suffering are very much intended consequences of their policies. Cruel indifference to constitutional rights and human dignity have become standard operating procedure for DHS. There could be no more stark proof than the list of names behind us. It is consistent with the harrowing firsthand accounts that I have received directly from my constituents and individuals in DHS custody, and it is horrifically clear in the videos documenting the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The impacts of these tragedies and aggressive operations continue to be felt every single day and are staunchly opposed because the people targeted are an inseparable part of the fabric of their communities. Minnesotans are fiercely dedicated to protecting their communities. They see themselves in their neighbor--not because of a shared language or a shared place of birth but because they hold steadfast to their shared humanity and to the belief that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity. Through a relentless commitment to freedom, community, and their constitutional rights, Minnesotans have exposed the charade of this administration's narrative. They are rejecting dehumanization and division in perilous circumstances, many at great personal risk and an immeasurable cost in the loss of Renee, Alex, and the 40 others listed here. I join my fellow Minnesotans in calling for Operation Metro Search to end now. It is incumbent on every single one of us to honor their resilience, embrace their courage, and put an end to this senseless and preventable suffering in my community and in every community across this country.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my horror at what we are witnessing in Minnesota. Kristi Noem's DHS has been working with no oversight and no accountability. The irresponsibility and recklessness are costing human lives. ICE is terrorizing our communities, indiscriminately racially profiling, using force against peaceful protesters, barging into people's homes without warrants, preventing doctors from treating their patients, blocking students from their classrooms, snatching children, elderly people, pregnant women, veterans, active military, and American citizens from our streets. Republicans have been silent while this administration terrorizes people in communities and violates the rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution. What will it take for the majority in this Congress to speak up? Where is your line? Our communities deserve the dignity of safety and justice, not the cruelty of silence and complicity. You can stop this. Please stand up. Stand up for the Constitution, stand up for freedom, stand up for liberty, stand up for justice, and stand up for humanity.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 6945. The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act is yet another Republican betrayal cruelly masked by a misleading title. After spending the last few weeks threatening access to childcare support and doing literally nothing to help millions of Americans afford their healthcare, Republicans want to direct taxpayer dollars away from helping families afford necessities like food, rent, and childcare to crisis pregnancy centers that prey on vulnerable women seeking legitimate reproductive healthcare. We have heard today that wonderful, caring people staff these crisis pregnancy centers, and I don't doubt that, but crisis pregnancy centers do not provide medical care, though they imply that they do. Crisis pregnancy centers are unregulated, deceptive, and dangerous. As an OB/GYN myself for more than 20 years, I have seen far too many patients who have had, at best, confusing and, at worst, life- threatening experiences at crisis pregnancy centers. They don't serve patients. They serve the anti-abortion agenda. Let me be clear: Every person has the right and deserves the dignity to make their own healthcare decisions, free from intimidation, deception, and coercion. At a time when our country has a shameful maternal and infant mortality crisis and is facing a worsening shortage of obstetricians, the so-called pro-life movement is focused not on helping women or supporting their families or delivering the IVF coverage the President promised; they are focused on denying women their reproductive rights and failing to deliver for American families. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand for women and families, for dignity and for freedom, and vote ``no.''

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong opposition to H.J. Res. 140. This resolution would permanently allow copper sulfide mining in the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Copper sulfide mining is the most toxic industry in America, and it is particularly ill-suited to water-rich environments because it acidifies the water. It leaches heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury into that water, which is part of the reason it has never been done in Minnesota before. Remember, Mr. Speaker, we are the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Minnesotans do not want a toxic mine on the watershed of the Boundary Waters. In fact, 70 percent of Minnesotans want permanent protection for the Boundary Waters, our State's crown jewel. Antofagasta, owned by a Chilean billionaire who is a crony of President Trump's, is the foreign mining company that wants to extract minerals from this watery wilderness. They have contracts set up to send copper they extract to China for processing, and from there, it will be sold on the open market. Allowing a Chilean mining company to extract copper from our public lands, destroy the Boundary Waters, and send minerals to benefit billionaire owners and China will not protect our national security. Some sacred places should be off-limits from this kind of mining, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is clearly one of those places. Mr. Speaker, remember too that 22,000 outdoor recreation jobs and the $13.5 billion outdoor recreation economy in Minnesota will all be in serious jeopardy if this resolution passes. The Boundary Waters is a national treasure, the most visited wilderness area in the United States. There is no place like it on Earth, and once it is destroyed, it will be gone forever. Like many Minnesotans, people around the country and the world, my husband and I have paddled and camped with our kids on the Boundary Waters every year since they were small. We share magical and life- changing memories from our adventures there that we all cherish. Preserving this wilderness for future generations should be our goal, not its destruction. This resolution is an existential threat to our beloved Boundary Waters. I implore my colleagues to reject this resolution. Mr. Speaker, you have the opportunity to stand up for public lands and the Boundary Waters and prevent the inevitable water, air, noise, light, and land pollution that will destroy this unique wilderness.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Madam Speaker, thousands of Minnesotans and millions of Americans are facing unaffordable healthcare costs. Because of their cruelly named One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Speaker Johnson's refusal to act, the Republican majority is creating a healthcare crisis that will literally dismantle American public health. Americans are being forced into crushing medical debt, are in danger of losing their closest hospital, clinic, or emergency room. As a doctor, I worry for the patients delaying their care and for clinics and hospitals already struggling to meet the needs of their community. As a Minnesotan, I am heartbroken for my State. Minnesotans have suffered immeasurable loss following the tragedies of recent months. The Trump administration's reckless actions and deliberate inaction from Republicans in Congress jeopardize the operation and availability of facilities that are the first site of care in the most tragic circumstances. I have a responsibility to be abundantly clear, Madam Speaker. The consequences of inaction and ignoring hospitals, doctors, patients, and your own constituents will be catastrophic. The price of failing to deliver affordable healthcare isn't losing elections. It is real human suffering and American lives.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to condemn the betrayal of President Trump and his Republican majorities. Trump called himself the fertilization President and promised to expand access to IVF, but his Speaker of the House just blocked critical IVF expansion for military families. The American people overwhelmingly want to expand access to IVF. It is what Donald Trump promised them as he was running for President last year. I quote word for word: ``Under the Trump administration, we are going to be paying for that treatment, or we are going to be mandating that the insurance company pay.'' Here we are, and the Republican Congress is sending a bill to President Trump's desk that fails to expand coverage for military families to do just that. The brave servicemembers who put their lives on the line for our country and our freedoms will not be able to access the care they need to grow their families if they suffer from infertility. Mr. Speaker, this is sadly only the latest betrayal by the Republican majority talking a big game about being profamily but blocking policies that would actually support them. It is beyond disappointing. It is cruel.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor State Senator Ann Rest for her decades of dedicated service in the Minnesota Legislature and her deep commitment to improving the lives of all Minnesotans. For over 40 years, my friend and former colleague Ann Rest has served with distinction. First elected to the Minnesota House in 1984, she served eight terms before being elected to the Minnesota Senate, where I had the privilege of serving alongside her. During her Senate tenure, she held key leadership roles, including Assistant Majority Leader and President Pro Tempore. In 2023, she made history as the first and only Minnesota legislator to chair the Tax Committee in both chambers. Her career is marked by legislative achievements that strengthened Minnesota's economy and communities. She championed fairer tax policy, supported investments in public education, and worked to make government more transparent and accountable. Most notably, she played a central role in a $3 billion tax bill in 2023 delivering relief to families, seniors, and small businesses across our state. In 2025, she was honored as a ``Legislator of Distinction'' by the league of Minnesota Cities for her effectiveness and dedication. Senator Rest is a hardworking, resilient person and an accomplished legislator. She is also a diehard Twins fan and a devoted grandmother. Her legacy is felt not only in her legislative achievements, but also in her care for her constituents. On behalf of countless Minnesotans, I offer Senator Rest my sincere gratitude for her decades of service to our great state. I wish her a very happy and well-deserved retirement and a winning season for the Twins next year.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2392, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act. This bipartisan legislation would provide a 2.8 percent cost-of- living increase for VA disability benefits, like disability compensation and clothing allowance, as well as survivor benefits, such as dependency and indemnity compensation. Veterans and their families are entitled to and owed these benefits, and it is our responsibility in Congress to ensure that we continue to provide the utility and financial stability they deserve. Affordability is a top concern for all of my constituents, including the veterans in my community. This adjustment is necessary to help ensure that our veterans and their families can keep pace with the cost of living. As a cosponsor of this legislation and a member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, I am pleased that we are able to come together on a bipartisan basis to pass this bill that will do just that. Mr. Speaker, I want to end by thanking the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Luttrell) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. McGarvey) for their leadership on this important bill. I also thank the chair and ranking member for their support, as well. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to read a letter from more than 20 survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. I implore my colleagues and all Americans to listen to their words. Dear Members of the Republican Women's Caucus: We write to you today with urgency, respect, and hope. Strong American women are serving in the House of Representatives, and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's abuse need you to stand with them. It is difficult to articulate the appreciation that we have for each member of the Democratic Women's Caucus who took the time to meet with us on September 3, 2025. Because of the intrepid leadership of Chairwoman Teresa Leger Fernandez and the Congresswomen who gathered together to support us, we left the Capitol with dignity and resolve. We are likewise eternally grateful to Congresswomen Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, and Nancy Mace, as well as to Congressman Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, for taking bold steps to help us in our quest for justice. While we are at a loss for how supporting survivors or transparency could ever be seen as a ``hostile act,'' what you are doing is not only right, it is necessary. This is not a partisan issue. It is a human issue. Jeffrey Epstein abused hundreds of women. The United States Government itself held evidence that he had sexually abused 40 children. Some of us are those children. Any other American man would have been imprisoned for life, yet Epstein was not. Instead, he was shielded by a nonprosecution agreement that blatantly violated the rights of children, and he was set free to continue abusing women in this country for another 9 years before his death. Our government conspired with him and, in doing so, failed to protect hundreds of girls who would never have been harmed had our government simply done its job. Those children are now grown women. We stand together in pain and resilience, and we are asking for your help. We have a right to feel safe in this country. We have a right to know why a serial sexual predator was treated with more humanity than we have ever experienced from our own government. You now have the chance to be on the right side of history. Unlike past administrations, you are uniquely positioned to tell us that our voices matter and that we have finally been heard. Some of us live in your districts. We look to you to represent us. We deserve for you to represent us. We implore you to stop protecting those who enabled Epstein's crimes and instead stand firm in protecting the women and children he harmed. Stand up against abuse of power. Take action to end the silence and speculation surrounding this criminal. There should be equal protection under the laws in the United States of America. This is one country, not two. The rich and powerful should answer for their crimes the same way that everyone else does. And when they don't, we deserve to know why. Ghislaine Maxwell was tried by a jury of her peers for the crimes that she committed, and she was convicted. That is how the American justice system works. The idea of a pardon is beyond the comprehension of the victims who mustered the courage to testify against her and should be beyond the comprehension of the American people. No one should live above the law. Ghislaine Maxwell is certainly no exception. You may be wondering how you can help us in this fight. At least we hope that you are. As American women, please hear our voices, for yourselves, for your daughters, for women, and for the future of our country. First, we ask that you vote in favor of the Epstein transparency act and that you help us ensure with its passing that the identities of survivors are protected and the identities of the perpetrators or enablers are not. Remind us that America is the country that we thought it was when we were little girls, before we were let down repeatedly by our own government. Second, start with H.R. 9444 and rewrite the Crime Victims' Rights Act, as codified in 18 United States Code section 3771 to protect future generations of Americans. Third, extend the same opportunity that the Democratic Women's Caucus did and invite us to meet with you so that we can try to convince you that we matter. We will come back to Washington. We will tell you why we matter. We will tell you why this matters. We are not a ``hoax.'' We are mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, and wives. We are America. We have sought justice for decades to no avail. We have been denied the basic rights that should be afforded to every American citizen time and time again. The fact that it took this long for anyone to care about us is a true American tragedy. Please stand with us, help us uncover the truth, and give us the respect and justice that we deserve. We deserve to put this chapter behind us. Americans deserve to move forward knowing that they have rights in this country that will be enforced even in the face of power; in fact, especially in the face of power. With hope and resolve. Signed by more than 20 survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. The bill before us includes the provisions of the Justice for America's Veterans and Survivors Act, which I co-led with the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Edwards). Our bipartisan bill will improve the VA's data collection efforts on the prevailing causes of death among veterans. As a physician myself, I can tell you firsthand that thorough and accurate data is critical to delivering the best possible care for patients. I believe it is incumbent upon us as lawmakers to take the same approach with policymaking, especially when it comes to crafting legislation to help care for our veterans. The information provided under this report will help us to better understand the most serious threats facing our veterans, whether it be suicide, toxic exposure, or other life-threatening conditions. This reporting will also include important information on veterans with service-connected disability, which will help to ensure that surviving family members receive the benefits that they are entitled to in a timely fashion. This commonsense legislation will provide the information that we need to ensure that our veterans are getting the best possible care, which is a goal that we all share. Mr. Speaker, I will end by thanking the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Edwards) for his partnership and the chair and ranking member for their support. I also thank the bill's sponsor, the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao). Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor my parents, Chris and Jack Morrison. I am a lifelong Democrat, but I was raised in a primarily Republican family. We debated politics and the issues of the day around the dinner table. We didn't always agree, but we respected and learned from each other. My brother and I were encouraged to think independently and to stand up for what we believed in. We knew that we were loved and that they always had our backs. We were raised to believe in the promise of America and with the expectation that it was our responsibility to serve our community and other people. My parents lived that ethic and led by example through serving in the military, running for office, working for nonprofits, through their many and deep friendships, through their care for our extended family, through their embrace of their son and daughter-in- law, and through their love and deep engagement with their grandchildren. We learned that service was important and expected, and we have endeavored to live up to their example. My parents are my heroes, and encapsulating what they mean to me in 1 minute is impossible. However, let me say directly to them, as they are in the gallery today: I am so proud and grateful that you are my parents, and I love you very much.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in recognition of the brave hospital workers who responded to the Annunciation school shooting last week. Whenever a mass shooting happens, the ripple effects of the trauma it causes in that community are profound. I will take a moment to thank every healthcare worker who helped save lives in responding to this event. Children's Masonic, and particularly the staff at Hennepin Healthcare, took in nearly a dozen children in critical condition. These children arrived alone, unidentified, and ripped apart by gunshot wounds. The hospital staff leapt into action immediately, removing shrapnel, performing emergency surgery, and providing stabilizing care and comfort to these little children. While we are immensely grateful for their expertise, we should not normalize that doctors and nurses in the United States have had to become expert in managing war wounds. The toll it takes on them is real. This event reminds us of how critically important our level 1 trauma centers are in our communities. They are lifesaving, and these hospital workers are our heroes. I am immeasurably grateful.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 22, I did not vote on Roll Call No. 215. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 215.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Chief Brian Tholen for his distinguished career in law enforcement and his lifelong commitment to serving the people of Minnesota through education, volunteerism, and public safety advocacy. For over 25 years, Chief Tholen served with dedication and integrity as a police officer for the city of Edina. He then continued his service as chief of police for the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department, leading with professionalism and courage. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas and the FBI National Academy, Chief Tholen exemplified Minnesotan excellence throughout his law enforcement career. His tenure includes a decade in the patrol division, where he served as a field training officer, a defensive tactics instructor, and a member of the Southwest Metro SWAT Team Consortium. In the past 12 years, Chief Tholen has worked to train officers, paramedics, firefighters, and civilians across the metro area in active shooter response protocol. Through his work, he has emphasized the importance of awareness, prevention, and survival, equipping individuals and businesses with lifesaving tools and strategies. On behalf of myself and the Minnesotans who have benefited from his decades of leadership and service, I offer my sincere gratitude to Chief Brian Tholen.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart but a deep resolve as we confront the assassination and attempted murders of multiple State legislators in Minnesota. What we witnessed last weekend was an unspeakable act. This is a scary time for our country, and it comes at a time of increasing political violence. There have been assassination attempts, kidnapping plots, arson, and insurrection. As elected Representatives for the people of the United States of America, we have to take responsibility for our roles in this moment. As elected leaders, we play a prominent role in setting the tone in creating the atmosphere and shaping the narrative in determining what becomes normalized. This cannot be normalized. Our words, our posts, our responses, they all carry weight and have serious consequences. This is our wake-up call. The escalation and normalization of violent rhetoric and political violence have gone way too far. We, as elected Representatives, have to take the lead and be the first to speak out and to start to model a better path forward. We can argue about who is to blame and which side is worse, but let's make this the moment where we unequivocally condemn and commit to ending violent rhetoric, full stop. We have to make this horrific act of targeted political violence a watershed moment for our country. We have to take a hard look at where we are, and we have to remember who is watching us. Our children, the next generation of leaders, are looking to us to learn how to behave and how to treat each other. That includes creating a world where people aren't scared by the hatred and division they see in their lives every day, creating a world where our children have kind, compassionate leaders to look up to and aspire to be. Do we really want our children to live in a world where our elected leaders bully and lead with hatred and cruelty? Remember, political violence isn't just an attack on legislators. It is an attack on the American people. It is an attack on our democracy. Political violence threatens your right to be represented, your right to have your voices heard. It threatens who will be willing to run for office. As someone who was a doctor for almost two decades before I got into politics, I am passionate about recruiting people from different backgrounds to run because we need more diversity in who represents us. Our democracy depends on good people running for office, and I am deeply concerned that this will have a chilling effect if we don't stop it in its tracks. As we prepare to vote on this resolution, I come to my colleagues with a solemn plea. Devastated by the loss of my friend and colleague but more determined than ever with a deep love for the unrealized promise of our country, I implore my colleagues to not only vote in support of this resolution but to commit together to live by these words every day. Stand up, speak out, and safeguard our democracy.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside my colleagues from the State of Minnesota to honor the lives of Melissa and Mark Hortman, who were shot and killed in an unspeakable act of political violence last week. Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman was truly the best of us. She was exactly the kind of person you would want to run for office. She was a dedicated public servant who got up every day determined to make life better for all Minnesotans. She was a brilliant legislator and a tough negotiator. She was often the smartest person in the room, but you wouldn't know it because she was so humble. She was a generous friend, a good neighbor, and a mentor to me and to so many others. She saw the dignity in all people and treated everyone with respect. She led with humility, humor, and compassion. Her Catholic faith informed her work and she kept the beautiful prayer of St. Francis of Assisi tucked in her wallet as a guiding principle: Make me a channel of your peace. Melissa led us through some of the State's most difficult challenges, often with a divided legislature, and the tributes that have poured in from her former colleagues from both sides of the aisle speak to her character and her leadership style. She knew how to get things done and she did it with determination, respect, and pragmatism. She built bridges across the aisle and she kept her diverse caucus together to usher through some of the most consequential legislation in our State's history. Her work and legacy undoubtedly improved the lives of Minnesotans for generations to come. Let us heed the words of Melissa and Mark's children who wrote in their beautiful tribute to their parents, ``The best way to honor our parents' memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little bit better for someone else.'' Let us all honor Melissa and Mark by leading with kindness and compassion, by prioritizing civility and humility in our service, and by always striving to make our communities just a little bit better for someone else. Mr. Speaker, I yield to my colleague from Minnesota (Mr. Emmer).

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of us to join in a moment of silence in honor of Melissa and Mark Hortman.

Ms. MORRISON

Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Adina Togal, a fearless young leader who is working hard to save lives. Adina was just 12 years old herself when she suffered a severe allergy attack that almost took her life. It wasn't caused by the food that she ate. It was from a medication she had been prescribed. Unfortunately, unlike its requirements for food labels, the FDA doesn't currently have a standardized system for disclosing the presence of common allergens in medications. Information that could save lives. As Adina's Representative and as a doctor who has cared for patients for more than 20 years, I want to make sure that no one is in danger of a life-threatening allergy attack simply because they took their medication. That is why I am introducing the ADINA Act to make this commonsense change to allergen information on drug labels a reality. I am proud this bill is strongly bipartisan. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree it is a no-brainer. I am hopeful that together we can make this country safer and healthier. Mr. Speaker, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Adina and her family for her deep dedication, her tireless advocacy, and for all she is doing for millions of Americans with allergies to make their lives safer.