Christian Menefee

Mr. MENEFEE

Mr. MENEFEE. Mr. Speaker, when I was 5 years old, Tupac Shakur said: ``You know, it's funny when it rains it pours. They got money for wars, but can't feed the poor.'' Those words hit differently today. Mr. President, nobody wants this war, and the American people cannot afford it. I am not an economist, but I do know this: The U.S. war with Iran has rattled global markets, driven up oil prices more than 40 percent, and sparked real fears of a worldwide recession. We feel it at home. Gas is more expensive than it has been in a very long time. Flights cost more, and groceries cost more. However, this is bigger than just economics. It is about accountability. I am a lawyer, and I know that every President swears an oath to defend the Constitution, and that Constitution empowers Congress to declare war, not the President. In this instance, Congress was sidelined. The American people got no clear cause, no strategy, and no endgame. I say this as a proud son of two veterans. Their sacrifice meant something. Mr. Speaker, you do not send our sons and our daughters into harm's way without purpose, without justification, and without an imminent threat. We cannot afford this war, not economically, and not morally. When a leader promises peace but delivers war, that is not just a policy failure; that is a betrayal. Americans do not support this war, and the President should end it immediately.

Mr. MENEFEE

Mr. MENEFEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for my first time addressing the House to honor my predecessor, the late, great Sylvester Turner. Our Congressman was a Houstonian through and through. He was a public servant who served with honor and integrity. He was a father and a grandfather. He was the mayor of our phenomenal city. During his time as mayor, he led us through multiple natural disasters. He ensured that we had diversity and access to our government, and he fought for voting rights. The late Congressman left big shoes to fill, but I intend to fill them, and I know my colleagues on the Democratic side will do so as well by fighting for voting rights legislation that ensures that every single person has fair access to the ballot box. Today, I am here to honor our late Congressman Sylvester Turner. May we fight for voting rights.