Ilhan Omar

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Pregnant Students' Rights Act, which fails to expand meaningful support and accommodations for students. As a pregnant and parent college student, I have personal experience when it comes to this topic. When I was 19 and in college, I became pregnant with my first daughter and, shortly after, my son. I know the challenges of navigating the education system while balancing motherhood responsibilities. I know how isolating it can be. I know how critical it is for students to have comprehensive information about their choices, options, resources, and accommodations. That is why, when I was in the Minnesota State Legislature, I introduced and passed a bill that not only required institutions to provide pregnant and parent students information about their rights and resources for prenatal and postnatal care but also created a grant program to fund activities that support enrollment, retention, academic success, and graduation. H.R. 6914 is a do-nothing, empty messaging bill that masquerades to support pregnant and parent students but neglects their actual needs. Based on my own experience as a young mom in college and the available data, I know that pregnant and parent students need strong Title IX protections; access to affordable childcare, early education, and pre-K services; expansion of student-parent programs, child- friendly study rooms, and lactation accommodations; assistance with basic needs, such as food, housing, transportation, and supplies to ensure that these students and their families have the support they need to thrive.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Minneapolis's longest serving City Council Member, Lisa Goodman. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Goodman has been dedicated to improving the lives of those who call Ward 7 home--her constituents in the Bryn Mawr, Cedar-Isles-Dean, East Isles, Elliot Park, Kenwood, Loring Park, Lowry Hill, and Steven's Square-Loring Heights neighborhoods, as well as parts of downtown. Prior to being elected to the City Council in 1997, Ms. Goodman was the Executive Director of Minnesota NARAL where she was a champion of reproductive freedom and women's rights. Since taking office, she has invested in our community by supporting her constituents through driving development and fighting for her strongly held beliefs. Of her seven terms in office, one of Council Member Goodman's lasting legacies will be her commitment to growing the arts and entertainment district along Minneapolis's Hennepin Avenue. She was instrumental in supporting the stabilization of the Orpheum Theater, the State and Pantages Theaters, and the Cowles Center for Dance & Performing Arts. She also helped move forward the design and construction of the Downtown Library and promoted sidewalk cafes and food trucks. During Ms. Goodman's 25 years on the City Council, the residential population of downtown more than doubled and she has played an important role in the development of an affordable housing trust fund, which has invested more than $250 million in the community and has garnered over $1 billion in public financing. To address access to food for downtown residents, Ms. Goodman helped bring two Lunds & Byerly's grocery stores to her Ward and more recently Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. She was also an early champion for improved environmental sustainability, advocating for the addition of green roofs at Target Center and City Hall. In her career spanning four decades, Ms. Goodman prioritized building long-lasting relationships with policymakers of the Minnesota Legislature and her constituents through monthly ``Lunch with Lisa'' events, neighborhood meetings, ice cream socials, and community gatherings. The strength of her convictions has served her well over the years. She has been a strong advocate for her community and we are grateful for her years of public service.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Minneapolis City Council Member Andrew Johnson for his hard work and dedication to public service over the past decade. Over the years, Mr. Johnson has been applauded for his community engagement and commitment to small businesses and affordable housing. I had the pleasure of working for Mr. Johnson from 2013 to 2015 as his campaign manager and then Senior Policy Aide. Council Member Johnson was first elected to office in 2013 and, at the time, was the youngest member on the Council. For three terms, he has proudly served the constituents of Ward 12, which includes the neighborhoods of Cooper, Ericsson, Hiawatha, Howe, Keewaydin, Minnehaha, Morris Park, and Standish, in the southeastern corner of Minneapolis. During his tenure, Mr. Johnson served as the chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, Intergovernmental Relations Committee, and the Information Technology Subcommittee. Over the past ten years, Council Member Johnson has participated in nearly 400 community meetings with his constituents. As a devoted advocate for housing, he worked on the creation of hundreds of housing units within Ward 12. Mr. Johnson also led the City in creating its first new public-housing project in more than a decade. He has been a champion for transit throughout his tenure, working on ordinances to ensure that sidewalks were clear of ice for residents, pushing for funding for street repairs, and advocating for more lanes and safety precautions for bikers. He worked to ensure that all constituents, whether they walked, biked, drove, or used public transit had access to safe transportation. Council Member Johnson has had an impressive track record of serving his community. Key accomplishments that I want to recognize include the creation of the Small Business Office and Business Portal to serve local small business owners. He also authored the ordinance that allowed gender-neutral single-stall restrooms, led the efforts to rewrite the Animal Care and Control Ordinances to improve the quality of life for animals in shelters and was a co-founding member of the Transgender Equity Council. Last, but certainly not least, Mr. Johnson was also the lead sponsor of an ordinance that granted paid sick leave to over 100,000 constituents. No problem has ever been too big or too small for City Council Member Johnson. Although his time as a city council member is coming to an end, the legacy of his work for our community and the City of Minneapolis will never be forgotten. He will truly be missed at City Hall and by his constituents.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, it is understandable why the author of this censure doesn't know what is up and what is down because obviously someone who wants to talk about crime supports a former President currently running for President that is facing 91 Federal and State indictments. It is clear she doesn't know what is up or down because we sit on the Education and the Workforce Committee together talking about how she wants to help our kids, but all she wants to do is criminalize their ability to exist as individuals. It makes sense that she doesn't know what is up or down because she keeps talking about accountability, and she doesn't understand that criminal charges are accountability. Pleading guilty is taking accountability. That is what the gentleman has done. The only reason we are here is because she wants more time on camera. It is to make sure there is an ability to send a fundraiser asking for money. This censure is not necessary because this gentleman has already been held accountable.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, it is glaring hypocrisy when you have Republicans on the other side of the aisle trying to create definitions and say Rashida wants to annihilate people when Max Miller himself went on TV and said we are turning Gaza into a parking lot and we want to annihilate Palestinians. Nobody condemned him on that side of the aisle. What is true here is that every single one of them has not acknowledged the fact that Palestinians are dying in the tens of thousands but will continue to say it is us who are not acknowledging humanity. Rashida will stand strong, and the Palestinian movement will continue for liberation until every single Palestinian has the right to live in liberty.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the exceptional achievement of Dance City, a local dance team based in north Minneapolis, for their remarkable victory at Starpower National Talent Competition. The dedication, talent, and hard work demonstrated by the members of Dance City have propelled them to extraordinary success on the national stage, winning them first place in hip-hop, and first overall. Faced with competition from over 100 teams around the country, the Dance City girls rallied to the challenge and emerged with their well- deserved victory. The director and coach of Dance City, Cierra Burnaugh, created her studio to serve young Black girls in the Minneapolis community. May their success continue to illuminate the path for future generations of dancers. I could not be happier to have Minneapolis represented by these bright young women.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the exceptional achievement of the Dance City, a local dance team based in North Minneapolis, for their remarkable victory at Starpower National Talent Competition. The dedication, talent, and hard work demonstrated by the members of Dance City have propelled them to extraordinary success on the national stage, winning first place in Hip Hop and first overall. Faced with competition from 100 teams around the country, the Dance City girls rallied to the challenge and emerged with their well-earned victory. Director of Dance City and Coach, Cierra Burnaugh, created her studio to serve young black girls in the Minneapolis community. Her dedication to her students and drive to provide a creative outlet for these young dancers is admirable. The community support that helped the team compete, exhibits the mutual understanding of how important it is to invest in younger generations. Young people like these talented dancers are our future, and they are learning invaluable skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Their triumph is a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and teamwork. This success is a shining example of what can be accomplished when people are empowered to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence. It is a testament to the dedication, passion, and teamwork of everyone involved, and I do not doubt that it will inspire others to follow in their footsteps. I want to express my sincere congratulations to every member of Dance City, their families, their exceptional instructors, and everyone who has contributed to their growth and development. Their recent achievement not only fills North Minneapolis and the 5th Congressional District with pride but also highlights the thriving arts and cultural landscape in our community. May their success continue to illuminate the path for future generations of dancers, inspiring them to embrace their talents and strive for greatness. I could not be happier to have Minneapolis represented by these bright young women.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jacklyn Rogers, a dedicated member of my team for the last three years. Since March 2020, Jackie has loyally served the constituents of Minnesota's 5th Congressional District with passion and commitment. Jackie was born and raised in her beloved Santa Rosa, California. She was born a triplet and has shown throughout her life a remarkable aptitude for whatever challenge she takes on, whether here on the Hill or on the rink, where she was a distinguished skater in her youth. After she graduated from Southern Oregon University, she endeavored to continue her family legacy of public service. Like her father before her, she has established herself as a passionate and talented House staffer, remaining fiercely uncynical and deeply committed to producing consistently high-quality work. Jackie is a sterling example of the American dream in action. She is eminently proud of her family's Ukrainian heritage, and a living tribute to their brave decision 100 years ago to take on a perilous journey into the unknown of a new life in the United States. During Jackie's time in my office, she has displayed a brilliant analytical mind in developing communication strategies and a remarkable creative flair in her writing. More than that, Jackie brightened the days of everyone in my office with her warmth, her deep kindness, her easy laughter, and her sharp wit. Through tremendous personal adversity, she has maintained not just good spirits and an intense sense of camaraderie with her coworkers, but an extraordinary caliber of work. It has been my great pleasure to get to know Jackie as both an integral part of my team, and as a human being. As we frequently say around the office, Jackie intensely loves what she loves--whether that's the progressive values that guide our work, the spirit of public service, or Taylor Swift (her favorite album is Red,) and all things Canadian (especially Tim Horton's). On behalf of Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and thanking Jackie for her service and wishing her all the best in her future endeavors.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of small businesses and to celebrate my friend Abdirahman Kahin, the owner of Afro Deli in my district who was named Small Business Person of the Year by the Biden administration. My district was also chosen as one of the stops for SBA's national tour in honor of Small Business Week. It was great to welcome Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Small Business Administrator Isabel Guzman to discuss economic development for new Americans and underserved communities at Adama Restaurant and Awash Bakery in my district. We also discussed the critical role community development financial institutions play in helping small businesses. Also in that week we were able to host BIPOC women small business owners at a roundtable at Wildflyer Coffee in Minneapolis. The Fifth District is full of thriving small businesses, many owned by immigrants and people of color, and we will continue to support them to make sure they have the resources they need to thrive in the future.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay my respects to the celebrated heroes of the Somali Youth League. On May 15, 1943, 13 brave, young, and bright men founded SYL to liberate Somalia from colonial control. Their mission was to see a free and united Somalia and prosperity for its people. Eighty years later, we cannot forget their sacrifice or let their deaths be in vain. As Somalis in the diaspora, young or old, or in Somalia, our call today has to be for unity, for freedom, and for leadership. SYL fought for liberty, and we must renew that call to liberate ourselves from clan mentality, violence, and lead to create a better tomorrow for all of us.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Tahreem Alam, a fellow in my Washington, D.C. office for all of the hard work she has done for me, my staff, and the State of Minnesota. Daughter of Bangladesh immigrants, Tahreem along with her older sister and younger brother grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Multimedia Journalism, International Relations, and Arabic with minors in Women's and Gender Studies and Middle East Studies. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Middle East Studies at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. I got to know Tahreem, after she was selected to serve as a legislative intern in my congressional office from a pool of highly qualified applicants in the spring of 2022 and she later returned that fall for a nine-month fellowship. During the last year and half, Tahreem has proven to be a talented and brilliant young woman, always ready to learn something new. She has demonstrated a high-level of professionalism, dedication, and confidence in all her assigned tasks. It has been my pleasure to get to know Tahreem and see her flourish. Every Member of Congress works with many exceptional staff, from the staff in their own personal offices, to committee staff, and floor staff. It has often been said that without staff this institution would not run, and I agree. Without the many fine staff with whom I have had the good fortune to work with, I and other Members of Congress would not be able to do the kind of work we do for our constituents every day. Tahreem should be proud of the service she has provided to our District and country. She has assisted my office in multiple areas, including communications, appropriations, and constituent engagement and advocacy. She has been an exemplary public servant during her time with the office. Tahreem is deeply committed to her studies, our community, and to ensuring that she is an active participant in making our country a better place. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Tahreem for all of the fine work she has done and wish her continued success in the years to come. On behalf of Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and thanking Tahreem for her service.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 30, the Somalia war powers resolution. Mr. Speaker, I agree with the chairman, a real debate about U.S. policy in Somalia and in Africa is long overdue. It is debate that should include a serious discussion of our long-term strategy for supporting stability and self-governance. It should include clear-eyed analysis of U.S. counterterrorism policies, including air strikes and drones, and the consistent problem of civilian casualties of U.S. operations. Congress is also overdue for a debate about the expansive use of the 2001 AUMF, which the executive branch claims includes operations in Somalia. Mr. Speaker, the resolution before the House today does not address these significant issues. It is a narrow question of the withdrawal of a few hundred troops. Given President Hassan's renewed efforts to eradicate Al-Shabaab, the resolution does include a long enough timeline to ensure that operations that we are partnering with can be ended responsibly. While we should not mistake this poorly crafted resolution for an honest assessment of U.S. policy in Somalia, it is important that we support the question before us. Mr. Speaker, I and many Somali Americans support this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the U.N. visit to my Minnesota district to advance racial justice and equality in the context of law enforcement and address the historic oppression of Black and Brown people in our country. It has been nearly 3 years to the day since George Floyd was murdered at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department. Sadly, since then, the number of Black people killed by police has only increased--with over 1,000 police shootings a year in 2021 and 2020. This is a systemic issue that requires systemic solutions. That is why, in the wake of the killing of Daunte Wright and George Floyd, I introduced a package of bills, including the Protecting Our Protesters Act, the National Police Misuse of Force Investigation Board Act, and the Global Police Brutality Resolution. Following the murder of Amir Locke, I introduced the End Deadly No-Knock Warrants Act. We can and must fight systemic racial injustices in our criminal justice system, from the disproportionate arrest and incarceration rates Black and Brown people face to the marijuana laws that criminalize Black people and remain on the books.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, for a long time Republicans spent so much time saying they were going to address the economic anxiety families were feeling, but overnight, they dreamed up a dangerous economic bill that would plunge families into economic depression. Republicans say they want to grow the economy, but their bill will destroy 8,000 jobs in my district alone and 7 million across this country. They say they want to invest in children, but this bill eliminates childcare access for 4,000 kids in my State and 180,000 nationwide. They talk nonstop about rail safety, yet this bill would cut at least 160 rail inspection days in Minnesota and 7,000 nationwide. They are not repealing the Bush-Trump tax cuts because what their bill is going to do is do wealth transfer from working and middle-class families to billionaires and millionaires. This is hypocrisy, and it is full of lies. Corporations should not be put ahead of our families.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support Congress' restoring its constitutional authority over matters of war and peace. No matter what else we are discussing here today, the plain and simple truth is that Congress has not authorized military presence in Syria. For far too long, we in Congress have neglected this key Article I responsibility. If my colleagues believe that we need the military in Syria, then they should author an AUMF. They should debate that in committee, and they should bring it to a vote on the floor. We must not continue to hand over power to the executive branch when the politics get too difficult. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support today's resolution.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise today to call on Congress to take up economic measurement tools that will uplift all Americans. My amendment would add factors from the genuine progress indicator to register budgetary reporting. GPI would supplement the information we get from traditional measures like GDP, which mainly emphasizes growth for its own sake. GPI would provide a more accurate and inclusive assessment of economic well-being. It evaluates the positive and negative factors of economic activity ranging from the benefits of infrastructure and workforce development to the process costs of income inequality and pollution on our collective well-being. It would give us the chance to finally account for important but overlooked aspects of society such as wealth distribution, economic sustainability, and the overall quality of life for everyday Americans. We must recognize that collective prosperity is only attainable if we identify the gaps and barriers preventing our most vulnerable communities from thriving. My amendment simply seeks to give lawmakers more comprehensive data so that we can make more informed policy decisions. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote for this amendment in order to focus our policy lens on the lives of working and poor families in America. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Raskin).

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Chairman, as my colleague on the other side of the aisle admittedly said, this is just another factor that gives us more tools, more ability to fully comprehend what is happening with our economy. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and vote ``yes.''

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.J. Res. 30. When we, as Americans, are given the opportunity to know what investments to make, the kind of investments that we can make, and the kind of impacts that they will have, that matters. That choice should always be with each one of us. The investments that we make might have an impact on the rest of the world. Many of us would be outraged if we knew that our investments went toward forced labor activities in China and other parts of the world. Yet, this resolution would make it difficult for hardworking Americans to determine what investments are being made in their name. Our constituents deserve the freedom to access this information and to have the right to ensure that their money is being invested in a way that is aligned with their values. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this resolution and protect the rights of Americans to make financial and moral decisions about the kind of investments that they want their retirement to be made of.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Madam Speaker, this debate today is about who gets to be an American. What opinions do we have to have to be counted as Americans? This is what this debate is about, Madam Speaker. There is this idea that you are suspect if you are an immigrant or if you are from certain parts of the world or a certain skin tone or a Muslim. It is no accident that members of the Republican Party accused the first Black President, Barack Obama, of being a secret Muslim. It is no accident that former President Donald Trump led a birther movement that falsely claimed he was born in Kenya because, to them, falsely labeling the first and only Black President of the United States of America a Muslim and an African immigrant somehow made him less American. Well, I am Muslim. I am an immigrant and, interestingly, from Africa. Is anyone surprised that I am being targeted? Is anyone surprised that I am somehow deemed unworthy to speak about American foreign policy, or that they see me as a powerful voice that needs to be silenced? Frankly, it is expected because when you push power, power pushes back. Representation matters. Continuing to expand our ideas of who is American and who can partake in the American experiment is a good thing. I am an American, an American who was sent here by her constituents to represent them in Congress, a refugee who survived the horrors of a civil war, someone who spent her childhood in a refugee camp. I am someone who knows what it means to have a shot at a better life here in the United States. I am someone who believes in the American Dream, the American possibility, and the promise and the ability to participate in the democratic process. That is what this debate is about. There is an idea out there that I do not have objective decisionmaking because of who I am, where I come from, and my perspective, but I reject that. We say there is nothing objective about policymaking. We all inject our perspectives, our points of view, our lived experiences, and the voices of our constituents. That is what democracy is about. What is the work of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Madam Speaker? It is not to cosign the stated foreign policy of whatever administration is in power. It is about oversight. It is to critique and to advocate for a better path forward. Most importantly, it is to make the myth that American foreign policy is intrinsically moral, a reality. I will continue to speak up because representation matters. I will continue to speak up for little kids who wonder who is speaking up for them. I will continue to speak up for families around the world who are seeking justice whether they are displaced in refugee camps or hiding under their beds somewhere, as I was, waiting for the bullets to stop because this child survivor of war would have wanted that. The 9-year-old me would be disappointed if I didn't talk about the victims of conflict on behalf of those who are experiencing unjust wars, atrocities, ethnic cleansing, occupation, or displacement, as I did. They are looking to the international community and the United States, asking for help. They look to us because the international community and the United States profess the values of protecting human rights and upholding international law. We owe it to them not to make this a myth but a reality. I didn't come to Congress to be silent. I came to Congress to be their voice, and my leadership and voice will not be diminished if I am not on this committee for one term. My voice will get louder and stronger, and my leadership will be celebrated around the world, as it has been. So take your vote or not, I am here to stay, and I am here to be a voice against the harms around the world and advocate for a better world.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Major Katie Lunning of the 133d Airlift Wing upon receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross medal for her extraordinary service as a flight nurse during Operation Allies Refuge. For her exceptional service and achievements, Major Lunning joins a small list of women in the U.S. Service, and only the second flight nurse to receive this award. Her courageous efforts, among many others last year, resulted in hundreds of lives being saved. Major Lunning embodies the courage and dedication we all want as a servicemember for our country. Her tireless efforts and commitment to providing safety to critically injured and ill patients in times of need is a testament to how dedicated Major Lunning is to be serving her country. She deserves the utmost admiration and recognition for her continuous efforts in having provided high quality service by monitoring, stabilizing, and treating patients in transit. It is with great pleasure and honor I recognize Major Lunning for her outstanding efforts in saving and evacuating civilians and military members from Afghanistan. Her service to this country shows the courage, bravery, and sacrifice it takes to enter the unknown with great risk to her own life to save civilians and military members in dangerous environments. I express my deepest sense of gratitude for her valiant service to our Nation and those worldwide.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 5060, to rename the Federal building in my district as the ``Paul D. Wellstone Federal Building''. I am proud to honor and celebrate the legacy of the late Senator Paul Wellstone as an activist, academic, author, and proud Senator from Minnesota. Son of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Senator Wellstone was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Northern Virginia. He received his bachelor, masters, and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and in 1969 went on to be hired as a professor in Northfield, Minnesota, where he taught until his election to the Senate in 1990. While in the U.S. Senate, Wellstone was a proud, progressive in support of environmental protection, public housing, free school meals, labor groups, and healthcare reform. He served in the Senate from 1991 until 2002, when he was tragically killed in a plane crash with his wife and daughter on board. Paul Wellstone is a personal hero of mine. He was an organizer to his core. He showed what it meant to fight unapologetically for working people. And he showed that it is possible to stay true to your progressive values and lead a life of public service. He always said, ``We all do better when we all do better.'' I am honored to have the Federal building in my district, the same building where in May 1970, he was arrested for civil disobedience while protesting the Vietnam war named after the late Senator from Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring his life and legacy by passing this bipartisan bill.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support my bill, H.R. 8026, which designates a USPS facility in Minneapolis as the Charles W. Lindberg Post Office. I am proud to have the opportunity to honor Charles ``Chuck'' W. Lindberg, not to be confused with the aviator Chuck Lindbergh. He was a highly decorated U.S. Marine Corps corporal who received the Silver Star medal, Purple Heart medal, and Combat Action Ribbon, and one of the two U.S. Marines who raised the original American flag over Iwo Jima during World War II. Mr. Lindberg lived in the city of Richfield in my district for 50 years and was laid to rest at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Mr. Lindberg spent decades explaining that it was his patrol, not the one in the famous Associated Press photograph, that raised the first flag on the morning of February 23, 1945. He shared that his commander ordered the first flag replaced and safeguarded because he was worried someone would take it as a souvenir. It was hours later, while Mr. Lindberg was in combat, that six men raised the second flag, a larger flag. The photo of the second flag-raising became one of the most famous images of the war and the model for the Marine Corps' War Memorial in Washington, D.C. After the war, Mr. Lindberg returned to Minnesota, where he spent 40 years as an electrician. He was a proud union member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW Local 292, and had a JATC Electrical Training Center named in honor of him just weeks before he passed away. Mr. Lindberg spent his final years raising awareness of the first flag raising and speaking to veteran groups and at schools. Madam Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Chuck W. Lindberg for his bravery and service to our country. I urge everyone to join me in honoring his life by passing this bipartisan bill.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 8025, which designates a U.S. Post Office facility in Minneapolis as the Martin Olav Sabo Post Office. I am proud to have the opportunity to honor the late Representative Martin Olav Sabo, a man who dedicated his life to public service and represented my district, the Fifth District of Minnesota, for nearly three decades. Representative Sabo graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1960 and served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1960 until 1978, the year he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the great State of Minnesota and represented the people of the Fifth District. Representative Sabo served 28 years in the House rising to chair of the House Budget Committee. He built a career standing up for low- income families and the middle class and invested in critical infrastructure and cared for our veterans. He also delivered millions of dollars in housing and transportation projects to our district, including the Hiawatha Avenue light rail line and the Minneapolis Veterans Medical Center. After a long successful career, the Minneapolis Democrat announced his retirement in 2006 and was succeeded by my predecessor, Keith Ellison. Sadly, Representative Sabo passed away in 2016 in his beloved home State after a lifetime of public service. I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Minnesotans like Martin Sabo who represented our State with honor and distinction. This bill is supported by the whole Minnesota delegation and has bipartisan support, and I urge my colleagues to support it.