Ilhan Omar

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this resolution. Donald Trump is unilaterally dragging this Nation into an illegal and unjustified war with Iran. As someone who has survived the horrors of war, I know that bombs do not build peace or create stability. Military strikes will not make us safer. They will inflame tensions and push the region further into chaos. Every time people abandon diplomacy, they choose destruction. Congress knows who will bear the cost of this decision: innocent civilians caught in the crossfire and young servicemembers sent into harm's way. The American people are exhausted by endless wars built on false promises and paid for with American and foreign lives. Congress must reassert its constitutional authority. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' to stop U.S. involvement in another illegal forever war.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, two of my constituents, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, beloved neighbors and community members, were murdered by Federal immigration enforcement agents. These are not distant headlines. These were beloved community members fighting to protect their neighbors. Alex Pretti was a 37-year-old ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA who cared for veterans. He was a healer, and he should be alive. Renee Good was a 37-year-old beloved wife, mother, and community member. She should be alive. Kristi Noem's DHS must be held accountable. We cannot continue to operate as if this terror is acceptable. We cannot allow a Federal agency--one that was created for the purpose of terrorizing--to function as an occupying force in our communities. Real accountability starts with abolishing ICE, impeaching Kristi Noem, and rethinking how we enforce immigration policy in this country. We cannot stop there. We must demand that those who are responsible for terrorizing our communities are investigated thoroughly, not by the agencies that oversee them but by truly independent authorities. We have seen Federal agencies block State investigators and stonewall accountability. That is unacceptable. Our system of justice cannot tolerate a situation where people are killed and the only response is silence, spin, or justification from the administration's officials. Minnesota was once known as a place of refuge. It has now been turned into a war zone by a Federal Government that has lost sight of the values that make America great. Everything we love--our communities, our rights, our Constitution, and our humanity--is on the line right now. We have to fight like our future depends on it because it does.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, instead of holding ICE accountable for their horrific behavior, including their violent occupation of American cities like Minneapolis, Republicans voted on giving ICE billions of dollars to terrorize our communities. It is beyond shameful. ICE operates with no meaningful oversight and continues to act with impunity, even as it carries out violent operations that have cost lives. I am sick and tired of seeing Republicans reward a rogue agency that inflicts harm on our communities. Congressional Republicans greenlit sending $400 million more to ICE detention and $370 million more to ICE enforcement. This is on top of the unprecedented $170 billion the agency received in Trump's big, ugly bill. ICE has tormented our communities. Let's be clear: What we are witnessing from ICE is not law enforcement. It is State-sanctioned violence. A woman was killed by ICE. Mr. Speaker, our communities deserve safety and justice, not militarized crackdowns and murder.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Meeks for yielding. Mr. Speaker, may I answer that question for Mr. Meeks? The answer is that this is not about drugs. This is about regime change. We also have the White House Chief of Staff on record saying that this is about regime change. It has nothing to do with drugs. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution. I was proud to co-lead Ranking Member Meeks' effort, and I urge all my colleagues to join us today in reasserting this body's constitutional authority on matters of war and peace. Let's be perfectly clear: Only Congress has the power to declare war. The Trump administration's military escalation in the Caribbean is not only reckless, it is blatantly illegal. We cannot allow this kind of dangerous overreach to go unchecked. Trump, a President who touts himself as a global peacemaker, has appointed himself judge, jury, and executioner in the Western Hemisphere. His brutal military campaign, which has killed more than 90 people, further threatens a region that has already been destabilized by decades of U.S. interventionism. It risks driving us into further war in Venezuela. The American people across the political spectrum have been clear that they do not want to fight and fund another war. With this vote, every Member of Congress has the chance to show the American people where they stand. Will they enable Trump's illegal warmaking, or will they stand on the side of the Constitution?

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, stand on the side of the Constitution and put an end to this unauthorized use of military force. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to uphold the separation of powers and pass this resolution.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Minneapolis Public Schools superintendent, Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams, on her achievement of being named the 2026 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year. Bringing over 30 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader, Dr. Sayles-Adams is the second Minneapolis school superintendent to win the State honor. Since stepping into this role, Dr. Sayles-Adams has been committed to working alongside families, faculty, and students to improve our public schools, visiting over 50 schools, and hosting seven community listening sessions. Under her leadership, Minneapolis Public Schools have been marked by positive change, with community trust and academic performance improving districtwide. I am incredibly grateful for her dedication to ensuring Minneapolis' children receive the support they need to succeed.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Minneapolis Fire Department for the historic assembly of their first all-Native fire crew. Manned by Captain Michael Graves, fire motor operator Jessie Strong, and firefighters Johnny Crow and Bobby Headbird, the new crew operates Engine 10 out of Fire House Number 6 in Minneapolis. The four firefighters share one goal: to build trust between the department and the communities it serves. Beyond responding to fire and emergency medical calls across south Minneapolis, the crew makes a diligent effort to attend community events and ensure young kids see their identities represented in public service. I am incredibly grateful for the work they do to keep our city safe and inspire future generations to give back to their communities.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Carin Mrotz over the past two decades, for the betterment of our community. For several years, she played integral roles at Jewish Community Action, a nonprofit that organizes the Jewish community in Minnesota, who work in equal partnership with other marginalized communities for racial justice, economic justice, housing reform, and gender equity. Since 2004, Carin has been a relentless advocate for social justice. During her time at JCA, she acted as a community organizer, operations and communications director, and eventually became the Executive Director in 2017, only accelerating the momentum of the work to which she has long been committed. In 2023, she joined Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's staff as a Senior Policy Advisor, where she remains dedicated to improving the lives of everyone throughout the state. In addition, Ms. Mrotz has also served as a trainer, college instructor, a Minneapolis Complete Census Count Committee member, and too many other roles to list. She does all of this while also caring for her husband and two children, still finding time to perform Punk Rock Karaoke at the legendary watering hole Palmers, which sadly closed this year. We are all fortunate to have Carin as part of our community and I am grateful to have known her as long as I have. If it hadn't been a dare that brought Carin to Minnesota in 1997, we would not have benefited from her years of community service. Let us take this moment to recognize and celebrate Carin's work.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend congratulations and to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of Ann Hanna Walsh, beloved wife of the late, great Jerry Walsh, and beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and matriarch of the notorious Walsh clan of South Minneapolis, who has been a lifelong proponent of social justice, women's liberation, and equal rights for all. Her children will lovingly recount the time in the early 1970's when Ann, a feminist from the start, planted a sign that read ``White Racism Must Go'' in the front yard of the family home. That righteous fire still burns in her today. A 1948 graduate of Washburn High School, Arm married Jerry in 1953. The couple moved to Evanston, Illinois and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and back to Minneapolis where they raised six children, all of whom took the life lessons learned from their parents out into the world. In midlife, Ann joined her current community of The Church of Saint Leonard of Port Maurice, and became a successful insurance agent, which allowed for annual family reunions at Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge. An avid reader, Ann also melded her love of bridge and golf with her close friend group THE GABS, and, as a music lover, the Belfast Cowboys' summer concert at Lake Harriet was one of her favorite days of the year. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Ann Hanna Walsh and her remarkable achievement of 95 years worth of family, community, values, and faith.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the establishment of the first Native-American Firefighting crew in Minnesota. This is a monumental achievement for both the City of Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota, pushing boundaries to highlight our historically underrepresented Native American communities, and inspiring members of those communities to become first responders. The team consists of firefighters Johnny Crow of the Oglala Lakota Nation, Bobby Headbird of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, fire motor operator Jesse Strong of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, and Captain Micheal Graves of the Red Lake Nation formed at Fire Station 6 in downtown Minneapolis, working on Engine 10 as emergency responders. They stated that the formation of their team was an intentional effort to build trust between the department and the communities they were serving. Since the team formed earlier this year, they have received positive reception from many different community members ranging from schoolchildren, who tell them they are motivated to become first responders because of the team, to unhoused Natives who felt reassured seeing people of similar backgrounds responding to their issues. This team signifies the importance of inclusivity in creating meaningful connections with the citizens we represent. I appreciate these individuals for choosing to represent their own communities in public service. Please join me in celebrating their work.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner for over 30 years of selfless, heroic, and dedicated service to our city. Serving as the second Black chief in the department's history, Fire Chief Tyner led Minneapolis Fire through some of the city's most significant public safety challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout his tenure, he has worked tirelessly to advocate for the department's health and safety initiatives, improve operations, and promote inclusion within the ranks. At the end of this year, the chief will be transitioning into a new role, continuing his devoted service to our city as executive director of the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center. It has been an honor to work alongside such a dedicated public servant, and I am incredibly grateful for his work keeping our community safe.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Minneapolis American Indian Center and to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The Minneapolis American Indian Center has carried out its mission of celebrating and uplifting Native culture through a wide range of programs and services that preserve important traditions. The center creates pathways for opportunity for over 35,000 tribally diverse American Indians living in the metro area. I am proud that my office was able to secure $3 million in Federal funding to support their renovation and expansion. The center stands as a powerful example of resilience and the enduring strength of the Native community. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the Minneapolis American Indian Center's 50 years of service.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Minneapolis American Indian Center on its 50th anniversary. Since opening its doors on Franklin Avenue in 1975, the Center has been a cornerstone of support, empowerment, and cultural preservation for the more than 35,000 tribally diverse American Indians living in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Guided by strong Native values, the Minneapolis American Indian Center has carried out its mission through a wide range of programs and services that preserve cultural traditions and create pathways for opportunity. Its youth, elder, and intergenerational programs provide stability, encourage academic achievement, improve health and wellness, and help break the cycle of generational poverty. Importantly, all programs and services are provided at no cost to participants, ensuring equitable access to resources. Over the past five decades, the Center has developed and expanded initiatives that address the holistic needs of community members. Programs such as Family Services, Youth Services, the Culture Language Arts Network, Native Fitness and Nutrition, and more all reflect the Center's broad impact. The Family Stability Program, for example, provides case management, financial aid, and critical connections to prevent families from entering the child protection system. Meanwhile, the Native Fitness and Nutrition Program successfully promotes physical activity and healthy nutrition among Native families by providing free gym and fitness center space and exercise and sport activities. The Minneapolis American Indian Center has also made significant contributions to arts and culture. The renovated facility includes expanded gallery and studio spaces, language classes, dance, and film festivals. The Two Rivers Gallery nurtures emerging Native artists by offering exhibition opportunities, creativity support, and professional development. Through the Boys & Girls Club of the Minneapolis American Indian Center, Native youth are empowered with culturally relevant opportunities to grow, lead, dream, and realize their full potential. I am proud that my office was able to secure $3 million in federal funding to support the renovation and expansion of the Minneapolis American Indian Center. These investments have created new health and wellness facilities, strengthened youth programming, and ensured that this vital institution will continue to thrive for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the Minneapolis American Indian Center's 50 years of service. Its tireless work has strengthened families and enriched cultural traditions across Minnesota. The Center stands as a powerful example of resilience, community, and the enduring strength of Native nations.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dillon Maxwell Christopher, a dedicated member of my team for the last two years. Since August 2023, Dillon has loyally served the constituents of Minnesots's 5th Congressional District. Dillon was born and raised in the great city of Seattle, Washington. After graduating from Ballard High School in 2010, he spent an impressive decade traveling across the country as a musician, singing and playing with numerous bands before going to college in 2017. Dillon graduated from the University of Maryland in 2022 with a degree in political science and during that time, interned for Delegate Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk at the Maryland House of Delegates. His passion for politics ushered him into pursuing a career on Capitol Hill, where he diligently worked under Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Haley Stevens (D-MI). Dillon later joined my office before returning to the Senate to serve as the Operations Assistant to Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). As the only Special Assistant & Driver in my office, Dillon embraced his role with sincere dutifulness, patience, and humility. He joined our team during one of those many stretches where everything seemed to happen at once, from late night travel to late night votes, and somehow made it all look easy. To work in a congressional office, one must be adaptable, resourceful, and unflinching in their actions and responsibilities. Dillon demonstrated all of those qualities. In his role as Special Assistant & Driver and as the Office Emergency Coordinator, I entrusted Dillon with my office's and my safety and security requirements daily, and he never failed to ensure our protection. He delivered hundreds of correspondences to my colleagues in Congress and constituents, proudly embodying our 5th District progressive values in both Washington and Minnesota. Outside the office, Dillon is deeply rooted in his community and in D.C.'s arts scene. He is the lead singer of a new band, named, appropriately, Dillon Maxwell, and can often be found playing at PorchFest or supporting local music venues. When he is not performing, he's working in neighborhood restaurants, continuing the same ethics of service and generosity that define his work and perspective on Capitol Hill. Dillon's commitment to public service and democratic values is clear--it can be felt in everything he does and how he carries himself everyday as a tireless public servant, a good neighbor, and a loving husband and son (and father to many furry friends). During his two years of service in our office, Dillon has become an integral part of our team. He lights up every room with his good- natured humor and witty personality. He has brought levity to long days and authenticity and warmth that kept morale high even during the most chaotic times. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Dillon, and I am confident he will drive forth our shared goals of making out country a better place for all wherever he goes. On behalf of Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and thanking Dillon for his service. His contributions to my office and the constituents of the 5th District will forever be remembered. It was an honor to work with Dillon in the office, and he will be dearly missed. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors as he takes his efforts and skills to the Senate.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, I rise today to speak about the sweeping set of proposals from Trump's Department of Labor that threatens worker safety, fair pay, and basic protections for millions of Americans. The Department is moving to rewrite or repeal more than 60 workplace regulations. Let me say that again: 60 workplace regulations. It will affect conditions in farms, factories, construction sites, and mines. These changes are being framed as modernization. In reality, they put workers at greater risk and undermine decades of hard-won labor protections. Among the most far-reaching proposals is the narrowing of OSHA's general duty clause, one of the most important tools protecting workers when no specific safety standard exists. For more than 50 years, the general duty clause has allowed OSHA to step in when employers expose workers to recognized hazards that are serious, preventable, and likely to cause harm. Under the Trump administration's labor proposal, OSHA will no longer be able to cite employers for hazardous conditions intrinsic to a job. That could leave construction workers, factory workers, farmworkers, and others in high-risk professions with fewer protections and less accountability when something goes wrong. The administration's rollbacks go well beyond the general duty clause. Millions of home healthcare workers could be paid below minimum wage and denied overtime protections, leaving them vulnerable to long hours and financial insecurity. Migrant farmworkers could lose critical safeguards, including seatbelt requirements on employer-provided transportation and protections against retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions. Construction workers could see basic requirements for adequate lighting eliminated. Miners could lose critical oversight on ventilation, roof safety, and training. Even respiratory and chemical safety standards in hazardous workplaces are being rolled back. These changes represent a fundamental shift in priorities, putting corporate convenience over worker safety. Eliminating all of these rules is a clear signal from the Trump administration that they view workers' lives as expendable. When protections for the most vulnerable workers are stripped away, the consequences will be severe and immediate. American workers are not disposable. They deserve workplaces that are safe, fair, and accountable. They deserve the dignity of protection that ensures that they can return home from work alive and uninjured. Congress must reject efforts that roll back the clock on worker safety and labor rights. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative LaMonica McIver for hosting tonight and for her leadership on this issue.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Donna Minter from Minneapolis for her extraordinary feat of completing the Grammy Climate Ride. Inspired by her love for her grandchildren and a vision for a healthier, more sustainable planet for future generations, Donna spent 64 days traveling 3,000 miles by bicycle to raise awareness and support for climate justice. From California to Florida, Donna struck up conversations with those whom she met along the way to raise the alarm on the climate crisis. Through this year's ride, Donna raised $25,000 for various Minnesota- based climate nonprofits. Please join me in celebrating the extraordinary achievement and spirit of Donna Minter and her strength and preservation that made this possible.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to denounce the Trump administration's reckless and illegal escalation in the Caribbean. More than a week after the attack, we have not gotten any clarity whatsoever on the legal authority they relied on to conduct the strike. Let me be clear: There is no conceivable legal justification. It was not self-defense, and it was not authorized by Congress. That is why I am introducing a resolution to terminate hostilities against Venezuela and against the transnational criminal organizations that the administration has designated as terrorists this year. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues, regardless of their party or ideology, to join me in this effort. All of us should agree that the separation of powers is crucial to our democracy and that Congress has to fight for its own power.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Wadaag Commons Project in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis. ``Wadaag'' is the Somali word for ``sharing,'' and this principle is reflected in the design of this building. The project, constructed and owned in partnership with the BIPOC and woman-owned developer Nawal Noor, was planned and crafted in close collaboration with the community. Getting input from those whose lives are most impacted by this development was central to the vision that shaped its final form. The Wadaag Commons Project is the sixth and final phase of the Seward Commons redevelopment effort, which has transformed the neighborhood from a desolate industrial park into a high-density, transit-oriented housing and commercial area serving diverse incomes. I was proud to secure $1.8 million in federal Community Project Funding to help facilitate the success of this crucial endeavor. Beyond its value to the surrounding community, this project is invaluable to those who will call it home. Wadaag Commons provides affordable housing to large families and those experiencing homelessness. The 39 new units include homes with income-based pricing and Section 8 voucher commitments to address the burden of rising rent. Several other units have more than two bedrooms to meet the needs of multigenerational households, which has been an option long missing from the local housing landscape. One of the most notable features of this project is the inclusion of indoor and outdoor play areas for children, facilities that are too often overlooked in affordable housing developments. Alongside these play spaces are private entrances, accessible layouts, and culturally relevant design elements all chosen to support daily life, connection, and communal care. Please join me in recognizing the residents, advocates, and partners who made Wadaag Commons possible.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) for their grand opening of the newly renovated Robin property. Formerly the Robin Hotel, MACV has transformed the century-old property into 14 units of safe, stable housing for Veterans working to rebuild their lives. I am immensely proud to have secured $750,000 in Community Project Funding to support this endeavor. The Robin offers flexible housing options, ranging from transitional stays to long-term accommodation. The project is committed to providing equitable access to transportation and is thus located along the Metro Transit line to ensure easy and reliable access to community services. For decades MACV has been unwavering in their commitment to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota. This project is only one example of the way their work and collaboration can change lives. I want to extend my deep appreciation to Hennepin County, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and the many community organizations that helped make this project possible. At a time when VA benefits and the workers who serve our veterans are under attack, I am honored to work alongside MACV to support those who have served our country. Please join me in recognizing the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans for their outstanding efforts and in expressing our deepest gratitude to all of those who contributed to this incredible project.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the extraordinary leadership, dedication, and impact of Habon Abdulle. Her incredible and tireless work has empowered new Americans, including many women of color. I wish to specifically honor Ms. Habon Abdulle on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Ayada Leads. In Somali, ``ayada'' means ``she.'' True to its name, Ayada Leads is committed to strengthening our democracy and civic participation by advancing women's leadership and highlighting women empowerment as integral to transformative change. For years, Habon has been a driving force for gender equity, civic engagement, and leadership. Through her unwavering commitment, she has empowered women across various ages, states, and cultures to embrace their leadership potential. As the founder of Ayada Leads, originally known as Women Organizing Women, I know firsthand how committed Habon is to empowering women and guiding them to become strong leaders here in Minnesota and across the country. Habon has been a trailblazer for civic engagement for more than 25 years. She is a renowned scholar in gender and politics, holding two master's degrees and a Ph.D. She has also conducted research on the cultural and structural barriers against minority women in political spheres. Habon is no stranger to the challenges women experience in our community. But nevertheless, she continues to guide and educate women to develop their full leadership potential and is a source of inspiration for so many. I have personally witnessed Habon's devotion and commitment to this work. A friend for many years, she also served as my mentor. She helped me harness my drive and ambition and encouraged me to do everything I could to support my community. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Habon Abdulle's incredible contributions to our community, political education and leadership. Her work is a constant reminder of the importance of strengthening our democracy by empowering women.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Today, we honor two beautiful souls. An 8 year old and 10 year old lost their lives to senseless gun violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis last week. My heart is shattered for all the families impacted by this horrific tragedy. The horror that children, educators, and parishioners went through while they were praying should not have happened. I am incredibly grateful to our brave first responders who saved countless lives by their heroism and swift action. As our Minneapolis community continues to grieve, we must stand united to prevent another tragedy from occurring ever again. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to, once again, call on the United States to join the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons and for all of the world's nuclear armed powers to adopt policies of mutual disarmament and abolition. In a few short weeks we will mark the 80th anniversary of the only time nuclear weapons have been used in combat by the United States in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The fact is in 80 years since, we have only avoided nuclear war by sheer luck. As long as countries possess massive arsenals of world-destroying weapons, the risk of miscalculation and the risk of escalation is eternal. In the last few years, we have seen multiple situations that remind us of the extent of this fragility and of the danger. Nuclear-armed India exchanged fire with nuclear-armed Pakistan just this year. Cooler heads prevailed, this time. Nuclear-armed Israel conducted unilateral strikes on facilities in Iran. That war didn't go nuclear this time. Nuclear-armed Russia continues its brutal war of conquest in Ukraine. We are avoiding escalations that increase the threats of nuclear war between Russia and the West so far. The truth is, the era of nuclear weapons will only end in one of two ways. Either we will abolish these horrific weapons from the face of the Earth, or we will use them and abolish humanity instead. The only sane position and the only legitimate position for anyone who values human life is abolition. In addition, more than one-half of the countries in the world have now formally agreed signing on to the TPNW. We should join them. That is because just as we have gotten terrifyingly close to nuclear war in these past 80 years, we have gotten close to disarmament. It is not a pipe dream. Reagan and Gorbachev also did it. South Africa unilaterally dismantled their arsenal. Other countries have stopped developing nuclear weapons before they got the bomb. It is possible to disarm, and it is possible to abolish nuclear weapons. We only need the political will, and we need the urgency. Finally, Mr. Speaker, you will note that I said the bombs dropped in Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the only nuclear weapons used in combat, but they were not--we must be absolutely clear--the only times nuclear weapons have been used. In fact, nuclear weapons have been used thousands of times, and their primary targets have been Americans. We also mark this month the 80th anniversary of the Trinity test in New Mexico. So we should remember that entire communities have been poisoned by these weapons right here in the United States. Entire generations have seen their families, their friends, and their classmates die of rare cancers caused by radiation exposure. They have been forced to drink poisoned water and breathe poisoned air. The effects on the communities known as the downwinders have been catastrophic, and their suffering is still, sadly, mostly unknown in this country. We have made some small steps toward providing overdue compensation to these Americans, the first and the most consistent victims of our nuclear weapons program, but we still are a long way from justice. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. McGovern for hosting this Special Order hour tonight and for his years of principled leadership on this issue.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the years of dedicated public service of Talia Glass, a Senior Community Representative in my District Office. Ms. Glass has selflessly served Minnesota's 5th District for over six years--since my first day in Congress. She has proven herself to be an incredibly thoughtful, organized, and reliable public servant, and the people of the 5th District are better off because of her service. Talia is a born and raised Minneapolis resident and her dedication to this city and the entire 5th District is exemplified in everything she does. Over the last six years, Talia has helped countless constituents through federal casework assistance. She made sure small businesses were awarded the funding needed to stay open, fought for families' long-awaited tax returns, and ensured that individuals received their vital health insurance benefits. She organized major events to bring hundreds of constituents, advocates, and public officials together to tackle some of our community's biggest problems--the opioid crisis, Black maternal health, hospital stability, and so much more. Along with her stellar casework record, Talia led my office's work on Community Project Funding. In just three years, Talia successfully managed our effort to bring home over fifty-four million dollars to the 5th District. She has a history of success, with every single project within her first three years being approved for funding. Her attention to detail, her reliability, and her dedication to quality work has served her well in her commitment to improving the lives of Minnesotans. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Talia for her years of remarkable public service during her time with the U.S. House of Representatives. It would be impossible for us to do this work without hardworking, compassionate staff supporting us. It has been a privilege to work with Talia and witness her accomplishments over the last six years, and I wish her the best in this new chapter of her career.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my constituent, Kenneth Freed. Mr. Freed devoted his life to his family, his community, and his love of classical music. He started his career as a professional musician with the Manhattan String Quartet before relocating to Minnesota and earning a coveted position as violist with the Minnesota Orchestra, where he served for 27 years. Whether with the Minnesota Orchestra or on his own, Mr. Freed shared his love of music across Cuba, Europe, South Africa, and Vietnam, where he performed, gave lessons, and made new friends. Simultaneously, Mr. Freed served as the music director of the Mankato Symphony Orchestra and played viola with the Rosalyra String Quartet and the Isles Ensemble. Mr. Freed also devoted himself to inspiring a love for classical music in younger generations. He co-founded the non-profit Learning through Music, which helped children improve their academic abilities through music. He helped secure state funding for music education in schools across Minnesota, and especially in communities struggling with historic disinvestment. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the life of Mr. Kenneth Freed alongside his family and friends.

Ms. OMAR

Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and recognize the Minnesota Frisbee Association (MFA) on their 50th anniversary. Since their founding on July 19, 1975, the Minnesota Frisbee Association has been recognized nationally and internationally as one of the most innovative and successful flying disc clubs. The Minnesota Frisbee Association has been a trailblazer in Minnesota, building a foundation on the principles of education, communication, community, and competition. They created the MFA Sport Development Grant Program to educate, expand, and increase accessibility to the sport across Minnesota. As a result, the grants have created a boom in frisbee infrastructure, programing, and organizational support across the state. The Minnesota Frisbee Association has also partnered with sports teams such as the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, and Minnesota's ultimate frisbee team, Wind Chill. They have leveraged these relationships to engage enthusiasts across the state, host local, national, and international competitions, and create a lasting and dedicated community among neighbors and athletes. Members of the Association can be found competing with their friends and neighbors, or in the Hall of Fame for their contributions to the sport. This dedication to the flying disc community is seen off the field--they engage and uplift their neighbors by donating and fundraising for various local and national charitable causes. Minnesota Frisbee Association is an example of dedication and passion not only to the sport, but also to their community. Please join me in celebrating the enduring achievements of Minnesota Frisbee Association throughout their 50 years.