Deborah Ross

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life and legacy of Mary Perry, who sadly passed away in August. She left a mark on our community that will live for generations to come, first through her role as the president of the Wendell-Wake NAACP for decades and later when she made history as the first African- American chair of the Wake County Democratic Party. From the civil rights movement to today's struggles for fairness in education, healthcare, housing, and voting, she led our community through many fights for justice and equality. She faced threats while standing up to Jim Crow, fought against restrictive voting laws, and inspired the next generation of leaders. Mary Perry's story is one of perseverance and courage. We will proudly carry her legacy with us in the challenges ahead.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a North Carolina trailblazer, Juanita Bryant, who, sadly, passed away last month. Juanita spent her career fighting for the women of North Carolina. She made history by becoming the first woman in North Carolina appointed by the Governor to chair a State board or commission. When Governor Hunt appointed her as executive director of the North Carolina Council for Women in 1993, he said: ``Mrs. Bryant is one of North Carolina's most knowledgeable citizens in the area of women's issues.'' On the council, Juanita led critical programs for women, including initiatives to help survivors of domestic violence, women in the military, women businessowners, and so much more. Juanita Bryant advanced equality for women in North Carolina, but her legacy lives on in all the women and girls who walk in her footsteps today.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn Republicans' big, ugly law, which decimates food assistance for 42 million Americans, including millions of children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Erica from Wilson, North Carolina, had this to say about SNAP: ``As a grandmother who is having to raise my granddaughter, this program helps me. I survived three heart attacks, yet [I am] still able to make sure my granddaughter is taken care of.'' At a time when so many families are struggling to put food on the table, why would we take away a lifeline that millions of Americans rely on? This past weekend, I visited Christ the King Lutheran Church in Cary, North Carolina, where I saw firsthand indispensable work to combat food insecurity in our own community. Republicans have abandoned vulnerable, hungry people to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. It is shameful and un-American.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. 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. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with grave concerns about Donald Trump's proposal to eliminate FEMA. In September 2024, western North Carolina was ravaged by Hurricane Helene, the most devastating storm in our State's history. We lost over 100 lives, and countless communities were changed forever. In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, FEMA provided indispensable support to save lives, clear debris, and house families who lost everything. As hurricane season begins, it is a disgrace that Donald Trump and his administration are proposing the elimination of FEMA. This scheme is nothing less than a slap in the face to the western North Carolina communities that he pledged to support. If Trump really cares about effectively managing disaster response, then he should submit a funding request to Congress to replenish the disaster fund. Eliminating FEMA is not the answer. It will put lives in jeopardy across the United States and severely hamper ongoing disaster efforts.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Congresswoman Jane Pratt. This week in 1946, she was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first woman to represent North Carolina in Congress. Prior to her election, she served as a congressional secretary for 22 years. As a Member of this body, she was an important voice, urging passage of legislation for major flood control in a reservoir in North Carolina. She also joined other women Members in supporting First Lady Bess Truman's food program to support struggling people in post-war Europe. After her term in Congress, Congresswoman Pratt went on to serve the American people at various Federal agencies for more than a decade. She proved everyone wrong who questioned whether a woman was up to this job almost 80 years ago, and today, I proudly stand on her shoulders.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with grave concern about the threat that the Trump administration poses to Social Security. In February, Elon Musk called the program the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time. Then a few weeks later, he referred to Social Security as the big one to eliminate These are not empty comments. They are real threats. Under this administration, we are seeing mass firings at Social Security offices, hours-long wait times, delayed checks, websites crashing, and field offices closing. My district office in Raleigh, North Carolina, has received panicked calls from seniors whose checks didn't arrive on time for the first time ever. Seniors' benefits are under attack, and Donald Trump is to blame. We will not be silent while Trump and his cronies try to slash the benefits that our seniors have earned over a lifetime of hard work.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Republican's budget plan that would gut funding for Medicaid. In 2023, my home State of North Carolina achieved a historic victory by finally implementing Medicaid expansion after a decade of political gridlock. Medicaid expansion has helped new moms and their babies during a critical phase of life. It has supported older Americans living in nursing homes. It has ensured that individuals with disabilities get the care that they need. Republicans want to roll back this progress to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Their current budget would immediately terminate Medicaid expansion, ripping away healthcare from more than 600,000 North Carolinians and shuttering rural hospitals that may never be able to open their doors again. Mr. Speaker, don't be fooled. The Republican budget is cruel, and it will cost the lives of North Carolinians.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join millions of American women in condemning Trump's attempt to gut funding for women's health research. The Trump administration has rescinded women's research projects at an alarming rate. These projects include lifesaving research on early breast cancer detection and so much more. Trump even shut down the Women's Health Initiative, our Nation's largest and most consequential women's health study. Millions of women's lives are at stake. That is why I led my Democratic Women's Caucus colleagues in demanding that Trump immediately reverse course. I am relieved to announce that the administration heeded our call and the heartfelt appeals of our constituents and restored this crucial funding. Mr. Speaker, this fight is far from over. The Trump administration is waging a war on science and women. We must stay vigilant, and we will fight back.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the SAVE Act, which is a transparent attempt to disenfranchise millions of voters. The SAVE Act would change voter registration guidelines to require proof of U.S. citizenship in very narrow ways. However, those documents, as we have heard, a birth certificate or a passport, are not always easy to come by for certain Americans. This backward legislation would immediately disenfranchise the 69 million women who have changed their names after marriage or divorce and do not have a matching birth certificate. There is no cure in this bill. Millions of Americans would be forced to navigate the complicated process to change their birth certificate or be forced to pay more than $130 for a passport. Who would be prevented from voting? Working people who don't have the time to do it and low-income people who cannot afford to do it would be prevented from voting. House Democrats will not be silenced while Donald Trump and Republicans try to disenfranchise millions of people.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit.

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, Article III of our Constitution vests judicial power of the United States in the Supreme Court and lower courts. The Constitution says that this power extends to all cases arising under the Constitution or laws passed by Congress. This is a bedrock principle of American democracy, and it is not up for debate. Yet, now that the courts are blocking his unconstitutional and unlawful actions, Donald Trump wants to claim the power for himself and his administration. Trump does not subscribe to the principle of judicial review, and he doesn't believe in the sanctity of the Constitution. He cares only about himself and getting his own way. Mr. Speaker, Trump and his followers are threatening judges with impeachment and far worse. Bomb threats, harassing calls, and swatting all send the same terrifying message: We know where you and your family live, and you better get out of the President's way. President Trump's attacks on the judiciary are clear violations of his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution. Mr. Speaker, threats to judges and their families simply cannot be tolerated, and Members of this body have a profound responsibility to speak with one voice to condemn these reprehensible tactics. I implore my Republican colleagues to set politics aside and do the right thing. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with important amendments to this bill. My amendment would simply reaffirm the legislative branch's support for its coequal branch and condemn attacks on all members of the judiciary. I ask unanimous consent to insert into the Record the text of this amendment.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend, Sepi Saidi, who passed away on March 24, 2025. Sepi was a trailblazer and beloved member of the Wake County community who nurtured her company from the ground-up in a male-dominated field. Her contributions to our community will live on for years to come in her children, friends. and the many members of our community she touched throughout her life. Born on October 10, 1962, Sepi spent the first 15 years of her life in Tehran, Iran, where she was raised in a household with both a college-educated mother and grandmother. She moved to Raleigh as a high school transfer student in 1978 as the Iranian Revolution was unfolding in her home country, graduating from North Carolina State University with degrees in Civil & Agricultural Engineering. Sepi embraced opportunity, leaving a position at the North Carolina Department of Transportation in 2001 to found SEPI Engineering and Construction with a home equity loan, three employees, and two contracts. Within two decades, she grew SEPI Engineering and Construction to employ 300 workers and $40 million in revenue, becoming one of the top 500 private engineering firms in the country. Sepi was well-known as an energetic, innovative leader in the Triangle, Beyond the success of SEPI Engineering and Construction, she held leadership positions at several important nonprofits and government organizations. Her wisdom and insights were valued at the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority and the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, earning her recognition as a Top Entrepreneur, Career Woman of the Year, and Top CEO. She was inducted into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 2016 and the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame in 2022. However, more than any of these prestigious accolades, Sepi will be remembered for living life with intention and compassion. She always took the time to learn everything she could about her employees and was a conscientious friend and mentor to many who aspired to follow in her footsteps. She was also a fierce advocate for women's equality in the workplace and in society. She credited her mother and grandmother for encouraging her and her sister to pursue an education and pursue careers they could be passionate about. I have known Sepi for more than 20 years, both personally and professionally. We collaborated on transportation, immigration, and women's issues. Together, we tried our best to make North Carolina a more prosperous and welcoming place. I will miss her as a dear friend and as an inspiring leader. Her son, Bardia, has been a valuable and trusted member of my team since I first ran for Congress. Every day, I see that he embodies her spirit, determination, and grace. Sepi was an extraordinary woman who lived a remarkable life, and I will always be grateful that I had the immense privilege of knowing her. She was a devoted mother, compassionate friend, visionary thinker, and dear friend. She will be forever missed by her children Nakisa Asefnia and Bardia Asefnia, her siblings Sofey Saidi and Taher Saidi, and her many friends and colleagues. She left an immeasurable mark on our community, and her legacy will live on for generations to come.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Phyllis B. Fulton, who sadly passed away last week. A native of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Phyllis dedicated her life to serving her community through her work as a social worker. After graduating from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in 1969, she began her career with the Wayne County Department of Social Services. While accompanying her husband on his assignments as a U.S. Air Force officer, Phyllis continued her work as a social worker around the world, helping foster kids, victims of child abuse, and families with adoption. After returning to North Carolina, Phyllis first worked at the Wake County Department of Social Services before moving to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, where she was promoted to Program Coordinator of Community Child Protection Teams across the state. In this role, she traveled to all 100 of our state's counties. In 2013, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory awarded Phyllis with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest honor--an accolade acknowledging her exemplary service to our state. She was recognized for her contributions to making North Carolina a better place for all of our people over the course of her more than 50-year career in social work. Phyllis was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She embodied the true meaning of public service and made a lasting impact on her community and state. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the inspiring life and service of Phyllis Fulton.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Scholten for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Ambassador Jeanette Hyde, who, sadly, passed away last month. A North Carolina native, Ambassador Hyde was a trailblazer who paved the path for generations of women in our State. Her contributions to our community span industries, from her time as a social worker and teacher to serving as the first woman on the North Carolina Board of Transportation. Ambassador Hyde was an active philanthropist, never forgetting her roots and always giving back to North Carolina causes and organizations. It is especially meaningful to celebrate her legacy during Women's History Month. As a leader and influential advocate, she pushed for ratification of the equal rights amendment and women's full participation in the political process. She never gave up on her vision of an America where every woman has a chance to make her voice heard. At a time when women are facing unprecedented attacks from the Trump administration, we should all seek to emulate Ambassador Hyde's grit and grace over the next 4 years. Like Jeanette, we cannot back down in the face of threats to women's healthcare, accessible childcare, equal pay, and more.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply concerned about the Trump administration's act to fire more than 1,000 EPA scientific researchers who have dedicated their careers to protecting the American people. I represent part of the Research Triangle Park, home to the largest EPA facility in the Nation, where researchers and scientists are solving some of our most complex environmental problems. In North Carolina, these committed public servants are working to combat PFAS and address our air quality issues. They were on the front lines of helping our citizens during Hurricane Helene. The Trump administration is attacking Federal research offices because they expose disastrous policies and hold polluters accountable. Eliminating the Office of Research and Development not only violates the law, it puts our people, public health, and the environment in danger. I will fight this dangerous plan to fire Federal workers and silence scientists with everything I have.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my profound appreciation for the staff who serve the people of the Second District of North Carolina. This is an exceptionally challenging time for public servants in America. Congressional staff are no exception. Yet, despite an increasingly hostile political environment, my office continues to deliver superlative results for my constituents. Last year, my district staff hosted or attended almost 200 events in Wake County, closed more than 1,500 constituent cases, and returned more than $22.3 million in federal benefits to the people of North Carolina. Over the same period, the staff in my Washington, D.C. office researched hundreds of policy questions, drafted 32 bills, amendments, and resolutions, and responded to more than 43,000 messages from constituents. These numbers are an impressive but inadequate measure of my staff's contributions. In ways large and small--sometimes splashed on the frontpage of the newspaper but more often known only to a single family--they touch the lives of the people I represent. Their service isn't just about providing information on legislation or assistance with benefits. In moments of hardship and frustration, my staff offer hope and wise counsel. They make people feel heard and understood and appreciated. In a very practical sense, they make real our Constitution's promise to every American of the right to ``petition the Government for a redress of grievances.'' Mr. Speaker, in recognition of their dedicated service and long hours on behalf of the people of North Carolina, I wish to include in the Record the names of each staffer currently employed by my office: Puj Adusumilli, Kimberly Moore, Nadia Alston, Samantha Crane, Caroline Spencer Sparks, Josie Feron, Maura Haydin Thompson, Walker Beard, Tom Koester, Matthew Lee, Katie Paulson, Ally Tannenbaum, Jackie Gonzalez, Daphne Moore, Bardia Asefnia, Huston Wallace, Sam Upah, Alisa Sarkisian-Tatarian, Sophia Jacome, Sophie MacOmber, Erendira Ramirez, Easton Inman, and Chalina Morgan-Lopez. Mr. Speaker, March 7th was National Employee Appreciation Day. On that day and every day, I am grateful that my staff have chosen to invest so much of their precious time and talent to making a difference for North Carolina. Their enthusiasm energizes me. Their creativity inspires me. At this difficult time, their positivity in the face of so much turmoil fills me with hope for the future.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, for 3 years, Ukraine has fought for its survival against Russia's brutal assault. For 3 years, America has supported the Ukrainian people in their brave fight for freedom. Mr. Speaker, Trump is halting military aid, blocking intelligence sharing, and betraying a democratic ally. This risks our national security and emboldens dictators around the globe. History will judge us for abandoning a democracy under attack and for leaving innocent people to defend themselves against an aggressive authoritarian regime. Mr. Speaker, there is still time for my Republican friends to speak up. There is still time for Republicans to reaffirm to the world that America does not bow to our foreign adversaries. There is still time for Republicans to join with Democrats and remind Donald Trump that America does not abandon our friends. For our future and theirs, we cannot--we must not--betray the courageous people of Ukraine.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of a Federal scientist who was fired by President Trump and Elon Musk. In their own words, this researcher wrote: I was a biologist with USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. I worked to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and protect American agriculture. As a Wildlife Services biologist, I was also designated as an emergency response official and was preparing to deploy to help the efforts combating the avian influenza epidemic. Bird flu cases are popping up across the country, including in my district, yet Trump is firing the public servants who are responsible for fighting the disease. Donald Trump is not only jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of Federal employees and their communities, but he is recklessly firing scientists and endangering the health and safety of every American. His actions are dangerous and cruel.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to President Trump's attempt to dramatically reduce NIH grant funding for research institutions, including those in my home State of North Carolina. Immediately after Trump implemented these extreme funding cuts over the weekend, my staff and I heard directly from universities and researchers in The Triangle about how devastating this decision would be. By slashing NIH funding, Trump would undercut groundbreaking research on cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease, and other conditions that kill millions of Americans. While I am relieved that the Federal judge temporarily blocked these cuts from taking effect, the fight is far from over. This is just another example of Trump's complete lack of concern for the health of the American people. His actions would cost lives and jobs. I won't stop fighting until these lifesaving resources are permanently restored.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise with grave concern about reports that President Trump is scheming to eliminate the Department of Education and similar concerns about legislation that has been introduced to do just that. This move would be detrimental for Wake County students and public school students around the country. Our community is home to world- class K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and HBCUs that are shaping the bright minds of tomorrow. Our schools rely on resources from the Department of Education to support teachers, assist students with disabilities, and ensure that young people get healthy meals. In addition, thousands of North Carolina students depend on grants and loans managed by the Department to pay for college. Their future is our country's future. Let's be clear. The President does not have the authority to unilaterally abolish agencies that were created by Congress. Under this plan, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are attacking our kids and their teachers. We will fight this every single way that we can.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we marked 52 years since the Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade. We should be celebrating 52 years of reproductive freedom. Instead, nearly 3 years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, we live in a very different America. In North Carolina and across the country, women cannot access vital healthcare services, and doctors are being criminalized for simply doing their jobs. We now have a President back in the White House who is bent on restricting access to women's healthcare even further. On President Trump's first day in office, his administration even removed a Federal web page that offered important reproductive health information. While the next 4 years will bring immense challenges, we cannot give up the fight for a country where women can make decisions about our own bodies and our own healthcare.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Private Charles T. Norwood and to recognize the significant contributions of the Charles T. Norwood American Legion Post 157. Private Charles T. Norwood served with distinction in Company H, 365th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division during World War I. On November 11, 1918, mere hours before the Armistice, Private Norwood was wounded in action. He succumbed to his injuries and Lobar Pneumonia on January 17, 1919, becoming the first African American soldier from Raleigh, North Carolina, to make the ultimate sacrifice in World War I. Private Norwood was laid to rest with full military honors in the Raleigh National Cemetery on August 1, 1921. He rests in Section 8, Site 1226. The Charles T. Norwood American Legion Post 157 was chartered on December 19, 1924, to honor his memory and service. At a time when American society was segregated, including Veterans Service Organizations, the charter members of Post 157 were African American veterans of World War I. These founding members represented a cross- section of Raleigh's African American community, including medical professionals, businessmen, educators, administrators, and community leaders. For more than 100 years, the Charles T. Norwood American Legion Post 157 has served as a beacon of community service, veteran support, and civic engagement in Raleigh. Its establishment and ongoing legacy stand as a testament to the contributions of African American veterans to our nation's history and to the enduring spirit of service that defines the American Legion. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the heroism of Private Charles T. Norwood on the 106th anniversary of his death and commending the Charles T. Norwood American Legion Post 157 for its commitment to veterans and the Raleigh community for more than a century. May this legacy continue to inspire future generations to serve our nation and support our veterans.