Deborah Ross

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life and legacy of North Carolina's Dr. John Gilbert, who recently passed. From Dr. Gilbert's time serving in the U.S. Army to his tenure on the Wake County School Board, he devoted his life to serving others. John Gilbert was a towering figure in Wake County, best known for his unwavering dedication to the Wake County Public School System. At a time of enormous change, Dr. Gilbert spearheaded innovative efforts to combat segregation and bring additional resources to underserved schools. After 16 years of service on the school board, John served on the Wake County Board of Elections where he worked to uphold fair elections and secure voting rights for all. Today, John Gilbert's enduring legacy lives on through the many people and students whose lives he transformed. Our community is forever indebted to John Gilbert.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the urgent need to implement Medicaid expansion in North Carolina. In March, our State became the 40th to pass legislation to expand Medicaid after over a decade of political gridlock. Nevertheless, Republicans in the general assembly are needlessly delaying implementation because they continue to bicker with each other over the State budget, jeopardizing healthcare for over 600,000 North Carolinians. Every day that Republicans wait to expand Medicaid is another day that a mother with cancer or a grandfather with diabetes cannot access the care they need, care that saves lives. More than a decade ago, I fought for Medicaid expansion in the general assembly. More than a decade ago, vulnerable North Carolinians desperate for affordable healthcare began waiting for their leaders to do the right thing. Mr. Speaker, our people have been waiting a decade too long. The people of our State deserve action now--not next month and not next year--to ensure that they can access the healthcare they desperately need.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the U.S. Women's National Soccer team which is currently playing in the World Cup. It was quite the match last night. Mr. Speaker, I give special recognition to the five players on the team who have connections to my home State of North Carolina: Aubrey Kingsbury, who played at Wake Forest University; Lynn Williams, who played on the North Carolina Courage in my district; Casey Murphy, who currently plays on the North Carolina Courage; and Emily Fox and Crystal Dunn, who played at UNC and are currently on the North Carolina Courage. As we cheer them on and while they are representing the USA abroad, it is important that we also support them at home. We must ensure that all women athletes receive the same pay, treatment, and resources as their male counterparts. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of all the strong, talented women on our national team. We are rooting for them.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the epidemic of gun violence in America, which continues to inflict bloodshed and heartbreak on our communities. Last week, Americans were supposed to be celebrating the Fourth of July, but big cities and small towns across the country were once again devastated by senseless gun violence. In October, my own Raleigh community joined the long line of American communities forever changed by a mass shooting. We should not have to live this way. While we took a momentous step forward last summer by passing bipartisan, commonsense reform, we must do more. I am proud that the Raleigh Police Department is leading the charge through education, awareness, and prevention. June was Gun Violence Awareness Month, but the call for action shouldn't end then. Today and every day, we must work together to end gun violence once and for all.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Loretta, thank you. I admire your passion and your enthusiasm for the Congress to Campus program. I have had the fortunate opportunity, of course, of doing one of those digitally with you. It was inspiring for me as well and something I hope that we continue to develop with the game plan we have. Today, my colleague Bart Gordon and I would like to report on the Congressional Study Groups on Germany, Europe, Japan, Korea, and maybe in the future with Ireland--who knows. In the past year, there have been critical developments on the international stage amongst America's closest allies and partners around the globe. We witnessed the somber anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and rededicated ourselves to a robust and reliable NATO alliance and celebrated one of our closest partnerships in the Indo- Pacific with Korea's President Yoon visiting Washington on an official State visit that culminated with his rousing speech right here in this Chamber. With consideration of these and other international developments, it is my great pleasure to highlight the work of the Congressional Study Groups on Germany, Japan, Europe and Korea, the flagship international programs of FMC. As you know, our four Congressional Study Groups are the most active and unparalleled peer-to-peer exchange involving current Members of Congress and senior congressional staff in a highly impactful dialogue with their colleagues in legislative branches overseas. In an ever-changing world, the year-round bipartisanship, and nonadvocacy outreach of these study groups to Capitol Hill remains the premier forum for productive, candid, and timely dialogue on the issues most relevant not only to America's leaders but to our friends and allies abroad. One is hard pressed to find another organization that so consistently engages a diverse group of Members of Congress, the diplomatic community, administration officials, the private sector, and civil society in such critical conversations. Each study group is proud to count over 75 Members of Congress as members, and each is led by a bipartisan, bicameral group of four co- chairs. These co-chairs exemplify the study groups' dedication to meaningful and robust education, not only serving in their role at the official study group events, but connecting with the embassies and outside organizations to speak on panels, attend roundtables, and meet with countless visiting delegations to further the goals of their respective study groups and the international relationships that they support. In the past year, the study groups have led six tours for Members of Congress and their senior staff; engaged new Members of the 118th Congress in introductory events with our embassy partners; hosted a German delegation of parliamentarians, business leaders, and key members of German civil society on a study tour in Texas; and held dozens of roundtables between Members of Congress, chiefs of staff, the diplomatic corps here in D.C., and business advisory members on critical issues such as the war in Ukraine, the debt ceiling, the IRA, supply chain security, energy, and international security, among other topics. This critical work, however, would not be possible without the general patronage of a dedicated group of individuals, organizations, and business advisory council members. In particular, I recognize Dr. Satohiro Akimoto of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, Thomas Byrne of The Korea Society, Sung Won Bae of the Korea Foundation USA, Heather Conley of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, Paige Cottingham-Streater of the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission, and Julia Friedlander of the Atlantik-Brucke for their support as key funders of the Congressional Study Groups in 2023. We also benefit tremendously from our partners and Business Advisory Council, and I include their names for the Congressional Record. BAC partners to FMC and Congressional Study Groups Aflac, Allianz, All Nippon Airways, BASF, Bayer, B. Braun Medical, Beam Suntory, Central Japan Railway Company, CJ America, Deutsche Telekom, DHL, Fresenius SE, Hitachi, Honda, Hyundai, Itochu, JTI, KITA, LG, Lockheed Martin, Lufthansa German Airlines, Marubeni America Corporation, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Mitsui & Co., Mizuho, NEC, Nissan, Nomura, Panasonic, Philips North America, POSCO, Representative of German Industry and Trade, Samsung, Sojitz, Subaru, Tellurian, Toyota Motor North America, UPS, and Volkswagen Group of America.

Mr. ROSS. Since last year's report to Congress, FMC's Business Advisory Council has grown with the additions of Philips North America and LG. Our Business Advisory Council continues to benefit from the guidance and leadership of advisory board members Brad Knox of Aflac, Majida Mourad of Tellurian, Anna Schneider of Volkswagen, Mark Sobol of Longwave Partners, Jeff Werner of Panasonic, and Nancy Ziuzin Schlegel of Lockheed Martin. Amidst economic uncertainties, supply chain difficulties, and energy and climate crises, these companies continue to be champions for effective and productive dialogue between our elected parliaments. We thank them for their support of our Congressional Study Groups. In an increasingly tumultuous world where the bonds America shares with her allies abroad are more important than ever, I am proud to say the sustained involvement of our stakeholders and continued engagement with our international partners play a critical role in the maintenance and growth of these relationships and will continue to do so in the years ahead. I yield to my friend and colleague, Mr. Bart Gordon of Tennessee, for further remarks.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the importance of the Supreme Court's decision in Allen v. Milligan. In ruling that the Alabama legislature used redistricting to dilute the voices of Black voters, the Supreme Court has preserved section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and helped protect the fundamental promise of our democracy, that every vote matters. This is a major victory for voting rights, not just in Alabama, but in States across the south. My home State of North Carolina is no stranger to racial and partisan gerrymandering. As Republican legislatures employ gerrymandering as a tool to serve their partisan interests, this ruling sends a powerful warning to all politicians to seek to roll back minority voting rights.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on May 31, 2023 due to two positive COVID-19 tests. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 241; YEA on Roll Call No. 242; YEA on Roll Call No. 243; and YEA on Roll Call No. 244.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to an extreme abortion ban that North Carolina Republicans passed through the general assembly after overriding Governor Cooper's veto this week. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade nearly a year ago, North Carolina has become a safe haven for women seeking reproductive care across the South. As States like Georgia and Florida enacted dangerous 6-week bans, North Carolina stood as a bastion for women's reproductive freedom. Mr. Speaker, Republicans in my State are now turning the clock back 50 years by enacting a dangerous abortion ban and restrictions on providing healthcare. The truth is women will suffer and doctors will be penalized under this dangerous law. We will not stay silent in the face of attacks on our rights and our healthcare.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1715, the Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act. As all Members know, the United States has witnessed an alarming rise in severe weather events. According to NOAA, in 2020 alone, the U.S. experienced 22 disasters in which the total damages exceeded $1 billion. North Carolina is no stranger to extreme weather. Flooding occurs an average of every 7.6 days in my home State. Hurricanes Matthew and Florence in 2016 and 2018 killed 76 people and caused a combined $21.8 billion in damages. As climate change continues to drive the growing number of severe weather events, accurate and timely forecasts have never been more important for protecting American lives. This bill will enable NOAA to do just that, by fostering a groundbreaking partnership with DOE that will tap DOE's computing resources and expertise to improve weather modeling. Our bipartisan legislation with the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Miller) will enhance tools available to outstanding forecasters at the National Weather Service who dedicate their time and expertise to protecting lives, property, aviation, commerce, agriculture, and so much more. Madam Speaker, I also thank Ranking Member Lofgren and Chairman Lucas for their leadership. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on April 27, 2023 due to a family medical situation. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 201.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes today due to a family medical situation. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 202.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on April 25, 2023 due to a family medical situation. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 193 and YEA on Roll Call No. 194.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on April 19, 2023 due to a family medical situation. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 188 and YEA on Roll Call No. 189.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes today due to a family medical situation. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 190, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 191, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 192.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on the House floor on April 17 due to a family medical situation. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 183 and YEA on Roll Call No. 184.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I missed votes on April 18, 2023 due to a family medical situation. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 185, NAY on Roll Call No. 186, and NAY on Roll Call No. 187.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2023 School Librarian of the Year, Wake County's own Julie Stivers. At the Mount Vernon Middle School, she is the librarian and has worked to create an environment where students not only learn and thrive, but also where they can express their creativity and see their identities and interests represented in literature. Outside her library, a sign boldly reads: ``In This Library, We Don't Shush, We Roar.'' Children's socioeconomic status should not determine their opportunities to learn, which is exactly why the library holds two book fairs a year where students can choose new books at no cost. As others have worked to ban books from schools across the country, Julie has fought against harmful proposals that will ban LGBTQ+ books in Wake County. Julie cultivates a welcoming space to ensure her students feel at home. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Coach Jim Valvano, known to basketball fans everywhere as ``Jimmy V.'' Forty years ago this month, the beloved NC State head coach led his underdog team to the 1983 NCAA championship. Against the odds, the Wolfpack triumphed over number one seed Houston with a game-winning dunk in the final seconds. Coach Valvano's spirit has inspired so many on and off the court. He is also remembered for his dedication to finding a cure for cancer after his own diagnosis. While he lost his battle with the disease, Jimmy V never stopped fighting for others. Today, his legacy lives on through the V Foundation for Cancer Research. This week, as North Carolinians are watching the ACC tournament, we are reminded of Coach Valvano's inspirational words: ``Don't give up. Don't ever give up.'' Go, Pack.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. George Debnam who, sadly, passed away last month. Dr. Debman was a towering figure in our community, best known for delivering 10,000 babies; the most by any single physician in the history of North Carolina. Dr. Debnam dedicated his life to providing quality healthcare, championing accessible education, and advancing social justice. It is only fitting that we honor Dr. Debman during Black History Month. He played a critical role in integrating healthcare in Raleigh while he worked at St. Agnes Hospital. Born in Youngsville, and a longtime resident of Raleigh, Dr. Debman attended Shaw University and worked throughout his life to ensure that Shaw got the resources it needed to grow and thrive. Today, his enduring legacy lives on through his twin daughters; both are physicians at the Debman Clinic in Southeast Raleigh. Our community is forever indebted to Dr. Debman and his family.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Energy Cybersecurity University Leadership Act of 2023--a reintroduced version of this bill brought by myself along with Representative Carey. The House passed this bill overwhelmingly in a bipartisan fashion during the 117th Congress. As all Members know, the United States has witnessed an alarming rise in cybersecurity threats and attacks against our energy infrastructure. My home State of North Carolina is no exception. In May of 2021, a disastrous cyberattack on the Colonial pipeline caused the company to halt all pipeline operations, leading to panic buying of gasoline and diesel fuels across my home State. Roughly two-thirds of North Carolina's gas stations ran out of fuel, including 70 percent of gas stations in Raleigh, the largest city in my district. Our constituents rely on dependable energy sources for their lives and their livelihoods, and we cannot afford continued exposure to these types of attacks. The Energy Cybersecurity University Leadership Act, a bipartisan bill I co-led with Congressman Carey--and I am pleased to do again--will help address this vulnerability. Our bill will confront growing cyber threats against our country's critical energy infrastructure by making real investments in a strong and diverse workforce that is ready to meet the challenges we face. It will provide financial assistance to support graduate students studying the convergence of cybersecurity and energy infrastructure in addition to providing hands-on traineeship experience at our national laboratories and utilities. It will also expand the Department of Energy's outreach to HBCUs, minority-serving institutions, and Tribal colleges. I represent much of the Research Triangle, home to institutions and universities that are propelling our Nation's innovation in cybersecurity and clean energy. From NC State to UNC-Charlotte to the west, to Shaw, St. Augustine's, and Wake Tech, this legislation will better equip our brilliant students and researchers in North Carolina and beyond to tackle the changing cybersecurity landscape. I thank Ranking Member Lofgren and Chairman Lucas for their leadership in bringing forth this bill not just this session but the session before. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 302, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, again, I thank Chairman Lucas for his leadership and my colleague, Congressman Carey, for his support of this. We have worked very closely together, again in the last Congress and early in this Congress, on this priority issue. This is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that will address critical vulnerabilities in our national energy infrastructure. We need a strong workforce that is ready to protect our existing energy infrastructure and build a safe, resilient energy infrastructure of the future. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to defend women's access to medication abortion. In the wake of the Dobbs decision, the Justice Department reaffirmed that States cannot ban the abortion pill, which now accounts for the majority of abortions nationwide. Medication abortion is safe and effective. It is healthcare. However, in North Carolina, women face unnecessary limitations that not only allow treatment to be delayed by 72 hours but require counseling before medication abortion. This week, a brave physician in North Carolina, Amy Bryant, filed a lawsuit challenging these dangerous restrictions. Let's be clear. Any State that limits a physician's ability to prescribe abortion medication is causing harm to women and creating needless barriers to healthcare. We cannot give up on the fight for full reproductive autonomy.

Ms. ROSS

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. ROSS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk, Ross No. 70.