Delia Ramirez

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Madam Speaker, we are here talking about the work that we have done, or tried to do, in this past year. This week is the last week Members of this body will gather to work on legislative business for 2023. The last time I convened the Special Order hour, my colleagues and I came to the floor to discuss the impact that the debt ceiling would have on everyday, working people. We said over and over that a debt ceiling agreement that shortchanged funding for vital programs shortchanges everyday people. I find that, much like in May, we are in the same place fighting to protect and to preserve the programs our communities need. Just like in May, I am here to remind this body why we were sent here and who sent us here: Our constituents. Let me be clear. Who sent us here are our constituents, not MAGA extremists, not lobbyists, and definitely not Donald Trump. This year, my colleagues and I on the Congressional Progressive Caucus have been fighting like hell for policies that protect people, including expanding healthcare for DACA recipients; addressing gun violence; securing protections for the workforce; and centering our policies around equity and justice. I am proud to say that we have been able to deliver for our communities, yes, even in the midst of chaos. While we were able to accomplish so little--although I know that my colleague tried to talk a little bit about what the GOP tried to do--I am convening this Special Order hour to speak truth to power. Madam Speaker, let me be clear and say that Republicans have held progress hostage. It has been a year, and we have spent more time on speakership elections--19 to be exact--pointless censures, and political theater, jeopardizing the safety and the well-being of people, instead of moving policy that improves their lives. We have spent countless hours subjected to words that dehumanize and devalue Brown and Black people, and I have witnessed firsthand as Members across the aisle call immigrants vile names like infestations over and over again, not just here but during my committee hearings; denying their humanity. I have spent more time attending vigils than celebrating life because Republicans are intent on holding up bills that would address gun violence. I have spent more time voting ``no'' to protect my constituents from harmful cuts and reckless policies than I have had the opportunity to vote ``yes'' to legislation that prioritizes working people and families. I have spent more time on picket lines affirming that workers deserve living wages, protection from retaliation, and the right to collectively bargain than actually passing policies that ensure that all workers are compensated well, respected, and valued. When I was elected to Congress, I told my community that I was committed to delivering results. I am here today to say that in the face of everyday Republican-manufactured obstacles to progress, their political games, their disorganization, and their opposition to honoring our shared humanity, I remained true to my commitments and my values as a Member of Congress. I have remained focused on delivering results for Illinois' Third Congressional District and honoring our diverse multicultural, multigenerational community. I am not alone. My colleagues in the Congressional Progressive Caucus have also remained true to their commitment and their values and focused on delivering for their districts. I am grateful to be flanked by such dedicated, persevering, and courageous leaders. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to welcome one of my colleagues to share some of the progress that she has made and what Congress must still continue to do to accomplish and deliver for the people. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Lee).

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend and constituent, Oscar Ortiz, a devoted organizer and champion for educational equity. Oscar was a visionary: he fought for a just, inclusive future where everyone thrives. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, and respected member of the Illinois Third Congressional District community. Born in our great City of Chicago on April 21, 1962, to Benito and Mirta Ortiz, Oscar dedicated his life to empowering our community through education. He believed that education was a powerful tool to build a just future. He knew education could unlock our collective potential and enable us to realize our dreams. With that in mind, Ortiz became an elementary and high school teacher, helping our young people find their power and joy in learning. Whether it was at Jahn and Lowell Elementary Schools or Jefferson Alternative School, el maestro Ortiz was always present for all his students, their parents, and faculty. His desire to serve our community and defend public education in Chicago led him to join the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) in May 2003, where he quickly became a committed and active member, never missing a meeting or event. There, Oscar served as a sergeant-at-arms, as the Lowell delegate, and as a member of the Legislative Committees, always with the intention of advancing social justice and equity through education. Oscar generously committed his time on earth to countless social justice causes. He believed in the power of organized communities and worked tirelessly to build a better future for Chicago and our nation. I, personally, will miss his calls to action and the way he could stir our passions and stoke our courage on the bullhorn at direct actions. May his passion for change and love of community always--guide us! I will miss him dearly, and I know that countless others will, too. He was a true, loyal friend. His wife, Sabina; sons, Gabriel and Daniel; brother Ed; parents, Benito and Mirta; all his loved ones, and to the entire CTU family, are in my heart and in my prayers. Together, as we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the blessing he was in all of our lives, the impact he had on our community, and the mark he has left in our great City of Chicago. Oscar vive, la lucha sigue. Rest in power, Oscar.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on a crisis of displacement, tax evasion, and lack of housing affordability that is directly affecting our communities, including the people of Illinois' Third Congressional District and their families. Because of Act 22 and Federal tax loopholes, Puerto Rico is the only place where a wealthy American with no tie to the island can move and evade paying any Federal taxes--taxes that represent essential funds for safety net programs and critical infrastructure in our districts. While those Americans seek out a tax shelter in Puerto Rico, they are driving up the price of rent by 600 percent, privatizing lands that belong to the people, robbing Puerto Ricans of affordable housing, and driving the second largest migration that the island has seen. Congress has a responsibility to close the Act 22 loophole that is hurting Puerto Rico and depriving our districts of vital services.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend and constituent, Oscar Ortiz, a devoted organizer and champion for educational equity. Oscar was a visionary: he fought for a just, inclusive future where everyone thrives. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, and respected member of the Illinois Third Congressional District community. Born in our great City of Chicago on April 21, 1962, to Benito and Mirta Ortiz, Oscar dedicated his life to empowering our community through education. He believed that education was a powerful tool to build a just future. He knew education could unlock our collective potential and enable us to realize our dreams. With that in mind, Ortiz became an elementary and high school teacher, helping our young people find their power and joy in learning. Whether it was at Jahn and Lowell Elementary Schools or Jefferson Alternative School, el maestro Ortiz was always present for all his students, their parents, and faculty. His desire to serve our community and defend public education in Chicago led him to join the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) in May 2003, where he quickly became a committed and active member, never missing a meeting or event. There, Oscar served as a sergeant-at-arms, as the Lowell delegate, and as a member of the Legislative Committees, always with the intention of advancing social justice and equity through education. Oscar generously committed his time on earth to countless social justice causes. He believed in the power of organized communities and worked tirelessly to build a better future for Chicago and our nation. I, personally, will miss his calls to action and the way he could stir our passions and stoke our courage on the bullhorn at direct actions. May his passion for change and love of community always guide us. I will miss him dearly, and I know that countless others will, too. He was a true, loyal friend. His wife, Sabina; sons, Gabriel and Daniel; brother Ed; parents, Benito and Mirta; all his loved ones, and to the entire CTU family, are in my heart and in my prayers. Together, as we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the blessing he was in all of our lives, the impact he had on our community, and the mark he has left in our great City of Chicago. Oscar vive, la lucha sigue. Rest in power, Oscar.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my friend and constituent, Oscar Ortiz, a devoted champion for educational equity. Oscar was a visionary. He believed that education was a powerful tool to realize our collective potential and dreams. As a teacher, ``el maestro,'' ``teacher,'' Ortiz helped the students find their power and joy in learning. As an organizer with the Chicago Teachers Union, he energized our community to advance social justice and equity through education. Oscar committed his time on Earth to building a future for everyone. His passion and optimism were infectious. I am going to miss him dearly, and I know countless others will, too. To his family and loved ones, know you are in my heart and prayers. Together, let's celebrate the blessing he was in our lives and the mark he has left in our city of Chicago. A bullhorn will never be the same after Oscar Ortiz. May his passion for change and love of community always guide us. Rest in power, Oscar Ortiz. We love you.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Chair, we just got back from a week with family. Many of us sat around the table, and we thanked God for the family, for the children, and for the ability to have a roof over their head. Some of you remembered that your family came 100, 200 years ago. In my case they came 40 years ago from Guatemala, and now we are back here with the same rhetoric that we continue to play over and over and over. Republicans are using human beings as bargaining chips to try to realize their extreme and their very harmful policies. Despite their efforts to cut funding for land protection, cut social safety net services, and bankrupt our Federal infrastructure, they also want us to believe that providing emergency refuge and services to asylum seekers is what is causing all our economic problems. Now, let me talk about that for a second. Immigrants are not the problem. They are an asset. They are actually a solution to improve our economy. If you go to the neighborhood ALDI like I do, Mr. Chair, I see three people working there, and when I talk to the cashiers, they say to me: Congresswoman, get those work permits. We need workers. There are 11.5 million people ready to help fill the almost 9 million open jobs right now. Those open jobs are disrupting the supply chain, and they are increasing inflation. These immigrants are ready to support the 245 million Americans, many of them living in our own communities, living in counties with shrinking populations. They are ready to invest in housing markets, and they are ready to grow our local economies. Mr. Chair, if you actually ask our people: What keeps you up at night? It is not being able to pay rent. What keeps people up at night is that they have to work two jobs just to raise two children. What keeps people up at night is that they can't afford milk and they can't afford other things. It is not an undocumented person. So let's talk about the economy because that is exactly what people want us to be able to address. Immigrants are ready to increase our national GDP by up to $1.7 trillion over the next decade. We should be working to address the root cause of this issue by ensuring their successful resettlement and integration instead of shaming them and then going back home and thanking God for family, community, and country. I ask my colleagues to reject this bill. Let's get to the real work of delivering work permits for all and establishing pathways to citizenship today and improving our economy.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Chair, the bottom line is this: Undermining the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau harms Americans' financial security. That is why today I am offering my amendment supporting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the CFPB, and its independence, which is essential in protecting Americans from predatory practices. I offer this amendment at the urging of the Illinois Coalition For Immigrant and Refugee Rights, an invaluable organization in my district. Established after the 2008 financial crisis, the CFPB protects Americans from predatory financial practices and lenders while fighting discrimination in the financial sector. In its first 12 years, the CFPB has been able to return or restore over $17.5 billion to American consumers in compensation, canceled debts, and other relief. It has filed over 4 million complaints against companies on behalf of consumers. My amendment affirms that Congress should not meddle in an independent agency and acknowledges the importance of the Bureau in protecting consumers from exploitative practices, including when it comes to questionable, crushing medical debt. The CFPB's work is incredibly important, especially as medical debt continues to burden communities in my State of Illinois and disproportionately impacts Black and Brown people. Across the country, 41 percent of U.S. adults currently have unpaid medical or dental bills. I know many of them, and many of them are in my own family. During my time serving as executive director of an organization that worked to advance economic opportunity, I have seen medical debt destroy individual's and families' financial security and rob them of their financial futures. Medical debt puts people in impossible positions. They have to choose between seeking necessary healthcare and paying for their basic needs like food, housing, and heat when it is 20 degrees in Chicago. While we could solve the challenge of crushing medical debt through universal healthcare and Medicare for All, medical debt continues to plague the American people. We have to protect our communities from abusive and deceitful practices that compound the challenges that everyday Americans face when navigating medical emergencies. One of those deceitful practices is deferred interest medical credit cards. Research from CFPB is exposing the exploitive practices around these medical credit cards, which have average interest rates 10 times higher than our average credit cards. Let's think about that. Our credit cards already have extremely high interest rates. These are 10 times higher. Patients seeking medical help who are given this option are almost always unaware of the exploitative charges and costs if the full balance is not paid by their deadline. The CFPB's vital role also includes cracking down on debt collectors who try to trick and coerce patients into paying medical debt that unlawfully exceeds cost caps. CFPB has been working to remove medical debt from credit reports as medical debt should never be an indicator of someone's worth and should never limit a person's opportunity for a prosperous and thriving life, including access to safe, stable housing and employment opportunities. That is why, Mr. Chair, it is critical for the CFPB to maintain its independence from congressional meddling so that it can continue to address practices that are harming consumers, especially predatory lending that leads to medical debt, and to hold bad actors accountable. As someone who is deeply concerned with housing access and affordability, CFPB's work to remove medical debt from credit reports would literally change the outcome for thousands of working families. It would improve the credit scores of millions of Americans, opening up access to rental housing, insurance, the purchase of their first home, and even employment for many who experience barriers due to their low credit scores. We know that CFPB has reported that debt collectors use inaccurate or outdated information about their medical debt. It is clear that the CFPB serves an essential function in protecting hardworking, everyday Americans from predatory practices and financial exploitation. Let me say this loud and clear: An attack on the CFPB is an attack on everyday Americans and working families. We must protect the independent funding of the CFPB, and we have to reject every assault on its funding structure. We have to allow CFPB to move forward with its number one job of protecting the American consumer. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, words hold power. They are intentional representations of our values and our beliefs. Our democracy is at its strongest when we protect the right to dissent, to resist, and to speak truth to power. However, over the past few weeks, this body has wrongfully and dangerously conflated dissent with hate speech and has willfully characterized acts of resistance as acts of bigotry. Bigotry and hateful speech are real, tangible threats to our shared humanity and our multiracial democracy, and we must address them. As someone who has heard Members of this body who are not being brought up for censure casually use their platforms to carelessly promote violent, racist, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, xenophobic, and anti-immigrant language and ideals, I am clear that this resolution is another ill-intentioned attempt to persecute dissenting voices who refuse to stay silent and whose perspective challenges this body and the dominant narrative. We must resist the urge to scapegoat and vilify those who disagree with us, and I unequivocally stand with my friend, Rashida Tlaib. I will be voting against the resolution, and I encourage my friends to do your job.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I cannot believe that I am standing here again having to remind my colleagues that we are a nation of immigrants. I am going to come to this podium each time my Republican colleagues have amnesia about where their families came from or try to scapegoat the immigrant community. Introducing a continuing resolution that cuts services and deports unaccompanied children, ending asylum, and jailing families betrays a truth about my colleagues. They are more willing to scapegoat and sacrifice the well-being of immigrants, children--that they say they care so much about--babies-- that they say they care so much about--veterans, the elderly and people experiencing poverty than they are to do the hard work of owning up to their failures, their hypocrisy, their ineffective leadership. It is hypocritical to target immigrants when many of the people in this Chamber have reaped the benefits of immigrant labor and have become wealthy on the backs of immigrant sacrifice. Let me tell you what my mother tells me about her journey. It takes courage to cross a border, to seek a job, or to pursue an opportunity to raise their children in safety. The courage of our people stands in stark contrast to the cowardice of my colleagues. There is nothing people-centered about this Republican CR. There is nothing noble or redeeming about it. It is time for a clean CR that does not scapegoat the people this Nation has been built on, and let's stop indulging the cowardice of my colleagues. For this reason, Mr. Speaker, 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 an important amendment to my bill. That amendment would strike the section that makes 30 percent cuts across the board. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to include the text of my amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Chair, as the proud daughter of immigrants, the wife of a Dreamer, the Representative of a district proud of its immigrants and how they contribute to our economy, I am disgusted with the Republicans' relentless persecution and scapegoating of immigrants. While we should be looking for ways forward to keep providing essential services for our districts, Republicans want to play games with lives and livelihoods because of their inability to lead. They are repeating false claims that the border is open and conditioning government funding on dangerous and irresponsible requests that will neither make the border more secure nor protect our security. There is a dissonance between this party of fiscal responsibility that is driving us to a shutdown while immigrants--supposedly our economic downfall--are contributing more than $20.4 billion in taxes just in Illinois. With 11 million more immigrants ready to boost our economy through needed pathways to work, it is time to leave the political theater behind. People are tired of it. Let's recognize the positive fiscal contributions of immigrants to our Nation and do the work our constituents sent us here to do.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, today, earlier in committee, we were talking about the economy and talking about numbers, so I want to continue the conversation on numbers. Approximately $25 million, that is the amount reported that was earned by the Stellantis CEO in 2022, which is a 77 percent increase over the former CEO's salary in 2019. Nearly $21 million is the reported earnings of the Ford CEO, and that was up 21 percent from the salary of the former CEO in 2019. Approximately $30 million is the paycheck of General Motors' CEO, which is an increase of 34 percent compared to 2019. Not long ago, a CEO defended their paycheck by saying, ``Ninety-two percent of it is based on performance of the company.'' You see, I, too, believe that when a company does great financially, the ones who worked to make it a reality should see the fruits of their efforts. When we say that a record-high salary raise is due to the record-high performance of a company, we should ask ourselves: How was that performance made possible? The truth is that there is only one answer. The answer is that nearly 150,000 United Auto Workers who are out on the streets today urging these companies for parity are the reason for this performance. They are urging their companies for their earned benefits. They are urging their companies for stronger protection and a place in the industry's future, the clean energy economy. Mr. Speaker, as the proud daughter of hardworking immigrant parents who worked long hours at minimum wage jobs--my mother still today a home care worker--which they did just to put food on our table, a roof over our heads, and keep the lights on, it is my honor to stand here in full support of UAW workers and every single worker fighting for their future. Workers are the backbone of our middle class and our economy, and we know that when they thrive, we all thrive. Time and time again, workers are demonstrating to us that the power we hold when we come together to bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions is a benefit for all of us. I know that we will succeed again. Today, I stand with autoworkers in their fight to secure the contract that they deserve. It is time that we give our autoworkers the parity and support they need and have already earned. Know that in me you will always find someone who stands ready to protect and support all workers' rights to fair wages, safe and dignified working conditions, universal healthcare, and democracy in the workplace. It is what the Congressional Progressive Caucus stands for. It is what I stand for. It is why I am so honored to be able to speak today in this Special Order hour.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud Representative of a congressional district in Illinois, a State committed to progress, justice, safety, and human rights. Yesterday, Illinois made history as the first State in the Nation to eliminate cash bail, a standard used to punish poverty instead of upholding justice. A standard that kept those without means, especially Black and Brown Illinoisans, in jail for months as they awaited trial, while letting slip those who could afford bail independent of the crime that they were accused of. Some may say we are reforming our criminal justice system, but we are doing more than that. I especially thank Senator Robert Peters, who led the effort in the Illinois General Assembly. We, unlike other States, are creating a justice system that protects the victims, ensures equal due process for everyone independent of their means. The Pretrial Fairness Act is a historic win for civil rights advocates across our Nation, and it is time Congress followed Illinois' lead toward progress.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, the Third Congressional District of Illinois is home to a historic Puerto Rican community directly linked to the legacy, present, and future of Puerto Rico. The lack of food sovereignty in Puerto Rico is a policy choice that threatens lives and livelihoods. When I visited Puerto Rico last year, I was shocked to learn that food insecurity was a major motivation for the second biggest Puerto Rican migration since the 1950s. Mr. Speaker, 85 percent of their food is imported, and Puerto Rico is subjected to much higher grocery prices. When Hurricane Maria hit, food imports couldn't come in. Many of my Puerto Rican constituents came to Chicago because of Hurricane Maria and because of food insecurity. This body has the responsibility to act now on supporting food sovereignty in Puerto Rico. We can start today by using every legislative tool at our disposal through the upcoming farm bill.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the new 56 citizens of our Nation in the city of Elgin, which I am proud to represent in the Third Congressional District of Illinois. The city of Elgin's New Citizen Recognition Ceremony is a cherished tradition and a celebration that goes back 23 years. Every single new U.S. citizen has a story. They took a journey that has brought them to that citizenship ceremony. As their Congresswoman, I couldn't be more proud of who they are, of their strength, of what they have overcome, the sacrifices they have made, the changes, and the geographical distances from their families. I know it hasn't been easy, but they did it. I celebrate them and the journey that has brought them to the United States. They know that in Elgin, a city in Illinois' Third Congressional District, they will always find a community with open doors and open hearts. ``Congratulations.'' ``Felicitaciones.''

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Madam Speaker, today I stand here opposing the GOP's hateful resolution to condemn the use of schools as shelter for immigrants. For years, schools have sheltered people during emergencies, and we know people in our own districts who have had to go into these places because of climate crisis, hurricanes, tornadoes, and the list goes on. Well, sanctuary cities like Chicago and New York are in emergencies created by Republican Governors who continue to dehumanize asylum seekers and cruelly bus them to sanctuary cities like Chicago. This resolution does nothing to solve the crisis, and it certainly isn't protecting our children's education. It is just another way to criminalize asylum seekers. Now, I believe to my core that seeking asylum is not a crime. In fact, welcoming them into our arms, regardless of their origin or their status, is a biblical teaching, a humane act, and it is part of our Nation's fabric and our Nation's values. How can we say we care about families or that you are the party of families and values? How can you say you care about children and then threaten to cut funding for their schools if they dare to shelter children who are seeking asylum? That is hypocritical. There is dissidence there, and we should look up that description in the dictionary. It is time we end this senseless war against immigrants and stand up for what is right and for what is just. Madam Speaker, I will absolutely be voting ``no'' on this resolution, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. RAMIREZ

Mr. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 239, YEA Roll Call No. 240, NO on Roll Call No. 245, YEA Roll Call No. 246.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 213, and YEA Roll Call No. 214.

Mrs. RAMIREZ

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I know that many of our folks back home have been seeing or hearing the news nonstop about the debt ceiling and how much the health of our economy is counting on getting to a resolution. Well, it is May 24 at 6:59 p.m., and because of Republicans, we don't have a deal because they refuse to put people over politics. Republicans have made this all about political games. Quite frankly, it seems like they are happier to play under the guise of bipartisan negotiating to cut government spending, but there are real-life repercussions to the theater. Let me be absolutely clear. Speaker Kevin McCarthy and his extreme MAGA Republicans aren't going to be the ones who aren't able to afford housing or keep food on the table if they get their way on massive cuts to essential domestic programs. It is actually going to be everyday people across the country, including in the Third Congressional District of Illinois, which sent me to Congress to protect them from these cruel Republican cuts and an attack on our economy with bad deals. It is going to be everyday people like Estela, a constituent of mine. Estela arrived in Chicago 13 years ago from Guatemala, fleeing life-threatening violence and seeking security. Since then, she has called Chicago home and has dedicated her time to ensure that others can also call it home, providing key information to protect renters' rights. Like many of the families that she helps and like many of our constituents on both sides of the aisle, Estela's family depended on Federal housing funding to keep her home during the pandemic. Now, as the cost of living keeps rising, she finds herself confronting the same exact problem as many other families: How do we pay rent? How to keep a place to live? She says, ``It is very difficult to see so many people be displaced from their homes because of the rising costs of rent. The cost of living is a problem that is affecting many families like mine. I have four children, and it is very difficult to afford extremely high rent and also afford our other necessities.'' Now, you see, part of what makes Estela's experience so powerful is that this is the experience of so many everyday people. People are already struggling. They are already trying to spread their paycheck for enough to cover the mortgage, the rent, feeding their children, utilities, the essential basics we all need and deserve. Estela's story of struggling with housing costs while still working to help others in her community keeps me rooted in why we do everything in our power to protect our constituents from the Republican-made debt limit crisis. What Republicans are doing right now is reckless, and it is irresponsible, and it is all to guarantee their ability to try to win politically in 2024. They are willing to gamble with working people's livelihoods and the global economy. Republicans would rather default on the debt than come to an agreement that protects critical investments in our community across Social Security, SNAP benefits, veteran healthcare, housing, Medicaid, and more. Republicans want to stick it to working people to bear the burden of terrible cuts instead of making billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share. The question for me continues to be why? Why is it that they are far more interested in protecting billionaires and corporations than the constituents they represent? The Republican Party has a Republican-made problem, and Progressives are clear. We are not going to sell out our communities for a bad deal. Tonight, I will be joined by fellow Progressive colleagues who will share stories from their own constituents because we have too much at stake to give in to cruel Republican demands. I am pleased to yield to my colleagues who will share their personal testimonies from their own constituents and why we need to protect our communities from Republican cuts and bad deals. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, (Mr. Deluzio).

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Goldman).

Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressmen Goldman and Deluzio for the work they are doing in their districts, the work that they do here in Congress, and for their commitment to our country, to our communities before the politics that we are seeing before us today. I keep hearing Speaker McCarthy say in one of his many interviews he does a day--he spends a lot more time, I think, on interviews than actually negotiating or working with us. I hear: We don't want an increase to the debt limit. Well, let me break down what Republicans want. Republicans insist that we spend less, but that actually equates into spending less on public housing, on food assistance, on Medicaid, on other fundamental programs like veterans' healthcare, like supporting our kids, our families, our communities. There are no cuts to the multibillion-dollar defense weapons contractors, though. However, everyday constituents that sent us here, they should get those cuts. The Republicans' framework imposes drastic cuts that would result in a 33 percent cut in 2024 to what I said, like housing, healthcare, education, and so much more. They would put 780,000 people out of work and cost more than 1 million jobs. It would strip up to 21 million Americans of Medicaid coverage. It would deny access to affordable college to 60,000 people. It would kick 200,000 children off of Head Start. It would force 100,000 families to lose access to childcare. It would rob 1.2 million women, infants, and children of nutrition assistance. It would remove rental assistance from 640,000 families and evict 430,000 more from public housing. Republicans are willing to put the lives and livelihoods of the American people at risk. This is not just counterproductive; it is cruel. This plan would pull hundreds of billions of dollars out of the economy, and it could contribute to a recession, increasing the deficit that they so desperately want to address--or it is what they say. These are the choices that they are presenting: Default on America or a debt ceiling increase under their terms. That is it. Here is the thing: The American people know that those are not the only options. Those two are not the only two choices. There are other choices, from making the wealthy pay their fair share to getting a discharge petition to the floor with the help of just one, two, three, four, five sensible, reasonable Republicans. That is it. Five Republicans. They could be from New York; they could be from California; they could be from Texas. Five people from the other side of the aisle could end this hostage experience of the American people and stop punishing their own constituents by signing onto the discharge petition or we can utilize the 14th Amendment. From day one, progressives have been the most responsible and loudest voices in defending working families from Republican extreme behavior. That is why the CPC publicly called for raising the debt ceiling last fall. That is why CPC members were the first to sign the discharge petition to force a vote on the clean debt ceiling, and it is why we will continue to call out Republican games and hostage-taking. That is why we convened this Special Order hour for the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and I thank my colleagues who have joined me today and many others who are wrapped up in picking up calls from constituents who are calling and asking, what does this mean for my healthcare come June 1? What does this mean for my ability to get nutritional benefits come June 2? In conclusion, the looming debt ceiling crisis has been significantly exacerbated by the Republicans' approach and their steadfast commitment to place party politics above the well-being of everyday people across our Nation. As the June 1 deadline rapidly approaches, we all must recognize the gravity of the situation, and we have to demand immediate action that protects people over politics. The Republicans are holding the livelihood of Americans as prisoners. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the Republicans' default on America act would cost States and local communities an astonishing $1.3 trillion. This would be disastrous for food access, for housing support, and for the overall well-being of our society. I am profoundly grateful and humbled by the courage of constituents of mine, such as Rachel from Mount Prospect, Illinois, who took the time to reach out and express her concerns, reaffirming my commitment to effectively representing their best interests in this negotiation. Rachel shared: ``I am really worried about the debt ceiling increase not being passed, or if it is passed that Democrats will have to give in to extortion and agree to cut Medicaid, veteran programs, and climate provisions. ``Congresswoman, please do not let Democrats and President Biden cave to House Republican extortion on the debt limit. ``If Democrats betray us by doing so, Republicans will simply do this every single time. Don't give in. Please vote only for a clean debt ceiling.'' I say thank you to Rachel. Our shared call to action is clear. It is about 7:20 p.m. For my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, if they are watching, hearing, complaining about me talking about essential programs that might be cut, if you are hearing from your constituents who are just saying to you: We are tired of Washington politics, do your job. Well, I invite you to do your job, to join us, to actually negotiate and compromise to make sure that the American people are our priority, and not just politics of who can get over the other or a Congressman from Florida talking about you don't negotiate with a hostage. The American people refuse to be hostages of politics in this country anymore, and this is why I call every one of my colleagues: Have the courage, have the ability, and put your constituents above the politics. Join us. All we need is five of you. Let's be reasonable. Let's refuse to play into extremism. Let's put people over politics. Sign the discharge petition. All we need is five more patriots. Who will these courageous patriots be? Who will these servants be? That is the question. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.