Terri Sewell

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a lifelong public servant and Alabama native, Commissioner Rhondel B. Rhone, who celebrated his 70th Birthday on January 31, 2026. In 1992, motivated by the pursuit of justice and a deep, abiding love for the people of his community, Commissioner Rhone sought public office with a clear purpose: to serve and uplift the people of Clarke County. Through his immense talents, vision, and work ethic, he was elected to represent District 5 on the Clark County Commission, a role he has carried out with distinction and dedication. From the outset of his tenure, Commissioner Rhone established himself as a steady and principled leader, earning widespread respect for his integrity, sound judgment, and deep commitment to community development. A dedicated advocate for economic development and empowering underserved communities, Commissioner Rhone has fought tirelessly to ensure that all residents of Clarke County have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. In pursuit of his mission, he became extensively involved with the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA). Within ACCA, Commissioner Rhone held numerous executive leadership positions, including 2nd Vice President in 2004, Vice President in 2005, and President in 2006. He also served multiple terms on the ACCA Board of Directors, the ACCA Legislative Committee, and the Workers' Compensation Board, where his leadership and insight helped shape polices that impacted countless lives across Alabama. A true public servant and pillar of the Clarke County Community, Commissioner Rhone has played a key role in numerous regional and community organizations in addition to his work on the Clarke County Commission. Throughout his tenure, he served as Past Chairman and Board Member of the Alabama Tombigbee Regional Board and was an active member of the Ala-Tom Resource Conservation and Development Council, where he served as Secretary and Treasurer. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Southwest Alabama Community Action Agency, where he further demonstrated his commitment to economic development and support for underserved communities. On a personal note, I am blessed to be close friends with Commissioner Rhone and his family. As we celebrate Commissioner Rhone on his 70th birthday, we also celebrate his legacy, which is defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to others. His decades of work have strengthened communities, expanded opportunities, and inspired those who have had the privilege of working alongside him. Commissioner Rhone's impact reaches far beyond titles and offices--it is reflected in the countless lives he has touched. On this special occasion, may we honor not only another year of life but a lifetime of meaningful contributions. I congratulate him on a life well led and happy 70th birthday. Here's to many more years. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 70th birthday of an exceptional public servant, Commissioner Rhondel B. Rhone, for his service to Clarke County and the State of Alabama.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise with my Congressional Black Caucus colleagues in celebration of Black History Month 2026, a time to recognize the extraordinary contributions that African Americans have made to the history and culture of America. Black History Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the inventors, artists, changemakers, and everyday citizens who built this Nation and who continue to shape our shared destiny. As the Representative of Alabama's Civil Rights District, I stand on the shoulders of visionary leaders who risked everything for a vision and a dream bigger than themselves. These are leaders like Rosa Parks; our former colleague, the Honorable John Lewis; Dr. King; Amelia Boynton Robinson; and so many others. As a daughter of Selma, I know that their sacrifices brought us the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, daring this Nation to live up to its highest ideals of equality and justice for all. Sadly, we live in a time when Black history and Black Americans are under attack. Old battles have indeed become new again. Throughout the past year, our communities have been at the center of the chaos and destruction that this President and his administration have visited upon the American people. President Trump has tried to whitewash our history. He has cut our healthcare, while giving tax breaks to billionaires. He has canceled Black History Month celebrations at the White House and targeted Black immigrants with racist smears. He has waged an all-out assault on the right to vote. Just this week, the Trump administration arrested two Black journalists who were simply doing their jobs. Right now, President Trump's cronies are fighting in the Supreme Court to undo what remains of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Their actions threaten to take us back to a time before the civil rights movement, a time when Black Americans were second-class citizens and discrimination was the law of the land. In my home State of Alabama, Trump's attacks on Black Americans are on full display. Last year, his executive order led to the removal of the brave Tuskegee Airmen from the Air Force training manual. Just 2 months later, his administration tried to sell off the site of the Freedom Rides Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. While both of these decisions were eventually reversed, it was only because our community, the African-American community, spoke up and refused to be silent. Mr. Speaker, these tactics are not new. They are borrowed from the same tired playbook that has been used for centuries to silence our voices and dilute our power. In these troubling times, we should take a lesson from the foot soldiers of the civil rights movement. Shortly before his passing, Congressman John Lewis gave us a marching order. He was frail and riddled with cancer. He went back on that bridge one last time. He told us to never give up, to never give in, to keep the faith, and to keep our eyes on the prize. My friends, my fellow Congressional Black Caucus colleagues, we can be tired. We can be frustrated. We can be downright mad. What we cannot do is give up. We need to use our voices and call out injustice wherever it hides. We need to demand better from our elected officials. We must vote like we have never voted before. I thank my colleagues on the Congressional Black Caucus for hosting this Special Order hour. I thank my colleague from Virginia (Ms. McClellan) for her tireless leadership in this effort. This Black History Month must be more than just a celebration. It must be a call to action. Generations of Americans--past, present, and future--are counting on us to meet this moment with the urgency it demands. Mr. Speaker, we must do so in the name of our foremothers and our forefathers. We must do so in the name of the future leaders of this Nation. We must do so because it is always right to do what is right.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 842, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, which was included in the funding package being considered by the House today. Named in honor of my mother who lost her battle to pancreatic cancer in 2021, this legislation would expand access to cutting-edge cancer screenings for America's seniors, ensuring Medicare coverage for these emerging tools once they become FDA approved. I am immensely grateful that this bill was led by Republican sponsor, Congressman Jodey Arrington, and the many organizations and patient advocacy groups who helped us push this bill across the finish line. I am giving a big shout-out to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, PanCAN, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the National Minority Quality Forum, and so many others. Thanks to their tireless advocacy, H.R. 842 is the most cosponsored bill in the 119th Congress with 339 cosponsors in the House and 68 cosponsors in the Senate. I ask my colleagues to support this important legislation. Rest in power, my sweet mother. We will beat cancer.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride and profound gratitude to celebrate Founders' Day 2026 for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the first Greek letter organization established for African-American college-educated women. For 118 years, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has been a beacon of scholarship, sisterhood, and service, lighting the way for generations of women who dared to lead and uplift their communities. As proud members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, we stand on the shoulders of visionary founders, who believed that excellence and service were not just aspirations but obligations. From advancing educational equity to promoting economic empowerment and civic engagement, the women of AKA continue to answer the call to serve with grace, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Today, we honor our legacy, a 118-year legacy that has shaped leaders in every field and strengthened communities across this Nation. May we continue to carry forward our mission with purpose and pride. Happy Founders' Day 2026 to my beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Let us continue to be of service to all mankind.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6500, the AGOA Extension Act. For over two decades, AGOA, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, has affirmed America's commitment to expanding economic opportunity, creating jobs, strengthening strategic partnerships, and forging mutually beneficial economic bonds between the United States and our allies in sub-Saharan Africa. Since its enactment in 2000, AGOA has provided duty-free access to the U.S. market for a broad range of goods from eligible AGOA sub- Saharan African countries. AGOA has enjoyed broad bicameral and bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans from both the House and the Senate. By lowering barriers for African exports, AGOA expands demand for U.S. services and inputs--from agricultural equipment to digital and logistic services to energy and finance--supporting jobs at home and abroad. In an era of global economic disruption, AGOA helps U.S. companies diversify supply sources and build resilient and market-oriented networks in key sectors, including textiles, agriculture, and renewable energy. By providing preferential treatment for developing African countries, AGOA promotes U.S. strategic influence and democratic values, as well as economic prosperity. Eligibility under AGOA is directly tied to the progress by these developing African countries on market reform, rule of law, labor standards, and human rights. The conditionality of this trade preference program harnesses trade as a catalyst for reform, not just revenue. Unfortunately, the AGOA program expired in September 2025, creating uncertainty for the future of America's relationship with the region. The bill we are considering today will extend AGOA for 3 years and will send a clear message to the African Continent that we are committed to strengthening our shared prosperity. Over the last few years, I have met directly with AGOA country leaders, civil society groups, and business communities about the importance of maintaining and improving the AGOA program. I also had an opportunity to travel to Africa with Chairman Smith. To a person, they all said the same thing. While they wanted a 10-year reauthorization, and it was preferable, to a person they all said that we needed certainty in this program. The fact that the program ended in September 2025 has been a serious source of concern for many. A clean, 3-year reauthorization is preferable to allowing AGOA to lapse because businesses require predictability and certainty. Investment decisions cannot wait for prolonged negotiations or uncertainty. A lapse has caused immediate harm to African exporters and U.S. importers, disrupting supply chains and costing jobs on both sides. Reauthorization preserves U.S. credibility. Letting AGOA expire signals disengagement at a time when competitors like Russia and China are deepening their presence across the continent. Reforms can and should be considered, but holding the program hostage for a perfect bill is too high of a price to pay. The cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of moving forward today. Africa provides an important growth opportunity for U.S. markets. Economic growth is rapidly accelerating on the African Continent. By 2050, one in four people in the world will be African. As women become more integrated into the formal economy and the young workforce is empowered by emerging technologies, the region is poised to be the next rising economic powerhouse in the 21st century. Therefore, it is in America's national interest to strengthen our ties with the region and encourage this growth by deepening our trade relations. If we don't nurture this important relationship, China and others will. We can ill afford to allow others to fill the void. AGOA is more than just about tariffs and duty-free access to markets. Passing this bill will demonstrate that Congress is committed to our long-term relationship with Africa. Most importantly, reauthorizing AGOA sends a very strong message that, even though the President's rhetoric toward many African countries has been a distraction, we in Congress do acknowledge the very important role that the continent of Africa plays. To be clear, AGOA is not just a priority for the Congressional Black Caucus, although it is. It has been a decades-long bipartisan priority, and it stands as a proud example of America's commitment to deepening trust, stability, and shared prosperity with our AGOA allies. I strongly support the 3-year reauthorization of the program. Moreover, during this extension, I hope we can continue our bipartisan efforts to modernize the program. I believe that we are making real progress on provisions that would strengthen enforcement, that would improve congressional oversight, strengthen critical mineral supply chains, improve utilization, and establish a smooth graduation path that encourages economic development. Again, I thank Chairman Jason Smith, as well as Ranking Member Neal, for making AGOA a bipartisan priority for this committee. I also thank Ways and Means Chief Trade Counsel Alexandra Whittaker for her tireless efforts on this issue. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to vote for this bill and to send a strong signal to our African allies that leaders in Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, respect and value our continued partnership. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett).

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore).

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Plaskett).

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York.

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. May I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, in closing, I again thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Neal, as well as Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Sanchez of the Subcommittee on Trade for working so hard to make sure that we reauthorize AGOA. Last year alone, AGOA imports totaled $8 billion. Moreover, since 2002, AGOA has spurred more than $500 billion in exports to the United States. However, this year, the impact of the reciprocal tariffs, coupled with the expiration of AGOA on September 30, threaten to erode 25 years of economic cooperation. If we fail to act, we will likely see weakening supply chains and increased poverty across the continent. Moreover, many industries could shift investments away from Africa and toward Asia. Sub-Saharan African exports to China have overtaken exports to the United States. We should not allow this trend to continue. AGOA remains a centerpiece of United States trade in that region, and turning our backs on Africa at this critical time would be disastrous. Africa is diversifying their economy. It is expanding past textiles and agriculture. The service sector is growing rapidly, and women are beginning to get opportunities to enter the formal workforce. During my visits to several African countries over the years, and most recently with Chairman Smith, I witnessed personally the benefit of AGOA, and I witnessed the entrepreneurial spirit of the people. As internet access becomes broadly available, rapid economic growth and opportunity will follow. We have the ability to benefit from this inevitable growth in Sub- Saharan Africa, and we should do something about it. Madam Speaker, I am honored to be a part of this committee and a part of this bipartisan effort to make sure we do just that. In closing, I quote the first African-American chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, Charlie Rangel, and what he said about AGOA. He is often known as the father of AGOA. Charlie said: ``Since it was enacted in 2000, AGOA has been the cornerstone of the U.S. trade policy with Sub-Saharan Africa and has been a true success.'' AGOA has further contributed to diversification and competitiveness of Sub-Saharan Africa's economies and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the continent and the United States. I can think of no better way for America to continue to expand its trade relationships with Africa than reauthorizing this very important piece of legislation. Madam Speaker, I again ask my colleagues to vote in favor of this reauthorization and extend a warm and hearty thank you to Chairman Smith for making sure that this remains a bipartisan effort and we are getting it across the finish line. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands for yielding me time. I rise in strong support of H.R. 6504, a 3-year extension of the Haiti HOPE/HELP trade preference program, one of the most important tools for promoting economic stability, job creation, and long-term development in Haiti. The Haitian people have faced enormous hardships in recent years, after suffering successive political and environmental tragedies. Now is the time for Congress to demonstrate our support for the Haitian people and to promote trade policies that promote stability and spur economic development in Haiti. In 2020, I led the bipartisan effort to reauthorize the U.S.- Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, which works together with the Haiti HOPE/HELP program to ensure that the manufacturing sector stays invested in Haiti. For more than a decade, HELP/HOPE has been a lifeline for Haiti's fragile economy. The program allows Haitian manufacturers to export certain goods to the United States duty-free, providing critical market access that has helped to sustain 50,000 jobs, many held by women, and anchor one of the few reliable industries in that country. However, Haiti HOPE/HELP is not just a development initiative. It is a mutually beneficial partnership. American companies rely on Haiti as a near-shore sourcing location that is close to U.S. markets, supports resilient supply chains, and provides competitively priced apparel that helps keep costs affordable for American consumers. This partnership strengthens both of our economies and creates opportunity abroad while boosting economic activity right here at home. Today, however, Haiti faces extraordinary political unrest, economic strain, and humanitarian need. Just as families are struggling to afford basic goods, this vital program is set to expire. Without this critical trade preference, Haitian exporters will face sudden and steep tariff increases. For many factories, these added costs are unsustainable. This result would be devastating: widespread job loss, factory closings, and further destabilization of a country already in crisis. We should be clear about what is at stake. Allowing Haiti HOPE/HELP to lapse would not only undercut one of the few functioning economic pillars in Haiti, but it would also push families deeper into hardship, increasing migration pressures, and eliminating a key source of stability in our hemisphere. Congress must act now. Businesses rely on this critical program both in Haiti and the United States. Workers need the reassurance that these jobs will not vanish overnight. Our close neighbor, just 700 miles from our shore, needs the continued support of this very important program.

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands for her leadership. I thank the chair, Chair Jason Smith, as well as Ranking Member Neal for ensuring that this bill continues to have bipartisan priority in our committee. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this extension and to protect the partnership that delivers real and measurable benefits for both Haiti and the United States.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of restoring the Affordable Care Act tax credits and lowering healthcare costs for millions of Americans. As of January 1, more than 400,000 Alabamians faced higher premiums because Republicans in this body let the ACA tax credits expire. That is on top of the nearly $1 trillion in cuts that Republicans made to healthcare earlier this year. Today's vote represents one more chance for Republicans to do the right thing, reverse their disastrous policies, and join Democrats in making healthcare more affordable. Let's make no mistake: This vote would not have taken place had it not been for the relentless efforts of House Democrats and our leader, Hakeem Jeffries. I urge my Republican colleagues to vote ``yes'' to restore the ACA credits and lower healthcare costs. In the words of Dr. King: ``The time is always right to do what is right.'' Mr. Speaker, let us restore the ACA tax credits.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this bill. In a matter of days, roughly 130,000 people in my home State of Alabama will lose their healthcare coverage because Republicans in this body refuse to extend the ACA tax credits. Millions of Americans will find themselves one diagnosis away from bankruptcy. Rather than addressing the crisis that they created, Republicans are pushing legislation that will make matters worse. Not only does this bill fail to extend the tax credits, but it promotes junk insurance plans that will rip off consumers and make healthcare even more unaffordable. House Republicans are incapable of dealing with our Nation's affordability crisis. They should stop their political games and put the bipartisan Jeffries bills on the floor today. Mr. Speaker, we deserve better. My constituents deserve better. Every American deserves better.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on December 12, 2025, I was unable to be present during Roll Call No. 334. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 334.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5346, the Fair and Accountable IRS Reviews Act. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Jason Smith for putting this bill on the floor, and I thank the gentleman for always remembering that it is better to do things in a bipartisan way. This bill clarifies procedures under section 6751 of the Internal Revenue Code and fixes an ongoing controversy regarding tax penalties and IRS supervisory approvals. The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 added section 6751 to the Internal Revenue Code, which says that certain tax penalties shall not be assessed unless the initial determination of the assessment is personally approved, in writing, by the immediate supervisor of the employee making the determination, or a higher-level official. This provision, in its current form, does not define when supervisory approval must be obtained or who is considered an immediate supervisor. The lack of definition has led to conflicting decisions in the court regarding the time of approvals and among whom at the IRS can make such approvals. Due to this widespread confusion, the National Taxpayer Advocate recommended that Congress enact legislation to fix this provision. Therefore, this bill clarifies that an IRS employee must obtain supervisory approval in writing before any written communication is sent to a taxpayer about certain proposed penalties. It also clarifies that an IRS employee's immediate supervisor is a person to whom the employee reports. In addition to providing clarity, this bill also raises $117 million over the next 10 years. This bill passed the Committee on Ways and Means with overwhelming bipartisan support. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this very important clarification bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purposes of closing. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5346 is a commonsense bill that will help taxpayers and the courts. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill because not only is it common sense, but it will allow for more efficiency in our IRS code. I think it is really important that both sides of the aisle, Democrats and Republicans, support such an efficient and commonsense bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for bringing this bill to the floor. I rise in support of H.R. 5349, the Tax Court Improvement Act, which passed the Committee on Ways and Means with overwhelming bipartisan support. Mr. Speaker, I thank my cosponsor and colleague, Mr. Moran of Texas, for his leadership and for working with me on this important legislation. I also thank the gentleman from Texas for the smoked turkey he sent to several members of our committee. The Tax Court has a very important impact on everyday Americans. It provides individuals and businesses with an opportunity to be heard in court to challenge the Internal Revenue Service before paying a disputed tax. Our committee is always looking for ways to make the Tax Court more efficient and fairer for the taxpayer, and that is why we are here today. The Tax Court Improvement Act will strengthen Tax Court procedures and practices by making four commonsense reforms. The act will accelerate the collection of documents, expand the types of cases assigned to special trial judges, hold Tax Court judges to the same recusal standards as other Federal judges, and allow the deadline for petitions to be extended in certain circumstances. These improvements to the Tax Court will have a tangible impact on thousands of taxpayers, and it will raise $6 million over the next 10 years. Given the importance of the Tax Court, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, in closing, in support of H.R. 5349, the Tax Court Improvement Act, is the fact that we want more commonsense, bipartisan efforts to modernize our Tax Court system. At its heart, this bill strengthens taxpayer rights and removes unnecessary procedural roadblocks. Specifically, it authorizes the Tax Court to issue subpoenas before hearings. That means third parties can be compelled to produce relevant documents, electronic records, and other evidence early, facilitating settlement, reducing the need for protracted litigation, and helping to resolve disputes sooner rather than later. This bill also expands the role of special trial court judges, allowing them to hear additional cases and act when there are issues such as contempt, thereby helping to clear backlogs and improving the court's overall input. It holds Tax Court judges and special trial judges to the same ethical and disqualification standards as other Federal judges, ensuring transparency and integrity in every case. This bill also clarifies that the Tax Court has the jurisdiction to grant equitable tolling in deficiency cases. In other words, the court can expand and extend deadlines when timely filings were impossible and impractical to make. These reforms are not radical. They are commonsense improvements designed to deliver timely justice, lower court costs, and greater access for everyday Americans, small businesses, and those who currently face intimidating and burdensome procedures. In a system where there are high stakes for individuals, families, and entrepreneurs, there is nothing uncommon or unreasonable about expecting a fair shot, swift resolution, and procedures that reflect modern realities. That is exactly what H.R. 5349 delivers. Passing this legislation is a statement that we believe in a tax system where accountability, transparency, and due process matter, not just for the wealthy or well-connected, but for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support H.R. 5349 and deliver on commonsense Tax Court reform. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the historic arrest of Rosa Parks, which took place in Montgomery, Alabama, exactly 70 years ago today. Rosa Parks' legacy is one of remarkable bravery and moral fortitude. By refusing to give up her seat on the segregated bus, she took a stand for the values that this Nation holds dear. Her quiet and dignified courage set the stage for the historic Montgomery bus boycott and galvanized a movement that changed our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to lead legislation to designate December 1 as a national Federal holiday, commemorating her historic arrest. This bill is critical, given the attacks by the Trump administration on our history. In times like these, it is especially important for us to tell our stories and to recognize the contributions of amazing African-American leaders like Rosa Parks. Her legacy is proud Alabama history and proud American history, and it should always be that way. As Alabama's first Black Congresswoman, I know that I stand on the shoulders of amazing freedom fighters like Rosa Parks, who are unafraid to challenge the status quo. Mr. Speaker, I can think of no one more befitting to honor with a new Federal holiday than Rosa Parks, and I ask my colleagues to join me.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 305, I voted Nay, but I intended to vote Yea.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in observance of today, November 20, as World Pancreatic Cancer Day. It is a time to shine light on the devastating impact of this disease and dedicate ourselves to improving prevention, early detection, and treatment. Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is on track to becoming the second by 2030. Over 67,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with pancreatic cancer. Like so many Americans, I know all too well the terrible impact of this disease. In 2021, I lost my dear mother, Nancy Gardner Sewell, to pancreatic cancer. By the time we caught it, the cancer had already spread. She passed away just 8 weeks after her diagnosis. In an effort to turn my pain into purpose, I have committed myself to doing everything I can to prevent other families from enduring such a painful loss. Along with my friend Congressman Jodey Arrington, I am proud to be leading H.R. 842. In the 118th Congress, Congressman Arrington introduced our bill and surprised me by renaming it after my mother, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Act. Our bill would create a pathway for Medicare to cover multiple cancer early detection tests. Medicare will cover that by making sure that once it is approved by the FDA, it immediately becomes available to Medicare patients. This is so important because the promise of screening for more than 40 cancers lies with a simple blood test. If passed, it will give our seniors their best shot at catching cancer early and treating it before it spreads. Just 2 months ago, our bill passed unanimously out of the House Ways and Means Committee. It enjoys overwhelmingly bipartisan support with 332 House cosponsors and 67 Senate cosponsors. Later today, I look forward to convening lawmakers, researchers, advocates, and families for a roundtable on the latest developments in prevention, early detection, and treatment. I thank the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the American Cancer Society, and all of the more than 500 stakeholders for all of their efforts. I am so grateful for the tireless work of our cancer advocates. Without them, this bill would not enjoy such broad bipartisan support. As we wear purple today in honor of World Pancreatic Cancer Day, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 842, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act. Mr. Speaker, let's get this bill across the finish line and pave the way for the world without pancreatic cancer. National Rural Health Day

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize today as National Rural Health Day. As the daughter of Alabama's rural Black Belt, I know firsthand the challenges that our rural communities face when it comes to accessing quality, affordable healthcare. For too many patients in rural America, getting seen by a doctor requires driving miles to the nearest hospital or health center. Broken payment systems and workforce challenges have put an enormous strain on our healthcare system. In Congress, I am proud to be leading legislation that will tackle these challenges. Our Graduate Medical Education bill will add thousands of residency slots, creating a pipeline of qualified health professionals to serve patients in rural America. Our Save America's Rural Hospitals Act takes important steps to ensure that rural hospitals are fairly reimbursed for their services. The Home Health Stabilization Act will allow more seniors to receive the care that they need in the comfort of their own homes. I am also working hard to expand access to telehealth services, mental health, and substance use programs, and support our rural ambulance providers. It is so important that our rural ambulance providers know the importance that they have in rural America. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to healthcare, our rural communities are on life support. Republicans' so-called big, beautiful bill makes the largest cut to healthcare in American history. Despite the dysfunction in Washington, we in Alabama are fortunate to have amazing partners standing in the gap. Just last month, I was thrilled to attend the groundbreaking of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences in Demopolis, Alabama. This new state- supported residential high school is located in the heart of Alabama's Black Belt, where it will cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals. I believe that access to quality, affordable healthcare should be a right for all Americans and not just for the few. As we observe National Rural Health Day, let us recommit ourselves to ensuring that every American, regardless of their ZIP Code, gets the care that they need and that they deserve.