Terri Sewell

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Well, it is important because of you. We are absolutely following in your footsteps, and you leave huge steps for us to follow. Thank you, and I love you.

Ms. SEWELL. First, let me just say that we know that Barbara Lee speaks for all of us. When I first came to Washington, Barbara, you were a great mentor and friend. Having studied about Shirley Chisholm, the stories that you told about her were so important. My favorite quote of hers is that: ``Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this Earth.'' Well, Barbara, you have actually burned a mortgage. You have done so much great work over your time in Washington and in Congress. Your legacy will loom large over this place. I thank you for guiding so many of us through the appropriations process. I still want a tutorial before you go.

Ms. SEWELL. But, when I think about being effective, Barbara Lee's record is, bar none, one of the most important congressional records that we have. Your track record on funding, whether that was all of the wonderful stuff you did for AIDS--and I could go on and on and on about how you have truly changed the world. You have earned the right to retire, but we know that there is no such thing as retiring, that you go from project to project, and you excel in all. Do know that this place will not be the same without you here. I am sorry I am just running in, but I could not miss the opportunity to tell you how important you have been to me and to my office, and I thank you. Saying ``thank you'' doesn't seem adequate enough but do know that your legacy will live on through so many of the people that you touched. I am just grateful that I was one of the ones that you mentored, so thank you so much. We love you, Barbara Lee.

Ms. SEWELL. And there was never a time that you didn't come with John to Selma. How many times did you make that pilgrimage on faith and politics? I just want to say thank you. Not only did you bring it, but you brought children from your Martin Luther King Center in Oakland.

Ms. SEWELL. And you also started a program with the children from my district.

Ms. SEWELL. And they got a chance to come to Oakland on the tour.

Ms. SEWELL. We do. We do.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the legacy of an American heroine, Mrs. Rosa Parks, as we observe the 69th anniversary of her historic arrest in Montgomery, Alabama. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks took a bold stand against segregation by refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. Her quiet, dignified courage sparked the beginning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and galvanized a movement that changed the very fabric of this Nation. Beginning on December 5, and continuing for the next 13 months, African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama, brought the city's bus system to a screeching halt. Their efforts were successful, resulting in the November 1956 Supreme Court decision outlawing racial segregation on public buses. The changemakers who staged the Montgomery Bus Boycott are a testament to the will of a disenfranchised people to take control of their own destiny, and their success quickly became the global model for nonviolent human rights advocacy. Mr. Speaker, 69 years later, as the benefactors of their sacrifices, we remain indebted to them for laying the foundation of the continued struggle for liberty and justice for all. That is why today, I am proud to be leading the effort in Congress to designate December 1 as Rosa Parks Day to commemorate her historic arrest. H.R. 308, the Rosa Parks Day Act, was the very first bill that I introduced in the 118th Congress, along with my colleagues, Chairman of the CBC, Steven Horsford of Nevada, and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty of Ohio. It will help ensure that Rosa Parks' brave sacrifice is never forgotten, and it will remind us of the power of ordinary Americans to achieve extraordinary social change. Moreover, it will become the first Federal holiday in our Nation's history to honor a Black woman. Rosa Parks is a true American hero. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996, the Congressional Gold Medal in 1999, and even became the first woman to ever lie in state at the U.S. Capitol rotunda. Her lifelong work in the fight for equality and justice still resonates today. There is no more befitting figure in our Nation's history to honor with a new Federal holiday. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 308, the Rosa Parks Day Act.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus in paying tribute to the one and only Shirley Chisolm as we celebrate what would have been her 100th birthday. The first Black woman ever elected to Congress, Shirley Chisolm is an icon and a trailblazing public servant whose contributions to our Nation shall never be forgotten. As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, she took a bold stand against injustice for all. She used her position on the House Agriculture Committee to expand food assistance for vulnerable families, and she championed policies to advance equality for women and African Americans. Shirley Chisolm has always been one of my greatest sheroes, and I am fortunate to have met her before she passed. As a senior at Princeton University, I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Shirley Chisolm for my senior thesis titled ``Black Women in Politics: Our Time Has Come.'' As luck would have it, it started to snow just as I sat down with her. My 30-minute interview turned into 4 hours with Shirley Chisolm. Shirley Chisolm shared the challenges and struggles that she encountered as the first African-American woman ever elected to Congress. She spoke about the importance of defining yourself for yourself. She taught us that if you are not given a seat at the decisionmaking table, then bring a folding chair. Most importantly, she inspired little Black girls like myself to have a voice in the world. Today, when I am feeling distraught, when I am frustrated on the House floor, when I am upset that I wasn't able to deliver for my constituents, I walk by that glorious portrait of Shirley Chisolm in the Nation's Capitol. Her hand is on her hips, her finger is pointed. She is, indeed, unbossed and unbought. Mr. Speaker, when I see that glorious portrait, I have to tell you that I get a pep in my step. I get a glide in my stride. She fought the good fight and so must we. Shirley Chisolm's career paved the way for countless Black women to follow in her footsteps, and I know that it is because of her amazing leadership and leadership like hers that I get to walk the Halls of Congress as Alabama's first African-American Congresswoman. I join my colleagues in celebrating the 100th birthday of the legendary Shirley Chisolm. May we never forget the minds that she changed, the change that she sparked, and the countless Americans whom she inspired.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Inaugural Convocation and Investiture of Dr. Stanford E. Angion as the 25th President of Selma University. A lifelong learner, Dr. Angion obtained his Bachelor of Soil Science at Alabama A&M University. He went on to earn multiple postgraduate degrees, including a Master's of Journalism and Mass Communication from Marshall University in Huntington, WV, a Master's of Education from the University of West Alabama, a Master's of Arts in Bible and Pastoral Ministry from Selma University, and a Doctor of Education from Alabama State University. An esteemed educator and administrator, Dr. Angion began his tenure at Selma University in 2016 as the Vice President for Academic Affairs. During this period, he oversaw the responsibilities of administering the development, implementation, and evaluation of course materials and methods, along with recruiting faculty and supervising the Chairs of all academic divisions. Moreover, he played a critical role in decision-making regarding the testing placement of new students, admissions, student-faculty relations, academic counseling, college catalogs, and student academic records. His diligence and hard work were recognized in June 2020 when he was assigned to the position of Provost/Vice President, a capacity in which he served until he was appointed as Interim President in 2021. Dr. Angion began his professional life in 1987 when, upon graduating from Alabama A&M University, he received an active-duty commission into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. During his thirteen years of honorable service, he attained the rank of Major. In October 2000, Dr. Angion accepted his call into the gospel ministry to preach and was honorably discharged from the Army. After accepting his anointed call, Dr. Angion was licensed as a Baptist preacher in March 2000 and ordained later that year. He served for two years at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Hinesville, GA, as a Youth Pastor before being installed in 2003 as Pastor of Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Coy, AL, where he still serves today. As pastor of Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Angion has implemented programs and completed projects to uplift his congregation and the greater community. Under his leadership, the congregation built a Family Recreational Park, renovated the sanctuary, and started the MGS&A Institute, which offers a plethora of courses designed to train students in the performing arts and enhance elementary and secondary student learning. Dr. Angion is a proud member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity incorporated and is an active member of the Alpha Eta Sigma Chapter in Montgomery. He joined the fraternity during his sophomore year at Alabama A&M University as a member of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter. Under his strong and level-headed leadership, Selma University is planning for both today and tomorrow. Dr. Angion's tranformational vision is building a framework for the university that will create lasting change and growth. Continuing the core mission of Selma University, Dr. Angion is dedicated to the quality of education the university provides to its students. Through his insightful planning and forward-thinking, Dr. Angion is taking strides to create a better and brighter future for Selma University. On a personal note, I have long admired President Angion's steadfast leadership at Selma University. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the standard of excellence for its students, faculty and administration, even in the face of major adversity. I congratulate him. I look forward to our continued partnership in uplifting this historic institution and extend my best wishes for his long and successful stewardship of Selma University. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the investiture of Dr. Stanford E. Angion as the 25th President of Selma University.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the exemplary and extraordinary work of Ms. Brenda Phillips-Hong, the founder of Brenda's Brown Bosom Buddies in Birmingham, Alabama, ahead of her annual Sistah Strut Walk to fight breast cancer. A survivor herself, Ms. Brenda's organization is dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for early detection of breast cancer for minority, low-income, and underserved women and men. Not only does it provide a support system for patients, but her organization also helps to connect them to transportation to and from treatments. Ms. Brenda's work has changed countless lives in Birmingham and in Jefferson County, particularly for Black women, who are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than White women. We are so grateful that she has decided to turn her pain into purpose and use her own story to make a difference in the lives of so many. As we prepare to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, let us remember that early detection is our best protection. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the amazing work of breast cancer survivor and community leader, Ms. Brenda Phillips-Hong. May this year's Sistah Strut Walk be the best one ever.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to honor the victims of the horrific mass shooting that rattled the Birmingham community over the weekend. On Saturday night, just after 11 p.m., 21 people were shot in Birmingham's Five Points South entertainment district. Four of them tragically lost their lives. Let me be clear: this, indeed, is a senseless violence and unacceptable, and it must stop. Our thoughts are with the families as they endure this unimaginable loss. Nothing compares to the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence. We stand with them in this time of great sadness, and we pray for a speedy recovery for those who were injured. I join in expressing my gratitude to the police officers and first responders, as well as our county, State, and Federal partners, for their quick response. My staff and I have been closely monitoring the situation, and we stand ready to assist the city of Birmingham in any way that we can. While this horrific tragedy has focused the eyes of the Nation on Birmingham, Alabama, the surge of gun violence is a reality that far too many of my constituents endure every day. Our communities are crying out for change, and we, as elected officials, owe it to them to do all that we can at every level of government to keep them safe. Again, I want to be clear: this senseless violence is unacceptable, and it must stop. That means bringing more resources to community organizations that are fighting to break the cycle of violence. It means teaching our children about alternatives to gun violence, and it also means passing commonsense measures to keep weapons off of the streets of America. Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are important. They are needed, but they will not bring back the lives of those lost to gun violence, nor will they prevent such tragedies from happening again. The Members of this body cannot continue to sit by as family after family, community after community, are torn apart. It is time for Congress to finally pass universal background checks, red flag laws, and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. It is also time for State officials in the State of Alabama to reverse the permitless carry law, which has allowed the unchecked proliferation of guns onto our streets. Only by taking meaningful action can we stem this needless loss of life. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to keep the entire Birmingham community in their prayers, and I hope that we can come together and turn this pain into purpose and do something about it.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise to recognize the victims of the horrific mass shooting that rattled my Birmingham, Alabama, community over the weekend. On Saturday night, just after 11 p.m., 21 people were shot in Birmingham's Five Points South entertainment district, and four lost their lives. Our thoughts are with the families as they endure this unimaginable loss, and we pray for a speedy recovery for those that were injured. James 2:26 teaches us that faith without works is dead. While our thoughts and prayers are important, only by taking meaningful action can we stem this needless loss of life. Elected officials at every level must do all we can to eliminate the epidemic of gun violence that is raging in our communities. It is past time for Congress to act. I ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence for the Birmingham victims of Saturday night's mass shooting and their families.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of a beloved educator and public servant, former Alabama State Senator Priscilla Ann Proffitt Dunn, who passed away on September 17, 2024, at the age of 80. Senator Dunn was born on October 8, 1943, to Johnnie A. Proffitt and Mary Ella Walker in Margret, Alabama. She attended J.S. Abrams High School, where she made a name for herself as the captain of the Cheer Leader Squad and the first Ms. Abrams High. Upon graduating from J.S. Abrams High School with Honors in the Class of 1961, Senator Dunn continued her educational journey at Alabama State University, where she received a bachelor's degree in education, and the University of Montevallo where she earned her master's degree in education. With a lifelong passion for education, Senator Dunn worked in the Public School System of Alabama for 30 years where she poured into the children of her community. Known for her kindness and generosity, she often personally paid for school supplies that many of her underserved students could not afford. In 1998, motived by the pursuit of justice and an abiding love for the people of her community, Senator Dunn sought public office, bringing her immense talents to the Alabama State Legislature where she represented the Bessemer and Jefferson County area for nearly a quarter century. She began her political career in the Alabama House, where she represented the 56th District from 1998 to 2009. She later represented District 19 in the Alabama State Senate, serving from 2009 until her retirement in 2022. Her 24-year tenure was marked by compassionate and powerful advocacy on the issues of education, women's and children's rights, and combating the epidemic of homelessness. Senator Dunn spent her life giving back to her community. She served in a leadership capacity on numerous organizations, including President of the Concerned Citizens of Bessemer Cut-Off, Coordinator for the Jefferson County Democratic Conference, Board Member for the Bessemer Civic Center, President of the Humanistic Challengers Federated Club, Secretary of Girls, Inc. of Central Alabama, Board Member of the Jefferson/Shelby Counties American Cancer Society Advisory Board and Board Member for the State Democratic Executive Committee and many more. Having accepted Christ into her life at a young age, Senator Dunn was a devoted servant of God who led by example and always practiced what she preached. She was an instructor for the Jefferson County Congress of Christian Education and a Trustee and Sunday school teacher for her home church, the Shady Grove Baptist Church. Senator Dunn is survived by her beloved husband, the Honorable Grover Dunn; her daughter, the Honorable Karen Dunn Burks (Eric Burks-- deceased), her brother, Herman L. Lumzy; two grandsons, Grover Blake Burks and Frederick Brock Burks; nephews, Herman Lumzy (Jasmine), Mario Lumzy (Rhonda); her niece, Tameeka Lumzy Todd (Jeremiah) and a host of relatives and friends. On a personal note, I was blessed to have known Senator Dunn and her wonderful family. As Alabama's first Black Congresswoman, I stand on the shoulders of amazing leaders like Senator Dunn who opened the doors for me and many others. She was a grand dame whose footsteps we as Black women elected officials in Alabama are blessed to follow. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of State Senator Priscilla Dunn and her decades of exemplary service to the State of Alabama and our Nation.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of former Alabama State Senator Priscilla Dunn, who passed away on Tuesday, September 17, at the age of 80. A lifelong educator and trailblazing public servant, Senator Dunn dedicated her life to the betterment of her community and the State of Alabama. In 1961 she graduated from Abrams High School in Bessemer where she served as cheer captain and the first Miss Abrams High. After receiving her bachelor's degree from the Alabama State University and her master's degree from the University of Montevallo, Senator Dunn's passion for education drove her to the Alabama School System where she served as a public schoolteacher for more than three decades. Motivated by the pursuit of justice, Senator Dunn spent 24 years in the Alabama legislature, first in the house and then in the senate. She held numerous leadership positions in organizations throughout Jefferson County, Alabama, including 16 years as president of Concerned Citizens for Bessemer Cut-Off, and coordinator of the Jefferson County Democratic Conference. Senator Dunn was a true public servant. As a schoolteacher as well as a Sunday schoolteacher, she was definitely guided by her abiding faith, and she always practiced what she preached. On a personal note, I am blessed to have known Senator Dunn and her wonderful family. As Alabama's first Black Congresswoman, I stand on the shoulders of amazing leaders like Senator Dunn who opened the doors for me and many others. She was a grande dame whose footsteps we as Black women elected officials in Alabama are blessed to follow. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the extraordinary life of former Alabama Senator Priscilla Dunn. May her legacy live on in the many lives that she impacted and touched.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, with the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the people of Texas have lost a great leader and a devoted public servant, and we in the Congressional Black Caucus have lost a dear friend. I join in sending my heartfelt condolences to her husband, Dr. Elwyn Lee, their two children: Jason and Erica, and their two grandkids: Ellison and Roy during this difficult time. Congresswoman Jackson Lee was more than just a colleague. She was my sorority sister, a mentor, and a dear friend. She was never afraid to stand up for what she believed, and she never stopped fighting for the people she served. There is no question that our Nation is better off for her decades of public service and her tireless advocacy on behalf of her constituents. A champion for racial justice, police reform, and combating violence against women, Sheila will be remembered as a fierce advocate, not only for the people of Texas, but Americans all across this Nation. To know that her life was cut short by a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is heartbreaking. It is the very same disease that claimed the life of our dear colleague, John Lewis, and my beloved mother, Nancy Gardner Sewell. By the end of this year, an estimated 51,000 Americans will lose their battles to pancreatic cancer as well. This is why I have made it my mission to reduce racial disparities in this disease to double down on our Nation's effort to prevent, screen, treat, and eventually find a cure. Sheila will be dearly missed in the House of Representatives. I will always cherish her mentorship and her words of wisdom. She always inspired us to work harder and fight harder for the people we represent. I join my colleagues in celebrating her extraordinary life and career. May her legacy live on through the many lives she touched.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to include in the Record a letter from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights that indicates the strong opposition to the SAVE Act of 146 local, state, and national organizations. May 16, 2024. Hon. Bryan Steil, Chair, Committee on House Administration, Washington, DC. Hon. Joe Morelle, Ranking Member, Committee on House Administration, Washington, DC. Dear Chair Steil and Ranking Member Morelle: On behalf of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of national organizations committed to promoting and protecting the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States, the Declaration for American Democracy, a coalition of local, state, and national organizations working to strengthen U.S. democracy; and the undersigned 123 organizations, we write in strong opposition to the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Congress has a pivotal constitutional responsibility to safeguard free and fair elections and to ensure all Americans have the freedom to vote. The SAVE Act represents a dangerous departure from fulfilling this vital duty. The bill's requirement of documentary proof of American citizenship to register to vote in federal elections is wholly based on falsehoods and, even worse, seeks to promote fear-mongering and divisive rhetoric. Instead of proceeding with this legislation, Congress should take actions that will help voters and promote democracy such as passing legislation that will strengthen protections against discrimination in voting and expand access to the ballot for all communities. The SAVE Act is both unnecessary and dangerous. Our electoral system already deploys processes to ensure that our elections are secure and that only eligible voters are participating in our democracy. Voters in every state are already required to affirm or verify their citizenship status when registering to vote. State election officials already have in place existing systems to verify an individual's voter eligibility and ensure voter rolls are accurate. Moreover, federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections. Every single state bans noncitizens from voting in state elections. These protections have proven very effective, given that there is simply no evidence of widespread noncitizen voting in elections. Indeed, it defies logic that non-U.S. citizens would risk their immigration status, the potential of criminal prosecution, future opportunity for naturalization, and freedom for themselves and their families by unlawfully committing an affirmative act to vote in an election in which they are prohibited from participating. The penalties for registering or voting as a non-U.S. citizen include imprisonment or deportation. The risks for any non-U.S. citizen to vote in a federal election are serious and steep, and our laws already effectively prevent significant unlawful voter registration and voting. Introduction and advancement of this bill is the most recent example of what has been a string of recent efforts to make voter registration and voting more difficult, particularly for voters of color. False claims of non-citizen voting have been disingenuously used to enact more onerous voter identification requirements, limitations on voter assistance in languages other than English, and attempts to spread misinformation about voting. This legislation seeks to intimidate members of immigrant communities and communities of color from exercising their lawful right to vote. It also would make it harder for voters of color and naturalized citizens to register to vote and would prevent their full participation in democracy. These are already communities who are unfairly targeted by anti-immigrant policies at the federal, state, and local level. Congress should be doing everything possible to encourage and promote the political participation of these citizens, rather than seeking to diminish it through threats and fear tactics. Legislation like the SAVE Act is intended to elicit irrational fear of the growing number of citizens of color. Congress should instead act to ensure that every eligible U.S. citizen has the freedom to vote unimpeded by discriminatory rules rooted in fear and division. We urge you to instead focus on passing real pro-voter reforms to ensure that everyone can fully participate in our democracy. If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Proll, senior director of the voting rights program at The Leadership Conference, at proll@civilrights.org. Sincerely, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; Declaration for American Democracy; 18by Vote; Accountable US; Advancement Project; AFT; All About The Ballots; All On The Line; All Voting Is Local Action; America's Voice; American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD); American Association of University Women (AAUW); American Civil Liberties Union; American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees; Arab American Institute (AAI); Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF); Asian Americans Advancing Justice--AAJC; Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIA Vote); Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Baltimore County Progressive Democrats Club; Black Voters Matter Fund; Brennan Center for Justice; Campaign Legal Center; Carolina Jews for Justice; Center for Common Ground; Center for Living & Working, Inc.; Center for Popular Democracy; Chicago Survivors; Chispa LCV; CivicGeorgia; Clean Elections Texas; Coalition on Human Needs; Common Cause; Common Defense; Communications Workers of America; Courage for America; Defend Democracy; DemCast USA; Democracy 21. Democracy Maine; Democracy Matters; Democracy SENTRY; Demos; Detroit Disability Power; End Citizens United // Let America Vote Action Fund; Fair Elections Center; Faith Commons; Faith in Public Life Action; Fix Democracy First; FLIC Votes; Free Speech For People; Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda; Get Money Out--Maryland; Government Information Watch; Greenpeace USA; HeadCount; Helping Hands Outreach Services of Mississippi; Hip Hop Caucus; Indivisible Santa Fe. Interfaith Alliance; Japanese American Citizens League; JustLeadership USA; LDF; League of Conservation Voters; League of Women Voters of the United States; MALDEF; Memphis APRI; Missouri Voter Protection Coalition; MomsRising; MoveOn; Muslims for Community, Action and Support (MCAS); N.C. For the People Action; NALEO Educational Fund; National Action Network; National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA); National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities; National Association of Social Workers; National Community Action Partnership; National Council of Jewish Women. National Disability Rights Network (NDRN); National Education Association; National Employment Law Project; National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC); National Urban League; Native American Rights Fund; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; New Georgia Project Action Fund; Out of Many 1 Advocacy; People For the American Way; People Power United; Pride at Work; Project On Government Oversight; Protect Democracy; Public Citizen; RepresentUs; RespectAbility; Safer Country; Scrutineers; Secure Elections Network; Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund. Stand UP Alaska; Stand Up America; State Voices; Storied Analytics LLC; The National Vote; The Workers Circle; Transformative Justice Coalition; Transparency International U.S.; Un-PAC; UnidosUS; Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice; United Church of Christ; Vote.org; Voter Participation Center; Voters Rights and Protection Taskforce; Voto Latino; WALKING TO FIX OUR DEMOCRACY; We Are All America; Westchester for Change; Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center; Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice; Women's March; WV Citizen Action; WV FREE (West Virginia Focus: Reproductive Education and Equity); ZERO TO THREE.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, as a daughter of Selma and a Representative of Alabama's Civil Rights District, the fight for voting rights is very personal to me. It was in Selma where hundreds of Foot Soldiers like John Lewis shed blood on a bridge for the equal right of all Americans to vote. They marched, they bled, they prayed, and some even died for the right to vote. Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us today makes a mockery of their legacy. House Republicans' so-called SAVE Act is a dangerous antidemocratic bill that would do nothing to protect our elections. While our colleagues across the aisle claim that this bill will prevent noncitizens from voting, we know that it is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in Federal elections. In fact, under current law, noncitizens would face up to 5 years in prison for attempting to vote in Federal elections and even risk being deported. In reality, this legislation would purge thousands of eligible voters from the rolls, including Americans who recently got married or changed their last names and those with military and Tribal IDs. Americans should see this bill for what it is, a cynical attempt to sow doubt in the minds of voters about the integrity of our elections. It is yet another attempt to fan the flames of election denial by the same extremists who brought us the January 6th insurrection. Mr. Speaker, we are elected officials who should be fighting to protect and expand access to the ballot box, not restrict it. We should be working to advance the progress made by the civil rights and voting rights movement rather than rolling it back. Let's be clear, the biggest threat to our elections is not noncitizen voting; it is the lack of Federal oversight which has allowed States to advance hundreds of new laws and new bills making it harder for Americans to vote. Mr. Speaker, the House should be considering H.R. 14, the John Robert Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which I introduced in September. H.R. 14 would restore Federal oversight. It would establish a new formula to protect and prevent States with a recent history of voter discrimination from restricting voter access. In doing so, it would protect access to the ballot box for every eligible American. With State lawmakers working overtime to erect barriers to the ballot box, the need for Federal voting rights protections is just as urgent today as it was 60 years ago. After all, it is up to the voters to choose our elected leaders, not the other way around. Never did I think that 60 years after John Lewis was bludgeoned on a bridge in my hometown of Selma, Alabama, that I would be fighting to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It goes to show that progress is elusive, and every generation must fight to preserve the progress of the past and to advance it. John Lewis didn't give up and neither will we. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans' so-called SAVE Act is a dangerous antidemocratic bill that has no place on this floor. It is for that reason that at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to the committee. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the motion to recommit.

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

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on June 28, 2024, I was unable to be present during the first three votes. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 327; NAY on Roll Call No. 328; and NAY on Roll Call No. 329.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, as we conclude our Special Order hour on this very important day, the 11th anniversary of the Shelby County v. Holder decision, we issue a call to action. We in the Congressional Black Caucus understand that the vote is the most fundamental tool of our democracy. I cannot believe that 60 years after John Lewis was bludgeoned on a bridge that my colleague and I stand here today to talk about restoring the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It tells us that progress is elusive, and every generation has to fight and fight again in order to hold onto the progress that we have made and to extend it. John Lewis reminded us that ours is not a cause of 1 day, 1 week, 1 month. No, our struggle is a struggle of a lifetime, and everyone must do their part. We here in the Congressional Black Caucus are doing our part. We are signing off and making sure that everyone understands that the alarms are going off. The alarms are going off because every American does not have equal access to the ballot box. We see States all across this country that are imposing more restrictive voting laws. Voter suppression has become the cause of the day, and we must do our part. Our part is to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and to fully restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act. Now, we know that the Supreme Court told Congress that we must come up with a modern-day formula. That is exactly what this bill does. It has a lookback of 25 years. We are not trying to make Alabama and Mississippi be held accountable for what happened in the 1960s and the 1950s. We are talking about 1997 and moving forward. We are talking about recent acts of voter discrimination. We know that if we look back just 25 years, even 15 years, we know that there will be jurisdiction after jurisdiction that still has suppressive voting laws. As long as States are suppressing the right to vote, I believe that we have a moral obligation in the Federal Government to provide oversight. We know that that oversight is critically important, and that is exactly what the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will do. As I take my seat, I want it to be heard around this Nation that we in the Congressional Black Caucus will not rest. We will not rest until we pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. To the gentleman from Illinois, it has been a pleasure talking about this most important topic. I know that I have welcomed you and your father time and time again to Selma, Alabama, to cross that bridge one more time. We know that a very frail John Lewis, with a body riddled with cancer, took to that bridge one more time in 2021. He told us to never give up, never give in, that ours is a just cause. Because of that, we in the Congressional Black Caucus stand tall in our commitment to never go back to those days. We need to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. With the help of the Congressional Black Caucus and the gentleman from Illinois, we will do just that.

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, today, we in the Congressional Black Caucus gather to observe the 11th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Shelby County v. Holder decision and to reflect on the state of voting rights in America. It was exactly 11 years ago today when the Supreme Court's conservative majority gutted the heart of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, eliminating voter protections and removing Federal oversight from States with a proven record of voter discrimination. We have seen, in those 11 years, 31 States institute at least 103 new laws to restrict voting rights. It is no surprise that those laws disproportionately target African-American and minority voters. The consequences of the Shelby decision have been clear and devastating: long lines, strict ID requirements that require time and money to obtain, closed polling stations in communities of color, bans on early voting and absentee voting, the purging of voter rolls, and the list goes on and on. In my home State of Alabama, lawmakers have recently made it a felony to assist someone with their absentee ballot. While these tactics may be new, we know that they are borrowed from the same playbook that has been used for generations to silence the voices of African-American and other minority voters. While Black voters may not need to count the number of jelly beans in a jar, modern-day barriers to voting are no less pernicious than the poll tax and the literacy tests of the past. In Shelby v. Holder, the Supreme Court was clear that the onus was on Congress to come up with a modern-day formula to determine which States are subject to Federal oversight. Well, I am proud to say that we have done just that. Working together with our Nation's premier civil rights and voting rights organizations, we have come up with a modern-day formula to ensure States and localities with a recent history of voter discrimination are prohibited from restricting voter access. We even named it after our late, great colleague and hero, Congressman John Lewis. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which we introduced for the fifth time in September, will protect the rights of every American to vote. Despite our efforts, our colleagues across the aisle have continued to block these efforts from being considered. The fact that voting rights has been a partisan issue is frankly baffling to me. After all, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was reauthorized not once, not twice, but three times with broad bipartisan support, most recently by President George W. Bush. Yet, all of a sudden, our colleagues across the aisle have abandoned the issue of voting rights, choosing instead to spread disinformation and misinformation and to sow doubt about voters and the integrity of our elections. It is sad, Mr. Speaker. It is shameful. As elected officials, we should be working tirelessly to ensure all Americans are able to vote instead of picking and choosing who can have access to the ballot box and who cannot. Mr. Speaker, this fight is extremely personal for me. It was in my hometown of Selma, Alabama, nearly 60 years ago, where foot soldiers like John Lewis risked their lives on the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the equal right of all Americans to vote. They prayed, they protested, they bled, and some even died for that right. It was their sacrifice that gave us the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the crown jewel of the civil rights and voting rights movement. Those foot soldiers were ordinary Americans who had the audacity to make this Nation live up to its highest ideals of equality and justice for all. They leave behind a strong legacy of courage and sacrifice, and we must ensure that it was not in vain. It was John Lewis who told us that the right to vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most fundamental nonviolent tool in our democracy. Mr. Speaker, our vote is our voice, and our democracy is strongest when every American is able to make their voices heard at the ballot box. As we gather to observe the 11th anniversary of the Shelby County v. Holder decision, let us draw courage from the sacrifices of our foremothers and our forefathers. We are not asking anyone to put their lives on the line. We are simply asking our Republican colleagues to have the political courage to do what is right. We in the Congressional Black Caucus are demanding that Congress take up and pass the John Robert Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and to do it without delay. We are united in this fight, and we are ready to get into some good trouble. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding to me, and I look forward to a rigorous occasion in which we talk about the importance of today being the 11th anniversary of the Shelby County v. Holder decision and our need to pass in immediate terms the John Robert Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. We in the Congressional Black Caucus are ready to get into some good trouble, and tonight I know that we will make sure that this good trouble is put to good use.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of a beloved educator, veteran, and community leader, Dr. Theodore Chester Dixie, Sr., who passed away on June 3, 2024, at the age of 82. Dr. Dixie was born on August 31, 1941, to the late Mary B. and Howard Edward Dixie, Sr. in Uniontown, Alabama. He attended Robert C. Hatch High School, where he made a name for himself as a member of the state championship-winning basketball team. Upon graduation, he attended Tuskegee University and was commissioned into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. During this period, Dr. Dixie met and married his life partner, the former Bettye Jeams Williams. As a student at Tuskegee University, Dr. Dixie courted Bettye with meals from the cafeteria where he worked. Their union produced two sons, Theodore Chester Dixie, Jr. and Timothy Carl Dixie (deceased). While serving in the military, Dr. Dixie earned his master's degree from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. Following his discharge from the Army, he continued his educational journey at Pennsylvania State University, earning his Doctor of Philosophy. Dr. Dixie began his career in higher education at his alma mater, Alabama A&M University, as a professor and the Assistant Director of the Teacher Corps where he spearheaded the University's distant and remote learning initiatives. A passionate educator and trailblazer, Dr. Dixie poured into the students of Alabama A&M. He empowered his students to take hold of their futures through education and personal development. As an educator and retired Department Chairman, Dr. Dixie was known for his consideration of his students and his proud mentorship of countless individuals. Even after his departure from Alabama A&M and his subsequent transition to the Tennessee Valley Authority and U.S. Army Civilian Personnel Office, Dr. Dixie maintained a lifelong commitment to mentorship and improving his community. Having accepted Christ into his life at a young age, Dr. Dixie was a faithful member of Rock Chapel African Methodist-Episcopalian Church in Uniontown. A dedicated servant of God, he always led by example and encouraged the members of his community and congregation to live up to their full potential in Christ. In this pursuit, he served as a Trustee at Rock Chapel A.M.E. Church for its rebuilding in 1968, chaired the construction committee for the Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama, where he was a devoted lifelong member serving as a Sunday School teacher, and was a member of the Usher Board and the Presbyterian Men. Under Dr. Dixie's leadership, the Fellowship Presbyterian Church received an ``Earthcare Ministry'' certification, making it the only congregation to hold the title in the North Alabama Presbytery. Dr. Dixie is preceded in death by his parents, Mary B. and Howard Edward Dixie, Sr.; and his son, Timothy Carl Dixie. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Bettye Williams Dixie; his son, Theodore Chester, Jr. (Sabrina); his daughter, Natalie Theodora; his grandchildren, Kayla Nord and Keegan Dixie; his great-grandchild, Jonkel; his siblings, Luvern McDonald (Melvyn) and Jean (Nathaniel); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. On a personal note, Dr. Dixie was a pillar of the Huntsville community, a beloved educator and veteran who loved his family and was committed to his faith. His life was a testament to the power of education, service to community and love of country. I will forever be grateful for his love and support and for the kindness that he always showed me and my family. May we find comfort in knowing that he lived a full and blessed life, and that his legacy will live on in the lives he touched. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the exceptional life and legacy of Dr. Theodore Chester Dixie, Sr., and his lasting contributions to the City of Huntsville, the State of Alabama, and our Nation.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Major League Baseball's Tribute to the Negro Leagues, which will take place at the historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, beginning Tuesday, June 18, 2024, and culminating with an MLB game, the Giants versus the Cardinals on Thursday, June 20. Built in 1910, Birmingham's historic Rickwood Field is the oldest professional baseball field in the United States. For 36 years, it served as the official home to the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, and to this day, it continues to stand as a living monument of baseball history. For decades, the Black Barons were a beacon of excellence in Birmingham's community. Between 1943 and 1948, they racked up a win percentage of more than 60 percent and captured three Negro League pennants. At the height of Jim Crow segregation, the success of the Black Barons at Rickwood Field galvanized and united Birmingham's Black community. The stands were always overflowing with fans eager to cheer on their favorite team. Over the years, Rickwood Field has hosted a number of baseball giants, including Willie Mays from Fairfield, Alabama, Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, Josh Gibson, and of course Birmingham's own Black Baron, Reverend William Greason, who at the age of 99 continues to give back to his Birmingham community as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church Berney Points. With the help of Major League Baseball, Rickwood Field has undergone major renovations. Beginning on Tuesday, June 18, it will host a series of events to pay tribute to the Negro Leagues and to recognize the contributions of African Americans to baseball history. On June 18, Rickwood Field will host a Minor League contest between the Birmingham Barons and the Montgomery Biscuits. On Wednesday, June 19, to commemorate Juneteenth, I will honor the Negro Leagues by hosting a tribute to William Greason, our 99-year-old constituent, who played for the Birmingham Black Barons from 1948 to 1951, at 1 p.m. at the Bethel Baptist Church Berney Points. Later that day, the Birmingham community will join together with MLB for a celebrity softball game in celebration of Juneteenth. The events will culminate with a special regular season game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants on Thursday, June 20. It will be the first MLB game played at a Negro Leagues stadium in America's history. As we gather to celebrate Juneteenth, I can think of no more befitting time to honor the Negro Leagues. I look forward to welcoming Major League Baseball and my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus to Birmingham, Alabama, for a time of reflection and celebration. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Major League Baseball for their tribute to the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field. Let's play ball.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Chair, as a proud member of the House Armed Services Committee, I take seriously my responsibility to ensure that our servicemembers get the support they need to keep our Nation safe. Once again, Republicans are pushing poison pill amendments into our bipartisan Defense bill focusing more on culture wars and division than on our national security. This radical amendment would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion offices at the Department of Defense and all personnel in those offices. I shouldn't have to remind my Republican colleagues that diversity is our strength as a Nation. Inclusion is proven to be beneficial for military effectiveness, military readiness, and ultimately, our national security, yet my colleagues continue to fight our military leadership as they work to strengthen our Armed Forces. In the midst of our military recruitment shortfalls, Republicans are focused on the wrong thing. They are busy telling our servicemembers and potential recruits that Congress does not value their background or lived experiences than recruiting the best and brightest to defend our country. This is not only harmful, but it is also hurtful. It is hurtful that our military recruitment, preparedness, and cohesiveness is at jeopardy and at stake. Our national security and our national defense deserves better. Again this year, I am disappointed that we are considering amendments that poison legislation which would otherwise be bipartisan. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and let's get back to the business of being truly bipartisan when it comes to our National Defense Authorization Act.