Emilia Sykes

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today recognize the crew at River Reach Construction in Barberton as Ohio's 13 District's Champion of the Week. This summer, workers heard cries coming from inside one of the company's excavators. Operating supervisor Chase Guello followed the sound and freed a tiny kitten trapped at the bottom of the machine. Unable to locate the kitten's mother, the crew turned to a local foster family to help nurse her back to health. They named their newest coworker Komatsu, or ``Sue'' for short, after the brand of excavator where she was found. After about two weeks in foster care, Sue returned to the crew that rescued her. Sue now has a permanent home with the company's shop mechanic, Jared, and his family. Once she is old enough, she will return to River Reach as the crew's resident shop cat, already outfitted with her own tiny safety vest and hard hat. It is because of community members like the crew at River Reach Construction that I call my district the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Dragon Dream Team, Ohio's first and only breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. Based in Akron and founded in 2007, the Dragon Dream Team was created to show that an active, fulfilling life is possible after a breast cancer diagnosis. Through teamwork, perseverance, and a shared commitment to supporting one another, these athletes have built a community that extends far beyond the water. Recently, the team represented Northeast Ohio on the international stage at the 2026 International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission Participatory Dragon Boat Festival in France. Competing alongside approximately 4,500 breast cancer survivor paddlers from 25 countries, the team finished second overall in the world in the 1,000-meter race, and first place among United States teams. Beyond their athletic achievements, these remarkable women support breast cancer survivors throughout Northeast Ohio through community outreach, education, and service. Their accomplishments demonstrate the power of resilience, camaraderie, and the human spirit. The team is a shining example of why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is known as the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I am proud to recognize the Dragon Dream Team for representing our community with distinction and inspiring survivors everywhere.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charlie Landers as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. This recognition honors his dedication to our district, his remarkable accomplishments, and his ongoing contributions to the community. Charlie Landers is a 16-year-old high school student at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio. After reading Plato's ``Republic,'' he was inspired to dive deeper into the realm of human ethics and technology. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), Landers seeks to educate those around him about cyber safety, especially seniors. As part of his initiative, Landers has created and hosted his own workshops across the district. During his series of workshops, he creates an environment that is open, friendly, personable, and welcoming, while simultaneously educational and informative. Landers believes it is important to take care of each other, as well as stay informed and share our knowledge in order to crack down on scams. It was reported that last year, seniors in the United States lost more than $4.8 billion from more than 147,000 complaints. Nearly 25,000 occurred in Ohio, according to the FBI. At only 16, Charlie Landers took action to combat these issues by teaching people around him how to spot scams, fighting against the misuses of A.I., and saving community members from losing money. This recognition honors his commitment to education, helping those around him, and his character. Landers thanks his educators, family, and friends for being his support system and encouraging him to create his workshop. I congratulate Charlie Landers. His accomplishments and commitment to our district are a reflection of the strength of Ohio's 13th District, and they exemplify why I am proud to call it the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Airwoman Jayuana Tyler as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. This recognition honors her remarkable accomplishments, her dedicated service to our country, and her many contributions to her community, and celebrates her outstanding service in the United States Air Force. After her three-year deployment, Jayuana Tyler returned to Akron in September 2026. Appearing as a ``guest speaker'' at her sister's school, she surprised her sister and the rest of her family, a moment they had long awaited. The reunion was a joyful homecoming for a family who had missed her presence at every holiday, birthday, and milestone while she was away. Airwoman Jayuana Tyler's excellence and impact started at a young age. After graduating from McKinley High School in 2019 with a 3.9 GPA, Tyler enlisted in the Airforce. In 2021, Tyler was named the 75th Air Base Wing Airman of the Year. This selection is reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional leadership, work ethic, and dedication to mission readiness. She was selected by leadership out of a highly competitive field of military and civilian personnel at Hill Air Force Base. After graduating from Airman Leadership School, Jayuana Tyler went on to win the Levitow Award, the highest honor in Air Force Professional Military Education, celebrating her placement in the top 1 percent of her class upon graduation in 2022. The award highlights Tyler's academic excellence, hard work, and determination. More recently, Jayuana Tyler was coined and personally recognized by Air Force Chief of Staff General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, the highest- ranking member of the Air Force, a distinction given only to those who exemplify outstanding service and commitment. As an aviation resource manager, she is responsible for critical squadron functions that keep aircrews qualified and mission-ready, work that directly supports our national defense. I congratulate Jayuana Tyler. Her accomplishments and service to our Nation are a reflection of strength of Ohio's 13th District, and they exemplify why I am proud to call it the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rachel Elizabeth Cargle as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. This recognition honors her work as an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and public academic whose career sits at the intersection of truth-telling and care, and whose influence has reshaped conversations about race, feminism, and healing far beyond Akron's borders. She first built a national audience through her essays, pushing the feminist movement to confront the ways it has sidelined and ignored Black women. That writing caught the attention of major outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Time Magazine, and it positioned her as one of the sharpest public voices of her generation on questions of race and equity. In the years since, she has expanded into lecturing and teaching, but the thread connecting all of it has stayed the same: telling the truth is itself an act of care. In 2019, she turned that principle into something concrete by launching The Loveland Foundation, which pays for therapy for Black women and girls. It started small, a birthday fundraiser powered by her own community, and has since become a genuine national resource: over 210,000 hours of culturally competent therapy provided, and more than $10 million put toward the healing of a community that is too often expected to give everything and receive care from no one. Few grassroots mental-health efforts in the country have grown this far on the premise that a person's ability to pay should never gate their access to support. That same instinct showed up in her writing. Her debut book, A Renaissance of Our Own, is part memoir and part cultural critique, and it makes the case that people, Black women especially, deserve to build their lives by their own design rather than one inherited from someone else. Even with a national platform, Cargle has stayed rooted in Akron. She owns Elizabeth's Bookshop and Writing Center, a home for literature and storytelling in the city that raised her, and she runs Ninth House, a consultancy that helps authors and thought leaders build lasting careers in publishing. Both are, at their core, about building something that outlasts her--infrastructure for the writers who come next. I congratulate Rachel Elizabeth Cargle on her continued impact and thank her for the work she does in the spirit of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, proudly known as the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dianna Warren as Ohio's 13th Congressional District champion of the week. Dianna is a Canton native and proud graduate of Canton McKinley High School. She was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of 6 and has dedicated over 40 years of advocating for and educating others about people with disabilities and promoting greater understanding and inclusion. She has served as Ms. Wheelchair USA Ambassador and has won Ms. Wheelchair USA Ohio seven times. This year, she competed for Ms. Wheelchair USA All-Star, representing Ohio for its 30th anniversary. Dianna has accomplished many milestones. Among them, she was the first disabled person to bowl in the Canton City Women's Tournament, and she was inducted into the Canton Women's Hall of Fame. Dianna recently shared: ``It means a lot to me that I can open up so many more opportunities and continue to educate people about disabilities.'' Several years ago, I had the opportunity to judge the Ms. Wheelchair USA pageant when it was held in the district, and I can tell you that these contestants from all over the country were inspiring, impressive, and the very best of American exceptionalism. I congratulate Dianna on her many accomplishments, representing our community with such pride and helping to show why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is proudly known as the Birthplace of Champions.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Virginia for bringing us together to highlight what we saw while we were home. I also thank my colleague and neighbor to the north for sharing some of what she heard in Cleveland. It didn't change too much a little further down Route 77, and what we saw in Ohio's 13th Congressional District. I am here to highlight those issues, about what we heard during our district work period. Just one word: affordability. Gas, groceries, housing, and healthcare all just cost too much, and wages aren't keeping up with the sharp increases that we have seen in these everyday essentials. Ohio's households are paying an average of $2,200 more per year in basic living expenses. They just don't have it. Meanwhile, at home, young people stopped me to share that they are worried about the steep increases in gas prices. For example, the average price of a gallon of gas in Ohio has increased 37 percent since last year. That is $1.13 a gallon. That might not seem like that much to my colleagues who are in California or New York, but if you are in Ohio and you are paying an extra $1.13, almost paying $5 per gallon, that is a little bit more than what we can handle. Parents stopped me in the grocery stores because they are worried about keeping food on their tables with the price of meat, bread, and milk all rising this year, not to mention the continuous and ongoing recalls and the power outages that are making people throw all their food away that they already couldn't buy in the first place. Families are expected to spend hundreds of dollars more on their grocery bill than they did last year. That is on top of the fact that there are aggressive, aggressive cuts to SNAP benefits, making it all even worse. During the work period, my office and I hosted several housing roundtables--several. I repeatedly heard from seniors who are worried about staying in their homes. Whether it is the cost of property taxes that are pricing them out, or whether they can't pay for improvements like ramps and railings to help them get around, they are concerned about whether or not they will be able to age in place. Also, don't get them started on their children, who they just can't seem to get out of their basements. They are concerned that they will never be able to get their kids out of their homes because they simply cannot afford another place to live. According to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, the average rent in Ohio's 13th District has increased 16 percent since 2019, making housing less affordable for renters who are on a fixed income, but that is not even the half of it. The cost of healthcare continues to rise, and harmful cuts to Medicaid and Medicare enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act began taking effect this year. That means that 37,000 residents in our area are seeing higher healthcare costs tied to the end of the enhanced ACA tax credits, while nearly 30,000 people are losing healthcare coverage due to changes in Medicaid and marketplace eligibility rules. The State of Ohio saw the second highest number of people unenrolled--that means uninsured--because of the cuts to the ACA tax credits. For us in Ohio's 13th District, it is even worse because our largest employers are hospital systems, so not only are we talking about access to care, but we are talking about the people who work in these jobs. It is not just the doctors, the nurses, and the folks who provide direct care. The accountants, those in the supply chain, the people supplying toilet paper--all of this is going to impact my community. It is not only their health and well-being, but the economic backbone and our economic engine are suffering. When I was elected to Congress, I promised to bring my constituents' voices with me to Washington. That is why I am here, even though the room is empty, standing here before you, Mr. Speaker, to raise awareness about rising costs and to offer some solutions. Maybe somebody will play the tape back since no one seems to want to be here for this important discussion, but I am going to go ahead and provide some solutions. First of all, gas prices have skyrocketed. Why? It is because of Trump's reckless war of choice in Iran. The military actions have resulted in the loss of life for 18 servicemembers, with hundreds more injured. We don't even know some numbers because they are hiding them. The costs to Americans are in the billions--billions of dollars. We cannot afford this reckless war. It is one of the reasons why gas prices are high, as well as the cost of goods. I voted five times--five--one, two, three, four, five times to end this reckless war. Yet, here we are: new strikes on Iran with no end in sight. As the co-leader in the Housing Affordability Working Group, I am leading legislation that lowers housing costs for renters and homeowners alike. I introduced the HOMES Act, which ends tax breaks for private equity firms buying up houses in Ohio and across the country, making it more difficult for people to find a place to live. To bring down the cost of healthcare, I am fighting to reinstate the enhanced ACA tax credits and to repeal cuts to Medicaid and Medicare that will throw people off of their healthcare and put our hospitals at risk of closure. Visiting a doctor when you are sick shouldn't be a privilege reserved for just those who can afford it. That is why I am also working to keep more money in people's pockets. My Lower Your Taxes Act expands the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit, and my No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act-- underline ``all''--will help you keep more of what you earn. That includes all workers and not just the few who are in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. I also supported the TIPS Act to end Federal income tax on tipped wages. I also voted for the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which has been signed into law, thankfully, because of our previous administration, ensuring that teachers, firefighters, and other public employees receive their full Social Security benefits. Mr. Speaker, we have an affordability crisis here, and there are solutions available. The Democratic Caucus, as well as the CBC, is fighting for an affordable America, but Congress is doing nothing to solve the problem. My constituents can't wait. If we are being honest, Mr. Speaker, yours cannot wait either. If we are not doing the will of the people, what are we even doing here? We are wasting time, energy, and more money than we already have. We must pass commonsense legislation to lower costs now before we head back home, because how dare we go campaign for our seats when we aren't making the lives of people in the United States of America better.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Abby LaPole of Massillon as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week for July 27th after being awarded Stark County Girls Athlete of the Year. Abby earned this honor following a historic career at Jackson High School. At this year's Ohio High School Athletic Association's Track and Field Championships, Abby captured her third consecutive state title in girls' seated shot put with a final-attempt throw of 21 feet, 7.5 inches. She leaves high school as a three-time state champion and the all-time Stark County record holder in the event, with her top throw of 23 feet, 5.75 inches this season cementing her place among the best athletes in Stark County history. A dedicated student-athlete, Abby has spent years putting in the work to excel in competition while representing Jackson, Massillon, Stark County, and Ohio's 13th Congressional District with pride. Through her achievements, Abby has shown the strength of adaptive athletics and the opportunities available to athletes who pursue their goals at the highest levels of competition. She embodies why our district is proudly known as the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I congratulate Abby on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate all she has accomplished.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Reeves family and Reeves Cake Shop as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week on August 7. This recognition honors their remarkable 50-year legacy of serving the Akron community and preserving a family baking tradition that spans more than a century. Dolores and her late husband, Robert Reeves opened Reeves Cake Shop in 1976, and it has been a cherished part of countless celebrations across Summit County for the past five decades. Working alongside her son, Rick Reeves, and supported by members of the Reeves family, Dolores built not just a successful small business, but an institution in Akron's Kenmore neighborhood. Dolores' love for baking began at home, watching her parents, Ada and William Bachtel, operate Bachtel's Bakery beginning in 1916. When she opened Reeves Cake Shop 60 years later, she carried that same passion forward, bringing those traditions to generations of Akron families. For decades, the Reeves family has helped support life's biggest moments, from weddings and birthdays to graduations and holidays. Their dedication to making each order with care and attention to detail helped Reeves Cake Shop become a trusted part of the community. After 50 years of service, Dolores and the Reeves family are retiring and closing Reeves Cake Shop on Christmas Eve. Their commitment to service reflects the spirit of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, proudly known as the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' Congratulations to Dolores, Rick, and the entire Reeves family on an incredible 50 years of Reeves Cake Shop, and I wish them a well- deserved retirement.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Dragon Dream Team as the Ohio 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. The Dragon Dream Team is Ohio's first group of breast cancer survivors participating in the team sport of dragon boating. I am incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements as they prepare to represent Northeast Ohio next month at the 2026 International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission Participatory Festival in France. Based in Akron, this team has spent 20 years showing that a breast cancer diagnosis does not define a person's future. As board member Talie Schroeder shared, every woman in their boat has heard the words, ``You have breast cancer,'' yet every time they push off from the dock, they remind us that a diagnosis is not the end of their story. I congratulate the Dragon Dream Team on 20 remarkable years and helping show why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is proudly known as the Birthplace of Champions. I wish them the best in France.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Marcus Christopher as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week after capturing the gold medal in BMX Park at the X Games in Chiba, Japan. After previously recognizing Marcus for representing the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, I am proud to once again celebrate his achievements and the pride that he brings to our community. Marcus earned his second career X Games gold medal and seventh X Games medal overall with a remarkable performance that showcased why he is one of the world's best BMX riders. Marcus is a proud product of Stark County and a graduate of Lake High School. After turning professional at just 13 years old, Marcus has continued to push the limits of BMX, or bicycle motocross, on the world's biggest stages. I congratulate Marcus on this incredible achievement. His talent, determination, and dedication to his craft are exactly why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is proudly known as the Birthplace of Champions.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize six extraordinary high school athletes as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champions of the Week. Last month, these young men demonstrated excellence, determination, and perseverance on Ohio's biggest high school track and field stage. The Jackson High School boys 4x100-meter relay team, made up of Micah Regimbal, Preston Young, Jackson Baker, and Corey Jacobs, earned the title of state champion in the event and became their school's first boys track and field state champions. Woodridge High School senior Ben LeBay earned an individual state title in the 1,600-meter run with a personal record of 4:13.5. Finally, Tallmadge High School senior Anthony Bontempo jumped to the top of the podium in the Division II high jump competition. These young men have represented their schools, families, and communities with distinction. Their achievements remind us why Ohio's 13th Congressional District continues to be the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I congratulate Micah, Preston, Jackson, Corey, Ben, and Anthony on their outstanding accomplishments and proudly recognize them as the Champions of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize six extraordinary high school athletes as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champions of the Week. Last month, these young women demonstrated excellence, determination, and perseverance on Ohio's biggest high school track and field stage. Jackson High School junior Gabby Whalen soared to a Division I state championship in the girls pole vault, showcasing the hard work and dedication that have made her one of Ohio's premier athletes. The Buchtel High School girls 800-meter relay team of Jada Davis, Joslynne Bushner, Devonnah Smith, and Miniya Mitchell captured a state championship through teamwork, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Their victory is a testament to the proud tradition of excellence at Buchtel and was just 0.2 seconds shy of the state record. Finally, Tallmadge High School senior Allison Hay closed out her remarkable high school career by winning the Division II state championship in the 800 meters, an accomplishment that reflects years of dedication and perseverance. These young women have represented their schools, families, and communities with distinction. Their achievements remind us why Ohio's 13th Congressional District continues to be the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I congratulate Gabby, Jada, Joslynne, Devonnah, Miniya, and Allison on their outstanding accomplishments and proudly recognize them as the Champions of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Habitat for Humanity of Summit County as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. This recognition honors its 40th anniversary of creating affordable housing in the community. Under the longstanding leadership of CEO Rochelle Sibbio, Habitat for Humanity of Summit County has devoted four decades to advocating for affordable housing and supporting sustainable development for families across the community. Driven by a commitment to long-term solutions, Habitat has completed nearly 250 new homes and 400 home repairs and community projects. Habitat homes are built on 30-year, zero-interest mortgages for each partner family and require the families to complete 250 ``sweat equity'' hours per adult before moving into their new home. Families partner with Habitat to achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build a better future. This anniversary is a testament to the dedicated people in our community. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity of Summit County are what make our district the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Patience Kenimond as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. Patience represents the very best of our community. Her perseverance, dedication, and commitment to helping others are truly inspiring. She was recently recognized as this year's USA TODAY North Ohio Star Student, and I am proud to highlight her incredible achievements. Throughout high school at Ellet Community Learning Center in Akron, Patience overcame extraordinary challenges while continuing to pursue excellence. Despite experiencing homelessness and facing significant transportation barriers, she found a way to get to school each day, sometimes riding her bike 22 miles and waking up as early as 5 a.m. Through her determination and hard work, Patience graduated second in her class. Patience's accomplishments extend far beyond the classroom. For two and a half years, she conducted research alongside a University of Akron chemistry professor while also giving back through volunteer work, including making blankets for Akron Children's Hospital and participating in neighborhood cleanups. This fall, Patience will continue her academic journey at the University of Toledo through a five-year program that will earn her degrees in pharmaceutical science and medicinal chemistry. Her goal is to become a pharmacologist and help develop treatments for epilepsy. Patience's story inspired local readers to step forward and provide support toward her college expenses. She hopes to one day pay that generosity forward by creating a scholarship for students facing the same transportation challenges she overcame. Patience Kenimond's resilience and commitment to helping others represent the very best of our district and serve as a reminder that Ohio's 13th Congressional District truly is the ``Birthplace of Champions.''

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Darryn Peterson as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. This Tuesday, Darryn made his family and our entire district proud when he was selected by the Utah Jazz as the second overall pick in the NBA Draft. This is an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects years of discipline, dedication, and excellence on and off the court. Born in Canton, Darryn began his high school career at the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy in Cuyahoga Falls. He eventually rose to become the number one ranked player in the entire country. He went on to play at the University of Kansas where he averaged more than 20 points per game in his lone season. As we know, Akron is the birthplace of champions because we have the distinction of being the birthplace of both Steph Curry and LeBron James, who was the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. Darryn has also helped make our district the birthplace of champions. Darryn now begins his own journey at the highest level. While the path ahead is challenging, he carries the pride of our entire community. We are incredibly proud of Darryn, and we look forward to watching what he accomplishes in the NBA.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. They are workers and family members providing essential care every day to our most vulnerable. Fraud must be investigated and prosecuted.

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, the House Oversight Committee's Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses held a hearing last week focused on allegations of home- and community- based services in my State of Ohio. I have some thoughts. First, fraud is wrong. People misusing the system undermines the very purpose of safety net programs. If taxpayer dollars are misused, there must be accountability. Vulnerabilities must be fixed, and oversight should be strengthened. I support that effort. However, what I do not support is using allegations of fraud to mischaracterize an entire program, promote racist and xenophobic ideologies, limit the care of our most vulnerable citizens, or by presenting only part of the story. Unfortunately, that is what happened last week. Before the hearing, my Ohio Democratic colleagues and I were told we would have an opportunity to engage in the hearing as Ohioans and folks who are closest to the issue, but at the last minute, we were shut out. That decision cut off a fuller conversation about both rooting out fraud and protecting services relied on by more than 122,000 Ohioans. Home- and community-based services provide in-home support, including medication assistance, therapy, meals, and personal care that allows older adults and individuals with disabilities to remain at home rather than in institutions. This flexibility allows families to remain close with the added benefit of lower costs and better health outcomes. It is one of the many reasons these programs have long enjoyed bipartisan support. Since the 1980s, Ohio has participated in these home- and community- based waiver programs, including the past 15 years under a State government fully led by Republicans. During that time, these programs have been designed, funded, administered, and repeatedly approved by State and Federal officials. As a former State legislator, I served on the finance committee, and I was the ranking member for the health and human services subcommittee that oversaw the funding and activities toward the home-based and community-based services and Medicaid as an entire agency. The move toward home-based services were led and championed by Governor Kasich, the Republican from Ohio. A feature of the program was to move toward agency-based services and away from independent providers to, you guessed it, combat fraud and abuse. To be clear, Ohio Auditor Keith Faber, who was a witness at last week's hearing, does not currently set Medicaid policy, at least not today. However, as a former State legislator and a former State senate president, he supported expanding HCBS and removing barriers to improve access and reduce costs. While not only just that, he negotiated multiple budgets under his leadership, increasing funding for these programs. However, now, as the State auditor, he enjoys wide discretion to audit programs and State agencies. Why were those oversight concerns not acted on more aggressively? What has been going on in the auditor's office for the past 7\1/2\ years if there is so much fraud, waste, and abuse? Further, why weren't there any notable flags in the HCBS program in the last State audit of the Department of Medicaid? In 2013, Ohio created the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee to strengthen accountability when the State expanded Medicaid under Republican Governor John Kasich, but that committee was dissolved last year by a Republican supermajority in the legislature and signed by the Republican Governor while it was actively reviewing Medicaid administration, including contracts with major claim processors. If vulnerabilities have existed for years, Ohioans deserve answers as to why stronger safeguards were not implemented and enforced for the last 15 years of Republican-led State of Ohio. Additionally, why was the oversight committee abolished just in December of 2025? During the hearing, we also heard testimony from an investigative reporter of The Daily Wire, whose testimony repeatedly focused on immigrants and ethnic communities in ways that blurred the line between identifying wrongdoing and casting suspicions and, quite frankly, racist suspicions on entire groups of people. Fraud should be investigated wherever it exists, but oversight must be driven by evidence, not rhetoric that casts doubt and blame on entire communities. The hearing also featured testimony from State Representative Mike Dovilla, who described oversight failures and data fragmentation that he argues persisted for years within Ohio's Medicaid system. Again, this is Representative Dovilla's second tour in the statehouse. Where has he been? If those conditions are as longstanding and widespread as described, then Ohioans deserve to know why stronger safeguards were not implemented when State leaders, Republican State leaders, including those who governed and shaped policy decisions over the past 15 years, had and still have the authority to act. The vast majority of caregivers and providers are not engaged in fraud.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment No. 22, which calls on the FDA to require infant formula and toddler food manufacturers to implement an environmental monitoring regime for deadly contaminants like botulism and salmonella. A recent Consumer Reports study found potentially concerning levels of contaminants in more than half of the tested infant formula samples, and we have seen similar reports on heavy metals and contaminants in toddler food. Parents shouldn't have to worry about whether the food they feed their children is unsafe, and we need to do better. The report for this bill includes language I requested to strengthen the testing for heavy metals, but we must also monitor for environmental contaminants so we can prevent outbreaks before they happen, like the botulism outbreak from earlier this year. I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc and to also support my INFANTS Act, which would empower the FDA to take the appropriate action to protect our precious babies.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Nordonia High School girls' flag football team as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. The Nordonia High School girls' flag football team is Ohio's first girls' flag football State champions. Girls' flag football only became a sanctioned sport in Ohio last July, but even before that, these young women were working hard to bring the State championship home. Nordonia was one of six high schools that attended the Cleveland Browns inaugural flag football jubilee event back in 2021 and have since been fighting for this sport to become sanctioned and recognized in Ohio. I congratulate Head Coach Steve Holtz, quarterback Hayden Paul, and all of the players on their well-earned victory in bringing home the inaugural championship trophy. Their passion is laying the groundwork for generations of young women and girls in sports, and we are so proud of them. I often call our district the birthplace of champions because of basketball greats like LeBron James and Steph Curry, and now this Nordonia girls' flag football team certainly proves that this legacy continues, no matter the sport or your gender. Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations to these outstanding student-athletes and commend them on being named champions of the week.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES.--as we remember families like the Cooks--

Mrs. SYKES. They deserve leaders who are willing to put people over politics. Mr. Speaker, this Gun Violence Awareness Month--

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, this National Gun Violence Awareness Month, I rise today thinking about families in Ohio's 13th Congressional District, families whose lives were changed forever by gun violence. One of those families is still grieving the loss of LaTeris Cook, a 27-year-old father of four who was killed during a mass shooting at a neighborhood block party in Akron just 2 years ago. What should have been a joyful summer gathering turned into chaos and tragedy. Twenty- eight people were shot. An entire community was and remains traumatized. Megan Keleman was a recent college graduate who was killed in a Taco Bell drive-through in Tallmadge, Ohio. Her killer, a man who was not allowed to have guns, not only killed her but killed himself in a tragic situation. Her family now mourns her death by advocating for gun safety programs. Another Akron family continues to carry the pain of losing Cortez Davis, Sr., who was shot and killed in 2021 while picking up a child for a birthday celebration. His mother, Delonda Glover, now works with antiviolence organizations in Akron to help prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak. She said something that captures the pain so many families carry after gun violence: ``Losing a child is a different kind of hurt and pain.'' She is right. Finally, my friend Ericka Weems was killed in 2020 in her home. The crime has gone unsolved, despite national attention. We lost a beloved friend, daughter, educator, and sister. Because gun violence leaves permanent scars on families and communities long after the headlines fade, my heart goes out to the Cook family, the Glover family, the Keleman family, the Weems family, and every family in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and across the country who are trying to heal after losing loved ones to senseless and preventable violence. While these tragedies occurred in my district, the truth is they could have happened anywhere in America: schools, grocery stores, movie theatres, workplaces, birthday parties, the United States Capitol. Too many Americans feel like a shooting can happen anywhere at any moment. Already this year, our country has experienced more than 160 mass shootings. Last year alone, more than 24,000 Americans died by gun suicide. Since 2020, firearms have been the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States. In my district, Akron police have responded to 562 calls involving shootings or shots fired through the end of April of this year. That is a 21 percent increase compared to the same time last year. These are not just statistics. These are children, parents, friends, neighbors, entire communities being forced to rebuild again and again. But to the people of my district and to the people across America, this threat of living with gun violence every single day, I want to tell you this: It does not have to be this way. We can stop the cycle of violence. Four years ago, Congress proved progress is possible when we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety legislation in decades, because Democrats and Republicans came together to expand background checks, close the dangerous boyfriend loophole, crack down on illegal gun trafficking, invest in mental health services, strengthen school safety, and fund community intervention programs that are saving lives now. Yet, there is so much more work to be done. It also shows that when Congress chooses courage over politics, we can make our communities safer. Yet, today, instead of building on that progress, this administration is moving us backward. Just weeks ago, the Trump administration announced efforts to roll back key gun safety protections, including weakening enhanced background checks established under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, rescinding restrictions on stabilizing braces, and repealing the bump stock ban that President Trump himself put into place after the deadly Las Vegas shooting in 2017. There are now even proposals that could make it easier to mail handguns through the postal system, opening the door to more gun trafficking and more dangerous weapons flowing into our communities. Mr. Speaker, if you talk to any law enforcement agency, they will tell you that guns continue to create a problem for the work that they do every day. They encourage us to be smarter on gun safety regulations and ensuring that not only are the communities safer but that those who are sworn to protect and serve us can be safe in their communities, as well. These rollbacks are a choice, Mr. Speaker, and my constituents cannot wait any longer. Americans are demanding action. They want safer schools, neighborhoods, and communities.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time for us to stop and consider how mental health impacts and effects everyone in our communities. For that reason, I am going to recognize the Akron Municipal Mental Health Court as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. This week, the court is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Founded by Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer in response to the growing number of people with serious mental illnesses entering into the criminal justice system, the Akron Municipal Mental Health Court became the first of its kind in Ohio, and one of the first in the Nation. Judge Annalisa Williams has carried on Judge Stormer's vision and has presided over the court since 2005. What began as an innovative idea has become a model for communities across our State and Nation. It functions under a simple but powerful truth: Treatment and support can save lives. Since 2001, countless people have reclaimed stability, restored relationships, and built brighter futures for themselves and their families. The Akron Municipal Mental Health Court exemplifies the very best of Ohio's 13th Congressional District and reminds us why our community is proudly known as the birthplace of champions. I had the opportunity earlier this week to join them for their 25th celebration and recognize them in person on behalf of our district. Again, I want to say: Thank you and congratulations. Here is to 25 more years of serving our community with justice and compassion.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Akron Roundtable and name them Champions of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. The Akron Roundtable has been a cornerstone of our community since their founding in 1976. Over the last 50 years, the Akron Roundtable has brought together roughly 480 speakers, including government officials, famed reporters, athletes, artists, business leaders, astronauts, and many other community leaders. I had the privilege of speaking at the Akron Roundtable in 2023, so you know it is an esteemed place to speak. I saw firsthand the dedication of the group in order to bring the world to Akron. The group started as a partnership with the Kiwanis Club, the Akron Beacon Journal, the Akron Regional Development Board, and the Akron City Club. Through their collaboration, they created a nationally esteemed institution, and today the Roundtable is filled with passionate volunteers with a drive for connecting with leaders from around the world. I thank the hardworking members at the Akron Roundtable for their service to the community. Their commitment to bringing the world to Akron is just one of the reasons why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is known as the Birthplace of Champions. I congratulate them on 50 years of leadership and thank them for opening the world to the heartland.