Emilia Sykes

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in opposition to the fiscal year 2026 Energy and Water appropriations bill. At a time when energy costs are skyrocketing for my constituents, Republicans are trying to make it even harder for them to keep their homes warm and keep the lights on. For example, this bill makes massive cuts to the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, including a nearly $10 million cut to Ohio. That is a 44 percent cut. Republican cuts to this office include cuts to the Weatherization Assistance Program, which reduces energy costs by increasing the energy efficiency of homes. These cuts are compounded by the fact that ratepayers in Ohio are on the hook for a corrupt bill that adds hundreds to energy costs to bail out a coal plant in Indiana. Ohioans cannot afford any more Republican malfeasance that literally costs Ohioans hundreds of dollars a year. Even more, this bill does not adequately fund two authorities in my district that were created under the Water Resources Development Act of 2024. The bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2024 authorized projects across the United States for water and wastewater infrastructure that are critical to strengthening the flood protection and resiliency of our communities and to complete ecosystem restoration that maintains America's vital natural resources. This legislation specifically authorized $49 million in new authorities in Ohio's 13th Congressional District to allow the Army Corps of Engineers to contribute their expertise to the development of new and existing infrastructure projects that not only improve water and sewer infrastructure but also bolster our economic competitiveness. I am proud to have advocated for these resources to ensure that they were included in last year's WRDA. These programs allow communities in my district to have access to the infrastructure they need to flourish. Here is how: Under the Summit County new authority, $25 million would have been authorized to fund projects such as Akron's water main and lead service line replacement project, Fairlawn's West Market Street waterline replacement, New Franklin's South Main Street stormwater replacement project, Barberton's Stratford Street waterline project, and Fairlawn's Rosemont Preserve project. Additionally, under Stark County's new authority, $24 million would have been authorized to fund projects such as Canton's Cromer Water Storage Reservoir replacement project, improvements to the Ohio & Erie Canalway Lock 4 Park, and North Lawrence's sanitary sewer project. Funding these projects is crucial to ensure my constituents have access to clean water in their homes. In order to truly make a difference for these communities, we must fully fund the programs that we authorize. For me, this is about my constituents and lowering their costs and allowing our communities to thrive. Because of aggressive gerrymandering in Ohio, people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District paid taxes that never made it back to our communities. These funds went to places like California, New York, and, God forbid, Michigan. Here is just another example of snatching hard- earned constituents' dollars that they expected to be reinvested in their community, only to be sent elsewhere to pay for billionaire tax cuts or something else nefarious and nothing that anyone asked for. I came to Congress to do right by my community. As I said earlier, I am proud to have ensured that $49 million in new infrastructure authorities were included to be funded in our community. However, this work cannot get done if we do not appropriate the money to get the shovels in the ground. For this reason and many others, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill because it does not lower costs. It harms our communities. Honoring Joshua Jarzab, Ohio's 13th District Champion of the Week

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize five exceptional journalists from the Canton Repository, one of Ohio's most important publications, as this Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week. Grace Springer received second place in the Best Government/Political Reporting category. Charita Goshay received second place in the Best Religion Reporting category. Nancy Molnar received first place in the Justice Reporting category. Finally, for the Best of Show in Ohio category, Tim Botos received second place, and Kelli Weir took home first in this category. I congratulate these outstanding journalists and thank them. I thank them for keeping readers across Canton Ohio's 13th Congressional District in northeast Ohio region informed. These five journalists earned top honors in the 2025 Ohio's Best Journalism contest sponsored by the Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists. Their work at the Canton Repository is truly exceptional, and I am proud to represent a district that is kept informed by their outstanding reporting. I hope all my colleagues will join me in saying congratulations to our fourth branch of government and these exceptional reporters as we recognize them as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise with a heavy heart but with extreme honor to recognize the life of a colleague, a mentor, and a dear friend, former Ohio State Representative Jack Cera, who passed away on July 13 after a courageous 2\1/2\-year battle with cancer. My sincere and deepest sympathy goes out to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. Jack was a proud son of Bellaire, Ohio, a man who never forgot where he came from and who fought every day to serve the people of eastern Ohio. Jack was a true statesman, someone who listened more than he spoke, sought common ground without compromising his values, and worked tirelessly to deliver for the communities he loved. Jack served in the Ohio House of Representatives across three decades, from 1983 to 1996, and again from 2011 to 2020. He represented families in Belmont, Monroe, Noble, Jefferson, and Washington Counties with distinction. His colleagues across the political spectrum respected him. His constituents trusted him, and those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him admired him deeply. I had the honor of working alongside Jack in the Ohio House where I witnessed firsthand his commitment to the people of eastern Ohio. Jack and I served in leadership together, and when I was elected as the minority leader, I tapped him to serve as the ranking member of the Ohio House Finance and Appropriations Committee. Whether it was fighting for infrastructure investment, preserving the local government fund, or advocating for economic development in Appalachia, Jack never wavered in his commitment to public service. Jack was a Brown University graduate, and he was sent to Rhode Island on a football scholarship. He would often joke that he was in the first class of football players to ever wear helmets, leather helmets at that. Although, he was an Ivy Leaguer, he didn't have an ounce of superiority nor was there anything pretentious about him. He was just Jack, and that is what made him so special and so nice to work with. He didn't take himself seriously, but he certainly took the work of the people very seriously. I would argue that you didn't really know Jack if he didn't teach you how to properly pronounce Bellaire, share some music, or advocate for the people of eastern Ohio. Most importantly, Jack was smart, dedicated, and a trusted legislator who exemplified the very best of public service. He was sought after for advice and leadership on difficult issues as he was always committed to the purpose of representing his hometown and the people of Ohio with integrity. Without a doubt, Jack left a mark on the State of Ohio, and his legacy of service will not soon be forgotten. Jack will be remembered by his wife, Becky; his beloved daughters, Jaclyn and Bethany; granddaughters, Scarlett, Lena, and Finley; and the countless people whose lives he made better. This past weekend, my husband, Kevin, and I joined the Bellaire community, former legislators, colleagues, friends, and family to pay our final respects to Jack. It was clear that the community loved and cared about him as was evidenced by the Jack Cera for Ohio House signs in yards leading the way to the church and the many people who were gathered at the church. The eulogist and the pastor asked those present to think about the dash in between the dates that Jack was born and the date that he was returned home to the Lord. As people stood up to share their experiences and to expand upon the dash, I wanted to be able to add my tribute to him but here on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. The eulogists also reminded us that Jack had a motto of ensuring that he left things better than he found them. I encourage and call upon all of my colleagues here in Congress to leave a place better than you found it in honor and memory of Jack Cera. Though his presence will be missed, I am confident his memory will live on through the people he influenced and the family he deeply loved. For a moment, I will just acknowledge his daughters, again, Jaclyn and Bethany, and his wife of over 40 years, Becky, and say thank you for sharing Jack with us. I know it was hard to see him leave for Columbus many times over the 30 years, but we are so grateful for your sacrifice. We will keep you lifted up in our prayers. Thus with deepest sympathy, I mourn the loss and pay tribute to a truly phenomenal individual. May his memory be a blessing.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 3095, a bill that would assign a new ZIP Code to the city of Green, a municipality within Ohio's 13th Congressional District. Establishing unique ZIP Codes may not be what most folks think about when they are considering Federal legislation; however, for the citizens and businesses and the economy of the city of Green, Ohio, it is, in fact, a matter of importance and priority. During the Green State of the City Address earlier this year, Mayor Rocco Yeargin proclaimed that he would actively engage toward working to get the city of Green a unique ZIP Code. I promised the mayor at the State of the City Address that I would work with him hand-in-hand after several unsuccessful attempts to do so. We are now closer to that reality upon the passage of H.R. 3095. The city of Green currently operates under five different ZIP Codes, none of which bear the city's name. This situation has led to confusion, lost tax dollars, and a diminished sense of unity among residents and businesses. Aligning the ZIP Code designation within the city's name will enhance community cohesion and promote a stronger civic identity. When ZIP Codes were first assigned for this area, Green was a township, mostly farmland and a few businesses, and fewer than 10,000 residents. In 1992, Green was incorporated as a city. Now, 30-plus years later, its population has nearly tripled. It is the home of more than 1,200 businesses and is the fastest growing city in Summit County. Community members, elected leaders, and local businesses have all expressed their overwhelming support for a single ZIP Code reflecting the city's name. The current multitude of ZIP Codes creates obstacles for these 1,200 businesses, including confusion for customers and suppliers about their location and challenges in daily transactions like assigning sales tax due to a ZIP Code with a name designated to a separate county--not even a separate city, a separate county. In fact, Green identified $614,000 in unpaid taxes alone in 2023 attributed to this problem. This is an issue that community leaders, residents, businesses, and more have expressed their overwhelming support for: a ZIP Code for the city of Green. They have attempted to work with the USPS to no avail, and so now we are here with legislation. I understand the procedural challenges that have plagued this bill, but I do ask that the Members of this body not punish my constituents for those committee issues. I ask my colleagues in Congress to join me in support of this bill to ensure that the city of Green receives the designation it deserves with a single, unique ZIP Code that bears its name.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose this terrible bill that is a bad deal for Ohio, the residents of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, and the people of the United States of America. When I was first elected, I told the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District that it may be my name on the ballot, but when I win, we are all going to Washington together. I made that promise because, as a Representative of my district, it is my responsibility to make sure that my constituents' needs are being addressed here in Washington. The people in Ohio's 13th Congressional District need lower costs. The people in Ohio's 13th Congressional District need access to care. The people in Ohio's 13th District need opportunity, opportunity to work, to buy a house, and to live their American Dream. Yet, this bill does none of that. Instead, it kicks 17 million people off their healthcare and makes life more expensive. People don't have extra money to pay for billionaires' yachts and monthslong vacations. This bill takes money away from hardworking Americans and gives it to the rich. It takes food away from children, making their bellies hungry. In my district, Mr. Speaker, 30,000 jobs are in jeopardy. I don't want to hear another word from Republicans about people not wanting to work when they are sending them to the unemployment line. Mr. Speaker, this is a bad bill. Do not allow the people in my district to be unemployed, hungry, and without the ability to live their American Dream.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize three outstanding police officers from the Fairlawn Police Department as this week's Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week. Last month, Officers Francisco Corona, Brian Buskirk, and Hannah Plant exemplified the best of public service when they jumped into action to save the life of a woman in distress. On May 23, 2025, Officer Buskirk noticed a car stopped on the sidewalk, where he found a woman unconscious and unresponsive. With the assistance of Officers Corona and Plant, the officers broke the car window and extracted the woman, then quickly initiated CPR while preparing the automated external defibrillator. Their teamwork and rapid response made the difference in a critical life-or-death situation. I extend my sincere gratitude to Officers Corona, Buskirk, and Plant, and the Fairlawn Police Department and Fire Department for continuing to keep our communities safe. Their actions and bravery do not go unnoticed. On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives, I thank them for their service to our community.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ripping away a constitutional right that generations of women had relied on for nearly one-half century. In that moment, the Court did not just revoke a legal precedent, they set in motion a wave of chaos, cruelty, and control. What followed was a full-scale assault on reproductive healthcare: abortion, contraception, IVF, and even access to emergency care. In Ohio, we felt the effects immediately. Just hours after the Dobbs decision was handed down, an extreme and deeply unpopular 6-week abortion ban went into effect, essentially outlawing abortion before many people even knew they are pregnant. That law put the lives of millions of women in danger overnight. It forced healthcare providers to choose between following their sworn oath to care for patients or facing criminal charges. It caused trauma and suffering that cannot be undone. In fact, Mr. Speaker, a 10-year-old rape victim was denied the care she needed and was forced to flee the State to get the care that saved her life and her future. Yet, despite all of this, the people of Ohio did what we have always done in the face of injustice. We fought back. In November 2023, Ohioans from across the political spectrum came together and voted to enshrine reproductive freedom directly into our State's constitution: the ability to bear a child, to use contraception, and to access abortion care. It was a powerful, hopeful moment, but, Mr. Speaker, our work is far from over. That is because within days of that historic vote, Republican lawmakers in Ohio announced they would do everything in their power to prevent our laws from being removed. That is right. Just days after the people spoke loudly and clearly, some legislators pledged to ignore the will of the voters, and now they are following through. Just last week, members of the Ohio House of Representatives introduced one of the most extreme anti-choice bills in the country. This dangerous bill would ban nearly all abortions in Ohio, criminalize doctors, and potentially treat patients seeking care as criminals. Let me be crystal clear. Under this proposal, abortion could be prosecuted as homicide. There would be no meaningful exceptions, not for rape and not for incest. One of the bill's lead supporters, an anti-woman activist, was asked whether he worried this would overturn the will of the voters, the constitutional amendment the people of Ohio passed a couple of years ago. He said that he wasn't concerned. He said: ``The will of the voters was evil.'' The will of the voters was evil. Mr. Speaker, I don't think I have heard anything less American. The will of the voters is the bedrock of our democracy, and just as these extremists want to take away the decisionmaking capabilities of women, they have not stopped there. They want to take away the decisionmaking capability of all Ohioans. That is the ideology we are up against. It is one where the voice of the people isn't just disregarded, but it is condemned. It is one where bodily autonomy is labeled evil. It is one where political extremists will stop at nothing, not even the State constitution, to impose their beliefs on the rest of us. It is chilling and it is dangerous. This uncertainty is not just an Ohio problem. The United States Supreme Court's recent decision in Moyle v. United States dismissed an opportunity to affirm that emergency abortion care is protected under Federal law. Instead, they punted, refusing to give clarity and refusing to give peace of mind to women and doctors across the country. That is why I introduced a resolution to reaffirm access to emergency care and abortion care to all Americans. That is why House Democrats have introduced bills to guarantee abortion rights across the country and protect access to birth control, IVF, and other fertility care. That is because at the heart of this fight there is something bigger than politics. It is about freedom, the freedom to control our own bodies. It is about the freedom to decide when, if, and how we grow our families and the freedom to choose our own futures on our own terms. We are the best people to make those decisions for ourselves. Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of brilliant minds here in this legislative Chamber and in State houses and in courts all across the country, but women do not need them to be in our most intimate decisionmaking moments. As a Representative of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I will keep standing up for our freedom, and I will keep working to ensure our laws reflect our values. We must trust women. We must protect our rights, and we must never forget that democracy only works if we honor the will of the people.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 90th anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous, a global, peer-led and spiritual-based, 12- step program, an organization founded in Ohio's 13th Congressional District in my hometown of Akron, Ohio. In June of 1935, a meeting between Bill W., a New York stockbroker, and Dr. Bob, an Akron surgeon, both struggling with alcoholism, sparked a movement that would change millions of lives around the world. With the guidance of Dr. William Silkworth, they came to understand that alcoholism is not a moral failure but a disease of the mind and body that requires treatment. From that understanding and their commitment to helping others, Alcoholics Anonymous was born. What began as one small group meeting at Akron City Hospital has now grown into a global fellowship with 123,000 groups in 180 countries and literature translated into more than 100 languages. With an estimated membership of over 2 million people, Alcoholics Anonymous has helped countless individuals find hope, recovery, and community. AA's legacy of humility and service is reflected in its traditions, especially the principles of anonymity and putting service before self. Those who are members are dedicated, because each year they make the pilgrimage to Akron on Founders' Day to pay tribute to Dr. Bob and provide hope and support for one another. Today I am proud to stand here to celebrate the 90th year of Alcoholics Anonymous and their healing and perseverance. I am very proud this extraordinary legacy began in Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, in the words of Neil Young: Tin soldiers and Nixon's comin' We're finally on our own This summer I hear the drummin' Four dead in Ohio Gotta get down to it Soldiers are gunning us down Should have been done long ago What if you knew her and Found her dead on the ground? How can you run when you know? Gotta get down to it Soldiers are cutting us down Should have been done long ago What if you knew her and Found her dead on the ground? How can you run when you know? Tin soldiers and Nixon's comin' We're finally on our own This summer I hear the drummin' Four dead in Ohio Four dead in Ohio Four dead in Ohio Four dead in Ohio Mr. Speaker, those are the lyrics to the song ``Ohio,'' written after the National Guard was deployed at Kent State University, killing four students and wounding nine others. As a bright-eyed 17-year-old, I started college at Kent State University. I lived in Prentice Hall. In the parking lot lies a memorial where each student who was killed by the Ohio National Guard died. It is still there, and it serves as a reminder to all who pass by of what happens when you deploy the military against its own citizens. The lives of Allison Krause, William Schroeder, Jeffrey Miller, and Sandra Scheuer were cut too short but should not be in vain because we know the consequences of what happens when the National Guard is deployed against its citizens: tragedy, four dead in Ohio.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Daniela Scheffler for winning the 3,200 meter race at the Ohio Division I Track and Field Championships, earning her first State title, and recognizing her as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. As a senior at Lake High School in Uniontown, Ohio, Daniela ended an exceptional high school track career, setting records and winning several awards along the way. On the road to her first State title last month, Daniela set the record for the 1,600 and 3,200 meters at the Federal League Track and Field Championships, the State qualifier meet. As a testament to her hard work and dedication on the track, Daniela signed an offer with North Carolina State University, where she will be continuing her track and field career. We are proud of Daniela. Even though she will be far away from home at college, we will be cheering her on as she finishes her career. Again, I congratulate Daniela Scheffler for an accomplished high school track career and on being named this week's Ohio-13 Champion of the Week.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, gun violence is a scourge that has plagued the United States for far too long. We have witnessed tragedy after tragedy, and the only thing that ever seems to happen is that gun restrictions are loosened even further. Six years ago, in my home State of Ohio, there was a mass shooting at a bar in Dayton. Nearly 30 people were injured, and 10 were killed by a man with a gun that he was able to legally modify through loopholes in our gun laws. Hundreds of people attended a vigil for the victims of this deadly attack and demanded we do something. In response, the Governor of Ohio signed permitless carry legislation, allowing individuals to carry concealed firearms without a permit. Last year, 25-year-old Megan Keleman, a young woman in my district, was shot and killed in a Taco Bell drive-through. She was picking up dinner for her family. Why did Megan Keleman have to die that day? The system failed her. The killer should have never had a gun. Again, why did Megan Keleman have to die that day? She didn't. Maybe if there were less cowardly people in office, Megan would be alive, living out her path to serve and help other people. Her family is working to make sure that there is change and to secure her legacy. We have a duty as public servants to keep our communities safe, but the inaction on gun violence is killing innocent Americans. We can and must pass commonsense gun safety legislation to bolster background checks and ban dangerous assault weapons. The people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District sent me here to do something about gun violence in our communities, and that is exactly what I intend to do. This is Gun Violence Awareness Month. This month, and every other day, I mourn the lives of the countless people who have lost their lives to senseless gun violence and those whom they have left behind.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Mira Cahalane, who recently won best actress at the 10th annual Dazzle Awards, as this week's Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. The Dazzle Awards honors high school musical theater students and departments in Northeast Ohio for their outstanding performances and productions. At the awards, Mira received the best actress award for her phenomenal performance of Hermes in ``Hadestown: Teen Edition'' at Hudson High School and was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. As a result of her win, this June, Mira will be representing Northeast Ohio in the National High School Musical Theater Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards, held in New York. At the Jimmy Awards, Mira will join top high school musical theater students across the country to compete and showcase her extraordinary talent on a national stage. Again, I want to congratulate Mira Cahalane for her exceptional win and on being named this week's Champion of the Week. I wish her the best of luck as she prepares to compete in the Jimmy Awards, and know she will represent Northeast Ohio well.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Captain Michelle Wiltrout, who retired this year from the Summit County Sheriff's Office, as this week's Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. For 32 years, Captain Wiltrout, dedicated her career to serving and protecting the people of Summit County in a wide range of roles. Her work has spanned the corrections division, the patrol division and special operations, the detective bureau, and more. In 2021, Captain Wiltrout earned the Taskforce Director position for a State of Ohio Narcotics Taskforce, making her the first woman to run a Narcotics Taskforce in the State of Ohio. Just two years later, she was named 2023 Taskforce Commander of the Year for her exceptional work and dedication in her role. She was also the first woman to receive this honor in the State of Ohio. While in charge of the Drug Unit, Captain Wiltrout introduced new tools such as drone technology, and expanded the county's K9 unit from one dog to eight. Again, I want to thank Captain Michelle Wiltrout for her distinguished career serving our community, and congratulate her on being this week's Champion of the Week.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to talk about an issue that touches every community in this country, mental health. More than one in five adults in the United States lives with a mental illness. These are our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members. For many of us, the issue is deeply personal. Whether one lives in a big city or a small town, almost everyone has a person in their life who is struggling. Chances are that they know someone who has struggled or that they could be struggling themselves. In Ohio, we have seen just how urgent this crisis has become. We have only about half of the mental health behavioral workforce that we need to meet the demand. In fact, there is just one psychiatrist for every 6,000 Ohioans. That is not just a workforce problem. That is a public health emergency. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act would authorize hundreds of millions of dollars and much-needed Federal funding to address this crisis. It also includes my bipartisan legislation, the Mental Health Improvement Act, which provides tens of millions of dollars annually to expand our behavioral health workforce, helping to train, recruit, and retain mental health professionals across the country. It is a commonsense solution that will bring resources directly to communities like mine and yours, Mr. Speaker, helping to address addiction, reduce suicide, and ensure more Americans get the care they need when they need it. It is important that this program and others that are included in this bill actually reach the communities that desperately need the assistance. That is why I urge my colleagues to not only pass this bipartisan legislation but also to continue to advocate for its implementation. Just a few weeks ago, I visited a federally qualified health center in my district. It is called the I Promise Health Quarters, which is supported by the LeBron James Family Foundation. In a meeting with the behavioral health services there, they said they don't have enough people to work for the need that is in our community. This bill would be able to help it. While we have worked with and come up with a serious solution to this crisis, the administration has proposed cuts and fired hundreds of workers at agencies that are supposed to implement these very programs. This is unacceptable, undermining the Medicaid program and getting people kicked off. I can't even support this really great underlying bill because of the funding mechanisms. This is unacceptable, and this is why we must show the American people that we have put partisanship aside and put people first.

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, we can deliver meaningful results. We need to put programs in place that will help our citizens, save lives, and keep our communities safe.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Lisa Gissendaner, who retired recently as the Canton Program Director for The Ohio State University Young Scholars Program as this week's Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. Throughout her career, Lisa helped and supported countless students in Canton City Schools who aspired to be the first member of their family to attend college. Through her work, she has made a lasting impact on our community, undoubtedly inspiring many more to strive for higher education. The Young Scholars Program fosters generational change by instilling a college-going culture in underserved areas, inspiring younger siblings and peers to pursue higher education. For her outstanding devotion, Lisa earned the respect and esteem of many. In the wake of her departure, I know her numerous contributions will not be forgotten. I am confident that her fine character and decisive leadership will be sorely missed. Again, I thank Lisa Gissendaner for her distinguished career serving our community and congratulate her for being this week's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to lift up the voice of Julie Robbins, a small business owner from Akron, Ohio, who is sounding the alarm on behalf of hardworking Americans across the country. EarthQuaker Devices is a homegrown success story in downtown Akron, located in Ohio's 13th Congressional District. They manufacture guitar effect pedals, which are sold across the world, and everything from design to assembly is done right here in the United States. EarthQuaker Devices employs 34 workers and offers premium health insurance, paid sick leave, a 401(k) match, and competitive wages. In 2019, they were recognized as the SBA Exporter of the Year. In 2022, after decades of success, they invested in a state-of-the-art automated production line. This is what American manufacturing should look like, and it is the kind of manufacturing that helped build the middle class in Ohio and across the heartland. When we talk about supporting American businesses, EarthQuaker is who we should be talking about, and that is why I am talking about them today. Today, they are facing devastating consequences. Mr. Speaker, you may ask why. It is because of reckless tariff policies. EarthQuaker Devices imports raw materials because there are no domestic suppliers for the specialized electronic components that they need, but they export even more than they import. That means they bring in more money to our economy. They create jobs right here at home and in my district. The President's tariffs have increased their cost of goods by $500,000. Let me be more specific. The cost per pedal that currently costs $0.02 would increase to $12.80 by the end of the year, according to an article in the Akron Beacon Journal. That is a 640 percent increase in costs. With no relief in sight, they are being forced to raise prices, cut staff, and halt domestic innovation, all because of a policy that was supposed to help American manufacturing. Julie wrote to me earlier this year, and she said: ``Our effective tax rate has skyrocketed, with no explanation or benefit to us. . . . Where is the relief for businesses? Does the government truly not understand the impact of their actions, or is it their goal to destroy us?'' She goes on to say: ``For the first time, I am considering offshoring our manufacturing. This had never been an option for me, but these changes imposed on American businesses make it extremely difficult to manufacture here.'' Mr. Speaker, think about that for a moment. The President's tariff policy, which he alleges is meant to drive domestic innovation and manufacturing, is causing a small but mighty business in Akron to consider offshoring their manufacturing. This doesn't help Ohio's 13th District and the State of Ohio, and it does not help the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, let's be very clear. Tariffs are a useful tool to level the playing field, and, when properly implemented, they can create jobs and spur manufacturing. As someone from northeast Ohio, I have seen the consequences of bad trade deals and the impact of NAFTA. We are also home to President William McKinley, who the President often quotes and references in his trade policy, but it is 2025, and it is not making America great again to push American manufacturing offshore. Ohio exports more to Canada than its next six largest foreign markets combined. This country slapped tariffs on our allies. They retaliated, and it is our workers, businesses, and communities who pay the price. Foreign governments are not paying for these taxes, as the President has claimed. In 2023, Ohio exported over $58 billion of goods and services. That is not just trade. It is opportunity, jobs, and growth, and it is all being put at risk because of impulsive executive orders and a Congress that refuses to check and balance the administration. If our goal is to stop offshoring and revitalize American manufacturing, why are we punishing the companies that are driving innovation, the ones who are footing the bill? EarthQuaker Devices isn't some multinational conglomerate dodging taxes and hiding profits offshore. They are a small business that turned a passion for music and creativity into a business. They are our neighbors. They care about our community, and they give back. We should make it easier for them, not harder. To lower costs, let's go after the price-gouging billionaires and corporate monopolies, not small business owners keeping our communities alive. Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to listen to the voices of our constituents like Julie. Julie closed her letter to me with a plea not just for her business but for future generations and for the future of manufacturing in this country. Let us not fail them. Let us not fail Americans.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, every time I hear the name and the title of H.R. 1, I am stunned with how childish and immature it is to name a bill the way that the majority has. However, truly, it is the cruelty that is the worst part of this bill. When I was first elected, I told the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District that it may be my name on the ballot, but we are all going to Congress together. I made that promise because as a Representative, it is my responsibility to make sure that my constituents' needs are being addressed here in Washington. The people in Ohio's 13th Congressional District need lower costs. They need access to care, and they do not need this horrible, horrible bill. I have said many times before that access to maternal health, to infant mortality reduction, to making sure that people have access to substance and mental health services is what is so important. Mr. Speaker, there was no Republican mandate to kick our grandmothers out of nursing homes. However, the most important part about this is that when 30,000 jobs are on the line in Ohio's 13th Congressional District, Mr. Speaker, what are you going to say to my constituents? Will you call them lazy or worthless, unworthy of food, shelter, and human dignity? I already know the answer to that.

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I have heard you talk about them, that they are not important. They are totally unworthy of this horrible, horrific, mean, cruel, and nasty bill.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer a resolution honoring one of the most uncompromising voices for freedom in American history, abolitionist John Brown, on the occasion of the 225th anniversary of his birth. Born on May 9 in the year 1800 in Connecticut, John Brown was a man who did not simply believe in the cause of abolition. He lived for it. He fought for it. Ultimately, he died for it. From 1844 to 1854, John Brown and his family lived in Akron, Ohio, where he partnered in business with Colonel Simon Perkins, the son of the city's founder. In fact, the house that John Brown lived in was on the same street where I grew up. It was just a few hundred yards away. It was a constant and present reminder in my life to fight for what is right. John Brown was so much more than a businessman. He was a freedom fighter. His home in Akron became a stop on the Underground Railroad where he harbored enslaved people who had escaped and sought safety and a new life in a more enlightened part of the world. Later, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Brown used his wool warehouse as another station on the Underground Railroad. He offered dignity, protection, and skills to those who escaped slavery and freed men, including how to farm and sustain themselves in a new life free from bondage. He used his wool business as a means to travel, to connect, and to advance the cause of abolition across State lines. However, when Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which made it a Federal crime to aid a runaway slave and compelled even free States to enforce slavery, Brown took a very bold step. He organized the League of Gileadites, encouraging African Americans to train in arms to defend their freedom against re-enslavement. He made clear: Freedom was not a privilege. It was a right worth defending. In 1855, Brown and his sons traveled to Kansas, a territory torn by violent conflict over whether it would enter the Union as a free or a slave State. There he joined anti-slavery forces in what came to be known as Bleeding Kansas. He believed that slavery could not be voted away or reasoned away, it had to be confronted. In October of 1859, John Brown led one of the most daring and polarizing actions in American history. At Harpers Ferry, Virginia, he led a raid on the United States arsenal, intending to initiate a slave revolt. Although the raid ultimately failed and Brown was captured, tried, and executed, he succeeded in forcing a divided nation to confront the moral crisis of slavery. Mr. Speaker, John Brown's methods remain the subject of debate, but the righteousness of his cause is not. He understood what so many were unwilling to admit, that slavery was a profound evil, this country's original sin, and that waiting for gradual change meant accepting the continued suffering of millions. The House of Representatives now has the opportunity to formally recognize his legacy. This resolution honors and commemorates the 225th anniversary of John Brown's birth and recognizes the generational impact that John Brown had on the abolitionist movement and his enduring contributions to ending slavery in the United States of America. John Brown's life reminds us that moral courage often requires action, uncomfortable, unpopular, and even dangerous action. His legacy belongs not only to our past but to our ongoing struggling for justice today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to uplift the story of a hero from Ohio's 13th Congressional District, Mariah Stacy Frederick. Mariah is the voice and advocate for her daughter, who lives with spina bifida, a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly. For Mariah and her daughter, Medicaid is a crucial resource without which they would not be able to afford the proper care that her daughter requires for her condition. In her message to my office, Mariah said: ``I am asking for the budget to not touch Medicaid funding. My daughter is 2 years old and is just starting to walk on her own. This is all with the support she receives at physical therapy and the Help Me Grow [program]. I would be lost without all of these resources for her.'' Mariah's story is one of heroism, but not different than many of my other constituents', a mother working hard to provide for her daughter who was born and lives with a condition that requires the care that Medicaid provides. Mariah is fighting to make sure that her daughter is able to keep receiving that care alongside the 200,000 people in Ohio's 13th Congressional District. What makes this even more infuriating is that this bill is robbing the working poor to pay for tax cuts to buy a yacht or a second home. Mariah's story is inspiring, and she is not alone. Thousands of constituents from Ohio's 13th Congressional District have called and written to my offices in Akron, Canton, and here in D.C., imploring me to save Medicaid. That is exactly what I am going to do. I am going to fight for Mariah and Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the law enforcement officers serving in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Being a police officer is not an easy job. It is one of the most difficult and most dangerous jobs in our society, and in recent years, it has only gotten harder. As I have met with law enforcement agencies across northeast Ohio, I continue to hear the same concerns. Officers are overworked, stretched thin, and in need of better support and training to meet the demands of the job and the needs of our communities. That is why I have reintroduced the Law Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De-Escalation Act. This is bipartisan legislation that supports law enforcement officers by ensuring they have access to high-quality, real-world training that prepares them for the complex situations they face in the field. This bill requires the Department of Justice through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, also known as the COPS Office, to develop and distribute scenario-based training curricula that cover de- escalation, crisis intervention, use of force, situational awareness, decisionmaking under stress, and community relationship building. We know that when law enforcement has the tools and the training they need, it protects both the officers and the public. This bill creates a grant program to make these programs accessible to departments of all sizes, rural and urban, so that every officer in every community can benefit. This legislation is especially urgent for my community. June 27 will mark 3 years since Jayland Walker was shot and killed by police in Akron. April 18 marks the 1-year anniversary of Frank Tyson's death, which took place while he was in custody in Canton after pleading with detaining officers that he could not breathe. We cannot ignore these tragedies. We must respond to solutions that promote safety, accountability, and trust. That is exactly what this legislation is designed to do. We want our citizens and our officers to make it home to their loved ones at the end of the night. That is what this legislation will do. We are already seeing what is possible when departments commit to this type of training. I recognize the Canton Police Department for stepping up and participating in a 4-week de-escalation program following a recent high-profile incident involving use of force. Their involvement aligns directly with the goals of this legislation. By embracing immersive de- escalation training like the program offered by the Midwest De- Escalation Training Center, CPD has taken meaningful action to build trust with the community and improve safety outcomes for everyone in Canton. This is exactly what we want to see. We want to see police departments proactively seeking solutions to better serve and protect. It shows that when officers are equipped with the right tools, training, and support, we can prevent tragedies, rebuild relationships, and ensure that both officers and the public go home safely. The Law Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De- Escalation Act is supported by the National Fraternal Order of Police, the FOP, and the Akron NAACP because we all share the same goal of making sure that everyone goes home safely at the end of the night. When I came to Congress, I promised to put the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District first. That means supporting our officers, rebuilding trust in public safety, and working across the aisle to get things done. That is exactly what this bill does, and I look forward to seeing my colleagues advance this bill over the finish line. Again, as it is National Police Week, I thank all the law enforcement officers across Ohio's 13th District and the country for the service that they provide to protect and serve our communities.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the University of Akron Zips Women's Lacrosse team and their coach, Elaine Jones, as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week. For the first time ever, this lacrosse team won the Mid-American Conference Lacrosse Championship when they took down Robert Morris University in an overtime thriller to secure their first ever championship. With just 14 seconds left during overtime, a golden goal from Jaelyn Clinkscales propelled the Akron Zips Women's lacrosse team to victory. The odds were stacked against this team as they were picked to finish last this season in the MAC Preseason Coaches Poll, but they persevered and beat the odds coming in as the champions. This historic season was led by Coach Elaine Jones, who also won the MAC Coach of the Year Award. Congratulations again to the Akron Zips Women's lacrosse team for this outstanding victory. This team is a shining example of why this community is known as the birthplace of champions. I look forward to cheering them on next season. Go Zips.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Matrix M3 indoor percussion ensemble as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week. Last month, the M3 percussion ensemble performed at the WGI World Championships. After their preliminary performance left them just two points in the lead, M3 gave it their all in the finals, securing the first place prize. They are now world champions in the Scholastic Independent division after earning a final and near-perfect score. The WGI Championship was the final competition in the Matrix M3 percussion ensemble's busy season, after competing in seven different contests across the Midwest. The group is a perfect example of why Ohio's 13th Congressional District is known as the birthplace of champions. I look forward to seeing all that they accomplish in the future. Once again, I congratulate the Matrix M3 indoor percussion ensemble for bringing home this gold medal. Our community is so very proud of their hard work and incredible talent.