Emilia Sykes

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 43, which authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. The All-American Soap Box Derby, which first began in 1934, is the contest of the year in Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the Birthplace of Champions. Through ingenuity, teamwork, and determination, more than 350 qualifiers from across the globe make their way to the Derby Downs track in Akron, Ohio, for the Soap Box Derby World Championship, supported by more than 1,000 volunteers and 10,000 spectators every year. The Soap Box Derby supports education and leadership development for youth across the 13th District and the Nation. The competition empowers young people, who build their own gravity-powered and STEAM-driven cars, to learn about the value of STEM and prepare them to succeed in the future. Again, I am proud to cosponsor this legislation and so glad to see such an important event to our community in the Nation's Capital. I look forward to welcoming everyone to Ohio's 13th District for the world championship in July. Best of luck to all the competitors.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Madam Speaker, today, we honor a former Member of this body, a lifelong servant to the people of Akron and Summit County, and my friend, Tom Sawyer. Tom died this week following a long illness, and I first want to extend my sincere and deepest sympathies to his wife, Joyce, his daughter Amanda, and all who knew and loved him. In 1986, then-city of Akron Mayor Tom Sawyer launched his campaign for Congress. A constituent shared with me that my father was at that announcement, but he had to leave early to meet my mother, who was at the hospital after she had just delivered me. We were on our way home. Tom was the last person from Akron to serve in this body of Congress, and I am honored to follow in his footsteps and his legacy as a Member of Congress from the city of Akron, the Birthplace of Champions, of course. Tom was born and raised in our hometown of Akron, and he dedicated his life to our community through nearly 50 years of service, including as an English teacher, mayor of Akron, State representative, State school board member, and Congressperson serving in this Chamber. A proud graduate of Buchtel High School and the University of Akron, Tom was a champion for our school system and made it his mission to ensure every student in northeast Ohio had access to high-quality education and an opportunity to succeed. While we were members of the Ohio State legislature, I had the opportunity to work alongside Tom to represent the city of Akron and watched his commitment to the people of our community. He was a staunch advocate for Medicaid expansion, our public schools, and ending partisan gerrymandering. In fact, Tom and I were also neighbors. We lived on the same street, and we served each other in the legislature, yet we were represented by two different Members of Congress. I will sincerely miss my friend, my mentor, my neighbor, and a true, dedicated public servant, Tom Sawyer. Without a doubt, former Congressman Sawyer left a mark on Akron, the State of Ohio, and this country. His impact will always be felt in these Halls and the city of Akron and across the country.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on House Republicans to stop the partisan politics and pay our bills. It is my top priority to ensure everyone in Ohio's 13th Congressional District feels safe and secure at every stage of their lives, but the Republicans' manufactured crisis, forcing an impossible choice between devastating cuts or devastating default, directly undermines the safety and security of the people of Ohio's 13th District. House Republicans' demands would jeopardize Social Security payments for 110,000 seniors in places like Stow, Hudson, and Twinsburg. It would cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs health coverage benefits for 322,000 families in cities like Barberton and Akron. It would threaten the retirement savings of 109,000 northeast Ohioans who worked so hard so that they could retire securely. That is over half of my district, Mr. Speaker. Republicans' demands significantly cut Federal support to local law enforcement agencies and slash crime prevention grants heading into the summer. Law enforcement agencies in my district, in Stark County, are already understaffed and struggling to fill more than 80 positions across the county.

Mrs. SYKES. Why, Mr. Speaker, do you want my people to suffer? Ohio's 13th District cannot afford these cuts. They will make our communities less safe.

Mrs. SYKES. I will not yield back while the Republicans are holding our communities hostage and making our communities----

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy put forth a joint resolution recognizing Peace Officers Memorial Day as May 15. On May 15 of this year, the Nation came together to pause and recognize officers who have been killed in the line of duty. Two of those officers who were recognized are from Ohio's 13th Congressional District and served honorably in the Akron Police Department. Those officers, Kenneth ``Kenny'' Jones and Officer Edward Stewart, affectionately known as Stew, were both recognized on May 15 of this year. Officer Kenny Jones was a dedicated officer who selflessly served Akron and protected our citizens with courage and commitment. Officer Jones was a lifelong Akron resident who attended Garfield High School and the University of Akron. A graduate of the Akron Police Academy, Officer Jones was with the Akron Police Department for nearly 26 years. Officer Jones exemplified the very essence of what it means to be a public servant. Day in and day out, he served his community, embodying the values of integrity, honor, and duty. Officer Jones went above and beyond to build bridges of trust and understanding within the Akron community. His colleagues noted that he always had a smile on his face, and he would even pray for and with strangers he served in the community. Officer Jones was also a leader to his fellow officers, who looked up to him not only because he was a towering 6-foot-5, but because he served as a role model for how to treat people with respect and kindness. Sadly, Officer Jones' life was tragically cut short. This unexpected loss reminds us of the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make, often facing unforeseen dangers and enduring stress while on the job. On behalf of the entire Ohio 13th Congressional District community, I extend my deepest condolences to Officer Jones' family, his friends, and his colleagues. His unwavering service and dedication will forever be remembered, and the joy he brought to the community will never be forgotten. Officer Edward Stewart, affectionately known as Stew, was a longtime veteran of the Akron Police Department who also dedicated his life to humbly protecting and serving the people of Akron. Officer Stewart began his career as a civilian employee in 1993 before pursuing his passion and joining the police academy in 1993, as well. After graduating from the academy, Officer Stewart served the community as a transport wagon officer for his entire career. Officer Stewart embodied the essence of public service as someone who was always willing to step up and assist those in need, whether that be his fellow officers or members of the community. Officer Stewart, sadly, passed away in 2020, one of too many exceptional frontline responders who were lost after contracting COVID- 19 in the line of duty. I was able to speak with Officer Stewart's wife, Lisa, this week to offer my sincere condolences on behalf of the entire Ohio 13th Congressional District. Lisa shared that Officer Stewart was a loving husband, father, and grandfather whose intelligence and thirst for knowledge was admired by his family, friends, and colleagues. Officer Stewart's selfless acts of public service will never be forgotten, and we will continue to uphold his legacy by continuing to work toward a safer community and safer future for all. Both of these officers left behind families, a community, and loved ones who truly respected and cared for them. On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I extend my sincere and deepest condolences to those who loved them, those who cared for them, and those who will miss seeing them every single day. Peace Officer Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to stop and pause to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty and thank them for their never-ending service to our communities. We thank Officer Stewart and Officer Jones. May their memory be a blessing.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call on Congress to commit to paying its bills and ensure that the significant investments of the Inflation Reduction Act are protected. The Inflation Reduction Act is a historic investment that tackles the climate crisis and strengthens American energy security, all while lowering costs for families and businesses, creating millions of good- paying jobs for American workers, and delivering on a clean energy future for our children and grandchildren. What does this mean for Ohio's 13th Congressional District? It means because of the Inflation Reduction Act, my constituents can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars every year by taking advantage of tax credits to promote clean and efficient energy. It means that in just the few months that I have served here in Congress, Ohio has already received millions of dollars through the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce climate pollution in our community so all people in Ohio's 13th District can breathe clean air and drink clean water and live in a safe and healthy environment. Despite these benefits, House Republicans are falsely claiming we only have two options: default on our debt and cause economic catastrophe or default on America by slashing environmental spending and cutting clean energy jobs funded through the IRA. We must reject the majority's false choice. The clock is ticking. I will not allow partisan politics to threaten the livelihoods of people and families in Ohio's 13th District.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ohio's 13th District champions of the week: The founding mothers of the Canton Domestic Violence Project, Helen Syrios, Nancy Boylan, and the late Gertrude Kennedy. These three courageous women founded the Domestic Violence Project in 1978 when domestic violence was often met with silence, fear, and ignorance, yet they persevered. It was their pioneering acts of empathy, strength, and resilience that would change countless lives forever. After 45 years, the Domestic Violence Project has provided shelter to thousands of battered women and children in Stark County, becoming one of the largest shelters in Ohio. The Domestic Violence Project provides a lifeline to survivors, a place where they can feel empowered, find healing, and gain the tools necessary to break free from the cycle of abuse. The courageous service of Helen, Nancy, and Gertrude regularly forced them to risk their own safety to help women of all backgrounds escape from abusive homes, and their unrelenting dedication deserves recognition. The countless lives that have been saved and the increased safety can be traced back to the selflessness of Nancy, Helen, and Gertrude, who worked so tirelessly so that no one in Ohio's 13th District felt unsafe in their own home. We honor their legacy, and together we will continue to build a future where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered.

Mrs. SYKES

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

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, before I joined Congress, I was a State representative in the great State of Ohio. During the pandemic, my office fielded hundreds if not thousands of calls from parents, seniors, veterans, farmers, and families, all who needed help, and we did. Unbeknownst to my constituents, the IT systems at the State agencies in Ohio processed those claims. Those IT systems needed to be updated. The staff roles had been decimated and protections were not in place. Months after those families sighed a breath of relief, they received a letter demanding repayment. Mr. Speaker, if you have never been on the other end of a phone call where someone has cried or wailed in fear of financial ruin or about how they are going to feed their families or pay their bills or get their medication, I can understand why you would vote for this bill. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I have, and I cannot support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I understand the need to stop fraud, and I understand the need to do this work. I look forward to doing it with you someday, but this bill would not do it. In fact, it actually eliminates $2 billion of the funds to update the system that caused this problem and put my constituents in this situation in the first place. Mr. Speaker, I was sent here to fight for families, to lower costs-- not to criminalize Americans--and to support them with bills that will help their families live the American Dream. Mr. Speaker, I will offer a motion to recommit H.R. 1163, and I ask unanimous consent to add the text of this amendment into the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

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

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, I rise today to recognize the tireless efforts of all the educators in Ohio's 13th Congressional District. Our dedicated educators play a critical role in shaping the lives of our children, forming the backbone of our educational system. Their unwavering commitment to providing quality education to our children not only deserves our recognition but our support. They need action in Congress, and I am proud to co-lead the Educators for America Act, a comprehensive legislative package which will invest in our children and support the recruitment and retention of diverse, well-qualified educators across the country. I am also a cosponsor of the American Teacher Act, which will ensure that teacher salaries reflect the tremendous value educators bring to our communities. Our communities are strongest when we invest in our teachers and provide them with the resources and tools they need to succeed. On behalf of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, I sincerely thank our teachers for their countless contributions to our children and our society. Their dedication and passion for teaching inspires us all, and we are grateful for the role they play in building better lives and brighter futures for our children, inside and outside the classroom.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Workers Memorial Day, a day where we honor workers who have lost their lives, endured injuries, or become ill due to unsafe working conditions or exposure to chemicals in the workplace. Mary Harris Jones--some know her better as Mother Jones--was a champion of workers' rights during the industrial revolution. She reminded us to ``pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.'' That is what we are going to do today and every day, not by just simply remembering these workers who sacrificed their safety, health, and lives because that is simply not enough. We must continue to fight for safe jobs for all. I am proud to stand with unions to protect workers' rights. Nearly every health and safety protection that working people across our Nation have, can be traced back to the work of unions. I can say with confidence that you cannot find a harder working group of people than those in Ohio's 13th Congressional District. We are resilient, dedicated, and determined, and we deserve strong workplace standards to protect the health and safety of our neighbors, coworkers, and families. I will continue to stand with unions in the fight for dignity in the workplace so all Ohioans can feel safe and secure when they go to work each day. Mr. Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues in advance for remembering and recognizing April 28 as Workers Memorial Day.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly represent Ohio's 13th District, the birthplace of champions. I rise today to congratulate Ohio 13's champion of the week: the Hudson Middle School Science Olympiad team, which recently placed first and second at the Eastern Regional tournament at the University of Akron. Against 11 teams, Hudson Middle School dominated, winning 22 out of the 23 events and earning 44 sets of medals out of a possible 46. This team's hard work, dedication, and perseverance has truly paid off, and I am honored to acknowledge this incredible achievement. By winning the Eastern Regional tournament, they have not only demonstrated their exceptional talent and intelligence, but they have also proven that with focus and hard work, anything is possible. As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I applaud the entire team's dedication and passion for science. They have set a wonderful example for their peers, and I have no doubt that these students will be future leaders and innovators in the STEM field. Once again, congratulations to Hudson Middle School Science Olympiad team on this well-deserved victory.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, as the Congresswoman for Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the birthplace of champions, I rise today to congratulate Ohio's 13th District Champion of the Week, Ms. Taylor Mikesell. Taylor was selected by the Indiana Fever in this year's WNBA draft, and she is the third Stark County player to be drafted by a WNBA team. Taylor is an extremely talented shooting guard who honed her skills at Jackson High School before playing at the University of Maryland and the University of Oregon, and finally concluding her college career at The Ohio State University. She was a two-time All-Big 10 selection with the Buckeyes and ranked among the top five in the Nation in 3-pointers made per game in both seasons. Taylor helped lead Ohio State to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1993, hitting seven 3-pointers to match a career high, and scored 25 points in her final game. As we have seen women's basketball continue to grow in popularity, I am proud of Taylor's contribution to women's sports. Taylor's success serves as an inspiration to young athletes who dream of pursuing a career in professional sports, and she has paved the way for future generations of young athletes to follow their dreams. Once again, congratulations to Taylor Mikesell, the Ohio 13 Champion of the Week. I am confident that she will continue to make our community proud as she takes her talents to the national stage.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Madam Speaker, I was absent for today's vote so that I could help find a path forward for my community following today's grand jury decision to not indict Akron police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on rollcall No. 183 and yea on rollcall No. 184. personal explanation

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Chair, I rise today to put on the Record my opposition to H.R. 1, the polluters over people act, for the many unnecessary and unhelpful provisions that would jeopardize the health and well-being of Ohio's 13th Congressional District and communities across this great Nation. I find it hard to believe that the bill designated as H.R. 1, the priority bill that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are uplifting, would increase the national deficit all while endangering our communities by creating unsafe drinking water. That is the priority, increasing the national debt and making us less safe. Everyone here agrees that we must ensure that the Federal Government is approving domestic energy projects safely and quickly, and we can all agree that the current permitting process leaves much to be desired. However, this process should not come at the expense of the communities who simply want clean drinking water. I have been in Congress, Mr. Chair, for about 3 months, and this is at least the second time this body has rejected clean water. All of this in the backdrop of a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, just about 40 miles from my district. We know pollution knows no boundaries, particularly no congressional boundaries. Whether it is East Palestine or Portage County where I represent, I simply cannot stand silent as polluters attempt to poison our water. Further, Mr. Chair, I have listened to accusations of activist Governors who would weaponize provisions of the Clean Water Act. For that reason, States like mine, Ohio, with a Republican Governor, Republican statewide leaders, and a Republican supermajority in the legislature should not decide how to protect the people of our State. Again, I am shocked about the total disregard of the people of Ohio simply to protect polluters. Mr. Chair, my community elected me to find bipartisan solutions, not pollute their water or pursue partisan politics, and that is why I offered an amendment that would allow States to decide what they thought was best for their community, and particularly in a State like Ohio where there is a train derailment that has jeopardized the water quality and safety in Ohio. However, that amendment was rejected. There is nothing partisan about wanting to make sure our children and our neighbors can drink a glass of water without worrying if chemicals like vinyl chloride are also being consumed. Time and time and time again, my colleagues are promoting and protecting polluters at the expense of our people, and I simply refuse to vote for this bill.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate the John R. Buchtel boys' basketball team, from Ohio's 13th Congressional District, for winning their first State title in the program's history. This past weekend, the Buchtel Griffins defeated Lutheran West 51-49 in a dramatic Division II title game that went down to the buzzer. As someone who grew up on the west side of Akron, where Buchtel is located, this title means so much to our community. Buchtel is the first Akron Public Schools team to win a State boys' basketball championship since 1986. The entire 1040 nation is so proud of these student athletes for their incredible win and their excellence, determination, and work ethic both on and off the court. I also congratulate the head coach, Rayshon Dent, and the staff, trainers, parents, and cheerleaders who all supported this team in their journey to the State championship. Ohio's 13th Congressional District is truly the birthplace of champions, and Buchtel's win cements our status. Congratulations once more to the Ohio 13 Champion of the Week, the mighty Griffins, for bringing the 2023 Division II trophy back to Akron.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Moore for organizing this Special Order hour so that we can recognize women who have led the way who are trailblazers, history makers, glass breakers, and overall fantastic human beings. You may know or you may not know, Mr. Speaker, that Ohio has elected 13 women to Congress. These women have been incredible role models and leaders for girls and women as well as boys and men across this country, but particularly for us in Ohio. I am going to take a few moments today just to talk about a few of those women, just about eight of them, starting in 1977 with the first Democratic woman elected to Congress from Ohio. Her name was Mary Rose Oakar. She, at the age of 36, was one of the youngest women ever elected to Congress and the first Arab-American woman ever elected to Congress in the United States. Mr. Speaker, the next Democratic woman elected to Congress, you know her, we all serve with her, she is the dean of the Ohio delegation and the longest-serving woman in Congress, Marcy Kaptur. She has been called the queen of the Great Lakes because of her advocacy. But there is nothing you can mistake about Congresswoman Kaptur that would make you think that she did not believe strongly in the people of Toledo and the people of northwest Ohio. Our third Democratic woman from Ohio was none other than Stephanie Tubbs Jones, the first Black woman elected from the State of Ohio. Unfortunately, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones lost her life in 2008, but I got to know her and my family got to know her very well. Her spirit and her passion were unmatched. The people of Cleveland were the people whom she always, always championed. Something that she said stuck out to me. I want to read it to you here, Mr. Speaker, because this is a great reminder for all of us who serve in this hallowed institution. She said that if they--our constituents--are willing to stand at the polls for countless hours in the rain, then I should surely stand up for them here in Congress. The fourth woman from Ohio I would like to acknowledge is Congresswoman--now judge of the Ninth District Court of Appeals--Betty Sutton. She was the youngest woman elected, and I am honored to take her seat, Ohio's 13th District in Congress. Betty Sutton was not only a Member of Congress, now the judiciary, but also local city, county, and State elected office. Following Betty Sutton, I am going to acknowledge Marcia Fudge, a woman who certainly needs no introduction, who now serves as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Congresswoman, now Secretary, Fudge served the House from northeast Ohio honorably for seven terms, and we are grateful for her new position where she leads this Nation in affordable housing for all people, no matter where they may reside across the country. Mary Jo Kilroy, the Congresswoman from central Ohio served one term, and she was a vocal supporter of the Affordable Care Act. It is a fitting tribute to talk about her today, considering it is the 13th anniversary of that bill passing. She was instrumental in a very important vote ensuring healthcare for people across this Nation. The first Democratic minority leader in the Ohio House you may not know, Mr. Speaker, was none other than Joyce Beatty. She was the former CBC chair, most recently serving, and someone who I was able to follow in the Ohio legislature. She is a towering figure here in Congress, and we are so excited to have her as a leader in central Ohio. Shontel Brown, who won not one, not two, but three elections in a very short amount of time to make sure that folks knew how serious she was about representing the people of northeast Ohio. She came from Warrensville Heights City Council to the Cuyahoga County Council to becoming the first Black woman to lead the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am number 13, Emilia Sykes, representing the 13th Congressional District of Ohio and Ohio's 13th female Member elected to Congress. Mr. Speaker, as I close my remarks, I remind those who may be watching that none of us would be here, none of the women that we have talked about, without the gracious and tenacious activities of the suffragettes who made sure that we even had the right to vote so we could stand here in Congress to advocate for our communities. I always like to talk about Sojourner Truth. Although she was not a Member of Congress and although she was not a person from Ohio, she gave a very important speech in my district, Ohio 13, called Ain't I a Woman. At the end of that speech, she reminded us that if the first woman that God ever made was strong enough to turn this world upside down, then all these women together ought to be able to get it right side up again. That is the legacy of the women from Ohio and throughout the Nation who have served in this Congress have done, get this world right side up again.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Archbishop Hoban boys' basketball team from Ohio's 13th Congressional District and the city of Akron for winning the Division I boys basketball championship for the year 2023. On Sunday, the Archbishop Hoban Knights defeated Pickerington Central 53-47 in the Division I championship, marking the team's first title in 34 years. This was Archbishop Hoban's first appearance at the State championship since they last won the title in 1989. These student athletes have made the entire Akron community proud and continue to display their excellence, determination, and work ethic both on the court and in the classroom. I also congratulate head coach T.K. Griffith, who has led the Hoban boys' basketball program for 30 years, as well as the staff, trainers, parents, cheerleaders, and everyone who helped carry these student athletes over the finish line. They are, in fact, the reason why Ohio 13 is the birthplace of champions. Congratulations one more time to Ohio 13's Champions of the Week, the fearless Knights, for bringing the Division I trophy back home to Akron.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.J. Res. 27, which would nullify the rule titled: ``Revised Definition of `Waters of the United States.' '' As the vice ranking member of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, I am extremely aware of the crucial role clean water plays in the success of our Nation's economy, including agriculture and energy development, as well as the health of our communities. This resolution is the latest attempt to attack longstanding critical safeguards for clean water with an utter disregard for the devastating impact this will have on hardworking American families. In Ohio, we have had to bear the brunt of the reckless disregard for safeguards that has contaminated water supplies and caused irreversible harm, some of which we can't even begin to quantify. My colleague aptly identified multiple issues and examples from Ohio that explain why it is necessary to protect our water, whether it is toxic chemicals from a train derailment; a burning lake--imagine that; or compromised drinking water due to algal blooms, which happened in northeast Ohio in our Great Lake, Lake Erie, which is a significant resource for us in our Ohio community. A good clean water source has been impacted, and many others across the country could be as well. Mr. Speaker, this legislation unquestionably undermines the Clean Water Act, and it is unnecessary and a glaring attack on future attempts to protect our Nation's water quality. When a rule is undone using the Congressional Review Act process, future administrations are prevented from issuing rules that are substantially the same, which could and very likely will undermine agencies in their activities to stop bad actors who pollute our waterways. I understand the need for regulatory certainty, and I certainly want to help us achieve that. Whether it is to provide certainty for businesses, local governments, State governments, farmers, hunters, fishers, or builders, Americans deserve that certainty. Mr. Speaker, isn't it important to ensure that our constituents, including my constituents in Ohio's 13th District, have certainty when they turn on the tap that they are sure they are not drinking toxic water that may be a carcinogen that will impact their health in the future? It is important that all people, regardless of where they live, or their economic standing, creed, or color, have access to clean water. It is how we put people above politics. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``no'' emphatically.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, let me first start by acknowledging my colleagues from the great States of Illinois and Florida for organizing this Special Order hour to discuss protecting the Voting Rights Act. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the most sacred right we have as Americans, a cornerstone of our democracy, the freedom to vote. Mr. Speaker, you may know that on January 6, 2023, exactly 2 years after the antidemocratic insurrection on this Nation's Capitol, my home State, the State of Ohio, enacted one of the strictest, most restrictive antivoter laws in the entire country. This law works to silence the voice of Ohioans, including my constituents in Ohio's 13th Congressional District, by creating deliberate barriers to voting, including reducing the number of early voting hours and enacting unnecessarily strict photo ID requirements, one of the most stringent in the country. Just a few weeks ago, the largest county in Ohio's 13th Congressional District had the fourth highest amount of names purged from the voter rolls, over 5,000 of the 125,000 statewide. But this blatant attack on freedom to vote is not just a phenomenon in my home State of Ohio. No, Mr. Speaker, since the 2022 election, 19 states have enacted laws that make it harder for Americans to cast their ballot. Mr. Speaker, remember it was the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a bipartisan piece of legislation, that ensured that States who are plenty happy to disenfranchise Black and Brown voters had to take additional steps to ensure and allow people to vote. It is our duty as Representatives elected by the people of these United States to put people over politics and do everything within our power to strengthen our democracy and protect the sacred right to vote in free, fair, and secure elections. We must restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act and take the necessary steps to ensure access to the ballot box by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to rise to the urgency of this moment by using every tool at our disposal to protect the right to vote. Our democracy simply cannot wait. Equal access to the ballot for every American must be our focus.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate a philanthropist, a community activist, a constituent of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the birthplace of champions, and the greatest basketball player of all time, LeBron James, but we know him as just a kid from Akron, the GOAT, or King James. Yesterday, LeBron broke the NBA's scoring record previously set by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with 38,390 points. It was a feat that once seemed almost impossible for anyone except for LeBron, but James has become known for making the improbable part of his routine, including four NBA championships and numerous MVP titles. Mr. Speaker, LeBron James has scored 38,390 points in his career, making history on the 38th day of the year of his 38th year of life with 38 points. LeBron, we celebrate you and all of your accomplishments. You have, indeed, earned the title of greatest of all time and cemented Ohio's 13th Congressional District as the birthplace of champions. From one kid from Akron to another, LeBron, we are proud of you.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during the first Congressional Black Caucus Special Order of the year to stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones in support of the safety and security of American citizens. Tomorrow, during the State of the Union, I will be joined by Ms. Pamela Walker, a police accountability advocate and mother of Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old unarmed Black man from Akron, Ohio, who was fatally shot 46 times by police in June of 2022. Jayland Walker was just 25 years old. He was a kind, quiet, and thoughtful young family man who regularly spent time with his mother, grandmother, and sister. He was just beginning to live his life with aspirations of starting his own business or becoming a professional wrestler. His mother described him as the son that every mother dreams of, talked about how proud she was to be his mother. Ms. Walker is coming to the Capitol in honor of her son, demanding accountability, public safety, and change so that her son will not have died in vain or anyone else's son. No mother should ever have to go through what Ms. Walker experienced. Despite her unimaginable grief, she has displayed unwavering strength, dignity, and perseverance. Mr. Speaker, we must reexamine our institutions, how they operate and are governed, without the polarizing rhetoric that only leads to division and not solutions because the longer we are divided and legislation is not passed, the more lives hang in the balance, and public safety and security is too important to play with. We need to create a level of trust where our law enforcement officers feel like they are a part of the community, and we must also take steps to improve police accountability. There is still much work to be done to restore trust between the police and the communities they serve. That is why I felt it was important to have Ms. Walker join me tomorrow. Let her presence signify that enough is enough. We, as a Nation, have reached an inflection point because too many lives have been lost. I join my colleagues in calling for robust reexamination of our policing system, wholesale public safety policies, and bipartisan national solutions to this issue before more lives are lost.

Mrs. SYKES

Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 21, the Strategic Production Response Act. H.R. 21 is unnecessary, and it is harmful legislation that will have devastating consequences for hardworking American families, and its impact on our environment will resonate for generations to come. My district is home to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which receives more than 2.2 million visitors every year. Under H.R. 21, this irreplaceable national park and others across the Nation could be subjected to unnecessary oil and gas drilling, devastating ecosystems, our environment, our economy, and our communities. Our National Park System plays an essential role in the advancement of our communities. They create jobs, strengthen the local economy, contribute to local infrastructure development, and help to conserve the natural environment, cultural assets, and traditions that we hold dear. H.R. 21 is not a comprehensive, strategic legislative undertaking that puts the needs of hardworking Americans first; in fact, it does the opposite. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I cannot support this wholly unnecessary and harmful legislation in its current form, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``no.''