Rashida Tlaib

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Joseph Anthony Fiddler, better known as ``Amp,'' as we mourn his passing. Amp Fiddler was born May 16, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan. His family instilled in him a deep appreciation for music. He grew up surrounded by the sounds of Detroit's Motown, rock, jazz, and funk. As a child, Mr. Fiddler studied piano and eventually keyboard. He found his first professional work as a musician with Enchantment, a Detroit-based soul act. He was eventually discovered by the legendary George Clinton and went on to perform regularly with Parliament-Funkadelic between 1985 and 1996. It was during this time that Fiddler honed his skills on the keyboard and synthesizers, contributing significantly to the band's distinctive sound. Beyond his work with P-Funk, Fiddler collaborated with notable artists such as Prince, Seal, and Maxwell. His studio, Camp Amp, became a hub for aspiring musicians. He mentored J Dilla, another notable Detroit musician, putting him on the path to developing his signature style. Fiddler enjoyed a successful solo career, marked by his blending of classic funk with contemporary sound, in addition to his numerous collaborations. Despite his stellar career, Fiddler always remained humble and dedicated to his craft and community. Please join me in recognizing the musical contributions of Amp Fiddler, a true guiding force for Detroit's musical culture, as we mourn his loss.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Joseph ``Amp'' Fiddler as we mourn his passing. Amp Fiddler was born in Detroit and grew up surrounded by the sounds of Motown, rock, jazz, funk, and electronic music. His big break came when he joined the legendary George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic. It was during this time that Amp honed his skills on the keyboard and synthesizers, contributing significantly to the band's distinctive sound. Fiddler collaborated with many notable artists, like Prince and is credited with helping launch the pioneering hip-hop sounds of our own Detroit's legendary J Dilla. He enjoyed a long and successful solo career, marked by his distinctive blend of funk and contemporary sounds. Fiddler always remained humble and dedicated to his craft and our community. Please join me in recognizing Amp Fiddler, a true guiding force for Detroit's musical culture as we mourn his loss.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, on January 5, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby revealed that the Biden administration hasn't bothered to conduct a formal review of the Israeli Government's compliance with international law since the genocide in Gaza began. Then on January 18, we learned that the State Department allegedly uses special mechanisms to review and shield the Government of Israel from consequences under U.S. law when reviewing violations of human rights committed by the government. The level of support for Netanyahu's war crimes by the Biden administration and the majority of this body is beyond belief, especially when the majority of the American people want the war crimes to end. I am proud to have led a letter with colleagues in requesting that the President and the nonpartisan group called the Government Accountability Office take the long overdue step of reviewing whether the U.S. security aid to Israel is violating Leahy laws and the President's own conventional arms transfer policy. We should be consistent, but also relentless in assuring that the American weapons are not used to commit war crimes anywhere in the world. That is the bare minimum. President Biden and the U.S. Government have the power to make sure that we are holding every government accountable that we are sending weapons to. We must facilitate a lasting cease-fire now to ensure the safety of everyone that lives there.

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, Delta workers deserve the right to organize without intimidation from Delta executives. We know that when workers come together in solidarity, they create a strong, collective voice for safer work environments. We must empower all the workers to speak out against injustice in their workplace, not silence them. Recently, the Labor Caucus met with Delta flight attendants that are organizing with Delta AFA as well as Delta workers from Teamsters, machinists unions, to hear about their unionizing efforts. I heard many of their stories, Mr. Speaker, about being targeted for union organizing efforts after decades of loyalty to the company. This is unacceptable, and frankly, shameful. It is clear that Delta executives are engaging in bullying, union busting, retaliation, and even suspension of their employees for their union campaigns. As a proud daughter of the UAW, I know the power of a union, and I will continue to fight for every worker to have the right to organize unions and collectively bargain for better working conditions and higher and fair pay without fear of being targeted or fired. Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to stand with the workers and hold Delta executives accountable for their antiunion tactics. Honoring the Life of Faye Awada

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I knew the extraordinary woman named Faye Awada. She was a remarkable woman who left a legacy that has deeply impacted the community. Faye Awada's work was rooted in compassion and resilience, and she dedicated her life to helping others. Born in Lebanon, Faye was the eldest of 13. She immigrated to the United States in 1960. Her early struggles as a young mother fueled her determination to uplift the needs of our community. She devoted her life and assisted over 500,000 families that we know of with translation and other services. Faye was a trailblazer, emerging as one of Michigan's first female entrepreneurs. Her impact earned her the community spotlight award for unwavering dedication. Mr. Speaker, let us please honor her legacy and achievements as we continue the work that she began. I am sending love and strength to Faye Awada's family. ``May she rest in power,'' ``Allah Yerhama.'' Violation of the Leahy Laws and Conventional Arms Transfer Policy

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, DTE Energy, an investor-owned utility monopoly in southeast Michigan, charges some of the highest rates in our Nation but provides some of the most unreliable service. They also carry out hundreds of thousands of cruel utility shutoffs per year. Over 100,000 DTE customers in southeast Michigan were forced to go days without power and heat during extreme cold and hot weather. This is because, instead of investing in reliability, DTE invests in profits and pays their shareholders and executives first. DTE's own CEO makes $10 million a year while families in southeast Michigan are going without power, again, during some of the coldest days this past week. Investor-owned utilities like DTE have failed to invest in the infrastructure upgrades to the grid that are necessary to prevent these outages. Instead, they are choosing to maximize profits for their shareholders while spending millions on campaign contributions to avoid real accountability in Lansing. My residents are sick and tired of wealthy corporate executives lining their pockets while our neighbors are exploited and price gouged. That is why I am proud to have introduced a resolution with Congresswoman Cori Bush and Congressman Jamaal Bowman. It is a resolution recognizing the human right to utilities. It is important that we understand that access to utilities is not a privilege. It is a fundamental human right. In the richest country on Earth, every single family should not go without electricity, heat, and water. We need utilities that serve the people, not shareholders. We need to take the profit motive out of the services we all need to live and thrive. Yemen Strikes

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I stand in solidarity with the billions of people all around the world who are demanding a cease-fire now. The majority of Americans support de-escalation and a lasting cease- fire, yet the President has threatened to escalate this into a regional war instead of doing anything to stop Netanyahu's genocidal bombing campaign. Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are being murdered by American weapons funded by our tax dollars. Lebanese national civilians are being killed, and now the Yemeni people are under threat. Prior to the Israeli Government's assault on Gaza, Yemen was facing the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth, with much of the population living on the brink of famine. President Biden was legally required to seek authorization from Congress prior to launching these strikes. He did not do so and, as a result, has violated the United States Constitution. This is completely unacceptable. Many of my colleagues have correctly called out the Biden administration for bypassing Congress. The American people do not want to be dragged into yet another endless war in the Middle East. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Founders' Day

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with immense pride and joy in recognizing and celebrating the Founders' Day of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. This marks a time of reflection, appreciation, and unity for a sisterhood committed to the service of others. Zeta Phi Beta was founded on the principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. This sisterhood has fostered academic excellence and empowerment in our communities. From educational initiatives to advocating for social justice, Zeta Phi Beta has been a force for good. We continue to honor the vision of our founders: Arizona Cleaver Stemons, Pearl Anna Neal, Myrtle Tyler Faithful, and Viola Tyler Goings. Happy Founders' Day to my sorors of Zeta Phi Beta. I am so proud to be a part of the sisterhood. To all of the January D9 family, happy Founders' Day. May their commitment to excellence and service continue to inspire us all.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, if the technology existed, I really and truly believe the GOP would put tethers on the ovaries of women around our country as a result of this type of overreach and control. This bill literally would target and bully our daughters on college campuses. If this bill claims to support our daughters, then let's talk about programs that truly support our daughters. Lifesaving programs that help women after a baby has been born are getting cut left and right. The legislation creates no new rights and no protections under Title IX, no protections from discrimination or information on how to file a Federal civil rights claim. Literally, the only requirement is that our daughters on college campuses be targeted and shamed. That is exactly what it is. This is all while the Republican majority does nothing--nothing--to stop the unbelievable crisis we have with infant mortality, Black maternal health, and so much more. We have to beg to fund WIC in this Chamber. WIC specifically supports pregnant women. Women are already being forced to work harder just to make ends meet and put food on the table for their families. Yet again, though, we are going to target them. We are going to sit there and pretend that this is to help them. I represent, Madam Speaker, some communities struggling the most. So many of those struggling are mothers. One came to my office in tears because the early childhood program in her neighborhood was cut. She said that was the place where her children could get fed twice a day. This is what we have become. We want to bully and shame women in our country. I am proud to support the women in our country, and I am going to be so proud to be able to vote ``no'' on this extreme, antiwomen legislation. Let's not gaslight the American people. We know exactly what the GOP is trying to do. They are trying to control us, and it is not going to happen.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, there is no denying that our immigration system is broken and so deteriorated. The last time that Congress passed any immigration reform, real reform, was in 1996. That was 28 years ago. It is not just Democrats or Republicans to blame. Frankly, both parties have completely failed to find the courage to really, truly dig deep and fix our broken immigration system. Prison first, humanity later doesn't work. We have a responsibility to act. I have to tell you, as a former immigration attorney, I remember U.S. citizens waiting 10 years or more just to bring their children over, and it is even longer for those in Mexico. Siblings wait 12, 15, even 20 years to unite with their family members. The system is completely broken and does not work for our country. Our immigrant neighbors deserve to live with human dignity, stability, and equal recognition as valued members of communities. Right now, we have so many U.S. citizens who cannot have their immigrant spouses adjust their status here in the United States. Look it up. It is so important to understand that we need to protect our immigration process by actually making sure it meets the needs of our country. For far too long, millions of our immigrant neighbors have waited in limbo while they face numerous challenges and obstacles to obtain legal status and a pathway to citizenship. Please remember that migrants and asylum seekers come to our country to escape violence and seek a better life for their families. They should not be vilified, locked in cages, or dehumanized. I ask all of us to please stop with the fearmongering. These policies are rooted in racism, xenophobia, and white nationalism. We must change our course.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is an important day to Michigan's 12th District Strong. It is a reminder of the legacy of a man who dedicated his last breath to the pursuit of equality and justice for all. I am honored, Mr. Speaker, to represent the most beautiful, Blackest city in the country, the city of Detroit, where we birth movements, where every corner reminds us of the civil rights movement, of the labor movement. Dr. King knew the struggles to end racism, poverty, and war were all interconnected, as well, and 2 weeks before he was assassinated, Dr. King speaking to sanitation workers on strike said: ``All labor has dignity . . . You are reminding the Nation that it is a crime for people to live in this rich nation and receive starvation wages.'' As we strive to make Dr. King's dream a reality, may we continue to fight for justice for all. South Africa's Genocide

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today South Africa will present its case against the Israeli Government at the International Court of Justice. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the link for the case: https:// d12t4t5x3vyizu.cloudfront.net/tlaib.house.gov/uploads/2024/01/192- 20231228-app-01-00-en.pdf It is incredibly powerful to witness people who defeated apartheid in their own country hold the Israeli apartheid regime accountable for its crime of genocide in Gaza. Today, I am thinking of Nelson Mandela's powerful words: ``We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.'' In the past 3 months, Israeli forces have killed over 23,350 Palestinians, including more than 9,600 children. They have injured more than 59,400 Palestinians. More than 8,000 Palestinians are still missing under the rubble. This week, Secretary of State Blinken called the case meritless. Let me read directly from the case file starting on page 59: ``Expressions of Genocidal Intent Against the Palestinian People by Israeli State Officials and Others'' so you can hear directly from the Israeli officials in their own words, not mine. President Herzog said: ``It's an entire nation out there that is responsible. It's not true this rhetoric about civilians not aware not involved. It is absolutely not true. . . . and we will fight until we break their backbone.'' He is one of the many Israeli officials to have handwritten messages on the bombs to be dropped on the children of Gaza. Netanyahu said in his own words: ``A struggle between the children of light and the children of darkness, between humanity and the law of the jungle.'' And he continues to say: ``This is a battle not only of Israel against these barbarians, it's a battle of civilization against barbarism.'' Israel's Minister of Defense said: ``imposing a complete siege on Gaza. No electricity, no food, no water, no fuel. Everything is closed. We are fighting human animals . . .'' Again, that is a direct quote from the Minister of Defense. He continues on to say: ``Gaza won't return to what it was before. We will eliminate everything.'' Israeli Minister for National Security--again, an official within the Israeli Government--speaking of those living in Gaza said: `` . . . they're all terrorists, and they should also be destroyed.'' Israeli Minister of Energy and Infrastructure said: ``All the civilian population in Gaza is ordered to leave immediately. . . . They will not receive a drop of water or a single battery until they leave the world.'' Israeli Minister of Heritage said: ``The north of the Gaza Strip, more beautiful than ever. Everything is blown up and flattened, simply a pleasure for the eyes . . . we will hand over lots to all those who fought for Gaza over the years.'' I am not done. The Israeli Minister of Agriculture said: ``[w]e are now actually rolling out the Gaza Nakba.'' Deputy Speaker of the Knesset said: `` . . . we all have one common goal--erasing the Gaza Strip from the face of the Earth. Those who are unable will be replaced.'' Israeli Army Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories speaking of the Palestinians living in Gaza said: ``Human animals are dealt with accordingly.'' The Israeli Army Reservist said: ``. . .don't leave anyone behind. Erase the memory of them. Erase them, their families, mothers and children. These animals can no longer live. . . .Let them drop bombs on them and erase them.'' Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the entire South African genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice: https:// d3i6fh83elv35t.cloudfront.net/static/2024/01/192-20231228-app-01-00- en.pdf Mr. Speaker, there is simply time to save lives, to stop the Israeli Government from carrying out the genocide in Gaza. This body and the Biden administration are complicit in this genocide. Congress must stop funding the genocide of the Palestinian people with our American tax dollars.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Robert H. Bernard for his outstanding service and leadership as Board Chair for Operation Refuge, a grassroots organization based in Western Wayne County. Operation Refuge provides essential services like emergency food assistance and youth programming to some of the most underserved populations in Wayne County and whose mission is to serve the community with compassion, empathy, and integrity. As Board Chair, Dr. Bernard leads with this mission as his top priority. He has worked tirelessly to foster community development and promote career-driven and educational opportunities for the youth. Dr. Bernard has gone above and beyond to ensure that youth programs, such as Camp Inspire, are inviting and fulfilling and that youth scholarship funding is plentiful and available. Overall, Dr. Bernard's leadership and service at Operation Refuge has made a long-lasting, positive impact on the community. His care for the youth and people of this community is evident and overflowing. Please join me in acknowledging Dr. Robert H. Bernard for his passionate leadership and dedicated service to Operation Refuge and the community.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, we know that oil and water don't mix. Right now, there is a dirty pipeline called Line 5 running through the most critical part of the Great Lakes. It is operated by a company called Enbridge, which has a disturbing history of faulty infrastructure and environmental destruction. A Line 5 spill would be devastating for the Great Lakes region and the entire country. The Great Lakes hold 21 percent of the world's fresh surface water and are home to precious ecosystems and wildlife. Tens of millions of people rely on them for water, jobs, and recreation. We cannot allow the water we rely on to live, the water that helps make Michigan such a special place for so many, to be sacrificed for corporate greed. The good news is that President Biden could end this threat today by revoking Line 5's Presidential permit and committing to the truth that water is life. Mr. Speaker, I call upon the Biden administration to stand with the people of the Great Lakes and shut down Line 5 once and for all.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today, big banks bring in billions in profits while our financial system promotes inequality and instability for many of our families. Right now, millions of people--millions--the majority being people of color, lack access to a checking or savings account, but an alternative does exist. We can build a democratic financial system that puts the livelihoods of our residents above private profit and greed. Instead of serving Wall Street, public and postal banks can ensure that everyone has access to basic financial services. Instead of investing billions of dollars annually in fossil fuels, like JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo does, public banks can facilitate the transformative changes that our communities desperately need, like real affordable housing for all, disaster preparedness, and a clean energy future that creates real jobs for all. That is why Representative Ocasio-Cortez and I introduced the Public Banking Act of 2023, which provides a regulatory and institutional framework for the creation of State and local public banks, like the Bank of North Dakota, which has been incredibly successful for over a century. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to please join us in supporting a financial system that works for everyone. End-of-Year Wins

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I take a moment to celebrate the incredible accomplishments that my team and I have been able to do on behalf of our constituents. At the beginning of the year, we opened three new Neighborhood Service Centers in Detroit, Inkster, and Southfield. Through the Neighborhood Service Centers, we have returned over $5.5 million in constituent services dollars that goes directly into the hands of 8,000 residents, returning over $306,000 this year alone. We served and responded to over 164,000 letters from our neighbors ranging from advocating for clean water, clean air, utilities for all, housing for all, and so much more. We have hosted and participated in over 120 events, including coffee hours and townhalls and resource fairs and more, really trying to help our families get through everyday challenges and issues. Our legislative advocacy has spanned from affordable housing to medical debt cancellation and ending auto insurance discrimination once and for all. Mr. Speaker, we have introduced 160 bills and amendments, and 39 of them have actually passed. This year, we celebrated the 1-year anniversary of the Congressional Mamas' Caucus where we are committed to advocating for working mothers and their families on issues of affordable childcare, pay leave, Black maternal health, and economic justice. These accomplishments would not have been possible without our residents. Thank you for believing in me and sending me here to Congress to do the people's work. It has been truly an honor to serve you and to be your Congresswoman. This is just the beginning of what we all can continue to accomplish.

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, we know that oil and water don't mix. Right now, there is a dirty oil pipeline, called Line 5, running through the most critical part of the Great Lakes, operated by a company called Enbridge, with a disturbing history of faulty infrastructure and environmental destruction. A Line 5 spill would be catastrophic for the Great Lakes region and the entire country. The Great Lakes hold 21 percent of the world's fresh surface water; are home, as we all know, to precious ecosystems and wildlife; and tens of millions of people rely on them for water, jobs, and recreation. We cannot allow the water we rely on to live, the water that helps make Michigan such a special place for so many, to be sacrificed for corporate greed. The good news is that President Biden could end this threat today by revoking Line 5's Presidential permit and committing to the truth that water is life and that it is critical to protect. Mr. Speaker, I call upon the Biden administration to stand with the people of the Great Lakes and shut down Line 5 once and for all. Building a Democratic Financial System

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize Dearborn Heights Council Chairman Dave Abdallah. Since he was first elected to serve the people of Dearborn Heights in 2015, Mr. Abdallah has been a tireless advocate for every corner of the city. Before he ever considered a career in public service, Dave Abdallah was an already well-known community member. Mr. Abdallah immigrated to Michigan from Lebanon at the age of ten and started school speaking no English. He worked hard at school and pursued studies in finance before he made his career in real estate, a natural fit for his outgoing and gregarious personality. In addition to his successful real estate career, Mr. Abdallah became involved with numerous community organizations, including Bint Jebal Cultural Center, and Michigan's Commission of Middle Eastern Affairs, which spurred his interest in elected public service. In his eight years serving as a member of Dearborn Heights' City Council, Mr. Abdallah has strived to give back to the community and make lives better. He has sought to uplift the voices and concerns of the residents he serves and he has worked to strengthen economic development within Dearborn Heights by attracting businesses to the area. When he isn't helping residents, he is cheering for our Detroit Lions every chance he gets. Please join me in recognizing Dave Abdallah for his outstanding commitment and service to the people of Dearborn Heights in Michigan's 12th District Strong.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I want to take time to acknowledge my incredible team and our accomplishments these past few years for our community. I lovingly call our congressional district 12th District Strong. At the beginning of this year, we opened three new Neighborhood Service Organizations in Detroit, Inkster, and Southfield. Throughout the district, our Neighborhood Service Organizations have returned over $5.5 million in constituent services dollars directly to over 8,000 residents, returning alone just this year over $306,000 for our communities. We served and responded to over 164,069 letters from our neighbors who advocate for clean water, clean air, utilities for all, and so much more. We have hosted and participated in over 120 events, including coffee hours, townhalls, resource fairs, and more to ensure that I remain accessible to my residents. In Congress, in our legislative advocacy work from affordable housing to medical debt cancellation and auto insurance discrimination, we have introduced 160 bills, and 39 bills and amendments have actually passed since 2019. This year, we celebrated the 1-year anniversary of the Congressional Mamas' Caucus, where we are committed to advocating for working moms and their families on issues of affordable childcare, paid leave, and ending poverty policies that are incredibly important, as well as something dear to me, combating Black maternal health, and so much more. We also started the Get the Lead Out Caucus, where we know that no amount of lead is safe for our children or our families. These accomplishments would not have been possible without our residents' faith in me and sending me here to the United States Congress to do the people's work. It has been an honor to serve as the Congresswoman for the 12th Congressional District, 12th District Strong. I thank all of my team for all of their hard work and tenacity. This is just the beginning of what we will be able to accomplish.

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, Michigan's 12th Congressional District mourns the loss of Pastor Charles Gilchrist Adams, a beloved spiritual and community leader. He was an activist in our district whose influence impacted so many of our lives across the State and the world. He was loved and respected by so many. Pastor Adams served as a lead pastor for the historic Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, a role that he held for more than 50 years. As a pastor, he dedicated his life and mission to service, fighting for justice for our communities and improving the lives of our residents in northwest Detroit. He was a tireless advocate for safe and affordable housing for all and childcare for our working families. He served as president of the Detroit Branch of the NAACP in 1984, and he also served on the executive board until 1992. Please join me, Mr. Speaker, in remembering Pastor Charles Gilchrist Adams for his incredible advocacy, leadership, and impact on our district. May he rest in love, and may his legacy live on in our community. Recognizing Dearborn Firefighters

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, the 12th Congressional District recognizes two outstanding members of Dearborn's fire department: Battalion Chief Kenneth Murray, for his 26 years of service, and EMS Coordinator Glenn Owens, for his 25 years of service to our communities. Battalion Chief Murray started with the Dearborn Fire Department in 1997 as a firefighter. He steadily rose through the ranks, serving as an engineer, lieutenant, and captain before he was promoted to battalion chief in 2020. Over the course of his career, Battalion Chief Murray has garnered numerous awards and was recognized as Dearborn Exchange Club's Fire Officer of the Year in 2016. Battalion Chief Murray has been an outstanding public servant to the communities served by the Dearborn Fire Department. EMS Coordinator Owens began his career as a firefighter in the Dearborn Fire Department in 1998. Over the past 25 years, Owens has served in numerous roles, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to service and keeping our community safe. EMS Coordinator Owens has been recognized many times over the course of his career in Dearborn for his incredible record, including saving lives and safe driving. Please join me in recognizing Battalion Chief Kenneth Murray and EMS Coordinator Glenn Owens for their many years of outstanding service to the people of Dearborn in Michigan's 12th District Strong as we wish them well in their retirement. Acknowledging My Incredible Team

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, they are so desperate. You all are so desperate to distract from the fact that you all have nothing to improve the lives of the American people or end the ongoing genocide. Now, you are trying to shift the focus by baselessly attacking Representative Bowman to score cheap political points, comparing him to the white supremacists on January 6 who were smashing windows in the Capitol and screaming: ``Hang Mike Pence.'' Give me a break. Your inability to govern is so obvious to the American people. You all can't even find enough Republicans to pass a budget or even keep a Speaker. This is yet another attempt to silence a person of color in this Chamber. We all see it. This is all about the fact that Representative Bowman calls out your hypocrisy. The Republicans need to leave him alone and get a grip. The Republicans should do something that will actually improve the lives of the American people that you all represent. Vote ``no'' on this cheap political stunt.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today the 12th Congressional District mourns the loss of Pastor Charles Gilchrist Adams, a beloved spiritual and community leader and activist in our district whose influence reached many across our state and the world. Pastor Charles Gilchrist Adams graduated with honors from the University of Michigan and Harvard University and went on to become a doctoral fellow in Union Theological Seminary in New York City. From 1962 to 1969, Dr. Adams served as Pastor of the historic Concord Baptist Church in Boston. Shortly after, Pastor Charles Gilchrist Adams was appointed as lead pastor for the historic Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, a role he held for more than fifty years. As pastor, he dedicated his life and mission to service, fighting for justice for our communities and improving the lives of residents in Northwest Detroit. He was a tireless advocate in the fight for safe housing for all and for affordable childcare for working families. Pastor Adams served as President of the Detroit Branch of the NAACP in 1984 and served on its executive board consecutive years until 1992. His bold and grounded leadership is a testament to his impactful work and legacy. The 12th Congressional District sends our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Pastor Adams's family and to the entire Hartford Memorial Baptist Church family on this significant loss to our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Agnes Adams and his children, Dr. Tara Adams Washington and Reverend Charles Christian Adams. Please join me in remembering Pastor Charles Gilchrist Adams for his incredible spiritual leadership and impact on our district and the community. May he rest in love and his legacy continue to impact our community.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I thank our ranking member for yielding. Madam Speaker, the resolution that they are attempting to use to overturn this rule is about small business lending. We know that, but what is the problem? We are now afraid of data? We don't want to collect data? This is even voluntary. You are opposing a process that would help create more transparency, more information gathering, competitiveness, and a fair marketplace for lenders and small businesses. It is voluntary. We are scared now? We are scared of voluntarily collecting data? Section 1071 allows lenders to collect and report lending data, including voluntarily self-reported by businessowners. This rule does help small business, and I will give you some examples, particularly those owned by women, people of color. We are even going to collect data, especially in my district, of veterans, many of them Black men and women, who have started businesses after they served our country. They are all lacking access to credit that they need to build up their businesses. Study after study has documented that small business owners, especially the small business owners in my district, continue to face discriminatory practices by banks. We already know for a fact that Black-owned business are less likely to obtain financing and are offered smaller loans. Section 1071 will make it easier to eliminate such practices and enforce our fair lending laws--again, to enforce our fair lending laws. Maybe that is why. Maybe that is why the banks are crying about this voluntary process. They are scared. Why? Had the CFPB Small Business Lending Rule been in place during the Paycheck Protection Program, Madam Speaker, the transparency required by this rule would likely have reduced the racial disparity in lending outcomes that we saw. There is also a clear precedent for what such a rule can accomplish. These are real people--and folks can laugh. They can think that this is not real. These are people that are literally putting their whole life savings into a small business, and hoping and praying that they have the investment from the Federal Government. When the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act established reporting processes for mortgage lenders that are similar to those in the CFPB rule, did you all know that lending to Black borrowers for conventional home purchases increased by 70 percent in 3 years? In 3 years we increased Black homeownership. All Americans, not just some, deserve access and fairness, especially when we continue to bail out these banks for their continued failure and their discriminatory practices. Section 1071 promotes transparency, competition, and fairness. Overturning this is a disservice to our small business owners everywhere. I thank our ranking member and others that continue to advocate for this. This is the right thing to do. This is how we make sure that all Americans have access.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize my friend William ``Bill'' Goodman, a true people's lawyer who never wavered in his pursuit of justice. I met Bill over 15 years ago when he was president of the Maurice and Jane Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice. He was a mentor of mine and so many movement lawyers and a hero to those who sought justice. Over the course of his career, Bill sought to focus his work on the protection of civil liberties, holding the powerful accountable to the Constitution, and fighting for the working class at home and around the world. He was always ready and willing to fight for the most vulnerable among us. Bill was a pioneering people's lawyer, both in private practice in Detroit and leading the Center for Constitutional Rights and the National Lawyers Guild. He was proud of representing the Attica prisoners, the Guantanamo Bay detainees, the Vietnam survivors of Agent Orange, and so many victims of police violence and corrupt persecution. It speaks to Bill's character that one of the most important lawyers in American history will best be remembered by those close to him and for his endless jokes and bottomless love for his children and comrades. Please join me in honoring Bill Goodman and remembering his life and legacy.