Rashida Tlaib

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1638, the Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act, introduced by my colleague, Representative Johnson. The bill will authorize South Dakota to purchase approximately 266 acres of U.S. Forest Service land in Lawrence County, South Dakota. Any proceeds received by the Forest Service from the conveyance will be deposited in a fund for the maintenance and improvement of the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, the conveyance is necessary due to the Gilt Edge Mine, which is located within the Black Hills forestry boundary. Since Brohm Mining Company abandoned the mine and its responsibilities to address contaminated water in the late 1990s, South Dakota and the Environmental Protection Agency have worked together to conduct a cleanup effort of the mine and contaminated water. Mr. Speaker, currently, the mine encompasses a patchwork of Forest Service lands and lands owned by South Dakota. Consolidating ownership of the entire Gilt Edge Mine with South Dakota will make it easier for the State to fulfill its obligation for site remediation and monitoring. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good colleague, Representative Johnson, for introducing this important legislation and championing this bill on behalf of his constituents. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 1638, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize John Smith, a member of the Garden City Fire Department, on the occasion of his promotion to Fire Marshal. Fire Marshal Smith attended Schoolcraft College where he obtained his paramedic training while also attending the fire academy. He began his career in public safety in 2005, working for Huron Valley Ambulance. During his twelve years of service at Huron Valley, he steadily rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as Senior Paramedic in the Ann Arbor and Chelsea area. In addition, Fire Marshal Smith provided valuable support to law enforcement while he served as a member of the Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) team as a Tactical Casualty Care (TAC) medic for the Michigan State Police Emergency Support Team, Washtenaw Metro SWAT team, and other local law enforcement agencies. During his service, Smith provided them critical medical support during high-risk search warrants and other law enforcement operations. In addition to his official duties in public service, Smith was also a member of the bike team and worked many special events including medical support for University of Michigan sporting events. In 2017, Fire Marshal Smith left Huron Valley Ambulance to pursue his dream of working in the fire service. After briefly serving the City of Westland, he came to Garden City where he has remained a dedicated member of the Fire Department. Fire Marshal Smith discovered his passion for fire prevention, completing the city's Fire Inspector I and II and plans examiner training. He worked closely with the former Fire Marshal throughout his training, learning as much as possible before the retirement of his predecessor. I am honored to witness the swearing in of John Smith as Garden City Fire Marshal. Please join me in wishing him well in his new role, as we give thanks for his service to the people of Garden City in Michigan's 13th District Strong.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize the congregation at True Love Missionary Baptist Church, located in Detroit in Michigan's 13th District Strong, as they celebrate eighty years of faith, family, and service. True Love as we know it today grew from humble beginnings. Founded in 1942 by eight worshippers united in their vision of faith and service, the church has moved its location in Detroit many times to accommodate its burgeoning flock and its many programs. True Love has remained at its current location on Tireman Street since 1967. Over the past eighty years, the congregation has witnessed upheaval, change, and progress, but has remained steadfast in their faith and commitment to providing services to its members and the surrounding community. Whether it's providing youth programming, adult education, or support services to community elders, there is no doubt that True Love has made an indelible impact on the surrounding community. Due to its outstanding leadership and incredible devotion of its congregation, True Love Missionary Church has been blessed with a bright future. Please join me in recognizing the congregation at True Love Missionary Baptist Church as they celebrate this milestone and many years to come.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I thank the ever-amazing partner in good trouble, Congressman Bowman, for hosting this Special Order hour on one of the most critical issues facing our Nation, youth mental health. As a mother of two young boys, I know that there are few people who see this mental health crisis amongst our children quite like our teachers and our educators. They are on the front lines of it every single day, and it is in no way an exaggeration to say America's teachers are the ones saving lives in the face of a tidal wave of trauma and grief brought about by many crises impacting our young people today. From COVID-19 to schools turning into war zones, severe economic hardship, and an education system that continues to be underfunded for a number of issues that, again, our kids are dealing with, we are seeing that trauma is at the center of it. I know according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 57.8 percent of Michiganders from the age of 12 to 17 who have experienced depression did not receive any care in the last year, and high school students with depression are more than two times more likely to drop out than their peers. These are just a few of the compounding traumas impacting our young people today. These traumas have stolen our children's sense of safety and our children's support systems. So, the fact that the rates of youth in mental health distress have skyrocketed should be a surprise to no one, especially not anyone in this body. We have failed to address gun violence. We have failed to protect basic human rights. We have failed to ensure that every child in the richest nation on Earth has access to the clean air, safe water, and healthy food that they need to grow and thrive. We have failed to truly address childhood poverty. Instead of investing in schools, combating poverty, and taking action on reducing violence, this body continues to double down on failed approaches. I know I continue to be asked in my community: What good is another 100 F-35s when our children go to sleep on empty stomachs? What is the point of spending more money on militarization of our communities than any other country spends on defense instead of making sure that our children have safe drinking water and that they are not exposed to lead and PFAS? While our children are crying out for help as loud as they can, over in the Senate, their elected leaders, many of whom have been bought and paid for by the fossil fuel lobby, are working hard to--you guessed it--sell out their chances at a livable future and improve the lives of many of our folks in the future. This body, this Congress, isn't just failing to address this youth mental health crisis. It is turbocharging it. I know in my community, we have the most polluted ZIP Code in the State of Michigan, 48217, where we see high rates of asthma. When I go read to children in the third grade class during March Reading Month, I ask how many children there know what I do for a living, and they don't know, usually, and I have to give them a civics lesson. I tell them that I am trying to fight for clean air. I ask them: ``How many of you have asthma or are suffering from asthma?'' A third of the class always raises their hands. I ask them: ``It hurts to have an asthma attack, doesn't it? It is hard to breathe. Isn't it hard to breathe?'' They shake their heads. Every day, we fail. We fail them by not taking action on climate for a livable future. Please know this: Our children cannot learn if they are hungry, but they also cannot learn if they are breathing dirty air, if they are being poisoned by lead-infested water, so we must take action. I know that we also have failed to enact real, meaningful gun control that our children can be proud of, that our teachers can feel is meaningful and that it actually does keep them safe. Every day that we have failed to enact bold reforms to resurrect and protect our democracy is a day closer to dooming our children to a fascist future where their rights are stripped from them. This isn't new for our communities, but I know for many of the young people of color in my community, the LGBTQI youth, our immigrant youth, our religious minorities, these failures have been amplified by the horrifying pandemic of racism, bigotry, and hate that has exploded in our country. Make no mistake, the crisis of hate facing our country is 100 percent the result of continued political motivation that is literally a factor in pushing elected officials and social leaders in spewing out fear rather than trying to address the root causes of the issues that our children are facing. I know the only solution here is fundamental overhaul of what we govern. We must put our children before corporations, people before profits, and community solidarity before hate and fear. Madam Speaker, I cannot thank my colleague enough for his incredible leadership. Sometimes it is our lived experiences that we bring into this Chamber that give us the passion and inspiration to work hard. I am so honored to be able to serve with somebody that not only was a principal but is also a father himself and understands and has been on the front line and seen the lack of action in this body for our youth mental health crisis in our country.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Resolution Recognizing the Human Rights to Utilities. I read an article about a couple in their seventies in Detroit who had to melt snow in a bucket in front of their home so they can flush their toilet. That is when I knew when I came to the United States Congress, I had to introduce water as a human rights act. Millions of our neighbors across our country right now struggle with utility insecurity, fear of shutoffs, and are subject to inhumane living conditions. I proudly stand with Representatives Bush and Bowman and other colleagues in the House in changing the conversation around what we all deserve. The resolution ensures that everyone has access to water, sanitation, electricity, heating and cooling, public transit, and broadband communications all as a basic human right. It is past time that we take the profit motive out of providing the basics of a good life for many of our neighbors who continue again to struggle. I appreciate everyone that is working on this issue and the advocates out there that know that this is important to our country.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, today I want to celebrate the life of Elvata Calloway, a resident of the 13th District, in memory of her passing this month. Mother Elvata Calloway was born on December 25, 1934, in Pickens, Mississippi, and later moved to River Rouge with her aunt Elisa Day Adams and her family. She married the love of her life, Willie Calloway, Sr., in 1951. Soon after, they moved to Detroit to grow their family. Ms. Calloway was a member of the Eastern Star organization, where she dedicated her life to service of others. Ms. Calloway was a light to all her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. The 13th Congressional District is saddened by the loss of Mother Elvata Calloway and share our deepest prayers and sympathy with the Calloway family. Please join me in celebrating the life of Mother Elvata Calloway, who will truly be missed by her family and loved ones, as we honor her memory.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize the outstanding contributions of Ali Baleed, a well-known community member of Wayne County, Michigan. Ali Baleed is the founder of many community-based organizations since his arrival to the United States in the 1960s. He is one of the founding members and executive director of the Yemeni American Benevolent Association (YABA), an organization that provides educational and social services, including scholarship programs for our youth. He helped found the largest human services organizations in the country, ACCESS, where he served as vice president for years. He has served with numerous service organizations, including the Arab American Council and Congress of Arab American Organizations (CAAO). In addition, Mr. Baleed is a key organizer of the Arab and Chaldean Festival, Michigan's largest cultural event celebrating Arab and Chaldean culture. During the 1970s, Ali was nominated to represent Arab Americans at the UAW convention and was also selected to attend the Second General Conference of Yemeni Immigrants in Yemen. Ali worked alongside Arab American Institute (AAI), headed by Dr. James Zogby, to help people register and vote. Mr. Baleed has remained active in several grassroots organizations and has been a strong voice for southeastern Michigan's Yemeni community. Beyond his commitment to civic service, Mr. Baleed is an accomplished poet. Ali Baleed has made a remarkable impact on the communities of Wayne County, whether it's helping connect residents to vital human services or encouraging students to achieve their goals in pursuit of higher education. Please join me in recognizing his numerous accomplishments and wish him well.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize Judson Center, one of Michigan's foremost human service agencies as they open their newest center in Wayne County. They operate in more than twenty-nine counties across our state and have been in operation for ninety-eight years. Founded in 1924, Judson Center was first known as Detroit Baptist Children's Home for children in need. Since that time, Judson Center has been steadfast in its mission to providing comprehensive support services to children, families, and adults. Judson Center provides high quality services to adults and families impacted by abuse and neglect, autism, developmental, behavioral, and physical health challenges. Whether it's family support services, behavioral therapy, or counseling, Judson Center has been a committed partner to the community. Please join me in welcoming a new Judson Center location to our communities in Wayne County, Michigan.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize Korey Butler, a long-time member of the Garden City, Michigan Fire Department, on the occasion of his appointment as lieutenant. Lieutenant Korey Butler has served the Garden City community since 2013. Prior to joining the Department, he worked for the City of Inkster Fire Department and for Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services in Gwinnett County, Georgia. He is also a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. Lieutenant Butler has represented Garden City Fire Department as a Hazardous Materials Technician with the Western Wayne County Hazardous Materials Response Team for the past six years. He also founded the Southeastern Michigan Firefighters PEER Support Network where he continues to help promote mental health among emergency responders. Lieutenant Butler was recently appointed to the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union Behavioral Health Committee, where he is working to develop and implement training, response guidelines, and designations for PEER support teams across the state. Lieutenant Butler is currently enrolled at the Columbia Southern University where he is projected to graduate with a bachelor's degree in fire service administration this winter. He has taken an active role in training new fire fighters and never passes up an opportunity to share his knowledge and expertise among his team. Please join me in congratulating Lieutenant Korey Butler for going above and beyond in service to the people of Garden City in Michigan's 13th District Strong.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize Steve Rhea, a seventeen-year veteran of the Garden City, Michigan Fire Department on his recent promotion to Captain. Captain Rhea has served the Garden City Fire Department since 2005 and has held the rank of Lieutenant since 2018. He began his training and became a firefighter with the Novi Fire department in 1993 and became an EMT in 1994 and a paramedic in 1998. In 2010, Captain Rhea completed the training to become a paramedic and shoulders the responsibility for ensuring Fire Department members are up to date on their training. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Captain Rhea has an associate degree in Fire science, a bachelor's degree in Public Safety Management with a minor in Healthcare Management. He also earned a master's degree in Organizational Leadership. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University's School of Fire Staff and Command and the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program. Capitalizing on his passion for public education and lifelong learning, Captain Rhea enjoys his role as the Fire Department's training officer, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with his team. He also engages with the community by serving as the organizer of the Department's annual open house and hosting public education events, including CPR classes. Beyond his work on behalf of the public, Captain Rhea teaches paramedic classes for Dorsey College and works as an axe throwing coach. He enjoys spending time with his wife Heather, his daughter Miranda, and son Alexander. Please join me in recognizing Captain Steve Rhea for his outstanding service to the people of Garden City in Michigan's 13th District Strong.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I would like to acknowledge and celebrate the exemplary leadership and faith-based work of Dr. Corletta J. Vaughn as Senior Pastor of Holy Ghost Cathedral in Michigan's 13th District Strong for thirty-six years. Dr. Vaughn is a trailblazer among women in the ministry through her notable accomplishments. She began her journey in 1974, was named bishop in 1995 in Nigeria, and was elected to the Office of Presiding Bishop over International Outreach Go Tell It Ministry Worldwide Network and Churches in 1999. Throughout this time, she has ministered in more than twenty-eight countries. Beyond serving the spiritual needs of her congregation, Dr. Vaughn has dedicated herself to serving the community by organizing food drives, clothing drives, sponsoring community day events, and has even opened her doors of the church as a COVID vaccination site. She has showcased a drive to uplift the community through her proactive efforts to strengthen leadership among members. She is the president of the International Institute of Expansion; Women who Soar and the founder and chancellor of Kingdom and Faith Bible College in Detroit, which trains school ministers to become leaders. In short, Dr. Corletta Vaughn has become a pillar in the community and internationally. Her work has demonstrated her passion for teaching, preaching, and leadership development which strives to create a better future for our communities. Please join me in recognition of her outstanding achievement.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize the Motown Museum, located in Detroit in Michigan's 13th District Strong as they celebrate their grand reopening. The Motown Museum is an important cultural institution that has local and nationwide significance. The museum's leadership and volunteers have dedicated themselves to preserving the legacy of Motown's indelible and profound impact on our country's music and popular culture. Founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, the museum seeks to capture the magic of the 1960s-era Motown's ``voice of young America'' by preserving the artifacts of Motown Records' early days. Producer Gordy Berry was the mastermind behind Motown Records, bringing to the mainstream its characteristic soulful and pop sound. A Blackowned label, Motown made history in popularizing and integrating its distinctive sound. Please join me in celebrating Detroit's very own Motown Museum as they reopen their newly expanded facility.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, Michigan has lost an incredible human being. Zahra Abbas was brilliant, compassionate, and full of love for community. Please join me in honoring her memory. Zahra lived with epilepsy, which she learned to control with the use of cannabis. Her epilepsy and her personal journey in advocating her herself inspired her work to educate others and advocate for access to health care and the use of alternative approaches. Zahra founded and became the chair of the Cannabis Caucus for Michigan Democratic Party. Zahra spoke passionately about the issues she believed in at rallies, community meetings, and meetings with other political leaders across the state of Michigan and the nation. She was a relentless advocate for fair, sensible and just cannabis law reform. Her work impacted the lives of so many across our state. Please join me in recognizing the Zahra Abbas, our lion-hearted advocate with a radiant smile, as we honor her memory.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, Michigan lost an incredible human being yesterday. Zahra Abbas was brilliant, compassionate, and full of love for community. Zahra lived with epilepsy, which she learned to control with the use of cannabis. This inspired her mission to educate and advocate for the access of healthcare and the use of alternative approaches. Zahra founded and became the chair of the Cannabis Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party. She was also a DNC delegate. Zahra spoke passionately about issues that she believed in at rallies and community meetings and meetings with other political leaders across Michigan and the Nation. She gained so much incredible respect from our community. My team and I are devastated and heartbroken. We extend our deepest condolences to the Abbas family. Allah Yerhama.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize the Liberian Association of Michigan as they gather to celebrate the one hundred seventy-fifth anniversary of Liberia's independence and the contributions of Liberian Americans to Michigan and the 13th Congressional District Strong. Founded in 1971, the Liberian Association of Michigan remains grounded in their mission to provide assistance to those in need and to preserve Liberia's cultural heritage in our communities. In its commitment to these ideals, the Association hosts numerous events throughout the year, including African Heritage and Liberian Independence celebrations, as well as events that give back to the community, such as Thanksgiving and Back to School programs. Beyond hosting numerous charitable and social events, Liberian Association of Michigan is ``Doing the Right Thing for the Right Reason,'' the theme of this year's annual celebration, in its outreach and support to recent immigrants to our country. The Association and its members have created a welcoming space for new residents, while providing social and economic support. I commend their incredibly valuable work and I am incredibly proud of the Liberian Association of Michigan's many contributions to our richly diverse communities. Please join me in recognizing the Liberian Association of Michigan as they celebrate more than fifty years of service, culture, and kinship across Michigan's 13th Congressional District.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, today I want to celebrate the life of Rebecca Lockridge, a long-time resident of Southwest Detroit in Michigan's 13th District Strong, on the occasion of her one hundredth birthday. Mother Rebecca Lockridge was born on July 24, 1922 in Columbia, Tennessee, and later moved to Detroit, Michigan on February 9th, 1944 at the age of twenty-two with her sister, Martha. She married the love of her life, Albert B. Lockridge in 1946, raising five children in the home on Prairie Street that they bought as newlyweds. Mother Lockridge has remained an active and engaged neighbor through her work with the Midwest Civic Council, where she served as Treasurer for decades, as well the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. She also served as a career counselor at Chadsey High School for more than two decades, guiding our community's youth in their college and career endeavors. Mother Lockridge has contributed so much value to her community, family, and friends. After her retirement, Mrs. Lockridge has maintained her good health by participating in a local exercise group, cooking healthy meals, and enjoying the sun with her friends and family, including her four grandchildren, and several great- grandchildren. May she continue to shine bright, surrounded by love and laughter in the years ahead. Please join me in wishing a happy 100th birthday to Mother Rebecca Lockridge, a paragon of Detroit's perseverance and a figure of notable civic service in Michigan's 13th District Strong.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, today, I recognize the Liberian Association of Michigan as they gather to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Liberia's independence and the contributions of Liberian Americans to Michigan's 13th District Strong. Founded in 1971, the Liberian Association of Michigan remains grounded in their mission to provide assistance to those in need and to preserve Liberia's cultural heritage in our communities. Beyond hosting numerous charitable events, the association is ``doing the right thing for the right reason'' in its outreach as well as in its support to our recent immigrants to our country. The association and its members have created a welcoming space for new residents while providing social and economic support. I commend their incredibly valuable work, and I am so proud to support them in their anniversary and their work. Please join me in recognizing the Liberian Association of Michigan as they celebrate 50 years of service, culture, and kinship across Michigan's 13th Congressional District.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Chair, as I said, this amendment would help alleviate the suffering of the Cuban people. It also is very important to note that this is identical to a bipartisan Republican-led amendment submitted just a few years ago. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), the chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee.

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Chair, may I ask how much time I have remaining?

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Chair, I would thank Chairmen Quigley, Meeks, and McGovern and their staffs for working with me on this critical amendment and for their leadership throughout this process. I also thank the incredible Congresswoman Lee for joining me here today to speak in support of this critical policy change, and, of course, Congressman Crawford who submitted this change as a Republican- led bipartisan amendment to the FSGG appropriations bill in 2017 and has been a great advocate on this issue over the years. This is an amendment that is critical, and it builds on more than a decade of efforts by bipartisan Members of the House and Senate and the farm industry leaders across the country. As Cubans face one of the most painful crises in three decades, forcing tens of thousands of Cubans to spend long hours each day waiting in lines in hopes of finding food, our amendment would provide temporary relief to them as well as U.S. farm exporters by suspending enforcement for 1 year of the prohibition and extending credit to Cuban food buyers. This amendment makes sense for two reasons. First, the Cuban people are contending with significant food shortages, as I mentioned. By allowing Cuban importers to buy U.S. food products on credit, we can help ease the suffering of everyday Cubans and build good will between our peoples. Simply put, it is the most humane thing we can do right now and the right thing to do. Second, the amendment would also help American ag producers as well by removing trade barriers that put them at a competitive disadvantage with countries thousands of miles away, like China and Vietnam. For my home State of Michigan, and many others across the country, this amendment effectively opens up a new market of about 11 million people for our farmers and for their exports. I know Michigan's director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gary McDowell, noted that our State's farmers seek great opportunities for products such as dry beans, apples, dairy products, and poultry that are major staples of the Cuban diet. This amendment is good for our Cuban people, as well as good for the American farmers, and the right thing to do. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to please support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Chair, this is only about food. The Members in opposition are claiming to stand with the people of Cuba, but this is our opportunity to support the Cuban people and help them right now. When we take this opportunity to vote ``yes,'' we show that the U.S. isn't the enemy of the Cuban people during their time of need. At the same time, we are helping our local farmers right here. Vote ``yes.''