Rashida Tlaib

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the retirement of Reverend Ellis Clifton, Jr. Born January 15, 1953, the Reverend Ellis Clifton, Jr. is the only child of Reverend Deacon Ellis Clifton, Sr., and Marie Clifton. He grew up in Inkster, Michigan, and often comments on his childhood, saying, ``I had a happy childhood, but it was a different one. While others were playing `cops and robbers', `cowboys and Indians', pretending to be superheroes, or playing sports, I was in my backyard playing priest.'' There is no doubt he would eventually pursue work in the clergy. Reverend Clifton graduated from Robichaud High School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, in 1970, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1974, and certification to teach students in special education and with learning disabilities from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Reverend Clifton taught school in Columbus, Ohio, from 1974 until 1988, when he entered Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. He received his Master of Divinity in 1991, becoming the first African American graduate of the seminary. Before returning to Michigan, Reverend Clifton served as curate and interim pastor in Pennsylvania and vicar in Ohio. He was briefly the Vicar at Church of the Resurrection in Ecorse, Michigan, before eventually settling as the 7th rector of St. Clement's Episcopal Church in Inkster. Reverend Clifton's work has gone beyond his service to St. Clement's, but has extended to his surrounding community. Reverend Clifton is a lifelong member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Chaplain and Board Member of the National Action Network Western Wayne County Chapter, Member of the Inkster-Citizens Action Network, and Chaplain for the Bishop H. Irving Mayson Scholarship Fund. He's also served on the Inkster Charter Commission and on Inkster Housing Commission until August of 2020. Reverend Ellis Clifton, Jr.'s ministerial leadership, commitment to clergy, and service to Inkster is extraordinary and a true reflection of our great district. Please join me in honoring Reverend Clifton, Jr., on his retirement and job well done.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Georgia Dobbins Davis, a long-time resident of the 13th Congressional District's Inkster, Michigan and Former Motown artist, who passed away on September 18, 2020. Born in Arkansas, Ms. Dobbins moved to Michigan at a young age. She spent her teenage years in Inkster, singing and performing with several local musical groups, including the Marvels, the group with which Georgia Dobbins made her mark on Motown. The Marvels nearly missed the chance to audition for Motown when they came in fourth place of their high school talent show. In the end, they ended up tagging along with the winning group. Motown executives were so impressed by the group's performance, they asked the young women to come up with an original song. Ms. Dobbins worked with a friend who wrote the melody for the song ``Please Mr. Postman'' while she wrote the lyrics in only three days' time. ``Please Mr. Postman'' was the hit song that launched a career for the Marvels, now known as the Marvelettes. While Ms. Dobbins ultimately did not pursue a musical career, her song was a significant contribution to music and Detroit's culture and sound. It reached number one on the charts after only fourteen weeks and has been covered by artists such as the Carpenters who had their own hit with it, and the Beatles. Ms. Dobbins remained in Inkster, raising her daughter, Kimberly and working at a local grocery store. She was well known for her beautiful smile and kind heart. Please join me in honoring the memory of Ms. Georgia Dobbins Davis.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the late former-Highland Park City Council Member Norma J. Lewis, who passed away in September, 2020. Above all, Norma Lewis was a public servant and an advocate for the people of Highland Park, Michigan. A resident of Highland Park for more than fifty years, Ms. Lewis strived to make Highland Park a world-class city. First elected to the City Council in 2003, Norma Lewis served five consecutive terms. She was the longest-seated woman to serve in the history of Highland Park. Her service included terms as City Council President Pro-Tem in 2007 and City Council President in 2009. Norma Lewis' public service to Highland Park is marked by her dedication to improving access to services for senior citizens and access to clean water for all. She actively worked to improve city infrastructure for improved water service. In addition, Ms. Lewis led several projects to provide holiday meals to Highland Park's most vulnerable residents. Ms. Lewis spearheaded the revitalization of the city's Mark E. Storen Memorial Park, allowing for greater enjoyment of the public space. Norma Lewis' work has been recognized by dozens of organizations. Please join me in recognizing the outstanding contributions of Norma J. Lewis, wife, mother, and public servant, as we honor her memory.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. In my district and across the country, pregnancy discrimination persists, especially against people of color and immigrant women. When companies refuse to accommodate for pregnancy-related needs, it doesn't just hurt the person being discriminated against, it hurts the entire family, especially when nearly half of working women are the sole or primary provider for their families. It is time to put families first over corporate greed. We must ensure that no pregnant person is forced to quit, coerced into taking unpaid leave, or fired because their employer refuses to accommodate them. We must protect the more than 85 percent of women who will become mothers at some point in their working lives. On behalf of all the beautiful mothers in my district, #13DistrictStrong, I thank Chairman Nadler and Chairman Scott for their leadership, and I urge support for this bill.

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I submit for the Record a letter of support for this legislation from the March of Dimes. September 11, 2020. Re Support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Dear Representative: On behalf of the March of Dimes, one of the leading non-profit organization fighting for the health of all moms and babies and promotes the health of women, children and families across the life course, we enthusiastically support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 2694). Modeled after the Americans with Disabilities Act, the bill would require employers to provide reasonable, temporary workplace accommodations to pregnant workers as long as the accommodation does not impose an undue hardship on the employer. This bill is critically important because no one should have to choose between having a healthy pregnancy and a paycheck. Three-quarters of women will be pregnant and employed at some point in their lives. Most pregnant workers can expect a normal pregnancy and healthy birth. However, healthcare providers have consistently recommended that some pregnant women make adjustments in their work activities to sustain a healthy pregnancy and prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth or miscarriage. Workplace accommodations are medically necessary and can include allowing additional bathroom breaks, opportunities to stay hydrated, lifting restrictions, or access to a chair or stool to decrease time spent standing. Unfortunately, too many pregnant workers, particularly pregnant women of color, face barriers to incorporating even these small changes to their workdays. Workplace accommodations help safeguard a healthy pregnancy or prevent harm to a higher-risk pregnancy. Across the country, pregnant workers continue to be denied simple, no-cost or low-cost, temporary adjustments in their work settings or activities and instead risk being fired or forced to take unpaid leave to preserve the health of their pregnancy. Low-wage pregnant workers in physically demanding jobs, which are disproportionately occupied by people of color, feel the impact most acutely. This impossible choice forces many pregnant workers to continue working without accommodations, putting both mother and baby at risk of longlasting and severe health consequences. One of the main predictors of a healthy pregnancy is early and consistent prenatal care. Getting early and regular prenatal care can help ensure a healthy, full-term pregnancy. The costs of a healthy birth tend to be around $5,000, whereas the costs associated with a premature or complicated birth range closer to $76,000. Prenatal checkups are crucial and necessary, so that providers can answer any questions, check on the overall health of mom and baby, and spot complications early when there is a greater chance to prevent them. If there is a possibility of a loss of employment, it would impact family resources and threaten the ability to afford vital prenatal care and healthcare costs when most needed. Pregnancy affects every system of the body, so pregnant workers may need workplace accommodations to mitigate complications before they arise. During the second and third trimester, additional stress requires that the lungs work harder to provide oxygen as the heart supplies blood throughout the body and for the fetus. Some pregnant people have chronic health diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and need to take extra precautions to manage the condition. Moreover, additional stress during pregnancy may be caused by physical discomfort and other changes in daily life. Some of this stress may cause serious health problems, like high blood pressure, which could lead to problems like preeclampsia and premature birth, conditions that impact Black women at far higher rates than white women and contribute to this country's Black maternal health crisis. Therefore, it is imperative that pregnant workers are protected and provided the necessary and reasonable accommodations, to ensure that they are able to continue working and maintain healthy pregnancies. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is a measured approach to a serious problem. March of Dimes understands the importance of reasonable workplace accommodations to ensure that women can continue to provide for their families and have safe and healthy pregnancies. We urge swift passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Sincerely, Ariel Gonzalez, ESQ., MA, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs, March of Dimes.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 908, condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID. I cast my ``yes'' vote today in memory of Vincent Chin. The anti- Asian racism and hate that led to his murder in Highland Park, Michigan, in my district, is alive today, and it is what led to the June 9 horrific attack in 1982. I am proud to stand with my sister in service, the first Asian- American woman in the Michigan Legislature, State Senator Stephanie Chang, to say that the disgusting wave of hate against our Asian- American friends and neighbors we are witnessing in our country will not stand. In this moment, I think of one of our Nation's greatest heroes, Detroiter Grace Lee Boggs. While she would be proud of our vote here today, she would remind us that our work is not done. We must commit, as she did for over 100 years, to the revolutionary struggle to liberate our world from hate, embrace all humankind with love, and grow our own souls in the process. I thank so much Congresswoman Meng for her leadership, and I urge my colleagues to please vote ``yes.''

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment to the Strength in Diversity Act, which requires grantees to report on their progress in reducing racial and socioeconomic segregation in our schools. In the year 2020, our schools are still separate and unequal. My home district has some of the most racially segregated schools in the country, and this is no coincidence. This was by design. Forty-five years ago, rich White suburbs around my district decided they didn't want to bus their children to desegregate schools, and the highest court in our land agreed with them. The Supreme Court case of Milliken v. Bradley made racial integration of schools nearly impossible, and we are still seeing the negative impact of that decision today. We see it in our Detroit Public Schools, where students had to sue the State of Michigan for the right to literacy. We see it in the lead that poisons our school drinking fountains throughout my district. We see it in having just $7,000 per pupil while the neighboring the Grosse Pointe community, a largely White, affluent suburb, has nearly $14,000 per pupil. I want to thank Representative Fudge for her tireless efforts in leading this legislation, which is a critically important step toward racial desegregation of our schools. I also want to thank Chairman Scott and his incredible staff for working with me on this amendment and for their leadership. I urge strong support for this amendment and for this bill.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the fine example of Hodari P.T. Brown, a resident of Redford Township, Michigan. Mr. Brown is an active and engaged member of the community. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, he graduated from Detroit Public Schools before going on to earn his Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, and Doctorate of Management degrees. Further, Mr. Brown is a proud military veteran. He currently serves as Public Affairs Specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration Michigan District Office, where he helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses with valuable resources and exposure. His dynamic career spans more than 15 years of excellence in leadership, customer service, project management, program management, public affairs and talent acquisition. Throughout his career, he has managed projects throughout key milestones for critical strategic initiatives and has helped bridge lines of communication between diverse groups and organizations. Mr. Brown has earned numerous accolades for his hard work and leadership. He currently sits and holds offices with various advisory boards, committees and organizations such as the United State Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP), First Independence Bank Millennial Advisory Board, President of Detroit Tennessee State University Alumni Association Foundation, Co-Campaign Chair of the National Business League Inc. Detroit Chapter, Board Member of BUF Connect of Michigan, and the co-founder/creator of the Young Millennium Power Hour, which is a forum for Young Entrepreneurs to get information about how to start, grow and expand a small business. Most recently, he has been recognized as a Junior Chamber International Michigan 2020 Outstanding Michigander of the Year. Please join me in celebrating Mr. Hodari P.T. Brown's outstanding contributions.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Marshall J. Hunt's many contributions to the communities of Wayne County, Michigan and statewide, particularly his nearly four decades of service to Accounting Aid Society, one of southeast Michigan's largest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance non-profit organizations. A Certified Public Accountant for more than fifty years, Marshall Hunt accumulated more than thirty years of federal service to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and in tax administration before joining the team at Accounting Aid Society. Mr. Hunt possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise on income tax issues and tax code. More importantly, Marshall Hunt recognizes the need for financial and income tax services in metropolitan Detroit's most vulnerable communities. As director of Accounting Aid's income tax program, Mr. Hunt has been instrumental in the organization's growth to provide free income tax preparation at multiple locations throughout southeast Michigan, including mobile pop-up sites. This work is vital in putting deserved dollars in the form of income tax refunds back into the pockets of the people who need it most. Beyond his work with Accounting Aid Society, Marshall Hunt is an educator. He teaches accounting at University of Michigan Dearborn and is instrumental in Accounting Aid's volunteer income tax preparers' education each year. In addition, he has served on the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council. He is a member of the Michigan Department of Treasury Individual Tax Advisory Group, the Tax Practice and Procedures Committee of the American Institute of CPAs, and the Steering Committee of the Taxpayer Opportunity Network. Mr. Hunt is also active in the Michigan Association of CPAs and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Old Newsboys' Goodfellow Fund of Detroit. Please join me in recognizing Marshall Hunt's numerous outstanding contributions and his thirty-nine years of service to Accounting Aid Society.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Edward James Love, better known as Ed Love, a legend in Detroit's music scene, on the occasion of his retirement. Ed Love is the renowned voice of ``Destination Jazz: The Ed Love Program'', playing jazz classics and new material each week on Detroit's WDET radio station. Born in Parsons, Kansas, Mr. Love was raised in a family of music lovers and whose parents instilled in him a great appreciation for jazz music. He began studying the trumpet in grade school and continued his studies through junior college. After graduating from Parsons Junior College in Kansas, Mr. Love chose to pursue a career in broadcasting at the Pathfinder Broadcast School in Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated at the top of his class. Ed Love's first job in broadcasting came in 1951 at radio station KIND in Independence, Kansas. In 1952 he joined the United States Air Force and served as an Armed Forces Radio staffer in the Philippines, during the Korean War. After returning home from the war, Mr. Love returned to KIND to continue his career in radio. Throughout the 1950s, Ed Love worked at radio stations in New York, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. In 1959, fate brought Ed Love to Detroit, where he went to convalesce among family and friends from a severe case of influenza. Mr. Love was delighted to discover the proliferation of jazz clubs and lively musical scene in the city of Detroit. From then on, Ed Love made his home in Detroit. Pursuing his passion for music by night, Mr. Love worked as a U.S. postal carrier by day, a job he held for more than thirty-five years. During his tenure in Detroit, Mr. Love worked at a variety of jazz stations before landing at Detroit's National Public Radio affiliate WDET in 1983. His weekly show, Destination Jazz: The Ed Love Program, grew into a one of the station's most popular programs, responsible for introducing several generations of young people to jazz. His deep and mellifluous voice is familiar not only to Detroiters, but also to the national audiences who heard his syndicated National Public Radio (NPR) program, The Evolution of Jazz--a program that ran for six years and was heard on several stations around the US and two stations in Puerto Rico. Ed Love overcame a stroke suffered in 1994 to continue making an impact in the world of music. There is no doubt that his passion for music has left a lasting impression on appreciators of jazz locally and across our nation. Please join me in recognizing his many contributions as we wish him well in his retirement from more than six decades in broadcasting.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Charles Ezra Ferrell and his work on behalf of non-profit and charitable organizations, including Detroit's Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Mr. Ferrell began as a volunteer at the Charles H. Wright Museum, where he proved himself to be engaged and enthusiastic in taking on new tasks and responsibilities. He was hired and rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as the museum's Vice-President for Public Programs and Community Engagement. Mr. Ferrell worked on a number of projects and founded the museum's Liberation Film Series, which comprises film screenings, panel discussions, book readings and signings, and lectures to promote awareness, critical thinking, and informed activism. In short, during his tenure at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Charles Ferrell has done an outstanding job of fostering cultural exchange. Over the years, Mr. Ferrell has worked tirelessly to educate the community by creating awareness about the countless achievements and contributions of African-Americans. Please join me in recognizing his fine example.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the late former Michigan State Representative Alma G. Stallworth, who passed away in August 2020. Alma Stallworth was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and eventually made her home in Detroit, Michigan, where she attended Wayne State University. She went on to pursue public office, serving her first term as State Representative from 1971 until 1974 and again, serving from 1983 until 1996. As a legislator, Alma Stallworth broke ground in her work in the civil rights movement, as well as crafting policy solutions to improve the quality of life for Michigan's children and working families. Her example blazed the trail for countless women of color to pursue careers in public service. In 1985, Alma Stallworth founded the Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of African-American communities across Michigan. Ms. Stallworth created the Black Caucus Foundation of Michigan's Legislative Internship Program to allow African-Americans interested in public policy careers to gain invaluable experience while also earning college credit. Her work with the Black Caucus Foundation has created a critical link for policy, communities, and businesses. Alma Stallworth was a true paragon of public service. Please join me in honoring her legacy.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Nehemiah Word of Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church and its partner World Harvest United Churches for their work to bring resources to the families of Wayne County, Michigan. Under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Calvin B. Davis, Sr., Bishop George W. Thigpen III, Bishop J. V. Williams, Bishop Kenneth W. Jones, Sr., Pastor Rachelle Gibson, Pastor Jackie Taylor, and Pastor Kathy Deane, faith-based organizations will converge with the goal of sharing meals, supplies, and fellowship to our most vulnerable populations. During this time of unprecedented challenges, this group, united in their faith, are taking up the mantle in service to others. More than providing comforts of meal, this day of service brings a greater sense of kinship and spirituality. Please join me in recognizing Nehemiah Word of Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church and World Harvest United Church's day of community service.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a resident of Detroit, Michigan, Ms. Rosa Mitchell, as she celebrates ninety years of life. A long-time resident of Detroit, Ms. Mitchell raised her family in a loving home in the city's southwest 48217 neighborhood. I first met Ms. Mitchell when I served in Michigan's State House of Representatives. She is engaged on the issues that affect her community and will readily share her keen insights. Not only is Ms. Mitchell thoughtful and well- spoken, she is big-hearted and caring. My staff and I always welcome a call or visit from Ms. Mitchell. Her strength of character and kind nature make her a natural matriarch in her community. Rosa Mitchell became a well-known fixture of the community as the former First Lady of New Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church and Springfield Missionary Baptist Church, where she often provided counsel to flock members in need of spiritual guidance. She is an integral part of her neighborhood and can be counted on for a warm smile and a friendly word. Her daughter Yuvette best describes her affable personality in a quote: ``Mama Rosa meets no strangers.'' Rosa Mitchell is simply a joy to everyone who knows her. Please join me in recognizing this milestone and wishing Ms. Rosa Mitchell the happiest of birthdays.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, do you hear that? That is our democracy crumbling. I want all of my neighbors, I want all of America to know why the people's House is here for an emergency vote on Saturday while Senate Majority Leader McConnell went on vacation: We are experiencing a global pandemic, and now our U.S. Postal Service is under attack. Let it be clear: This administration is waging an authoritarian campaign to sabotage this election by manipulating the Postal Service to suppress our votes, and they are threatening the livelihood of our postal workers, our seniors, our veterans, and so many more in the process. This is not a conspiracy theory. This is fascism. We will not stand for this now or ever. In Michigan right now, machines capable of sorting 35,000 pieces of mail per hour have disappeared from postal facilities. Brave workers are blowing the whistle and saying that they have never seen anything like this, Madam Speaker. We must put an end to it. Madam Speaker, I say to the White House: Hands off the United States Postal Service. Let's make it clear through this law to fund our Postal Service and undo these harmful attacks and restore normal operations.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the late Curtis Jacobson, a long-time resident of Detroit and Michigan's 13th Congressional District. I first got to know Mr. Jacobson when I served as a legislator in Michigan's State House of Representatives. He was engaged and well- informed on a number of topics, ranging from current events to public policy to everyday issues facing residents of Michigan. Mr. Jacobson never shied away from sharing his opinion. My staff and I always appreciated a call from Mr. Jacobson. It was a delight to hear from him shortly after beginning my first term as U.S. Representative for Michigan's 13th District, and to continue to keep in touch with him. Throughout his life, Mr. Jacobson had a passionate interest in politics. He sought out knowledge and thought critically about issues. He took pride in his military service, having risen in the ranks to serve as Captain in the U.S. Army. In addition, Mr. Jacobson worked as a substitute teacher before settling into a career as an accountant with the City of Detroit. He retired at the age of eighty. In addition to his work, Mr. Jacobson enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with his family. He is survived by his four children, Mary, Charles, Russel, and Marjorie; his eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. It was an honor to know Curtis Jacobson. Please join me in his recognition.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of ninety years of life of Ms. Pearl Barden, a resident of Inkster, Michigan for more than sixty-five years. Born and raised in Tarversville, Georgia, Ms. Barden moved to Inkster, Michigan at the age of fourteen. She is a proud graduate of Inkster Public Schools. In Michigan, Ms. Barden met and married the love of her life, Milton Barden, Jr., and was a devoted wife for more than fifty years. Together they nurtured and raised twelve children, emphasizing the value of education. Pearl Barden set a strong example for her family and community in the kindness she showed toward others, a trait she encouraged in her children. Ms. Barden's children all attended Inkster Public Schools and went on to attend college or trade school. She has always been proud of their many accomplishments. Ms. Barden enjoys spending time with her family and counts twenty grandchildren, thirty-nine great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild as the great blessings in her life. She frequently takes on the role of caregiver to her extended family by providing a meal, or a ride to school, always with love and kindness. In addition to her active family life, Ms. Barden remains active in her community. A long-time member of Amity Baptist Church, she serves on the Usher Board and Missionary Board. She has formerly been recognized by the Inkster community as ``Woman of the Year'' and ``Mother of the Year.'' Ms. Barden's interests include a passion for reading, bowling, sweet potato pie, and travel as demonstrated through her extensive travel across the United States with her children and friends. She has visited twenty-five of the fifty United States and enjoys vacationing in the Bahamas and Mexico. Ms. Pearl Barden has built a family on the cornerstone of love and kindness and is valued in her community. Please join me in wishing her a very happy ninetieth birthday.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for yielding. I rise today in support of this en bloc, which includes my amendment to prohibit funds from being used to implement, administer, and enforce a recent rule forcing DNA collection from immigrant detainees. The rollout of this policy started in January when CBP and ICE began collecting DNA samples from people as young as 14 years old at the Border Patrol sector in Detroit, Michigan. Is this how we are going to do this? We are going to just stop and not try to fix our immigration system, and this is what we are going to do to people, which is violate their human rights? We must stop this administration from forcing collection of DNA, actual parts of people's bodies, from families and individuals. We must push back, because this would indefinitely store DNA information, creating a permanent law enforcement record for folks who may have never even been accused or convicted of a crime. So, Mr. Speaker, we must stand up against xenophobic criminalization of our immigrant neighbors. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Serrano and Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez for working with me on this measure, and I urge support for this amendment.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment, which increases funds for lead drinking water pipe replacement by $500 million, to a total of $1 billion. This amendment is an investment to remove the 6 to 10 million lead service lines that contaminate our tap water across our Nation, and the over 600,000 lines alone in Michigan. Contaminated water is a fact of life for Michigan's 13th Congressional District. Too many of our families and communities are suffering, and it is time we step up our investments to guarantee environmental justice for all. I thank Chairwoman McCollum for working with me on this amendment to secure historic funding to replace lead pipes. And I also thank my colleagues, Representatives Kildee and Slotkin for their partnership on this.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, we learned from civil rights giant Congressman John Lewis that we have a moral obligation, a mission, and a mandate to speak up, to speak out, and do it in good trouble. In honor of your legacy, Congressman Lewis, I will continue the path of good trouble by demanding that water is a human right, by banning racist facial recognition technology, repealing the opportunity zones and spend that money on helping end poverty in Black communities. I will continue to fight to pass your Voting Rights Act. You reminded us every single day in this Chamber that waiting isn't always the right option. Too many of our residents don't have time to wait any longer. The oppression is killing them. It is an honor to have served with you, Congressman. I will never forget walking across the Pettus Bridge with you and my young son. Peace and love.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a proud Member of this body, as a woman of color, and as a sister in service to my colleague, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was verbally assaulted by a Member of this same Chamber. Gaslighting my colleague in our country won't work here. I rise to tell my sister in service: I believe you. I believe you not just because reporters happened to be standing there to hear the sexist attack, but because I believe women across our country when they tell us of the violence they experience at the workplace. Violence against women in politics specifically is a global problem. I know. I would invite any of my colleagues across the aisle to answer the calls into my office for just 1 day to hear the vile sexist remarks made about me and other women serving in this Chamber. When my colleague from Florida made the remark in question, he echoed and perpetuated those sexist and violent calls. Madam Speaker, we must condemn in the strongest terms possible this kind of violent sexism so that women and girls across the country know that there is no room for it in any workplace, not in Congress, not anywhere.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to declare loudly and clearly to every Muslim and every African person in Michigan's 13th District, in America, and around the world that the United States House of Representatives is taking action to end this administration's racist ban. Madam Speaker, I rise to send a message to marginalized communities everywhere that, in repealing the Muslim and African ban, we are also preventing discriminatory bans from ever happening again. Madam Speaker, I rise as a mother of two wonderful Muslim-American boys, Adam and Yousif, to say that Muslims and Muslim Americans are our family members, our friends, and our neighbors--and, yes, they are Members of Congress. Madam Speaker, it appears that this White House might not like that fact very much because this racist ban is a Federal endorsement of anti-Muslim rhetoric and discrimination in our country, but today we are coming together to finally put a stop to this. End the Muslim and African ban. End all discriminatory bans forever.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Bishop Philip Jackson who is celebrating his appointment to auxiliary bishop after serving thirty-three years as pastor of Seth Temple Church of God in Detroit, Michigan. Bishop Jackson is a native of Detroit, Michigan and a proud graduate of Detroit's Central High School. He is a lifelong member of Seth Temple Church of God. He was called to the clergy in May of 1967 and has led his members in fulfilling their spiritual needs. Bishop Jackson began his ministry under the pasturage and tutelage of the late Bishop John Seth Bailey. On July 19, 1987, he was appointed Pastor of Seth Temple Church of God in Christ. Bishop Jackson has been able to balance his work in the church with his career in automobile manufacturing, where he rose through the ranks at Ford Motor Company. In addition, Bishop Jackson has taken on numerous leadership roles over his lifetime, including appointment as District Superintendent of District No. 3, January 2008, Chairman of the Elders Council of 1st Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Michigan Southwest, and Bishop in 2019, by Bishop John H. Sheard, Jurisdictional Prelate. Bishop Jackson serves as a Commissioner for the National Church of God in Christ, Incorporated, Judiciary Board Committee for the National Constitutional Convention, and he is a Member of the COGIC Publishing House Board of Directors appointed by Presiding Bishop, Charles E. Blake, Sr. On March 30, Bishop Jackson received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree from Saint Thomas Christian College, Jacksonville, FL. Bishop Jackson has touched the lives of many in his flock. He has strived to make a lasting impact and has worked to expand the church and create shelter for women and children, senior housing, childcare, and many other ministries. Please join me in celebrating this milestone for Bishop Philip Jackson and Seth Temple Church of God.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of David Roquemore, esteemed pastor of Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. Pastor Roquemore knew at a young age that he was destined for a career in the clergy. He was deeply moved by the power of prayer and gospel music. Pastor Roquemore began his pastoral profession at Church of Our Faith Prayer Tabernacle, where he served as a faithful member of the renowned Voices of Prayer Tabernacle choir. Pastor Roquemore found his passion for prayer through song in Detroit's burgeoning gospel music scene. He performed with the era's powerhouse principal vocalists Hulah Gene Dunkin-Hurley, Louise McCord Williams, and his brother Richard Roquemore. The choir recorded, ``The Love of God,'' which became an instant hit. Affectionally known as ``Rock'', he remained a faithful member of the church. On August 7, 1982 a group of individuals assembled to deliberate the possibility of organizing a church. The meeting participants included Reverend D. W. Roquemore, Sister Madeline Roquemore, other individuals who elected Reverend Roquemore as pastor of the newly formed Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church, inaugurating a thirty-seven-year commitment. Pastor Roquemore committed to religious scholarship, earning degrees from William Tyndale College, Tennessee School of Religion, and Union Baptist Seminary. He also served in leadership roles for a number of organizations, including Executive Secretary of Council of Baptist Pastors and Detroit Vicinity, Secretary of Westside Ministers Alliance, Chairman of Health and Human Services Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, and professor of Tennessee School of Religion. Pastor Roquemore's commitment to serving the needs of others earned him great esteem and respect. Please join me in tribute to the memory of Pastor David Roquemore, a spiritual leader, who will be missed by his family, friends, and flock.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the late DeAndree Watson, a young public servant and community advocate for the city of Detroit. DeAndree was born and raised in Detroit, and product of Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Cass Technical High School in 2008. DeAndree went on to attend the University of Michigan, serving as Class President for the 2012 graduating class, graduating with the highest honors. DeAndree began his commitment to service and the city of Detroit as an intern for former councilman Charles Pugh before rising through the ranks to serve as Policy Analyst for Detroit City Council and District One Councilman James Tate for six years. Through this role, DeAndree helped lead critical legislation for the 13th Congressional District in Northwest Detroit and across the city. DeAndree dedicated his life to serving residents, a priority that was reflected in his daily work. His commitment to serving residents went beyond policy, and included supporting numerous associations, block clubs, and organizations with critical services whenever he could. DeAndree held several roles in his young professional career, not only serving as a Policy Analyst, but also serving as the President and leader of the New Leaders Council, a young progressive coalition of talented rising leaders across Detroit. His planned journey back to the University of Michigan to pursue his Law Degree would have undoubtedly set him on a path to further his ongoing work to serve the city of Detroit and our district. DeAndree's hard work and dedication to working on behalf of the people of Detroit was unmatched. He was known for his professionalism, attention to details, and the love he held for the City of Detroit. DeAndree was a bright and affable rising star with limitless potential ahead of him. We are stunned and saddened by his sudden and tragic death. DeAndree Watson embodied the spirit of community, leadership and Detroit. His presence will truly be missed. Please join me in honoring his memory and this great loss to our community.