Rashida Tlaib

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Chair, again, I completely agree that that is the process. However, it is our responsibility, since we are the ones who created the bipartisan support of opportunity zones. However, it doesn't make it exempt from corruption, Mr. Chair, and that is exactly what is happening. So then-Governor Snyder may have given his friend an advantage by not complying with the opportunity zone requirement that it be a poverty- stricken census track, that it is within those guidelines. That did not happen. So it is our due diligence, because we allowed the pathway for opportunity zones, to have accountability. And this amendment basically allows us to check in, Mr. Chair, and make sure that they are following those guidelines, and that is exactly what didn't happen with the opportunity zones. Just because they were bipartisan does not mean they were exempt from corruption, it is exempt from accountability. Mr. Chair, I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will join me in having transparency and accountability. It is our responsibility. They are our tax dollars. They are our programs that we have to, again, hold accountable for those that take advantage by using the system and tainting the process. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Chair, I think it is really important, and I am glad the ranking member did mention the opportunity zones. One of the key controversies around opportunity zones right now is that out of the hundreds of opportunity zone census tracks that were chosen, five did not qualify under the poverty guidelines requirements for opportunity zones. Reporting like this creates transparency and accountability, Mr. Chair, and that is why it is critically important that we don't make the mistake again to support these kinds of tax breaks and loans and opportunities through the Federal Government without any accountability and follow-through with the United States Congress annually. That is why it is critically important. We are talking about five communities that should not have gotten the opportunity zone designation, including two in the city of Detroit that were promoted by billionaire Dan Gilbert. It should never have been designated. They didn't qualify, Mr. Chair. That is why it is important that we have these kinds of amendments and requirements that the United States Congress can then proceed to create transparency. I fully support, obviously, opportunities for development in communities that deserve it, especially representing the third poorest congressional district in the country. However, we cannot allow those political donors, like the billionaire Dan Gilbert, to pick and choose where those opportunity zones are designated. However, we are talking about Ex-Im today, and let's do this right by supporting this kind of annual reporting to make sure that we are helping economically disadvantaged communities like ours to be able to, again, have accountability for the American people. Again, I rise in support, as I hope my colleagues support me in rising in support of this amendment, again, to make sure that we do our due diligence as Members of Congress in making sure there are no other kind of scandalous controversies that we see now with the opportunity zones in our country. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, George Arnold's 100th birthday. George Daniel Arnold was born in Reidsville, Georgia, to Joseph James and Susie Snell Arnold. The youngest of ten, he was affectionately nicked named GD by his older siblings. George graduated from Dorchester Academy where he received training as a plasterer. After graduation, George left home and traveled through the south, practicing his trade until 1943. The lure of better opportunities convinced him to join his brothers in Detroit, Michigan. Once in Detroit, he quickly became part of the community by joining Aijlon Baptist Church. Today he is one of Aijlon's longest serving ushers, sitting on the usher board since 1946. In 1943 he also joined the King David Grand Lodge and is a dedicated member to this day. He has earned many titles of distinction such as, 33rd degree Mason, Past Grand Lecturer, Worshipful Master, Shriner, and Knight of the Temple. His past and current positions include Dean of the Most Worshipful Institute of Learning and Past Instructor of the Most Worshipful Institute of Learning, which in August of this year was renamed the George D. Arnold Institute of Learning in recognition for his devoted service to his Masonic Brothers. As part of his continual service, George also performs burial ceremonies in Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, and Grand Rapids. In short, Mr. Arnold is a dedicated family man, business owner, and Michigander and we are excited to honor him on his 100th birthday.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the memory of Freddie B. Yelder, a beloved Detroit community member. Born July 15, 1934, Ms. Yelder spent her early years in Mosses, Alabama before moving with her husband and family to Detroit, Michigan. She quickly became a respected leader in her family, community, and church. Ms. Yelder was especially known for her kindness and generosity to others. The matriarch of the Yelder/Bain/Patton family, she cared for her large extended family, but especially her disabled brother, and as sole caregiver to her husband after he became disabled. As the owner of a party store, she never failed to donate goods and services to those in need. She never shied away from opening up her own home to others when someone needed shelter. Ms. Yelder's openheartedness and charitable spirit were an asset in the leadership role she assumed in her forty-three years as a member and former Board of Trustees President of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church. She initiated the organizing of the church mission, which two years later lead to the mission deciding to purchase the permanent structure called Sharon Missionary Baptist Church. One of her proudest accomplishments was when she successfully negotiated in the church's favor the initial selling conditions and reducing the church's costs by several thousand dollars. In addition to her work on behalf of the missionary program, Ms. Yelder supervised the ``Meet Up, Eat Up'' program, which fed countless children in the surrounding community, as well as the church soup kitchen, which was funded solely through her own fundraising efforts. In short, Ms. Freddie B. Yelder's life was distinguished by her generosity, kindness, and leadership. We give honor to her memory and tireless efforts in dedication to her surviving family.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Lieutenant Ron Guffey who served on the City of River Rouge's Police Department on the occasion of his retirement. During his twenty-three years with the police force, Lieutenant Guffey has served with dedication and bravery. He first joined the City of River Rouge's Police Department as a patrol officer in 1996. Lieutenant Guffey served the force in several capacities and rose through the ranks, serving as Corporal, Detective, and Sergeant before ultimately retiring as Lieutenant. Lieutenant Guffey's presence will be missed and is a loss for the community and the City of River Rouge. In short, Lieutenant Guffey has served bravely and nobly. Please join me in saluting him for his twenty-three years of public service as we wish him well on his retirement.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, a house of worship in Detroit, Michigan, as its members celebrate the church's one hundred fortieth anniversary, as well as Pastor Reverend Richard E. Robinson's twenty-five years in ministry. Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1879 under the leadership of Dr. Theol Emil Hardrat. The church and congregation quickly turned their focus to providing schooling for children. Throughout changes in leadership and building changes, the church and its school have persevered. Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church has created a lasting legacy of prayer, praise, fellowship, and mutual aid that continues today under the leadership of pastor Reverend Richard E. Robinson. His twenty-five year career in ministry brought him to serve the Saint John congregation, where he has touched the lives of many. Whether praying for a good harvest, celebrating love in marriage, or marking the passing of a dear friend and loved one from this world, the members of Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church have drawn strength from each other. Please join me in tribute to Reverend Richard E. Robinson and the members of Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church on this important milestone.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Christ Cathedral Baptist Church, a house of worship located in Detroit, Michigan, on the occasion of its twenty-fifth anniversary. The members of Christ Cathedral Baptist Church first came together to worship in 1994. The congregation grew so quickly in its first year that they were forced to find a new worship space before settling at its current address on Hartford Street. No matter what location, the congregation was home wherever they could gather together for worship. It is evident in their mutual support for one another and commitment to serving the community's most vulnerable that the flock at Christ Cathedral Baptist Church is a family. For more than twenty years, the church has given back to the community by hosting meal services for those in need and ministering to people struggling with substance abuse. In short, the flock at Christ Cathedral has drawn strength from each other as they have come together to worship and celebrate, and they have used their strength in service to others. Please join me in recognizing Christ Cathedral Baptist Church on this milestone as we wish them many more years of service to come.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Minock- Whitlock Park as the residents of Detroit celebrate its opening. The residents of Detroit's Warrendale neighborhood have worked tirelessly to open a community park. We owe special thanks to the Matney family for their leadership in this project. The goal of creating a community gathering space that can be enjoyed by all community members has been realized. Minock-Whitlock Park will be an asset to the neighborhood and the community at-large, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a community. Please join me in tribute to the Detroit residents who made this park possible in honor of the grand opening of Minock-Whitlock Park.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart in joining my beloved colleague, who also represents the city of Detroit, in paying tribute to our wonderful, late Congress Member John Conyers, the longest serving African American in the United States Congress, a true civil rights icon and visionary, and the man who will forever be our Congressman. The Honorable John Conyers Jr.'s mission to make sweeping changes in civil rights by fighting on behalf of the people started well before he ever stepped onto the United States House floor. One of the things that he said at the passing of Rosa Parks, his dear friend, was: ``We've got a tremendous legacy to fulfill. You can't maintain a democracy and an empire simultaneously.'' And he said, ``Rosa, you taught me that.'' But, when he first was sworn in to the Congress in 1965 during a time of great social unrest in our country's history, he embarked on what would become a 50-year tenure of service to our people that would result in that mission being accomplished, and then some. Indeed, his more than 50 years of service brought forth the vision of reparations for African Americans, the centering of voting rights, a continued push for universal healthcare, the creation of the Congressional Black Caucus, and the inspiration of not just those in Detroit for whom he worked tirelessly, but he directly impacted many, many countless Americans across the country. When I first was elected to succeed Congressman Conyers, I knew that I had a tremendous legacy to carry. It is that tremendous legacy that propels my work on behalf of Michigan's 13th Congressional District that I fight for every single day. I remember when I was in his presence of greatness, he never exhibited anything less than grace and kindness. He always paused and took time to talk to the residents. He taught me that. Sadly, the last time I spoke to him was at his 90th birthday celebration in Detroit. He was joyful and, yes, he still had the presence of greatness, as Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence saw for herself as well. Detroit and our district will sorely miss him. May he rest in peace as we continue to fight for what he fought for for so long with unwavering strength: for jobs, justice, and peace. I pray that his wife, Monica Conyers, and the family find strength during this difficult time.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our chairman, Elijah Cummings. He was my first chairman. Chairman Cummings believed in the possibility of better from this institution. He understood that our squad was big and embraced the new era of social justice movement in our country. Congressman Cummings' presence was iconic, and I am humbled and honored to have served with him. I pray that Congressman Cummings' wife and family find peace during this very difficult time in knowing that he has left a powerful legacy that has been centered on truth and justice. I have a picture of my son with Congressman Cummings. He always said that children are the messages we send in the future. And so I wanted to honor Congressman Cummings by showing and displaying just the beautiful smile I remember that he provided for my 14-year old boy.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Yemeni American Benevolent Association, an outstanding service organization in Wayne County, Michigan, for its fifty years of service. The Yemeni American Benevolent Association was founded in 1969 to promote empowerment of people, environmental protection, and respect for cultural diversity. They have worked to cultivate community leadership, as well as providing education and other services to the surrounding community. Aside from language classes, translation services, and tutoring, the Yemeni American Benevolent Association has grown its annual scholarship program to help young people achieve their dreams of pursuing higher education. The scholarship program is an amazing achievement that has provided a pathway to a better future and encourages young people to give back to their community. I ask you to please join me in tribute to the Yemeni American Benevolent Association as they celebrate this milestone.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Greening of Detroit, an organization dedicated to creating a greener and more sustainable Detroit. Greening of Detroit was founded in 1989 with the primary goal of restoring Detroit's once lush tree-lined neighborhoods and parks. Since then, the organization's mission has expanded to include working toward green infrastructure, protecting our natural resources, and environmental sustainability. These efforts have not only concentrated on the City's environmental needs, but also on created ``green jobs'' by recruiting and training local individuals in urban forestry and landscaping. Greening of Detroit has continued to foster passion about creating a sustainable future for Detroit through its youth education and summer jobs programs. In short, Greening of Detroit is an organization that has adapted to the needs of the community it serves and has grown remarkably as one of Detroit's premier environmental stewards. I therefore ask you to please join me in tribute to Greening of Detroit as they celebrate thirty years of service.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Smith Chapel AME Church, a house of worship located in Inkster, Michigan, on the occasion of its ninety-fifth anniversary service. Smith Chapel AME Church held its first service on October 5, 1924 when a small, but passionate group of people gathered together to worship. Drawn together under the shared value of creating a caring community, the congregation quickly grew in size and influence. Though the church has witnessed many changes over the years, the congregation continues to gather regularly to nourish the spirit, mind, and body and give back to the surrounding community. In recent years, Smith Chapel has expanded its food pantry program to include a community garden, which is tended by church members, as well as its Summer Youth Cafe program that offers recreational and character development programs for young people. Whether gathering in prayer, celebrating love in marriage, or marking the passing of a dear friend and loved one from this life, we all draw great strength from sharing with one another through faith. The history of Smith Chapel AME provides a wonderful example of how much this faith and unselfishness mean to our entire community. Please join me in recognizing Smith Chapel AME on this milestone as we wish them well in the years to come.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Terry Duerod, former NBA champion and former Detroit Fire Fighter, a native of the city of Highland Park, Michigan. Mr. Duerod began his sports career when he joined Highland Park High School's basketball team. He excelled at the sport and brought athletic prestige to the program by leading the team to the 1975 state championships. Mr. Duerod continued to play basketball after high school at University of Detroit before moving on to a career in professional basketball, first playing for the Detroit Pistons and the Dallas Mavericks before finally landing a spot on the Boston Celtics. As a Boston Celtic, Mr. Duerod was voted a fan favorite and earned a championship ring in the 1981 National Basketball Association Finals. For his efforts and outstanding performance, he was inducted into the University of Detroit's Hall of Fame and has only continued to serve his community. Following his athletic career, Mr. Duerod switched gears to public service and has worked tirelessly as a Detroit firefighter, where he continued to play basketball with the Detroit Fire Department's team. Since retiring, he still finds time to impact the lives of others through basketball. Throughout his life, Mr. Duerod has represented the cities of Highland Park and Detroit with astounding spirit, serving as an inspiration to others. Please join me in recognizing Terry Duerod.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the groundbreaking of Fort Street Bridge Park in Detroit, Michigan. Thanks to the hard work and advocacy of community members, today we break ground to build the Fort Street Bridge Park. This park is the culmination of the efforts of environmental activists, historians, and dedicated neighbors who all fought for a vision of a beautiful community green space for all to enjoy. Fort Street Bridge Park will be a jewel of our community, a green oasis amongst the heavy industry that lines this section of the Rouge River. It will connect us to the water that has been the lifeblood of our region, a constant reminder of our past and our future. The Park will commemorate the 1932 Ford Hunger March, where brave workers stood up to Ford, demanded economic justice and fair working conditions, and the police responded with gunfire, killing four people and played a key role in ushering in the unionization of the auto industry. This Park will not only be dedicated to conservation and education, but will also serve as a reminder of the fragility of our natural resources and public health if we do not do what's necessary to protect them. The Park will occupy a significant space in history and community, especially as it honors the late Congressman John Dingell and his legacy of environmental advocacy, which is so intertwined with the Rouge River. Please join me in rising in tribute to Fort Street Bridge Park.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Rosa Slade Gragg, a woman who represented and championed the civil rights of Black women of the City of Detroit. Dr. Rosa Slade Gragg worked as an English teacher before she became involved with civil rights advocacy. She quickly became an outstanding advocate for the advancement of Black women's rights. She was eventually appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to serve on the Board of the National Volunteer's Participation Committee of Civil Defense. Dr. Gragg also worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as an active and vocal champion of the civil rights movement. In addition to her advocacy, Dr. Gragg founded the Slade-Gragg Academy of Practical Arts in 1947, the first Black vocational school in Detroit. More than two thousand women and returning veterans were trained at the academy, the first Black owned and operated business on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Over the years, Dr. Gragg accumulated a number of honors and recognition for her work to advance civil rights and served as an advisor to three United States Presidents. We owe a debt of gratitude for the hard work and dedication of Dr. Rosa Slade Gragg. It is with great honor that I ask my colleagues to join with me in honor of her memory and upon the dedication of a street named to acknowledge her civil rights activism.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the anniversary of the burning of the Rouge River in Wayne County, Michigan. Fifty years ago, the Rouge River caught fire. For years and years, this vital waterway, which flows into the Detroit River and is an important link in the industrial supply chain, had been polluted. The rampant and unchecked contamination of the Rouge culminated in the build-up of a sludge so flammable that the river went up in flames as high as fifty feet tall. The conflagration sounded the alarm on the effect of unchecked pollution, irresponsible corporate actions, and dumping of oil and other toxins into our waterways. An immediate call to action ensued. Residents organized clean ups and advocated for policy changes that would protect our water. Through the perseverance of those residents and community grounds, their dogged pursuit of stronger regulations to clean up the Rouge eventually helped turn things around. Without the tremendous advocacy and work of organizations like Friends of the Rouge and countless others, the Rouge River would look very different today. These efforts mean that our water is cleaner, our waterways are preserved for recreation, and wildlife and their habitats are protected. Please join me in rising to commemorate this solemn occasion. May it serve as a reminder in how far we've come in protecting our natural resources and the work that we still need to do to protect our waterways.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Power Hope and Grace Bible Church, a house of worship in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1959, Power Hope and Grace Bible Church has persisted and prevailed despite the many changes in the City of Detroit. The church and its congregation have continued to thrive because of their incredible commitment to community service and generosity to those in need. The Power Hope and Grace community has regularly provided assistance and supplies to local shelters for the homeless, runs an annual back to school fair, offering free school supplies, hair cuts, and more, and assists in annual holiday toy drives. Beyond its charitable works, the congregation has been a training site for the Michigan Alliance for Families and participated in the Career Works summer program. In addition to this milestone anniversary, Power Hope and Grace Bible Church recently celebrated the paying off of its mortgage, further cementing this institution as an asset in the community. Please join me in recognizing Power Hope and Grace Bible Church in honor of their sixtieth anniversary.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Perfecting Church, a growing ministry and house of worship in Detroit, on its thirtieth anniversary. Perfecting Church held its first service in 1989 in the home of Pastor Marvin L. Winans with a congregation of only eight people. The church and its congregation grew quickly and found its self in need of a building before ultimately settling into its current home on Detroit's east side. The church's final move was symbolic of two of its guiding principles, unity and serving others. Since its opening, Perfecting Church's mission to serve and bring community together has been reflected in its outstanding charitable work and its service-based programs. Under the leadership of Pastor Winans, Perfecting Church has expanded its services to include youth programming, performing arts, as well as transitional housing for women in the community. Perfecting Church is a community asset to Detroit and has truly become an integral part of its faith-based community. Please join me in tribute to Perfecting Church in honor of its thirtieth anniversary and its ongoing community service.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the Detroit Youth Concert Choir & Performing Arts Company for its recent stellar run on America's Got Talent. The Detroit Youth Concert Choir & Performing Arts Company was founded in 1996 on the premise of educating Detroit Youth about the arts through music education and dance. Under the nurturing direction and leadership of Creative Director Anthony White, the young people of Detroit Youth Choir have worked tirelessly and with great enthusiasm to perfect and hone their craft. The culmination of their hard work and dedication was proudly displayed on the nationally televised show America's Got Talent. From receiving a golden buzzer to placing second in the competition, the Detroit Youth Concert Choir and Performing Arts Company has represented metropolitan Detroit in a remarkable manner and set a wonderful example for young people everywhere. The Detroit Youth Choir continues to embody the true spirit of Detroit, which shines through in all of their performances everywhere they go. I ask you to please join me in honoring the Detroit Youth & Performing Arts Company on its outstanding achievement as they bring pride to the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Eddie Williams for his thirteen years of service to the congregation at Lakeridge Village Ministries Church of God in Christ. Lakeridge Village Ministries was founded on the principle of uplifting people from all walks of life in spirituality and that the gift of spirituality is not limited to clergy. Pastor Williams has sought to lead his flock under that guidance, fostering a true sense of community and caring for the most vulnerable. In addition to his work in ministry, Pastor Williams has sought to expand resources and options for people suffering from the pain of addiction and mental illness. His work at Lakeridge Village has accomplished so much in fighting the stigma around mental health issues and connecting those struggling with substance abuse to the assistance they need. In short Pastor Williams has performed outstanding service to the community through his ministry and charitable work. Please join me in tribute to Pastor Eddie Williams in celebration of his thirteen years in spiritual service to Lakeridge Village Ministries Church of God in Christ.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support hundreds of communities across America, both rural and urban, that are being forced to endure PFAS contamination. Every week, we learn more and more about the toxicity and ever- widening scope of this man-made crisis. Not one but two PFAS sites have been discovered in my own district, the 13th Congressional District, first seeping from the sewers in Melvindale and then at the construction site of the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Detroit. As a representative of people living in those areas, and from the State with the most PFAS sites in the country, it is my moral obligation to stand before you all today and say time is now for Congress to act. Include provisions to clean up contaminated sites, to stop PFAS from polluting our drinking water in the future, and to protect our servicemembers and first responders in the final NDAA that is on its way. We have waited long enough to help families whose drinking water is at risk, who have been exposed to these toxic chemicals, and whose future is very much threatened.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Captain Michael Preadmore for his many years of service to the Melvindale-Dearborn Consolidated Fire Department, on the occasion of his retirement. During his twenty-three years of service, Captain Preadmore has moved steadily through the ranks, garnering accolades for his dedication and bravery along the way. Preadmore joined the City of Melvindale's Fire Department as a firefighter in 1996. From there, he was quickly promoted to sergeant, lieutenant, and ultimately, captain. A consummate professional who knows safety doesn't take a day off, Captain Preadmore has been acknowledged for his perfect attendance multiple times and he has dedicated his time toward working to advanced certification, including confined space and rope rescue. Above and beyond that, Captain Preadmore has been recognized for his bravery in the line of duty, receiving the Fire Chief Life Saving Award twice, the Department Medal of Valor award, and the Fire Chief Unit Commendation. In short, Captain Preadmore has served bravely and nobly. Please join me in saluting him for his twenty-three years of public service as we wish him well on his retirement.

Ms. TLAIB

Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ, a house of worship in Inkster, Michigan, as its members celebrate the church's ninetieth anniversary. Pentecostal Church of God in Christ was founded in 1930. Construction of the church itself was a labor of love initiated by pledges and donations of community members and built by their own hands. Since then, the church has grown to accommodate its flock and its many programs. The same sense of community that was present at the church's inception is still evident in its growth both physically and spiritually. Over the years, Pentecostal Church of God in Christ has expanded to include a school for kindergarten through sixth. It offers summer programs, daycare, and even technology classes. The legacy of community service and inclusion lives on under the leadership of Pastor Kellen Brooks, the grandson of Pentecostal Church in God's longest serving pastor, the late Bishop Isaac King, Jr. Please join me in tribute to Pastor Kellen Brooks and the members of Pentecostal Church of God in Christ as we recognize its ninetieth anniversary.