Member of Congress

Lori Trahan

Role
Current Representative
State
MA
Party
Democrat

Speeches

PERSONAL EXPLANATION2026-07-22

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I was not able to be present for votes on July 20, 2026. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 251, H.R. 8823, and YEA on Roll Call No. 250, H.R. 4541.

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HONORING THE LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY OF ROGER P. FRECHETTE, SR.2026-07-09

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Roger P. Frechette, Sr., a decorated boxer, veteran, entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader whose dedication to the City of Lowell has left a lasting impact across generations. Roger was born on October 4, 1941, in Lowell, Massachusetts, the second oldest of seven children born to Jean-Paul ``The Blond Tiger'' Frechette and Rita Fournier Frechette. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in athletics and community service, Roger learned early the values of discipline, perseverance, and giving back. His father, Jean- Paul, was one of Lowell's most beloved sports figures, a New England Featherweight Champion, founder of the Greater Lowell Softball League, President of the Passe Temps Club, and a tireless advocate for youth athletics. In recognition of his contributions to the community, a bridge in Lowell was dedicated in his honor and proudly bears the Tiger Frechette name today. Inspired by his father's example, Roger embarked on a path that would mirror that same commitment to excellence and service. Roger began boxing at an early age and built an accomplished sixteen- year career in the sport. His achievements included winning the Silver Mittens Championship in 1955, the Golden Gloves Novice Championship in 1958, the Greater Lowell Open Championship in 1959, and the New England AAU Championship in 1961. He represented New England in national AAU competition, competed as a professional boxer, and earned distinction as the Fort Dix U.S. Army Boxing Champion in the 118-pound division while serving his country. Roger also proudly served in the Massachusetts National Guard. His dedication to boxing and his contributions to the sport were recognized in 2007 when he was inducted into the New England Boxing Hall of Fame. While Roger achieved success in the ring, his greatest contributions may have come through his commitment to mentoring young people. Believing that boxing could provide structure, confidence, and opportunity, he founded the West End Boxing Gym and worked closely with the Lowell Boys Club to guide and inspire countless young athletes. Through his mentorship, Roger taught lessons that extended far beyond sports, instilling discipline, respect, perseverance, and self- confidence in generations of Lowell youth. For many, he served not only as a coach but as a role model and trusted mentor whose guidance helped shape their futures. Roger's business acumen was equally impressive. He owned and operated the Moosehead Cafe, founded Beverly Roofing and several successful roofing businesses, and invested in residential and commercial properties throughout Lowell. Through these ventures, he contributed to the economic vitality of the city while creating jobs and opportunities for others. Following in his father's footsteps, Roger also devoted himself to civic leadership. From 1960 through 1964, he served as President of the Passe Temps Club, becoming the youngest president in the organization's history. Throughout his life, he remained an active and respected figure in the community, using his influence to support local organizations, youth programs, and neighborhood initiatives. His leadership reflected a deep belief that strong communities are built through service, hard work, and a willingness to invest in others. Roger's greatest pride is his family. He shared a lifelong bond with his wife, Sandra Graham Frechette, and together they raised four sons: Roger, Jr., Ronnie, Robert, and Randy. Following the tragic loss of their son Robert in 1968, Roger and Sandra persevered through hardship and spent nearly three decades together. Today, their legacy continues through their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those inspired by their example. Roger currently resides in Winter Park, Florida, where he is cared for by his son Ronnie and daughter-in-law Stephanie, though he has never lost his deep connection to Lowell, the city he proudly calls home and where his family's legacy was built. Roger's legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments as an athlete, businessman, or community leader. He is remembered for his generosity, his unwavering support of young people, his pride in the City of Lowell, and his commitment to helping others succeed. Through every stage of his life, he embodied the values of determination, humility, and service, leaving an enduring impact on the countless individuals whose lives he touched. Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, Roger is known for his deep love of family and friends, the kindness he shows to those around him, and his extraordinary leadership, mentorship, and commitment to community service. His contributions to athletics, business, and the people of Lowell have strengthened the fabric of the city and created a legacy that will endure for generations, one defined by service, generosity, and impact. His legacy is truly unforgettable and everlasting.

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KIDS INTERNET AND DIGITAL SAFETY ACT2026-06-29

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding and for his strong leadership on this vitally important issue. When I joined the Energy and Commerce Committee 6 years ago, I committed to doing everything in my power to make the internet a safer place for my children, my two young daughters, specifically. In the years since, I have sat in hearing after hearing where we have talked about doing something to deliver on that promise. I met with parents who have lived every family's worst nightmare, parents whose children harmed themselves and even ended their lives because executives in Silicon Valley cared more about their stock price than the safety of our children. I looked those parents in the eye. I cried with them as they told their story. Then I went home to have hard conversations with my two girls about how the apps they use, Instagram, TikTok, and others, are engineered to make them doubt their image and question their worth. For years, this crisis has gone unanswered, decades at this point. Our children have been left to navigate one of the most powerful and manipulative technologies ever built, and they have been left to do it alone. This bill ends that. To be clear, Mr. Speaker, the KIDS Act doesn't solve every problem, but it makes one heck of a dent. It finally gives kids and teens overdue privacy protections. It forces platforms to turn on safeguards by default instead of burying them where no parent can find them. It puts tools in the hands of moms and dads, and it makes companies answer for the worst harms that they allow on their platforms. Is it everything I want? No. I have heard from parents and advocates who believe we should go further, and they are right that this fight isn't over. We can and we must continue to build upon this progress, but I refuse to tell families to wait for a better political moment or for a perfect bill that may never come when meaningful protections are in front of us right now. Critically, these are protections built to last, not ones written to be struck down in court on the day they take effect. I thank Ranking Member Pallone for his commitment to these negotiations, and I acknowledge the work of leaders on the committee on this issue, including Congresswoman Kathy Castor and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. Today, we pass the KIDS Act. Tomorrow, we keep fighting for safer digital spaces for every child, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

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HONORING ALEXANDRA KARABATSOS2026-04-27

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Alexandra Karabatsos for her exceptional service to my office and to the constituents of Massachusetts' 3rd Congressional District. Alex has been an indispensable member of my team since my first campaign for Congress in 2018, and she has served with distinction since day one of my tenure in office. Over the years, she has taken on increasing responsibility across a number of roles, including Legislative Correspondent, Legislative Assistant, Senior Legislative Assistant, and ultimately, Legislative Director. A proud native of Lowell, Massachusetts, Alex brought a deep understanding of and commitment to our district in every aspect of her work. Her connection to the community ensured that the voices of 3rd District residents are always at the forefront of our legislative priorities. As Legislative Director, Alex has led our legislative team with integrity, vision, and an unwavering dedication to delivering results. She has overseen a broad policy portfolio, with particular expertise in health care, where she has played a central role in advancing meaningful, bipartisan solutions. Among her many accomplishments, Alex was instrumental in passage of landmark legislation. Notably, she helped lead the effort to pass the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act, bipartisan legislation to standardize substance use disorder training for providers, and the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act, a significant bipartisan achievement that will improve access to timely, lifesaving care for children across the country. In addition to this work, Alex has been a driving force behind our response to the Steward Health Care crisis, the addiction epidemic, and the mental health crisis facing our children and young adults. Her ability to navigate complex policy challenges and build consensus has made her an invaluable leader both within my office and among colleagues across Capitol Hill. Beyond her policy expertise, Alex has been a mentor to junior staff, a thoughtful advisor, and a cornerstone of our office culture. Her leadership has strengthened our team and elevated our ability to serve the people of Massachusetts' 3rd District. It has been a joy to watch Alex grow as a leader. Her intelligence, work ethic, humor, and deep commitment to public service have left a lasting mark on my office and on the communities we serve. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Alexandra Karabatsos for her outstanding service and wishing her all the best in her next chapter.

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PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4626, DON'T MESS WITH MY HOME APPLIANCES ACT, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4758, HOMEOWNER ENERGY FREEDOM ACT2026-02-24

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend the first vote series today due to a delayed flight into Washington, D.C. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 71, YEA on Roll Call No. 72, NAY on Roll Call No. 73, and NAY on Roll Call No. 74.

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LOWER HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS FOR ALL AMERICANS ACT2025-12-17

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, this vote is a waste of time. Nothing in this Republican healthcare plan will stop Americans' healthcare premiums from skyrocketing. When this bill fails to become law--and it will fail--20 million Americans will see their premiums surge on January 1. Many will not even be able to afford hundreds or even thousands more each month, they will lose their healthcare coverage completely. This is a partisan exercise that does nothing to address the crisis before us. That is why, moments ago, four Republicans signed onto the bipartisan legislation to end this crisis and protect Americans' healthcare, giving it the signatures necessary to be considered on the House floor. The American people expect us to act with urgency, decisiveness, and transparency. Mr. Speaker, cancel this vote. Call up the bipartisan bill to save Americans' healthcare before you take another vacation.

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HONORING THE LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY OF JAMES GOOD2025-12-09

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the tremendous contributions and legacy of James Good, a devoted community leader and advocate whose life's work has transformed and strengthened the Greater Lowell and Merrimack Valley region. He will retire as Chair of the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, an organization he founded over 30 years ago, on December 10, 2025. James was born and raised in the Highlands section of Lowell, Massachusetts, where his parents, John and Pearl Good, taught their children the importance of generosity, kindness, and service. On Saturdays, James and his father collected newspapers to support families in need, and his mother served as a crossing guard on Stevens Street for over 30 years, greeting every child by name. This devotion to service extended throughout the Good family. His late brother, Jack, was active in his church and community in Essex County and is remembered for his lasting generosity, while his sister, Maryanne, continues the family tradition, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. James's dedication to serving others began when he proudly enlisted in the United States Army, the ultimate commitment that set the course for a lifetime of service to his community and those around him. After completing his service in the Army, James turned his focus to giving back to the community where he was raised, channeling his compassion to founding Good Friends, Inc. to ensure that children across the region could experience the joy and magic of Christmas. His dedication to helping others soon expanded as he supported the Middlesex Shelter, an effort that laid the groundwork for what would become the Merrimack Valley Food Bank in 1991. Determined to address local hunger and meet the urgent needs of families facing food insecurity, James began by distributing food from the back of a rented truck to a handful of local agencies. This modest start quickly evolved: by 1993, the organization had incorporated as an independent nonprofit with its own board of directors, and in 1995 it moved into a larger warehouse on Broadway Street, adding refrigeration and expanding its distribution capacity. Under the leadership of its first Executive Director, Irene Reagan, and with the support of dedicated staff, volunteers, and board members, the Food Bank grew from serving two small agencies to partnering with more than 100 organizations and feeding approximately 70,000 individuals each month. Throughout this growth, James's vision, advocacy, and unwavering commitment remained central, enabling the Food Bank to extend its reach beyond Lowell and into communities across the Merrimack Valley. Today, with a renovated facility on Middlesex Street and ongoing efforts like the Feed & Nourish capital campaign, the Merrimack Valley Food Bank continues to honor James's legacy by providing essential support and fighting food insecurity throughout the region. As the founder of the Merrimack Valley Food Bank and an active leader on numerous boards, James's impact extends far beyond immediate relief. He has fostered lasting change, strengthened nonprofit infrastructure, and uplifted generations of families through leadership, dedication, and compassion. His service includes roles as President and Chairman of the Food Bank, Founder and President of Good Friends, Inc., member of the Chelmsford Planning Board, Chairman of the Lowell Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board, Treasurer of the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments, member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and board service with the Chelmsford Business Association, Southwell Park, and Lowell Five, among many others. James has continuously used each role to advance opportunity, dignity, and care for those in need. James's kindness and wisdom make him a trusted figure for individuals to lean on when experiencing hardship. Through James's leadership and efforts, he has made the City of Lowell a better place to live, work and raise a family. Throughout his life, James has been widely recognized for his contributions and leadership, receiving numerous honors including the Chelmsford Lodge of Elks Citizen of the Year Award, the Local Hero Award from Community Teamwork, the DeMolay International Legion of Honor, the Lions Club of Lowell Good Guy of the Year and serving as Grand Marshal of the Chelmsford Fourth of July Parade. These accolades speak to the breadth of his service, but those who know him will agree that he has never sought recognition, only results for the people and communities he cares so deeply about. In a time when many turn inward, James Good stands as a beacon of service and hope. His legacy reminds us that generosity builds stronger communities, that compassion can change lives, and that one individual, guided by values of empathy, humility, and action, can leave an impact that endures for generations. Most importantly, James is known for his love for his wife Paula, his family and friends, his kindness to those around him, and his immense pride in the City of Lowell.

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RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH2025-09-26

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and to highlight two bipartisan bills, the Give Kids a Chance Act and the BRAIN Act, that will help save lives. Cancer is a disease which affects nearly every household and community around the country, and nowhere is it more heartbreaking than when it affects our children. This month marks an opportunity to raise awareness for childhood cancer and support research for new treatment and therapy avenues. Just this year alone, nearly 10,000 children will be diagnosed with pediatric cancer. This is an issue that could not be more important and pressing. The Give Kids a Chance Act removes many of the hurdles and barriers to researching treatments for rare pediatric diseases. It restores FDA incentives through the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program, encouraging companies to develop drugs for rare childhood diseases. The PRV program has already helped develop new treatments for 200,000 patients spanning nearly 50 rare diseases. Muscular dystrophy, sickle cell, and tropical diseases have all seen medical breakthroughs during this program. Give Kids a Chance will also reauthorize the FDA to take action against drug sponsors that fail to comply with pediatric study requirements. Thus, ensuring that patients get the latest and best treatments that they require. As Dr. Benjamin Ebert, President of Dana- Faber, said, ``sustained federal investment is needed to ensure that every child has the opportunity for a life free from disease.'' This bill would cement that investment and sustain our leadership in biotechnology, while costing the taxpayer nothing. Similarly, the BRAIN Act is another common-sense, bipartisan piece of legislation that will advance pediatric care. Recently, brain cancer has passed leukemia as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths of pediatric patients. While the number of cases is growing, survival rates have remained stagnant for 45 years. This needs to change. The BRAIN Act will increase awareness for clinical trials, invest funding into glioblastoma therapeutics and cellular immunotherapy research, and authorize the FDA to ensure brain tumor patient access to clinical trials. Many aggressive pediatric cases have a survival rate of less than the average school year. We have the responsibility and opportunity to try and change that. Echoing what David Arons, of the National Brain Tumor Society, stated, ``now is the time to build on government support for research and access to care for cancer patients.'' During this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, I urge my colleagues to support these two bipartisan bills and give pediatric patients, across the country, a better chance to fight and survive.

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GUARANTEEING RELIABILITY THROUGH THE INTERCONNECTION OF DISPATCHABLE POWER ACT2025-09-18

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 277, H.R. 3062; NAY on Roll Call No. 278, H.R. 3015; and NAY on Roll Call No. 279, H.R. 1047.

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PERSONAL EXPLANATION2025-06-12

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for votes on June 10, 2025. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 162 and NAY on Roll Call No. 163.

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PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 884, PROHIBITING VOTING BY NONCITIZENS IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ELECTIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2056, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FEDERAL IMMIGRATION...2025-06-10

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 160 and NAY on Roll Call No. 161.

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PERSONAL EXPLANATION2025-06-10

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for votes on June 9, 2025. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 157; NAY on Roll Call No. 158; and YEA on Roll Call No. 159.

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PERSONAL EXPLANATION2025-06-04

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend the June 3, 2025 vote series due to an personal family matter. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 146, and YEA on Roll Call No. 147.

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ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT2025-05-21

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I oppose this bill because it is a targeted attack on Planned Parenthood, one of the most trusted providers of reproductive healthcare in our country. The bill bans Federal Medicaid and CHIP dollars from going to Planned Parenthood for 10 years, without even naming the organization, by using vague criteria clearly designed to single them out. This provision threatens access to cancer screenings, birth control, and other essential care for millions of Americans, particularly low- income women. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to the committee. If the House would have permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. My amendment would strike the provision that blocks Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood. No one should lose access to basic care just because of where they go to get it. I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for this motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

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

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

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GOP TAX SCAM HURTS WOMEN AND FAMILIES2025-05-20

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, proponents of Donald Trump's so-called big, beautiful bill are lying to the American people. They claim it won't cut Medicaid, but it slashes $715 billion, gutting care for seniors and children with disabilities. They insist moms and kids won't lose food assistance, but this bill will cut SNAP benefits for over 7 million Americans, stripping food from families' tables. They say new red tape will improve efficiency. Come on, we know better. New GOP paperwork hurdles will cause millions of eligible Americans to lose Medicaid and SNAP, not because they don't qualify, but because they missed a form or got stuck in the system. We have seen it before in Arkansas, Georgia, and New Hampshire. Republicans tried this approach, and people suffered. Why are they doing it? They are doing it to fund tax breaks for billionaire donors--who won't have to fill out a single form, by the way. Are these your priorities, tax cuts for the rich paid for by taking healthcare and food assistance away from everyone else? Prove us wrong. Reject this bill, and stand up for working families.

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GULF OF AMERICA ACT2025-05-08

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend the vote series today due to a personal family matter. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 121 and NO on Roll Call No. 122.

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PERSONAL EXPLANATION2025-05-07

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend the May 5, 2025 vote series due to a delayed flight into Washington, D.C. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 115; and YEA on Roll Call No. 116.

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YOUTH POISONING PROTECTION ACT2025-04-28

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, as well as his leadership and that of Chair Bilirakis on this important issue. Mr. Speaker, I introduced the Youth Poisoning Protection Act alongside Representative Mike Carey because we are facing an urgent and deeply troubling trend, the promotion of sodium nitrite, a toxic chemical, as a method to die by suicide. In 2022, The New York Times revealed the existence of online suicide forums that don't just discuss suicide, they promote it. Anonymous users on these platforms encourage vulnerable children and young adults to end their lives, and they often suggest using this chemical to do it. Now, most Americans have never heard of sodium nitrite, but for families who have lost loved ones, it is something they will never forget. In lower concentrations, it is a chemical used safely to cure meats and fish, but in higher concentrations it is deadly. For the few who have survived attempts to end their lives using sodium nitrite, they report agonizing pain as the chemical deprives their body of oxygen. After learning how easy it is to purchase high-concentration sodium nitrite, my office worked with retailers to limit access to businesses with a proven use for the chemical, but some sites still openly market it as part of a so-called suicide kit to people in crisis. There is no Federal law that allows us to stop this. That is where this bipartisan legislation comes in. The Youth Poisoning Protection Act would restrict sales of sodium nitrite above 10 percent concentration to businesses with verified industrial or commercial use. That threshold is based on expert recommendations for safe handling and won't interfere with legitimate industries like food processing. This bill is focused and reasonable. It targets bad actors who are exploiting a loophole to profit off tragedy, and it does so without burdening responsible businesses. That is why, last Congress, this bill passed the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously before passing it here on the floor with overwhelming support. Now we must finish the job. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Youth Poisoning Protection Act.

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COMMEMORATING CAMBODIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY2025-04-17

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of one of the darkest chapters in modern history--the Cambodian genocide. On this day, April 17th, we mark the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge's rise to power, a tragic turning point that ushered in a period of unimaginable suffering for the Cambodian people from 1975 to 1979. We remember this anniversary not only to mourn the innocent lives lost, but to honor the strength of those who survived, and to reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated. Under the brutal regime of the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, Cambodia was transformed into a nation-sized prison camp. The regime waged war on its own people, targeting those deemed enemies of the state-- intellectuals, religious leaders, ethnic minorities, and anyone who dared to dissent. Families were torn apart. The vulnerable--the young, the elderly, the sick--were left to perish in what came to be known as the Killing Fields, whose soil still bears witness to the horrors inflicted there. In just four years, more than 1.7 million lives, nearly a quarter of Cambodia's population, perished through mass executions, forced labor, starvation, and disease. The Khmer Rouge didn't just seek to kill individuals. They sought to erase a culture, a history, a sense of self. What was left behind was a shattered society struggling to pick up the pieces. Yet, amid such overwhelming grief and loss, there is a story of extraordinary resilience. The survivors of the genocide embody a strength and resolve that defy comprehension. Despite enduring horrors beyond words, they rebuilt their lives and committed themselves to preserving the memory of those who were lost. Many have bravely shared their stories--passing them down to future generations so that the full weight of this tragedy is never forgotten, and its lessons are never ignored. Today, on Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day, we not only mourn the millions of lives taken, but we stand in solidarity with the families who were shattered and the culture that was nearly destroyed. We recognize the unwavering courage of the survivors, whose voices compel us to remember that remembrance is not merely an act of reflection--it is a solemn pledge to ensure that such atrocities never happen again. May we never forget the lessons of this dark history. And may we stand united in our commitment to peace, to justice, and to the protection of human rights everywhere. It is on all of us to ensure that the pain of the Cambodian people is never erased, and that the memory of the victims continues to guide us toward a world where such horror is never repeated. We mourn not only for what was taken, but for the indomitable spirit of the Cambodian people--who faced unspeakable cruelty with unimaginable resilience. And we stand in awe of the courage of those who survived to bear witness--because remembrance is not just a tribute to the past, but a vow to safeguard the future.

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GOP CREATING CHAOS IN ELECTORAL SYSTEM2025-04-01

Mrs. TRAHAN

Mrs. TRAHAN. Madam Speaker, we are witnessing yet another shameful attack on the fundamental rights of millions of Americans. House Republicans are forcing a vote this week on the so-called SAVE Act, a bill that does nothing to stop inflation from driving up grocery prices, nothing to end Donald Trump's trade war that is pummeling the stock market, and nothing to protect Americans' retirements. Instead, this is a messaging bill, sloppily written and dangerously flawed, designed to create confusion and chaos in our electoral system rather than strengthen it. The SAVE Act claims to prevent noncitizens from voting in Federal elections. At first glance, that may seem logical, if not for the fact that it is already illegal and has been for decades. Noncitizens caught voting in Federal elections already face deportation and even jail time. Time and again, when pressed for evidence of widespread noncitizen voting, Republicans have failed to produce a single credible example. The reason? Because the problem they claim to be solving simply doesn't exist. Why are we here today? Why are we debating a bill that addresses a nonexistent problem while hardworking American families are struggling with rising costs and economic insecurity? Because Republicans in Congress don't have real solutions. Rather than addressing the issues that matter, like lowering grocery costs and helping families get ahead, they are prioritizing a bill that disenfranchises millions of American women. Roughly 69 million women, about 25 percent of eligible voters in our country, have IDs that do not match their birth certificates, usually because they changed their name once they got married. Under this bill, if they don't have a passport--and half of Americans don't--they wouldn't be able to register to vote. Think about that: Tens of millions of women, the backbone of our families and our communities, stripped of their right to vote simply because they got married. Imagine a woman who has voted in every election since she turned 18, who pays her taxes, who contributes to her community. One day, she learns that because her name changed when she got married, she is suddenly unable to register to vote in her State. No amount of documentation, no Social Security card, no marriage license, no previous voter registration will satisfy the requirements of this bill unless she possesses an updated passport or a birth certificate that matches her current name. This isn't just bureaucratic nonsense. It is an outrageous attack on the rights of women across our country. The worst part, Madam Speaker, is that Republicans have known that this was an issue with this bill for years, and they have done nothing to fix it. They either don't care that millions of American women will be stripped of their right to vote or that has been their goal all along. Either way, this is going to create chaos in every State in America, and it is going to make it harder for Americans to participate in their democracy. It appears to be the latest in a long series of tactics, like polling place closures and gerrymandering, designed to silence voters that Republican politicians don't think they can win. That is not how democracy works. You don't get to silence millions of Americans just because they might not like your policies. You represent them, too. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this dangerous legislation and protect the rights of every eligible voter in the country because our democracy is strongest when every voice is heard and every vote is counted.

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HALT ALL LETHAL TRAFFICKING OF FENTANYL ACT2025-02-06

Mrs. TRAHAN

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

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Dexter).

Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining. THE SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman from Massachusetts has 3 minutes remaining.

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