Shri Thanedar

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the upcoming opening of the Gordie Howe bridge. It is a bridge that I see every day from my home. I live on the beautiful riverfront in Detroit, Michigan. The bridge, located in the heart of Michigan's 13th Congressional District and built by thousands of Michigan workers, is a critical economic link between the United States and Canada. Canada is one of our greatest allies and the largest international buyer of Michigan products and goods. The Gordie Howe Bridge means more Michigan jobs, increased U.S.-Canada commerce, faster travel times, and lower toll costs. I am grateful to all the partners in Michigan, the United States, and Canada who are working hard to make this bridge a reality. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Trump administration to facilitate the opening of this bridge without further delay.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 207.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 133.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 109 and YEA on Roll Call No. 110.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of abolishing ICE. ICE is out of control. Just in the past month, against American citizens, ICE has shot and killed a 37-year-old mother of three, tear- gassed a 6-month-old baby in his parents' car, and hauled out a grandfather in 14-degree weather in nothing but his underwear. Thanks to Donald Trump and Kristi Noem, our communities constantly live in fear of those who are supposed to protect them. When an agency structure consistently produces harm instead of justice, there is no way to reform it. We must abolish ICE.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, the last time Donald Trump visited Detroit, he insulted our city, saying the whole country would end up like Detroit if Kamala Harris was elected. Mr. Trump promised to bring manufacturing jobs and economic success. For the last 8 months, we have lost 68,000 jobs. Unemployment has hit a 4-year high. His tariffs have hurt Detroit's auto industry. Mr. Speaker, Detroit does not need any more of Donald Trump's lies and insults. Detroit needs affordable housing, not Trump's insults. Detroit needs skilled jobs, not Trump's insults. Mr. Speaker, I am fighting for Detroit, fighting to bring costs down, and make life more affordable for all.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, this week, I introduced articles to impeach Secretary Pete Hegseth for murder and conspiracy to murder and reckless and unlawful mishandling of classified information. From issuing orders to kill everybody onboard a small boat with no evidence of any wrongdoing to launching a follow-up strike to finish off survivors barely clinging onto life, his actions are not just reprehensible but illegal as well. He also put the lives of our own troops in danger by leaking classified war plans in an unauthorized Signal chat. Former military attorneys have come out and asserted that his actions have risen to the level of war crimes. Mr. Hegseth must resign from his position or be impeached by this House.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 306.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay my respects to the late Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick was a trailblazing figure who inspired many in Detroit. She represented Michigan's 13th Congressional District like I do. She broke a glass ceiling, becoming the first Black woman to serve on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, where she brought critical Federal dollars back to Detroit and its surrounding communities. She also blazed trails as the second Black woman to ever serve in the House of Representatives from Michigan. Mr. Speaker, she broke countless barriers to public service, helping to create a U.S. Congress that better reflects our Nation's great diversity. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick improved the lives of all she served. May she rest in peace.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the opening of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park in Detroit on October 25, 2025. Each year, more than three million people visit the Detroit Riverfront, one of the highest-rated riverfronts in the United States, bringing in revenue and exposure to our community. The Ralph C. Wilson. Jr. Centennial Park is a 22-acre park that will have a 4-acre playground, a sports house with basketball courts, and a 2.5-acre water garden. The opening of this park is part of a 5.5 miles long revitalization project along the riverfront, part of a larger commitment by the city of Detroit to reinvest into the community and continue our city's historic revitalization. The namesake of this park, Ralph Cookerly Wilson Jr., was raised in Detroit, Michigan, the son of a salesman and who had ambitions for bigger and better things in life. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Wilson embodied the true virtues of leadership, sacrifice, and service to his country and community. Most famously, he is known for founding and owning the Buffalo Bills football team, at one point being the oldest owner of a National Football League (NFL) team. His contributions, like those being made through his foundation, will be remembered and felt by the Detroit community for years to come. Since I became the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 13th congressional district in 2023, I have been incredibly proud to see the amount of work being done by the community and the funds being brought in for reviving Detroit and the surrounding neighborhoods and townships. Projects like the Michigan Central Station, the New Center project, and the building of new affordable housing are all promising developments that will bring more opportunities and improve the quality of life for all Detroiters. Developments like the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park build on the Motor City's greatness, and I look forward to continuing this work through efforts made in the halls of Congress.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about manufacturing. Manufacturing is not just what we do in Michigan. It is who we are. Detroit built the Motor City, the Big Three automakers, and America's middle class. Today, when we still lead in auto manufacturing, Michigan faces some of the Nation's highest unemployment rates while families are struggling with rising costs. Mr. Trump promised that tariffs would protect our jobs. Instead, they have driven up the cost of steel, aluminum, and auto parts while plants close and workers are left behind. When a plant shuts down in Detroit or Wayne County, it doesn't just hurt the workers inside of it. It hurts every business, schools, and families. We need real solutions, like job training, stronger unions, and building the future of mobility right here in Detroit.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, the leader for Orthodox Christianity worldwide, who is here in Washington, D.C. after accepting the distinguished Templeton Prize earlier this year. The Templeton Prize is awarded to those who demonstrate exemplary philanthropic contributions. His relentless leadership has been recognized by a variety of organizations such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the World Economic Forum. He has also dedicated his time serving on the Executive and Central Committees and Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches. Patriarch Bartholomew has a focus on creating advocacy for environmental issues and in his time launched a series of initiatives to help start conversations worldwide. Among these initiatives were a variety of trips with political leaders and accredited scientists discussing issues such as water pollution in the Black Sea, for which he went on to receive Norway's Sophie prize in 2002. Michigan's 13th Congressional District has a beautiful community of Greek Orthodox constituents at St. George Greek Orthodox Church and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. They continuously work to create welcoming spaces in our community by hosting celebrations such as festivals, luncheons, and more. I am honored to keep my constituents in mind as we welcome Patriarch Bartholomew in Washington, D.C.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate North American Film Association, NAFA, an organization dedicated to promoting Marathi cinema and culture in North America. By making Marathi cinema more accessible, NAFA aims to preserve Maharashtra's rich cultural heritage, bridge cultural boundaries, and create a more diverse arts and culture space. NAFA is having a film festival of Marathi films in San Jose, California, on July 25 through 27, 2026, and I wish to convey my best wishes to NAFA. I also want to recognize Mr. Abhi Gholap, an accomplished filmmaker and founder of NAFA. Abhi Gholap is also deeply committed to service, supporting children with leukemia in rural India through the Jiji-Bhau Cancer Foundation. ``Best wishes to NAFA from this Marathi-speaking Congressman''; ``Tumchya Marathi bolnarya Congresssadaashyakadun uttam shubhechha.''

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Goldman) as cosponsor from H.R. 4244.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 191; YEA on Roll Call No. 192; and YEA on Roll Call No. 193.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor immigrants. Throughout American history, immigrants of all kinds have made our country great. Sergey Brin invented Google, and Madeleine Albright blazed trails as the first female Secretary of State. Instead of celebrating this diversity, many Republicans want to shame immigrants. On Tuesday, Zohran Mamdani, an immigrant from Uganda, won the New York mayoral primary. Representative Andy Ogles promptly went on an unhinged, anti-immigrant, racist rant throughout yesterday and today, calling this freely elected man and U.S. citizen ``Little Muhammad'' and called for revoking his citizenship and for him to be deported with no just cause. We must always condemn hate. I have introduced a censure resolution, H. Res. 553, against Andy Ogles for his horrific anti-immigrant sentiment. Immigrants make our country great.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Madam Speaker, when I was sworn into office, I took an oath to protect the Constitution of this great Nation. I am an immigrant who came to this country with just $20 in my pocket. The United States has given me so much. I love America, and I will do anything to protect our Constitution and our democratic values. President Donald J. Trump has been committing crimes since day one: bribery, corruption, taking power from Congress, creating an unlawful office in DOGE, violating First Amendment rights, ignoring due process, and, finally, refusing to abide by a unanimous Supreme Court ruling. Just as I stand here in the House of Representatives, Mr. Trump is traveling to the Middle East to accept a gift worth $400 million from a foreign government. I have spoken with Americans all over the country. They asked me: What will you do as President Trump continues his unconstitutional activities? Well, Madam Speaker, I rise today to hold this President accountable. The fact of the matter is, the President has committed crime after crime. I am not concerned about whether this is the right time or if there are enough votes from my colleagues across the aisle. I rise today to do my duty and uphold my oath to protect the Constitution. The effort is not about partisanship. It is about principles. If we don't draw the line now, we risk losing the rule of law entirely. If we don't act today, we are complicit in letting democracy erode on our watch. That is why I introduced H. Res. 353 to impeach Donald J. Trump, outlining seven Articles of Impeachment because when a President violates the Constitution, Congress must act. My seven Articles in H. Res. 353 are as follows: 1. Obstruction of justice and abuse of executive powers. Trump denied due process and defied Federal court orders. 2. Seizing Congress' power of the purse. He froze funds and dismantled agencies without congressional approval. 3. Abuse of trade powers and international aggression. His reckless tariffs hurt American families, and he even threatened military actions against our allies. 4. Violation of First Amendment rights. Trump retaliated against journalists and critics for speaking out. 5. Creation of an unlawful office. He gave Elon Musk unconstitutional control over government agencies and American people's personal data. 6. Bribery and corruption. Trump dismissed criminal cases and accepted foreign payments for personal gain. 7. Tyrannical overreach. His actions reveal a dangerous attempt to consolidate unchecked power. This is not leadership. This is dictatorship. We have Presidents, not kings. If we allow this to continue, we are telling the American people that the Presidency is above the law and that the Constitution is optional. When Trump ignored Court rulings, we called it out. When he threatened the peaceful transfer of power, we pushed back. When he tried to dismantle Federal institutions, we said: No more. Now we are fighting--in the courts, in Congress, and in the court of public opinion--because the truth still matters. I call on my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, to do what is right: Impeach Donald J. Trump. Let's keep fighting.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, when I was sworn into office, I took an oath to protect the Constitution of this great Nation. I am an immigrant who came to this country with just $20 in my pocket. The United States has given me so much. I love America, and I will do anything to protect our Constitution and our democratic values. Donald J. Trump has been committing crimes since day one: bribery, corruption, taking power from Congress, creating an unlawful office in DOGE, violating First Amendment rights, ignoring due process, and finally refusing to abide by a unanimous Supreme Court ruling. Just as I stand here in the House of Representatives, Mr. Trump is traveling to the Middle East to accept a gift worth $400 million from a foreign government. I have spoken with Americans all over the country.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX, I rise to give notice of my intention to raise a question of the privileges of the House. The form of the resolution is as follows: H. Res. 353: Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. Resolution: Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. Resolved, That Donald John Trump, President of the United States, is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors, and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the Senate: Article of impeachment exhibited by the House of Representatives of the United States of America in the name of itself and of the people of the United States of America, against Donald John Trump, President of the United States of America, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him for high crimes and misdemeanors. article i: obstruction of justice, violation of due process, and a breach of the duty to faithfully execute laws The Constitution provides that the House of Representatives ``shall have the sole Power of Impeachment'' and that the President ``shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors''. Further, Article II of the Constitution states that the President ``shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed'', the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution states that ``The right of the people . . . against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated'', and the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution states ``No person shall be . . . deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law''. In his conduct of the office of President of the United States--and in violation of his constitutional oath to faithfully to execute the office of President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed--Donald John Trump has abused the powers of the Presidency in a manner offensive to, and subversive of, the Constitution, in that: Using the power of his high office, Donald John Trump has engaged in this scheme or course of conduct through the following means: (1) By his orders and directions to subordinates, obstructed the administration of justice and embarked on a scheme to destroy and corrupt the legal system and the powers of the courts under Article III of the Constitution. Specifically, he has done the following: (A) Directed and permitted his subordinates and attorneys at the Department of Justice to violate their oaths to uphold the Constitution, laws of the United States, and the rules of professional ethics by adducing misleading and willfully false representations to the courts of the United States, and to otherwise abuse their official powers. Specifically, he has-- (i) sought to dismiss, without prejudice and under false pretenses, the bribery and fraud charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, in an unethical quid pro quo exchange for the Defendant's cooperation with the Administration's political priorities, thus abusing the criminal laws to unconstitutionally commandeer a State officer and unit of government in violation of the sovereignty thereof; and (ii) terminated and purged career Department of Justice attorneys without reasonable cause and in violation of the law in retaliation for their legitimate investigatory and prosecutorial

Mr. THANEDAR. As enacted in the Department of Education Organization Act, signed into law by President Jimmy Carter, the Department of Education was established by Congress to create reform in the education system throughout the country, distribute Federal aid to students and places of learning, and prohibit discriminatory practices. The President does not have the authority to dismantle the Department of Education, and his signing of Executive Order 14242, which aims to ``Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities'', violates the law and the Constitution. (2) Unlawfully directed the elimination of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). As enacted in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, signed into law by President John F. Kennedy, USAID plays a crucial role in delivering foreign assistance worldwide, including disaster relief, conflict relief, combating global diseases, promoting educational programs, and enhancing food security in developing countries. By dismantling USAID and freezing foreign assistance, he has severed the United States from its humanitarian role as directed by Congress, leaving other countries and potentially our adversaries to fill in the role the United States has abandoned. (3) Created the so-called ``Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)'', which has imposed payment holds and rescinded funds after disbursement. Donald John Trump has utilized DOGE to unlawfully block or impound appropriated funds to dozens of Federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. By impounding congressionally appropriated funds, Donald John Trump and DOGE have not only violated the law, but have negatively impacted the American people by cutting jobs, halting critical services, and rescinding grants for programs, in defiance of the express, constitutionally binding will of Congress. Using the powers of his high office, Donald John Trump has unlawfully withheld congressionally appropriated funds and attempted to dismantle congressionally mandated agencies. By withholding funds and crippling agencies, he has prevented the Federal Government from performing critical duties here and abroad. He has threatened the well-being of United States citizens through the gross misconduct of his office, resulting in dire and life-threatening consequences on the world's most vulnerable populations. Wherefore, Donald John Trump, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he is unfit to govern a Nation by and for the people, has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with self-governance and the rule of law, and will remain a threat to the Constitution if allowed to remain in office. article iii: abuse of trade powers and international aggression The Constitution provides that the House of Representatives ``shall have

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 89 and YEA on Roll Call No. 90.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rajiv Malhotra and the Infinity Foundation for their contributions to Hindu American Civil Rights, interfaith dialogue, and intellectual diversity. The Infinity Foundation, established by Rajiv Malhotra thirty years ago, has played a pivotal role in championing the rights of Hindu Americans, advocating against biases and Hinduphobia, and ensuring their equal protection under civil rights laws. It has contributed significantly to intellectual diversity in the United States by fostering rigorous academic inquiry, research, and dialogue on Indian philosophy, dharmic traditions, and Hindu contributions to world civilization, thereby enriching America's multicultural fabric. I applaud the efforts made by Rajiv Malhotra and the Infinity Foundation in strengthening the bridge between Hindu Americans and other faith communities, fostering goodwill, collaboration, and mutual respect. The Infinity Foundation's tireless work aligns with the American ideals of justice, equality, and religious freedom, serving as an exemplary institution that strengthens the Nation's commitment to these values. Rajiv Malhotra and the Infinity Foundations efforts can be seen in their upcoming ``Global Dharma Renaissance'' event, planned for April 2025. This event marks a historic milestone in recognizing the intellectual and cultural revival of Dharma traditions in the United States and globally, solidifying its role as a forerunner and a guiding force akin to a banyan tree that supports and nurtures other Hindu organizations in the country. Rajiv Malhotra's scholarship and leadership have significantly contributed to the empowerment of Hindu Americans, providing them with a voice in academia, media, and policy discussions. His advocacy has ensured that Hindu American heritage is accurately represented in public discourse. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Hindu community, I commend Rajiv Malhotra and the Infinity Foundation for their outstanding contributions to Hindus around the world. I thank them for their exceptional work. We wish them continued success in their quest to foster better understanding and goodwill between Hindu Americans and other faith communities.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 788. First of all, I thank Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez for their bipartisan work. As a serial entrepreneur in the technology innovation sector, I couldn't be happier to stand here and support this bill along with my amazing colleagues, Representative LaLota and Representative Morrison. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the indispensable role in enhancing collaboration between the Small Business Administration and the Department of Energy, all in the name of improving research and development efforts. Let's not forget small businesses are a cornerstone of this country. The innovation we stimulate within this sector is not just important, it is vital for America's future. This legislation does not simply propose research collaboration. It carves a path for our small businesses to lead the way. It mandates a collaborative report within 2 years of its enactment. This report will empower us to monitor and comprehend the effectiveness of our research collaborations, providing us with the opportunity to revise and refine strategies as necessary. I am excited, and I hope my colleagues share my enthusiasm about the potential growth and broadening capabilities the DOE and SBA Research Act promise to bring. Let's always keep sight of the ultimate goal of this legislation which is creating high-paying jobs for our fellow Americans and safeguarding our Nation's competitive edge on the global stage. Remember, this isn't just about legislation. It is about our future.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sonja Dunlap, Lauren Hatto, Jasmine Hunley and Soren O'Dell from Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, who have been selected to represent Girl Scouts of the USA at the United Nations' 69th Commission on the Status of Women. Each year, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) joins over 5,000 women and girls from around the world at the United Nations headquarters in New York to participate in the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Delegates representing GSUSA undergo a rigorous application process and training to prepare them for their participation in the CSW. As delegates, girls will have an opportunity to engage with GSUSA's work around global advocacy, learn about global issues, see firsthand how global entities function, and let their voices be heard on key global issues impacting girls and young women. The Commission on the Status of Women is a functional commission of the United Nations, dedicated exclusively to shaping global standards on gender equality as well as the advancement and empowerment of women and girls. Every year, national representatives of Member States gather for a two-week session to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards, and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide. As NGO Consultative members, Girl Scouts of the USA and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts participate to bring the voice of girls and young women to the global stage. The focus of the sixty-ninth session will be on the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly. The review will include an assessment of current challenges that affect the implementation of the Platform for Action and the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and its contribution towards the full realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Michigan's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate these four outstanding young women on their selection, and I thank them for their leadership. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. THANEDAR

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, Elon Musk invested $277 million into Donald Trump's election. I guess that is the price to take over our Federal Government. Elon Musk is worth over $400 billion, meaning his contribution to Trump is the same as about $130 for an average American. Mr. Musk, the government is not a private enterprise. It serves the American people, not the wealthy shareholders. Thousands will die around the world because USAID won't deliver lifesaving food and medicine. Millions will lose control of their personal information, such as Social Security numbers, banking information, Social Security checks, and Medicare benefits. Elon Musk does not care about us because he does not have to and does not want to. Rest assured, Democrats care, I care, and we will use every tool at our disposal to get rid of this unelected, power-hungry, egocentric billionaire.