Bonnie Watson Coleman

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Leonard Lowinger on his 90th birthday. This month Leonard Lowinger--who normally goes by Lenny or Len-- turned 90 years old. Born on December 4, 1934, Len was raised in Mount Vernon, New York. Growing up he attended AB Davis High School where he played as a defensive guard and a kicker on the high school's football team. After graduating high school, Len enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served as a radar operator out of the Wadena Air Force Station in Minnesota during the Korean War. Len left the Air Force with the rank of Airman 2nd Class. After his time in the service, he met his soulmate, Harriet Robbie, and the two were married on September 21, 1957. They had three wonderful children--Marci, Jeff, and Judy. Len went into the dairy industry working for Belford Farms for forty years. When Len was not with his family or working, he filled his free time by bowling and playing golf. He also loved being a referee for high school football and basketball. Today, Len lives in Somerset, New Jersey in my congressional district where he is loved by his three children, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Unfortunately, Harriet passed away in 2023 after 65 wonderful years together. Most recently, Len was just elected the Resident Council President at his assisted living community The Bristal in Somerset--Congratulations. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing Len a happy and healthy birthday.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues from the Congressional Black Caucus for taking this time to acknowledge this champion. Today, I rise in recognition of the late Shirley Chisholm, who was born 100 years ago last Wednesday. A child of immigrants raised in Brooklyn, Shirley Chisholm would go on to become the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman ever to seek the nomination for President from either major American political party. The values she championed throughout her career still serve as noble guiding principles for us all today. She ran unequivocally, unashamedly, and unreservedly on antipoverty, antiwar, and antiracist platforms. She spoke plainly, forcefully, and with a moral clarity that cut through the smoke-filled rooms where men made deals for us on behalf of themselves. Now maybe more than ever, our country is in need of the strength of a Shirley Chisholm. As I close, I will say everyone has a Shirley Chisholm story, and I thank God I have one, too. I spent the day with her talking about the building of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women. She asked me--no. She said to me: Bonnie, I need you down here in D.C. to work with us on the national level. Little did we know what God has prepared for you. I am because she was. I am grateful to God.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, in 2023 we lost over 50,000 people to suicide across the country. The year before, more than 1.6 million individuals attempted to take their own lives. These deaths of despair disproportionately affect some communities more than others. Systemic issues such as generational trauma, racism, economic disparities, and historical oppression have compounded mental health challenges leading to an environment that has been devastating to our Black youth. For example, between 2007 and 2020, the suicide rate among Black youth ages 10 to 17 increased by 144 percent, and from 2018 to 2022, the suicide rate among Black youth ages 10 to 19 increased by 54 percent while decreasing elsewhere. Every life lost to suicide is an incomprehensible tragedy, and the heartbreaking truth is that these deaths are so preventable. That is why it is so important that we act. Our choices can make a real difference in people's lives. We have a responsibility, especially here in Congress, to ensure that resources and support are available to people who need help. In 2019, I chaired the Congressional Black Caucus' Emergency Task Force on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health. The product of that task force, the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act, would provide resources to increase access to mental health care among America's youth, as well as help train a new generation of culturally competent mental health professionals. Mr. Speaker, no matter your race, your background, or your gender, each one of us wants--no, prays for our children to grow healthy. When we see them struggle, we struggle. When we see they are in pain, we feel that pain deeply. Democrat, Republican, or Independent, it does not matter who you are. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Children who have access to help can thrive. They have shown an ability to bounce back and become strong, happy, and resilient, and to be active and productive in their communities. We can create the conditions in which all of our children have a shot at happy and fulfilling lives. All that is required is for us to break through the partisan gridlock. Our children's and grandchildren's lives depend upon it.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great concern for the people of New Jersey and the future of our country. Project 2025 puts our healthcare access at risk. The conservative pledge would impose lifetime caps on Medicaid benefits putting coverage at risk for nearly 1 in 40 New Jerseyans. It also raises prescription drug costs for almost one-half million residents by eliminating Medicare out-of-pocket limits. Even worse, it would block the government from negotiating lower drug prices, lining the pockets of pharmaceutical companies at the expense of our most vulnerable communities. The attacks on Medicare and Medicaid would be devastating to Black and low-income people's access to vital healthcare. Black women, especially Black expectant mothers who already are facing among the worst infant and maternal mortality rates in the developed world, would face even worse outcomes. The criminalization of abortion, tracking of miscarriages and stillbirths, and restrictions on access to Plan B would impinge on the freedom of Black women to make their own decisions and eliminate their healthcare options. That is not all. Project 2025 would eliminate programs like Head Start which provide critical childcare for over 12,000 children in New Jersey alone. It would force 167,200 student loan borrowers to pay thousands more each year and dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, cutting vital funding for schools serving low-income students and putting nearly 4,000 New Jersey teachers and their students at risk. Project 2025 isn't just a political pledge. It is a direct attack on our families, our values, and the future of our country. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stand together against the dangerous assault. Let's get back to work not for the uber-wealthy and mega corporations behind the 2025 agenda, but for the people. Suicide Prevention

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise during Police Week to honor a son of New Jersey's 12th District who gave his life protecting many of the people that are Members of this Chamber. Brian Sicknick was raised in South River, New Jersey. He attended East Brunswick Technical High School where he dreamed of being a police officer. He later joined the New Jersey Air Force National Guard's 108th Wing at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. Officer Sicknick served in Operation Enduring Freedom, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He later moved to Springfield, Virginia, and joined the United States Capitol Police. One of his first assignments was the inauguration of President Obama. For 12 years, Officer Sicknick was a dedicated protector of our Capitol. On January 6, 2021, he found himself at the front lines on the Capitol's west side, facing off against a violent mob bent on dismantling our democracy. He came under repeated attacks but held his post, defending the lives of the people who had been elected, their staff, and employees of this Capitol. Later that night, Officer Sicknick collapsed at the Capitol and sadly passed away the next day. Officer Brian Sicknick gave his life defending our democracy against an insurrection fomented by the former President of the United States of America, who is currently on trial. Were it not for that insurrection, Officer Sicknick would still be with us today. Were it not for the heroism of Officer Sicknick and his fellow USCP officers, we would not be here today. For those who were not with us on that day, it must be hard to imagine the danger of the moment, how close we came to losing everything, particularly our lives and our democracy. We have a responsibility to the officers who defended the Capitol on that day and who still protect us now to ensure that never again shall they be called upon to sacrifice in such a way. I will be forever grateful to Officer Sicknick and his fellow USCP and Metro Police Department officers for defending my life, for the lives of my colleagues, and most importantly, for our democracy. We are all forever in his debt.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Illinois for yielding and organizing this Special Order hour on what I think is a very important topic. Five years ago, I founded and chaired the CBC's Emergency Task Force on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health. Mental health emergencies and suicides among young Black youth have been on the rise, but this troubling trend had gone mostly unnoticed outside of the mental health field. Steadily and quietly, our children were dying, succumbing to depression, anxiety, and loneliness. So I and several of my colleagues, who will speak here tonight, came together to get to the bottom of this problem. We brought in experts, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, teachers, school administrators, and students to help us paint a picture of this problem. The picture was grim. Between 2007 and 2020, a Black child died by suicide every 3 days. The suicide rate among Black youth ages 10 to 17 increased by a staggering 144 percent. Among young children ages 5 to 12, Black youth were twice as likely to die by suicide, and the suicide rate for teenage girls increased by almost 7 percent each year. These findings would make anyone sick to their stomach. It inspired the task force members to write the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act, which would surge funding to the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, and to develop an outreach and education plan to reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions and substance abuse. Flash forward 5 years and the devastating impact of COVID has brought this crisis to everyone's attention. The social isolation, the constant fear of getting sick, and watching loved ones die have taken an unparalleled toll on all of us. Our Nation suffered a collective trauma made up of millions of individual crises. However, the pandemic fell especially heavily on Black women. The expectation of Black women to be pillars of their families and communities, combined with the greater likelihood of being essential workers increased the vulnerability to both physical and mental health problems. As a result, 50 percent of Black women experienced elevated levels of depression and 20 percent reported experiencing severe psychological distress. While other groups rebounded steadily after the pandemic, unemployment among Black women stayed high, even increasing at times when overall unemployment was falling. This persistent unemployment created additional stress on already struggling communities. It is our responsibility to ensure that overburdened communities, especially in impoverished urban and rural areas of the country, have access to mental health care. Since the task force was convened, we have addressed bits and pieces of this issue like improving and simplifying the process of accessing the suicide crisis hotline by calling 988, but so much more work needs to be done. Our children have been given neither the tools to maintain their health nor the care that they need to cope. It does not have to be this way. Children who have access to help can thrive. They have shown an ability to bounce back and become strong, happy, and resilient; to be active and productive in their communities. We have the capacity to create the conditions in which all of our children have a shot at happy, fulfilling lives. No matter your race, your background, or your gender, each one of us wants--no, indeed, we pray--for our children to grow up healthy. We must have and we need our Black women to be mentally and physically equipped to provide that growth that is so necessary. When we see them struggle, we struggle. When they are in pain, we feel that pain deeply. We know this to be true; Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, it doesn't matter what your party affiliation is. Yet here we are. Fifty-two months after the introduction of the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act and 7 months after the introduction of the Youth Mental Health Research Act, bipartisan bills to get our children the care they so desperately need, and we still can't come together. Look around the country. People are fed up with this Congress, the least productive Congress in decades. Surely, we can come together for the sake of our children. I implore my colleagues to take this situation seriously, to put aside our differences, and to show our children that we care and get them the help that they need.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank the Congresswoman for affording me this opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I am heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend, Donald Payne, Jr. Like myself, Don came from a family legacy of public service, and we bonded over discussions of our trailblazing fathers and the work that they did together in New Jersey. I cherish the 10 years that I had the honor of working with Don on issues that were important to us, such as access to childcare, improved transportation, and, of course, fighting cancer. I will especially remember our time on the Homeland Security Committee where we both chaired subcommittees dedicated to protecting vital infrastructure. I loved him like a brother, and he would often call me his ``sister-mother'' depending upon whether or not I was giving him a hard time about his health or some other issue. Donald was a dapper dresser, always with matching glasses, matching bow tie, and matching suit. He was a true gentleman, a loyal friend, a great Representative, and my husband and I will pray for his soul and pray for the comfort of Beatrice and their children and family. We loved him dearly.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

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

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

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for the motion to recommit.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this handout for Big Oil and Gas producers. This bill removes a requirement that DOE first determine LNG exports are to be in the public interest before approving export applications to non-free trade agreement countries. It is basically saying all LNG exports are in the public interest. This is simply not true. Study after study has found that increased LNG exports directly lead to higher natural gas prices here at home. According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, LNG exports cost American consumers more than $100 billion over a 16-month period. After doubling our LNG exports in the last 5 years, natural gas prices in 2022 more than tripled. If enacted, this bill will only compound those burdens on middle- class families trying to make ends meet while enriching big corporations. This doesn't sound like legislating in the public interest. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill. My amendment would prevent the bill from taking effect until the Secretary of Energy can certify that the bill will not increase domestic natural gas prices. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today denouncing hate. Whether hate manifests as Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, transphobia, or any other form, hate has no place in our communities. Madam Speaker, that is why I am supporting Mr. Nadler's plan to combat anti-Semitism by implementing the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Anti-Semitism and increasing funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. It is why I am supporting Mr. Green's two-state solution resolution. It is why I signed on to Ms. Wasserman Schultz's letter regarding the safety and security of our college campuses. Condemning hate is not just about words, it requires action. The resolution I am introducing will not merely condemn hate, it will support the implementation of comprehensive policies to prevent and respond to hate crimes, including education and training on prevention and response and acknowledgment of the challenges facing vulnerable groups. Madam Speaker, together, we can build a future where compassion prevails.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Trenton Branch of Girl Friends Incorporated on their 60th Year of serving the Capital City. Girl Friends Incorporated is one of the oldest social organizations of African American women in the United States. For nearly 100 years, the Girl Friends have exemplified Dignity, Service, Graciousness and Conviviality, performing civic services in 48 locations throughout the country. Through their charitable giving, Girl Friends Inc. has supported the United Negro College Fund, the Children's Defense Fund, the Flint Water Crisis, and student scholarships. I thank Girl Friends for serving the people of the Greater Trenton area with dignity and selflessness for over 60 years.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, first and foremost, I want peace. I want a decisive victory over Hamas and an end to its hateful and destructive reign. I want Israel and Palestine to coexist safely, securely, and with prosperity for generations to come. It is difficult to talk about peace during wartime, but that is exactly what we must do. We cannot be distracted by disingenuous messaging bills that do nothing but grab headlines with no plan forward. As a person of faith, I have been taught not to hate, but I must admit that I have hated what I have seen in this Chamber recently. For as I hate anti-Semitism and Islamophobia and racism, as I despise homophobia and transphobia, as I reject and revile hatred and bigotry of any kind, I am also disgusted by the way those prejudices have been weaponized in our Chamber. We voted yesterday on yet another nonbinding messaging resolution denouncing anti-Semitism, H. Res. 894. To be clear, I have supported efforts to push back against anti- Semitism. That is why I am supporting Mr. Nadler's plan to combat anti- Semitism. It is why I am supporting Mr. Green's two-state solution resolution. It is why I signed on to Ms. Wasserman Schultz' letter regarding the safety of students on college campuses. Let's face facts. That was not what this resolution was about. This resolution offers no solutions. It does not seek to bring people together. This resolution was a cynical attempt to weaponize the very real fears of some of our Jewish friends and our neighbors to push a specific political agenda, one that is strikingly disrespectful to the Palestinian state, the State of Israel, and others who support the cause of free and sovereign Palestinian and Israeli states. On Monday, my colleague, Mr. Nadler, laid out how reckless and uninformed clause 4 of this resolution is. By making it the official position of this Congress that ``anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism,'' we are labeling the thousands of Jews in this country who don't believe their deeply held faith is intrinsically tied to the modern State of Israel as anti-Semitic. There are very real steps that we as the United States Congress can and should take to combat anti-Semitism in a productive and bipartisan manner. Condemning anti-Semitism wherever it rears its ugly head is critical, but continuing to vote on nonbinding resolutions week after week after week to score political, partisan points does not get us closer to a solution. It is disrespectful to the seriousness of this situation. Until Republicans are willing to address rising hate and fascism, we will be sitting here waiting without being able to accomplish anything. It is no better than moments of silence or thoughts and prayers with no substantive action to back it up, which were offered during the mass shootings in our schools, malls, and places of worship. We have work to do for the American people. The rise of anti- Semitism, Islamophobia, racism, homophobia, and xenophobia are a threat to the American experiment in multicultural democracy, and there are Members of this body who are putting in the work to defend the more perfect Union that we built over the last 250 years. When Republicans who have been obsessed with these messaging bills are ready to join us, we will welcome them with open arms.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Chairman, I simply say as we finalize this discussion, that there are 14.2 million people who are being affected, who will be affected, and who think this is important. There is a $22 billion economic activity that will be impacted. Needless to say, I have chosen this as a project that I support because in the time that I have had the opportunity to serve the 12th Congressional District in the State of New Jersey, this is an issue that I find very important. I do hope that my colleagues will oppose this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Chair, needless to say, I disagree with the premise of my wonderful colleague across the aisle. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment, which would strip Federal funding for the Delaware River Basin Commission. This amendment would remove $715,000, funding that I secured through the community project funding process. This amount is mere pennies within the entire Federal budget and provides an outsized return on investment for the millions of Americans who rely on the Delaware River Basin for clean water and recreational use. The basin provides drinking water to over 14.2 million people and contributes approximately $22 billion in annual economic activity. The Delaware River Basin provides immense value to the region, and the Federal Government's small but critical role in managing the region's water resources is vital to maintaining the Commission's work. This amendment is an assault on the communities that rely on the resources and the economy of the basin, and it is an attack on those who have fought to secure this necessary funding for the next fiscal year; therefore, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, yet I am tired. I am tired of having to come down to the well of this Chamber to mourn the needless death of another child. I am tired of gun violence being the leading cause of death among our precious children. Finally, I am tired of my colleagues across the aisle. When presented with an opportunity to do something about these tragedies, they do nothing. I am disgusted that so few have signed on to any mental health legislation. My bill to invest in mental health resources for our young people passed this body just 2 years ago in a bipartisan fashion, but now, Republicans' sense of bipartisanship, and even caring for the lives of others, has vanished. Mr. Speaker, I must confess I am tired of marching down here to demand something that should have been given to these children from the very beginning--their sense of safety. I may be tired, but I will not stop.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Madam Speaker, I stand before this room to hold this Supreme Court in contempt; this Supreme Court that is wildly out of step with both precedent and public opinion. This Supreme Court which, through its terrible lack of judgment, both in chambers and on luxury vacations, has lost the faith of the American people. This extremist Supreme Court, through its affirmative action decision, has reaffirmed the entrenched power of the wealthy elite who pay for their luxury vacations while, at the same time, pulling the rug out from under millions of minority students who have excelled despite adversity, who strive to attain the American Dream, and who seek to help their communities. I will talk about the real life-and-death consequences of this decision, the collateral damage these Justices have inflicted, because in this country Black women have a maternal and infant mortality rate three times that of their White peers, while the rate of African- American medical residents entering OB/GYN programs has been declining. The mortality rates for Black mothers and their babies in the United States rivals those of many Third World countries. What happens to our Nation's shameful infant and maternal mortality rate when fewer Black doctors are entering the field able to recognize and combat the biases that lead to such misery? How many mothers will bear the burden of burying their newborn because some faceless organization engaged the Supreme Court in its radical politics to uphold white supremacy? How many young mothers will be ripped away from their children and their husbands due to the perceived slights of fragile men in black robes? These decisions have consequences. Right now, just 4 percent of psychologists are Black. At a time when suicide rates are climbing among Black children, what is the consequence for a generation of Black children when a generation of culturally competent Black therapists and counselors disappears? How many American families will be destroyed because the help their children needed was not available due to the extreme decisions of unaccountable, reckless political actors? Something tells me these questions were not top of mind for Justice Samuel Alito or Clarence Thomas. They are making decisions not based on honest interpretation of the Constitution, but on their own radical ideology. They are a captured, unelected arm of the extreme rightwing of the Republican Party. The American people recognize this and have lost faith in their ability to pass judgment impartially. This decision is not just about who gets to go to school. It is about who lives and dies and who is left to pick up the pieces. We must reform the Supreme Court and balancing it through expansion is a critical response to the crisis we experience.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Black women and girls everywhere. While Black women play one of the most active and essential roles in our economy, we continue to be left behind and are the ones who are hit the hardest by economic downturns. Every day, Black women face seemingly insurmountable challenges ranging from structural barriers to systemic inequities that can hinder us from achieving full and meaningful lives. According to ``An Economy for All: Building a `Black Women Best' Legislative Agenda,'' a comprehensive report that provides compelling and connective legislative policy proposals to improve the lives of Black women, when we center and uplift Black women, we are, in fact, uplifting everyone. At its core, Black Women Best serves as a blueprint for economic, racial, and gender prosperity. Today, the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, which I cofounded and co-chair, released an updated report outlining a legislative agenda informed by the Black Women Best framework. The report's policy proposals include everything from maternal health to criminal justice reform to food injustice and breastfeeding injustice, all of which demonstrate just how vital it is to craft legislation that benefits all communities. Soon, I will reintroduce the Black Women Best resolution to address the systemic injustices Black women and girls face and to encourage Congress to craft legislation that benefits every American as laid out by the Black Women Best framework, which was developed by former Labor Department chief economist Janelle Jones. These policies all have two things in common: They bring Black women from peril to prosperity; and they benefit the economy, as well. Black Women Best is about giving Black women the freedom to thrive, the freedom to stay employed, and the freedom to continue driving our Nation's economic growth. Equity-focused legislation uplifts not just Black women but our entire economy. If we are going to change anything, we need to start giving Black women and girls the very tools that they need to thrive. Black women and girls are the missing piece to securing our Nation's future, and I hope that every single one of my colleagues, Democrat and Republican alike, support the Black Women Best resolution. Every action we take towards bettering the quality of life for Black women and girls everywhere is a step in the right direction.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I demand that Republicans get back to Washington and finish the job the American people sent all of us to Washington to do. House Republicans have fled the Capitol leaving their worries behind, ready to enjoy the holiday weekend. The everyday American doesn't have that luxury. My constituents have been calling and writing expressing their anxiety and feelings of uncertainty. Americans are worried about paying their rent, buying their groceries, and caring for their children in the event of a default. Everyday Americans will spend the weekend worried about whether or not they will receive their next social security check. Everyday Americans will spend the weekend hoping their retirement savings will still be intact by next week. Everyday Americans will use their weekend to figure out how to pay their rent and mortgages in the event of a default. In the event of a default, at least 7 million jobs will be lost, unemployment will rise, our GDP will decline, and roughly $10 trillion in household wealth will be wiped out. The House Republicans don't have these problems to worry about. The House Republicans don't have to feel the consequences of their own actions like their constituents will. The Democrats are here and ready to pass a clean debt ceiling. We are working for the people. It is deplorable that my Republican colleagues won't do the same.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my great sadness and sincerest sympathy over the loss of Mother Carrie Lee (Hamilton) Simmons, who departed this life for her Heavenly Home on April 20, 2023. It will never be forgotten how much Mother Simmons loved the Lord and contributed to society. Originally from Georgia before later settling in New Jersey, Mother Simmons was active in her community and leaves behind a lasting legacy. She devoted her life to service including as a healthcare worker, who worked hard as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the former Donnelly Hospital for over 25 years. Additionally, she fellowshipped at Friendship Baptist and El-Bethel Baptist Church, and then became a devout member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Furthermore, she was known for her always-open door, her ``world famous'' sweet potato pie and candied yams, and for always cooking beans in the kitchen. Her memory and legacy will be forever remembered by her beloved husband, children, and extended family. I extend my condolences and prayers to all her loved ones as they grieve. We thank God for the memory of Mother Simmons, and may God continue to bless your family at this difficult hour.

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN

Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Madam Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1, the polluters over people act. This bill is nothing more than a shameless handout to fossil fuel companies, and it speaks volumes that House Republicans have made it their number one priority for the 118th Congress. My colleagues across the aisle have once again chosen to side with their Big Oil buddies and stand against the American people, our planet, and our future. Let me be clear: The last thing that Big Oil needs is another handout. Last year, we all felt pain at the pump while fossil fuel companies raked in record profits. When House Democrats voted to crack down on gas price gouging, Republicans voted ``no.'' With their new majority and this bill, Republicans are letting us know exactly where their loyalties lie and the lows that they will sink to in order to appease those special interests. They are even giving polluters free rein to dump toxic waste on our public lands. The Republican Party has made it clear that they are happy to poison our planet if it helps their fossil fuel friends make a quick buck. Under the polluters over people act, working families will pay the price, literally. Through taxpayer-funded subsidies and reckless deregulation, Republicans are rewarding Big Oil for bad behavior, and this time, they are not even hiding it. Madam Chair, I ask my colleagues to please oppose this.