Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Steil Presents Burlington Nurse with Health Care Worker of the Year Award

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bryan Steil (Wisconsin-1)

Elkhorn, WI – Today, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) presented Sam Porter, a nurse at Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital and Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, with Wisconsin’s First Congressional District’s 2025 Health Care Worker of the Year Award.

 “Health care professionals serve on the front lines. Our community is especially thankful to Samantha Porter for her dedication to helping others, both inside and outside of the emergency department. Her selflessness, compassion, and commitment to putting her patients’ needs first should be commended. Congratulations, Samantha.”

(Pictured: Theresa Porter, Healthcare Worker of the Year Sam Porter, Congressman Bryan Steil, Joan Yunker, and Sean Yunker)

Steil presented the 2025 Health Care Worker of the Year Award to Sam Porter, an Emergency Department Nurse at Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital and at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center. Samantha was nominated for her commitment to providing life-saving and compassionate care to every patient she serves. 

 

Posted on

Pallone Statement on Third Circuit Decision Confirming Alina Habba Was Unlawfully Installed as NJ’s U.S. Attorney

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Court Sides With Pallone and Colleagues in Challenge to Trump’s Illegal Habba Appointment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement after the Third Circuit affirmed that Alina Habba was never legally serving as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey:

 

“Today’s ruling is exactly why I helped pass the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act. The law is simple: U.S. Attorneys must answer to the Constitution, not to political pressure from the White House. With this decision the Third Circuit has made it clear that Alina Habba was never the Acting U.S. Attorney. The Trump Administration broke the law when it tried to reinstall her anyway.

 

“Habba’s illegal appointment caused real problems in New Jersey — from delayed trials to confusion in our federal courts. I joined this brief to protect the law we wrote and to make sure New Jersey gets a U.S. Attorney chosen through a lawful process. Today’s decision restores that process and reinforces the checks and balances that keep politics out of our justice system.”

 

In October, Pallone joined an amicus brief urging the Third Circuit to uphold the law. The court’s ruling confirms that Habba was never legally serving as Acting U.S. Attorney.

 

Congress passed the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act in 2007 to prevent presidents from installing unconfirmed political allies as U.S. Attorneys. The law requires Senate confirmation within 120 days and authorizes federal judges to appoint an interim replacement if that deadline passes.

Posted on

Pallone: Trump Admin Punished FEMA Whistleblowers Twice for Telling the Truth

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today condemned the Trump Administration for abruptly re-suspending 14 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees who had been briefly reinstated after sounding the alarm about the collapse of the nation’s disaster response system.

 

“This is retaliation in plain sight. These FEMA professionals warned Congress that Trump and Noem are tearing down the agency that protects Americans in a crisis and his administration punished them twice for telling the truth. It shows an administration that is more interested in silencing experts than preparing for the next disaster. And it puts every coastal state, including New Jersey, at real risk. FEMA can’t function when political loyalty matters more than saving lives. These workers should be back on the job immediately and DHS needs to explain this mess,” said Pallone. 

 

The 14 workers were suspended in August after signing a letter to Congress known as the Katrina Declaration. The letter warned President Trump’s and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s policies were gutting critical reforms to FEMA’s ability to respond to emergencies put in place by Congress after Hurricane Katrina in 2006. Last week, FEMA notified the employees that they were cleared to return to work. Senior political appointees at the Department of Homeland Security reversed that decision once the reinstatements became public. 

Posted on

Pallone to State: Closing Our Hospital Would Be A Disaster For Long Branch Area Residents

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

In Trenton, NJ 6th District Congressman says RWJ Barnabas is walking away from working people to pad their own pockets with higher profits

LONG BRANCH, N.J. – At today’s final State Health Planning Board hearing on RWJ Barnabas Health’s plan to close Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) hospital in Long Branch, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) delivered testimony in opposition to RWJ Barnabas’s plan to close one of New Jersey’s best hospitals.

“Simply put, RWJ Barnabas’ plan to close the Long Branch hospital puts profits over people. Period. They are abandoning a poorer, more diverse city for a significantly wealthier, less diverse suburb,” Pallone said.

 

Pallone has opposed the disastrous plan from day one, arguing that RWJ Barnabas is abandoning a lower-income area to build a concierge hospital in Tinton Falls. For months, he has demanded fair hearings and an opportunity for community members to be heard after two chaotic and inaccessible hearings: one announced illegally, the other held in a cramped off-site venue in Eatontown where opponents were left outside in the freezing cold while RWJBarnabas employees filled the seats. Today’s is the final public hearing before RWJ Barnabas’s plan is approved by state officials.

Prepared Testimony of Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.

State Health Planning Board – December 4, 2025

Check Against Delivery

 

My name is Frank Pallone, and I represent Long Branch and much of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties.

Simply put, RWJ Barnabas’ plan to close the Long Branch hospital puts profits over people. Period.

They are abandoning a poorer, more diverse city for a significantly wealthier, less diverse suburb.

Monmouth Medical Center’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment – a rigorous review of its communities’ health needs – underscores why Long Branch needs an acute care hospital.

Long Branch has a 16.2% poverty rate, one of the highest in the county. Monmouth Medical Center’s assessment estimates over 5,8000 uninsured residents, the highest in the county.

Many Latino and Hispanic residents face transportation barriers, and Long Branch has the highest rate of foreign-born residents and foreign language speakers in the county.

The loss of Monmouth Medical Center Hospital in Long Branch would place an undue burden on both Jersey Shore Medical Center and Riverview Hospital, both closer to Long Branch than a new hospital in Tinton Falls.

The Health Department staff recommendations do not take into account the actual travel time.

Have you ever tried to travel from Long Branch to Tinton Falls in July or August along Route 36? It’s literally bumper to bumper and adds a half hour to your travel time.

The Health Department staff recommendations provide no analysis of the actual need for an acute care hospital in Long Branch or the shift of the Long Branch area residents to the two nearby Hackensack Meridian Hospitals.

The staff essentially says it doesn’t matter since the new hospital in Tinton Falls is still in the Monmouth Medical Center service area.

But that begs the question of the true medical needs of the Long Branch area residents and the overcrowding resulting from thousands of new patients, many uninsured or on Medicaid that will go to Jersey Shore Hospital and Riverview Medical Center.

Financially, this move allows RWJBarnabas Health to drop Medicaid and uninsured patients while capturing wealthier ones, jeopardizing the stability of other hospitals in the area.

The application before you is significantly amended from the one filed by RWJBarnabas last year that retained Monmouth Medical Center hospital in Long Branch. The amended application seeks to transfer the hospital license from our city and eliminate acute inpatient services at Long Branch.

The Health Department staff recommendations insist that the Long Branch Hospital license be transferred to Tinton Falls because neither location would have the full complement of mandatory hospital services necessary for a general acute care hospital.

But, that is a mischaracterization of the initial application. The new hospital in Tinton Falls could have the full complement of mandatory hospital services and therefore qualify as a general hospital.

The most important acute care services that the initial application retained in Long Branch were; inpatient medical surgery and beds capable of being made into ICU units when necessary. This took into account the real needs of Long Branch area residents.

The Health Department staff recommendations do provide that the Long Branch campus offer other acute care services such as a satellite emergency department, a 24-bed observation unit, an outpatient surgery center with specialty clinics and imaging services. So why can’t Long Branch include acute inpatient surgery and beds that are ICU adaptable as originally proposed?

Also, why do the Health Department staff only recommend that the satellite emergency department remains in Long Branch indefinitely? Both our inpatient surgery and operating rooms and beds as well as all the outpatient services specified by the Health Department Staff should be mandated indefinitely, not just for five years. Anything that is mandated for a certain period of time would allow for RWJ Barnabas to transition out that service and close it down.

Our representatives in the state legislature have introduced bills that would require that both the existing inpatient and outpatient surgery services remain in Long Branch. There is no reason why the Health Planning Board can’t do the same.

###

Posted on

Pallone Welcomes Health Board Move To Defer Decision That Would Close Long Branch’s Hospital

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today welcomed the decision by the State Health Planning Board last night to defer their decision to issue a recommendation on the closure of Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) hospital in Long Branch. 

The decision by the Board to postpone issuing their final recommendation comes after the State’s final hearing in Trenton yesterday, where Pallone led hundreds of members of the community in expressing opposition to RWJ Barnabas Health’s plan to relocate all of Monmouth Medical Center’s acute care facilities and hospital license in Long Branch to a new facility in Tinton Falls—a plan which would devastate vulnerable communities in Long Branch and the surrounding area. 

“Everyone deserves access to life-saving health care at a hospital. This fight isn’t over and I’m glad the State Health Planning Board understands just how disastrous this would be,” Pallone said. “The decision by the board to defer is unprecedented and demonstrates the legitimate and serious concerns with RWJ Barnabas Health’s application. I’m going to continue making the case that the current proposal fails Long Branch residents and puts hospital access throughout the region at risk. Premiums are going up, people are losing their insurance, and families are making tough choices. Closing Long Branch’s hospital would only make our health care crisis worse.”

The Board’s decision to defer their recommendations comes after a lengthy and mismanaged public comment process where Long Branch area residents were literally shut out in the cold. The Board requested further information on the use of mass transit by patients to the new facility; staffing sourcing; an extension on the services that would remain in Long Branch; and how moving the hospital license and facilities out of Long Branch would detrimentally affect health equity.

For decades, Monmouth Medical Center hospital has provided essential health care to residents who already face barriers such as transportation challenges, chronic illness, and lack of insurance coverage. 

Pallone has long argued that closing Monmouth Medical Center hospital and abandoning the Long Branch community will lead to worse health care outcomes for many. Other hospitals in the region will be forced to absorb an influx of patients, potentially leading to longer wait times, staff burnout, and greater financial strain. He continues to advocate for a solution that would allow RWJ Barnabas Health to keep acute care hospital services in Long Branch while building their new facility in Tinton Falls.

Posted on

Pallone on Habba Resigning: “Not A Moment Too Soon”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Frank Pallone (6th District of New Jersey)

Trump’s illegal pick for N.J. U.S. Attorney bows out

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) released the following statement after Alina Habba, President Trump’s pick for Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, announced her resignation from her illegally obtained post:

 

“Donald Trump and his right-wing partisans are not above the law. Alina Habba is gone, and not a moment too soon. Her illegal appointment caused major problems for federal courts here in New Jersey and she abused her power to go after Trump’s political opponents. Partisan politics have no place in New Jersey’s or America’s justice systems.”

 

Habba’s resignation comes after a Third Circuit court ruling confirmed that Habba was not legally serving as Acting U.S. Attorney, under the provisions of the Preserving United States Attorney Independence Act—a 2007 law which requires Senate confirmation of U.S. attorneys within 120 days, and which Pallone helped pass.

 

Pallone has repeatedly called on Habba to resign and in October, he joined an amicus brief urging the Third Circuit to uphold the law.

Posted on

MENG DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM AG BONDI ON THE ABRUPT FIRING OF EIGHT IMMIGRATION JUDGES AT 26 FEDERAL PLAZA

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS), announced today that she sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) demanding answers about eight judges who were abruptly fired from New York’s Federal Plaza Immigration Court.

On Monday December 1, 2025, the DOJ’s Executive Office for Immigration Review reportedly fired eight out of 34 federal immigration judges serving at 26 Federal Plaza in New York without cause or explanation. Immigration judges serving on this court are non-partisan civil servants. This news comes after months-long reports of ICE agents violating long-standing Department of Homeland Security policies by making arrests outside of courtrooms, assaults on court observers and journalists, and inhumane conditions in the holding facility in 26 Federal Plaza.

In the letter, Ranking Member Meng wrote, “Immigration courts throughout the United States currently face a backlog of almost 4 million cases, a figure that, according to DOJ’s own data, has consistently increased since at least 2015. The CJS Subcommittee highlighted concerns about this backlog during both the first Trump Administration and the Biden Administration. And yet, under the second Trump Administration, ‘more than 100 immigration judges out of 700 have been fired or pushed out’ this year. Not only have these workforce reductions worsened the case backlog, but they have also placed pressure on remaining judges to complete greater numbers of cases, very likely at the expense of thoughtful consideration of the merits of each and every case—at the expense of due process and justice. Further, these actions and the resulting delays in proceedings penalize immigrants and their family members who are trying to follow the law by applying for legal status and showing up for their hearings.”

Specifically, Meng is demanding answers to the following questions:

  1. Please provide the cause for the termination of each individual immigration judge.
  2. Please provide the performance ratings for each of these terminated individuals.
  3. How many of these terminated individuals were on probationary status?
  4. 4Were any of these individuals hired under preferences, including veterans’ or military spouses’ preference?
  5. What is the current number of pending immigration cases at 26 Federal Plaza and how many cases were assigned to each of the terminated judges?
  6. Please also provide the number of cases that will now require appearance dates later than 2026 as a result of the reassignment of these cases.
  7. Does DOJ intend to replace these individuals?
    1. If so, when does DOJ expect to do so, and under what timeline? Please provide the number of individuals hired to fill these newly opened positions who are receiving a recruitment or retention bonus as advertised on the Department’s join.justice.gov website and on USAjobs.org.
    2. If not, please explain why not and whether there will be further reductions to staffing at this facility.
  8. Please provide any and all changes the DOJ has made since January 20, 2025 to chief judges, assistant chief judges, and other judicial supervisory leadership for each of the immigration courts with jurisdiction over charging documents.
  9. Please provide the total number of immigration judges terminated nationwide since January 20, 2025.
    1. Please provide the numbers of immigration judges terminated since January 20 who were terminated for cause and not for cause.
    2. Please explain how these terminations have helped to decrease the backlog facing immigration courts.

A copy of the letter can be viewed here. 

The CJS Subcommittee funds federal agencies including the Department of Commerce, Justice Department, NASA, National Science Foundation, and programs and projects that advance civil rights, trade, and technology.

Posted on

LEADER JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES NEW HOUSE DEMOCRATIC COMMISSION ON AI AND THE INNOVATION ECONOMY

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the launch of a new House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy that will convene throughout 2026. The commission will develop policy expertise in partnership with the innovation community, relevant stakeholders and committees of jurisdiction. Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu (CA-36), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) and Rep. Valerie Foushee (NC-04) will serve as Co-Chairs. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Ranking Member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee and Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, will serve as Ex Officio Co-Chairs. Democrats that served on the Bipartisan AI Task Force last Congress will hold key roles, and all Members of the House Democratic Caucus will be invited to participate.

“The brilliance and ingenuity of the innovation community has positioned America to lead the world in artificial intelligence and pioneer potentially life-changing breakthroughs in medicine and other fields of human endeavor that will benefit humanity. It is important that American companies continue to thrive in this area. At the same time, Congress must consider what policies are needed to prevent bad actors from exploiting this transformative technology and inflicting harm upon the American people,” said Leader Jeffries. “Unfortunately, Republicans abandoned the Bipartisan Task Force on AI. At this watershed moment in technological history, the people we are privileged to represent understandably have questions about how AI will affect their lives into the future. House Democrats are ready, willing and able to lean into those issues so we can uplift the health, safety and economic well-being of the American people. I’m thankful to Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren, Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu, Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Rep. Valerie Foushee for their leadership, commitment and willingness to serve.” 

“AI is a transformational technology. It has the potential to make the lives of everyday Americans profoundly better. However, it also carries with it risks,” said Ranking Member Lofgren. “Policymakers in Congress need to educate themselves about this game changing technology so that we can have informed debates about the issues that surround it. Unfortunately, House Republicans have been largely MIA when it comes to the issue of AI this Congress. I applaud Leader Jeffries for launching this Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy so that Democratic Members can stay engaged with academia, industry and other stakeholders to keep up with this rapidly evolving technology and ensure that America leads the world in the deployment of safe and trustworthy AI.”

“The United States can and must continue to lead the world in the development of artificial intelligence,” said Ranking Member Pallone. “Rather than blanket moratoriums, we should be learning from the work of our state and local counterparts to deliver well-considered legislation that provides American businesses and communities the framework and resources to succeed. Congress must both support policies that foster innovation and ensure we’re protecting Americans’ privacy and safety. I look forward to working with members of the commission and the entire Democratic Caucus to ensure we continue to win the future of AI.”

“I’m honored to join Representatives Lofgren, Pallone, Foushee and Gottheimer as members of the House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy, and I’m grateful to Leader Jeffries for the opportunity to help continue to lead this critical work,” said Vice Chair Lieu. “Artificial intelligence is advancing at a breakneck pace, and Congress must keep up.  House Democrats are committed to fostering innovation, expanding economic opportunity and strengthening America’s competitiveness in AI—while also ensuring sensible guardrails are in place to prevent significant harm. What is the Trump administration’s plan? Selling high-performance AI chips to China, pushing government ownership and revenue sharing requirements onto tech companies and spreading harmful deepfake videos. House Democrats reject this misguided approach, which risks leaving Americans vulnerable and our competitiveness weakened. Instead, Democrats will meet the moment by working with all stakeholders to develop smart, durable solutions that strengthen innovation and protect the public.”

“From health care to education, the potential for artificial intelligence is boundless. The key for our economy and national security is to stay ahead of the curve — and ahead of our global competitors,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the National Security Agency and Cyber, I see every day just how quickly the landscape is shifting. That’s why this new Commission on AI is critical. We need to ensure Congress is educated on these new technologies, that we’re putting the right policies, legislation, and guardrails in place to grow and protect Americans, and that the U.S. continues to be the leader in AI-fueled jobs and innovation.”

“Artificial intelligence is already reshaping our economy, our democracy, our communities and the future of work in real time, yet the Trump administration has refused to put in place responsible guardrails to protect the American people, workers and families from the downsides of rapid technological change,” said Congresswoman Foushee. “As co-chair of the new House Democratic Caucus Commission on Artificial Intelligence and the Innovation Economy, I am committed to advancing clear, enforceable rules of the road to foster responsible innovation, keep Americans safe, protect privacy and civil rights, safeguard jobs, strengthen our economy and ensure that AI serves the public interest instead of undermining it. We cannot afford more delays or more excuses. It is time for Congress to lead.”

###

Posted on

Beatty, Lee Introduce Bill to Break Barriers in STEM and Strengthen America’s Future Workforce

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) announced the introduction of the 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act, legislation designed to close persistent equity gaps in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and expand high-quality STEM education access for girls and students from underrepresented communities. 

As STEM careers continue to drive economic growth and shape the future workforce, women and people of color remain significantly underrepresented. Recent declines in national mathematics performance have sharpened the urgency. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 22% of twelfth-grade students performed at or above the proficient level in mathematics in 2024. Black and Hispanic twelfth graders scored three and five percentage points lower than their 2019 averages, and female twelfth graders experienced nearly double the decline in math scores compared to their male peers.

 

“Our nation cannot afford to leave talent on the sidelines,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “Expanding STEM opportunities for girls and underrepresented minorities is essential for our economic future, our national competitiveness, and the next generation of innovators. This bill is an investment in the students who will build the world we live in tomorrow.”

 

“Pittsburgh is a growing beacon for the tech industry but resources and opportunities often do not extend to students in public schools right next door, particularly for our girls and underrepresented communities,” said Congresswoman Lee. “The 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act brings us one step closer to closing the education equity gap and ensuring all of our youth can bring their talents to this thriving industry. I am proud to co-lead this bill to support the next innovative generation of students.”

 

The 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act will:

  • Direct the Department of Education to make grants to qualifying local education agencies to fund STEM education activities for girls and underrepresented minorities.
  • Authorize $10 million to qualifying local educational agencies serving high-poverty students from fiscal years 2026 through 2029.

These investments are designed to expand access to rigorous coursework, hands-on learning, and pathways that lead to STEM degrees and high-growth careers.

“Expanding opportunity in STEM is about more than equity or representation; it is tied to America’s economic future. When we close these gaps for our young people, we give them the power to forge their own path and break generational barriers in science, technology, engineering, math, and the careers that will shape tomorrow.”

“I am laser-focused on finding opportunities for young women to succeed and thrive. Our 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act would provide grants to local school districts to encourage girls and underrepresented students to pursue studies and careers in STEM fields. This legislation would create real pathways for success and wealth for our girls and students of color while also fueling our economy and keeping the United States a global leader in STEM,” said Senator Alsobrooks. 

Senator Alsobrooks is introducing companion legislation in the United States Senate.

The co-leads of this bill include Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Rep. Steven Lynch (MA-08), Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04), Rep. Summer Lee (PA-12), Rep. Bill Foster (IL-11), and Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11), Rep. Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07)

The original co-sponsors of this bill are Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Wesley Bell (MO-01) 

Read the full bill text HERE. 

###

Posted on

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty Hosts The Power of One: Ohio’s 20th Annual Statewide Tribute to Rosa Parks

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (3rd District of Ohio)

COLUMBUS, OH – Tonight, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) hosted The Power of One: Ohio’s 20th Annual Statewide Tribute to Rosa Parks at Vitria on the Square, marking the 20th anniversary of Ohio becoming the first state in the nation to designate December 1st as Rosa Parks Day.

The evening featured The Power of One: In the Company of Courage, a panel discussion with Congresswoman Beatty and Congressman James E. Clyburn, moderated by Emmy Award-winning journalist Ed Gordon. Some of the conversation drew from themes in Clyburn’s new book, The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation, connecting lessons from Reconstruction-era leadership to the responsibilities of public service and civic engagement today.

Event special guests included Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., President of The Ohio State University, and Monica Téllez-Fowler, President and CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). Former Governor Bob Taft, Ohio’s 67th Governor, who signed theRosa Parks Day bill into law received special recognition as a 20th anniversary event honoree.  The event was also graced by a cousin of civil rights icons Coretta Scott King and a cousin of Martin Luther King, Jr.

In her opening remarks, Beatty reflected on the continued resonance of Parks’ courage. “On December 1st, 1955, Rosa Parks made a deliberate choice to stay seated. In that moment, she accelerated the struggle for equality and forced our nation to confront the disconnect between what America declared and what America delivered,” said Congresswoman Beatty. “It galvanized a movement that transformed the American story. Today, as the challenges facing her legacy and America’s democracy grow more urgent, that single act still calls us to action.”

Regarding the stories in The First Eight and their place in our shared history, Congressman Clyburn said, “The First Eight is about eight South Carolinians, one of whom was a graduate of Ohio’s Wilberforce University, who blazed the trail that made my journey possible. Their courage, conviction, faith, and fortitude helped shape a nation, and I hope the people of the great city of Columbus, Ohio, will come to know these extraordinary public servants and the important lessons their experiences teach us.”

In speaking about Rosa Parks’ enduring impact on equity and justice, Monica Téllez-Fowler, COTA President and CEO, said, “By refusing to give up her seat, she forced our nation to confront an uncomfortable truth. That equal rights could not be delayed, denied, or negotiated. She affirmed that access in every sense of the word is foundational to freedom. Her act reminds us that public transportation is more than getting from one place to another. It is tied to justice and to dignity. It reflects the promise that every person deserves the ability to move freely through their community and toward opportunity. At COTA, that belief guides every decision we make.”

“Courage is about doing what we believe is right, even when it’s hard, unpopular or risky. Rosa Parks embodied this quality as well as any figure in our history,” said Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “With quiet strength, she made courageous choices that have inspired future generations to action here in Columbus and across our nation. It was an honor to join with Congresswoman Beatty, Congressman Clyburn, COTA and community leaders to honor Rosa Parks’ life and legacy for this very special 20th anniversary event.”

As part of the anniversary celebration, Congresswoman Beatty recognized four Ohioans whose leadership reflects the courage, service, and commitment of Rosa Parks:

  • Governor Bob Taft, Ohio’s 67th Governor, signed Rosa Parks bill into law
  • Dr. Laura Espy-Bell, System Medical Chief, Health Equity, OhioHealth
  • André Washington, Special Assistant to the Executive Director, OAPSE/AFSCME
  • Dawn Tyler Lee, Founder & CEO, Forrest Street Consulting 

The event also brought together a broad coalition of civic, faith-based, and cultural organizations, who served as Honorary Community Hosts for this historic celebration:

  • The Links, Incorporated – Columbus Chapter
  • The Links, Incorporated – Twin Rivers Chapter
  • Alonzo Edmundo
  • Shari Hicks-Graham, MD
  • Lawrence Lemon
  • Jerry Saunders
  • Gayle Saunders
  • Sean Walton, Jr.
  • Carlton Weddington
  • Brian Winston

 Click HERE to screen a video recording of the event.

While serving in the Ohio House of Representatives, Beatty wrote the legislation establishing Rosa Parks Day in Ohio. The legislation passed unanimously during the 50th anniversary of Parks’ historic refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus, an act that sparked the 381-day Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped launch the modern civil rights movement. Beatty served five terms in the Ohio House, where she became the first female Democratic House Leader in state history. Former Governor Bob Taft, signed the legislation into law.

Earlier this week, the nation marked the 70th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ defining act of defiance. This year’s tribute honored that milestone by reaffirming Parks’ enduring influence and underscoring the ongoing responsibility to protect progress and strengthen democratic institutions.

###