Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)
MEMPHIS, TN — Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08) hosted the 2026 Congressional Art Competition reception at the West Tennessee Regional Art Center in Gibson County. At the reception, Congressman Kustoff announced the winner, Tammy Le from Lakeland High Preparatory School.
“Congratulations to Tammy Le from Lakeland High Preparatory School for winning the Eighth Congressional District’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Kustoff. “Every year, I am impressed by the talented student artists across West Tennessee. I look forward to seeing Tammy’s piece, ‘Open 24/7,’ hang in the United States Capitol for the next year.”
The Congressional Art Competition takes place each year and is open to all high school students in the Eighth Congressional District. Click here for more information.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)
Re:Vision Nonprofit Secures Land for Third Urban Farm, Expanding Community Food System in Southwest Denver
DENVER, CO — Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) today visited Granja Soberanía,Re:Vision‘s third urban farm in Southwest Denver, to celebrate the nonprofit officially closing on the land. The expansion marks a major milestone in the organization’s mission to cultivate thriving, resilient communities through food.
The purchase was made possible in part by $800,000 in Community Project FundingDeGette secured in 2024to transform the one-acre property in Westwood into an urban farm and community food hub. Re:Vision finalized the purchase in March 2026, marking a significant milestone in a city where land ownership for urban farming is limited.
Congresswoman DeGette was joined at the Granja Soberanía site by Re:Vision Executive Director Mariana del Hierro to celebrate the investment in community-driven food systems. Securing this space ensures Re:Vision’s ability to directly grow and distribute fresh food to the community at no cost.
“Providing community funding is one of the most important parts of my job — and today’s land purchase is exactly why. With the federal dollars I fought hard to secure, Re:Vision will transform this space into a sustainable, accessible urban farm that becomes the heartbeat of a healthier Westwood,” said Congresswoman DeGette. “Every family deserves access to fresh, locally grown food, and no Denverite — no matter their ZIP code — should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. This effort shows how the work we do in Washington makes a real difference for the people back home.”
Founded in 2007, Re:Vision has worked to transform Southwest Denver into a model for preserving and celebrating community identity within economic revitalization efforts. Through its food-based programming, the organization develops resident leaders, strengthens local economies, and supports a community historically impacted by social inequities.
Proyecto Soberaníais central to this vision. As Re:Vision’s urban agriculture model, it integrates urban farms, family gardens, and community-based food access programs to build a more resilient, locally rooted food system.
“Soberanía represents an investment in our community’s future,” said Mariana del Hierro. “Access to land is one of the biggest barriers to building a community-led food system, especially in a city like Denver. Securing this property is a major milestone for our work and our community. It allows us to grow and distribute fresh, culturally relevant food directly to families while strengthening our impact year-round.”
Delivering for Denver
Today’s celebration reflects Congresswoman DeGette’s proven track record of fighting to return federal dollars to the communities she serves. Since 2022, she has secured more than $62.9 million in Community Project Funding for Denver residents. The Re:Vision urban farm is one example of what that commitment looks like on the ground.
In 2025, Re:Vision operated two urban farms and a network of family gardens that produced more than 78,000 pounds of food across Southwest Denver, including over 40,000 pounds distributed for free to families. These efforts generated more than 6,200 hours of local employment.
The Soberanía site already produces approximately 20,000 pounds of fresh produce during the growing season. This food is distributed directly to Southwest Denver community members through Re:Vision’sNo-Cost Grocery Program, which currently serves approximately 1,200 families each week, as well as through CSA food boxes in partnership with Denver Health’s Federico Peña Clinic.
Re:Vision plans to expand operations at the Soberanía site to include winter growing, increasing access to locally grown produce year-round. Additional infrastructure will support a second food distribution site, allowing the organization to support even more community members.
With the purchase of Soberanía, Re:Vision continues to broaden its impact, demonstrating how food can serve as a powerful entry point for community self-sufficiency, leadership development, and long-term neighborhood resilience.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)
Pressley: “I hope Melania talks to Chairman Comer and Trump to make this happen. Survivors have waited long enough.”
As a Survivor of Sexual Abuse, Pressley Has Led Calls for Congressional Hearing that Centers Survivors
BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement after First Lady Melania Trump echoed Congresswoman Pressley’s longstanding calls for a Congressional hearing that centers survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse. As a survivor of sexual abuse herself, Congresswoman Pressley has been a dedicated advocate for survivors’ justice and has led committee Democrats in calling for a full Congressional hearing to ensure survivors’ firsthand accounts are heard.
“I’ve been calling for a public hearing with survivors for nearly a year. They deserve answers, accountability, and healing,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I hope Melania talks to Chairman Comer and Trump to make this happen. Survivors have waited long enough.”
In February 2026, Congresswoman Pressley joined survivors of Epstein’s abuse and members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus to demand transparency, accountability, and healing for survivors.
As a survivor of sexual abuse herself, Congresswoman Pressley has led Democrats on the House Oversight Committee calling for a full, public Oversight hearing to prioritize the individuals who survived the horrific abuse associated with by Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and their associates, and whose firsthand accounts may not be sufficiently represented in the Department of Justice’s records.
In July 2024, Rep. Pressley reintroduced the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act of 2024. In June 2024, Rep. Pressley renewed her calls for accountability and survivor-focused solutions following the damning reports of a toxic work environment at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). In June 2024, Rep. Pressley also sent a letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) requesting information about the botched closure of FCI Dublin, abuse of women while they were being transferred to other facilities, and BOP’s management of investigations into the staff sexual misconduct and abuse at FCI Dublin and other federal BOP facilities.
Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of H.R. 5388, legislation that would prevent the Secretary of Education from rolling back Title IX protections for survivors, as well as H.Res. 560, a resolution calling for an impeachment inquiry into Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, following reporting on new allegations of sexual misconduct committed by the Associate Justice.
In April 2019, following the passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, Rep. Pressley issued a statement honoring her mother, Sandra Pressley, a survivor of domestic violence. Rep. Pressley is also the lead co-sponsor of an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that would establish the first-ever grant program dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, which passed the House of Representatives in March 2021.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)
Bacon, Panetta Introduce the Bipartisan Stop Global Tariffs Act
Washington – Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) today introduced the bipartisan Stop Global Tariffs Act, which eliminates President Donald Trump’s most recent tariffs while providing retroactive relief to importers harmed by his trade policies. This bill, also co-led by House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda Sánchez (CA-38), will refund importers who paid duties and prevent the President from reissuing similar tariffs.
This bill strikes down the 10% tariffs issued by President Trump under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. It requires that importers are reimbursed and prohibits the issuance of successive similar tariffs. By doing so, the bill provides relief to importers from blanket global tariffs and prevents the Administration from illegally issuing similar tariffs.
“Article One, Section Eight, Clause One of the Constitution gives Congress authority over tariffs and trade, and it’s time Congress stands on its own two feet and does its job,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to co-lead the Stopping Global Tariffs Act as a step toward restoring Congress’s role, providing relief to American businesses and consumers, and preventing the misuse of outdated authorities to impose sweeping tariffs. Across-the-board tariffs like these raise costs for families and create unnecessary economic uncertainty.”
“American consumers and businesses have shouldered the consequences of President Trump’s illegal and incoherent tariff policy,” said Rep. Panetta. “My legislation would lift the most recent across-the-board tariffs under Section 122 and make whole those who have been harmed. Although Congress abdicated its Constitutional obligations for trade policy over the past few decades, it’s past time for us to reclaim our authority from the executive branch not just with lawsuits, but with legislation.”
“President Trump’s new 10% global tariffs are a clear attempt to sidestep Congress and reimpose his failed tariffs after the Supreme Court struck them down,” said Rep. Sánchez. “I am proud to co-lead the Stopping Global Tariffs Act to strike down these new tariffs and give needed relief to the American families who have suffered from higher prices as a result of Trump’s tariff regime.”
President Trump’s most recent tariffs were improperly imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Section 122 allows for the President to impose a 15 percent tariff for balance of payments, which was created when the U.S. dollar was on the gold standard. Following the Supreme court’s ruling in February negating his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to levy tariffs, the Trump Administration has imposed a 10 percent tariff on all imports to address “balance of payments.” Since the U.S. no longer operates on the Gold Standard, there is no legal justification for using this authority.
The Stop Global Tariffs Act is cosponsored by: Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Terri Sewell (AL-07), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference alongside Members of the House Democratic Caucus to demand an end to Donald Trump’s reckless war of choice and announce that Democrats will compel a vote on a War Powers Resolution once the House is back in session.
LEADER JEFFRIES: I’m joined by several prominent members of the congressional delegation representing various parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx, all gathered with one unified voice. It’s time to end Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice in the Middle East. Candidate Trump promised that he wasn’t going to start wars, he was going to stop them. President Trump has done the exact opposite. He’s gotten the country involved in this reckless war of choice and billions of dollars are being spent to drop bombs in Iran, while Republicans are unwilling to spend a dime to make life more affordable for the American people. It’s unacceptable. The cost of living in this country is way too high. America is far too expensive. Housing costs, healthcare costs, grocery costs are out of control. And now, as a result of Donald Trump’s costly and reckless war of choice, gas prices are skyrocketing here in New York City and all across America. It’s unacceptable.
A two-week ceasefire is not sufficient. We need a permanent end to Donald Trump’s costly and reckless war of choice. And House Democrats are committed to bringing about that outcome. Upon our return, we will force another vote on the House Floor around the War Powers Resolution that will compel the Trump administration to cease military hostilities immediately so we can all focus on the issues that we know matter to everyday Americans—driving down the high cost of living, fixing our broken healthcare system, getting ICE under control and ensuring that we are actually improving the quality of life of everyday Americans and the people that we all proudly represent here in New York City.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)
LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Westminster town officials to tour the Westminster Senior Residences, a 50-unit affordable senior housing facility that was constructed using significant federal investments.
“After more than a decade of planning, it’s inspiring to see this project completed and fully leased,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This is what happens when federal, state, local, and private partners work toward a shared vision, and it’s what smart public investment looks like. I’m especially proud that federal ARPA dollars and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits helped close the financing gaps and ensure these homes remain affordable for years to come. The thoughtful design, the proximity to the Senior Center, and the partnerships with local service providers will help longtime Westminster residents stay connected, engaged, and supported in their community. This should serve as a model for senior housing not just in Massachusetts, but across the country.”
“This senior housing project was on the Town’s wishlist for decades,” said Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen. “We partnered with Commonwealth Community Developers and although it took multiple grant applications and several years, we finally found the right mix of federal and state assistance along with an ARPA contribution from the Town that made the project possible and brought us to where we are today. Thanks to the support and efforts of our townspeople and local officials, we were able to achieve this milestone for our senior community.”
The Westminster Senior Residences is a 100% affordable, age-restricted (62+) development located directly behind the Town of Westminster’s Senior Center. The project, more than a decade in the making, was developed by Commonwealth Community Developers and is managed by Maloney Properties. After opening last fall, all 50 one-bedroom units were fully leased by the end of the year.
“We’re grateful for the strong support for the development from all of our elected officials,” said James J. Perrine, President of Commonwealth Community Developers. “Congresswoman Trahan has been with us from the start, resulting in the receipt of $1.2 million federal tax credits, enabling us to raise $10.6 million in private equity. She also supported over $4.3 million in federal ARPA funds from the State’s Executive Housing and Livable Communities and another $200,000 for the Town of Westminster’s local ARPA funds. The Town originated the project, provided the land adjacent to the senior center, and contributed $200,000. This truly is the result of partnership at all levels of government, and we are grateful for the Congresswoman’s leadership.”
The project’s total development cost of approximately $22.4 million was financed through a mix of federal, state, local, and private sources. Federal investments were central to making the project financially viable, including $1.2 million per year in Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) over 10 years, which generated more than $10.6 million in private equity. The project also received $4,577,965 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which Trahan supported passage of and helped close critical financing gaps to ensure long-term affordability for low-income seniors. The Town of Westminster contributed $200,000 in local ARPA funding, a 99-year land lease, and fee waivers exceeding $200,000.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO), a former paratrooper and Army Ranger and member of the House Armed Services Committee, helped introduce the Women Add Resourcefulness and Resilience to Improve Operational Readiness (WARRIOR) Act. This bill ensures that women in combat are evaluated on their skills, performance, and the gender-neutral standards that female servicemembers are already meeting and exceeding. As Pete Hegseth and the Trump administration malign women in our military, this bill prevents the exclusion of women in our Armed Forces.
Crow introduced the bill with Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-01), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Pat Ryan (D-NY-18), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), and Derek Tran (D-CA-45).
“When I deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, I served alongside badass women who risked their lives to protect our nation,”said Congressman Crow. “Anyone willing to put on the uniform and defend this country deserves our support. Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump constantly undermine our women in uniform and question their service. This bill would ensure that people like them can’t prevent qualified and patriotic women from serving our country.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)
“Like nine months ago, I came away with the reaction that this facility is inhumane, that the way the detainees are housed is cruel and unnecessary, that ICE is hiding behind Florida state agencies to avoid any obligation to treat people humanely, and that the cost of the facility itself is being hidden behind the state of Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz. “On many of the questions that I had about how decisions are made about, they said that I had to talk to someone from ICE – who was on the premises – but refused to talk to me following the tour.”
Ochopee, FL – Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) made an unannounced visit to conduct an oversight inspection of the Everglades Detention Center. Last summer, Democratic Members of Florida’s Congressional Delegation were given a sanitized tour of the site by Florida’s Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and federal officials. Members promised to conduct an unannounced review of the site at a future date.
For B-Roll of the press conference, click here. For audio from the press call, click here.
“Like nine months ago, I came away with the reaction that this facility is inhumane, that the way the detainees are housed is cruel and unnecessary, that ICE is hiding behind Florida state agencies to avoid any obligation to treat people humanely, and that the cost of the facility itself is being hidden behind the state of Florida,” said Wasserman Schultz. “On many of the questions that I had about how decisions are made about, they said that I had to talk to someone from ICE – who was on the premises – but refused to talk to me following the tour.”
While in the facility, Wasserman Schultz saw an area with just under 1,500 detainees housed in cages. That area smelled of urine, was humid, and “wall-to-wall men.” Toilets and sinks were stained and dirty, and not private. Food marked as ‘fresh’ was nearly two weeks old and served in small portions.
Despite arguments in court that the facility is solely state-run and thus not subject to Federal humane detention standards, Wasserman Schultz was told ICE maintained an active daily presence at the facility. FDEM staff repeatedly deferred questions regarding day-to-day detention operations to ICE. Wasserman Schultz was also denied access to meet with detained people who had filled out privacy waivers in advance or to hear from them directly.
Wasserman Schultz has championed a provision in the Department of Homeland Security funding law that prohibits any Administration from using funds to prevent a Member of Congress from entering any facility where immigrants are detained. Detainees have reported being treated inhumanely, denied access to medication and medical treatment, being sent to a punishment cell, and more to Wasserman Schultz’s office. Wasserman Schultz previously visited the facility in July with fellow Members of Congress and state elected officials, but it was a state government-run tour that she described as “sanitized” and “whitewashed.”
The Everglades Detention Center has cost Florida taxpayers at least $640 million in state funding, and analysts have estimated that its operations cost $1.2 million per day and roughly $1.1 billion per year. Sixty-five percent of detainees do not have a criminal history and only 27 percent are categorized as ‘high threat’ by ICE.
Wasserman Schultz is the lead sponsor of legislation that would prohibit the use of federal funds to construct, reimburse, or operate any detention facility in the Everglades. The No Cages in the Everglades Act would also permanently codify the appropriations provision barring any Administration from preventing Members of Congress or their staff from conducting oversight visits at detention facilities, with no exceptions for facilities operated by State or local governments or by private contractors.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)
Washington, D.C. – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced the bipartisanStop Global Tariffs Act, which eliminates President Donald Trump’s most recent tariffs while providing retroactive relief to importers harmed by his trade policies. This bill, which is being co-led by Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) and House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda Sánchez (CA-38), will refund importers who paid duties and prevent the President from reissuing similar tariffs.
This bill strikes down the 10% tariffs issued by President Trump under Section 122 of theTrade Act of 1974. It requires that importers are reimbursed and prohibits the issuance of successive similar tariffs. By doing so, the bill provides relief to importers from blanket global tariffs and prevents the Administration from illegally issuing similar tariffs.
“American consumers and businesses have shouldered the consequences of President Trump’s illegal and incoherent tariff policy,” said Rep. Panetta. “My legislation would lift the most recent across-the-board tariffs under Section 122 and make whole those who have been harmed. Although Congress abdicated its Constitutional obligations for trade policy over the past few decades, it’s past time for us to reclaim our authority from the executive branch not just with lawsuits, but with legislation.”
“Article One, Section Eight, Clause One of the Constitution gives Congress authority over tariffs and trade, and it’s time Congress stands on its own two feet and does its job,” said Rep. Bacon. “I’m pleased to co-lead the Stopping Global Tariffs Act as a step toward restoring Congress’s role, providing relief to American businesses and consumers, and preventing the misuse of outdated authorities to impose sweeping tariffs. Across-the-board tariffs like these raise costs for families and create unnecessary economic uncertainty.”
“President Trump’s new 10% global tariffs are a clear attempt to sidestep Congress and reimpose his failed tariffs after the Supreme Court struck them down,” said Rep. Sánchez. “I am proud to co-lead the Stopping Global Tariffs Act to strike down these new tariffs and give needed relief to the American families who have suffered from higher prices as a result of Trump’s tariff regime.”
President Trump’s most recent tariffs were improperly imposed under Section 122 of theTrade Act of 1974. Section 122 allows for the President to impose a 15% tariff for balance of payments, which was created when the U.S. dollar was on the gold standard. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in February negating his use of theInternational Emergency Economic Powers Act(IEEPA) to levy tariffs, the Trump Administration has imposed a 10% tariff on all imports to address “balance of payments.” Since the U.S. no longer operates on the Gold Standard, there is no legal justification for using this authority.
This bill builds off Rep. Panetta’sReclaim Trade Powers Act, which would strike Section 122 of theTrade Act of 1974.
TheStop Global Tariffs Actis cosponsored by: Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Terri Sewell (AL-07), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke at the National Action Network’s National Convention, emphasizing that as the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have continued to unleash extremism on the American people and caused the cost of living to skyrocket, Democrats remain committed to defending our democracy, protecting civil rights, lowering prices and affirming that diversity, equity and inclusion are American values.
LEADER JEFFRIES: What an honor and a privilege to be back at NAN, as Reverend Sharpton has indicated, year after year after year. I’m proud to be a card-carrying member of the National Action Network, the preeminent civil rights organization here in the United States of America.And I’m certainly so thankful for Reverend Sharpton, for all that he represents, for his leadership, for his friendship, his mentorship and his partnership. We know that Reverend Sharpton is a civil rights champion, a powerful voice for the voiceless, a defender of democracy and the disenfranchised. And Reverend Sharpton has been on this journey consistently year after year, decade after decade. He started out wearing tracksuits and now he’s rocking business suits. But over the years, while the outfit may have changed, the mission remains the same: no justice.
AUDIENCE: No peace.
LEADER JEFFRIES: And we’re so appreciative of Reverend Sharpton. And certainly his voice, and your voice, is needed for such a time as this. Reverend Sharpton mentioned that I now have the honor and privilege of serving as the House Democratic Leader. It was interesting, when I made that transition, representing a district back in Brooklyn, of course, that the late, great Shirley Chisholm once represented. And so I’m proud to stand on her shoulders, a mentor of Reverend Sharpton.
I came back home after the transition had been made. I was on Fulton Street and ran into one of my constituents who appeared to recognize me. He said, ‘Congressman, come over here for a moment.’ I said, ‘sure, good to see you.’ He said, ‘now aren’t you the Congressman who a few years ago on the Floor of the Senate during the Trump impeachment trial quoted The Notorious B.I.G.?’ I said, ‘yeah, that was me.’ And he said, ‘now, Congressman, as I understand it, you’re the House Democratic Leader, the highest-ranking Democrat in the United States Congress.’ I said, ‘yeah, God is good.’ And then without missing a beat, he responded, Rev., by saying, ‘how the Hell does that happen?’ So I had to think quickly on my feet, as Reverend Sharpton has taught us to do, and then it came to me. I said, well, ‘you never thought that hip-hop would take it this far.’
But for us, in this challenging moment, it’s all about the power of imagination. Imagining how we can get from where we are, challenging times, to where we need to go to make this country, in the midst of all the extremism, the best version of herself. That’s what we have to do because these are challenging times. We got a hater in the White House. Haters in the Congress. And haters throughout the Cabinet. But we’re working on this. Watch this. Kristi Noem is gone. Pam Bondi is gone. And Pete Hegseth is next up.
Challenging times, haters all around us, but we’ve got to continue to press our case. Now, this President has failed the American people in so many different ways. Refuses to spend a dime to make life more affordable for you, but is spending billions of dollars to drop bombs in a reckless war choice in the Middle East. Failing the American people. He promised that he would lower the high cost of living on day one. We know costs haven’t gone down in this country, costs have gone up. Housing costs, out of control. Healthcare costs, out of control. Utility bills, out of control. Gas prices skyrocketing because of this reckless war of choice. Food prices, out control. Cost of living is out of control here in the United States of America.
And we’re committed to bringing about the type of country that when you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to live a comfortable life, a good life, an affordable life—good paying job, good housing, good healthcare, good education for your children and, when it’s all said and done, a good retirement. That’s what we’re working hard to bring about. And by the way, that good retirement means making sure that these extremists keep their hands off your Social Security and your Medicare at all times. Work hard, play by the rules, live the good life.
Challenging times as we approach our 250th birthday. Reasonable for all of us to ask the question, ‘what makes America, America?’ It’s an important question that we need to ask because the extremists have a very different vision as to where they’re trying to take this country at this time. We want to move the country forward. The extremists are trying to turn back the clock. We’re working hard to bring people together. The extremists are doing everything they can to tear us apart. We believe in truth and reconciliation. The extremists want to erase our history. But let’s be clear, Black history is American history. We will never let them erase it.
We’ve been here since 1619. That’s before America was America. And we’re not going anywhere. Not now, not ever. No matter what these extremists are trying to do with their all-out assault on civil rights, on voting rights, certainly on diversity, equity and inclusion. And we won’t let these extremists get away with lying to the American people. They want to suggest that diversity, equality and inclusion are foreign values. They’re not foreign values, they’re American values.
Let’s just check the record. The motto of this great country, E Pluribus Unum. That’s the motto of this great country. Out of many, one. That’s diversity. One of the most important constitutional amendments in this country, a Reconstruction Amendment, the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, contains the Equal Protection Clause. And the Equal Protection Clause in the 14th Amendment promises equal protection under the law. That’s equity. And all across this country, from sea to shining sea, in the land of the free and the home of the brave, when people say the Pledge of Allegiance, they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. That’s inclusion. So diversity, equity and inclusion, we’re teaching the extremists something. These aren’t foreign values. These are American values. And when you attack diversity, equity and inclusion, you attack the United States of America.
We have the high ground on this issue, which is why I’m so thankful that Reverend Sharpton and the National Action Network continues to lead it. And here’s the other thing that we know that this effort, attacking DEI is not a serious effort. It’s not about celebrating merit. That’s what they tell you. They’re not trying to celebrate merit, they’re trying to elevate mediocrity. Not trying to celebrate merit, they’re trying to elevate mediocrity. Here’s how we know that’s the case. Just look at who they put in charge of the attack on DEI. Pete Hegseth, the most unqualified Secretary of Defense in American history. You don’t have the standing to lecture anyone. This guy can’t organize a two-car funeral. He was a Fox News host and now he’s the Secretary of Defense. No wonder things are turning out so horrifically over in the Middle East. Pete Hegseth leading the attack on diversity, equity and inclusion. Those are American values.
Let me close with this observation. This is a John Lewis moment in terms of what we’re dealing with right now. I’ll never forget when I was a first-term Member of Congress, I got to the House Floor. Amazing all the people I got to serve with. Of course, Jim Clyburn, I know he’ll be with all of you, and Maxine Waters of course was there, and Elijah Cummings, Charlie Rangel. So many legends. I got to see John Lewis. He called me over and first thing he said to me on the Floor, one of my first days in the House, he said, ‘are you the new guy?’ I said, ‘Yes, Sir, Mr. Lewis, that’s me.’ He said, ‘No, Hakeem, you don’t have to call me Mr. Lewis. You’re a colleague of mine. Just call me John.’ I said, ‘Yes, Sir, Mr. Lewis. I understand.’ And then he said, ‘You from Brooklyn, right?’ Rev., I was tempted to say Brooklyn is always in the house, but this was John Lewis, so I said ‘Yes, sir, I’m from Brooklyn.’
Then he said something, I’ve never forgotten. He said, ‘Well, Washington, D.C. can be a tough place. So I don’t want you to get into any trouble here, unless it’s good trouble.’ This is a John Lewis Good Trouble moment for all of us as we push back against these extremists.
And our promise to you, as House Democrats, is that we’re going to work as hard as we can to lower the high cost of living, to fix our broken healthcare system, to clean up corruption, to get ICE under control, to end this failed, reckless, costly war of choice in Iran and to make sure that we protect the things that our heroes have worked so hard to ensure would be possible for generation after generation, which means one of the first things that we’ll do on the other side of this midterm election is to pass the John Robert Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act so we can end the era of voter suppression in the United States of America once and for all. Good Trouble Moment for all of us.
So let’s continue to show up and stand up and speak up for what we know is right. And we’re going to stand up for civil rights. Stand up for voting rights. Stand up for reproductive rights. Stand up for immigration rights. Stand up for women’s rights. Stand up for racial justice. Stand up for social justice. Stand up for economic justice. Stand up for liberty and justice for all. Stand up for freedom. Stand up for our democracy.
Let’s continue to win the day, and win the week, and win the month, and win the year, win the hearts and minds of the American people. And together, in November, win back control of the United States House of Representatives, end this national nightmare and continue our march toward a more perfect union.
God bless you. God bless Reverend Sharpton. God bless NAN. God bless the United States of America.