Standing Up for the People
Floor Speech
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Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, Americans want a government ``For The People.''
They want Congress and a president that listens, speaks, and works for them.
My Democratic colleagues and I are focused on precisely that here in Washington and back home.
To list just a few highlights from the past few weeks for me:
Fighting to keep Central Ohio families together, including members of our vibrant Mauritanian, Somali, Latin American, and Central American communities;
Families like those of Edith Espinal, who has been forced to take sanctuary. in Columbus Mennonite Church or face deportation.
In the nearly 365 days that have passed since Edith took refuge, my staff and I have been working diligently to try to help reunite Edith and her family.
We have met Edith's family, her advocates, legal representation and will do so again in the coming days, as well as with other stakeholders.
I have spoken directly with Edith.
My District staff just last month met with another group of Edith's advocates, and we contacted USCIS and ICE officials requesting assistance.
Our efforts continue to keep her from being deported.
Her story and the countless like it are a direct result of our broken immigration system that no wall will ever fix.
In addition to standing up for Central Ohio families, I also hosted a Community Conversation with hundreds of my constituents at St. Stephens Community House--in conjunction with their 100th year of service.
Held a Healthcare Listening Session and Roundtable with hospital executives and local stakeholders on the future of healthcare;
As well as my Money, Wealth and Disparities Issues Forum during the 48th Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference.
Walked in the National African-American Male Wellness Walk in Columbus, packed care packages with the USO for military families, and spoke at the Welcome Ohio event to recognize our newest neighbors.
Toured several Central Ohio businesses, including the new AmeriSource Bergen Lockborne facility, Core Molding Technologies, the Ohio Media School, Heidelberg Distributing, and Home Depot, to name a few.
Visited first time homeowner, 75 years young Mrs. Joyce Mayne and the amazing people at Homeport, who helped Mrs. Mayne and many other Central Ohioans realize the American Dream of homeownership.
Met with the AFL-CIO, Moms2B, the Ohio Credit Union League, YWCA Columbus, Ohio Dominican University President Robert Gervasi, the Ohio Automotive Dealers Association, and countless other constituents and community leaders.
Last but not least, I continue to emphasize the importance of civility and the need to tone down the heated rhetoric, to treat each other with respect and dignity, and to be able to disagree without being disagreeable.
It certainly has been a hectic month and a half, but I look forward to continuing to listen, speak, and work ``For The People'' who entrusted me to be their voice in Congress.
Central Ohioans and Americans are clamoring for better jobs, better wages, better opportunities, and a better future.
That is why Congressional Democrats are working tirelessly--whether that be in the Halls of Congress and in neighborhoods all across America, like the East Side of Columbus to Franklinton, and Westerville to Groveport--to:
increase take home pay;
prepare American workers for the jobs of tomorrow;
lower prescription drug prices and healthcare costs;
clean up the Culture of Corruption, and make Washington work better for ALL Americans.
These coming weeks are critical, and I urge all Americans to make sure to vote.
I also must chide Republican Leadership for leaving much work left undone in this Congress that impacts hardworking families, including equal pay for equal work, comprehensive immigration reform, the FARM Bill, flood insurance reauthorization, and fully draining the swamp by getting dark money out of politics.
Our work certainly will continue through the November elections and into the 116th Congress.
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