H2998 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 22, 2021 to support at least one or two. We will much remains to be done. It is an op- the Equality Act, including, of course, see what happens during the process of portunity each year to really celebrate you, Madam Speaker. amending and debating. the progress we have made and recom- So I am proud to be a part of a cau- What I would say to my friend is that mit ourselves to the work that re- cus that understands the fundamental it would be great if we could address mains. This year is no different. importance of recognizing the dignity every issue with both sides of the aisle In 2021, we come together on the floor and value of every person, and Pride engaging and offering amendments and of this House to celebrate Pride Month Month is about expressing that and af- restore regular order so that we can try with some very great highs and some firming that to all LGBTQ-plus people to get to the heart and the truth of very deep lows. Our community was all across this country and all across these issues. deeply impacted by COVID, both be- the world. We are never going to deal with our cause preexisting conditions added to Tonight, I am proud to have one of spending issues in this country if we people’s vulnerabilities, but also be- the co-chairs of the Equality Caucus, don’t sit down and roll our sleeves up, cause segments of our population al- , Chairman of the Vet- like a family or small business has to ready face isolation, which was made erans’ Affairs Committee, a member of do. We are never going to address even worse during the pandemic. the LGBTQ community, a very close something like the border if we don’t Like all communities, we have been friend, a deeply respected colleague, sit down and give and take and offer shocked at the efforts to undermine and a great champion for the equality solutions that will work. We are never our democracy and restrict the right to of our community. going to solve healthcare; we are never vote, restrictions that we know will I yield to the gentleman from Cali- going to be able to have a strong na- impact our community, particularly fornia (Mr. TAKANO) to share his views tional defense, without, by the way, people of color, trans people, and those on the celebration of Pride. Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I being involved in endless conflicts. with disabilities. thank my true friend from the State of I joined with my Democrat friends Of course, this year alone we wit- Rhode Island (Mr. CICILLINE), who last week on a measure involving our nessed a historic number of anti- chairs the LGBTQ-plus Equality Cau- presence in Iraq. I think we can find transgender laws being introduced cus, for his work. around the country, many of them agreement at times if we will sit down I want to say that Pride is always a and do it. But we can’t bury our head passing. Opponents of equality have de- very special time of year. It is a time in the sand and ignore existential cri- cided to zero in on the most vulnerable of protest, a time of celebration, a time ses and hope that they will just go within our community, the community that we remember the struggles, honor away. that is subject to the greatest amount the trailblazers, and appreciate the I will just close by renewing my call of violence and the worst kind of dis- progress that we have made in the to my colleagues on the other side of crimination, and we must stand up in fight toward equality. the aisle, the Vice President and the force against this. Throughout our history, LGBTQ peo- President. Let’s actually focus on these But it wouldn’t be Pride Month with- ple have been denied their basic rights. crises like the border, and let’s actu- out a celebration, and we have much to To this day, LGBTQ Americans across ally do our job and our constitutional celebrate this year. the country still face discrimination in duty to address them. Let’s actually do In the last 6 months, Congress passed key areas of life, from housing to what we said we were going to do when the NO HATE Act, which strengthens healthcare. we took our oaths to the Constitution hate crimes reporting; we passed the While the Supreme Court has ruled of the United States, and we said we Pulse Night Club Memorial bill. Now to expand nondiscrimination protec- wanted to be a part of the people’s the Senate has passed it, and it goes to tions in employment and made mar- House to debate, to amend, to vote. the President’s desk for his signature. riage equality the law of the land, in 29 I am not afraid of what we are going In February, I proudly introduced states LGBTQ people aren’t fully pro- to do tomorrow. To my friend, we are H.R. 5, the Equality Act, with 224 origi- tected from discrimination. going to offer bills, we are going to de- nal cosponsors. It passed the House That is why we are working hard to bate, we are going to amend, and we with bipartisan support. President get the Equality Act signed into law. are going to vote. We should do that on Biden has challenged Congress to do Discrimination in this country has the floor of this House, Madam Speak- everything in its power to get him the also been enshrined into policies at er. We should do that on the floor of bill, get it to his desk for his signature. every level, including in the military. this House. We are rolling up our sleeves to get Despite this, thousands of brave Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- the bill passed in the Senate. I am par- LGBTQ Americans have still stepped ance of my time. ticularly proud that the House of Rep- up to serve our country in uniform. For f resentatives did its part in passing this decades, LGBTQ members of the U.S. critical piece of legislation. military and veterans have faced dis- LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH No American should be forced to live crimination stemming from official The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under in fear of legal discrimination simply military policies, including Don’t Ask, the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- because of their sexual orientation or Don’t Tell and the Trans Military Ban. uary 4, 2021, the gentleman from Rhode gender identity, and they certainly Before Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell became Island (Mr. CICILLINE) is recognized for shouldn’t have to worry about whether an official military policy, service- 60 minutes as the designee of the ma- or not the person in the White House or members who were LGBTQ had to hide jority leader. the State legislature will undermine their identities, and those who were Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, to what few protections they do have. suspected of being LGBTQ were tar- Mr. ROY, I look forward to our debate The Equality Act is a commonsense geted by horrendous and traumatizing tomorrow and I think a good resolution piece of legislation that gets to the so-called witch hunts, which stripped on a number of important issues before core issue of equality by expanding the them of their dignity and mistreated the committee. Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other ex- them based on a suspicion that had Madam Speaker, I rise this evening isting laws, to ensure that LGBTQ nothing to do with their service. to honor Pride Month. Americans can live their lives free It is estimated that approximately I want to begin by saying that we are from discrimination. 114,000 servicemembers were discharged grateful to the members of the Con- Equality is a founding principle of on the basis of their sexual orientation gressional LGBTQ-plus Equality Cau- this great country, and I hope that by between World War II and 2011, while cus, who continue to be champions for the time I stand before you for Pride an estimated 870,000 LGBTQ veterans full equality for our community. Month next year, we will have turned have been impacted by ‘‘hostility, har- Each year, we gather as a community this bill from a hope into a reality. assment, assaultive behavior, and law in June to celebrate the progress that I am very proud to have the support enforcement targeting’’ by discrimina- our community has made, that is the of so many Members of Congress and so tory military policies. LGBTQ-plus community, and also to many colleagues. In fact, every single Many LGBTQ veterans who were dis- reflect on the work ahead and how Democrat is an original cosponsor of charged on discriminatory grounds are

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:30 Jun 23, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22JN7.091 H22JNPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE June 22, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2999 unable to access their VA benefits, and and I applaud the VA’s decision. Vet- and the milestones and the fight for those still serving face inconsistent erans in need of gender confirmation LGBTQIA-plus equality. It has 187 co- protections that make them vulnerable surgery should not have to seek sponsors, minus the 100. It has 87 origi- to harassment and put their careers at healthcare outside of the VA nal cosponsors. risk. healthcare system or navigate com- This resolution is endorsed by the But the true extent of the harm by plicated processes to get the care they National Center for Transgender discriminatory anti-LGBTQ policies in need. Equality, PFLAG National, the Na- the military and at the VA is not This announcement will be life- tional LGBTQ Task Force, and the known or well understood. To remedy changing for many, and it is the result Transgender Foundation of America. the harm that has been done, we must of years of hard work and advocacy on We introduced the first LGBT Pride reckon with the truth of what hap- behalf of trans veterans and allies. Month resolution in 2013. This resolu- pened and understand the disparate ef- So in honor of Pride Month, we must tion had 25 cosponsors. We have intro- fects of discriminatory military poli- keep up the momentum, honor all duced a Pride Month resolution in cies on LGBTQ people. those who have served our country in every Congress since 2013. In 2020, the LGBTQ Pride Month reso- That is why I have introduced the uniform, and commit ourselves to cre- lution had 62 cosponsors. This year, the Commission to Study the Stigmatiza- ating a truly equal nation. Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I resolution has 87 original cosponsors. tion, Criminalization, and Ongoing Ex- Now I would like to just discuss some thank Mr. TAKANO for his powerful clusion and Inequity for LGBTQ Serv- seminal moments in Pride history. words. icemembers and Veterans Act, other- June marks 52 years of Pride celebra- Now, Madam Speaker, I am honored wise known as the Commission on tions across the country. It was in to yield to the gentleman from LGBTQ Servicemembers and Veterans June of 1970 that the first Pride march Act. (Mr. GREEN), who has been a long- took place in City to com- This legislation would launch a com- standing member of the Equality Cau- memorate Stonewall Inn, the site of an prehensive study on the effects of dis- cus and who has always encouraged the act of resistance in June of 1969. criminatory military policies on af- celebration of Pride. For the last 8 In 1977, became the first fected servicemembers, their families, years, he has led the resolution in the openly elected public official in the and their units to help America learn House marking June as LGBTQ Pride U.S. the full extent of the harm caused by Month. I want to thank him again and In 1980, the Democratic Party became these policies and the status of protec- his office for his efforts, and I thank the first major American political tions for LGBTQ servicemembers him for being with us this evening. party to endorse a gay rights platform. today. Mr. GREEN of Texas. Madam Speak- In 2000, Vermont became the first There are currently 250,000 Active er, and still I rise. And I rise tonight to State to recognize civil unions between Duty LGBTQ servicemembers and more continue to make my payments on a same-sex partners. than 1.5 million LGBTQ veterans re- debt that I owe. In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled ceiving healthcare from the VA. But I am the son of the segregated South. sodomy laws unconstitutional. there continues to be a pervasive lack I know what invidious discrimination In November of 2003, the Massachu- of data collection on LGBTQ service- looks like. I know what it sounds like. setts Supreme Justice Court ruled that members and veteran populations and I know what it tastes like. I know what preventing gays and lesbians from an absence of education for both mem- it smells like. Because I have suffered marrying violates the State constitu- bers of the military and the general invidious discrimination, I want no one tion. public about members of the LGBTQ else to suffer what I have suffered. In 2008, California voters passed prop- community who serve in uniform. This I rise tonight to pay a debt because I osition 8, a public referendum ending legislation seeks to address that. didn’t get here by myself, and the peo- same-sex marriage in the State. In 2009, Congress passed the Matthew It is essential for the American peo- ple who look like me, we didn’t get Shepard Act, expanding hate crime ple to hear stories of LGBTQ service- here by ourselves. Along the way there laws to include acts motivated by a members and veterans to understand were people of different stripes who victim’s actual or perceived sexual ori- the stigmatization they endured while made a difference, such that we could entation or gender identity. serving our country and to know that, have the opportunities that we have today. Between 2009 and 2011, Vermont, despite this, they are still immensely Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, the Dis- proud of their service. So I am proud to say that I am an ally of the LGBTQIA caucus. I am trict of Columbia, and New York legiti- b 2100 proud to say that I am a member of the mized same-sex marriage. In 2010, President Obama officially This month, I have been sharing pow- congressional LGBTQ-plus Equality repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, allow- erful stories of LGBTQ veterans on my Caucus. And I am proud to say that Mr. ing gays, bisexuals, and lesbians to social media. Every video testimonial CICILLINE is a person who I have great serve openly in the military. reveals stories of bravery and profound respect for, a person who is making a In 2013, the Supreme Court struck love for country. It ends with veterans difference not only in the lives of peo- down California’s proposition 8 and the sharing the same message: LGBTQ peo- ple who are a member of the commu- Federal Defense of Marriage Act. ple want and deserve to serve, just like nity, the LGBTQIA community, but On June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court everyone else. also persons across the length and ruled that the prohibition against sex We have, of course, made a lot of breadth of the globe, because when you discrimination laid out in title 7 of the progress as a country, but there is still help some directly, you help all indi- 1964 Civil Rights Act applied to LGBTQ a lot of work that needs to be done to rectly. Americans. make the military and VA more inclu- I thank Mr. CICILLINE for this pre- Houston, Texas, has a history that sive. It is my mission as co-chair of the eminent privilege to stand tonight and we are proud of. We remember the up- Equality Caucus and chairman of the to be a part of making the world a bet- rising at Stonewall because it marked House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs ter place for others. I desire, if I may, the beginning of a movement to outlaw to ensure that we honor the service of to continue. discrimination and laws that prohib- every American who has served, re- I want to make the world know that ited LGBTQIA persons from having the gardless of their identity. the caucus that I am a member of, the same rights as other persons in this This past weekend, we saw action LGBTQ-plus Equality Caucus, has 170 country. Nearly a decade after the re- that steers us toward that goal. The members. The caucus was formed in sistance displayed in New York at Biden administration announced that the 111th Congress. Today, we have in- Stonewall Inn, the gay rights move- the VA will begin the first steps to ex- troduced the original LGBTQIA-plus ment for equality made its way to pand care to include gender confirma- Pride Month resolution. This resolu- Houston, Texas. tion surgery for transgender veterans. tion encourages the celebration of the Houston’s own Stonewall movement This is truly a first and incredibly sig- month of June as LGBTQIA-plus Pride occurred in June of 1977, when thou- nificant step that the VA is taking, Month. It tracks the accomplishments sands gathered around city hall in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:30 Jun 23, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22JN7.093 H22JNPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H3000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 22, 2021 downtown Houston to protest an infa- alongside members of my congressional urge this entire body to work together mous antigay activist who was per- office, supporting the LGBTQ commu- so we can do more to support our forming in Houston, Texas. According nity, and I promise to continue to fight LGBTQ-plus Americans. to OutSmart magazine, more than 4,000 for their rights. Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I protesters marched around the Hyatt I wish everyone across our country thank the gentlewoman for being part Regency Hotel, where the event was happy Pride. Now go forth and con- of this Pride Special Order and for her held. tinue to fight because we can’t wait for incredible advocacy on behalf of our The first Houston Pride parade took equality; we have to win it. community, particularly her heroic place in June of 1978, along Westheimer Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I work on behalf of the transgender com- Road; and more than four decades thank my friend for her eloquent words munity. It is making a real difference. later, it has become the fourth largest and for being part of our Pride celebra- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- Pride parade in the country. tion here tonight. tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- b 2110 AUCHINCLOSS), a new colleague and tlewoman from Illinois (Ms. NEWMAN), someone who has been an extraor- This resolution that we have pre- my new colleague who has been such dinary advocate for the LGBT commu- sented to the House today is one that an extraordinary, relentless advocate nity, a great ally for our caucus. He is we will continue to present. We will for our community. I know she does it a member of the LGBTQ-plus Equality continue to present it because it is not on behalf of her child but also for chil- Caucus, an original cosponsor of the only the right thing to do, but it is the dren all across America. Equality Act, and a really powerful righteous thing to do. Ms. NEWMAN. Madam Speaker, I voice in our fight for equality. No person in this country should be thank Representative CICILLINE for or- Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Madam Speaker, treated in such a way as to be defined ganizing this Special Order tonight. It as mistreated simply because of who as we celebrate Pride Month, I rise to is so important. recognize my constituent, my friend, they are. We have a right to be our- Madam Speaker, today, I rise on be- selves, and we should never be put in a Newton City Councilor Holly Ryan. half of the millions of LGBTQ-plus Councilor Ryan is a long-serving activ- position such that it is perceived that Americans who, in 2021, are still fight- being who you are is inappropriate in a ist in my district and my hometown. ing for equality in our country. She is the first openly transgender country that extolls the virtues of lib- This year is already record-breaking erty and justice for all, that extolls the woman to serve on a city council in for anti-trans legislation. Right now, a Massachusetts and the first openly virtue of all persons being equal and trans teenager in America is growing endowed by their creator with certain LGBTQ-plus person to serve on the up in a country where there are 33 Newton City Council. inalienable rights, among them life, States that have introduced more than Holly is a distinguished champion of liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 100 bills that aim to curb their rights. equality, serving as the founding mem- In this country, every person ought The bills are not grounded in science. ber and former co-chair of the Massa- to be proud to celebrate Pride Month. The bills are not grounded in fact. The chusetts Transgender Political Coali- Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I lawmakers who have introduced them tion. Her advocacy led to the passage thank the gentleman for his very elo- can’t even cite examples of any prob- of both the 2011 trans rights law and quent words. lem they are designed to solve. the 2016 public accommodation law, en- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- To put it simply, these bills are suring that no one in the Common- tlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. grounded in hate, and they are not only wealth can face discrimination because ADAMS), a tireless advocate for women hateful but demoralizing and frus- of gender identity. and historically Black colleges and trating and agonizing, demoralizing to universities, a member of the LGBTQ a population of our country that al- I was fortunate to serve with Coun- Equality Caucus, and an original co- ready suffers from high rates of depres- cilor Ryan on the city council before sponsor of the Equality Act. sion, bullying, and suicide. coming to Congress. Councilor Ryan is Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I In the United States, the lifetime de- a trailblazer, paving the way for a thank the gentleman for yielding and pression rate for the general popu- more equal future. Massachusetts is for his extraordinary work in this area. lation is roughly 16.6 percent. For better off thanks to her accomplish- And I am a proud cosponsor of the America’s transgender women, it is 62 ments. Equality Act. percent. Let that sink in. Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I Madam Speaker, I am , As a mother of a transgender daugh- thank the gentleman for participating and my pronouns are she, her, and hers. ter, I know firsthand how much this in our Special Order and for being such Tonight, I rise during Pride Month to weighs on all of our brothers and sis- a great ally to our community. honor some of the many LGBTQ elect- ters. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- ed officials who are working to make Young LGBTQ-plus Americans need tlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON North Carolina a more equal and inclu- somewhere to turn to for help because LEE), a distinguished senior member of sive State. most of them don’t have someone to the Judiciary Committee, someone who Last week was Charlotte Black Pride turn to. That is true. has long been a champion of justice Week, so I am happy to say that North In Illinois, we have a 24/7 youth hot- and equality, a great ally to the Carolina’s 12th Congressional District, line that supports students in crisis LGBTQ community, an original co- which I represent, is home to LaWana and engages trusted adults in their sponsor of the Equality Act, and a Mayfield, who made history in 2011 as community. Bullying and threats of member of the LGBTQ Equality Cau- Charlotte’s first openly gay elected of- suicide are the two most common re- cus. ficial. Since then, Al Austin and Billy ports through the line. This resource Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, Maddalon joined her as LGBT members has saved countless lives in Illinois. I thank my dear friend and courageous of the Charlotte City Council. But not every State has one of these. leader who brought us all together so In Davidson, Jane Campbell, a retired That is why I will be introducing legis- many years ago and, I believe, built up captain in the United States Navy, lation to support States’ youth mental the Equality Caucus into such an effec- serves on the Davidson Town Commis- health and safety helplines and to help tive spokesperson for all of those who sion. And Charlotte’s John Arrowood States develop these resources if they are voiceless in many instances. made history as the first openly LGBT don’t yet have one. Madam Speaker, I thank DAVID judge on North Carolina’s Court of Ap- These resources are particularly crit- CICILLINE. I remember the journey he peals. ical for young Americans who are at a made on the Equality Act. It was a lot All of these individuals put them- higher risk for bullying and suicide, of meetings, a lot of engagement, but selves forward for public service be- such as those who belong to the he brought us all together. I am very cause they know that we can’t sleep on LGBTQ-plus community. proud to be an original cosponsor and fairness and equal rights. And I am While I continue to urge the Senate one that gave insight into the neces- working hard as an ally in Congress, to pass the Equality Act, I also want to sity for that legislation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:30 Jun 23, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22JN7.095 H22JNPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE June 22, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3001 Let me say the very obvious, and creating all of us worthy of human dig- murders against Black trans persons— that is happy Pride Month. It is an im- nity. mostly women. Ray Hill co-organized portant statement for America, and it In keeping with this belief, we cannot the first gay rights organization in is about Americans. forget the great champions of my great Houston in 1967, fiercely advocating for Madam Speaker, these statistics State, who have been proud Texans, those living with HIV and AIDS. from Texas would give you just a who have not been afraid, even in the And so the more than 46,000 same-sex bird’s-eye view of what our State is climate that we live: Sara Fernandez, couples in Texas, a third of them like: percent of adults who are LGBTQ- Judy Reed, Tommie Ross, JD Doyle, LGBTQ Texans, who are raising chil- plus, 4.1 percent; total LGBTQ-plus Dalton DeHart, Judge Jerry dren. This is a new day, but our work population, 1,053,000 and, of course, Simoneaux, and Judge Fran Watson. for justice has not ended. growing; the workforce, 5 percent. But, also, our senior stateswoman, and We thank the Williams Institute of that is our former mayor, Annise the UCLA School of Law. Approxi- b 2120 Parker, who led the cause for the sta- mately 900,000 Texans identify as les- Those who are workers, 647,000; and tus of LGBTQ in our community. We bian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. the LGBTQ-plus, adults raising chil- thank you, former Mayor Parker. And maybe one day my State will rec- dren, 29 percent—just regular Texans, We thank you for the fight of equal- ognize the fullness of the equality of regular Americans. That is why we ity, though we did not make it in this all. Thank goodness for the H.R. 5, stand on the floor of the House today city when we tried to do an ordinance Equality Act, that covers Texas as to be able to celebrate Pride Month. to indicate that bathrooms were not well. And though many of the occasions we important and no one in this commu- Madam Speaker, in my third clos- have had in Houston and around the nity should be characterized as attack- ing—with a little bit of humor—but Nation are virtual, we are still making ing anyone but just wanting freedom with all seriousness, I wanted to make our voices heard. and justice. sure that I added to this RECORD the We look forward in Houston to our I would like to recognize a few orga- Texas Tribune article, ‘‘Texas law- big Pride Parade, and, of course, we nizations that continue to do great makers advance bills blocking access look forward to recommitting our- work: The Houston GLBT Political to gender-affirming healthcare despite selves to making equality in every as- Caucus, Save Our Sisters United, opposition from LGBTQ Texans, med- pect of American life real for members Montrose Grace Place in the Montrose ical associations,’’ directly impacting of the LGBTQ community. Center—many of these were pioneers in 17-year-old Indigo Giles, who was able We have a shared struggle, a collec- doing the work that was so important. to get surgery before this law, now 19. Madam Speaker, I am reminded of tive joy that is found in the history of Madam Speaker, ending the depres- the Ryan White Treatment Act. As a that struggle and life experiences that sion that they faced, ending the at- member of the Houston City Council, I are unique. Unique because individuals tacks that they felt, feeling more com- was honored to be the only Member of have that experience of the LGBTQ- fortable in their skin—that is what Congress that came from Houston, plus. Experiences that many of us have this month is all about, saying to Texas, to stand by Ryan White and his not had, but experiences that some- them, saying to America: We are pride family here in the United States Con- times ground themselves in unfair dis- and we are proud. And we stand to- gress with the late former Senator Ted crimination. gether as an extended family of Mr. CICILLINE, I heard a Member on Kennedy and Senator Orrin Hatch, the two cosponsors; stand right next to LGBTQ-plus and all of those who, the floor just a few minutes ago indi- frankly, recognize that our freedom is cate how he wanted to amend the him in a sweaty, very small room. I am not sure why they selected that small intertwined with your freedom. Juneteenth legislation. He was sorry Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I room. They must have believed that we he could not amend it. And I was thank the gentlewoman for her really thinking to myself, well, my friend, we were not coming from everywhere to witness this historic moment of the eloquent words and for being such a have been trying to amend it, establish good ally for our community for so it, declare it, for 156 years, since the Ryan White Treatment Act and to meet Ryan White at that time. It was long. Emancipation Proclamation, the sec- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- ond time around in 1865, in Galveston. an amazing recognition at that time of the need for AIDS treatment. tlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. And we waited too long. And I would But sadly to say, I sat by the bedside SCANLON), an education and voting say that we have been fighting for jus- of many of my constituents whose fam- rights advocate, an original cosponsor tice for this community, starting with ilies would not acknowledge that they of the Equality Act, vice-chair of the Stonewall in Greenwich Village, and I had HIV/AIDS, and they died alone. Equality Caucus here in the House, and would say that we could not wait any What a moment that we lived through. an extraordinary champion for our longer. That was an enormous moment So many died; so many alone, except community. of rising up for your own dignity and for friends who would be willing to be Ms. SCANLON. Madam Speaker, I freedom and a watershed moment in by their bedside. We have come a thank my friend and colleague, Rep- the LGBTQ movement, reigniting the mighty long way. resentative CICILLINE, for organizing fight for justice and signaling a new Madam Speaker, very quickly, as I this Special Order hour and for his chapter of progress in our country’s close, that honor continues to go to leadership in introducing and passing quest to ensure that fair treatment is those who continue to fight. My meet- the Equality Act, and I look forward to the rule, never the exception. ing with Matthew Shepard’s mother, of it being signed into law. We appreciate the Supreme Court’s sitting with her in my office when we Madam Speaker, I rise today in rec- decision in the fight to respect same- talked about the Matthew Shepard ognition of Pride Month and to cele- sex couples’ right to marry—that took Act, and being so proud for her to in- brate the rich history of LGBTQ activ- a long time—and to love. Our country’s clude me in her book. How heinous to ism in the greater Philadelphia area. commitment to justice has been main- lose your son in that way. How many In 1965, years before the Stonewall tained by the tireless work of advo- parents have had to face that? uprising, protestors borrowed from the cates. But again, I pay tribute to Monica tactics of the civil rights movement I had been here during the Don’t Ask, Roberts in Houston, who leaves a gap- and staged a sit-in at Dewey’s lunch Don’t Tell, and just the enormous pride ing hole in the hearts of the LGBTQ- counter in Philadelphia in opposition when that was removed from the plus community. Monica worked as a to its policy of refusing service to ‘‘ho- United States military under President trailblazing journalist and advocate, mosexuals,’’ ‘‘masculine women,’’ Obama’s administration. The audito- never failing to censure the stories of ‘‘feminine men,’’ and ‘‘persons wearing rium was standing room only as that Black trans people and shining the non-conforming clothing.’’ Can you was signed to ensure that it never light on the issues of those often ig- imagine what they would think today? would happen again. nored. Philadelphia is home to this—the This a social movement, enshrined We intend to introduce legislation first and oldest LGBTQ bookstore in with truth and belief, and the basis of dealing with the sizeable number of the United States—Giovanni’s Room,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:30 Jun 23, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K22JN7.097 H22JNPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H3002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 22, 2021 as well as Philadelphia Gay News, the This year has been difficult for so Polis, our former colleagues who have oldest LGBTQ publication in the many of us, but especially for the served in this House. And now Gov- United States. As early as 1981, activ- LGBTQ-plus community. COVID–19 ernor Polis is the Governor of Colo- ists were meeting with the local De- took friends, family members, and be- rado. TAMMY BALDWIN and KYRSTEN partment of Public Health to discuss loved community leaders from us. It SINEMA in the United States Senate. the virus that would eventually be- forced so many into isolation; closed , , come known as AIDS and put pressure our communal spaces; and added to the , , MARK on them to address this growing crisis. economic, mental health, physical TAKANO, CHRIS PAPPAS, MONDAIRE In more recent history, Amber Hikes, health, and childcare burdens. JONES, and RITCHIE TORRES, who are in the City’s Office of LGBT Affairs in- And to all of the young people stuck current Members of Congress. There troduced a more inclusive Pride flag in at home, away from their friends, and are nine LGBTQ Members in the House 2017, adding black and brown stripes to may be with family who doesn’t accept and two in the Senate. So 11 Members represent LGBTQ people of color. you, know this: You are perfect just in total. Today, activism within Philadel- the way you are and we need you. And part of the reason we celebrate phia’s LGBTQ community continues But during this pandemic, San Pride is to send a message to the entire through groups like the William Way Diego’s LGBTQ-plus community also community, but especially to young Community Center, and people like my rallied together to support one another people who may be struggling with friend, Kendall Stephens, who is push- and to support our community at their sexual orientation or their gender ing for Pennsylvania to update its hate large. The San Diego LGBTQ Commu- identity. Pride is a moment for us to crime statute to finally include LGBTQ nity Center hosted food banks and say: You are valued. We celebrate you. people as a protected class. made home deliveries for folks who We honor you. You have a right like From early protests to the continued were homebound. San Diego Pride every other American to be treated advocacy of today, the Philadelphia re- hosted vaccine events for LGBTQ-plus with dignity and respect. You are hear- gion has plenty to be proud of during people of color, trans, and non-binary ing that from the floor of the United Pride Month. people, and those living with HIV. States House of Representatives, where And next month, at long last, we will b 2130 nine Members of our community serve finally be able to celebrate Pride to- openly and honestly, and two Members Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I gether again in person. And as we cele- in the Senate. thank the gentlewoman for being part brate, we are also focused on the fu- Let that be a message to every young of this Special Order hour tonight. ture. I am proud to work alongside all person, every family struggling with Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- our LGBTQ-plus siblings to fight for an the issues of sexual orientation or gen- tlewoman from California (Ms. JA- end to discrimination in all its forms der identity, that they are heard, they COBS), a colleague on the Foreign Af- based on sex, sexual orientation, and are valued, they are affirmed and re- fairs Committee, someone who has gender identity. spected. dedicated her work, even before she got Earlier this year, I was honored to Happy Pride Month. to Congress, to ending childhood pov- join every one of my Democratic col- Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- erty to the promotion of human rights leagues as an original cosponsor of the ance of my time. and equality. She is an original cospon- Equality Act, legislation that will be sor of the Equality Act, a member of life-changing for so many of my con- f the LGBTQ Equality Caucus, and a stituents. LEAVE OF ABSENCE great advocate for our community. We The first version of this bill was filed are delighted she is with us this 15 years before I was even born. It had By unanimous consent, leave of ab- evening. one cosponsor and never got a vote. It sence was granted to: Ms. JACOBS of California. Madam is humbling to think about the DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois (at the re- Speaker, I thank Mr. CICILLINE for progress that has happened in my life- quest of Mr. HOYER) for today on ac- yielding to me. time, progress that was made possible count of flight delay. I am honored to join my colleagues by all those who marched and pro- f tonight to mark Pride Month. I should tested and raised their voices. I am ADJOURNMENT know note, San Diego actually offi- proud to work alongside all of you to cially celebrates Pride in July. So I am continue that work. We will keep up The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- happy I get an extra month to cele- the fight until everyone has equal ant to section 11(b) of House Resolu- brate with all of you. rights under the law. tion 188, the House stands adjourned Madam Speaker, I stand here today Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I until 10 a.m. tomorrow for morning- as the proud sister to a trans brother thank the gentlewoman for being part hour debate and noon for legislative and a gender nonconforming sibling; a of this Special Order hour and for her business. proud member of the LGBTQ Equality great support of the LGBTQ-plus com- Thereupon (at 9 o’clock and 34 min- Caucus; and the proud representative munity. utes p.m.), under its previous order, the of Hillcrest, the heart and soul of San Madam Speaker, before I end, I just House adjourned until tomorrow, Diego’s diverse and vibrant LGBTQ- want to recognize Annise Parker. I also Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at 10 a.m. for plus community. hwant recognize Barney Frank, Jared morning-hour debate. BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF PAYGO LEGISLATION Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on passage, the attached estimate of the costs of H.R. 961, the Justice for Juveniles Act, as amended, for printing in the CON- GRESSIONAL RECORD.

ESTIMATE OF PAY-AS-YOU-GO EFFECTS FOR H.R. 961

By fiscal year, in millions of dollars— 2021– 2021– 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2026 2031

Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Impact ...... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Components may not sum to totals because of rounding Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on passage, for printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, that H.R. 983, Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2021, as

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