February 23, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H569 very rural district—he would just talk looked forward to serving with him as woman of deep faith. A calling to pub- to people, strike up conversations. He a colleague in the Louisiana delega- lic service is on her life. She was his would want to hear their stories and he tion. He was only 5 days away from rock for all of his years in public life. would want to help people. He had a lot getting sworn in when we lost him. I am honored to call her my friend of opportunities to do that, Madam So, Madam Speaker, as we remember now. Speaker. the life of Luke Letlow, I know he is up May his family find comfort in the He started working for Congressman in heaven looking down. He was a man words of the scripture: ‘‘The Lord is John Cooksey out of college at Lou- of deep, deep faith, and that faith car- close to the brokenhearted. . . .’’ and isiana Tech. He had already garnished ried him and his family through those in knowing that Congressman-elect a desire for public service. difficulties in the last few days when Letlow fought the good fight, finished After he worked for Congressman he was struggling and fighting for his his race, and kept the faith. Cooksey, I met him in 2004, when he life. I know that faith is what got him Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam was working on the campaign of my into heaven. He would probably be Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman predecessor, Bobby Jindal, who got looking down and saying: Y’all from Colorado for her words. That was elected to Congress. Luke served with shouldn’t be making such a big fuss. very appropriate. I was going to cite him there. When Bobby got elected But you know what? He deserves this the same scripture. Governor, Luke went to serve with him kind of tribute because this would have I will just say this as we close to- in the State to make our State a better been a richer body if we had Luke night: The night we got word of Luke’s place. Letlow. passing was December 29, and that And then when Ralph Abraham came We will all remember him and keep word, the phone call we got shook my to Congress, Luke spent the last 6 him in our thoughts and our prayers. whole family, as it did everybody in years working for Ralph as his chief of Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam the State. staff, going around the rural parts of Speaker, I thank the whip for those As we were putting our children to that district in northeast Louisiana, great remarks and his great leadership, bed at night, I reminded my youngest just reaching out, finding out about and I know Luke appreciated that as son, my 10-year-old son, that while people. well. grieving is part of our human experi- He was very much into genealogy. He Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- ence, the Lord mourns with us. We wanted to know not just about people, tlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. know that from Isaiah 53:4. And as but about their history, where they Lauren just said, He always remains BOEBERT). came from, what made people tick, and Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, I close to the brokenhearted. Psalm 34. how he could keep making a difference. thank the gentleman from Louisiana So many are mourning this loss and Ultimately, when Ralph retired, for yielding and for setting up this Spe- so many remain brokenhearted. But I Luke made that decision to run. And cial Order to honor Congressman-elect will close with these words from the he didn’t make that decision alone. His Apostle Paul, as he wrote to the church lovely wife, Julia, was all in. They Luke Letlow. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the in Rome, Romans 8:38–39: ‘‘For I am were a family that was a partnership. life and legacy of Congressman-elect convinced that neither death nor life, They were a true love story of two peo- neither angels nor demons, neither the ple who cared deeply about each other Luke Letlow, whose tireless work for his community, passion for public serv- present or the future, nor any powers, and who cared deeply about their neither height nor depth, nor anything young children: young Jeremiah; and ice, and love for his constituents will long be an inspiration to many Ameri- else in all creation, will be able to sep- young Jacqueline, who we also grieve arate us from the love of God that is in for. cans. He spoke glowingly of the mighty Christ Jesus our Lord.’’ It is heartbreaking when you think Luke believed that and he lived it, Mississippi and his district’s rich Lou- of the promise and what was lost, what and he would want us to remember it, isiana soil, both of which flowed freely we as colleagues lost. You hear mem- too. through his veins as he passionately bers of his own freshman class who Madam Speaker, this concludes our advocated for the people who elected never got to serve with him—some Special Order tonight, and I yield back him to be their voice. have might not even met with him, the balance of my time. His life of service working for Gov- just knew about him or heard about f him—and miss him. That is the kind of ernor Bobby Jindal, serving as chief of person who Luke Letlow was. staff to Congressman Ralph Abraham, DANGER OF GENDER IDENTITY I got to talk to Luke a lot in those and then successfully running for Con- POLITICS last few days and in the last few weeks gress himself, exemplified his commit- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under before he even got COVID. He was so ment to win the day. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- excited to come up here and get sworn Congressman-elect Letlow shared my uary 4, 2021, the gentlewoman from in as a Member of Congress and to great love for our Western States, and Missouri (Mrs. HARTZLER) is recognized start helping people in a different way. he was a fierce advocate for the issues for the remainder of the hour as the He had already helped so many peo- facing everyday Americans. His calling designee of the minority leader. ple working for others, but now was his to public service was only surpassed by GENERAL LEAVE chance to make his own mark. He was his calling to be a loving husband, fa- Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I talking about what committees he ther, brother, and son. He cared deeply ask unanimous consent that all Mem- wanted to be on. He wanted to serve on for his beloved wife, Julia; son, Jere- bers have 5 legislative days to revise the Agriculture Committee. He wanted miah; and daughter, Jacqueline. and extend their remarks. to serve on the Appropriations Com- After he won his race, Congressman- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there mittee. And he had big ideas, ideas elect Letlow’s wife, Julia, spoke of objection to the request of the gentle- that inspire other people to want to do God’s sovereignty over the life of her woman from Missouri? better as well. husband, quoting the words from scrip- There was no objection. So, Madam Speaker, when we remem- ture: ‘‘Before I formed you in the Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I ber Luke Letlow, it is that big smile womb, I knew you; before you were thank my friend, the gentleman from that Luke had. It is that servant’s born, I set you apart.’’ Louisiana, for that very heartfelt time heart, the heart of a person who cares God set Luke apart with a calling, recognizing Mr. Letlow and his family. about other people and wanted to make with an anointing, and that same call- Our hearts are with them. a difference for all of the right reasons. ing and anointing is now in that Godly I now move on to another topic that Thank God we still have people like heritage that he has left behind. God’s is also very, very important to all of us Luke Letlow who care enough to want wraparound presence is surrounding and to America, and it deals with a bill to get into public service for the right the Letlow family. that will be on the floor this week. reasons. God’s plan for Luke’s life was one of It is shamefully called the Equality It is sad that we didn’t get that op- service, and his legacy will live on Act, but it shreds the principles of pro- portunity to serve with him. I so through his family. His wife, Julia, is a tecting our children. In fact, under this

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:45 Feb 24, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23FE7.038 H23FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H570 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 23, 2021 bill, children, beginning with the tity politics, the science is becoming vate, single-sex spaces, such as rest- womb, will be targeted and victimized. clearer that gender dysphoria, espe- rooms or locker rooms. I hope the Under this bill, children in the class- cially in children, is a psychiatric con- Democrat majority allows a vote on room will be bombarded with unscien- dition that in most cases will resolve this commonsense amendment that tific, confusing materials questioning itself with time. tens of millions of American parents the reality of their biological sex. Instead, however, this bill would re- want. Under this bill, children struggling quire parents to allow irreversible In addition, the so-called Equality with gender dysphoria will be pushed medical interventions for their chil- Act would significantly disadvantage toward medical treatments and even dren, children who may even be pre- women participating in sex-specific surgical procedures, which will disrupt pubescent, resulting in sterilization, sports leagues. That is why I have also their natural development and may and oftentimes later regret. introduced an amendment, originally leave them sterile and physically al- b 2015 filed as a bill last Congress by Demo- tered for life. cratic Representative TULSI GABBARD, Under this bill, children’s privacy Scientific data confirms that many protecting equal opportunities for will be violated when locker rooms, who undergo gender transition con- women and girls in high school and col- restrooms, and homeless shelters will tinue to deal with serious depression, lege sports. This amendment of mine no longer be single sex. even after full transition. And the seeks to protect women and girls sim- Under this bill, parents may face cus- poorly named ‘‘Equality Act’’ would ply wanting to compete against other tody battles for making healthy, mandate that medical professionals ac- biological women and girls on a level wholesome choices for their children’s cept and support the desire of their pa- playing field. health. tients to undergo these invasive proce- Women and children suffer when This scenario was not hypothetical dures, even if they have professional or Democrat policies are enacted. Wom- for the Ohio couple who lost custody of conscience objections. en’s sports, and the girls and young their daughter for not affirming hor- Madam Speaker, in response, I will women who just simply want to com- monal treatments. be reintroducing the Conscience Pro- pete with other females on an equal Under this bill, foster care and adop- tection Act this week. My bill will pro- basis, will be the victims of Democrat tion agencies will be forced to shutter. tect healthcare providers from being policies. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. required to perform abortions or steri- Madam Speaker, I adamantly oppose The so-called Equality Act jeopard- lizations and allow them to continue the radical Equality Act, and I hope izes the well-being of our children. It practicing medicine without duress or my colleagues on both sides of the aisle jeopardizes the role of parents, the pri- coercion from their employer or per- will take a stand and oppose it as well. vacy and safety of vulnerable women, haps even their patients. Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. LAMBORN, such the competitive edge of female ath- Madam Speaker, I urge my col- great remarks, so much common sense letes, the livelihood of charities and leagues to cosponsor my bill, and I op- there. businesses, and the integrity of our pose the so-called Equality Act on the Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- healthcare system. floor this week. tleman from Tennessee (Mr. GREEN), We demand better for our children Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I my friend, and an emergency room and their futures, and we will not be si- thank Dr. HARRIS, and I appreciate his physician. lent. We are here tonight to expose the firsthand experience and thoughts on Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Equality Act for what it is, a far-reach- this very, very, serious matter. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gen- ing policy that will upend all aspects of Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- tlewoman from Missouri for her leader- life, and turn basic decency and com- tleman from Colorado (Mr. LAMBORN), ship on this very important issue. mon sense into discrimination. cochair of the Values Action Team. Madam Speaker, as a physician, I I appreciate my colleagues who have Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I know firsthand that this bill, H.R. 5, joined me tonight to let America know thank the gentlewoman from Missouri will force medical providers to sur- why this bill must be defeated. for her courage and backbone in sup- render sound medical judgment and Madam Speaker, first, I would like to porting these vital social issues. their sincerely held convictions to po- yield to the gentleman from Maryland Madam Speaker, I rise today to litically fashionable dogmas. (Mr. HARRIS), my friend and colleague speak on the dangers of H.R. 5, the so- According to the radical activists who is a practicing anesthesiologist. called Equality Act. This bill would who seek to enshrine gender identity in Mr. HARRIS. Madam Speaker, this have disastrous effects on our culture. the Federal civil rights law, the only bill, the Equality Act, is nothing more H.R. 5 will not only turn the Civil appropriate treatment for a child than an identity politic sellout, a thin- Rights Act on its head, it would harass struggling from gender dysphoria is ly veiled attempt to attack and coerce individuals and entities who are merely gender reassignment. That is it. Such individuals who hold serious and legiti- seeking to exercise their sincerely held procedures often lead to irreversible mate concerns or objections to things religious beliefs. damage, especially in adolescents. But like parental rights to make Under the current text, countless under the Equality Act, medical pro- healthcare decisions for their children; faith-based businesses and nonprofits viders who object to performing these the ability of women to compete on an across the country would simply cease procedures will face crushing legal li- equal athletic playing field; and even to exist. I am not convinced that my ability if they refuse to comply. Every medical procedures like sterilization colleagues across the aisle understand medical facility receiving any Federal and abortion. the far-reaching consequences of the money will be given an ultimatum: I am a physician and I have been so-called Equality Act. The reality is Comply or shut down. practicing medicine for over 35 years. that churches could be forced to vio- Madam Speaker, if H.R. 5 becomes This bill, if enacted, would mandate late their beliefs simply to stay open if law, a doctor who refuses to perform a that healthcare practitioners and even it were enforced as written. mastectomy or a hysterectomy on an facilities like Catholic hospitals would This awful legislation also creates otherwise healthy teenage girl seeking be forced to provide and participate in fundamental inequalities for many gender reassignment surgery, will be procedures like abortion, which ends a Americans. Parents sending their kids held liable for violating the Federal human life. to public schools would live in fear law. We should all be able to agree that a that their young daughter would have H.R. 5 even goes so far as to exempt Catholic hospital should never be com- to use the same locker room or rest- itself from longstanding, bipartisan pelled by the government to offer pro- room as a man because the Equality Federal religious liberty protections— cedures like abortion that they mor- Act would open the door to biological protections both Congress and the Su- ally object to in the strongest possible males self-identifying as females. preme Court have consistently upheld. terms. I have introduced an amendment to A Catholic hospital, following the com- Furthermore, if society continues to the Equality Act protecting accom- mands of Scripture to serve the frail support politically correct gender iden- modations choosing to designate pri- and the poor will be forced to violate

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:45 Feb 24, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23FE7.040 H23FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE February 23, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H571 their very faith to comply and perform Freedom Restoration Act does not not have a voice. I oppose this legisla- abortions or face financial ruin. apply to this new definition of sex. tion on behalf of my constituents, Madam Speaker, as a physician, I Physicians refusing to perform these many of whom hold beliefs that are in took a sacred oath to do no harm and harmful treatments would be punished, conflict with this bill’s radical ide- to preserve the health of those in my even if they object because of religious ology. And I oppose this bill on behalf care. If this bill becomes law, many or moral convictions. of the millions of Americans who know doctors will be forced to go against The Equality Act is another attempt that life is a God-given gift worth both their conscience and their med- by the left to promote its radical agen- fighting for. ical judgment. da and suppress everyone else who dis- Madam Speaker, I oppose this bill Make no mistake, this is a death sen- agrees. We must fight for the con- and ask Members to do the same. tence for medicine and for the sacred science rights and religious freedoms of Mrs. HARTZLER. Thank you, Rep- rights of conscience. Biology is not big- our medical professionals, and we must resentative FISCHBACH. Life is precious, otry, and medicine is not discrimina- stop our children from being used as and it is jeopardized under this very tion. pawns in the game of political correct- poor bill, and so thank you for raising All Americans who do not wish to see ness. those points. medicine sacrificed to the politically Mrs. HARTZLER. Well said, and I Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- correct orthodoxy should stand up and thank the gentleman so much. tlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. oppose this bill. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- BOEBERT), a volunteer counselor to in- Mrs. HARTZLER. Thank you, Dr. tlewoman from Minnesota (Mrs. carcerated women. Green. That is excellent. ‘‘Biology is FISCHBACH), the first female president Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, I not bigotry.’’ It seems like common of the Minnesota Senate. She is a thank the gentlewoman for yielding sense, but we are not talking about mother of two and grandmother of five. time. common sense with the Equality Act. Mrs. FISCHBACH. Madam Speaker, I The Equality Act. And that is why we are here tonight, to thank Congresswoman HARTZLER for Madam Speaker, equality for who? let the American people know about putting this together. I appreciate the Where is the equality in this legisla- the ramifications, the very serious, opportunity in making sure the people tion for the young girls across America permanent ramifications of this bill. in the country understand what is in who have to look behind their backs as Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- this bill. they change in their school locker tleman from Texas (Mr. BABIN), an- Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition rooms just to make sure there isn’t a other doctor, who I am proud to be to H.R. 5, the so-called Equality Act. confused man trying to catch a peek? joined by, who is a dentist from Texas. The reality of this bill is anything but Where is the equality for women who Please share your thoughts about equal. It is nothing more than a thinly have been sexually assaulted? this bill and what it is going to mean veiled attempt to force unreasonable Under this legislation, their crisis to Americans. mandates on our institutions and re- counselor may be ‘‘Alexis’’ who was ac- Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I thank strict the liberties of the American tually born ‘‘Alex.’’ And they will have my distinguished colleague from Mis- people. to talk to him about their assault. souri for this opportunity. If this becomes law, Americans can Where is the equality for parents who Madam Speaker, I rise today in ob- expect government-imposed limits on want and deserve the right to raise jection to the so-called Equality Act. the free exercise of religious liberty, their children, free from government Once again, under the guise of equal- businesses forced to cover the costs of overreach? ity, the left is prioritizing its radical abortions, and medical providers re- Under this proposal, Congress seeks agenda over religious freedom, the quired to perform abortions, even if it to replace mom and dad with bureau- well-being of children, and the safety conflicts with their deeply held beliefs. crats. This isn’t hyperbole. In Ohio, a of women and girls. Unfortunately, this is just the tip of mom and dad had their child removed As the father of three daughters and the iceberg. So today, I rise to speak from their custody because they didn’t the grandfather of nine grand- on behalf of pro-life Americans in my allow their daughter to undergo gender daughters, I am outraged at the assault district and across the country who transition. Removed from their cus- that this bill launches on women in fear this legislation will be manipu- tody. sports. And furthermore, as a lated by the radical left to impose its And so here we are. The left will lay healthcare practitioner, I am infuri- will and create a right to abortion down the rights and security of mil- ated at its blatant attack on the con- right up to the moment of birth. lions of Americans, particularly young science rights and religious freedoms of Madam Speaker, a majority of Amer- women, at the altar of gender ideology. those in the healthcare industry. icans support at least some restrictions Following the lead of liberal indoc- This bill is not about preventing dis- on abortion, including making sure trination camps, also called colleges crimination in medical treatment, it is taxpayer funds are not used to fund and universities, my colleagues on the about forcing medical professionals to abortions. Instead of respecting the left are committed to advancing this abandon their conscience rights and rights of all Americans, this bill will radical ideology, the rights and sov- medical judgment to comply with the impose a top-down abortion mandate ereignty of individual States be darned. left’s extreme views on gender. that interferes with the State and Fed- So much for Federalism. The Equality Act would prohibit phy- eral laws that protect the right to life The power-hungry left will not slow sicians from counseling children with and will force doctors, nurses, and down until every school, every church, gender dysphoria. Instead, they would other medical providers to participate every workplace, every State, and be required to administer dangerous in abortion procedures, even if it goes every community adheres to the left’s medical treatments, including puberty against their own sincerely held be- definition of gender. blockers, cross-sex hormones, and sur- liefs. You disagree? geries. The previous administration made They will find you. They will im- This mandate contradicts science. In- great strides in protecting religious prison you. Or as we have seen, they creasingly, we are finding that these freedom and the liberties of all Ameri- will even take your children. And let’s treatments compound these children’s cans. Unfortunately, the new adminis- make sure the American people know confusion rather than solving it. The tration does not seem to value those this is only the beginning. catastrophic effects leave children cherished beliefs. The Equality Act requires doctors to physically and psychological scarred This bill will relegate the pro-life perform abortions, and they are going and often render them sterile. It is view to discrimination, redefine gen- to use your tax dollars to pay for them. nothing short of child abuse. der, and require faith-based employers Once the left codifies their ideology, The left will not tolerate disagree- to pay for abortion in their insurance they will come for your speech. It is al- ment with its view on gender. They offerings. ready happening in Canada, where you provide no conscience protections and Madam Speaker, I oppose this legis- can be fined and imprisoned for explicitly state that the Religious lation on behalf of the unborn who do misgendering someone.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:45 Feb 24, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23FE7.041 H23FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H572 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 23, 2021 b 2030 tion’s progress and prosperity, which is why individuals from participating in or funding Madam Speaker, they won’t stop I’ve worked to advance legislation that allows abortions. there. Nothing will ever satisfy the left families to flourish and protects life at all This bill is a brazen attempt to replace long- until there is complete and total com- stages. It is unconscionable that in America, standing constitutional rights with the identity pliance. where we fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit politics of the moment. Madam Speaker, Scripture says, of happiness, we tolerate this systematic ex- We’ve entered treacherous waters by con- when speaking of those who have termination of on entire generation. The right sidering legislation that stifles proven, bipar- tisan solutions and, more seriously, our Bill of turned their back on God, who have to life demands that we protect our Nation’s Rights. It’s outrageous that Democrats would traded the truth for a lie: Professing to most vulnerable, including the unborn. advertise these proposals as guaranteeing be wise, they became fools. Our First Amendment is a powerful instru- ment that has protected our most sacred free- fundamental civil and legal rights. I can think of no better description Madam Speaker, as elected Representa- of the so-called Equality Act, or in- doms for hundreds of years. Few other coun- tries provide the same protections and free- tives, we all strive for equality before the law, equality act, than this. The utter fool- but H.R. 5 is another classic example of doms that our First Amendment guarantees. ishness is astounding. Up is down. Democrats passing a bill now and figuring out We are the ‘land of the free’ because of it. Our Wrong is right. Left is right. Boys are what it means later. girls and vice versa. individual liberties are the envy of people This is no way to legislate. Madam Speaker, for the sake of our around the world and they are the cornerstone Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I sons and daughters, for the sake of pa- of the world’s oldest democracy. yield back the balance of my time. rental rights, privacy, decency, and so Yet today, these essential rights are under Mr. LAMALFA. Madam Speaker, the Equal- much more, I urge my colleagues to attack. ity Act’s supporters claim it will protect stu- vote ‘‘no’’ on this horrendous legisla- H.R. 5 is the latest example of Democrats’ dents from discrimination, but in reality it tion. misleading and partisan manner of legislating. makes schools more dangerous and unfair for Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, As a former educator and the Republican everyone. so well said. Up is down, and right is Leader of the Education and Labor Com- By expanding the definition of ‘‘sex’’ to in- wrong. mittee, I can tell you that the bill may have clude self-declared gender identity, it requires Our last speaker is the gentlewoman ‘‘equality’’ in the title, but it certainly does not schools to allow biological males into girls’ from North Carolina (Ms. FOXX), a doc- serve ALL Americans. restrooms, locker rooms, showers, and sport tor of education. This legislation has a clever name and an events usually reserved for women. I want to thank the other colleagues allegedly noble purpose, but it is a vehicle for And by incorporating sexual orientation and who are here. We are running out of serious, harmful consequences. gender identity into Title IV of the Civil Rights time, but I want to thank Representa- The Equality Act would empower the gov- Act, which appropriately mandates the deseg- tive RICK ALLEN, who objects to this ernment to interfere in how regular Americans regation of public education, this bill could bill, for being here as well. think, speak, and act. Specifically, it would order the incorporation of radical gender ide- Dr. Foxx, will you share, in closing, amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make ology in sex education or other aspects of cur- why we should oppose this bill this sexual orientation and gender identity pro- riculum, far outside the original law’s scope. week? I yield to the gentlewoman from tected classes. According to the National Re- Activists are already pushing graphic, age-in- North Carolina. view, this extreme legislation ‘‘redefines sex to appropriate content on these topics on stu- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, our include gender identity, undermines religious dents in places like Arlington, Virginia. First Amendment is a powerful instru- freedom, gives males who identify as females This bill puts teachers and administrators at ment that has protected our most sa- the right to women’s spaces, and sets a dan- risk too. Those who ‘‘misgender’’ a student or cred freedoms for hundreds of years. gerous political precedent for the fail to use the individual’s preferred pronouns Few other countries provide the same medicalization of gender-confused youth.’’ could be accused of harassment and subject protections and freedoms that our Under H.R. 5, our nation’s K–12 schools to discipline or even lose their jobs. First Amendment guarantees. Yet, would be forced to treat gender as being fluid, Girls would also face unfair competition in sports. The Equality Act would force schools today, these essential rights are under subjective, and not tied to biological reality. to allow biological males to compete on fe- attack. The bill would undermine Title IX protections H.R. 5 is the latest example of Demo- for girls by outlawing sex-based athletic com- male-only teams. We have already seen consequences of crats’ misleading and partisan manner petitions. this. One transgender MMA fighter has broken of legislating. As a former educator Even more troubling is the bill’s meticulous the skulls of two female opponents (and and the Republican leader of the Edu- and intentional destruction of religious freedom counting), and transgender runners and bas- protections. cation and Labor Committee, I can tell ketball players are dominating female competi- Religiously affiliated colleges and univer- you the bill may have ‘‘equality’’ in tors, leaving many females’ long ambitioned sities that maintain student codes of conduct, the title, but it certainly does not goals of trophies and scholarships dashed. serve all Americans. hiring practices, or housing rules reflecting sin- For years, supporters of Title IX have fought The Equality Act would empower the cerely held beliefs about marriage and sexu- to encourage and empower girls through ath- government to interfere in how regular ality risk losing federal funding under the letic competition. Democrats would like to Americans think, speak, and act. Spe- Equality Act, as such policies would be erase those gains, shattering countless girls’ cifically, it would amend the Civil deemed discriminatory. dreams and dignity, to appease the woke Rights Act of 1964 to make sexual ori- Beloved secular private colleges that main- mob. entation and gender identity protected tain single sex admissions policies, like Smith Americans of faith would suffer too. Reli- classes. College and Morehouse College, could be giously affiliated colleges and universities that According to the National Review, forced to change their policies or forego fed- maintain student codes of conduct, hiring this extreme legislation redefines sex eral funding. practices, or housing rules reflecting their to include gender identity, undermines In Virginia, we’ve already seen the dis- faith’s sincerely held belies about marriage religious freedom, gives males who pleasure amongst parents regarding such pol- and sexuality would lose federal funding under identify as females the right to wom- icy implementation. In an opinion piece pub- the Equality Act, as such policies would be en’s spaces, and sets a dangerous polit- lished by the Washington Post in 2019, a deemed discriminatory and open them to ical precedent for the medicalization of former middle and high school teacher whose countless lawsuits to threaten their very exist- gender-confused youth. children attend Arlington Public Schools said, ence. Under H.R. 5, our Nation’s K–12 ‘‘It would erode parents’ rights over their chil- All-female universities, whether religious or schools would be forced to treat gender dren’s education, corrode Title IX protections secular, would be required to accept male stu- as being fluid, subjective, and not tied for girls and risk convincing healthy, normally dents identifying as female students, and male to biological reality. developing boys and girls that their bodies are students identifying as males, since this bill Government intervention often causes more wrong and must be altered with hormones and provides no exemptions for female-only institu- harm than good. I’ve spent my time in Con- be vandalized by surgical instruments.’’ tions. Is that a policy Americans want? gress working to protect individual freedoms The bill also lacks any pro-life protections, The misnamed Equality Act erases opportu- from unnecessary bureaucratic burdens. I rec- which is why I am submitting my amendment nities for girls and women and harms all stu- ognize that a strong family is vital to our na- that will protect religiously affiliated groups and dents and teachers. It must be opposed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:20 Feb 24, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K23FE7.044 H23FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE February 23, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H573 OUR POWER, OUR MESSAGE arations, healthcare, voting rights, OUR POWER, OUR MESSAGE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under consumer protection, education, and DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- fair policing to far beyond. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under uary 4, 2021, the gentlewoman from The killing of Breonna Taylor, the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- Ohio (Mrs. BEATTY) is recognized for 60 Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd uary 4, 2021, the gentlewoman from minutes as the designee of the major- drew America closer to another water- Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) is recognized ity leader. shed moment last year, amid a pan- for the remainder of the hour as the GENERAL LEAVE demic that has disrupted life as we designee of the majority leader. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, I ask knew it, triggering an intergenera- let me thank our illustrious leader of unanimous consent that all Members tional cross-class collective of people the Congressional Black Caucus, whose have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- demanding change, which led to the visionary leadership is going to carry tend their remarks and include any ex- passage of the George Floyd Justice in us into the 117th Congress. traneous materials on the subject of Policing Act, a bill that is the first- Congresswoman JOYCE BEATTY acts my Special Order hour. ever bold, comprehensive approach to legislatively on her history. She is The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there hold police accountable, change the from Ohio, one of the major stops of objection to the request of the gentle- culture of law enforcement, empower the Underground Railroad. In fact, Cin- woman from Ohio? our communities, and build trust be- cinnati, Ohio, has one of the most mon- There was no objection. tween law enforcement and our com- umental monuments, if you will, to Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, it is munities by addressing systemic rac- that freedom train, that courage, of with great honor that I rise today to ism and biases to help save lives. Harriet Tubman. I might say that our open our first Congressional Black I also wear another hat, and that is chairwoman’s actions are in resem- Caucus Special Order hour of this year, as chairwoman of the Diversity and In- blance to Harriet Tubman. We are during Black History Month, utilizing grateful for her vision. to the fullest extent possible: Our clusion Subcommittee of the House Fi- nancial Services Committee. Though it We will tomorrow, at the Congres- Power, Our Message. sional Black Caucus, unveil the talent may speak for itself, I appreciate that I would like to thank the Congres- of tens upon tens of members of the kind of transformative change which sional Black Caucus members for hav- Congressional Black Caucus and lay we seek in the spirit of policy, legisla- ing the confidence to elect me to be out our legacy, Our Power, Our Mes- chairwoman during the 117th Congress. tion, and regulation that will, hope- sage. I thank the gentlewoman for her I stand on the shoulders of greatness as fully, result in building a record that leadership. I acknowledge the past members and we can use as we promote diversity and It is as well my honor to be able to chairs for their tremendous leadership. inclusion in our democracy. As CBC co-chair this with, if I might with a de- For the next 60 minutes, we have an founder member Bill Clay noted, we gree of familiarity, a brother from the opportunity to speak directly to the have no permanent friends or enemies, Bronx. I am delighted that a working American people about the issues of just permanent interests. man’s and woman’s representative has great importance to the Congressional The CBC’s priorities will allow us, in come to be able to shine, a man who is Black Caucus and the millions of con- many instances, to work with the a product of public housing, public stituents we represent. Biden administration to deliver relief schools, and public hospitals, and who Tonight’s Special Order hour topic to our constituents who have been so had a dream of lifting up his commu- will serve as part of a rollout of our devastated by the COVID–19 pandemic nity and building back a better Bronx. I am delighted that at 25, against all policy agenda and celebrate our 50th and to work on long-term plans for re- odds, he became the youngest elected anniversary in the context of the many covery. To that end, we are so pleased official in New York City and the first critical issues facing the Black com- that we will announce our domestic munity. openly LGBTQ elected official from the policy team tomorrow, as we have met Bronx. He doesn’t know that his rep- The Congressional Black Caucus with Ambassador Susan Rice, who is kicked off Black History Month, utation preceded him as a dynamic get- head of the Biden domestic policy her-done person. Madam Speaker, with the powerful team. Travon Free film ‘‘Two Distant Strang- I will repeat his motto before I begin ers,’’ a moving story about a young It is so important that I end by say- my remarks, and that is RITCHIE Black man caught in a George Floyd ing the Congressional Black Caucus is TORRES’ remarks and life motto is as type of nightmare with his local police committed to dramatically reversing follows: ‘‘My motto is life is simple. If department. these alarming trends by working with you do nothing, nothing will change.’’ During tomorrow’s CBC meeting to our community leaders, allies, and col- Wow, what a piercing message for all be held at 12 p.m., the ‘‘Living Black leagues in Congress to pass critical leg- of us, Republicans and Democrats, to do something good. History’’ vignette, featuring all 58 islation and by working with the His motto is: ‘‘If you do nothing, members of the CBC, will be unveiled Biden-Harris administration to encour- nothing will change. We can build a age responsible executive branch poli- to the public via Facebook, TheGrio, better Bronx, and we will do it to- and my YouTube page. cies and actions using Our Power, Our gether.’’ We are also hosting a virtual film Message. I am delighted to coanchor with Mr. screening of director Lee Daniels’ film, Now, I am honored to announce our RITCHIE TORRES for the 117th Congress. ‘‘The United State vs. Billie Holiday,’’ CBC anchors for tonight: Congress- GENERAL LEAVE tomorrow evening. woman SHEILA JACKSON LEE, a scholar, Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, In that spirit, later this week, I will a strategist, an orator, a woman who I ask unanimous consent that all Mem- be introducing the Black History is has sponsored legislation and helped bers have 5 legislative days to revise American History Act to close out our craft much of the changes that we will and extend their remarks and include Black History Month. be talking about through the 117th any extraneous material on the subject This year marks the 50th anniversary Congress; and I am equally as proud to of my Special Order. of the CBC with the largest CBC group say that the Special Order hour will be The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ever, 58 members who represent the di- co-chaired by her coanchor, Congress- objection to the request of the gentle- versity, hope, and promise of this great woman from Texas? man RITCHIE TORRES, a freshman, a Nation. It has been stated before, and There was no objection. it certainly bears repeating, the CBC is member of the Financial Services Com- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, commonly referred to as the con- mittee, a giant in public housing legis- I am particularly delighted to begin science of the Congress and over the lation. Tonight, you will hear from my remarks, as I continue to weave in decades has forcefully advocated on them. and out tonight, and then, with my re- policies that our Nation cares about, Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- marks, will yield to Mr. TORRES as ranging from economic justice and rep- ance of my time. well.

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