[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 161 (Friday, September 28, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       STANDING UP FOR THE PEOPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOYCE BEATTY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2018

  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.

                          ____________________