[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 21, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H8016-H8017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       STUDENT DEBT CANCELLATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Massachusetts (Ms. Pressley) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. PRESSLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning in solidarity with the

[[Page H8017]]

millions of student loan borrowers across this Nation who slept a 
little easier last night knowing that essential student loan debt 
relief is on the way.
  I am thinking of every person who has pulled me aside in community 
and dropped their eyes to the floor as they describe the financial 
burden and shame they were carrying, crushed by student debt--the 
teachers, the electricians, the nurses, and, indeed, even the 
grandparents, our elders, some 76 years old on fixed incomes whose 
benefits were garnished.
  The coalition that rallied around our calls to cancel student debt is 
as broad and diverse as this Nation because so, too, are the families 
personally impacted by this economic justice issue.
  We thank President Biden for taking action. We thank him for 
listening deeply and responding. With the stroke of a pen, he moved to 
cancel student debt for millions of borrowers, and this action is going 
to change and save lives.
  In my home State of Massachusetts, the Department of Education 
reported yesterday that 813,000 student loan borrowers in Massachusetts 
stand to benefit from student debt cancellation.
  I get emotional thinking about the profound impact this will have for 
our families, especially families that have been systemically denied 
the opportunity to own or build generational wealth. This is the type 
of transformative policy that sends ripples for generations. Student 
loan cancellation will change and save lives.
  I thank my dedicated partners in this effort, Senator Warren and 
Senator Schumer; my colleagues in the House who have worked on this 
issue for years alongside me: Congresswoman Omar, Congresswoman Adams, 
Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Jones, and our partners in the Congressional 
Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus, including 
Senator Warnock, Chairwoman Jayapal, Chairwoman Beatty, and Chairwoman 
Waters.
  Our work to make education accessible and affordable across the 
Nation continues with urgency, and millions of families are going to 
start 2023 student loan debt-free thanks to the Biden-Harris 
administration. That is a beautiful thing.


                  Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month

  Ms. PRESSLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Hispanic Heritage 
Month.
  The Massachusetts Seventh is one of the most diverse districts in the 
country due, in large part, to the rich Hispanic and Latinx communities 
who reside there: the Colombians, Salvadorans, and Ecuadorians in East 
Boston and Chelsea; the Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans in 
Jamaica Plain and the South End; and the Mexicans and Brazilians in 
Cambridge, Somerville, Everett, and beyond.
  Many of these champions are on the front lines of fights that matter 
not just for their own community but for our very humanity. They are 
justice seekers and movement builders, and given the number of 
servicemen and -women and veterans, they are defenders of democracy and 
freedom.
  Their sweat equity makes our country stronger and our policymaking 
more informed. I am proud to call them partners in the work to build a 
more just and equitable world because, Mr. Speaker, if the story of 
America is one of progress, then we owe it to the collective power, 
resilience, and collective advocacy of our Hispanic and Latinx 
siblings.
  So to those in Massachusetts and across the country, and those on my 
dedicated staff now and in the past, from Aissa to Lona, to Luz, to 
Alana, to Ricardo, to Dagoberto, to Kayla, we thank you. This month and 
every month, we give you your flowers.


              Recognizing Alopecia Areata Awareness Month

  Ms. PRESSLEY. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize September as 
Alopecia Awareness Month.
  Across the country, approximately 7 million people have alopecia, an 
autoimmune disease, which I live with, that attacks one's hair 
follicles.
  People of all ages, genders, races, and from every walk of life are 
living with this condition. Thankfully, although this does not threaten 
our lives, it does not mean that it does not impact it.
  Collectively, we are fighting for bold investments in skin disease 
research, comprehensive medical coverage, and meaningful public 
education to combat the stigma, discrimination, bullying, and, indeed, 
even depression and suicide ideation that so many of us experience.
  Whether we are sharing a meal in the heart of the Massachusetts 
Seventh or sharing our stories, to someone who is newly diagnosed, we 
choose strength over shame and purpose over pain.
  I can personally attest to the fortitude that defines our community 
each and every day. Although there is no cure, there is community. We 
work to create space so that all of us may show up in the world as our 
full and authentic selves.
  This transformation that I live with is not one of my choosing, but 
it is one that I have learned to embrace unapologetically with the 
support of my loved ones, team, and broader community in my decision to 
not wear a wig, recognizing the power of that representation for the 7 
million-strong alopecia community in this country.
  That is why, this September, on the floor of the House of 
Representatives, I can affirm that alopecia is my superpower. I am free 
to be me. I commemorate Alopecia Areata Awareness Month.

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