[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 83 (Wednesday, May 17, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H2381-H2382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE CENTERS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from
Michigan (Ms. Tlaib) for 5 minutes.
Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, one of my most important responsibilities as
a Member of Congress is helping the residents of Michigan's 12th
District get through everyday challenges and issues that their families
are going through.
Creating Neighborhood Service Centers has been the most effective way
to change the lives of our residents immediately. From the moment I
took office, I made a commitment to be accessible and responsive to
those everyday challenges and needs. The way I have done it is my team
and I now operate what we call our Neighborhood Service Centers in both
Wayne and Oakland Counties.
Through the Neighborhood Service Centers, we have returned over $5.2
million in constituent services directly back into the pockets of our
neighbors.
Because of this incredible work of our casework team and Neighborhood
Service Centers, a senior veteran in Detroit, for instance, was able to
come into our office to apply for assistance to stop the garnishment of
his Social Security payments and receive assistance to wipe out an
outstanding debt of $8,161 that was being garnished.
Another family in Inkster was under a threat of losing their home,
but due to the work of the Neighborhood Service Centers they were able
to receive over $5,000 in property tax assistance to keep them in their
home. Again, the Neighborhood Service Center was able to change their
lives immediately.
Recently, my team and I also ran a constituent services fair in Wayne
County and had the opportunity to help more than 50 residents directly
with constituent casework.
We are humbled by the opportunity to serve each of our residents in
the 12th Congressional District every single day. I will continue to
fight for a thriving, inclusive, and prosperous community for all of us
through the Neighborhood Service Centers. I will always have their
back.
Recognizing Joseph Deichelbohrer
Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Joe Deichelbohrer for his
25 years of service with the Dearborn Fire Department in Michigan's
12th District Strong.
Our captain began his career as a firefighter with the Dearborn Fire
Department in 1998. Over the years, he rose steadily through the ranks
from fire engineer to lieutenant, and ultimately, captain. Captain Joe
has been steadfast in his service and commitment to the community.
Throughout his career he has earned many awards for his outstanding
service. He has been recognized multiple times, Mr. Speaker, for his
service, bravery, and working to truly change people's lives, and also
save them.
Over the past nearly three decades, Captain Joe has put his life on
the line for others to serve our community, and we commend him for his
service and wish him a happy retirement.
Support for the Yemeni People
Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the recent progress
made toward peace in Yemen and highlight what we need to be doing right
now to support the Yemeni people.
The recent progress and statements from those involved offer new hope
that peace in Yemen is possible, but obstacles remain that require
careful, thoughtful engagement from this Congress and our President.
This is why today, Congressman Ro Khanna and I are leading over 30 of
our colleagues in a letter to the President and his Yemen team
outlining how the U.S. should engage with the peace process to maximize
the chance at success.
Now more than ever, Mr. Speaker, the U.S. must push hard to ensure
that the blockade is completely lifted. While peace negotiations are
ongoing, it is critical that the U.S. must not obstruct peace by
offering further military assistance, weapons, or security guarantees
to any country while trying to maintain its support for the U.N. arms
embargo.
The message needs to be crystal clear, no aid of any kind will be
considered while Yemen starves. If this diplomatic process breaks down,
my colleagues and I are prepared to introduce new legislation to end
this awful war.
As always, we cannot allow our hope for current peace talks to
distract us from the massive humanitarian crisis.
[[Page H2382]]
Mr. Speaker, 14.8 million Yemenis are on the verge of starvation and
cannot wait for lifesaving humanitarian aid from the international
community. A month ago, I led two dozen of our colleagues in requesting
at least $1.2 billion in U.S. humanitarian aid to Yemen in the upcoming
budget. I repeat that call here today.
Mr. Speaker, this is our moment. Let's call for peace and stretch out
a helping hand and be there for the Yemeni people when they need us
most.
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