[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H510-H511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    ``WE WERE STRANGERS ONCE, TOO''

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
New Jersey (Mrs. McIver) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. McIVER. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the incredible voices 
and stories captured in ``We Were Strangers Once, Too.'' This is a 
powerful memoir retelling the immigrant journeys and stories of 
students from my district.
  I had the opportunity to meet these young authors and witness them 
share vulnerable and deeply personal experiences. Their stories 
highlighted the difficult reality for many migrants who leave their 
home country in pursuit of a better life.
  These stories highlight something else: Hope--hope for a brighter 
future and hope rooted in the belief that, no matter where we come 
from, we all deserve dignity, safety, and happiness.
  As immigrants are othered by divisive policies, stories like these 
bring us closer together and show our shared humanity is stronger than 
what tries to divide us. They serve as a reminder, as President Obama 
once said: ``We were strangers once, too.''
  I commend the bravery of the student authors sharing these truths and 
the work of their editor, Shawn Adler, who is here with us in the 
gallery today. Thank you for sharing your voices with the world.


          Honoring Inez Rosalie Alick Elliot's 108th Birthday

  Mrs. McIVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Inez Rosalie Alick 
Elliot, who just celebrated her 108th birthday. Known as Rose to family 
and friends, she celebrated her 108th birthday on January 20.
  Faith has always been a cornerstone for Rose's life. A long-time 
member of Calvary Baptist Church in East Orange, Rose embodies the 
spirit of service and dedication. Her commitment to our community has 
been recognized with numerous accolades.
  She was honored with the Essex County Legends Award for her 
contributions and work improving the lives of fellow seniors. Known for 
her grace, laughter, and wisdom, she remains a positive role model for 
all of us. She is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all that faith, 
service, and laughter are the keys to a long, fulfilling life. Happy 
birthday, Rose.


                      Making SNAP More Accessible

  Mrs. McIVER. Madam Speaker, I introduced the SNAP Benefits Fairness 
Act in the U.S. House with Representative Shontel Brown to remove the 
housing cap on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and make 
SNAP benefits more accessible to those who need them.

                              {time}  1015

  Madam Speaker, the cost of housing is taking up more and more of 
Americans' paychecks, and SNAP benefits are not keeping up. It is time 
to bring SNAP up to speed and create opportunities for working families 
to use essential programs like SNAP that reduce poverty and help them 
make ends meet.
  By getting rid of the shelter cap, this bill ensures working families 
who are spending too much on rent and utilities get the benefits they 
deserve without being punished by high housing costs.

[[Page H511]]

  I am grateful to Representative Brown for joining me on this 
legislation that will help ease the burden on families.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair reminds Members that the rules do 
not allow references to persons in the gallery.

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