[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H1687-H1688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               NATIONAL FAIR HOUSING MONTH: AMISHA PATEL

  (Mrs. Ramirez of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate longtime Chicago 
leader, organizer, and my dear friend, Amisha Patel, for her nearly 
three decades of civic engagement and community organizing.
  From leading environmental justice efforts at just 19 years of age to 
organizing Chicago care workers with SEIU Local 73, Amisha has 
consistently united diverse communities to build power. Her work 
developing thousands of leaders laid the groundwork for winning 
affordable housing, quality education, and more in Chicago and across 
the State of Illinois.
  I am proud to have worked alongside Amisha during her 15 years as the 
executive director of Grassroots Collaborative, where we opposed school 
closures, championed affordable housing, and fought for critical 
investments to our social safety net.
  Amisha is a fighter for peace, justice, and community. As a three-
time cancer survivor currently in treatment, I want her to know that we 
are with her as she continues this fight.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my sincere 
honor to commend Amisha Patel for her lifetime of service organizing 
our communities to fight for the future that we deserve.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Amisha.


            National Fair Housing Month: Carlos Ramirez-Rosa

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Fair Housing 
Month to honor Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, my constituent, my friend, and the 
former 35th Ward alderman, for his legacy of leadership to realize 
safe, affordable housing for all. Moreover, I want to congratulate him 
on his recent appointment as CEO and superintendent of the Chicago Park 
District.
  In his decade as alderman of the 35th Ward, which includes Logan 
Square, Hermosa, Irving Park, and Avondale, Carlos championed policies 
to expand affordable housing and resist gentrification and 
displacement. He has also led unapologetic efforts to expand 
protections for immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and workers in Chicago.
  Carlos shifted the dynamics of local politics by making sure that 
neighbors and constituents had power over land use, development, and 
zoning. In doing so, Carlos modeled what a collaborative co-governance 
approach to community development could look like and work.
  It is how we resulted in tangible wins and how he was able to bring 
those wins to communities, including the development of 100 units of 
affordable housing in the heart of Logan Square in the Lucy Gonzalez 
Parsons Apartments.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my 
privilege and my honor to commend Carlos Ramirez-Rosa for his 
commitment to a fair, safe, and dignified life for all of his 
neighbors.
  ``Se que continuara transformando nuestras comunidades. Y estoy 
agradecida contigo, Carlos''; ``I know you will continue transforming 
our communities. I am thankful for Carlos.''
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Carlos Ramirez-Rosa.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Edwards). The gentlewoman will provide a 
translation of her remarks.


               National Fair Housing Month: Deborah Suggs

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, in commemoration of National Fair Housing 
Month, I rise to recognize my constituent, affordable housing resident, 
and community advocate, Deborah Suggs.
  For over 50 years, Deborah has called home the Marian Park 
Apartments, a Wheaton affordable housing community serving seniors and 
families.
  While raising her children, grandchildren, and now great-
grandchildren, Deborah has brought together her community to organize 
for the resources they need to thrive, whether it is secure 
transportation for school, childcare for working families, or road and 
pedestrian safety.
  As a leader with DuPage United, Deborah has been successful in 
imagining what safe, livable communities look like and building power 
and coalition to realize those dreams for people in Wheaton.

[[Page H1688]]

  I had the pleasure of meeting Deborah at one of my townhalls, where I 
saw firsthand her passion to fight for herself, her family, her 
community, and our district.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it 
is my honor to recognize Deborah for her lifetime of leadership in 
Wheaton and for her advocacy for a fair, safe, and affordable 
community. I thank Deborah.

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