[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 153 (Thursday, September 18, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING APRIL VERRETT

  (Mrs. Ramirez of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor President April 
Verrett, a fighter for working people and a fierce advocate for worker 
power. She is at the forefront of building a labor movement that 
unapologetically fights for all workers, no matter where they live and 
no matter what they do.
  President Verrett is deeply committed to justice, solidarity, and 
democracy. She has made her life's work to end poverty-wage work in 
America.
  Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, she was raised by her 
grandmother, a proud union steward for SEIU Local 46. Rooted in her 
values, April carries on her family's commitment to community and 
collective action.
  In May 2024, April was elected president of SEIU International, 
making history as the first Black person to serve in this role. As SEIU 
International president, April brings vision, courage, and authenticity 
to fight for and lift up workers whose voices are often ignored.
  April's belief that change is possible when we build worker 
solidarity across perceived differences has led to transformative work 
to hold employers and government accountable to ensure that they pay 
their fair share and protect workers' wages. She works endlessly to 
ensure access to unions for all.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it 
is my honor to be able to commend President April Verrett today for 
blazing trails, leading with intersectional solidarity, and building 
worker power.
  I thank April for her hard work.

                              {time}  1030


                         Honoring Maria Correa

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Maria Correa, a 
constituent of the Illinois Third Congressional District, a 
``poderosa''; ``powerful'' Latina who remembers her roots, and a 
community leader in the fight for immigrant rights.
  A resident of West Chicago, Maria's work in the community connects 
residents with vital resources such as food, housing, and medical 
support. She is a trusted source of information and counsel, ensuring 
her neighbors have access to their elected officials and government 
resources. She organizes and equips her community to engage civically, 
from helping people to register to vote to promoting participation in 
the census.
  Maria makes sure each person she comes into contact with knows that 
they are seen, that they are loved, and they are valued, and that their 
voice is heard and recognized. Her dedication, courage, and compassion 
remind us what true leadership is, rooted in service and action.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, I 
am proud to commend Maria Correa for all she does to build power in her 
community, especially with her Latino neighbors, and for fighting for a 
more welcoming and just society.
  I congratulate Maria.


                   Honoring Maria del Carmen Casimiro

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Maria del Carmen 
Casimiro, who exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and the strength 
and resilience of immigrant communities.
  Since 1993, Maria's small business in Illinois' Third Congressional 
District has been an anchor for Latino families in the changing 
communities of Logan Square and Avondale. In the face of 
gentrification, her commitment to keep her culture alive through the 
sale of traditional Mexican foods and home goods is, in itself, 
commendable.
  For decades, Maria and her family have brought more than just food to 
our homes. They have brought cultural pride and a sense of belonging to 
our community. Maria reminds us that small businesses can make big 
contributions to strengthen us and unite us.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' mighty Third Congressional 
District, I am proud to commend Maria del Carmen Casimiro for her 
decades building community, sustaining cultural identities, and feeding 
the soul of our neighborhood.
  ``Gracias y felicitaciones''; ``thank you and congratulations'' to 
Maria.

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