What Emilia Strong Sykes said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Abby LaPole of Massillon as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week for July 27th after being awarded Stark County Girls Athlete of the Year.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Reeves family and Reeves Cake Shop as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week on August 7. This recognition honors their remarkable 50-year legacy of serving the Akron community and preserving a family baking tradition that spans more than a century.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Dragon Dream Team as the Ohio 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. The Dragon Dream Team is Ohio's first group of breast cancer survivors participating in the team sport of dragon boating.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Marcus Christopher as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week after capturing the gold medal in BMX Park at the X Games in Chiba, Japan.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize six extraordinary high school athletes as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champions of the Week. Last month, these young men demonstrated excellence, determination, and perseverance on Ohio's biggest high school track and field stage.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize six extraordinary high school athletes as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champions of the Week. Last month, these young women demonstrated excellence, determination, and perseverance on Ohio's biggest high school track and field stage.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Habitat for Humanity of Summit County as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. This recognition honors its 40th anniversary of creating affordable housing in the community.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Patience Kenimond as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. Patience represents the very best of our community. Her perseverance, dedication, and commitment to helping others are truly inspiring.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Darryn Peterson as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. This Tuesday, Darryn made his family and our entire district proud when he was selected by the Utah Jazz as the second overall pick in the NBA Draft.”

“Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment No. 22, which calls on the FDA to require infant formula and toddler food manufacturers to implement an environmental monitoring regime for deadly contaminants like botulism and salmonella.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Nordonia High School girls' flag football team as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. The Nordonia High School girls' flag football team is Ohio's first girls' flag football State champions.”

“Mr. Speaker, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time for us to stop and consider how mental health impacts and effects everyone in our communities. For that reason, I am going to recognize the Akron Municipal Mental Health Court as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week.”

“Judge Annalisa Williams has carried on Judge Stormer's vision and has presided over the court since 2005. What began as an innovative idea has become a model for communities across our State and Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Akron Roundtable and name them Champions of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. The Akron Roundtable has been a cornerstone of our community since their founding in 1976.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the law enforcement officers serving in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM Middle School chess team as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's champion of the week. On March 8, the Akron STEM Middle School students brought home both a first place and third place team trophy from the Ohio State Chess Championship, along with several individual awards.”

“Mr. Speaker, last week was tax day. I probably don't have to remind most folks because it is a day that is both loved and lauded depending on who you are.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week. A moment to reflect on a reality that should alarm every one of us in this Chamber: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause in this country than White women.”

“For too long, the experiences and concerns about Black women have been cast to the side in our healthcare system. Today, they are being flat-out ignored. This administration has directed programs to erase words like ``Black'' from funding applications.”

“Madam Speaker, today, I rise on behalf of the families of Ohio's 13th Congressional District as we mark a momentous occasion: the 16th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nadine McIlwain and Geraldine Radcliffe as the Champions of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. Nadine and Geraldine worked for 15 years to collect the history and stories of Canton residents to write the book, African Americans of Canton, Ohio.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Akron Black Artist Guild as the Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. The Guild is a dynamic community of talented and passionate Black artists who have come together with a singular mission: to strengthen the creative community in Northeast Ohio.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Jada Haines as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. Jada grew up on the west side of Akron, and as a student-athlete, she began her basketball journey with Ladies First Akron.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Archbishop Hoban girls' basketball team as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week. For the first time since 1988, the Hoban Knights girls' basketball team are the Ohio State champions.”

“Mr. Speaker, last week, our Nation lost six American servicemembers in a tragic aircraft crash over Iraq. They are among the 13 who have lost their lives to date after Trump waged war in Iran.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2026 Women's History Project Woman of the Year Awards as Ohio's 13th Congressional Districts' Champion of the Week.”

“Mr. Speaker, as we come off the observance of Black History Month, we are reminded of a story of courage, scholarship, and action that helped reshape how America understands its past.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Black Chamber of Commerce of Summit County and cofounders Robert DeJournett and Misty Beasley as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Akron Rites of Passage as the Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week. Led by 13 elders in the community, AROPI, as it is also known, is an African-centered organization established for the purpose of educating, training, and empowering its participants in African-centered rites of passage, process, rituals, customs, and practices.”

“Five years ago, the Akron Rites of Passage Institute introduced a community initiative called the Legacy Building Project to support the ongoing growth, development, and long-term sustainability of the African American community.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize The Remedy Church and its congregation as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. This past weekend marked a significant milestone as The Remedy Church celebrated 5 years of faithful service to God and community.”

“Mr. Speaker, when I am back home in the district, I make it clear that although my name is on the ballot and I am the elected Member of Congress, when I go to Congress, we all go to Congress.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Akron Fire Department Lieutenant Dave Ewers, retired Akron Firefighter Mark Harper, and Lynx EMS worker Dominic Bagnoli as Ohio's 13th Congressional District champions of the week.”

“Mr. Speaker, I often say that while my name may be on the ballot, we are all going to Congress together. Families in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and all across the country are telling us that housing costs are rising faster than wages, making it hard to keep a roof over their heads.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Conrad Piero as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week. On December 18, Conrad, a loss prevention specialist at a Walmart in Canton, Ohio, was working in the store when a man being held for allegedly shoplifting pulled a gun on a Canton police officer who was present and attempting to question and detain the suspect.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise because families in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and across the country are already paying the price for Republicans' inaction on healthcare. The enhanced ACA premium tax credits expired December 31, 2025, and now health coverage is more expensive and families are already feeling the impact.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of my proposed amendment to H.R. 6703 and in opposition to the underlying bill. In 2 weeks, 22 million Americans will see their healthcare premiums double, triple, or quadruple, costing them hundreds of additional dollars a month, and more than 4 million Americans will lose their coverage entirely.”

“Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Peter George as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. For 25 years, Peter George, or as many know him as Gilby, has played the part of the Akron Public Schools' districtwide mascot.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the life of the former mayor of Canton, Ohio, Thomas Bernabei. As a focused and committed public servant, Mayor Bernabei served the city of Canton and Stark County for more than 50 years in various capacities, but with the same dedication that drew praise and admiration from across the region.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor Kaxten McGrew, Bastian Nowak, and Luke Hinkelman as the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for our district and name them as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's champions of the week.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of my proposed amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026. Ohio's 13th Congressional District has long been known as the Rubber Capital of the World, and both of my amendments uphold that legacy by investing in American manufacturing to ensure this vital industry remains globally competitive in the United States.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition to the rule and H.R. 4312, the SCORE Act. This legislation fails to address the rights of students to advocate for themselves, and that is why I introduced an amendment to allow for students to collectively bargain.”

“Knam, Officer Michael Foltz, and firefighter-paramedic Eli Bosler of the North Canton Police and Fire Departments responded to reports of gunfire and injuries at a local apartment complex.”

“Madam Speaker, today I rise with profound pride and gratitude as we honor the bicentennial of my hometown, Akron, Ohio. For 200 years, Akron has stood as a place where ordinary people dare to do extraordinary things.”

“Black Keys, Chrissie Hynde, and Howard Hewett. It has given us actors and storytellers who brought our experience to big and small screens. It has also given us Judith Resnik, the first Jewish woman astronaut who reached for the stars and inspired the Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the City of Green's 2025 Volunteer of the Year, John Piersol as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. For the last 30 years, as president of the Green Soccer Association, John helped create opportunities for more than 600 youth players.”

“Mr. Speaker, as families in Ohio's 13th Congressional District get ready for the holiday season, I will talk about something that is weighing on many of them. The cost of everyday life keeps going up and people feel it every time they shop for groceries, pay their utility bills, fill up their gas tanks, or try to plan for the weeks ahead.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Aarit Koul as the champion of the week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. Aarit, a freshman at Jackson High School, recently won the 2025 National Civics Bee.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tim Hauser as the Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. Tim was recently named the Veteran of the Year by the Veterans Service Commission of Summit County.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vince Marchetta as the Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. Vince recently earned the State Lead Ambassador of the Year Award from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dan Molnar as the Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. This year during the Akron Marathon, Dan, a local nurse practitioner, was cheering his fiancee on when a runner collapsed due to experiencing cardiac arrest.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Jackson High School Automotive Teacher Joseph Drury as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week. Joseph was recently awarded a $50,000 prize for his school's skilled trades program as a winner of the 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize local business leader and the recipient of the 2025 National Small Business Association's Small Business Advocate of the Year award, Dwayne Groll, as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to speak out on an important issue impacting this Nation and my community in Ohio. As you may know, September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to pause and recognize mental health and the tragedy of taking one's own life.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor May Chen and Mary Ann Freedman for their induction into the Ohio Department of Aging Senior Citizens Hall of Fame and for being named Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champions of the Week.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of my proposed amendments to H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Twinsburg firefighter and local hero, Joshua Jarzab, as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week. On August 17, Joshua responded to a 911 call for a basement fire.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in opposition to the fiscal year 2026 Energy and Water appropriations bill. At a time when energy costs are skyrocketing for my constituents, Republicans are trying to make it even harder for them to keep their homes warm and keep the lights on.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Twinsburg firefighter and local hero Joshua Jarzab as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week. On August 17, Joshua and his team responded to a call for a basement fire.”

“Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize five exceptional journalists from the Canton Repository, one of Ohio's most important publications, as this Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise with a heavy heart but with extreme honor to recognize the life of a colleague, a mentor, and a dear friend, former Ohio State Representative Jack Cera, who passed away on July 13 after a courageous 2\1/2\-year battle with cancer.”

“Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 3095, a bill that would assign a new ZIP Code to the city of Green, a municipality within Ohio's 13th Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose this terrible bill that is a bad deal for Ohio, the residents of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, and the people of the United States of America.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize three outstanding police officers from the Fairlawn Police Department as this week's Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week. Last month, Officers Francisco Corona, Brian Buskirk, and Hannah Plant exemplified the best of public service when they jumped into action to save the life of a woman in distress.”

“Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ripping away a constitutional right that generations of women had relied on for nearly one-half century.”

“Mr. Speaker, in the words of Neil Young: Tin soldiers and Nixon's comin' We're finally on our own This summer I hear the drummin' Four dead in Ohio Gotta get down to it Soldiers are gunning us down Should have been done long ago What if you knew her and Found her dead on the ground?”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Daniela Scheffler for winning the 3,200 meter race at the Ohio Division I Track and Field Championships, earning her first State title, and recognizing her as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week.”

“Mr. Speaker, gun violence is a scourge that has plagued the United States for far too long. We have witnessed tragedy after tragedy, and the only thing that ever seems to happen is that gun restrictions are loosened even further.”

“Hundreds of people attended a vigil for the victims of this deadly attack and demanded we do something. In response, the Governor of Ohio signed permitless carry legislation, allowing individuals to carry concealed firearms without a permit.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Lisa Gissendaner, who retired recently as the Canton Program Director for The Ohio State University Young Scholars Program as this week's Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to talk about an issue that touches every community in this country, mental health. More than one in five adults in the United States lives with a mental illness.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Captain Michelle Wiltrout, who retired this year from the Summit County Sheriff's Office, as this week's Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Mira Cahalane, who recently won best actress at the 10th annual Dazzle Awards, as this week's Champion of the Week for Ohio's 13th Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, every time I hear the name and the title of H.R. 1, I am stunned with how childish and immature it is to name a bill the way that the majority has.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to lift up the voice of Julie Robbins, a small business owner from Akron, Ohio, who is sounding the alarm on behalf of hardworking Americans across the country.”

“Mariah is the voice and advocate for her daughter, who lives with spina bifida, a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly. For Mariah and her daughter, Medicaid is a crucial resource without which they would not be able to afford the proper care that her daughter requires for her condition.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer a resolution honoring one of the most uncompromising voices for freedom in American history, abolitionist John Brown, on the occasion of the 225th anniversary of his birth.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the law enforcement officers serving in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the University of Akron Zips Women's Lacrosse team and their coach, Elaine Jones, as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week.”

“Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Matrix M3 indoor percussion ensemble as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week. Last month, the M3 percussion ensemble performed at the WGI World Championships.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about an issue that touches every community in this country: mental health. More than one in five adults in the United States live with a mental health illness.”

“Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week. Addelynn is a junior from Portage Lakes Career Center in Uniontown, Ohio, and out of nearly 50 participants, she took home the first-place prize for this year's Congressional Art Competition in Ohio's 13th Congressional District.”

“Mr. Speaker, we started this year on a high note. On January 5, President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, expanding Social Security for thousands of Americans whose benefits, that they earned through years of hard work, were cut because of bad policies.”

“Security Administration and not the fault of my constituents. This means that people in my community lose their lifeline to pay for food, housing, medications, and more. This means that people in my community are suffering because of bad policy and abysmal management.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate and announce as our champion of the week North Canton City Schools Superintendent Jeff Wendorf on his retirement after a 40-year career serving the students of North Canton as a teacher, coach, and administrator.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise during the first Bipartisan Women's Caucus of the year to stand in solidarity with my colleagues in this historic caucus as we continue the work to break ground on a Women's History Museum on Washington's National Mall.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the University of Akron men's basketball team as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week. The Zips recently won their third Mid-American Conference Championship in 4 years when they took down the Miami RedHawks with a final score of 76-74.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition of H.J. Res. 61, which would nullify an Environmental Protection Agency rule to significantly reduce the unregulated toxic chemicals from tire manufacturing facilities, facilities that my community is all too familiar with.”

“For many years, the city of Akron, which I proudly represent, has been nicknamed the Rubber Capital of the World due to its long history of rubber and tire manufacturing.”

“Mr. Speaker, with Americans looking at a reduction in critical healthcare services from the recently passed Republican budget, including cuts to the Medicaid program that children with asthma will need to access, this resolution could not come at a worse time.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Reverend Dr. Curtis Theodore Walker, Sr. as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week for his 50-year career in ministry.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of a dedicated and true public servant, Detective Jerry Gachett, who is retiring from the Akron Police Department. I am honored to be standing here today talking about a man who has served the Akron community so humbly for over 31 years and who I am proud to call a friend.”

“Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Khirye Tyler as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week. Khirye is a music producer and recently worked on the production for Beyonce's country album, ``Cowboy Carter,'' which won Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Katrina Halasa, Johnna O'Neal, and Krista Galloway of the Akron Public Schools' science and health department as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Rick Cardinal and Wendi Damm as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champions of the Week. Rick and Wendi are chemistry teachers at Barberton High School, and this year, they each earned the Gene Easter Award, which recognizes science teachers who demonstrate in their classrooms the importance of science and chemistry.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. While most people don't equate national parks with metropolitan areas and sprawling suburbs, Ohio's 13th Congressional District is proud to be the home of the Nation's most beautiful landscape, which is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Eugene Mitchell as Ohio's 13th Congressional District Champion of the Week. Eugene recently earned the 2024 Lifetime Achievement award, presented by the Ohio Public Transit Association.”

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Victor Vigluicci for his service as the Portage County Prosecutor, and my sincere gratitude for all that he has done for the people of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the ``Birthplace of Champions.'' I have appreciated his partnership as we worked together to expand opportunity and deliver results for our shared constituents.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate the birthday of a very important fixture of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the country, and the world: the Goodyear Blimp. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the inaugural flight of the first Goodyear blimp, known as Pilgrim.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Christopher Brooks as Ohio's 13th Congressional District champion of the week. Christopher is a senior AP art student at Canton McKinley High School.”