Sheila Jackson Lee: “Spoken like my good friend from Colorado, Mr. Perlmutter--who I really insist that he remain in this body for his…”

“Spoken like my good friend from Colorado, Mr. Perlmutter--who I really insist that he remain in this body for his astuteness and his way of analyzing--might I just take a quick moment to say that the schools of America are open. But today, the hospitalization rate for omicron is the highest ever since we have had COVID-19. And so I believe that school superintendents, teachers, parents, and others--like Madam Speaker--are making decisions for our children to be in school but also to be safe. Madam Speaker, I move on these two very important legislative initiatives, H.R. 1836 and H.R. 4673. I thank the gentleman from Colorado. I thank my good friend who has served in the United States military from Pennsylvania. I thank him for his service as well. Madam Speaker, I rise enthusiastically on this legislation for a number of reasons, but more importantly, I have worked extensively with the Guard, particularly the Texas National Guard. We in Texas can sometimes be called disaster alley as it relates to hurricanes and tornadoes, as it relates to COVID-19. And alongside of us on those battles, if you will, saving lives have been the National Guard. We are grateful for their service. They are citizen soldiers. I think we don't acknowledge that what the Guard is is individuals who put on the uniform, leaving being a bus driver or a teacher or a mechanic, lawyer or doctor; and in doing so, they sacrifice and leave their families. So I am excited about H.R. 1836 by Mr.…”