"WE WERE STRANGERS ONCE, TOO"

"WE WERE STRANGERS ONCE, TOO"

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025) [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. ____________________