Deborah K. Ross
Representative for North Carolina · Democratic · United States
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H4423] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JULIA DANIELS (Ms.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H4423] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JULIA DANIELS (Ms.”
“She was a champion of the arts, history, and education, helping strengthen organizations, including the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina Historical Commission. Julia was often called a professional volunteer, but her impact went far beyond that title. To many, Julia was the embodiment of grace and service.”
“She was a champion of the arts, history, and education, helping strengthen organizations, including the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina Historical Commission. Julia was often called a professional volunteer, but her impact went far beyond that title. To many, Julia was the embodiment of grace and service.”
“It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) all forms of violence, threats, intimidation, or harassment directed at judges, court personnel, and their families, including public rhetoric that undermines the legitimacy or independence of the judiciary should be condemned; (2) an independent judiciary, free from political interference and person…”
“(12) Threats stemming from an increasingly hostile and politicized climate have caused the federal judiciary to create a new Judicial Security and Independence Task Force to help the judicial branch ``identify'' and ``respond to current risks, and anticipate new ones'' and ``through its efforts, it is hoped that the security of individual…”
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“She was a champion of the arts, history, and education, helping strengthen organizations, including the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina Historical Commission. Julia was often called a professional volunteer, but her impact went far beyond that title. To many, Julia was the embodiment of grace and service. She opened her heart to causes she believed in, inspiring generations through her kindness and civic spirit. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate an exceptional life and a legacy that will endure across North Carolina for generations to come. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H4423] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JULIA DANIELS (Ms. ROSS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Julia Daniels, a remarkable North Carolinian whose generosity, leadership, and love for our State touched countless lives. Born in New Bern and raised in Raleigh, Julia dedicated herself to preserving and enriching North Carolina's culture and civic institutions.”
“She was a champion of the arts, history, and education, helping strengthen organizations, including the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina Historical Commission. Julia was often called a professional volunteer, but her impact went far beyond that title. To many, Julia was the embodiment of grace and service. She opened her heart to causes she believed in, inspiring generations through her kindness and civic spirit. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate an exceptional life and a legacy that will endure across North Carolina for generations to come. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H4423] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JULIA DANIELS (Ms. ROSS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Julia Daniels, a remarkable North Carolinian whose generosity, leadership, and love for our State touched countless lives. Born in New Bern and raised in Raleigh, Julia dedicated herself to preserving and enriching North Carolina's culture and civic institutions.”
“BEGICH, Mrs. LUNA, Messrs. ELLZEY, FITZPATRICK, ALLEN, GRAVES, McGUIRE, SHREVE, OWENS, SMITH of Missouri, RUTHERFORD, OBERNOLTE, and McCORMICK changed their vote from ``yea'' to ``nay.'' Messrs. MOSKOWITZ, CONNOLLY, MEEKS, Ms. CASTOR of Florida, Mr. COSTA, Ms. LEE of Nevada, Messrs. JACKSON of Illinois, PANETTA, KEATING, MRVAN, and Ms. SCHAKOWSKY changed their vote from ``nay'' to ``yea.'' So the motion to recommit was rejected. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the passage of the bill. The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”
“Goodlander Gottheimer Gray Green, Al (TX) Harder (CA) Hayes Himes Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hoyle (OR) Huffman Ivey Jackson (IL) Jacobs Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (TX) Kamlager-Dove Kaptur Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy (NY) Khanna Krishnamoorthi Landsman Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latimer Lee (NV) Lee (PA) Leger Fernandez Levin Liccardo Lieu Lofgren Lynch Magaziner Mannion Matsui McBath McBride McClain Delaney McClellan McCollum McDonald Rivet McGarvey McGovern McIver Meeks Menendez Meng Mfume Min Moore (WI) Morelle Morrison Moskowitz Moulton Mrvan Mullin Nadler Neal Neguse Ocasio-Cortez Olszewski Omar Pallone Panetta Pappas Pelosi Perez Peters Pettersen Pingree Pocan Pou Pressley Quigley Ramirez Randall Raskin Riley (NY) Rivas Ross Ruiz Ryan Salinas Sanchez Scanlon Schakowsky Schneider Scholten Schrier Scott (VA) Scott, David Sewell Sherman Sherrill Simon Smith (WA) Sorensen Soto Stansbury Stanton Stevens Strickland Subramanyam Suozzi Swalwell Sykes Takano Thanedar Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Titus Tlaib Tokuda Tonko Torres (CA) Torres (NY) Trahan Tran Underwood Vargas Vasquez Veasey Velazquez Vindman Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Whitesides Williams (GA) Wilson (FL) NAYS--217 Aderholt Alford Allen Amodei (NV) Arrington Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Barr Barrett Baumgartner Bean (FL) Begich Bentz Bergman Bice Biggs (SC) Bilirakis Boebert Bost Brecheen Bresnahan Buchanan Burchett Burlison Calvert Cammack Carey Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Ciscomani Cline Cloud Clyde Cole Collins Comer Crane Crank Crawford Crenshaw Davidson De La Cruz DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Donalds Downing Dunn (FL) Edwards Ellzey Emmer Estes Evans (CO) Ezell Fallon Fedorchak Feenstra Fine Finstad Fischbach Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Flood Fong Foxx Franklin, Scott Fry Fulcher Garbarino Gill (TX) Gimenez Goldman (TX) Gonzales, Tony Gooden Gosar Graves Green (TN) Greene (GA) Griffith Grothman Guest Guthrie Hageman Hamadeh (AZ) Haridopolos Harrigan Harris (MD) Harris (NC) Harshbarger Hern (OK) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Hinson Houchin Hudson Huizenga Hunt Hurd (CO) Issa Jack Jackson (TX) James Johnson (LA) Johnson (SD) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kean Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy (UT) Kiggans (VA) Kiley (CA) Kim Knott Kustoff LaHood LaLota LaMalfa Langworthy Latta Lawler Lee (FL) Letlow Loudermilk Lucas Luna Luttrell Mace Mackenzie Malliotakis Maloy Mann Massie Mast McCaul McClain McClintock McCormick McDowell McGuire Messmer Meuser Miller (IL) Miller (OH) Miller (WV) Miller-Meeks Mills Moolenaar Moore (AL) Moore (NC) Moore (UT) Moore (WV) Moran Murphy Nehls Newhouse Norman Nunn (IA) Obernolte Ogles Onder Owens Palmer Patronis Perry Pfluger Reschenthaler Rogers (KY) Rose Rouzer Roy Rulli Rutherford Salazar Scalise Schmidt Schweikert Scott, Austin Self Sessions Shreve Simpson Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smucker Spartz Stauber Steil Steube Strong Stutzman Taylor Tenney Thompson (PA) Tiffany Timmons Turner (OH) Valadao Van Drew Van Duyne Van Orden Wagner Walberg Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Westerman Wied Williams (TX) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Yakym Zinke NOT VOTING--4 Biggs (AZ) Norcross Rogers (AL) Stefanik {time} 1841 Mr.”
“97] YEAS--212 Adams Aguilar Amo Ansari Auchincloss Balint Barragan Beatty Bell Bera Beyer Bishop Bonamici Boyle (PA) Brown Brownley Budzinski Bynum Carbajal Carson Carter (LA) Casar Case Casten Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Cherfilus-McCormick Chu Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Conaway Connolly Correa Costa Courtney Craig Crockett Crow Cuellar Davids (KS) Davis (IL) Davis (NC) Dean (PA) DeGette DeLauro DelBene Deluzio DeSaulnier Dexter Dingell Doggett Elfreth Escobar Espaillat Evans (PA) Fields Figures Fletcher Foster Foushee Frankel, Lois Friedman Frost Garamendi Garcia (CA) Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gillen Golden (ME) Goldman (NY) Gomez Gonzalez, V.”
“Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 9 of rule XX, this 15- minute vote on the motion to recommit will be followed by 5-minute votes on: Passage of the bill, if ordered; Concurring in the Senate amendment to H. Con. Res. 14, if ordered; and The motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1228, if ordered. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 212, nays 217, not voting 4, as follows: [Roll No.”
“The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX, the previous question is ordered on the motion to recommit. The question is on the motion to recommit. The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the noes appeared to have it.”
“It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) all forms of violence, threats, intimidation, or harassment directed at judges, court personnel, and their families, including public rhetoric that undermines the legitimacy or independence of the judiciary should be condemned; (2) an independent judiciary, free from political interference and personal threats, is essential to the rule of law and the constitutional separation of powers; (3) all public officials should refrain from engaging in rhetoric or actions that could endanger the safety of judges or erode public confidence in the judiciary; and (4) efforts to improve judicial security, including the provision of adequate resources, protections, and privacy safeguards necessary to ensure that judges, their staff, and their families can safely carry out their constitutional duties should be supported.”
“(12) Threats stemming from an increasingly hostile and politicized climate have caused the federal judiciary to create a new Judicial Security and Independence Task Force to help the judicial branch ``identify'' and ``respond to current risks, and anticipate new ones'' and ``through its efforts, it is hoped that the security of individual judges will be enhanced and that judicial independence will be assured''. (13) Our nation's founders enshrined an independent judiciary in Article III of the Constitution to ensure that judges would be free to rule impartially, without fear of political retribution or personal harm. (14) No public servant--whether in the White House, the halls of Congress, or on the bench--should face violence, threats, or intimidation because of their service to the American people. SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS.”
“(10) Tech billionaire and political ally of President Trump, Elon Musk, has engaged in a sustained public campaign to delegitimize the federal judiciary, describing judges as ``corrupt'', ``radical'', and ``evil'', accusing them of ``TYRANNY of the JUDICIARY'', and declaring that ``the only way to restore rule of the people in America is to impeach judges''. (11) Members of Congress have escalated hostile rhetoric toward Federal judges, introducing multiple resolutions to impeach judges based solely on their rulings and publicly accusing them of being ``radical activists'', ``corrupt political operatives'', and ``partisan activists weaponizing our judicial system'', rhetoric that the Chief Justice has [[Page H1551]] warned may prompt dangerous reactions by others.”
“(8) This escalating climate of intimidation has been fueled by public officials and political figures who irresponsibly target judges for partisan purposes. (9) Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked the legitimacy of federal judges, publicly calling for their impeachment simply because he disagreed with their rulings, referring to one as a ``Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge'', and a ``troublemaker and agitator'', and calling others ``Crooked Judges'' and prompting an online wave of threats and harassment against judges and their families.”
“have engaged in recent attempts to intimidate judges--for example, suggesting political bias in the judge's adverse rulings without a credible basis for such allegations'', and that ``intemperance in their statements when it comes to judges may prompt dangerous reactions by others''. (7) The American Bar Association has condemned these attacks, warning that such rhetoric ``threatens the very fabric of our democracy--judicial independence and the rule of law'', and further noting that high-ranking government officials have ``made repeated calls for the impeachment of judges who issue opinions with which the government does not agree'', turning partisan grievance into dangerous attempts to undermine the courts.”
“(5) These threats have included doxing of judges and their families' personal information, anonymous deliveries to their homes intended to intimidate, bomb threats targeting the families of Supreme Court justices, online calls for judges to be ``hanged'' or ``beheaded'', as well as the 2020 murder of the 20-year-old son of a Federal judge by an armed assailant who targeted her family. (6) Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. has explicitly warned that ``violence, intimidation, and defiance directed at judges because of their work undermine our Republic, and are wholly unacceptable'', and further cautioned that ``public officials...”
“(3) Federal judges have been forced to speak out in their own defense, pleading with public officials to realize that ``there are lives at stake'', that they ``feel like people are playing Russian roulette with our lives'', and that ``[t]hreats against judges are threats against constitutional government'' and that ``[e]veryone should be taking this seriously''. (4) Threats against Federal judges have grown so severe that some have been issued bulletproof vests, assigned full- time security details, and forced to install home security systems to protect themselves and their families.”
“Congress finds the following: (1) The Chief Justice has warned of a ``significant uptick'' in violence and threats against Federal judges, noting that, according to the United States Marshals Service, ``the volume of hostile threats and communications directed at judges has more than tripled over the past decade'' and that `` ``[i]n the past five years alone, the Marshals report that they have investigated more than 1,000 serious threats against federal judges''. (2) The President of the American Bar Association President has likewise sounded the alarm, reporting that ``[s]erious threats against [federal] judges have doubled since 2019, with 457 serious threats targeting federal judges across the country in 2023'' alone.”
“Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will report the motion to recommit. The Clerk read as follows: Ms. Ross of North Carolina moves to recommit the bill H.R. 1526 to the Committee on the Judiciary. The material previously referred to by Ms. Ross is as follows: Ms. Ross moves to recommit the bill H.R. 1526 to the Committee on the Judiciary with instructions to report the same back to the House forthwith, with the following amendment: Page 3, strike line 3 and all that follows and insert the following: SECTION 1. FINDINGS.”
“My amendment would simply reaffirm the legislative branch's support for its coequal branch and condemn attacks on all members of the judiciary. [[Page H1490]] I ask unanimous consent to insert into the Record the text of this amendment. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. James). Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from North Carolina? There was no objection.”
“Bomb threats, harassing calls, and swatting all send the same terrifying message: We know where you and your family live, and you better get out of the President's way. President Trump's attacks on the judiciary are clear violations of his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution. Mr. Speaker, threats to judges and their families simply cannot be tolerated, and Members of this body have a profound responsibility to speak with one voice to condemn these reprehensible tactics. I implore my Republican colleagues to set politics aside and do the right thing. For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with important amendments to this bill.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, Article III of our Constitution vests judicial power of the United States in the Supreme Court and lower courts. The Constitution says that this power extends to all cases arising under the Constitution or laws passed by Congress. This is a bedrock principle of American democracy, and it is not up for debate. Yet, now that the courts are blocking his unconstitutional and unlawful actions, Donald Trump wants to claim the power for himself and his administration. Trump does not subscribe to the principle of judicial review, and he doesn't believe in the sanctity of the Constitution. He cares only about himself and getting his own way. Mr. Speaker, Trump and his followers are threatening judges with impeachment and far worse.”
“Her son, Bardia, has been a valuable and trusted member of my team since I first ran for Congress. Every day, I see that he embodies her spirit, determination, and grace. Sepi was an extraordinary woman who lived a remarkable life, and I will always be grateful that I had the immense privilege of knowing her. She was a devoted mother, compassionate friend, visionary thinker, and dear friend. She will be forever missed by her children Nakisa Asefnia and Bardia Asefnia, her siblings Sofey Saidi and Taher Saidi, and her many friends and colleagues. She left an immeasurable mark on our community, and her legacy will live on for generations to come. ____________________”
“However, more than any of these prestigious accolades, Sepi will be remembered for living life with intention and compassion. She always took the time to learn everything she could about her employees and was a conscientious friend and mentor to many who aspired to follow in her footsteps. She was also a fierce advocate for women's equality in the workplace and in society. She credited her mother and grandmother for encouraging her and her sister to pursue an education and pursue careers they could be passionate about. I have known Sepi for more than 20 years, both personally and professionally. We collaborated on transportation, immigration, and women's issues. Together, we tried our best to make North Carolina a more prosperous and welcoming place. I will miss her as a dear friend and as an inspiring leader.”
“Within two decades, she grew SEPI Engineering and Construction to employ 300 workers and $40 million in revenue, becoming one of the top 500 private engineering firms in the country. Sepi was well-known as an energetic, innovative leader in the Triangle, Beyond the success of SEPI Engineering and Construction, she held leadership positions at several important nonprofits and government organizations. Her wisdom and insights were valued at the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority and the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, earning her recognition as a Top Entrepreneur, Career Woman of the Year, and Top CEO. She was inducted into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 2016 and the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame in 2022.”
“and the many members of our community she touched throughout her life. Born on October 10, 1962, Sepi spent the first 15 years of her life in Tehran, Iran, where she was raised in a household with both a college-educated mother and grandmother. She moved to Raleigh as a high school transfer student in 1978 as the Iranian Revolution was unfolding in her home country, graduating from North Carolina State University with degrees in Civil & Agricultural Engineering. Sepi embraced opportunity, leaving a position at the North Carolina Department of Transportation in 2001 to found SEPI Engineering and Construction with a home equity loan, three employees, and two contracts.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 60 (Thursday, April 3, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 60 (Thursday, April 3, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E286] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SEPI SAIDI ______ HON. DEBORAH K. ROSS of north carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, April 3, 2025 Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend, Sepi Saidi, who passed away on March 24, 2025. Sepi was a trailblazer and beloved member of the Wake County community who nurtured her company from the ground-up in a male-dominated field. Her contributions to our community will live on for years to come in her children, friends.”
“She was recognized for her contributions to making North Carolina a better place for all of our people over the course of her more than 50-year career in social work. Phyllis was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She embodied the true meaning of public service and made a lasting impact on her community and state. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the inspiring life and service of Phyllis Fulton. ____________________”
“While accompanying her husband on his assignments as a U.S. Air Force officer, Phyllis continued her work as a social worker around the world, helping foster kids, victims of child abuse, and families with adoption. After returning to North Carolina, Phyllis first worked at the Wake County Department of Social Services before moving to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, where she was promoted to Program Coordinator of Community Child Protection Teams across the state. In this role, she traveled to all 100 of our state's counties. In 2013, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory awarded Phyllis with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest honor--an accolade acknowledging her exemplary service to our state.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 60 (Thursday, April 3, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 60 (Thursday, April 3, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E283] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PHYLLIS FULTON ______ HON. DEBORAH K. ROSS of north carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, April 3, 2025 Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Phyllis B. Fulton, who sadly passed away last week. A native of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Phyllis dedicated her life to serving her community through her work as a social worker. After graduating from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in 1969, she began her career with the Wayne County Department of Social Services.”