Sharice Davids

To amend title 54, United States Code, to ensure historically accurate exhibits at National Park Service sites, and for other purposes.

in committee

21st Century Entrepreneurship Act

in committee

SSI Savings and Efficiency Act of 2026

in committee

“Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Plaza 1907 located in Ottawa, Kansas, in the district I have the honor of representing. Plaza 1907 is celebrating its 119th anniversary, opening its current doors on May 22, 1907, as the oldest purpose-built movie theater in the world. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Plaza 1907 is a critical part of the lifeblood of the Ottawa and Franklin County communities. In the early 1900s, Ottawa citizens saw their first moving picture-- the ten-minute film The Great Train Robbery from 1903--at a local street fair. This inspired the founding of Plaza 1907 as the Bijou Theater, where patrons watched early silent films from France like Bad Mother and A Voyage Around a Star. When it first opened, the two-screen theater played 12 shows each day and tickets cost patrons five cents each. In those early days, the theater offered live music alongside these silent films before the first talking picture in 1927. Today, Plaza 1907 remains an important piece of Kansas and American history. Kansans and visitors alike can enjoy new films and Classic Movie Mondays along with a memorabilia museum amongst the charm of Ottawa, Kansas. ____________________”

2026-05-22 · Government Reform

“Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in somber recognition that May 21, 2026, will mark one year since the tragic and senseless killing of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Sarah grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas, a community where I have the honor of serving in Congress. She graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School and the University of Kansas. She was a devoted member of Congregation B'nai Jehudah and was dedicated to fostering understanding and connection not only between Israel and the United States, but between Israel and the Palestinian people. Her partner, Yaron, shared that commitment. In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack, Sarah advocated for the release of Israeli hostages and worked closely with survivors who had experienced gender and sexual based violence. Those who knew Sarah say that her gentle, calm, and compassionate disposition made her the perfect fit for such a difficult role. Yaron, an employee with the Embassy of Israel, worked to forge stronger ties between Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East. Yaron's loved ones say that he always had a smile on his face and a welcoming presence. We must continue Sarah and Yaron's legacy of peacebuilding and stand strong against increasing threats of antisemitism--recommitting ourselves to a world where no one fears for their safety just because of who they are. Antisemitism has no place in our communities, and we all must all stand up against the hatred and bigotry that threaten to divide us. ____________________”

2026-05-11 · Civil Rights

“Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate March as Youth Art Month in Kansas. Youth Art Month exists to honor our student artists and recognize the value of art education, especially for our children. In 1961, the Art & Creative Materials Institute created Children's Art Month as an event to emphasize the value of visual art education. In 1969, the celebration expanded to include secondary school students, and Children's Art Month officially became known as Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month is now celebrated across the Nation with art contests, exhibits, and special activities. Annually in Kansas, every art teacher in the state is eligible to submit one student's artwork from their school to be showcased in the Kansas Youth Art Month exhibit at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library. Nationwide, a student from each state designs a Youth Art Month flag to represent their state at the National Art Education Association's Convention. This year's celebration to recognize these artists is set for March 28, 2026. This annual celebration is full of fun art activities, art exhibits, and certificates and prizes. Youth Art Month exists to increase community understanding, interest, and participation in art and art education. Year round, Kansas art teachers strive to expand art programs in schools and provide opportunities for more students to explore their artistic creativity. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to these educators, and to the Kansas Art Education Association for organizing Kansas' Youth Art Month so that we can formally celebrate these educators and their students. ____________________”

2026-03-03 · Education