James A. Himes

Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2026

in committee

Middle Market IPO Cost Act

in committee

CLEAR (Committee Leadership and Enhanced Accountability for Resilience) Defense Production Act of 2025

in committee

“Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of Au Pair in America (APIA), a program of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS). A pioneering cultural exchange program, it has strengthened families, expanded educational opportunity, and advanced people-to-people diplomacy between the United States and nations around the world. APIA is the longest serving au pair program in the United States, officially recognized in 1986. For four decades, the program has connected young people from abroad with American host families in a spirit of mutual learning and cultural understanding. The au pair program was made permanent when it was signed into law in 1997, reflecting its value to American families and its importance as a cultural exchange initiative. APIA offers a flexible, dependable, and enriching childcare solution for American families. Au pairs become full-fledged family members, sharing a cultural exchange experience [[Page E249]] that often leads to a life-long relationship with their host family. The program now spans more than 50 countries across six continents. Over the past 40 years, APIA has supported over 130,000 au pairs and host families. The program plays a meaningful role in advancing U.S. public diplomacy by fostering cross-cultural understanding, global citizenship, and enduring personal ties between Americans and people around the world. This milestone anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the program's lasting contributions to cultural exchange, the families who have welcomed participants into their homes, and the au pairs whose experiences in the United States have shaped lives, careers, and international friendships. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating APIA on its 40th anniversary and in acknowledging its continued role in strengthening cultural exchange and mutual understanding across borders.”

2026-03-20 · Foreign Policy

“Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the indelible Carolyn Vermont of Bridgeport, Connecticut. As Members of Congress, we spend every day representing constituents to the best of our ability, attempting to balance competing interests, voices, and opinions. Today is a rare day when I know, as it relates to Carolyn Vermont, there is unanimity among those I have the privilege of representing: she was beloved--for who she was, for how much of herself she was willing to give to her city, for the affection she held for her neighbors, and for her zest for life. Carolyn devoted her life to serving others, always eager to tackle another structural impediment or injustice which prevented any in her community from flourishing. She helped families achieve stability through homeownership as CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County, fought for racial justice as President of the Bridgeport NAACP, improved safety as chair of Bridgeport's Task Force on Gun Violence Prevention and Intervention, and promoted education as a trustee for Fairfield University, her alma mater. Carolyn also served as President of the Bridgeport Rotary Club, was a member of the National Coalition for 100 Black Women, and was involved with the Fairfield Community Foundation and her local chapter of the Urban League. She was an unstoppable force for good in the City of Bridgeport who constantly thought in terms of community. For all the good she did, Mr. Speaker, I want to impress upon you just how good she was. Spending a moment in Carolyn's presence brought you instant joy, lasting motivation to serve others, and the certainty of taking a selfie together. Hundreds--possibly even thousands--of my constituents have selfies with Carolyn hugging them tightly and smiling ear to ear. I know, since her passing, many of us have scrolled back to those photos to bid our friend farewell. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Vermont family. We in Connecticut owe her an immense debt of gratitude for sharing Carolyn with us. She will not soon be forgotten. Trust that I, along with many others, will be there to carry on her legacy--manifested in the organizations she helped build, the initiatives she led, the people she believed in, and the city she loved. ____________________”

2026-03-18 · Government Reform

“Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 334. ____________________”

2026-01-13 · Government Reform