Gregory W. Meeks

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Consumer Financial Protection Circular 2023-02: Reopening Deposit Accounts That Consumers Previously Closed".

in committee

BIS Licensing Efficiency Act of 2026

in committee

Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.

in committee

“Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ethel L. Cuff Black, a trailblazing educator and one of the 22 visionary founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Born on October 17, 1890, in Wilmington, Delaware, Mrs. Cuff Black was raised with a commitment to excellence and service that guided her life. She pursued her studies at Howard University, where she became one of the 22 young women who boldly established Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., on January 13, 1913. The sorority was founded on principles of scholarship, sisterhood, and service; values that Mrs. Cuff Black carried into every facet of her life. In one of their first acts of service, Mrs. Cuff Black joined her sorority sisters in the historic 1913 March down Pennsylvania Avenue, standing at the forefront of the struggle for equality and representation. Her courage and vision laid the groundwork for one of the Nation's most influential Black women's organization, which continues to uplift communities more than a century later. After graduating, Mrs. Cuff Black dedicated herself to education, serving as a teacher in Missouri, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Later in New York, she became the first Black teacher in Richmond Hills, Queens. Mrs. Cuff Black joined 10 other dedicated women in chartering the Queens Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Together, they worked hand in hand with the community to advance educational opportunities, promote civic engagement, and uplift families across Queens. This act of leadership and service ensured that the sorority's mission remained deeply rooted in community partnership for decades to come. Since 1952, the Queens Alumnae chapter has awarded over $400,000 in scholarship to students in the Queens community. Mrs. Cuff Black is most honorably remembered for her unwavering devotion to education, community, advancing opportunities for Black Americans, and her pioneering spirit in the fight for social justice. She is survived by the enduring legacy of her students and the hundreds of thousands of Delta women who follow in her footsteps across four continents. ____________________”

2026-02-25 · Civil Rights

“Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Crystal Bonds, an extraordinary educator and leader retiring after more than 27 years of distinguished service to the New York City Department of Education and to the students and families of Southeast Queens. Dr. Bonds began her remarkable career in education as a teacher and mathematics coach in District 29, where she quickly established herself as a passionate advocate for student achievement and instructional excellence. As her career progressed, she assumed a number of critical leadership roles within the New York Department of Education, including Assistant Principal, Principal, and Master Ambassador Principal. Her success led to her appointment to Superintendent of District 29. As Superintendent, Dr. Bonds provided visionary leadership to 36 K-8 schools, serving approximately 17,000 students. Her work was shaped by a profound personal connection to District 29, due to her own children attending schools within the district. This connection manifested loyalty to the community that supported her family and inspired her to drive positive change, growth, and equity across the district. Throughout her career, Dr. Bonds advocated for public education locally, nationally, and internationally for more than two decades. Her leadership as a K-12 educator consistently focused on promoting equitable education, experiences, and outcomes for all students, making her not only respected beyond New York, but revered. Under her leadership, the High School for Math, Science, and Engineering became the highest achieving public high school in New York City and New York State. Her devotion and dedication manifested numerically in the high school's rank rising from 30th to 1st during her tenure. From the classroom to the Superintendent's office, Dr. Bonds' championship of targeted support for educators directly closed the opportunity gaps students faced, leading to improvements in student achievement and expanded programs in the district. In addition to her dedicated public service, Dr. Bonds founded Changing Norms, Inc., extending her lifelong commitment to uplifting underserved communities. Her experience across elementary, middle, and high school levels bolsters her track record of excellence and lasting impact on education. Dr. Crystal Bonds' outstanding dedication, leadership, and years of exemplary service will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps. I proudly honor her lifetime of service and wish her continued success and fulfillment in all that lies ahead. ____________________”

2026-02-05 · Education

“Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and enduring legacy of Mr. Rick Cotton, one of the most impactful transportation leaders New York has ever known. His profound career reflects an unwavering commitment to public service, visionary leadership, and the belief that infrastructure can, and should, improve the lives of millions. Mr. Cotton earned an Artium Baccalaureus from Harvard College and a Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School and served as a law clerk to Justice William J. Brennan Jr., on the Supreme Court of the United States. He brings a distinguished record of leadership across the private sector, public service, and international affairs. Mr. Cotton spent 25 years at NBC Universal, including 20 years as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and later served four years as President and Managing Director of CNBC Europe. Earlier in his career, he served the federal government as Executive Secretary at the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare and as Special Assistant for Renewable Energy at the United States Department of Energy. Across every role, he demonstrated a [[Page E94]] rare ability to navigate complexity while keeping the public interest at the forefront. Mr. Cotton later served as New York State's Special Counselor to the Governor for Interagency Initiatives, where he helped advance some of the state's most transformative infrastructure projects. These efforts included the redevelopment of LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy Airports, Moynihan Train Hall and the Penn Farley Complex, the new Tappan Zee Bridge, the expansion of the Javits Center, and the Second Avenue Subway. These projects not only modernized critical assets, but reshaped how New Yorkers move, work, and connect across the region. In 2017, Mr. Cotton was appointed Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Under his leadership, the agency confronted some of the region's most complex infrastructure challenges and undertook one of the most ambitious capital programs in its history. This included a $30 billion transformation of the region's major airports and the full reconstruction of the Midtown Bus Terminal, laying the foundation for world class transportation facilities built for the 21st Century. More than the projects completed or milestones reached, Mr. Rick Cotton's legacy is reflected in the people he supported, the teams he strengthened, and the standard of professionalism he brought to work. His tenure will be remembered for its scale, its vision, and its lasting impact on generations to come. ____________________”

2026-02-03 · Government Reform