Youth Advisory Council

Floor Speech

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Ms. DEXTER. Mr. Speaker, I recently held the first meeting of my Youth Advisory Council, a group of two dozen high school students from my district who will help guide my work here in Congress.

These students spoke boldly about their fears and hopes for the future, and they made one thing clear: They are done waiting for change.

I don't blame them. Our country's policy failures have grounded our kids in uncertainty. Many feel like the American Dream is out of reach.

That is personal for me. My trajectory has been an American Dream: the first in my family to graduate from college, then become a physician, a U.S. Congresswoman, and give my children privilege and opportunity that I never knew.

I didn't do it alone. Strong public schools, a union job, affordable higher education, and affordable rent were all critical. Today's young people deserve the same opportunities that I had. That is why I created the Youth Advisory Council. That is why I will continue to go to them to help us shape our policies of the future.

What I say to them and all youth in my district: Demand a seat today. We need to support their ideas and their dreams.

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