August is here, that means it is Black Business Month! Closing the racial wealth gap is one of my biggest priorities in Congress, and increasing opportunities for entrepreneurship is one key way to close the gap. I will continue to fight for resources and support for Black entrepreneurs because when Black businesses succeed, all businesses succeed. | To that end, I want to make sure all small business owners are aware that the Small Business Administration opened a business recovery center to assist those affected by the recent water main breaks. Business owners can visit the center for help applying for disaster loans of up to $2 million. The deadline is August 5, so don’t delay! To learn more visit sba.gov/disaster. | The water main breaks also highlighted the need for long-term investments in our water infrastructure. This month, the House-passed Water Resources Development Act of 2024, included three key provisions for infrastructure in the #FightingFifth that I was proud to champion: | - Raising the Atlanta Environmental Infrastructure Program cap to $100 million from $75 million
- Raising the East Point Environmental Infrastructure Program cap to $20 million from $15 million
- Authorizing the Army Corps of Engineers to do a flood risk management study in Ward 1 and Ward 4 creeks and creek crossing in the City of College Park. This will make way for implementation of technology for early flood detection and emergency management in the creek crossing area.
| Reliable water infrastructure is essential for the health and safety of our communities, and I will continue to fight for the resources necessary to meet the needs of our growing communities. | As always, I am proud to be your Congresswoman and here to serve. You can reach my District office at 404-659-0116 or my Washington D.C. office at 202-225-3801. Yours for the People, | Nikema Williams Member of Congress | Congressional App Challenge | Y'all, the Congressional App Challenge is HERE! I'm calling all middle and high school students in the #FightingFifth to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win the Congressional App Challenge. Students can enter individually or in groups. Winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for a year. You have until October 24, 2024, to submit your app, so don't delay! #CodeYourFuture Click here to learn more about the Congressional App Challenge! | Service Academy Nominations | Interested in attending a Military Service Academy? The nomination process for my office is officially open! In order to receive a nomination, you must fill out the form below and turn it into my office by October 28th, 2024. The honor of attending a service academy comes with the commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Best wishes as you pursue your goal of serving our country. Click here to find out more. Click here for the Military Service Academy form. | Join me on Monday August 5th at 6pm for my Back to School Telephone Town Hall. I’ll be giving you updates on my work in Congress and answering constituents’ questions. See you there! | Fulton County Citizens University | The Fulton County Citizens’ University (FCCU) is back! Get an insider's view of county government, services, and taxes in this 10-week course. Register by August 6, 2024. Classes start August 8 at 6 p.m., mainly at the Fulton County Government Center.
Register here.
| Calling for the immediate release of George Glezmann | I introduced a resolution calling for the immediate release of George Glezmann, an Atlantan wrongly detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since December 2022. A Delta airplane mechanic with a loving family, George's health has deteriorated significantly during his time in captivity. We must bring George safely home to his family, and I strongly urge all diplomatic efforts to that end. Read the Resolution here. | Supporting Extended Fedwire Hours | I sent a bipartisan letter supporting the Federal Reserve’s proposal to extend Fedwire® Funds Service hours to 22 hours per day, 7 days a week. This change can significantly impact marginalized communities, ensuring timely access to funds and reducing financial stress. Growing up in Smiths Station, Alabama, where options were limited and every delay could disrupt a household, I understand the critical need for such improvements. Extended hours will help people avoid late fees, reduce reliance on short-term loans, and break the cycle of debt. This proposal ensures financial stability for our most vulnerable populations.
Read the Letter here.
Watch me discuss the FedWire Letter Below | Demanding Answers for CrowdStrike Delays | Over just three days, more than 5,500 flights were canceled or delayed at Hartsfield-Jackson. Stranded travelers slept on chairs and my constituents missed important occasions while desperately waiting to be rebooked. We have to prevent disasters like this from happening again. I sent letters to the CEO of CrowdStrike and the FAA seeking answers about the disruptions caused by the software update on July 19, 2024. I asked what policies and procedures are in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Read the letter to CrowdStrike here. Read the letter to the Federal Aviation Administration here. | Solar Energy in the Fighting Fifth | EPA Administrator Michael Regan joined me in the Fighting Fifth to celebrate one of the first community-owned resilience hubs, bringing solar energy to marginalized communities. Together, we're investing in America, creating a cleaner, more resilient future. | Took a Flight on Air Force One | Took a trip on Air Force One to the CBC Prosperity Summit and ran into President Joe Biden. I made sure to pick up some M&M’s for my #CarterCakes. | Visiting the New York Stock Exchange | As a member of the House Committee on Financial Services it's important to see our economy in action. I visited the New York Stock Exchange to see the markets up close and discuss HBCU partnerships to help close the racial wealth gap. | Meeting the First Black CEO of the Atlanta Girl Scouts | Team Nikema joined the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta for the unveiling of a plaque honoring Civil Rights leader Dr. Roslyn Pope. They also met J'Aimeka Jai Ferrell, the first Black CEO of the Girl Scouts of Atlanta! We look forward to seeing her continue Dr. Pope's legacy. | Honoring the Life of Congressman John Lewis | Team Nikema attended the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation.org and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc wreath-laying ceremony for Congressman John Lewis. Though he is no longer with us the stories and wisdom he shared are and serve as a reminder to get in Good Trouble. | Helping Scholars and Families Headed Back to School | Team Nikema was ready for the new school year and had a great time at the Atlanta Public Schools' 10th Annual Back to School Bash. They helped students and parents prepare for the new year. | Washington, D.C.
1406 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3801 | Atlanta
100 Peachtree Street NW | Suite 1920
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 659-0116 | |
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