Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my family--my husband, Conan, and our daughter, Cora--and the city of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to honor the life of Pastor Byron Christopher Sumner. A beloved son of Roxbury, Chris deserved to grow old, but he transitioned on July 5 due to complications from ALS. He excelled from a young age in athletics, particularly basketball, which brought him to Canada, where he earned scholarships and eventually played semi-pro. His commitment, talent, agility, and strength went beyond the court.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+100$688K raised
Ayanna Pressley
Representative · Massachusetts · Democrat
Ayanna Pressley
Reproductive Rights · Housing Justice · Criminal Justice Reform · Labor Rights
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I rise for the family and loved ones of Pierre Damas Bel, a beloved son and brother, 20-year-old college student, and Haitian immigrant with temporary protected status. He found joy on the soccer field and dreamed of studying medicine until the Trump administration forced an ankle monitor, really a shackle, on him and threatened his deportation. Trump's termination of Haiti TPS robbed this young man of his humanity, stripped him of his dignity, and inflicted mental trauma that became too much for him to bear. He simply could not go on.
Biography
Ayanna Pressley began her public service as a community organizer and policy aide in Boston, focusing on women’s rights and public safety. Elected in 2018 as the U.S. Representative for Massachusetts’s 7th District, she has prioritized criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and equitable access to healthcare. Pressley introduced the People’s Justice Guarantee, a comprehensive resolution for overhauling the criminal legal system, and serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. She is recognized for her direct, community-driven approach, consistently centering the voices of her constituents in legislative debates.
Education
- Attended, Boston University
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2019-PresentRepresenting Massachusetts's 7th district
Member, Boston City Council
2010–18Staffer, U.S. senator John Kerry
1997–2009Staffer, U.S. representative Joseph Kennedy Ii
1994–97
Policy Focus
Crime and Law Enforcement22%
Health21%
Finance and Financial Sector12%
Education8%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Ayanna Pressley's record in Congress.
Prison Phone Justice
Introduced the Ending Qualified Immunity Act and championed reducing costs of prison phone calls for incarcerated individuals and families.
CROWN Act Advocacy
Led efforts to pass the CROWN Act in the House, prohibiting hair-based discrimination in schools and workplaces.
Abortion Rights Protection
Co-sponsored the Women’s Health Protection Act to safeguard access to abortion services nationwide.
Fare-Free Transit Funding
Secured federal funding to support fare-free bus pilot programs in Boston, increasing transit equity and accessibility.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
- House Committee on Financial Services
Rep. Ayanna Pressley FAQ
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