Akron Reporter

Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, currently serving Ohio's 13th district in the U.S. Congress, shared her perspectives on several pressing issues through a series of tweets posted on May 21 and May 22, 2025. Her statements address concerns about national fiscal policies and condemn recent acts of violence.

On May 21, Rep. Sykes criticized a reconciliation bill supported by House Republicans. She argued that "The reconciliation bill that House Republicans are pushing both adds significantly to our national debt and kicks people off the benefits they rely on." According to Sykes, these measures are intended to provide substantial tax breaks for billionaires.

Later the same day, she expressed concern over potential impacts on healthcare access for Ohioans. In another tweet, she stated, "If being in good health makes you rich, then the House Republicans are trying to bankrupt hardworking Ohioans." Rep. Sykes introduced an amendment aimed at preventing cuts to Medicaid from the Republican funding bill to protect the healthcare coverage of approximately 201,000 residents in Ohio's 13th district.

On May 22, Rep. Sykes addressed a tragic incident involving violence against diplomatic staff in Washington D.C., condemning the act via Twitter: "I strongly condemn the killing of two staffers of the Embassy of Israel outside the Capital Jewish Museum tonight in DC." She emphasized that political violence and antisemitism are unacceptable and extended her condolences to the victims' families.

Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes has been representing Ohio's 13th District since replacing Tim Ryan in 2023. Prior to her current role, she served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2015 to 2022. Born in Akron, Ohio in 1986, she holds degrees from Kent State University and the University of Florida.