To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12877 Broad Street in Sparta, Georgia, as the "Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim Post Office Building".

Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of this bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12877 Broad Street in Sparta, Georgia, as the ``Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim Post Office Building.''

Born on January 12, 1965, in Bibb County, Georgia, Yvonne Ingram- Ephraim--or ``Von'' as she was known by those close to her--was a generous and passionate member of the community.

Having grown up in Hancock County, she graduated from high school in 1982 before continuing her education at Macon Technical College. Driven by a desire to serve her country, she took time off from her education to enlist in the United States Air Force Reserve.

After basic training, she continued her academic pursuits at Fort Valley State College where she earned a bachelor's in home economics and a master's in elementary education. Her thirst for knowledge unquenched, in 1997 Von received her Educational Specialist degree in Elementary Education from Troy State University.

After graduation, she returned to Hancock County where she worked as a teacher and assisted part time at the family business, the Ingram Brothers Funeral Home, as a funeral director apprentice and staff member.

Always devoted to her community, Yvonne became active in politics through the Hancock County Democratic Executive Committee. In 1992, she became the first African American elected to serve on the city council and later served as Mayor pro-tem for the City of Sparta.

Throughout her life, Von nourished a tremendous connection to her faith. Joining the Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church at a very young age, she remained an active member of the church throughout her life. In December of 2000, Yvonne married the love of her life, Reverend Michael G. Ephraim, Senior.

Sadly, in April of 2007, Von passed away. This devoted wife, mother, and friend will forever be remembered for her loving generosity to those around her.

I rise today to urge my colleagues to support this legislation so that the accomplishments and qualities of this wonderful citizen will not soon be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 663. I have no additional speakers.

I yield back the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman, and I thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. Towns, and the ranking member, Mr. Issa, for advancing the consideration of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 663, a bill to designate the post office in Sparta, Georgia, as the ``Yvonne Ingram- Ephraim Post Office Building.''

Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim--or ``Von'' as she was known to all who knew and loved her--was one of Sparta's most respected citizens before her untimely death nearly 2 years ago. Von was the first African American to be elected to the Sparta city government when she was elected city councilwoman in 1992, and she was re-elected three more times before her passing.

As a former four-term city councilman myself, I can tell you that doing what it takes to keep folks in your hometown happy enough to keep you in office for that many terms is no easy task.

In 1997, she was appointed Mayor pro-tem of Sparta, a title she held until her death in 2007. During this time, she also served as secretary of the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials, one of our State's most respected and influential political organizations.

Von married Reverend Michael Ephraim in 2000 and found herself managing the demands of a preacher's wife, mother, fourth grade school teacher, and elected official. Any one of those jobs is big enough, but Von was able to perform each of these roles in such a way as to make all those around her feel loved and respected.

On a purely personal note, Von was a good friend to me, and showed by her example that the things we have in common are a whole lot more important than the things that tend to divide us.

And I can't think of a better way to commemorate her example than to

pass this legislation, which would give us all a lasting reminder of what Von accomplished during her too-short life on this earth.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 663) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12877 Broad Street in Sparta, Georgia, as the ``Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim Post Office Building''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Madam Speaker, I now yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, as Chair of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service, I am pleased to present for consideration H.R. 663 which renames the postal facility located at 12877 Broad Street in Sparta, Georgia, as the ``Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim Post Office building.''

A lifelong public servant, Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim rose from public school teacher to become the first African American elected to serve on the city council of Sparta, Georgia.

H.R. 663 has the support of the entire Georgia congressional delegation, and the measure was authored by my friend from Georgia, Representative John Barrow, who at this moment I'd like to yield to for 4 minutes to speak further on the bill.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Madam Speaker, again, I stand with my colleagues, especially our sponsor, Representative John Barrow of Georgia, in full support of H.R. 663 to designate the ``Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim Post Office Building,'' and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of the following items, en bloc: Calendar No. 65, H.R. 663; Calendar No. 66, H.R. 918, Calendar No. 67, H.R. 1284; and Calendar No. 68, H.R. 1595.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bills be read a third time and passed en bloc, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table, there be no intervening action or debate, and that any statements related thereto be printed in the Record.