Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, the new majority promised to provide a comprehensive plan to restore America to prosperity and to create jobs. Unfortunately, this resolution does not do anything to deliver on that promise.

Furthermore, I hope that this body, both Democrats and Republicans, will begin to focus on the fact that we have millions of people who are poor, who are low income, and who are chronically unemployed.

Whatever we do, we need a yardstick, and we need a criteria, and we need standards so that we can look at how what we do here on this floor elevates and lifts up people who are below the poverty line and helps them move into middle-income status. This resolution does not do that. It's really a bunch of rhetoric, as I see it. I really can't figure out what it's about. It does nothing, and it certainly does nothing to create jobs for those whom we care about.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Elder Berresford ``Berry'' Bingham, the political director of Service Employees International Union, SEIU, Local 1021. A devoted community member and the first African American elected to the Alameda School Board, Mr. Bingham was a beloved father, grandfather, friend and colleague. Berry Bingham was taken from us too soon, on January 25, 2011 at the age of 64. Today, let us find comfort in the joy his life inspired. He was a talented, kind and spiritual man who touched countless lives throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

Berry Bingham was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and moved with his family to the United States at the age of 12. After high school and a brief stint in college, Mr. Bingham enlisted in the U.S. Navy and began a two-decade naval career. After retirement from the service in 1994, Mr. Bingham became increasingly interested in local schools in Alameda. That very same year, he became the first African American ever elected to the Alameda School Board. During his tenure from 1994 to 2002 he was known as a patient and steadfast advocate for children from all walks of life.

He was passionate about ensuring equal education opportunities for underserved children, and he was a candid proponent for diversity in schools throughout the west and east ends of Alameda. Even after he joined Local 616, which became SEIU Local 1021, Mr. Bingham kept children's interests as a priority, often traveling to Stockton to develop a Head Start campaign. For over 17 years, Mr. Bingham utilized his skill as a professional worker's advocate to fortify the union's ties with community organizations. In his role as Community Strength Coordinator, Mr. Bingham worked to represent public workers, including those in the city of Oakland, Alameda County, and employees of BART. He was also passionate about advocating for home care workers.

In addition to being a delegate of the Central Labor Council and a stalwart leader in the labor community, Mr. Bingham served as a Deacon and Elder of his church. Often called the ``neighborhood dad,'' Mr. Bingham was immensely proud of the accomplishments of his three adult children, Kenya, Jovon and Brian, from his union with former wife, Kathy Bingham. The amicably divorced couple had recently become proud grandparents.

On a personal level, I was proud to call Berry not only my friend and colleague, but my brother. I met him in the early 90s. Berry was a consistent supporter and worker in my political efforts, and he was also a confidant who always ``watched my back.'' For that, I am deeply grateful.

Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors an outstanding human being, Elder Berresford ``Berry'' Bingham. The contributions he made to others throughout his life are countless and precious. Mr. Bingham was a dear friend and he will be deeply missed by an extended group of loved ones. Although these days are difficult, I pray that our fond memories of Berry will bring us comfort and strength as we celebrate his life and legacy. May his soul rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of the First Lady of Acts Full Gospel Church, Charlene Jackson. Affectionately called ``Sister Charlene'' by the community, she was loving wife, mother, sister and friend. Sister Charlene Jackson will be remembered for her warm and vivacious presence in daily life, as well as her exemplary service to her congregation and the powerful strength of her ministry. With Sister Jackson's passing on January 26, 2011, we are reminded of her life's journey and the joyful legacy she inspired.

Sister Jackson was born on May 14, 1946, and as a teenager, resided at the Termon Avenue Home for Children (now Three Rivers Youth). She graduated from David B. Oliver High School and Duff's Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1983, she and Bishop Bob Jackson were married. The couple began Acts Full Gospel Church the following year. Together, they had a son, David, as well as an extended family of youth who benefitted from their loving mentorship and guidance.

Sister Jackson was an effective administrator of church affairs in her roles as office manager and administrative assistant to Bishop Jackson. She faithfully served the ministry beside her husband, and was coordinator of the Praise Team, as well as a member of the Chords of Acts Adult Choir.

As a trusted counselor and mentor, Sister Jackson taught in the church's marriage ministry, Women's Department, and Young Adult Department. She also authored, ``Don't Start No Mess, Won't Be No Mess,'' a text offering straight talk to women about conducting successful relationships with men.

Sister Jackson was truly a spirit-filled woman of God who inspired many to a life of faith. She fulfilled her role as the First Lady of Acts Full Gospel Church with dignity and love. And, as a wife and helpmate to Bishop Bob Jackson, she showed exemplary passion, support and commitment to her husband, family and congregation.

The legacy of her strength and grace will live on in the hearts of many as we celebrate her life for years to come. Sister Jackson leaves behind her loving husband, Bishop Jackson, her son, David, her sister Janice Canon, sister-in law Pastor Doris Limbrick, and Lisa, Jamal, Kamani and Shavonn.

Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors an outstanding human being, First Lady Charlene Jackson. The contributions she made to others throughout her life are countless and precious. My thoughts are with Bishop Jackson and his family as we commemorate the life of this incredible woman. May her soul rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career of Ms.

Betty Gadling. Known affectionately as ``Sister Betty,'' Ms. Gadling has served Allen Temple Baptist Church for 35 years as the venerable Minister of Music and Performing Arts.

A woman of many talents, Ms. Gadling has traveled the world as a performer, composed and published original pieces, recorded two albums of gospel music, directed numerous choral groups, and produced full- scale productions, such as The Black Nativity and The Celebration of Light. Through her passion and skill as a music instructor and mentor, she has developed countless programs that inspire our young people in the fields of music appreciation, instrumental instruction, voice lessons, music theory, business of music and ensemble playing.

Her contributions to the Bay Area through the Allen Temple Musical, Cultural and Performing Arts Committee are unmatched, and her musical gifts are only outweighed by her personal commitment to ministry, faith and service. In addition to a long musical career, Ms. Gadling was the first African-American female Sheriff in Contra Costa County, a valued staff member of the University of California, and an employee at Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base (now Travis Air Force Base) while pursuing a degree at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

She has acted as a consultant for youth programs to the American Baptist Conferences, served on the Committee of Musicians and Pastors for the African American Hymnal, and was honored in 2009 as a Cal State East Bay Outstanding Alumnus and a Hampton University Ministers' Conference and the Choir Directors' Organists' Guild Workshop, ``Living Legend in Church Music.''

Betty is a musical genius and giant. Her creative spirit soars. She has been an inspiration to those whose lives she has touched, including myself. On behalf of the residents of California's 9th Congressional District, Ms. Betty Gadling, I salute you. Thank you for your exceptional contributions to Allen Temple Baptist Church and to residents throughout the Bay Area. I wish you and your loved ones all the best in this next chapter of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary journalistic contributions of veteran KGO-AM radio journalist Rafael ``Ray'' Taliaferro as he is inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Hall of Fame.

Renowned for his San Francisco Bay Area 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. broadcast called, ``The Early Show,'' Ray Taliaferro has been a progressive voice in lively, late-night discussions of political, cultural and current events for the past 25 years. Moreover, Mr. Taliaferro's entire broadcasting career spans four decades, and he is recognized as the first African-American talk show host on a major market radio station in our nation's history.

Born February 7, 1939, Mr. Taliaferro grew up in the Hunters Point district of San Francisco. After getting his start in talk radio in 1967 at San Francisco's KNEW-AM, Mr. Taliaferro began a career in television--commuting daily to Burbank, California to host on KHJ-TV. Before long, he was hired as a news anchor for San Francisco's KRON-TV station, and in 1977, he joined the team at KGO Radio.

Throughout his trailblazing career, Mr. Taliaferro has been a fearless leader and a bold advocate for numerous causes. He was president of the San Francisco chapter of the NAACP from 1968 to 1971, helped found the National Association of Black Journalists in 1975, and was honored by the San Francisco Black Chamber of Commerce in 1994 with the Black Chamber Life Award. Additionally, due to his tremendous efforts to help raise money for leukemia research, Mr. Taliaferro was named board president of the Northern California Chapter of the Leukemia Society of America from 1995 to 2000.

Among his many achievements, Mr. Taliaferro has fostered a tremendous involvement in the arts. He led the San Francisco Art Commission for 16 years, was the Mayor's Commissioner of the War Memorial Trustee Board from 1992 to 2000, and served as president of the Frederick Douglass Symposium. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Governors of The Commonwealth Club of California. And, in addition to his talents as an orator, Mr. Taliaferro is an accomplished musician who conducted the ``Ray Tal Chorale'' and served as the music director of Third Baptist Church.

In September of 2010, Mr. Taliaferro was a recipient of another Hall of Fame honor through the Newseum in Washington DC, and in July of that year, the National Association of Black Journalists named ``The Ray Taliaferro Entrepreneurial Award of Excellence'' in his honor. A life- long Democrat, and one of the premier liberal talk show hosts in America, Ray Taliaferro has long encouraged civic engagement through astute political commentary. Furthermore, his strength of opinion and journalistic passion continue to be a catalyst for community dialogue and healthy debate.

As we join in celebration of Mr. Taliaferro and his fellow 2011 NABJ Hall of Fame inductees, Ed Bradley, Eugene Robinson, Merri Dee and JC Hayward, we are reminded of the invaluable service that America's journalistic community provides. What's more, we celebrate the countless contributions that journalists of color continue to make in the dissemination of news, the diversity of our media, and the history of our country. On behalf of California's 9th Congressional District, Rafael ``Ray'' Taliaferro, we salute you. Thank you for your continued service to the Bay Area community and to our great nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career of Dr. Janet L. Holmgren as she retires from over 20 years of transformative leadership as the president of my alma mater, Mills College, in Oakland, California. I can say with gratitude and admiration that, during her tenure, President Holmgren has propelled Mills into one of the most respected and successful liberal arts colleges in the United States.

In addition to increasing enrollment while simultaneously elevating the academic profile of the College, President Holmgren has created a national model for women's education and increased educational opportunities for a diverse pool of talented women and men. Known for her thoughtful, strategic, creative and collaborative leadership ability, President Holmgren has been a staunch advocate for expanding educational access and student diversity. As one of the leading women's colleges in the country with an impressive roster of innovative coed graduate programs, Mills is also considered one of the nation's most diverse selective liberal arts colleges.

Reflecting the renowned multiculturalism of the surrounding Oakland area and the entire 9th Congressional District, the Mills College undergraduate student population comprises 39 percent students of color, and is instructed by a teaching community that is 25 percent faculty of color (A large jump compared to 21 percent students of color and 5 percent faculty of color in 1991). President Holmgren has also been a highly effective fundraiser, enabling Mills to grow its endowment to $175 million. The College's most recent capital campaign, ending in 2004, exceeded its $100 million goal by $32 million. And in the 2008-2009 fiscal year, Mills raised over $18 million in crucial funding.

In the past decade alone, President Holmgren's funding initiatives have resulted in over $100 million of capital improvements, including facilities to house the School of Education (offering Mills' first doctoral degree) and

two environmentally sustainable facilities--the Betty Irene Moore Natural Sciences Building and the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business.

Additionally, President Holmgren's comprehensive leadership and long- term vision led her to be an early adopter of the American College and Universities' Climate Commitment. She continues to make sustainability and environmental responsibility key tenets of Mills' current strategic plan and campus values, and these efforts have earned Mills a rating as one of the greenest colleges in the nation by The Princeton Review.

A consummate leader and a dear friend, President Holmgren has been a steadfast champion for women's education, student diversity, and improved access to higher learning. She has left an indelible mark on the higher education community in California and throughout the nation by way of her myriad accomplishments. Her many accolades and contributions include chairing numerous boards, being the 2006 recipient of the Chief Executive Officer Leadership Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, and being named one of the ``Bay Area's Most Influential Women in Business'' by the San Francisco Business Times in 2008 and 2009.

As a proud Mills College alumna and former president of the Black Student Union during the early 1970s, I have been committed to bringing Mills College closer to the larger East Bay community. President Holmgren, in her many creative ways, has ensured that the outside world is well connected to the students and programs of this beautiful campus.

On behalf of the residents of California's 9th Congressional District, Dr. Janet L. Holmgren, I salute you for three decades of outstanding leadership in higher education. I congratulate and thank you for your unparalleled service to our community. You have touched countless lives in profound ways throughout your career, and we wish you continued success and happiness as you transition to this exciting new chapter of life.

Mr. Speaker, today I missed rollcall vote No. 17 on ``Ordering the Previous Question'' regarding H. Res. 43, and rollcall vote No. 18 on agreeing to H. Res. 43. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on both votes.

I want to thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this bill. Every time we take on this bill to repeal the very important freedoms provided by the health care reform law, it's really a critical minute that we are not focusing on jobs. We should be debating how to create jobs, how to get our economy going and how to reduce the deficit. Instead, Republicans want to add $230 billion to the deficit and to empower health insurance companies--mind you, health insurance companies--to take away patients' rights in their own health decisions that they should be making with themselves and their health care physicians, nurses, and providers.

This repeal gives insurance companies much, much, much too much power. Literally, their idea is to return to the same failed system that has left 50 million people, including 7\1/2\ million children, without health care. In the current economic environment, where more people are without coverage and where jobs are scarce, making it more difficult for people to access health care or to keep their health care coverage is downright wrong. Repeal of the law would set us back where once again health care would be a privilege for those who can afford it rather than a basic human right for each and every American.

When I voted for health care reform, I said it was in the memory of all of those who died prematurely because they had no health care and also in honor of and support for those who will now live longer and healthier lives because they would have health care. Repealing this health care law really is morally wrong, and it's fiscally irresponsible.

Madam Speaker, I missed rollcall votes 657 through 663 on Tuesday, December 21st. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote 657 on H. Res 1771, rollcall 658 on H.R. 6540, rollcall 659 on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 5116, rollcall 660 on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2142, rollcall 661 on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2751, rollcall 662 on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 3082, and rollcall 663 on H.R. 6547.

Madam Speaker, today I missed rollcall vote 664 on H.R. 847. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I rise today to honor Congressman Artur Davis. During the past eight years, Congressman Davis has represented Alabama's seventh congressional district with earnest dedication.

An Alabama native, Congressman Davis was raised by his mother and grandmother. Despite his family's modest means, he excelled in school and graduated with honors from both Harvard University and Harvard Law School. As a law student, he worked for the Southern Poverty Law Center and for U.S. Senator Howell Heflin. From 1994 to 1998, he served as a Federal prosecutor in Montgomery and earned an almost perfect trial conviction record. He spent the following four years as a litigator in private practice until he was elected to the House of Representatives in 2002.

During his eight years in office, Congressman Davis has become well known for his political acumen and public speaking ability. He gained national recognition when he garnered significant bipartisan support to pass the HOPE VI program to improve public housing. Significantly, Congressman Davis was also a major player responsible for the reopening of the Pigford black farmer's lawsuit. Among his national honors, Esquire Magazine selected him as one of the top ten best Congressmen in America.

Congressman Davis has served admirably as a member of the Ways and Means Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the House Administration Committee. He made an impressive contribution to the Democratic Party during the 2008 election cycle as the Recruitment Chair for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Congressman Davis is a passionate and pragmatic legislator, who has fought to improve the lives of the people in his district and throughout the country. On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I honor Congressman Artur Davis.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution honoring my dear friend and former colleague, Congressman Norman Mineta, the founder of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

After attending the University of California, Berkeley in my district, Congressman Mineta served as an intelligence officer in Korea and Japan.

He was the first minority and Asian American city council member in San Jose, and was elected the first Asian American mayor of a major U.S. city.

As a child, Congressman Mineta and his family suffered great loss when they were sent to an internment camp after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Upon his election to Congress, he worked tirelessly to pass the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which officially apologized to and compensated Japanese families for their discriminatory and immoral internment.

I had the privilege to work with Norm while serving Mayor of Oakland, then Congressman Ron Dellums' staff. I vividly remember sitting next to him on a flight from Washington, DC to San Francisco. During that flight, he told me his remarkable life story, which established our long term friendship. As a staffer, he treated me with respect, and I am proud to call him my friend.

After his long career in Congress, Congressman Mineta became the first Asian American Cabinet member, first as Secretary of Commerce under President William J. Clinton and then as Secretary of Transportation under President George W. Bush.

I wholeheartedly support this resolution honoring the accomplishments of an outstanding and inspiring public servant, colleague, trailblazer, and friend, Congressman Norman Mineta.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, it is with great pleasure and pride that I extend my best wishes and congratulations to Congresswoman Diane Watson, as she prepares to retire from the United States Congress.

A former elementary school teacher and school psychologist, Congresswoman Watson has lectured at both California State Universities at Los Angeles and Long Beach. In 1975, she became the first African- American woman to be elected to the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education. She led efforts to expand school integration and improve academic standards.

For almost 20 years, Congresswoman Watson served in the California State Senate where she was the first African-American woman to serve in that body. She became a statewide and national advocate for health care, consumer protection, women, and children. During her tenure in Sacramento, she served as chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and as a member of the Judiciary Committee.

Congresswoman Watson retired from the State Senate in 1999 when she was appointed by President William Jefferson Clinton to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. As Ambassador to Micronesia, she represented our country in a magnificent way and has throughout her career demonstrated her mastery of foreign policy. She is truly an international leader. Dr. Watson served in this capacity until 2001 when she returned to California to run for Congress in a special election after the death of Congressman Julian Dixon.

An exceptional public servant, Congresswoman Watson has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to improving the human condition, throughout her long and distinguished career. A commonsense legislator and a passionate advocate for justice, she has masterfully used her vote and voice in the United States House of Representatives.

The Congressional Black Caucus honors and salutes Congresswoman Watson for her legacy of service to the residents of California's 33rd Congressional District and to the global community. We will miss her in the halls of Congress and in the ranks of the CBC. We wish her well as she opens the next chapter of her life, we celebrate her leadership, and thank her for her friendship.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I rise today to honor and celebrate the extraordinary career of Congressman Kendrick Meek. A man who took up the torch from his mother--our former esteemed colleague, Congresswoman Carrie Meek-- and has carried it further than any of us would have ever imagined. He has truly been a trailblazer here in Washington, DC.

A native of Florida, Congressman Meek received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1989 from Florida A&M University, where he co-founded the school's Young Democrats chapter. After rising to become the first African-American chief of police in Florida, Congressman Meek was elected to the Florida House of Representatives from 1995 to 1998 and to the Florida Senate from 1999 to 2002. While in the Florida Senate, Congressman Meek chaired Florida's Coalition to Reduce Class Size and helped gain a major victory for students throughout the state, with 2.5 million Florida citizens voting to approve the initiative.

During the four terms that Congressman Meek has served Florida's 17th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, he has lit a spark among all of us and brought a renewed spirit to the mission of not only the Congressional Black Caucus, but to all of Congress. He has sponsored legislation creating a Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force, expanded trade preferences to Haiti's textile industry, provided tax relief to individuals taken advantage of by Ponzi schemes, and expanded the number of Medicare-supported physician residency training positions in states with a shortage of residents. Congressman Meek has also been recognized nationally for his commitment to youth issues and for his use of social media as a way of strengthening collaborative communication with his constituents and enhancing civic engagement.

Congressman Meek has served admirably on the House Committee on Ways and Means and as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. On the international level, he has served on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, an inter- parliamentary organization of legislators representing NATO members and associate countries. He served as Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and led it to its prominent national stature.

Congressman Meek is a dedicated public servant, who has always fought fiercely for social and economic justice. He has truly inspired a renewed spirit throughout the Congress. On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I honor Congressman Meek for his outstanding commitment to his district and his country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus to pay tribute to our colleagues Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, Congresswoman Diane Watson, Congressman Kendrick Meek, members of the Congressional Black Caucus who are retiring at the end of the 111th Congress.

I will say a bit about each of them in a moment, but I do want to recognize and first thank them all for their service to their constituents and to our country and really to the world. Each of them in their own way has contributed to the cause and the mission of the Congressional Black Caucus which was founded almost 40 years ago and continues as the ``conscience of the Congress.''

Since our founding in 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus has remained true to its mission to root out inequality and injustice. Our voice has been heard throughout the Halls of Congress and throughout the world. We have been advancing the role of government to empower and protect families and children with every legislative tool at our disposal.

Congresswoman Kilpatrick is an immediate past chair of the Congressional Black Caucus who I served under as first vice chair during the 110th Congress.

Congresswoman Kilpatrick is a brilliant and focused lawmaker who I have also had the pleasure of serving with a member of the House Appropriations Committee where she has been a forceful advocate for her constituents and the State of Michigan.

While serving on Capitol Hill, Congresswoman Kilpatrick has worked to level the playing field for minority-owned media outlets and advertising firms that face discrimination from major advertisers. She has hosted forums on diversity in advertising and was a leading force in the successful effort to secure a Presidential executive order compelling all Federal agencies to increase their contractual opportunities with minority businesses.

Prior to her coming to Washington, Congresswoman Kilpatrick taught business education in the Detroit public schools before being elected to the Michigan State House where she served for 18 years and was the first African-American woman to serve on the Michigan House Appropriations Committee.

Congresswoman Kilpatrick has a deep commitment to our young people and the security of their future. She established the Sojourner Truth Project to inspire young African-American women to be leaders. Her spirit, her heart, and her intellect soar. The world is a better place because of this great woman.

Congresswoman Diane Watson, my friend, our colleague, believe it or not is a former elementary school teacher. She continues to educate us all each and every day. She is also a school psychologist who has lectured at both California State Universities at Los Angeles and Long Beach.

In 1975, she became the first African-American woman to be elected to the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education, and she led efforts during some very tumultuous times to expand school integration and improve academic standards.

For almost 20 years, Congresswoman Watson served in the California State Senate where I served later. She was the first African-American woman to serve in that body, and she became a statewide and national advocate for health care long before the rest of the country was talking about health care reform. She was an advocate for consumer protection, women and children.

During her tenure in Sacramento, she served as the chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and as a member of the Judiciary Committee. Let me tell you, and I always say this about Congresswoman Watson, there were 40 members of the California Senate. I came to politics as a result of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm running for President. She was the first African-American woman elected to this body. Congresswoman Watson, I used to watch her as being the only African-American woman in California in the State senate, and how she was able to maintain her integrity, her principles, her intellect and who she was as a black woman and yet negotiate very important legislation on behalf of the whole State. I want to salute her.

Congresswoman Watson also served as the ambassador to Micronesia. She represented our country in a magnificent way. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her mastery of foreign policy. She is an international leader. She is Dr. Watson who served in that capacity as ambassador until 2001 when she returned to California to run for Congress in a special election after the untimely death of our beloved Congressman Julian Dixon.

She is an exceptional public servant, and she has demonstrated throughout her life a remarkable commitment to improving the human condition. And so we salute you, Congresswoman Watson, and we look forward to this next chapter of your life.

And also, let me just take a moment to honor the extraordinary career of Congressman Kendrick Meek, a man who took up the torch from his mother, our former esteemed colleague, Congresswoman Carrie Meek, and he has carried it further than any of us would have ever imagined.

Other Members will talk more about Congressman Meek, but we salute all of our retiring Members and wish them well and Godspeed.