Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable funeral home, Brinson Funeral Home.

Brinson Funeral Home was established in 1939 by Booker T. Brinson, Sr. and Ruby Brinson at 723 Aloe Avenue in Cleveland, Mississippi. They worked diligently in the farming industry in Sunflower County to be able to purchase their funeral home. In the early 80's their son, John Brinson, took over the business. John wanted to maintain the legacy and vision of his parents, who believed that every family they serviced was special and deserved the best during and after their bereavement.

The Brinson Funeral Home staff of funeral directors and morticians understands that it is ``A Home That Service Built''.

Mr. Brinson throughout the years has maintained the authenticity of the facility, while using the latest technology and educational tools, the funeral home continues to be a thriving establishment in the community. Brinson Funeral Home sponsors, contributes and participates in numerous youth and charitable organizations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Brinson Funeral Home for their dedication in being a corner stone in the City of Cleveland and Bolivar County Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, which is located at 2975 Cannonsburg Road in Cannonsburg, MS.

December 17-19, 2010 Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 150th year anniversary with three days of festivities. Dr. Samuel White penned the church's history.

The Bethlehem Baptist Church was organized in 1860 by Rev. George White and other like-minded brothers and their wives. The Church was organized to serve the religious and spiritual needs of freed blacks and ex-slaves of the Cannonsburg community. Three prominent families populated the area and became active in the early church. They were the Whites, the Frisbys, and the Tylers. Even today, most of the church's membership is related to one or all three of these family lines. Later the Church's population grew to include the Comptons, Coles, Clarks, Herringtons, Perrymans, Hawkins, Kahos, Prees, Washingtons, Dorseys, Gambles, among others.

The original church was located on property lying between the Natchez Trace and the Cannonsburg Road. In 1907, the Church Fathers, Alfred White and James Compton, purchased a two acre tract of land from Gabe Tyler to build a ``Church House.'' A white wood structure was erected with a potbelly stove in the center for heat. In 1965, this building was removed and the first brick sanctuary was built. The church membership outgrew the facility; and, in 1984, a major renovation and expansion project was undertaken and completed to include a Fellowship Hall and a Pastor's Study.

The current multi-purpose facility which was dedicated in April, 2005, represents the fifth building erected for the Church Family. In 1999, the Church Family initiated a five-year Building Plan to design, finance, and build a worship facility that would accommodate and serve the needs of a growing membership. Under the leadership of a dynamic Pastor, the Rev. Percy Turner, and an activist Board of Deacons, this goal was achieved in 2005. Additional property was purchased from the Golden Mutual Aide Society and Mrs. Carrie Jackson Johnson on which to build the new facility. Rev. John Hawkins, Deacon Charlie Hawkins, Sr. and Bro. Dwayne Hawkins--acting as Hawkins Construction, were all members of the congregation that constructed the new sanctuary and fellowship hall.

The Church has held a prominent position in the religious, social, and civic life of Jefferson County. Many of the early religious pioneers of the Black Baptist Movement in the county were either members or pastors of Bethlehem, i.e. Rev. P. C. Rucker, Rev. P. E. Frisby, and Rev. W. N. Tyler.

Bethlehem is also the site of the first Civil Rights mass meeting to be held in Jefferson County. While others feared retaliation from those who would burn crosses and churches, the leadership at Bethlehem took the bold steps to host the NAACP and challenge the racial inequities that existed in the 1960s. As a result, even today our community takes very seriously the right to vote and participates fully in the electoral process. Several members of this Church have attained the status of being the first of their race to be elected and/or appointed to political positions at the City, County, and State levels.

Since the church has been at its present location, the following individuals have served as Pastors: Rev. George White, 1902-1905; Rev. P. C. Rucker, 1906-1909; Rev. P. E. Frisby, 1909-1918; Rev. John Alexander, 1918-1928; Rev. W. N. Tyler, 1928-1931;

Rev. D. W. M. Johnson, 1931-1940; Rev. Wilson Ford, 1940-1948; Rev. Jimmy Jones, 1948-1982; Rev. Percy Turner, 1983-Present.

Over the years, the following persons have served as Associate Ministers: Rev. Alf White, Rev. Marcus Frisby, Rev. Louis Frisby, Rev. Louis White, Rev. Edgar White, Rev. Leon Dorsey, Rev. David White, Rev. George A. Tyler, Rev. Aubry Watson, Rev. Juanita Tyler, Rev. Ernest Gaines, Rev. Andrew Dorsey, Rev, Mandy Green, Rev. John H. Hawkins, Rev. Charles Kaho, and Rev. John Tyler.

Some dynamic men have served as Deacons; they include: Bro. Phillip White, Bro. Jackson Tyler, Bro. Richard Tyler, Bro. Wilson Tyler, Bro. James Compton, Bro. Sanford ``Sam'' White, Bro. Bivens Cole, Sr., Bro. Daniel White, Bro. Juanita Tyler, Bro. Aubry Watson, Bro. General Jenkins, Bro. Leon Dorsey, Bro. Frank White, Bro. John Tyler, Bro. Monroe Griffin, Bro. Leon Dorsey, Jr., Bro. Frank Gamble, Bro. Charles Kaho, Bro. John H. Hawkins, Bro. Jerome Herrington, Jr., Bro. Willie J. Pree, Bro. Robert L. White, Bro. Samuel L. White, Sr., Bro. Larry D. Tyler, Bro. Charlie Hawkins, Sr., Bro. Roosevelt ``Bill'' White, Bro. Keith King, Bro. Joseph Cole, Sr., and Bro. Jerry Sims.

Over the years, the Mother's Board (Deaconess Board) has included: Sis. Arnetta C. Tyler, Sis. Lou Virginia White, Sis. Kizzie Tyler, Sis. Ella Tyler, Sis. Juanita Tyler, Sis. Celeste Frisby, Sis. Irene Tyler, Sis. Jinice Sanders, Sis. Ora Clark, Sis. Mindy White, Sis. Effie Turner, Sis. Henretta Compton, Sis. Lillie Perryman Jackson, Sis. Virginia S. White, Sis. Martha White, Sis. Mary E. Dorsey, Sis. Flordia Jones, Sis. Louella White, Sis. Doris Kaho, Sis. Mae Rose Herrington, Sis. Sarah Griffin, Sis. Carrie Jenkins, Sis. Augusta Ballard, Sis. Lettie Irving, Sis. Gertrude White, Sis. Cora White, Sis. Almeta Dorsey, Sis. Mamie Herrington, Sis. Edna Holmes, Sis. Laura Reed, Sis. Laura Tyler, Sis. Effie Woods, Sis. Jean Hawkins, Sis. Levater White, Sis. Lollie J. Doss, Sis. Johnnie R. Tolliver, and Sis. Sophronia Evans.

The membership is proud of its rich history and Christian traditions. We will continue to celebrate the accomplishments of our forefathers, but more importantly, we are dedicated to embracing God's call to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to win souls to Christ through love, dedication, loyalty, and service to mankind. We humbly thank God for more than 150 years of service and we pray for His continued blessings and divine guidance as we demonstrate to the world that Bethlehem is the place where ``Our Feet are on the Rock and Our Names are on Heaven's Roll.''

Since the writing of this history in 2010, the name of the Bethlehem Baptist Association has changed to Jefferson County Baptist Association.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church for its outstanding service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor as extraordinary Funeral Home Business in the Mississippi Delta, Cooley's Mortuary of Batesville, MS.

Cooley's Mortuary, Inc. opened its doors in April 1990, beginning a tradition of professionalism, dedication and compassionate care to families in Batesville, Panola County, Mississippi and the surrounding communities. After serving in the United States Army for two years, and in pursuit of a need to do something ``useful'' with his life, Jerry Cooley enrolled into the Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science, Houston, Texas where he soon graduated and received his National Board Certified license in 1978. He began a career as funeral director and mortician at Brown Mortuary, Inc. in Laurel, Mississippi. With encouragement from his dear mother and a great ambition calling him higher, Jerry Cooley moved to Batesville, Mississippi in August 1984 where he worked as funeral manager and embalmer at Century Funeral Home.

In April of 1990, a longtime dream of Jerry Cooley's became a reality when he and his wife, Norma Jean, held an open house for a ``first- generation'' funeral home located at 327 Panola Avenue, Batesville, Mississippi. Cooley's Mortuary, Inc. made history in that year by accomplishing what not many other first-generation funeral homes had ever done; they received an astounding 50 calls by year's end and their first few months in business. Building on the strong foundation of compassion and service, and providing quality care to the families of Panola county, and surrounding communities, the business grew over the next several years.

Throughout the years, Cooley's Mortuary, Inc. has employed a number of additional staff, all of whom have been committed to excellence and stellar service for their customers. They have worked closely for many years as a cohesive unit serving the needs of the community with dignity, care and compassion. The business thrived and continued to set a standard for funeral service in the Panola County area.

They say ``beside every successful man stands a woman'' and without question this is certainly the case with Cooley's Mortuary. The business would not have existed without Norma Jean Cooley. Her strong support and countless hours of work should not go unmentioned. She has served as Vice President and serves the business faithfully enabling it to respond to and serve families in their time of need.

November 29, 2007 marked a new era and a lifelong dream fulfilled for Jerry and Norma Cooley with the groundbreaking of a new modern facility. The ``second generation'' Cooley's Mortuary, Inc. was built and dedicated in August 2009, making it a premier funeral home in Batesville, Mississippi. The 11,700 square foot facility is constructed on a two acre lot and includes four offices, a library, prayer room, two family viewing rooms, and a chapel with a seating capacity for 250 people. In Cooley's own words, ``I wanted to have the very best for the people we serve.''

Cooley's Mortuary is a family owned community-located funeral home which has earned a reputation for service, affordability and reliability over the years. Word-of-mouth, without question, is its finest endorsement. Regardless of whether or not a family comes to Cooley's Mortuary for the first time, or considers it to be their ``family'' funeral home, Cooley's Mortuary

takes personal interest in helping families during the most difficult times, and families continue to overwhelmingly trust them as their premier funeral home.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Cooley Mortuary, Inc. for its dedication to serving this great state and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Funeral Home Business in the Delta, Delta Burial Corporation of Marks, Mississippi.

Delta Burial Corporation in Marks, Mississippi was first organized in 1927. It took on new life in 1928, when a couple of men got together and had it incorporated.

The founders of Delta Burial were Silas Kelly, I.W. LouAndrew and Rueben Price. The Officers at that time were: John Melchor--President; Dan Nickels--Vice President; Mamie Ruth Smith--Secretary; Hernando Butts--Treasurer and A.L. Saddler--General Manager and Agent.

Delta Burial Corporation is the only corporate that was owned by all black stockholders and still is today. The company started out with one building in Marks, MS, and then got stronger and added four more locations to serve the areas. The branches are: Belzoni Branch, Belzoni, MS; Clarksdale Branch, Clarksdale, MS; Lexington Branch, Lexington, MS and Mound Bayou Branch, Mound Bayou, MS.

Delta Burial is a business that provides burial, life insurance and pre-arrangements services for the deceased and their families. We strive to provide the highest quality of service to accomplish our goals. Our motto is ``Seldom Equal, Never Excelled.''

Delta Burial officers today are as follows: Manuel Killebrew-- President, Fannie Smith--Executive Secretary; Irma Jean Bell--General Manager; Aaron Gunn III, Dexter Howard and Cedric Burnett--Morticians; and Shelton Leonard--Funeral Director.

Each year Delta Burial gives back to the community and surrounding areas by donating funds for different causes and to the less fortunate. Also, they distribute Black History calendars, fans and yearly planners.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Delta Burial Corporation for its dedication to serving our great country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a historically significant polyandrium within the Bolton community, the Mount Olive Church Cemetery.

With its beginnings dating well into the early 1800s, the Mount Olive Church Cemetery originated as the Fork Hill Cemetery, located at the intersection of Joe Hall Road and Mount Olive Road in Bolton, Mississippi. The cemetery was later moved and renamed the Mount Olive Cemetery in the late 1800s. For over 200 years, this cemetery has served as the final sepulture for so many in the Bolton community, especially for African Americans.

Generations of families, many of whom were not members of the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church (who maintains the cemetery) have been laid to rest in this cemetery. Because of the enforcement of segregation laws, the prospect of African Americans to seek burial of loved ones in appropriate, designated burial grounds was sometimes a far-fetched and difficult task. Unlike their White counterparts, African Americans would at times have to resort to burying their loved ones in non-traditional sites located outside of a designated cemetery.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Mount Olive Church Cemetery for providing and remaining a historically significant sacred final resting grounds for so many African Americans during a period of legal segregation. Its historical significance serves as an important tool for reflection for those who experienced such segregation as well as for future generations to honor and cherish within the Bolton community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable, well-rounded, and highly driven young woman, Ms. Manisha Heard. Born to Mr. Steve Campbell and Ms. Jean Heard, Manisha was raised in the small, close-knit town of Bolton, Mississippi. As a child, Manisha was an outstanding young woman who was deeply involved in her community and church home. She regularly attends Church of God In Christ and is active in Sunday school and various other auxiliaries.

Manisha is not only a well-mannered young woman, but also exceptionally bright. Her academic ambitions were accomplished and exceeded during her matriculation at Raymond High School, where she graduated in May 2010. She currently is matriculating at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, where she is striving to receive a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Multimedia Journalism. Her ambitious spirit will ultimately lead her into a promising career of on-air news reporting. Alongside her academic studies, Manisha has been involved in a number of extracurricular activities as well, including an avid member of the Jackson State University cheerleading squad, MADDRAMA Performance Troupe, and served as Miss Junior of Jackson State University.

Deeply rooted in her faith, Manisha also continues to remain involved with her church home. She has been crowned Miss Church of God In Christ and served as Assistant Secretary for COGIC club. Manisha truly has a heart to serve others and continues to advocate for her fellow peers. Currently, Manisha serves as Resident Hall Senator for the Student Government Association and has been selected to serve on the president society at Jackson State University. In addition to her other appointments, Manisha will also serve as Women's Philanthropy Ambassador. Clearly, Manisha's peers and university administrators have entrusted her with the responsibility to represent the student body in a variety of capacities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Manisha Heard for her remarkable, ambitious spirit to succeed academically as well as her continued drive to serve and address the concerns of her fellow peers through her appointed service within her church and college community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Porter and Sons' Funeral Home, Inc. in Lexington, Mississippi.

This funeral service business was established for African-Americans in 1979.

The business was first started by Mr. Lindbergh Porter, Sr., and his wife, Bernice Redmond Porter. They were instrumental in purchasing and renovating the building located at 237 Yazoo Street in Lexington, Mississippi.

Mr. Porter, Sr., and his wife ran the day-to-day operations of the funeral home until later years, when his sons, Byron, Pat and his daughter, Bonita, came on board.

Following the death of Mr. Lindbergh Porter, Sr., and his wife, Bernice Porter, the funeral home became incorporated in 1999.

Today, the Porter and Sons' Funeral Home is in the same location and is still being successfully run by all of Mr. and Mrs. Porter, Sr.'s, children: Lindbergh, Jr., Pat, Byron and Bonita.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Porter and Sons' Funeral Home for its outstanding service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Dr. Tellis B. Ellis III, who was born in Jackson, Mississippi one of four children born to Tellis B. Ellis, Jr. and his wife Lucinda. Dr. Ellis.

Dr. Ellis attended Jim Hill High School where he excelled at both football and basketball. He completed his undergraduate studies in 1965 at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi with a B.S. Degree in Science. While attending Jackson State Dr. Ellis was honored as a member of Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. He was an outstanding football player for Jackson State and was recruited by the NFL to play professional football for the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay Wisconsin. After sustaining a knee injury, which ended his hopes for a career as a professional athlete, he made the decision to pursue a career in Medicine.

Dr. Ellis was accepted into medical school at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee and received his Medical Doctorate in 1970. He completed both his Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine at Meharry Medical College in 1974. Dr. Ellis then returned to Jackson, Mississippi where he completed his Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1977. Dr. Ellis is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology.

Dr. Ellis is active at the local and national levels in the following professional societies and organizations: American Medical Association, Mississippi Medical Association, Jackson Medical Society, National Monitoring Board Member Jackson Heart Study, American College of Cardiology, National Medical Association, Association of Black Cardiologists, Jackson Medical Association, and Mississippi Medical and Surgical Association where he served as President. Dr. Ellis is an active member of the Jackson State University Alumni Association and was honored in 1975 with the First and Only Black Board Certified Internist in Mississippi Award.

Dr. Ellis is a founding partner of Jackson Cardiology Associates in Jackson, Mississippi where he practices with four other Cardiologists. He is Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and an active staff physician at St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital, River Oaks Hospital and Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.

Dr. Ellis is widowed and has one son; Tellis B. Ellis IV. He is the proud grandfather of Brian Ellis.

Dr. Ellis is a member of Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson, Mississippi. His medical special interest is Congestive Heart Failure and in his leisure time he enjoys fly fishing.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Tellis B. Ellis III for his dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Waterloo Missionary Baptist Church.

According to deeds found in the Jefferson County Office of the Chancery Clerk, Waterloo Missionary Baptist Church (1870) is one of the oldest recorded established Black churches in the county. According to oral records, Waterloo Missionary Baptist Church was established prior to the Civil War (Histories written by members of church).

The Waterloo Colored Baptist Church, as it was filed in the Jefferson County Courthouse, was organized in 1870 and recorded in January 1871. On November 25, 1871, an agreement was made between Mr. B. J. Watkins and his wife, Mrs. Anna Jane Watkins, the pastor and several deacons of the church to purchase two acres of land at a cost of one hundred dollars. The pastor and deacons who secured the land were: Rev. J. D. Weston, Deacons, Mason Boones, Joshua Weston, and Thomas Chambers. Waterloo Colored Baptist Church was said to have been founded as a place of worship for the slaves of the Waterloo Plantation, which was located in Jefferson County.

On April 18, 1924, Deacons A. H. Tooley, H.C. Jones, and A.B. Murphy paid the sum of twenty dollars to purchase an additional one half acre of land from Mr. and Mrs. Henry Watson. To date, there have been four church structures erected on this land. The church also doubled as a school to teach the children in the surrounding communities.

The first church was destroyed by fire on December 20, 1929 because of the carelessness of the school children. In 1930, the deacons and men of the church erected a small building that served as a school, and was also used for church services. When revival was held in August of that same year, the deacons and members built a `brush shed' in front of the school and used the school's porch for the pulpit.

By the end of 1930, a new church structure was built by Brother Dangerfield from Harriston, Mississippi which was also destroyed by fire on February 3, 1931. The third structure was built in 1937 under the supervision of Brother Joshua A. Weston, Sr. and Waterloo held their monthly services at Morning Star Baptist Church.

The first church cornerstone was laid on April 30, 1961 under the leadership of Pastor James N. Dorsey, who was installed as the pastor on January 16, 1956 and served the congregation until January 21, 1979. From 1956 to 1959, Rev. Joe Thomas served as interim pastor while Rev. Dorsey served in the military. In 1980, renovations were made on this structure under the leadership and guidance of Pastor Floyd Rice, who was installed as pastor on May 12, 1979 and served until September 12, 1984.

The third structure stood until 1996 when the present structure was built under the leadership of Pastor Leon Howard who was installed on November 15, 1985 and he is currently pastor. Dedicatory services were held for the new church on October 14-18, 1996 and Sunday, October 20, 1996. Major renovations were completed on this building in 2008 with Re-dedicatory Services being held on September 16-17, and Sunday, September 21, 2008.

Pastor Howard's leadership has increased membership, financial conditions and in organizing First Sunday Worship Service and the Youth Department was organized with Rev. Curtis Smith, the youth minister. In January 2000, first Sunday Worship Service was changed to Fourth Sunday Worship Service starting at 8:30 a.m. In September 2008, Reverend Arthur Williams was installed as assistant pastor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Waterloo Missionary Baptist Church for its outstanding service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1095, the ``TSA Loose Change Act.''

This legislation, introduced by the Chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, received the unanimous support of the Committee on Homeland Security in October.

It would require the Transportation Security Administration to transfer money left behind by passengers at airport security checkpoints to nonprofit organizations such as the United Services Organization.

Under this measure, places of rest and relaxation for service members and their families

at our nation's airports would have new resources to provide critical services.

Over the past few years, TSA has collected, on average, over $400,000 per year at passenger screening checkpoints.

Last year, the agency collected over $500,000.

To be clear, this is money left behind by passengers that goes unclaimed.

Currently, TSA is obligated by law to use those funds for security operations.

Given that TSA has a robust budget and troubling propensity for spending taxpayer dollars on programs that do not work, such as its behavior detection program, I am supportive of redirecting these unclaimed monies to the worthy cause of maintaining dedicated spaces for relaxation at our nation's airports for our service members and their loved ones.

During the holiday season, service members and their families will be traveling through airports across the country to be with family, friends, and colleagues.

H.R. 1095 seeks to ensure that organizations, such as the United Service Organization, have the resources necessary to ensure their comfort as they do so.

I would like to point out that this legislation builds upon the Committee on Homeland Security's previous work this Congress to support service members and veterans.

Earlier this Congress, the Committee saw enactment of the Helping Heroes Fly Act.

That legislation, introduced by Representative Gabbard, a member of the Committee, requires TSA to provide expedited screening for severely injured service members and veterans.

I am hopeful that the legislation before us today is met with the same support as that measure and likewise becomes a public law.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2719, the ``Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act.''

For years, as both chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I have been troubled about the way TSA goes about acquiring technology.

Time and again, we have seen taxpayer dollars wasted on technologies that either do not work or cannot be upgraded to meet the agency's needs.

I have also been troubled by TSA's apparent inability to effectively manage its inventory of security-related technology and meet its goals for contracting with small and disadvantaged businesses.

The bill before us today addresses these concerns through greater transparency and accountability.

In this age of sequestration, TSA cannot purchase technologies on a whim and outside of robust acquisitions controls.

Under H.R. 2719, of which I was proud to be an original cosponsor, TSA will be required to develop and publish a multi-year technology investment plan that will guide the agency's security-related technology purchases.

This plan will give both the agency and Congress a clear understanding of how taxpayer dollars will be allocated in future years.

The bill also requires TSA to develop a plan for managing its inventory of security-related technology.

Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General found that TSA had more than 17,000 items in its warehouse inventory, at an estimated cost of $185 million.

The IG concluded that TSA may be able to put approximately $800,000 per year to better use by managing its inventory more effectively.

For fiscal year 2012, TSA's goal for prime contracting with small businesses was set at 23 percent, yet the agency barely reached 16 percent.

To address TSA's chronic problems meeting small business contracting goals, the bill also requires TSA to consult with other federal agencies that get small business contracting done and done right.

Under H.R. 2719, TSA will be required to develop an action plan for improving its performance and report to Congress on its progress in implementing the plan.

For too long, TSA has relied upon the same limited number of companies to develop and produce the security-related technologies it puts into the field.

Doing so comes at the peril of small and minority-owned businesses that are essential to innovation.

This dynamic also results in additional costs to taxpayers due to a lack of competition in the marketplace.

H.R. 2719 received the unanimous support of the Committee on Homeland Security in October.

The bill also received the support of the members of the Committee's Subcommittee on Transportation Security as it moved through the regular order earlier this year.

I look forward to the bill receiving the support of the Full House today.

With that Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Subcommittee Chairman Hudson and Ranking Member Richmond for working in collaboration to develop and see this legislation to the House floor.

I urge support for the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise in strong support of H.R. 1204, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2013.

Last Congress, I introduced a version of the legislation before us today when the charter for the Aviation Security Advisory Committee was allowed to expire, resulting in the advisory committee becoming inactive.

Since shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, the advisory committee has provided formal stakeholder input and advice to TSA with respect to aviation security policies. I was pleased that in response to my bill, then-Secretary Napolitano restored this critical forum for stakeholder input.

To prevent a lapse in the advisory committee's operation, it is important that it be codified in law. That is exactly what H.R. 1204 does.

The bill authorizes, in law, the establishment of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee to provide representatives from air carriers, aircraft manufacturers, airport operators, general aviation stakeholders and labor organizations, among others, an opportunity to provide input into policymaking and have their voices heard.

It also requires the establishment of subcommittees to focus on cargo security, general aviation security, perimeter security, exit lane security, security-related technologies, and risk-based security, respectively.

Whatever your thoughts about TSA's policy decisions, I believe we can all agree that such decisions should be made only after meaningful consultation and coordination with stakeholders.

Earlier this year, when TSA announced proposed changes in its Prohibited Items List that would have resulted in knives being allowed on planes for the first time since 9/11, we got a firsthand glimpse of the problems that arise when stakeholders are not consulted.

Only after an overwhelmingly negative reaction to this decision did Administrator Pistole put the issue before the advisory committee for review. Ultimately, after this critical consultation, TSA reversed its decision.

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that consultation is important; it is clear that codifying this bill is that necessary. But I would also like to add that there are other organizations who want to be placed in the record in support of it: the Cargo Airline Association, the Association of Flight Attendants, the U.S. Travel Association, the Airports Council International, the Security Manufacturers Coalition, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to once again support legislation to codify the Aviation Security Advisory Committee.

Aircraft Owners and

Pilots Association,

Washington, DC, September 30, 2013.

Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,

Ranking Member, House Committee on Homeland Security,

Washington, DC.

Dear Ranking Member Thompson: I write on behalf of the

nearly 400,000 members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots

Association (AOPA) in support of your legislation H.R. 1204,

the ``Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of

2013.''

Your legislation requires TSA to formally establish an

Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) to advise on

aviation security matters. The ASAC will ensure that general

aviation (GA) has a seat at the table for discussion of

programs and policy changes related to the improvement of

aviation security. Also, the creation of a dedicated GA

Security Subcommittee will provide that our community is

consulted before major policy changes occur that have a

direct impact on GA pilots, aircraft, and airports.

We look forward to working with the Committee in the future

to continue to improve general aviation security.

Sincerely,

Lorraine Howerton,

AOPA, Vice President of Legislative Affairs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a fellow Mississippian, Mr. Joseph R. Debro, who passed away on November 5, 2013, three days after his 85th birthday. Joseph Debro was a staunch advocate for workers civil rights and justice. Joseph may have had a totally different life because as a young man, he had a strong desire to serve his country in the military and, in fact, received an appointment to West Point from Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, but Joe's physical examination revealed a medical issue--Sickle Cell Anemia Trait--which precluded his appointment. That set-back did not deter Joe from moving forward and seeking new avenues to achieve his goals

Joseph Debro was by education and training a scientist, having received his undergraduate degree in Bacteriology and his Masters degree in Biochemistry from the University of California at Berkeley. Joe held several important positions in his field after graduation-- Research Assistant at UCSF, and NASA Bio-Chemical Engineer (where he worked on the Environment of the first space capsule). Joe later entered the business world, where we all felt he had found his true calling by challenging long-standing practices of discrimination and racial exclusion in trade unions and government contracting. Fighting racial injustice would be Joe's primary struggle to the end of his life. In his early days, he joined another advocate, Ray Dones, and organized over 300 Black contractors and was the co-founder of the National Association of Minority Contractors. He also founded the first minority-owned surety company in the United States--the Builders Mutual Surety Company.

Joe's work did not go unnoticed, he was apponted by then California Governor Jerry Brown to be the Director of the State of California Office of Small Business. Joe later became a co-founder of Trans Bay Engineering, a company with the signature accomplishment of renovating the long dormant Alice Arts Center, now known as the Malonga Casquelord Arts Center in Oakland.

Joseph Debro was probably the one person who was responsible for the increase of minority trainees in Northern California unions. In every contract that was awarded, Joseph tried to find ways to include women and minority-owned businesses and received numerous awards in recognition of his efforts.

Joseph served over 40 years on the board of the Housing Assistance Council, whose mission is to construct affordable housing for low- income people throughout the country. I was honored to serve on that board with Joe for over 20 years.

One of Joe's longest running and most passionate struggles to right a wrong was the lawsuit he initiated against the Oakland Raiders for receiving a loan of $465 million from the City of Oakland that was never repaid.

After retirement, Joe continued to be active in his community and began writing for several community newspapers (including the San Francisco Bayview, a national black newspaper; the East Bay Express, and the Oakland Post). Joe was a member of the Oakland Kiwanis club, serving on the scholarship committee.

Joe is survived by his wife of 63 years, Anita, who was his strongest supporter along with his three sons, Keith, Karl and Kraig.

Joe will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Mars, Incorporated manufacturing facility in Greenville, Mississippi--an important institution in our community since its opening in 1978.

Mars, Incorporated is a family-owned, American company that started when Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his kitchen in 1911. Today, Mars is a global company that employs more than 72,000 Associates worldwide with more than one third of them being employed here in the United States. The company's investment in its Associates has earned it a place on Fortune magazine's list of ``100 Best Companies to Work For.''

At the Greenville facility, Mars Food North America makes products bearing some of America's favorite brands, including Uncle Ben's', which is the number one rice brand in the United States. Our Greenville facility also makes products for the Seeds of Change' brand, which makes organically grown seeds and Organic Food products. I'm proud to congratulate Seeds of Change' on winning a 2013 Vegetarian Times Foodie Award.

Mars' Greenville facility has played a significant role in the health of our local economy. Over 160 people work in the facility, which originally opened with just 5 packaging lines and 1 processing line. The facility has repeatedly expanded to house additional lines and manufacturing areas, and Mars continues to invest in our economy as it completes a $42 million multi-year investment in the facility.

I am thankful that Mars' investments and longstanding relationship with our community extend beyond the facility. Mars supports Greenville public schools through its Blessings in a Backpack program, and worked to help improve the local Boys and Girls Clubs in the region. Mars Food has also done its part to encourage healthy cooking and eating from a young age by having the Uncle Ben's' brand launch its nationwide Ben's BeginnersTM Cooking Contest.

This Friday, I will be honored to join state and local officials in Greenville to commemorate this longstanding relationship through a

special celebration. Again, I congratulate Mars for reaching this 35- year milestone and hope that this facility will continue to be a member of our community for many more decades to come.

I thank Ranking Member Price for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express strong opposition to H.J. Res. 79, the Border Safety and Security Act.

This is the second time in 2 weeks that I have come to the House floor to discuss cherry-picked funding at the Department of Homeland Security. Neither last week's measure nor the one before us today stands a snowball's chance of ever being enacted into law. Even if they did, Congress still would not have done its job to fully fund the important homeland and non-homeland security activities carried out by the Department of Homeland Security.

As ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, I am troubled that the Republican majority is not only picking winners and losers within the Federal Government, but also within the Department of Homeland Security.

This country faces real threats every day--from natural disasters, to accidents with catastrophic results, to terrorism. The people we represent deserve real action, not petty posturing. For today's installment of the ``mini-CR'' show, the majority is shining the spotlight on ICE agents, Border Patrol agents, Customs and Border Protection officers, and Coast Guard personnel. Americans see through this hollow attempt at using patriotic Americans serving in the front lines of Homeland Security as pawns.

If the majority is serious about ensuring that our patchwork of Federal border, immigration, and homeland resources are operational, they would reopen the entire Department of Homeland Security. This majority is not serious about taking real action. They want to score political points with a fringe element in their party.

I call upon like-minded colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand with me and approve a clean CR.

With every passing day, more injury is done to our economy and our standing in the world. The once unthinkable--a default on U.S. debt--is looking more and more possible.

We must stand together and inject some rationality here and bring an end to this long national tantrum that has been orchestrated by 50 of the most radical Members of the majority.

Mr. Speaker, the majority must let this House consider and pass a clean CR so that we can get this government up and working again.