Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Vera Hall. Vera has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success.

Vera is a native of Jefferson County, Mississippi. She is the mother to Christian Halle. Vera is a graduate of Jefferson County High School, Alcorn State University and Emory University. She has done further study towards a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree at Louisiana State University.

Vera is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church and was a pastor of two churches in Clinton and Jackson, MS. Vera also served as a campus minister for Wesley Foundation Director for over 12 years at Alcorn State University and Jackson State University. Vera is currently a member of Mount Pleasant UMC in Fayette, MS.

In 2011, Vera formed Innovative Performance Construction Company, LLC (IPC), a licensed General Contractor Firm with Federal Certifications, located in Jackson, MS. IPC is a woman owned construction company and has successfully completed several hundred projects and has received numerous awards and recognition.

Vera's Awards includes: WJTV Remarkable Woman of the Year 2024 Nominee; Mississippi 2020 and 2021 Small Business Person of the Year; Featured on the cover of the Mississippi SBA Resource Guide and the only female contractor with the honor; 2019 PTAC Small Business Growth of the Year Award; 2018 SBA Emerging Leaders Award; ABC National Safety Award; and ABC Local Chapter Merit Award.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Vera Hall for her outstanding work and dedication in and throughout the 2nd Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable trailblazer, Ms. Mattie L. Warren. Ms. Warren has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success.

Ms. Warren is a woman of great courage and determination. During National Library Week, the local library took the opportunity to honor several people who are special to the branch of the Sunflower County Library System. Among them was a special recognition for Ms. Warren, who has worked for the Library System for 50 years.

As good fortune would have it, Ms. Warren issued B.B. King his first library card. Currently, she works at the library as a cataloger, making sure everyone finds what they are looking for within the library.

People often ask her, ``When are you going to retire, and I say, don't worry about that--as long as I still have my mind and I can still do, I am going to thank the Lord and go ahead on.'' Staff members, family and friends all declared that when Ms. Warren speaks, they listen to everything she says.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Mattie L. Warren for her passion and dedication to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Attorney Paheadra Robinson.

Paheadra Robinson, B.S., J.D., class of 1994, was recognized as a Remarkable Woman of Mississippi by WJTV for her body work around Social Justice and Medicaid Expansion. If she's not supporting her three children in their extracurricular activities, you can find her taking on a leadership role in several critical issues.

Robinson graduated from Lanier High School before attending Tougaloo College. From there, she went on to earn her law degree from the University of Mississippi.

Robinson currently serves as principal of the Bratton Consulting Group. She's been addressing civil rights and consumer protection issues through advocacy and community education for more than 20 years.

Robinson brings a rich tapestry of experience to her role. As an attorney, advocate, and seasoned consultant, she has navigated the halls of legislation and the grassroots of community movements with equal adeptness. This unique blend of experiences empowers her with an unparalleled perspective on driving change. At the heart of Robinson's work is a profound passion for economic justice and community upliftment.

Her approach is deeply empathetic yet strategically sharp, ensuring that her clients not only envision change but also effectively enact it. Robinson's expertise lies in not just advising organizations but in truly empowering them. Her guidance helps turn visions into impactful actions, fostering growth in leaders and tangible progress in communities.

With Robinson and The Bratton Group, LLC, your nonprofit's mission finds a powerful voice and a clear path forward. She embodies the ideal blend of heart, intellect, and action--making her an exceptional asset in the journey towards a better world.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Attorney Paheadra Robinson for her dedication and tenacity to serving his community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a trailblazer and fashion designer, Ms. Elizabeth Keyes. Elizabeth has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success.

Elizabeth's hard work has led to the launch of her first collection under House of E. Keyes, a women's clothing brand she describes as bold, creative and inspirational. The collection is a collaboration with Shein X, a three-year-old program wherein Shein reaches out to emerging fashion designers, looks at their portfolios, interviews them and sponsors their five-piece collections.

Elizabeth's upbringing in Bolton, MS, is described in three terms: hardworking, hospitality, and faith. She grew up on family land with parents who were both ministers at her home church in Bolton. Elizabeth was homeschooled until high school but that didn't stop her from participating in various extracurricular activities, including dance.

At 12 years old, Elizabeth crouched over her sewing machine, hard at work on putting together her first-ever piece of custom clothing: an A- line, zebra-print shirt. Elizabeth's mother was blessed enough to hire Sharon Knott, a seamstress who worked at Hancock, to give her private lessons.

At 16 years old, she premiered in her first fashion show that raised money for a local charity for sickle-cell awareness. The collection contained six pieces for kids and teenagers, and her friends modeled her designs.

After graduating from Raymond High School in 2017, she attended Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in fashion design with a double minor in graphic design and fashion marketing and management. She graduates June 2, 2024.

To celebrate the release of her first collection, Elizabeth held a launch party in her hometown on March 19, 2024, the day after the line's official debut. She has plans to host a fall fashion show of her collection in Mississippi and to establish her mentorship program, Girls in Grace, here as well. The program is her motivator for helping invest in the next generation of young women to help them follow their dreams.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Elizabeth Keyes for her passion and dedication in the field of fashion design.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Mississippi Center for Cultural Production. This organization has gone beyond the call of duty to ensure that rural communities in Mississippi are taken care of, and their stories are told.

The Mississippi Center for Cultural Production, also known as ``Sipp Culture,'' is an approach and resource for cultivating thriving communities. Based in the rural South, Sipp Culture is honoring the history and building the future of Rural Hinds County, especially in the Town of Utica, MS.

Sipp Culture supports community development from the ground up through cultural production focused on self-determination and agency designed by them and for them. The organization believes that history, culture, and food affirm our individual and collective humanity. Their goal is to strengthen the local food system, advance health equity, and support rural artistic voices--while activating the power of story--all to promote the legacy and vision of Utica, MS.

At the core of it all is the unwavering belief that gathering and sharing local stories is the best way to support safe and thriving communities for the future. Honoring growth, story, and imagination is an approach that can cultivate healthy and equitable places everywhere. For Sipp Culture, it all starts in Utica. I firmly believe the work Sipp Culture has done for the communities in Hinds County can be a model for what should be done for rural communities all across the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Mississippi Center for Cultural Production for their service to the citizens of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated efforts of the Shelby Broadsheet School Alumni, an enthusiastic and self-motivated group of former graduates from Shelby Broadstreet High School.

This remarkable team has initiated the Shelby Broadstreet Class Clean-up project, which brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds including businessmen, medical professionals, veterans of education, students, and other community citizens. The Shelby Broadstreet School Alumni are tirelessly organizing and serving their community, demonstrating a strong commitment to giving back and revitalizing their hometown.

Chilion Stapleton and Alexis Davis, both graduates of the old Shelby Broadsheet High School in 2001, initiated a meaningful project to give back to their hometown. Together with fellow classmates, they embarked on a plan to make this a recurring tradition. Joining forces with other graduating classes, Stapleton and Davis orchestrated a reunion on Saturday, March 30, dedicated to cleaning up their old stomping grounds.

The initiative was sparked by social media discussions among Broad Street alumni, who learned about littering and clean-up challenges in Shelby. Motivated to make a positive impact, they organized a collective effort to address the issue. Together, they rallied approximately 30 participants, including 13 from the class of 2001. Notably, former students traveled from out of state, including Texas, to contribute to the cause. Despite only three attendees still residing in Shelby, the group was determined to effect change in their hometown. Stapleton highlighted their proactive approach: ``We gathered the troops upon discovering issues with littering and waste composite in our hometown and decided to take action for the better.'' The call to action was broadcasted through their alumni homecoming Facebook page, resulting in an enthusiastic response.

The dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly, with each represented class tackling specific areas of the town for clean-up. The evening concluded with further planning, camaraderie, and shared laughter. This meaningful endeavor not only strengthened community ties but also provided an opportunity for former students to reconnect with their families and roots in Shelby. The Shelby Broadstreet classes are committed to continuing these reunions and cleaning efforts to further enhance their beloved hometown.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Shelby Broadstreet School Alumni for their dedication and initiative in undertaking this important community endeavor. Their collective contributions are truly inspiring and reflect the best of our shared values as citizens and neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Je'Kari Douglas.

On June 7, 2007, Je'Kari was born at the Natchez Community Hospital to a resilient single mother which he credits his good behavior and his understanding of the value of perseverance and compassion.

Je'Kari proudly serves as a Student Ambassador for Natchez High School, a member of the National Honor Society, a varsity football player, having been chosen as an All-District wide receiver in the 5A Region 3 and received offers from several universities.

With hard work and dedication, Natchez High salutes this honorable student for maintaining a stellar 3.8 GPA, ranking number 10 out of 137 students in his graduating class.

Je'Kari's passion for learning extends beyond academics. He enjoys exploring different cars and animals, spreading joy through humor, and cherishing moments with loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable student, Je'Kari Corde' Douglas, for his actions and achievements in the Natchez, MS, community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Markyel Pittman.

Markyel Pittman hails from the vibrant city of Grenada, MS, and boasts an impressive educational journey, having graduated from Grenada High School, Holmes Community College, and Jackson State University.

Throughout Mr. Pittman's undergraduate tenure, he epitomized the essence of a campus leader and community servant. His illustrious track record includes hold esteemed positions such as Mr. Junior, JSU and MS NAACP Youth & College State President, Fannie-Lou-Hammer Pre-Law Society President, Pre-Alumni Counsil President, Vice President of Men of Excellence, Intervarsity, and Collegiate 100.

Mr. Pittman is a proud Spring 2024 Initiate of the Rho Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Additionally, Mr. Pittman's academic prowess has garnered his accolades such as the JSU Presidential & Dean's Scholar, the Political Science Fannie-Lou-Hammer Award, Golden Key Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. Mr. Pittman's commitment to community empowerment is further underscored by prestigious recognitions including the Mississippi Votes Emerging Trailblazer Award.

Mr. Pittman's dedication to public service is exemplified by his internships in my Greenwood District Office and his current role as the Youth Civic Engagement Coordinator for Mississippi Votes, where he focuses on central Mississippi. He has championed causes such as student debt relief, serving as a vocal advocate and engaging directly with policymakers such as Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona.

Notably, Mr. Pittman has been a dynamic force in voter registration drives, successfully registering over 1,000 Mississippians. He has also delivered impactful speeches, including as the closing speaker at the NAACP's 114th National Convention for the youth and college division.

Mr. Pittman draws strength from his faith, firmly believing that his voice, connections, and knowledge are divine gifts bestowed upon him to champion the cause of the oppressed. His guiding scripture, Romans 8:31, encapsulates his unwavering resolve: ``What then shall we say in response to these things, if God be for us, who can be against us?''

Markyel Pittman stands as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in his community and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Markyel Pittman, for his dedication and tenacity to serving his community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick) for yielding me the time.

Mr. Speaker, today, we mourn the loss of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., a thoughtful leader, a dear friend, a son of Newark who never forgot where he came from or who he served, a legislator whose kindness brought us together even during the most divisive political times.

I had the privilege of serving alongside both Donald Paynes, but Donald Payne, Jr., served with me on the Homeland Security Committee during his entire tenure in Congress, and he achieved great things.

When he came to the committee in 2013, the world had just come crashing down for parents in Newtown, Connecticut, whose children were gunned down at an elementary school. Donald Payne, Jr., a father of school-aged triplets, vowed to make schools safer in this country. It is because of him, because of his relentless advocacy, that the Department of Homeland Security is reporting to Congress on school security.

Additionally, it is because of Donald Payne, Jr., who wrote the Homeland Security for Children's Act, that the Department of Homeland Security now must plan for children's unique needs during disasters. Donald Payne, Jr.'s legacy is making children safer.

As we mourn together, let us celebrate together. Every goal, every accomplishment, every move Donald Payne, Jr., made here in the Halls of Congress was in the service to his wife, Bea; his children, Donald, Jack, and Yvonne; the city of Newark; and the people of New Jersey's 10th Congressional District. Donald Payne, Jr., leaves a legacy that they all can--we all can--be proud of.

We note how Congressman Payne was a snazzy dresser. I couldn't touch him, but, in his memory, I am putting on some of his favorite shades for this evening.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for giving me the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in a strong opposition to this sideshow. Consideration of H.R. 3602 today is a cynical move meant to appease Republicans who refuse to provide aid to fight autocrats and terrorists unless they get to deport migrant kids first. These extreme MAGA Republicans care more about scoring political points than finding solutions and refuse to consider the bipartisan Senate border security and immigration enforcement bill.

They are having a hissy fit after the Senate threw out their unconstitutional Articles of Impeachment against the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas. They care only about electing Donald Trump, and they are happy to rip up the Constitution, create chaos at the border and prop up Vladimir Putin to do it. This is why they are insisting on rehashing this terrible bill, which has zero chance of passing the House, let alone the Senate

H.R. 3602 shifts all border processing to ports of entry without providing any additional resources. The bill doesn't fund a single new officer at ports of entry where more than 90 percent of fentanyl is interdicted. Our ports of entry are already short over 4,000 officers.

When the Committee on Homeland Security considered a version of this bill last year, Democrats tried to add an additional 1,700 officers, but Republicans refused. Furthermore, this xenophobic bill would strip DHS funding from any community or religious organization that helped migrants. It is so overly broad that organizations that place water in remote areas of the desert or provide a pregnant mother a safe place to sleep would be ineligible for DHS funding. This bill is so overreaching, that it would force the American Red Cross----

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me extra time. This bill is so overreaching that it would force the American Red Cross to verify every person's immigration status before providing lifesaving services following a natural disaster. This is just inhumane.

Furthermore, H.R. 3602 is so poorly drafted that it would bar many U.S. citizens from boarding commercial flights. This bill sets requirements for forms of identification that can only be used through airport security, but the list doesn't include a driver's license from Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; Guam; or other U.S. territories.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is too extreme. It is just brought here today to appease certain elements of the party. Remote Republicans must put an end to this chaos and dysfunction, and get back to serious legislating. Vote ``no'' on this unworkable bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a long-standing family business, Brinson Funeral Home.

Brinson Funeral Home is a cherished family-owned establishment in Cleveland, MS. Brinson Funeral Home has been a beacon of compassion, affordability, and unwavering care since its founding in 1939 by the late Booker T. and Ruby Brinson. Their legacy of considerate and attentive funeral services spans over eight decades and several generations.

Brinson Funeral Home remains steadfast in its commitment to providing excellent service during people's most vulnerable moments. Their unwavering dedication continues to honor an incredible legacy. Brinson Funeral Home is recognized as one of the first Black-owned businesses in the State of Mississippi. It has remained true to its founding principles and honored its incredible legacy by continuing to provide excellent service in helping people during their most vulnerable times.

Recently, it received well-deserved recognition from Delta State University's ``Winning The Race'' organization, in collaboration with the Bolivar County Board of Supervisors and the Amzie Moore House. This esteemed recognition celebrates Brinson Funeral Home's historic significance as one of the first established Black-owned businesses in the state.

The compassionate, dedicated, and professional associates treat each family as their own and are available to assist every step of the way during the funeral/memorial planning process. The business mottos, ``Our Family Serving Your Family'' and ``The Home That Service Built,'' reflect their commitment. Members of their staff are like family, with some serving the funeral home for over 20 years. As a family business, Brinson Funeral Home also gives back to the community by donating a portion of proceeds earned from all funeral services to a charitable organization dedicated to uplifting and improving the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Brinson Funeral Home, a steadfast beacon of vision, fueled by compassion, unwavering commitment, and a deep sense of duty. For years, it has faithfully served Bolivar County, neighboring counties, and the entire State of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable organization, Southern Opportunity Foundation.

The Southern Opportunity Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to positive change in the South. The Southern Opportunity Foundation organization offers a range of impactful programs designed to address social and economic disparities in the Southern region. From education and workforce development to healthcare access and community empowerment, we strive to make a lasting difference.

The Southern Opportunity Foundation healthcare programs are designed to break down barriers to access, providing essential services and support to underserved communities across the Southern region. From preventive care and health education to facilitating access to medical resources, we are dedicated to promoting a culture to wellness and resilience.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Southern Opportunity Foundation for their dedication and tenacity to serving their community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of Command Sergeant Major Silvester Tatum, retiring from Mississippi Army National Guard with over 42 years of military service. A devoted husband and father, he has spent his entire career working parallel business and army professions, serving as the embodiment of a Citizen-Soldier. He has executed a lifetime of achievements in education, military discipline and training, assignments, commands, and missions that are remarkable and historical.

Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Tatum is decorated with the Legion of Merit, the Combat Infantry Badge, and many other awards and honors. He served in many tactical, operational, and strategic assignments, including two overseas combat tours to the Middle East. His career culminated with his selection as the first African American Senior Enlisted Leader of the Mississippi National Guard on 1 April 2021. In this role, CSM Tatum has faithfully and impartially discharged the unique duties of his assignment with excellence. CSM Tatum serves as the principal advisor to the Adjutant General of Mississippi on all matters pertaining to providing a ready enlisted force, health of the force, and enlisted professional development of more than 13,000 Citizen Soldiers, Airmen, State employees, and federal technicians. Areas of focus are to ensure the force is equipped and trained to respond to any contingency, natural or manmade.

From Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Tatum enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard in 1981, has served as one of the most influential senior enlisted leaders our ranks have ever witnessed, maintaining the highest standards during the most dynamic and complex times in history. CSM Tatum is a true American hero and a proud Mississippian who always placed the needs of others before his own; I am immensely grateful for his dedication to our country and to the State of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Command Sergeant Major Silvester Tatum for his dedication to serve the state of Mississippi and his country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Mississippi Center for Cultural Production. The organization has gone beyond the call of duty to ensure that rural communities in Mississippi are taken care of and their stories are told.

The Mississippi Center for Cultural Production, also known as ``Sipp Culture,'' is an approach and resource for cultivating thriving communities. Based in the rural South, Sipp Culture is honoring the history and building the future of rural Hinds County, especially in the Town of Utica, MS.

Sipp Culture supports community development from the ground up through cultural production focused on self-determination and agency designed by them and for them. The organization believes that history, culture, and food affirm our individual and collective humanity. Their goal is to strengthen the local food system, advance health equity, and support rural artistic voices--while activating the power of story--all to promote the legacy and vision of Utica, MS.

At the core of it all is the unwavering belief that gathering and sharing local stories is the best way to support safe and thriving communities for the future. Honoring growth, story, and imagination is an approach that can cultivate healthy and equitable places everywhere. For Sipp Culture, it all starts in Utica. I firmly believe the work Sipp Culture has done for the communities in Hinds County can be a model for what should be done for rural communities all across the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Mississippi Center for Cultural Production for their service to the citizens of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor some remarkable servants, Natchez Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

On March 22, 1964, 12 noble men chartered the Natchez (MS) Alumni Chapter.

The chapter's initial plan was to be named Alcorn Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, but due to restraints on campus, the chapter was moved to Natchez, Mississippi, which birthed the Natchez (MS) Alumni Chapter.

With hard work and dedication, we salute the honorable charter members: Marino Casem, Eddie Coleman, John Dow, Grant Dungee, Lonnie Eiland, Chris Hester, Charles Humphrey, Willie Jackson, Robert Lewis, Albert Lott, Armand Pinkney, and Riley Williams.

Brothers Armand Pinkney and Riley Williams were also charter members of the Gamma Pi Chapter.

Sixty years later, the Natchez Nupes continue to achieve in every field of human endeavor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Natchez (MS) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi for their continuing dedication and tenacity to serving their community and desire to be an example for all.