Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. Res. 597, the rule providing for consideration of the reauthorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration, H.R. 3935.

The rule blocks a large number of amendments that would make important reforms, including two germane amendments I offered that are critical to ensuring the Transportation Security Administration can continue to carry out its mission to secure aviation.

The first amendment would add the text of my legislation, the ``Fund the TSA Act'' (H.R. 3394).

TSA is facing major budget challenges as it works to implement essential reforms to pay and labor rights for its workforce.

That amendment would provide TSA with the funding it needs by making a modest increase to passenger security fees and ending the diversion of fee collections from TSA's coffers.

The other amendment would add the text of my ``Rights for the TSA Workforce Act'' from the 117th Congress.

For too long, TSA workers have labored under unfair working conditions and on little pay, leading to low morale and high attrition.

Though the Biden-Harris Administration has thankfully taken action to address those disparities, the ongoing changes must be codified to ensure their permanence.

My amendment would do so by putting that workforce under the same personnel management system used by most Federal agencies.

TSA's security efforts underlie the entire aviation system, so as we work to reauthorize the FAA and modernize that aviation system, it is a shame that Republicans' Leadership refuses to allow this body to consider desperately needed changes to support the TSA.

Additionally, I am concerned that the rule precludes consideration of a bipartisan amendment submitted by the gentleman from Michigan, Congressman Bergman, to keep the retirement age of pilots at 65.

The current retirement age conforms with international standards, and Congress should maintain it to ensure the continued safety of aviation passengers.

Finally, I have strong concerns with section 813 of the underlying bill, and this rule does nothing to address those concerns.

Section 813 would severely weaken the existing regime for applying temporary flight restrictions to protect major sports events across the country.

Since the FAA established flight restrictions over open-air stadiums after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, they have helped protect millions upon millions of Americans attending large-scale events, with minimal disruptions to general aviation.

Section 813 risks undermining this long-successful security program by introducing a broad, complex, and unnecessary waiver program for aircraft, including drones, to fly near, over, and above crowded stadiums.

To the extent some may have concerns regarding scheduling conflicts between sporting events and airshows, a much more tailored solution could be developed.

As it stands, section 813 degrades homeland security, and I oppose its inclusion in the bill.

I include in the Record a letter from the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association expressing opposition to section 813.

I also include a Statement of Administration Policy from the Biden- Harris Administration, which states the following: ``While the Administration supports the goal of providing accessibility to and public use of the national airspace, it is concerned that provisions proposed in the bill could introduce unnecessary risks to those attending major sporting events if the effectiveness of safety and security buffers currently provided by temporary flight restrictions were to be decreased. To the extent that the proposed provisions are intended to accommodate airshows, the Administration urges the Congress to consider alternative methods to deconflict airshows and major sports events rather than potentially put aviation operations in close proximity to events attended by millions of Americans each year.''

With that, I urge my colleagues to oppose H. Res. 597.

July 18, 2023.

Dear Members of Congress:

We write to urge you to oppose the weakening of a law that

protects the millions of sports fans and spectators who

attend professional and collegiate sporting events each year.

The current statutory ban on aircraft--including unmanned

aircraft systems (``UAS'') or drones--flying over large

stadium sporting events throughout the country provides

necessary safety and security protections against real and

potential threats.

We are deeply concerned about section 813 of the House

version of the Federal Aviation Administration (``FAA'')

Reauthorization Act. If adopted, the language would establish

a broad and complex waiver program that would permit

countless aircraft to fly near and over stadiums during

games, putting millions of fans at risk, and unnecessarily

so. Congress wisely eliminated a similar waiver program back

in 2003, after discovering troubling and persistent failures,

gaps, and vulnerabilities in the process for conducting

background checks and issuing waivers.

The FAA first established flight restrictions over large

stadium sporting events immediately following the terrorist

attacks of September 11, 2001, in response to concerns about

terrorists using aircraft as weapons. Congress subsequently

twice codified and strengthened these restrictions, providing

specific criteria for aircraft operations permitted within

the flight restricted area. Section 813 would effectively

eliminate the specific criteria and replace it with an open-

ended waiver program.

The long-standing, congressionally mandated flight

restriction enhances the safety and security of large stadium

events, while minimizing the disruption to the National

Airspace System (``NAS''). Specifically, airspace over large

stadiums--with a seating capacity of 30,000 people or more

and where a NFL, MLB, and NCAA Division 1 football games or

major motor speedway events, such as NASCAR and INDYCAR

races, are taking place--is closed to all aircraft from one

hour before until one hour after a major sporting event. The

flight restrictions extend to three nautical miles from the

center of the stadium and from the surface to 3,000 feet

above the stadium. The flight restrictions do not apply to

authorized aircraft, such as Department of Defense, law

enforcement or air ambulance flight operations, or those in

contact with air traffic control for take offs and landings

at nearby airports, among others.

Having devoted substantial resources to secure our stadiums

on the ground, we regard the stadium flight restriction as

essential to safeguarding the airspace overhead. Moreover,

given the proliferation of UAS in our NAS, as well as the

continuing need to remain vigilant to other current and

emerging risks, the stadium flight restriction is as vital

now as ever to our national security and public safety. We

believe section 813 complicates the airspace over stadiums,

compromises public safety and security, and courts potential

disaster.

We, therefore, urge you to uphold current law and maintain

existing flight restrictions that protect the safety and

security of millions of fans who attend large stadium

sporting events every year.

Sincerely,

Cathy Lanier,

Chief Security Officer, National Football League.

David Thomas,

Vice President, Security and Ballpark Operations, Major

League Baseball.

Bill Rhodes,

Managing Director, Security, National Association for Stock

Car Auto Racing.

Dan Gavitt,

Senior Vice President, National Collegiate Athletic

Association.

Statement of Administration Policy

H.R. 3935--Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation

Act

The Administration supports enactment of a Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill and applauds the

bipartisan work of the House Transportation and

Infrastructure Committee. The Administration is focused on

ensuring that the aviation sector works well for the American

people, and reauthorizing the FAA in a timely manner will

help achieve that goal. H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and

Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, would enhance

aviation safety; invest in, and improve on-the-job safety

for, our aviation workforce; integrate into the national

airspace system new entrants such as Advanced Air Mobility

and Commercial Space operators; strengthen passenger rights;

and improve our aviation infrastructure.

The Administration looks forward to working with the

Congress to address the Administration's concerns with this

legislation, a number of which are outlined below.

Protection of Aviation Consumer Rights and Promotion of

Competition. The Administration is strongly committed to

protecting the rights of aviation consumers and promoting

competition in the aviation industry. The Administration

opposes provisions in the bill that would reverse important

gains made by this Administration to combat junk fees in the

airline industry and would eliminate longstanding consumer

protections. The Administration believes that the disclosure

requirements currently in place for passenger tickets are

necessary to help consumers comparison shop for a ticket. The

Administration encourages the Congress to include the

Administration's proposals to expand consumer protections by

banning family seating junk fees, requiring up-front

disclosure of add-on fees, and requiring automatic refunds

and additional compensation for controllable flight

cancellations and delays. The Administration further supports

opening up airport gate access and preventing anticompetitive

practices that block new entrants.

International Commitments. While the Administration

appreciates the language aimed at ensuring continued U.S.

implementation of Open Skies agreements while promoting labor

standards for U.S.-based aviation sector workers, the

Administration also urges the Congress to add provisions to

implement U.S. international commitments and ensure our

aviation partners follow suit. The bill should be amended to

include provisions for U.S. implementation of global market-

based measures of the International Civil Aviation

Organization, and to establish U.S. leadership relating to

the understanding and mitigation of the non-Greenhouse Gas

climate impacts of aviation.

Agency Restructuring. While the Administration supports the

goal of improving the efficiency of the organizational

structure of the FAA, it does not support the proposed

changes in FAA rulemaking review and the weakening of the

Administrator's ability and authority to determine the

appropriate size and allocation of the air traffic controller

workforce. The Administration also has concerns with

provisions that would make fundamental changes to the

agency's structure, eroding the discretion of the

Administrator to manage the agency in the most efficient

manner.

Implementation Timelines and Program Changes. The

legislation includes multiple rulemakings, reviews, reports,

and other requirements with aggressive timelines, along with

the creation of numerous programs that are not conditioned on

the availability of appropriations. The Administration is

also concerned that proposed major structural changes to

airport infrastructure programs are untested, and may be

difficult to implement depending on the level of resources

made available. The bill would also reduce the amount of

competitive airport grant funding, which would reduce the

FAA's ability to address important safety and capacity

issues.

Standards for Airport Service Workers. The Administration

urges the Congress to include provisions that will improve

job quality for, and therefore aid in the recruitment and

retention of, those who clean planes, handle baggage, assist

passengers who use wheelchairs, and provide other services

critical to safe, stable, and timely operations for aviation

customers.

Age Standards for Pilots. The bill includes a provision

that would raise the retirement age for pilots in commercial

operations. Making this change without doing research and

establishing any necessary policies would be outside the

international standard.

Maintaining Safe and Secure Airspace During Major Sports

Events. While the Administration supports the goal of

providing accessibility to and public use of the national

airspace, it is concerned that provisions proposed in the

bill could introduce unnecessary risks to those attending

major sporting events if the effectiveness of safety and

security buffers currently provided by temporary flight

restrictions were to be decreased. To the extent that the

proposed provisions are intended to accommodate airshows, the

Administration urges the Congress to consider alternative

methods to deconflict airshows and major sports events rather

than potentially put aviation operations in close proximity

to events attended by millions of Americans each year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Chief Billy G. Barber. Chief Barber has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve.

Barber is a native of Leland, MS. Barber graduated from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy in Pearl, MS, and became a sworn officer in 1990. He began his career as a police officer with the Leland Police Department in January 1990 until February 1998.

Next, he began his career at the Washington County Sheriffs Department in August 1998 when a position became available. From August 1998 to September 2013, he served as a Patrol Deputy, Sergeant, Investigator, Lieutenant, and Assistant Chief. During this time, he also became an ordained Minister in 2004.

Steadily climbing the ladder, in September 2013, Barber returned to his hometown and served as Chief of Police for Leland Police Department until August 2017. Also, from 2016 to 2017, Barber served as the Chaplain for the Mississippi Association of Chief of Police.

In all these years, Barber has accumulated vast knowledge and trainings to get him where he is today, as the Chief Deputy of Washington County Sheriff's Department. He has held this position since August 2017. Barber has over 33 years of law enforcement experience in community policing.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Chief Deputy Billy Barber for his longevity and dedication to serving the community.

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

Day of Caring is a community event that allows various groups and organizations to come together for a day and help different local organizations. Davis volunteered at United Way of West Central Mississippi's Day of Caring this past April. She is also the Vicksburg Post Volunteer of the week.

Davis is a 39-year employee at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station supporting the Engineering Department. She has a daughter named Johnalynn, and in her free time, she enjoys volunteering, traveling, watching television and family time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Linda F. Davis for her passion and dedication to the Vicksburg Warren Community.

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

Whitney S. French was born on January 6, 1986, to Willie and Shirley French. Except for a few childhood years in Jackson, MS, and her college years at Alcorn State University, Whitney is a proud lifelong resident of Marks, Quitman County, Mississippi.

Whitney is a 2004 graduate of Madison Shannon Palmer High School (MSPHS). In 2010, she received her Bachelor of Social Work from Alcorn State University. To give back to her alma maters, she actively serves on the QCHS-MSPHS Scholarship Gala Committee, is the Chaplain and Recruitment Committee Chair for the North Delta-Clarksdale Alcorn Alumni Chapter and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Alcorn State University Department of Social Work.

Whitney has a long history of serving her community through church. As a child, she used to accompany her grandmother, Cora Burrell Walker, to Valley Queen M.B. Church to help prepare boxes for their food pantry and would assist with other Kitchen Committee and Missionary Society duties. Whitney was baptized at College Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, MS, where she participated in the youth choir and holiday programs. Once Whitney returned to Valley Queen, she remained active in the choir and served as a welcome and announcing clerk. She is currently a member of Brown Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves on the Brown Everywhere Virtual Community Core Team, in the Single's Ministry, and as Virtual Greeter Team.

Whitney has always been known for being a talker. This has led her to several leadership positions throughout life. In high school, she served as class president from freshman to senior year. During her high school years, she represented Quitman County in a statewide Sankofa knowledge bowl, at a Congressional Black Caucus conference, through the youth credit union board, and as a member bf the QC Performing Arts Choir.

Whitney makes sure to advocate on behalf of her community in meetings revolved around community resources and planning. She serves as a board member for the Quitman County Arts Council and on the Board of Directors for Quitman County Economic Development and Tourism, Inc. Whitney is currently honing her leadership skills as a 2023 fellow of Delta Regional Authority's Delta Leadership Institute. She also works to increase access to education and resources needed for young people to have healthier outcomes.

Even before she could vote, Whitney was passionate about her community exercising their rights to vote and being fully represented. As a youth, Whitney worked as a poll watcher and canvassed the community during election and census terms. After returning to the community from college, Whitney was active with the local Democratic Executive Committee and Voters' League. She currently uses her voice on social media to encourage her friends and fol1owers to be aware active in the political process.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Miss Whitney S. French for her contributions and service to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the accomplishments and exceptional work of The Diamond Project, Inc. The Diamond Project is a remarkable youth mentoring organization that empowers and uplifts the youth in our community. Founded in June 2017 by Andrea S. Lee.

The Diamond Project emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless young people. Its mission to cultivate excellence, resilience, and compassion resonates deeply with the core values we hold dear. The Programmatic Points of The Diamond Project are Health and Wellness, Professional Development, Personal Development, Community Service, Empowerment, and Prevention. It focuses on working with pre- teen and teen girls by introducing them to mentors who not only grew up in the same small towns but also graduated from the same schools. Through the organization, the participants are exposed to numerous networking and growth opportunities.

In July 2022, The Diamond Project organized a visit to Washington, DC where they met with female staffers on Capitol Hill. During a private tour of the Chambers of Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, a truly remarkable experience unfolded as they ventured into the tunnel beneath the chambers. A site of historical importance and a major tour highlight as it was the exact location the British entered the Capitol during the War of 1812.

In February 2023, members of The Diamond Project had the honor of traveling back to Washington to visit The White House, where they were invited to attend a private screening of the movie ``Till'' alongside the movie cast. Furthermore, they had the privilege of sitting in the front row during President Biden's inspiring speech. On February 25th 2023, The Diamond Project's Mentee of the Year traveled to Los Angeles, CA, to attend the prestigious NAACP Image Awards. In May 2023, The Diamond Project awarded their first high school graduating seniors with $5,500 in college scholarship funds, helping to ensure these bright and deserving individuals have the means to pursue higher education and continue their journey towards success.

The Diamond Project has organized numerous enlightening workshops that have included influential speakers who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Notable workshop speakers include Jill Scott, Derrick Johnson--a leader in civil rights advocacy, and Angela Rye.

The Diamond Project's dedication to education, empowerment, exposure, and civic engagement is commendable.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Diamond Project, Inc., for their passion and dedication to serving the Mississippi Delta and their admirable desire to positively impact the future of young girls.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of a safety officer and a self-motivated community leader, Rory Antoine Micou. Rory enjoyed a long career of policing, teaching and serving.

Rory's love for all genres of music was cultivated from his great- grandmother, Henrietta Cleggs, his grandmother, Dorothy Micou and his mother, Herdy Micou. His formal education was in the public-school systems, graduating with Honors from John F. Kennedy (JFK) High School in May 1981. While at JFK, Rory played football, was in the marching band, and formed a talented group called The Dynamic Connection (DC Gang). The DC Gang performed throughout the delta and won numerous awards including a radio performance on WDIA radio station in Memphis, TN. His talent as a soloist guided him to an offer of a four-year scholarship at Alcorn. Rory was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and he was also a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Rory married Cheryl Elaine Sias on July 25, 1992. To this union, one child was born, Alexis.

In 2008, Rory became employed with the Cleveland Police Department as a patrolman and went on to become the school resource officer for the Cleveland School District. Rory was extremely dedicated to his job in the district. He believed in supporting the children, parents and staff. Many people in the community associated him with his animated school crossing duties. Rory retired from the Cleveland Police Department in October 2022 due to health issues. As he battled his health issues, he was strong enough to return to work in the capacity of the school crossing guard (he loved this job). He continued until his health issues would not allow him to. Many residents of the Cleveland area have stated how it brought a smile to their face as they started their workday.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring the life, legacy, and service of Rory Antoine Micou.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable person, Nick Wallace. He is a celebrated executive chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who leverages his innate talents to highlight the beauty of food, redefine the Southern experience, and introduce the world to Mississippi-inspired cuisine.

Drawing inspiration from his early training with his grandmothers, Nick's culinary style combines his family-farm origin with French technique, resulting in a modern, Mississippi-influenced cuisine infused with Nick's own culinary innovation experience and understanding of flavor profiles.

Nick is the owner of CHURN Creameries 2022, Nick Wallace Culinary, Nick Wallace Catering, and Nissan Cafe by Nick Wallace. In addition to flexing his leadership skills as an executive chef at some of America's prominent museums and hotels, Nick has been featured in domestic and international television programming, including Food Network's Comfort Nation (Season 2); Chopped, Chopped: Alton's Challenge, and Cutthroat Kitchen; Food Network Canada's Firemasters; and Voyage's (France) Unexplored America--Mississippi. Most recently, Nick appeared on Bravo's Top Chef (Season 19) and CNN's NOMAD with Carlton McCoy.

Through the years, Nick has garnered regional and national recognition, including being selected by the James Beard Foundation to present five Mississippi-themed dinners in New York City; participating in 50 States--50 Chefs (Flavored Nation); being named ``Best Chef of Mississippi'' (2020; gaining consistent inclusion in the peer reviewed ``Best Chefs America'' list; and earning ``Best Chef' (Jackson, MS) recognition for 4 consecutive years.

Additionally, Nick is the founder of Creativity Kitchen, a nonprofit aimed at providing nutrition education, exposure to farm-to-table practices, and access to flavorful, healthy meals and culinary experiences for young, public-school students and their families (Jackson, MS). Most recently, Creativity Kitchen partnered with Whole Food's 5 percent Community Giving Program, helping to add a percentage of store profits as donations to an area elementary school.

Committed to his community and using palate-pleasing cuisine to touch lives, Nick is a Co-Chair of Share the Gulf and a board member for Hunger Free America. He also participates in partnerships with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Dole, Novo Nordisk, and Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing my former staff member, Nick Wallace for his dedication to the food insecurities within the state of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Massachusetts giving me time.

Mr. Speaker, this resolution is simply the latest attempt by extreme MAGA Republicans to distract from the legal peril facing their twice- impeached, twice-indicted party leader.

This cynical resolution has nothing to do with border security, it does nothing to stop fentanyl deaths, and it has nothing to do with constitutional law.

Extreme MAGA Republicans hoped for chaos at the Southwest border when title 42 pandemic restrictions ended, but migrant encounters last month actually decreased 15 percent according to Customs and Border Protection.

Now, since MAGA Republicans have no policy solutions, they are attempting a backdoor maneuver to advance a baseless impeachment of President Biden--something they openly admit they wanted to do from day one.

Under this rule, my committee will have to put aside its homeland security oversight and authorization activities to deal with the Boebert resolution, which is predicated on phony policy differences rather than any allegation that the President committed a crime.

Let that sink in, Mr. Speaker. The House Homeland Security Committee is going to become a venue for a political Presidential impeachment.

I have proudly served on the committee from its creation, and I guess if you are around long enough, Mr. Speaker, you will see everything.

Is this distraction for a disgraced ex-President the best way for the Homeland Security Committee to spend its time?

No, it is not. We know the answer, and it doesn't have to be that one.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.

Mr. Speaker, with all the challenges our Nation faces today, why are we relitigating the ex-President's first impeachment from 2019?

After a similar resolution failed last week, why are extreme MAGA Republicans hijacking this House yet again by devoting precious floor time to attacking my friend and colleague Adam Schiff?

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the leader of their party is facing trial on 37 felony counts of conspiracy and mishandling of classified documents. The disgraced ex-President even stored some of the Nation's most sensitive secrets in the bathroom of his Florida club.

These attempts to censure Adam have been orchestrated to distract, but no one is fooled.

Extreme MAGA Republicans are targeting Adam because he is everything they wish they could be. He is tough, principled, and effective.

I have stood shoulder to shoulder with Adam.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the work we did on January 6. It speaks for itself.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Kimberly Young-McLear, a Commander in the United States Coast

Guard, on the occasion of her retirement from Federal service.

In December 2019, during my tenure as Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Commander Young-McLear testified before our Committee and the Committee on Oversight and Reform in a joint hearing titled, ``Righting the Ship: The Coast Guard Must Improve its Processes for Addressing Harassment, Bullying, and Retaliation.'' The hearing was the culmination of an 18-month investigation into how the Coast Guard mishandled Commander Young-McLear's allegations of harassment and bullying based in part on her race, gender, and sexual orientation and failed to protect her from prohibited retaliation. The hearing, along with the issuance of a joint staff report on the results of the investigation, prompted the Coast Guard to implement several recommendations to improve its anti-harassment policies, investigative processes, and civil rights manual. Commander Young-McLear's courage in coming forward led directly to these critical changes to root out harassment and bullying and drive accountability within the Coast Guard.

In the years since, Commander Young-McLear has continued to be an advocate before Congress and resource for victims and whistleblowers across the government, while steadfastly serving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Commander Young-McLear has served with distinction in several roles at DHS, including as Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary, as a professor at the Coast Guard Academy, and as Senior Advisor at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Among her many contributions, Commander Young-McLear developed and delivered over 10 academic courses to more than 800 Coast Guard cadets across business, marine science, and cyber systems majors; played a key role in developing the Coast Guard's first Cyber Strategy and CISA's first Strategic Plan; and successfully advocated for policies enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equality across the Department.

Commander Young-McLear's bravery, perseverance, and integrity provide a model for civil servants across government. Her valuable contributions throughout her 20-year career have informed Congress' oversight and legislative work, including that of the Committee on Homeland Security, and improved the Coast Guard's ability to execute its mission by reinforcing the need for all servicemembers to act with honor and integrity.

I am proud to have worked with Commander Young-McLear during her tenure at the Coast Guard. I rise to honor her service and wish her well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable person, Waikinya Clanton of Canton, Mississippi.

Waikinya Clanton is the State Office Director at Southern Poverty Law Center. One of Waikinya's professional accomplishments is helping to direct nearly $1.5 million in funds to nonprofit organizations who were looking to help educate and strengthen engagement of communities in electoral politics, to help train women to skillfully assume elected office and empower and influence them to disrupt politics on a local, state, and federal level.

Previously, Clanton has served as senior adviser to the Democratic National Committee chair. She was the National Executive Director of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, where she led efforts that fueled electoral victories for Black women. In addition, she was a key aide to my Congressional staff as well. She also served as an Equity Adviser on race, gender, policy, and public engagement for social networking company Nextdoor and cosmetics retailer Sephora.

Clanton is a graduate of Tougaloo College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in sociology. She earned a master's degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. She is a certified political operative through the Congressional Black Caucus Institute's political education and training Boot Camp as well as The Campaign School at Yale University, which is dedicated to increasing the number of women in elected and appointed office. Clanton is a certified Diversity and Inclusion Specialist through Cornell University's diversity and inclusion certification program.

Clanton is also the founder of Who's Who of MS Women and is a Black Church Digital Equity Fellow with the Multicultural Media, Telecom, and Internet Council as well as a Public Policy Fellow with the Eric H. Holder Public Policy Institute at Tougaloo College. She is also the inventor of the new card game, Quonvo.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing my former staff member, Waikinya Clanton for her dedication to the oppression within the state of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Local Organizing Committee (LOC). LOC has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to make a difference in their community.

The LOC of Greenville, MS, is a collaboration of various organizations, churches, business owners, community leaders, activists and grassroot organizers that work together through their resources to culturally and holistically improve the conditions in which their community lives. They work diligently throughout the community and surrounding areas to bring awareness, education, empowerment, outreach, training and self-help programs through love and unity.

The LOC is organizations that through planning and action committees work to give the community a voice. The LOC's mission is to be the liaison between the people and the local government in overcoming difficulties that face the black community. Under the 3M-Model and The National Agenda, they work to accomplish this mission. The town hall meetings are the driving force that they use to reach people.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Local Organizing Committee for their outstanding service and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Mrs. Sabrina Tanner-Moore.

Sabrina is the proud daughter of the late Fred Tanner and Jerlean Gamble. She is the amazing mother of three--Keldrick Tanner, Diamond Moore, and Jarquarius Moore; and two beautiful grandkids--Dylan Kace and Kali Ivy. She's a lifelong resident of Greenwood, Mississippi. After graduating with honors from Elzy High School in 1989, she continued her education at Alcorn State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, in 1993.

In the year 2000, Sabrina graduated suma cum laude from Mississippi Valley State University with a Master of Art in Teaching. In 2009, Sabrina obtained an Administrative license. After completing tedious coursework in 2014 in education with concentration in Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development, Sabrina obtained her Specialist Degree while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

With education being her forte, Sabrina began her teaching career in 1993 with Greenwood Public Schools as a Substitute Teacher with genuine love for helping others to excel. In 1998, Sabrina became a highly Certified Teacher. She's taught 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grade English. She's also served as an adjunct teacher at Mississippi Delta Community College, where she taught beginning English courses.

In 2012, she served as the District Instructional Coach for the Greenwood Public Schools District. In 2013, she served as an Assistant Principal at Threadgill Elementary, and at Greenwood High School in 2016. In 2019, she became the Chief/Director of the Greenwood Alternative School for the Greenwood Leflore Consolidated School District.

Sabrina has been in the educational field for 28 years, and recently retired in December 2022. In February 2023, she launched her skincare business, Body Luck. Sabrina has received numerous awards and recognitions while employed with Greenwood Public Schools.

Sabrina has been an active member of Delta Sigma Theta since her inception in 1993 with Delta Epsilon at Alcorn State University. She has served in many capacities with the Greenwood-Itta Bena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Sabrina enjoys reading, traveling, shopping, dancing, teaching, volunteering, and spending quality time with family and friends, and making handmade soaps and other skincare products. She is happily married to her wonderful husband, Dwight Moore of Greenwood, MS.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Sabrina Tanner-Moore for her dedication and tenacity to serving her community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and accomplished band director and music educator, Dr. Renardo Murray. He has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to make a difference.

Dr. Murray was chosen as Alcorn State University's 2023 Mississippi Humanities Council Teacher of the Year. He and other recipients will be honored for their contributions to the humanities. Dr. Murray is the associate dean and professor for the School of Arts and Sciences. Before his current role, Dr. Murray was the director of Bands for the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band. He holds an outstanding track record in assuring student success both musically and academically. He has an extensive background of developing, operating, and maintaining quality band programs.

Before his tenure at Alcorn State University, Dr. Murray served Jackson State University first as assistant band director from 2004 to 2009, and then as interim director of bands/instructor of music since 2009. He has also served as band director at the secondary education level: for Yazoo City High School, Yazoo City, Mississippi; Blackburn Middle School, Jackson, Mississippi; Clinton High School, Clinton, Louisiana; and as assistant band director for Wilkinson County High School, Woodville, Mississippi.

Dr. Murray earned his doctorate degree in music education in 2011 from the University of Mississippi, a master's degree in music education from Jackson State University in 2004 and his bachelor's in music education from Alcorn State University in 1995.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Renardo Murray for his passion and dedication in the field of education.

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

Arthur ``Bobo'' Harris was a star football player and track athlete for Vicksburg High in the early 1980s and went on to play football at Southern Miss.

Harris, the Gators' quarterback his senior year, played in the 1982 Mississippi All-Star Game and was an all-state selection at three different positions. He was also selected as the student-athlete of the year in Mississippi.

Harris was inducted into the 2022 Vicksburg Warren School District Athletic Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Arthur Harris for his passion and dedication to the Vicksburg Warren School District.