Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable police officer, Orlando Bolden.

Officer Bolden is a native of Grenada, MS. He began his career with the Grenada County Sheriff's Department as a reserve deputy. He then moved to Duck Hill and worked for the Duck Hill Police Department.

When a full-time position became available in Vaiden, MS, he took the job and still worked part time in Duck Hill. Officer Bolden is currently working for the Winona Police Department, going on 3 years now.

What make Officer Bolden stand out from the other officers is that during the school year, he directs traffic in his own personal style. When people drive down Highway 407 or Highway 51 during school traffic at Winona Elementary School, they will often see Officer Bolden dancing with his whistle in his mouth, directing traffic.

Officer Bolden is well-known for his dance moves. Officer Bolden believes that entertaining traffic control is just of a small gesture that shows another side of law enforcement and that everything does not have to be so uptight and wound up.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Officer Orlando Bolden for his longevity and dedication to serving the community.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 5274, the Prevent Exposure to Narcotics and Toxics Act of 2021. The cost-estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing.

U.S. Congress,

Congressional Budget Office,

Washington, DC, June 17, 2022.

Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,

Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has

prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5274, the

PREVENT ACT of 2021.

If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be

pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Sofia Guo.

Sincerely,

Phillip L. Swagel,

Director.

Enclosure.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 7174, the National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing.

U.S. Congress,

Congressional Budget Office,

Washington, DC, June 23, 2022.

Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,

Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has

prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 7174, the

National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of

2022.

If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be

pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Madeleine

Fox.

Sincerely,

Phillip L. Swagel,

Director.

Enclosure.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated trailblazer Mrs. Dora Smith. Dora has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success.

Dora is a native of Vicksburg where she attended and graduated from Rosa A. Temple in 1965. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Educational Psychology from Alcorn State University.

Dora, a woman of integrity, honor and dignity, was the first black female officer at the Vicksburg Police Department, where she worked for 26 years. In this capacity, she has worked in patrol, Juvenile Division, desk sergeant and Drug and Alcohol Division.

As a member of the Vicksburg Police Department, Dora touched the lives of many children through her work in the Juvenile Division and in her relationship with child abuse agencies, shelters, and MS Dept. of Human Services. On her off days from the police department, Dora worked as substitute teacher at Vicksburg Public School District. After retirement, she worked as a security guard at Riverwalk Casino, where she is recognized as a Happy Hero.

Dora has received the Officer of the Year Award from Vicksburg Benevolent Homecoming Organization; Officer of the Year from the American Legion Hut and a certificate of Appreciation from the Mike Moore Drug & Alcohol Division for being steadfast and tenacious in her efforts to help children not abuse drugs and alcohol.

She is the proud wife of Charles Smith, Sr., who she was joined in holy matrimony on April 14, 1968. Dora and Charles have 5 children, and two followed in her footsteps and chose law enforcement as a career. Dora is member of the King David M. B. Church No. 1, where she is committed to the women ministry and is the program coordinator.

She is a member of the Vicksburg NAACP Chapter, Alcorn Alumni Association, and the Essence Social & Civic Club, where she is the founding member, mentor and event's organizer.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Dora Smith for her passion and dedication to serve others and the City of Vicksburg.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the history of White Star Missionary Baptist Church.

The history of White Star Missionary Baptist Church will help to inspire the present and future congregations. Since its beginning, White Star has stood pointing men and women, boys, and girls to the Heavenly way. Amid world turmoil in the face of strife and war, and at times when Christian ideals are crumbling this church has ever held high the banner of Christ who said, ``Upon this rock I build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.''

White Star Church had its beginning intricately tied to another church, the ``Colored Methodist Episcopal Church.'' The first church held its services in the Methodist church building that was located on the northwest corner of Railway Avenue and Willis Street (the present residence of Mr. & Mrs. S.A. Payton). White Star Church developed out of the desires of and efforts of some of the residents of Belzoni to organize a church. These members met in the Methodist building until they were able to purchase the Methodist lots and build their own church. According to Mrs. Geneva York and the legal documents at the county courthouse, White Star Church was organized in 1915.

The White Star Church became a separate entity in 1920 under the leadership of its first pastor, the Reverend I.E. Taylor. During his leadership, White Star Church moved to its present site at 609 Railway Avenue.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing White Star Missionary Baptist Church for their dedication and tenacity to serving their members and community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable church, Abundant Life Assembly Church of Apostolic Faith, Inc.

In 1978, God instructed Apostle James T. Herrington, a native of Sardis, Georgia, to transition from his surroundings because he had been assigned to a greater work. Leaving his family behind, Apostle, his wife, and young son moved to Grenada, Mississippi, and started what was then, a very humble ministry.

Apostle James T. Herrington is the Vice President of the General Board of the Alliance of Apostolic Churches of Christ Jesus (AACCJ). He is a member of the Grenada Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance; Grenada Chamber of Commerce; Grenada's Chapter of 100 Black Men of America; and Grenada's Chapter of the Rotary Club.

The Abundant Life Assembly Church of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. was literally birthed out of his heart and was the first apostolic church to grace the city of Grenada.

Since the church's inception in 1982, and its humble beginning, the church has experienced tremendous growth and now Apostle serves as Senior Pastor of this assembly and Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of the Abundant Life Assembly Churches of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. (ALCAF) which has churches throughout the southeastern continental United States.

June 2022, the Abundant Life Assembly Church of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. will honor its' 40-year anniversary. The ALCAF has done so much for the Grenada community. Through ALCAF, Apostle Herrington has provided a daycare for children to attend, and he has provided transportation to the community that needed rides to their doctor appointments or work. Apostle Herrington has also provided food boxes.

We are very thankful for Abundant Life Assembly Church of Apostolic Faith, Inc. and Apostle James T. Herrington for all the astonishing things he has done for the Grenada community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Abundant Life Assembly Church of Apostolic Faith, Inc. for its longevity and dedication to serving the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the history of True Light M. B. Church.

In 1934, approximately 43 members marched with candles from Morning Star Baptist Church on Kane Street to a small store on East Bell Street in Jackson, Mississippi. Rev. J. H. Sims was the founder and first pastor of True Light M. B. Church. A few of the pioneers were Mary Lee Hicks, Sarah Lynn, Pearlina Smith and Rev. James Thomas. Rev. Sims served True Light faithfully until his departure. Then, Rev. Will Robinson was installed as the second pastor of True Light and served for three years. Under Rev. Robinson's leadership, the membership relocated from the store on Bell Street to a wooden framed building in the back of True Light Church present location.

Reverend (Dr.) Robert H. Walls was the third and most tenured pastor of True Light. He was a licensed minister from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and joined True Light in 1935 along with his wife, Leatha Warren Walls. After Rev. Robinson departure, the church asked Rev. Walls to serve as Pastor until they decided to call a pastor. The church made great progress under his leadership, and the membership increased. Because of this progress, Rev. Walls was ordained to preach the Gospel. In April of 1940, the church asked Rev. Walls to serve as True Light's Pastor, and he accepted this calling of God.

Because of the church's growth, a survey revealed a need for additional space. To address this need, the church purchased two lots with a seven-room house. Uplifting services were held in a small wood framed building on the recently purchased property. The continued growth created the need for a modern church building. The church borrowed $10,000 to construct the building. Pastor Walls drew on a brown paper bag a sketch of the present edifice. Pastor Walls once stated, ``True Light Church was spiritually built.'' He had never constructed a building before but became a ``Master Builder.'' For five years, day and night, he toiled. He had many sleepless nights and cried many tears, but he kept on working and had faith that God would surely see them through. In 1953, the church marched into our present edifice. The church began full-time worship service in 1961. True Light Church was one of the first Black churches in the City of Jackson and the first Black church to be constructed with bricks in the City of Jackson.

In 2001, after Pastor Walls entered the evening time of his life, Reverend Marvin Adams began to serve as Interim Pastor of True Light. Rev. Adams and his family were long time members of True Light Church. Thus, he was familiar with the membership and the various ministries. He was installed as the fourth Pastor of True Light that same year. Under Rev. Adams leadership, three ministers served as Associate Ministers: Carlos Casanova, Henry Taylor, and James Thomas. Brother Clarence James was ordained as a deacon. The interior sanctuary was renovated, and a Vesta View added to accommodate members and visitors waiting to enter the sanctuary. The church purchased a 47-seat passenger bus and carpeting was placed in the dining area of the Fellowship Hall. A Dance Ministry and Food and Clothing Ministry were organized. Rev. Adams faithfully served as Pastor of True Light Church for three years.

In March of 2006, God sent the church a spirit-filled anointed man of His choice, Marcus E. Cheeks. Pastor Cheeks was installed as the fifth pastor of True Light Church. He is an educator by trade holding degrees from Tougaloo College, Jackson State University and soon to be the University of Mississippi. Pastor Cheeks believes that a church's main focus should be in growing spiritually. He has the belief that through faithful study, dedication to the Word, and an intimate daily walk with Jesus Christ, the Lord will surely use him to glorify His Kingdom. Under his leadership, four ministers have served as Associate Ministers, Carlos Casanova, Henry Taylor, James Thomas, and Darrel Woullard, Sr. Five Deacons, Leroy Carter, Marc Clay, Curtis Holmes, Lee Lyle, and Harvey Marshall have been ordained. In addition, True Light's ministries have increased to include a Couples Ministry, an Outreach Ministry, Small Group Study platform for all Christian teachings, and the implementation of the Unity Drive designed to increase our personal and financial commitments to God. The church has purchased three adjacent properties for future growth. Physical renovations have taken place in several areas of the church: the Pastor's Study,

church sanctuary and restrooms, parking lot, technology has been added to Leatha Walls Educational Complex and the purchase of an additional church minibus. Most importantly, Pastor Cheeks has provided a vision into the future, with fervent prayer, focused commitment and faithful service united with our Lord and Savior, ``One in Jesus.''

True Light Missionary Baptist Church has made significant contributions to the community, state and Nation by being actively involved in the Midtown Community, the Jackson District Missionary Baptist Association, the Jackson District Congress of Christian Education, General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi and the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the history of True Light Missionary Baptist Church.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable community church, Bethlehem Church No. 1 and 2.

The old Bethlehem No. 1 church was given in 1973 down on Porter's Bayou. The founder of the Bayou was Anderson Robinson. The Robinson's were the first Black family on the Bayou. A letter found written by Martin, recounts that several families suggested a plan to build a Brush Harbor Church in 1888, which was done. Shortly, thereafter, the Bethlehem Church No. 1 was built on land donated by Randall Miller and was pastored by Zachariah Coleman. The No. 2 church was bought from Jeff Arrington and a congregation was formed there in early 1890. The first pastor was Reverend Williams, as mentioned in the letter. The last pastor of the Bethlehem Church No. 2 was Reverend Clarence Hunt, who still lives in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Bethlehem Church No. 2, an old Baptist church, was built in November of 1889. They closed in 2018 due to mold in the church and it was beyond repair. Unfortunately, there were no funds available for the needed repairs, so the decision was made to shut its doors. There are eight church members who joined in with Bethlehem Church No. 1, which is equally historic, about a quarter mile down the road.

When Bethlehem Church No. 2 closed its doors, the church only had a small congregation. There had been a disagreement within the church for approximately 20 years and many of the members left because of it. Bernice Watts-Griffin, one of the eight people, left as congregants when Bethlehem No. 2 closed in 2018. She had been a member at Bethlehem Church No. 2 for over fifty years. The former church member said, ``I was one of the first students to integrate Shaw Public Schools in the mid-1960's and we had many Civil Rights activists in the congregation.'' Mrs. Griffin was a young girl during that time and do not remember any specific or historic meetings held during that time.

Recently, there has been a discussion about trying to bet the church placed on a historic registry or named a historic site through the state. Hopefully, that comes to fruition. When asked what she would like to see happen to Bethlehem Church No. 2, Watts-Griffin said she wished the church would be formally declared and recognized as a historic building. It is the wish of the former members of Bethlehem Church No. 2 that the property could be repaired, however the damages inside the church would be of tremendous cost. It is with honor and hope to commend the vision of such a remarkable church as Bethlehem Church No. 2, where history is still standing. Although, they have joined with Bethlehem Church No. 1, the churches will continue to serve the community through service and commitment that has sustained the Bethlehem Church No. 2 family throughout this journey, and whose venture is a testament to God's promise of success and longevity to those who diligently seek Him and obey His will.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Bethlehem Church No. 2 for their dedication to serving their members and community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Senator Hiram Rhodes Revels.

Senator Revels was the first Black person to serve in the United Sates Senate, and he was the first pastor of Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Natchez.

Senator Revels was born a free man in Fayetteville, North Carolina on September 27, 1827. In 1845, Senator Revels was ordained a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church after attending the Beech Grove Quaker Seminary in Indiana and Darke Seminary for Blacks in Ohio. At the beginning of the Civil War, Senator Revels established two Colored Troop regiments from Maryland, and in 1862, he served as Chaplin for a U.S. Colored Troop regiment in Vicksburg, MS and Natchez, MS. In 1863 Senator Revels established a Freedman's school in St. Louis, MO. In 1866 after serving churches in Louisville, KY and New Orleans, LA, Senator Revels settled in Natchez, MS where he became pastor of Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1868, Senator Revels' first elected position was as a Natchez Alderman. In 1869, Senator

Revels was elected to the Mississippi Legislature as a Senator. On January 20, 1870, the Mississippi Legislature voted to seat Senator Revels to fill one of two unexpired Mississippi U.S. Senate seats vacated by Senator Albert Brown and Senator Jefferson Davis, who vacated his Senate seat to serve as President of the Confederacy. During Reconstruction, as Mississippi was readmitted to the Union on February 23, 1870, Hiram Rhodes Revels took his seat on February 25, 1870 as the first Black person to serve in the United States Senate and served on the Education and Labor Committee.

At the end of his Senate term on March 3, 1871, Senator Revels chose to return to Mississippi to become the first President of Alcorn State University, formally known as Oakland College. Alcorn is the first landgrant school in the United States for Black students. Alcorn is named for Senator Revels' political supporter, Governor James Alcorn. Briefly, in 1873, Senator Revels was chosen as Mississippi interim Secretary of State after the death of John Roy Lynch. He took a hiatus from Alcorn in 1874 and became the pastor of a church in Holly Springs, MS. In 1876 he returned as President of Alcorn and retired in 1882. Senator Revels returned to the ministry in Holly Springs where he died January 16, 1901.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Senator Hiram Rhodes Revels.

Mr. Speaker, violence shattered communities across the country this weekend, making it a very sad one for this Nation.

First, on Friday night in Milwaukee, 21 people were injured in a mass shooting as the city hosted the NBA playoffs. Then, on Saturday, a gunman who posted a manifesto online espousing violent white supremacist viewpoints drove 2 hours to a grocery store in a predominantly Black area of Buffalo and opened fire on customers, killing 10 innocent people. Finally, yesterday, in Laguna Woods, California, an armed intruder burst into a predominantly Taiwanese Christian congregation meeting in a Presbyterian church, killing one congregant and critically wounding four others.

Today, we mourn with these communities and families who were rocked by this violence, but we also must continue asking tough questions about what is fueling such racially motivated violent extremism.

Just months ago, FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress domestic terrorism is metastasizing through this country and was not going away any time soon. The intelligence community has recently warned that racially motivated violent extremism poses the most lethal domestic terrorism threat.

While Americans may not see eye-to-eye on what factors contribute to the current threat landscape, there seems to be general agreement that public spaces, in general, and houses of worship, in particular, need to be more secure.

That is where the Nonprofit Security Grant Program comes in. This grant program is incredibly important to at-risk nonprofits that need to bolster their security against mass shootings and terrorism threats.

In 2020, I was proud to author legislation that was enacted into law to authorize this program. Today, I am here in support of H.R. 6825, legislation I introduced in the wake of a terrorist attack on a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, to expand the availability of crucial funding to more at-risk nonprofits and improve the program's operations.

My legislation, Mr. Speaker, does so by increasing the authorization for funding to $500 million annually through fiscal year 2028 and by establishing a dedicated program office.

This past February, the National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin stated: ``Threats directed at historically Black colleges and universities and other colleges and universities, Jewish facilities, and churches cause concern and may inspire extremist threat actors to mobilize to violence.''

With each passing day, the list of potential targets for mass violence seems to expand, and FEMA has already told us that even with funding for the program increasing roughly three-fold in just a few short years, the demand for funding is still outpacing available funding. The additional resources provided under my bill will help FEMA do more to help more at-risk nonprofits.

Importantly, H.R. 6825 requires FEMA to provide outreach, engagement, and technical support to nonprofits, with particular attention to eligible at-risk nonprofits in underserved communities.

As was mentioned before, in recent days, questions have arisen about how FEMA plans to bring new at-risk nonprofits into the program, a goal that many of us support.

I strongly believe that with the enhanced funding that Congress provides in this year's appropriations, FEMA can expand the program's reach while preserving funding to existing grantees that continue to be at risk.

To that end, together with my colleague, Mr. Pascrell, I am engaging FEMA about its approach, and I look forward to resolving it.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to my colleagues' support in passing this critical legislation.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1097, I call up the bill (H.R. 903) to enhance the security operations of the Transportation Security Administration and stability of the transportation security workforce by applying the personnel system under title 5, United States Code, to employees of the Transportation Security Administration who provide screening of all passengers and property, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 903, the Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act.

This critical legislation will bring equity and improve working conditions to the Transportation Security Administration by providing better pay, expanded collective bargaining rights, and basic civil service protection to the agency's workforce.

The essential employees of the TSA have continued to work throughout the pandemic, never relenting in their mission to secure air travel despite the risks to their health. They did so before the pandemic and continue to do so now despite enduring two decades of low pay and a lack of basic workplace rights enjoyed by most other Federal employees.

These shortcomings have led to low morale and high turnover impacting TSA's ability to cultivate a mature workforce that can skillfully combat the constantly evolving threats to our Nation's transportation systems. In 2020, TSA ranked dead last on pay satisfaction as part of the annual Best Places to Work in the Federal Government survey.

In addition, the most recent analysis done on employee turnover at TSA shows that over a 2-year span, one in three transportation security officers, or TSOs, quit. That analysis also revealed that in a single year, TSA spent approximately $16 million to hire and onboard nearly 2,000 people who left just months after they got the job. This revolving door of recruiting, training, and then losing TSOs is unsustainable and underscores the need to find a permanent solution that will ensure TSA lives up to its critical national security mission. H.R. 903 would permanently move TSA under title 5 of U.S. Code and eliminate the existing personnel management system that is the source of many of the problems I have enumerated.

This bill will result in better pay and regular salary increases for workers who too often live paycheck to paycheck and experience long paths to career advancement despite years on the job. Employees will benefit from the same collective bargaining rights under H.R. 903 that other Federal employees have, empowering them to collaborate with TSA management to improve working conditions at the agency.

Employees who believe they have experienced wrongful discipline could appeal their case to a neutral party to be heard, just as other Federal employees are able to do. It would eliminate TSA leadership's ability to abuse special personnel authorities in ways that have historically benefited those at the top. In other words, Mr. Speaker, people at the top get big raises but people at the bottom get the short end of the stick.

TSA management would still be able to remove employees from duties if they could compromise the mission of the agency. Furthermore, just like any other unionized Federal agency, TSA's security procedures would not be subject to collective bargaining with the workforce.

We are fortunate to have an administration in the White House that understands the importance of making these changes. This week, the Biden administration issued a Statement of Administration Policy voicing strong support for the bill and noting it is in line with the President's budget request for 2023.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the Statement of Administration Policy.

Statement of Administration Policy

h.r. 903--rights for the tsa workforce act of 2022--rep. thompson, d-

ms, and 231 cosponsors

The Administration strongly supports passage of H.R. 903,

the Rights for the Transportation Security Administration

(TSA) Workforce Act of 2022. This legislation is an important

step in ensuring equitable pay for the TSA workforce and is

aligned with the 2023 President's Budget request to improve

pay for TSA employees. The Administration looks forward to

working with the Congress to enact and fund this important

legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I also applaud the Biden administration for the steps it has taken on its own over the last year to expand employees' access to the Merit Systems Protection Board and explore expanded collective bargaining and increased pay for the workforce. About a year ago, the Secretary of Homeland Security released a memo that instructed the TSA Administrator to make progress on improving pay, collective bargaining, and third-party appeals rights.

Laudably, the President's budget for fiscal year 2023 includes a historic proposal to invest in the TSA workforce in these ways. But critically, crucially, these changes would only apply to the coming fiscal year. That is why it is so essential to pass H.R. 903 so that future administrations cannot turn back the clock on these frontline aviation security workers.

We all know that the nature of an investment is that you have to put some money in upfront and see the returns later. Unlike a typical investment, however, we already have a snapshot into the financial benefit this legislation would yield to workers.

Earlier this year, TSA shared with us that the passage of H.R. 903 would result in a 30 percent salary increase for the entire TSO workforce and a 21 percent increase for Federal air marshals and other law enforcement officers within the agency, bringing them in line with their peers doing similar work at other agencies.

That is astounding, Mr. Speaker, on its face, and it is the least we can do for the men and women who see us each week as we pass through our home airports on the way to Washington, D.C.

Most Members, Republicans and Democrats, thank them for the job that they are doing and say if there is

anything they can do to help, just let them know. Well, Mr. Speaker, passing this bill would do exactly that.

H.R. 903 has 231 bipartisan cosponsors and is strongly supported by the American Federation of Government Employees, the Air Marshals Association, the Association of Flight Attendants, the Transport Workers Union of America, the Transportation Trades Department, the AFL-CIO, and the National Urban League.

I include in the Record letters of support from these organizations.

American Federation of

Government Employees, AFL-CIO,

Washington, DC, May 6, 2022.

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Representative: On behalf of the American Federation

of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE), which represents

more than 700,000 federal and District of Columbia employees

in 70 agencies, including approximately 45,000 Transportation

Security Officers (TSOs) who protect the flying public, I

write to urge you to vote in support of H.R. 903, the

``Rights for the Transportation Security Administration

Workforce Act of 2021'' when it is considered on the House

floor next week.

Passage of H.R. 903 would finally provide due process and

fair pay to TSOs by requiring full collective bargaining

rights and the GS-pay scale as is enjoyed by most federal

government workers. When the Transportation Security

Administration (TSA) was established, its administrator was

given uniquely broad authority over the workforce to set pay

and working conditions. As a result, TSOs do not benefit from

the Fair Labor Standards Act or the General Schedule pay

scale and do not have representational rights accorded by

Congress to most of the federal workforce under the Civil

Service Reform Act of 1978. Under current law, TSOs cannot

appeal adverse personnel decisions to a neutral third party,

rights that are held by the non-TSO workforce at TSA as well

as most law enforcement officers who serve elsewhere within

the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Other DHS

employees, clearly vital to our national security, can and do

appeal adverse actions not only to the Merit Systems

Protection Board (MSPB) but also to the U.S. Court of

Appeals.

When the bill was considered in the House Homeland Security

Committee, I testified in support of the legislation and

shared stories of the struggles TSOs have suffered under

TSA's separate and unequal personnel management system. They

are stories of harassment, intimidation, humiliation,

discrimination and most of all, stories of the despair TSOs

face with no neutral party to turn to. This separate system

is a failure that has fostered a toxic culture that will not

change without legislative action.

On June 3, 2021 Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro

Mayorkas directed TSA Administrator David Pekoske to issue a

new determination and bargain a new contract with the union

to ``more closely mirror the rights and benefits that are

provided to bargaining unit employees under Chapter 71 of

Title 5 of the United States Code.'' In issuing this

directive, Secretary Mayorkas acknowledged that statutorily,

the provisions under title 5 cannot be directly granted and

the TSO workforce does not have the direct right to appeal

adverse actions to MSPB. This can only be corrected in law.

In the nearly 21-year history of TSA, the Secretary's

action was both unprecedented and highly welcomed. However,

his directive makes clear this is a temporary step to provide

relief until these rights can be secured in statute. The time

is now to step up and recognize the rushed decision almost 21

years ago to allow at separate personnel system no longer

serves the employees of TSA appropriately, and thereby

extends a disservice to the American public and to aviation

security.

H.R. 903 honors TSOs' dedication to America's aviation

security by:

Statutorily repealing the TSA Administrator's authority to

maintain a separate and unequal personnel system that applies

only to the TSO workforce;

Statutorily ending the TSA personnel directives that have

allowed TSA to be the judge and jury, with no neutral third-

party review, in workforce disciplinary matters and providing

statutory access to MSPB;

Requiring TSA to follow the labor-management employee

relations statutes that provide workplace rights and

protections to most federal government employees under Title

5 of the U.S. Code; and

Putting TSOs on the General Schedule pay scale with regular

step increases, under which most federal employees' pay is

determined. While it takes 18 years to advance to the top

step in the GS system, it takes 30 years to advance through a

TSA pay band. AFGE notes that President Biden included

sufficient funds in his Fiscal Year 2023 Budget to all for

the migration to the GS system and the necessary bargaining

and MSPB rights.

I ask you to vote in support of H.R. 903 and oppose any

amendments that weaken its intent to achieve fair pay, a fair

opportunity and put an end to this failed, toxic system.

AFGE appreciates your support of our nation's TSOs and we

look forward to working with you to improve the agency and

the rights of its dedicated workforce that keeps the flying

public safe.

Sincerely,

Everett B. Kelley,

National President.

Mr. Speaker, the momentum we need to vote this legislation over the finish line is there, and I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will honor the work of our brave TSOs and the commitment they have made to them by voting for this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am glad to see my colleague, the ranking member. But let me just correct him on his correction of the gentleman from New Jersey. A person that works in the Department of Homeland Security is not a labor representative. The labor representative that Mr. Payne referenced is an organized labor representative with the AFL-CIO.

The other thing my ranking member can do, he will have a chance to vote on the President's budget. The raise for the employees is in the budget. I look forward to that opportunity presenting itself. Our TSOs need a raise. If we don't, the gymnastics here on the floor doesn't pay rent, doesn't pay mortgage, doesn't pay tuition, doesn't even buy groceries.

So at the end of the day, let's give these good folks who do a good job an honest day's pay for an honest day's work. That is the spirit in which this legislation is put forward.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas.

Mr. Speaker, for the Record, title 5 will prevent the misconduct we have seen at TSA, such as senior managers awarding each other over $90,000 in bonuses.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, for the Record, title 5 is not a union. It is a personnel system. It means that if you have rights as an employee of the Federal Government, you know what those rights are. That is not a union.

Now, for TSOs who voted to have a bargaining unit, and they chose the American Federation of Government Employees to be their bargaining unit, that is all. In America, people have choices. Our TSOs decided that they wanted to have union representation, which in America, in a democracy, is their right. I respect that right, and they have done it.

Now we have to treat them like all other Federal employees. That is just what this bill does. There is nothing else here. It just puts them under title 5 just like every other national security-related law enforcement agency, and we are in good shape, so they can pay their mortgages, they can pay their rent, they can do for their children like other Federal employees, plain and simple. Not a big deal.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa), a subcommittee chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, the policies with reference to flying on planes have remained consistent under successive administrations of both parties, including the Trump administration. These passengers have their identities verified through CBP and ICE and received enhanced screening. If the individuals are on the terrorist watch list and they are not U.S. citizens, they are transferred to ICE for title 8 processing and detention.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the robust debate we have had today for this legislation and amendments my colleagues will be offering that seek to improve the bill. But you can't spend thanks. If I told a TSO, ``Thank you for your service,'' almost to the person, they would say, ``Then give me a raise. Treat me like all other Federal employees.''

As our country emerges from what we hope is the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot forget about the TSOs, air marshals, and others within TSA who never paused their work in service of our national security.

With estimates that the number of passengers who travel through airports in fiscal year 2023 will exceed prepandemic figures by 4.5 percent, we are again asking them to do more than ever and not pay them any additional money. Treat them like everybody else. Passage of this legislation will send a clear signal that we acknowledge their commitment and agree they deserve the compensation and workplace protection that reflects that.

In this country, you pay for what you get. Pay our TSOs what they deserve and treat them like all other Federal employees. A 30 percent increase is what this bill would do for our TSOs, and they deserve it. They have earned it. I thank my colleagues for their support and urge passage of H.R. 903.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to section 3 of House Resolution 1097, I offer amendments en bloc.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of these amendments which seek to improve the work experiences of TSA employees, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. Wexton).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I support these amendments en bloc consisting of amendments from my colleagues from Michigan, Virginia, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York.

These amendments, like the entire bill, requires TSA to engage its workforce, hear employee concerns, and make improvements in the service of our homeland security.

As we have heard today, morale and retention at TSA are alarmingly low. This is even more alarming when considering the fact that TSA is a majority-minority workforce, with more than half its workers identifying as people of color. It is important that TSA employees have a safe workplace, free of harassment, and that agency leadership reflects the diversity of its workforce as well.

These amendments offer solutions to real problems faced by TSA employees, such as commuting challenges at airports, as they go about their critical mission to keep air travel secure for the American people.

I thank my colleagues for offering these amendments, and I urge the House to join me in supporting them.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 5615, the Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Act. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing.

U.S. Congress,

Congressional Budget Office,

Washington, DC, May 3, 2022.

Hon. Bennie G. Thompson,

Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has

prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5615, the

Homeland Security Capabilities Preservation Act.

If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be

pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Jon Sperl.

Sincerely,

Phillip L. Swagel,

Director.

Enclosure.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Brigadier General (Retired) Donna R. Williams. Brigadier General (Retired) Williams has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success.

(Retired) Williams is a native of Vicksburg and earned her commission through the Senior Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program

(ECP) at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, where she also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. She holds a master of business administration degree in Information Technology and Military Management from Touro University, and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College (USAWC), Carlisle Barracks, PA.

She served her Nation honorably as an Army Engineer Officer for 32 years. Brigadier General (Retired) Williams' duty stations included key developmental and career-enhancing assignments across the Continental United States, Hawaii, Iraq and other overseas assignments. Brigadier General (Retired) Williams is an employee with the Engineer Research and Development Center at the United States Corps of Engineers Reachback Operations Center in Vicksburg.

She is a proud member of the Vicksburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Vicksburg Branch of NAACP and a lifetime member of the Army ROTC Hall of Fame. She was recognized as the Vicksburg Post Hero of the week in April 2022.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Brigadier General (Retired) Donna R. Williams for her passion and dedication to serve Mississippi and this Country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of a remarkable individual, Dr. Mauda L. Monger.

Dr. Mauda Monger is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics/Business Administrations from Tougaloo College, and a master's degree in Public Health, Health Policy & Management, and most recently, her doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from Jackson State University. With more than 16 years of experience in HIV/AIDS, Monger has presented on both the local and national level. Her experience spans technical assistance and curriculum development and facilitation. Her presentation style is both personable and innovative with a structure that is focused on eliminating health disparities.

Dr. Monger has provided training to health care professionals in various settings to include primary care, Ryan White, federally qualified health centers and social services. Her key areas of focus are to build effective relationships between community and clinical partners while developing trainings that are comprehensive and informative while developing regional and national partners in getting Mississippi to reduce the number of persons infected with HIV and increase retention in care and viral suppression.

Communities of special focus include women, persons of color, specifically African Americans and marginalized communities to include persons who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender. Her passionate and data-focused style of education reinforces her goal ensuring the clinical community recognizes how stigma and social determinants of health impact access to care, thus the importance of creating welcoming and inclusive clinical environments. She is author and co-author on numerous papers, abstracts and has presented extensively on HIV prevention, social determinants of health, special populations, HIV stigma.

In addition to her current, ongoing responsibilities, Monger is an active alumnus of Lanier High School's Health Initiative and board President OurTime Adult Day Care, Inc.

In 2014, Dr. Monger founded The SHE Project, a mentoring/community service program; focused to build young African American women to be leaders in the community. She is driven by the mantra ``To whom much is given, much is required''. It's in this space that Dr. Monger provides a roadmap to women seeking to achieve their personal and professional goals.

When she is not educating, mentoring, or speaking, Dr. Monger enjoys journaling, traveling and just a lazy day on the beach.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life, legacy, and service of Dr. Mauda L. Monger.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable hero, Mrs. Eloise Campbell Barfield-Figgs.

Eloise was born on December 10, 1944, in Marks, MS, to Louise ``Mama Lou'' Hankins and Charlie Campbell. She grew up in a home with seven siblings--two sisters and five brothers in Marks, MS.

Eloise is a 1963 graduate of Quitman County High School; and she later attended Coahoma Community College where she majored in Early Childhood Education. She utilized her educational background and started her career in the early childhood field by serving as Center Director for Head Start in Lambert, MS. She also served as Parent Center Coordinator for the Quitman County School District. She established a name for herself by working in the public sector as a Justice Court Clerk, a Clerk in the Chancery Clerk's Office; Customer Service Representative at Shreveport Credit Union (now Red River), and Delta Burial Funeral Association. She is currently retired but felt the need to return to work to share her skills and talents by cooking and serving three ``Hot & Nutritious'' meals to the County Inmates.

Eloise later married James R. Figgs (former Civil Rights Activist) and they had three children: Wynetta, Anja, and Dwight; four grandchildren and one great grandson.

Eloise a strong pillar in her community and is the matriarch of her family. She continues to care for her children, her grandchildren, her great grandson and two of her disabled brothers. She is devoted to ensuring that her brothers are well taken care of and provides them with meals daily.

Over the course of her life, she has contributed to her community tremendously. She assists with distributing food boxes to needy families, disabled adults and the elderly throughout the community. As a pillar of her community, she has continued to help others through her many organizational affiliations, (Current & Past) such as the Heroine of Jericho; The National Council of Negro Women, Inc.; the NAACP (Local, State & National), where she has received numerous awards in her work related to Civil Rights; and the Les Grandes Souers, where her organization provides charitable services that are beneficial to the community and particularly for the children. Her organization in the past was very instrumental in hosting pageants for the girls and boys of Quitman County, teaching them etiquette, helping to build self- confidence, increase community involvement, and build lasting friendships.

Eloise has been instrumental in helping to organize the Annual Christmas Parades for the City of Marks, providing Annual Scholarships for High School Seniors and she renders herself to any other charitable event in which the Organization is asked to assist.

Eloise is a faithful, longtime member of Silent Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she serves as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. Her favorite scripture is Psalms 23, because she says, ``the Lord is her Shepherd and I shall not want.'' She is very active and supportive in her community, church and the school district in which she has resided all of her life. Eloise is never hesitant to help anyone in any way that she possibly can.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Eloise Campbell Barfield-Figgs for she is the epitome of an unsung hero.