Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and ambitious community advocate, Mr. Leonce Young. Leonce has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to serve others.

Leonce Young, a native of South Louisiana, enrolled in Louisiana State University with aspirations to pursue an engineering degree; however, he felt that was not his destiny. He instead opted to join the United States military serving in the Navy and Marines for a total of 22 years.

Officer Young's desire to join law enforcement began while in the active military. He accompanied a friend during a ride-along in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and that experience ignited the fire in him to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Now a retired military veteran, Leonce has served the Vicksburg Police Department for the past 26 years in various roles including: patrolman, motor officer, K-9 officer, and crash investigator. During his stint with Vicksburg Police Department, Leonce has received many awards and recognitions including Vicksburg/Warren Benevolent Police Officer of the Year, Motorcycle Instructor certification from Maryland State Police, accident reconstruction certification, and Federal Aviation Administration/UAS Remote Drone Pilot certification.

Young said, ``The most rewarding thing about the work I do is helping people in the community, especially the young children and older adults. However, I feel the most challenging thing about law enforcement is separating family members from their loved ones due to incidents that could have been prevented.''

Young believes that to be a good law enforcement officer, one must have compassion for others, the ability to think quickly under stressful situations, good communication skills and, above all, integrity.

Leonce is married with two adult children and his favorite pastime is riding his motorcycle along the scenic highways.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Leonce Young for his passion and desire to make a difference in the community.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 3264, the Domains Critical to Homeland Security Act. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing.

U.S. Congress,

Congressional Budget Office,

Washington, DC, June 15, 2021.

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. 3264, the

Domains Critical to Homeland Security Act.

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

pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Lindsay

Wylie.

Sincerely,

Phillip L. Swagel,

Director.

Enclosure.

H.R. 3264, Domains Critical to Homeland Security Act--June 1, 2021

------------------------------------------------------------------------

By fiscal year, millions of

dollars--

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the life and service of Mr. George Edward Hairston.

George E. Hairston was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on February 11, 1942. He passed away on March 8, 2021, at the age of seventy-nine. He was buried with military honors next to his beloved brother Richard Hairston. After graduating high school, George graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, and went on to attend Columbia University in New York City, NY receiving his master's degree in Social Work.

George served in the United States military during the Vietnam War where he was assigned to a medical unit in Korea helping those who were wounded in combat. After his honorable discharge, George attended, and graduated, from New York University School of Law. While attending law school, he worked as a legal intern at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational fund. Afterwards, Mr. Hairston was employed by the NAACP as an Assistant General Counsel.

After leaving the NAACP, he entered private practice as a independent practitioner in New York City where he maintained a distinguished national civil rights litigation and criminal defense practice.

After living out and accomplishing his goal to be a renowned attorney fighting racial injustice, Mr. Hairston went home to Chattanooga where be lived out the rest of his life until his demise. Due to his salient role and efforts in addressing racial injustice, Mr. Hairston addressed the 97th Congress at hearings held by the Subcommittee on the Judiciary of the United States House of Representative. His expertise helped Congress address racially motivated violence and systemic racism.

Mr. Hairston labored decades to make our nation more inclusive and fought for those in need of justice.

Madam Speaker, I would like to acknowledge Mr. George E. Hairston for his honorable lifetime endeavors

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 3138, the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing.

U.S. Congress,

Congressional Budget Office,

Washington, DC, June 8, 2021.

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. 3138, the State

and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act.

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

pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Aldo

Prosperi.

Sincerely,

Phillip L. Swagel,

Director.

Enclosure.

H.R. 3138, State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act--June 1, 2021

------------------------------------------------------------------------

By fiscal year, millions

of dollars--

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise in support of H. Res. 503, a measure Establishing the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.

Next week will mark 6 months since the world watched in horror as Americans violently stormed the Capitol in an attempt to stop Congress from carrying out its constitutional duty to certify a Presidential election.

Like many of my colleagues, I had hoped that the Republican Senators would put country over politics and support legislation to establish a bipartisan, independent commission just as 35 House Republicans did in May.

I had hoped they would do so, just as a previous generation of Senators did in response to the 9/11 terrorist attack.

Instead, our bipartisan, good faith proposal was met with a filibuster. Now that Senate Republicans have chosen to block the formation of an independent commission, it falls to the House to stay the course and get the American people the answers they deserve.

I commend the Speaker for introducing this measure and offering us a way forward.

I believe that with the right Members, staff and resources, and cooperation from Federal, State, and local partners and the private sector, this select committee will be well-positioned to do vital oversight work into why our information-sharing, counterterrorism, and coordination efforts failed so catastrophically on January 6.

In addition to that, I salute the men and women who protected us on that day. Some of us were in this very building at the time, some of us in the gallery. I find it incomprehensible that people would deny what occurred and now try to deflect by talking about other issues.

This is the citadel of democracy we are standing in right now. We have to protect it. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to protect this temple of democracy by voting in favor of H. Res. 503.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Honorable City Councilman of Greenwood, Mississippi, Mr. David Jordan.

Councilman Jordan served on the Greenwood City Council for 36 years representing Ward 6. During his tenure, he helped uplift the community through his superb leadership. He will continue his endeavors by representing District 24 as a member of the Mississippi State Senate. Senator Jordan has served in the State Senate for the previous 28 years assuming office in 1993.

Born on April 3, 1934, in Leflore County, Mississippi, David was the youngest of five children born to sharecropper parents. Growing up working in cotton fields, David always valued education. Through relentless effort, he received his high school diploma and went on to enroll in Mississippi Valley State University. Later, he attended the University of Wyoming.

Due to his undying love for people, he began his career as a science teacher. With a yearning to serve his community, Mr. Jordan decided to run for City Councilman in 1985 which he held until June 15, 2021. At the age of 88, he is married to the lovely Christine Bell-Jordan, and currently resides in Greenwood, MS.

Madam Speaker, I would like to acknowledge Councilman Jordan for his honorable endeavors to Mississippi communities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and ambitious community advocate, Ms. Krystal Hamlin.

Krystal has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to serve others. Krystal is a native of Vicksburg, MS. She graduated from Alcorn State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work; and obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of New England. Krystal strives daily to live by this motto: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Krystal has worked as a Mental Health Therapist with Medgar Evers Home Solution and she worked in several advocacy roles with the Vicksburg Child Abuse Prevention Center. Krystal has provided court advocacy services to numerous victims of domestic violence locally and surrounding areas throughout the state of Mississippi. Krystal has served as an interim counselor at Haven House Family Shelter, where she provided individual and group counseling to residents and transitional residents. In 2017 and 2018, she collaborated with the Vicksburg Police Department (``Beverly Prentiss' Victims' Empowerment Program'') to educate members of the community. In 2019, Krystal helped organize a community event ``Taking Steps against Domestic Violence,'' that brought awareness to domestic violence related issues in Warren County, where over one hundred participants were present. Also, she has been a panelist in several domestic violence related discussions.

Krystal Hamlin currently serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the Haven House Family Shelter. Throughout the past 4\1/2\ years she has assisted numerous victims of domestic violence obtain protection orders, file charges against abusers and most importantly, she has dedicated a considerable amount of time advocating for victims. Krystal has passionately advocated for laws at the MS State Capitol, in turn MS House Bill 1386 and MS Senate Bill 2680 were both passed into law. She has provided training to faith base leaders and its members, local Head-Start Centers, Warren County Youth court and Department of Human Services staff. Most recently, she was a presenter at the 15th Annual Guardian Ad Litem training; her topic of discussion was ``Understanding Domestic Violence and the effects it has on Victims and Children.'' Krystal facilitates the Community Coordinated Response Team in Warren County.

Krystal received the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence (MCADV) 2021 Outstanding Service to Crime Victims Award presented by Attorney General's Office.

She loves life and helping others see the power they possess. Krystal loves spending a great deal of time with her 3-year-old son, Larry.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Krystal Hamlin for her passion and dedication to others and desire to make a difference in the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor remarkable public servant, Dr. Evelyn W. Jossell.

Raised in Dublin and Clarksdale (Coahoma County) Mississippi, Dr. Jossell, born on September 4, 1958, is the sixth child of the late John and Annie Wilkerson. Dr. Jossell credits her passion for serving and working with people to her humble beginnings on a small farm in Dublin, Mississippi, where she was taught early to share and treat everyone as she desired to be treated.

Dr. Jossell attended and graduated as Salutatorian of Coahoma Agricultural High School in Coahoma County (1976). Next. she attended Coahoma Junior College where she graduated with an AS. Degree in General Business (1980). After completing her studies at Coahoma, Dr. Jossell attended Mississippi Valley State University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1980, with a B.S. in Business Administration. At the age of 21, Dr. Jossell worked a short while at the Mississippi State Penitentiary and was later hired as a Social Worker with the Coahoma County Department of Human Services. Dr. Jossell worked as a Child Protective Social Worker with the Coahoma County Department of Human Services for 12 years. This profession revealed the abject neglect and abuse many young people are subjected to, even before they stepped out of their homes to enter a school building. With a desire to use her skills to change the trajectory of high-risk youth, Dr. Jossell attended the University of Mississippi and obtained a master's degree in Counseling (1990). She was hired the same year by Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU), a newly funded federal program operating under the auspices of Coahoma Community College. This program offered a second chance opportunity for pregnant and parenting teens and

other high school dropouts who had a desire to re-enter the system and complete their high school education. Dr. Jossell served as Teen Parent Counselor/Coordinator for two years and was later promoted to Principal/Director of the Y.O.U. Alternative Education Program. At this time, the program was operated in conjunction with the Quitman County School District. With this new appointment, Dr. Jossell received Certification in Educational Administration in 1994 from the University of Mississippi, and her Doctorate in Education in 2012 from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

After federal funds ended in support of the Y.O.U. Program in 1994, Dr. Jossell re-organized the program as a Community-Based Nonprofit to diversify the program's funding streams. Over the 26-year lifespan of Y.O.U., Dr. Jossell wrote and submitted grants garnering over 14 million dollars in Federal and State Grants focusing on education, health, mentoring, recreation and physical fitness services for high risk youth. As a result of these programs, several students received their G.E.D. were able to travel outside of the county (many for the first time) to professional football and basketball games; participated in organized youth sports programs; participated in male and female mentoring programs; and participated in Service Learning/School-to- Career projects that provided leadership skills and career exposure. Some of Y.O.U.'s alumni are principals, assistant principals, entrepreneurs, superintendents, doctors, educators, nurse practitioners, and more importantly, several decided to return to Quitman County to work as professionals in the county that embraced them as youth.

In January 2015, Dr. Jossell was given an assignment, that she believes was an appointment by God to run for Superintendent of Education. She strongly believes that every career path God had previously placed her on, provided the experience and fortitude she would need to be an effective Superintendent. Guided by the Holy Spirit, and with a platform touting transformation change, Dr. Jossell was elected as Superintendent of Education in August 2015 and took office January 2016. In a period of two years, the Quitman County School district went from an ``F'' accountability rating to a ``C'' performance rating. In 2018, the district's only elementary school was assigned an ``A'' accountability rating, the first in the history of the school system. Inclusive with improving their academic standing, the school district also went from a 76.9 percent graduation rate in 2016 to a 95.5 percent graduation rate in 2020, ranking them with the 6th highest graduation rate out of 448 high schools in the state. The district ranked 9th in the State with the lowest dropout rate, and 3rd in the State with the highest number of Special Service students graduating with a standard diploma. Dr. Jossell is quick to give Glory to God for this success, and recognition to an amazing Board, Administration, Faculty and Staff who truly believe that excellence is not an event, but an everyday practice that can be achieved regardless of their zip code.

Dr. Jossell's greatest cheerleader is her husband of 41 years, Pastor Michael E. Jossell. Together they have built a life of servitude to their family, church, and community. They are the proud parents of 5 adult children: Dr. Endre' Matthews; John S. Jossell, Michael E. Jossell, Jr., Jason D. Jossell, and Dr. Andrea M. Jossell; three beautiful granddaughters-Mckenzie Faith, Ava Grace, Olivia Joy and a grandson due in September.

Dr. Jossell is a Silver Star Member of the Iota Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Evelyn W. Jossell for her dedication to serving this great community and state.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable church, Trinity House of Prayer Church.

The Trinity House of Prayer Church is inspired by God and initiated by the Man of God, to win souls for the Kingdom, to bring salvation, healing, and deliverance, to God's people, also, to carry the gospel to the lost sheep, and to create unity among God's people of all denominations.

In February of 1974, Bishop and First Lady Knighten, along with their children, moved back to Mississippi under the inspiration of God. Bishop organized the Christian Fellowship Mission so that different denominations could come together in fellowship. Many followers had no church home. They asked Bishop Knighten to organize a church so they could join. In 1977, he organized the Trinity House of Prayer Church, in a building that he rented to set up a business. The first service was held on Sunday, December 10, 1977, with Bishop Knighten delivering the opening sermon.

As the ministry was growing, several churches derived from Trinity Ministries. So, Trinity House of Prayer of Moorhead became the Mother Church. Still the membership grew at the Mother Church to where a bigger church was needed. A stretch of land on the west end of town was prayed over and claimed by some of the church members. God answered their prayers and the land became property of the Trinity House of Prayer Ministries. After hiring someone to lay the foundation and frame up the building, the saints rolled up their sleeves and went to work. Their faithfulness was beyond measure. They worked many long hours and far over in the night, to complete their new church home. Today, they sit in what resulted from the faithfulness and hard work of the saints, the mother church of the Trinity House of Prayer Ministries.

God has blessed the Trinity Ministry for years. Many people from all walks of life have been inspired, saved and loved by this ministry that God has entrusted to Bishop Knighten. Even though many people have passed through the ministry and some churches have left, God is still is blessing the Trinity House of Prayer Ministry. The purpose of the Trinity Ministry is to allow God to manifest the vision which he has placed on this part of His body. The harvest is white, and the labors are few. Now is the time to do what God has commissioned Bishop Knighten to ``gather God's people together unto Him; those that have made a covenant with God by sacrifice.''

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Trinity House of Prayer Church for its longevity and dedication to serving others.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Cadet Jasmine Taylor.

Promoted to Cadet Colonel Taylor will serve as the JPS JROTC Brigade Commander for the School Year 2021-2022. A junior at Callaway High School, Taylor currently serves as the 4th Battalion Executive Officer.

Cadet Colonel Taylor is truly an extraordinary person, outstanding scholar, and leader. She is highly dedicated, very goal oriented, and will work diligently for what she is passionate about. One of her short-term goals is to become the valedictorian of her class by maintaining and increasing her 4.0 GPA.

Cadet Colonel Taylor has been very active within JROTC for three strong consecutive years, and before that, she was in the Junior Cadet Corps at Powell Middle School Academy of Military Science.

At Callaway High School, she participates in the National Junior Honor Society, the JROTC Drill Team, the Charger ``Funk'' Band, Finally First Mentorship, and TAP. She has performed various acts of community service, such as feeding the homeless at Stewpot, visiting the elderly at nursing homes, and caring for rescued animals. She also participated in the Jackson State University Interdisciplinary Center of Nanotoxicity STEM Leadership Academy Summer Institute.

After high school, Cadet Colonel Taylor plans to attend college to obtain a degree and become an animal scientist. She credits her family, instructors and community for constantly pushing her to become the better version of herself.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Cadet Colonel Jasmine Taylor for her passion and dedication for success and desire to make a difference in the community

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable church, Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1890, Rev. C.E. Jones, four men and two women decided that there should be an A.M.E. Church in Greenwood, Mississippi. Led by the Spirit of God, they began to worship under a brush harbor somewhere in the vicinity of what is now the Greenwood Post Office. During the next few years, the church began to increase in membership, and they decided that a building was needed. One of the members came up with the idea of utilizing a dwelling house which was eventually purchased. Rev. Jones and the members decided to name the church Turner Chapel for Bishop Henry McNeil Turner, Presiding Prelate, who was elected and consecrated the fifteenth Bishop of the Connectional A.M.E. Church.

There were many leaders of the church but possibly one of the most memorable was Rev. D.L. Tucker. Under Rev. D.L. Tucker's administration, a new spirit seemed to have risen. Pews were purchased, and the pulpit was redesigned with divided chancellor rails. Many new members were added to Turner Chapel Church's roll. Rev. Tucker served as pastor during the height of the civil rights era. During his time as pastor, he became the first president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in the Mississippi Delta. He organized voter registration drives and often had rallies at Turner Chapel.

Rev. Tucker was the first person in Leflore County, MS to pass the literacy test to vote. After that accomplishment, while he was marching with supporters, dogs were put on them by law enforcement to deter their desire to vote. Rev. Tucker walks with a limp today because of that attack. This incident spurred Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to write President John Kennedy to send protection to Mississippi for Blacks. As a comrade of Medgar Evers, Rev. Tucker spoke with him before he was assassinated in Jackson, MS by Byron Dela Beckwith in 1963. Just as he was getting things together for the church and the citizens of Greenwood, he received a call in the middle of the night in which the voice on the other end said, ``We just killed that N----Medgar Evers; you will be next.'' His life was subsequently threatened; due to death threats from the Ku Klux Klan, the A.M.E. Church moved him to a church in Bermuda. Rev. Tucker returned to Mississippi in 2014 and is recognized in the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum for his contributions to the movement. Many of the future leaders of the church continued in Rev. Tucker's footsteps by being advocates for civil rights.

Turner Chapel is blessed to have Rev. Dr. Alice H. Crenshaw as their pastor. The visions she brought to the church are exceptional. Rev. Crenshaw brought back life to the church because now they have bible study once again and prayer meetings. She has gotten more members involved, especially men with the business of the church. Three months after Rev. Crenshaw's arrival, the pandemic happened, and everything shut down. However, even the pandemic did not stop her from pastoring. She instilled in the members to continue having their regular programs, official board meetings, bible study, even in the pandemic, over Zoom meetings. In April of 2020, she was able to get food distribution into the Greenwood community in which the church has drive-by pick-up of food boxes for those in need. In December 2020, she was able to get a contract with a vendor. Now Turner Chapel is one of the largest sites of food box distribution to area churches, the Greenwood community, throughout Leflore County and beyond. Rev. Crenshaw's vision includes helping the church get an adult daycare center, as well as acquiring the property adjacent to the church for an Elderly Independent group home.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church for its longevity and dedication to serving the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a prosperous family business, Triple C Screen Printing.

From humble beginnings, Triple C began in 1985 as a t-shirt printing store in Shaw, MS. The name coming from the founder, Clifton William's three children, Clifton Jr., Clinton and Celena. Clinton Williams is currently the Owner/President and CEO of the store.

Clifton Williams, Sr. was originally a schoolteacher for 25 years and recently passed away in January 2021. He also had a barbershop in the same building where Triple C was orginally located. As the business started to grow, he thought it would make sense to move to Cleveland, MS. When Clinton graduated from Mississippi Valley State University and took an active role in the business, he realized that customers needed to have more control and choice instead of just presenting them with available designs. Today, the customer will tell him what they're looking for, and he designs it, produce a model and does the printing.

The majority of Triple C Screen Printing clients are individuals and small businesses throughout the Mississippi Delta. Triple C loyal patrons includes West Bolivar, who has been a client since 1989, churches, other businesses and individuals. One of Triple C's best and biggest customers every two years is myself. It has been through this connection that, last year Triple C was able to add a major new and national client. They would not be here today or have lasted this long without their clients.

Thankfully, Triple C is back to being steady again amid COVID-19.

Clint's daughter, Justice, also works at their printing store with him. She came to work for him after she graduated from Mississippi State University where she majored in Graphic Design, just as he did and minored in sales and marketing. She plans to keep the family business tradition alive--she plans to run the business one day. His wife, Shonda, is a nurse practitioner at Delta Health Center in Mound Bayou. They celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary this year.

Clinton is proud and honored to canyon his dad's legacy with his daughter by his side. This story began when one day Mr. Clifton Williams decided to design a t-shirt for a Jackson State University versus MS Valley State. He taught himself how to do printing with no internet, no YouTube tutorials, no classes--just set his mind to it and consequently, started a new business venture and career. That's how Triple C Screen Printing came to be through his dad's hard work and dreams.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Triple C Screen Printing for their dedication to serving the community, state and Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 409, which allows for the debate on H.R. 3233, the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act. After months of negotiations, last week I was pleased to introduce this measure with the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko).

Back in 2007, I was proud to be the lead sponsor of legislation to implement the unfulfilled recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. I can say with certainty, at that time, I could never have imagined that I would be standing here today, almost 15 years later, advocating for the establishment of a 9/11-style commission to investigate a violent domestic attack on the United States Capitol.

On January 6, the world watched Americans storm the Capitol and engage in violence to try to intimidate and prevent Congress from carrying out its constitutional duty to certify a Presidential election, a solemn process central to the peaceful transfer of power in our democracy.

Like the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the events of January 6 have cast a long shadow on our country. Like the 9/11 terrorist attacks, it has raised fundamental questions about information-sharing, coordination, preparedness, and response at all levels of government.

When the defenses around the citadel of our democracy fail as profoundly as they did on January 6, then attention must be paid. At least one Capitol Police Officer died because of the cause of the violence that day. Others died too, and injuries were extensive also-- not the least of which is the body blow of Americans' confidence that the reforms undertaken after 9/11 would deliver better information- sharing and coordination to keep us secure.

H.R. 3233 authorizes the establishment of a 10-member commission that mirrors the 9/11 Commission, the gold standard for bipartisan commissions. The January 6 Commission would be required to investigate and report on all the facts and causes of the attack including relevant influencing factors that may have contributed to the attack.

Given how politically charged the events of January 6 have become, we need to come together in a patriotic, bipartisan way and approve this independent body, just as we did when we approved the creation of the 9/11 Commission. The 9/11 Commission acted not out of partisanship, but out of patriotism. We need that same sense of duty today. Apathy is not a security strategy, and neither are ignorance or willful disregard.

After such a shocking attack, nothing short of a full accounting of what took place will put us on the path to improving our homeland security.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 409, I call up the bill (H.R. 3233) to establish the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex, 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 include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3233, the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act.

On January 6, the world watched Americans storm the Capitol and engage in violence to try and intimidate and prevent Congress from carrying out its constitutional duty to certify a Presidential election, a solemn process central to the peaceful transfer of power in our democracy.

Many of us sitting here today were rushed out of this very Chamber by Capitol Police to safety as violent attackers roamed the halls, hunting for our colleagues and the Vice President.

I was in the gallery that day watching the debate when this temple of our democracy was desecrated and debased.

At least one Capitol Police officer died because of the violence that day. Others died, too.

And there were extensive injuries associated with the attacks, not the least of which was the body blow to Americans' confidence that the reforms undertaken after the 9/11 terrorist attacks would make us more secure.

Like the 9/11 attacks, the events of January 6 have cast a long shadow on our country. And like the 9/11 attacks, the January 6 attack raises fundamental questions about information sharing, coordination, preparedness, and response at all levels of government.

We need a bipartisan commission made up of experts to come together to give us an unvarnished view of what happened that day, examine why our systems failed, and develop bipartisan recommendations for reform to address any identified gaps.

I am proud to be here with my partner on the Homeland Security Committee, the gentleman from New York, John Katko, to debate a bill that establishes a 10-member commission that mirrors the 9/11 Commission, the gold standard for bipartisan commissions.

The January 6 commission would be required to investigate and report on the facts and causes of the attack, including relevant contributing factors.

A commission of this nature, in some form, has been talked about by Members of Congress, national security experts, and others for some time now. Over the past 4 months, discussion drafts have been circulated, pros and cons have been weighed, and obstacles have been overcome to get us to this day.

Given how politically charged the events of January 6 have become, we need to come together in a patriotic, bipartisan way and approve this independent body just as we created the 9/11 Commission.

The 9/11 Commission acted, not out of partisanship, but out of patriotism. We need that same sense of duty today.

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

Mr. Speaker, let me just say to the ranking member, this won't be the last time that we put together legislation for the good of this country, I assure you of that.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Torres), the vice chair of the Homeland Security Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries), chair of the Democratic Caucus.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin), the former Secretary of State from Rhode Island, who is now a member of the Committee on Homeland Security.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California, (Mr. Correa).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green), a member of the Committee on Homeland Security.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke).

Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have remaining?

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Swalwell).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Miss Rice).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Barragan).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Luria).

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a listing of national security, military, and elected officials, former Members of Congress, U.S. Attorneys, diplomats, all who have specific expertise in this matter before the body today.

Letter From Former Senior National Security, Military, and Elected

Officials Calling On Congress To Create A Bipartisan 1/6 Commission

Dear Members of Congress: We are former senior national

security, military, and elected officials who have

represented or served Democrats, Republicans, or

administrations of both parties. We write to encourage this

Congress to establish an independent and bipartisan national

commission to investigate the January 6th assault of the U.S.

Capitol Complex and its direct causes, and to make

recommendations to prevent future assaults and strengthen the

resilience of our democratic institutions.

We also write to you with great urgency in light of what we

collectively see as an exigent and growing threat. The events

of January 6th exposed severe vulnerabilities in the nation's

preparedness for preventing and responding to domestic

terrorist attacks. The immediate security failings that

permitted a lethal breach of the Capitol Complex by armed

extremists raise serious questions and demand immediate

solutions.

But January 6th was also the result of complex national

security threats. These include coordinated disinformation

campaigns, nontransparent financing of extremist networks,

potential foreign influences, and white supremacist violent

extremism, which the Department of Homeland Security

identified in an October 2020 report as among ``the most

persistent and lethal threat[s] in the Homeland.'' As FBI

Director Christopher Wray testified to you recently,

``January 6th was not an isolated event. The problem of

domestic terrorism has been metastasizing across the country

for a long time now and it's not going away anytime soon.''

Understanding how these forces culminated in an attack on the

infrastructure of our democracy is critical to preventing

future attacks.

In the wake of September 11th, the administration and

Congress jointly acknowledged that the attack's causes were

complex and that an independent and well-equipped national

commission was an essential tool to aid the federal

government. Congressional inquiries, law enforcement

activities, and a national commission not only worked in

parallel, but critically complemented each other's necessary

work. An independent commission should not supplant the

ongoing work by the legislative and executive branches, but

it can uniquely support them by providing comprehensive and

expert recommendations for Congress to act upon.

Commissions--properly empowered, resourced, and led--can

establish a full picture of events and an analysis of their

causes, from which nonpartisan recommendations can

authoritatively flow. With dedicated time, resources, and

expert staffing, they can also exclusively focus on the

matter at hand over an appropriate time horizon. Given the

gravity of January 6th as a national security matter--the

violent disruption to the transition of power and the

continuing threat of future attacks--a national commission

examining the lead up to the January 6th assault, and the

attendant security lapses, is not only appropriate, but a

critical component of the national response.

A failure to deploy the full suite of tools available to

fully understand January 6th and address its causes will

leave the Capitol, and the nation, vulnerable to future

attacks. In bipartisan fashion, we have successfully

marshaled these tools before, and we implore you to do so

once again.

Sincerely,

(Note: All titles are former positions or military ranks

held prior to retirement.)

Javed Ali, Senior Director for Counterterrorism, National

Security Council.

Thad Allen, Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard; Commandant of the

Coast Guard.

Wendy R. Anderson, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Department

of Defense.

Daniel Baer, U.S. Ambassador; Deputy Assistant Secretary of

State.

Brian Baird, U.S. Representative, 1999-2011.

Daniella Ballou-Aares, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of

State.

Rand Beers, Acting Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland

Security; Deputy Homeland Security Advisor.

John Bellinger, Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State;

Legal Advisor, National Security Council.

Tatyana Bolton, Cyber Policy Lead--Senior Policy Analyst,

U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Charles Boustany, U.S. Representative, 2005-2017.

Steven Browning, U.S. Ambassador; Principal Deputy

Assistant Secretary of State.

Todd F. Buchwald, U.S. Ambassador, Office of Global

Criminal Justice, U.S. Department of State.

Sharon Burke, Assistant Secretary of Defense for

Operational Energy.

Daniel Byman, Professional Staff Member, 9/11 Commission.

Piper Campbell, U.S. Ambassador; Head U.S. Mission to

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a joint statement from Governor Tom Kean and former Congressman Lee Hamilton in support of this commission.

[From Issue One]

Joint Statement from Governor Tom Kean and Congressman Lee Hamilton,

Chairman and Vice Chairman of the 9/11 Commission

``We very strongly urge House Members to support H.R. 3233,

the bipartisan National Commission to Investigate the January

6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex. That bill

would create a 9/11 style commission to investigate the

January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol. That was a dark day

in American history, one of the darkest.

``As Chairman and Vice Chairman of the 9/11 Commission,

unity of purpose was key to the effectiveness of the group.

We put country above party, without bias, the events before,

during and after the attack. We sought to understand our

vulnerabilities in order to prevent future attacks or future

acts of terrorism.

Today, democracy faces a new threat. The January 6 attack

on the U.S. Capitol was one of the darkest days in the

history of our country. Americans deserve an objective and an

accurate account of what happened. As we did in the wake of

September 11, it's time to set aside partisan politics and

come together as Americans in common pursuit of truth and

justice.''

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from Protect Democracy, Ian Bassin, Executive Director.

Protect Democracy,

Washington, DC, May 19, 2021.

Protect Democracy Urges Representatives to Support H.R. 3233, the National Commission To Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United

States Capitol Complex Act

Dear Representative: On January 6th the very foundations of

our democracy--and our Congress and Capitol that lie at its

heart--came under attack. More than 130 days later, Members

of Congress, their staff, and their constituents are still

struggling to come together to understand what happened and

how to prevent it from ever happening again.

We strongly urge you to vote in favor of H.R. 3233, the

National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on

the United States Capitol Complex Act, which would establish

an independent national commission to comprehensively

investigate the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol

Complex.

This bipartisan bill is a measured and thoughtful response

to the attack. It will bring together a bipartisan group of

experts to examine the facts and circumstances surrounding

the January 6th attack. The Commission is structured to

ensure it is a bipartisan endeavor: all reports must be

agreed to by a majority of Commission members and the

Commission may only issue subpoenas upon an agreement between

the Chair and the Vice Chair or a vote by a majority of

Commission members.

The Commission will build on the work that has begun in

various congressional committees to gather information and

hold hearings on the attack. It will not intefere with those

ongoing efforts nor will it delay immediate security fixes to

the Capitol Complex.

By creating this Commission, Congress can assure the

American people, and all who work in the Capitol Complex,

that these events and the circumstances leading up to them

are thoroughly investigated outside of the pressured and

partisan environment of Congress itself.

We are grateful to Chairman Bennie Thompson and Ranking

Member John Katko for their leadership in advancing this

critical legislation, and we urge continued bipartisan

support for the bill. Today marks an important milestone

toward seeking a shared understanding, protecting our

cherished freedoms, and restoring faith in government.

Sincerely,

Ian Bassin,

Executive Director, Protect Democracy.

Mr. Speaker, we have had a number of my colleagues come before us encouraging this body to support this commission and this legislation. They have spoken valiantly in support of it. They have put their hearts and souls into making sure that it is correct and proper.

I am happy, again, to share with my colleague from New York. I appreciate working with him, and I appreciate the ability to work out our differences. I think it should be part of the role model for future legislation in this body.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the majority leader of the Democratic Party.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am not going to argue with the previous speaker. I just say: Read the bill. And if you read the bill, you will understand it is a bipartisan bill.

It is not a partisan bill; it is absolutely bipartisan. The staff will be picked just like the staff was picked for the 9/11 Commission. It is just like the earlier bill the ranking member talked about, the Rodney Davis bill.

We looked, Mr. Speaker, at this issue because the world saw what happened on January 6, and it is clear that we put together a bipartisan bill for the good of the country. It is in that spirit that we are here today.

Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney), the chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Plaskett).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman).

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

At the outset, let me salute Mr. Katko for his agreeing to work in a bipartisan manner so that we can get this bill to the floor and adopted today.

Mr. Speaker, we are here today at a unique moment in American history. Trust in our government's ability to share information and coordinate at all levels to keep our democracy secure was severely shaken by the January 6 attack.

We need a bipartisan commission with experts who put country ahead of party to come together, just as the commission did, to lay out the facts and proposed solutions to make us more secure.

When the chairman of the 9/11 Commission issued their final report, they concluded a message to the public. It asked that each of us remember how we felt on that day of the attack. It asked that we recall the grief and sorrow.

This moment is no less historic, no less important, no less momentous, and it requires the same common action, both as Congress and as a country.

I, too, salute the brave men and women of the Capitol Police who put their lives on the line on January 6 protecting this citadel of democracy, and it is in their spirit that I ask that you vote in support of this legislation.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of Alcorn State University.

Alcorn University, now referred to as Alcorn State University, was founded on May 13, 1871, in Lorman, Mississippi, resulting from Mississippi's efforts to educate the descendants of formerly enslaved individuals. The university is named after James L. Alcorn, who was the governor of Mississippi at the time of its founding.

Alcorn is celebrating its 150th year as our nation's first Historically Black Land Grant University and the second-oldest state- supported institution of higher learning in Mississippi. Alcorn continues to provide a valuable education in agriculture, arts, sciences, business, education, and offers the only nursing program available at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the state of Mississippi. Not to mention, the institution consistently ranks among the top 25 HBCUs in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

During Reconstruction, Hiram Revels served as the first president of Alcorn. He resigned his seat as our nation's first African American United States Senator to lead the university. One of the residential options on campus, the Medgar Wiley Evers Heritage Village, is dedicated to Evers who was a prominent civil rights activist and 1952 alumnus of the university.

In addition to notable alumni, Steve McNair, led a decorated career in the National Football League and was drafted third overall during the 1995 National Football League draft. This is the highest draft selection for an offensive player, from an HBCU, in National Football League history.

The successes of Alcorn State University are tied to the dedicated leadership and faculty who have devoted their careers to preparing future generations for excellence in academics as well as athletics.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 150th anniversary of Alcorn State University and the invaluable contributions of our country's first Historically Black Land Grant University in higher learning.