Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this closed rule and the sham underlying legislation.

As the Ranking Member on Homeland Security, one truism that I hear is that you do not negotiate with terrorists.

Yet, that is exactly what the House Leadership is asking us to do today.

When the President said, in September, that he has ``a great heart'' for Dreamers, we were hopeful that a deal could be reached.

However, since that time, the Trump Administration has executed a ``campaign of terror'' in furtherance of one objective--getting Congress to pay for a border wall.

On September 5th, the President announced the repeal of DACA.

Then, on September 18th, he announced the end of the TPS program to give safe haven to Sudanese nationals.

On November 6th, it was ended for Nicaraguans.

Two weeks later, it was canceled for Haitians.

In January, Salvadorans also lost these immigration protections.

Arguably the cruelest, most inhumane tactical maneuver of the Trump Administration came on April 6th, when the ``Zero Tolerance policy'' was announced.

The ``DACA crisis'', the ``TPS crisis'', and now the ``Family Separation crisis'' are all crises of the President's own making.

And it is people--it is children--who suffer.

Make no mistake, the measure before us today will not end the suffering.

Instead of family separation, it offers family detention, an approach that DHS' own advisory committee has stated is ``neither appropriate nor necessary for families'' and is ``never in the best interest of children.''

For these reasons, I urge a ``no'' on this rule and H.R. 6136, an Anti-Family Values bill.

The text of the material previously referred to by Mr. Polis is as follows:

An amendment to H. Res. 953 Offered by Mr. Polis

Strike all after the resolved clause and insert:

That immediately upon adoption of this resolution the

Speaker shall, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare

the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on

the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R.

6135) to limit the separation of families at or near ports of

entry. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with.

All points of order against consideration of the bill are

waived. General debate shall be confined to the bill and

shall not exceed one hour equally divided among and

controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the

Committee on the Judiciary and the chair and ranking minority

member of the Committee on Homeland Security. After general

debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the

five-minute rule. All points of order against provisions in

the bill are waived. At the conclusion of consideration of

the bill for amendment the Committee shall rise and report

the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been

adopted. The previous question shall be considered as ordered

on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without

intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or

without instructions. If the Committee of the Whole rises and

reports that it has come to no resolution on the bill, then

on the next legislative day the House shall, immediately

after the third daily order of business under clause 1 of

rule XIV, resolve into the Committee of the Whole for further

consideration of the bill.

Sec. 2. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not apply to the

consideration of H.R. 6135.

The Vote on the Previous Question: What It Really Means

This vote, the vote on whether to order the previous

question on a special rule, is not merely a procedural vote.

A vote against ordering the previous question is a vote

against the Republican majority agenda and a vote to allow

the Democratic minority to offer an alternative plan. It is a

vote about what the House should be debating.

Mr. Clarence Cannon's Precedents of the House of

Representatives (VI, 308-311), describes the vote on the

previous question on the rule as ``a motion to direct or

control the consideration of the subject before the House

being made by the Member in charge.'' To defeat the previous

question is to give the opposition a chance to decide the

subject before the House. Cannon cites the Speaker's ruling

of January 13, 1920, to the effect that ``the refusal of the

House to sustain the demand for the previous question passes

the control of the resolution to the opposition'' in order to

offer an amendment. On March 15, 1909, a member of the

majority party offered a rule resolution. The House defeated

the previous question and a member of the opposition rose to

a parliamentary inquiry, asking who was entitled to

recognition. Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R-Illinois) said:

``The previous question having been refused, the gentleman

from New York, Mr. Fitzgerald, who had asked the gentleman to

yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to the first

recognition.''

The Republican majority may say ``the vote on the previous

question is simply a vote on whether to proceed to an

immediate vote on adopting the resolution . . . [and] has no

substantive legislative or policy implications whatsoever.''

But that is not what they have always said. Listen to the

Republican Leadership Manual on the Legislative Process in

the United States House of Representatives, (6th edition,

page 135). Here's how the Republicans describe the previous

question vote in their own manual: ``Although it is generally

not possible to amend the rule because the majority Member

controlling the time will not yield for the purpose of

offering an amendment, the same result may be achieved by

voting down the previous question on the rule. . . . When the

motion for the previous question is defeated, control of the

time passes to the Member who led the opposition to ordering

the previous question. That Member, because he then controls

the time, may offer an amendment to the rule, or yield for

the purpose of amendment.''

In Deschler's Procedure in the U.S. House of

Representatives, the subchapter titled``Amending Special

Rules'' states: ``a refusal to order the previous question on

such a rule [a special rule reported from the Committee on

Rules] opens the resolution to amendment and further

debate.'' (Chapter 21, section 21.2) Section 21.3 continues:

``Upon rejection of the motion for the previous question on a

resolution reported from the Committee on Rules, control

shifts to the Member leading the opposition to the previous

question, who may offer a proper amendment or motion and who

controls the time for debate thereon.''

Clearly, the vote on the previous question on a rule does

have substantive policy implications. It is one of the only

available tools for those who oppose the Republican

majority's agenda and allows those with alternative views the

opportunity to offer an alternative plan.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this fake DACA bill, a bill that we just found out 10 minutes ago that we are not going to even vote on tomorrow. So all this time, all of the comments we have heard from the other side about how important it is for us to do our work, well, they have now decided it must not be too important. We are not going to vote on it.

So again, this is a fake DACA bill. Obviously, someone has lost their nerve, because we are not going to even vote on it. So I have trouble believing that President Trump did not know that his unilateral decision to implement the zero-tolerance policy in April would result in thousands of children being ripped from their parents' arms.

Over the past 6 weeks, Americans have grown more and more alarmed by the images and voices of children who, with little or no warning or explanation, were separated from their loving parents. For weeks, both the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen Nielsen, repeatedly refused to accept responsibility for creating this humanitarian disaster.

They blamed immigration laws. They blamed the Democrats. They blamed Congress. They blamed parents for the dangerous journey north to seek safe haven for themselves and their children.

None of this was true. The lies did not fly. That dog didn't hunt.

This past weekend, several of us in the Democratic Caucus flew down to the border to see for ourselves what was happening to the families. The President, seeing the news stories of suffering children and families, succumbed to his base desire for better press and finally acknowledged what we all know: He is responsible for the family separation crisis.

The executive order he signed yesterday doubled down on zero tolerance and provides no relief to the families who have been separated. Like the executive order, H.R. 6136 does not resolve the family separation crisis. This does nothing to stop CBP's unfettered ability to separate families in various situations, including for those seeking asylum at ports of entry.

The solution H.R. 6136 offers is to detain children indefinitely with their parents while they wait to be prosecuted in facilities that do not have to comply with court-ordered requirements for clean drinking water, toilets, and medical assistance. It ignores the 2016 findings of the Department of Homeland Security's own advisory committee that studied the question of family detention. In it, the experts concluded that family detention is neither appropriate nor necessary for families, and that it is never in the best interest of children.

Mr. Speaker, it is time for Congress to take a stand against the cruel, inhumane immigration enforcement policies of the Trump administration by voting down H.R. 6136. We can send a strong message to the President to stop family separation.

Mr. Speaker, many Members came into this week expecting to consider and vote on a measure that trades border wall funding for a Dreamer fix. H.R. 6136 is not that bill.

This legislation would compel the expenditure of billions of taxpayers' dollars for decades to come on an unnecessary border wall, while maintaining the cruel zero-tolerance policy, limiting access to asylum, shrinking legal immigration, ending the diversity visa lottery program, and abolishing protections for unaccompanied children.

There is nothing profamily or prosecurity about this bill. This is a fake DACA bill. There were no hearings, no witnesses, no stakeholder engagement, no markup, not even a CBO score. Now we find out at this hour that we have been debating a bill that we won't even vote on tomorrow. I wonder why. It is probably because some other people have found out that this is a fake DACA bill and probably not worth the paper it is printed on. But we shall see.

Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Alfio Rausa, M.D., a public health hero who worked valiantly for half a century to improve the health of Mississippians.

Dr. Alfio Rausa, M.D. passed away at home after several months of illness on January 3, 2018. He leaves a legacy of dedication to countless public health and community efforts, including his work at the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH); his work as a family medicine physician; his contributions to the Golden Age Nursing Home; his founding of Life Help, a regional mental health and retardation center; his founding of a youth soccer league; his work as Chairman of the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation; and his contributions to many other projects and boards. He is the recipient of many awards and honors, including the 2007 Greenwood Commonwealth Community Service Award and the 1992 Felix J. Underwood Award for public health service.

Dr. Rausa originally came to Greenwood as a Lieutenant Commander with the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, a position he held from 1966 to 1970. Raised in the Bronx, Dr. Rausa's intention was to stay in Mississippi for a year, but his plans changed when he saw all the work to be done.

In 1970, Dr. Rausa accepted a position as Regional Public Health Officer in Greenwood with MSDH, and in 1980, he was promoted to District Health Officer. At first he was over Public Health District III and then over District I as well, for a total of 18 counties, including some of the poorest in the state. He held this position until last summer when he retired, partly because of the consolidation of offices due to state budget cuts.

As District Health Officer, one of the projects for which Dr. Rausa served as medical consultant was WIC and its breastfeeding peer counselor program. He fully supported this program, always encouraged the peer counselors, and was always willing to speak with other physicians, the media, hospitals, or at events about the benefits of breastfeeding. He emceed CHAMPS' first conference in Mississippi in 2015, ``The Delta Breastfeeding Summit,'' and gave opening comments on the importance of breastfeeding.

Freddie White-Johnson, MPPA, President and Founder of the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation, where Dr. Rausa served as Chairman until his death, also has fond memories of Dr. Rausa. She knew him since she was 29 years old when she worked for him on a project called Partners for Improved Nutrition and Health and then at MSDH.

He served as District III health officer for the Mississippi Department of Health, overseeing its disease-control and wellness efforts in a nine county area that included Leflore and Carroll counties.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Alfio Rausa, MD, MPH for his dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable professional, Dr. Lakeisha Richardson.

As an alumna of Xavier University, the University of Tennessee Medical School and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, the illustrious Dr. Lakeisha Richardson, has emerged as one of the nation's most brilliant and well-respected Board-Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist. ``Dr. Lakeisha'' as she is affectionately called by her clients and colleagues, advises and motivates women to prioritize their health, which she contends is their ``true wealth''.

When she is not delivering babies, treating patients, or saving lives in the ER, Dr. Lakeisha is captivating audiences at universities, corporate events, conferences, churches and nonprofit organizations, where she shares information about women's health strategies, self- empowerment, mental and psychological well-being, and the art of living a balanced life.

Her compelling story of personal challenges and triumphs combined with a compassionate heart and a wealth of knowledge makes Dr. Lakeisha relatable to all audiences. Her warm spirit, winning smile and engaging personality also leaves audiences captivated and inspired to live their best lives spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially.

Dr. Lakeisha is also very passionate about issues relating to women's sexual health. Her brilliance, expertise, and ability to provide women with the knowledge, skills and strategies they need in order to experience true intimacy, sexual pleasure, and fulfillment has led Dr. Lakeisha to facilitate numerous sessions on topics such as Communicating with Your Partner, Being an Active Part in Your Sexual Fulfillment, Overcoming Sexual Fears, Navigating New Sexual Territory, and Creating Your Ultimate Life.

Dr. Lakeisha is also a well-known speaker, consultant, radio show host, and an adjunct professor. She is the Founder and CEO of Dr. Lakeisha Ob/Gyn and has a successful private practice in Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Lakeisha Richardson for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Mary Sims-Johnson who is currently the Executive Director of Madison County Citizens Services Agency in Canton, Mississippi, an Adjunct Graduate Professor at Jackson State University and an Independent Consultant.

Dr. Mary Sims-Johnson completed her Ph.D. in 2003 at Jackson State University in Social Work Administration, Policy and Planning. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg and her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Mental Health from Tougaloo College. She has over 40 years of Social Work experience in areas of Administration, Financial Management, Supervision, Field Instruction, Clinical, Grant Writing, Training and Program Development. She has received Regional and National Awards, Appointments and Special Recognitions.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Mary Sims-Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable community servant Darnika Mayfield. Darnika has shown what can be done through hard work, setting goals, and aiming high.

On March 6, 2018, Darnika Mayfield made history as the first female from Warren County to graduate from the Mississippi Highway Patrol Training Academy. A former Warren County sheriff's deputy who was the Sheriff's Deputy of the year in 2017.

A native of Tchula, Mayfield moved to Hollandale and then Vicksburg, where she has lived for the past 23 years. She worked as a school bus monitor and teacher assistant in the GED program at the Vicksburg Warren School District's Alternative School before joining the sheriff's office, where she started working in the county jail. She worked in the courthouse for three years before deciding to join the Highway Patrol and attend the MHP Academy in Pearl.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Darnika Mayfield for her dedication to serving her community and desire to strive for success.

Mr. Speaker, Jessica Haygood is the daughter of Pearlie Haygood of Marks, Mississippi. She is a goal- oriented senior at Madison Shannon Palmer High School and has been an honor student since her freshman year. She is a cheerleader and a member of the Beta Club, Tri-County Workforce Alliance, Yearbook Committee, Student Council, and Lackey Scholar. She has received many awards and has been recognized for her outstanding academic performance through programs such as the ACT Scholars and Superintendent's List.

Jessica is an active member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Lambert, Mississippi. She is the Sunday School and Bible Class secretary, the sound room technician, and serves on both the praise dance team and mass choir. Occasionally, she teaches the youth Sunday school class.

Not only is she active in her school and church, but she also volunteers in her community. She assists classmates after school, volunteers at Mule Train festival events, tutors' students at Quitman County Elementary School, and is a member of the Reject all Tobacco volunteer group. She plans to obtain a degree in Biology at the University of Mississippi. Afterwards, she plans to attend the University of Mississippi Medical Center and pursue a career in medicine. Jessica is an exceptional student and extraordinary young lady who desires to make a difference in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jessica Haygood as an extraordinary student who is goal oriented and making a difference in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and fellow member on the House Committee on Homeland Security, Congressman Lou Correa, for leading tonight's special order regarding the need to protect immigrant children and families from the cruel and punitive policies adopted by the Trump Administration.

Over the past several months, the Trump Administration has engaged in the barbaric activity of separating migrant children from their parents to instill fear and deter families from seeking legal protection in the United States. These families are fleeing dangerous and violent situations in their home countries--seeking safety in the United States--only to have their children taken away from them. In many situations, the parents are not told where their children are or when they will be reunited.

We have laws in place so that people fleeing dangerous situations can request protection and humanitarian relief. We should open our arms to these families, not tear them apart and put them in jail.

Earlier this year, I was proud to lead all 12 of Democrats on the Committee on Homeland Security, as well as 63 of our Democratic colleagues, in sending a letter to Secretary Nielsen strongly opposing the practice of separating migrant parents from their children at the border. I continue to condemn this practice by the Trump Administration. A secure border and effective immigration system is important. The use of these tactics to deter migration is not only ineffective, but also un-American. I urge my colleagues to join me in speaking out against this unjust and inhumane policy.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for being so kind in yielding.

Mr. Speaker, today the House will consider H.R. 4895, the Medgar Evers Home National Monument Act, a bipartisan bill to designate the home of civil rights leader Medgar Evers as a national monument.

Located in Jackson, Mississippi, the Evers family home, which was designated a national historic landmark in 2017, is hallowed ground for those of us who lived through the struggle for racial equality and desegregation.

That single-story ranch-style house bore witness to one of the most consequential moments in the civil rights era: the assassination of Medgar Wiley Evers, a son of Mississippi, who was assassinated in his driveway by those who saw his efforts at making America a more perfect and just Union as a threat.

Through his work for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Medgar Evers earned an indelible place in the annals of American history and the civil rights movement. Mr. Evers was a hero for change, resistance, and equal rights for African-American citizens in this country.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to, in my capacity as a Congressman of the Second Congressional District of Mississippi, author this legislation to honor the sacrifice of not just civil rights icon Medgar Evers, but his widow, Myrlie, by designating their home as a national monument.

Medgar Evers had a vision to defeat injustice for African Americans in the State of Mississippi as well as throughout the United States. Born in Decatur, Mississippi, Mr. Evers lived through the Jim Crow South and wrangled with the overwhelming plight of racial discrimination head-on.

Mr. Evers was a 1952 graduate of what is now known as Alcorn State University, a great institution situated in my district. After graduating, Evers worked on the Regional Council of Negro Leadership, which provided him with critical training in activism. Then, in 1954, he applied to the University of Mississippi School of Law, and despite the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, his application was rejected.

After the rejection by the University of Mississippi School of Law, Mr. Evers accepted the position of State field secretary for the NAACP. Over a 9-year period, Mr. Evers crisscrossed the State, working to get African Americans involved in civil rights activism and to register to vote.

Even though racial discrimination and oppression had polluted the minds of an overwhelming majority of Whites in Mississippi and throughout the South, Mr. Evers led many of the fights against injustice. His dogged pursuit for justice made him a target for hate, and on June 12, 1963, Mr. Evers was gunned down in the driveway of his home and later died at a local hospital.

Designating the home of Medgar Evers a national monument will be an everlasting tribute to his legacy and journey that countless Americans undertook for equality.

This legislation is of great personal importance to me because I, like many others, was inspired by the magnitude of the determination of Mr. Evers to dedicate himself to others and fight against adversity. I am honored to walk the path paved by such a civil rights icon.

H.R. 4895 is a bipartisan measure. Representative Rob Bishop of Utah is an original cosponsor.

Additionally, it adds significant support from stakeholders. I received letters of support for H.R. 4895 from Tougaloo College, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, and the Jackson Historic Preservation Commission.

Mr. Speaker, I include these letters of support in the Record.

Tougaloo College,

Tougaloo, MS, January 29, 2018.

Hon. Rob Bishop,

Chairman, Natural Resources Committee,

Washington, DC.

Dear Congressman Bishop: I have discussed with the

leadership of Tougaloo College's Board of Trustees the plan

to designate the Medgar Evers Home Museum as a national

monument through congressional legislation. We have reviewed

the proposed draft legislation and spoken with Congressman

Bennie G. Thompson, our congressional representative. We have

also spoken with the Mrs. Myrlie Evers Williams and her

daughter. We have received no opposition to the plan to move

forward with this designation through congressional

legislation.

We support the transfer of ownership to the National Park

Services, if the legislation passes. We are inspired by the

distinction this designation would mean for the Medgar Evers

Home and the legacy of Medgar Evers. We are also encouraged

to know the Home would be maintained by the National Park

Services. We are equally encouraged that there will be

opportunities for the College to continue to play a role with

the Home through interpretative and educational programming

as well as other learning opportunities that might be

available for our students.

Thank you for contacting Tougaloo College. We look forward

to hearing from you regarding the next steps.

Sincerely,

Beverly W. Hogan,

President.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for his very kind yielding of time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student, Mr. Robert Hurt, III.

Robert Lee Hurt, III was born in Greenville, Mississippi to Robert Lee Hurt, Jr. and Sharon Legale Hardison on February 22, 1996. Greenville, MS is the heart and soul of the Mississippi Delta, one of the most impoverished and educationally derelict areas in the United States. Despite these hardships, Robert excelled in academics and achieved the highest honors in the Greenville Public School District. Shortly after 2004, his parents moved to Leland, MS, and his academics continued soaring in excellence. Over the next 9 years, Robert developed into a community leader, performing community service around the town and in 9 additional states for Students Today Leaders Forever, a national community service organization. Soon after he graduated from Leland High School, he enrolled at Jackson State University, where he emerged as one of the brightest accounting students in the W.E.B. DuBois Honors College.

In the last 3 years, Robert interned with 5 companies, including NASA and Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP, and strives to ``pay it forward'' by teaching students how to embrace different opportunities and maximize their potential. During his matriculation at Jackson State, Robert frequently earned the honor of being Dean's/President's List Scholar, and he leveraged his academic achievements to join and spearhead several organizations, such as the Accounting Society and the National Association of Black Accountants, and national conferences, such as the Mississippi State Honors College Conference and the National Association of African American Honors Programs. Robert won awards for his stellar performance in these positions, including ``Mr. Accounting Society'' for Jackson State's Accounting Society, ``Outstanding Award for Student Treasurer'' for the National Association of African American Honors Programs.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Robert Hurt, III for his dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable young man, Mr. Tony Holland of Oxford, MS, who's currently a student at Mississippi Valley State University.

Tony Holland is the son of Angela Cohran and Tony Holland, Sr. He is one of three siblings to Aaliyah F. Holland and Lydia Holland. Tony was a graduate of the 2015 class of Oxford High School, where he held the position as the senior class President. During his years in High School, Tony was very involved and influential in many of his peer's lives. Tony was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Educators Association and the varsity Cheerleading team, as the school mascot. While in high school Tony decided he wanted to devote his career to children through the field of Elementary Education at the illustrious Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS.

In 2015, Tony started his years at Valley, involved with the SGA as the freshmen class Vice President (2015-2016). In 2016-2017, he worked with the Royal Court as Mr. Sophomore and Mr. Junior (2017-2018). Tony has helped serve in the Delta area with the Male Initiative and Valley Trailblazers, tutoring, assisting with campus tours and helping students move on campus. Having to maintain a GPA while helping others throughout the campus and community; programs such as Student Support Services and the University Ambassadors has helped Tony stay on top of his own work and endeavors.

Going into his senior year, Tony is making preparation to start his reign as the next Mr. Mississippi Valley State University, for the academic school year of 2018-2019. Very creative and strong will, Tony ran his campaign platform on Evolve and Empower (E2). Tony felt evolving the campus and empowering others was the key to successfully making campus life better. After completing this academic school year, Tony will graduate with honors in May of 2019.

Tony is a proud member of the Zeta Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, where he currently serves as the secretary and treasurer.

After graduating from Mississippi Valley State University, Tony plans to teach in the Mississippi Delta while in graduate school at Delta State University in the Master of Education, Educational Administration and Supervision program. After completing graduate school, Tony will seek employment as a principal and continue to move in the direction that God provides for him, going higher and higher in his endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing such a remarkable student, leader, community volunteer, and young man, Mr. Tony Holland for his dedication and hard work to Mississippi Valley State University and the Delta area.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a pillar of the community, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bethel AME has served as a catalyst for the African American growth in Yazoo County and the State of Mississippi.

Organized in 1868, Bethel is the oldest African American congregation in Yazoo City. Designed by A.S. King, Bethel A.M.E. is one of the earliest brick churches built by African Americans in Mississippi, and is the only downtown Yazoo City church building left standing after the fire of 1904. Although the building has had alterations, Bethel retains its historic Romanesque Revival tower, whose steeple is clad in sheet metal panels stamped to resemble shingles.

A group of African Americans first began worshipping in what was known as ``The Market'' shortly after Emancipation. The vision of the church at its current location began on May 29, 1874 when the church acquired the property at 214 S. Monroe Street. According to church history the building was erected under the leadership of Rev. Dangerfield.

One original piece that strikes a chord with its long time members is the bell inside the steeple. The bell is still very present in the hearts of church members. The bell could be heard throughout the community sending sounds of joy, fellowship and worship.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for its rich heritage and dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a pillar of the community, Evangelist Dr. Lena Bell Tyler.

Growing up in Raymond, Mississippi Lena was swayed by the teaching of her parents, Will and Pearl Singleton. Her Mother was very much involved in community activities. Lena learned very early in life, that if you want to make a difference in life you must be involved.

Lena Tyler's professional occupation was in the Human Service field as a file clerk, in 1975 at Hinds County Public Welfare, now called Hinds County Department of Human Service. While working in the File Room, Lena would read cases involving neglect and abuse of children, causing the State system involvement, which motivated her to enroll in night school at JSU to work toward a Degree in Social Work. She retired as a Plans Grants Manager with the City of Jackson.

A greater contribution to humanity was made in 1997, when Ms. Tyler was elected President of the Mississippi A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), becoming the first woman elected to serve in this position, under her leadership the Organization grew in membership and (4) four new Chapters were established.

In 1980 Ms. Tyler got involved in Voter Registration, Voter Education Programs offered by Mississippi A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) and became a registered voter and quickly became involved in encouraging youth to get involved in the political process.

Being actively involved in workshops and conferences taught her to always be in touch with the leadership that could make positive impacts on lives of people she served and by going the ``Extra Mile'' she created positive change in the lives of so many citizens throughout the community.

Founder, President of New Way Proverbs Ministry since 2011, Lena shares the gospel at Community Stewpot, Baptist Adult Day Health Services in Clinton, MS., Magnolia Nursing Home, Ruth Refuge Ministry for Women, and through the Kairos Prison Ministry. She also provides a healing and comforting ministry to patients at Baptist Medical Center, St. Dominic's Hospital and University of Mississippi Medical Center. Lena's ministerial outreach activities also include visiting individuals at their homes. Messages are delivered with printed materials, pamphlets and small gifts acknowledging birthdays and holidays. These Ministries are supported via personal financial donations from family, friends and colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Evangelist Dr. Lena Bell Tyler for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary community pioneer, Mr. Joe Eddie Hawkins.

Joe Eddie Hawkins was born on September 21, 1953 and is still as strong in his beliefs and empathetic of the many insurmountable problems and issues that have troubled his heart for many years regarding his community and Tunica County. Yet, some are better and some are still much alive, but he continues to ``PUSH'' forward. Joe once asked the questions ``Are ``leaders'' made or born?'' He said that ``Leaders are born.'' Joe has been one of the most visible leaders and spokespersons to fight against injustice and inequality for a long saga for: better and affordable housing; better health care and of course, a better education for all; so children can read and write to help empower themselves to succeed in the world of work.

Joe was a 1971 graduate of Rosa Fort High School, located in Tunica Mississippi. Here he met Rose Mary Huddleston, then he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to continue to serve others and his country, but he was injured and received an Honorable Discharge.

Joe later married Rose in 1974, a woman of intellectual strength, God fearing and of radical faith. Four daughters were born: Ayanna, Rasheda, Jo Yarketta and Henrietta. Being a leader and even with his disabilities; he continued to persevere and received an Associate Degree in Drafting and Designing from Northwest Mississippi Junior College (NWMJC).

Joe has been a community philanthropist and on a mission for over thirty years with also great concerns about the needs and poverty of other countries and other parts of the world.

After graduating from NWMJC; Joe took on the challenge and decided to work in Tunica for the Department of Human Services (DHS) as an Eligibility Worker. Joe made home visits throughout the county and he became more aware of the great needs for housing and how many poor and underprivileged families were seen . He was very disheartened and disturbed by his observations. Joe began his work as a leader and met with other concerned citizens of this county to help solve the problems of poor housing and gruesome unsanitary conditions.

In the year of 1986, Joe was one of the pioneers of the Sugar Ditch Saga that helped the families with their transition and orchestration to 17 Trailer Houses in the Sear's Subdivision that were generated by Federal Funds. He has also written grants to build low income families better homes and aided with self-build homes for this community. A charter grant was received from USA of Africa. With the funds, Joe was instrumental in building a community store located in White Oak Subdivision by Tunica County residents of skilled builders. Jobs and skills were provided to the community and also the store is still being a benefit to the community.

In 1986, Joe was the founder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Commemorative Services. The dream is ongoing with its success. This year the 32nd Commemorative Program was celebrated.

Joe has received many awards of his outstanding recognition for his service to this community. He continues to serve his county, but during a different mission: Lifetime Award: Lifetime Achievement Award from Concerned Citizens for a Better Tunica Co., Inc. / Tunica Teens In Action; Dedication and Hard Work: Many contributions for the community and of Tunica County. Serving: In the Name of Allah: the Beneficent, The Merciful Minister James Muhammad and The Nation of Islam; The County of Tunica; The State of Mississippi; The USA and The Nation of Islam. FREEDOM: (Black History and Spirit Award); Recognition of Dedication: Contribution as a Pioneer for Justice and Equality for a Better Community of Tunica County.

On January 3, 2012, Mr. Joe Hawkins was appointed to serve as Tunica County Road Manager by the Tunica County Board of Supervisors. He also serves as the Secretary and Treasurer for the Mississippi Association of County Road Managers, where he is a very active member. During his time as Tunica County Road Manager, Mr. Hawkins has done several things to continue to help make his community a better place:

1. He started a Second Change Program which allow for individuals who have been felons to be given an opportunity to work as he mentors them on the job.

2. He convinced the Board of Supervisor that all of his men deserve to get paid a living wage so they can adequately take care of their families.

3. Mr. Hawkins made sure all of his workers receive their proper retirement benefits for those who worked for the county over 20 years.

He has also received many calls, correspondences and verbal encounters for the services that he and his staff rendered; especially executing the safety of the roads, due to his caring heart.

Joe states, ``In order to be a strong black man, unwavering in his faith and vision as a leader; to fulfill his calling; hear the ``cry of the poor''; he must be non-fearing to man, but God fearing; then I can lead my people.'' Psalm 41: 1 states: ``Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.'' Regardless of Joe's physical disabilities, his dedication and true commitment to God; God has sustained him to continue the fight with momentum. The battle is not over yet for Joe; he is now fighting with other county residents for a new high school.

Tunica will seem to have many undefeatable problems, but together they are pushing forward to beat the enemy down. Philippians 3:13 states: (b): ``But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Joe Eddie Hawkins as an amazing trailblazer who is goal oriented and making a difference in his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Ms. Angela Christena Jones who was born May 6, 1976, the third of four children to Robert B. Chambliss and Martha Doris Jones. Angela was a faithful member of Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church where she served in the Gospel Choir.

Angela was an honor student while attending Jackson Public Schools and a proud graduate of Wingfield High Schools, Class of 1994. Angela served as salutatorian of her graduating class. After high school, Angela attended the University of Southern Mississippi and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration-Marketing Management (1998) and a Master of Science Degree in Business Technology Education (1999). Furthering her love and passion for education, she later enrolled at Jackson State University and earned a Master of Science Degree in Education Administration and Supervision (2002).

She served in many capacities to include the most current, Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction for High Schools with Canton Public Schools. Angela was not only a life-long educator, but she honed her craft and skills by affiliating with professional organizations that promote self-development, service to mankind, and spiritual growth that enlightened, inspired and empowered all. Some of her fond memories will be remembered by her sorors of the Jackson (MS) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; her sisters of the Metro Jackson Section of the National Council of Negro Women; National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc.; friends of Jackson State University Alumni Association and University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association; Mississippi of School Superintendents (MASS).

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Angela Christena Jones for her dedication to serving.