Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Tametrice Eckols Strickland.

Among the poets, trailblazers, and educational leaders who have paved the way, one of our local educational leaders is Tametrice LaChelle Eckols Strickland an administrator, mother, daughter, and advisor. Tametrice Strickland was born August 8, 1973, in Marks, Mississippi to L. T. and Lula Eckols. She has lived in the rural town of Lambert, Mississippi, and she has remained there for forty-three years.

Living in the Delta, God and family were at the forefront of daily life. She has been a member of Sykes Chapel Missionary Baptist Church most of her life. Having a relationship with God has been instilled in her. She is currently an evangelist, and she teaches Sunday school and Bible class lessons to adults, works with Sykes Chapel's Youth Ministry, Confinement Ministry, and Nursing Home Ministry.

Her teachers, family, and peers played a vital part in shaping her life. She really enjoyed school and was an honor student from elementary to high school while attending Quitman County public schools. In 1995, she graduated from Quitman County High School as the class president and class Valedictorian. After she graduated from high school, she attended University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. After she married in the spring, her first son, Larry Strickland, Jr., was born in the winter of her senior year. However, she refused to allow anything to deter her from her dreams. She became more determined, and she persevered. Later that year, she graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English.

In August 1995, she returned to her hometown because she wanted to contribute to her community. She worked at Southside Junior High as a kindergarten instructor. In May of 1996, she transferred to Quitman County Middle School to teach language arts to sixth grade students. After teaching at Quitman County Middle School for two years, she served as an instructional coach. During this time, her second child, Aikeem Strickland, was born with physical and cognitive disabilities. She traveled to Northwest Mississippi Regional Hospital in Clarksdale, Mississippi and Lebonheur Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee almost bimonthly for years. Yet, she graduated in 2010 with a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Mississippi.

In the summer of 2010 she enrolled in the Mississippi Alternative Path to Quality Leadership Program (MAPQSL) at Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Mississippi. After completing her internship, she became an assistant principal at Quitman County Middle School. She served as an assistant principal for one year. The following year, she became the principal of Quitman County Middle School, and she served in that capacity for two years. She became the director of the first Alternative Pathway to Excellence Program in Quitman County School District. She worked with students who really needed a second chance and assistance with academic and behavior and tried to inspire them to achieve their goals. Instead of going from the pipeline of school to prison, her students went through the pipeline of school to school, college or a career.

Her life has been impacted by her family, instructors, colleagues, and people in her community. Her former instructors showed compassion toward her and positively impacted her life. Tametrice Strickland has been employed with Quitman County School District for twenty-one years and is currently an assistant principal at Madison Shannon Palmer High School. She is an inspiring example of dedication and determination. During her lifetime, she has strived to support and empower instructors and provide support, opportunities, and pathways for students to excel. Her former students are now innovative, highly qualified instructors, visionary administrators, effective managers, responsible nurses, and productive leaders.

In additional to working for Quitman County School District, she has served as a consultant for Mississippi Valley State University Reading Institute for two years. Additionally, she has served as a site coordinator for the Foundation of Economic and Education Development (FEED) and Motivating Parents and Children from August 2003 through May 2006, Lead Teacher for Create of Mississippi in 2005 and presented at the Mississippi Department of Education Summer Conference in June 2006.

Tametrice Strickland has been composing poems and short stories since she was in the sixth grade. Today, she is still working on poetry books and short stories to publish in the future. Some of her accolades include Who's Who among America's Teachers, Teacher of the Month, Appreciation Award from the Foundation of Economic and Education Development (FEED) and Motivating Parents and Children Program (MPAC), Inspiring Vision Award from Batesville Job Corps Center, and Outstanding Community Service Award from Quitman County Development Organization, Inc.

On May 13, 2017, Tametrice Strickland received her Specialist in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. As an educator, her goals remain the same. She wants to motivate students to strive for greatness and discover their full potential. She wants to inspire the next generation to affect a positive change in the Quitman County; this rural location does not determine the students' destination. She believes that students have the ability to discover, create, and excel, and it is their duty to prepare them with the necessary tools.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Tametrice Eckols Strickland as an amazing administrator who is goal oriented and making a difference in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable church, Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church organized in 1915 in Drew, Mississippi by a group of baptized believers in Christ. The church was erected on its present site on July 17, 1917, under the leadership of Rev. W. S. Stevenson and its Board of trustees: Brother H.

Y. Betts, Brother Grant Clark, and Brother Albert Brown; and Deaconess: Sister Margret Wilkinson, Sister Hattie Williams-Cockrell, and Sister Lugene Brown.

Rev. A. L. Hill was elected pastor in the early 30s and remained until 1943 along with the Deacons: Brother Wesley Liddell, Brother Tom Sutton, Brother Nathaniel Fuller, Brother Joe Mixon, Brother Abel Hinton, Brother William Tyler, and Brother Miles Applewhite; and Deaconess: Sister Margaret Wilkinson, Sister Josephine Sutton, Sister Alberta Applewhite, Sister Estella Williams, Sister Ophelia Jennings, Sister Ida Long, and Sister Nancy Wilson.

Rev. T. W. Richardson was elected pastor in 1943 and in 1968 the church was reerected in 1969 after the death of Rev. Richardson. The board of Trustees were: Brother James Hunter, Brother LaHue Parker, and Brother Foster Green; and Deacons: Brother Arthur Phipps, Brother Otha Spraggs, Brother Foster Green, Brother J. S. Gresham Sr., Brother LaHue ``Shock'' Parker, Brother C.R. ``Baby'' Campbell, Brother Solon Williams, Brother Willie ``Hot'' Moore, Brother Coleman Washington Sr., and Brother Joe Moore; and Deaconess: Sister Estella Williams, Sister Alice Green, Sister Zenobia Campbell, Sister Mary Young, Sister Mary Lee Moore, Sister Minnie Ross, Sister Mary Singleton, and Sister Aretha Liddell.

Rev. W. L. Smith Jr. was elected pastor in July of 1969. Trustees were: Brother James Hunter, Brother LaHue Parker, Brother Foster Green, Brother J. C. Quinn, and Brother L. C. Quinn; Deacons: Brother Otha Spraggs, Brother LaHue Parker, Brother Solon Williams, Brother J. S. Gresham, Sr., Brother Bishop Hopkin, Brother Arthur Phipps, Brother Tommie White, Brother Bobby Love, Brother Coleman Washington Jr., and Brother Joe Moore: and Deaconess: Sister Estella Williams, Sister Alice Green, Sister Zenobia Campbell, Sister Estella Phipps, Sister Doshi Love, Sister Dossier Petty, Sister Candace Hill, Sister May Lee Moore, Sister Betty Quinn, Sister Sally Foote, Sister Mable Jackson, Sister Annie Foote, Sister Dorothy Banks, Sister Aretha Liddell, Sister Genette M. Smith, Sister Bobbie White, and Sister Charlene Love.

Rev. W. L. Smith Jr. retired and became Pastor Emeritus in September of 1992. Rev. C. J. Nelson served as Interim Pastor from December of 1992 through June of 1993. Board of Trustees were: Rev Cleve McDowell, Sister Mary Phillips, Sister Jessie First, Sister Shery Nelson, Brother James Shoulders, and Brother Edward Triplett.

Rev. Adoris Turner was elected pastor in September of 1994 to November of 1997. Broad of Trustees were: Sister Mary Phillips, Sister Charlis Miller, Sister Sheryl Nelson, Brother James Pointer, Brother Coleman Washington, Jr., Brother Solon Williams, and Brother Booker T. Black, Jr.; and Deaconess: Sister Aretha Liddell, Sister Susie Staples, Sister Canary Pointer, Sister Dorothy Banks, Sister Charlene Love, and Sister Genette M. Smith. Rev. Jesse Gresham served as Interion Pastor from 1997 to 1998. Pastor Martha Shoulders served as his assistant

Rev. Scotty Williams of Greenwood was elected as pastor in September of 1998 for a very brief period. No significant changes were made to the church under his leadership. Rev. Perry Grant of Greenville was elected as the pastor in 1999, where he remained for less than a year.

Rev. Jesse Gresham was elected as pastor in February of 2000, where he serves as Pastor and Musician. Rev. Martha Shoulders served as Youth Pastor. Two new musicians were elected: Charlie ``Chuck'' Allen of Clarksdale and Everette Walton of Drew; a fellowship hall was added; the Youth Ministry was assigned the second Sunday of each month; the Men's Ministry was assigned the fourth Sunday of each month; and two members were called into the ministry: Deacon Bobby Love and Brother Robert Hunter. Rev. Bobby Love now serves as superintendent of Education and Rev. Robert Hunter now serves as Youth Minister. The Deacons were: Brother James Pointer, Brother Coleman Washington, Jr., Brother John Johnson, Sr., Brother Melvin Mins, Brother Howard Williams, Brother Lacy Wilson, Brother Booker Black, Brother James Dixon, and Brother Willie Hooper; the Trustees were: Sister Annie Round, Rev. Bobby Love, Brother James Shoulders, Sister Mary Phillips and Brother Edward Triplett; and the Deaconess Board consisted of: Sister Aretha Liddell, Sister Dorothy Williams, Sister Minnie Spraggs, Sister Sisce Staples, Sister Ora Washington, Sister Dorothy Banks, Sister Bobbie White, Sister Charlene Love, Sister Essie Johnson, Sister Earnestine Dixon, Sister Gloria Williams, and Sister Sharon Hunter.

Rev. Gresham served for fourteen years. In 2014 Rev. Bobby Love was elected Interim Pastor until October 2015. Then, Rev. William ``Ray'' Blackmon was elected as pastor in November of 2015. Pastor Blackmon's installation was on February 14, 2016. Under his short tenure two musicians were added: Brother Seneca Owens, who played on the first, third, and fourth Sundays and Bishop Kimberly Randle, who played on the second and fifth Sundays and during this same time two tellurones and a surveillance system were installed. Rev. Bobby Love serves as Director of Christian Education and Rev. Robert Hunter serves as the Youth Minister. Deacons James Pointer is the chairperson of the Deacon Board and Deacon Howard Williams is the co-chairperson. The other Deacons are: Deacon Roy Stanford, Deacon James Dixon, Deacon Willie Hooper (who resigned in May of 2017) and Deacon Booker Black, Jr. There are two deacons in training: Brother John Henry Johnson, Jr. and Brother Eddie Horton. The trustees are: Sister Charlis Miller-Criss, Sister Bobbie White, Sister Sheryl Nelson, Sister Karen Mims, and Deacon Roy Stanford.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the growth of Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church for its longevity and dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, LTC Dexter M. Brookins who entered the service on 11 August 1987 as a Private in the Infantry. LTC Brookins received his commission from the United States Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1997 from Jackson State University as a Distinguished Military Graduate.

Previous assignments include Launcher and Fire Control Platoon Leader for F/1-43 ADA in Kunson, S. Korea from July 1997 to June 1998 and Battery Executive Officer for B/1-43 ADA in Suwon, S. Korea from June 1998 to November 1998, and D/2-1 ADA from November 1998 to July 1999. Major Brookins also served as the Aide-de-Camp for the Commanding General (1-Star General) at Joint Task Force-6 from July 1999 to January 2001. In August 2001, he was assigned to the 31st ADA BDE from which he later deployed to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Enduing Freedom from February 2002 to September 2002. He later assumed command of A/3-2 ADA in December 2002. He later deployed Alpha Battery to Kuwait/Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March to May 2003.

In April 2004, LTC Brookins was assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Army Staff (JCS/OSD/ARSTAFF) Intern Program (a three year program). As a JCS/OSD/ARSTAFF Intern, LTC

Brookins attended graduate school at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. to earn an Executive Masters in Policy Management. He then served a year as an action officer in the Psychological Operations Division in the Operations Division (J-3) on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon. Later he was selected to serve as the Operations Officer (Special Assistant) to The Inspector General of the Army (3-Star General) in the Pentagon. Major Brookins was a White House Military Social Aide to President George W. Bush from September 2005 to June 2007.

In July 2008, LTC Brookins became the Operations Officer for 6-52 ADA, Fort Sill, OK. He then forward stationed the battalion to South Korea where he served as the Operations and Executive Officer for 6-52 ADA from April 2009 to January 2011. Later, he was assigned to the UNC/ CFC/USFK Commander's Initiatives Group as the CIG Traveler, accompanying the UNC/CFC/USFK Commander (4-Star General) on all of his TDYs off peninsula from January 2011 to June 2012. Currently, LTC Brookins is assigned to the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, Norfolk, VA as a Force Protection Plans Officer.

LTC Brookins holds a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Jackson State University and an Executive Masters of Policy Management Degree from Georgetown University. His military education includes Airborne School, Air Assault School, the Primary Leadership Development Course, the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic, the Air Defense Artillery Captains Career Course and the Combined Arms Services Staff School, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Joint Combined Warfighting School.

His awards include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the three Meritorious Service Medals, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, the Army Good Conduct Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Medal, two Overseas Medals, two Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, Basic Airborne Wings, Air Assault Wings, the Army Staff Identification Badge, and the Joint Staff Identification Badge.

LTC Brookins is an active member of the Rocks, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Society of White House Military Aides. LTC Brookins is married to Jenee E. Brookins. They have a 17 year old son named Javier and an 12 year old daughter named Bailey.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing LTC Dexter M. Brookins. for his dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Gloria Richmond Jackson.

Gloria Richmond Jackson came into this world on a windy day in March of 1957. She is the eleventh of thirteen children born to Floyd and Earnestine Richmond. She spent her early years on the Adams Plantation, three miles southwest of Lambert, Mississippi in Quitman County.

She left the State of Mississippi in 1972, and spent 33 years living in Louisiana, Texas, California and Illinois. In 2005, the Lord led her back to Lambert to work with the youth; but the true blessing of her return was the loving and nurturing relationship that developed between her and her mother who passed away July 17, 2011.

Jackson's mission quickly led her to become immersed in community work. In June 2005, she began working with the youth at the North Delta Youth Development Center in Lambert. As Director of The Children's Village Project, she encouraged them by sharing her story of trials and triumphs in an attempt to assist them with healthy development.

Jackson is proud of her southern upbringing and credits a lot of her accomplishments as a direct result of having a wonderful mother. She describes her mother as being, ``Mississippi Strong.'' Her mother wasn't afraid to get involved with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. She worked with others to help get African Americans register to vote in Quitman County. She even defied the Superintendent of Education's warning, that if any of the school bus drivers participated in a Freedom March with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., they would be fired. She marched, but kept her job as a Bus Driver for the elementary school in Lambert.

Mrs. Earnestine Richmond's positive impact wasn't limited to only a few of her children: Her first-born daughter, Tressie Richmond Woods, in 1965 became the first African American to work as a Loan Officer for the Quitman County Farmers Home Administration, located in Marks, Mississippi.

Her daughter, Evon Richmond Ector, participated in the now famous, ``Poor People's Mule Train March to Washington'' in 1968.

Her daughter Mae Richmond Mosley was the first African American to become Vice President of Human Resources for Briggs and Stratton Engines Corporation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 2003 to 2007 when she retired.

Gloria Richmond Jackson, her youngest daughter, was the first African American to attend Lambert Jr. High School in 1969. Five of Mrs. Richmond's sons have owned businesses: Edgar Richmond (Automotive Repair Shop) Chicago, Illinois. Benjamin and Leo Richmond, co-owners (Bar and Lounge) Chicago, Illinois. Charles Richmond (Vending Machine Service Company, St. Louis, Missouri and a Home Health Service Company with locations in St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri). James Richmond currently owns an Automotive Towing Service in Wellston, Missouri.

Jackson was appointed to the position of Town Clerk for Lambert, June 13, 2016. Prior to her appointment as Town Clerk, she was employed with Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. of Lambert, Mississippi for eight years. There she worked as a Data Research Associate and Abstinence Educator in the Quitman, South Panola and Coahoma Municipal School Districts.

Her career with American Airlines began at O'Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois in 1989; it spanned for over fifteen years. She started out at American while working evenings in Facilities Maintenance, concurrently attending Catherine Business College at night. After graduation, she was promoted to Ticket Counter Agent, two years later she was promoted to Sales Support Representative, and later she accepted the position of City Ticket Office Sales Representative until 2001. At that time she returned to Chicago O'Hare Airport to fill a position as Premium Service Representative in the very same office where she once worked as a janitor (Facilities Maintenance). Following a seven-year leave from American

Airlines, she returned to work at AA in 2012, commuting from Lambert to Chicago for seven months. She retired May 13, 2013 after fifteen years of dutiful service.

Jackson is a Baptist Minister and Assistant Pastor, Sunday School Teacher and Lecturer at Pleasant Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Lambert, Mississippi under the leadership of Pastor Reginald Griffin.

She is a Published Author, ``Leaving Lambert'' (a painful journey to joy in God from a small Mississippi town) Inspirational Speaker, Certified Abstinence Educator, Data Researcher and Retired Premium Service Representative.

Jackson also entered into the political arena where she ran for Quitman County Tax Assessor and also ran for Chancery Clerk. She remains engaged in community activities, writing, her church ministry and mentoring the youth of Quitman County.

In December 2010; Jackson married Robert L. Jackson, Mississippi State Senator for District 11. They have a blended family of six children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Gloria Richardson Jackson for her dedication in serving her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Adeline Brown Jackson, a Learned, Mississippi native and matriarch who's celebrating her 100th birthday.

Mrs. Jackson is the sixth daughter of eleven children and worked as a share cropper on the Joe Walk Plantation in Yazoo City, MS for nearly 20 years. She also served as a domestic care worker for various ladies in Yazoo City before starting her own personal farm that was shared with her community and family members.

Mrs. Jackson a widow to her late husband, Mr. Wardell Jackson Sr. and proud mother of four children, Geraldine-Jackson Joseph, Dorothy Jackson-Alsobrook, Wardell Jackson Jr. and Jaimie Jackson-Young. She is also the grandmother of Caroline Bowen, Wayne, Troy and Sonya Alsobrooks, Terra Young, Daphne Bryant, and Cassandra Young.

She is a member of Isaquena Baptist Church in Yazoo City, Mississippi, under the leadership of Pastor Charles Thurmond, and now resides at the Oasis Health and Rehab Center, where she is supported by her grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Adeline Brown Jackson on her 100th birthday and making a difference in the lives of her family and community.

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

I rise in support of H.R. 5074, the DHS Cyber Incident Response Teams Act of 2018.

Mr. Speaker, at the outset, let me again support the chairman's comments about Austin, Texas. We talked a little bit about it last week in a hearing and, since that hearing, another incident has occurred. Terrorism, whether it is domestic or whatever, has no place in this country. I look forward to the capture of the person or persons who are committing these heinous acts in Austin, as well as providing whatever resources might go toward any future apprehensions.

Mr. Speaker, last week, the Department of Homeland Security issued a technical alert with the FBI on the Russian Government's efforts to use cyber tools to target our critical infrastructure--including our energy, water, aviation, and commercial facilities, critical infrastructure sectors.

DHS and the FBI released the alert amidst ongoing discussions about the urgent need to better secure our election infrastructure against Russian targeting and as the sophisticated cyber capabilities of Iran, North Korea, China, and nonstate actors continue to evolve. H.R. 5074, the DHS Cyber Incident Response Teams Act of 2018, would codify DHS' Hunt and Incident Response Teams into law.

The Department deploys Hunt and Incident Response Teams to owners and operators of critical infrastructure, upon request and free of charge after a cybersecurity incident. These DHS teams provide intrusion analysis, identify malicious actors, analyze malicious tools, and provide mitigation assistance strategies. They are DHS' ``boots on the ground'' in cyber incident response and, as such, play an integral role in improving the cybersecurity posture of critical infrastructure owners and operators.

I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. Speaker, the President's decision last week to finally issue sanctions in response to meddling in the 2016 election was long overdue. Though it was a positive move, I believe it will do little to deter the Russian Government from using cyber tools to target our critical infrastructure.

The Trump administration has yet to put any meaningful strategy in place to address ongoing efforts by the Russian Government--or any other bad actor, for that matter--to undermine the stability of the U.S. economy and government infrastructure in cyberspace. We must ensure that organizations have access to high-quality cyber incident response capabilities. H.R. 5074 would do just that, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4176, the Air Cargo Security Improvement Act of 2018.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4176 seeks to improve the Transportation Security Administration's ability to address air cargo-based security threats.

Last July, then-Secretary of Homeland Security, John Kelly, identified such acts as a major concern, explaining that there are people out there, very smart people, very sophisticated people who do nothing but try to figure out how to blow up an airplane in flight.

Later that month, Australian authorities charged four men with plotting to bring down a passenger plane on behalf of ISIS with a bomb in the air cargo hold. This foiled terror plot underscores the need for the TSA to give focused attention to this clear and present security threat. The increased risk to air cargo comes at a time when the volume of goods being moved by air cargo has multiplied, with 2016 volumes nearly back to pre-recession levels.

If enacted, my bill would require the TSA to establish an air cargo security division to carry out air cargo security policy and stakeholder engagement responsibilities. Further, it would direct the TSA to pilot emerging technologies for screening cargo, such as computed tomography, for integration into current security programs.

I urge my colleagues to join me in advancing this necessary and straightforward Homeland Security legislation.

Mr. Speaker, while passenger and baggage screening efforts are the most visible part of aviation security, protecting against air cargo- based threats is just as critical.

Enactment of H.R. 4176 will ensure that the TSA is positioned to stay ahead of this ever-evolving security threat that face all who navigate our skies.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4176, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5099, the Enhancing DHS' Fusion Center Technical Assistance Program Act.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5099 would authorize the Department of Homeland Security's existing fusion center technical assistance program. Currently, there are 79 fusion centers operating in the United States. Each fusion center relies on the DHS to help assist with intelligence products and information-sharing activities, terrorism prevention initiatives, and Homeland Security grant programs.

This bill seeks to solidify engagement between representatives at the fusion centers with their partners in the departments like FEMA and the DHS intelligence branch. Specifically, the program provides technical assistance on topics like best practices for information sharing regarding threats and operating a fusion center.

By codifying this existing program, H.R. 5099 seeks to strengthen the DHS' partnership with fusion centers to ensure that they are well- positioned to address a wide range of diverse security threats that may emerge.

The bill passed committee unanimously and would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. Speaker, the security and well-being of our country is dependent upon the timely sharing of threat information between our law enforcement and intelligence personnel.

Importantly, one of the key areas where the DHS will provide expertise to fusion centers under H.R. 5099 is with respect to the protection of privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 5099, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4227, the Vehicular Terrorism Prevention Act of 2018.

Mr. Speaker, terror groups have urged their supporters to carry out acts of violence by any means necessary, including by ramming a vehicle into a crowd. In fact, both ISIS and al-Qaida have published propaganda encouraging such vehicle-based terrorist attacks.

Sadly, over the past few years, vehicle-based terrorist attacks have been carried out at home and abroad, taking the lives and injuring too many innocent people. One of the most shocking attacks was carried out on July 14, 2016, when a truck plowed into a crowd celebrating France's Independence Day, which resulted in the deaths of 86 people and injured nearly 500.

More recently, in October of 2017, a driver took the lives of eight people when he purposely careened his truck into a path in Lower Manhattan that was full of pedestrians and cyclists.

This tactic has not confined itself to one ideological group. On August 12, 2017, a self-professed neo-Nazi drove his car into a crowd of counterprotestors demonstrating the march held by alt-right activists in Charlottesville, Virginia. The attack killed Heather D. Heyer and injured 35 others.

Just this month, a former Marine Corps reservist rammed his pickup truck into a convenience store in Watson, Louisiana. Later, we learned that he mistakenly believed the store was owned by Muslims.

To address this emerging threat, H.R. 4227 would require the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress on support provided to emergency responders and private sector partners to counter the threat of vehicle-based attacks.

Mr. Speaker, I support this timely legislation and believe that enactment would improve DHS' efforts to prevent and reduce impacts of such attacks.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, the emergence of lone wolves who choose to ram vehicles into innocent people to advance their violent ideologies is a modern- day homeland security challenge. As threats to our homeland continue to evolve and as violent extremists continue to exploit soft targets, the risk to innocent bystanders grows. We must do our part to ensure that first responders in our cities, towns, and all places of living throughout the country have access to the necessary resources to keep themselves safe and secure. This legislation seeks to ensure that DHS does all it can to support such efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I would also note that this bill complements H.R. 5131, which is also being considered today and which directs DHS to disseminate best practices to stakeholders regarding ways to enhance transportation security against the threat of vehicle-based attacks.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4227, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Robert Lee Beasley.

Mr. Robert Lee Beasley is a native of Greenwood, MS. He is the second child born to Hattie B. Lewis-Beasley and Willie B. McQueen. He is a 1977 graduate of Greenwood High School. While in High School, he participated in the Bulldog Marching Band and NJROTC drill team. His senior year he was voted ``most likely to succeed''. After graduating from High School he joined the United States Army and trained to be a Military Policeman. After completing Basic Training and AIT, he was shipped off to West Germany. He served most of his military tour in Karlsrhue, West Germany as a physical security Military Policeman.

In April of 1979, Mr. Beasley's mother became ill and he hopped a Concorde cargo jet from Frankfurt, Germany to John F. Kennedy airport in New York on emergency leave. In May of 1979, his mother passed away. His First Sargent granted him a hardship discharge under honorable conditions. After returning home, he became the youngest policeman in the city of Greenwood, Mississippi at age 20. The fall of that same year he enrolled in the undergraduate criminal Justice program at Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi. While at Jackson State University, he became President of the American Criminal Justice Association. He represented the criminal justice department at the 1984, Black Caucus Banquet in Jackson, Mississippi. He played trumpet as a member of Jackson State University ``Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band''. Robert was also a candidate for officer school through the JSU Army ROTC program. The 114th Military Police Unit in Clinton, MS would not allow him to participate in the Officers slow, a part of the ROTC requirement.

In May of 1986, he graduated from Jackson State University with a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice. That same year he became the Director of Security for JSU Marching Band. That next year in 1988, he was hired as a Campus Policeman for the University. In 1985, he was hired at Tougaloo College as Campus Security. The fall of 1986, he was hired as a Correctional Officer for The State of Mississippi Department of Corrections, Rankin County Correctional Facility. Mr. Beasley remained there until June of 1988. The Fall of 1988, he enrolled in JSU graduate Criminal Justice program. Robert completed 30 hours of academic credits toward graduation. In the spring of 1993, he moved to Milwaukee, WI. Within two weeks he was hired as a Learnfare Case Manager. He was responsible for assisting families with determining barriers for children not attending school regularly or dropped out. He engaged with local school officials and principals to reintegrate the child back into a traditional classroom or find an Alternative School so the child may graduate with a High School Diploma. Robert worked as a Foster Care Case Manager for the Institute for Child and Family Development, Milwaukee, WI. He investigated allegations of abuse and/or neglect for minors. Testified in Court as to the suitability to return the child home or place him or her in a foster home. He developed a dispositional order to terminate parental rights. I worked as a Wraparound Coordinator for at risk kids for the Center for Child and Family Services, Milwaukee, WI. His last employment in Milwaukee was with the Wisconsin Welfare Reform Program as a Financial Employment Planner III. He assisted families and individuals to move from dependency on the government to self-sufficiency.

In March of 2004, Robert returned to Mississippi as a caretaker for two mentally ill brothers. The only Job he could get in Greenwood was in the meat department at the Greenwood Market Place. Four months into the job, he met Dr. Roy Hudson, Vice President of University Relations at Mississippi Valley State University. Shortly after meeting Dr.

Hudson in June 2005, he was hired as the Technical Assistant for Department of Admissions and Recruitment for the Valley. In 2006, while working full-time and attending graduate criminal justice program at Valley, he survived a heart attack and had to drop out of school and stop working for a while. February of 2008, he became a Career Specialist with Arbor Education and Training. Robert taught a job readiness program called C.E.O. to young adults under the age of 20. In 2010, he joined Thompson-Clemons Post 200 of the American Legion in Greenwood, Mississippi. He was appointed as Public Relations and has served in that capacity since joining the organization. He is responsible for reflecting the Post to the public through media. My office and Mr. Beasley conduct a Veterans Town Hall meeting annually. The Directors of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Regional Office are invited to attend this meeting, which allow Veterans to speak directly with those in charge of servicing that population.

Presently, he is a candidate for a Masters of Social Work from Mississippi Valley State University. He is married to Dorothy F. Smith- Beasley. Robert has three grown children and a step-daughter. He is a Veterans Resource Coordinator for AmeriCorps, Mississippi Veterans Support Network. Robert is passionate about outstanding customer service for those who served this great country honorably. He assists Veterans with filing compensation claims and gathering evidence to support their claims. Mississippi Veterans Support Network Program works in collaboration with AmeriCorps, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Rehabilitation. Our mission is to connect veterans and/or family members of active duty military members to existing resources, dealing with military benefits, connections with the Veterans Administration on line registration, financial training, suicide prevention, and PTSD available treatment.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Robert Beasley, a Veteran, Educator, Leader and Public Servant, for his dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an intuitive and self-motivated man, Mr. Henry Luckett.

Mr. Henry Luckett was born and raised in Canton, MS, to Hemy and Lucille Luckett. He is the second of six children born. His parents instilled in him at an early age, that if you want to be a productive citizen you must take education seriously, work hard , and never make excuses.

Mr. Luckett has lived in Holmes County since 1982. His family and faith are very important. He's married to Mrs. Charlie M. Luckett and they are the proud parents of four children.

Mr. Luckett currently serves as Chancery Clerk of Holmes County since January 2012. He is an active member of: Holmes County School and Community, serving as a Charter member of Leadership Holmes since 1993; Board of Directors of Holmes County Chambers of Commerce, (2002-2008), as President (2008-2010); and he was President of the William Sullivan School PTA from 2005 to 2010. He currently serves as a member of thoard of the State PTA of Mississippi. to

Mr. Luckett received a B.A. in Business Administration from Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn., in 1974. He has 26 years of public service with the Depatiment of Human Services (1982-2008), and served as County Director of Holmes County from 1992 to 2008. During this Administration, he was a member of the Six Million Dollar Club, which were counties who were issued six million dollars or more annually in food stamps benefits. Only twenty-five States had that distinction. Being one among the National Six Million Dollar Club members Holmes County received numerous awards from the USDA for exceptional management of the program. As Director he always made sure that everyone was treated with respect and those eligible received their benefits in a timely manner.

Mr. Luckett previously served as Project Director for the Mississippi Parent Information Resource Center Program for the Community Students Learning Center. The Program serves parents of Title 1 students Statewide with information, resources, and training that supports student achievement. Continuing with the support of the community and his involvement with Holmes County Students, the program provides summer employment to the students which teaches them professional work ethics and preparation for future leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Henry Luckett for his desire for continued excellence in his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable young lady, Ms. Demi Washington of Clinton, MS.

Demi Washington is a senior at Clinton High School, where she currently holds the title of Miss Clinton High School and has a 3.5

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the late Civil Rights icon, Anne Moody.

Ms. Moody was a native of Centreville, Mississippi, and was vital to the Civil Rights Movement in the state. While a student at Tougaloo College, she became heavily involved in organizations, such as Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). In 1963, Moody became a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement when newspapers featured a photograph of her participation in a sit-in at Woolworth's lunch counter in Jackson, Mississippi. Ms. Moody is best remembered for her best-selling novel `Coming Age of Mississippi' released in 1968.

During the last years of her life, Ms. Moody suffered from dementia. On February 5, 2015 at 74-years-old, she passed away.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Ms. Anne Moody and family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of innovators who have shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to serve their community, Fannie's Nest, Inc.

Fannie's Nest, Inc. is a Mississippi based nonprofit organization and with its ministry incorporated on January 22, 2016 by founders Pamela Scott Bracey, PhD and Darrell Scott, Jr. The founders along with several other cousins were interested in carrying out the legacy of ``educated communities of Christian unity'' instilled by their grandmother, the late Fannie Lee Jones Scott. Fannie was the mother of 12 children, and mother-like figure to several other children in the community of Yazoo City, Mississippi. She also served as a devoted choir leader of Tulane Missionary Baptist Church in Yazoo City for many years until her untimely passing to be with the Lord in 1996.

As a charitable organization and ministry, Fannie's Nest, Inc. vision is to exhibit a sincere hands-on Christian approach to encourage the development of well-rounded youth that grow to make positive impacts in all areas of society. Their mission is to educate, empower, and expose youth to a variety of stimulating experiences with the ultimate goal of nurturing them to soar beyond mediocrity, negative stereotypes, and unfavorable statistics.

The organizers and members of Fannie's Nest, Inc. are committed to designing and implementing innovative mentoring programs, conferences, and events that cater to youth in pursuit of aiding Mississippi students and communities to grow in the following areas: Educational Scholarship, Career Development, Leadership, Service Learning, Financial Education, Physical Fitness, Self-Awareness, Cultural Awareness, Music Appreciation, and Communication.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Fannie's Nest, Inc. for its dedication and desire to serve others and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks' Special Response Team led by Major Dale Bell.

On July 11, 2017 at approximately 0700 hours, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) Special Response Team (SRT), made up of 36 SRT members and seven conservation officers, were deployed to Leflore County, Mississippi, to assist the local Emergency Management Agency with the C130 Aircraft crash, where the lives of 16 servicemen were lost. After arriving to the Central Operation Center, MDWFP was assigned as the lead agency for the search and recovery of this mission. The SRT members had a daunting task of recovering the remains of four servicemen. But I am proud to say they recovered the remains of all 16 servicemen ensuring they would be flown home.

Other responsibilities included, finding 50 missing weapons and providing daily supervision to a large number of Marine members on the ground. The SRT team demonstrated resilience operating in 105-degree daily heat, while handling venomous snakes and infestations of chiggers, ticks and mosquitoes.

This tragic event was the largest aviation accident to happen in Mississippi and in the history of the United States Marine Corps. The MDWFP SRT's role in the law enforcement community is very important. The skills, training, dedication, and technology that they bring to deployments are second to none.

Today, I am honored to recognize these brave public heroes for the hard work, dedication and courage they exude each and every day protecting Mississippians.