Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable town of Elizabeth, Mississippi.

The town of Elizabeth, Mississippi is located on U.S. Highway 61, approximately 1 mile north of Leland and 2 miles east of Stoneville. In March 1889, a deed was issued to Mr. Joshua Skinner for a railroad depot in the area. At the time, the place was named ``Athol'', but it was later changed to its current name ``Elizabeth''.

In 1889, Elizabeth was advertised as ``a new town with an unparalleled future, located in the heart of the famous Yazoo Delta . . . the richest and most fertile section of the earth where king cotton reigns supreme.'' Elizabeth had the unique distinction of being located at the crossroads of the first two main railroads in the Delta: the Louisville, New Orleans, and Texas RR (which later became the Illinois Central RR) and the Georgia Pacific RR (which eventually became the Columbus and Greenville RR).

The town of Elizabeth was designed along the west and south sides of both railroads. Elizabeth emerged early on as a mercantile city, with numerous businesses started up due to the existence of the rail lines. The town can no longer boast a commercial center. Leland has taken that role. However, it does retain its identity as Elizabeth. It boasts a modest population of nearly 200 people and a beautiful roadside park. In 2013, DuPont Pioneer opened a new 30,000 square foot research center near Elizabeth that focuses on soybean breeding and product development as well as corn product testing and characterization for farmers in the Delta.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Town of Elizabeth for its dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a determined young lady, LaTonya Denise Cotton. Ms. Cotton has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to make a positive difference in her community.

LaTonya Denise Cotton, a resident of Anguilla, Mississippi, was born on January 29, 1976 to Diane Cotton and Tom Davis in Hollandale, Mississippi. She is a graduate of Anguilla High School.

LaTonya is the author of a historical novel called ``A Small Peyton Place in a Town Called Anguilla''. She has plans to make a movie based on the novel. LaTonya has served as a volunteer through the AmeriCorps program as a career trainer in Sharkey County.

LaTonya has been a devout member of Union Chapel Baptist Church in Anguilla, MS for thirty one years. She is the proud parent of two girls, Dominique and Sumonia Cotton. She enjoys time with family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. LaTonya Denise Cotton for her dedication to serving her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a former educator and longtime community activist from Tallahatchie County, MS, Mrs. Mary Lee Taylor.

Mrs. Taylor is 101 years old. She was born January 17, 1913 in Paynes, MS. Her years have been long and her mind is full of many stories her eyes have seen. I am talking about trying times, historical eras, blue skies, and personal achievements.

Mrs. Taylor is a 1936 graduate of the Tallahatchie County Training School. She went on to continue her education at Rust College in Holly Springs, MS and at the Mississippi Vocational College (now referred to as Mississippi Valley State University) in Itta Bena, MS. There she received her Bachelor of Science Degree.

Her age has not had an effect on her memory which brings smiles to her face. One of her personal achievements is that Mrs. Taylor is the only person in her family who received an education, according to her son, Mervyn Leon Taylor.

Mrs. Taylor taught 1st grade and adult education classes. Another achievement of Mrs. Taylor is that she was one of the original pioneers who lead the effort to bring the Head Start program to Charleston and across Tallahatchie County. Her list of fighting for the citizens of Tallahatchie County and surrounding communities goes on to include road improvements in the Black community, and bringing electricity and telephone service to the Black communities.

Her son, Mervyn, said his mother wasn't just active locally but also overseas. She traveled to poverty stricken areas on mission trips. Mrs. Taylor was also an active member in her church, St. Paul Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church. She served as president of the local missionary, president of the Northern District Episcopal faith domination, and missionary president of the northern and southern Mississippi C.M.E. conferences.

Mrs. Taylor is the widow of the late Mr. Jimmy M. Taylor. She now lives in the Blue Cane Community, right outside of Charleston.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Mary Lee Taylor a pioneer in her community who has helped to pave the way for others, like you and me, to come along.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Thaddeus J. Williams, a native of Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Reverend Thaddeus J. Williams is married to the former Teresa L. Buckner and the father to four children: Sam, Dante', Philip, and Alexandria. He is a Licensed and Ordained Minister of the Gospel and currently serves as Minister of Membership Assimilation at Greater Fairview Baptist Church.

Reverend Williams is currently enrolled in Mississippi Baptist Seminary and Bible College pursuing a Master in Christian Education. He earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Mississippi Valley State University in 1987 and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Mississippi in 1991. He is a graduate of the Mississippi Certified Public Manager Program, the John C. Stennis Institute of Government, Leadership Yazoo City's Inaugural Class in 1992, and the 2008

Inaugural Class of FOCUS--DMH's Succession Planning/Accelerated Leadership Development Program.

Reverend Williams organized and has facilitated T and T (Thad and Teresa) Food/Outreach Ministry since 2000 where they have received both national and local recognition for their service to the community including the 2014 ``WJTV Jefferson Award'' and the 2013 Southern Christian Services ``Hands of Providence Award.''

Reverend Williams has served as Chaplain for the Mississippi Valley State University National Alumni Association, employed with the State of Mississippi since 1992 and currently with Mississippi Department of Mental Health's Central Office where he was voted by his peers as the 2012 Employee of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend Thaddeus J. Williams.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Attorney Will Ellis Pittman.

Attorney Pittman was born and raised in Tutwiler, MS. Mr. Pittman is 51 years old. He is the owner and managing member of Pittman & Associates, PLLC law firm in Clarksdale, Mississippi where he also serves as the first African-American County Prosecutor for Coahoma County. Attorney Pittman also serves as the board attorney for the Tunica County Board of Supervisors and is the first African-American to represent the Tunica County Board of Supervisors. Attorney Pittman is recognized amongst family, his community, and his colleagues as a man of wisdom, service, a generous spirit, and passion. He regularly attends and serves on the finance committee of the Galena Missionary Baptist Church in Tutwiler, Mississippi which he grew up in and joined at eight years of age.

Ellis attended and graduated from public high school in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi. After earning his high school diploma, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marine Corps, Ellis married his high school sweet heart, and they had two (2) children. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Ellis returned to his home town in Tutwiler.

However, he was unable to find employment anywhere in the delta area. Ellis returned to work and earned a living on the plantation in Tallahatchie County where he grew up. Ellis worked six (6) sometimes seven (7) days a week to provide food, shelter, and the bare necessities for his family. He always knew that if given the opportunity, he would provide them with a better way of life.

After working one full year and saving every penny that he could, Ellis departed for Dallas, Texas where he obtained a job with a janitorial service, cleaning grocery stores at night. Within two months Ellis saved enough funds for a deposit and first months' rent on an apartment. He then returned to Mississippi to get his wife and child and they returned to Dallas, Texas. Within six months, the store at which Ellis was employed took notice of his hard work and daily attendance and the store manager offered him a job as an apprentice baker that provided health insurance, dental, and vision benefits for both him and his family. With this break, Ellis used the extra earnings to provide a better place for his family to stay. Within six months, Ellis had worked his way from an apprentice baker to a journeyman baker and was able to provide his family with the kind of things that he had always dreamed of having.

Although he excelled in his employment, Ellis realized that in order to do more for his family he would have to obtain a college education. At the same time, Ellis desired to return home to be with his elderly father who became ill. So, he applied for and was hired with the Mississippi Department of Corrections as a correctional officer trainee.

He then made plans to attend Mississippi Valley State University to obtain a college degree. Prior to applying to Mississippi Valley State University, the Pittman's home caught on fire in which Ellis received second and third degree burns over a large portion of his body. His wife received severe burns as well. After a month, she passed away from the injuries she sustained from the fire. Ellis remained in the Greenville Burn Center for a month and half before he was released. After a short period of time, he returned to his place of employment at the Mississippi State Penitentiary. The home that he had purchased for his family had burned down, so the Department of Corrections provided him with a house on the ground for him and his two minor sons to live.

At this point, he made the decision not to attend Mississippi Valley State University due to the drive because he would have to commute. Being a single parent and still having to work, Ellis applied to Delta State University which was closer to where he was living at the penitentiary and he could make the daily commute. He commuted five days a week for three years until he graduated from Delta State University with a degree in criminal justice and political science.

Prior to graduation from Delta State University, Ellis applied to law school at Mississippi College, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and the University Of Mississippi School Of Law. He was accepted for admission at all three law schools. However, he chose to attend the University of Mississippi--School of Law due to the financial aid available for African-American applicants. After obtaining his law degree and license to practice law, Ellis returned to the Mississippi Delta from Memphis, Tennessee and opened Pittman Law Office in Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1996 where he continues to practice to this day.

Ellis has given countless young lawyers, that have recently graduated with no experience and unable to find a job, a position at his law office to give them a start. He realized that most people will do well if given the chance which he learned from personal experience when he needed someone to give him a chance. There has not been a time when a newly admitted lawyer came to Ellis looking for job and was turned down for employment.

Ellis' practice has included representing countless individuals in cases for excessive force, employment discrimination, criminal defense, family law, as well as personal injury and wrongful death.

Attorney Will Ellis Pittman's work ethic, passion, dedication, dependability, and service

have made him synonymous with being one of the best, if not the best, attorney around. At the end of the day, Ellis is recognized for his service to God, his family, his country, his community, and the people that seek his help.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Attorney Will Ellis Pittman for his dedication to serving this great state and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable person, Mr. Isaac Palmer.

Mr. Isaac Palmer was born on May 23, 1914 in Sharkey County, Mississippi, the oldest of nine children born to the late Reverend Littleton and Frances Nathaniel Palmer. Mr. Palmer was married to the late Vera Lee Bell Palmer for over 50 years. He has eight children: Betty, Geraldine, Odell, Isaac Lavelle, Nina, Patricia, David (deceased) and Fred (deceased).

Mr. Palmer wanted to attend school badly; but, he had to leave school when he was twelve years old, in the 6th grade, to work on the farm and help provide for his younger sisters and brothers. However, he didn't let this stop him. He learned to read, write and speak more fluently by studying the Holy Bible. Mr. Palmer was a ``jack of all trades'', doing things like driving tractors, farming, welding and being a mechanic, just to name a few.

At an early age, Mr. Palmer accepted Christ as his Savior. He was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church in Blanton, Mississippi, where he served as Senior Deacon and Superintendent of the Sunday school for many years. During this time, he led many children, friends and acquaintances to Christ. He has been and remains a laborer for Christ for more than 85 years.

Though Mr. Palmer only had a 6th grade education, he remains passionate about helping and encouraging his children and other young people to get as much education as possible. To help out, he would drive his own children to and from Alcorn and Jackson State Universities, as well as their friends who lived in the area (free of charge), after working all day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Isaac Palmer for his dedication to serving and giving back to his family and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church Canton, Mississippi.

The population of Madison County, Mississippi has been predominantly African-American since 1840. Prior to 1865, some members of the African-American population, most of whom had arrived in the county as slaves, were permitted to attend worship services, to be baptized and to be married in the area churches. They were also allowed to join established white congregations.

Early county records indicate that slaves were a part of the church communities. The Old Madison Presbyterian Church, the First Presbyterian, and the First Baptist listed a total membership of one hundred and thirty-four. One hundred were slaves and the other thirty- four were whites.

After the Civil War and freedom, African-Americans naturally desired to establish their own houses of worship. In 1865, the newly freed members of the congregation of First Baptist, with encouragement and financial assistance from their white counterparts, organized Mount Zion Baptist Church. Rev. T. J. Drane, pastor of the white church, served as minister receiving for his services a monthly salary of one dollar.

In 1870, Drane and R. B. Johnson donated two acres of land on the northern boundary of the plantation to Mount Zion. The first church was erected on Freedman Hill, located at the corner of North Railroad and Bowman Streets, according to the 1898 George and Dunlap map of Canton. Rev. Drane called for a meeting with council along with Mr. Will Powell from the white Baptist Church to help establish the church.

In addition to serving as pastor, Rev. Drane ran a day school and was assisted by Lillian Highgate, a white female. Rev. Drane received an additional $1.50 a month for his services. He also organized and maintained the first Sunday school class. All other organizations came into existence after Rev. Drane's resignation. Rev. Jordan Williams replaced him.

Newspapers frequently carried announcements concerning Mount Zion's activities. For example, ``Several converts at the Colored Baptist Church were baptized at the railroad culvert,'' or ``Rev. Williams, pastor of the Colored Baptist Church, immersed ten converts last Sunday night''. The second church site was across the street where the TWL parking lot is now located.

The third and fourth pastors were Reverends Mass and Davis. The fifth pastor, Rev. R.T. Sims, served for eighteen years and Rev. W. L. Varnado for seven. The seventh through the tenth pastors were as follows: Rev. Bradley, Rev. Morris, Rev. Drew, and Rev. A. D. Purnell.

By the 1920's, the congregation had outgrown the church and Rev. Purnell, along with members, began raising money for a larger building. The new lot for our present church was purchased from Jack Warren. Rev. Purnell asked Mr. S. M. Reddrick, Vice President of Madison County Bank, to serve as custodian over the church's building funds. He also asked if he would direct the building of the church and issue bonds to underwrite construction costs.

The bank issue $14,000 in bonds. Raymond H. Spencer was the architect of the neoclassical brick structure. He also designed the First Methodist Church of which Reddrick was a member. The building was erected in 1929 at the cost of $35,000. The congregation moved into the new structure February 1930.

Rev. P. F. Parker, the eleventh pastor, with the help of God and members, burned the mortgage. Under his leadership the church grew. For example, the following organizations played an active role in missionary work: Senior Missionary Society, Junior Matrons, Young Woman's Auxiliary, Red Circle/Sunshine Band, Sunday school, Baptist Training Union, Senior Choir, Gospel Chorus, Junior/Beginner's Choir, New Membership Club, Pastor's Aide, Boys' Bible Club and Usher Board. Rev. Parker served until his death in 1970.

Mount Zion continued to serve the African-American community religiously and socially. During the summer of 1964, Mount Zion was the location of a pivotal moment in our state's civil rights struggle. In her autobiography, Coming of Age in Mississippi, Ann Moody notes that Mount Zion was the biggest Negro church in Canton and the center of the local marches.

On Friday, May 29, 1964, on the church lawn, six hundred community and church members witnessed the near death beating of McKinley Hamilton, a young African-American man. As a result, eighty church members marched on the Madison County jail in one of the first protest marches in Canton. Mount Zion became known as the ``Church of Refuge''. In 1968, twelve hundred students from Rogers High School marched because they were outraged over the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A group of parents led them to Mount Zion. Rev. Parker opened the doors of the church to them, thus saving them from injury by law enforcement officers waiting for them on Hickory Street in front of High's Funeral Home.

Dr. W. L. Johnson, our twelfth and present pastor, has served for twenty-nine years. His words have power through the Holy Spirit. Under Dr. Johnson's leadership, the church has continued its growth. For example, the church has been air-conditioned, carpeted throughout, a fellowship hall and recreation center built and equipped, four parking lots purchased and surfaced, restrooms were remodeled, a lounge installed, pews padded, a new intercom system purchased, speakers installed in the pulpit and choir loft, additional chairs purchased for the choir and seating areas in the wings, two new copiers, a computer, storage room, and a fifteen passenger van and twenty-seven passenger bus were also purchased. The stained glass windows were repaired, and the pastor study was moved upstairs.

We now have a summer recreation program. Our membership is approximately 500 and still growing. The church is one of the most monumental, intact, and historic resources associated with the Canton African- American Community. As a result of this, the church was recently placed on the registry of Historical Buildings.

Our aim is to give every God-seeking person an opportunity to receive salvation. The church clearly reflects the importance of the social and religious life of the African-American community from its birth in 1865 up to the present. Let us resolve to make service to Christ a priority in our lives.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Heavenly Angels Daycare Center.

The Heavenly Angels Daycare Center opened on August 8, 2006 with Mrs. Emma Bell as owner and director, in Port Gibson, Claiborne County, Mississippi on Church St.

Mrs. Bell loves children and started Heavenly Angels Daycare Center with 8 enrolled from 6 months to 3 years old. She also had an After School Program with 6 children up to 12 years old.

Through the years, the Heavenly Angels Daycare Center has grown and in 2008 a Pre-K Center was included to better equip children who started in the center to be able to successfully start 1st grade.

Heavenly Angels Daycare Center has been progressing for 8 years with a current full capacity of 87 children, who are enjoying the process of learning and the After School Program has 27 children.

Mrs. Bell, because of her hard and diligent work at Heavenly Angels Daycare Center has received a trophy honoring her as Businesswoman of the Year.

Mrs. Bell has been married for 25 years to a husband that loves and supports her. They have 5 children: 4 boys and 1 daughter, Janice, who has worked with Heavenly Angels Daycare Center since its opening and graduated from Jackson State University with a Business Degree.

Heavenly Angels Daycare Center's slogan is: To look, listen and learn and every child succeeds. Mrs. Bell stated that ``When they come through our doors, we make sure that they get the learning that they need. They all are smart children.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Heavenly Angels Daycare Center for caring and educating children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable Rainbow Learning & Daycare Center.

Rainbow, opened in June 2007, is operated by the owner/director, Mrs. Pernada Jackson. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rainbow's mission is to provide child care services and a safe learning environment that focuses on the developmental needs of the children. The center serves families in Leland, Mississippi, and the surrounding towns.

Rainbow strives to provide a quality early childhood education program filled with love and compassion for children. They believe that children are the most important resource and that the early childhood experiences are crucial in the development of their future.

Rainbow's belief is that the family is the strongest influence in the child's growth and development. They extend the child's home experience and provide new and different experiences of value. Rainbow's program is based on the knowledge that children learn best through play and active hands-on activities. Using developmental appropriate materials to stimulate and explore their potential is their goal.

Growth occurs in developmental stages and each stage must be offered, encouraged and supported. Rainbow's classrooms are arranged in an environment that presents maximum opportunities for cognitive development, discovery learning and an awareness of cultural diversity. They offer clean and spacious learning centers that offer a wide variety of daily activities to encourage and challenge each child.

Rainbow's learning environment will empower children and enhance self-esteem by creating an atmosphere where social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development can take place. By encouraging children to learn and develop at their own level, they will gain the confidence of self-importance. Rainbow offers children guidance and understanding, so they will have the opportunity to explore their world in a safe and controlled environment.

Rainbow provides nutritional meals and snacks. All meals meet the nutritional guidelines set by the USDA.

Each caregiver receives on-going training through staff meetings and during early childhood conferences and workshops that are held throughout the year. All Rainbow employees are trained in Pediatric CPR and First Aid. Rainbow accepts all children regardless of race, color, creed, and sex, religious or ethnic backgrounds.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Rainbow Learning & Daycare Center for its dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Ivory Britton, a Justice Court Judge of District 2, who is a native Jacksonian.

Judge Britton was reared on Tougaloo Street in the Virden Addition Community.

Judge Britton attended Brinkley Elementary School, which is now Walton Elementary School, and graduated from Brinkley High School. He attended: the University of Judicial Court, National Judicial College, Reno, NV, National Judges Association, American Judges Association, and National Center for State Courts.

As a Justice Court Judge Britton works hard to ensure fair and equal treatment for all litigants of his court. He has increased his knowledge of the judicial process to enable citizens to easily use the Justice Court System. Judge Britton will continue to be fair and accessible to all citizens and be knowledgeable and obedient to the laws of The State of Mississippi.

Judge Britton is married to Liza Britton and they have three children: Perry, Dexter and Tabathia. He is a member of Cade Chapel M. B. Church.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Judge Ivory E. Britton.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 2719, the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act.

For years, both as chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I have been troubled by the way TSA goes about technology acquisition. Time and again, taxpayer dollars have been wasted on technologies that either do not work or cannot be upgraded to meet the agency's need.

I have also been troubled by TSA's apparent inability to effectively manage its inventory of security-related technology and meet its goals for contracting with small and disadvantaged businesses.

The bill before us today addresses these concerns through greater transparency and accountability. In this age of tight budgets, TSA cannot purchase technologies on a whim and outside of robust acquisition controls. Under H.R. 2719, of which I was proud to be an original cosponsor, TSA will be required to develop and publish a multiyear technology investment plan that will guide the agency's security-related technology purchases.

This plan will give both the agency and Congress a clear understanding of how taxpayer dollars will be allocated in future years.

The bill also requires TSA to develop a plan for managing its inventory of security-related technologies. Last year, the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General found that TSA had more than 17,000 items in its warehouse inventory, at an estimated cost of $185 million. The IG concluded that TSA may be able to put approximately $800,000 per year to better use by managing its inventory more effectively.

For fiscal year 2012, TSA's goal for prime contracting with small businesses was set at 23 percent; yet the agency barely reached 16 percent. While TSA improved its performance in 2013, it still failed to meet its goal for prime contracting with small businesses.

To address TSA's chronic problems meeting its small business contracting goal, the bill requires TSA to consult with other Federal agencies that get small business contracting done and done right. Under H.R. 2719, TSA will be required to develop an action plan for improving its performance and report to Congress on its progress in implementing the plan.

For too long TSA has relied upon the same limited number of companies to

develop and produce the security-related technologies it puts into the field. Doing so comes at the peril of small and minority-owned businesses that are essential to innovation. This dynamic also results in additional cost to taxpayers due to a lack of competition in the marketplace.

H.R. 2719 received the unanimous support of the Committee on Homeland Security and this full House later last year. The Senate amendment to this bill that we are considering today makes minor and beneficial modifications.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have one speaker before I close. I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security of the Committee on Homeland Security.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I am prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, in closing I would like to thank Subcommittee Chairman Hudson and Ranking Member Richmond for working in collaboration to develop this important legislation.

I would also like to acknowledge the bipartisan staff work that went in to getting us to this point. Specifically, I want to acknowledge Brian Turbyfill on my staff and Amanda Parikh on the majority staff for their work on this legislation over the past 2 years.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the Senate amendment to H.R. 2719 so that this bill can be enacted and TSA's acquisition process is on a path to improvement.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 1204, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2014, and yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, at the outset, I would like to thank Chairmen McCaul and Hudson and Ranking Member Richmond for their support of the measure before us today.

I would like to thank Senator Tester for working with me to introduce companion legislation.

Finally, I commend Chairman Rockefeller for taking an interest in this legislation and moving it through the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us today has gone through regular order and is the product of thoughtful deliberation and bipartisan agreement.

Indeed, the Senate amendment to H.R. 1204 improves upon the bill passed by the House in December of last year by enhancing transparency while preserving the ability of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee to effectively and efficiently conduct its important work.

By concurring in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1204, and sending the bill to the President for his signature, the House will be ensuring that stakeholders, including labor organizations, airports, small business operators at airports, and airlines, have a permanent seat at the table when TSA is developing policies and procedures that directly impact their work and businesses.

When Congress established TSA in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the agency was granted broad latitude to develop, implement, and modify aviation security policies and procedures.

As a result, in many instances, TSA is not required to, and does not go through, the Federal rulemaking process to establish new policies or modify those already on the books.

I have introduced H.R. 1204 to ensure that input from the key stakeholders is sought, received, and considered by TSA. To that end, my bill not only makes the Aviation Security Advisory Committee permanent but puts new requirements on TSA to consult with this body and give its recommendations thoughtful and timely consideration.

It also requires the establishment of subcommittees within the larger Aviation Security Advisory Committee to focus on air cargo security, general aviation security, perimeter security, and security technology.

Whatever your views on TSA, I believe we can all agree that aviation security policymaking should reflect meaningful consultation and coordination with key stakeholders.

Mr. Speaker, as you have heard, H.R. 1204 has broad bipartisan support within Congress and is supported by a wide array of stakeholders. The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent, and the House initially passed the bill last December with over 400 Members voting in favor.

I urge my colleagues to display the same level of support for the Senate amendment to H.R. 1204 so that this bipartisan legislation can be sent to the President for his signature.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Barbara Baymon who is a remarkable Leader and Public Servant.

Ms. Barbara Baymon holds a B.A. degree in Speech Communication from Mississippi Valley State University and an M.A. degree from Arkansas State University.

Ms. Baymon teaches a variety of speech courses in the department of Communication and is also the Director of Theater. She is the Coordinator for the Speech Communication major.

Each semester, Ms. Baymon directs one or more productions that features MVSU students and is performed on campus and on the road. Her duties also include serving on various departmental and university committees.

Ms. Baymon is also active in her community. She is an Alderwoman for Isola and President of Humphrey County Hospital Board of Directors.

Her memberships include Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Mississippi Theater Association, Mississippi Communication Association, International Communication Association and Southern Conference on Afro-American Studies, Inc.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Barbara Baymon, a leader and public servant, for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable American Soldier, Sergeant First Class Tony Roach, a resident of Shaw, Mississippi.

Sergeant First Class Roach entered the Army Reserves on February 9, 1990, and completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training as an armor crewman at Fort Knox, Kentucky directly after graduating from Shaw High School. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas and Camp Shelby, Mississippi. His overseas assignment include Log Base Seitz in Iraq.

SFC Roach was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, OIF 2004-2005, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, OEF 2006-2014. Most recently, he served eight years as an Observer Controller Team Leader at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

SFC Roach has served with overwhelming admiration at every level within a Tank Platoon to include: Tank Gunner, Tank Commander, Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant. He has served as an Interim Observer Controller Team Leader, Battalion Operations Sergeant, and Observer Controller Group Leader.

His military education includes 19K (Tanker) OSUT, 88M (Truck Driver), Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Instructor Course, Recruiting and Retention School, Driver Training Course, Mind Resistant AP Instructor Course.

He furthered his civilian education at Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Mississippi where he graduated in 1999 with a technical certification in Barbering.

His awards and decorations include: the Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (3RD Award), National Defense Service Medal With Bronze Star (2ND Award), Iraqi campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal with Campaign Star, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device (2nd Award).

Sergeant First Class Roach has two daughters: Laliya and Brianna; and one son, Tony Cordale. Sergeant First Class Roach is the son of Freddy Bryant and Gloria Roach and has 6 siblings: Gloria, Dellia, Nicole, Lee, James, and Isaac.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing American Soldier.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable American Soldier, Master Sergeant Charles Miller, a resident of Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Master Sergeant Charles E. Miller started his military career, June 1978, at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Master Sergeant Miller was in the first group of Soldiers to participate in the One Station Unit Training (OSUT), this program entailed Soldiers going through Basic Training and Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) training, at the same military post with the same Drill Sergeants. After completing basic training and his military occupation specialty training in January 1978, he is now qualified to be a Military Policeman (MP). Master Sergeant Miller was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma as a Military Policeman, with the 546th MP Company. After 18 months at Fort Sill, Oklahoma Master Sergeant Miller received orders to report to Baumholder, West Germany, as a Physical Security Specialist. At the end of June 1981, MSG Miller ended his time in service, receiving an honorable discharge.

In January 1982, MSG Miller re-enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey, to attend Truck Driving School. March 1982, after successfully completing the Truck Driver School, he was reassigned to the 66th Engineer (ADM) Company, Fort Hood, Texas. December 1983, MSG Miller was reassigned to Charlie Company 249th Engineer BN., Karlsruhe, West Germany. December 1986, he returned stateside where he was discharged with an Honorable Discharge.

Master Sergeant Miller still wanted to serve his country so he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve, 479th Ordinance Company, Lyon Mississippi. The 479th ORD. CO. was activated to active duty, September 1990 to support the Gulf War. The 479th Ord. Co., arrived in Saudi Arabia, November 1990. In July 1991, the 479th ORD. Company returned home to receive a Heroes' Welcome.

In July 2001, Master Sergeant Miller was transferred to the 412th Engineer Command, Vicksburg, Mississippi. April 2006, Master Sergeant Miller was called to active duty to support Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was

stationed at Baghdad, Iraqi. In April 2008, Master Sergeant Miller returned home.

Master Sergeant Miller took the position as First Sergeant (1SG), April 2012, with the 4/323rd REGT, this is a Drill Sergeant Unit, U.S. Army Reserve. Master Sergeant Miller recalls when he was stationed in Germany, assigned to the 249th ENG BN, his First Sergeant at the time asked him if he wanted to go to Drill Sergeant School and he declined. Master Sergeant Miller wishes today that his First Sergeant would have asked him several times and given him more information on becoming a Drill Sergeant. In the reserve component the First Sergeant is just the manager of the unit, he or she does not have to be a Drill Sergeant.

As of March 17, 2014, Master Sergeant Miller is now re-assigned to the 412th Theater Engineer Command, Vicksburg, Mississippi. He speaks highly about the 412th Theater Command, he says, he is now back home. Master Sergeant Miller is fully aware that his military career is now coming to an end, and when he does retire it will be a difficult transition. Serving in the military was never a mistake to him, it is a privilege which he is so glad that he took advantage of to serve our great country.

Master Sergeant Miller has numerous military occupation specialties, he is qualified as an Army Maintenance Management System Clerk, Prescribed Load List Clerk, Ammunition Specialist, Transportation Operator, Military Police, Physical Security Specialist, and Supply Specialist.

During Master Sergeant Miller's military career, he has received numerous awards, not listed in prestigious order to include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Overseas Service Ribbons, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Overseas Training Ribbons, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army NCO Professional, Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Ribbons and Drivers Badge.

Master Sergeant Miller is married to Mrs. Florine Miller and they have 3 daughters: Lakechia, Tiffany, and Alexis; one son, French and 6 grandchildren. Master Sergeant Miller is son of Eddie & Evelyn Brown, and Willard Hughes and has 2 sisters: Jackie and Shelia; and 5 brothers: Willous, Allen, Reginald, Michael and Willard.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a distinguished American Soldier.