Cedric L. Richmond

Madam Speaker, I rise today in my last floor speech in

this body to do what I was sworn to do on the first date: To protect and defend the Constitution.

President Trump put the domestic terrorists on notice by saying, ``Stand back and stand by.'' He then summoned them to D.C., directed them to march on the Capitol, and then he sat back and watched the insurrection.

Some of my colleagues--some of which may well be coconspirators--in their latest attempt to placate and please this unfit President, suggests that we shouldn't punish Trump for his actions in order to unify the country. That is the climax of foolishness.

Let me suggest to them: Stand up. Man up. Woman up. And defend this Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic, including Donald J. Trump.

In the first impeachment, Republicans said we didn't need to impeach him because he learned his lesson, so no need to remove him.

Well, we said, if we didn't remove him, he would do it again. Simply put, we told you so.

Richmond out.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Dave Bartholomew, a legendary New Orleans musician, who passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2019, at the age of 100.

Mr. Bartholomew was born on December 24, 1918 in Edgard, Louisiana, the seat of St. John the Baptist Parish. He was the son of a jazz trumpet player, growing up in a musical household, this led to Mr. Bartholomew learning how to play the tuba before moving on to trumpet.

Mr. Bartholomew wore several hats in his career including music producer, arranger, and songwriter. He also served our nation's Army and played a key role as one of the architects of rock `n' roll and the unique soundscape that defines New Orleans music today. His accomplishments throughout his career earned him recognition from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammys, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

It was Mr. Bartholomew's work in the 1950's and 1960's with Antoine ``Fats'' Domino that served as his most celebrated of accolades. Mr. Bartholomew's impactful presence behind the scenes helped create some of the biggest records of this era including ``Ain't That a Shame'', ``I'm Walkin'', and ``Let the Four Winds Blow.''

Mr. Bartholomew lived an extradentary life that cannot be overstated. He was committed to elevating others, perfecting his craft and producing quality music. Mr. Bartholomew was a musical trailblazer and his musical legacy along with spirit will remain a guiding force for all future musicians.

Mr. Bartholomew is survived by his wife, Rhea Bartholomew. He also survived by his five sons; Dave Jr., Don, Ron, Darrell, and Alvin in addition to his three daughters; Deborah, Diane, and Jacqueline, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Dave Bartholomew.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Donna Maria Grant, a trailblazer in the field of education, who passed away on June 10, 2019, at the age of 71.

Dr. Grant was born on February 4, 1948 in Tampa, Florida, to Mr. Smile Benton and Mrs. Daisy Johnson. In 1966, she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, Florida, earned a B.S. degree and M.Ed degree from Florida A&M University in Elementary Education, and completed all coursework towards a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1974, she married Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Grant.

Dr. Grant worked her entire professional career in education. She passionately worked with all ages of students from elementary through graduate school. After spending over 30 years in the Miami-Dade Public School System, Dr. Grant retired as an elementary school principal. However, due to her love for education, her retirement was short lived.

In 2006, Dr. Grant moved to New Orleans and began working as an Associate Professor in the College of Education and Human Development at Southern University at New Orleans. At the time of her death, Dr. Grant served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services at Southern University at New Orleans.

Dr. Grant, always having a heart for the community, was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), Just Us (Miami chapter), and numerous other community empowerment organizations. Also, Dr. Grant was a faithful member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans.

Dr. Grant lived an extraordinary life that cannot be overstated. She was committed to elevating minds, bringing students together, and improving access to higher education for all. She was an intellectual titan, trailblazer in the field of education, and her legacy as well as her spirit will remain a guiding force for all.

Dr. Grant is survived by two sons; Christopher Grant and Robert ``Bobby'' Grant, two daughters; Sherri Grant and Micheline Lyles, a brother; Rickey Perkins, grandchildren; Christopher, Jr., Jeremiah, James, Ciera, Jamica, Kerry, Cameron, Eric, and Deshun, and a host of relatives and friends.

Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Donna Maria Grant.