Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Connecticut for yielding.

Here we are again debating the most basic function of our democracy: funding our government. Yet, once again, here we are kicking the can a bit further down the road instead of passing a budget for a fiscal year that started 130 days ago.

As chair of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I know that we need a full annual appropriations bill for military construction projects that are critical to our national security and to make the needed annual investments in veterans' healthcare and benefits.

I have been in this Chamber many, many times when we came together for the good of the Nation, just like we recently did to pass the infrastructure bill that was bipartisan with at least some support from the other side of the aisle. We found common ground because infrastructure affects every corner of this great country. But the benefits of that landmark legislation cannot be fully realized until we enact the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills.

Some States are even putting off projects until we appropriate funding from the full-year budget. The Federal Railroad Administration can't hire the staff it needs in order to implement the infrastructure bill. New programs to reduce carbon emissions and to protect roads and bridges against the effects of climate change will stall. All our communities in blue and red districts cannot access these new programs until we do our job and pass the full budget.

Without full-year appropriations bills we risk upending the greatest year of job growth the Nation has ever seen. We risk knocking down ladders

into our middle class. We risk our national security. We are close to a funding agreement thanks to our appropriations leadership. But we need time to finish that legislation in full. This continuing resolution gives us time to finish that vital work for the American people.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the CR, and I urge our colleagues in the entire House of Representatives to diligently work together to make sure we can bring this budget process in for a landing.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5577) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3900 Crown Road Southwest in Atlanta, Georgia, as the `John R. Lewis Post Office Building'.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5577 to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3900 Crown Road Southwest in Atlanta, Georgia, as the ``John R. Lewis Post Office Building''.

John Lewis was born on February 21, 1940, in Troy, Alabama, to Willie Mae and Eddie Lewis.

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., he attended the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee. Lewis then went on to earn his bachelor's degree in religion and philosophy from Fisk University.

As a college student in Nashville, Congressman Lewis was a founder and chairman of the national civil rights organization, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, or SNCC.

In 1963, John Lewis was involved in planning the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. As a part of the event, Lewis delivered a keynote address at the Lincoln Memorial in which he called on an army of movement activists to ``march through the South'' in a sustained campaign of nonviolent resistance to produce effective civil rights legislation and destroy Jim Crow.

His fight for Federal civil rights legislation continued in 1965, as Congressman Lewis participated in new voter registration drives and peaceful demonstrations in Selma, Alabama, where he sustained a fractured skull as a result of being beaten during what is now known as Bloody Sunday.

President Jimmy Carter appointed Lewis as the associate director of the Federal volunteer agency, ACTION, where he worked to build connections to local volunteer groups and diversify the agency's workforce.

From 1981 to 1986, Congressman Lewis held a seat on the Atlanta City Council, where he tackled local issues, such as public funding for infrastructure, zoning laws, and homelessness.

As a Representative of Georgia, Lewis made monumental strides as he focused on backing or introducing legislation advancing civil rights, environmental justice, education, and healthcare.

In 1991, Lewis proposed legislation to establish the museum of African American history and worked to gather support for the proposal until George W. Bush signed into law a bill creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Mr. Speaker, one of the greatest honors of my professional life, and really my life, was the opportunity to get to know and serve with the great John Lewis in this body, and I think if you asked most Members who had the privilege of getting to know him and serve with him in the U.S. House of Representatives, that they would count among their finest honors to be able to have that privilege as well.

Sadly, we lost Congressman Lewis, our beloved John, who died on July 17, 2020, and I encourage all of my colleagues to honor the memory of Congressman John Lewis's legacy and his fight for civil rights through the dedication of the post office at 3900 Crown Road Southwest as the ``John R. Lewis Post Office Building'', and may his memory be for a blessing.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Williams), who has the privilege of not having stepped in the shoes, but to have succeeded the great former Congressman John Lewis.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), a member of the Judiciary Committee who chairs the Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law Subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, as I have said, nearly all the Members of this body who had the privilege to get to know Congressman Lewis would count among their finest honors the chance to serve in this esteemed institution with him.

John was really the embodiment of goodness. John Lewis was someone who I never heard cast aspersions, who I never saw angry or directed anger at someone else. He certainly had anger toward injustice and really channeled that energy and his passion to make sure that everyone in the United States had an opportunity to live and experience justice as his life's work.

There were so many times that John's rallying cry for Members of this institution was that we needed to stand up and speak out and make sure that we did not remain silent. That is absolutely essential and is as important today as it was back in the 1960s and before that when he was walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and leading the fight for voting rights. We carry on that fight for him to this day in his memory.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is an incredible privilege to be able to manage the time on this legislation to name the main post office in the city of Atlanta after the great and late Honorable John R. Lewis.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 583) to promote innovative acquisition techniques and procurement strategies, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 583, the Promoting Rigorous and Innovative Cost Efficiencies for Federal Procurement and Acquisitions Act, or the PRICE Act.

This bipartisan bill was introduced by Chairman Gary Peters of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, along with Senators Ernst and Carper. I commend them for their bipartisan leadership, as well as Joe Neguse for leading the House companion bill.

Mr. Speaker, to meet its complex and critical missions in service of the American people, the Federal Government must ensure that its procurement practices make use of innovative approaches that maximize the ingenuity and opportunity of American small business.

These small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and the breeding ground for cutting edge solutions that can be transformative in government operations. Recognizing that the Department of Homeland Security has been a leader in small business utilization, the PRICE Act requires it to publish an annual report on the projects of its Procurement Innovation Lab.

Dedicated to improving the acquisition process within the construct of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the lab is a proving ground for innovative ideas and a forum for developing and sharing lessons learned and best practices.

Under the bill, the Department would be required to develop guidance and training on innovative procurement techniques for contracting and program management personnel, and to make these best practices available to other Federal agencies.

The bill would also convene the Chief Acquisition Officers Council to examine and report on best practices in acquisition innovation in Federal contracting, including through small business engagement, which is vital to keeping our industrial base strong and vibrant.

The report would include a review of the practices and technology applications with the greatest success in improving program outcomes, enhancing customer experience, and meeting the Federal Government's small business contracting goals. These goals cannot be a check-the-box exercise that provides opportunity to only a handful of companies. Rather, they must be about opening the doors of Federal contracting to as many small businesses as possible to expand our industrial base.

The PRICE Act will pave the way for more cohesive and widespread adoption of modernized business practices and advanced technologies across the Federal Government. It also has the power to advance the goals of the Small Business Act by creating greater opportunity for small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of S. 583, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 566) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 42 Main Street in Slatersville, Rhode Island, as the ``Specialist Matthew R. Turcotte Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

I rise today in support of S. 566, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 42 Main Street in Slatersville, Rhode Island, as the Specialist Matthew R. Turcotte Post Office.

Specialist Matthew R. Turcotte was from North Smithfield, Rhode Island, and a graduate of North Smithfield High School where he was cocaptain of the football team. Specialist Turcotte served with 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division in Kosovo.

Over the course of his military career, Specialist Turcotte earned numerous medals and commendations, including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the NATO Medal. Specialist Turcotte was deeply committed to our Nation and served the country with distinction.

In 2017, he was killed during a live-fire training exercise at Fort Carson, Colorado. He is survived by his wife, parents, and two sisters. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in honoring his legacy by naming the post office at 42 Main Street as the Specialist Matthew R. Turcotte Post Office.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), in whose district the post office resides.

Mr. Speaker, may the memory of Matthew R. Turcotte be for a blessing, and I urge passage of S. 566, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2324) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2800 South Adams Street in Tallahassee, Florida, as the ``D. Edwina Stephens Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2324, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2800 South Adams Street in Tallahassee, Florida, as the D. Edwina Stephens Post Office.

Edwina Stephens is remembered as a unique and influential community activist who touched people's lives in numerous roles for over 50 years.

Born in Rocky Ford, Georgia, Edwina spent the majority of her adult life as a member of the Tallahassee community. Professionally, she was known as a fabulous nurse who pioneered changes in Tallahassee's local healthcare industry at Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

In the community, she was recognized for being an acclaimed environmentalist and tireless activist who successfully campaigned against cases of environmental disenfranchisement and fought inequality of neighborhood services in underserved communities.

Ms. Stephens' achievements in Tallahassee include facilitating the hiring of Black cashiers at Winn-Dixie stores, leading the successful crusade to shut down the Medical Waste Facility on the southside, and spearheading the infrastructure revitalization for the Southside. These activities improved the quality of life not only for Southside residents, but for all the people of Tallahassee.

In addition to her mission of advocating for positive change, Edwina was a historian and visionary for many ongoing projects. Ms. Stephens is also remembered as a warm, caring woman who possessed political grit and organizational skills needed to foster enduring relationships between government, media, and the community.

I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring a pioneer in the healthcare community by naming the post office at 2800 South Adams Street as the D. Edwina Stephens Post Office.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Florida delegation, I am proud to help honor a daughter of the State of Florida, and I urge passage of H.R. 2324, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 735) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 502 East Cotati Avenue in Cotati, California, as the ``Arthur Luis Ibleto Post Office Building'', as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 735, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 502 East Cotati Avenue in Cotati, California, as the Arthur L. Ibleto Post Office Building.

Mr. Ibleto reigned in the Sonoma County food and wine community for nearly 50 years as its one and only ``Pasta King.'' His Italian catering and frozen food business is an institution and his award- winning grapes can be found in numerous Sonoma Valley wines.

Mr. Ibleto was known for his generosity and he lent considerable time and resources to charitable, educational, and civic causes. He continued working full-time until his passing on November 24, 2020, at age 94.

But his accomplishments are not limited to food, wine, and the building of his community. At just 17, Mr. Ibleto deserted Mussolini's fascist army to join the Italian resistance and fought behind enemy lines to help the Allies defeat Nazi Germany during World War II.

In 1949, he left Italy for Petaluma, California, where he met and married Victoria Eleanor Ghirardelli. The two settled in Cotati, California, in 1951.

A proud immigrant, Mr. Ibleto cofounded the North Bay Italian Cultural Foundation and served as State president of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America.

Mr. Ibleto lived the American Dream and helped countless people on his journey.

I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in honoring his legacy by naming the post office at 502 East Cotati Avenue as the Arthur L. Ibleto Post Office Building.

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

Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation and urge passage of H.R. 735. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3539) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 223 West Chalan Santo Papa in Hagatna, Guam, as the ``Atanasio Taitano Perez Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3539, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 223 West Chalan Santo Papa in Hagatna, Guam, as the Atanasio Taitano Perez Post Office.

Mr. Atanasio Taitano Perez was a life-long public servant to Guam and the United States.

Over the course of his 36-year career he not only served as the first postmaster of Guam, but also served in the Guam judicial system serving as chief clerk, and later associate justice in the Guam High Court of Equity.

Mr. Perez was also involved in petitioning Congress to establish Guam's permanent civilian government, which its citizens enjoy today.

Unfortunately, he did not live long enough to see his efforts through, as he passed away on April 23, 1950. President Truman signed the Guam Organic Act into law 3 months later on August 1, 1950.

To this day, Mr. Perez is revered for his efforts not only in civil service, but also for advocacy on behalf of the Chamorro and Guamanian people of Guam.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Perez' legacy by naming the post office at 223 West Chalan Santo Papa as the Atanasio Taitano Perez Post Office.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 3539, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2842) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 4th Street in Petaluma, California, as the ``Lynn C. Woolsey Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 2842 to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 4th Street in Petaluma, California, as the Lynn C. Woolsey Post Office Building.

Lynn Woolsey was born Lynn Carol Robinson in Seattle, Washington, on November 3, 1937. A graduate of Seattle's Lincoln High School, Woolsey attended the University of Washington from 1955 to 1957. She left school to marry Terry J. Critchett in 1958, and they eventually settled in Marin County, California. They had three children, Joseph, Ed, and Amy.

After working as a secretary at a technology company and relying partly on welfare assistance, Woolsey opened a personnel services firm and returned to college at the University of San Francisco to earn her bachelor's degree in 1980.

In 1984, Woolsey won a seat on the Petaluma City Council, where she served until 1992, including as vice mayor in her final year. When California Representative Barbara Boxer ran for the Senate in 1992, Woolsey ran to replace her and was elected in 1993 with 65 percent of the vote.

Congresswoman Woolsey served on the House Budget Committee, the Government Operations Committee, and the Education and Labor Committee. As subcommittee chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee, she led a measure to provide job-protected leave for family members of injured soldiers.

Among other successes, Congresswoman Woolsey fought legislation that threatened to reduce the scope of welfare programs; advocated for expanding school breakfast programs; and sponsored legislation to encourage young girls to study math and science, her ``Go, Girl'' initiative.

As co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congresswoman Woolsey advocated for a budget proposal to lower the deficit while supporting the social safety net.

A prominent member of the Out of Iraq Caucus, Woolsey criticized the George W. Bush administration's prosecution of the war, voted consistently to suspend funding for the war, and introduced a bill to redirect $60 billion in Pentagon funds toward domestic civilian programs.

Throughout her congressional career, Woolsey tended to her northern California district. She delivered hundreds of millions of dollars back home for a variety of capital-intensive projects, including $9 million for a Petaluma River flood control project and $52 million for a seismic retrofit of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Naming a post office for Lynn C. Woolsey is entirely appropriate given her distinguished career and contributions to her State and country, and I urge all Members to support this bill.

I will just add what a privilege it was to have a chance to get to know and serve with Lynn Woolsey. She was a fierce advocate for her point of view. She spent every single day on the floor of this body during the Iraq war and spoke out against it every single day without fail. She is a woman of her convictions and someone who fiercely defended making sure that her constituents' voices were heard.

Mr. Speaker, it was a privilege to serve with her, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Huffman), who succeeded Congresswoman Woolsey.

Mr. Speaker, what a gift to be able to help name this post office and give this well-deserved honor to a remarkable woman, who I hope is watching right now, because she deserves every ounce of the respect that this naming represents.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 2842, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3579) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 East Main Street in Maroa, Illinois, as the ``Jeremy L. Ridlen Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3579 to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 200 East Main Street in Maroa, Illinois, as the Jeremy L. Ridlen Post Office.

Army National Guard Specialist Jeremy L. Ridlen was born in Maroa, Illinois, where he attended Maroa-Forsyth High School with his twin brother, Jason. Jeremy and Jason were students at Illinois State University, where they joined the National Guard and were assigned to the 1544th Transportation Company. In 2003, the National Guard activated their unit and deployed them to Fallujah, Iraq, where Jeremy served as postal clerk.

On May 23, 2004, Jeremy was killed after a truck rigged with explosives detonated next to his convoy. He was 23 years old.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring Jeremy L. Ridlen, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, by naming the post office at 200 East Main Street after him, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gentleman from Illinois that as a fellow parent of twins--mine are 22--I send deepest condolences. Although I know his passing was back in 2004, I know the pain is fresh for his family. It is an honor to be able to join my colleagues in helping to name this post office.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 3579, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3613) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 202 Trumbull Street in Saint Clair, Michigan, as the ``Corporal Jeffrey Robert Standfest Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3613 to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 202 Trumbull Street in Saint Clair, Michigan, as the Corporal Jeffrey Robert Standfest Post Office Building.

Corporal Jeffrey Robert Standfest was born on April 24, 1987. He was a 2005 graduate of Saint Clair High School where, during his senior year, he won 12 of his 14 cross-country races and was named the Times Herald newspaper's Runner of the Year. He also ran cross-country during his tenure at Oakland University and helped lead his team to a conference championship.

Described as an all-American kid, he joined the military because his grandfather had served in the Marines during World War II. Due to his constant demonstration of maturity and leadership, Corporal Standfest was selected to become one of his unit's few dog handlers, in addition to his role as a combat engineer.

In Afghanistan, he had been operating alongside his fellow engineers as a dog handler to detect IEDs and assist the route clearance platoon. Sadly, while attempting to clear a building on June 16, 2010, tragedy struck in the Helmand province of Afghanistan when Corporal Standfest, along with his bomb-sniffing dog, Sergeant Ruppert, was killed by an IED. Corporal Standfest was only 23 years old.

In the aftermath of his death, then-Governor Granholm lowered flags to halfstaff. Corporal Standfest was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He was previously awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the NATO medal.

Naming a post office after Corporal Standfest is appropriate, given his dedication to his country. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Corporal Standfest.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4168) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6223 Maple Street, in Omaha, Nebraska, as the ``Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4168 to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6223 Maple Street as the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office.

Petty Officer Charles Jackson French was born in Arkansas in 1919 and first enlisted in the United States Navy in 1937. In 1941, Petty Officer French completed his first enlistment but decided to reenlist after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor that December.

Petty Officer French served as a mess attendant on the USS Gregory when the military was racially segregated, but that did not stop him from rescuing 15 of his fellow injured sailors when their ship was attacked and sunk by Japanese gunfire.

Petty Officer French helped his crewmates into a life raft and tied it to himself, swimming for nearly 8 hours through nightfall and swarming sharks, until they were finally identified and rescued. For this, he received a letter of commendation from Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., in May of 1943.

After retiring from the military, Petty Officer French moved to Omaha before moving to San Diego where he passed away at the age of 37.

Mr. Speaker, naming a post office after Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French is a way to honor his dedication to his country. I encourage my colleagues to join me.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 4168. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1298) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1233 North Cedar Street in Owasso, Oklahoma, as the ``Staff Sergeant Marshal Roberts Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1298 to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1233 North Cedar Street in Owasso, Oklahoma, as the Technical Sergeant Marshal Roberts Post Office.

At the age of 28, Technical Sergeant Marshal D. Roberts deployed with the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, 138th Fighter Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

He died as a result of a rocket attack from an Iran-backed militia group at Camp Taji on March 11, 2020. Technical Sergeant Roberts was the first member in the history of the Oklahoma Air National Guard to be killed in combat.

Technical Sergeant Roberts gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country, and his service will never be forgotten. He is survived by his wife and fellow member of the Tulsa-based 138th Fighter Wing, Kristie Roberts, and their 8-year-old daughter, Paityn.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in honoring Technical Sergeant Marshal D. Roberts by naming the post office at 1233 North Cedar Street as the Technical Sergeant Marshal Roberts Post Office.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, may the memory of Technical Sergeant Marshal D. Roberts be for a blessing.

I urge all Members to support H.R. 1298. I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the tremendous career and meaningful work of Bertha Henry, Broward County Administrator.

Broward County is a sprawling and culturally diverse metropolitan coastal community in the heart of South Florida, spanning from the ocean to the Everglades, with 1.8 million residents in 31 municipalities. Ms. Henry's commitment to Broward County's families and businesses has been extensive, impressive, and inspiring.

Bertha Henry graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in Government and Business Management, and a master's degree in Public Administration. One of her fondest memories was watching her parents smile with pride to see their daughter graduate with a master's degree, particularly since neither of her parents were able to complete their education. Ms. Henry's can-do attitude has guided her and served her well, both personally and professionally.

Her professional career in public service includes her native City of Miami, Florida, Dayton (Montgomery County), Ohio, and Broward County, where she was named County Administrator in 2008.

Under Ms. Henry's leadership, Broward County has received numerous awards and recognitions. Some highlights include Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood International Airport being ranked third on the list of best large airports in the country; receiving the Smart Growth Partnership Excellence Award for a safe, convenient, and sustainable transportation system; being awarded the Keep America Beautiful President's Circle Award for exemplary performance in building and sustaining vibrant communities; and Broward County's Port Everglades receiving the Port of the Year and Best Domestic Departure Port Award.

Bertha Henry is a selfless, compassionate, and devoted public servant whose commitment to our community is exemplary, and I am proud to call her my dear friend. I wish her a heartfelt congratulations on her retirement and am grateful for her invaluable work to improve the lives of those in Florida's 23rd Congressional District, Broward County, and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, let's be clear about what is happening here. We are at a crossroads. Free and fair elections are essential to keeping this fragile democracy intact.

The American people must hear this loud and clear: There are people in power who don't want you to vote, and they are using every tool in their toolbox to make it harder.

My fellow Americans, you cannot afford to sleep on this. People in power and with influence are actively trying to take away your right to vote. America must confront this harsh reality.

They are purging voter rolls, making voter registration more difficult, and cracking down on vote by mail, all while we remain in the midst of a pandemic.

Voter suppression has not been consigned to the history books. It continues today, right here, right now, and the impact continues to fall disproportionately on communities of color.

These policies are being actively pursued all over the country in places like my home State of Florida, where the Governor wants to create a voting police force to intimidate voters.

We must not allow those who seek to consolidate power and put a thumb on the scales of the democratic process to succeed.

Our friends in the Senate must stand up for democracy and restore government of, by, and for the people. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to honor the life of Marvin Simon, a distinguished World War II veteran, fierce seniors' and veterans' advocate, and most importantly, my friend for nearly 15 years.

Marvin served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during the second World War. That service led to a lifetime of supporting the needs of our nation's veterans.

Marvin and his wife Pearl moved to Florida in 1985 and he became a strong advocate for Broward County's senior population. He was Vice Chair of the Area Agency on Aging's Advisory Council. As a member of the Pine Island Ridge Civic Association, Marvin was responsible for the county's emergency medical services having a base on the Pine Island Ridge condominium grounds.

Marvin was also a longtime member of the Broward County Veterans Coalition. He worked tirelessly to ensure the men and women who served our nation maintained their dignity and wellbeing.

Marvin served on my Academy Nominations Board from 2007 to 2014. In that role, he helped shape the future of the military by selecting students who will lead the armed forces in the years ahead.

Marvin and Pearl were married for 73 years before her death in 2020. They had two children, five grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Although Marvin is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the countless individuals whose lives he changed for the better.

Marvin Simon was one of a kind--a selfless, compassionate and a tireless advocate for others in Broward County. He was a patriot in the truest sense, will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.