Gregg Harper

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 3749) to amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to reform the procedures provided under such Act for the initiation, review, and resolution of claims alleging that employing offices of the legislative branch have violated the rights and protections provided to their employees under such Act, including protections against sexual harassment, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend, Representative Ray Rogers of Pearl, Mississippi.

On November 17, 2018, Ray completed his 55th and final season of service as the Pearl High School Voice of the Pirates. For 55 years, Ray volunteered his time and energy as the public address announcer for the Pearl Pirate football games and was so committed that, in 55 years, he missed just one-half of one game in 55 seasons.

Now, the reason Ray missed the first half of that game was so that he could attend his daughter's wedding rehearsal dinner. After listening to the game on the radio during much of the dinner, Ray left as soon as the dinner was ended so he could announce the second half of the game.

Ray's commitment to the Pearl community was recognized several years ago when leaders of the Pearl Public School District decided to name the football stadium Ray Rogers Stadium.

Ray was one of the first students to attend Pearl High School when it opened in 1948 and was the first quarterback for the first football team in 1949.

Ray has been a public servant and leader for Pearl and Rankin County in many other ways. In 1983, he was elected to serve District 61 in the Mississippi House of Representatives and has been reelected every 4 years since, most recently in 2015.

Ray has spent 35 years in the State legislature working to improve our schools and infrastructure. As chairman of the Military Affairs Committee, he has been a tireless supporter of our National Guard and veterans and was instrumental in the effort to build three veterans homes in Mississippi with the help of then-Congressman Sonny Montgomery, who served the Third District of Mississippi.

Ray has been a long-time member of the Management and PEER Committees--a testament to the respect and trust that his fellow legislators have for him. He has served as a mentor and role model for many incoming representatives over the years, and Ray's example has been invaluable to me. He has taught me by the way he lives, by what he does, and by how he treats everyone with respect.

Ray Rogers has lived a life of service to others, and I know that he believes his most important service has been to God and his family. An active member of McLaurin Heights United Methodist Church in Pearl, Mississippi, Ray is the father of three daughters, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. While he is proud to be known as the representative and the Voice of the Pearl Pirates, he is proudest to be known as Daddy and Pop.

Ray's wife, Shirley, has shared his passion for serving others. Shirley served for two decades as the first city clerk for the city of Pearl and after that was a director of personnel for the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Like Ray, Shirley is an active member of their church, and she is a loving and supportive wife, mother, and grandmother.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate having the opportunity today to honor Ray Rogers--my State representative, the Voice of the Pirates, proud father and grandfather--and to congratulate him on his impressive record of public service.

Thank you, Ray, for your friendship and for setting an incredible example for all to follow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of John Wesley Lainhart IV, the first Inspector General of the U.S. House of Representatives, who died Tuesday, September 25, 2018. Mr. Lainhart was appointed as the Inspector General on November 14, 1993, and was reappointed for the One Hundred Fourth Congress and the One Hundred Fifth Congress. Jointly appointed by the Speaker, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader, Mr. Lainhart was responsible for conducting periodic audits of the financial and administrative functions of the House. He retired from Federal service on April 1, 1999.

John is remembered for his commitment to excellence in serving the House of Representatives. Among his many accomplishments, John's leadership was instrumental in overseeing the first comprehensive financial audit of the House. His generosity in sharing knowledge and expertise with others and dedication to this institution continue to inspire many today.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the life and memory of John Wesley Lainhart IV.