Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and honor the life and legacy of a good friend, Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Bowman. Dr. Bowman, a retired United Methodist minister who resided in Columbia, South Carolina, was a native of Sumter, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Thomie Elizabeth and Jake Bowman.

Dr. Bowman earned an Associate of Arts degree from Sumter Area Technical College and both Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of South Carolina. He also received a Master of Divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

An ordained United Methodist minister, Dr. Bowman was actively involved in both church and community initiatives. He previously served as Vice Chairperson of the Dorchester County Community Action Agency Board of Directors and was a member of the Dorchester County Head Start Policy Council and the South Carolina Head Start Association. Additionally, he served on the Jenkins Orphanage Board of Trustees in Charleston, South Carolina, the Medical Ministry Board of Directors, and the Charleston Mayor's Advisory Committee. During his tenure at Old Bethel UMC, Dr. Bowman developed the Old Bethel UMC Outreach Youth Alternative Program in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.

Dr. Bowman served as a member of the South Carolina Conference UMC Board of Ministry, the Walterboro District UMC Board of Ministry, and the Walterboro District Committee on District Superintendent. He also served on the Board of Trustees for Gammon Theological Seminary and was a member of its Founders Day Committee. A lifelong advocate for social justice, he was an active member of the NAACP.

A proud member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Bowman was also active in Free and Accepted Masonry. He achieved the 32nd degree and held numerous positions of distinction, including Master, Royal Arch, Knights Templar, Consistory, Eastern Star, and Shriners. He was also active with the Lincoln High School Preservation Alumni Association (LHSPAA).

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Bowman served as a Marine Corps Corporal and was wounded in combat during his service in Vietnam, earning him the Purple Heart. He was married to Mrs. Yvonne Davis Bowman, and they were blessed with four daughters: Chenoa Franklin (deceased), Dr. Pamela Bowman, Shenelle Bowman, and Jacobi Bowman. He was also a devoted grandfather to two grandchildren, Seth Franklin and Sydney Bloome.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a longstanding employer in Eastover, South Carolina. The Sylvamo Eastover Mill is celebrating 40 years of operation, and I join them in marking this significant occasion.

Sylvamo operates some of the most technologically advanced paper mills in the world and is driven by the promise of paper to educate, communicate, and entertain. The Eastover Mill is the largest, lowest- cost producer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the fourth-largest manufacturing employer in Richland County, South Carolina. Iconic paper brands like Hammermill, HP, and Williamsburg are all produced at the Eastover Mill, along with a variety of paper products that are staples of American businesses and homes.

Sylvamo's Eastover Mill proudly employs 800 men and women and supports over 5,000 additional jobs in related industries in surrounding communities. Additionally, through its Community Council, the Mill has demonstrated a longterm commitment to listening to and addressing community concerns.

Over the last few years, Sylvamo has provided several hundred thousand dollars to local nonprofits like Transitions Homeless Services, Harvest Hope Food Bank, and the local United Way. Employees participate in

community cleanup days, Reading Is Fundamental book giveaways with local schools, the Lunch Buddies School Program, and holiday events with the Eastover Senior Resources Group. In honor of Eastover's 40th anniversary, Sylvamo has also pledged an additional $40,000 donation to local organizations, including Webber Elementary, Richland County Library, Mother DeVeaux Adult Day Care, and Harvest Hope Food Bank.

The Eastover Mill and Sylvamo are also committed to the long-term health of our forests and ecosystems. They partner with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)- certified suppliers to ensure that the fiber used in their paper products is harvested from responsibly managed forests in surrounding areas. The Mill also proudly produces over 90 percent of its energy in- house from renewable, carbon-neutral biomass residuals.

As part of its 2030 Sustainability Goals, Sylvamo is committed to increasing workforce diversity by achieving 30 percent women's representation, 35 percent women in leadership, and 25 percent minority representation in North American salaried positions alongside specific regional targets.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in congratulating Sylvamo's Eastover Mill on its 40th Anniversary. The Eastover Mill is a shining example of the future of American manufacturing--producing the paper we rely on responsibly and sustainably, supporting family-wage jobs, and contributing to the Eastover and Richland County communities. I wish Sylvamo continued prosperity and success in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a fellow South Carolinian and a remarkable public servant. Mrs. Kem Anderson has retired after 28 years of service at the Department of State and the United States Senate. The impact of her work continues to benefit our great country.

A native of Denmark, South Carolina, Mrs. Anderson has worked tirelessly to serve the people of her home state. Earlier in her career, she served as a special assistant to Senator Ernest ``Fritz'' Hollings (D-SC), where she specialized in immigration casework. She also served on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the Subcommittee on the Consumer, chaired by former Vice President Albert Gore; and the Subcommittee on Communications, chaired by Senator Daniel K. Inouye, before joining the State Department in February 1994.

Her State Department career spanned the tenures of nine Secretaries of State. During this time, she worked on numerous high-profile issues, including helping organize the NATO Summit for its 50th anniversary in Washington in 1999. In 1997, she served on the planning committee to rename the State Department's library, the oldest federal government library, after statesman Ralph Bunche, and was recognized by then- Secretary Madeleine Albright for her contributions to these efforts. While serving in the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs, she was responsible for monitoring the work of task forces that were drawing down personnel at U.S. missions in East Africa and served as a control officer for the funerals of two Americans who were tragically killed in the 1998 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.

Mrs. Anderson was recently awarded a Meritorious Honor Award for her contribution to the success of the State Department's repatriation of over 100,000 Americans from 136 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 11, 2020, the United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 567, commending career professionals at the Department of State for their extensive efforts to repatriate U.S. citizens during the pandemic. Her efforts were instrumental in keeping Congress informed on those repatriation efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in commending Mrs. Kem Anderson's extraordinary career and congratulating her on her well-earned retirement. As Mrs. Anderson embarks on this next chapter of her life, I am confident that her years of service will continue to resonate in the halls of Congress, the State Department, and the lives of Americans for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a devoted faith leader, pillar of the Florence and Marion county communities, and a dear friend. Reverend Dr. Mack Torise Hines, Jr. transitioned from this life on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Although he no longer walks among us, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on December 2, 1946, in Florence County, South Carolina, Reverend Hines attended Florence County public schools and was a proud 1965 graduate of Wilson High School. After graduating, Dr. Hines enrolled at Allen University, where he became involved in various organizations, including serving as the Student Government Association President and pledging the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in May 1969. He later furthered his spiritual education by earning a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Morris College in 1980, followed by a Doctor of Ministry degree from Hood Theological Seminary in 2005.

From an early age, Reverend Hines knew that he would be a preacher. A spiritual journey that began at his childhood church eventually led Reverend Hines to his first pastorate at Fork Chapel Baptist Church in Dillon, South Carolina. He later served at three additional churches before being called to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Mullins, South Carolina, where he would serve faithfully for 40 years. During his tenure, Reverend Hines led revivals that touched the hearts and inspired the souls of many Christians. He was also a leader in the South Carolina and national faith communities, serving as Past Secretary of the S.C. Baptist E & M Convention, Assistant Secretary of the National Baptist Convention, and Clerk and Moderator of the Pee Dee Baptist Association.

Reverend Hines' legacy extends far beyond the pulpit. A staunch advocate for education, Reverend Hines served as an educator in Florence public schools for 12 years, and later co-founded Wilson Clergy, which awards scholarships to graduates of his beloved alma mater, Wilson High School. He later served as the Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Morris College, one of South Carolina's Historically Black Colleges, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree for his outstanding leadership in South Carolina.

Reverend Hines always ensured he lived what he preached. As a lifelong member of the NAACP, Reverend Hines was actively involved in the political and government decisions that affected his community. In 1995, he became the first African American to represent House Seat 59 in the South Carolina General Assembly and was later awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, by Governor Mark Sanford in recognition of his 12 years of distinguished service to the people of South Carolina. Reverend Hines received various additional accolades and awards throughout his remarkable career, including having a portion of Highway 76 in Marion County named in his honor.

While a shepherd of souls in his community, Reverend Hines was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was married to the former Gladys Jackson of Darlington, South Carolina. This holy union produced three beautiful children--Mack III, Michael, and Gregory. His family is a testament to his unwavering compassion, devotion, and values that characterized his ministry and service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in remembering the remarkable life of Reverend Dr. Mack Torise Hines, Jr. May his family and loved ones find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will endure, and may they be granted the Lord's richest blessings in the days ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a trailblazer, philanthropist, and community leader. Kenneth B. Jarvis transitioned from this life on June 3, 2024. Though he no longer walks among us, his spirit will forever reside in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ken, as he was affectionately known, was born in 1934 in San Francisco, California. From a young age, Ken learned timeless values that he carried throughout his life: respect, fortitude, and leading by example. He graduated from Polytechnic High School and then enlisted in the United States Air Force.

After his service with the Air Force, Ken returned to San Francisco and joined the United Parcel Service (UPS), where he made history as the company's first African American package car driver. Ken quickly rose through the ranks of UPS, relocating to Illinois and then Plano, Texas, where he was tasked with establishing the Southwest region of UPS. Throughout Ken's 37-year career with UPS, he opened their doors to thousands of qualified and diverse applicants. Ultimately serving as the Vice President of Human Resources before retiring in 1994, he used his platform to promote inclusive policies and foster a culture of diversity and opportunity.

Ken's career advancements also provided him with the opportunity to further his commitment to community service. In Plano, he worked tirelessly to strengthen the fabric of the community by initiating programs aimed at fostering unity, inclusivity, and prosperity for all residents. In retirement, Ken served on various boards and committees, including Texas Health Resources, the Plano Symphony, and the Plano Police Civilian Review Board. Ken co-founded the Mutual Alliance Restoring Community Hope (MARCH) Foundation, which has provided over 2,000 grants and scholarships for young African Americans entering Historically Black Colleges and Universities. After Ken's wife, Kay, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Ken began the H. Kay Jarvis Alzheimer's Research Endowment to support research on the disease.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Kenneth B. Jarvis II; daughter, Michele Jarvis Kindred; granddaughter, Krystal N. Jarvis; grandson, Kenneth B. Jarvis III; great-granddaughter, Ariela Giles; and many more.

Mr. Speaker, I urge you and our colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Ken Jarvis. Ken was more than a leader; he was a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing him. Through his guidance and encouragement, he paved the way for countless individuals to achieve their dreams and aspirations. May we continue to cherish his memory for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a trusted leader, pillar of our community, and beloved friend. Pastor George Phillip Windley, Sr. transitioned from this life on Friday, May 17, 2024. Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Pastor Windley was born on July 23, 1949, in Horry County, South Carolina to George William Windley and Annie Bell Moore Windley. A graduate of Horry County public schools and Whittemore High School, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Bachelor of Divinity from Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina. He furthered his spiritual education at Colgate Divinity School in Rochester, New York, and would go on to complete five units of Clinical Pastoral education throughout his career and receive an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Morris College.

Pastor Windley's journey to service led him to serve in the United States Navy during the Vietnam conflict from 1969 to 1971. He fulfilled his calling to the ministry in 1978 and began preaching at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, where he would serve as Reverend for 43 years. The impact of Pastor Windley's dedication to preaching the Good Word reverberated throughout our state, inspiring generations of South Carolinians.

Moreover, Pastor Windley's legacy extends far beyond the pulpit. He served as founder and President of the Clarendon County Ministerial Alliance, a member of the Baptist E&M Convention and National Baptist Convention, and an instructor for the S.C. Baptist Congress of Christian Education and Morris College School of Religion. Pastor Windley also served as the first African American senior chaplain with the South Carolina Department of Corrections, exemplifying his leadership and compassion in challenging environments.

Throughout his illustrious career, Pastor Windley not only served as a shepherd of souls but also as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Pastor Windley married the former Linda Galloway. They are the humble parents of three children, Reverend George P. Windley, Jr., Pastor of First Baptist Missionary Church; Dr. Belinda W. McCoy; and Mark Anthony Windley. They were also blessed with several grandchildren. His family stands as a testament to his values and priorities, embodying the love and strength that characterized his ministry.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in remembering the life of Pastor George Phillip Windley, Sr. May his family and loved ones find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will endure, and may they be granted the Lord's richest blessings in the days ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated veteran, faithful pastor, and committed community leader. Bishop Joseph Phillip Ravenell celebrated his 45th year as pastor of Samaritan Baptist Church in Trenton, New Jersey on April 16, 2024. May his good works and deeds continue to uplift the lives of many.

Bishop Ravenell grew up on a small family farm in South Carolina along with 10 siblings. He joined the U.S. Army in 1961, and did his basic training at Fort Jackson, in Columbia, South Carolina. With his faith forbidding him from partaking in combat operations, Bishop Ravenell instead committed himself to saving lives rather than taking them. He was assigned to the 24th Infantry Medical Battalion in Germany for 18 months where he helped save countless lives. He continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserve for many years and received a full honorable discharge in October 1967.

After military service, he attended St. Peter's College in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in American History. Answering the call to preach, he attended Princeton Theological Seminary, and received a Master of Divinity degree in 1976.

Bishop Ravenell began his ministry serving as Chaplain Supervisor at the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton. For almost twenty years, Bishop Ravenell ministered to inmates as well as their families. Seeing the need for continued care after release, he started the New Jersey Prison Community Network to help former inmates readjust to their communities.

Bishop Ravenell returned to the military and served as Chaplain at the 50th Armored Division Artillery Headquarters, and was promoted to Captain, Major, and Lieutenant Colonel. He retired in 2000.

Throughout his military service and career as a prison Chaplain, Bishop Ravenell proudly pastored the Samaritan Baptist Church alongside his late wife of more than 53 years, Elder Mary Jane Ravenell. They were both actively involved in community development, facilitating a weekly food and clothing drive, educational programs for youth, and outreach to unhoused people. Bishop Ravenell has also been actively involved in the North Ward Coalition, the North 25 Housing Corporation, the Concerned Pastors of Trenton and Vicinity, the Trenton Area Ecumenical Ministry, and Father and Men for a Better Trenton.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the remarkable life and career of Bishop Ravenell. For decades, Bishop Ravenell's ministry, advocacy, and service has touched countless lives. May he continue to serve the Trenton community for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable mother, humanitarian, and beloved community figure as she celebrates a milestone in her extraordinary life. Mrs. Janie B. Randolph will celebrate her 100th birthday on June 4, and I join family and friends in celebrating this significant occasion.

Mrs. Randolph was born on June 4, 1924, in Congaree, South Carolina. She attended Richland County Public Schools and achieved her lifelong goal of obtaining her high school diploma in 1970 from the Richland County Adult Education Center. She furthered her education by attending Midlands Technical College, where she took classes in fashion design. Her interest in fashion led her to become a highly skilled seamstress and develop a passion for knitting and crocheting.

Mrs. Randolph is the proud mother of six children--Barbara, Romeo, Joyce, Nancy, Jacqulyn, and Kenneth--plus two additional children by love, Tom Adams and Sheriff Leon Lott. All of her children attended college and served in the military. She is also a grandmother, great- grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and a surrogate mother to many. Her four beloved cats, Lilibeth, Corabell, Marthann, and Cleolynn, are her constant companions.

As a founding member of the Good Shepherd Holiness Church, Mrs. Randolph holds the esteemed title of Mother of the Church. For years, she was an active participant in various church activities, including the Musical Choir, Youth Department, Missionary Society, Vacation Bible School, and Women's Ministry. Her dedication to her faith community is a testament to her unwavering spirit and love for service.

Beyond her contributions to the church, Mrs. Randolph is the former owner of Brooks Grocery Store, a cornerstone of her community. A Gold Star Wife and a member of the Tuesday Rockers and United Order of Tents, Mrs. Randolph has always been active in community service and is a former member of the Hopkins Adult Senior Citizens Program, where she volunteered with Meals on Wheels. She also loves socializing, entertaining, gardening, and reading scripture.

Mrs. Randolph's motto, ``Helping Others to Help Others,'' reflects her life's work. Her favorite hymns, ``Rock of Ages'' and ``Nearer My God To Thee,'' and her cherished scripture, ``The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want'' (Psalms 23), are a testament to her deep faith and guiding principles. Her favorite saying, ``If you know better, you will do better,'' encapsulates her belief in the power of knowledge and self-improvement.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the tremendous life of Mrs. Janie B. Randolph on the occasion of her 100th birthday. I thank her for her tireless efforts to better our community and her unwavering dedication to helping others. May her legacy continue to uplift and inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a religious leader, humanitarian, and dear friend as he embarks on a new chapter in his life. After six years of exceptional leadership, Reverend Dr. Donald E. Greene just stepped down as the 17th President of the Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolina (BEMCSC).

Dr. Greene is a native of Camden, South Carolina. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Voorhees College, a Master of Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary, and an Honorary Doctorate from Morris College. A dedicated student of God's word, Dr. Greene continuously seeks training at the state and national levels and has had the distinct opportunity to receive training in Oxford, England.

Since 1995, Dr. Greene has served as the pastor of Andrew Chapel Baptist Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Under his leadership, the ministry has experienced unprecedented growth, with countless lives being impacted and souls being added to the kingdom. Additionally, he helped the church acquire forty-five acres of land, enabling the construction of a new sanctuary to meet the needs of their growing congregation and, less than three years later, the Andrew Chapel Baptist Church Fellowship Center. Dr. Greene also founded the Andrew Chapel Christian Academy, a fully accredited independent school for pre-K through 6th grade children.

During his tenure as President of BEMCSC, Dr. Greene instituted several outreach initiatives aimed at meeting the needs of the less fortunate. The BEMCSC distributed over 240,000 food boxes to South Carolinians in need during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has provided over 30,000 hygiene packs to incarcerated individuals, and purchased a food truck in 2021, which they use to prepare and deliver meals to the homeless. Outside of South Carolina, the convention has sponsored 51 children in Ecuador, Haiti, and Kenya.

Dr. Greene has also spearheaded the initiative to share the history of the Black church in South Carolina. In May 2021, a book entitled Unveiling and Retelling our History was released. This was followed by the documentary Our Faith Stories from the Slave Church Balcony, which details how the Black church emerged out of slavery.

He is married to the former Candice McNeil and together they parented two children, the late Caleb Andrew and Aaron Jacob.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating the tremendous achievements of Dr. Donald E. Greene. I thank him for his efforts to better our community and enhance the quality of life in our churches. May his ministry continue to uplift the lives of many.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, as we mark the second anniversary of the tragic events that unfolded on May 14, 2022, at the Tops supermarket in Buffalo, New York, it is a solemn reminder of the devastating impact of hate-fueled violence. This is not just an attack on innocent individuals but an assault on the very fabric of the Buffalo community.

A self-professed white supremacist targeted the Tops supermarket and drove more than 200 miles to get there because of its location in a predominantly Black community. His actions took 10 precious lives. They were sons, daughters, parents, and friends whose absences continue to be felt deeply.

The pain New Yorkers feel is known all too well by us down in South Carolina. In 2015, a white supremacist walked into the Mother Emanuel, the oldest African-American Methodist church in the South.

Dylann Roof targeted that church because of its historical significance. He worshipped with them. He prayed with them. He was welcomed into their Bible study with open arms. He repaid that kindness by opening fire on the innocent group of worshippers, killing nine.

These horrific acts must serve as a stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of online radicalization, racism, and the all too easy access to weapons of war.

The Buffalo shooter's online writings praised Roof's actions. Although he obtained his weapon legally, the shooter made illegal modifications to make it much more deadly.

In the case of Mother Emanuel AME Church, a simple background check could have helped to prevent the tragedy. Roof never should have been allowed to buy a gun, but a deadly loophole in our Federal laws allowed him to do just that. If the required background checks process takes more than 3 business days, the Charleston loophole allows firearms to be transferred to buyers before the process is complete. That is how Roof was able to get a gun.

I have introduced legislation to close the Charleston loophole, which the gentleman from New York has joined as a cosponsor. I thank him for that. That only solves one piece of the puzzle.

Our communities have emerged from these tragedies stronger than ever, but white supremacy is the scourge on our society that we must confront head-on. We must join together to push back against the harmful ideologies that tear us apart.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Kennedy for his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the University of South Carolina women's basketball team on winning the 2024 NCAA championship. In a tremendous demonstration of skill, teamwork, and depth, the Gamecocks clinched their third national title on April 7, 2024. It was the cherry on top of an undefeated season.

Coach Dawn Staley, whom I am proud to call a friend, deserves enormous praise. Despite losing all of last year's starters, Coach Staley built a remarkable and talented team of young recruits and transformed them into a cohesive unit.

Their dominance wasn't just about individual talent. A 37-point contribution from the bench in the championship game speaks volumes about their teamwork. Undoubtedly, this victory is a celebration of collective strength, sacrifice, and skillful leadership.

As the confetti settles and the celebrations continue, one thing is certain: The future of South Carolina women's basketball is bright, and we will all gather on Sunday to celebrate more.

Go Gamecocks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 2024 NCAA Women's National Basketball Champions, the University of South Carolina WBB Gamecocks. In a tremendous demonstration of skill, teamwork, and depth, the Gamecocks clinched their third national title on April 7, 2024, after a perfect season.

The road to the championship was far from easy. The Gamecocks embarked on a season unlike any other, achieving 38 consecutive wins. Pre-NCAA tournament victories included a highly competitive match-up against reigning champions Louisiana State University and a nail-biter against the University of Tennessee. During the NCAA tournament, the Gamecocks beat No. 15 seed in-state neighbor Presbyterian College; No. 8 seed University of North Carolina; No. 4 seed Indiana University; No. 3 seed Oregon State University; No. 3 seed NC State University; and No. 1 seed University of Iowa.

The championship game was the first time the Gamecocks and Hawkeyes met since Iowa, led by their star point guard Caitlin Clark, defeated South Carolina in the 2023 NCAA Final Four. This time, teamplay defeated individual performance. The Gamecocks had four players in double figures, led by Tessa Johnson with 19 points; Kamilla Cardoso with 15 points and 17 rebounds; Te-Hina Paopao with 14 points; and Chloe Kitts with 11 points and 10 rebounds. South Carolina guards Raven Johnson and Bree Hall's defensive contributions slowed down Clark, who was fresh off a 41-point victory, two days earlier.

South Carolina's success can be attributed to the contributions of the Gamecock bench, which outscored Iowa's bench 37-0. Their 37 of South Carolina's 87 points in the Championship game gave the sports world an appropriate understanding of our Nation's motto, E Pluribus Unum (out of many, one).

This victory is a testament to Coach Dawn Staley's leadership skills. Her dedication to developing young talent and ability to create a culture of excellence were rewarded handsomely. After last year's Final Four defeat, all five South Carolina starters--one of which was an All- American and another the future No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft--departed the team. All for various and good reasons.

Despite receiving an Associated Press Top 25 preseason ranking of No. 6, the 8-time SEC Champions quickly rose to No. 1. Their unwavering dedication, offensive prowess, and defensive tenacity left opponents at a loss. From each opening tip to the final buzzer, this South Carolina team were models of resilience and determination, with their relentless spirit propelling them to this ultimate triumph.

Coach Staley, who I am proud to call a friend, led a team that lost all five of last year's starters. She recruited and assembled some remarkable and talented young women and built them into an outstanding team. Their starting line-up consisted of No. 10 Kamilla Cardoso, senior and starting center from Montes Claros, Brazil; No. 0 Te-Hina Paopao, senior and starting guard from Oceanside, California; No. 21 Chloe Kitts, sophomore and starting forward from Oviedo, Florida; No. 23 Bree Hall, junior and starting guard from Dayton, Ohio; and No. 25 Raven Johnson, sophomore and starting guard from Atlanta, Georgia.

Their supporting cast consisted of No. 12 MiLaysia Fulwiley, freshman guard and No. 2 Ashlyn Watkins, sophomore forward both from Columbia, South Carolina; No. 5 Tessa Johnson, freshman guard from Albertville, Minnesota; No. 20 Sania Feagin, junior forward from Ellenwood, Georgia; No. 35 Sakima Walker, senior center from Columbus, Ohio; and No. 15 Adhel Tac, freshman center from Grand Prairie, Texas.

This national championship win is a collective achievement, but special mention is appropriate for their only player currently scheduled to depart, Kamilla Cardoso. She was named Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament after averaging a double-double during post- season play. Cardoso also drew All-America honors from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) (First Team), the AP (Second Team), and the Wooden Award. Additionally, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) named her Defensive Player of the Year, and she was named to the All-SEC. First Team.

Some individual achievements of her teammates should be celebrated as well. Guards Raven Johnson and Te-Hina Paopao, along with forward Ashlyn Watkins, earned spots on the All-SEC Second Team and MiLaysia Fulwiley made the SEC All-Freshman Team. Paopao also picked up All- America recognition from the USBWA (Second Team) and the AP (honorable mention).

Coach Staley, a legend in her own right, has transformed South Carolina WBB into an absolute basketball powerhouse. The Gamecocks have won 8 regular season championships, 8 SEC tournament championships, and 3 national championships. This year, Coach Staley was named the Naismith Women's College Coach of the Year, AP Women's Coach of the Year, WBCA Coach of the Year, and SEC Coach of the Year. She also became the first Black coach, male or female, to win three Division 1 basketball titles and the fifth coach to win at least three titles.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating this remarkable University of South Carolina Women's Basketball team. As the confetti settles and the celebrations continue, one thing is certain: the future of South Carolina women's basketball is bright. Go Gamecocks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a community leader and devoted public servant. W.B. Wilson--the ``Workhorse of Williamsburg County''--transitioned from this life on March 15, 2024. His rich sense of humor, wisdom, and optimistic spirit will be sorely missed.

Councilman Wilson dedicated his life to serving others. He was elected to the Williamsburg County Council in 1994 and immediately got to work improving the county's roads, many of them rural roads that had never been paved.

W.B.'s proudest achievement was improving access to clean water in the county. After his father died from kidney disease directly connected to unsafe drinking water, W.B. made it his mission to ensure others in his community did not suffer the same fate. As a result of various USDA grants and loans he helped secure, Williamsburg County now has abundant access to clean drinking water. It was through his efforts to improve the essential infrastructure of Williamsburg County and his various other talents that W.B. earned his reputation as a natural leader.

In addition to his work on the Williamsburg County Council, W.B. was actively involved in the South Carolina Association of Counties, the Williamsburg County Billing Committee, the Community Emergency Response Team, the Hemingway High School band and athletic booster club, and many other organizations. He also served on the boards of various community organizations and volunteered as a firefighter.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Verlena Dicker Wilson, daughter, P. Jeanette Simon, son, Andre Wilson, brother, Samuel C. Wilson and sisters, Fannie Smith and Valtricia Cunningham.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in celebrating the remarkable life of Councilman Wilson. Over the course of W.B.'s long career of service, there wasn't a person in Williamsburg whose life he didn't touch. His decades of work improving the lives of the people of Williamsburg will resonate for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great American, Major Jerome Kern Chisolm. Major Chisolm was born December 5, 1950, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina and passed away on January 17, 2024, in Pensacola, Florida.

Growing up he graduated from my alma mater Mather Academy in Camden, South Carolina where he excelled as a student leader and athlete. Major Chisolm also graduated from South Carolina State University and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. When he retired from the Army, he became principal of an alternative high school for at risk students known as Escambia Charter School in Pensacola, Florida. Major Chisolm was a principal, but he wore many hats, such as teacher, mentor, and coach. He was a strict disciplinarian but was committed to being a positive role model with an emphasis on education. In 2014, his school won the National USA Today Weekend Make A Difference Award. The award was given for community service volunteering. In addition, the Escambia Charter School Board named a building in his honor, The Jerome K. Chisolm Building.

Throughout his life, Jerome Chisolm has been a humanitarian in his community. He and his wife Barbara have helped so many people improve their quality of life.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating Major Chisolm's remarkable career and his dedication to helping the least among us. Jerome Chisolm will remain a pillar in the Mather Academy, South Carolina State University, and military communities forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4984, the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act.

Just 2 miles from Capitol Hill, the RFK Stadium was a prime sports and entertainment venue for almost 50 years. Today, the stadium and the land that surrounds it sits vacant on the shore of the Anacostia River.

This long-awaited bill would permit the District of Columbia to revitalize the underused Federal lands of the

RFK Stadium, enriching the culture of our Nation's Capital and making good on our responsibility to be good stewards of the land for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing the plans that Mayor Bowser and the D.C. leaders are developing to make good use of the space and better meet the needs of the local community.

I acknowledge and thank the tireless advocacy of our colleague, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, on this issue, and I applaud the bipartisan collaboration that made this legislation possible.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this timely legislation.