Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Suellen Brill Brazil, a resident of Daphne, Alabama, as she is inaugurated as the 55th International President of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC). This ceremony will take place on July 1, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois.

She is the first International President from Alabama in GFWC's 134- year history, and she will serve in this capacity from 2024 to 2026. Her leadership theme, ``Educate, Engage, Empower,'' aims to encourage meaningful discussions, provide skills, and promote action. Suellen brings over 50 years of experience in various leadership roles, characterized by enthusiasm and dedication. GFWC, a global volunteer service organization, focuses on issues like domestic violence, food insecurity, and education.

Suellen has been active in her local community, especially in addressing domestic violence and supporting the vulnerable. Professionally, Suellen concluded a 44-year career as an Elementary Administrator, managing schools and students. She is also active in her church and is a proud mother and grandmother. Suellen's presidency represents a significant milestone for GFWC, bringing her wealth of experience and dedication to furthering its mission of community service and empowerment.

We are so grateful for all she has done for Alabama's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Marine Corps Major General Jerome Gary Cooper.

Cooper began his career at the University of Notre Dame, receiving his bachelor's degree in finance, while participating in naval ROTC. He then joined the Marine Corps. During the Vietnam war, he became the first African American to ever command a Marine Corps infantry company.

Among his many accolades, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. In 1988, he was promoted to Major General at the Headquarters Marine Corps.

In 1989, President George H.W. Bush appointed Cooper as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force in Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Then, President Clinton appointed him as U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica.

Cooper leaves behind a legacy of sacrifice, heroism, and inspiration to all. He passed away in Mobile at the age of 87 and will be remembered for his priceless service to our Nation. Oorah, Marine.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that further consideration of the veto message and the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 98, be postponed until the legislative day of May 7, 2024.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sirmon Family of Baldwin County on their family farm being awarded the 2024 Alabama Farm of Distinction. Sirmon Farms is owned by Joel and Patti Sirmon, and Joel's mother, Shirley, and brother, James also help run the 5- generation family-owned farm. At Sirmon Farms, they grow cotton, corn, peanuts, and sweet potatoes across 4500 acres in the Belforest Community. They will go on to represent Alabama during the Sunbelt Agriculture Expo in the Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest this fall. Congratulations to the Sirmon Family and their family farm. I am thankful for the impact they make on our state, and I am proud to be their representative.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sirmon family of Baldwin County, Alabama, on their family farm being awarded the 2024 Alabama Farm of Distinction.

Sirmon Farms is owned by Joel and Patti Sirmon. Joel's mother, Shirley, who bakes great cookies, and her brother, James, also help run the fifth-generation family-owned farm.

At Sirmon Farms, they grow cotton, peanuts, corn, and sweet potatoes on

over 4,500 acres in the Belforest community. They will go on to represent Alabama during the Sunbelt Agriculture Expo in the Southeastern Farmers of the Year contest this fall.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Sirmon family and their family farm. I am thankful for the impact they have made on our State, and I am proud to be their Representative.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor W.S. Neal Middle School principal, Mrs. Perry Updike for her contributions to East Brewton and Alabama's First Congressional District.

Mrs. Updike has been instrumental in the success of the school by providing that teachers at W.S. Neal Middle School have the tools that they need, not only for student success, but for their own as well. Her leadership has been invaluable to the community, and her dedication to the school has created an environment for all to thrive. Children are able to get a quality education under the tireless leadership of Mrs. Updike.

As a school principal, Mrs. Updike goes above and beyond in ensuring that students' futures are brighter. I commend her for her continued dedication to the First District of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Foley Mayor John Koniar and his service to Alabama's First Congressional District.

John entered active duty in the United States Air Force as 2nd lieutenant in 1965 and was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1969. He joined Vulcan, Inc. in 1971, and he retired as a vice president of sales after working there for 37 years. John Koniar served on the Foley City Council from 1980 until 2006. He was then elected mayor in 2006 and served three terms until 2020. John was incredibly influential to the City of Foley due to his strong leadership. His dedication to the city was vital for the growth of Foley. He took pride in his dedicated employees and how well they represented their community.

His presence and leadership promoted a healthy work environment in which people could succeed. We are so grateful for all he has done for Alabama's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, isn't it nice that we can come on the floor and agree on something? It is such a pleasure. I thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) for sponsoring this legislation, and I appreciate working on this bill.

Today, I stand strong in support of the EXPLORE Act introduced by Chairman Westerman, a bill that significantly improves our outdoor recreation experiences and bolsters the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy crucial to our Nation.

This legislation is about more than just enjoyable activities like biking, target shooting, and fishing. It is about deepening our connection with nature, a fundamental part of what it means to be an American.

From personal experiences, I have learned invaluable lessons during outdoor activity, whether it is fishing in the Gulf or hunting in Alabama in our unlimited woodlands.

I have introduced my children to the same experiences, and now those experiences are being passed on to their children. So it is a generational thing that we do get to pass on to our children. It is something special.

A key highlight of this bill is it focuses on ensuring access for everyone, including individuals with disabilities, veterans, and children. Recreation should be open to all, regardless of background or ability.

The EXPLORE Act emphasizes conservation efforts, ensures that our outdoor spaces remain accessible and pristine for the future generations. Balancing conservation with recreational opportunities is critical to protecting our natural heritage and promoting economic growth.

I am honored to cosponsor this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this vital initiative.

Together, we can ensure that the benefits of our public lands and waters are enjoyed by all now and in the future.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Mobile Coca-Cola Bottling Company as recipient of the Impact Award. The Impact Award recognizes a company that is dedicated to making their community a better place. Mobile Coca-Cola Bottling Company is a sales, distribution, and production center of Coca-Coca Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED). Mobile Coca-Cola UNITED is engaged in the production, marketing, and distribution of a diverse portfolio of sparkling and still products, non-alcoholic brands under exclusive franchise agreements principally with The Coca-Cola Company. For more than 120 years, Coca-Cola UNITED has remained true to its foundational core values of Quality, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect. Local relationships, personalized customer service and strong community engagement have been the foundation of this business for more than a century and continue to be strong today. Coca Cola has been impactful in this community for over 100 years. They have been building strong relationships, engaging volunteers, and providing financial and in-kind support to organizations, institutions and programs that make a positive impact in our local communities, Coca-Cola UNITED focuses its philanthropy in key strategic areas: education and youth development; empowerment; the well-being of local communities and stewardship of the environment. Just this past year they have donated to local food banks, Christmas Give Backs, First Responder recognition, Annual corporate events, community outreach like Kids Day 2023. Coca Cola has survived a true test of time for a business model in our community for over a century. This is truly evidence of sustainability for jobs, community outreach as well as community improvements through their philanthropy and outreach. They are great partners and supporters of the SWMC Chamber.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately it often takes tragic events to bring us all together.

Last week, a tornado ripped through Cottonwood, Alabama, and it basically destroyed the entire town of about 1,200 people. This weekend, I had the opportunity to visit with the folks in Cottonwood and to see how I could help.

Small communities like this don't have the resources that other big cities have to recover from a storm. The community has to come together to rebuild their homes and their community, and that is exactly what Cottonwood is doing. It is very moving to see everyone come together and to help each other. This is what the Alabama family is truly all about.

I am grateful today and every day to be part of Team Alabama working together at the local, State, and Federal level to rebuild our storm- damaged communities and begin to return to normalcy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Order of the Polka Dots, the first ladies' organization to parade in Mobile, Alabama. Despite others' claims, the very first Mardi Gras was held in Mobile in 1703.

Since then, the city has been the center of celebration with parades and parties, drawing approximately one million people each year. The Order of the Polka Dots was started by a group of 20 women in 1949 and has now grown to include 480 members. This year, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson is naming February 1st, ``Polka Dot Day,'' in their honor. Mardi Gras in Mobile is one of my favorite traditions. It is a time where families and friends gather for parades, colorful floats, and flying Moon Pies. Congratulations to the Order of the Polka Dots on their 75th year anniversary. I am proud to commemorate this special day in the history of their organization.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mobile Retired Educators and their service to Alabama's First Congressional District. Educating the young minds in our District is arguably one of the most important jobs there is.

Though their job may not be the easiest, it is vital in laying the groundwork for successful citizens. Being an educator is not just a career; it is being a mover, shaper, and inspiration to young people.

We are grateful for their sacrifices and time in their dedication to their careers for shaping the young minds of our future and the betterment of our community. We wish them the best in their hard- earned, well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this important bill, H.R. 5283, the Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure our Border Act of 2023.

In a time where the security of our Nation is at great risk because of illegal immigrants, this bill takes huge steps to address the challenges we face at our borders and prohibits the housing of illegal immigrants on federally managed lands, including those under the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

We have got a real crisis in this country. We can't wait any longer to address it.

Since President Biden has taken office, there are over 6.5 million illegal crossings in the U.S. that we know of--that we know of is the important part.

It is absolutely critical we secure our borders and enact measures that discourage further waves of illegal immigrants. We can't keep encouraging further waves of illegal immigrants to come here by offering free housing on Federal lands.