Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th anniversary of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. Since their establishment in 1987, NATCA's 20,000 air traffic controllers and aviation safety professionals have ensured that our nation has the safest, most efficient air traffic control system in the world. This is a record that makes both the Union and our country proud.

Aviation creates more than 10 million good-paying U.S. jobs and drives more than $1 trillion in annual economic activity. The services that NATCA members provide enable American businesses to connect on a local, regional, national, and global level.

Aviation safety is not a partisan issue. As Members of Congress, we are all frequent users of the National Airspace System and are reassured to know that when we board a plane, NATCA's membership will safely guide us home.

Again, I want to commend the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and their leadership on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Flag Day, a national celebration of our country and its freedoms, which was originally conceived in Hartford, Connecticut.

The concept for a ``Flag Day'', a commemoration of the 1777 establishment of our national flag, originated in Hartford shortly after the start of the Civil War when Hartford resident Jonathan Morris imagined Flag Day as an opportunity to promote the idea of a strong union in the face of the growing conflict. He felt that engendering pride in our most potent and patriotic symbol of unity might serve as a reminder of the sacrifices borne by prior Americans to establish the country, and restore a sense of respect for the national government in Washington.

Mr. Morris related his idea to Charles Dudley Warner, editor of the Hartford Evening Press, who was impressed by the idea and wrote an editorial calling for two new national holidays, Flag Day and Constitution Day. On June 14th, 1861, with the country two months into the Civil War and with troops mustering in downtown Hartford, residents of Connecticut followed his lead and organized the first celebration to honor our flag, and all that it stood for.

After the success of the 1861 celebrations in Hartford, Jonathan Morris asked Congressman Dwight Loomis, representing the First District of Connecticut in the U.S. House of Representatives, to introduce a resolution recommending that the people of the United States observe June 14th and September 17th as national holidays, honoring the American Flag and the Constitution. Unfortunately, the Congressional Resolution was laid on the table and never came up again.

However, presumably also at the request of Mr. Morris, Connecticut State Senator Henry Welch introduced an identical Resolution in the General Assembly, which passed the Senate on June 6, 1862, and passed the House on June 17, 1862, recommending that the citizens of Connecticut observe June 14th and September 17th as Flag Day and Constitution Day, making Connecticut the first State to do so.

Whether it was helping to lay the foundation for the United States Constitution, or being the home to distinguished citizens such as Mark Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Samuel Colt, Hartford's history has forever been interwoven with that of our great country. Given that the city of Hartford has played such a historic role in shaping the United States, it is no surprise that the idea of Flag Day originated there.

Mr. Chair, on June 5, 2012, I was not present for rollcall votes 315 318. If I had been present for these votes, I would have voted: ``nay'' on rollcall vote 315, ``nay'' on rollcall vote 316, ``nay'' on rollcall vote 317, and ``aye'' on rollcall vote 318.

Personal Explanation

Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5326, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 2013. While there have been several amendments that have improved the bill, including the increase in COPS funding, I still cannot support the measure in its current form.

One program that is particularly hard hit by this bill and is important for many of my constituents, and citizens across the country, is the Legal Services Corporation. The Legal Services Corporation is the largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans, and makes aid available to some 60 million people nationwide. Once again, the Republican majority is proposing to cut millions of dollars from its budget, and leave thousands of the poorest among us underserved just when they need help the most.

The mission of the Legal Services Corporation is to provide at-risk citizens like the elderly, veterans, and single mothers with legal assistance when they need help from a trained lawyer or paralegal. The people we are talking about helping are mothers trying to protect their children from an abusive spouse; senior citizens trying to prevent their homes from being foreclosed on; and veterans trying to secure the benefits they are entitled to.

The economic downturn and the collapse of the housing market left many of our families in greater need of legal aid than ever before. We must make sure that access to well-trained legal assistance is not only available to wealthy Americans who can pay for it out of pocket, but also to the least among us.

In Connecticut, the cuts to funding will probably mean another round of layoffs in addition to the cuts the program was already forced to make last year. This will again decrease the number of trained staff available to handle calls when citizens who are confused and intimidated by the legal system reach out for help. Millions of dollars in additional cuts will mean that tens of thousands of calls from people seeking advice will go unanswered, and thousands of ongoing cases will remain unresolved.

Mr. Chair, for this reason, and for several others, I have decided that I cannot support this bill in its current form and hope that through negotiations we are able to find some way of rolling back these destructive cuts to a successful, longstanding program that benefits millions of our fellow Americans.

Madam Speaker, I make a point of order against the consideration of the resolution. The resolution violates clause 9 of rule XXI by waiving that rule against consideration of amendment no. 1 by Mr. McKeon.

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

I rise to speak on behalf of so many families of our men and women in service who are in need of our help. I'm proud to be joined on the floor this afternoon by my dear friend and colleague, Walter Jones.

I think, Madam Speaker, what we have here is just simply--as the line from ``Cool Hand Luke'' says--a failure to communicate. These things can happen. But I know that there are honorable people on both sides who are in agreement with the plight of what happens to the Kenyon family, that I have pictured here. I use this picture and rise on their behalf because these are constituents of mine who brought to my attention a concern that while men and women deployed in our armed services--and in this case, Sergeant Major William Kenyon, deployed twice while his daughter, Rachel, deals with autism.

Autism is near epidemic in this country, and for military families especially, when someone is abroad in the service of their country, it's hard enough when two parents are at home to deal with autism, but it's even more complicated when a father or mother is away from their child. And so we heard from thousands of family members across this Nation, and in the process we learned how important this was.

What they seek is applied behavior analysis, which, unfortunately for them, there's a cap that's placed on this. Imagine you're the mother at home. This loving mother, Rachel, with her daughter, Rachel Margaret, with caps imposed on them, can't afford or can't get the service.

This amendment is simple and straightforward and has been accepted by the committee. And what happened in the process--and this is why I say that there is miscommunication--is that when the agreed pay-for was asked to be modified, it indeed was, but there was a miscommunication between Rules and the committee.

I know in my heart that not only Mr. Jones, Mr. Bishop, who is here, Mr. Sessions, who's part of the committee and the Caucus on Autism, and the number of like-minded people in both caucuses care deeply about these results.

As we approach Memorial Day, certainly we want the message to be to our men and women in the field that we will leave no soldier behind on the battlefield. We also have to know that we will leave no child behind at home.

This is a compelling case that the Kenyons make on behalf of all Americans--men and women who serve in our military--and one that has been underscored by my dear friend in his experience at Camp Lejeune.

I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Carolina, Walter Jones.

I thank my good friend, the gentleman from North Carolina, for his comments.

This is a pretty remarkable family. And about a month ago I was in New York City on the Intrepid where we heard from several military families, families in general that are dealing with the issue of autism. So many like-minded people in this caucus, and frankly in this Congress, understand the predicament that the Kenyons face.

Imagine, Sergeant Major Kenyon, having done two tours of duty in Afghanistan. I rise today on behalf of him and his daughter, who only ask of this Congress what I know everyone would like to deliver on. We can't let a miscommunication stand between their getting the relief that they and so many American families need.

I would hope, and I'm told through our process that because, as the resolution was read, that because Chairman McKeon has en bloc capability, that we are able to work out something and have this amendment as it was intended, as it was agreed to in the process, and as the corrections were made that were asked of the majority so that it could be made in order and placed en bloc, that this may occur for this family and the thousands others that are like them.

I ask my colleague from Utah, a man of great distinction--and I don't know that he will use his 10 minutes or if we could enter into a colloquy--as to how we might proceed on this.

I will gladly yield time to the gentleman for a colloquy.

I thank the gentleman.

It is my hope and understanding that this may not be a remedy that we can have through the Rules Committee, and rather than put the body through a series of votes, if we could work with the committee and the committee of cognizance, the Armed Services Committee, I know that Ranking Member Smith is here and certainly will work with and strive to correct this anomaly that has occurred, and I believe that like-minded people on both sides of the aisle want to see this succeed.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman from Utah. I know that he is a man of great integrity and respect, and I understand the dilemma that he is placed in in terms of the Rules Committee.

It is my understanding and hope, and we will work with the committee of cognizance because we do think, with so many people having signed on to this bill and so many people watching and knowing that there was good-faith agreements on all sides--and this is not about finger- pointing or blame. This is about helping these kids out. It's about helping these families out. I'm not here to obstruct the process, you're right. I raised the point of order so I would have an opportunity to talk about the Kenyons, not about the point of order. But that's the only tool that I had available to me, and I will continue to proceed down the road. And I know that I will be joined by Members on both sides, and hopefully we can have the will of the House be known and not rely on the Senate in the process of conference.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman, and I believe there will be a way if we can talk with Chairman McKeon.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in opposition to H.R. 4970, and I encourage the majority to instead take up the bipartisan version of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization that passed the Senate. I would like to thank my colleague, Gwen Moore for her steadfast and unyielding work on this issue, and I was proud to join her as a cosponsor of the version of the VAWA reauthorization that she introduced in the House.

Since 1994, the Violence Against Women Act has been reauthorized without controversy, almost entirely devoid of any partisan rancor or division. It is an essential piece of legislation that seeks to protect the victims of abuse and offer them much-needed support. Since its original passage, and during each of the previous reauthorizations, Congress has continued to improve the VAWA by increasing protections for women every time it has come to the floor.

This year, both the bipartisan Senate bill and Congresswoman Moore's bill offer reforms that make certain that when we pass a law that protects all women, we mean all

women--with no exceptions. The reauthorization should include the new language proposed in those bills which would guarantee that the law will not discriminate against any woman based on her race, color, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.

Madam Speaker, it is my hope that my Republican colleagues will end this partisan gamesmanship on an issue that has always been, and should always be a bipartisan one. I join my colleagues, as well as hundreds of organizations and groups, and women across the country in opposing this bill.

I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to work with us to pass the bipartisan Senate bill which ensures equal protection to all women in the United States of America.

I thank the gentlelady from Connecticut and the dean of our delegation, the deaness, I should say, for her tireless work and advocacy on the part of not only the citizens of the Third Congressional District of Connecticut but across this great Nation and, I daresay, this globe.

I never cease to be amazed by the eloquence of our Members, so many of them coming forward and speaking their minds and speaking from their heart about the people that we're sworn to serve and represent. This week in Congress we face, again, legislation, rather ironically, where we are deeming, deeming a budget passed, almost as though we would deem that the hungry be fed.

Franklin Roosevelt, in another time, recognized the great sacrifice that a nation had to endure, and President Obama this past January called upon the shared sacrifice that is required amongst a nation, a nation that needs to pull together in a very difficult recessionary time.

And in this time it's a time where you have to make choices. And those choices have to be based on your values and have to be based, as the President said, on sacrifice. Roosevelt called for the warm courage of national security that comes from a shared sacrifice.

Forty-six million people receive assistance, primarily women and children, who get fed and nourished. We're going to have a debate on a budget that strikes at the core of this at a time when we would give tax breaks of $47 billion, while we're taking away from the neediest amongst us?

Roosevelt said the problem with our colleagues on the other side is they can become frozen in the ice of their indifference towards their fellow citizens, everyday Americans serving and struggling in this recessionary period. And what do we get in return? We get RomneyCare, we get tax breaks for BainCapital. We get tax breaks that are coming to the Nation's wealthiest 1 percent at a time where we ask the middle class, who is struggling, to pay for it.

We're out here today talking about a very important program that provides nutrition to the least amongst us, and we're calling for cuts that are not only going to take from them but are going to take from students that are trying to be able to pay off their educational loans. This has got to stop. We're a better country than this.

I commend the gentlelady from Connecticut for bringing this to our attention and focusing on the needs of a great Nation that in a time of budgetary concerns has to choose the appropriate values for the country, that has to make the appropriate choices. We all agree on the need to sacrifice, but it has to be shared and shouldn't be balanced on the backs of the middle class and the poorest amongst us.

I thank the gentlelady from Connecticut for her leadership.

Thank you, Mr. Baca of California, and I thank the Hartford-Hannibal connection. I want to thank Representative Luetkemeyer for his tireless work and effort in making this bill possible for the great institutions that both he and Representative Baca have illuminated and to stand here today and talk about the literary genius of Mark Twain and to see the institutions that will benefit from this--and, as Representative Baca points out, at no cost to the American public--enriching Americans all across this great Nation, I daresay around the globe, from the visits at these great institutions, whether it be in Hartford, whether it be in Hannibal, whether it be in Elmira or at Berkeley in California, all of whom will benefit directly from Mark Twain.

I'm glad that we're having a voice vote, because I wouldn't want to put what Mark Twain had to say about Members of Congress to a test here on the floor. But as my good friend and colleague Joe Baca has pointed out, the great works of Mark Twain stand throughout the ages. Of course, there's nary a person who hasn't read ``Huckleberry Finn'' or ``Tom Sawyer'' and, as mentioned, ``A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.'' Well,

we like to refer to it as, ``A Connecticut Red Sock in King Arthur's Court.''

But, nonetheless I, would be remiss if I didn't thank Jeffrey Nichols, the executive director at the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut, and those on the entire board there, who have worked tirelessly to make sure that we are able to perpetuate the great legacy of Mark Twain in his literature, in his humor and his satire. It is a gift for the country that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy.

Just this last year, the house adjoining the Twain house in Hartford is the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, and we had the members of the Congressional Black Caucus, who came to Hartford to participate in a discussion about race. Of course, even today, as both Mark Twain and the whole issue of ``Huckleberry Finn'' and ``Tom Sawyer'' continue to come under literary discussion and debate, it also focuses on an important issue that the Nation needs to continue to face, and that's the whole issue of humanity as it relates to how man deals with man and the whole issue of racism. There was no stronger proponent in this Nation than Samuel Clemens. Mark Twain was just incredible in terms of his gift, his literary genius, a great ambassador abroad for this country, and heralded on this shore and all across the globe as a humanitarian, and we are so proud.

I again want to thank Representative Luetkemeyer for his efforts to make this possible. I know that in Hartford and in Hannibal, Elmira, and Berkeley, people are very pleased that this will continue to benefit them and allow this great treasure in this great person of literature, American literature, to continue to enjoy the vast reputation and legacy that all Americans ought to enjoy.

Mr. Chairman, let me rise and commend the efforts of Chris Van Hollen and the Budget Committee and rise in full support of their balanced and fair document that emphasizes shared sacrifice. Let me say to my Republican colleagues that this appears to us much like that great philosopher Lawrence Berra said, ``deja vu all over again.''

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in another difficult period of our history, said that we need to prevail upon this country to come together and find the warm courage of national unity that comes from shared sacrifice that would again demonstrate to the American people, especially the most frail amongst us and those in the middle class who are impacted the most, that

we have national unity because we have guaranteed that no longer will they be in a position where they have to suffer while others would use government in a way to prosper and grow at the expense of the middle class.

There isn't a Member of this Chamber who doesn't have friends or family who aren't affected by the altering of Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid. These are the tough decisions that are made every single day across the dinner table.

This fragile recovery impacts the most fragile amongst us and also is tearing asunder the very middle class that we seek to provide with the guarantee--the guarantee of a social safety net that provides them with Social Security, Medicare and, yes, health care, as well. That is why the Democrats have offered an alternative plan that underscores our convictions and our belief in Social Security, Medicare, and affordable health care.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 143, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Amendment No. 2 in the Nature of a Substitute Offered by Mr. Cleaver

Mr. Chair, on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 I was not present for rollcall vote No. 135. If I had been present I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, the following is a speech given by the former Mayor of South Windsor, John Mitchell, to honor his brother, William Mitchell, for being recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Foundation. These two brothers are united in their love of public service and a willingness to give back to their community. It has been an honor to know them both. John's tribute to his brother offers only a brief glimpse into his many contributions.

Billy is affectionately known to friends and family as ``Big,'' and we call him this because of his big heart, and for always being a big help to anyone who asks. Congratulations Big, and thank you, John, for the following remarks:

In the words of that great S.W. Rotarian and philosopher

Robert J. Ignagni, ``This is the main event!'' Thank you all

for coming and being a part of this great evening to honor my

baby brother Billy.

For everything and everyone there is a beginning, and this

is the way it unfolds . . .

Billy, was the 5th child of 6, born to Joseph and Katie

Mitchell. We had 3 older sisters and my father was ready to

jump off the Buckley bridge. He always wanted a son and then

he got his wish, 3 more children, all 3 boys.

Now, years ago, think about it, our mom gave birth to six

children--all in the house wherever we lived at the time. Two

girls born in Pennsylvania, 1 in New Britain, Billy and

myself in Manchester and Joey in East Hartford. There really

wasn't a need for hospitals during this period in our

Nation's health care system, but somehow it worked.

Now, if you have ever been poor, it is quite likely, you

will remember it. Believe me, you will remember it!

Growing up in East Hartford on Tolland Street during World

War II was an experience for six siblings. Coal was the

method that most people used to heat their homes, and our

father delivered coal. At our yard there were piles of coal,

sometimes as tall as this beautiful restaurant. And for many,

many of our young growing years, we would climb those piles

of coal and slide and tumble down those huge piles. The

neighbors often thought mom had 3 white daughters and 3 black

sons, we were the only minorities at the time on Tolland St.

Ice skating was great fun in the winter time, the wooded

area across the railroad tracks would contain little locked

up areas of frozen ponds that were great for skating all

over. Often as our feet grew and the skates didn't we would

cut off the front of the skates to accommodate the growth of

our feet. Everyone was poor but nobody knew it. Many of you

in this room won't remember, except for Kenny Jackson, this

is the World War II era, everything is in short supply, gas,

soap powder, butter. You name it, it probably was tough to

get. Often our family would sit together on the front porch

during the air raids at night because Pratt and Whitney was

considered a prime target. Wardens would be running up and

down the street making sure all lights were out. There were

national guard bunkers with guardsmen living in them on the

Long Hill Golf Course and on Goodwin Street almost in our

back yard, frightening times for kids. And guess what, the

Germans do arrive in a sub in Hancock Point, Maine, right

where Della lived at the time, and a number of them go

walking up Main Street in suits, they were going to

infiltrate the area. They are promptly apprehended because

they just didn't fit into the local area. Nobody in that part

of Maine owned a suit! Talk about not doing your homework!

But we survived it all, and by 1952 the family moved to

S.W. where the base of Billy's operations for business is

today. Back then it was called North Foster Rd., it was a

gravel road and we quickly fit in to our new surroundings by

working in the tobacco fields and man were they all over

town. After Billy graduated Ellsworth High School, he worked

for the family business known as Mitchell Fuel and Trucking

and after the coal business died, Billy and Joey started

Mitchell Trucking and Mitchell Excavators. Billy became

active in town joining the SW Volunteer Fire Dept. and was

recently recognized for his service of 50 years and he still

to this day, is chairman of the board of fire commissioners.

During this period I will never forget 3 incredible fires in

town. The Industronic's building on Sullivan Ave., the

Pyrofax Propane fire on Rt. #5, and the Fishman Building on

Chapel Rd. As the Pyrofax fire was raging, I was standing out

in the middle of Rt #5 as huge propane tanks were burning out

of control and I saw Billy jump into a piece of heavy

equipment and cut a path so the fire trucks could get closer

with their suppressants and as the fires burned out of

control, one large piece of metal debris landed a short

distance from me, I thought how incredibly brave he was, or

was he just plain dumb. Needless to say, he survived and this

act of bravery did help diminish that huge and dangerous fire

more quickly.

Years ago, the trucking business was thriving and Billy

actually used to drive a ten-wheeler, Billy calls me around

6:30 a.m., ``Johnny could you get a couple of shovels and

meet me at the intersection of Crane Road and Wapping Wood

Road in Ellington, I said sure, I'll be right there as soon

as I can.'' Now picture this in your mind, Billy's big 10

wheeler is laying over on it's side, gravel all over and I

arrive with two small shovels. If ever there was to be a

defining moment in our lives, this was it, I knew it, I

absolutely knew that I would forever be

mom's favorite. The trucking business was tough enough, but

when something like that happens, it did hurt. You'd hire the

trucks out for $45 an hour and it would cost $47 to run them.

But, I attribute his love of the trucking business was due to

the fact that he never had any toys to play with.

Now I'm going to fast forward to 20 years ago, because I

know the attention span of the average S.W. Rotarian is less

that 10 minutes. And there is already a fair amount of money

that has been bet on the over and under, 10 minutes.

Billy started Environmental Services, they now employ over

55 people and have approximately 100 different pieces of

specialized equipment. The office often is in a constant

state of confusion and activity, Billy's computer screen

clearly shows where he has left off on the game of solitaire.

A quick look around reveals all the latest types of health

foods imaginable (and boy if that isn't an understatement).

Visitors coming and going, and so when I go there and bring

him a coffee, it's so easy to understand why I forgot what I

went there for in the first place. But, I'll tell you this,

Billy loves oil companies, just loves us passionately. You

see we deliver oil products for $3 $4 per gallon and God help

you if you spill it, he will clean it up for $100 per gallon!

Throughout his many years, Billy has had a unique way of

handling pressure, and I really admired this talent. Picture

this, ``courtroom scene'' billy is the co-defendant in a suit

brought against him. He is represented by the Big East

Hartford law firm, Leone, Throwe, Teller and Nagle. In the

midst of the proceedings, Judge George Ripley smacks his

gavel down and says Attorney Throwe approach the bench, so

Jim approaches the bench and Judge Ripley says if you don't

wake your client up I'll hold you both in contempt. Can't you

see we have students present observing these proceedings.

That's about as relaxed as you can get!

Not long ago Billy was honored by the S.W. Volunteer Fire

Department for his many years of service and recently he was

selected to be the Town Marshall representing the Town of

S.W. for the St. Patrick's Day parade. This is despite the

fact that I think he is actually polish. Oh well!!!

Additionally his recent awards and citations include one

from Governor Dan Malloy, Secretary of State, Denise Merrill,

the General Assembly, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, Mayor John

Pelkey and the S.W. Town Council, Atty. General George Jepson

and State Comptroller Kevin Lembo. (I think he's trying to

snag his signature stamp). After all this prominence, I

decided to stop by the office and ask him if he was dying.

Billy says ``No, why how do I look?'' I said well maybe you

might want to lose a pound or two and don't roll up your tee-

shirt so high--but we are who we are.

Over the many, many years, Billy has always supported

Rotary's fund raising efforts by either donating items for

the auction or the purchasing of countless car raffle

tickets, which was started by Andy Charboneau, and Rotary's

many other worthy causes.

Billy's never been a Rotarian although he's been asked

many, many times. He never held a public office, he never

excelled in sports and when we played baseball in the lot

next to our home in East Hartford and things didn't go well

for our youngest sister, the game was over because it was her

bat and her ball. Billy exhibits the kind of quality that you

would like to see in everyone, a compassion for his fellow

man and a willingness to help whenever and however he

possibly can. He exhibits to the highest degree, the first

rule of Rotary's motto, ``Service Above Self''. Billy's life

style reflects the work ethic of a seemingly distant era,

except for maybe his favor nephew Davids. Billy is asleep by

8 p.m., awake by 4 a.m. and on his way to the 7 11 on

Ellington Rd., where he may be asleep in the parking lot,

stocking shelves or making coffee for the attendant. It was

on one such early Sunday morning on his way there that he

noticed a raging garage fire starting to lick the side of a

home. A mother with her 3 children lie asleep inside and he

pounded on the door and was able wake them and call the Fire

Department to respond. It is quite likely that he saved their

lives.

When that final book is written, I believe it will not be

the measure of one's achievements or wealth but what that

person has done with his or her life to help make this a

better and caring world.

Fellow Rotarian's and guests, I submit to you the nominee

for Rotary's highest award, the Paul Harris Award to Billy F.

Mitchell.

Madam Speaker. Donald Payne was a man of few words, but his actions spoke loudly and boldly for those who could not speak for themselves. He dedicated his life to helping the less fortunate, and to expanding and protecting human rights for all, both in the United States and abroad.

He served 12 distinguished terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, and was the first African American congressman from New Jersey. He served as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, as well as chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights. His work on behalf of Darfur; his involvement in the fight against HIV and AIDS; and his extensive travels to places like Rwanda, Somalia and Haiti demonstrated the depth of his passion for social justice, and served as an example for all who seek to make the world a better place.

On a personal level, I will never forget him traveling to Connecticut for the launching of the Freedom Amistad Schooner in 2000. Donald was also instrumental in commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, and ensured the success of the Amistad's anniversary trip. He himself traveled to Sierra Leone and back to honor the 53 slaves that were held aboard that fateful ship. He followed the Amistad's journey very closely, and it was through his tireless efforts that the Congressional Black Caucus succeeded in bringing the Amistad to DC.

Last year I was also fortunate to host Donald and a delegation from the Congressional Black Caucus in Hartford to celebrate the 200th anniversary of author Harriet Beecher Stowe--the woman who wrote the book that started a great war. Given Donald's commitment to social justice, and his respect for history, I knew it would be a meaningful and symbolic occasion. His attendance meant so much to me, and I was grateful for the chance to show him my district.

It was an honor to serve with Representative Payne, and he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.