Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize my colleagues this solemn day. It is the day we commemorate the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. I have said it before and continue to say, as I have many times, I am pro-life. I am pro-family. I am pro-child. I join my colleagues and constituents in Alabama's Fourth Congressional District in remembering the, literally, millions of babies that have been aborted since that 1973 decision.

Mr. Speaker, this year we are possibly on the brink of a transformational moment in our history, a moment of hope that we really haven't had for many, many years, the reversal of or major changes to Roe v. Wade.

As most of us know, in June of this year we expect the U.S. Supreme Court to hand down a decision on the Dobbs v. Jackson case. In deciding this case, the Supreme Court has the opportunity to protect the lives of unborn children after the 15-week mark of pregnancy.

Mr. Speaker, I think we all have to be clear. Even if the Supreme Court upholds the Mississippi law as it is written, abortion will not be banned nationwide. It simply gives the power back to the States. For me, my pro-life stance is deeply rooted in my Christian faith. Just as important, my opposition to abortion is about doing what is right. It is about protecting unborn babies. It is about not trying to impose my faith on anyone else.

Mr. Speaker, that is because it is also rooted in science. Like much of science, our scope of knowledge on the development of unborn babies has advanced farther than what we knew back in 1973. It is time for our laws to catch up.

At 15 weeks, an unborn baby has a heartbeat. It can open and close its fingers and hands. It can taste. It can even feel pain. No argument in favor of abortion can overcome one unchanging fact, and that is abortion stops a beating heart.

Given developments of unborn babies at 15 weeks, abortions after this timeframe often involve gruesome medical procedures that are dangerous for mothers and undoubtedly painful to the baby.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues, as we look forward, as we return back to our States, and as this issue is hopefully turned over into the hands of the States, we can make groundbreaking steps in saving the lives of the unborn.

Madam Speaker, I would like pay tribute to Boyde J. ``Jerry'' Harrison, MD of Haleyville, Alabama on his 40 years of practice in medicine and service to Haleyville, Alabama, rural communities and the state of Alabama.

Born to B.J. and Geneva Harrison, Dr. Harrison grew up in Tallassee, Alabama, and graduated from Tallassee High School in 1970. He then went on to complete his undergraduate degree at Birmingham Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama before attending Tulane University where he participated in biochemical research. Upon his return to Alabama, Dr. Harrison attended the University of Alabama School of Medicine to obtain his Doctor of Medicine and thereafter opened his private practice in Haleyville in November of 1981.

However, Dr. Harrison's service does not end with his private practice of medicine. Over the years he has served as the chair of the board for three statewide medical associations including the Alabama Medical Directors Association, the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians, and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. He has also served as chairman of the Alabama State Board of Medical Scholarships and the Alabama State Board of Medical Examiners. Among other honors he has served as Censor for the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, represented the board on the Medicaid Transition Task Force, and served on the Opioid Task force for two governors.

In addition to his dedicated service through our medical organizations, Dr. Harrison also led the state of Alabama in treatment during at the dawn of the opioid crisis. As a long-time advocate for office-based treatment against opioid dependency, Dr. Harrison became one

of the first Alabama physicians to become certified to start an office- based opioid treatment center. In 2008 he helped develop an approved prescribing course sponsored by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. Since that time, he has presented the course to over 15,000 Alabama prescribers and was awarded the Administrators in Medicine National Award for Excellence for the course in 2015.

Along with his accomplishments in the medical field, Dr. Harrison in an instrument-rated pilot, a certified scuba diver, photographer, and has served his church as a talented pianist for over 25 years.

Dr. Boyde J. Harrison is a prime example of the steadfast, hardworking people that I am proud to represent in Alabama's Fourth Congressional District, I ask that you join me in congratulating him on completing 40 years of dedication and service not only to my hometown of Haleyville, but to Northwest Alabama and the great State of Alabama.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize today the profound service and legacy of the late Emmit Jimmar of Colbert County, Alabama. Emmit Jimmar held the office of county commissioner for 28 years, serving as the first Black commissioner elected in Colbert County. We mourn his passing today and reflect on the influence his service brought to North Alabama.

Commissioner Jimmar was known by many as a bearer of wisdom. For nearly three decades he served as a mentor for so many, instilling in each of them the importance of passion in service and a love for the work they do.

He paved the way for others to follow, from being the first Black county commissioner to being the first Black teacher at Coffee High School in Florence, Alabama. Commissioner Jimmar also played a key role in fanning the Alabama Education Association by initially joining the preexisting white teacher's association. He would then spend 43 years with AEA advocating for educators and staff in the state.

Words used to describe Commissioner Jimmar have included ``a pillar in the Shoals community,'' and ``a mentor, advisor, supporter, and friend.'' I know that Commissioner Jimmar was all of such and more. The legacy of his avowed service in Alabama will thrive as the communities he has touched continue to grow and benefit from his work.

Commissioner Jimmar leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 59 years, Mrs. Elsa Jimmar, and his two children Kevin and La'Kiska Jimmar; special daughter-in-law Pammie Jimmar; grandsons KC Jimmar and Dallas Jimmar; sisters Martha (Puddin) Stewart and Carrie Jimmar; and brother, Reginald (Tiffany) Hughes and stepsister Debbie Winston. Devoted nephews and nieces, Renita (LaBron) Jimmar-Hall; Myron (Sherry) Hughes; Kimberly Stewart; Kharis Hughes; Nephew Carlton (Verda) Ross; brother-in-law Don Wells (Carol); sisters-in-law Annie Wells and Aurelia Wells, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

I ask that you join me in honoring Emmit Jimmar and help commemorate his lifetime of service as an inspiration for others as they follow in his footsteps on the lasting path he paved.

Madam Speaker, on December 16, 2021, the Republic of Kazakhstan will celebrate its 30th year of independence from the former Soviet Union. I congratulate President Kassim-Jomart Tokayev and Kazakhstan's people for the notable progress they have made as a nation in that short period of time.

Strategically located between Europe, China, Russia, and the Middle East, Kazakhstan has been a global crossroads for centuries. Clearly, its place in the world today is more significant than ever. Kazakhstan's vibrant economy--the largest by far in Central Asia-- enhances the country's strategic importance.

One of Kazakhstan's greatest and most enduring achievements since independence has been its renunciation of nuclear weapons. Upon dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan possessed the 4th largest nuclear arsenal in the world, and since then has maintained a consistent policy advocating nuclear non-proliferation. In 2006, Kazakhstan joined with the four other central Asian countries to sign The Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, committing to ban production, acquisition, or deployment of nuclear weapons across their territory. The Republic continues to lead in non-proliferation efforts.

Kazakhstan has been a good friend to the United States over these thirty years, standing with us after 9/11, supporting our military efforts both in Iraq and in Afghanistan, and working actively with the U.S. and other countries to counter global terrorism. Since 2013, Kazakhstan has been an active participant in the CS+1 format, which is the platform for dialogue and cooperation between the U.S. and the five Central Asian nations. Further, in 2018, the United States and Kazakhstan entered into an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.

In just 30 years, Kazakhstan has achieved great things and has taken its place in the international community of nations. I appreciate the engagement of Kazakhstan with the U.S. on defense, security, counterterrorism, and on many other areas of mutual interest. I offer my best wishes to President Tokayev, to Ambassador Ashikbayev, and to the people of Kazakhstan on their Independence Day.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude and admiration for the healthcare workers in Alabama's 4th Congressional District, Northern Alabama, and our entire state. We have all heard stories about individuals in the healthcare field who have gone beyond the call of duty during the Coronavirus pandemic. From all across my district, and throughout our state, constituents have nominated some amazing medical workers, and it is my privilege to honor three of these individuals today.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen heroic work done to fight the virus on the front lines. Doctors, nurses, first responders, and everyone who has worked tirelessly in the medical field during this past year deserve all the thanks we can give them. They have kept us safe and healthy in a time when we needed it most.

Over the past two years I have visited hospitals, talked with those on the front lines of the fight, and visited vaccine clinics. I have been overwhelmed by the outstanding work being done each and every day. It has been a constant battle for these healthcare heroes, but they have risen to the task every step of the way. I have no doubt in my mind that these amazing men and women have made a big difference in Alabama's bout with COVID-19.

It is for those reasons, and so many more, that I want to honor the healthcare heroes. They deserve nothing less. Thanks to the submissions from my constituents in my district, I include in the Record the names of three healthcare heroes. When history looks upon this trying time in our country, they will find the names of these Alabamians who courageously took on the fight to keep the rest of us safe.

With my utmost gratitude, may the legacy of these three healthcare heroes live on well into the future.

Dr. Heather L. Haley, who for more than seventeen years has served the Huntsville community by providing a personal touch to her patients and never stopped caring for them despite the personal risk caused by

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude and admiration for the healthcare workers in Alabama's 4th Congressional District, Northern Alabama, and our entire state. We have all heard stories about individuals in the healthcare field who have gone beyond the call of duty during the Coronavirus pandemic. From all across my district, and throughout our state, constituents have nominated some amazing medical workers, and it is my privilege to honor 519 of these individuals today in the Congressional Record.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen heroic work done to fight the virus on the front lines. Doctors, nurses, first responders, and everyone who has worked tirelessly in the medical field during this past year deserve all the thanks we can give them. They have kept us safe and healthy in a time when we needed it most.

Over the past 15 months I have visited hospitals, talked with those on the front lines of the fight, and visited vaccine clinics throughout my district. I have been overwhelmed by the outstanding work being done each and every day. It has been a constant battle for these healthcare heroes, but they have risen to the task every step of the way. I have no doubt in my mind that these amazing men and women have made a big difference in Alabama's bout with COVID-19.

It is for those reasons, and so many more, that I want to honor the healthcare heroes of Northern Alabama. They deserve nothing less. Thanks to the submissions from my constituents in Alabama's 4th Congressional District, I include in the Record 519 healthcare heroes from Dekalb Regional Medical Center. When history looks upon this trying time in our country, they will find the names of the men and women of Alabama who courageously took on the fight to keep the rest of us safe.

With my utmost gratitude, may the legacy of these 519 healthcare heroes live on well into the future.

From Dekalb Regional Medical: Keri Abernathy, Cathey Adams, Suzanne Adams, Angela Akins, Sara Alexander, Wael Al-Halaseh, Stephanie Allsup, Shirley Allsup, Heather Andrews, Scott Argo, Amanda Arnold, Jennifer Arriaga Camarillo, Justin Arther, Amy Bagwell, Kerry Bailey, Amanda Bailey, Melissa Bailey, Zena Bailey, Melonie Bailey, William Bailey, Jeannie Bain, Whitney Baker, Amy Banks, Donald Barber, Donna Barkley, Teresa Barksdale, Karen Barnett, Belinda Barrentine, Elizabeth Barrontine, Kevin Bass, Latricia Battise, Jammie Baugh, Melissa Baugh, Beatriz Bautista, Mariana Bautista, Walter Beard, Melissa Bearden, Tanyeka Bell, Jennifer Bell.

Meghan Benefield, Ashley Benge, Angela Bennett, Jessica Bennett, Brenda Berghammer, Laurel Berry, Kathy Bethune, Tara Bethune, Danielle Bickerstaff, Kristi Birgans, Jordan Black, Tracy Blackwell, Doyle Blackwell, Tait Blankenship, Ellee Blevins, Karen Blizzard, Abby Boggs, Taylor Bowen, Tiffany Bowen, Misti Bowen, Nakeshia Bowman, Jessica Bradford, Montana Bray, Gayle Brewer, Tammy Brewster, Magan Brown, Courtney Brown, Ben Brown, Miranda Brown, Lyza Brown, Hanna Brown, Ashley Brown Mathews, Willa Browning, Melanie Bruce, Alicia Brumbeloe, Taylor Bryant, Kayla Burbol, Jason Burgess, Shirley Burgess, Lauren Burt, Valerie Burt, Carolyn Burt, Wanda Burt, Chandelyn Butler, Joyce Butler, Bailie Butts, Jason Cagle.

Shannon Cain, Joshua Camp, Gracie Caneer, Kayla Carroll, Sharon Carter, Candace Cartwright, Deborah Chaclan, Angela Chambers, Teresa Chandler, Sarah Chandler, Tonikee Chandler, Linda Chappell, Matt Chisenhall, Brittany Clements, Mary Clemons, Courtney Cleveland, Joshua Clifton, Linda Cole, Madison Coley, Wanzetta Combs, Dana Cook, Maxine Cook, Kaitlin Cooper, Krimson Coots, Terra Copeland, Taylor Cornelison Wynn, Destry Cornelius, Libby Cowart, Amanda Cowart, William Craft, Patsy Craig, Kimberly Crow, Matthew Crowe, Kimberly Crye, Taylor Culpepper, Robin Culver, Haley Dalton, Cindy Dalton, Sheri Dauria, Emily Davenport, Jessica Davis, Tamala Dean, Jenny Deerman, Ricky Deerman, Jennifer Devaney, Lori Dickerson, Mary Dillon.

Virginia Dobson, Barbara Dollar, Loretta Dombourian, Tammy Doran, Briana Dudley, Ronald Duncan, Mary Dunne, Misty Dupree, Barbara Dupree, Pamela Eckles, Magan Edwards, Cindy Elliott, Destiny Ellison, Jacob Everett, Kylie Everett, Mary Farmer, Laura Flynn-Hale, Herb Ford, Janet Formby, Briana Fortenberry, John Fowler, Adrianne Fox, Macie Frasier, Ashley Frazier, Jennifer Freeman, Anna Freeman, Penny Fuller, Angela Fuller, Kea Gaddis, Josie Gagnon, Kim Galloway, Gentry Gann, James Gann, Darren Gannuch, Kerry Gant, Miranda Gant, Phyllis Gant, Judy Gass, Makenna Gayski, Katherine Gibson, Rita Gilbert, Allison Gilbert, Micah Gilbert, Miranda Gilbert, Rickey Gilbreath, Trina Giles, Crystal Gilmore, Paul Gilreath, Bonita Gipson, Christy Glass.

Rodney Glassco, Dallas Glassco, Jeremy Glassco, April Glenn, Cody Godwin, Jadrianne Godwin, Paula Goza, Ray Greathouse, Jessica Green, Erika Green, Gloria Gayal Haag, Rylee Hadley, Angela Hadley, Katelin Hairel, Meagan Hale, Kathy Hall, Ashley Hall, Jason Ham, Felix Hamilton, Dacia Hancock, Cathy Handy, Summer Haney, Mackenzi Haney,

Jennifer Hanner, Doys Harcrow, Amanda Harris, Kristel Harris, Brandon Hastings, Shainah Hawes, Ginger Hawkins, Amiee Haygood, Madison Haynes, Loree Haynes, Savannah Heard, Joseph Helms, Jeffery Hemphill, Kayla Henderson, Amber Henderson, Michelle Henderson, Courtney Hernandez, Kendra Hester, Andrew Hester, Meagan Higdon, Rebekah (Katie) Hill, Tracy Hilley, Shannon Hilley, Rodney Hitchcock.

Glenda Hogland, Ashley Holcomb, Kansas Holland, Stacey Holloway, Jessica Honea, Samantha Horton, Chris Hovanec, Donald Howell, Bailey Howell, April Hughes, Samantha Huizenga, Joshua Hulgan, Sharon Hulsey, Kathy Hunt, Regina Hunter, Jennifer Hurtt, Karen Huskey, Jannet Husser, James Hutcherson, Amanda Hutcheson, Hayley Igou, Alexis Ivey, Rachel Jenrette, Yasmina Jimenez, Barbara Johnson, Ashley Johnson, Alicia Johnson, Judith Jones, Holli Jones, Ashley Jones, Jesse Jones, Troy Jones, Erica Jones, Brooke Jones-McKee, Robin Jordan, Effie Justus, Vicki Kay, Loren Kean, Hannah Keef, Tina Keith, Tammy Keith, Krista Kelley, Luke Kennamer, Alexis Kilgore, Brittany Killian, Brina Killian, John Killian, Sheena King, Mikayla King, Emily King, Joseph King, Sharon Kisor, April Klein, Heather Knight, Kayla Knowles, Malorie Lacy, Danielle Ladwig, Erin Landstreet, Katrina Laney, Kelly Laney, Shelly Laney.

Casey Langley, Autumn LaRue, Kathy Leath, Carrie Ledbetter, Katie LeRoy, Heath Lingerfelt, Verna Locey, Shannon Lugo, Tammy Lusk, Regina Lyles-Webb, Teresa Maddox, Jennifer Maddox, Alejandra Magana, Jaida Majors, Robert Mann, Pamela Manning, Susan Manning, Kayla Martin, Leslie Martin, Robin Martin, Yaritzia Martinez, Terry Matheny, Jessica Matthews, Anthony Matthews, Kinsley Maynor, Michell Mays, Chelsey Mcabee, Kathleen McBride, Shane McCord, Crystal McCullough, Sharron McCutchen, Karen McDonald, Taylor McFarland, Jessica McKenzie, April McMichen, Alice McMichen, Rebecca Meadows, Karen Meadows, Ginger Medders, Anna Medley, Betty Miller, Lisa Miller, Heather Miller, Cari Miller, Judy Mills, Daniel Mince, Allison Mitchell, Alexis Mitchell, Riley Mize, Lisa Moreland, Shelia Myrick, Breyana Neal.

Sherry Noles, Christy Noojin, Phyllis Norton, Robert Norwood, Marilyn Nunley, Ashley Odell, Stephanie Ogle, Savannah Oliver, Stacey Orr, John Orr, Martha Ortega, Norma O'Shields, Rhonda Overdear, Paula Owen, Amber Owen, Patty Owens, Janice Owens, Brianna Owens, Alice Parker, Lori Parker, Anita Parmer, Maleah Parmer, Orvetta Patterson, Madison Patterson, Jessica Pendergrass, Samantha Perrydore, Glenda Peters, Susan Pettis, Cassie Phelps, Patty Phillips, Tammy Pike, Matthew Poe, Carrye Pope, Tyler Porter, Morgan Portwood, Brianna Powell, Cynthia Proietty, Amanda Putnam, Yenifer Quevedo, Jesar Quizon, Summer Rainer, April Rainey, Jessica Rains, Cherie Ramage, Gunner Randolph, Martie Raymond, Tim Reel, Sandy Reese, Alida Rester Youngblood, Aimee Reynolds, Jason Rice, Staci Rich, Tara Rich, Sky Richardson.

Jennifer Richey, Tomeica Richmond, Kurt Richter, Lauren Rivas, Joan Roberts, Gaye Roberts, Tina Robinson, Jana Rowell, Danielle Rucks, Ashley Runions, Cynthia Russell, Frederick Sandmeier, Jenia Santanelli, Samantha Sargent, Phyllis Sargent, Alisa Schrader, Sandra Scott, Brooke Sentell, Katie Sharpe, Stephanie Shaw, Sheila Sheffield, Natalie Shoemaker, Terri Shrader, Natasha Shrader, Savannah Sibert, Stephanie Simmons, Hayden Simmons, Jacob Simoneaux, Jason Skipper, Lindsay Slater, Chad Slaton, Shontia Smith, Emerald Smith, Brenda Smith, Victoria Smith, Jennifer Smith, Cheri Smith, Jason Smith, Lisa Smith, Jessica Smith, Chanda Smith, Tara Sparkman.

Donna Spears, Amy St Clair, Skyla Stafford, Betty Stebbins, Beth Stephens, Kellyamber Stewart, Margie Strother, Haiyden Stubblefield, Patrick Stubbs, Kevin Stubbs, Lynette Swain, Jana Tatum, Kristen Taylor, Annie Taylor, Rachel Taylor, Tina Terrell, Marilyn Thomas, Marshena Thomas, Kaley Thornberry, Jami Thornberry, William Thrasher, Ashley Thurman, Emma Tidmore, Angela Townsel, Michael Tramel, Michael Trammell, Logan Traylor, Betty Tubberville, Curtis Tucker, Dora Tucker, Sandra Tully, Charlotte Turner, Laura Twilley, Cynthia Twilley, Katherine Umphrey, Linda Underwood, Rebecca Varner, Leslie Vaughn, Heather Vaughn, Sergio Vazquez Cruz, Charity Verhine, Doris Wallace, Kimberly Wallen, Jackie Ward, Reagan Weaver, Brandy Weldon, Mallory Wells, Lori Wells, Karla Wells, Lauren West, Katherine West.

Payton Westmoreland, Christopher White, Britteny White, Sophia White, Shalanne Whited, Amanda Whitfield, Hollye Whitley, Thomas Whitten, Thomas Wiggonton, Jelane Wigley, Lillie Wilbanks, Wendell Wilkes, Pamela Williams, Mary Williams, Olivia Williamson, Madison Willoughby, Rachel Womack, Denita Wood, Bryana Woodfin, Andrea Woods, Whitney Wooten, Cody Wooten, Traci Wooten, Chelsea Wootten, Melinda Work, Allison Wright, Tracy Wright, Khara Wynn, and Kenneth York.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude and admiration for the healthcare workers in Alabama's 4th Congressional District, Northern Alabama, and our entire state. We have all heard stories about individuals in the healthcare field who have gone beyond the call of duty during the Coronavirus pandemic. From all across my district, and throughout our state, constituents have nominated some amazing medical workers, and it is my privilege to honor 307 of these individuals today.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen heroic work done to fight the virus on the front lines. Doctors, nurses, first responders, and everyone who has worked tirelessly in the medical field during this past year deserve all the thanks we can give them. They have kept us safe and healthy in a time when we needed it most.

Over the past two years I have visited hospitals, talked with those on the front lines of the fight, and visited vaccine clinics throughout my district. I have been overwhelmed by the outstanding work being done each and every day. It has been a constant battle for these healthcare heroes, but they have risen to the task every step of the way. I have no doubt in my mind that these amazing men and women have made a big difference in Alabama's bout with COVID-19.

It is for those reasons, and so many more, that I want to honor the healthcare heroes of Northern Alabama. They deserve nothing less. Thanks to the submissions from my constituents in Alabama's 4th Congressional District, I include in the Record the names of 307 healthcare heroes. When history looks upon this trying time in our country, they will find the names of the men and women of Alabama who courageously took on the fight to keep the rest of us safe.

With my utmost gratitude, may the legacy of these 307 healthcare heroes live on well into the future.

From Fayette Medical Center: Angela G. Burris, Katherine M. Tucker, Joann K. Nicholas, Kelli B. Bourland, Mitzi L. Rickman, Sherri D. Stovall, Bobbie Jo H. Carr, Dana S. Norris, Trena A. Potter, Jorett B. Redman, Jessica L. Taylor, Dana G. Carter, Hannah L. Livingston, Victoria L. Pugh, Danielle L. Weathers, Kimberly P. Dodson, Mary A. Hardin, Cherry D. Ashby, Amber L. Brasher, Amy O. Deloach, Kristine M. Dubielak, Cindy J. Duckworth, Iman D. Foster, Rita R. Guin, Ashley M. Horton, Angela L. Howard, Mackenzie R. Hubbert, Brittney M. Johnson, Deborah J. Lawrence, Linda S. Markham, Terry C. Nixon, Else Poole, Brittany A. Riley, Teresa L. Riley, Kathy A. Rogers, Diana L. Shirley, Stacy M. Skipworth, Ashley F. Sprinkle, Wendy C. Stacks, Katelyn V. Sullins, Allison S. Taylor, Janet J. Tidwell, Barbara M. Voegele, Sammie J. Walker, Teresa B. Weeks, Teresa N. West, Heather D. Williford, Lachandra R. Barnes, Barbara M. Jacks, Regina J. Tucker, Rebecca L. Webb, Stephanie B. Frost, Chasity J. Ham.

Leslie L. Hoobler, Kaitlyn C. Jones, Karen R. Kizzire, Andrea M. Knight, Patrick R. Phillips, Alyson L. Reid, Hannah M. Robinson, Kaitrin N. Sudduth, Ellen M. Truelove, Renee M. Varnadoe, Melanie L. Webster, Chastity L. Williams, Kathleen M. Adriano, Shelia L. Barnes, Amy L. Belk, Jessica B. Bennett, Judy A. Billups, Monica N. Blakeney, Wanda J. Brown, Jacqueline Caine, Pamela E. Cannon, Kyndee L. Cantrell, Rebecca S. Cahnnell, Hazel M. Colvin, Na'Sheena F. Cunningham, Melanie B. Davis, Sydney T. Dillard, Kathy E. Duncan, Tierra L. Easterling, Stephanie K. Elliott, Sharetha D. Enis, Amanda P. Files, Taylor N. Finch, Andi N. Findley, Dannah H. Gilbert, Morgan N. Grantham, Ashlyn L. Griffith, Christie M. Guin, Macy G. Guin, Julie S. Halstead.

Amber M. Hammack, Terri A Harris, Ashley G. Hayes, Christian N. Hill, Dana N. Hill, Andrea T. Johnson, Katelyne M. Jolley, Misty A. Jones, Willie N. Jones, Susan A. Key, Ashley M. Kilby, Sharon D. King, Allison B. Kizzire, Carolyn Koster, Amanda Little, Doris L. Locke, Kimberly S. Locke, Shirley K. Locke, Crystal R. Loveall, Sherry A. Maddo, Shelley P. Mallory, Breanna B. McGee, Vanessa G. McKee, Janette McLemore, Teresa D. Miller, Kimberly E. Monore, Taylor A. Nabors, Rejetta L. Nails, Sylvania D. Nelson, Brandy L. Newell, Jessica F. Nichols, Makenna B. Nickoles, Courtni M. O'Mary, Sandra M. Patterson, Kade L. Petty, Amanda L. Powell, Alicia R. Reece, Mary L. Reeves, Janet C. Ritter, Kasey D. Savage, Joanna E. Smith, Kayla Z. Smith, Kolby L. Smith, McKinna A. Smith, Savannah C. Spann, Angela J. Stimac

Lydia A. Stough, Sundra L. Stough, Jessica L. Stovall, Jessica M. Stovall, Lacey R. Stovall, April N. Stowe, Heather N. Swindle, Beverly A. Tackett, Sherry B. Trimm, Kathryn M. Tucker, Tena S. Tucker, Cynthia K. Tyler, Rovetta S. Walker, Taylor L. Walker, April M. Ward, Vickey J. Watkins, Tawana West, Mindy L. White, Latashia M. Williams, Mary C. Wilson, Kynidra C. Wright, Ashley D. Meeks, Valerie S. Cleveland, Sheryl L. Lynn, Terri M. Robertson, Jasmine R. Cole, Theresa A. Dumpson, Crystal R. Pendley, Kimberly D. Pendly, Bridgett S. Anderson, Kaylee B. Benton, JaTeka L. Cox, Jeffery D. Farley, Mollie D. Herron, Joseph C. Hubbard, Samuel D. Hubbert, Aubrey S. Hyatt, Hillary P. Lowery, Jacquelon D. Lucas, Elizabeth R. Oakes, Mary J. Robbins, Amy N. Spann, LaLona M. Tucker, Karla M. Unger, Johnnie D. Lawler.

Kristina Aycock-Ray, Raven S. Chislom, Melissa L. Clark, Maisylvia K. Cobb, Michael C. Colburn, Christa M. Collins, Lucretia D. Dawson, Sharon E. Durrett, Brandy Y Gillott, Andrea F. Harbin, Rebecca A. Kimbrell, Hayden R. Linley, Judy P. Smith, Tanya B. Tidwell, Angela K. Veal, Karle P. Weems, Ramona L. Yartins, Karen R. Spiller, Wendy D. Tucker, Kathryn F. Anderson, Paige L. Ballard, Heather N. Bozeman, Michael C. Brewer Jr., Whitney F. Collins, Mary T. Damico, Tarra L. Davis, Kassidy M. Dias, Ashley B. Driver, Cheryl F. Farris, Cynthia M. Files, Jonathon T. Files, Shannon Jones, Lucretia L. Moore, Christi L. Nelson, Charity E. Odom, Daphne L. Pasley, Mandi L. Quinn, Karon B. Bobbitt, Michelle L. Bradford, Timothy D. Bradford, Tammy M. Cork, Teresa K. Hulsey, Tiffany L. Lollar, Teresa S. Mobley, Andrew C. Norton, Richard J. Rushing, Kelsi S. Stanford, Gina M. Walker, Jerry L. Adams, Alexis A. Donaldson, Patricia L. Jordan, Makenzey L. Lancaster, Patricia L. Lovins, Candice A. Reid.

Frances B. Swanger, Donna D. Wheat, Vincent M. Williams, Courtney D. Crowe, Beverly A. Galloway, Cynthia H. Green, Jennifer D. Hardin, Janet S. Moore, Marisa C. Posey, Rhonda S. McCollum, Susan H. Williams, James E. Burkhalter, Jonathan L. Burkhalter, Jimmy C. Dean, Allan L. Gilbert, Jason Mullenix, Tina M. Bushey, Dyla A. Hale, Jacob W. Hollingsworth, Nina B. Hollingsworth, Stephanie D. Hughes, Lora L. Huntley, Richard E. Lanxter, Brianna F. McCluskey, April L. McDaniel, Jerry W. Miller, Elisabeth D. Patrick, Haley B. Perry, Sandra D. Pinkerton, Kaitlyn M. Pouncey, Iterik N. Rodgers, Kristen D. Westbrook, Carolyn F. Youngblood, Jessica N. Griffin, Brendan S. Simshauser, Amanda D. Turner, Mary M. Brock.

Brittany J. Burris, Cindy N. Clark, Jennifer L. Day, KraDezsha K. Hale, Delana D. Hollis, Tiffani N. Johnson, Echo H. Kirchens, Marty A. Lowery, Jessica N. Miles, Crystal D. Mullinax, Tammie J. Owens, Audrey S. Pichon, Katie J. Snow, Cetara D. Trull, Susan D. Jones, Diana F. Reaves, Tammy L. Bailey, Karem Coker, Linda F. Adams, Jamie L. Baswell, Tawanna M. Camp, Amy J. Dozier, Tina Gilliam, Deborah J. Hocutt, Dorna L. Lanxter, Angela D. Locke, Ellis R. Wheat, Linda F. White, Timothy M. Howard, Sheila Lowery, Telisa S. Blanton, Jeffrey B. Huff, and Donald J. Jones.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude and admiration for the healthcare workers in Alabama's 4th Congressional District, Northern Alabama, and our entire state: We have all heard stories about individuals in the healthcare field who have gone beyond the call of duty during the Coronavirus pandemic. From all across my district, and throughout our state, constituents have nominated some amazing medical workers, and it is my privilege to honor 63 of these individuals today.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen heroic work done to fight the virus on the front lines. Doctors, nurses, first responders, and everyone who has worked tirelessly in the medical field during this past year deserve all the thanks we can give them. They have kept us safe and healthy in a time when we needed it most.

Over the past two years I have visited hospitals, talked with those on the front lines of the fight, and visited vaccine clinics throughout my district. I have been overwhelmed by the outstanding work being done each and every day. It has been a constant battle for these healthcare heroes, but they have risen to the task every step of the way. I have no doubt in my mind that these amazing men and women have made a big difference in Alabama's bout with COVID-19.

It is for those reasons, and so many more, that I want to honor the healthcare heroes of Northern Alabama. They deserve nothing less. Thanks to the submissions from my constituents in Alabama's 4th Congressional District, I include in the Record the names of 63 healthcare heroes. When history looks upon this trying time in our country, they will find the names of the men and women of Alabama who courageously took on the fight to keep the rest of us safe.

With my utmost gratitude, may the legacy of these 63 healthcare heroes live on well into the future.

From Jasper, Alabama: April Burton Reed, Ty Blackwell, and Dr. Ike Baker.

From Athens, Alabama: Patrick Boyett.

From Hackleburg, Alabama: Nataline Pennington.

From Fairfield, Alabama: Josh Elliott.

From Vinemont, Alabama: Mary Katherine (Katie) Sutter.

From Brilliant, Alabama: Cynthia Burleson.

From Town Creek, Alabama: Destinee Jones.

From Moulton, Alabama: Morgan Potts.

From Phil Campbell, Alabama: Jeremy Hall.

From Fort Payne, Alabama: Jimmy Biddle.

From Rainbow City, Alabama: Amy Chastain.

From Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Deidra Long.

From Valley Head, Alabama: Allie Elizabeth Rhodes.

From Corner, Alabama: Felton Scott Perry, and Michelle Burgess Perry.

From Grant, Alabama: Samantha G. Lemley.

From Guntersville, Alabama: Emma Black, Dr. Mark Christensen.

From Halyeville, Alabama: Cindy Butler Fretenborough, and Amanda Moore.

From Albertville, Alabama: Patrick Roberts.

From Cullman, Alabama: Erin Wilson, Charles Pennington, and Kelly Patton.

From Huntsville, Alabama: Dr. Tighe.

From Courtland, Alabama: Miranda Peebles Hutto.

From Arab, Alabama: Dr. Megan Zeine and staff, and Katy Massey.

From Sheffield, Alabama: Michael McWaters, Sandra Hovater, Amy Patrick, Jennifer Plemons-Kastberg, and Amanda Gray.

From Winfield, Alabama: Dr. Martin Hajjar.

From Walker Baptist Medical Center: John Jessup, Hannah Gilliland, Jeremy Hodges, Jennifer Burdette, Corey Lambert, Leigh Ann Min, Cindy Fine, Penny Hester, Ginger Seiberling, Sharon Patton, Kelley Polly, Jerry Muncher, Gena Cooper, Greg Drummond, Ron Melson, Wanda Phillips, Bobby Cook, Hyon Morrow, James Johnson, Courtney Works, Beth Stephenson, Michelle Lawson, Thea Higgings, and Marie Morgan.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize a lifetime of dedication and expertise by Mr. Eddie Pearce of Hamilton, Alabama for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award that recognizes 60 years of service as a National Weather Service Cooperative Observer.

Mr. Pearce was born in Pecos County, Texas and moved to Alabama when he was only 14 years old. From a very young age he had a strong interest in the weather and began taking and observing daily temperate readings in November of 1961.

Since then, his passion and dedication has led him to aiding the daily operations of meteorologists across the state. His expertise in topography has proven essential to understanding and communicating to the public the importance of elevation temperature changes on our climate in Alabama.

During his time observing the weather in Hamilton, he saw the many ways our weather can reach the extremes. Back in January of 1966, he recorded his record low temperature of -19 degrees. This was the same day the state of Alabama set its record low temperature of -27 degrees recorded at New Market in Madison County. On the other end of the meteorological spectrum, Mr. Pearce recorded his record high temperature in August of 2007. His recording station hit 109 degrees during a record setting heat and drought that impacted all of Alabama.

The National Weather Service is honored to have an observer such as Mr. Pearce on their side and presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award on November 2, 2021. Mr. Pearce was married to Rosemary Ritchie Pearce for more than six decades. She passed away in 2019.

They had two children, son Eddie Pearce III and daughter Shawn Armstrong.

I want to congratulate Mr. Pearce on this well-deserved achievement as he portrays a great example of the genuine, hard-working people who make up Alabama's 4th District. I want to wish him all the best and thank him for his service to his community, Marion County, and all of Alabama.

Madam Speaker, today, I want to call attention to the longstanding relationship between the United States and Azerbaijan, and to recognize the efforts of Azerbaijan to strive for peace.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States was one of the first countries to recognize the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Since then, Azerbaijan has been a strong partner of the United States and its allies. Our countries continue to work together to promote European energy security, expand trade and investment, and combat terrorism, Azerbaijani servicemen served shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. forces in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

While more than a year has passed since the end of the 44-day war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, tensions remain high in the region. l support the efforts of resolving the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict through negotiations, as they seek to establish basic conditions for the continued development of relations between all countries of this region and establishing long-term peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus.

I believe peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan will not only boost bilateral relations between the two countries, but regional partnership and cooperation at large.

May God continue to bless the people of Azerbaijan and the United States. l pray that the strategic partnerships our countries have forged over the years will continue to flourish as they seek peace and security.

Madam Speaker, I want to call into remembrance of the hundreds of Azerbaijanis killed in Khojaly on February 25 and 26, 1992. Since the beginning of the armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the late 1980s, it is reported that the Khojaly tragedy was the single worst day in this conflict, resulting in hundreds of lives lost, families devastated, and the town destroyed.

A cease-fire was negotiated in 1994, but the conflict remains unresolved. In the wake of the 2020 fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh, it is my hope and prayer that the barriers to peace that have persisted for the last three decades can be resolved. Long-term peace, security, and regional cooperation are in the best interests of the entire region of the South Caucasus and the world.

The U.S. and Azerbaijan established diplomatic relations in 1992, the same year as the Khojaly tragedy. Since then, Azerbaijan has been a key partner in the War on Terror, and the two nations share a Trade Relations Agreement and a Bilateral Investment Treaty.

The anniversary of this tragedy is an appropriate time to remember the lives of all the men, women, and children who were killed, and to recommit to working together to prevent such atrocities from occurring again.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to offer a congratulations to the retiring police chief of the city of Haleyville, Alabama, Kyle Reogas.

The city of Haleyville is where I was born, grew up and is my current residence and Chief Reogas has served our community as chief for 29 years. In fact, Chief Reogas has been with the Haleyville Police Department for a total of 34 years.

On Monday, May 4, 1992, then Haleyville Mayor W.G. Campbell and the city council, appointed Reogas as the chief of police.

On that night of his appointment, Reogas said ``I appreciate this opportunity to serve Haleyville as its police chief, and I will do the job to the best of my ability.'' The fact that Reogas has served in this position for almost three decades is a testament to the fact he has lived up to that promise.

During the past 29 years, Chief Reogas has seen a lot. Some of it good, but of course in his line of work, he has also seen a lot of bad. One of the biggest challenges he and his department faced was tornado damage that occurred to Haleyville as part of the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak across Alabama.

But as Chief, he and his officers have always strived to turn the bad situations into the most positive outcomes possible and to always serve the citizens with integrity. Under his leadership, the Haleyville Police Department has achieved this year after year.

Chief Reogas is married to Joyce Reogas. They have two daughters, Meshia and Jennifer.

Again, I want to congratulate Chief Reogas on his well-earned retirement. I wish him all the best in the years to come in the next chapter of his life.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Sam Spruell from Mount Hope, Alabama who passed away on January 7, 2021 after a life of sixty-three years. He was an upstanding citizen of our state, a respected member of the Mount Hope community, and an outstanding businessman and farmer.

Sam Spruell was an Alabamian through and through, widely known for the kindness and friendship he displayed throughout his entire life. More importantly, Sam was a husband, father, and farmer who cared deeply about his work and the people around him. Never missing an opportunity to lend a helping hand, Sam was always available to those who needed him.

Sam was also a champion for Alabama cotton and the producers throughout the state. He served as President of the Southern Cotton Growers from 2004 through 2005, a testament to his dedication and passion to the industry. He was also a member of the Southeastern Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, the Alabama Cotton Commission, and the National Cotton Council. There is no doubt that Sam's countless hours of hard work in these arenas made an indelible impact for the State of Alabama and the nation--one that will continue for years to come.

Sam Spruell was a sincere and true man of God. As a leader of the Community Clothes Closet and Ministry of Hope, Sam played a key role in serving those around him. He went on to donate an entire building to The Caring Place, a charity near and dear to his heart.

Sam Spruell is now survived by his wife Lynn Spruell, and two children, Jonathon Spruell and Liz Rhodes. In addition, he is survived by his five grandchildren, Shelby, Madi, Max, Mia, and Cam.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Sam's family and friends. The Fourth District, the state of Alabama, and the nation have lost a friend and patriot. However, there is no question that his legacy and impact will live on well into the future.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Sam Spruell from Mount Hope, Alabama, who passed away on January 7, 2021 after a life of 63 years. He was an upstanding citizen of our State, a respected member of the Mount Hope community, and an outstanding businessman and farmer.

Sam Spruell was an Alabamian through and through, widely known for the kindness and friendship he displayed throughout his entire life. More importantly, Sam was a husband, father, and farmer who cared deeply about his work and the people around him. Never missing an opportunity to lend a helping hand, Sam was always available to those who needed him.

Sam was also a champion for Alabama cotton and the producers throughout the State. He served as President of the Southern Cotton Growers from 2004 to 2005, a testament to his dedication and passion to the industry. He was also a member of the Southeastern Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, the Alabama Cotton Commission, and the National Cotton Council. There is no doubt that Sam's countless hours of hard work in these arenas made an indelible impact for the State of Alabama and the nation--one that will continue for years to come.

Sam Spruell was a sincere and true man of God. As a leader of the Community Clothes Closet and Ministry of Hope, Sam played a key role in serving those around him. He went on to donate an entire building to The Caring Place, a charity near and dear to his heart.

Sam Spruell is now survived by his wife, Lynn Spruell; and two children, Jonathon Spruell and Liz Rhodes. In addition, he is survived by his five grandchildren, Shelby, Madi, Max, Mia, and Cam.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Sam's family and friends. The Fourth District, the State of Alabama, and the Nation have lost a friend and patriot. However, there is no question that his legacy and impact will live on well into the future.

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of this amendment and actually thank the gentleman for bringing this amendment to the floor.

As I had said yesterday, I certainly understand the concerns and the potential misuse of Census data, but by law the Census Bureau cannot and it will not disclose anyone's response or share data from which an individual can be identified with ICE or any other agency.

Thankfully the law is already on the books. Census data sharing is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Census data is important, and it is confidential.

Fortunately, the Census Bureau is deploying expert communicators and trusted messengers all across the United States to work in each community to motivate each and every person to respond to the Census, and it would also help to spread the word that a person's response that they are not a citizen of the United States does not provide the government with really any reliable information about whether they are lawfully present in the U.S.

So, even if this information was sent to ICE, it would really have no use. It would be of no use to them. A successful 2020 Census will provide a full, accurate, secure account of every person living in the U.S. while gathering the data vital to both understanding our Nation's changing demographics and bolstering the enforcement of the Voting Rights Act.

Therefore, I join my colleagues in opposing any funds that would be made available to violate the confidentiality laws governing our Census, and I thank the gentleman for raising this issue

and certainly support a ``yes'' vote on this important amendment.

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

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

Mr. Chair, a vote for this amendment is a vote to effectively decriminalize the action of crossing the border unlawfully.

The passage of this amendment would directly undermine the sovereignty of the United States, and furthermore, if passed, the amendment would immediately be seized upon by every criminal human smuggling organization and used as a selling point to convince migrants to come to the United States in an unlawful manner.

It would trigger a flood of illegal immigration unlike anything we have ever seen, which will cause most of the most vulnerable individuals to attempt to embark on a dangerous journey. Cartels and human smuggling organizations will profit. Our borders will be less secure. And the American people will pay the cost of open borders for years to come.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I do not oppose the amendment.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the gentleman's amendment. I have seen firsthand the positive impacts of NASA's Space Grant College and Fellowship Program in my home State of Alabama, and because of the good work that has come out of that, I urge adoption of the amendment, to further our students' STEM education opportunities. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, it should be noted here that the comprehensive opioid addiction grants in this bill have been increased by 360 percent since they were created in 2017. Of course, opioid abuse and addiction is a very big problem in this country, and, certainly, we need to work on that, so I do not oppose the gentlewoman's amendment.

But please know, it should be noted that we have increased this by 360 percent, but we want to work with both sides to make sure that we have the appropriate funds necessary to make sure we fight this opioid addiction that has taken over so many parts of the country.

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

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, the goal of the Department of Justice is to house inmates in the least restrictive environment that is possible and at the same time provide safety and security for the staff, for the inmate population, and to the public in general.

Just as in the community, disruptive individuals occasionally need to be placed in a jail or a holding facility to maintain the safety of its residents. The Bureau of Prisons has to place disruptive inmates in restrictive housing in order to maintain safety and security for the overall well-being of all the inmates.

The appropriate and reasonable use of restrictive housing is critical to the safety of the staff and to the Bureau's policies and procedures, and they try to strike an appropriate balance between the safety of those individuals who are on the staff there working at the Bureau of Prisons but also for the inmates themselves.

Restrictive housing involves two inmates per cell, in the vast majority of cases, and the inmates have daily access to staff and to programming. It is only in very rare cases that inmates are in a single cell in restrictive housing--for example, an inmate who has killed a cellmate or an inmate who has made repetitive or credible threats to kill anyone who is housed with him.

Every year, we mourn the loss of dedicated corrections professionals who lose their lives while they are working to ensure our Nation's inmates can no longer harm members of the community and harm each other.

We must not attempt to substitute our judgment here on this House floor for that of the highly trained corrections professionals at the Bureau of Prisons and the United States Marshals Service. I think to do so would be a disservice and would make their jobs even more dangerous.

Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, but I don't oppose the amendment.

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, but I don't oppose the amendment.

I think that this is a very important issue, and I think this needs to be dealt with. Increased funding to reduce the sexual assault kit backlog is very important, so we support the amendment.

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

Mr. Chair, I claim time in opposition.

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

This administration remains committed to providing more affordable healthcare options to all Americans, and debating the prospects of future judicial action will not help us, as a Congress, deliver on our promise to bring better healthcare to our constituents. The administration has promised to ensure that, regardless of the outcome, they will support the legislation to address any legal determination.

In addition, let me say, it is not appropriate for Congress to tell the executive branch what positions it should take in court. Litigation strategy is the responsibility and the prerogative of the Department of Justice.

As the Attorney General recently testified during one of our committee hearings here on Capitol Hill, he said that they should be able to advance what he believes are defensible and reasonable legal positions, and I believe that certainly to be the case.

The Attorney General has concluded that the position of the States that challenge the ACA and the district courts is a defensible and reasonable legal position for the Department to take.

Questions of constitutionality should be determined by the courts and not through a partisan debate on funding limitation to an appropriations bill. So, therefore, Mr. Chair, I would urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise as the designee of the gentlewoman from Texas, and I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Spano).

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

Amendments En Bloc No. 3 Offered by Mr. Bishop of Georgia