Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jennifer Olsen for her many years of outstanding service promoting the health and wellbeing of caregivers in Georgia and across the Nation. As 2024 comes to a close, Dr. Olsen will retire as Chief Executive Officer of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) after six years of impactful service

Under the leadership of Dr. Olsen, RCI, which is based at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia, has called for a robust public health strategy to support our Nation's caregivers at all levels of government. Following in the footsteps of our former first lady and RCI's late founder Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, Dr. Olsen led the call to place caregivers at the heart of our Nation's public health strategy. By shedding light on the stories and everyday struggles of caregivers and their families, Dr. Olsen also championed the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health in the federal government--an initiative I am pleased to support. Year-on-year, Dr. Olsen made tremendous strides in her efforts to improve working conditions for caregivers in every state in the Nation.

Prior to joining RCI in 2018, Dr. Olsen managed the Ending Pandemics in Our Lifetime initiative at the Skoll Global Threats Fund; co-created the internationally utilized EpihackTM process; and served as Fusion Division Director in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Olsen also directed disease surveillance activities for G-8 and G-20 summits, State of the Union Addresses, the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, and Democratic and Republican National Conventions. In addition, she advised on the development of a Federal Interagency Information Collection Plan for the 2009 H1N1 Influenza outbreak and served with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Dr. Olsen has accomplished so much throughout her life and career, but none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of her family.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said the purpose of life ``is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.'' Dr. Olsen has lived a life well spent, serving those who care for others. Her unwavering service has transformed RCI, enabling it to successfully carry on Rosalynn Carter's legacy on behalf of family caregivers nationwide.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian; and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in recognizing Dr. Jennifer Olsen's extraordinary career of service to America's caregivers. May God continue to bless her and her family as she moves to the next chapter of her remarkable life.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to an exceptional community leader and outstanding public servant, Judge Willie Earl Lockette, on the occasion of his retirement as the Chief Judge of the Superior Court of Doughtery County.

A native of Turner County, Georgia, Judge Lockette received his bachelor's degree in History and Political Science from Fort Valley State College (now University) where he began his lifelong journey as a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Following his time at Fort Valley State College, Judge Lockette completed his juris doctorate degree from the University of Illinois, College of Law at Champaign.

For almost three decades, Judge Lockette has been a distinguished jurist and public servant in Doughtery County. He has built quite an impressive career, which began with his position as a Staff Attorney with the Albany, Georgia Regional Office of Georgia Legal Services Programs, Inc. (GLSP), where he litigated federal and state cases on behalf of indigent Georgians. In 1991, he was appointed as an Associate Judge of the Magistrate Court of Dougherty County, and in 1993, he was appointed to Chief Judge. In 1996, Lockette declared his candidacy for Judge of the Superior Court of Dougherty County, and won a decisive victory over a well-established, well-financed opponent. Judge Lockette's win was historic. With his election he became the first African American to win a county-wide contested election in the Dougherty Judicial Circuit. Judge Lockette would go on to win six additional terms, becoming the Chief Judge of the Superior Court in 2009.

In addition to his legal background, Judge Lockette has served in several other leadership roles in the Albany-Dougherty County community. In 2001, he answered the call to gospel ministry and went on to become an ordained minister. For 12 years, he served as a Pastor's Assistant at the New Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Today, Judge Lockette is the Pastor of the Greater Pines Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where he continues to shepherd his congregation and serve the greater community. Additionally, for nearly 10 years, Judge Lockette served as an Adjunct Professor of Political Science, History and Public Administration at Albany State University.

In addition to his extensive career, Judge Lockette was the recipient of several awards and distinctions. He was the inaugural recipient of the coveted Dan Bradley Award for Public Service and has also been nominated for appointments to several judgeships, to include the Georgia Court of Appeals, the United States Magistrate Court, and the United States District Court.

Judge Lockette has accomplished so much throughout his life, but none of this would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of his wife, Helen Hamilton Lockette and their four children, 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Sir Winston Churchill often said: ``You make your living by what you get; you make your life by what you give.'' Southwest Georgia is truly a better place because of Judge Willie Lockette's service to his community as an attorney, judge, pastor, professor, and neighbor. His dedication and his expertise as a public servant are unparalleled, but his heart for helping others has made his life's work truly special.

On a personal note, Judge Lockette has been my friend for many years. He never told me what he thought I wanted to hear; he told me what he thought I needed to hear. I will forever cherish his sage counsel and advice which has been invaluable to me as I have served in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Judge Willie Earl Lockette upon the occasion of his retirement from an outstanding career of public service.

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

I am proud to rise in support of the Beagle Brigade Act, which is a bipartisan, bicameral bill, the companion of which I led in this Chamber with my colleagues Representatives Drew Ferguson, Dan Kildee, and Adrian Smith.

The Senate version, which we consider today, was offered and advanced through the Senate by Senator Warnock from Georgia and Senator Ernst from Iowa.

The bill provides authorization for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Detector Dog Training Center, which is located in Newnan, Georgia, and is vital to the protection of American agriculture and helps keep foreign animal and plant pests as well as diseases out of our country.

The U.S. agriculture sector is a $1 trillion industry constantly under the threat of foreign pests and diseases, such as African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, or citrus greening disease that can be introduced through our Nation's ports of entry, including airports, harbors, and mail and cargo facilities. Some of these diseases could cost the American economy tens of billions of dollars to contain and eradicate if they are found to be in the country.

Agriculture detector dogs, known as the beagle brigade, are an important tool in preventing these threats and eradicating them in the event they overcome our safeguards. Our beagle brigade is at work every day at customs screening in the airports for flights after returning from abroad, standing by to alert their handlers of contraband food, live animals, or other products that could harbor foreign pests and pose a threat to domestic crops or livestock.

An ounce of provision is worth a pound of cure. The brigade is well worth its value.

In addition to authorizing the training center, this bill requires the facility to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs under its care and provide opportunities for private adoption of retirement-age training dogs and dogs that did not complete the training.

Detector dogs work their best when they are handled humanely, and establishing this requirement in law would ensure that the facility continues to uphold this expectation.

I am pleased to note that this bill has the support of 50 organizations, representing veterinarians, agricultural producers, and animal health groups.

On a final note, two of my colleagues who helped lead this bill in the House, Drew Ferguson and Dan Kildee, are retiring. I am pleased that we can enact this bill as they conclude their extraordinary tenure in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone to vote in support of this bill to help protect America's agriculture and our economy, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee).

Mr. Speaker, I am very, very proud to support the Beagle Brigade Act of 2023, and to have had the opportunity to work with my colleagues, Representatives Drew Ferguson, Dan Kildee, and Adrian Smith, and to have the support of our Senators, Senator Warnock and Senator Ernst from Iowa.

This is a vital piece of legislation, which protects American agriculture and keeps foreign animal and plant pests, as well as other diseases, out of our country. I think we have done a good day's work today, and I commend my colleagues for their joint efforts.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated public servant, loving wife, mother, and a distinguish Member of this body, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and to share the story of our work together on behalf of America's military families.

In 2009, we founded the Congressional Military Family Caucus. Every year since then, we hosted a summit, alternating between Fairchild Air Force Base and Fort Moore, which gives the members of America's Armed Forces, their spouses, and their children an opportunity to hear from the Department of Defense leaders and subject-matter experts, as well as share their families' experiences and challenges.

The caucus has brought to the forefront and tackled numerous issues such as food insecurity, medical care, spousal employment, family relocation challenges, childcare, and so much more.

I have especially been inspired by her advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities, her dedication to our veterans and military families, and her commitment to statesmanship and bipartisanship in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I join all of my colleagues in commending Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers for her dedicated service to the American people. While we will greatly miss her leadership on Capitol Hill, we wish her and her family the best as she embarks upon the next chapter of her life.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise as the sponsor of H.R. 9600, legislation to designate the United States Postal facility in Plains, Georgia, as the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Post Office.

President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter dedicated their lives in service to their community, their country, and the world. Together they rose to the greatest heights, supporting and cherishing one another along the way as they helped people across Georgia, America, and across the globe.

Yet, no matter where they went, they remained grounded and humble, and Plains always remained home in their hearts.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter both grew up in Plains and attended Plains High School. They married in 1946 and would go on to spend 77 cherished years together until Mrs. Carter's passing in November of 2023.

President Carter graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946 and was an Active-Duty servicemember for 7 years. Following the death of his father, Jimmy took over the family's struggling peanut farm, quickly turning its fortunes around with Rosalynn's help and support every step of the way.

Wanting to be more involved in the local Plains community, Jimmy began advocating for racial integration at his church. He ran and won a seat on the Sumter County School Board and served as its chairman for 2 years.

In 1962, Jimmy Carter decided to run for the Georgia State Senate where he would go on to serve two terms.

In 1970, Senator Jimmy Carter launched his campaign for Governor, and Rosalynn took a leading role on the campaign trail.

Following Jimmy Carter's election as Governor, Mrs. Carter served as Georgia's first lady from 1971 to 1975, where she would take on the role of her husband's most trusted adviser and confidante.

In his inaugural address as Governor, he famously declared that the time for racial discrimination is over.

Mrs. Carter made her own mark in public policy, serving on the Governor's Commission to Improve Services for the Mentally and Emotionally Handicapped.

Governor Jimmy Carter completed his term in January of 1975. Prior to moving back to Plains from Atlanta, Governor Carter had already announced his intention to make what would become his successful run for the Presidency of the United States in the 1976 election.

As President, Jimmy Carter showed great success in international affairs, delivering the Camp David Accords, Panama Canal Treaties, SALT II Treaty, and the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

He also delivered on his domestic agenda, signing legislation to establish the United States Department of Education, expanding the Head Start program, successfully making America less dependent on foreign energy, and protecting millions of acres of public lands for future generations.

As an equal partner to her husband, Rosalynn Carter attended many Cabinet meetings and attended weekly business meetings with President Carter where she could draw his attention to the policy issues of the day.

In 1977, President Carter appointed Rosalynn the honorary chair of the President's Commission on Mental Health. Thanks to her advocacy and testimony before the United States Senate, the Congress passed the Mental Health Systems Act when it was signed into law by President Carter on October 7, 1980.

Following the Carters' loss in the 1980 Presidential election, Jimmy and Rosalynn continued their ministry of service after their time in the White House with the same vigor and urgency, becoming heavily involved in Habitat for Humanity.

In 1982, they founded The Carter Center, a nonprofit human rights organization, which has since become famous for its work eradicating disease, strengthening democracies, and alleviating human suffering all around the world.

In 1999, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were jointly awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian honor, by President Bill Clinton, and in 2002, President Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize for decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflict, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

On a personal note, it has been a privilege to call Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter my friends and fellow southwest Georgians for over five decades. I will always cherish their friendship, as well as their sage counsel and advice which has been invaluable to me as I have served in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to support H.R. 9600, legislation to designate the U.S. Postal facility in Plains, Georgia, as the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Post Office. This is a small but meaningful gesture we can make to honor two dedicated servant leaders who spent their lives working on behalf of others.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, military officer, counselor, fraternity brother, friend of longstanding and a man of deep faith, Captain (Ret.) Russell J. Scott, Sr. Sadly, Russell transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the age of 91.

Russell J. Scott, Sr. was born in Quitman, Georgia, on December 3, 1932, to the union of Robert J. Scott and Ezell Hollis Scott. He received his primary and secondary education in the public schools of Brooks and Ware Counties in Georgia. After graduating from Central High School in Waycross, Georgia, he matriculated at North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Science. He joined the United States Army where he served for 23 years exemplifying the Army Values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, integrity, honor, and personal courage-- retiring with the rank of Captain. During his military career, he earned 2 Bronze Stars for exemplary service and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Upon his retirement from the Army, in pursuit of further knowledge and mastery, Russell earned a master's degree in Foundations of Education and a master's degree in Criminal Justice at Troy State University, Phenix City branch. Armed with his additional academic preparation, Captain Scott embarked upon a second career with the Georgia Department of Corrections as a counselor and later as Assistant Superintendent at Rutledge State Prison in Columbus, Georgia, where he worked with my wife, Vivian Creighton Bishop, who served as Comptroller. He retired from the Georgia Department of Corrections after 17 years of service.

Russell was a man of deep faith and was a devoted member of St. James AME Church where he served in many capacities including Vice Chair of the Steward Board, Senior Usher Board, Mass Choir, Sons of Allen, among others. He was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for 72 years and was an active member of the Columbus, Georgia Alumni Chapter. Moreover, he was actively involved in numerous community service and humanitarian organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, NAACP, American Red Cross, and the Urban League. Always striving for excellence, he received several awards for his distinguished community service to include the 2003 Kappa Alpha Psi Columbus Alumni Chapter Man of the Year; 2004 AJ McClung award for meritorious service presented by the men of St. James AME Church; the 2017 Chattahoochee Valley Veterans Association Veteran of the Year Award and in January 2019 the St. James AME Church Sons of Allen Man of the Year Award.

Russell Scott was a family man and was first united in marriage to the late Loris Brooks. Together, they had three children, LaReese Vines, Tina Scott-Morgan and Russell J. Scott, Jr. After Loris's passing in 1999, he found love again with Ruth Glenn Scott, whom he married in 2001 and welcomed bonus children, Regina Stokes and Clifford

Glenn. Russell loved his blended family and was a doting grandfather to grandchildren Russell J. Scott, III, Marissa D. Morgan and Rysen Jai Scott, along with several bonus grandchildren.

On a personal note, Russell Scott was a dear friend to my wife, Vivian, and me for many years. He was my Brother in the Bond of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and truly exemplified our motto of Phi Nu Pi. During his life, he did so much for so many for so long. Truly, we and the world are better because of him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join Vivian and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in honoring the life and legacy of Captain (Ret.) Russell James Scott, Sr. and in extending our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, fraternity brothers and all who mourn his loss. We pray that all will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my deepest gratitude for the service of Major Brennan Randel to my office and the United States Congress. As a Department of Defense Fellow, Brennan conducted himself with the utmost professionalism, assisting my office on a number of crucial legislative issues to include appropriations, defense policy, military construction, veterans affairs, and energy, water, and environmental issues.

By managing our office's appropriations for four separate accounts, Brennan developed a unique understanding of the federal budgeting process. Through his efforts and advice to me, the House Appropriations Committee supported my request for funding for an emergency operations center in my district and programmatic funding for several of my constituents' priorities.

Beyond his work on appropriations, Brennan took the initiative to expand his knowledge base and contribute above expectations. While defense fellows typically only cover the defense and veterans affairs policy portfolios, he asked to take on the energy, water, and environment portfolio. When Brennan discovered that the biannual Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) was due for reauthorization, he developed a plan to reach out to local stakeholders to determine how I could best advocate for our district. He then started working with community leaders and other members' staff and achieved great results; three of my requests were included in the House-passed WRDA bill, including a provision that a bipartisan pair of representatives joined my office in supporting.

Another one of Brennan's great qualities is his ability to manage a project from start to finish. When Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough came to Georgia's 2nd District for a VA clinic grand opening, Brennan took on the assignment of planning a town hall event in conjunction with the clinic grand opening. He worked with the Secretary's team to ensure the event met everyone's expectations, secured a venue, planned the event, and helped send invitations td local veteran leaders. Brennan's hard work set the stage for me

to host local elected leaders and local veterans service organization leaders together in an intimate discussion with the VA Secretary.

Throughout his time in my office, Brennan exemplified intelligence, diligence, compassion, and a joyful spirit of public service in all that he did. He was also lovingly supported by his wife Elizabeth, and his three children, Eva, Roman, and Maeve. They were integral supporters of his success, and I am equally grateful to them.

Following his time in my office, Brennan went on to work as a Congressional Budget Liaison for the United States Army, where he continued to make innumerable contributions to the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, in extending our best wishes to Brennan and his family as he transitions to a new assignment and expressing profound thankfulness to him for his service to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary public servant, trailblazing leader, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mentor and friend of longstanding, Mrs. Brenda Davis Murrell. Sadly, Brenda transitioned from labor to reward on November 9, 2024. A celebration of her remarkable life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 15, 2024, at Victory Baptist Church, 640 Meriwether Road, Milledgeville, Georgia.

Brenda Davis Murrell was born August 11, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Lexie Davis, Sr. and Ms. Bobbie Davis Arnold. Her family relocated to Milledgeville, Georgia when Brenda was 10 years old, where she began the early stages of her life's journey of achievement, service, and empowerment of others. She was a product of the Baldwin County School System where she excelled academically and graduated from Boddie High School in 1969.

Upon graduation, Brenda attended the historic Paine College in Augusta, Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1973 and joined the sisterhood of her beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, where she served for more than 50 years holding numerous leadership positions and leveraging her influence and vision for the sorority to make a lasting impact in communities across Georgia and beyond.

In pursuit of further knowledge and mastery, Brenda completed her master's degree in education from the University of Georgia in 1985 and armed with a keen understanding of human behavior, she began employment as a counselor within the Georgia Department of Corrections, rising through the ranks, breaking barriers, and setting unprecedented standards. Her tenacity, intellect and leadership skills earned her appointment as one of the first 3 Black and female wardens in the State of Georgia and her service as Warden at multiple institutions sealed her reputation as one of the most highly competent, effective, compassionate, and admired prison administrators in the profession. She was instrumental in implementing a wide range of transformative policies and programs which remain active today, including life changing prison ministries. Correctional officers and offenders who served under her leadership all say of Brenda that she always treated them with dignity and respect.

Her career culminated as Director of Facilities Operations for the Georgia Department of Corrections, overseeing more than 60 facilities with 10,000 employees and 47,000 offenders, reaching the zenith of her profession and setting a powerful example for future generations of leaders.

Following her retirement, Brenda continued to influence the field as a private consultant sharing her expertise with facilities and organizations nationwide. However, as she stepped away from corrections, she redirected her energy to her ``first love''--DST. As a Delta, she embraced the Red Hat society, an organization dedicated to women's empowerment, embodying the message of living life boldly and with purpose.

Brenda was an avid traveler who cherished exploration, traversing continents and embarking on 19 adventures with Carnival and Caribbean Cruise lines.

A woman of unwavering faith, Brenda's life was grounded in her Christian beliefs and no matter where her career moved her, she sought out churches in her community, finding strength and kinship through worship. Her spiritual journey began at Flagg Chapel Baptist Church in Milledgeville where she served for many years as Church announcer, utilizing her distinctive voice and perfect diction there, and within her community as a respected public speaker.

Brenda loved her family. Her sons, Brandon and Bruce Butts were the loves of her life, and she was a doting grandmother, to say the least. Moreover, she loved her siblings and extended family; frequently organizing family reunions, and providing warmth, laughter, and support to all of them.

Brenda was a friend to many who were blessed by the bond of her friendship. She was frank and honest in her friendship--sharing not just what you might want to hear but what she felt you needed to hear. On a personal note, I will forever cherish the wise counsel and sage advice Brenda gave me over the last 32 years. It was at her kitchen table with Brenda and several friends, poring over maps and pages of data, and in fervent prayer, that I resolved to run for Congress in 1992. As she did for me, Brenda touched so many lives in so many ways and because she did, the world is a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the people of Georgia and beyond in celebrating the extraordinary life of Brenda Davis Murrell and in extending our deepest condolences to her family, friends, sorors, and all who mourn her loss. Moreover, I pray that we will all be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor and remember a loving husband and father, doting grandfather and great-grandfather, lifelong public servant, the longest tenured sheriff in the United States of America, and my friend of long standing, the Honorable Henry Cullen Talton, Jr. Sadly, he transitioned from labor to reward on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The funeral service honoring and celebrating Sheriff Talton's life will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Southside Baptist Church in Warner Robins, Georgia.

Sheriff Talton was born to the union of Henry Cullen Talton, Sr. and Lois Ammons Talton on October 16, 1932, in Bonaire, Georgia. Early on in his adult life Sheriff Talton began his career as a middle Georgia dairy farmer before making a successful run for the Houston County Commission. In 1972, he won his first term as Sheriff of Houston County, and he would go on to win 12 additional successive terms in his lifetime. For nearly 52 years, Sheriff Talton served as Houston's top law enforcement officer, and he became nationally known as America's longest-tenured sheriff.

Rarely seen wearing his sheriff's badge or his firearm, Sheriff Talton was truly a man of the people. His commitment to fostering public safety and building relationships with the people he served earned him the respect and admiration of both the people of Houston County and the Georgia law enforcement community. Sheriff Talton presided over the Houston County Sheriff's Department during a period of substantial population growth in the county. Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Talton made sure his department was responsive, effective, and on the cutting edge of law enforcement. At the time of his election as sheriff in 1972, Houston County was home to about 63,000 people; today, the county is home to nearly 170,000 people.

As Sheriff, Talton made a point to engage with and collaborate with leaders from across the state in order to improve public safety for all. He actively contributed to various organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Sheriffs' Association and the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes where he received special recognitions multiple times for his fundraising initiatives. Throughout his career, Sheriff Talton was honored with numerous awards, including the Golden Eagle Award (2010); the Meritorious Service Master Award (2022); the President's Award from the Georgia Sheriffs Association; the Warner Robins/Houston County Chamber of Commerce Good Government Service Award; the Liberty Bell Award; and was named Sheriff of the Year in 2019.

Sheriff Talton contributed so much to his community and accomplished so much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God, and the love and support of his family, to include his late wife of 68 years, Peggy; his devoted children, Carlene Talton, Patty Redmond (Ed), Cully Talton, and Neal Talton (Ginger); grandchildren, Kitt Orr (Brandon), Lindsey Farrar, Tal Talton (Amanda), Sydney Morstad; along with 10 great-grandchildren.

Sir Winston Churchill often said: ``You make your living by what you get; you make your life by what you give.'' Sheriff Talton gave so much to so many for so long. His over 50 years of servant leadership on behalf of the people of Houston County has left his community stronger, more prosperous, and more secure. Truly, the world is a better place because Sheriff Henry Cullen Talton, Jr. passed this way.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian; and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second District. in celebrating the life of Sheriff Henry Cullen Talton, Jr. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and all who mourn his loss. We pray that they all will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to extend my personal congratulations and to honor and recognize a dedicated public servant and community leader, Sheriff Kevin Sproul, on the occasion of his retirement as Sheriff of Dougherty County. Georgia. The community will gather in Albany. Georgia on September 28. 2024. to celebrate his retirement after 42 years of service at the Dougherty County Sheriffs Office.

A resident of Dougherty County since he was 7 years of age, Sheriff Sproul graduated from Albany High School, received an associate's degree in Social Work from Darton College, and a bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership from LaGrange College at Albany. He also earned the Master Level 5 Gang Expert Certificate in 2007 from the National Gang Crime Research Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Sheriff Sproul started his career at the Dougherty County Sheriff's Office on September 8, 1982. For over four decades, he has worked in virtually every one of its divisions, including jail operations, protecting our roadways. and mentoring the community's young people. Sheriff Sproul understands that fighting crime and ensuring public safety starts with educating our students on character and instilling within them the values they need to be good citizen leaders. Over the course of his career in law enforcement, he has taught over 16,300 students in partnership with the Dougherty County School System.

In 2008, Mr. Sproul launched his campaign for Sheriff with the spirit of service and justice held close to his heart. He is now finishing his fourth term as Dougherty County's top law enforcement official, a position he has utilized to increase the efficiency of his agency, improve the quality of life for inmates, and make Dougherty County a safer place to live and conduct business.

As Sheriff, Sproul made a point to engage with and collaborate with leaders from across the state in order to improve public safety for all. He is a member of Georgia Gang Investigators Association (G.G.I.A.) and has served on the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) National Training Team. He has also served on the Stop the Violence Board, Regional Police Academy Board in Tifton, GA, and the GBI Regional Drug Task Force Board, as well as the Albany Civil Rights Board and the SOWEGA Council on Aging Board.

Sheriff Sproul has contributed so much to his community and accomplished so much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God, and the love and support of his wife of 41 years, Vicki, their three children. and one granddaughter.

George Washington Carver once said ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Sheriff Kevin Sproul has embodied the spirit of that quote throughout his career and his community is stronger and more secure thanks to his unwavering leadership.

On a personal note, I am blessed to call Sheriff Sproul my friend, and it has been a pleasure working with him during my time in elective office. Kevin never told me just what I wanted to hear; he always told me what he felt I needed to hear. I will always cherish the fidelity of his friendship and the timbre of his character.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second District, in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Sheriff Kevin Sproul upon the occasion of his retirement. We wish him and his family all the best as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Navy veteran, prolific author. and life-long servant leader--the 39th President of the United States and Georgia peanut farmer, Mr. Jimmy Carter. President Carter's 100th birthday falls on October 1, 2024, and a celebration of his storied life and service will take place that evening in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

In 1945, President Carter and the love of his life, Rosalynn, began dating and they married on July 7, 1946, at a ceremony in Plains. Following the death of his father, James Earl Carter, Sr. in 1953, the Carters and their three sons returned to Plains from the U.S. Naval Academy as Jimmy was then tasked with running the family peanut farm. Soon after, he was elected to the Sumter County School Board, eventually becoming its chairman. In 1962, he was elected to the Georgia State Senate where he continued to support racial integration and voting rights for African Americans. Senator Carter began his successful campaign for Georgia Governor in 1970, serving as Governor from 1971 to 1975.

Prior to moving back to Plains from the Governor's residence, Governor Carter had already announced his intention to run for President of the United States in the 1976 election. In November of 1976, Jimmy Carter became President-elect of the United States and the first Georgian to win the highest office in the land. As President, Jimmy Carter showed great success in international affairs, delivering the Camp David Accords, Panama Canal treaties, SALT II treaty, and the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. He also delivered on his domestic agenda, signing legislation to establish the U.S. Department of Education, expanding the Head Start program, successfully making America less dependent on foreign energy, and protecting millions of acres of public lands for future generations.

Following President Carter's loss in the 1980 Presidential Election, the Carter family returned to home to Plains where they continued to make a positive impact on both their local community and the world. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter continued their ministry of service after their time in the White House with the same vigor and urgency, becoming heavily involved in Habitat for Humanity. The Carters' work with Habitat drew national attention through the annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, which helped the upstart non-profit organization grow and construct thousands of new homes for low and middle-income families. In 1982, Jimmy and Rosalynn founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit human rights organization, which has since become famous for its work to eradicate disease, strengthen democracies, and alleviate human suffering all around the world.

In 1999, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were jointly awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor by President Bill Clinton. And in 2002, President Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

Together, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter rose to great heights, supporting and cherishing one another along the way as they served the world around them. From the Plains Peanut Festival to the Governor's Mansion, to the White House, and to communities around the globe, they always remained grounded, and Plains remained home in their hearts.

Mr. Speaker. I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of the Second Congressional District, in celebrating the amazing accomplishments of Jimmy Carter and commemorating his 100th year on this earth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Dearing Railroad Car on the occasion of its 100th Birthday. As one of the few remaining 100-year-old railroad cars still in operation in the United States, the Dearing Railroad Car holds a unique and significant place in Georgia's and in our nation's history. The Dearing's 100th anniversary takes place on October 18, 2024, and a celebration of its life will be held in Cordele, Georgia.

Initially called ``Thompson'' the Pullman shops began manufacturing The Dearing in 1924, finishing the car in 1925. The Dearing remains one of the last of its time to still be in operation in the United States.

Over the years, The Dearing has run trips on several different railroads as both a sleeper and office car. In 2006, the car was purchased by Columbus, Georgia residents Nelson and Borden McGahee who are still its current owners.

The Dearing spent eight years traversing the United States on Amtrak, allowing passengers to journey across the country and through time when they stepped through the car. In 2020, The Dearing joined the SAM Shortline and continues to contribute to local economies and communities. The SAM Shortline has a multi-million-dollar economic impact in Southwest Georgia, boosting the tourism needed to support our small towns in the area.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's 2nd Congressional District, in celebrating the 100th Birthday of The Dearing Railroad Car and honoring the history of American railroads, which were so important to Georgia's growth and rich history and culture.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a loving husband, dedicated father, seasoned legislative affairs executive, and dear friend of longstanding, Mr. Scott Orr for his nearly 42 years working at Georgia Power. Scott will be retiring after 42 years of working with the company and a reception will be held in his honor on September 18, 2024, at the Southern Company DC Office.

Scott Orr began working with Georgia Power in 1982 as an Industrial Marketing Engineer. His work touched the areas of marketing, engineering, district sales, region sales, district operations, and customer service. For the past 22 years, Scott has worked as Manager of Federal Legislative Affairs. Throughout his work at Georgia Power, Scott has worked with over 40 members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation and their staffs over multiple Congresses, advising them on a myriad of issues relative to clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy.

Scott has made a tremendous impact in the lives of millions of Georgians. His work on the Energy Policy Act of 2005, led to the expansion of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4--America's first new nuclear unit in 30 years. He has truly been a friend and fierce advocate for Georgia Power's 2.7 million customers. Moreover, during storms and natural disasters, Scott has been a valued source of real time information for congressional offices and our constituents. He also has been a valued resource in dealing with and navigating countless constituent service issues in mine and other Congressional offices.

It has been said that ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Scott has paid his rent, and he has paid it well. His service to numerous social and civic organizations includes serving as Vice Chair of the Georgia Youth Challenge Academy Foundation's Board of Directors, the Athens Chamber of Commerce and the Classic City Kiwanis Club. Moreover, Scott has served on the boards of Southern Polytechnic State University Foundation; New Hope Enterprises; United Way of Northeast Georgia; the Athens YWCO, Athens Regional Medical Center Foundation, and the Foundation for Excellence in Public Education.

Scott has accomplished so much throughout his life and career, but none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of his wife, Benita; their three daughters, Whitney, Jessica, and Ansley and their families, including his five grandchildren.

Sir Winston Churchill often said: ``You make your living by what you get; you make your life by what you give.'' Throughout his career, Mr. Scott Orr has made a concerted effort to serve as a mentor and give a helping hand to new employees at Georgia Power. His legacy of uplifting others will be felt by all those whose lives he touched in the state of Georgia, in Washington, DC, and across this great Nation.

On a personal note, I am blessed to call Scott my friend. It has been a pleasure working with Scott during my time in elective office. He has become a close and trusted friend. Scott never told me only what I wanted to hear; he always told me what he felt I needed to hear. I will always cherish the fidelity of his friendship and the timbre of his character.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian; and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in recognizing Mr. Scott Orr's over four decades of service to Georgia Power, the citizens of Georgia, and our great Nation. May God continue to bless him and his family as he moves to the next chapter of his remarkable life.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 160th anniversary of Calvary Episcopal Church in Americus, Georgia. Established in 1864 during the Civil War, this historic church has been a cornerstone of faith and community in Southwest Georgia. The congregation celebrated this momentous occasion on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, in Americus.

The history of the Episcopal Church in Americus began in 1858, with the first service officiated by Bishop Stephen Elliott. Despite the bloody and bitter challenges of the Civil War, the parish was reestablished in 1864 as Calvary Episcopal Church, symbolizing hope and resilience during a time of great turmoil. Rising from the ashes of hate and division--not succumbing to fear, anger, and distrust--is not only part of the legacy of Calvary Episcopal Church, but a hallmark of faith and service to the Lord. Overcoming hardship makes the faithful stronger, equipping one with the full armor of God.

Reverend James Bolan Lawrence, who served as rector from 1905 to 1947, played a pivotal role in the church's development and in the spread of the Episcopal faith throughout the region. Reverend Lawrence founded several churches across Southwest Georgia and was recognized as a saint by the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia in 1999 for his extraordinary contributions. Reverend Lawrence spearheaded the construction of the present church and had a significant impact on the church members he served and the community at-large. He dedicated his life to those in need: the sick, the poor, the young, and the elderly. Reverend Lawrence's impact cannot be understated and his work in service of others left a lasting mark.

Over the years, Calvary Episcopal Church has undergone numerous restorations and expansions, including the construction of a parish hall and other facilities that have supported its mission. The current church building, completed in 1921, was designed by the renowned Gothic architect Ralph Adams Cram and stands as a testament to the strength of faith and service of the Calvary Episcopal Church congregation. Today, the church continues to be a beacon of faith and service in the community. Calvary Episcopal Church is and will remain a model of inclusion and benevolence.

Calvary Episcopal Church endures today because the mission of the church shall never die. Faith, service, duty, and humility continue to shape the congregation of Calvary Episcopal Church. Romans 12:1 tells us, ``I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.'' The Lord calls upon his people to live their service to him. In doing so, the faithful heal the sick, clothe and provide safe harbor for the poor, and ensure hope need not be a luxury for those who have much at the expense of those who have little.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in recognizing and honoring Calvary Episcopal Church on its 160th anniversary. May their faith and actions continue to inspire others and make positive change in the Southwest Georgia community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a loving wife, seasoned educator, legendary coach, and dear friend of longstanding, Coach Carolyn Wright An event to celebrate her remarkable coaching career was held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at The Perfect Place in Columbus, Georgia. Coach Wright will be retiring after 45 years of dedicated service to education and athletics.

The genesis of the life of Coach Wright began in Tuskegee, Alabama. She is a product of the Tuskegee Institute High School, graduating from there in 1974. Coach Wright furthered her education in 1978 when she graduated from Alabama State University in 1978 earning a BS Degree in Physical Education/Special Education. Coach Wright went on to receive a master's degree in Specific Learning Disabilities in 1981 also from Alabama State.

Her career in education began at St. Jude Home for Children in Montgomery, Alabama. She also taught special education students at Hancock Central in Sparta, Georgia from 1978 to 79 and learning disability students at Stanhope Elmore High School Millbrook, Alabama from 1979 to 91. She spent her summers honing her education and coaching skills by working with the Upward Bound Program and the National Sports Youth Program at Alabama State University from 1979 through 1985. Her legendary coaching career began in 1986 at Mcintyre Junior High School where she coached basketball, softball, track, volleyball, and bowling. She left that position in 1991.

In 1991, she became the head coach at Central High School. She helped to guide the Lady Red Devils to four Final Four appearances, 12 appearances in the sweet sixteen, nine appearances in the Elite Eight, and 18 State tournament appearances overall. Her teams won 11 area championships while she amassed an overall record of 597-375 in 32 overall seasons at the helm. Her amazing career only produced four losing seasons as she was named bi-city coach of the year on several occasions. She was awarded the Sports Vision Legacy Award in 2018-19.

Her legacy extended beyond basketball, as she was instrumental in starting a volleyball program in the Phenix City Schools. She coached Volleyball at Central High School for sixteen years, winning more than 200 games. Her volleyball teams reached the Super Regional Tourney in 2014 for the first time in school history. She also served as the girls' head track coach and the boys' assistant track coach from 1992 through 2007 Coach Wright helped to guide 14 individual girls and relay teams to state titles Overall, she coached more than 30 boys and girls state champions. Because of her commitment to excellence, Coach Wright is largely responsible for over 200 athletes obtaining scholarships to colleges and universities.

Leaving behind a stellar career and legacy at Central, Coach Wright is now the Athletic Director and Head Girls Varsity Basketball Coach and Physical Education Instructor at Johnson Abernathy Graetz High School. During her tenure at Johnson Abernathy, Coach Wright was blessed to enter the 600-win club. Coach Tom Landry once said that ``A coach is someone who tells you what you don't want to hear, who has to see what you don't want to see so you can be who you always knew you could be.'' For over four decades, Coach Carolyn Wright has been helping young people from all walks of life to become who they always knew they could become.

Coach Wright has spent 45 years in the teaching profession and has distinguished herself as a leader and mentor to those coming behind her. She was the chair of the Health and Physical Education Department at Central and the Freshman Academy from 1991 to 2003. She served as the Assistant Athletics Director from 2009 to 2021. Coach Wright served on the AHSAA Strategic Planning Committee in 2016. And because of her commitment to excellence, she was chosen as the Phenix City Public Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2014-15.

She has accomplished much in her life but none of it would have been possible without the love and grace of God and the support of her husband, Coach Bobby Wright who is a Hall of Fame basketball coach in his own right. This amazing couple is the only husband-wife duo to be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Between the two of them, they have amassed 1,227 wins and a winning percentage of .680, the highest winning percentage of any husband-wife duo in the history of the State of Alabama.

But even with all of this, Coach Wright has found time to be a faithful servant of God as a member of the Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church where she serves as a member of the Steward Board. She has also been a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc since 1976 and is currently an active member of the Gamma Tau Omega Chapter.

On a personal note, both Coach Wrights have been dear friends to my wife Vivian and me for many years. We are both thankful for their friendship, support and counsel over the years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife Vivian, and me in honoring Coach Carolyn Wright for her lifetime of service to God, her community, and humankind. May God continue to rain down blessings upon her, her family, her community and all the young people whose lives she will influence in the days, weeks and months ahead. We wish her the very best as she moves on to the next chapter of her remarkable life.