Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an inspiring woman, loving wife, devoted mother, and woman of God, Pastor Rolesta B. Ellis. Sadly, Pastor Ellis transitioned from labor to reward on Monday, March 7, 2022, at the age of 89. Pastor Ellis lay in Honor at her beloved church, Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle of Faith, on Thursday, March 10, 2022, and a homegoing service, celebrating her life was held on Friday, March 11, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Prayer Church of God in Christ in Columbus, Georgia.

Pastor Rolesta Bernice Boddie Ellis was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on December 3, 1932, as the daughter of the late Mr. Octavis Boddie and Mrs. Julia Scott Vines as well the late Fred Vines.

Pastor Ellis met the love of her life, Master Sergeant Clarence Ellis, Sr., USA, Retired, her first year in high school, and the two married in 1951. For over 30 years, she was a dedicated military spouse who traveled extensively with her husband in the continental United States and abroad to Germany and France.

In addition to being a devoted spouse, Pastor Ellis was also a true Woman of Faith. Her commitment as a believer and servant of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, began at the age of 11 and continued through every stage of her life. She maintained lifelong memberships with two congregations, Parks Chapel in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and The Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle in Richmond, Virginia, throughout her life. Once Pastor Ellis answered the call to minister to God's people, she established the Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle of Faith in Columbus, Georgia, where she served as Pastor until she departed from this realm. She was also a founding member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.

Mother Teresa once said that ``At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by whether ``. . . when I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, when I was naked, you clothed me, and whether, when I was homeless, you took me in.'' Pastor Rolesta B. Ellis lived her life to help other people. Because of her love for Jesus Christ and her service to the least of these, the world is indeed a better place.

On a personal note, Pastor Ellis was a special friend to me and encouraged me throughout my career as an attorney, state legislator, and Member of Congress. I will always value the wise counsel and sage advice she shared with me over the years. She did not tell me just what she thought I wanted to hear, but what she felt I needed to hear. My life was enriched because she touched me through her prayers and affirmations.

Pastor Ellis accomplished much in her life, but none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of her family including her late husband of 66 and a half years, Clarence, Sr.; and her children, Clarence, Jr., Rolesta, Mario, and

Shelia. She will be greatly missed by her family, her congregation, her community, and all those whose lives she touched.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District of Georgia, in paying tribute to Pastor Rolesta B. Ellis for her lifetime of service to her God, her nation, and humankind. We extend our deepest condolences to Pastor Ellis' family during this difficult time of bereavement. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today, to pay tribute to an extraordinary sailor, World War II veteran, and dedicated civil servant, Mr. Roger H. Spooner, who transitioned from labor to reward on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at the age of 99. His funeral service was held on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. under the ``Spooner Oak'' on Bartow Gibson Highway in Seminole County, Georgia.

Roger Hern Spooner was born November 18, 1922, as one of eight children to the union of Lewis and Delia Spooner. In his pursuit of a life outside of farming, Roger answered the calI to serve his nation when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October of 1941 at the age of 18. After completing boot camp, he was sent to the aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown, with a destination of Pearl Harbor, which had just been bombed. After arriving at Pearl Harbor and witnessing the remnants of damage and lingering smoke from the invasion, the crew of 2,500 sailors headed to the coast of Australia. In May of 1942, during the Battle of the Coral Sea, Roger saw action when the USS Yorktown endured damage, and the crew suffered 61 casualties. Following the gruesome battle, the carrier and crew returned to the Navy yard at Pearl Harbor for repairs. Once repairs were made, the crew made their way to Midway Island to join other ships in preparation for the Battle of Midway, which took place in June of 1942. Many historians consider it to be the most important battle in the Pacific during World War II as it was a clash between the U.S. Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

During the Battle of Midway, the USS Yorktown incurred a massive hit beyond repair,

and the crew was told to abandon ship. One-by-one every crew member went down a line into the water with their life preservers into water that was so oily that once they were covered, you could only see the whites of their eyes. After being stranded afloat for a day, Roger and his crewmates were rescued.

Roger served another four years in the Navy, where he attended submarine school and completed nine war patrols out of Perth, Australia. He was later discharged from the Navy as a Motor Machinist Mate Second Class, after being involved in a motorcycle accident. Following his military service, he continued to serve his community and make an impact in the lives of others by serving his fellow Veterans as a member of the American Legion Post 157, Donalsonvile.

In addition to serving, farming, and raising his family, Roger also ventured into the trucking industry. He worked for a company for almost 18 months before he decided to go into trucking for himself in 1948. From there, he started his company, Spooner Farms Trucking, LLC. His first truck was a 1940s model ``gas burner'' GMC, but over the years, he acquired several Kenworths and Peterbilts. Roger's sons, David and Dennis; and his grandson Jake, joined his trucking business, which had as many as seven trucks running and always transported produce within a 125-mile radius of the shop.

Roger's love for his wife, his service, and his passion remained active until his passing. As such, he made sure to renew his licenses and maintain the upkeep for his 1999 Peterbilt 379 affectionately named ``Miss Eloise'', which he used to haul agricultural products, including bagged and liquid commodities. The truck's number (CV5) represented the USS Yorktown's identification number with a 12.7 Detroit engine and a 10-speed.

Mr. Roger H. Spooner lived his life by the Golden Rule which states ``Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'' A man of great morals, he demonstrated this principle throughout his career and life, outstanding achievement, service, and public distinction. Our community, our state, and our Nation are better because of him.

Roger accomplished 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 including his late wife, Eloise; and his sons; David and Dennis, and his grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Roger H. Spooner for his remarkable service to his community, his nation and to humankind. Moreover, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, loved ones, and all who grieve during this difficult time of bereavement. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. As Chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies subcommittee I am pleased to highlight the national priorities funded in our division which impacts the lives of all Americans from heartland to coast, farms to cities, and everything in between.

First, our bill makes important, USDA-wide investments to ensure equitable participation in USDA programs, address the impacts of climate change, and support staff and leadership offices at USDA.

The bill includes over $550 million for the expansion of broadband service, including $450 million for the Reconnect program.

Our bill fully funds all the domestic nutrition programs and includes a significant investment to increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables offered in the WIC program. Additionally, there is $2 billion for international food aid.

The bill provides $1.87 billion for farm programs, including $61 million in loan authority to address heirs property issues.

The bill includes $3.5 billion for agriculture research programs, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture to keep American agriculture the best and most bountiful in the world.

The bill includes a total of $3.3 billion for FDA and provides targeted increases to ensure Americans have access to the safest food and medicine.

This is a good bill and I urge my colleagues to support it.

I want to thank our Ranking Member, Andy Harris, and the majority and minority committee staff.

I also want to thank Chair DeLauro and Ranking Member Granger for their leadership through this process.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for bringing this resolution to the floor.

Today, I rise in strong support of this resolution condemning threats of violence against historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, and reaffirming the important role that HBCUs play in our country's education, innovation, and leadership.

I am a proud graduate of Morehouse College, one of 107 HBCUs across this country. My district, in middle and southwest Georgia, is home to two distinguished HBCUs, Fort Valley State University and Albany State University, both of which were targeted during last month's bomb threats.

The incitement of fear and hatred is utterly unacceptable, should be intolerable, and has no place anywhere, let alone at our sacred places of learning.

These threats came on the cusp of Black History Month, and they remind us that we still have not achieved the colorblind world that was dreamed of by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and of the important educational mission and empowering roles that HBCUs play for the African-American community and our Nation.

Today, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution condemning these dangerous threats to our Nation's HBCUs and the African-American community and demand that those responsible be brought to justice for their heinous actions.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay homage to an outstanding man of God, published author, distinguished educator, life coach, and mentor, Bishop Leonard N. Smith. Bishop Smith transitioned from labor to reward on Sunday, February 20, 2022. His homegoing service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Mount Zion Baptist Church located at 18410 Chapel Drive in Triangle, Virginia. He leaves behind a loving family, his dedicated church congregation at the Mount Zion Baptist Church (MZBC), and an appreciative community for his extraordinary life of service to God and humankind.

Bishop Leonard N. Smith was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Washington, D.C. He was a man of God, truly devoted to his calling-- a calling from God, passed to him through his grandmother, whose powerful Christian teachings would later become the base for his powerful sermons.

Looking to further knowledge of the Word for himself and others, throughout his life, Bishop Smith pursued a bachelor's degree from Richmond Virginia Seminary, a master's degree in Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry from the Virginia University of Lynchburg in addition to receiving nine honorary degrees. He also taught online classes at two seminaries as he furthered his own education.

His commitment to pastoral ministry excellence began in 1985 when Union Baptist Church in Gordonsville, Virginia called on him to serve as their Pastor and spiritual leader. After four and half years at Union Baptist, Bishop Smith was chosen to shepherd the congregation at Rivermont Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. In 1991, Mount Zion Baptist Church called him to become the successor to their then leader, Dr. Oswald G. Smith. Through Bishop Smith's dedicated leadership, Mount Zion grew both spiritually and numerically as it exemplified the teachings of Christ by provided tutoring, food assistance, financial and missions support to the surrounding community, and its residents as well as people and organizations throughout the state, nation, and world. Bishop Smith would go on to serve as the Senior Minister of Mount Zion Baptist Church for 30 years until his retirement from the ministry of God on December 31, 2021.

Bishop Smith believed strongly that involvement in his communities was an integral part of his calling as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Accordingly, he served in numerous roles that had as their purpose the uplift of humankind. In addition to being the beloved Pastor of MZBC, he served proudly as the President of the Richmond, Virginia Seminary (2005 to 2008) and the President of the Virginia Baptist State Convention (2009 to 2012), where he served with integrity, innovation, and impassioned leadership. Bishop Smith was also involved with numerous county, denominational, educational, non- profit, and state boards & commissions including the Arlington County Fire and Police Departments (where he served as the Chaplain); the Richmond Virginia Seminary (where he was the Chancellor); Virginia University (where he served as the Assistant to the President); the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. (where he was an active member who served in several capacities); the Global United Fellowship (where he was the Vice Presiding Bishop and the Global Leader of Pastors); and the Gospel Heritage Foundation (where he was an advisory board member).

Bishop Smith was also a sought-after lecturer, teacher, and with the release of his book entitled, ``We Need to Talk: Saying What We Need to Say Without Hurting Each Other'', he was also an author.

Bishop Smith accomplished 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 including his wife, Yalonda; his children, Tiffany and Phillip; and all those in his congregation and community.

Mother Teresa once said that ``At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by whether ``. . . when I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, when I was naked, you clothed me, and whether, when I was homeless, you took me in.'' Bishop Leonard N. Smith, in his life and ministry, did just that, for the ``least of these'', and the world is better because he did.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with countless others throughout the nation in honoring Bishop Leonard N. Smith for his service to God, his ministry, to his country, and to humankind; and in extending our deepest condolences to Dr. Smith's family, friends, loved ones, and all those who mourn his loss. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to an exceptional community leader, an outstanding educator, and a devoted man of God, Pastor John Wooden, on the occasion of his retirement. A retirement service will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 11 a.m.

Pastor John Wooden was born in Bainbridge, Georgia on May 7, 1966, to the union of Mr. Arthur Dean Wooden and Mrs. Willie Mae Wooden. After receiving his Associate degree from Bainbridge Junior College, Pastor Wooden went on to receive dual Bachelor's degrees in Marketing and Management from Valdosta State College; an educational certificate from Albany State University; a Master of Science degree in Leadership and an Educational Specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University; and completed religious training from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

As a staunch advocate for educating the next generation, Pastor Wooden served as an educator and school administrator for thirty years, serving as a Business Education teacher, Career Counselor, Assistant Principal at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels, Middle School Principal, and as an Assistant Superintendent for schools in Decatur County, Georgia.

In addition to a three-decade career in public education, Pastor Wooden has also spent almost four decades teaching the word of the Lord. Pastor Wooden has been preaching for 38 years and pastoring for 35 years, first at First Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church from 1987 to 1990, and then at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church from March 1987 until his retirement this year.

Pastor Wooden's distinguished pastoral career has been mirrored by his extensive involvement in his community. In conjunction with his professional accomplishments, Pastor Wooden has served his community as a board member of the United Way, Salvation Army, and the YMCA as well as a member of Kiwanis Club (Bainbridge) and the Rotary Club (Bainbridge).

In addition to being a stellar educator, a distinguished spiritual leader, and dedicated community advocate, Pastor Wooden is also a published author. His literary works include ``Uncensored Conversations'', ``Leading While Bleeding'', ``Don't Judge Me Unless You Have Walked In My Shoes'', ``Scarred, But Not Permanently Broken'', and ``Don't Live A Life Of Regrets''.

He has accomplished much throughout his life, but none of this would be possible without the grace of God and the inspiration, love, and support of his wife, Deborah; and his children, LaShannon and Chelsea.

Dr. Benjamin E. Mays often said: ``You make your living by what you get; you make your life by what you give.'' Bainbridge and Decatur County, Georgia are better because of Pastor John Wooden and his tireless commitment to making his community stronger. As a man of great faith and integrity, his efforts, his dedication, and his expertise are unparalleled. But his heart for teaching and helping others, utilizing these qualities, has made his life's work truly special.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me and the more than 730,000 people in Georgia's Second Congressional District, in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Pastor John Wooden upon the occasion of his retirement from an outstanding career in the Ministry of Jesus Christ.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the Honoring our PACT Act, which will ensure that veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances, materials, or environments during their military service, particularly toxic burn pits and Agent Orange, will receive the care and benefits they deserve.

Exposure to these toxins has led to devastating health conditions suffered by veterans, including neurological disorders, pulmonary diseases, rare forms of cancer, and many other conditions.

In the past, the government has been too slow to recognize the link between exposure to toxic substances and the medical problems that veterans have dealt with when they returned home.

As a result, veterans and their families have been denied benefits and much-needed disability compensation to deal with the health effects of these toxins.

The Honoring our PACT Act would correct these errors and renew our solemn commitment to our Nation's veterans.

I urge my colleagues to support the Honoring our PACT Act to ensure that our country fulfills Abraham Lincoln's promise to care for him and her who shall have borne the battle.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the men and women who have served and currently serve at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany, Georgia. On Tuesday, March 1, 2022, base personnel, Armed Services veterans, and local dignitaries will celebrate the facility's 70th anniversary.

Over the last 70 years, the brave men and women who have served at MCLB, Albany have made significant contributions in defending our homeland and safeguarding our liberties.

On March 1, 1952, MCLB, Albany was commissioned as the Marine Corps Depot of Supplies. By 1954 the station was sufficiently complete with warehouses and administration buildings to assume supply support for Marines east of the Rocky Mountains and in the Atlantic area. In 1967, the base became a storage Activity and Depot Maintenance Activity.

On January 17, 1990, the Commandant of the Marine Corps designated the Commanding General, Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany to also be Commander, Marine Corps Logistics Bases. The reorganization placed control of Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, California; Blount Island Command, Jacksonville, Florida, as well as Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany under this single command.

In 2005, the Marine Corps regionalized all installations under Marine Corps Installation Command, and the organization here was divided into a base command (MCLB Albany) and Marine Corps Logistics Command.

Over the last several decades, MCLB, Albany has provided exceptional support to the Marine Air Ground Task Forces sent to Southwest Asia. The MCLB, Albany military and civilian team's hard work and dedication, combined with equal efforts from MCLB, Barstow and Blount Island Command have reaped outstanding results for our Nation's Armed Services.

In 2021, MCLB, Albany won in the Fiscal Year 2021 SECNAV Energy Excellence Award's small installation category for its achievements in policy implementation, reductions in energy and water intensity, cybersecurity, and overall commitment to energy security planning. This vital Net Zero Initiative from MCLB, Albany reduced the energy cost aboard the installation and helped the base nearly reach its goal in FY 2020 of covering all critical building energy loads in the event of an outage by increasing its sources of on-site generation.

Madam Speaker, I have had the pleasure of traveling to many U.S. military installations around the world and the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia is one of the finest military bases I have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Through my ongoing interaction with MCLB, Albany personnel, one of the things I have come to admire about our nation's Marines is that their commitment to serving our country does not end once they separate from Active Duty. In their everyday life and actions off base, the personnel at MCLB, Albany have remained faithful to serving their fellow Marines, their community, and their nation. They have truly exemplified the U.S. Marine Corp's motto, Semper Fidelis.

MCLB, Albany Marines hold themselves to a higher standard--that service to our Nation is a lifelong commitment, not just a tour of duty.

Whether it is going on to work as policemen, fire fighters, teachers, or business professionals, a MCLB, Albany Marine's commitment to making our nation better remains at the fundamental core of what not only makes them great during their Armed Services career, but what will also make them invaluable members of our society once their military careers end and their transition into civilian life begins.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District of Georgia in paying tribute to the men and women who have served at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia over the last 70 years and those who currently serve today for their outstanding valor and patriotic service.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a phenomenal woman of God, dedicated early childhood educator, and beloved role model, Mrs. Robena Gaines Flakes. Sadly, Mrs. Flakes departed to her eternal reward on Saturday, February 5, 2022. A homegoing service celebrating the life of this exceptional woman was held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church located at 5230 Lee Road 235 in Phenix City, Alabama.

Mrs. Robena Gaines Flakes was born in Phenix City, Alabama in 1935. After graduating from South Girard High School, she went on to study Early Childhood Education at Morris Brown College and Columbus State University. She also attended American Baptist Theology College at the Friendship Baptist Church campus in Columbus, Georgia.

Mrs. Flakes was a loving mother to her children and was a supportive wife to her late husband, Rev. Dr. Johnny H. Flakes, Jr. She was the compassionate first lady to his congregations at Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia and Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Phenix City, Alabama. Together they used their deep and abiding faith in the Lord to make a tremendous impact on their community, state, and nation. Their son, Rev. Dr. Johnny H. Flakes, III now pastors Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church and, in addition, previously pastored Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church as did his father before him.

Mrs. Flakes was also the Founding Director of the Fourth Street Daycare Center (now the Robena Gaines Flakes Daycare) which was established in 1993. During her tenure as Director, the center expanded its roster from 56 children to over 150 children. She also expanded the facility as well as its programs and services to include an after- school program for elementary school students. It was also the first daycare to receive the ``Center of Distinction Award'' from the state of Georgia. She served in this capacity for 12 years until she retired as Director in 2005 and went on to serve as a Consultant.

Mrs. Flakes received several accolades and awards for her work with the youth. These awards include the Rosa Parks Women of Courage Award from the Gamma Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Gracious Ladies of Georgia Award. She also served as President of The East Alabama Women's Association.

Mrs. Flakes accomplished many things in her life but none of these would have been

possible without the grace of God and the love and support of her late husband, their children, Rev. Dr. Johnny H. Flakes, III, Merle J. Flakes, and Sencira Flakes; along with their grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Proverbs 11:25 says, ``A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.'' ``Mama Flakes'', as she was affectionately known, gave her life to God and dedicated herself to the service of others. On a personal note, when I came to Columbus, Georgia in 1972, she nurtured me as if I were one of her children. And, for that, I will be forever grateful. Furthermore, during my two decades as a member of the congregation and choir at Fourth Street and throughout my career, she and her husband shared advice, counsel, and wisdom with me and were always supportive of my career in public service. I can say without reservation that she was one of the most passionate and warmhearted individuals I have ever met. I am proud to consider Mama Flakes and the Flakes family as part of my extended family.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District of Georgia, and people all across the nation, in paying tribute to Mrs. Robena Gaines Flakes, for her selfless service to youth, the Church, and to humankind. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who mourn her loss. We pray that we will all be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the men and women who have served and currently serve at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany, Georgia. On Thursday, March 1, 2022, base personnel, Armed Services veterans, and local dignitaries will celebrate the facility's 70th anniversary.

Over the last 70 years, the brave men and women who have served at MCLB, Albany have made significant contributions in defending our homeland and safeguarding our liberties.

On March 1, 1952, MCLB, Albany was commissioned as the Marine Corps Depot of Supplies. By 1954 the station was sufficiently complete with warehouses and administration buildings to assume supply support for Marines east of the Rocky Mountains and in the Atlantic area. In 1967, the base became a Storage Activity and Depot Maintenance Activity.

On January 17, 1990, the Commandant of the Marine Corps designated the Commanding General, Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany to also be Commander, Marine Corps Logistics Bases. The reorganization placed control of Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, California; Blount Island Command, Jacksonville, Florida, as well as Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany under this single command.

Over the last several decades, MCLB, Albany has provided exceptional support to the Marine Air Ground Task Forces sent to Southwest Asia. The MCLB, Albany military and civilian team's hard work and dedication, combined with equal efforts from MCLB, Barstow and Blount Island Command have reaped outstanding results for our nation's Armed Services.

In 2021, MCLB, Albany won in the Fiscal Year 2021 SECNAV Energy Excellence Award's small installation category for its achievements in policy implementation, reductions in energy and water intensity, cybersecurity, and overall commitment to energy security planning. This vital Net Zero Initiative from MCLB, Albany reduced the energy cost aboard the installation and helped the base nearly reach its goal in FY 2020 of covering all critical building energy loads in the event of an outage by increasing its sources of on-site generation.

Madam Speaker, I have had the pleasure of traveling to many U.S. military installations around the world and the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia is one of the finest military bases I have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Through my ongoing interaction with MCLB, Albany personnel, one of the things I have come to admire about our nation's Marines is that their commitment to serving our country does not end once they separate from Active Duty. In their everyday life and actions off base, the personnel at MCLB, Albany have remained faithful to serving their fellow Marines, their community, and their nation. They have truly exemplified the U.S. Marine Corp's motto, Semper Fidelis.

MCLB, Albany Marines hold themselves to a higher standard--that service to our nation is a lifelong commitment, not just a tour of duty.

Whether it is going on to work as policemen, fire fighters, teachers, or business professionals, a MCLB, Albany Marines' commitment to making our nation better remains at the fundamental core of what not only makes them great during their Armed Services career, but what will also make them invaluable members of our society once their military careers end and their transition into civilian life begins.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District of Georgia in paying tribute to the men and women who have served at the Marine

Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia over the last 70 years and those who currently serve today for their outstanding valor and patriotic service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a trailblazer, icon, educator, and social activist, The Honorable Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm.

The daughter of immigrants, ``Fighting Shirley'' (as she became known) was the second African American in the New York Legislature (1964), the first African American woman to serve in the U.S. Congress (1968), and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for the Presidency of the United States from one of the two major political parties (1972). During her impressive tenure in Congress, she introduced over 50 pieces of legislation and was a staunch advocate for education, expanding minimum wage standards, racial and gender equality, combating poverty, and ending the Vietnam War. She also co- founded the National Women's Political Caucus (1971) and became the first Black woman and the second woman to ever serve on the House Rules Committee. After she retired from Congress in 1983, she went on to teach at Mount Holyoke College and later lecture in Palm Coast, Florida.

Shirley Chisholm is known quite often for the quotes, ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' ``If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.'' She was a formidable woman who fought against the odds (sexism and racial discrimination) during her career, inspired the future generation of leaders, and paved the way for others looking to pursue a career in politics and/or public service.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District and the distinguished members of the Congressional Black Caucus, in paying tribute to the life and legacy of The Honorable Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor, commend, and extend personal congratulations to the University of Georgia's (UGA) Football Head Coach, Coach Kirby P. Smart. Coach Smart recently led the UGA Bulldogs to their 2022 College Football Playoffs National Championship win on Monday, January 11, 2022.

Kirby was born on December 23, 1975, to the union of Sonny and Sharon Smart. He was educated in the Decatur County School System, and he began his playing career at Bainbridge High School under the tutelage of his father. During his high school career, he was a three-year letterman in football, basketball, and baseball and a first-team Class AAAA All-State as a senior. Upon his graduation from Bainbridge High, he enrolled at and played for the University of Georgia, where he was a four-year letterman at defensive back and a first-team All-SEC (Southeastern Conference) selection as a senior. He finished his college football career as a four-time member of SEC Academic Honor Roll, with 13 interceptions, ranking fourth-all time at UGA, and led the Bulldogs with six interceptions in 1997 and five in 1998 before graduating in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in Finance. Kirby later obtained his master's degree in Physical Education from Florida State University in 2003.

Kirby began his impressive coaching career in 1999 as the Administrative Assistant Coach for UGA. Since then, he has served as the Assistant Coach for Defensive Backs (2000) and Defense Coordinator (2001) at Valdosta State University, a Graduate Assistant (2002 through 2003) at Florida State University, the Assistant Coach for Defensive Backs (2004) at Louisiana State University, the Assistant Coach for Running Backs (2005) at UGA, and the Assistant Coach for Safeties (2006) with the Miami Dolphins. He also served as the Assistant Coach for Defensive Backs (2007), Defensive Coordinator for Inside Linebackers (2008 through 2013 and 2015), and Defensive Coordinator for Inside Linebackers (2014) at the University of Alabama, before coming back to UGA to serve as the Football Head Coach (2016). Since returning to UGA, Kirby and the Bulldogs have amassed championship titles at several levels including four in the SEC Eastern Division, one in the SEC, and one at the national level.

Coach Smart has received countless awards and commendations for his achievements and accomplishments as a coach including the Broyles Award (2009), American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year (2012), SEC Coach of the Year

(2017, 2021), and most recently, a bipartisan and bicameral resolution on January 11, 2022, endorsed by the entire Georgia Congressional Delegation honoring the UGA Bulldogs' recent 2022 College Football Playoffs National Championship win.

Coach Smart has accomplished much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the grace of God; the love and support of his wife, Mary; and their children; Weston, Julia, and Andrew.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District and the Georgia Bulldog Nation, in extending our thanks, our heartfelt congratulations, and our best wishes to Coach Kirby P. Smart for his monumental achievement in leading the UGA Bulldogs to their 2022 College Football Playoffs National Championship win.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary American patriot, soldier, mentor, and hero, Lt. Gen. (RET.) Robert Lewis ``Sam'' Wetzel. He transitioned on Thursday, January 20, 2022. His Funeral Mass was held on Friday, January 28, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church in Columbus, Georgia followed by a military burial at the Fort Benning National Cemetery and visitation at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center.

Lt. Gen. (RET.) Robert Lewis ``Sam'' Wetzel was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia on October 6, 1930. His impressive 34-year military career began after he graduated from Irving High School in 1948. He planned to attend Purdue University, but ultimately went to the United States Military Academy at West Point. After graduating from West Point in 1952 as an Infantry Officer, he was immediately deployed to Korea, where he served as a Company Commander. In 1961, as a captain, he commanded a mechanized infantry company in Germany.

In 1968, as a Lieutenant Colonel, Wetzel was deployed to South Vietnam to serve as the commander of the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment (United States), also known as the ``Polar Bears''. During a firefight, an enemy bullet grazed his forehead leaving a small but permanent scar. The abrasion and his actions during the Vietnam War prompted his nomination for a Purple Heart, which he declined, however, believing that his wound was not severe enough to warrant being awarded a Purple Heart.

Following his return from Vietnam, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel and assumed command of a brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado. In 1975, following promotion to the rank of Brigadier General, he was sent to West Germany, where he commanded the First Infantry Division. Following his command with the First Infantry Division, he received his second star from the Commander of all European and American forces in Europe, the renowned, General Alexander Haig.

Wetzel went on to serve as General Haig's Chief of Staff in Belgium from 1978 to 1979. During this time, he worked with his staff to develop a response to the Soviet Union's deployment of nuclear missiles in Europe. The ultimate strategy was to deploy the Perishing II missiles in Europe, so that Moscow could be hit in a matter of minutes, shortening the response time for the Soviet Union. Unfortunately, domestic political battles began in NATO countries about deploying the Pershing II missiles, and that strategy was deferred. After his tenure as General Haig's Chief of Staff, Wetzel commanded the Third Infantry Division in Wurzburg, where he led his division to victory in the annual war games staged in West Germany.

In 1981, Wetzel was diagnosed with what was thought to be terminal melanoma cancer and was given less than a year to live. During this time, the Army offered him full medical disability in exchange for retirement, but he refused the offer, signed a waiver, and remained on active duty. The Army sent him back to the United States, where he managed to make a full recovery and assume command of the infantry training center in Fort Benning, Georgia.

In 1983, Wetzel was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and sent to Germany as the Deputy Commander in Chief of U.S. Forces in Europe as the NATO allies had finally approved the Pershing II plan. Upon his arrival, Wetzel's main responsibility was to receive and deploy the Pershing II missiles amid anti-war demonstrations all over Europe. It is argued that the Perishing II plan was one of three key factors that contributed to the defeat of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

In 1986, Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Colin Powell, succeeded Wetzel in command of V Corps in Frankfurt, Germany. This was his last assignment before retirement.

Following his military service, he continued to serve his community and make a positive impact in the lives of others. His contributions include serving as the Commander in Chief of the Military Order of the World Wars, a Veterans organization of commissioned officers, which is committed to promoting national security, patriotism, good citizenship, and service to one's country. During his stint as Commander in Chief, he worked tirelessly to educate the public, local civic clubs like Kiwanis and Rotary, and the media on national security issues while also instilling patriotism and leadership skills in young people through Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, JROTC, ROTC, and other youth programs.

Among his numerous honors and awards are the Army Distinguished Service Medal, a Bronze Star, two Legions of Merit, six Air Medals, a Joint Superior Service Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal, and a Combat Infantryman's Badge with Star.

Lt. Gen. (RET.) Wetzel accomplished much throughout his life, but none of this would have been possible without his enduring faith in God and the love and support of his wife, Eileen; their children, Margaret, Robert, Eileen, Theodore, Patricia, Catherine, and Michael; and a host of other family, friends, and associates, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 residents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia in paying tribute to Lt. Gen. (RET.) Robert Lewis ``Sam'' Wetzel for his extraordinary service to his nation, his community, and to humankind. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who mourn his loss.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Elois Lewis Edge of Albany, Georgia, who will be retiring after a distinguished, 43-year career as a nurse, midwife, and instructor serving the families and communities of Southwest Georgia.

Dr. Edge has been a Certified Nurse Midwife at Albany Area Primary Health since 2009. Before that, she worked at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital for 30 years. In these positions, Dr. Edge earned the gratitude of thousands of expectant mothers for her skillful assistance, compassionate care, and warm personality.

Dr. Edge also attained distinction in academia as well. She earned her Associate Arts in Nursing at Darton State University in Albany, which was followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Georgia Southwestern University in Americus, Georgia; a Certificate of Midwifery from the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in Hyden, Kentucky; a Master of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio; and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, Kentucky. While Dr. Edge was receiving her degrees, she was teaching future generations of medical professionals at Georgia Southwestern University and Frontier Nursing University.

Shirley Chisholm often said that: ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space we occupy on this earth.'' Dr. Edge paid her rent and she paid it well. The world is a much brighter place due to the thousands of children Dr. Edge has helped usher into the world, either directly as a midwife, or by virtue of the instruction she provided to the scores of midwives and nurses who learned their trade from her.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the United States House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the over 730,000 residents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia in honoring Dr. Elois Lewis Edge on her outstanding career and upon the occasion of her retirement. We wish her well as she begins a new chapter in her life.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

This year, House Democrats worked hard and passed government funding bills which support vital programs that create jobs, grow our economy, and ensure our national security.

As chairman of the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, I want to stress that the programs in our bill touch the lives of every single American every day.

It would ensure that USDA can continue to feed America and the world, to help expand economic opportunity, to create jobs in rural areas, and to fully meet the demand for farm ownership loans.

It would increase funding to address the opioid crisis and rare cancers and resume unannounced, in-person inspections in the two largest foreign drug manufacturing countries in the world, China and India.

Simply put, it would provide resources to ensure that we have the most abundant, wholesome, and safest food and medicine in the world.

It will help families that may struggle to put food on the table through programs like SNAP and WIC.

Sadly, the bill cannot move forward because, in the past few months, House and Senate Republicans have refused to negotiate with Democrats on government funding.

Today, we are passing this short-term bill just to keep the government open. In doing so, Democrats are making sure our government continues serving the American people. We are also offering another chance for our Republican colleagues to come to the table with constructive proposals.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill and, more importantly, to come together with us to provide peace of mind and certainty to our fellow Americans by passing a full fiscal year '22 funding bill package.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record letters in support of the bill from the Aerospace Industries Association, the Coalition on Human Needs, the Coalition for Health Funding, and the National Defense Industrial Association.

Aerospace Industries Association,

Arlington, VA, November 2, 2021.

Hon. Chuck Schumer,

Majority Leader, U.S. Senate,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Mitch McConnell,

Minority Leader, U.S. Senate,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Nancy Pelosi,

Speaker, House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Kevin McCarthy,

Minority Leader, House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, Ranking

Member McConnell, and Ranking Member McCarthy: The United

States aerospace and defense industries are an essential

partner with the federal government in an array of efforts

vital to our economy and our national security. Each fall,

that partnership is tested when those programs are slowed

down or deferred by the use of multiple continuing

resolutions (CR) to keep the government running. On behalf of

our vital industries and our more than two million employees,

the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) strongly urges you

to reach a near-term agreement on fiscal year 2022 funding to

avoid further CRs beyond December 3, 2021.

Government watchdogs continue to document the waste and

unnecessary disruption that CRs cause to federal programs.

Multiple agencies advised the Government Accountability

Office (GAO) in a 2021 report that longer CRs ``contributed

to distortions in agencies' spending, adding to the rush to

obligate funds late in the year before they expire.'' The GAO

determined that contracting officers working under a CR must

continuously align the period of performance under their

contracts to the specific timeframe of a given CR, resulting

in many unnecessary contract modifications during the year.

Hiring of new civilian staff is also delayed, making it

harder for agencies to meet their goals. The GAO notes that

agencies apply creative workarounds in the first quarter of

each fiscal year, because they assume that appropriations

bills will not be in place by the beginning of the fiscal

year. However, these effects become far more serious, and

agency staff have fewer options, when CRs continue into the

second quarter and beyond.

The Department of Defense (DOD) is uniquely harmed under

CRs because these bills typically prohibit DOD from starting

new programs or activities or increasing any program's

production rate beyond that of the current fiscal year. Both

`new starts' and rate increases are critical for our national

defense because our defense posture and threats are always

evolving. As CRs extend to longer periods during the year,

this is an increasing problem for which DOD seldom gets

relief. DOD reported to the GAO that between FY10 and FY20,

they had requested exceptions to CR language (called

``anomalies'') 1,258 times and had only been granted three

percent of those requests. Most of these requested relief

from the prohibition on new starts and rate increases. We

strongly believe that, should Congress produce CRs extending

into the second quarter of FY22, it should eliminate the

prohibition on new starts and production rate increases.

FY22 is the first year in a decade when discretionary

spending levels have not been fixed in statute by the Budget

Control Act. AIA has long argued that statutory caps are not

needed because Congress and the administration are able to

assess and address the needs of the nation more effectively,

and with greater oversight, through the annual appropriations

process. Last year, Congress enacted all 12 full-year

appropriations bills by December 27. If Congress fails to

once again enact full-year appropriations bills, or continues

running the government into 2022 under continuing

resolutions, it will send the wrong signal to the

government's partners, like those in our industry. We count

on stable, reliable and adequate funding to support the

critical capabilities that we provide for all Americans.

Like other industries, COVID-19 took a serious toll on our

workforce and the thousands of small- and medium-sized

businesses along the supply chain that are at the heart of

the aerospace and defense industries. More than ever,

businesses across all industries need predictability and

consistency.

We again ask that you ensure that all government programs

receive full Fiscal Year 2022 funding on or before December

3, 2021.

Sincerely,

Eric Fanning,

President and CEO,

Aerospace Industries Association.

Coalition on Human Needs,

Washington, DC, November 15, 2021.

Hon. Rosa DeLauro,

Chairwoman, House Committee on Appropriations, Washington,