Floor Statements

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,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary trailblazer, sailor, World War II veteran, and dedicated civil servant, Parachute Rigger Petty Officer 2nd Class (P/R 2) Reba Alexander Moncus, who was honored at Veterans Day Program for the American Legion Post 30 on November 11, 2021, at 8 a.m.

Reba Alexander Moncus was born November 30, 1921, in Berrien County, Georgia, to the union of the late Mr. J.H. and Mrs. Lodia Alexander. As a family of sharecroppers during the Great Depression, the Alexanders often moved around, and with money being scarce, the only food they purchased was the food they could not grow on their own. Because her family could not afford to buy schoolbooks for her studies, Reba had to drop out of school in the third grade. It was not until Ed Rivers became Governor of Georgia, that the state began furnishing free schoolbooks, and Reba was able to return to her studies. She attended six different schools in a three-county area, before graduating from high school at the age of 21. After high school, she went to Thomaston, Georgia where she worked for Thomaston Mills, and after some time there, she realized that a life of drudgery working in a cotton mill was not the life she wanted to live.

On March 10, 1943, Reba answered the call to serve her nation and enlisted in the newly formed U.S. NAVY WAVES (Women Appointed for Volunteer Emergency Services), the women's branch of the U.S. Navy, and was the first woman to be recruited from the Albany, Georgia area. Upon enlisting, she started basic training at Hunter College in New York along with 10,000 other women on July 15, 1943. After Basic she was assigned to the Recreation Department onboard Naval Air Station Anacostia, in Washington, D.C. Reba was adamant about wanting to serve her country in every capacity and wanting to contribute to the World War II efforts, and after battling with the Navy Bureau of Personnel for four months, she finally convinced them that she was capable of serving on the front lines. On January 1, 1944, Reba was assigned to Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey for training as a parachute rigger. On April l, 1944, upon completion of her training, she was sent to Naval Air Station (NAS) Melbourne, Florida, where new Naval Aviators were taught tactics, gunnery, and general flight prior to shipment overseas. During her tenure at NAS Melbourne, she was also able to participate in the drop test flights but, as one of two female riggers, she was not allowed to test jump chutes, as they were reserved only for the male riggers. Reba spent the most fulfilling days of her life, interrupted by moments of pure horror at Melbourne, as her duties included inspecting and repacking unused military parachutes and salvaging the hardware from burned parachutes, which included smelling the horrible stench of human flesh mixed with burnt aviation gas, oil, and everything involved with an airplane crash. She was later reassigned to NAS Opa Locka in November of 1944 and was released from active duty on November 24, 1945.

Following her military service, she continued to serve her community and make an impact in the lives of others. Her contributions include serving her fellow Veterans as a member of the American Legion Post 30 in Albany, Georgia and serving on the Honor Guard Burial Detail for more than two decades. Moreover, she urged her fellow vets and first responders suffering from the effects of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder to seek help.

Douglas Adams once said that ``To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.'' P/R 2 Reba Alexander Moncus has demonstrated through her career and life, outstanding achievement, service, and public distinction. Our community, our state, and our nation are better because of her.

Reba 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, Albert Holton Harrell; and her children, and her grandchildren.

Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 residents of the Second Congressional District in honoring and commending Parachute Rigger Petty Officer 2nd Class (P/R 2) Reba Alexander Moncus for her outstanding service to her nation, community, and humankind.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a devoted Man of God, a distinguished public servant, dedicated husband, loving father, inspiring mentor, and dear friend of longstanding, The Honorable Lynmore James. Sadly, Lynmore transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, October 29, 2021. His funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the Macon County High School Gym in Montezuma, Georgia.

Lynmore James was born on August 28, 1937, in Byromville, Georgia to the union of the late Mr. Will James and Mrs. Hannah James Johnson. A product of the Macon County School System, he graduated from Flint River Farms School, before going on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction from Tuskegee University in Alabama. Lynmore was a very successful farmer in Macon County and a valued team leader in the Quality Control Division at Ford Motor Company.

He served in the General Assembly of Georgia for nine terms from 1992 through 2010. While proudly serving as the State Representative for House District 135, he served on several House Committees including Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Regulated Industries, and Retirement. Lynmore was actively involved in improving the quality of life and local economies for his constituents in Dooly, Peach, Talbot, and Taylor Counties.

But Madam Speaker, his commitment to public service did not end there. Lynmore was more than a legislator, he was a servant to all humankind. He gave of himself to countless causes and organizations including the Flag Bank Board of Directors, the Flint River Community Hospital Governing Board, the Georgia Center for Youth Advisory, the Georgia Agri-Leaders Forum, the Fort Valley State University Foundation Board, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Dr. Maya Angelou once said that ``I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.'' Lynmore threw a prodigious amount of love and service back to the communities and state he loved so dearly.

Lynmore accomplished much in his life, but none of this would have been possible without his enduring faith in God, and the love and support of his wife of 49 years, Faye Hardrick James; his sons Lynorris, Mack Carlton, and Jefferey; and a host of other family, friends, and associates, all of whom will miss him deeply.

On a personal note, Lynmore James was a dear friend to me. He was elected to the Georgia General Assembly the same year that I was called to serve in the U.S. Congress, and we represented the same constituencies during his service. We bonded over helping our constituents, especially during the flood of 1994 when many of them were displaced and disadvantaged because of the natural disaster. The advice, counsel, friendship, and support that I received from Lynmore as Congressman for the Second Congressional District was immeasurable. He never told me what I wanted to hear, but he always told me what he felt I needed to hear.

Lynmore was truly a great state representative for Middle Georgia and a stellar example of how a public servant should serve his constituents. His friendship, leadership, and counsel will be sorely missed.

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 The Honorable Lynmore James for his remarkable service to humankind. Moreover, we extend our deepest condolences to Lynmore's family, friends, and all those who grieve his loss, during this period 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.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a

dedicated teacher, school administrator, and beloved coach, Dr. David C. ``Butch'' Mosely, Jr. Sadly, Dr. Mosely transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, October 8, 2021, at the age of 80. His funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Shady Grove Farm in Climax, Georgia.

David Clark Mosely, Jr., affectionately known as ``Butch'', was born in Bainbridge, Georgia, on July 22, 1941, to the union of David Clark Mosely, Sr. and Rosalie Evans Mosely. Butch graduated from Climax High School in 1959 and started his post-secondary academic career in Americus on a basketball scholarship before attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, and the University of Georgia, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He attended Valdosta State University, where he earned his Specialist Degree and Nova Southeastern University, where he earned his Doctorate.

Aristotle once said, ``Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.'' Accordingly, Butch, throughout his career, stressed not only achieving academic success in his students, but also building character. His impressive career spanned decades and impacted teachers and students across the State of Georgia. He served as Physical Education teacher and Coach of boys and girls basketball teams at Pelham High School and Principal of Whigham Public Schools. He served as Superintendent of Schools in Decatur County, City of Vidalia, Glynn County, and Dougherty County. He served as Interim Superintendent in Carrollton, Douglas, Camilla, and Dougherty. His passion for education and his straightforward approach to making things happen resulted in his being named 1999 Superintendent of the Year by the Georgia Association of Education Leaders.

But Madam Speaker, his commitment to public service did not end there. Butch was elected to represent his community of Climax, Georgia as a Decatur County Commissioner. He later worked with the Southwest Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency and was appointed to the State Board of Education where he continued to serve as a voice for both educators and students in the state.

Butch was also a man of deep faith and served his God in various capacities at the Climax United Methodist Church, where he volunteered countless hours on various committees for many years.

Butch accomplished much in his life, but none of this would have been possible without his enduring faith in God, and the love and support of his wife of 54 years, June Cox Mosely; his children, Sylena and John David; and a host of other family and friends, all of whom will miss him deeply.

Shirley Chisholm often said that ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space we occupy on this earth''. Butch paid his rent and he paid it well. He gave so much to so many for so long and continued until he could give no more. He made students, teachers, and all those whose lives he touched better for having known him.

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 The Honorable David C. ``Butch'' Mosely, Jr. for his remarkable service to humankind.

Moreover, we extend our deepest condolences to Butch's family, friends, and all those who grieve his loss, during this period 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5305. Keeping our government funded and functioning is a basic responsibility of the Congress. This is must-pass legislation.

Passage will give time to finalize the fiscal year 2022 funding bills without a government shutdown, and we should get that done as soon as possible. As chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I want to highlight several items in our jurisdiction.

First, the bill includes $10 billion for agricultural disaster assistance programs to cover events in 2020 and 2021.

It includes $275 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to help communities address damages caused by natural disasters that impair the watersheds.

Moreover, it ensures USDA can continue to help expand economic opportunity, create jobs in rural areas, and fully meet the demand for farm ownership loans. And it provides the authority and funding to allow the Food and Nutrition Service to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in the WIC Food Package, increasing nutrition security at a time when food insecurity is rampant across our country.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the committee staffs on both the Appropriations and the Agriculture Committees. I want to thank Chair DeLauro, the ranking member, and the committee members for their dedicated work on the many difficult issues addressed in this bill.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill and keep the government open so that the programs meant to help America grow economically and recover from natural disasters can continue to help people all across this country.

Madam Speaker, today, my colleague, Mr. Fortenberry of Nebraska, and I will introduce the bipartisan Equal Access to the Right Nutrition Act for Military Families--better known as the EARN Act.

The food insecurity rate among active-duty military families is 14 percent higher than the national average of 10.5 percent.

This affects service members from all ranks, especially junior enlisted as well as service members of color.

The EARN Act is an innovative solution to this problem that will increase military family access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program--commonly known as Foods Stamps or SNAP.

It removes variability in state administered SNAP programs by establishing a federally administered SNAP benefit for military families with streamlined national eligibility requirements for military households.

It encourages participation in SNAP by requiring the U.S. Department of Defense to notify qualifying military families of their eligibility and automatically enroll families in the program unless they decide to opt out.

Finally, it eases the transition back to civilian life by establishing a transitional, temporary SNAP benefit for those leaving service.

When a person makes the commitment and sacrifice to serve our country in the military, we must honor this by ensuring that their basic needs are met.

I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5305. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, I would like to highlight several items in our jurisdiction.

The legislation includes $10 billion for agricultural disaster assistance programs to cover events in 2020 and 2021. Farmers, ranchers, and producers continue to face extreme climate events from extensive droughts out West and unprecedented heat in the Pacific Northwest to another year of massive wildfires in California and hurricanes that continue to batter the Gulf and Eastern seaboard States. Every region of our country is impacted.

The bill also includes $275 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to help communities address damages to infrastructure caused by natural disasters that impair the watersheds.

Furthermore, it ensures that USDA can fully meet the demand for farm ownership loans, especially for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers. It allows USDA to continue to provide loans to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas, and it provides the authority and funding to allow the Food and Nutrition Service to increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables in the WIC food package.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the committee staff of both the Appropriations and Agriculture Committees. I also thank Chair DeLauro and the Members for their dedicated work on the many hard issues addressed in the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill so that programs meant to help America grow economically and recover from natural disasters can continue to help people across this country.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Malinowski).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter).

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

Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, our first duty is to the American people and especially to those in need. With the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, we are supporting our Nation's working families, so many of whom are struggling to get by.

By responding to the devastation of recent natural disasters, we can help the target communities and help the survivors rebuild and restore their lives, their livelihoods, and their homes.

We can also do what is right to help those who risk their lives to serve our Nation in Afghanistan. By providing urgent humanitarian assistance and resources to allow for the resettlement of Afghan evacuees in the United States, we can honor our commitment to these people and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to do the right thing and pass this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary public servant, mentor to many, trailblazer, mother, and dear friend of longstanding, Judge Mary Alice Buckner. Sadly, Judge Buckner transitioned on Friday, September 10, 2021. A celebration of her life was held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 18, 2021, at the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, 4400 Old Cusseta Road in Columbus, Georgia.

Mary Alice Buckner was born in Columbus, Georgia on March 3, 1948, as the fifth of nine children to the late Reverend Otis Buckner and Mrs. Beatrice Rogers Buckner. She was educated in the Muscogee County public schools, graduating with honors in 1966, from George Washington Carver High School. She decided early what career she would pursue, choosing law because she wanted her voice to be heard and to make a difference in society. Mary enrolled at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Political Science in 1970. She was accepted into Emory Law School, and after completing her first year, transferred to Mercer University, where in 1973 she received a Juris Doctorate from the Walter F. George School of Law, becoming the first African American female to graduate from Mercer Law School.

Mary Buckner accepted Christ at an early age becoming a lifelong member of Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, serving over the years in the Sanctuary Choir, the Pulpit Search Committee, the Welcome Circle Mission, the Mount Pilgrim Legal Counsel Board and President of the Matrons 2. In 1975, Mary Buckner joined my law firm, Bishop and Hudlin. In 1978, the firm changed to Bishop and Buckner, P.C., and she became a full partner specializing in real estate, probate, bankruptcy, and domestic relations. We continued our practice up through 1992 when I was elected to Congress at which time, she formed her own private practice. Madam Speaker, Mary Buckner was a pioneer, paving the way for women and minorities. In February of 1984, she became the first African American woman appointed Judge Pro Tem of the Columbus Recorder's Court, and in 1991, she was appointed by the City Council to serve full time, which she did with distinction until her retirement in 2019.

Judge Buckner made significant contributions to the community through her involvement and volunteer work in organizations such as the Columbus Community Center, Past President of the Columbus Technical College Board, member and Past President of the Georgia Legal Services Board, member of the A.J. McClung YMCA Board, and a member of

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her concern for others, especially children, led her to become a foster parent. Judge Buckner's bar affiliations include memberships in the State Bar of Georgia, American Bar Association, National Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association, and the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys.

Among her numerous honors and awards are: The Tony Baldwin Trailblazer Award presented by the Black Law Students Association Alumni Council of Mercer University; The Barbara A. Harris Award for Service to the Community; and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Tau Omega Chapter 2009 Rosa Parks Women of Courage Honoree. She always advised others and especially young people that a person can achieve any goal with hard work, dedication, and commitment. She continued to make strides and create paths for diversity in the legal profession and wanted her legacy to show that she was fair yet compassionate on the bench. She knew that she had to follow the law but at the same time show empathy and concern for the wellbeing of all.

Judge Buckner accomplished much throughout her life, but none of this would have been possible without her enduring faith in God, the love and nurture of her parents, siblings, children, Jontell and Jackie, as well as her vast extended family, friends, and associates, all of whom will miss her deeply.

On a personal note, I have known Judge Buckner as ``Mary B.'' since 1970, when I met her at Emory Law School. She and her family have inspired me and countless others. Not only was she my law partner, but she was my sister and trusted friend. Her friendship and support over the years have contributed mightily to my professional and political success, and I will be forever grateful that she has been a part of my life.

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 the Honorable Mary Alice Buckner for her service to humankind and in extending our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those who mourn her loss. Moreover, 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.