Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor, commend and extend personal congratulations to my friend of longstanding and my brother in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Coach Bobby L. Wright. Coach Wright, the beloved and renowned former Head Coach and Athletic Director at Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, recently retired after 44 years as a highly respected coach, mentor and consultant. A retirement celebration was held in his honor on Friday, July 2, 2021 at Green Island Country Club in Columbus, Georgia.

Bobby L. Wright graduated from Buena Vista High School in Marion County, Georgia in 1970 and from Fort Valley State College (now Fort Valley State University) in 1974. The following year, he began his stellar teaching and coaching careers at Carver High School in Columbus, Georgia serving as the Head Coach for track and Assistant Coach for football and basketball. In 1977, he was recruited and hired across the Chattahoochee River at Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama where he taught, coached, and chaired the Health and Physical Education Department. There, for 12 years he served as an Assistant Coach under the tutelage of famed Coach James Redd before taking over as the Head Coach.

During his impressive 32-year tenure as Head Coach for the Central High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, ``The Red Devils'' he amassed an incredible record of achievement: 4 State Championship game appearances; 8 semi-final appearances; 26 playoff appearances; and winning 8 region titles and 23 area titles. Coach Wright had a 671-221 won-loss record with his 600th win being against archrival Auburn High School in 2017. Concurrently, he served as the Defensive Coordinator for the Central High School football team for 26 years, including in 1993 when they won the Alabama State High School Football Championship title. In addition to that, Coach Wright served as the school's Athletic Director from 1998 until his retirement earlier this year.

Aristotle once said, ``Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.'' Coach Wright was an educator of both. He is rooted in the belief that children need tough love as well as encouragement. As such, he was known for his discipline-first approach when coaching basketball, football, and track. He used this firm coaching style to motivate the athletes under his direction to do their best and met them with laughter and support even if they missed the mark.

Coach Wright has received countless awards and commendations for his achievements and accomplishments as a coach and educator, including a resolution on January 21, 2021 approved by the Phenix City Alabama Board of Education honoring his long and exemplary service to the Phenix City School system. But none is more impressive than his 2014 induction into the Alabama High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Coach Wright 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 of almost three decades, Carolyn; his family, students and the communities in Georgia and Alabama, to which he has given so much.

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, in extending our sincerest appreciation, our heartfelt congratulations and our best wishes to Coach Bobby L. Wright upon the occasion of his retirement after an outstanding 44 years impacting the lives of the countless people he has touched.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary public servant, wife, mother and dear friend of longstanding to many, the Honorable Evelyn Wright Turner Pugh. Sadly, Ms. Pugh passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2021. A memorial celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 am, Monday July 19, 2021 at Revelation Baptist Church, 203 R.C. Allen Drive, Columbus, Georgia.

A native of Columbus, Evelyn Wright was born on June 23, 1950 to the late Willie ``Son'' Wright and Mary Pearl Haynes. She attended George Washington Carver High School, graduating in 1968. Upon graduation she married Marcus ``Pancho'' Turner and they had 2 sons, Marcus Deon and Maurice. Determined to prepare herself for an amazing career, she attended Columbus College (now Columbus State University) where she received her Associate's degree in Secretarial Science, a Bachelor's in Management/Accounting and a Master's in Business Administration. Beginning her career as a secretary at Columbus College and Progressive Funeral Home she earned her tuition and was mentored by Columbus icon, Mr. George Washington Ford, being inspired by his example of selfless service in helping others.

Evelyn gained employment at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia and rose quickly through the ranks holding a plethora of positions ranging from entry level to managerial across a span of 30 years. In 1999 she was appointed Vice President of Sun Trust Bank, West Georgia, a position she held until her retirement from the banking industry in 2012.

When her marriage ended in divorce, she successfully managed her roles as mother and business executive but felt a calling to serve her community. Growing out of a group of young adults concerned about conditions in the Columbus community, ``People For A Cause'', Evelyn offered herself for public office and in 1988 was elected to the City Council of Columbus where she served for 30 years, 14 as Mayor Pro Tem, working to improve the quality of life for the people of Columbus.

Due to her strong leadership and dedication to public service, she was selected for numerous other responsibilities. She was appointed by Governor Zell Miller to the Georgia Policy Council on Children and Families; to the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government Advisory Committee; and the Mental Health Mental Retardation Substance Abuse Funding Study Committee. She was appointed Chair of the National League of Cities' Public Safety and Crime Prevention Steering Committee, working with U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno on the use of grants from the Community Oriented Policing Services Program; was elected Georgia Chair of Women in Municipal Government; President of the Georgia Municipal Association and Board of Directors of the National League of Cities.

And if that was not enough, she continued service on local boards, including the Board of Directors of Girls, Inc.; St. Francis Hospital; Columbus Technical College; Liberty Theater and Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation. She was a faithful member of the Columbus Chapter of The Links, Inc.; and Columbus Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serving as Treasurer and Financial Secretary. She was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Award, among other distinguished honors, including being named by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of Georgia's top public servants. Moreover, she served as Treasurer for my political campaign committees, both State and Federal, for over 4 decades and was a trusted friend.

Evelyn was a devoted sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, mentor and friend to many. She poured herself into her sons, Deon and Maurice. She found love later in life, married the late Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Reginald Pugh

and lovingly embraced her new blended family, including Reggie, Jr., Tijuana and Talender. She was proud of all of her grandchildren and doted in their every achievement.

Evelyn loved God and served him throughout her life in various capacities through Holsey Chapel CME Church, Fourth Street Baptist Church and Revelation Baptist Church.

Shirley Chisholm often said that ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space we occupy on this earth''. Evelyn paid her rent and she paid it well. She gave so much to so many for so long and continued until she could give no more. Columbus, the State of Georgia, our nation and all those whose lives she touched are better because of her.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join my wife Vivian and me, along with the residents of the 2nd Congressional District of Georgia in paying tribute to The Honorable Evelyn Wright Turner Pugh for her service and in extending our deepest condolences to her family, friends and all 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.

Madam Speaker, this June, we celebrate Pride Month in solidarity with our fellow Americans, and world citizens, who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer, also known as the LGBTQ community. We celebrate the courage it takes for LGBTQ people to openly and freely be their true selves, and we celebrate to show them compassion and understanding, even if they have not yet made the decision to affirm their identity publicly.

The struggle to attain full equality for LGBTQ Americans is far from over, but we can take solace in recent triumphs: the repeal of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'' Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage in the United States, Bostock v. Clayton County, GA, which prohibited employment discrimination based on sex or sexual orientation, and President Biden's lifting of the ban on Transgender people from serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

But also, during this Pride Month, we must not forget the struggles that lie ahead for the LGBTQ community--most notably, attaining the right to live freely, with equal protection of the laws and without fear of violence or persecution. For many LGBTQ people, especially those of color, this dream is not yet within reach. I implore those Americans that face adversity for their sex or sexual orientation not to despair; as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. paraphrased the words of the abolitionist Theodore Parker, `the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.'

It is incumbent upon each and every one of us living in this country to extend the kindness and respect to our neighbor that we, in turn, would wish to receive. LGBTQ Americans live and work in every city and county in our nation. They live in communities that are rural, urban, suburban and everything in between. They are a diverse community that spans all races, ethnicities, nations, and creeds, but they all have one thing in common--they were created by God and in his image.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my personal congratulations to an extraordinary man, leader, soldier, veteran, and true national treasure, Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr. USA (ret.). On Friday, May 21, 2021, Colonel Puckett was awarded the Medal of Honor, our Nation's most prestigious military award, by President Joseph R. Biden for his valiant and commendable service to his nation. A dinner congratulating him on this momentous achievement will be held at The National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 6pm.

Before receiving this momentous honor, the Tifton, Georgia native had already established an impressive career in the U.S. military. Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr. graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1949. Assigned as an Infantry Lieutenant to occupation duty in Japan, he volunteered for the Eighth U.S. Army Ranger Company when the Korean War began. On November 25, 1950, the then-First Lieutenant began a multiday operation with the Eighth Army Ranger Company, a company of 51 U.S. and nine South Korean soldiers, against a plethora of Chinese troops on Hill 205. During the initial daylight assault, Colonel Puckett exposed himself to enemy fire, rallying pinned down U.S. troops to advance and take the hill from its defenders. In the following hours, temperatures dropped, and the Chinese attempted to retake the hill and Col. Puckett radioed in an artillery strike to stop the enemy's advance. Over the course of six brutal enemy attacks, Colonel Puckett incurred severe wounds on his left shoulder, feet, thighs, and buttocks. Although severely injured, he was still able to command his company and call on artillery to avert enemy attacks, before being carried to safety by two of his troops.

Colonel Puckett was originally awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions at Hill 205, but John Lock, a retired U.S. Army officer, and assistant professor at the U.S. Military Academy, discovered Colonel Puckett's story and believed it met the criteria to be awarded our nation's most prestigious military award, the Medal of Honor. In 2003, Mr. Lock began the strenuous process to have Colonel Puckett's initial award upgraded to the Medal of Honor. After being met with unforeseen opposition, Lock submitted a petition for an upgrade to the Army Award Corrections Board. In 2020, the petition for Colonel Puckett was approved, and on Friday, May 21, 2021, Colonel Puckett was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Joseph R. Biden for his valiant and commendable service to his Nation.

During his 22-year career, Colonel Puckett received several illustrious awards and commendations for his outstanding leadership and heroic actions in the line of duty and on behalf of his fellow servicemen. To date, he has received the Distinguished Service Cross twice, along with two Silver Stars for valor, two Bronze Star Medals, and five Purple Hearts. Similarly, in 1992, he became one of the first people to be inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame.

Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once said that ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' As one of our nation's most decorated military heroes, Colonel Puckett has paid his rent many times over and continued to give a prodigious amount of love and service back to his community following his military service. As a retiree, Colonel Puckett has remained actively involved with military affairs, including as a volunteer with the Ranger Brigade as well as serving as an executive with Outward Bound, a nonprofit educational organization that exposes students, especially those from cities, to wilderness settings.

Colonel Puckett has accomplished many things in his life, but none of these would have been possible without the grace of God, and the enduring love and support of his wife, Jean; and their children, Martha and Thomas.

Madam Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in recognizing and commending Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr. USA (ret.) on receiving the prestigious Medal of Honor and his lifetime of service to his community and his nation.

Madam Speaker, on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation and six months after the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment outlawing slavery, Union Troops seized control of the area and declared all slaves free.

Since then, ``Juneteenth'' has been observed in Texas and in many places as Emancipation Day and the end of slavery in the United States because many of those enslaved had not yet received the news of President Lincoln's January 1, 1863, Emancipation Proclamation.

The news surrounding the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of slavery reached different regions at different times. While many commemorate this occasion on June 19, in areas such as Russell County, Alabama, the date marking the end of slavery is May 28, and as such, locals have established May 28 as a community holiday to celebrate the day of freedom.

For many of the enslaved, in communities across the south, this news was purposefully kept from them--denying them the freedom and rights they were due. It is a dark legacy we see repeating itself today which reminds us that freedom and rights--even that most fundamental right to vote--are precious and precarious.

It has been a long and continuing march towards equality and justice. So long as slavery existed and persisted, our country could never truly live up to its founding ideals of ``life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'' The great strides made by courageous pioneers such as William Lloyd Garrison, Theodore Parker, John Greenleaf Whittier, James Russell Lowell, William Wells Brown, and Frederick Douglass were among the early steps to realize those ideals in America.

Through Reconstruction, a Civil Rights Movement nearly 100 years later, and up through current efforts to eliminate the residual effects of slavery on the descendants of former slaves, the fight continues into this century. Every step forward seems to have been met with opposition--too often violent opposition--against recognition that ``all men are created equal''. The words of Frederick Douglass ring true today that ``freedom is a constant struggle''.

As we remember the struggles and successes of the past, we must use this occasion to renew our efforts to wipe out the vestiges of slavery that still remain.

Juneteenth is not only a reminder of the end of an odious era in our Nation's history, but a reminder of the work that still needs to be done before we can truly celebrate freedom.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in sadness and in joy to celebrate the life of a good and great Morehouse Man, Dr. Tobe Johnson. Sadly. Dr. Johnson transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, May 7, 2021, at the age of 91. A homegoing service will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021, at 11 AM, on the campus of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. While his passing leaves in its wake many heavy hearts, upon prayerful reflection the pain we share must melt into joy. For, Dr. Johnson leaves a remarkable legacy of service to humanity as a scholar, teacher, husband, father, mentor, confidant, and friend of longstanding to many.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Tobe Johnson was born on September 16, 1929, to the late Mr. Tobe Johnson and Mrs. Evelyn Johnson. He grew up in a Black, working-class community, entered Morehouse College in Atlanta at age 16, but was forced to leave school and work at a steel plant back in Alabama. He joined the Air Force, serving in Japan, and following his discharge, returned to Morehouse College to complete his undergraduate degree--a B.A. in Political Science, in 1954. He attended Columbia University in New York, becoming the first Black person to receive a Ph.D. in Government from that institution. After receiving his Doctorate and teaching at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, he was recruited by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays to join the faculty at Morehouse College, where he served in many capacities before his retirement in 2018.

Dr. Johnson graduated from Morehouse right as the Supreme Court outlawed racial segregation in public schools. This monumental decision stimulated his interest in analyzing political structures and influencing long-term change. This was an early victory followed by others such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and motivated Dr. Johnson to use his skills to help Black political advancement.

Dr. Johnson, as a teacher, researcher, writer, and administrator, was an icon on the Morehouse College faculty, where he was hailed as the institution's longest-serving faculty member. He taught at the school for almost 60 years, was an Avalon professor, and served as Chair of the Political Science Department. He established and conducted, at Morehouse, a rare Peace Corps volunteer training program in the South. He impacted the lives of countless Morehouse men, such as Jeh Johnson, who would become the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; Randall L. Woodfin, the youngest mayor ever elected in Birmingham, Alabama; and Maynard H. Jackson, Jr., Atlanta's first Black mayor.

As a Student Assistant in the Political Science Department for 2 years, I worked directly for Dr. Johnson doing research. He was precise, analytical, data-driven, and brutally frank in his approach and had the highest standards of integrity and validation for his research. He became my mentor, role model, wise counsel, and friend of longstanding. He took great pride in my elections and my service in the Georgia General Assembly for 16 years and my service in the U.S. Congress for 29 years. I am truly blessed that he helped shape my life.

During his career, he received numerous honors, awards, and special recognitions.

Sir Winston Churchill often said: ``You make your living by what you get, you make your life by what you give.'' Dr. Johnson gave so much to so many for so long and truly made his life. His public service, his advocacy for students, his devotion to Morehouse College, and his service to his community and his nation, reflect the legacy he leaves and the joy we must celebrate. Truly the world is a better place because Dr. Tobe Johnson passed this way.

Dr. Johnson accomplished much in his life. but none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and the support of his wife of 61 years. Goldie: his children, Cheryl and Tobe III; and a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

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 Georgia and the nation in saluting and honoring Dr. Tobe Johnson for his service in the education and political sectors, to his country, and to humankind; and in extending our deepest condolences to Dr. Johnson'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, millions of people here and around the globe were shocked to learn of the shootings at three Atlanta spas last March that killed eight people and injured one. Six of the eight victims were of Asian descent.

Many of us saw a link between the discriminatory and often hateful rhetoric against the Asian-American community during the COVID-19 pandemic and this unspeakable act of violence. In fact, the last year has seen an unacceptable rise in anti-Asian racism and violent attacks, especially against the elderly. There are many such incidents across the nation that are said to be unreported as well.

As the Dean of the Georgia Delegation, I strongly condemn these heinous acts of violence against our Asian-American brothers and sisters. They have no place in Georgia or anywhere else in our nation for that matter.

I therefore urge my colleagues to support not only this important resolution to condemn this act of violence and to remember the lives that were so tragically taken from us last March in Atlanta. I also urge them to support the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to bolster the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes in the United States.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Shakespeare wrote: All the world is a stage. And all the men and women, merely players. Each has his entrance and his exit. One man in his time may play many parts.

So it was with our beloved Alcee Hastings. He was a son, father, grandfather, husband, civil rights activist, attorney, judge, Member of Congress, international parliamentarian, colleague, my brother in Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, a faithful friend, and a fearless foe.

His performance in each of these roles was always par excellence. His was a life well-lived. He was authentic, brutally frank, but always a powerful advocate for marginalized humanity. He did so much for so many for so long. We will miss him, but the world is a better place because of the life of Alcee Lamar Hastings.

My wife, Vivian, and I send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Patricia, his other family, his staff, and all who mourn his loss.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay homage to an outstanding man of God, dedicated public servant, courageous soldier, and friend of longstanding, Reverend Bryant Wardell Raines. Reverend Raines transitioned from labor to reward on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. His homegoing service was held on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Georgia. He leaves behind a loving family, his dedicated church congregation at the New Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church (NPMBC), and an appreciative community for his extraordinary life of service to God and humankind.

A native son of Macon, Reverend Bryant Wardell Raines was born on February 3, 1977, to the union of Mrs. Barbara Tharpe Raines and the late Reverend Curtis Raines, Sr. He thirsted for knowledge and self- improvement. He was a 1995 graduate of Central High School and a 1999 graduate of Clark Atlanta University, where he received B.A. Degrees in English, Philosophy, and Religion. In addition to attending Georgia Southern University (in pursuit of an M.A. Degree in Public Administration) and The Morehouse School of Religion at the Interdenominational Theological Center, he was also a 2001 graduate of the United States Army Chaplain Center and School. He was pursuing an M.A. Degree in Evangelism and Church Planting at Liberty University when the Lord called him home.

Reverend Raines served his country honorably in the United States Army as the Chaplain Assistant for the Installation Garrison Command, 3rd Infantry Division and the 4th Battalion 64th Armor Regiment of Fort Stewart, Georgia. He received awards for his valiant service including Army Service Ribbon (2001); Army Commendation Medal (2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004); National Defense Service Ribbon (2001); Primary Leadership Development Ribbon (2003); Presidential Unit Citation (2003); and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (2003).

Reverend Raines was a man of God, truly devoted to his calling--a calling from God, passed to him through his father, Reverend Curtis Raines, Sr., who was his predecessor at NPMBC and the past president of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia. As the beloved Pastors of NPMBC, they utilized their roles as spiritual leaders to fully engage with their community by creating numerous outreach programs and opportunities to enrich the lives of those around them. Before his transition, Reverend Bryant Raines worked tirelessly with The Curtis Raines, Sr. Foundation on the development of The Curtis Raines, Sr. Health and Wellness Facility. This holistic community center seeks to minister to the total person by providing programs and resources to promote both physical and spiritual wellness.

Reverend Raines believed strongly that involvement in his local and state-level sacerdotal 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 NPMBC, he served the Deacon, the Audio and Video, and the Evangelism Ministries at NPMBC; President of the Sixth District of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc.; Vice President of the Sixth District of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, Inc.; Member of the Board of Trustees at Wesley Glen Ministries; Member of the Rotary Club of Macon, Georgia; Member of the Baptist Minister's Union of Macon and Vicinity; and as Founder of the Heal the Hood Initiative, a community initiative to combat violence and address the needs of the total 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 ``I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.'' Reverend Bryant Wardell Raines, in his life, did just that, and the world is better because he passed this way. On a personal note, the advice, counsel, friendship, and support that I have received from Reverend Raines as Congressman for the Second Congressional District has been immeasurable. He never told me what I wanted to hear, but he always told me what he felt I needed to hear. And, for that, I will be forever grateful.

Reverend Raines 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, Mrs. Ilashia Brezial Raines; and his siblings, Shun, Curtis, Jr., and Varina. He loved his family. His family loved him back. And they will miss him along with all of us whose lives he touched.

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 Georgia and the nation in saluting Reverend Bryant Wardell Raines for his service in the ministry, to his country, and to humankind; and in extending our deepest condolences to Reverend Raines' 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 with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today, to pay tribute to a man of God, respected public servant, and entrepreneur, Mr. Henry Lee Jackson, Sr. Sadly, Mr. Jackson transitioned from labor to reward on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at the age of 91. His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Floral Memorial Gardens in Albany, Georgia.

A native son of Albany, Georgia, Henry Jackson, Sr. answered the call to serve his nation at the age of 17, when he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served our nation honorably among the ranks of the first black Marines, known as the Montford Point Marines because they received basic training at the segregated Montford Point Base adjacent to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This historic troop went on to fight in the gruesome Battle of Peleliu in Japan during World War II. More than 50 years later, he and all of the Montford Point Marines, the first African-Americans allowed to serve in the Marine Corps, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Barack Obama recognizing their personal sacrifice and service to their country during World War II.

Yet, Madam Speaker, Mr. Jackson's profound service did not stop there. He went on to fight in the Korean war, and upon returning home and finishing his education, he enlisted in the United States Air Force (USAF), where he served for 24 years before retiring as a Master Sergeant. After his retirement from USAF, Mr. Jackson served as the Chief of Airport Security at the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport for several years before retiring and dedicating his time to his businesses. He was the owner of Jackson Income Tax Service and a lawn service.

Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' Henry Lee Jackson, Sr. is one such great soul, who served humanity in a special way. He devoted decades of service to fighting for the freedoms of others. He was an honorable human being who loved deeply and, in return, was deeply loved. His impression on this earth extends beyond himself to the very wellbeing of his beloved city, state, and nation, and for it, he will be remembered for time to come.

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. Henry Lee Jackson, Sr. for his remarkable service to humankind. Moreover, we extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Jackson's 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.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of the Georgia National Guard who were deployed to the District of Columbia and the National Capitol Region for the inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. as the 46th President of the United States and Kamala D. Harris as the 49th Vice President of the United States.

Since 1636, the National Guard has consistently served the American people in much-needed roles that range from homeland defense, overseas combat, humanitarian aid, and defense support for civil authorities.

As all of us are aware, sustained military operations worldwide, coupled with declining numbers of active-duty personnel, have required the Department of Defense to rely more and more on the use of the Georgia National Guard. Following the violent and deadly attempted coup at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, 2,284 members from the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Georgia National Guard, and the 116th and 165th Security Forces Squadrons of the Georgia Air National Guard selflessly arrived in Washington, D.C. in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic--risking their health and safety in multiple ways to do their duty. Their mission was to aid and support the United States Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, the United States Secret Service, the United States Park Police, and other Federal law enforcement agencies as they worked to keep our nation's capital secure after its occupation by domestic terrorists.

In keeping with the National Guard's motto of ``Always Ready, Always There,'' these citizen-soldiers from Georgia were committed and ready on a moment's (short) notice to protect the U.S Capitol and ensure that there was a peaceful transfer of power on January 20 in response to their deployment orders. Thanks to these brave men and women from Georgia, there were no incidents of violence that threatened the inaugural ceremonies. There is no doubt in my mind that their service prevented further loss of life and threats against our democracy. At one of our darkest times, the Georgia National Guard was there to protect America--from all enemies foreign or domestic.

Madam Speaker, I am very proud of the Georgia National Guard. Because of their service, the will of the People was honored, and the institutions of our government remain intact. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me and the people of Georgia, in extending our sincerest appreciation, pride, and utmost gratitude to the Georgia National Guard, the Adjutant General of Georgia Thomas Carden, and his staff, for their outstanding work, morale, and dedication to duty during the inauguration.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and Happy Birthday wishes to an inspirational leader and true man of God, Pastor Sidney R. Crawford, who celebrated his 101st birthday on Wednesday, June 6, 2019, with his family and friends.

Sidney Richard Crawford was born on June 6, 1918, in Bonneau, South Carolina to the union of the late Mr. William Henry and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth ``Lizzie'' Hodge Crawford. He graduated from Berkeley County High School in 1937 and went on to attend college in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

In 1941, he married the love of his life, Ms. Iva Elizabeth ``Betty'' Harper, in Heath Springs, South Carolina. That same year, he responded to God's call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by becoming an ordained Baptist Minister at Emanuel Baptist Church in Summerville, South Carolina. He pastored several churches in the Charleston and Summerville areas until 1947, when he decided that he wanted to serve not only his community, but his country. That year, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and honorably served his country for seven years. In 1954, he was called back into the ministry to preach in Adamsville, Alabama. Over the years, Pastor Crawford successfully balanced the role of Pastor at several churches in Alabama and Georgia until 1970, when he decided to return to college to enhance his studies. His hard work and dedication paid off in 1972, when he graduated with a degree from Charleston Southern University. But even with his newfound wealth of knowledge, he continued pastoring in churches and teaching at schools in South Carolina.

George Washington Carver once said, ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Pastor Crawford has advanced far in life because he never forgot these lessons and always kept God first.

The race of life isn't given to the swift or to the strong, but to those who endure until the end. Pastor Crawford has continued to run the race of life with zeal and dignity and God has blessed him over his lifetime.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the almost 730,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in honoring an outstanding citizen and man of God, Pastor Sidney R. Crawford, for a lifetime of selfless service to God, the church, and to humankind. We extend our best wishes to him on the occasion of his 101st birthday and without reservation exclaim: To God be the Glory.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated leader and true champion for the law enforcement community, Mr. James A. ``Bud'' Cody, Sr. Sadly, Bud passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2019. A public memorial celebrating his life and legacy will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia.

James A. ``Bud'' Cody, Sr. was born on November 27, 1938, in Willacoochee, Georgia to the union of the late Homer and Mellie Cody. At a young age, he was destined to be a part of something greater than himself. While attending Valdosta High School, he was a member of the school's famed football program and state winning 4x4 track relay team. At the age of 18, he began working full-time at the Boys Club in Valdosta, and it was then that Bud realized his passion for helping underprivileged youth reach their full potential. As a full-time father and husband, Bud attended night classes at Valdosta State College and in 1961, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Social Work. Upon his graduation, the Boys Club relocated him to Texas where he was instrumental in the establishment of several Boys Club facilities across Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico.

Bud discovered his second passion for serving the Office of Sheriff through improving law enforcement and training in 1966 when the Georgia Sheriffs' Association {GSA) hired him to serve as their first Executive Director. That same year, he began his tenure as the Director of the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes' Boys Ranch in Hahira, Georgia and as the Treasurer for the Sheriffs' Retirement Fund of Georgia {SRFG). He actively served in all three roles until his retirement in September of 2012. During his 46-year tenure as the Executive Director of the Georgia Sheriffs' Association, he was sought after by several Georgia governors {ranging from Governor Sanders to Governor Perdue) for his advice and counsel on matters relating to improving law enforcement throughout the state.

Bud's impact on the law enforcement community expanded in 1978, when he joined his friend and business partner, Claude Grizzard, to form the company, Computer Fund Raising {CFR), which provided financial assistance to millions of officers and youth in over 30 states. In 1980, in an effort to nationally protect and preserve the Office of Sheriff, Bud worked with Bobby Timmons of the Alabama Sheriffs' Association to form the National Sheriff's Association Committee of Presidents and Executive Directors. In 1982, Bud used his position as Treasurer of the SRFG to assume control of the Fund's $9 million in assets and helped increase it to its current total of $97 million, to ensure that those who gave their lives to protect and serve receive retirement funds. Bud took his passion one step further in 1990 when he worked with state leaders, criminal justice practitioners, and Sheriffs to establish the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia, a world-class public safety training facility that trains more than 2,000 students daily. He also helped create safe havens and educational opportunities for thousands of Georgia's youth by overseeing the development of youth homes in Cherokee Estate, Pineland, Herrington, Homestead, and Mountain View, Georgia. Additionally, in 1995, he and the GSA created the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes Foundation, which currently holds $15 million in assets for their on- going youth homes.

Bud 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 children, James, Jr., Derek, Camille, Amy, and Celena {deceased); his twelve grandchildren; and his four great- grandchildren. Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' Bud is undoubtedly great because of his selfless service, devotion to his work, and the compassion he showed for his friends and loved ones. Bud's impression on this earth extends beyond himself to the very well-being of the communities in which he lived and served.

Madam Speaker, my wife, Vivian, and I, along with the almost 730,000 people in Georgia's Second Congressional District, salute Mr. James A. ``Bud'' Cody, Sr. for an outstanding career within law enforcement and his lifelong dedication to serving his community. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest sympathies to Bud's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. 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, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant and dear friend of longstanding, Mr. Hilton R. Segler. Sadly, Hilton passed away on July 4, 2019, at the age of 82. His passing marks the close of a long and prolific life, and his departure leaves a void in the hearts of many Georgians. He leaves behind an impeccable legacy of service that will never be forgotten. A funeral service was held on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors in Albany, Georgia.

Mr. Hilton Ray Segler was born in Ozark, Alabama, on April 26, 1937, to the union of the late Mr. William Foy and Mrs. Willie Clyde (Dunn) Segler. In 1948, his family moved to Albany, Georgia, where he went on to graduate from Albany High School and pursue several correspondence degrees in Law and Business.

In 1957, Hilton started working for Southeastern Liquid Fertilizer in Albany, Georgia, before serving as the Assistant to the President of Planters Chemical Company in Virginia. He then moved back to Albany in 1964 to work for the Thompson/Hayward Chemical Company and was appointed Regional Manager for the company in 1981. Hilton also has served as a salesman for the TIDA Farm Service Center where his sales exceeded $1.5 million in his first year and $3 million in his second year, thus proving his acuity as a salesman. In the early 1990s, he purchased a pecan farm and farmed over 1,900 acres of pecan trees for almost six years. He later started a nickel nutrient supplement company, Nipan, LLC, in 2003. Products from his company have gained tremendous popularity in the last few years and are shipped all over the United States.

In 2002, Hilton, along with Bucky Geer and James Lee Adams, testified before the Risk Management Agency on behalf of pecan growers. His undying efforts helped pecan growers across the United States attain crop insurance. Hilton also testified before the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture in an effort to obtain larger provisions for the pecan industry in the 2008 Farm bill. Consequently, pecans were included in the Country of Origin labeling requirements and also in the crop insurance program.

Hilton continued to work on expanding pecan exports to China and other agricultural economies, by partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture and Georgia Department of Agriculture, and pushing for pecan farmers' participation in the Market Access program, a program that helps finance promotional activities for U.S. agricultural products.

In 2004, Hilton championed efforts to obtain ``clean up'' assistance for pecan farmers who were hurt by hurricanes that devastated parts of Georgia and Alabama. In 2010, he testified before the House Agriculture Committee on the future of the pecan industry and the importance of nutrition and trade to this industry, for the 2010 Farm bill.

Hilton 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, Faye; his children, Rhonda, Scott, and Jamie; and a host of family and friends who will miss him deeply.

On a personal note, Hilton was my friend. I will miss his sage advice and wise counsel. He never told me what I wanted to hear; he always told me what I needed to hear. The state of Georgia and our Nation have been truly blessed to benefit from Hilton's leadership and advocacy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the almost 730,000 people in Georgia's Second Congressional District and countless others across America in paying tribute to Mr. Hilton R. Segler for a life well lived and in extending our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time of bereavement. Moreover, we pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Chair, I can tell my colleagues with great confidence that USDA's proposal to move the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) outside the National Capital Region is a bad idea.

We held a hearing on the issue last March, at which four former senior USDA officials with 70 years of combined experience at the two agencies, from both parties, expressed their deep opposition to this proposal.

Numerous stakeholders have expressed strong opposition, including the National Farmers Union, the Association of American Veterinary Colleges and nearly 1700 other organizations, university officials, and individuals from 47 states.

We have not received a single letter in support of this proposal.

USDA violated the Appropriations Committee's statutorily required 30- day waiting period for such proposals when it took action to implement the proposal six days after notifying the Committee.

It failed utterly to comply with the requirements of the conferees in the 2019 omnibus appropriations report to submit all cost benefits for the move and a detailed analysis of any research benefits of a relocation when it submitted the 2020 budget.

USDA has also refused numerous requests from Members of the House and Senate that it provide the original cost-benefit analysis developed before the proposal was announced.

It finally gave us a so-called ``cost-benefit analysis'' after the final site was selected.

But an independent analysis of this supposed analysis found that ``USDA leadership failed to follow federal guidelines for the benefit cost analysis'' and that ``the move to Kansas City will cost taxpayers between $83 and $182 million dollars, rather than saving them $300 million dollars.''

Large numbers of ERS and NIFA employees have left as a result of this proposal.

I fear that ultimately, these agencies will become mere shadows of their former selves, with the loss of hundreds of years of expertise.

These agencies' mission is to achieve the best science through research that advances U.S. agriculture and our understanding of the agricultural economy.

I believe that the Department's proposal puts that mission at great risk.

I urge a yes vote on the Norton amendment.