Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the undefeated 2018-2019 AAAA Girls Basketball Georgia State Champions, the George Washington Carver High School Tigers of Columbus, Georgia. The team commemorated this significant milestone on Sunday, March 17, 2019, with a celebratory parade followed by a celebration of honor at the Columbus Civic Center.

On Friday, March 8, 2019, the Tigers won the state championship game against the Spalding Jaguars by a score of 56-44. This historic victory marked the first championship and undefeated season for the Tigers after coming up short in three Final Fours and two state championships. The team placed No. 1 in the MaxPreps AAAA Girls Basketball rankings for Region 1 and have won all but two of their previous 31 games this season by double digits.

Their victory in this year's AAAA state championship follows years of frustration, hard work, and determination bursting forth into an unbelievable season of teamwork and athletic excellence. The perseverance of these Tigers, after coming so close the past two seasons, including a 68-67 overtime loss to in-town rival Columbus High in the 2017 finals, was shown this year in their exciting victory. Moreover, the team completed this spectacular season with an astonishing overall win-loss record of 33-0.

I cannot put into words the tremendous pride that the citizens of Columbus, and indeed the entire Second Congressional District, have in being able to call this outstanding team of athletes their own. They have accomplished an incredible feat, one that could not have been possible without the tireless leadership and encouragement from their head coach, Anson Hundley and his staff, as well as their families, classmates, and members of the community who believed in them and their ability to bring home a state championship title.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more

than 730,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in congratulating and honoring these hardworking young women who have persevered, sacrificed, and achieved the pinnacle of success in basketball--the Georgia AAAA State Championship title.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2018-2019 Georgia State Class A Public-School Basketball Champions, the Marion County Lady Eagles of Buena Vista, Georgia. The team commemorated this significant milestone on Thursday, March 21, 2019, with a celebration of honor at Marion County High School in Buena Vista, Georgia.

On Wednesday, March 6, 2019, fans at the Macon Coliseum observed as the Lady Eagles won the state championship game against the Calhoun County Cougars by a score of 50-38. The Lady Eagles outrebounded their opponents (with a rebound total of 40-to-27) and made 21 of 30 free throws. This victory marked the end of an incredible year of hard work. The team has been ranked No. 1 for the entirety of the 2018-2019 season with an unbelievable 29-1 win-loss record. This championship game also marks a remarkable comeback for the Lady Eagles, who lost last year's game to the Greenville girls' basketball team by a score of 73-52.

The Lady Eagles' victory in this year's final exemplifies years of tireless determination which culminated into an inspiring season of teamwork and athletic excellence, counting a total of 1,910 points across 30 games. I am thrilled to honor this team as they celebrate the first girls' basketball state championship in the school's history. The senior class has been among the most successful ever, graduating with a winning record of 92-24.

I cannot put into words the tremendous pride that the citizens of Buena Vista, and indeed in the entire Second Congressional District, have in being able to call this outstanding team of athletes their own. They have accomplished an amazing feat, one that could not have been possible without the direction and inspiration of their coach, Fran McPherson, and her staff, as well as their families, classmates, and members of the community who believed in them and their ability to bring home a state championship title.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in congratulating and honoring these hardworking young women who have persevered, sacrificed, and achieved the pinnacle of success in basketball--the Georgia Class A State Championship title.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2018-2019 Class A Public-School Boys Basketball Georgia State Champions, the Calhoun County High School Cougars of Edison, Georgia. The team will commemorate this significant milestone with a celebratory parade on Friday, March 22, 2019 and a celebration of honor on Saturday, March 23, 2019.

On Wednesday, March 6, 2019, the Cougars won the state championship game against the Treutlen Vikings by a score of 69-67. This historic victory marked an undefeated season for the Cougars as well as their second state championship. The team also placed No. 1 in the MaxPreps Class A Basketball rankings for Region 1 and for the state of Georgia with a Region win-loss record of 19-0.

Their victory in this year's state championship follows years of frustration, hard work, and determination bursting forth into an incredible season of teamwork and athletic excellence. The perseverance of these Cougars was shown this year in their exciting victory. Moreover, the team completed this spectacular season with an astonishing overall win-loss record of 32-0.

I cannot put into words the tremendous pride that the citizens of Edison, and indeed the entire Second Congressional District, have in being able to call this outstanding team of athletes their own. They have accomplished an incredible feat, one that could not have been possible without the tireless leadership and encouragement from their head coach, Marcus Shaw, and his staff, as well as their families, classmates, and members of the

community who believed in them and their ability to bring home a state championship title.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in congratulating and honoring these hardworking young men who have persevered, sacrificed, and achieved the pinnacle of success in basketball--the Georgia Class A State Championship title.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2018-2019 AAAA Boys Basketball Georgia State Champions, the George Washington Carver High School Tigers of Columbus, Georgia. The team commemorated this significant milestone on Sunday, March 17, 2019, with a celebratory parade followed by a celebration of honor at the Columbus Civic Center.

On Friday, March 8, 2019, the Tigers won the state championship game against Americus-Sumter High School by a score of 58-55. This was the fifth game of the season against the Americus-Sumter Panthers and it was an exciting end to their series. The Tigers took the lead for a second and final time in the game with 28 seconds left. This historic victory marked the first championship for the Tigers since 1971.

Their victory in this year's AAAA state championship follows years of frustration, hard work, and determination bursting forth into an unbelievable season of teamwork and athletic excellence. The perseverance of these Tigers, after placing No. 3 in the MaxPreps AAAA Boys Basketball rankings for Region 1, was clearly shown by a spectacular season.

I cannot put into words the tremendous pride that the citizens of Columbus, and indeed the entire Second Congressional District, have in being able to call this outstanding team of athletes their own. They have accomplished an incredible feat, one that could not have been possible without the tireless leadership and encouragement from their head coach, Warren Beaulah and his staff, as well as their families, classmates, and members of the community who believed in them and their ability to bring home a state championship title.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in congratulating and honoring these hardworking young men who have persevered, sacrificed, and achieved the pinnacle of success in basketball--the Georgia AAAA State Championship title.

Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the American Peanut Shellers Association (APSA) as it celebrates 100 years in leading the effort to expand and advance the American peanut industry. The APSA will be celebrating this great milestone on Friday, April 5, 2019, during the Industry Spring Conference at the Bindery at Oakland Library in Leesburg, Georgia.

The APSA was established by commercial peanut shellers and crushers from Georgia, Alabama, and Florida who began operations in early 1918 as the Southeastern Peanut Association (SPA). Approximately a year later, on April 5, 1919, a group of commercial peanut farmers representing their home states convened in Atlanta to officially charter the Southeastern Peanut Association. On November 30, 1993, the Southeastern Peanut Association officially changed its name to the American Peanut Shellers Association to incorporate other shelling companies from other states. The current APSA headquarters in Albany, Georgia was completed in 1986 and has been the official hub of this renowned association since it's relocation from Americus, Georgia in the early in 1960s.

For the past 100 years, Georgia peanut farmers through the APSA have been successful in improving the profitability of peanuts and peanut products by working to promote and increase consumption. In 1965, the APSA co-sponsored first USA Peanut Congress--the largest meeting of all segments of the peanut industry. Today, the APSA is the oldest organized group in the peanut industry boasting 10 active member shelling companies and 145 associate members who handle 90 percent of the peanuts grown in the United States.

I take much pride in the fact that Georgia leads the nation in production of peanuts with nearly 50 percent of the annual peanut crop. Georgia has 14,000 farms with peanuts and about 4,500 active farmers. Approximately 200 businesses in Georgia are peanut-related. Two million bags of peanuts are distributed annually and the industry contributes more than 50,000 jobs and an estimated $2 billion to the economy of the state of Georgia.

Since George Washington Carver discovered the many uses for the peanut in the early twentieth century, peanuts have become a household food staple and a source of dietary fiber, protein, and other healthy nutrients. Although peanuts are produced in other parts of the country, I am a firm believer that no peanuts are of higher quality or more delicious than Georgia peanuts.

On a personal note, I would like to thank John Powell, Executive Director of the American Peanut Shellers Association, and the rest of the wonderful staff as well as Chairman Ralph Johnson and all those who serve on the Associate Board of Directors. Their hard work and dedication have contributed to the success of the APSA in many ways.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District, the state of Georgia, and all those nationwide and worldwide who enjoy our tasty American peanuts, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to the American Peanut Shellers Association for their exemplary services and dedicated efforts to support our Nation's peanut industry over the past 100 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished and staunch advocate for our nation's military, and dear friend of longstanding, Mr. W. Parker Greene, Sr. Sadly, Mr. Greene passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at the age of 86. He leaves behind an impeccable legacy of service that will never be forgotten. A memorial service will be held for Mr. Greene at Moody Air Force Base on Thursday, March 14, 2019, at 10 a.m.

Woodbridge Parker Greene, Sr. was born on December 3, 1932, to the union of the late Woodbridge and Mildred Parker Greene in Thomaston, Georgia. A product of the Upson County Public School System, he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1951 and went on to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology. He later served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. During that time, he was assigned to the Safety Education Division of the Georgia Department of Public Safety

where he made safety presentations to schools and civic groups. He was also part of President Eisenhower's Georgia security detail. After honorably serving his country, Mr. Greene continued his studies at the University of Georgia, majoring in Business Administration, and at Northwestern University, where he attended business seminars. He spent the next 29 years of his career as a regional manager for Rhodes Furniture Company.

Mr. Greene's dedication to the military continued after his retirement. He was the first Squadron Commander of the ``White Knuckle'' Squadron, a unit formed by local civic leaders who have received orientation flights in Moody Air Force Base (AFB) aircraft. In 1991, he helped establish the Moody Support Group, which was instrumental in strengthening the relationships between the local community and the Air Force. As the Executive Director of the group, he helped protect Moody AFB from closure. In 2000, he was appointed to the Georgia Military Affairs Committee by then Governor Roy Barnes.

In conjunction with his professional accomplishments, Mr. Greene was heavily involved in his community, serving as the Chairman (1972-85) of the Military Affairs Committee and Vice President (1978-79) of the Valdosta/Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce; on the Board of Directors for the Valdosta State College/University Foundation; and as an active member of the ACC Commander's Air Power Support Group, the National Civic Leader Group for the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, Rotary International, the Kiwanis Clubs of America, the Boy Scouts of America, the Young Men's Christian Association, the Moody AFB Red Carpet Committee, the University of Georgia Gridiron Society, and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Alumnae organization. In addition to his extensive community involvement, he was also a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Valdosta, where he once served on the Administrative Board.

Mr. Greene received several prestigious awards for his dedicated civic service, including the Distinguished Citizen award from the Alapaha Area Boy Scout Council (2000); the first-ever Chief of Staff of the Air Force Award for Exceptional Public Service (2007); and the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award (2009), the highest honor the Air Force can bestow upon a civilian. Additionally, a portion of Bemiss Road from Valdosta to Moody AFB (W. Parker Greene Highway, 2005) and Moody AFB's headquarters (W. Parker Greene Base Support Center, 2007) were named in his honor.

Mr. Greene achieved much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the love and support of his loving wife, Lucy; his children, Sharon and Woodbridge Jr.; and a host of family and friends who will miss him deeply.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ``Life's most persistent and urgent question is, `What are you doing for others?' '' Mr. Greene undoubtedly lived by this philosophy. From his extensive work with the development of Moody AFB to his efforts to provide a bridge between the military and civilians, his work made a tremendous impact on the lives of many.

On a personal note, I was privileged to work with Parker for over 26 years in behalf of Moody AFB and have not encountered a more committed citizen to his community and Nation.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people in Georgia's Second Congressional District in paying tribute to Mr. W. Parker Greene, Sr. 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2018-2019 AAAAA Football Georgia State Champions, the Bainbridge High School Bearcats of Bainbridge, Georgia. The team will be celebrating this significant milestone with a celebration on Monday, March 18, 2019, at Centennial Field in Bainbridge, Georgia.

On Tuesday, December 11, 2018, the Bearcats won the state championship game against the Warner Robins Demons (47-41) in triple overtime. This historic victory marked the second state football title in Bearcat history and the first since 1982. The team has played both their lowest-scoring and highest-scoring games of the season against the Demons, scoring zero points in October of 2018 and 47 points at the state championship game in December.

Their victory in this year's AAAAA state championship embodied decades of frustration, hard work, and determination bursting forth into an unbelievable season of athletic excellence and teamwork. The Bainbridge Bearcats is the first team in Georgia since 1992 to go from a .500 winning percentage or below to state champions. The team traveled over 1,853 miles and went on to defeat five consecutive top ten opponents for the first time in school history, won four consecutive state playoff road wins for the first time in the school's history, and finished with a 10+ win season for only the 6th time in school history.

The Bainbridge Bearcats finished their season with a seven-game winning streak, five of which were on the road. The team also set school records for interceptions returned for touchdowns, sacks, and blocked kicks and punts. Additionally, the team's seniors completed their high school career with an astonishing 36-16 record, the best for any senior class in school history.

I cannot put into words the amount of pride that the citizens of Bainbridge, and indeed in the entire Second Congressional District, has in being able to call this outstanding team of athletes its own. They have accomplished an incredible feat, one that could not have been possible without the tireless leadership and encouragement from their head coach, Jeff Littleton and his staff, as well as their families, classmates, and members of the community who believed in their ability to bring home a state championship title.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 constituents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in recognizing these hardworking young men who have persevered, made sacrifices, and developed the character that will help them to succeed in other aspects of life, and in congratulating them on their historic achievement.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I pay tribute to a great man, outstanding public servant, and dear friend of longstanding, Mr. James Austin Jenkins, Jr. Mr. Jenkins passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2019. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at 12:00 p.m. at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Burkville, Alabama.

James Austin Jenkins, Jr. was born on December 28, 1937, to the late James Austin Jenkins, Sr. and Octavia McCray Jenkins. A product of the Lowndes County, Alabama Public School System, he graduated from Lowndes County Training School before attending Alabama State University, where he received his bachelor's degree in Political Science.

James built quite an impressive career as a public servant in our nation's federal government which was demonstrated through his dedicated services to the National Park Service, as a Ranger stationed in the Washington Monument and as a Horse Mounted Ranger at Prince William Forest Park in Virginia, as well as in Federal Government Law Enforcement, and finally as a National Zoological Park Police Officer with The Smithsonian Institution.

George Washington Carver once said, ``No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' We are all so blessed that Mr. James Austin Jenkins, Jr. passed this way during his life's journey. As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., his exuberant personality captured the attention of all those he encountered and made him the life of the party wherever he went. He will be remembered for his welcoming spirit and love for his fraternity, his friends, and above all else, his family. He leaves behind a great legacy in public service to and warm cherished memories in the lives of those who knew him.

While he was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Aaron, Frederick, and Elliot; he is survived by his children, Karen, Earl, Bianca, Alicia, and Nathan; and a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

On a personal note, James and I both understood the importance of addressing the important issues facing our nation's Veterans and would discuss these issues at the Veterans Brain Trust during the Congressional Black Caucus' Annual Legislative Conference, which he attended regularly.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, along with my wife, Vivian; and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in paying tribute to Mr. James Austin Jenkins, Jr. for his service to our country. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time of bereavement and pray that they will be 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 dedicated husband, father, community servant, and soldier, LTC (Ret.) Jerry ``Jay'' White II. Sadly, LTC White passed away on September 20, 2018. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at Old Post Chapel at Fort Myer and will be followed by a burial via caisson at Arlington National Cemetery.

LTC White was born on September 23, 1966, to the union of U.S. Army Major General (Ret.) Jerry and Linda (Pickens) White in St. Mary's, West Virginia. As a member of a military family, LTC White attended several schools before graduating from Leilahua High School in Wahiawa, Hawaii, and going on the receive a bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Hawaii, where he also attended ROTC. He later continued his studies and earned a masters degree in International Affairs from The Georgia Institute of Technology.

It has been said that ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' LTC White paid his rent and he paid it well. His distinguished military career officially commenced when he entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry after graduating from the University of Hawaii. Over the course of his career, LTC White distinguished himself as a great soldier. After graduating from the demanding Airborne, Ranger, and Air Assault Courses, he reported for duty at the legendary 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. There he served in the 1/327 Infantry Battalion, the same unit where his father had served during the Vietnam War. He also excelled in leadership positions and was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman's Badge for his service during the First Gulf War. His later assignments included duty at Fort Lewis, Washington; Paris, France, and Brussels, Belgium, where he trained as an Army European Foreign Area Officer; and Washington, D.C., where he served as a liaison officer for United States Southern Command and later as an advisor to the Washington, D.C. National Guard.

Even after honorably serving his country, he continued to give of himself in service to his community. As an avid Washington, D.C. sports fan, he enjoyed attending Redskins and Nationals games as well as working with youth by volunteering as the Braddock Road Youth Club softball commissioner and a team coach for many years.

LTC White achieved much in his life but none of it would have been possible without the love and support of his loving parents, Jerry and Linda; his wife Jennifer; his children, Juliana and Jameson; and a host of family and friends that will miss him deeply.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian; and the more than 730,000 constituents of the Second Congressional District in recognizing LTC (Ret.) Jerry ``Jay'' White II for his dedicated service to our country and his community and in extending our condolences to his family and friends. May they be consoled and comforted by their abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, when I spoke on the floor about finishing the FY19 bills, we were in the midst of what turned out to be the longest government shutdown in our history. Thankfully, that is behind us. But to ensure it stays behind us, we need to pass this conference report.

The bipartisan leadership and staff and the conferees have done an admirable job. This bill is good but not perfect. It makes significant investments in rural development; it includes language setting aside funding for persistent poverty counties; it has a modest increase for the Farm Production and Conservation mission area; and domestic nutrition programs are all well-funded.

On the international side, the bill provides good funding for Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole Program.

Finally, FDA gets $3 billion, including significant investments to fight the opioid epidemic.

But I must say, candidly, that I have some regrets. My strongest regret, however, is that we are not considering the disaster supplemental today.

The House and Senate passed separate bills a month ago that would have provided desperately needed relief to our farmers, ranchers, and communities coast to coast, in Hawaii and the territories that were devastated by tragic disasters, but those bills must still be reconciled. The country must get this disaster bill passed, and get it passed soon.

Mr. Speaker, the conferees have done well; nevertheless, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. It is a good bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished public servant, dedicated statesman, mentor, and dear friend of longstanding, The Honorable Jack T. Brinkley, Sr. Sadly, Jack passed away on January 23, 2019, at the age of 88. 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, January 26, 2019, at 2 p.m. at Evangel Temple in Columbus, Georgia.

Jack Thomas Brinkley, Sr. was born on December 22, 1930, to the union of the late Lonnie and Stella Brinkley in Faceville, Georgia. A product of the Decatur County Public School System, he graduated from Attapulgus High School in 1947 and Young Harris College in 1949 before working as an educator and basketball coach from 1949 to 1951. In 1951, he joined the United States Air Force where he served for 5 years as a combat crew pilot. After honorably serving his country, he obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Georgia School of Law, was admitted to the bar, and became a prominent lawyer with Young, Hollis, and Mosely and later with Coffin and Brinkley, both in Columbus, Georgia.

He served in the General Assembly of Georgia for two one-year terms from 1965 to 1966. While serving as the State Representative for District 112, he was appointed Chairman of the Local Affairs Committee, authored legislation to require phenylketonuria (PKU) testing for newborn infants, and spearheaded the protest against the closure of the Warm Springs Institute for which he later sponsored funding legislation.

In 1966, he was elected to Congress from the 3rd District of Georgia at age 35, and served for eight terms, retiring from the 97th Congress in 1983. While serving as the representative for Georgia's Third Congressional District, Jack authored several key pieces of legislation. Following the Vietnam War, he was the author of legislation establishing the Gold Star Wives Charter. He also authored dual use legislation in Civil Defense during the Carter administration which authorized, by statute, federal response to natural and wartime disasters. Jack was also the author of legislation designating Andersonville as a National Historic Site, which transferred it from the Department of the Army to the Department of Interior. With the help of his Co-Chairman, the Honorable Rudy Hayes of Americus, he was able to place the Georgia Memorial at the site.

During his last Congressional term before retirement, he was Chairman of the Military Construction Subcommittee, which had jurisdiction over military acquisitions and disposals, and as such, blocked the transfer of land at Fort Gillam chosen for the Region IV Veteran's cemetery. Subsequently, under Jack's leadership, the Fort Mitchell VA cemetery was approved by the Reagan Administration.

During the last terms of his service in Congress, there was intense competition for the location of an army plan for One Station Unit Training (OSUT), where basic infantry training was to be combined with advanced infantry training to reduce costs. Endorsements from the New England Mid-West Coalition for Fort Drum in New York and Senator Strom Thurmond for Fort Jackson in South Carolina initially blocked the Army's choice of Fort Benning. However, Jack's move to Chairman of the Military Construction Subcommittee led to the authorization of the reception station at Sand Hill at Fort Benning. Jack was also pivotal in establishing Interstate 185 connecting Interstate 85 to Columbus, Georgia. As a Congressman, Jack placed a huge emphasis on constituent service and attendance, as he was known for passionately advocating for citizens facing the heavy hand of bureaucracy and rarely missed a vote or quorum call.

He was a CIVITAN, a Master Mason, and an attorney for 50 years, but he was a Christian for all of his life. He was baptized when he was almost ten years old at Betts' Mill Pond and he practiced the requirements of Micah to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God. He faithfully took his family to Edgewood Baptist Church and taught Sunday School there for many years, before joining Evangel Temple, where he served until his passing.

Jack was more than a legislator, he was a servant to all humankind. He gave of himself to countless causes and organizations. 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.'' Jack threw a prodigious amount of love and service back to the state and nation he loved so dearly.

Jack achieved much in his life but none of it would have been possible without the love and support of his loving family. While he was preceded in death by his late and dearly beloved wife, Lois Kite Brinkley, and his son, Jack, Jr.; his legacy lives on through his dearly beloved wife, Sally; his son, Fred; and a host of family and friends who will miss him deeply.

On a personal note, Jack Brinkley was a mentor to me. But more importantly, he was indeed a role model for my career in public service. From his strong example of constituent service, to his eloquent use of poems and appropriate quotations in his oral and written presentations. Jack Brinkley has been the model I have sought to emulate. He held fast to his promise to ``remember who I am, where I'm from, and who sent me.'' The world and human kind are better because Jack passed this way.

Jack was truly a great representative for Southwest 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 to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with thousands in the Chattahoochee Valley and across America in paying tribute to former Georgia Congressman Jack T. Brinkley, Sr. 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.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a great man and outstanding public servant, the former Sheriff of Early County, Georgia, Mr. Jimmie Ray Murkerson. Sadly, Sheriff Murkerson passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2019. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 1, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church in Blakely, Georgia.

The Blakely, Georgia native was born on June 7, 1947 to the union of the late Leon and Cherrie Murkerson. In addition to being a loving father, son, husband, and friend, Jimmie was also a Vietnam Veteran, store owner {Early Tree Service and Blakely Floor Covering), farmer, former Blakely City Councilman, and former Early County Sheriff.

Sheriff Murkerson was employed with the Early County Sheriff's Office for more than 34 years and he proved to be a strong and revered leader. As the chief law enforcement officer, he was responsible for patrolling and responding to calls within the 516 square mile area of Early County, where the population is just over 10,000 people. During his tenure as Sheriff, he spearheaded the consolidation of various law enforcement services in the county, which resulted in more efficient, resourceful, and proactive law enforcement for the citizens of Early County.

Sheriff Murkerson embodied the definition of a public servant through his strong leadership, steadfast dedication, and unwavering compassion. He served on the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council; the Governor's Children and Youth Coordinating Council; the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council; the Board of Directors of the ABAC Police Academy; and the Executive Board of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. He also served as the 1997-98 President of the Georgia Sheriffs' Association and the President of the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes.

Sheriff Murkerson's dedication to enforcing the law and protecting the public earned him several awards including the 2011 Georgia Sheriffs' Association's Sheriff of the Year award; the Georgia Sheriffs' Association's Distinguished Humanitarian Award (which he received twice); and the Governor's Peace Officers Award.

Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' Sheriff Murkerson is undoubtedly great because of his distinguished service to his community, devotion to his work, and the compassion he showed for his friends and loved ones.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah; children, Tracie and Jimmie, Jr.; and a host of family, friends, and loved ones who will miss him deeply.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in paying tribute to former Early County Sheriff Jimmie Ray Murkerson for his legacy of service to Early County and the great state of Georgia. We extend 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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a loving husband, dedicated father, doting grandfather, distinguished educator, and committed servant to humankind, Mr. William ``W.T.'' Thomas Henry. Sadly, W.T. passed away on Monday, January 28, 2019. His funeral will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Albany, Georgia. He leaves behind a host of family and a legacy of service that will never be forgotten.

William ``W.T.'' Thomas Henry, Sr. was born on October 7, 1938, to the union of the late Jeff and Ludie Gray Henry in Colquitt, Georgia. He graduated from Miller County High school in 1956, where his athletic prowess allowed him to letter in several sports. W.T. went on to attend Young Harris College and Troy State University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Education. Never one to rest on his laurels, he went on to earn Master's degrees in Physical Education and Administration Supervision from Florida State University.

W.T. found his true calling and purpose in life by working with our most precious resource, young people. His prodigious career in education spanned 46 remarkable years in both public and private schools. W.T. positively impacted the lives of students at Arlington High School, Damascus High School, Miller County High School, and Albany Junior High School. He taught math and coached basketball, track, football, and basketball. W.T. taught his athletes how to be successful on the courts and athletic fields, but more importantly he taught them skills that would help them to succeed in the game of life. W.T. left the classroom and the athletic fields to conquer his next challenge, School Administration. He became the principal of Miller County High School and blazed the trail for others by becoming the founding headmaster of Southwest Georgia Academy in 1970.

He left his true love for a short time and worked in the peanut industry. But, he quickly realized this endeavor was not for him and returned to education. He moved to Albany, Georgia and became the Lower School Director for Deerfield-Windsor School. Because he excelled in this position, he became the Headmaster of Deerfield-Windsor School, retiring after 20 years of extraordinary service in 2009.

His tentacles of service stretched far beyond the schools at which he served with distinction. He was a former President of the Georgia Independent Schools and he also served on the Georgia State Board of Education, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Georgia Accrediting Commission.

Most importantly, W.T. was a man of God and was guided by his faith. He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church and served on its Board of Directors.

W.T. loved his family and instilled in them the values of faith in God, hard work, and a commitment to serving their fellow man. He had an infectious personality and never met a stranger. He had a special gift of saying the right thing to someone who was in distress at just the right time.

W.T. Henry was a great man and accomplished many things in his life, but none of these things would have been possible without the love and support of his family. His legacy lives on through his wife, Ruth; his children, Lea, Bo, and Kristin; his grandchildren, and all of those whose lives he touched.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 constituents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia in saluting and honoring the life of Mr. William ``W.T.'' Thomas Henry for his commitment to young people and humankind and in extending our deepest condolences to Mr. Henry's family during this difficult time of bereavement. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, last fall we were very close to finishing this bill and bringing it up for a vote; had we passed it then we would not be in the mess we are in today. But we can't go back in time. We are now in the 33rd day of the shutdown. Vital services are eliminated or stretched to the breaking point. The shutdown must end. It can end if we pass this excellent bill.

I want to address my colleagues who objected to voting for the Senate-passed bill a few weeks ago because they said it did not protect House priorities. This bill does and was negotiated with all four sides, House and Senate majorities and House and Senate minorities. Each side had an equal voice.

Former Chairman Aderholt, Chairman Hoeven, Senator Merkley, and I, along with our staffs--committee staffs and personal staffs--worked together on the bill. I certainly would like to thank them for the very respectful and collegial way we worked through the various issues of agreement and disagreement to arrive at this bipartisan product. Additionally, we look forward to working with Mr. Fortenberry, the new ranking member of the subcommittee.

House priorities were protected whenever possible. Here are some examples: the bill is at the House level of $550 million for rural broadband expansion, above the Senate level. House language barring Chinese poultry in school meals is included. House language setting aside funding for persistent poverty counties is included. The House position to continue funding construction of Federal agriculture research buildings is maintained, where the Senate bill provided no funding. The higher House level for healthy foods financing, and the higher House level for rural housing assistance grants to help rural elderly and low-income homeowners stay in their homes is included.

Most importantly, this bill is good for the country. It provides over $23 billion in discretionary funding equal to the FY18 level. It reflects the more than 1,000 requests for agricultural research funding that we received from House Members, providing $3.4 billion, an increase of $388 million above the fiscal year 2018 level.

The farm production and conservation mission area, which includes the Farm Service Agency, is well funded at $2.75 billion.

I thank the Secretary, Secretary Perdue, and, most importantly, the Farm Service Agency employees for coming back to work for 2 weeks, and part-time thereafter, in order to process critical emergency loans, assist with additional administration services, and help with tax documents. But they need to be paid.

The bill also makes significant investments in rural development by providing $41 billion in loans and grants, including the House level of $550 million for rural broadband.

Domestic food programs are well funded. I am proud of the fact that the bill includes $110 million, a 72 percent increase over the normal funding level, to help our Nation's food banks handle the high volume of commodities that will become available as a result of the USDA's trade mitigation plan.

On the international side, the bill provides $1.7 billion for Food for Peace and funds the McGovern-Dole program at $210 million.

Finally, it provides FDA with $3 billion in discretionary funding, $269 million above fiscal year 2018. It includes more funding for House priorities than the Senate bill we considered a couple of weeks ago and includes important investments to fight the opioid epidemic that were not in the House bill.

This good bill will end the shutdown at USDA and FDA. Funds for economic development loans and grants for rural areas will begin to flow again. It will ensure the continuation of the National School Lunch Program, WIC, and SNAP without interruption.

It will allow some 8,400 USDA meat and poultry inspectors to be paid for the work that they have been doing for free and will allow FDA to conduct food safety inspections at the necessary level instead of the bare minimum.

As I have said before, this bill touches the lives of every American. I implore Members on both sides to support this bill. Reopen the government. It is time that we restore the services Americans count on and pay the people who provide them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated woman of God, great wife, steadfast mother, and friend of longstanding, Mrs. Johnnie Lee Brown Collier. Sadly, Mrs. Collier passed away on December 27, 2018. Her funeral service was held on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia.

Mrs. Johnnie Lee Brown Collier was born on October 22, 1926, in Columbus, Georgia to the union of Cleola Daniel Brown and John Brown, Sr. She gave her life to Christ and was baptized at an early age at Rosehill Memorial Baptist Church. From that time on, God continued to be the center of her life until her passing. She served as the Sunday School Superintendent and Church Clerk at Rosehill before moving her membership to the Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church in 1957. Her first pastor at Fourth Street was the late Reverend Henry Harris. Mrs. Collier paved the way for others as she was the first Church Secretary at Fourth Street. She was a natural and gifted leader as she served in a variety of leadership positions at Fourth Street to include the Deacon's Wives (she served as Chairperson for two terms), PICCM Community Leader in Zebulon Community, Women's Day Speaker, 1961, Chairperson of Program and Pastoral Relations Committee, and was the Roast and Toast Honoree in 1996.

Mrs. Collier was the epitome of a great wife and mother. She married the late Deacon Samuel Lee Collier on April 26, 1950. God blessed this union for 34 years until Deacon Collier's untimely death on May 27, 1984. Six children were born to this union to include two sets of twins: Bernice Collier Collins, Bernard Collier (deceased), Agnes Collier Averett, Samuel Lee Collier, Jr., Michelle Collier McClain, and Michael Collier. Fred Rogers once said that, ``It's not so much what you have in life that matters, It's what we do with what we have.'' Mrs. Collier did a lot for others with what she had. In addition to her own children, she served as a mother figure to her siblings and countless others she found in need of guidance and a helping hand.

Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once said that, ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Mrs. Collier paid her rent and she paid it well. She served in a variety of community organizations to include: Electric City Chapter 482 of the Order of the Eastern Stars (Worthy Matron), Spencer High Alumni (Class of 1943), Muscogee County Board of Elections (Voting Precinct Manager); and she traveled to various state conventions to further her knowledge of the voting process. She was also an entrepreneur and a photographer. Her professional career took her to the Medical Center, the Area Mental Health Clinic, and the Enrichment Services Program. Her benevolence extended throughout the community and she often used her influence and networking to help others to find gainful employment.

Madam Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 730,000 constituents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia, salute and honor the life of Mrs. Johnnie Lee Brown Collier. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest condolences to Mrs. Collier's family during this time of bereavement. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.