Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 107th anniversary of the founding of Taiwan, also known as the Republic of China.

As a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I long have been impressed with how this island of twenty-three million people punches above its weight and has become an economic powerhouse. It is home to Foxconn, one of the world's largest electronics manufacturers, as well as other large technology companies such as ASUS, Pegatron, and Quanta Computer. In fact, Taiwan is known as one of the Four Asian Tigers whose rapid economic expansion has served as models for other developing countries.

The United States and Taiwan also enjoy a strong albeit unofficial relationship which is maintained by the American Institute in Taiwan. According to the United States Trade Representative, Taiwan is the United States' tenth largest trading partner and the United States is Taiwan's third largest trading partner (after China and Hong Kong). U.S. goods and services trade with Taiwan totaled an estimated $84.7 billion in 2016.

My home state of Georgia also has a strong relationship with Taiwan. Last year, Georgia exported more than $400 million in goods to Taiwan including heterocyclic compounds, civilian aircraft engines and parts, poultry, data processors, cotton and kaolinic clays. There

are a number of Georgia companies spanning across multiple industries that have operations in Taiwan.

Our relationship, however, is much deeper than just trade. Two Georgia cities have sister city agreements with Taiwan--Atlanta (Taipei) and Columbus (Taichung). In addition, the wife and sisters-in- law of Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China, all attended Wesleyan College in Macon in the early 1900s.

The hard work, ingenuity, and tenacity of the people of Taiwan are to be commended on the 107th anniversary of the Republic of China. I look forward to many more years of continued cooperation and goodwill between our two nations in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, honored to be joined by my fellow Georgian and colleague, Congressman Drew Ferguson, to introduce legislation to designate a United States Post Office in Columbus, Georgia as the ``Richard W. Williams Chapter of the Triple Nickles (555th P.I.A.) Post Office.''

The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, known as the Triple Nickles, was known both for bravery in answering the call to be a part of an airborne unit and for being pioneers on behalf of many African- Americans seeking to serve. The men that joined the ranks of the Triple Nickles defended our nation, and many of them volunteered later to join the 2nd Ranger Company, which fought in Korea. The 2nd Ranger Company became the first and only all-black Ranger unit in the history of the United States Army and faced some of the most grueling combat in Korea.

The 555th Triple Nickles Parachute Infantry Battalion, based out of Fort Benning during World War II, was the Army's first African-American parachute unit. Captain Richard W. Williams served as the company's commander, and the Richard W. Williams Chapter of the Triple Nickles 555th Parachute Infantry Association (P.I.A.) has 61 veteran members from the Columbus area. This legislation will honor the legacy of the brave men that volunteered to answer the nation's call.

I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join Congressman Ferguson and me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 6417.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who I was honored to call a mentor, colleague, and dear friend, former Representative Ron Dellums.

Ron was an extraordinary man who wore many hats. He was a determined public servant who was dedicated to improving the conditions of humankind. He was also a marine, a social worker, a titan for civil rights here and across the world, a chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and a founding member and past chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Representative Dellums was a true advocate for fairness, human rights, and justice.

Congressman Ron Dellums was an icon. I served with him early during my career in Congress. He demonstrated courage, compassion, fairness, character, and dignity as a Member of Congress and as a man. He was a great role model for people of conscience to emulate. I will be forever grateful for his wise counsel, friendship, and his legacy of service to humankind.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations to Robert H. ``Bob'' Hurt, who is the driving force behind Hurt, Norton & Associates in Washington, D.C. Bob will be receiving The Order of Saint Maurice from the National Infantry Museum Association on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at Hurt, Norton & Associates' D.C. headquarters.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Bob received a Bachelor's of History degree from Mercer University and a Master's degree in Special Studies (Legislative Affairs) from George Washington University. Bob served his country as an Infantry and Intelligence Officer with the Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade and the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam.

For almost three decades, Bob served as a highly distinguished public servant. He built an impressive career first as a Washington Correspondent for The Atlanta Constitution. He then served as Chief of Staff and Administrative Assistant for former Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia. After leaving government service, Bob collaborated with Frank Norton to establish Hurt, Norton & Associates, a government affairs, marketing, and lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. Since its inception in 1997, Hurt, Norton & Associates has served clients in the public and private sectors both in the United States and overseas.

Dr. Benjamin E. Mays said: ``You make your living by what you get, you make your life by what you give.'' Bob Hurt has accomplished so much in his life. He would be the first to admit that none of it would have been possible

without the love and support of his wife, Virginia, and their two daughters, Emma and Louisa.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in extending our sincerest congratulations to Mr. Robert H. ``Bob'' Hurt for receiving The Order of Saint Maurice and for his many years of service to our government, our military, and our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a beloved role model and gracious woman of faith, Mrs. Gracie G. Simpson who will be celebrating her 90th birthday on Saturday, September 1, 2018. On this day, there will be a celebration at the Claystone Park Pavilion at Lake Tobesofkee in Macon, Georgia.

Gracie Mae Peck was born on August 29, 1928 in Macon, Georgia to the late Willie B. Peck and the late Claire Mae Fulton. She was the second child, with one older sister, one younger sister, and two younger brothers, all of whom are now deceased.

Back in the days when she was young, many children did not have the opportunity to complete school and had to begin working at a young age. For 43 years of her life, Mrs. Simpson worked at Tom's Foods, Inc., known to many as ``the candy company.'' However, she was able to return to school to take computer classes before retiring.

Mrs. Simpson was married to J.Z. Simpson, Sr. for 54 years until his death in October of 2008. She has three sons, Donald Gibson, Jr., Zebbie Simpson, and Michael Simpson, and one daughter, Jan Simpson Walker.

She has eight grandchildren: Donald, Eunicer, Christen, Jerome, Marcus, Marvin, Keisha, and Kelicia. She also has six great- grandchildren: Grace, Hannah, Abigail, Katelynn, DJ, and Christian.

Mrs. Simpson has achieved numerous successes in her life, but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of her adoring family. Voted ``Reigning Queen'' at Pearl Stephens Village Senior Apartments, she enjoys fishing and going on walks. She loves spending time with her family and is a great cook. She makes a mean sweet potato pie and a delicious peach cobbler. She is full of life and spunk and her family knows very well that ``if you don't want to hear the truth, don't ask her a question.''

Most important to Mrs. Simpson is her sturdy and enduring relationship with the Lord. She has been a member of Greater Little Rock Baptist Church for over 60 years. She has served on the Mother Board Association, Choir, Deaconesses, Food Bank, Women of Flow Ministry, and Kitchen Ministry.

The race of life isn't given to the swift or to the strong, but to those who endure until the end. Mrs. Simpson has run the race of life with grace and dignity and God has blessed her over her lifetime.

Mr. 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 recognizing Mrs. Gracie G. Simpson for her 90 fruitful and productive years of life. We extend our best wishes to her as she, her family, and friends celebrate her birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and Happy Birthday wishes to a phenomenal woman of God, dedicated educator, and beloved role model, Mrs. Robena Gaines-Flakes, who will be celebrating her 83rd birthday on Saturday, August 18, 2018. On this day, there will be a celebration at Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church located at 222 Fifth Street in Columbus, Georgia.

Mrs. Robena Gaines-Flakes was born in Phenix City, Alabama in 1935. After graduating from South Girard High School, she went on to study Early Childhood Education at Morris Brown College and Columbus State University.

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

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

Mrs. Flakes has received several accolades and awards for her work with the youth. These awards include the Rosa Parks Women of Courage Award from the Gamma Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Gracious Ladies of Georgia Award.

Mrs. Flakes has accomplished many things in her life but none of these would have been possible without the grace of God and the love and support of her late husband, their children, Reverend J. H. Flakes, III, Merle J.

Flakes, and Sencira Flakes; and four grandchildren.

Proverbs 11:25 says, ``A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.'' ``Mama Flakes'', as she is affectionately known, has given her life to God and dedicated herself to the service of others. On a personal note, when I came to Columbus, Georgia in 1972, she nurtured me as if I was one of her children, and for that I will be forever grateful. I can say without reservation that she is one of the most passionate and warmhearted individuals I have ever met. I am proud to consider Mama Flakes and the Flakes family as friends of longstanding.

Mr. 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 commending and recognizing Mrs. Robena Gaines- Flakes for her selfless service to the youth, the church, and to humankind. We extend our best wishes to her as she, her family, and friends celebrate her 83rd birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 2019 National Defense

Authorization Act due to its importance to our national security. However, I do have significant concern over a last minute change to the bill that stripped funding for an important recapitalization program for the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS).

When the House passed this legislation, in a very bi-partisan manner, it included $623 million to continue the JSTARS Recapitalization program. This program was aimed to continue a vital combat capability for our ground forces as a battle management command and control asset. However, during the conference these funds were eliminated from the bill.

Although this legislation provides for significant improvement to our national security, including pay raises for servicemembers, modernization efforts for equipment, cybersecurity enhancements, and many benefits for our military families, amongst other notable improvements, the absence of this capability is worrisome.

The 116th Air Control Wing based at Robins Air Force Base, the ``Eyes of the Night,'' executes the JSTARs mission, and has been doing so continuously since 9/11. Our combatant commanders rely heavily on JSTARS, and for nearly 20 years, this capability has been consistently utilized in support of our ground forces.

Although I am pleased with the recent announcement that the Air Force will be making Robins Air Force Base the home for the Advanced Battle- Management System (ABMS), this capability is years off. Stripping funding for recapitalization will put current combat control capabilities at risk, potentially for over a decade. JSTARS is of significant importance to our ground forces and this decision will have significant repercussions.

To reiterate, this bill does ensure we are completing our Constitutional responsibility to ``Raise an Army.'' However, I will continue to act with my oversight capabilities to ensure JSTARS remains available to our combat soldiers until the Air Force employs a solution that can be employed for our servicemembers whom desperately need this capability.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend a prominent attorney, exemplary civil rights leader, former Georgia State Senator, mentor to many, and a man whose life has truly impacted the world, the Honorable Leroy Reginald Johnson. Senator Johnson will be celebrating his 90th birthday with family and friends on July 28, 2018 at the Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.

Leroy Reginald Johnson was born on July 28, 1928 in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1945. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Morehouse College in 1949 and a master's degree from Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University) in 1951. From 1950 to 1954, Senator Johnson taught social science in the Atlanta school system. He then enrolled in law school at North Carolina Central University, earning his law degree in 1957.

Following his graduation from law school, Fulton County hired him as a criminal investigator, the first African American to be hired by the solicitor general's office (now the District Attorney's office). As the Civil Rights Movement ramped up, he became involved in demonstrations and protests. When black college students conducted mass sit-ins at Rich's Department Store lunch counters in October 1960, he was present as one of the several community leaders advising the students, who included Julian Bond.

In 1962, he was elected to the Georgia State Senate, making him the first African American to be elected to the Georgia General Assembly since the end of the Reconstruction era. He was also the first African American elected to public office in the Southeast United States that year. In the beginning, Senator Johnson faced many obstacles due to segregation but rose above the adversity, becoming an influential lawmaker and attaining the position of Chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

All the while, Senator Johnson maintained a successful law practice. He was the driving force in getting the legendary Muhammad Ali's boxing license reinstated in 1970. Ali had been stripped of his boxing license in the prime of his career due to his opposition to the Vietnam War. After big cities across the country refused to host a match in which Ali would participate, Senator Johnson offered Atlanta as a location where the fight could take place. Senator Johnson fought behind the scenes to get state and local officials to agree so that ultimately, Muhammad Ali could fight inside the ring in a match that would lead the way for Ali to eventually reclaim the heavyweight crown.

Over the years, Senator Johnson received many awards and accolades for his legal, political, and civic work. In 1996, his portrait was hung on the third floor of the State Capitol near the Senate chamber where he served for twelve years. In 2000, the Georgia State Senate passed a resolution renaming a portion of Fulton Industrial Boulevard as Leroy Johnson-Fulton Industrial Boulevard. In 2016, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the State Bar of Georgia and the Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism for his untiring commitment to volunteer participation in the community throughout his legal career. Senator Johnson has accomplished much in his life but none of this would be possible without the love and support of his wife, Cleopatra, and son, Michael Vince.

On a personal note, I have had the great pleasure of knowing Senator Johnson since high school in 1964 when he spoke in Montgomery, Alabama at the Alabama State Association of Student Councils' meeting where I was presiding as State Student Council President. He was a schoolmate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Washington High School and at Morehouse College. Like Dr. King he was influenced greatly by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays to use his life to make a difference for humanity. I was inspired by this successful lawyer and public official and was motivated to emulate his career path. I attended Morehouse College, became a civil rights lawyer, and twelve years after meeting him, I was elected to the Georgia State House and 14 years later to the State Senate and in 1992 to the U.S. Congress. I have truly been blessed by Senator Johnson's friendship, counsel, and mentorship throughout the years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join my wife Vivian and me, along with the people of the state of Georgia, in recognizing and commending former State Senator Leroy Johnson for his outstanding professional achievements and service. Moreover, we extend our best wishes to him as he, his family, and friends celebrate his 90th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work and service of a dedicated educator, woman of grace, and servant to all mankind, Mrs. Carolyn G. Randolph. Mrs. Randolph, Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., has been elected to serve as the South Atlantic Regional Director, reflecting her distinguished leadership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A luncheon honoring her will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Green Island Country Club in Columbus, Georgia.

A native of Columbus, Georgia, Carolyn received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master of Science degree from North Carolina A&T State University, and an Education Specialist degree from Columbus State University.

Winston Churchill said, ``We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.'' Through every stage of her life, Mrs. Randolph has always given of herself to others. She served as an educator for many years before retiring and today, she serves as a Clinical Supervisor for the Mathematics Woodrow Wilson Fellows and an adjunct instructor at Columbus State University.

Carolyn's service also extends into her church life at Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia where she is an active member. A dedicated servant of God, she has served in the Deacon's Wives, Christian Education, Pastoral Relations, and Men's and Women's Ministries.

Carolyn was first initiated in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. through the Alpha Psi Omega Chapter in Wilmington, North Carolina, the first Greek letter organization among African-American women in Southeastern North Carolina. She is currently a member of the Gamma Tau Omega Chapter in Columbus, Georgia where she has served as President (two terms), First Vice President, Second Vice President, House Treasurer, Chaplain, Chair of the Connections Committee, a member of the Graduate Advisors Council, former Chair of the Scholarship Committee, and first President of the chapter's foundation, S.I.S.T.E.R.S., Inc.

She has diligently served at the local, regional, and international levels within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was recently awarded the 2018 Georgia Legislative Women's Caucus Servant Leadership Award, which was presented by Georgia State Representative Carolyn Hugley (District 136) during Women's History Month.

Mrs. Randolph has accomplished many things in her life but none of these would have been possible without the enduring love and support of her husband, Chester; their three daughters, and their three grandchildren.

Mr. 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 extending our sincerest congratulations to Mrs. Carolyn G. Randolph for being elected the South Atlantic Regional Director for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and for her many years of service to her community, nation, and all mankind.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a great man, an outstanding public servant, and a friend of longstanding, Chattahoochee County Sheriff Glynn Cooper. Sadly, Sheriff Cooper passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2018. Funeral services will be held today, Monday, July 16, 2018 at the Roscoe Robinson Recreation Center in Cusseta- Chattahoochee, Georgia.

Glynn Cooper was born in Schley County, Georgia on April 15, 1934 to Wesley and Mozelle Cooper. He, along with his brothers, Fred, Leonard, and Drane, worked on farms in Stewart and Webster counties in Georgia.

He met the love of his life, Estelle, at a dance and they married on December 11, 1954. As a newlywed couple, they lived with his parents until Sheriff Cooper could secure a home in Cusseta, Georgia. They welcomed a daughter, Glynda, on October 12, 1957. Estelle was Sheriff Cooper's partner, supporter, and best friend until her passing in 1998.

Growing up on a farm taught Sheriff Cooper to be a jack of all trades. He worked at Preston's Garage in Columbus, Georgia until he opened Cooper's Garage in Cusseta. He and Estelle, who was Senior Clerk at the Post Office, began purchasing and building Cooper Rental Properties, a business which remains in the family to this day.

He had set his sights on being elected Sheriff of Chattahoochee County but initially suffered a loss. Never a quitter, he was elected Sheriff in 1973 and maintained a one-man office with the radio call number 651. He soon dubbed Estelle as 651\1/2\ on the radio. With his family's support, Sheriff Cooper was a faithful servant to the people of Chattahoochee County for a remarkable 44 years, until his retirement in 2017. He earned the distinction of being the second longest-serving Sheriff in the state of Georgia.

Sheriff Cooper was also actively involved in the community. He served on the school board and City Council. He also volunteered his time and efforts to serving numerous other civic organizations. Raised in a Christian home, he joined Louvale Baptist Church at a young age. He was a faithful member of Cusseta First Baptist Church.

Dr. Benjamin E. Mays often said: ``You make your living by what you get; you make your life by what you give.'' Not only did Sheriff Cooper make his living by watching over the citizens of Chattahoochee County, but he also made his life by giving back to the County in so many ways. We are all very grateful for his tireless advocacy in keeping our community safe. A man of great integrity, his efforts, his dedication, and his work ethic were unparalleled, and his heart for helping others utilizing these qualities made his life's work truly special.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District paying tribute to Sheriff Glynn Cooper and his legacy of service to Cusseta-Chattahoochee County, Georgia. He loved the people of Chattahoochee County and dedicated his life and career to improving the quality of life for his fellow citizens. He will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated husband, father, community servant, trailblazer, and Army Ranger, MSGT (RET) Milton ``Davey'' Lockett, Jr., Sadly, MSGT Lockett passed away on June 27, 2018. His funeral services were held on July 3, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Hill-Watson-People's Funeral Service LLC, in Columbus, Georgia.

MSGT Lockett was born on February 5, 1935, to the union of Milton Lockett, Sr., and Bessie Mae Richards Lockett in College Park, Georgia. He married Ida Clay Lockett on February 12, 1955, and God blessed that union to last for 52 years. One son was born to that union. God has blessed his current union to his wife, Angela for seven years.

It has been said that, ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' MSGT Lockett paid his rent and he paid it well. His distinguished Military career commenced in the United States Army in February, 1952. Over the course of the next 21 plus years, MSGT Lockett distinguished himself as a great soldier. He served in the Korean Conflict and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. His first tour was with the 1st Infantry division in 1966 and 1967. His second tour was with the 101st Airborne Division in 1968 and 1969. During his distinguished career, he received multiple Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons to include: the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device, the Vietnam Service Medal w/1 silver star, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Unit Citation, an Army Service Gallantry with Palm and Bronze Star, and 4 Overseas Service Bars.

Not only was MSGT Lockett a great soldier, he was also a trailblazer. He was the first African-American Ranger Instructor in the History of the Army in 1959. Because of his excellence, he performed for President John F. Kennedy in 1961. He was inducted in the Ranger Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame in 2014. One portion of the Ranger Creed reads as follows: . . . ``Never shall I fail my comrades.'' I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred percent and then some. . . .'' MSGT Lockett always gave ``one hundred percent and then some.''

Even after his distinguished military career ended, he continued to give of himself in service to his community. He was a member of the First African Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia, Past Master of the Sons of King Solomon No. 358, Electric City Chapter No. 482, 32 degree, Royal Arc and also, a Shriner. He was well known in the Columbus community for his anti-crime efforts to include neighborhood watches and leading marches against crime. The Columbus City Council recognized him in 2007 for his work as president of Columbus Against Drugs.

Mr. 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 MSGT (Ret.) Milton ``Davey'' Lockett for his dedicated service to our country and his community. I further ask my colleagues to join us in expressing condolences to his family, friends and the Columbus, Georgia community. May they be consoled and comforted by their abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead. May we all learn from the example of MSGT Ret. Lockett in giving ``one hundred percent and then some.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding leader and dear friend of longstanding, Mr. Ralph Paige. Sadly, Mr. Paige passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2018. A funeral service was held on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at New Community Church in LaGrange, Georgia.

A LaGrange, Georgia native, Ralph Paige received his Bachelor's degree in Education in 1967 from what is now Fort Valley State University and attended graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Ralph joined the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund (the Federation) in 1969 as a Grassroots Organizer and

went on to serve as the Director of the Federation's Business Development Office in the 70's; Director of the Federation's VISTA Project from 1977 to 1981; and as the Federation's National Field Director from 1981 until 1985 when he was promoted to the role of Executive Director, where he served with great distinction until his retirement in 2015.

During his 46-year tenure with the Federation, it flourished immensely and was instrumental in the creation of housing projects, community credit unions, cooperatives, and training programs for African-American farmers throughout the South. Ralph led the effort to file suit against the United States Department of Agriculture for discrimination in credit, conservation and rural development. Out of this effort, the Pigford I and Pigford II class action lawsuit cases were born. This paved the way for one of the largest discrimination law suits in the history of the United States and resulted in $2.5 billion in payments to African American farm families. Furthermore, he also fought for settlements for Native American, Hispanic and Women Farmers who were also the victims of discrimination.

Ralph was a member of numerous local, state, and national boards to include: Nationwide Insurance Company, National Cooperative Business Association, Cooperative Development Foundation, Cooperative Business International, the President's (George Bush) Twenty First Century Agriculture Commission, and the Rural Policy Advisory Committee to President Barack Obama and many more. Among his acclamations were inductions into the George Washington Carver Public Service Hall of Fame and the Cooperative Hall of Fame; a Congressional Black Caucus Leadership Award; and a National Cooperative Business Association Co-op Month Leadership Award. Under Ralph's outstanding leadership, the Federation received several commendations including a Humanitarian Award from the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change and a United Nations Award for ``significant contribution of adequate shelter to the poorer segments of the community.''

Ralph accomplished much throughout his life, but it would not have been possible without his enduring faith in God and the love and support of his wife of 51 years, Bernice; his children, Bernard and Kenyatta; and the countless others who impacted his life over the years .

On a personal note, Ralph and the federation worked diligently to facilitate a business loan to establish my law firm in Columbus, Georgia. I represented the Federation as an Attorney and during my years as a member of the Georgia General Assembly, I worked with Ralph and the Federation to enhance and facilitate state resources for the work of the Federation and its Land Assistance Activities. As a member of Congress, serving on the House Agriculture Committee and the Subcommittee of the House Agriculture Appropriations Committee, I along with other Members of the Congressional Black Caucus collaborated with Ralph Paige, the Federation and other organizations to enhance the full participation of minority and disadvantaged farmers in the receipt of resources for Agriculture, Conservation and Rural Development from the United States Department of Agriculture.

The great agricultural chemist Dr. 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 Ralph Paige passed this way and during his life's journey did so much for so many for so long. His leadership, his friendship, and his presence will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, the 48 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District, extend our heartfelt condolences to Ralph's family and friends during this difficult time. May they be consoled and comforted by their abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I pay tribute to a devoted and hardworking businessman, Mr. Jerry C. Grimsley. Mr. Grimsley passed away on Monday, June 11, 2018. A funeral service was held on Friday, June 15, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Colquitt, Georgia.

A Georgia man through and through, Jerry was born on July 19, 1939, to Clarence E. Grimsley and Julia Tassie Odom Grimsley on their family farm in Miller County, Georgia. After graduating from Miller County High School in 1957, he attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia.

Mr. Grimsley was a highly trusted leader in the agriculture and financial services industries. He built quite an impressive career

which began in 1962 at Farmers Fertilizer and Milling Company as Vice- President and Co-Owner with his father-in-law. He became the President of Farmers Fertilizer and Milling Company in 1974 and helped it to grow from a small feed and fertilizer manufacturer into an internationally recognized leader in the peanut shelling industry. Mr. Grimsley also was the Founding Director of Peoples Bank, now Peoples South, when it was chartered on March 16, 1973. During his tenure as Founding Director, the bank grew from one small branch in Colquitt to twenty- nine branches across Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. He served in this capacity for 45 years until early 2018, when his health started to decline. Upon his retirement, he became the Director Emeritus of Peoples Bank and the owner of a local golf course which he named ``Clydesdale Meadows''.

Throughout his career, Mr. Grimsley served on a number of boards and was affiliated with several associations. He was President and Chairman of the Board for the Southeastern Peanut Sheller's Association (1975 to 1976); the Board of the National Peanut Council (1985 to 1987); and President of American Peanut Sheller's Association (1990 to 1991). In addition to these roles, he also served as the Chairman of several peanut-based committees. In 2000, Birdsong Peanuts purchased Farmer Fertilizer and Milling Company, and Jerry served as a consultant in the Southeast Division.

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. Jerry C. Grimsley passed this way and during his life's journey did so much for so many for so long. He leaves behind a great legacy in public service to the countless residents of Colquitt whose lives he touched and brightened.

He is survived by his sons, Gerry and Scott; and a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Mr. 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. Jerry C. Grimsley for his remarkable leadership in our great State of Georgia. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the Colquitt, Georgia community during this difficult time and pray that they will be comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man of purpose, sincerity, and high character, Coach Jack M. Powell. Sadly, Coach Powell passed away on May 12, 2018. His funeral services were held on Saturday, May 19, at 2:00pm at First Baptist Church of Eufaula in Eufaula, Alabama.

The Andalusia, Alabama native was born on March 20, 1922, to the union of George Bennie and Lilla Lawson Powell as one of ten children. A graduate of Pleasant Home High School of Andalusia, Coach played basketball in the state tournament for three years before going on to play basketball at Auburn University.

Jack was a highly respected coach who also served as an educator for 40 years while at Lockhart and Eufaula High Schools (1947-1966); Livingston University (1966-1972), and Sparks State Technical College, in Eufaula, Alabama (from 1972 until his retirement). Highlights of his remarkable coaching career include several ``Coach of the Year'' awards and Hall of Fame inductions; numerous district, area, regional, state, and all-star championships; and the establishment of the Tri-State Basketball Try-Out Clinic and Alabama's Junior Pro Basketball League.

He dedicated his life to helping others--especially our most precious resources--young people. He used the season of his life to help others reach their full potential. He was dedicated to his craft as both a teacher and a coach. Coach Powell was well respected by his peers, players, students, and colleagues. He knew that his life would be measured not by wins and losses on a sports field, but by the difference he made in the lives of his students and players.

Jack's faith inspired him to serve through virtually every segment of church life. He served as a Sunday School Teacher for more than 50 years (with his class at First Baptist Church of Eufaula being named after him) and a Sunday School Superintendent. He also served many years as a Deacon and was Chairman of the Deacon Board for 12 years. His walk as a devout Christian was the foundation of his life.

His greatest role in life was that of a dedicated husband to his late wife, Opal, and loving father to his two sons, Doyle and John.

While I did not know Jack personally, I know his son, John, the Executive Director of the American Peanut Shellers Association, which is based in Albany, Georgia. It has been said that the tree is known by the fruit it bears. If that is true, Coach Jack M. Powell was truly a fine and exemplary man, having molded and shaped the character of his devoted and loving son-John. John was a dutiful son and throughout his dad's life, especially in his sunset years, he truly honored his father as administered by the scriptures.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and I, along with more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District in extending condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. To ``God Be the Glory'' for the life of Coach Jack M. Powell for his contributions to the betterment of humankind.