Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia as the church's membership and leadership celebrate a remarkable 115 years. The congregation of Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate this very significant anniversary with celebratory events from July 9 to July 15 at the church in Albany, Georgia.

Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1903 as ``New Church'' by Reverend Dan Mosley; Deacons Peter Scott, William Jackson, and Frank Murray; and several faithful others.

Over the years, the church has been served by a number of spiritual leaders, each leaving their lasting mark on the church in some form or fashion. These leaders include Reverends Dan Mosley, Elbert Thomas, Dozier Scott, William Boyd, Charles Carr, and Jimmy Ewings, Sr.

The strength of the congregation was tested on July 7, 1994, their 91st anniversary, by the horrific flood that devastated Albany, Georgia. Many of the roads were closed and several members were unable to make it to the church, but by the grace of God, none of the church's members were harmed.

In 2001, Pastor Rance Pettibone, Sr. accepted the pastoral invitation and continues to serve as pastor today. He has overseen many internal changes, including the development of the Mission and Vision statements and several new ministries, renovation of numerous areas in the church, installation of the church's sign, and dedication of the church's New Fellowship and Education Building. He and his family not only serve the church's 150 members, but also work hard to serve the surrounding community through their active and expansive ministries.

The story of Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, which began 115 years ago as a small group of people walking in the words of Philippians 4:13 ``I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'', is truly an inspiring one of the dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation of people who put all their love and trust in the Lord.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the membership of Second Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia for their long history of coming together through the good and difficult times to praise and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and for serving the community through Him.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Greater Union Baptist Church in Camilla, Georgia as the church's membership and leadership celebrate a remarkable 150 years. The congregation will celebrate this very significant anniversary on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at Greater Union Baptist Church.

Tracing its roots back to the Reconstruction era, the church was founded in 1868 as ``Union Baptist Church''. Beginning services were held under a ``Brush Harbor'' at the Old Newton Railroad in Camilla by a layman known as Brother Blind Jack. The first church building was built on a plot of land located at the intersection of Harney Street and Church Street. Throughout the years, this congregation would expand and later become known as Greater Union Baptist Church.

Throughout the years, many ministers have been licensed or ordained from the church, and a number of pastors, deacons, and clerks have contributed to its legacy. Today, Greater Union Baptist Church is led by Reverend E. Matthew Faulk who has done an exceptional job of continuing the great work of his predecessors.

This ardent community of believers has extended its circle to include more and more members as the years have gone by, though it has never lost its essential character. Today, that same faith and spirit shine on through Greater Union Baptist Church, which has undergone several improvements in the past year in order to maintain the beautiful structure of their church building and improve comfortability for their faithful members.

The story of Greater Union Baptist Church, which recounts a group of believers coming together through the good and difficult times to praise and worship the Lord, is truly an inspiring one that shows the dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation who put all their love and trust in God.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Greater Union Baptist Church in Camilla, Georgia for its congregation's enduring commitment despite adversity, to each other and to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for over 150 years. May their actions continue to inspire the community in courage, in dedication, and in faith.

Mr. Speaker, given the recent National History Day contest, I am pleased to include in the Record a historical paper written by one of my constituents, Ms. Catherine Kennedy of Columbus, Georgia, entitled ``From Conflict to Compromise: The Normalization of Relations Between the United States of America and Vietnam.'' Catherine is representing Georgia in the Junior Division of the National History Day contest.

The Vietnam War ended with the signing of the Paris Peace

Accords in 1973; however, the United States (U.S.) and

Vietnam remained hostile for another two decades. After the

war, Vietnam stayed aligned with the Soviet Union, while the

U.S. treated Vietnam as a hostile power imposing trade

embargos, blocking international loans, and refusing to open

diplomatic relations. With the collapse of the Soviet Union

in 1991, Vietnam lost Moscow's support for its economy and

was left on its own. Within the U.S., there was growing

pressure to account for Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing In

Action (MIA) from the Vietnam War. The hostility and conflict

between the two countries turned to compromise in the mid-

1990s when both countries needed each other to meet their

individual national goals. For the Vietnamese, it was the end

to the trade embargo and the normalization of diplomatic

relations. For the Americans, it was the resolution of the

long standing POW/MIA issue.

The Vietnam War started long before President Lyndon

Johnson introduced ground combat troops into South Vietnam in

1965. The war actually started immediately after the defeat

of Japan in World War II when communist forces under Ho Chi

Minh battled French forces for independence gaining victory

in 1954. After the French collapse and withdrawal, Vietnam

was divided into North and South Vietnam along the 17th

parallel.

Relations between North and South Vietnam continued to

deteriorate over the years and the United States, fearing the

spread of communism in Asia, introduced advisors and aid to

South Vietnam. In 1964, a disputed naval incident in the Gulf

of Tonkin led Congress to authorize military action. Before

the end of 1967, over 500,000 ground troops were in Vietnam.

By 1973, the Vietnam War seemed unwinnable to Americans.

Amid mounting protests at home and facing a war weary public,

the United States signed the Paris Peace Accords bringing a

ceasefire to the battlefield. At the same time, Hanoi

released 591 American POWs during Operation Homecoming.

Unfortunately, many American servicemen remained unaccounted

for after this release. The fate of these missing servicemen

remained an obstacle to normalizing relations between the

U.S. and Vietnam for the next twenty years.

After the return of the POWs in 1973, almost 2200

servicemen remained unaccounted for or missing. Most of the

missing were in Vietnam, but some were in the neighboring

countries of Laos and Cambodia. As the U.S. and Vietnam

approached the 20-Year anniversary of the end of the war,

pressure mounted in both countries to settle the issues.

Families of the missing in the U.S. put intense political

pressure on their government to get the fullest possible

accounting for those lost, while factions in Vietnam wanted

access to trade and markets in the U.S. to help develop and

modernize its economy. Mr. Vu Chi Cong, Chief of Staff, for

the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (The Vietnamese

State Department) in discussions with U.S. officials

reiterated that the Vietnamese needed help with their

economy. Specifically, they wanted access to the

International Monetary Fund and World Bank loans, favorable

trade status with the United States with access to markets,

the ability for U.S. based companies to invest in Vietnam and

open factories, access to U.S. construction companies to bid

on internal infrastructure projects like the repaving of

National Highway 1, and finally, the ability for Vietnamese

students to study abroad at American Universities. At no time

did the Vietnamese discuss better relationships would counter

increased Chinese influence in the region or bring up the

disputed Spratly Islands.

These pressures moved the former enemies from conflict to

compromise resulting in the opening of the U.S. Embassy in

Hanoi in August 1995. The cooperation between the U.S. and

Vietnam in accounting for the missing between 1992-1995 made

compromise possible. By the time the Embassy opened, the list

of missing had decreased to 1,615 servicemen. The Vietnamese,

by all measures evaluated by the U.S., were fully cooperating

in rendering the fullest possible accounting for missing

Americans.

The belief in Vietnamese cooperation was fairly new. After

the Paris Peace Accords of 1973, many people in the U.S.

believed Vietnam still held POWs in secret prison camps

throughout the country. As proof, they pointed to random but

sensational reports of missing Americans seen in Vietnam.

Sensational actions by activists, like Billy Hendon, drew

attention to the subject. With these reports of servicemen

still being held captive, the National League of Families

(NLF) formed to pressure for release of any POW/MIAs still in

captivity. The NLF put constant political pressure on the

U.S. government to bring our missing home. They kept the

issue alive as Vietnam sought to normalize relations with the

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the proposed rescission package, the so-called Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act.

I do not think these are unnecessary programs. They are vital programs, and our rural communities all across America rely upon them.

For example, the administration is proposing a rescission of $37 million to the Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program at USDA. This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and stormwater drainage to households and businesses in rural areas.

With all due respect, that does not seem unnecessary to me. In fact, we in Congress provided a special appropriation of $500 million for this program in fiscal year 2017, in addition to regular program funds, to begin to address the backlog in this program.

Even after the 2017 bill was enacted, the National Rural Water Association estimated there was a remaining backlog of more than $2 billion. This rescission will only push us back down the hill in our efforts to address the needs for clean water and wastewater disposal in rural areas.

This package also takes away nearly $15 million from the Value-Added Agricultural Product Market Development

Grant program; $40 million from the Rural Housing Service rental assistance program; $14.7 million from the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program; and $147 million from the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program. And that just names a few. There are even more cuts across agriculture, rural development, energy, and conservation programs.

Mr. Speaker, in total, the rescission is more than $15 billion. I cannot emphasize enough how much this bill will hurt our farmers, our ranchers, and all those who live in rural America.

I ask my colleagues to join me in standing up for rural communities by rejecting this unconscionable rescission bill.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for yielding.

I would like to thank Chairman Shuster and the committee staff for all of their assistance in helping to get this matter to the floor for consideration.

This amendment would convey three parcels of land known as the Earle May Recreational Area from the Army Corps of Engineers to the city of Bainbridge, Georgia.

Mr. Chairman, the Earle May Recreational Area is vitally important to the city of Bainbridge, Georgia. The city has had a long-term lease from the Army Corps of Engineers, and it has invested nearly $150 million in improvements to this area for public use. These investments include a $25 million water control plant, several sporting complexes, and many other facilities that attract visitors.

It is a destination for people from across the Southeast for its unique beauty and the recreational opportunities that are offered by the Flint River.

Continued improvements, however, could be done much more efficiently if the land were conveyed from the Army Corps to the city of Bainbridge. Since the original lease was initiated in 1980, any improvements that the city attempted to make had to undergo the very long and arduous process that the Army Corps of Engineers utilizes, and, therefore, it increased substantially the cost to the city, as well as the bureaucratic delays that occurred.

By transferring this land to the people of the city of Bainbridge, I am confident that a proper balance can be struck between the city and the Army Corps, and it will facilitate the recreational activities on the Flint River as well as navigation and flood control.

I would like to thank the chairman for his assistance and for agreeing to accept this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman, and I ask my colleagues in the House and I urge their support of the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great woman of faith, compassion, dignity, grace and a dear friend of longstanding to my wife Vivian and me, Mrs. Veola Dotson Porter. Sadly, Mrs. Porter passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. Her funeral service was Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 11:00 am at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia.

Mrs. Porter was born on November 28, 1921, in Gentian, Georgia to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Dotson, Sr. She was the eldest of six children that were born to this union. Her formative years were spent in what is now the Milgen Road-University Avenue area in Columbus, Georgia.

Her life would change forever when she met Mr. Jake D. Porter, Sr. at the Smith Grove AME Zion Church. She married Mr. Porter in 1942 and five children were born to this union.

Her life was truly blessed because of her love for God and her family. She learned from the Christian example of her parents and passed the lessons learned on to her children who in turn are passing them on to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Moreover, she had a love for people and this fueled her desire at a very young age to become a nurse. She attended and graduated from Practical Nursing School in Columbus. Her nursing career began at St. Francis Hospital and ended with her becoming a private duty nurse with a specialization in New Born Care. During her nursing career, she upheld the principles as enunciated in the last sentence of the original Florence Nightingale Pledge: ``I shall be loyal to my work and devoted toward the welfare of those committed to my care.'' I believe Florence Nightingale would have been proud that such a woman entered her beloved profession. She ended her distinguished nursing career after 40 years and went on to serve as a faithful volunteer at the information desk at the Columbus Government Center.

Mrs. Porter achieved much success in her life, but none of it would have been possible without her strong faith in God. Her spiritual journey after Smith Grove took her to Hopewell Baptist Church in Upatoi, Georgia. Following her beloved husband's death in 1980, she joined the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where she served diligently as a Sunday School Teacher, member of the Choir No. 2 and the Deacons' Wives.

She is survived by her children, Deloris, Jake, Ibrahim, Melvin, and Gwendolyn; two sisters; Deborah and Ange; her 21 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.

George Washington Carver once said that, ``How far you go in life depends of 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.'' Likewise, Mrs. Porter did so well in her life because she never forgot where she came from and always she treated people with dignity and respect. She used her God given talents to help babies enter the world and to help all people from all walks of life. The scripture tells us that the race of life ``isn't given to the swift nor to the strong, but to those that endure until the end.'' Mrs. Porter ran the race of her life with dignity and respect and she has now claimed her greatest reward.

On a personal note, Mrs. Porter and the Porter family have been cherished friends to my wife, Vivian, and me, and we have been truly blessed by their friendship.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, along with the almost 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District, in extending our deepest condolences to Mrs. Porter's family, friends, and the Columbus, Georgia community during this difficult time. We pray that they will be comforted by an 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 rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable statesman, farmer, and public servant, former Representative in the Georgia General Assembly Mr. Robert F. Ray. Sadly, Representative Ray passed away on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. His passing marks the close of a long and prolific life, and his departure leaves a void in the hearts of many Georgians, A memorial service for Representative Ray was held on Friday, June 1, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Fort Valley, Georgia.

Robert Franklin Ray was born in Crawford County, Georgia to the union of William McCrary Ray and Thelma Crutchfield Ray on their family-owned farm. Robert's passion for farming and agriculture began during his childhood, as he helped his family plant and harvest crops on their farm, which is now a pecan orchard.

Robert's passion for farming and agriculture motivated him to build an impressive career which began at the age of 19 when he was elected President of the Crawford County Farm Bureau. By age 22, he had served as a member of the Crawford County Board of Commissioners before going on to serve two terms on the Crawford County Board of Education. He also served as the Assistant Commissioner for Marketing for the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Manager of the State Farmers Market in Macon, Georgia. In 1982, Robert was elected to the Georgia General Assembly, where he served 12 terms and represented Crawford County and portions of Bibb, Houston, Lamar, Monroe, Peach, and Upson counties.

During his 24 year tenure, Representative Ray served as a member on the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Industry and Rules, House Journals, and Small Business Committees as well as the Chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. Representative Ray made agriculture his first priority as he worked diligently to ensure that the interests of farmers were supported and protected and led the charge to give poultry farmers rights in contract negotiations. His legacy also includes spearheading legislation and funding to support education and economic development, which was instrumental in the establishment of Georgia's system of tourism routes and the creation of toll-free calling zones in the Middle Georgia area.

In addition to his political career, Robert was actively involved in the communities that he served. He presided on a variety of boards, served in a number of organizations at the local and state levels, and received numerous awards and commendations.

Robert 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, Jennifer; his children, Lisa, Robin, Bob, and Adam; and his siblings and grandchildren.

On a personal note, Representative Ray and I served in the State House together and I was blessed with his friendship, counsel, and support over the years. Representative Ray was a great representative for Middle Georgia and a stellar example of how a public servant should serve his constituents.

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 former Representative Robert F. Ray for his remarkable leadership in our great State of Georgia. He shall be remembered as an outstanding statesman, a champion of education, and an advocate for hard-working farmers. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and, loved ones during this difficult time and we pray that they will be comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Richard S. Monson. Richard has been the driving force behind Southwest Georgia Farm Credit in Bainbridge, Georgia for 18 years and currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will be retiring on July 31, 2018.

A native of Maryland, Richard received a Bachelor's of Science degree from West Virginia University and a Master's degree from Clemson University, both in Agricultural Economics. He also attended the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

For over three decades, Richard Monson has been a highly trusted leader in the financial services industry and in rural America. He has built an impressive career, beginning with his work with the West Virginia Farm Commission's prison farm system. Richard went on to serve as a Data Management and Research Analyst in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Clemson University. He joined the Farm Credit System in 1986, when he became a Senior Economist at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank in Columbia, South Carolina. He later joined Farm Credit of Southwest Florida in Arcadia, Florida, where he served in a variety of roles including Commercial Loan Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Lending Officer. He became the President and CEO of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit in 2000 and has since distributed $89 million of member dividends to the company's farmer owners with more than $900 million in assets.

Richard's diligent commitment to financial services and rural America has also been mirrored by his involvement in the community. He has served on the Board of Trustees of Edison College in Fort Myers, Florida and as the Chairman of the AgFirst Presidents Group and the Georgia Cooperative Council.

Dr. Benjamin E. Mays often said: ``You make your living by what you get, you make your life by what you give.'' We are so grateful that Richard Monson has given his time and talents to provide a premier financial institution for the farmers of Southwest Georgia. A man of great integrity, his efforts, his dedication, and his expertise are unparalleled. Southwest Georgia shines a little brighter because of Richard Monson.

He has accomplished much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the love and support of his wife, Linda, and their two daughters, Katie and Kristen. After retirement, Richard will enjoy spending time with the family he cherishes so dearly.

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 appreciation and best wishes to Mr. Richard S. Monson upon the occasion of his retirement from an outstanding career in financial services supporting agriculture in Southwest Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and birthday wishes to a dedicated man of God and community servant, Reverend Gozie E. Penson, who is celebrating his 100th birthday at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Holiday Inn located at 197 East Broad Street in Athens, Georgia.

Reverend Gozie E. Penson was born on May 31, 1918 in Fayette County, Georgia. He is a product of the Peach County School System and a member of Henry Hunt High School's graduating class. After graduating from high school, he attended Morehouse College and earned a Bachelor's of Divinity degree from Howard University's School of Religion.

Rev. Penson received a calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to migrants in Pocomoke City, Maryland and Belle Glade, Florida through the National Council of Churches. He later served with the Presbyterian Church in Tuskegee and Montgomery, Alabama as well as the Urban League in Washington, D.C.

Throughout his life, Rev. Penson was an active member of several civic organizations where he poured his time and energy including Tuskegee's Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Committee for Good Government, Oenology Club, and the Tuskegee Civic Association.

Acts 20:35 says, ``I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, `It is more blessed to give than to receive .' '' Truly, Reverend Penson has abided by this scripture, understanding his calling and purpose to serve God's people and his community.

Reverend Penson has accomplished many things in his life, but none of these would have been possible without the grace of God and the love and support of his late wife, Claudine, and their children, Merryll, Elvin, and Nari.

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 recognizing Reverend Gozie E. Penson for his selfless service to God, his church, and humankind. We extend our best wishes to him as he, his family, and friends celebrate his 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and birthday wishes to a dedicated woman of God and respected librarian, Mrs. Alberta Logan Griffin Shipman, who celebrated her 90th birthday on April 28, 2018 at the Doubletree Hotel in Columbus, Georgia.

Mrs. Shipman was born on May 5, 1928 to Rogers and Hattie Whiteside Logan of Rutherfordton, North Carolina. She received her Bachelor's degree from Albany State College (now Albany State University Library Media Specialist and Master of Education degrees from Columbus State University, and Master of Library Science degree from what is now Clark Atlanta University.

In 1973, Mrs. Shipman became the Director of the South Columbus Branch Library in the Chattahoochee Valley Regional Library System, making her the first African American and first professionally degreed librarian to hold that position. Throughout her career, she served her community with unparalleled commitment as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Columbus State University's Alumni Association, Secretary of the American Association of University Women, Board Member for the League of Women Voters, and Chairperson for ``Attack on Illiteracy Campaign'' sponsored by Gamma Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, of which she is a Life member.

Mrs. Shipman lives by the following words: ``Our God has done great things for all people and we should strive to love more and continue to help each other through Jesus Christ Our Savior.'' Mrs. Shipman used her love for the Lord to positively shape her community. As a lifetime member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, she has served in several capacities and has regularly incorporated her faith into her commitment to public service.

Mrs. Shipman is a noted speaker for religious and civic events such as Women's Day, Missionary Day and Educational Leadership Seminars and Workshops. Her efforts in the church and as a citizen of the world have earned her many accolades . She was the first recipient of the Boundless Missionary Award for dedicated service to the Women's Missionary Society. She also received the Holding Up the Light Award and the central District Presiding Elder's `` Spirit Award.''

Mrs. Shipman has accomplished many things in her life, but none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the grace of God and the love and support of her current husband, Roy and her seven wonderful daughters from her late husband, Reverend John R. Griffin.

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 recognizing Mrs. Alberta Logan Griffin Shipman. She is truly a woman of faith whose heart never stops giving and whose hands never stop serving the people of her church and her community. We extend our best wishes to her on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from the First District of Georgia for yielding to me and for hosting this Special Order to honor my friend and mentor, Zell Miller.

Mr. Speaker, Zell Miller was a titan in Georgia, the man that I was humbled and honored to call a friend and a mentor. He was an extraordinary statesman, a true public servant.

He served as a sergeant in the Marines, the mayor of Young Harris, a Georgia State senator, Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and U.S. Senator for the State of Georgia.

Now, as a newly elected State representative of the 94th district of Georgia in 1977, I had very little to do at the State capitol after the session ended and my committee meetings were over.

Somehow, I found myself hanging out in the office of the Lieutenant Governor, where his press secretary was from my hometown of Columbus, who was on loan from the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer to serve Lieutenant Governor.

I got to know Zell. I got to learn from his example. And from him, I even developed an appreciation for country music. I witnessed in Zell Miller a public servant with extraordinary integrity, courage, and character.

Fourteen years later, he became Governor, and I became a member of the Georgia State Senate. In that term as a State senator, I was appointed to be the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Education, K-12 Subcommittee, and I got to work very closely with Zell Miller because, after all, he was the education Governor.

That year, Georgia was the beneficiary of a windfall as a result of a lawsuit with some utilities, and there were several million dollars that were unexpectedly put into the State coffers. Zell Miller had to make a determination of how the State would spend that money. And being the farsighted visionary that he was, he decided that we needed to bring our State into the computer age, and so he used it to create a computer network, statewide, to enhance the educational opportunities for our colleges and universities and our State's public libraries.

He established the Galileo computer network, which provided the groundwork for distance learning and for telemedicine. I was very proud as the chair of the Education Subcommittee of the Georgia State Senate to work with him in making that happen. Not only that, but we worked to establish pilot programs that year for teaching foreign languages in elementary schools.

Zell Miller will perhaps be best remembered for the HOPE Scholarship, as you have heard, which helped to establish scholarship money and to direct money raised from the State lottery to the college tuition for Georgia students. To date, the program has provided over $10 billion in scholarship funds to 1.8 million eligible Georgia students. These investments in education are continuing to pay dividends for the State of Georgia.

Zell Miller was a true servant, and he was an advocate for Georgia. He was an advocate for humankind.

My wife, Vivian, and I offer his wife, Shirley, and their family, friends, and loved ones our most sincere condolences for their loss, but we are all so grateful that he touched our lives.

In closing, I just want to quote the words of a poem that I think is so fitting as we remember the life of Zell Miller:

The tree that never had to fight

For Sun and sky and air and light,

But stood out in the open plain

And always got its share of rain,

Never became a forest king

But lived and died a scrubby thing.

The man who never had to toil

To gain and farm his patch of soil,

Who never had to win his share

Of Sun and sky and light and air,

Never became a manly man

But lived and died as he began.

Good timber does not grow with ease:

The stronger wind, the stronger trees;

The further sky, the greater length;

The more the storm, the more the strength.

By Sun and cold, by rain and snow,

In trees and men good timbers grow.

Zell Miller was good timber. He left his mark on Young Harris; he left his mark on Georgia; he left his mark on our Nation; and he left his mark on the world.

Lives of great men all remind us: ``We can make our life sublime, and, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sands of time.'' Zell Miller has left some big footprints, and we and the world are better because he passed this way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4910, the Veterans Cemetery Benefit Correction Act. I joined my fellow Georgia Congressman Austin Scott to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure that all of our veteran families receive the benefits that they have earned.

I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership in bringing this bill to the floor, and I thank all of my colleagues for their help in moving it forward.

Mr. Speaker, Andersonville, which is one of the two remaining National Park Service cemeteries, has a very, very interesting and unique history. Andersonville was the site of a Civil War prisoner of war camp, and, interestingly enough, it held prisoners of war for both the Union and the Confederates. Unfortunately, because of the

unsanitary conditions, thousands of veterans, both Union and Confederate, died at Andersonville.

Of course, in more recent years, Andersonville has been designated as the National Prisoner of War Memorial for our country, and, in that stead, we erected and funded the National Prisoner of War Museum, which is located on the grounds of Andersonville. The facilities there are controlled totally by the National Park Service.

Currently, when veterans are buried in some of the Federal cemeteries, as you have heard, a number of the families are left to pay the burial costs that typically would be afforded them under other circumstances.

Current law requires that when a veteran is buried in a national cemetery under the control of the National Cemetery Administration, that the VA will provide an outer burial receptacle, known in other terms as a grave liner, or it will provide reimbursement to the family for purchase.

However, the current law inexplicably excludes national cemeteries that are under the control of the National Park Service. The Andersonville National Cemetery, located in my district, is one of the two remaining national cemeteries controlled by the National Park Service.

Today, we are taking steps for Congress to correct this oversight and to ensure that veterans buried in cemeteries controlled by the National Park Service, and their families, are provided all of the benefits to which they are entitled, not only for my district but for all of our veterans and their families who have selflessly served our country.

I applaud Senator Isakson's successful effort to push this legislation through the Senate under unanimous consent. It is now time for the House to take action, and by voting for this legislation, we can fix this oversight and ensure that all of our veterans and their families are provided appropriate benefits in all of our Federal cemeteries.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and birthday wishes to Mrs. Grace Hatcher Adkins. She will celebrate her 90th birthday on Friday, May 18, 2018 at Westwood Schools Auditorium at 225 Fuller Street in Camilla, Georgia.

Mrs. Adkins was born in 1928 to Mr. Clifford Edward Hatcher and Mrs. Agnes Faircloth Hatcher. The Newton, Georgia native began teaching in 1946 at the age of 18, and used the valuable lessons instilled in her by her family to guide her students.

Mrs. Adkins' life's work always centered on young people and helping them reach their full potential. She truly understood that ``Education is the passport to the future; it belongs to those who prepare for it today.'' Throughout her remarkable 58 year career, she made it her mission to help every child be successful. She devoted countless time and energy into helping and supporting her students, especially those with learning disabilities. In 1980, she created one of the first Learning Labs in the State of Georgia at Westwood Schools in Camilla. The impact of the Learning Lab was so profound that educators from across the nation inquired about her techniques, which she acknowledged were fueled by her immense love for teaching and her desire to reach every student. Westwood Schools ultimately named the Learning Lab in her honor.

The poet 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.'' Grace Hatcher-Adkins threw a prodigious amount of care and attention back to the students that she loved so dearly. She inspired several of her students to become lawyers, doctors, educators, professionals, business owners, and leaders in their own communities. Her optimistic attitude, powerful presence, and personal interest and care for each child, no matter the learning level, made all of her students feel valued and respected.

Mrs. Adkins has accomplished much in her life, but none of it would haye been possible without her unwavering faith in the Lord, the love and support of her late husband, Bill, the family she cherishes so dearly, and the encouragement from all of those who have positively impacted her life over the years.

Mr. Speaker, 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 paying tribute to one of Southwest Georgia's finest educators, Mrs. Grace Hatcher Adkins, as she and her family prepare to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a beloved educator and outstanding citizen, Mr. Paschal Ward. Mr. Ward will be retiring from his post as the Director of Bands at Bainbridge High School. He will be honored by the administration, faculty, students, and supporters at a celebratory reception on Saturday, May 5, 2018 in Bainbridge, Georgia.

The Prattville, Alabama native earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's degree in Music Education from Troy State University in Alabama. Since 1985, he has served as the Director of Bands at Bainbridge High School. He has built an impressive career, which began when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and served as the Director of Bands in Goshen, Alabama. He later became the Director of Bands at Charles Henderson High School in Troy, Alabama; the University of West Alabama; and Livingston State University in Livingston, Alabama.

Under his direction, the Charles Henderson High School band program received superior ratings in both marching and concert competitions for eight consecutive years; the participation in the Livingston State University Collegiate Band Program doubled; the Decatur County Band program received numerous Proclamations and Senate Resolutions from the Governors of Alabama and Georgia; and the Bainbridge High School Symphonic Band has been awarded Superior Ratings by the Georgia Music Educators Band Festival and Georgia Bandmasters Association for thirty- three consecutive years.

The Second Congressional District of Georgia gained a compassionate and able leader when Mr. Ward arrived in Decatur County in 1985. Mr. Ward has also served on numerous community boards, and as Chairman of the Alabama Band Association for District Eight; a member of the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Visiting Committee; the National Band Association for District Eight; the Southeastern U.S. Honor Band Clinic; and the Georgia Music Educators Association. He also received an honorary membership into Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity, Incorporated.

A talented and precise music director, Mr. Ward has received numerous accolades and awards for his musical expertise. These honors include a feature in the (``Who's Who among America's Teachers'' in 1992 and 1996; an Outstanding Alumni Award in Music Education by Troy State University in 1993; a spot in the National Band Director Hall of Fame as the Band Director of the Year in 1996; a Star-Teacher Award in 2001; a Man of the Year Award in 2006 and an Outstanding Teacher Award in 2010 from the Bainbridge Kiwan is Club; a National Citizenship Education Teacher Award in 2007; a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in 2009, which I presented to him; and the title of Roastee of the Year by the Bainbridge Pilot Club in 2011.

Dr. Benjamin E. Mays often said: (``You make your living by what you get; you make your life by what you give.'' Paschal Ward has established a legacy of musical distinction in Bainbridge where he has done a tremendous job of educating students. A man of great integrity, his efforts, his dedication, and his expertise in his field are unparalleled.

Paschal has accomplished much in his life but none of it would be possible without the love and support of his wife, Pamela, and their children, Rachael and Emily.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District, in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Mr. Paschal Ward upon the occasion of his retirement from an outstanding thirty-three year career in music education.

Mr. Speaker, given the recent passing of former Georgia Governor and United States Senator Zell Miller, I include in the Record reflections of my dear friend and mentor, former Congressman Jack T. Brinkley of Columbus, Georgia, entitled ``The Influence of Peach Tarts.'' Zell Miller, Jack Brinkley, and Guy Sharpe, distinguished men of great service and accomplishment, were Phi Chi Champion Debaters at Young Harris College.

Their accomplishments bring to mind what the English poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote: ``The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.''

The Influence of Peach Tarts

``The faintest flutter of a butterfly's wings may result in a hurricane

one hundred years hence.''--Unknown

Behind our rural home in Bettstown, Georgia, we had a small

barn-like structure which we called the corn crib. It had a

fine tin top which got blazing hot in the summer time. Daddy

stored wagon loads of his corn crop in the crib, and that is

where a huge, orange colored rat snake lived and thrived. It

looked after the rats nicely and would always frighten us

children when we played among the ears of corn.

We had a peach tree nearby, and mother used to gather

peaches and slice them for drying on top of the corn crib.

She would place cloth beneath them and above them, and the

preservation process didn't take all that long.

After they dried out she kept them in a flour sack in our

shed room, and we would often eat some of them out there.

Mother was ahead of her time, considering the dried fruit

industry of today.

Also, equally important in the process, she would make

peach tarts, and they had a wonderful, tree ripened, robust

taste. To eat one was to crave another one.

Our family had little to offer at a Franklin Baptist Church

social at Betts' Mill pond one night, and mother decided to

make a huge platter of peach tarts.

Mr. Frank Betts was the taciturn owner and operator of the

grist mill there and a man of few words. That night he

smacked his lips and asked, ``Who was it that brought the

peach tarts!'' Miss Ollie, his utterly remarkable wife,

answered him, ``Pauline, did.''

The Pauline of whom she spoke was my mother Pauline

Spearman Brinkley, and with the peach tarts she set in motion

an incredible and providential chain of events for me.

My daddy left home, and my mother kept the family together,

riding the school bus with us and working at the lunchroom.

The community was there for us as well, and Frank Betts came

to our rescue by loaning us a Milk Cow and calf for our use

during those hard times.

Mother showed me how to milk the cow, and it was as natural

to me as breathing. On cold winter days I would rest my head

on the warm flank of old Muley and milk with both hands with

the pail between my knees. ``If you done it,'' said Dizzy

Dean, the famous baseball player, ``It ain't braggin' ''! I

did become very good at milking

Upon graduation from high school the next year, my uncle

Devon Brinkley, told me of a college where you could work a

quarter and go to school a quarter. It was Young Harris

College, where the outstanding Cathy Cox of Bainbridge would

many years later become president, and the president at that

time, Hon. Walter Downs, accepted my application to go.

Mother polished my shoes and off I went without money but

with determination. When I got to Young Harris, I lived in

the dormitory with the other students and ate with them in

the wonderful dining hall.

And now, as Paul Harvey would say, for the rest of the

story.--My work that first summer was at the college dairy,

and providentially I knew how to milk a cow, how to do the

work and how to do it well.

While at Young Harris I became of Phi Chi Champion Debater

with Zell Miller and Guy Sharpe, and from there became a

teacher, a USAF pilot during the Korean war, a lawyer, a

United States Congressman and a trustee of the college. Like

old Dizzy Dean said . . .

Today there is a Pauline Spearman Brinkley Memorial Highway

just up the road from where mother made the peach tarts which

our beloved Frank Betts liked so well. Was that possibly in

the back of his mind when he loaned us old Muley? Actually,

he and Miss Ollie did that as the Christian friends which

they were, but the peach tarts surely set the stage in a

young boy's mind.

Never underestimate the power and influence of peach tarts.