Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated husband, loving father, community activist and an outstanding Man of God, Pastor Ronald G. Toney, Sr., who is celebrating his 25th anniversary as the distinguished pastor of Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia. An anniversary worship service was held on Sunday, April 8, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the church located at 1180 Bartlett Street in Macon, Georgia.

Pastor Toney was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the union of Mr. Elijah and Mrs. Mary Toney. He graduated Cum Laude from Morehouse College in 1985 earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Religion and a minor in Psychology. Always seeking to improve the craft of Christian ministry and discipleship, he furthered his studies at The Interdenominational Theological Center and Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia.

Pastor Toney received the most important calling in his life in 1976 as a minister of the gospel. He served as assistant minister at Greater Galilee Baptist Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin before serving as assistant pastor of Damascus Baptist Church in Milwaukee from 1979 to 1981; associate minister of Antioch Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia from 1981 to 1985; and pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Thomson, Georgia from 1985 to 1993. On April 11, 1993, he answered the call to serve the Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church, where he has served for the past twenty-five years. Under Pastor Toney's leadership, the foundation of the church and the size of the congregation have grown tremendously.

Although Pastor Toney's official title is Pastor of Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church, he quickly realized that a true minister of the gospel must take the ministry to the people. Shirley Chisholm once said that, ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Pastor Toney has paid his rent and he has paid it well. Under his leadership, the church has created and grown ministries that have accomplished this very important purpose. These ministries include: Love's Attic, Community Thanksgiving, Community Scholarship, Angel Tree, and the church's Evangelism Ministry. The church also has community partnerships with the Macon Rescue Mission and Ingram/Pye Elementary School. He is founder and President of Ministry Addressing Neighbor Needs Abundantly, Inc. (MANNA), an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people that live in the Barlett Crossing/ Cherokee Heights Community--one of Macon's most economically disadvantaged communities. He is an active member of many other religious-affiliated and other community-based organizations where he continuously pours his time and energy into his community, including: Haitian Empowerment of Life Project (HELP); Co-Founder and President of Gifts of Grace Foundation; Second Vice Moderator for Union Baptist Missionary and Educational Association of Middle Georgia; Foreign Mission Director for the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia; First Vice President of the Sixth District for General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia; and an Instructor for the Congress of Christian Education. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Crisis Line Safe House, the Family Counseling Center, and Living Waters Recovery Home for Women.

George Washington Carver once said, ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Pastor Toney has gone far in life because his everlasting faith in the Lord is vivid testimony of His greatness to all whom he encounters. His love and commitment to Christ is reflected in his compassionate leadership, which makes him a guiding light within the community. He is an humble man who always puts himself in the shoes of others. It has been said that, ``The true person of success is not the person that climbs the ladder of this life with two hands, but climbs the ladder of this life with one hand and reaches back with the other.'' Pastor Toney has always climbed the ladder of life with an eye towards helping others to reach their full potential, both spiritually and socially.

Pastor Toney has achieved much in his life but none of it would be possible without the grace of God and the love and support of his wife, Patricia, their children, Jason, LaTai, Ronald, Jr., and Erika; their nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the congregation of Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church, and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in extending our sincerest congratulations to the Pastor Ronald Gene Toney, Sr. A man of great accomplishment, he is an outstanding mentor and strong leader, but above all, he is a faithful servant of God who climbs ``Jacob's Ladder'' on a daily basis to make this world a better place to live for all of God's children.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding businesswoman, dedicated public servant, mentor to many, trailblazer, and one of Georgia's most prolific women's rights advocates, Dr. Rita Jackson Samuels. Sadly, Dr. Samuels passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at the age of 72. Her funeral service was held on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at noon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

A native of Forsyth, Georgia, Dr. Samuels attended Claflin University, Morris Brown College, and Georgia State University and received her Business & Secretarial Science Certification from Dimery's Business College in Atlanta, Georgia.

As a young woman, she worked as a secretary for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference under the administrations of several influential individuals and alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1971, Dr. Samuels became the first African-American female in Georgia's history to serve on the personal staff of a Georgia Governor as then- Governor Jimmy Carter's Coordinator of the Governor's Council on Human Relations. Governor Carter personally selected her to oversee the hanging of the Martin Luther King, Jr. portrait in the Georgia State Capitol. After Carter became president, she worked as a consultant with his

White House Staff in 1977. In 1983, served as Director of the Office of Citizens & Community Affairs under former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and on the national board of a National Anti-Poverty Rural Development Agency.

Dr. Samuels was not only a dedicated public servant but also a strong and passionate innovator and activist who fought tirelessly to preserve women's history and made sure that the achievements of African-American women were properly recognized. She founded the Georgia Coalition of Black Women, Inc. in 1981; advocated for the creation of the Georgia Commission on Women in 1991 and the Atlanta Commission on Women in 2001; and was the co-founder of the Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda and Women Flying High, LLC, a 100 percent female-owned business enterprise that is dedicated to increasing women's share of public and private sector contracts, in 2005. She also founded ``The Ballot Power'' of Women Voters Lecture Series and the Women in Government Internship and produced ``Sisterhood Voices'' on the Air Radio Show. She helped to launch the careers of several African-American woman leaders from rural Georgia counties who would go on to serve as mayors, commissioners, and judges.

Over the course of her life, she served as on a variety of boards and in a number of organizations at the local, state, and national levels. She also received numerous awards and commendations, including ``Keys to the City'' of several cities, including her hometown of Forsyth, Georgia. Governor Joe Frank Harris appointed her to the State Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission and appointed her as the first African American to serve on the Georgia State Election Board. She was subsequently reappointed to the King Commission by Governors Zell Miller and Roy Barnes.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, ``Life's most persistent and urgent question is, `What are you doing to help others?' '' Dr. Samuels undoubtedly lived by this philosophy as she committed a prodigious amount of time and love in service to others and shared her enthusiasm and wisdom to better those around her. Moreover, The great Agricultural chemist George Washington Carver once said that, ``It does not matter how much money you have in the bank; it does not matter what kind of car you drive; it does not matter how big the house is that you live in; it does not matter what type of profession you might be involved in; what matters in this life and what we all will be judged by is what we have done in this life as far as service to humanity.'' Rita served humanity well and carried out God's purpose for her life.

Rita leaves behind her loving husband of many years, Stanley, and a host of family and friends who will miss her deeply. She was a longtime member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

On a personal note, Rita was a dear friend of longstanding and valued supporter. I will miss the very sage counsel that she imparted to me over the years.

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 paying tribute to Dr. Rita Jackson Samuels, for her legacy of service to the state of Georgia, and extending our deepest condolences to Rita's family and friends. 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, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to honor a dynamic woman of faith, dedicated wife, magnificent mother, loving grandmother, trailblazer, prolific author, skilled entrepreneur, public official, mentor to many and friend of longstanding to my wife Vivian and me, Bishop Ann Hardman. Sadly, Pastor Hardman passed away on Monday, March 19, 2018. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at 11:00 am at the Bill Heard Theatre inside the River Center for Performing Arts in Uptown Columbus, Georgia.

Bishop Hardman was born in Asheville, North Carolina on March 30, 1957. After graduating from Asheville High School, she earned her associates degree in secretarial and administrative studies from St. Genevieve of The Pines in Asheville, North Carolina; a degree in theology studies at Christian Life School of Theology in Columbus, Georgia; a doctorate from Kingdom Truth University in Jacksonville, Florida; and received honorary doctorates in theology/divinity from St. Thomas Christian College in Jacksonville, Florida and Beacon University in Columbus, Georgia.

Bishop Hardman received many callings in her life, all of which were centered on helping people. She worked in customer service for more than 10 years as a Finance and Loan Officer at SouthTrust Bank, before becoming a Human Resources Clerk at Columbus Foundries, and a Financial Clerk at Pratt and Whitney.

She received her most important and consequential calling as a minister of gospel when she was 16 years old because of the influence of the woman who raised her, her grandmother. Her journey led her to Fourth Street Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia, where I first met her as members of the choir. She had to fight to preach the gospel because of unfortunate biases as it related to women in the pulpit. But, she powered through this to make her unforgettable mark on the ministry thus paving the way for other woman of the gospel to make their own marks.

In 1993, she began her ministry in Columbus by preaching to a handful of people in her living room. With a vision from God, that handful of people morphed into the congregation of the Faith Worship Center International in Columbus and River of Life International in Asheville, North Carolina. But, her ministry could not be contained in just Columbus and Asheville as she also founded Ann Hardman Ministries, Inc. to expand her reach globally and

touch thousands of souls through ministry. She was a humble and benevolent evangelist who trained countless others in service to God.

In 2016, she received yet another calling as she was drafted by the people to run for the office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Muscogee County. And to no one's surprise, she was successful. She was well on her way to transforming the operations of the Superior Court serving in her first term.

Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once said, ``If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.'' Her motto was: I am because He is; I can because He did, and I will because He makes it possible.'' We are so blessed that Bishop Ann Hardman demanded her seat at the table and gave all of the glory to God as she carried out his purpose for her life.

Bishop Hardman 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 husband, Bishop Norman Hardman; their children, their grandchildren, and the unheralded others who positively impacted her life.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 730,000 people in the Second Congressional District of Georgia would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Bishop Hardman's family and friends. I would also like to extend my condolences to the members of the Faith Worship Center International, Rivers of Life International, and the employees of the Muscogee County Superior Court Clerk's Office. May they all 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 that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding leader and dear friend of longstanding, Togo Dennis West, Jr. Sadly, Togo passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2018. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

Togo D. West, Jr. was born to Togo D. West, Sr. and Evelyn E. Carter West in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on June 21, 1942. He graduated from Akins High School in 1965 as valedictorian, was a member of the National Honor Society, and an Eagle Scout with Bronze Palm. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and a Juris Doctorate degree from Howard University, where he graduated first in his law school class in 1968.

In 1969, he entered the United States Army as a Commissioned Officer in the Judge Advocate General's Corps. He also served as a staffer in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs for four years.

In 1975, Togo was appointed Associate Deputy Attorney General by President Ford. He then served in several capacities in President Carter's administration including General Counsel to the Department of the Navy from 1977 to 1979; Special Assistant to both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense in 1979; and General Counsel to the United States Department of Defense from 1980 to 1981. In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed him the United States Secretary of the Army. As the second African-American to serve in this position, Togo oversaw the transition of the Army from a post-Cold War organization to a contemporary fighting force. He also was the driving force behind initiatives that granted women more opportunities to serve within the ranks and a strong advocate for harsher penalties for sexual misconduct. In 1998, President Clinton appointed him Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. During his tenure, he was a strong advocate for increased funding for veterans medical care and benefits.

Outside of his government service, Togo was also actively involved in the community. He presided on a variety of boards and served in a number of organizations at the local, state, and national levels. Over the course of his life, he received numerous awards and commendations, including the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal; Distinguished Eagle Scout in 1995; and the Silver Buffalo Award and the Silver Beaver Award.

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 Togo West, Jr. passed this way and during his life's journey did so much for so many for so long. His leadership, his counsel, and his prominent presence will be greatly missed.

Togo is survived by his loving wife, Gail; his two daughters, Tiffany and Hilary; two wonderful grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends.

On a personal note, the West family shares a special relationship with the Bishop family. My wife, Vivian, Togo's wife, Gail, and Hilary shared membership in the Metropolitan D.C. Chapter of The Links, Inc. Togo and I are both Eagle Scouts and share the honor of having been named Distinguished Eagle Scouts by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Moreover, Hilary served as valued member of our congressional staff in Washington as she started her career ascension in Washington.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, the members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District, honor and salute Togo West, Jr. for his outstanding achievements, service, and public distinction. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith in the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work and service of a dedicated community activist, engaged citizen, and dear friend of longstanding Mrs. Lillie Ruth Gantt-Evans. She will be honored by South Macon Arts Revitalization Technology (SMART), Inc. at the International Cherry Blossom Gospel Extravaganza in Macon, Georgia on Friday, March 23, 2018.

Lillie is a native of Macon, Georgia and a product of the Bibb County School System. After graduating from high school, she went on to attend Crandall Business College, complete nursing training at Hemlock School of Nursing and Spirometry training through Marshfield Clinic at St. Joseph's Hospital. She also studied Early Childhood Education at Fort Valley State University.

Once she received her nursing degree, she began working as a nurse at Macon Hospital (now The Medical Center). Lillie was one of the first African-American nurses to work in the intensive care unit. After five years at Macon Hospital, she transferred to Robins Air Force Base Hospital where she worked as a nurse. for twenty-five years. Beyond her duties and responsibilities as a nurse, she has also dedicated her personal life to helping people from all walks of life in her community. In 1968, during her tenure at Robins Air Force Base Hospital, Lillie opened Gantt's Preschool and G and J Adult Day Care. Once she retired from Robins Air Force Base Hospital in 1986, she opened M.A. Evans School to help students whose birthday delayed their enrollment in school. She kept the school running for 52 years without requiring government funding. She renamed G and J Adult Day Care to L and J Adult Day Care to pay tribute to her late mother, who helped to run her businesses while she worked as a nurse.

Throughout her career, Lillie has been recognized for her commitment and leadership in the community. These acknowledgements include the J. C. Penny Golden Rule Award; the Department of the Air Force Service Award; the Legendary Educator Award; the Humanitarian of the Year Award; an Honorary Doctorate from the City of Macon in 2002; and appointments as Lieutenant Colonel, Aide-De-Camp, and to the Governor's Staff by then Governor Jimmy Carter in 1991.

In conjunction with her professional accomplishments, Lillie became the first African-American to be appointed as President of the Democratic Women's Party and the first African-American woman to serve as Chair of the Democratic Party of Macon-Bibb County.

Lillie's distinguished achievements have been mirrored by her extensive involvement in civil rights. After witnessing several racial injustices against African-Americans, Lillie decided to get involved in the Civil Rights Movement. She marched locally and throughout Georgia alongside Hosea Williams, William P. Randall, and Tyrone Brooks to advocate for civil rights and equal treatment of African Americans.

Lillie's faith has always instilled within her a desire to positively shape the community in which she lives. As a member of New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, she regularly incorporates her faith into her commitment to public service by serving as an active participant in the Gospel Choir, the Nurse's Guild, and the Trustee's Ministry.

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 Lillie has dedicated her time and talents to improve the quality of life for others. A woman of great integrity, her efforts, her dedication, and her expertise are unparalleled. Middle Georgia shines a little brighter because of Lillie Gantt-Evans.

Lillie has accomplished much throughout her life, but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of her husband, Benjamin; her children, Merita, Chandra, Gregory, and Jimmy (deceased); her grandchildren; and the countless others positively who 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 constituents of the Second Congressional District, in extending our sincerest congratulations and appreciation to Mrs. Lillie Ruth Gantt-Evans for her dedicated service to the people of Middle Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work and service of a dedicated public servant, Mr. J. Warren Stembridge. Mr. Stembridge will be honored at the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Headquarters in Langley, Virginia on Monday, March 12, 2018. He will be awarded the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, which is given to an individual whose cumulative record of service reflects a pattern of increasing levels of responsibility, strategic impact, and distinctly exceptional achievements.

J. Warren Stembridge was born in Cordele, Georgia to Mr. W. Asbury Stembridge, Sr. and Mrs. Charlotte W. Stembridge as one of two sons. At the age of ten, his family moved to Macon, Georgia, where he was enrolled in the Bibb County School System. After graduating from Central High School, he went on to earn

a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia in 1985. Shortly after receiving his degree, he began his illustrious career with the CIA.

For over three decades, Mr. Stembridge was a well-respected leader at the CIA. He built quite an impressive career, which was amplified in 2005 when he entered into the Senior Intelligence Service. During his tenure in the Senior Intelligence Service, he held several leadership roles including Deputy Director of the Office of Congressional Affairs and completed several overseas tours in areas of conflict. In December 2016, after serving for over 31 years, Mr. Stembridge retired from the

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to rise today to recognize a dedicated public servant, engaging community leader, outstanding citizen, and friend of longstanding, Mrs. Elizabeth ``Liz'' Moore Tomlin. Liz was honored by the Nelson Chapel AME Church in Bainbridge, Georgia on February 24, 2018.

A native of Bainbridge, Georgia, Liz graduated from Hutto High School in 1969.

Liz was one of the first African-Americans to be hired as a cashier at Kwik Check and the first African-American in Decatur County to be employed by the Georgia Power Company, where she worked as a Customer Representative. Upon receiving employment with the Georgia Power Company, she pursued higher education.

She has been affiliated with several associations. She has served as President of the local chapter of the NAACP, County Chair of the Decatur County Democratic Party and Deputy Registrar, and a member of the Board of Elections of Decatur County.

As a foster parent, she has opened her home to hundreds of adolescents. She has also been an integral part of community programs such as ``Kops N Kids'', which helps to build relationships between law enforcement and local youth, and the HERO Foundation, which provides clothing, food, and housing for destitute families. For the past 30 years she has helped bring prominent speakers to Decatur County by personally sponsoring and organizing the Martin Luther King Day March and Parade.

Liz has received numerous honors and awards for her work in public service. These include: the Pilot Club Woman of the Year Award; the Unsung Hero Award presented by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation; a Certificate of Achievement from Former Secretary of State Cathy Cox; and an Outstanding Service Award which I had the pleasure of presenting to her.

Liz Tomlin's faith has always instilled within her a desire to positively shape the community in which she lives. As an active member of Nelson Chapel A.M.E. Church, she regularly incorporates her faith into her commitment to public service by serving on the Steward Board, the Pastor's Aid Committee and as the Director of the Youth Development Program Department.

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 Liz has dedicated her time and talents to improve the quality of life for others. A woman of great integrity, her efforts, her dedication, and her expertise are unparalleled. Bainbridge, Georgia shines a little brighter because of Liz Tomlin.

Liz has accomplished much throughout her life, but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of her seven children and the countless others who 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 constituents of the Second Congressional District, in extending our sincerest congratulations and appreciation to Mrs. Elizabeth ``Liz'' Moore Tomlin for her dedicated service to the people of Bainbridge, Georgia and Decatur County, Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a dedicated mortician and compassionate public servant, the Honorable Ernest ``Bobo'' Cloud, Jr., who will celebrate 33 years of distinguished service to the City of Cairo, Georgia. His celebration will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Cairo.

Ernest Cloud, Jr. was born on May 4, 1948, to the union of the late Ernest Cloud, Sr. and Sarah Brown-Cloud. He graduated from Washington Consolidated High School in 1966, and went on to attend and graduate from Gupton-Jones School of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, Georgia in 1971. After graduation, he received a greater calling upon his life and enlisted in the United States Army. But, this was not the only calling that he would receive in his lifetime. Ernest continued to pursue his interest in mortuary science by serving in the funeral service business alongside his father.

Mr. Cloud's distinguished civil service has been mirrored by his extensive involvement in his community. In conjunction with his professional accomplishments, Mr. Cloud served on several boards, including the boards of the Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association, Inc. (where he served as the Budget and Convention Chairmen and the Past President), the Cairo Civics Club (where he served as the County Chairman), the Cairo High School Booster Club (where he served as President), Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity, Inc. (where he served as the Vice President for GA, FL, and AL), and the Fourth District Funeral Service of Georgia Practitioners Association, Inc. (where he served as the Assistant Secretary). He also belonged to a number of prestigious organizations, such as the Grady County Branch of the NAACP, the Georgia State Board of Funeral Services, the Suwanee River Area Council Boy Scouts of America, and several others.

A trailblazer of firsts, Ernest was the first African-American Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Grady County, and in 1985, he became the first African-American to serve on the Cairo City Council. He has held this prestigious seat for the past 33 years.

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 Mr. Cloud has given his time and service to the City of Cairo. A man of great integrity, his efforts, his dedication, and his expertise are unparalleled. The light in Cairo, Georgia shines a little brighter because of Ernest Cloud, Jr.

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 thanking Mr. Ernest ``Bobo'' Cloud, Jr. for 33 outstanding years of service to the City of Cairo, Georgia, our state, and our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and Happy Birthday wishes to a dedicated woman of God, community servant, and friend of longstanding, Minister Ollie W. Tarver, who is celebrating her 82nd birthday on Saturday,

February 17, 2018. On this day, there will be a celebration at Dawson Elementary School located at 180 Northstar Drive in Columbus, Georgia.

Minister Ollie Woods Tarver was born on February 17, 1936 in Hatchechubee, Alabama to the union of the late Mr. William Woods and Minister Mattie Mae Woods. A product of the Russell County School System, she graduated from Russell County Training School, and went on to earn a Bachelor's of Science degree from Albany State University and a Master's of Science degree from Fort Valley State University in Elementary Education. Throughout her career, she taught in the Muscogee County School System for 31 years.

Minister Tarver is not only a profound educator but also a strong spiritual leader. Throughout her pastoral career, she has played a leading role in several religious-affiliated and community-based organizations. In addition to serving as pastor of Ollie Tarver Ministries, she has also served as Chaplain for several institutions and entities including: Christian Life School of Theology; Beacon University; Columbus Chamber of Commerce; Columbus City Council; and Fountain City Care and Rehabilitation.

George Washington Carver once said, ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Minister Tarver has gone far in life because her everlasting faith in the Lord is vivid testimony of His greatness to all whom she encounters. Her love and commitment to Christ is reflected in her compassionate leadership, which makes her a guiding light within the community.

Minister Tarver has accomplished many things in her life but none of these would have been possible without the grace of God and her loving husband, Otis; their son, Earl; six grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren. On a personal note, my wife Vivian and I have truly been blessed by Minister Tarver's sage counsel, encouragement, and enduring friendship over the many years that we have known her.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 730,000 constituents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia ask my colleagues in the House to join us in commending and recognizing Minister Ollie W. Tarver for her selfless service to God, the church, and to humankind. We extend our best wishes to her as she and her family and friends celebrate her 82nd birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work and service of a distinguished educator, political activist, and dear friend to my wife, Vivian and me, Mrs. Eunice L. Mixon. She was honored as the 2018 Distinguished Older Georgian, a title given by the Georgia Council on Aging to honor a Georgian, of at least 80 years of age, who is a role model for positive aging and has made significant contribution to society through occupational or volunteer efforts. An award reception was held for Eunice at the Georgia State Capitol at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Eunice L. Mixon was born in Tifton, Georgia on April 11, 1931 to the union of the late Robert and Carrie Lastinger. A product of the Tift County School System, she went on to attend classes at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and earn both Master's and Specialist Degrees in Science Education from the University of Georgia.

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, Eunice has always given of herself to others. She served as an educator for 30 years within the Tift County School System and at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College before redirecting her passion to politics. Her first official post in politics came in 1974 when she became the Tift County campaign chair for former Governor George Busbee. She also served as a delegate to the 1988 and 1992 National Democratic Conventions, and as a member of the Georgia Democratic Executive Committee. Over the years, she has helped campaign and fundraise for several political figures including former Georgia Lieutenant. Governors Zell Miller, and Pierre Howard, former Georgia Governors Roy Barnes, Joe Frank Harris, and Sonny Perdue, former Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin, former Georgia Secretary of State Max Cleland, U.S. Representative Charles Hatcher, former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton as well as yours truly.

Eunice's distinguished civil service has been mirrored by her extensive involvement in her community. In conjunction with her professional accomplishments in politics, she served on several boards, including the Georgia Student Finance Commission, Vocational Education Task Force, Advisory Council on Consolidation of Education Programs, Georgia Civil War Commission, Joint Board Liaison Committee, and the Georgia State Bar Disciplinary Board. She has served as the doorkeeper to the Georgia State Senate, and has served on the State Bar of Georgia's Investigative Panel, the Tifton/Tift County Library Board, the Coastal Plain Regional Library Board, the Georgia Student Finance Commission Board, the Heritage Trust Commission Board, the Agrirama Foundation and the State Election Board.

Eunice received several awards for her extensive work in politics. These include induction into the Tift County Chamber of Commerce's Wall of Fame in 2014; the Liberty Bell Award by the Tifton Judicial Circuit Bar Association in 2016; a spot on the 40 Most Influential South Georgians; and in 2010, the State Bar of Georgia honored Eunice with an award in her name.

Eunice has accomplished many things in her life but none of these would have been possible without the enduring support of her late husband, Albert and their sons, Johnny and Jimmy.

On a personal note, I have been blessed to know Eunice for many years and 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 Eunice and the Mixon family friends of longstanding.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in extending our sincerest congratulations to Mrs. Eunice L. Mixon for receiving the title of 2018 Distinguished Older Georgian and for her many years of service to her community, state, and nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a distinguished athlete, educator, spiritual leader, and dear friend of longstanding, Reverend Earl Williams, Jr. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Thursday, February 7, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Disciples of Jesus Ministries located at 228 Augusta Avenue in Thomasville, Georgia.

Earl was born in Thomasville, Georgia in 1931, to the late Billy and Flossie Adams-Williams. A product of Thomas County School System, he graduated from Douglass High School in 1953 and went on to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science from Fort Valley State University (then College) and a Master's Degree in Administration from Valdosta State University.

In 1953, he played baseball in the Negro National League with Jacksonville Eagles before signing a professional contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955, and playing in both the Mid-Western and Pennsylvania Leagues. After retiring from baseball, he became the assistant baseball coach at Fort Valley State University and a scout for the Baltimore Orioles.

In addition to being an admired athlete, Earl was also an influential educator. In 1971, he served as a teacher and later as the assistant principal at Magnolia-Chappelle Middle School (then Magnolia Junior High School), before being promoted to the role of principal in 1972. After the closing of the campus in 1990, he transitioned to Central Middle School, where he served as the principal, until his retirement in 2000.

A trailblazer offirsts, Earl was the first African-American President of G.A.E. (Georgia Association of Educators) of Thomas County, the first African-American City Commissioner of Thomasville in 1982 (re- elected in 1984), the first African-American Mayor of Thomasville in 1986 (re-elected in 1988) and the first African-American Chairman of the Salvation Army. In addition to those milestones, when he served our nation honorably in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) at Camp Lejeune, he continued to play baseball and became the first African- American to play on a USMC Base traveling team. He was also the Grand Inspector General of the S.P. Jones Masonic Lodge No. 118 and a longtime member of the Albany Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Furthermore, he received numerous awards including G.A.E. Administrator of the Year; Salvation Army Man of the Year; an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from Faith College; NAACP; inductions into the Thomasville-Thomas County Sports Hall of Fame, the Fort Valley State University Alumni Hall of Fame; a Distinguished Service Award from Thomasville/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce and Outstanding Service Award which I had the pleasure of presenting to him.

Earl accomplished much throughout his life, but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his late wife, Faye, his five children, his nine grandchildren, and the countless others who impacted his life over the years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 730,000 residents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia in extending our gratitude for the life and legacy of Reverend Earl Williams, Jr. and our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. I pray that we may all be comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead. He leaves behind a great legacy in service to his beloved family and to all those whose lives he touched through his kindness and generosity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding Man of God, the Reverend Corey J. Neal, who celebrated his 10th anniversary as the distinguished pastor of Greater Peace Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. An anniversary dinner was held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Green Island Country Club at 6501 Standing Boy Road in Columbus.

Rev. Neal is a native of Fort Benning, Georgia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Columbus State University. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University, and a Master of Science degree in Organization and Management from Capella University. He is currently working on his Ph.D. in Organizational Management with an emphasis in Human Resource Management at Capella University.

Rev. Neal received God's call to the ministry at the age of 27. Before becoming pastor of Greater Peace Baptist Church, he served as the Director of Christian Education, Youth Pastor, and Assistant Pastor under his grandfather, the admirable Reverend E.L. Sullivan.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Rev. Neal is an active member of many civic organizations where he continuously seeks to pour his time and energy into his community. He currently serves on the Mayor's Commission on Unity, Diversity, and Prosperity, and the Mayor's Opportunity Center Task Force. He is also a proud and active member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., the Open Door Community Center Board of Directors, the Columbus Georgia Family Connection Coalition, and the 100 Black Men of America, Columbus, Georgia Chapter.

A dedicated teacher of the word, Rev. Neal currently serves as the President for the 4th District of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia and the 1st Vice-Moderator for the Mt. Calvary Association. He is also certified by the National Baptist Sunday School Publishing Board as a Certified Instructor for the local, state, and national Congress of Christian Education.

Rev. Neal has achieved much in his life but none of it would be possible without the love and support of his loving wife, Victoria and their daughter, Meghan.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me, the congregation of Greater Peace Baptist Church, and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in congratulating Reverend Corey J. Neal for 10 outstanding years of pastorship at Greater Peace Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. He has truly implemented the Word of God in his congregation and in the community. I am profoundly grateful for his outstanding Christian stewardship and dedication to his church and family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend a respected athlete, an accomplished businessman, a Georgia native, and a distinguished graduate of William H. Spencer High School in Columbus, Georgia, Mr. Earnest ``Ernie'' Green. As the U.S. Representative for the 2nd Congressional District, I am proud to share that Spencer High School will hold a football banquet and retirement ceremony for Ernie's jersey number ``29'' on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 7:00 pm.

Ernie, a native of Columbus, Georgia, was a product of the Muscogee County public school system, and an alumnus of William H. Spencer High School's Class of 1958. Following high school, he enrolled at the University of Louisville, where he excelled in both football and baseball, rushing for 1,500 yards and being offered professional contracts for both sports.

After spending his college years at the University of Louisville in 1961, Ernie was drafted in the 14th round of the 1962 National Football League (NFL) Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He was later traded to the Cleveland Browns, where he played halfback and fullback from 1962 to 1968. During his career with the Cleveland Browns, he rushed for over 3,204 yards, and won the NFL Championship in 1964. Ernie also played on the winning teams in the American Football Conference (AFC)-National Football Conference (NFC) Pro Bowls in 1967 and 1968. Ernie played a total of seven seasons with the NFL, gaining 2,036 yards and 195 passes. After receiving a knee injury he made the transition from football player to field coach for the Browns' running backs.

After a successful career with the NFL, Ernie went on to become a businessman, civic leader, and philanthropist. In 1981, he co-founded Earnest Green (EG) Industries, Incorporated, a manufacturing plant that produces high quality products pertaining to the automotive, medical science, industrial, and consumer industries. Over time, his business expanded to include eleven plants, and locations in six states, Canada, the Dominican Republic, and China.

Ernie has received several awards and honors for his philanthropic efforts. Some of these include: the Outstanding Philanthropist of Ohio by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2010 and induction into the Cleveland Browns' Legends Association in 2012. Another noteworthy milestone of Ernie's is his 13th anniversary as a breast cancer survivor, which was achieved in 2018.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join my wife Vivian and me, along with the more than 730,000 residents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia, in congratulating and commending Mr. Earnest ``Ernie'' Green for his outstanding athleticism, compelling courage, keen sense of business, and dedication to philanthropy. It has been said that: ``You make your living by what you get, but you make your life by what you give.'' Mr. Earnest ``Ernie'' Green truly made his life giving so much to enhance the lives of so many for so long.

Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was unavoidably absent Tuesday afternoon, January 9, on very urgent family medical business. Had I been present for three votes which occurred,

I would have voted ``Aye'' on H. Res. 676, Roll call vote No. 2;

I would have voted ``Aye'' on H.R. 4564, Roll call vote No. 3; and

I would have voted ``Aye'' on H.R. 4581, Roll call vote No. 4.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

This is certainly a very, very appropriate tribute. As a product of Morehouse College, I know firsthand the important contribution HBCUs have made in educating, training, and empowering outstanding leaders.

Morehouse College is celebrating its sesquicentennial this year. Throughout its 150-year history, Morehouse College has made a significant mark on our State, our Nation, and the world. Here, many notable men gained the knowledge and the training that enabled them to become some of the greatest influences of our time, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; noted theologian, Dr. Howard Thurman; civil rights leader, Julian Bond; filmmaker Shelton ``Spike'' Lee; Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses; CEO of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Emmett Carson; and many more.

Morehouse principles often instill a desire for public service to benefit mankind. In the United States Congress, Representative Cedric Richmond, the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; as well as many staff members and former Members of Congress, hold degrees from Morehouse College.

U.S. Presidents have relied on alumni, such as former Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson; former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Louis Sullivan; former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. David Satcher; and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, James Nabrit.

Around the country, State and local governments have been led by alumni, such as Maynard Holbrook Jackson, the first African-American mayor of Atlanta, Georgia.

I have the honor and privilege of representing these two HBCUs in the Second Congressional District of Georgia: Albany State University and Fort Valley State University.

Albany State University, with its rich history, dating back to the trials and the triumphs faced by Joseph Winthrop Holley. Albany State University was first founded as the Albany Bible and Manual Institute in 1903. The school gained State funding in 1917, joined the University of Georgia system in 1932, began offering baccalaureate degrees in 1943, and came back strong after severe floods in 1996 as Albany State University, offering graduate programs and advanced degrees.

Today, the university has a total economic impact of $143 million and supports 1,493 jobs in the Albany area. Its educational contributions are significant. Albany State is the third in the Nation for bachelor's degrees in education for African Americans. It offers 35 degree programs in education, nursing, criminal justice, business administration, public administration; and Albany State University has produced doctors, lawyers, NASA engineers, military officers, college university presidents, teachers, preachers, mayors, legislators, business people, millionaires, and Olympic medalists.

The Fort Valley State University, which I have the honor of representing, was founded 120 years ago. Fort Valley is Georgia's only 1890 land-grant institution charged with educating and empowering its students and its surrounding community.

As many of you are aware, 1890 institutions, including Fort Valley State University, were created to ensure access to higher education in the agricultural and natural resource sciences to serve the underserved and reach the unreached.

Fort Valley has always been known to not only train and graduate tomorrow's talented leaders but to ensure that these leaders are as diverse as the communities they serve in their skill sets, their experiences, and their perspectives. Fort Valley State University has excelled at this job. It generates an economic impact of $109 million for its local and regional economy and generates 1,125 jobs.

In addition to the educational, social, and community benefits a Fort Valley education provides, it is estimated that Fort Valley State University increases its graduates' lifetime earnings by 61 percent.

As you can see, Historically Black Colleges and Universities are a vital part of the fabric of our educational system. I congratulate them for their contributions to our Nation, and I look forward to their continued tutelage for generations of future leaders for this country and the world.