Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to Ms. Janet Davis. Janet has been the driving force behind Kinetic Credit Union in Columbus, Georgia for more than 26 years and currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She will be retiring on January 31, 2018.

A native of Columbus, Georgia, Ms. Davis was born to the late Jimmy and Rebecca Davis, as one of two children. A product of the Muscogee County School System, she graduated from Kendrick High School in 1977. She went on to attend Columbus State College (now University) where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

For over four decades, Ms. Davis has been a highly trusted leader in the financial services industry. She has built quite an impressive career, which began during her tenure at Columbus Bank & Trust Company. In 1983, she began her career as a Share Draft Officer at The Infantry Center Federal Credit Union (now Kinetic Credit Union). She became the President and CEO of Kinetic Credit Union in 1991 and has since helped it to grow from a $40 million institution into one of the top 10 credit unions in Georgia with more than $380 million in assets.

Ms. Davis has received numerous honors and awards for her work. These include: the National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions Professional of the Year and the Moses C. Davis Award in 1998, the Columbus State University Alumni Service Award in 2005, the Georgia Credit Union Affiliates Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2010, the Columbus State University's Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2011, and her induction into the Credit Union House Hall Leaders in 2016.

Ms. Davis served on a number of boards and was affiliated with several associations. She has served as Chair of the Georgia Credit Union League, Georgia Credit Union Affiliates, Georgia Credit Union Foundation, Georgia Service Corp Board, and CSI, she has been an active board member for the National Credit Union Foundation, National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions, Defense Credit Union Council, and CUNA Mutual Group, and she has served as a member of the Deluxe Collaborative in 2009-10.

In addition to her professional participation, she served as the president and as a Chair of the Chattahoochee Valley Chapter of the local Better Business Bureau and Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation, and a board member of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Literacy Alliance, Columbus Partners in Education, Chattahoochee Valley Hall of Fame, American Cancer Society, and Columbus Hospice.

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 Ms. Davis has given her time and talents to provide a premier financial institution for the residents of Southwest Georgia and Southeast Alabama. A woman of great integrity, her efforts, her dedication, and her expertise are unparalleled. Columbus, Georgia shined a little brighter because of Janet Davis.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Ms. Janet Davis upon the occasion of her retirement from an outstanding career in financial services.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Major William ``Bill'' J. Golembiewski for his exemplary dedication to duty and service as an Army Congressional Fellow and Congressional Budget Liaison for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller). Major Golembiewski is transitioning from his present assignment to serve as an operations officer for the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard.

A native of Southern California, Major Golembiewski was commissioned as an infantry officer after his graduation from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science degree. He also has a Master's degree in Legislative Affairs from the George Washington University.

Golembiewski has served in a broad range of assignments during his Army career. He served as the Alpha Company and later as the Heavy Weapons Airborne Platoon Leader for the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy. As the Heavy Weapons Platoon Leader, Major Golembiewski deployed to Afghanistan in 2007. After his tour, Major Golembiewski was assigned to Southern California, where he served as the operations officer for the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion--Southern California and later commanded the Riverside Company in the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion.

In 2012, Major Golembiewski left for his second deployment to Afghanistan where he commanded the Bravo Troop, 6-1 Cavalry of the 1st Striker Brigade Combat Team. After two successful company command assignments, he served as an operations officer for the 1st Striker Brigade, 1st Armor Division. In that assignment he was nominated and selected for the U.S. Army Congressional Fellowship Program.

In 2015, as an Army Congressional Fellow, I had the privilege of working with Major Golembiewski in my office for a year and during his subsequent assignment as a Congressional Budget Liaison for the U.S. Army. Major Golembiewski worked tirelessly with Members of Congress and their staffs to accurately articulate the Army's budget positions to the Appropriations Committees. His professionalism, diligence, and commitment to the mission are unmatched, and his work both as a fellow and as a liaison very effectively represented the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense to the United States Congress.

The foundation of Major Golembiewski military success is his family. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Ginger, and committed father to his daughter, Sienna, and his son, Grant. The Golembiewski family's commitment to this nation is a testament of the Army's values. They best exemplify the spirit of selfless service, and their care for others permeates in every aspects of their lives.

Throughout his career, Major Golembiewski has positively impacted soldiers, peers, and superiors. Our country has benefited tremendously from his extraordinary leadership, judgment, and passion. I join my colleagues today in honoring his dedication to our Nation and invaluable service to the United States Congress as an Army Congressional Liaison.

Mr. Speaker, it has been a genuine pleasure to have worked with Major Bill Golembiewski over the last three years. On behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Bill for his service to our country, and we wish him all the best as he continues his service in the United States Army.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a great woman and sincere friend, Veloris ``Jean'' Williams-Edwards. Jean passed away on October 29, 2017. Funeral services will be held at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.

A native of Wooten's Crossroads, North Carolina, Jean was born to George T. and Lacy Ann (Mott) Williams, as the fourth of eight children. A product of the Greene County School System, she graduated from Greene County Training School in 1959. She went on to attend North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University (NC A&T) where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. After earning her Bachelor's degree, she earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of Maryland.

In 1964, she married the love of her life, Leon Edwards, and they built a life that was based on the love of God, the love of each other, the love of family and the love of people. They knew that the love of these could lead one to a close and fulfilling relationship with God because they are an embodiment of His greatest commandments: to love Him with all your ``heart, mind and soul'' and to ``love thy neighbor as thyself.''

Jean's passion for education persisted during her professional career as a teacher, a vocational development specialist and a transition coordinator, where she taught her students to be of service to others. After her career in education, she went on launch a dress shop, work as a promoter for various events, and work alongside her husband at Edwards Trucking Company (which evolved in to a productive transportation company), before becoming a staff assistant in the office of former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich. The treasured relationships she developed and the exciting daily operations of the Office of the Speaker made her experience on Capitol Hill beneficial.

Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' Jean was undoubtedly great because of her devotion to her work, and the compassion she showed for her friends and loved ones.

On a personal note, Jean became a trusted friend on Capitol Hill. I was truly blessed by

her friendship as I started my congressional career. Her advice, counsel and assistance were invaluable.

Jean was preceded in death by her siblings; Gerald Lee Williams, Marjorie (Daisy) Williams, George Earl (Bob) Williams, and Melvin (BoBo) Williams.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Leon A. Edwards; her son, Reginald Edwards (Sherry); her daughter, Tiena Edwards; two sisters, Dorothy Clark (Washington, D.C.); Sabrina Hickman (Greenville, NC); two grandchildren, Reggie (Chaz), and Miesha; two great-grandchildren, Miayah-Joy Keith and Somer-Hope Keith; two God-children, Julia Chaney (Winston) and Malika Taylor-Phillips; and a host of relatives and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join my wife, Vivian, and me in extending our deepest sympathies to Jean's family and friends during this difficult time. May they be consoled and comforted by their abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I pay tribute to a respected athlete, an ambitious franchiser, and a friend of longstanding, Mr. Brady Keys, Jr. Mr. Keys passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2017. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at Rejoice in the Lord Ministries in Apopka, FL and will be followed by a funeral service and burial on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Inglewood Park Cemetery Chapel in Inglewood, CA.

Brady Keys, Jr. was born on May 19, 1937 in Austin, Texas. He attended Kealing High School in Austin, before moving to California, to attend Polytechnic High School.

After graduating high school, he enrolled at East Los Angeles Junior College, where he played semi-pro football and gained the attention of Fido Murphy, a scout for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Murphy offered Keys a position on the Steelers taxi squad, which he declined. Murphy then offered Keys an education at Colorado State University with the hope that he could be legally drafted as a free agent. During his junior year, he was ultimately drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and played with them for six years. He played as a defensive back for a total of eight seasons with the National Football League, also playing for the Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Cardinals.

Brady Keys, Jr. was not only a natural athlete, but he was also a very successful entrepreneur, owning numerous enterprises and franchises. After leaving the NFL, Brady was determined to start his own restaurant franchise but was denied business loans as bankers were reluctant to lend to businesses with African-American management. However, he did not let that stop him. In 1967, with the financial help of Art Rooney, then Coach of the Steelers, he opened his first All-Pro Chicken restaurant in Detroit, Michigan. As All-Pro Chicken expanded, Mr. Keys became the first African-American to establish a national franchise.

After the opening of his first All-Pro Chicken restaurant, Mr. Keys' business empire expanded beyond his All-Pro restaurants. His businesses included several Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants in Albany, Georgia; the Urban Talent Development Corporation; The Keys Group; Pennky Mining and Oil Company; Brady Keys, Jr. Athletic Foundation, Inc.; Keys Communications Group, Inc., (formed upon purchase of WJIZ 96.3 FM and WJYZ 960 AM radio stations in Albany, Georgia); Alpha-Keys Orlando Retail Associates; Keys Technology Group, Inc.; Keys News and Gift Shop; Keys-Watt Productions, Inc.; and Keys and Sons Jewelers. Brady was truly an asset to the Albany, Georgia, Orlando, Georgia, and Detroit, Michigan communities, and his companies contributed over $40 million to the economies of those states.

A prominent sports figure and successful business owner, Brady Keys, Jr. received several awards and appointments including an appointment to the Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprise by President Nixon; an award for Outstanding African-American Albanian of the Year; and several rankings on Black Entertainment Magazine's list of 100 largest minority owned businesses between the years of 1972 to 1979.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, ``Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?'' Brady Keys, Jr. committed a prodigious amount of time and love to the service of others, and he shared his own enthusiasm and wisdom in order to better those around him. In life and in death, Brady has left a lasting impact on all those whose lives he has touched.

Brady Keys, Jr. leaves behind his wife of many years, Anna, and a large loving family and a host friends who will miss him dearly.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 730,000 residents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia, salute Brady Keys, Jr. for his outstanding entrepreneurism, untiring commitment to minority business ownership, and community development in the urban communities where he lived. I ask my colleagues to join all of us in extending our deepest condolences to the Keys family during this difficult time. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a respected public servant, outstanding citizen, and hero to his community, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Samuel Milton Selby Rollinson. Sadly, Lt. Col. Rollinson passed away on Friday, September 22, 2017. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the Fort Benning Infantry Chapel at 2:00 p.m.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Samuel was born to Sam and Ruth Rollinson, as the fourth of five sons. After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, in 1982, he was commissioned as a ranger and later promoted to an infantry lieutenant, where he received his Airborne badge.

Following his retirement from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, Samuel served as a government civilian by becoming Fort Benning's first Protocol Officer. He then served as the Civilian Deputy Chief of Staff, and ultimately, the Deputy TRADOC Capability Manager for the Stryker Brigade Combat Team. His co-workers and fellow servicemen cherished his seasoned wisdom and passion for reveling in the beauties of life.

George Washington Carver once said, ``No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' Although his passing was tragic and before his time, Lt. Col. Rollinson proved to us all what it truly meant to be a hero. He left this world doing what he loved most--serving the people of Fort Benning and Columbus, Georgia. His impression on this earth extends beyond himself to the very wellbeing of his community, and for that he will be remembered for time to come.

For his outstanding selflessness to the Columbus community, he was awarded the Rotary Club Mary Reed Award. Beyond this achievement and the respect held for him by servicemen and civilians, he was an honorable human being who loved deeply and, in return, was deeply loved.

Lt. Col. Rollinson is survived by his mother, Ruth; wife of 32 years, Sarah; children, Sam, Michelle, and Zack; daughter-in-law, Katherine; brothers, Jon Martin, Matt and Jim; and a host of friends and those whose lives he has impacted.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, the nearly 730,000 people in Georgia's 2nd Congressional District, and all Americans, in extending our sincerest appreciation to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Milton Selby Rollinson, for his dedicated service to our nation and to his community. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest sympathies to Lieutenant Colonel Rollinson's family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a respected public servant, outstanding citizen, and hero to his community, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Samuel Milton Selby Rollinson. Sadly, Lt. Col. Rollinson passed away on Friday, September 22, 2017. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the Fort Benning Infantry Chapel at 2:00 pm.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Samuel was born to Sam and Ruth Rollinson, as the fourth of five sons. After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, in 1982, he was commissioned as a ranger and later promoted to an infantry lieutenant, where he received his Airborne badge.

Following his retirement from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, Samuel served as a government civilian by becoming Fort Benning's first Protocol Officer. He then served as the Civilian Deputy Chief of Staff, and ultimately, the Deputy TRADOC Capability Manager for the Stryker Brigade Combat Team. His co-workers and fellow servicemen cherished his seasoned wisdom and passion for reveling in the beauties of life.

George Washington Carver once said, ``No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' Although his passing was tragic and before his time, Lt. Col. Rollinson proved to us all what it truly meant to be a hero. He left this world doing what he loved most--serving the people of Fort Benning and Columbus, Georgia. His impression on this earth extends beyond himself to the very wellbeing of his community, and for that he will be remembered for time to come.

For his outstanding selflessness to the Columbus community, he was awarded the Rotary Club Mary Reed Award. Beyond this achievement and the respect held for him by servicemen and civilians, he was an honorable human being who loved deeply and, in return, was deeply loved.

Lt. Col. Rollinson is survived by his mother, Ruth; wife of 32 years, Sarah; children, Sam, Michelle, and Zack; daughter-in-law, Katherine; brothers, Jon Martin, Matt and Jim; and a host of friends and those whose lives he has impacted.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, the nearly 730,000 people in Georgia's 2nd Congressional District, and all Americans, in extending our sincerest appreciation to Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Milton Selby Rollinson, for his dedicated service to our nation and to his community. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest sympathies to Lieutenant Colonel Rollinson's family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated man of God, community servant, Civil Rights Leader, family man and friend of longstanding, Rev. Elijah Smith, Sr. Sadly, Rev. Smith passed away on October 2, 2017. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the St. Peter A.M.E. Church in Fort Valley, Georgia.

Reverend Elijah Smith, Sr. was born on December 28, 1939, in Fort Valley, Georgia, to the union of the late Mr. Samuel L. Smith and the late Mrs. Ola M. Johnson Smith. He was educated in the Peach County School System.

On October 11, 1964, Reverend Smith received a calling that would change his life forever--he was called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He acknowledged this calling at the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Peach County. His first pastoral appointment occurred in 1967 in the Eastman Circuit in Eastman, Georgia. He served in Eastman for four years. He was then assigned to the Allen Chapel and Mountain Creek A.M.E. Churches in Sumter County where he served for a total of 13 years. In 1984, he was assigned to the St. John A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Georgia. During this time, the church was destroyed by a tornado and he was instrumental in the rebuilding of the church at its current location on Steam Mill Road in Columbus. He served at St. John for ten years. Because of his legacy of service and his commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he was appointed by Bishop Donald George Kenneth Ming as the Presiding Elder of the Eastern District. He was at the time one of three presiding Elders in the Southwest Georgia Conference of thee African-Methodist Episcopal Church. At the time of his retirement as a Presiding Elder, he was senior Presiding Elder in charge of thirty-six churches. He also retired as a Civil Service Employee at Robins Air Force Base, as an electronic technician. He also was an entrepreneur, as he was the owner of D and S Florist in Fort Valley, Georgia.

Shirley Chisholm once said that, ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Reverend Smith not only paid his rent, as a minister of the gospel, but he paid his rent with his many social and civic affiliations. During his lifetime, he received many awards to include: Joseph Roscoe Campbell Freedom Award for service to the Concerned Citizens Movement for the Americus-Sumter County NAACP; Special Recognition Award for outstanding and dedicated service to the Americus Police Department and the Sumter County Community for

his spiritual guidance as chaplain; The Martin Luther King, Jr. Minister's Community Service Award in recognition of outstanding and meritorious service to the church and community from the Columbus; Georgia Chapter of Push; the Sixth Episcopal District (state of Georgia) sons of Allen Award of Support; one of the 50 Most influential African Americans in the Columbus-Ft. Benning and Phenix City Area. He was also a lifetime member of the NAACP, since March of 1996. Reverend Smith served as a past President of the Americus-Sumter Branch of the NAACP. He was always pushing African-Americans to use their political power at the ballot box to effectuate positive social change.

Rev. Elijah Smith loved people and he always fought for what was right. He was guided by his love of God and his love of people. Mother Teresa once said that, ``At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by 'I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.' '' Rev. Elijah Smith used his life for good and to help others. He always believed that the ``time is always right to do that which is right.''

On a personal note, Rev. Smith and his family have been dear friends to my wife Vivian and me for many years, and I will always value the support, encouragement and counsel that he imparted to me over the years.

Rev. Elijah Smith was a great man and accomplished many things in his life, but none of this would have been possible with out the love and support of his family. His legacy lives on through his wife, Janet, his children, step children, grandchildren and all of those that he touched in a special way.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 730 000 constituents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia salute and honor the life of Reverend Elijah Smith, Sr. for his commitment to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ for over five decades and serving humankind. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest condolences to Reverend Smith's family during this difficult time. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I pay tribute to an outstanding civic leader and public servant of Georgia, a pillar in the Colquitt County community, and a friend of longstanding, Commissioner Luke P. Strong, Jr. Commissioner Strong passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2017. A funeral service was held on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Lakeside Assembly of God in Moultrie, Georgia.

Commissioner Strong was born on April 4, 1947, to the union of Luke Strong, Sr. and Mamie Brown-Strong. He was a product of the Colquitt County School System and graduated from the historic William Bryant High School in 1964. After graduation, he received a greater calling upon his life when he enlisted in the United States Army. He served proudly and honorably for five years. But, this was not the only calling that he would receive in his lifetime. He attended Gupton-Janes School of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, Georgia. He also was a graduate of the ABAC Police Academy and served as a police officer for one year at the McRae Police Department and four years as a deputy with the Montgomery County Sheriffs Department. He then served, alongside his father, as the Vice-President of Strong Enterprises.

In 1986, he was elected as the first and only African American Colquitt County Commissioner, which launched a historic career in public service that would lead him to become the longest seated elected official in Colquitt County. In 1995, he founded Luke Strong and Son Mortuary, L.T.D, which has grown to be one of the leading funeral establishments in South Georgia.

Shirley Chisholm once said that, ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Commissioner Strong paid his rent and he paid it well. He gave his time and talents to many social and civic organizations to include: the Moultrie Colquitt Branch of the NAACP, The Georgia Association of County Commissioners, Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials (GABEO), The National Association of County Commissioners, The Moultrie Men's Club, American Legion Post 533, and Moultrie Technical College Board of Directors. In 2016, he was the recipient of the Ram Round-Up and Community Service Award. Commissioner Strong was also a God fearing man. He was a member of the Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church where he was a member of the Board of Stewards, Board of Trustees and the Sons of Allen.

The great agricultural chemist George Washington Carver once said that, ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with young, compassionate with aged, sympathetic with striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these people.'' Commissioner Strong never forgot this lesson and was a man who would give you the shirt off of his back. He never advertised what he did for others, but was the true epitome of ``Servant Leadership.''

On a personal note, Commissioner Strong and his family have been dear friends to my wife Vivian and me for many years and I will miss the wise counsel that he imparted to me over the years.

Commissioner Strong has accomplished much in his life but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his family. His legacy lives on through his wife, Betty, his six children, four grandchildren and all of those that he touched in a very special way.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with a multitude of other people all across Georgia, salute Commissioner Luke Pope Strong, Jr. for his outstanding public service and his everlasting commitment to improving the quality of the Colquitt County community. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest condolences to Commissioner Strong's family during this difficult time. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to an exceptional community leader, an outstanding citizen, and a dear friend of longstanding, Ms. Judith Tucker, on the occasion of her retirement.

A native of West Point, Georgia, Judith attended Spelman College before transferring to Columbus College, where she received her bachelor's degree in General Business.

Judith previously served as a marketing officer for Columbus Bank and Trust Company and the Vice President of Product Development at Synovus Financial Corporation. After working for Synovus Financial Corporation, Judith joined the board of Midtown Incorporated where Mayor Teresa Tomlinson served as the Executive Director. After developing a solid business relationship, Tomlinson hired Judith as MidTown's Director of Community Affairs, and together they increased the organization's membership from 24 to 100 members. When Tomlinson ran and won in the 2010 mayoral election for the City of Columbus, she appointed Judith to be her Executive Assistant, and for more than 7 years, Judith has done a tremendous job in upholding the highest standards of professionalism, honesty, and affability.

Ms. Tucker's distinguished civil service has been mirrored by her extensive involvement in her community. In conjunction with her professional accomplishments in government, Ms. Tucker served on a several boards, including the boards of NeighborWorks for Columbus arid the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. She also belonged to a number of prestigious organizations, such as Girl Scouts of Historical Georgia, the Gracious Ladies of Georgia, and the Kiwanis Club of Columbus.

Judith Tucker's faith has always instilled within her a desire to positively shape the community in which she lives. As the Chair Pro-Tem of the Board of Trustees at St. James A.M.E., she regularly incorporates her faith into her commitment to public service.

She has accomplished much throughout her life, but none of this would be possible without the grace of God and the inspiration, love and support of her son, Kenneth Tucker, and her grandson, Tristan Tucker.

Dr. Benjamin E. Mays often said: ``You make your living by what you get; you make your life by what you give.'' The greater Columbus area is a better place because of Judith Tucker and her tireless commitment to making our community stronger. As a woman of great integrity, her efforts, her dedication, and her expertise are unparalleled, but her heart for helping others utilizing these qualities has made her life's work truly special.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 700,000 citizens of the 2nd Congressional District, in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Ms. Judith Tucker upon the occasion of her retirement from an outstanding career of public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a terrific educator, strong civic leader, dedicated man of God, and dear friend to my wife, Vivian and me, Harvey Milner, Sr., who retired from his position as Deputy Director of Public Services for the Columbus Public Works Department. He was honored in a retirement ceremony on Friday, September 22, 2017 at 3:00 p.m at the Columbus Government Center in Columbus, Georgia.

Harvey Milner, Sr. was born to the late Horace and Verlue Milner as the fourth of eight children. He is the loving husband of Mrs. Glendon Milner, the father of three children, Mr. Demetrius Milner, Mr Harvey Milner, Jr., and Mrs. Lisa Rhodes, and the father-in-law of two, Mrs. Keyona Milner and Nathaniel Rhodes. A humble servant of God, he recounts becoming saved at an early age as he received the Gift of the Holy Ghost and came to know the Lord. He is humbled in his love for God and his church, serving on the deacon board for over 29 years.

Harvey earned both his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and his master's degree in Education with emphasis in Criminal Justice from Troy University. He was also a graduate of the Sergeants Major Academy Class 42, in Fort Bliss, Texas He went on to serve as a Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army for twenty-four years, before retiring. He also served eight years with the Columbus Police Department. He started in the Patrol Division before being promoted to the First Crime Analysis Office. From there, he served as the Division Manager for Public Services, before being promoted to his most recent position as the Deputy Director of Public Services. Although he is retiring, Harvey will continue to serve as an Adjunct Professor with the University of Maryland (UMUC) where he will passionately teach students of all ages how to protect themselves from cybercrimes.

In addition to his professional achievements, he served on a number of boards and was affiliated with several associations. These included serving as a board member, and president of the Muscogee Rotary Club, secretary of the 100 Black Men of Columbus, Inc., and supervisor for Georgia Association Conservation Districts, as well as, memberships on the Big Brothers Advisory Committee, Columbus Consolidated Government Pension Board, and Two Rivers Resource Conservation and Development Council. He has also been invited to speak for numerous civic and church events.

Harvey Milner has demonstrated through his career and life, outstanding achievement, service and public distinction. Our community, our state and our nation are better because of him.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 700 thousand citizens of the 2nd Congressional District in honoring and commending Mr. Harvey Milner, Sr. for his contributions to his community and human kind.

Mr. Chairman, let me just say I believe that we are missing out on the opportunity to effectively do our jobs.

As elected Members of Congress, we are here to fight for what is right, what is fair, and what is just. When presented with the administration's budget, it is Congress that is charged to serve as the first line of defense for the needs of the American people.

And the agriculture bill before us, as a part of this omnibus, is our attempt at doing just that. However, the progress made in the agriculture bill will end here because we do not have a budget resolution to conference, and it is entangled with other very contentious bills, and that is most unfortunate.

In light of the draconian budget request presented by the President, Congressman Aderholt and I, along with our bipartisan Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee colleagues, worked diligently to protect as much of our country's agriculture and food and drug safety systems as we could.

In order to inflict the least amount of damage, the funding reductions were spread across several programs. But let me be clear, the communities that make up this great Nation need these programs to be robustly funded in order to keep us competitive in the global marketplace.

The United States of America will not continue to be the Nation that produces the safest, most abundant, highest quality, most economical food and fiber anywhere in the industrialized world if sufficient resources are not made available by this Congress.

While we were able to maintain McGovern-Dole at the 2017 level, the Food for Peace program was reduced.

This bill provides $830.4 million for research and education activities, which includes approximately $161 million in funding, consistent with fiscal year 2017, for minority serving land-grant institutions. These funds will assist in increasing minority representation and participation in the multidisciplinary agriculture community in fields such as agriculture research, agribusiness, as well as farming and ranching.

At the same time, the Commodities Future Trade Commission was deprived of the $2 million of funds that it needs to protect U.S. customers from nefarious trade activity. Unprecedented language was inserted into the bill that allows the CFTC Chairman to reduce the pay and benefits of his employees if he deems it necessary to avoid a RIF or furlough, whether or not it abrogates established collective bargaining agreements.

And unfortunately, the amendment I submitted to strike that provision was not made in order by the House Rules Committee.

Funding for the Food and Drug Administration remains flat, which is in stark contrast to the Trump budget that sought to cut it by more than $900 million. And still, funding for this agency that oversees the safety of our food, drugs, and medical devices will not grow, despite our significant dependence on their activities and the increasing workload each and every year.

FDA is being forced to do more with less resources, and that limits its ability to adequately protect the health, safety, and welfare of the American people.

Nutrition. Mandatory funding for SNAP and child nutrition were funded consistent with the current estimates. That is good. Additionally, school kitchen grants are funded at $25 million, which the Trump administration requested be zeroed out. I thank the committee for this.

Now, we just voted for a bill to provide aid for the victims of Hurricane Harvey just as the potential impact of Hurricane Irma looks over us. Instead of being proactive to ensure our citizens who have been and will be impacted by impending natural disasters are protected, we are going to the floor with a package which inadequately funds our Federal agencies and does not completely meet the needs of the citizens of this great Nation.

This approach to funding our government for fiscal year 2018 all but guarantees our short term, if not a full year, continuing resolution. But just like every year, Democratic votes will be needed to enact an appropriations law. Working together on a bipartisan basis will be absolutely necessary for it to move forward.

Mr. Chairman, we still have a lot of work to do to discharge our obligations to the American people.

Mr. Chairman, regretfully, this bill falls short.

I would like to thank Mr. Aderholt for his work as chairman of the subcommittee, Chairman Frelinghuysen, and both of them for conducting the Appropriations Committee markups fairly and collegially, and Mrs. Lowey, our full committee ranking member, for her very strong and inspiring leadership.

And with that, let me thank our staffs on the majority and minority sides for all of their cooperation.

Mr. Chairman, I wanted to note a few concerns with items in the en bloc amendment. I am not opposing it, but I want to lay down some markers.

On the amendment by the gentleman from Florida relating to ag research, my major concern about the amendment is that the intent is, in effect, to earmark USDA competitive research grants. That really is a no-no. USDA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative is one of the jewels in our bill. We have built up funding for it over time and have zealously protected it against any efforts by Congress to say what research is and is not funded.

The agency in charge, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, has a complex internal process for deciding what areas to focus on, and that is free from political interference. For AFRI to retain its credibility, we must not start micromanaging that process and specifying research areas and amounts, as the amendment does.

My other concern is that cutting the Agricultural Marketing Service by $2 million is not a wise choice. In many ways, AMS is the little engine that could. Of critical importance to many Members on both sides of the aisle is its role in overseeing the National Organic Program and the Specialty Crops Program.

Similarly, on the gentleman's NRCS amendment, I want to point out that cutting the National Agricultural Statistics Service, as the amendment would do, is not a good idea. NASS is USDA's premier statistics agency.

Anyone in the agriculture business can tell you that statistics are extremely important to farmers, to ranchers, and industry. NASS produces information on production and prices for virtually every crop grown in the United States, and the major livestock categories, floraculture, organic farming, farm income, land values, and even computer usage on farms; so this is an important agency that needs every penny that we give it.

The amendments relating to watershed and flood prevention operations and specialty crops for Members on my side of the aisle, unfortunately, make reductions to the Offices of General Counsel and the Chief Economist, both very important parts of USDA.

Again, I do not oppose the en bloc amendment, but I did want to make these points.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, let me just inquire how much time I have remaining.

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore).

Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman.

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

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Mr. Chair, I find it troubling that Congress, having enacted numerous laws governing the oceans and coasts, and having put 11 departments and 4 different agencies in charge of administering those laws, now seems to pause in the effort to bring consistency to that process.

The USDA has an extremely limited role in ocean policy, and it is so little that I often wonder why the majority feels it necessary to stop it.

I also wonder why anyone in a rural area would want the USDA's voice to be excluded from any discussion of policy. Shouldn't the interests of the farmers and the ranchers who are served by the USDA be taken into consideration?

Mr. Chair, I support the amendment and I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, what the Davis-Bacon Act does is protect the government, as well as the workers, in carrying out the policy of paying decent wages on government contracts.

The Davis-Bacon Act requires that workers on federally funded construction projects be paid no less than the wages paid in the community for similar work.

It requires that every contract for construction of which the Federal Government is a party in excess of $2,000 contains a provision defining the minimum wages paid to various classes of labors and mechanics.

The House has taken numerous votes on this issue, and on every vote, this body has voted to maintain Davis-Bacon requirements. In fact, most recently, during consideration of the FY18 security omnibus, the House firmly rejected a similar amendment 249-178. I hope that we will defeat the amendment before us today and move on to more substantive matters.

I would also note that it is somewhat ironic that this amendment is being offered on the agriculture appropriations bill because the Davis- Bacon Act specifically protects rural community workforces. It requires that prevailing wage determinations for rural counties be based solely on local workforce costs. Wage data from urban areas must be excluded.

This requirement, I would note, came into force during the Presidency of Ronald Reagan. I urge all Members to vote ``no.'' I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

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

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Since President Bush ordered Federal agencies to comply with E-Verify back in 2007, this amendment, if it only applies to hiring at Federal agencies, would do absolutely nothing. I am not aware of any effort by the Trump administration to undo President Bush's order, so it is a needless use of the House's time.

I believe the gentleman's language would also require every one of the local county employees or local folks to be E-Verified. Wouldn't this add another burden on USDA when it has to implement the new farm bill?

If so, I would like to ask the gentleman what he expects would happen in an emergency, such as we experienced from Hurricane Harvey, when USDA may need to bring on employees quickly. They would have to wait for E-Verify clearance.

I would also submit that it is not clear whether the language also covers every single person who receives any of the funds in this bill as a grantee. I think it is unclear and would risk requiring every single one of the thousands of grantees to go through E-Verify. Then you would impose a truly undue burden on many small farmers, ranchers, and businesses that receive grants in this bill. I would strongly oppose that.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding Man of God, Elder Ervin Peterson, who will celebrate his 20th Anniversary as the distinguished pastor of New Hope Full Gospel Ministries, Inc. His anniversary celebration will take place Thursday, August 3rd through August 5th, 2017 at New Hope Full Gospel Ministries, Inc. in Albany, GA.

A native of Calhoun County, Elder Peterson was born to Mr. Willie J. and Truezella Peterson, as one of eleven children, in 1955. He is the loving husband of Minister Deborah Peterson, the father of (5) children, Mrs. Yolanda Bryant, Mrs. Shamika Washington (Clifford), Ms. Jasmine Peterson, Ms. Audriauna Peterson, and Kamron Peterson; and, (8) grandchildren, William Bryant, IV, Deja Bryant, Jela Bryant, Bayleigh Bryant, J'Naia Crapps, Mariah Lumpkin, Calvin Grant, and Xavier Williams.

Elder Peterson was called to preach the gospel in 1981 and was ordained in August 1982. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the late Elder W.H. Norwood, Elder Peterson quickly learned the covenant, doctrine, and ordinances of the Primitive Baptist Association of which he served as Moderator from 1995-1996. While many of his churches were great distances away from his home, he served his members faithfully no matter the distance, nor the task.

Ephesians 4:11-12 says ``And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ''. In June 1997, after receiving a vision from the Lord, New Hope Full Gospel Ministries, Inc. was born. Elder Peterson and a few devoted followers developed a small ministry with firm foundation and a dynamic vision. Elder Peterson's love for God and his people is evident in the many lives he touches. A man of great integrity, he not only continues to labor for Christ, but he continues to strive for excellence in his profession as a licensed plumber and HVAC technician.

Elder Peterson is a great and inspirational leader, but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his wife, family, and the New Hope Full Gospel Ministries, Inc. church family.

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 Elder Ervin Peterson for 20 outstanding years of service to New Hope Full Gospel Ministries, Inc. and a lifetime of service in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Mr. Speaker, I consider it my great honor and pleasure to extend my sincerest congratulations to the Easterseals Southern Georgia program as it celebrates 60 years of serving individuals living with disabilities and their families. The Easterseals Southern Georgia will celebrate this significant milestone with a celebration on July 15, 2017 at the Doublegate Country Club in Albany, GA.

Easterseals Southern Georgia was brought to life by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Huie after they spent nearly eight years traveling back and forth from Atlanta with their daughter Carlton whose health was ailing. After struggling to find a facility that accommodated her daughter's needs, Mrs. Huie vowed to start a rehabilitation center in Albany to serve the disabled people of Southwest Georgia.

After nearly two years of letter writing and talking with every women's group in Albany, Mrs. Huie convinced the Junior League of Albany to take on the sponsorship and they began working toward establishing what would become the Easter Seal Guild. In 1954, the Devane Home in Albany was rented, and later purchased for use. The center officially opened on November 25, 1957 and on November 21, 1961, the Easter Seal Guild was formed, boasting 25 charter members.

However, in 1990, the Easter Seal Guild dissolved and Easterseals Southern Georgia became a direct affiliate of the National Easterseals Organization. Through the changes, the program continued to grow into a multi-faceted organization, becoming even more responsive to the needs of the region it set out to serve.

The programs for adults and children created by Easterseals Southern Georgia over the years have helped families of individuals who are amputees and those who suffer from traumatic physical and emotional injuries, developmental or intellectual disabilities, and mental illnesses by providing programs that are customized to their needs. The Easterseals Southern Georgia continues to provide these and new services to help ensure that each group's needs are met.

Beyond working to provide opportunities to adults with disabilities, Easterseals Southern Georgia opened ``Megan's House'' to serve families of children with disabilities. The house was so successful that the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities provided funds for a second home in Waycross, Georgia, and the U.S. Congress provided federal funds in 2009 for a third home in Valdosta, Georgia.

Since its inception in 1957, Easterseals Southern Georgia has served over 70,000 citizens in need and has aimed to ensure that those with developmental disabilities have valued roles in the community by administering training and other services that support individual choices and opportunities. Easterseals has expanded its area of outreach to underprivileged adults and children in Northern Florida and East Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in expressing our profound gratitude to Easterseals Southern Georgia for providing citizens with disabilities the long-lasting skills needed to be outstanding members of their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding Man of God, and friend of long standing, Reverend Dr. Ralph Walter Huling, who will celebrate his 30th anniversary as the distinguished pastor of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. An anniversary worship service will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at the church at 5214 St. James Street in Columbus.

Dr. Huling is a native of Columbus, Georgia. He served our nation honorably as a Chaplain Assistant in the U.S. Army. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree from Troy State University in Phenix City, Alabama and went on to earn a Doctorate in Pastoral Theology from Anderson Theological Seminary in Camilla, Georgia. He utilizes his education to further the next generation by serving as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at both Chattahoochee Valley Community College and Columbus Technical College.

Throughout his pastoral career, Dr. Huling has played a leading role in several religious-affiliated and community-based organizations. In addition to serving as Pastor of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, he has also pastored at New Hope Baptist Church in Lumpkin, Georgia for 24 years. He is the President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance; faculty member of the National Baptist Convention; certified dean in the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education; moderator of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Association; and International Instructor in the Germany Congress of Christian Education. In addition, he has served as the President of the Columbus Clergy Class.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Dr. Huling is an active member of many civic organizations where he continuously seeks to pour his time and energy into his community. He is the President of 100 Black Men of Columbus; 2nd Vice Chairman of the Urban League Board of Directors; Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Enrichment Service Program; and a member of the Who's Who Board of Directors for Non-Profits of Georgia. He serves on the Board of Directors of Head Start and the Board of Directors for the Golf Authority in Columbus, Georgia.

Dr. Huling is a strong advocate for restoring the family unit. He retired as a Family Service Coordinator from the Muscogee County School District. In addition, Dr. Huling wrote a book titled, ``The Biblical and Cultural Concepts of Marriage and Family Life.'' He travels around the world teaching and counseling couples and those seeking to be married. He has received numerous humanitarian awards including the President Award from the Georgia Family Service Coordinators Association.

Dr. Huling has achieved much in his life but none of it would be possible without the love and support of his loving wife of 35 years, Dorothy; his daughters, Nekita and Daisha; and grandson, Nolan.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me, the congregation of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in extending our sincerest congratulations to the Reverend Dr. Ralph Walter Huling. A man of great accomplishment, he is an outstanding mentor, strong leader, and prominent community activist, but above all, he is a faithful servant of God.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and Happy Birthday wishes to an extraordinary nurse, activist, advocate, and pioneer, Ms. Mary N. Long, who is celebrating her 76th birthday on Monday, June 26, 2017. On this day, there will be a celebration at Paschal's Restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mary N. Long was born in Guthrie, Kentucky in 1941. She moved to Atlanta in 1960 to attend the Grady Memorial Hospital's School of Nursing and went on to graduate in 1963. Soon after, Mary embarked on what would become a distinguished career. Starting as an ambulatory care nurse at Grady, she gained extensive experience while volunteering at Atlanta's free clinics and assisting local health organizations. She soon became an influential figure at Grady, developing the hospital's satellite clinics while at the forefront of Grady's participation in Economic Opportunity Atlanta's health affairs to reach the greater Atlanta community.

In 1971, Mary developed and became the first Coordinator of the Central Referral Department at Grady. This program provided both information resources for those unfamiliar with the hospital system and advocacy within the community regarding policies and procedures so that proper treatment was readily available for patients. Her dedication and devotion built the program from the ground up and her work reflected such.

While working at Grady, she became involved with the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA), and its philanthropic organization, Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF). As an active member and chairperson of GNA's Government Affairs Commission, Mary became the first minority woman to be their advocate at the Georgia legislature. In 1981, Mary was the first African American to be elected as the President of GNA where she served two terms. As a member of the City of Atlanta's Homeless Task Force, she was instrumental

in the partnership between GNF and the city that led to the establishment of Atlanta's first clinic for homeless.

In 1985, Mary Long became the Vice President for Legislative Affairs for the Arthritis Foundation and was later promoted to the Foundation's Group Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy in 1996. In addition, she was elected to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Board of Directors and served as ANA's Second Vice President.

While Mary has made tremendous contributions to health care issues, she also made great strides in other areas. For example, she was active in the movement to pass the Equal Rights Amendment in Georgia. She has an extensive record of service at the local, regional, and national levels. Her work has transcended through organizations such as the YMCA, Atlanta Food Bank, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, and the Atlanta Women's Foundation. She has received numerous awards for her groundbreaking innovation, actions, and creative thoughts. As an active member of her church, Trinity United Methodist in Atlanta, she has held onto her faith the entire journey.

As a friend of long standing, I have had the great privilege of witnessing Mary's work and the impact she has had on our state and nation. She has established a legacy of providing support for underrepresented groups on health care issues and I am very grateful for her tireless advocacy to improve the health care system in Georgia as well as her steadfast support for patients and their families. A woman of great integrity, her efforts, her dedication, and her expertise in her field are unparalleled.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me and my wife, Vivian, in honoring an outstanding citizen, advocate, and cherished friend, Ms. Mary N. Long, for the inspiring life that she leads. We extend our best wishes to her as she, her family, and friends celebrate her 75th birthday.