Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to rise today to recognize my alma mater, Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, as it celebrates 150 years of educating, training, and empowering outstanding leaders.

The year-long sesquicentennial celebration began in January 2017, and will include many events for students, faculty, staff, administrators, donors, families, and friends of Morehouse College. The theme of the celebration is ``A House United,'' which highlights Morehouse's position as a unifying force around the globe and here at home.

Tracing its roots back to the Reconstruction era after the Civil War, Morehouse was founded in 1867, as the Augusta Theological Institute in Augusta, Georgia. The school was founded by Reverend William Jefferson White, with the encouragement of Reverend Richard Coulter and Reverend Edmund Turney. It aimed to prepare Black men for ministry and teaching.

In 1879, the Augusta Theological Institute moved to the basement of the Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta and was renamed the Atlanta Baptist Seminary. In 1885, the institution relocated to its current site in Atlanta's West End community. The seminary became a liberal arts college and was subsequently renamed the Atlanta Baptist College.

During these early years in Morehouse's history, the institution expanded its curriculum and established the tradition of educating leaders for all areas of life. In 1913, Atlanta Baptist College was renamed Morehouse College after the corresponding secretary of the Northern Baptist Home Mission Society, Henry L. Morehouse.

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 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, Emmitt Carson; and many more.

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

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 Surgeon General Dr. Daniel Satcher, and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations James Nabrit, Jr.

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

As a 1968 graduate of Morehouse College, this one-of-a-kind institution has a special place in my heart. During my matriculation, I got to know on a personal level the late Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, the most renowned president of Morehouse, who was a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through him, I met Dr. King during his life, followed him in protest marches, and sang at his funeral, which was held on the campus and attended by many national and international luminaries.

Today, under the leadership of the 11th president of Morehouse College, Dr. John Silvanus Wilson, Jr., also an alumnus, the school continues to be consistently ranked as one of the top colleges in the Nation and among the highest respected Historically Black Colleges and Universities. As the Nation's largest liberal arts college for men, Morehouse has conferred more bachelor's degrees on Black men than any other institution in the world.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Morehouse College for 150 years of preparing young men to aspire to unique and distinctive goals while leading lives of leadership and service. This institution

was born out of the death of slavery in America. It guided young Black men through the era of segregation in the South, and it continues to empower marginalized populations against the oppression still prevalent in the world today. It is my hope that the generations of Morehouse Men of today and tomorrow will continue the progress and continue to leave their marks on our Nation and the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 538, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park Boundary Revision Act of 2017.

First, I thank the gentleman from the Northern Mariana Islands (Mr. Sablan) for yielding. And I thank the coauthor of the legislation, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott), my friend and colleague. He has been a tireless advocate on behalf of this legislation, and we would not be here today without his help and his advice.

I also thank Chairman Rob Bishop and Ranking Member Raul Grijalva from the full Committee on Natural Resources for their work in bringing this bill to the floor so early in the 115th Congress.

In the 114th Congress, Chairman McClintock and Ranking Member Tsongas of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands were very helpful as well, and I commend them and their staffs, especially Terry Camp and Brandon Bragato, for their efforts.

This legislation was approved last March by the full House of Representatives by voice vote. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources also approved a companion bill, but it was not considered by the full Senate prior to the adjournment of the 114th Congress.

Mr. Speaker, there are few, if any, historic sites in the United States that have evidence of continuous human habitation from so long ago when the first nomadic people came to North America to hunt ice age mammals and again to settle the Macon Plateau. It is what makes the Ocmulgee National Monument so unique. On its 702 acres, one can find archaeological evidence from these first nomads, the mound builders of the Mississippian Period, British traders of the late 17th century, as well as the Civil War period.

Our bipartisan legislation consists of three parts. First, it will expand the boundaries from approximately 702 acres to over 2,800 acres, providing protection to additional archaeological resources, linking two currently noncontiguous areas and improving the site's connection to the city of Macon, Georgia. Most of the land will be donated from nonprofit associations and government agencies. Property will also be acquired only from willing donors or willing sellers, subject to the availability of funding.

Second, the bill would change the name from Ocmulgee National Monument to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, which would increase name recognition and draw additional visitors.

Finally, H.R. 538 would authorize a resources study to explore the possibility of expanding the park even further and include additional opportunities for hunting, camping, fishing, and other recreational activities.

The legislation enjoys widespread local support, including Macon mayor Robert Reichert, the Macon Chamber of Commerce, the Macon-Bibb Visitors Bureau, the Macon-Bibb Commission, the Macon-Bibb Economic Development Commission, the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative, and the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole.

In short, I believe that H.R. 538 will strengthen the current Ocmulgee National Monument and bolster the economy and cultural life of Georgia and beyond. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation and urge its passage.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding civic leader, public servant of Georgia, and friend of longstanding, David Bryan Poythress. Sadly, David passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2017.

A Georgia man through and through, David Poythress was born in Bibb County on October 24, 1943 to John Maynor Poythress, head of Macon's water department, and Dorothy Bayne Poythress, a school teacher and the founder of Georgia's special education program. His parents' dedication to public service would inspire David from a young age to pursue public service himself.

David earned a political science degree, law degree, and commission as a U.S. Air Force officer at Emory University in the 1960s. In 1967, he entered active duty as an assistant staff judge advocate at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Texas. He served four years on active duty, volunteering for service in Vietnam and spending a year as defense counsel and chief of military justice at Da Nang Air Base. After active duty, he served in the Air Force Reserve, retiring in 1998 with the rank of Brigadier General.

Before seeking elected office, David made a name for himself serving as an assistant attorney general, Deputy State Revenue Commissioner, and chairman of a study committee formed by Governor George Busbee to study nursing home reimbursements from Medicaid. These roles, in addition to his tenure as the first Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance, led to him being nicknamed the ``Mr. Fix It'' of state government.

In 1979, Governor Busbee appointed David Secretary of State after the death of incumbent Ben Forston. In 1982, David ran for a full term as Secretary of State but was defeated in the Democratic Primary. He took a 10-year break from politics to practice law in Atlanta.

In 1992, he won a special statewide election for Labor Commissioner and two years later, he was elected to a full four-year term. In 1999, Governor Roy Barnes appointed David to lead the Georgia Army and Air National Guard. In 2002, Governor Sonny Perdue reappointed him and promoted him to Lieutenant General, making him Georgia's first three- star Adjutant General.

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 David Poythress passed this way and during his life's journey did so much for so many for so long. He devoted many years of dedicated service to the people of Georgia through his meaningful contribution of energy, skill, and genuine passion, and for it, he will be remembered for years to come.

David Poythress accomplished much in his life but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his wife, Elizabeth; son, Cullen Gray Poythress; stepdaughters, Candace Pinnisi and Kristin Placito; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District, salute David Bryan Poythress for his outstanding public service and his everlasting commitment to improving the quality of life for our citizens. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest condolences to David's family and friends 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 rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding spiritual and community leader, the Reverend Richard Gammage, Pastor of New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia. Sadly, Reverend Gammage passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at the age of 85. A memorial service was held in his honor on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at his church in Macon, Georgia.

Richard Gammage was born in Sylvester, Georgia in 1931. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the young age of twelve. He was a member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church and served in the various roles of deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir president and Chairman of the Sick Committee.

Always seeking to improve his craft of Christian ministry and discipleship, he furthered his education at Carver Bible College, the Morehouse School of Religion, and the Interdenominational Theological Center. He earned a Master's degree from Brown College of Transoral Science.

For the past 37 years, Reverend Gammage pastored the New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Macon. He loved each member of his congregation, and they loved him back. He believed that in addition to existing in a building, the church should exist in a community. The church took pride in serving breakfast on Sunday mornings to many homeless people and people in need who were able to eat a good meal immediately after the early service.

In Reverend Gammage's many years of service, he ordained more than one hundred deacons, including seven women to preach. He served as President of the Evangelical Ministers Alliance for several years and most recently held the title of President Emeritus. Reverend Gammage also stood firm as a strong believer in Christian education, providing Bibles and other instructional materials to every individual who attended his Bible studies.

Reverend Gammage made a difference both in and out of the pulpit. He was a renowned and passionate community leader in Macon, Georgia. For more than three decades, he led the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom March in Macon. He also hosted forums at New Pleasant Grove during nearly every political election for candidates to discuss issues and their campaigns.

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

Reverend Gammage achieved much in his life, but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his wife, Myra Gammage, and their three children.

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 sincere condolences to Reverend Richard Gammage's family, friends, and followers 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.

Mr. Speaker, in my hometown of Albany, Georgia, four of my neighbors lost their lives due to the tornadoes and storms that tore through our city. Many more in both Albany and the larger region had their homes destroyed and their lives upended.

For the second time this month, our region has confronted the worst that Mother Nature had to offer. However, I am confident that, with the grace of God, we will continue to see the best in human nature as we come together as a community to support each other during these very, very trying times.

I ask that the Members of this House, the Senate, and the administration join my colleagues from Mississippi and Georgia to ensure that all of those impacted by these disasters are provided the necessary resources to recover and to rebuild their lives as soon as possible.

In this moment, though it is but a small gesture, given the magnitude of the disaster, I ask that the House observe a moment of silence to recognize and remember the victims of the storms and tornadoes that struck the Southeast region of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to an outstanding leader and exceptional public servant, Chattahoochee County Sheriff Glynn Cooper. Sheriff Cooper will be retiring from his position as Sheriff and a surprise celebration will be held for him on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Roscoe Robinson Recreation Center in Cusseta, Georgia.

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

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

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

He had set his sights on being elected Sheriff of Chattahoochee County but initially suffered a loss. Never a quitter, he was elected Sheriff in 1973 and maintained a one-man office with the radio call number 651. He soon dubbed Estelle as 651\1/2\ on the radio. With his family's support, Sheriff Cooper has been a faithful servant to the people of Chattahoochee County for a remarkable 43 years. He has earned the distinction of being the second-longest-serving Sheriff in the state of Georgia.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in honoring Sheriff Glynn Cooper for his dedicated service to the people of Chattahoochee County as he retires from his position as Sheriff.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a respected public servant, outstanding citizen, and hero to his community, Lt. Randall E. Parker, Jr. Sadly, Lt. Parker passed away in the line of duty on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Georgia.

Lt. Parker was a native to Georgia and had served as a firefighter with the Macon Bibb County Fire Department since July 2, 1990.

In addition to risking his life everyday to fight fires in the area, Lt. Parker was very active in his community and went above and beyond to show his love and compassion for those around him. He was heavily involved in his church, Christ Chapel Sportstowne in Macon, and also spent time doing work for United Way, the American Cancer Society, and the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival. He was a loving family man to his wife and sons, and his legacy will live on in the minds and hearts of all those whose lives he touched in Middle Georgia.

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. Parker proved to us all what it truly means to be a hero. He left this world doing what he loved most--serving the people of Macon, Georgia. His impression on this earth extends beyond himself to the very wellbeing of the Macon community, and for it he will be remembered by the community for time to come.

Lt. Parker is survived by his beloved wife of 14 years, Sandie; sons, Andrew and Chandler; mother and stepfather, Gwendolyn and Fred Dixon; brother and sister-in-law, Marcus and Teri Parker; and a host of other family members and friends.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 700,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District salute Lt. Randall E. Parker, Jr. for his exemplary service to Macon, Georgia as a firefighter and for the ultimate sacrifice he made in the line of duty. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest sympathies to Lt. Parker'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, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to an exceptional woman and outstanding citizen, Mrs. Mildred Parish Massey. Sadly, Mrs. Massey, the mother of our dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2015. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, California.

Mildred Parish Massey was born in El Paso, Texas on June 6, 1924 to William Calhoun and Willie Pointer Parish. With her sisters, Juanita and Lois, Mrs. Massey attended Douglass Elementary and High School in El Paso, where she played the saxophone in the band and marched in the Sun Bowl Parade. She then earned a scholarship to attend Tillotson College in Austin, Texas and later transferred to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to study business administration. After college, Mrs. Massey worked for a time as registrar and secretary to the president of what is now Norfolk State University in Portsmouth, Virginia. She then returned to El Paso and gave birth to three daughters between 1946 and 1952, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Mrs. Mildred Whitfield and Mrs. Beverly Hardy.

Mrs. Massey's daughters never had to look far for an outstanding role model. While at Southern University, Mrs. Massey had boycotted a sorority which barred a friend from pledging because of the darkness of her skin. She even organized for revered civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune to go to the university to help change the policy. Because of Mrs. Massey's efforts, the discriminatory practice was ended. Then, when El Paso began integrating its public schools, she was one of the first seven African-American students to integrate Texas Western College, now the University of Texas at El Paso.

Mrs. Massey made history by being the first African American to be hired in not one, but multiple positions. She was the first black clerical worker at Ft. Bliss, Texas in the Postal Locator. After she moved to San Fernando, California in 1960, she was the first African American to work at the Raymond Lamp Company, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Sylmar, California, as Assistant Manager of the Lerner Dress Store in Panorama City, California, and as Manager of the Rembrandt Sign Company in San Fernando. In short, Mrs. Massey's life in and of itself was a testament to the advancement of African Americans before, during, and after the Civil Rights Movement.

Mrs. Massey was not only a trailblazer but also a devoted mother. At one point, she worked three jobs to support her daughters and aging father. Mrs. Massey was so dedicated to her children that after her retirement, she worked for another twelve years to help found and manage her daughter Congresswoman Barbara Lee's business. Throughout her life, this love and devotion continued to extend to not just her daughters, but her seven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild as well.

Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.''

Mrs. Massey is one such great soul, who served humanity in a special way. Each day she graced the people around her with an enthusiastic sincerity of presence. Her impression on this earth extends beyond herself to those whom she inspired and supported, and for it she will be remembered for time to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me and my wife, Vivian, in paying tribute to Mrs. Mildred Parish Massey for the inspiring life that she led. We stand united with Congresswoman Barbara Lee and we extend our deepest sympathies to her 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, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to a great friend and outstanding public servant, Ms. Gail Warren. Ms. Warren has served as the Congressional Liaison Representative, Office of the Chief of Legislative Liaison for the United States Army since March 2000. She will be retiring on Wednesday, January 21, 2015.

Ms. Warren, a native of Bedford, Virginia, has lived and worked in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area for the majority of her career. Indeed, she has built quite an impressive career which began in 1976 when she commenced her civil service serving in the Pentagon as a Department of Defense Telephone Operator. She then moved on to the office of the Army Board for Corrections of Military Records.

In 1982, Ms. Warren began serving in the Congressional Inquiry Division, Office of the Chief, Legislative Liaison, where she served for fifteen years as a Congressional Liaison Assistant. She was promoted to a Congressional Liaison Representative before she left briefly in 1998 to join the Army Inspector General's Office as a FOIA Specialist/Records Manager. In 2000, Ms. Warren returned to the Office of the Chief, Legislative Liaison as a Congressional Liaison Representative working in the Army House Liaison Division, where she has excelled for the last fifteen years.

During her tenure as a Congressional Liaison Representative, Ms. Warren responded to countless telephone inquiries and handled many last-minute coordination requests. She consistently went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that Congressional offices had the information needed to respond to congressional and constituent inquiries. She provided expert advice on complex and unusual inquiries to the Army Leadership as well as to Members of Congress and their staffs. Her high standard of excellence and attention to detail ensured the trust and confidence of those with whom she worked.

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. Warren has given her time and talents to serving as a connection between the Army and the Congress of the greatest nation in the world. A woman of great integrity, her efforts, her dedication, and her expertise are unparalleled. Capitol Hill shined a little brighter because of Ms. Gail Warren.

Ms. Warren has accomplished much in her life but none of it would be possible without the love and support of her three children, Crystal, Kevin and Courtney, and her four grandchildren Javon, Derrick, Jabarie, and Diego.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Ms. Gail Warren upon the occasion of her retirement from an outstanding career in civil service.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a respected public servant, outstanding citizen, and dear friend, Captain Terry Timley. Sadly, Captain Timley passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2015. Funeral services were held on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 1:00 p.m., at the Macon Centreplex in Macon, Georgia.

Captain Timley worked for almost 38 years in the Macon Police Department, which consolidated with the sheriff's office in January 2014 to become the Bibb County Sheriff's Office. He was the head of Criminal Investigations of Property Crimes within the Criminal Investigations Division.

Captain Timley devoted nearly four decades of dedicated service to the people of Macon through his meaningful contribution of energy, skill, and genuine passion. In 2013, the Macon Police Department presented Captain Timley with a Distinguished Service Award along with a Merit Award in recognition of his noble commitment to the safety of his community as well as the lasting impact he made within the workplace. Beyond these achievements and the respect held for him by his peers in law enforcement, he was an honorable human being who loved deeply and, in return, was deeply loved.

Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' Captain Timley is one such great soul, who served humanity in a special way. Each day he graced the people around him with an enthusiastic sincerity of presence. His impression on this earth extends beyond himself to the very wellbeing of the Macon community, and for it he will be remembered by the community for time to come.

On a personal note, my staff and I will always remember and cherish the times Captain Timley would poke his head into our Macon District Office to check on us just to see how we were doing and offer his help.

Captain Timley is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn; children, Terry, Jr. and Tyler; siblings, Walter, William, Thelma, Jerry, and Raymond; and a host of other family members and friends.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 700,000 people of the Second Congressional District salute Captain Terry Timley for his dedicated service and exceptional impact on Macon, Georgia. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest sympathies to Captain Timley'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 recognize H&H Soul Food at 807 Forsyth Street in Macon, Georgia. The popular Southern restaurant has been named the ``most iconic restaurant in Georgia'' by Thrillist.com, a website that specializes in food, beverage, and entertainment.

In order to earn this honorable designation, a restaurant must have been in existence for at least 30 years, and yet still maintain its popularity among its clients. In other words, title winners not only survive the test of time, but they do so while remaining an ``icon'' in the community. H&H effectively does both.

The restaurant traces its roots all the way back to the civil rights era, when owners Inez Hill and Louise Hudson, known affectionately as Mama Hill and Mama Louise, first opened the doors in 1959. They have been serving Southern classics ever since, with crowd pleasers such as fried chicken, peach cobbler, and of course, sweet tea.

Historically, the eatery was frequented by prominent musical figures such as The Allman Brothers Band, Wet Willie, and the Molly Hatchet Band. Legend has it that The Allman Brothers Band in their early years did not have enough money to pay for the food but Mama Louise took care of them anyway. She continued to serve other Southern musicians over the years and the restaurant also became a common meeting place for influential civil rights activists, including members and officers of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Adding to its list of modern celebrities and change-makers, H&H even welcomed a visit from Oprah Winfrey in 2007.

Co-Founder Inez Hill passed away that very same year, and the restaurant suffered a brief closing at the end of 2013. Nevertheless, H&H overcame adversity and recovered successfully from financial difficulty with the assistance of Macon's Moonhanger Group. The restaurant is thriving again today and continues to welcome its regular patrons as well as new guests from all over. H&H's enduring imprint on Macon's landscape bears tribute to its lasting influence and historic renown in the hearts of the people of Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the iconic H&H restaurant in Macon, Georgia for its rich history, its perseverance, and its dedication to serving the community the most delicious soul food around.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a great man, legendary musician and dear friend, Mr. Joseph ``JoJo Benson'' Hewell. Sadly, JoJo passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2014. A home-going celebration was held in his honor on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Occasions Event Center in Columbus, Georgia.

JoJo was born in Phenix City, Alabama where he attended Mother Mary Mission School. He and his brothers, Gene and Fletcher, were gifted with musical talents which they shared performing together across the Columbus area. But JoJo was destined for greatness and he rose to become an incredibly well-known and adored American blues and soul singer with a distinctive style.

JoJo was a passionate and dedicated artist who captured the hearts of hundreds of fans with his duets with Peggy Scott. Their best hits made it to the Billboard charts and eventually became gold records. The hit ``Pickin' Wild Mountain Berries'' was also nominated for a Grammy. For over 40 years, JoJo worked to accomplish his dream of making his music heard all around the world. His music traveled across nations delighting the ears of many fans of different backgrounds, and he became known as a great International Recording Artist.

In 2004, JoJo was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame for his wondrous musical talent. He was also elected to become Ambassador of Music in Columbus, Georgia. Throughout his life, he continued to receive honors and accolades as he became a successful entrepreneur while still recording music and performing shows.

JoJo was also an avid golfer. He loved the game and his life in many ways reflected it. On the front nine, he always managed to land in the fairway, with long beautiful drives, great approach shots, excellent chips, solid putts and thunderous cheers from the gallery. On the back nine, he struggled not to land out of bounds, to get back to the fairway, to avoid the hazards and to reach the greens--with loud groans from some in the gallery. But he did not pick up his ball and quit! He kept his pride, never gave up and continued planning his next shot and his next big show!

As a man, JoJo was charming and his silver tongue and flamboyant persona melted the hearts of countless ladies who found themselves overcome and taken by his infectious charisma. But watch out! If you crossed him, that same tongue using the most acid invective and most colorful expletives could inflict a sharp and cutting tongue lashing-- an old fashioned ``cussing out!''

JoJo is survived by his children, Joseph Hewell, Jr., Gregory Henley, Dionne Henley, Collette McCoy, and Josette McCoy; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; siblings, Walter Gene Hewell, Vera Harris, Windon Harris, Litton Harris, Rita Harris, Lois Hewell Hall, Sherwood Hewell, Jessie Hewell, Michael Hewell, Danny Hewell, and Carl Stevens; lifelong companion Angela McCoy; lifelong friend Shirley Sturgis; and many, many friends.

JoJo loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was my friend and he touched all of our lives in ways we will never forget. JoJo's legacy will live on in the spirit of his children and many stories and anecdotes will be enjoyed by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. JoJo's eleven siblings and many friends will always recount the joy of knowing, loving, and sharing the life of such a unique and accomplished man.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 700,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District and adoring fans across the world, continue to enjoy and cherish JoJo Benson's remarkable musical achievements. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest sympathies to JoJo'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 recognize an outstanding citizen, leader, pastor and inspiration to the Columbus, Georgia community, Colonel (Ret) Roy George Plummer. Colonel Plummer will be retiring as JROTC Director of Army Instruction of the Muscogee County School District in Columbus, Georgia. A retirement dinner in celebration of Colonel Plummer will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia.

A native of Jamaica, Colonel Plummer enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in several military assignments in the United States and Germany. He completed his Active Duty Army career as Chief of Chaplains at Fort Benning. He currently serves as the Chaplain for Rotary International District 6900, The State of Georgia.

As JROTC Director, he was responsible for eight high school JROTC programs and four other county JROTC programs. Since 1998, he has worked to create a successful district-level JROTC program which has grown from 400 cadets to an outstanding current operating enrollment of 1200 cadets. Under Colonel Plummer's leadership, the Muscogee County School District JROTC has earned GHSA State Rifle Championships, state- level awards in drill team and raider competitions, and honorable recognition in the annual JROTC Academic Bowl.

Always pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, to better improve the craft of Christian ministry and discipleship, Colonel Plummer has been the Senior Pastor and CEO of Faith Tabernacle Community Church, Inc. in Columbus, Georgia since he founded the church in 1994.

A shining light in the Columbus community, Colonel Plummer has played a leading role in several other religious-affiliated and community- based organizations, including the St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Columbus Hospice, United Way, Boy Scouts of America, and the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

To top off his diverse portfolio of service, Colonel Plummer served as an Assistant Professor at Columbus State University in the Department of Counseling Graduate Studies. He has earned a baccalaureate in Biblical Literature, Master of Arts in Human Relations and Group Process, Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling, Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care, and Doctorate in Divinity. This solid educational background coupled with his compassion and leadership inspired Colonel Plummer to create the Plummer Home for homeless and disenfranchised military veterans.

Colonel Plummer has achieved numerous successes in his life, but none of this would have been possible without the grace of God and his four daughters and seven grandchildren. He lives by Psalm 27:1, ``The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Colonel (Ret) Roy George Plummer on the occasion of his retirement as JROTC Director of Army Instruction and recognizing him for his many great contributions to the people of Columbus, Georgia and the United States and for his life of selfless service to God, the church and to humankind.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen and valued peach farmer of Middle Georgia, Mr. John David Duke Lane, Sr., who sadly passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at the age of 87.

Although he was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Lane had long since planted his roots firmly into Georgia soil. Following his graduation from Gordon Military College in Barnesville, Georgia, Mr. Lane studied at the University of Georgia, where he became a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. He married the former Caroline Martin, and the young couple decided to return to Middle Georgia and help Mr. Lane's grandfather, John David Duke, run the family business at Diamond D Farm, which Mr. Duke founded in 1908.

Mr. Lane, or ``Big Duke'' as he was known, took the reins and the farm thrived under his leadership for many years. Mr. Lane, alongside his father, Dave Lane, founded Lane Packing Company, which is now a state-of-the-art facility and one of the most modern and efficient packinghouses in the industry. It has the capacity to pack and ship up to one million 25-pound cartons of peaches per season.

Mr. Lane was an innovator and made a name for himself in the agricultural community of Middle Georgia, so much so that the Georgia Peach Council bestowed upon him the title of ``Mr. Peach'' in 2002. He was one of the first people in Georgia to see the potential of agricultural tourism. The packinghouse has covered walkways where visitors can stroll and watch as peaches are being packed. It also has a restaurant and a large gift shop, which draws more than 200,000 visitors a year. His children and grandchildren continue to operate the packinghouse and the farm, now known as Lane Southern Orchards, one of the largest peach-growing operations in Georgia.

An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Lane enjoyed hunting and fishing and spent 44 years salt water fishing in Homosassa, Florida. In addition, he was fascinated by Indian artifacts and maintained an impressive collection of authentic arrowheads. But his greatest joy was roaming the farm, overseeing the growth and harvesting of the crops.

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.'' Mr. Lane has done just that, leaving behind a great legacy of leadership in the peach-growing community of Middle Georgia. His great contributions to our state's reputation as the ``Peach State'' will live on as long as Americans and people from all over the world enjoy our delicious and succulent Georgia peaches.

Mr. Lane is preceded in death by his daughter, Anne Lane Tribble, and brother, David Lane. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Rose Garrett Lane; his sons; Duke, Jr., Bobby, and Stevie Lane; stepchildren, Coleman and Lauren; and his beloved grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the Middle Georgia community in honoring the great John David Duke Lane, Sr. His leadership, wisdom, and keen business savvy helped make Middle Georgia's peach-growing industry the success that it is today. Mr. Lane was a remarkable man and a blessing to the state of Georgia and the nation as a whole. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time and 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 distinguished public servant, principled business leader and dear friend to my wife, Vivian and me, Georgia State Representative Calvin Smyre. Representative Smyre will be retiring this month as Executive Vice President of Corporate External Affairs of Synovus, a financial services company based in Columbus, Georgia.

Representative Smyre earned a degree in Business Administration from Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia. In 1974, he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives as its youngest member at 27 years of age. I was honored to have served with Rep. Smyre during my own tenure in the Georgia General Assembly, and I feel blessed to have gained a dear friend.

A 40-year legislative veteran, Rep. Smyre has built a repertoire of legislative accomplishments. He currently serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Rules Committee and is Chairman Emeritus of the House Democratic Caucus. In 1983, Rep. Smyre transcended racial barriers when Governor Joe Frank Harris appointed him as Administration Floor Leader, making Rep. Smyre the first African American in history to hold this position. In 1985, he was elected to the Democratic National Committee, becoming the first African-American elected official from Georgia to serve on the Committee. Then, in 2001, Rep. Smyre made history again when Governor Roy Barnes named him Chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia, making Rep. Smyre the first African American to chair the state Democratic Party. Nationally, Rep. Smyre is President Emeritus of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) and the immediate Past President of the NBCSL Foundation.

In addition to his legislative achievements, Rep. Smyre has also built a successful business career. In 1976, he joined Columbus Bank & Trust Company, the Columbus-based division of Synovus, as a Manager Trainee. Two years later, he was promoted to Assistant Vice President and Marketing Officer. He served as Assistant Vice President and Vice President of Corporate Administration for Synovus from 1984 to 1990 and as Vice President of Corporate Affairs from 1992 to 1994. In 1996, Rep. Smyre was named Senior Vice President and Assistant to the Chairman for Community Affairs. In 1999, he was promoted to Executive Vice President and has served in this position ever since. In addition, he has the role of Synovus representative on the Financial Services Roundtable, the leading advocacy organization for the financial industry headquartered in Washington, D.C.

As former Chairman and CEO of the Synovus Foundation, the organization that directs corporate and philanthropic gifts from Synovus, Rep. Smyre has been one of the driving forces in ensuring that the company creates goodwill in the communities that it serves. Synovus boasts approximately $26 billion in assets and provides commercial and retail banking and investment services to consumers in the southeast United States. The company has been named one of Fortune magazine's ``100 Best Companies to Work For'' in America multiple times.

Although his business career and legislative duties have kept him busy, Rep. Smyre still finds the time to serve his community in various other capacities. He has held leadership and membership positions on numerous boards, foundations and organizations. He is a devoted Christian and has been a member of Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church for over fifty years.

Nelson Mandela once said, ``For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.'' Rep. Smyre embodies this statement thoroughly, for in light of his great personal success, he continues to fight to ensure that every voice is respected and heard.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the Columbus, Georgia community in honoring Georgia State Representative Calvin Smyre for his decades of leadership at Synovus. While he leaves behind a great legacy at Synovus, we have certainly not seen the last of Rep. Smyre. He will continue to represent his constituents in the state legislature and he will continue to serve the Columbus community with integrity and distinction.