Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I pay tribute to a terrific educator and outstanding citizen of Columbus, Georgia, Dr. Eddie T. Lindsey, Jr. Dr. Lindsey passed away on Monday, August 12, 2013. A Homegoing Celebration was held on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 12:00 pm at the First African Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia.

Born on January 24, 1932, Dr. Eddie Lindsey grew up in Columbus, Georgia. He was a graduate of Spencer High School, and went on to attend Savannah State University where he found his passion for education. Upon graduating, he began his teaching career first at Carver High School and then taught at his Alma Mater, Spencer High School. From 1964-1966, he served as Assistant Principal of Carver Elementary School before serving as Principal of Marshall Junior High School for one year. Then in 1967, he was named Principal of Spencer High School, where he served for eight more years.

In 1975, Dr. Lindsey made history as the first African-American assistant superintendent in Muscogee County when he was named the Assistant Superintendent for Policy and Procedures for the Muscogee County School District. In 1980, he became the Assistant Superintendent for Policy and Student Services, where he served for over 20 years until his retirement on June 30, 1991.

Dr. Lindsey's impact stretched far beyond his immediate students, however, as he was also the first African-American teacher to get a six-year certificate, and the first African American to serve on the Muscogee County School Board, blazing a trail for many other Black teachers and administrators. He created and published the school district's first policy booklet and student behavior code, a manual that is still being used today.

Dr. Lindsey's commitment to education was reflected in his own academic achievements, as he continued to pursue a higher level of education, receiving a Master's Degree from Atlanta University and a Doctorate of Education from Auburn University in 1978.

A love for education surrounded Dr. Lindsey outside of the classroom as well. His wife of 57 years, Constance, is a retired educator of the Muscogee County School District. His two sons also followed in his footsteps; his oldest son, Eddie, is Coordinator of Edgewood Alternative School, and his youngest son, Christopher, is Principal of G.W. Carver High School.

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 Dr. Eddie Lindsey passed this way and during his life's journey did so much for so many for so long. He leaves behind a great legacy in education to the thousands of students, teachers, and administrators whose lives he touched and brightened.

On a personal note, Dr. Eddie Lindsey was a close personal friend of mine and one of the first educators I met when I first came to Columbus in 1972. I have truly been blessed by his friendship, counsel and inspiration throughout the years.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 700,000 people of the Second Congressional District salute Dr. Lindsey for his outstanding achievements, service, and public distinction. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest condolences to Dr. Lindsey's family, friends and the Columbus, Georgia community 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 to pay tribute to a beloved role model and gracious woman of faith, Mrs. Gracie G. Simpson. On Sunday, September 1, 2013, Mrs. Simpson was honored by her family and friends at a birthday celebration at the Howard Community Club in Macon, Georgia.

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

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

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

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

Mrs. Simpson has achieved numerous successes in her life, but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of her adoring family. Voted ``Reigning Queen'' at Pearl Stephens Village Senior Apartments, she enjoys fishing and going on walks. She loves spending time with her family and is a great cook. She makes a mean sweet potato pie and a delicious peach cobbler. She is full of life and spunk and her family knows very

well that ``if you don't want to hear the truth, don't ask her a question.''

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mrs. Simpson for her 85 fruitful and productive years of life.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia as the church's membership and leadership celebrates a remarkable 150 years. The congregation of Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate this very significant anniversary with a Sesquicentennial Celebration on Sunday, August 4, 2013 at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center in Columbus, Georgia.

Tracing its roots back to the Civil War era, the church was founded in 1863 on the eastern bank of the Chattahoochee River, under a grape arbor in an oak grove. During a meeting at the house of Brother Boston Miles and Sister Mary Moore, the first members of the church, the church was named ``Shady Grove Baptist Church.''

From its inception through 1932, the church was served by its first sixteen ministers, each leaving their lasting mark on the church in some form or fashion. Perhaps the most notable, Reverend L.F. O'Bryant, served eleven years as the seventh pastor of the church and instituted a large renovation program to expand the size and reach of the church.

In 1932, Reverend W.A. Reid began his service as the church's seventeenth minister, and would go on to serve until his death in 1942. Under Rev. Reid's careful eye, the church expanded again, adding an annex and instituting the Vacation Bible School.

In 1949, under the Reverend J.J. Ivey, the eighteenth pastor, more renovations were made, which included the purchase of new pews and pulpit furniture, the installation of hardwood floors, and the purchase of an organ to enhance church service. Rev. Ivey would serve the church for seventeen years before retiring from the pastorate.

One of the most significant moments in the church's history occurred under Reverend Rudolph Carter Allen in August 1967, when the First Baptist Church of Columbus, Georgia awarded the full Title and Deeds of the building in which Shady Grove worshipped to the congregation of the church. The church was then renamed to Greater Shady Grove Baptist Church to distinguish the congregation from other similarly named churches in Georgia. Less than a year later, the Superior Court of Muscogee County incorporated the Greater Shady Grove Baptist Church.

Throughout the years, the church would be remodeled and renovated several times. With these aesthetic changes came changes to the church mission. After creating several new committees, programs, and outreach ministries and increasing focus on the community, the Church was renamed for a second time to Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, as it is called today. In addition to the new name, the church became a tithe-and-offering church, eliminating the need for assessments and fundraising. Today, under the leadership of Reverend Marcus J'uan Gibson, the church continues to grow and change with the vision of holistic transformation and continual improvement in Christ.

The story of Greater Shady Grove Missionary Shady Baptist Church, which began as a small group of people worshipping in the shade of a grape arbor 150 years ago and has grown into an expansive and successful church, is truly an inspiring one of the dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation of people who put all their love and trust in the Lord.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia for their long history of coming together through the good and difficult times to praise and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks in strong opposition to the farm bill rule and the underlying bill because it hurts the working poor, and it violates the longstanding partnership between agriculture producers and our Nation's nutrition programs.

Mr. Speaker, a parliamentary inquiry.

Isn't it true, Mr. Speaker, that this rule takes and bifurcates the bill that came out of the authorizing committee and separates it into two separate bills in a way that ultimately hurts the working poor of this country?

Mr. Speaker, I would like to appeal the ruling of the Chair.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lieutenant General Willie J. Williams, our Nation's third-highest ranking Marine, for his distinguished service to the United States of America. For nearly 40 years, Lieutenant General Williams has served in the Marine Corps and today he will be retiring from his post as the Director of Marine Corps Staff and from the Marine Corps. He will be honored at a retirement ceremony on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Marine Barracks in Washington, DC.

Lieutenant General Williams was born to the late Herman Jones and the late Ella Mae ``Bolden'' Hill in Livingston, Alabama but grew up in nearby Moundville, Alabama. After graduating from Moundville Public High School, he attended Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama after his high school teachers, seeing his talent and high potential but limited financial means, helped him obtain a scholarship. Faced with many difficult decisions about his future, he reflected on his life growing up in the segregated South and he was enticed by a Marine Corps recruiter to join an institution where he would be evaluated based on merit and not the color of his skin. Lieutenant General Williams was commissioned in the Marine Corps in May 1974 and began his career with the 11th Marine Artillery Regiment in May 1975, serving as a Battalion Supply Officer and later as the Regimental Supply Officer/Assistant S4 Officer.

In October 1977, he served as the Officer-In-Charge of the 3rd Force Service Support Group in lwakuni, Japan. After a year, he returned to the U.S. to serve as the Ship's Detachment Supply Officer, Pacific Ocean Area/Marine Barracks Supply Officer and Barracks Executive Officer at Marine Barracks, North Island, San Diego, California. In June 1982, he reported to Quantico, Virginia for duty as Platoon Commander, Officer Candidate School, and subsequently attended the Amphibious Warfare School.

In May 1983, he became the Supply Officer, Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California and from August 1985 to June 1989, he was assigned to the 3rd Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan as the Assistant Division Supply Officer before attending the Armed Forces Staff College. While serving with the 3rd Marine Division, Lieutenant General Williams deployed as the Logistics Officer, Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force 3-88 during its Persian Gulf Deployment from May to December 1988.

After completing Armed Forces Staff College, Lieutenant General Williams was assigned to joint duty with the Department of Defense Inspector General's Office in January 1990. From 1993-94 he studied at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and upon graduation assumed command of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) MEU Service Support Group from September 1994 to September 1996. He then served as the Assistant Chief of Staff G4, 3rd Force Service Support Group. In June 1997, he departed Okinawa for duty with the 1st Force Service Support Group first as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G3 and in 1998, as the Commanding Officer of Brigade Service Support Group 1. In July 2000, he returned to Okinawa, Japan as the Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler until June 2001 and then served as the Commanding General, 3d Force Service Support Group, Ill MEF until 2003. From October 2003 to May 2005, Lieutenant General Williams served as the Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (Facilities), Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

The Second Congressional District of Georgia gained a respected and compassionate leader when Lieutenant General Williams moved to Albany, Georgia in June 2005 to take command of the Marine Corps Logistics Base, a focal point of the service's worldwide supply chain and equipment maintenance efforts. He became a close friend and confidant as he served in my district for the next four years, throughout the height of the Iraq War and one of the service's busiest periods.

In 2009, Lieutenant General Williams returned to Washington to pin on a third star and ultimately become the Director of Marine Corps Staff. In addition to his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Stillman College, Lieutenant General Williams holds a Master of Arts Degree from National University in San Diego, California and a Master of Science Degree from National Defense University, as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Stillman College, and an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from Albany State University.

Lieutenant General Williams' personal awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with gold star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Department of Defense Service Badge.

Lieutenant General Williams has certainly accomplished many things in his life but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his wife of 40 years, Bobbie, and their late daughter, Yolanda, who sadly passed away in 2008.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, and the nearly 700,000 people in Georgia's 2nd Congressional District, and all Americans, in extending our sincerest appreciation to Lieutenant General Willie Williams, an innovative leader who, in addition to his selfless service and instrumental role in supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, has the respect, admiration, and affection of his fellow Marines and leaves behind an outstanding legacy of service and leadership in the Marine Corps of the United States of America.

I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him so much for having this Special Order so that we can celebrate the life of our friend and mentor, Bill Gray.

Shakespeare wrote:

All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely

players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one

man in his time plays many parts.

So it was with Reverend-Doctor-Congressman Bill Gray. He was a son, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a preacher--Union Baptist in Montclair, New Jersey, Bright Hope in Philadelphia. He pastored my great, great aunt, Aunt Mini, for whom my mother was named. He was a businessman. He was a mentor. He was a servant. He was a legislator. You've heard budget chairman, majority whip of this House of Representatives. He was a bridge builder, particularly in education, understanding that education is an escalator to upward mobility. And he made it possible for thousands and thousands of young people to get a college education. He was a great corporate citizen.

He was my friend, a confidant. He gave many items of sage advice and counsel. He was an avid supporter in coming to Georgia to support me when I was a State legislator. He supported me when I ran for Congress and continued to support me for reelection. And, of course, he was a wonderful friend, and we developed a wonderful relationship. I will miss him greatly.

His 71 years are but a minute in eternity, but I have to just reflect and say that he did so much with his minute. The poet wrote:

I have only just a minute,

Only 60 seconds in it.

Forced upon me, can't refuse it.

Didn't seek it, didn't choose it.

But it's up to me to use it,

I must suffer if I loose it,

Give account if I abuse it.

Just a tiny little minute,

But an eternity lives in it.

We're so thankful that Bill Gray passed this way and touched all of our lives and made such a difference, because he certainly did so much for so many for so long with his minute on the stage of this life.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations to a great friend and servant of humankind, Presiding Judge on the Court of Appeals of Georgia, Herbert E. Phipps. Judge Phipps will be recognized for his distinguished service and become formally invested as the 28th Chief Judge of the Court on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the State Judicial Building in Atlanta, Georgia.

Judge Phipps was born in Baker County, Georgia to J.W. Phipps and Marion Gadson Phipps. Attending elementary and secondary school in Baker County and graduating from Morehouse College in 1964 with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Judge Phipps traveled extensively in Europe and Asia and taught English at Thammasatt University and private schools in Bangkok, Thailand. In 1971, he earned a Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and in 2004, he was awarded a Master of Laws in the Judicial Process from the University of Virginia School of Law.

In 1971, Judge Phipps returned to Albany, Georgia to practice law with famed civil rights attorney C.B. King, focusing on civil rights litigation and pursuing equal opportunity and justice for those who had been wronged on the basis of discrimination. Attorney C.B. King, for whom the Federal Courthouse in Albany is named, was not only a mentor to Judge Phipps and to me, but to countless other civil rights attorneys across the Nation. A successful attorney, strong civil rights leader, and one of the first African Americans to run for Governor of the State of Georgia, Attorney King paved the way for other African Americans such as Judge Phipps and me to serve in the elected positions we hold today. He was a bridge builder and the fruits of his labor are still seen all across our State and Nation.

Following his time with Attorney King, Judge Phipps practiced law on his own and was appointed part-time Magistrate and Associate Judge of the Dougherty County State Court in 1980. In 1995, he was appointed Judge of the Dougherty County Superior Court by Governor Zell Miller, becoming the first African-American Superior Court judge in the Dougherty Judicial Circuit, and in 1999, Governor Roy Barnes appointed him to the Court of Appeals of Georgia. Since being appointed to the Court of Appeals, Judge Phipps has been reelected statewide for three consecutive six-year terms. In April 2010, Judge Phipps became Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeals and today he will assume the position of Chief Judge.

Judge Phipps' diligent work in the community has reflected his commitment to volunteer service. In conjunction with his professional accomplishments, Judge Phipps has served on a number of boards and commissions, has been involved with many legal and professional organizations, and has received many awards for his service. He also lives a life of faith and is a longtime member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Albany.

None of Judge Phipps' momentous accomplishments would have been possible without the enduring love and support of his wife Connie, children Herbert and India, son-in-law Will J. Epps and granddaughter Zoe Olivia Epps.

A true Georgian devoted to serving his great State, Judge Phipps embodies Georgia's state motto, ``Wisdom, Justice and Moderation.'' I know that Judge Phipps will continue to serve our state with great honor and distinction.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Judge Herbert E. Phipps for his outstanding professional achievements and dedicated service to the people of the State of Georgia as he assumes the prestigious title of Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia.

Madam Chair, it was my intention to offer an amendment to H.R. 1947, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, which would have amended Section 4 of Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the ``McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act'').

My amendment said: ``The matching funds requirement shall not be applicable to eligible 1890 Institutions (as defined in Section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998), if the allocation is below $200,000.''

On July 2, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Morrill Act, which made it possible for each state to receive federal funds to establish a state college or university.

Regretfully, slavery still existed in the United States when the Morrill Act of 1862 was enacted into law. Even after the Civil War ended in 1865, it was still considered illegal to educate blacks in the South--making it impossible for black students to attend any college or university established under the Morrill Act of 1862. These conditions resulted in the enactment of the Morrill Act of 1890 and its support for black educational institutions.

Today: The eighteen 1890 Land-grant institutions represent 24 percent of all land-grant institutions (76 institutions total); The 1890 Land- grant Institutions enrolled 98,397 students in 2011 (31% of all student enrolled in HBCUs); The 1890 Land-grant institutions produced 33 percent of all Bachelor's degrees, 41 percent of all master's degrees, 45 percent of all doctoral degrees and 24 percent of all professional degrees awarded at HBCUs.

Notable graduates of 1890 Institutions include: Oprah Winfrey, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Gen. Daniel Chappie James, Lionel Richie, Whitney Young, Art Shell, Ronald McNair, Jim Clyburn, Edolphus Towns, Alcee Hastings, Corrine Brown.

Madam Chair, in the 2008 Farm bill, 1890 institutions were made eligible to receive funding for the first time under the McIntire- Stennis

Cooperative Forestry Act, which is a capacity building program for forestry research that requires matching funds.

Under in the 2008 Farm bill, 1890 institutions were made eligible to receive funding for the first time under the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act, which is a capacity building program for forestry which requires matching funds.

The McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry assists all states in carrying out a program of state forestry research at state forestry schools and colleges and in developing a trained pool of forest scientists capable of conducting forestry research, including ecological restoration; catastrophe management; valuing and trading ecological services; energy conservation, biomass energy and bio-based materials development; forest fragmentation: carbon sequestration and climate change; and ways of fostering healthy forests and a globally competitive forest resources sector.

Unfortunately, many of our 1890 institutions find themselves financially strapped and in need of relief. One area in particular where they are having difficulty is with respect to providing the matching funds for the McIntire-Stennis program--particularly those institutions eligible for $200,000 or less.

Indeed, many campuses are having difficulty match other capacity funds and for competitive grants. 1890 Intuitions are working diligently to increase their non federal sources of funds, however, having the burden of the current match is keeping the program in stress as they go forward to develop forestry related research programs and teaching and outreach programs, hire faculty for the programs and enroll students in the McIntire-Stennis dependent education curricula.

The same language which is included in the amendment I had planned on offering today is currently included in the Senate version of the Farm bill S. 954, The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013, as section 8301.

At the request of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, however, I am not going to offer my amendment today in order to allow the House Committee staff to work with USDA, our 1890 schools and Senate staff to develop alternative perfecting language which addresses concerns raised about the potential unintended impact of the amendment on 1890's institutions.

I am withdrawing my amendment with the understanding and assurance, from my distinguished friends, Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Peterson that should we not be able to come to agreement on perfecting language during conference on the two farm bills, the final Conference bill and report will contain an exemption for eligible 1890 institutions from the matching requirement if their allocation is below $200,000.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bishop L.D. Skinner, Sr. and Lady Ruth Skinner who will celebrate 20 years as Founders, Leaders, and Servants of the Bread of Life Christian Center and Explosion Ministries Fellowship Association of Churches. They will be honored at a Leadership Appreciation Banquet on Friday, June 21, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center in Columbus, Georgia.

Bishop Skinner was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to the late Richard and Alethia Skinner. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, a Master of Arts in Theology and a Doctor of Theology in Biblical Studies, all from North Carolina College of Theology.

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Bread of Life Christian Center, Bishop Skinner is also the Founder and Presiding Prelate of Explosion Ministries Fellowship Association of Churches (EMFAC), a fellowship of interdenominational ministers, pastors and bishops who look to Bishop Skinner for instruction, covering and counsel. Bishop Skinner has several ``Timothys,'' ministerial students that he has trained, now actively pastoring. In addition, Bishop Skinner has served in various other ministerial and civic capacities, including Vice President of the Columbus Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and Vice President of the Columbus NAACP. He is the author of three books, Overcoming Grasshopper Mentality: How to Whip Negative Thinking in Eleven Easy Steps, Prayer: An Awesome Weapon, and Encounters with God: My Life, My Story, Ailfor His Glory, as well as several manuals on leadership, marriage and finances.

The daughter of the late Deacon Charles McDaniel and Elder Jessie Pearl McDaniel, Lady Ruth Skinner is the First Lady of the Bread of Life Christian Center and the National First Lady for EMFAC, both roles that allow her to serve as a matriarch and nurturer to men and women at large. She also performs the role of Ruling Elder and President of the Women's Department at Bread of Life. In addition, she has served as Adult Choir President and Minister of Music, among other capacities within the church.

Bread of Life Christian Center was established in 1984 with an initial group of twenty souls meeting in the basement of Bishop Skinner's home. In the intervening years, the congregation moved several times, outgrowing each facility, until May of 1996, when they moved into their current home, a $1.2 million facility with a 600-seat sanctuary and 30 classrooms to house an ever-growing congregation.

Bishop and Lady Skinner are a dynamic force of life, spirit and faith. Bishop Skinner's understanding, compassion, and kindness have made him a guiding light within the community. Lady Skinner, a woman of striking conviction, unconditional sincerity and impeccable integrity, is looked to by the congregation for nurture and example. Just like fruit trees are often planted in pairs so as to produce more fruit, God planted the lives of Bishop and Lady Skinner together so they could bring the fruit of the Word to more of His children to satiate and sustain them throughout the journey of life.

Bishop Skinner and his lovely wife, Lady Skinner, have together cultivated a large family of dedicated and faithful Christ followers. They also have raised a beautiful family of their own--three sons, Elder Darnel Skinner, Jr., Darrell L. Skinner, Darius L. Skinner and eight grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Bishop L.D. Skinner and his wife, Lady Ruth Skinner for their many, many outstanding years of Pastoral Ministry. They have transformed the lives of countless people and their leadership has inspired many others to also help lead the way to eternal life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute a longstanding tradition in Macon, Georgia, the 21st Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival. Georgia Juneteenth Week spans from June 8, 2013 to June 15, 2013, culminating in the Juneteenth Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 15, 2013 from noon to sundown at Historic Tattnall Square Park in Macon, Georgia.

On June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union Troops seized control of the area and declared all slaves free. Since then, Juneteenth has been nationally and internationally observed as Emancipation Day and the end of slavery in the United States for those who did not receive the news that the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863 until June, 1865.

Whether it is a day, week, or month-long celebration, Juneteenth brings people of all walks of life together for remembrance of a dark period in our Nation's history, to rejoice at how far we have come as a society, and to reflect upon how far we have yet to go.

For the past 21 years, Torchlight Academy, Inc. and Kwanzaa Cultural Access Center have partnered to organize the Juneteenth celebrations in Macon, Georgia. The Juneteenth Freedom Festival has been one of the most innovative, vibrant and enjoyable displays of Afro-centric art, talent and culture in Middle Georgia. With agricultural education exhibits; live jazz, soul and hip hop music; modern and African dance; delicious food; live history exhibits; children's games; and storytelling, this partnership has fostered the spirit of community that is so deeply anchored in our ancestral roots.

Macon's oldest continuous African-American community-based festival, the Juneteenth celebrations and annual Freedom Festival unite Middle Georgians to honor the struggle, sacrifice and success of our ancestors.

This year's local Juneteenth festivities included a ``Salute to Freedom'' 5k Run/Walk for Health and Peace, the Pleasant Hill Neighborhood Reunion, Heritage Discovery Walk, Macon Black Heritage Tours, and the Real Talk Hip Hop Summit of Youth Awareness and Responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting Mr. George A. Fadil Muhammad, Torchlight Academy, Inc., Kwanzaa Cultural Access Center, the residents of Macon, Georgia and the surrounding communities as

they come together to celebrate Juneteenth. This spirited celebration is an annual reminder of the valiant souls of our Nation's history to whom we owe so much. Let us also use this occasion to reflect upon ourselves and how we can each lead a life that honors the sacrifice of our ancestors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the members, attendees and supporters of Kadva Patidar Samaj 8th National Convention, which will take place on Friday, June 14, 2013 through Sunday, June 16, 2013 at Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir, located at 4770 Raley Road in Macon, Georgia.

A Hindu place of worship and prayer, Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir, Kadva Patidar Samaj was established in Macon, Georgia in 2003. The first established Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir in the United States, the facility spans 32 acres and includes a 45,000 square foot cultural hall and temple. The temple was inaugurated on June 15, 2003. Approximately 5,000 people attended the grand opening of the temple held on June 13, 2003 to June 15, 2003.

There are many legends and theories that attempt to explain the history of Kadva Patidars. According to the most credible theory, the roots of Kadva Patidars go all the way back to the origin of Hindus. Called Aryans at the time, they worshipped life-sustaining elements such as the sun, wind, fire and rain. The Aryans migrated to India from the Pamir region on the Ayu River in central Asia, which is present-day Azerbaijan. They settled in the plains of a big river that they named ``Sindhu'', which means ``big like an ocean,'' and over time, fully integrated with the natives living there. Between B.C. 7000 and B.C. 2000, the Sindhu Valley Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley or Harappan Civilization, was established. Covering 400,000 square miles from Kashmir in the north to the Godavari River in the South and from Delhi in the east to the Arabian Sea in the west, the Sindhu Valley Civilization was the largest known ancient civilization and a very advanced one thriving on agriculture, commerce, engineering and social amenities.

Over the years, some of the descendents of the Sindhu Valley Civilization spread to what is present-day Gujarat and Saurashtra and became known as Kadva Patidars.

The Kadva Patidar Samaj 8th National Convention is expecting about 5,000 attendees this year. Over the course of three days, participants will engage in social, cultural, educational and matrimonial events. Several dignitaries and political leaders from India have also been invited.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the members and supporters of Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir and the Kadva Patidar Samaj 8th National Convention. I am proud that while the Hindu community of Middle Georgia is becoming more intricately woven into the fabric of our American tapestry, they are also coming together in observation and celebration of their vibrant culture, religion and values.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a great man and outstanding Sheriff of Miller County, Georgia, H.E. ``Buddy'' Glass. Sadly, Sheriff Glass passed away on June 8, 2013. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Colquitt, Georgia.

Since he was elected in 1996, Sheriff Glass has served the citizens of Miller County, Georgia with devotion and distinction. Elected to a fifth term last year as chief law enforcement officer responsible for patrolling and responding to calls within the 284 square mile area of Miller County with a population of over 6,000 people, Sheriff Glass has proven to be a strong and revered leader. A great number of challenges come with a position of this caliber, exacerbated by the fact that much of this rural Southwest Georgia County is composed of unpaved roads and farmland. Sheriff Glass handled these challenges with efficiency and success.

Sheriff Glass was employed with the Miller County Sheriff's Office for more than 31 years. As Sheriff, he spearheaded the inmate work program, which has saved thousands of taxpayer dollars in garbage collection, landscaping efforts, and assistance with public functions in the city. He also oversaw the Miller County Operation Pill Drop, a program where citizens of the county turn in unwanted and unneeded prescription medications to keep them from falling into the wrong hands. In addition, Sheriff Glass approved an initiative to have the trustees of the Miller County Jail help distribute food from the local food bank.

In 2008, the Georgia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense, honored the Miller County Sheriff's Office with an ``Above and Beyond'' award in recognition of the Office's outstanding support of its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' Sheriff Glass is undoubtedly great because of his distinguished service to his community, devotion to his work, and the compassion he showed for his friends and loved ones.

Sheriff Glass is survived by his wife, Rita; children, Bo, Steven, Robert, Wendy, Danielle and Linda; one sister, Myrle; and twelve grandchildren. He was a member of Flat Creek Baptist Church in Colquitt, Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to Sheriff H.E. ``Buddy'' Glass and his legacy of service to Miller County, Georgia. He loved the people of Miller County and he was committed to making that community safer to live in and to improving the quality of life. He will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the upcoming Historic Marker dedication ceremony for Cusseta Industrial High School in Cusseta, Georgia. The grounds of this historic edifice will be dedicated Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.

The dedication ceremony will serve as tribute to the preservative efforts of dedicated alumni, the Chattahoochee County Historic Preservation Society, and members of the community who saw fit to treasure this jewel of American history.

Beginning in 1912, a beacon of light was shone on the education of African-American students when philanthropist Julius Rosenwald worked with Booker T. Washington and other African-American educators at the Tuskegee Institute to build a number of black schools in the racially segregated rural South. Known as the Rosenwald Fund, these endeavors supported the construction of approximately 5,000 schools in fifteen states--242 of which are located in Georgia.

With the support of the Rosenwald Trust Fund, the neighboring African-American community, and funds from Chattahoochee County, Cusseta Industrial High School served as the only high school in the county to educate students of color. The school was built in 1929-1930 in conformance with standardized plans for efficient new schools for the education of African-American students within the county. The Cusseta School is among the best surviving examples of the roughly fifty remaining Rosenwald schools in Georgia. It was placed on the National Historic Register on April 15, 2011.

This ``little school on the hill'' educated a number of African- American scholars until its closure in 1958. Of the seventeen students in the last graduating class, four have passed away. Echoing the sentiments of the place where ``everybody was somebody and Christ was all,'' a place where Friday worship experiences sourced spiritual renewal, many hold the memory of this vibrant community in the corridors of their hearts.

Since its closure as a public school, the building has served the community as a Country Club, Lion's Club, Kiwanis Club, Boy Scouts meeting place, and a school of dance. Envisioned by alumni, Rev. Andrew L. Thomas, Jr., Dr. Mildred Gardner, and fifteen others as well as three community partners, the dream of establishing a historic marker on the grounds of Old Cusseta Industrial High School has become a reality.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this historic moment as the community of Cusseta, Georgia rises to honor and preserve Old Cusseta Industrial High School, a beloved landmark where many young African-American students were given the opportunity to earn an education.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a great man and outstanding citizen of Camilla, Georgia, Bernard Algenon Catchings. Mr. Catchings passed away on May 22, 2013. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter AME Church in Camilla, Georgia.

Born on January 19, 1915 to the late Timothy and Alice Catchings of Camilla, Georgia, Bernard Catchings was the fourteenth of sixteen children. He was educated at the Catchings Family School, a school his father built on the family's farm, and graduated from Mitchell County Training School in Pelham, Georgia. He later earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from Fort Valley State College in 1946. In the intervening time, he proudly served his country as a Medical Technical in World War II and was honorably discharged in 1944. Mr. Catchings obtained his Master's Degree in Horticulture from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Mr. Catchings' passion for education persisted during his professional career as a teacher in the school systems of Mitchell' and Baker Counties in Georgia as well as in the Jackson County School System in Florida. He taught Math, Science, Agriculture, Shop, and Driver's Education classes. He continued to touch the lives of young people by substitute teaching at Mitchell Baker High School upon retiring after 40 years as an educator.

Other employment ventures led him to serving as a Florida Frozen Fruits and Vegetable Inspector, World Book Encyclopedia Sales Representative, Farm Bureau Co-Op, and an Angler Watcher with the Department of Natural Resources.

A favorite pastime of Mr. Catchings was hunting. He was regarded by many in Camilla, Mitchell County, and Southwest Georgia as the greatest huntsman of quail and dove ever known. He was affectionately known by many as ``The Birdman.''

Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' Mr. Catchings is undoubtedly great because of his service to his community, devotion to his work, and the compassion he showed for his friends and loved ones.

Mr. Catchings was preceded in death by his wife, Alexa Burton Catchings and his grandson, Walter Williams. He is survived by his children, Bernard, Jr., Gwainevere, Janet, Rose, and Alexa; grandchildren, Joy, Kimberly, Walter, Tracey, Natalie, Elliot, Bernard, and Alex; and great-grandchildren, Christopher, Brandon, Alex, and Emerie.

Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Catchings' children and other family members 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, I rise today to salute the members of the Junior League of Macon for being recognized by the Association of Junior Leagues International with the prestigious Fund Development Award, which is one of only five awards given each year by AJLI. A press conference to announce the award will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Junior League of Macon Office located at 2055 Vineville Avenue in Macon, Georgia.

The Junior League of Macon is an organization of women who are committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community. It was first established as the Utility Club in 1924. In 1937, it was adopted by the Association of Junior Leagues of America, Inc. From the first fundraiser in 1924, which raised $492.35, to the record-breaking 2003-2004 League year, which netted over $133,000, the Junior League of Macon has been a driving force in advancing the community. The Junior League of Macon celebrated its 75th anniversary last year and currently boasts over 700 members.

The Junior League of Macon has made a tremendous impact on improving literacy and school readiness in the Middle Georgia area since making the decision in 2009 to focus its mission on these particular issues. The organization's members and trained volunteers have been committed to preparing young minds for a quality education through participating in school partnerships, fundraising, advocacy, and hands-on projects. During the 2011-2012 League year, the organization donated more than 2,500 books, served 1,400 children and volunteered 5,320 hours, which is the equivalent of $106,400.

This year, the Junior League of Macon received international recognition for earning the Fund Development Award from the Association of Junior Leagues International, which represents 293 junior league organizations around the world. This unique honor was awarded to JLM for successfully alleviating economic challenges by developing an effective strategy for fund development that significantly diversified JLM's funding base. As one of only five awards given by AJLI each year, the Fund Development Award is a great honor for the Junior League of Macon and a tribute to their hard work and commitment to the well-being and advancement of the Middle Georgia community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the Junior League of Macon for being honored with the Fund Development Award from the Association of Junior Leagues International. This award is well-deserved and I applaud their exceptional efforts to serve and improve the community by promoting literacy and school readiness in the Middle Georgia area.