Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Ms. Chiquita Michele Greene--a devoted educator, trailblazer, and servant leader from Southwest Georgia. Her unwavering commitment to her students and the greater community has profoundly touched countless lives across Georgia and the Nation. Sadly, Ms. Greene transitioned from labor to reward on April 6, 2025. A celebration of her life was held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Unity Baptist Church in Sylvester, Georgia.

Ms. Greene was born from the union of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur L. and Earnestine Greene. Raised in Sylvester, Georgia, Ms. Greene embodied academic excellence, purpose, and pride in her heritage from an early age. A 1995 graduate of Worth County High School, she made history as the first African American member of the school's dance team--an early indicator of the pioneering spirit that would define her life's work.

After high school, Ms. Greene attended Albany State University (ASU), earning her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and later pursued advanced degrees in education at Wheelock College, Walden University, Georgia Southern University, and Northcentral University. She was a lifelong learner who transformed her knowledge into service, becoming a beacon of empowerment for students and colleagues alike.

As a teacher in the Dougherty County School System (DCSS), she poured her passion into every classroom she entered--most notably at Albany Early College and Westover High School, where she was named the 2018- 2019 Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the district-wide honor. Over her career, she served with distinction in multiple Georgia school districts, including Savannah-Chatham and Glynn counties, holding leadership positions such as English Department Chair, Instructional Coach, Graduation Coach, and more. She also advised student teams, including the Black History Quiz Bowl, Delta GEMS, and EMBODI, helping to cultivate a sense of school pride, heritage, and academic excellence among the students at the institutions she supported.

Ms. Greene's service extended well beyond the school walls where she worked. She was a fierce advocate for her community and a transformational leader within numerous civic and social organizations. She served as President of the Albany, Georgia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where under her leadership, the chapter earned national Red Ribbon recognition. She championed historical preservation, helping to secure a mayoral proclamation honoring Delta Sigma Theta cofounder, Osceola Macarthy Adams, and initiated a petition for a historical marker in her name. She also served as co-advisor to the Delta Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at her beloved alma mater, Albany State University.

Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once said that ``Service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy on this earth.'' Ms. Chiquita Michele Greene paid her rent and continued going the extra mile to give her time and efforts to benefit others. Ms. Greene held leadership roles in the National Council of Negro Women, the ASU Alumni Association, Ma Flora's Helping Hands, the Marching Rams Show Band National Alumni Association, the Worth County NAACP, and several other civic, educational, and fraternal organizations. She was a mentor to many and a pillar of strength, especially in spaces dedicated

to uplifting young women, promoting scholarship, and preserving Black heritage.

Among her numerous accolades were the 2021 Trellis Cuffie Volunteer Award; the 2021 Multicultural Award from the Georgia Council of Teachers of English; the Distinguished Delta Award; 2017 Albany State University ``A Future to Fulfill'' Award; Leadership Academy for Women of Small-town America--Class of 2016; 2007 Caring Person in the Community- Brunswick, Georgia; 2016 DCSS Leadership Academy Selectee; and recognition as one of Albany State University's 50 Under 50. These honors are a testament to a life lived with purpose and service at the forefront.

None of Ms. Greene's momentous accomplishments and contributions would have been possible without the enduring love and support of her God, her family, and her beloved friends across the state of Georgia. She is survived by many loved ones, including her parents: Mr. and Mrs. Arthur L. and Earnestine B. Greene; grandparent: Mr. Lacy Lee Smith; siblings: Buffy; Daryl D. Warren; and Riccardo C. Greene; many nieces and nephews; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in honoring the life and legacy of Ms. Chiquita Michele Greene and in extending our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, colleagues, and all those who mourn her tragic loss. We pray that all will be consoled by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, the House will vote on the Senate revised budget resolution this evening.

The budget resolution requires seven House committees to cut a minimum of $1.5 trillion in mandatory spending combined over the next decade. Of that amount, at least $880 billion is directed to come from the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Most budget experts have agreed that it would require deep cuts in Medicaid to produce these savings.

In my home state of Georgia, Medicaid is a lifeline for its low- income populations, seniors, disabled individuals, and children. It is the primary source of long-term care, the single largest payer in the country for behavioral health services, and a principal source of insurance for pregnant women and children with disabilities.

One of the proposals that is now being discussed in Congress to achieve Medicaid savings is adding work requirements. In fact, Georgia added work requirements to its Medicaid program in July 2023 through its Pathways to Coverage program. It is currently the only state to offer Medicaid coverage to low-income adults that is contingent on work and other qualifying activities.

According to the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, however, there have been significant problems since this experiment in Medicaid reform was established two years ago. It is failing to achieve its two primary objectives of enrolling people in health care and getting them to work.

Georgia's Pathways to Coverage program is supposed to cover nearly a quarter-million low-income Georgians who can prove they are working, studying or volunteering. Only about 6,500 of them, however have been able to gain and maintain coverage.

In Georgia's Second Congressional District, which I represent, some of the poorest counties have fewer than 10 enrollees despite having high percentages of uninsured populations.

The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute also found that Georgia's Pathways to Coverage program created burdensome red tape and paperwork for state agencies and Medicaid recipients.

Georgia's experience offers a stark warning for the Nation as Republicans consider steep Medicaid cuts and work requirements for low- income Americans. The focus must be on increasing enrollment in health insurance for people who need it. The focus should not be on wasting taxpayer dollars and creating more administrative burdens.

We want people to be healthy so that they can work. It shouldn't be the other way around.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a devoted mother, a woman of faith, and an extraordinary Georgian, Mrs. Rosa Mae Williams. Mrs. Williams celebrated her 95th birthday with her family and friends on March 22, 2025, in Leary, Georgia.

Mrs. Williams was born in Chula, Georgia on March 22, 1930. Throughout her 95 years on this earth, she has exemplified hard work, resilience, and dedication to her community. As a single mother who raised 13 children, she faced great challenges but never wavered in her commitment to her children's education and success. Mrs. Williams takes great pride in her children, and while she did not have the opportunity to receive a formal education herself, she was successful in steering most of her kids towards earning a degree of higher education. They attended institutions such as Morehouse College, Spelman College, Georgia Tech, Clark Atlanta University, and Albany State University.

A woman of strong faith, Mrs. Williams has been a member of Bethel C.M.E. Church in Leary for over 70 years where she currently holds the position of Mother of the Church. Her deep faith has been the guiding light of her life, and her legacy is rooted in her devotion to both her family and her Heavenly Father.

Mrs. Williams instilled within her children the importance of hard work, education, and faith. Over the course of her life, she has been proud to see her offspring continue to make meaningful contributions to the community. Thanks to her devoted parenting, her children have gone on to take on professions as attorneys, educators, elected officials, corporate managers, and more.

Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once said that ``service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy here on this earth.'' As we celebrate Mrs. Williams' 95 years of life, we can say without a doubt that Mrs. Rosa Mae Williams has paid her rent and paid it well. Her dedicated life of service to her family and community is truly commendable. I know that her children and grandchildren are very proud of her and look up to their matriarch as a role model of faith and unconditional love.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join my wife Vivian, and me--along with the family and loved ones of Mrs. Rosa Mae Williams--in extending our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to her on this remarkable occasion. May God continue to bless her with health, peace, and joy, and may her example continue to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and service of one of my late constituents, Mr. Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. He was a decorated war veteran; devoted husband, father and grandfather; and American hero who exemplified duty, courage, and selfless sacrifice in service to the United States of America. Sadly, Mr. Hooks passed from labor to reward on November 5, 2024, at the age of 77 in Columbus, Georgia.

Born and raised in Plains, Georgia, Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. was no stranger to hardship. After losing his mother at an early age, he developed a deep sense of resilience, family values, and an unwavering work ethic. He graduated from Sumter County High School in Americus, Georgia, in 1967. Shortly thereafter, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. After enlisting, he married his high school sweetheart and beloved, lifelong partner of 54 years, Mildred Louise Hooks (Hubbard).

Private First Class Hooks' courage and valor were tested on the front lines of the Vietnam War, where he served as a Rifleman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry, 23rd Infantry Division's 11th Infantry Brigade near

Chu Lai. He participated in over twenty-five aerial missions over hostile territory, earning numerous military commendations for his bravery and dedication, including two Bronze Star Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart, and the esteemed Air Medal.

Among his many accolades, one honor stood out above the rest--the Bronze Star Medal with ``V'' for Valor. On April 24, 1971, while conducting a combat patrol near Tra Bong, his unit came under heavy enemy fire from North Vietnamese forces. In the face of imminent danger, Private First Class Hooks fearlessly rushed forward, exposing himself to intense hostile fire to provide accurate suppressive cover for his fellow soldiers. His actions were instrumental in preventing additional American casualties and securing victory in the engagement. His unwavering heroism embodied the highest traditions of military service and earned him the profound respect of his comrades and his countrymen.

Following 15 years of honorable military service, Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. returned to Georgia and started a family. Together, Mr. Hooks and his wife, Mildred, raised 7 children, 15 grandchildren, and 5 great- grandchildren. He also had a beloved host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

Though he returned home safely after the Vietnam War, Mr. Hooks continued to carry with him the invisible wounds and scars that can affect veterans following combat. A devout Christian, he answered a calling to help other veterans who struggled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and service-related conditions by being deeply involved with Mind of Christ Ministries. He also held memberships in the Blind Veterans Association of Columbus and Disabled American Veterans, which demonstrates the strong ties he maintained within the local veteran community.

Despite the adversity he faced on the battlefield and throughout his life, Mr. Hooks remained a steadfast soldier at heart, instilling within his family the values of integrity, resilience, service and character. His dedication to his country and community extended beyond his years in uniform, leaving an indelible impact on all who knew him. Truly, Mr. Hooks embodied the highest ideals of military service on and off the battlefield.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, ``The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.'' Mr. Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. stood tall in the face of adversity, risking his own life to protect his fellow servicemembers and defend the freedoms we cherish.

Mr. Speaker, as Americans commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day this Saturday on March 29th, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me; along with the over 765,000 people of Georgia's 2nd District, in honoring Mr. Jimmie Lee Hooks, Jr. for his bravery and his tremendous service and sacrifice on behalf of the American people; and in extending our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and all those who mourn his loss.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and memory of a dedicated pastor, loving father and husband, visionary servant leader, and friend of longstanding, Pastor Eddie D. Smith, Sr. Sadly, Pastor Smith passed from labor to reward on February 28, 2025. A celebration of his life was held on March 8, 2025, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia.

Pastor Smith, a native of Macon, Georgia, was born to the union of the late Pastor Jack Smith, Jr., and Mrs. Mattie Mae Myers Smith. A highly educated man, Pastor Smith attended Bibb County public schools and went on to earn a Bachelor and a Master of Science from Fort Valley State College, now Fort Valley State University. On April 26, 1969, Pastor Smith received a calling that would change his life forever--he was called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Smith served as a classroom teacher and a media specialist in the Bibb County Public School system for fourteen years before retiring to serve full-time at Macedonia Church, accepting the role of pastor in 1972. While Pastoring, he was also called to public service, serving as a Macon City Councilman from 1975 to 1978, as well as a member of the Bibb County Board of Education for two consecutive terms.

The scripture reminds us in Proverbs 29 that ``where there is no vision, the people perish.'' Pastor Smith's vision for Macedonia was evident from the very beginning of his ministry. In his early years at Macedonia, Pastor Smith led the congregation in raising the funds to pay off the church's fifteen-year mortgage in a record five years. In 1999, Pastor Smith led Macedonia Baptist in the purchasing of a struggling sister church. Together, they relocated and revived the church's congregation and liquidated its $1.35 million debt in under three years. In more recent years, he oversaw the funding and construction of the $1.7 million dollar Family Life Center, a comprehensive faith-based service ministry which educates clergy across Middle Georgia. Over the course of his ministry, Pastor Smith licensed and ordained more than forty-five ministers, extending the reach of his servant leadership to the members of many congregations throughout the region. Also, he led his flock through the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing community-wide food distribution services and virtual church services and tithing, while ensuring all bills were paid and no church staff lost their jobs.

Sir Winston Churchill often said: ``You make your living by what you get, you make your life by what you give.'' Pastor Smith gave so much to so many for so long. His service extended beyond the walls of the church, as he was affiliated with several social and civic organizations throughout his career. He served on the boards of the United Way, the American Cancer Society, the Macon Ministerial Association, and the Macon Police and Firefighter Disciplinary Hearing Board.

Pastor Eddie Smith always fought for what is right. He was guided by his love of God and his love of people. Mother Teresa once said that ``at the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ``I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked, and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in.'' This is how Pastor Eddie Smith lived his life and served people in the name of Jesus Christ.

At the center of Pastor Smith's accomplished life was the unwavering love and support of his family and his loving wife, Martha Kate. Pastor Smith was the father of five children: Suwandia; Eddie, Jr., Corey and the late Alvy Smith and Edwanna Smith Stephens He is survived by fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

On a personal note, Pastor Smith was my friend for many years. He never told me what I wanted to hear, but he always told me what he felt I needed to hear. I will be forever grateful for his wise advice and sage counsel.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in honoring the life and legacy of Pastor Eddie D. Smith, Sr. and in extending our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those who mourn his loss. We pray that all will be consoled by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated husband, loving father, doting grandfather, committed educator, astute entrepreneur, patriotic soldier, broadcast hall of famer and friend of longstanding, Mr. Clifford Odell Rutledge. Sadly, Cliff passed from labor to reward on Sunday, February 16, 2025. A funeral service to celebrate his extraordinary life will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Nichols Chapel AME Church in Phenix City, Alabama.

Cliff's journey began with his birth to Dock and Willie Mae Rutledge. He graduated from South Girard High School in Phenix City and furthered his education at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama. Following his studies, Cliff served our country honorably in the United States Army from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean Conflict.

It has been said that ``Education is the passport to the future; it belongs to those who prepare for it today.'' Cliff dedicated a significant part of his life to preparing young people for their futures, embarking on a distinguished 41-year career in education. His educational journey included roles at his alma mater, South Girard High School, South Girard Elementary, and Ridgecrest Elementary, where he coached junior high basketball teams and instilled in his students the importance of winning in the game of life.

Throughout his career, Cliff pursued continuous improvement through advanced studies in school administration at both Auburn and Tuskegee Universities. He served as a teacher and principal at Susie E. Allen Elementary School and later became the Director of Community Education for the Phenix City Public Schools, overseeing Head Start and Adult Education Programs.

In addition to his contributions to education, Cliff was a gifted radio broadcaster. His journey began in the late 1950s as the host of a Sunday morning gospel show on WCLE. In 1964, he joined WOKS radio station, where he launched his sports announcing career, becoming a trusted voice in the Chattahoochee Valley sports community. His dedication to broadcasting earned him induction into the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

Cliff was not only committed to education and broadcasting but also to his community. As the saying goes, ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Cliff paid his rent well and he paid it well. His commitment to justice led him to co-found United to Save Ourselves, an organization dedicated to equality and change. His efforts were recognized by several community organizations, including the USO's Hometown High Achievers Award in 2002 and the SAMARC Foundation Award, which honored him as a community legend in 2012. In 2020, the City of Phenix City recognized him with a Trailblazer award during a Black History Proclamation Event, and in 2023, the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP honored him with their esteemed Humanitarian Award.

Cliff loved his family deeply and held his faith close to his heart. He began serving God early in life at Nichols Chapel AME Church, where his musical talents flourished. His passion for music led him to serve as Minister of Music at the church and as a member of the Board of Trustees.

None of Cliff's achievements would have been possible without the love and support of his family, including his late wife of 50 years, Sadie Jean Nix Rutledge, his son, Timothy Thomas; his granddaughter, Clemitruis Hartley, and his niece and devoted caregiver, Decliffia Coleman and a host of other relatives who loved him dearly.

On a personal note, Cliff was my longtime friend and supporter for over 50 years. He was also my brother in the bond of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. His wise counsel and sage advice have profoundly influenced my journey and success as I serve in Congress. For that, I will always be grateful. Moreover, his life and career exemplify the noble purpose of our great fraternity--``Achievement in all fields of human endeavor.'' Truly the world is a better place because of Cliff.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Clifford Odell Rutledge. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those who mourn his loss. May we all find comfort in our abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the memory of a loving husband, doting father and grandfather, dedicated public servant, and my friend of longstanding, Judge John D. Allen. Sadly, Judge Allen passed from labor to reward on February 16, 2025. A celebration of his life will be held on February 21, 2025 at St. Mary's Road United Methodist Church in Columbus, Georgia.

Judge Allen was born on January 17, 1943, to the union of Daniel and Beatrice Allen, in racially segregated Columbus, Georgia. It seemed like all the odds were against him of one day becoming a Superior Court Judge. Despite the lack of Black role models in the law as he was growing up, Judge Allen kept education as his main priority. He graduated from Tuskegee University in 1966 with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

A distinguished cadet in the ROTC, Judge Allen was commissioned into the Air Force in 1966 as a 2nd Lieutenant Pilot. By the end of his Air Force career, Judge Allen had attained the rank of the Captain and flown over 280 combat missions across Southeast Asia wherein he took out enemy anti-aircraft positions and made the battlefields safer for an untold number of American troops and our allies. He then went on to serve in Tampa, Florida as an academic and flight instructor until

his discharge in July of 1973. He left the Air Force as a highly decorated pilot, earning 23 Air Medals, 2 Air Force Commendation Medals, and numerous other awards for his service during the Vietnam War.

In 1975, Judge Allen earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, and he was admitted to the Georgia bar in 1976. From 1976 to 1987, he maintained a private law practice in the Columbus area. At that time, Judge Allen and I were two of only four black lawyers in town.

Judge Allen continued to break barriers when he began serving as a Columbus Recorder's Court Judge for one year before assuming a position on the State Court for Muscogee County in 1987. In 1993, he was appointed to the position of Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge. He was re-elected in every election since his appointment, until he retired from the bench in 2013.

Judge Allen's diligent judicial service has also been mirrored by his extensive involvement with the local and state communities. In conjunction with his professional accomplishments in the Air Force and on the bench, Judge Allen served on a number of boards and commissions, most notably as Chairman of the Judicial Qualifications Commission, and received many awards and accolades for his service. Judge Allen's contributions to the Columbus area and the state of Georgia even earned him recognition from the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer as one of ``100 People to Remember for the Century.'' Additionally, on April 3, 2021, Judge Allen was inducted into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall Fame for his distinguished service in the Air Force, as well as his decades of contributions to the legal field as an attorney and jurist.

None of Judge Allen's momentous accomplishments would have been possible without the enduring love and support of his late wife Victoria; his former wife Maureen, children John Jr., Geoffrey, and Kevin; and grandchildren, John III and Carson.

A true Georgian devoted to serving his great state, Judge Allen embodied Georgia's state motto, ``Wisdom, Justice and Moderation.'' Judge Allen was a man of great integrity who set a high standard of values that made for a strong foundation of character in himself and in others. He was indeed a trailblazer, and he used his extensive knowledge and experiences to mentor other professionals he met along the way.

On a personal note, I am grateful to have known Judge Allen and counted him as a dear friend. His wise counsel and sage advice have contributed immensely to my success and have been a guiding light for me as I serve in Congress. For that I will always be grateful.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in honoring the life and legacy of Judge John D. Allen and in extending our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those who mourn his loss. We pray that all will be consoled by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a loving father, dedicated brother, committed community servant and dear friend of longstanding, Commissioner Demetrius Anthony Young. Sadly, Commissioner Young passed from labor to reward on December 29, 2024. A homegoing service to celebrate his remarkable life was held on January 3, 2025, at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia.

The genesis of the life of Demetrius Young began with his birth on January 7, 1971, in Albany, Georgia to the union of the late Representative Mary Young Cummings and Mr. Henry ``Hank'' Young, Sr. He was a proud product of the Dougherty County School System, graduating from Monroe Comprehensive High School in 1990. While at Monroe, he was a member of the marching band, playing tri-tomes and was a drummer. He went on to further his education, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Albany State University and Master of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy in 2020.

Commissioner Young had a distinguished 25-year career in Information Technology. He was a Member Services Engineer for the Community Development Institute in Denver, Colorado where he worked for almost nine years.

He returned to Albany, Georgia after his tenure with the Institute ended. Like his beloved mother before him who served as a City Commissioner for the City of Albany and as a Georgia State Representative, Demetrius had a burning desire to be a public servant. And in 2019, armed with that fire and background, he ran for his mother's old seat on the City Commission and was successful. He ran to be an advocate for those that he represented. He was that and so much more. He was a voice to the voiceless and gave hope to the hopeless. Truly, he was an advocate for East and South Albany. He fought against discriminatory practices in the City Code, expanded access to procurement opportunities for minority owned businesses, and fought fervently against voter suppression in all its forms.

A committed man of faith, Commissioner Young leaned on his faith that was molded from his days as a child at the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. His faith was his moral compass that guided his life's work.

Commissioner Young loved his family, and nowhere was that exhibited more than with his support of his daughters, JaMiya, Nubia, Kenya and Erika. He was their biggest cheerleader and always reveled in their success.

On a personal note, Commissioner Young and his extended family have been dear friends to me for many years. I served with his mother in the General Assembly for several years. She was a dedicated community servant and passed that love of community on to Demetrius, and I am sure she beamed with pride as she watched his activism and public service. George Washington Carver once said that ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with young, compassionate with aged; sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Commissioner Young went far in life because he advocated and worked on behalf of people from all walks of life.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my Wife, Vivian, and me along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in honoring the life and legacy of Commissioner Demetrius Anthony Young and in extending our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, colleagues and all who mourn his loss. We pray that all will be consoled by

an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jennifer Olsen for her many years of outstanding service promoting the health and wellbeing of caregivers in Georgia and across the Nation. As 2024 comes to a close, Dr. Olsen will retire as Chief Executive Officer of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) after six years of impactful service

Under the leadership of Dr. Olsen, RCI, which is based at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia, has called for a robust public health strategy to support our Nation's caregivers at all levels of government. Following in the footsteps of our former first lady and RCI's late founder Mrs. Rosalynn Carter, Dr. Olsen led the call to place caregivers at the heart of our Nation's public health strategy. By shedding light on the stories and everyday struggles of caregivers and their families, Dr. Olsen also championed the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health in the federal government--an initiative I am pleased to support. Year-on-year, Dr. Olsen made tremendous strides in her efforts to improve working conditions for caregivers in every state in the Nation.

Prior to joining RCI in 2018, Dr. Olsen managed the Ending Pandemics in Our Lifetime initiative at the Skoll Global Threats Fund; co-created the internationally utilized EpihackTM process; and served as Fusion Division Director in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Olsen also directed disease surveillance activities for G-8 and G-20 summits, State of the Union Addresses, the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, and Democratic and Republican National Conventions. In addition, she advised on the development of a Federal Interagency Information Collection Plan for the 2009 H1N1 Influenza outbreak and served with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Dr. Olsen has accomplished so much throughout her life and career, but none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of her family.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said the purpose of life ``is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.'' Dr. Olsen has lived a life well spent, serving those who care for others. Her unwavering service has transformed RCI, enabling it to successfully carry on Rosalynn Carter's legacy on behalf of family caregivers nationwide.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian; and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in recognizing Dr. Jennifer Olsen's extraordinary career of service to America's caregivers. May God continue to bless her and her family as she moves to the next chapter of her remarkable life.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to an exceptional community leader and outstanding public servant, Judge Willie Earl Lockette, on the occasion of his retirement as the Chief Judge of the Superior Court of Doughtery County.

A native of Turner County, Georgia, Judge Lockette received his bachelor's degree in History and Political Science from Fort Valley State College (now University) where he began his lifelong journey as a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Following his time at Fort Valley State College, Judge Lockette completed his juris doctorate degree from the University of Illinois, College of Law at Champaign.

For almost three decades, Judge Lockette has been a distinguished jurist and public servant in Doughtery County. He has built quite an impressive career, which began with his position as a Staff Attorney with the Albany, Georgia Regional Office of Georgia Legal Services Programs, Inc. (GLSP), where he litigated federal and state cases on behalf of indigent Georgians. In 1991, he was appointed as an Associate Judge of the Magistrate Court of Dougherty County, and in 1993, he was appointed to Chief Judge. In 1996, Lockette declared his candidacy for Judge of the Superior Court of Dougherty County, and won a decisive victory over a well-established, well-financed opponent. Judge Lockette's win was historic. With his election he became the first African American to win a county-wide contested election in the Dougherty Judicial Circuit. Judge Lockette would go on to win six additional terms, becoming the Chief Judge of the Superior Court in 2009.

In addition to his legal background, Judge Lockette has served in several other leadership roles in the Albany-Dougherty County community. In 2001, he answered the call to gospel ministry and went on to become an ordained minister. For 12 years, he served as a Pastor's Assistant at the New Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Today, Judge Lockette is the Pastor of the Greater Pines Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where he continues to shepherd his congregation and serve the greater community. Additionally, for nearly 10 years, Judge Lockette served as an Adjunct Professor of Political Science, History and Public Administration at Albany State University.

In addition to his extensive career, Judge Lockette was the recipient of several awards and distinctions. He was the inaugural recipient of the coveted Dan Bradley Award for Public Service and has also been nominated for appointments to several judgeships, to include the Georgia Court of Appeals, the United States Magistrate Court, and the United States District Court.

Judge Lockette has accomplished so much throughout his life, but none of this would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of his wife, Helen Hamilton Lockette and their four children, 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Sir Winston Churchill often said: ``You make your living by what you get; you make your life by what you give.'' Southwest Georgia is truly a better place because of Judge Willie Lockette's service to his community as an attorney, judge, pastor, professor, and neighbor. His dedication and his expertise as a public servant are unparalleled, but his heart for helping others has made his life's work truly special.

On a personal note, Judge Lockette has been my friend for many years. He never told me what he thought I wanted to hear; he told me what he thought I needed to hear. I will forever cherish his sage counsel and advice which has been invaluable to me as I have served in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Judge Willie Earl Lockette upon the occasion of his retirement from an outstanding career of public service.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I am proud to rise in support of the Beagle Brigade Act, which is a bipartisan, bicameral bill, the companion of which I led in this Chamber with my colleagues Representatives Drew Ferguson, Dan Kildee, and Adrian Smith.

The Senate version, which we consider today, was offered and advanced through the Senate by Senator Warnock from Georgia and Senator Ernst from Iowa.

The bill provides authorization for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Detector Dog Training Center, which is located in Newnan, Georgia, and is vital to the protection of American agriculture and helps keep foreign animal and plant pests as well as diseases out of our country.

The U.S. agriculture sector is a $1 trillion industry constantly under the threat of foreign pests and diseases, such as African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, or citrus greening disease that can be introduced through our Nation's ports of entry, including airports, harbors, and mail and cargo facilities. Some of these diseases could cost the American economy tens of billions of dollars to contain and eradicate if they are found to be in the country.

Agriculture detector dogs, known as the beagle brigade, are an important tool in preventing these threats and eradicating them in the event they overcome our safeguards. Our beagle brigade is at work every day at customs screening in the airports for flights after returning from abroad, standing by to alert their handlers of contraband food, live animals, or other products that could harbor foreign pests and pose a threat to domestic crops or livestock.

An ounce of provision is worth a pound of cure. The brigade is well worth its value.

In addition to authorizing the training center, this bill requires the facility to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs under its care and provide opportunities for private adoption of retirement-age training dogs and dogs that did not complete the training.

Detector dogs work their best when they are handled humanely, and establishing this requirement in law would ensure that the facility continues to uphold this expectation.

I am pleased to note that this bill has the support of 50 organizations, representing veterinarians, agricultural producers, and animal health groups.

On a final note, two of my colleagues who helped lead this bill in the House, Drew Ferguson and Dan Kildee, are retiring. I am pleased that we can enact this bill as they conclude their extraordinary tenure in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone to vote in support of this bill to help protect America's agriculture and our economy, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee).

Mr. Speaker, I am very, very proud to support the Beagle Brigade Act of 2023, and to have had the opportunity to work with my colleagues, Representatives Drew Ferguson, Dan Kildee, and Adrian Smith, and to have the support of our Senators, Senator Warnock and Senator Ernst from Iowa.

This is a vital piece of legislation, which protects American agriculture and keeps foreign animal and plant pests, as well as other diseases, out of our country. I think we have done a good day's work today, and I commend my colleagues for their joint efforts.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated public servant, loving wife, mother, and a distinguish Member of this body, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and to share the story of our work together on behalf of America's military families.

In 2009, we founded the Congressional Military Family Caucus. Every year since then, we hosted a summit, alternating between Fairchild Air Force Base and Fort Moore, which gives the members of America's Armed Forces, their spouses, and their children an opportunity to hear from the Department of Defense leaders and subject-matter experts, as well as share their families' experiences and challenges.

The caucus has brought to the forefront and tackled numerous issues such as food insecurity, medical care, spousal employment, family relocation challenges, childcare, and so much more.

I have especially been inspired by her advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities, her dedication to our veterans and military families, and her commitment to statesmanship and bipartisanship in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I join all of my colleagues in commending Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers for her dedicated service to the American people. While we will greatly miss her leadership on Capitol Hill, we wish her and her family the best as she embarks upon the next chapter of her life.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise as the sponsor of H.R. 9600, legislation to designate the United States Postal facility in Plains, Georgia, as the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Post Office.

President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter dedicated their lives in service to their community, their country, and the world. Together they rose to the greatest heights, supporting and cherishing one another along the way as they helped people across Georgia, America, and across the globe.

Yet, no matter where they went, they remained grounded and humble, and Plains always remained home in their hearts.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter both grew up in Plains and attended Plains High School. They married in 1946 and would go on to spend 77 cherished years together until Mrs. Carter's passing in November of 2023.

President Carter graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1946 and was an Active-Duty servicemember for 7 years. Following the death of his father, Jimmy took over the family's struggling peanut farm, quickly turning its fortunes around with Rosalynn's help and support every step of the way.

Wanting to be more involved in the local Plains community, Jimmy began advocating for racial integration at his church. He ran and won a seat on the Sumter County School Board and served as its chairman for 2 years.

In 1962, Jimmy Carter decided to run for the Georgia State Senate where he would go on to serve two terms.

In 1970, Senator Jimmy Carter launched his campaign for Governor, and Rosalynn took a leading role on the campaign trail.

Following Jimmy Carter's election as Governor, Mrs. Carter served as Georgia's first lady from 1971 to 1975, where she would take on the role of her husband's most trusted adviser and confidante.

In his inaugural address as Governor, he famously declared that the time for racial discrimination is over.

Mrs. Carter made her own mark in public policy, serving on the Governor's Commission to Improve Services for the Mentally and Emotionally Handicapped.

Governor Jimmy Carter completed his term in January of 1975. Prior to moving back to Plains from Atlanta, Governor Carter had already announced his intention to make what would become his successful run for the Presidency of the United States in the 1976 election.

As President, Jimmy Carter showed great success in international affairs, delivering the Camp David Accords, Panama Canal Treaties, SALT II Treaty, and the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.

He also delivered on his domestic agenda, signing legislation to establish the United States Department of Education, expanding the Head Start program, successfully making America less dependent on foreign energy, and protecting millions of acres of public lands for future generations.

As an equal partner to her husband, Rosalynn Carter attended many Cabinet meetings and attended weekly business meetings with President Carter where she could draw his attention to the policy issues of the day.

In 1977, President Carter appointed Rosalynn the honorary chair of the President's Commission on Mental Health. Thanks to her advocacy and testimony before the United States Senate, the Congress passed the Mental Health Systems Act when it was signed into law by President Carter on October 7, 1980.

Following the Carters' loss in the 1980 Presidential election, Jimmy and Rosalynn continued their ministry of service after their time in the White House with the same vigor and urgency, becoming heavily involved in Habitat for Humanity.

In 1982, they founded The Carter Center, a nonprofit human rights organization, which has since become famous for its work eradicating disease, strengthening democracies, and alleviating human suffering all around the world.

In 1999, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were jointly awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian honor, by President Bill Clinton, and in 2002, President Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize for decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflict, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

On a personal note, it has been a privilege to call Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter my friends and fellow southwest Georgians for over five decades. I will always cherish their friendship, as well as their sage counsel and advice which has been invaluable to me as I have served in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to support H.R. 9600, legislation to designate the U.S. Postal facility in Plains, Georgia, as the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Post Office. This is a small but meaningful gesture we can make to honor two dedicated servant leaders who spent their lives working on behalf of others.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, military officer, counselor, fraternity brother, friend of longstanding and a man of deep faith, Captain (Ret.) Russell J. Scott, Sr. Sadly, Russell transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the age of 91.

Russell J. Scott, Sr. was born in Quitman, Georgia, on December 3, 1932, to the union of Robert J. Scott and Ezell Hollis Scott. He received his primary and secondary education in the public schools of Brooks and Ware Counties in Georgia. After graduating from Central High School in Waycross, Georgia, he matriculated at North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Science. He joined the United States Army where he served for 23 years exemplifying the Army Values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, integrity, honor, and personal courage-- retiring with the rank of Captain. During his military career, he earned 2 Bronze Stars for exemplary service and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Upon his retirement from the Army, in pursuit of further knowledge and mastery, Russell earned a master's degree in Foundations of Education and a master's degree in Criminal Justice at Troy State University, Phenix City branch. Armed with his additional academic preparation, Captain Scott embarked upon a second career with the Georgia Department of Corrections as a counselor and later as Assistant Superintendent at Rutledge State Prison in Columbus, Georgia, where he worked with my wife, Vivian Creighton Bishop, who served as Comptroller. He retired from the Georgia Department of Corrections after 17 years of service.

Russell was a man of deep faith and was a devoted member of St. James AME Church where he served in many capacities including Vice Chair of the Steward Board, Senior Usher Board, Mass Choir, Sons of Allen, among others. He was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for 72 years and was an active member of the Columbus, Georgia Alumni Chapter. Moreover, he was actively involved in numerous community service and humanitarian organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, NAACP, American Red Cross, and the Urban League. Always striving for excellence, he received several awards for his distinguished community service to include the 2003 Kappa Alpha Psi Columbus Alumni Chapter Man of the Year; 2004 AJ McClung award for meritorious service presented by the men of St. James AME Church; the 2017 Chattahoochee Valley Veterans Association Veteran of the Year Award and in January 2019 the St. James AME Church Sons of Allen Man of the Year Award.

Russell Scott was a family man and was first united in marriage to the late Loris Brooks. Together, they had three children, LaReese Vines, Tina Scott-Morgan and Russell J. Scott, Jr. After Loris's passing in 1999, he found love again with Ruth Glenn Scott, whom he married in 2001 and welcomed bonus children, Regina Stokes and Clifford

Glenn. Russell loved his blended family and was a doting grandfather to grandchildren Russell J. Scott, III, Marissa D. Morgan and Rysen Jai Scott, along with several bonus grandchildren.

On a personal note, Russell Scott was a dear friend to my wife, Vivian, and me for many years. He was my Brother in the Bond of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and truly exemplified our motto of Phi Nu Pi. During his life, he did so much for so many for so long. Truly, we and the world are better because of him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join Vivian and me, along with the more than 765,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in honoring the life and legacy of Captain (Ret.) Russell James Scott, Sr. and in extending our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, fraternity brothers and all who mourn his loss. We pray that all will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my deepest gratitude for the service of Major Brennan Randel to my office and the United States Congress. As a Department of Defense Fellow, Brennan conducted himself with the utmost professionalism, assisting my office on a number of crucial legislative issues to include appropriations, defense policy, military construction, veterans affairs, and energy, water, and environmental issues.

By managing our office's appropriations for four separate accounts, Brennan developed a unique understanding of the federal budgeting process. Through his efforts and advice to me, the House Appropriations Committee supported my request for funding for an emergency operations center in my district and programmatic funding for several of my constituents' priorities.

Beyond his work on appropriations, Brennan took the initiative to expand his knowledge base and contribute above expectations. While defense fellows typically only cover the defense and veterans affairs policy portfolios, he asked to take on the energy, water, and environment portfolio. When Brennan discovered that the biannual Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) was due for reauthorization, he developed a plan to reach out to local stakeholders to determine how I could best advocate for our district. He then started working with community leaders and other members' staff and achieved great results; three of my requests were included in the House-passed WRDA bill, including a provision that a bipartisan pair of representatives joined my office in supporting.

Another one of Brennan's great qualities is his ability to manage a project from start to finish. When Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough came to Georgia's 2nd District for a VA clinic grand opening, Brennan took on the assignment of planning a town hall event in conjunction with the clinic grand opening. He worked with the Secretary's team to ensure the event met everyone's expectations, secured a venue, planned the event, and helped send invitations td local veteran leaders. Brennan's hard work set the stage for me

to host local elected leaders and local veterans service organization leaders together in an intimate discussion with the VA Secretary.

Throughout his time in my office, Brennan exemplified intelligence, diligence, compassion, and a joyful spirit of public service in all that he did. He was also lovingly supported by his wife Elizabeth, and his three children, Eva, Roman, and Maeve. They were integral supporters of his success, and I am equally grateful to them.

Following his time in my office, Brennan went on to work as a Congressional Budget Liaison for the United States Army, where he continued to make innumerable contributions to the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, in extending our best wishes to Brennan and his family as he transitions to a new assignment and expressing profound thankfulness to him for his service to our great Nation.