Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House bring up the Senate amendment to H.J. Res. 59, to open the government and go to conference on a budget so that we can end this Republican government shutdown now.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of educator and homemaker, Mrs. Lillian Watkins, a beloved educator and homemaker.

Mrs. Lillian Watkins passed away on Sunday, October 6 at the age of 96. While I am deeply saddened by her passing, I am comforted in knowing that her legacy is one that will live on through her involvement in public education, the values she instilled in her children and the foundation of her husband's success.

Mrs. Lillian Watkins was born on March 13, 1917 in Canton, Mississippi as the fourth of Reverend Willie L. Varnado and Mrs. Etta Pearl Varnado's five children. She attended elementary, primary and secondary schools in Canton and Jackson, Mississippi. Mrs. Watkins earned her bachelor's degree from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee where she graduated cum laude.

Mrs. Lillian Watkins taught civics and home economics at Burt High School in Clarksville, Tennessee following graduation. She later married one of her fellow teachers, Mr. Levi Watkins Sr. After marrying in 1940 the couple moved to Parsons, Kansas where she gave birth to five of their six children. In 1948, the family moved to Montgomery, Alabama where the sixth child was born.

Mrs. Lillian Watkins raised six children, all of which have broken racial barriers in the South by holding leadership positions in the arts, business, education, government and medicine.

Mrs. Lillian Watkins' husband is known for his transformational leadership as the president of Alabama State University. He took the university from a small teacher's college to a destination university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools upon his departure in 1981. Although her husband is highly respected for his legacy at Alabama State University, Mrs. Watkins' children give her the credit for their successes in life. She was the personality of the family giving her children the rock-solid confidence they would need to achieve their goals.

Mrs. Lillian Watkins' son, Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. was the first African-American graduate of Vanderbilt University and the first cardiac surgeon in the country to perform a human implantation of the automatic implantable defibrillator. Another son of Mrs. Watkins' is a retired surgeon while one of her daughters is a concert pianist.

Mrs. Lillian Watkins' son Donald Watkins, Sr., Esq., was Montgomery's first black city attorney and one of the first African-Americans on the City Council. Watkins describes his mother as the ``rock'' of the family. He said that because of the love and respect she provided to all of her children they never had to look outside of the home for validation.

Mrs. Lillian Watkins' daughter Doristine Minott was the principal of Southlawn Middle School until her retirement in 2007. Mrs. Minott remembers her mother for teaching her children to be humble and ``to see beauty in the simplest things.'' She remembers, ``My mom was the quiet giant behind my dad's success . . . It was she who quieted the storms during the difficult times.''

Mrs. Lillian Watkins is remembered as one who fully embraced her roles of wife, mother and homemaker and later, as aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Mrs. Lillian Watkins had a passion for music, sewing, art, decorating and traveling. In her later years, she developed a gift for writing poetry. She participated in poetry readings at Art Festivals in her community and at church while living in Ohio with her daughter. Several of her poems were later published in two books.

Mrs. Lillian Watkins' legacy will live on through the lives of her six children. All six of her children have broken tremendous racial barriers not only in Alabama but across the country. The success of her children is only a reflection of the integrity and humility that she instilled in each of them.

Saying thank you to Mrs. Lillian Watkins seems woefully inadequate. But, we are truly grateful for the life of this extraordinary public servant, educator, mother and homemaker. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this Nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mrs. Lillian Watkins.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Civil Rights Activist Evelyn Gibson Lowery, a beloved civil servant remembered for her remarkable display of leadership and civil rights activism.

Mrs. Evelyn Lowery passed away on Thursday, September 26 at the age of 88. While I am deeply saddened by her passing, I am comforted in knowing that her legacy is one that will live on through her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement at local, regional, national, and international levels.

Mrs. Evelyn Lowery was born in 1925 in Memphis, Tennessee to activists Rev. Dr. Harry and Evelyn Gibson. She attended Clark College and Youngstown University. In 1948, she married Rev. Joseph Lowery. Evelyn dedicated her life to the cause of justice.

Mrs. Evelyn Lowery and Rev. Lowery participated in the 1965 Selma-to- Montgomery march in Alabama and stand as an inspirational couple as pioneers in the Civil Rights Movement. Upon the death of his wife, Rev. Lowery was quoted, ``My beloved Evelyn was a special woman, whose life was committed to service, especially around the issues of empowering women. She was a wonderful mother and wife and I thank God. . .that I was blessed having her as my partner, my confidante and my best friend for almost 70 years.''

Mrs. Evelyn Lowery founded the SCLC/Women's Organization Movement for Equality Now Inc. in 1979 as the sister organization of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference which was founded by Rev. Lowery and other Civil Rights Activists. Her decision to found this organization was prompted by her weariness of seeing the rights of women, children and families ignored. Through Evelyn's inspiring leadership and guidance, the SCLC/W.O.M.E.N Inc. has more than accomplished its mission of reacting and responding to the plight of marginalized people. The organization has grown into an international association with programs offering education and mentoring in addition to HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns throughout the world.

Mrs. Evelyn Lowery not only participated in the Selma-to-Montgomery march in 1965 but she and Rev. Lowery have been instrumental in the commemoration of Bloody Sunday nearly every year since. She also contributed to the erection of the Civil Rights Freedom Wall at the Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Alabama.

Mrs. Evelyn Lowery founded several prominent programs including the Drum Major for Justice Awards Dinner in 1980 honoring those who contribute to social justice in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Evelyn G. Lowery Civil Rights Heritage Tour honoring civil rights movement icons. In 1988, she founded the Women's Empowerment Training Center for GED/computer training. In 1995, Evelyn founded a mentoring program for young girls.

Mrs. Evelyn Lowery has been described by several in the civil rights community as a champion in the civil rights movement and a ``drum major for justice in her own right.'' Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all of those who benefitted from her contributions to justice and equality.

Mrs. Evelyn Lowery received many awards and recognitions for her tremendous contributions to the cause of justice. Evelyn was appointed by Atlanta's former Mayor Maynard Jackson to arrange clothes for missing or murdered children for burial. She was the recipient of the Rosa Parks Award, the APEX Museum's Tribute Award, and the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers Award. Evelyn was recognized as one of the 100 most influential women in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business League's Women of Vision. She was honored in 2004 at the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, Georgia.

Evelyn's instrumental role in the Civil Rights Movement has made an indelible mark on this nation. Today we honor her for her role in the story of the Civil Rights Movement. As the first black woman elected to Congress from Alabama I am humbled to stand before the nation and share her story of strength, compassion and courage.

Saying thank you to Mrs. Evelyn Lowery seems woefully inadequate. But, we are truly grateful for the life of this extraordinary public servant. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mrs. Evelyn Lowery.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Montgomery Civil Rights pioneer Arlam Carr Jr., a beloved Alabamian remembered for his role in the desegregation of Montgomery public schools.

Arlam passed away on Thursday, September 26 at the age of 62. While I am deeply saddened by his passing, I am comforted in knowing that his legacy is one that will live on through his contributions to the desegregation of Montgomery's public schools and the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama.

At the age of 13 Arlam was the plaintiff in the 1964 lawsuit before the Supreme Court against the Montgomery County Board of Education. He played an instrumental role in desegregating Montgomery's public schools. In 1965, he became one of the first African-American students to enroll at Sidney Lanier High School.

Arlam has been remembered by his colleagues and friends as having ``a quiet courage that was reflective of his character.'' Others remember Arlam as ``gentle, yet tough.''

Arlam believed in the human decency of all people claiming that once white students were given the chance to interact with black kids, they would realize all are human, all the same. When asked to recall the days before integration, he focused on the positive side, recalling those who supported him and reminded his audience of the progress that has since been made.

Arlam didn't ignore the work that remained and the injustices that persisted however. One colleague evokes, ``When it came to discussing injustices in the community, you could hear and feel the steel in (his) voice.''

Arlam was a lifelong Montgomery resident working for almost forty years at WSFA-12, where he served many roles, ultimately as Director of Newscasts. He helped launched Today in Alabama. He was the longest tenured member of the WSFA News Team.

Arlam was active in many community and civic groups, including the Laubach Literacy Council and Leadership Montgomery. He was devoted to his family and his community. Arlam served as a deacon in his church. This was a position he wore with the utmost pride as a servant of God.

Arlam's instrumental role in the Civil Rights Movement and the integration of Montgomery Public Schools has made an indelible mark on the City of Montgomery and the State of Alabama. Today we honor him for his role in the story of Alabama. As the first black woman elected to congress from Alabama I am humbled to stand before the nation and share his story of strength, compassion and courage.

Saying thank you to Arlam seems woefully inadequate. But, we are truly grateful for the life of this extraordinary public servant. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Arlam Carr Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I take to the floor with a heavy heart, a heavy heart that is disappointed, frustrated and, frankly, outraged by our government shutdown.

Once again, we have put partisan politics ahead of the needs of the American people; and as I stand before you this morning, millions of Americans are already suffering the consequences at the hands of a dysfunctional Congress. The legislative process that has resulted in this shutdown reflects a neglect of the responsibilities that we were sent here to meet.

The House majority had a chance to avert the government shutdown, but chose political brinkmanship over responsible compromise. In order to avoid the shutdown earlier this week, the Senate sent the House a bill, a compromise spending bill, which accepted the Republicans' lower funding levels. Instead of allowing a clean funding bill to come to this floor, the House majority, once again, attached unreasonable amendments which had no hope of gaining bipartisan support.

Now House Republicans want to partially open the Federal Government, cherry-picking winners and losers. This is no way to run a government. Think about it: if we and all of the small businesses and big businesses out there would run their institutions the way we run this Congress, our economy would be in shambles.

I hate to play the blame game, Mr. Speaker, but this government shutdown is solely the responsibility and the creation of House Republicans. We have tried to compromise, but Republicans time and time again have been using America's tax-paying money to redebate again and again the Affordable Care Act.

People say that House Democrats, the Senate, and the President should

compromise on this. How do you extend a hand to a clenched fist? You cannot compromise when the other side is not willing to accept the fact that the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land. It has been debated. It has been voted on. It has been found to be constitutional. Let's just get on with the American people's business.

I think that if we all ran our households and our businesses the way this Congress is now functioning, simply put, it would be unacceptable. We know better. We know that it's irresponsible and reckless to make the American people pay when we don't get our way. We were sent to Congress to represent something bigger than ourselves. We were sent to represent the American people, all of the people, all Americans, not just the privileged few.

We represent every military family and every veteran, from the homeless veteran in Birmingham, Alabama, to those serving overseas right now. We represent every child in this great country of ours, from the child who will eat free lunch today because of the SNAP program, to the child here in D.C. who is enrolled in the Head Start program. All Americans. We were elected to be representatives. We need to start earning the title of being a representative by representing all of the people. It's unacceptable that we are in this Chamber while the rest of government is shut down. It is unacceptable.

Mr. Speaker, I urge that you bring to this House floor a clean funding bill unencumbered by unreasonable amendments. Bring a clean funding bill to this floor, and I guarantee you that both Republicans and Democrats would pass that bill and we would open back up the Federal Government.

It's important that we put our partisan politics aside and truly start representing the American people that sent us here. Let's be representative of all the people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Alabama State Representative and Civil Rights Attorney Demetrius Newton, a beloved Alabamian remembered for his remarkable display of leadership and civil rights activism.

Rep. Newton passed away on Wednesday, September 11 at the age of 85. While I am deeply saddened by his passing I am comforted in knowing that his legacy is one that will live on through his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and the State of Alabama.

Rep. Newton was born on March 15, 1928 in Fairfield, Alabama. In 1949, he received a degree from Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Rep. Newton received a law degree from Boston University in 1952. But while Rep. Newton understood the power of education, he is most remembered for his lifelong commitment to justice and Civil Rights.

Upon receiving his law degree from Boston University in 1952, Rep. Newton served in the United States Army. Following his time in the military, he returned to Birmingham, Alabama where he fought segregationist laws in courtrooms across the state as a private practice attorney.

In 1986, Rep. Newton was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives, representing District 53, Jefferson County. He held this position for 27 years until his death. From 1998 to 2010, Rep. Newton served as Alabama's first black speaker pro tempore. Rep. Newton worked as a judge for the city of Brownville, Alabama from 1972-1978 and served as Birmingham's City Attorney from 1991-1999. He was also a law professor at Miles College.

Rep. Newton paved the way for many black lawyers and elected officials across the State of Alabama. As an attorney, he played an instrumental role in the Civil Rights Movement representing icons such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. As a black attorney in segregated Alabama, Rep. Newton faced many struggles fighting court battles before all white judges and juries. He courageously dedicated his career to strengthening the rights for blacks in Alabama's courtrooms at a time when it wasn't safe to do so.

Rep. Newton was instrumental in fighting for the inclusion of blacks on juries in Bessemer, Birmingham and Etowah County. On behalf of his friend Dr. Martin Luther King, Rep. Newton was involved in a legal battle for the rights of those who marched in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches.

Rep. Newton filed many lawsuits throughout his career challenging segregation in public places, specifically interstate and intrastate travel. Rep. Newton is responsible for filing the first fair employment case, McKinstry v. U.S. Steel, under Title VII of the 1964 Voring Rights Act.

Until his death, Rep. Newton took his role as an Alabama state legislator very seriously. He was an outspoken opponent of the 1901 Alabama Constitution. Throughout his legislative career, he introduced legislation calling for a constitutional convention to rewrite the outdated document. Rep. Newton remained committed to his cause and continued to introduce amendments to the legislation throughout his legislative career.

As a veteran of the Alabama State House of Representatives, Rep. Newton gained the respect of his colleagues from both sides of the aisle. When the Republicans gained control of the State Legislature in 2010, they reserved his seat on the front row although it is traditionally reserved for the majority's leadership. His Republican colleagues have noted that when Rep. Newton walked to the podium to speak, members from both parties would pause their otherwise uninterrupted conversations and direct their attention to the podium. His presence and his legacy demanded respect.

Rep. Newton has been described by his colleagues in the legislature as a fine gentleman, a true statesman, and a scholar who was ``always prepared and always articulate.''

His instrumental role in the Civil Rights Movement and his 27 years of service in the Alabama Legislature has made an indelible mark on the State of Alabama. Today we honor him for his role in the story of Alabama. As the first black woman elected to congress from Alabama I am humbled to stand before the nation and share his story of strength, compassion and courage.

Saying thank you to Rep. Newton seems woefully inadequate. But, we are truly grateful for the life of this extraordinary public servant. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Rep. Demetrius Newton.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong opposition to H.R. 3102, calling for a $40 billion cut in critically needed funding for nutrition assistance programs.

You know, Mr. Speaker, struggling to encourage my Republican colleagues to take a walk in the shoes of those who suffer from food insecurity has become uncomfortably common in this Chamber. In this House, we have moved beyond poor economic doctrine and immoral social policy, and we're now dealing with the very dangerous mindset that the weakest in our society are to blame for their condition.

Instead of taking away food stamps, we should be encouraging jobs. That we should be encouraging smaller assistance for those who are in need is not, I think, the way that this policy should go. We should be incentivizing companies to provide a living wage. And I think it's hypocritical for us to value the sanctity of life while neglecting policies that ensure all Americans have a better quality of life.

Mr. Speaker, 54 percent of the households in my district receive SNAP. I think that it's really important that we remember the people that we're sent here to represent.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express great disappointment in my Republican colleagues for bringing a version of the farm bill that does not include nutrition assistance.

When I joined this great, august body, I was a member of the Agriculture Committee. The Agriculture Committee, time and time again, reauthorized the farm bill. Bipartisanship was always the hallmark. And this is not the hallmark of what we as Americans stand for.

Our minister today just stood up here with us in prayer and said that we would walk justly, that we would do and love mercifully, and that we would be humbled before God. If we are to truly have those words mean something in America, we must take care of our working families, our needy families, our children, in addition to our farmers.

The farmers that I represent in Alabama do not want a farm bill that does not include nutrition assistance. We cannot provide government subsidies to farmers without providing government assistance to people in poverty. It is not what we as Americans stand for.

If we have no further business in this august body this week, we should go home.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

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 takes the safety net away from America's poor families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute on the occasion of the 50th wedding anniversary of Andrew and Nancy Sewell, my beloved parents who celebrated this special event on July 2, 2013. This phenomenal couple celebrates love, marriage and family on this momentous occasion that began on June 15, 1963. They instilled family values to so many others as well to me. This golden wedding anniversary is a special day and it marks a half of a century of commitment and love for one another. We honor this milestone of marriage and a life well lived together.

Their love story begins with the attraction of an outstanding football player in college who was Captain of the team to his beautiful classmate Nancy. My father says lovingly that my mother met him on the steps of the library and that she barely gave him the time of day. He remembers being drawn to her outer beauty as well as inner beauty noting her friendly spirit. He also said that she was studious. My mother recalls that my father was ``the jock of the campus'' and especially remembers that he was athletic and gregarious.

After graduating college, their romance blossomed in the summer of 1961 when Andrew was recruited as the Head Coach for Councill Training School in Huntsville, Alabama. His future bride was already employed at the school as the Head Librarian. When Andrew saw Nancy in the Library on the school tour before he signed the contract he immediately knew that he wanted to work there telling the principal yes, he would take the job!

The romance led to a Valentine's Day marriage proposal in 1962 as Andrew asked for Nancy's hand in marriage at the Old American Legion Club in Huntsville, Alabama. Prior to the proposal as was custom, my father asked permission for my mother's hand in marriage from my grandfather, Reverend Tom Gardner, Jr. of Lowndes County, Alabama. This tradition of respect for elders in our family continues today. The Gardner family is a family of Christian religious leaders and this value of spirituality permeates our family life as my father is Catholic and my mother is Methodist.

For 50 years, this exceptional couple has built a life of love together. They were married on June 15, 1956 and have served as a pillar to the communities where they have lived. Their first home was in Huntsville, Alabama and my mother was the Head Librarian and my father was the Head Coach for Councill Training School. Their leadership, values, commitment to community, work, and family are demonstrable through their actions and accomplishments.

As first born child of my parents, I am pleased to say that while Coach Sewell wanted a future football player, he was thrilled with the addition of his ``cheerleader'' on New Year's Day in 1965. During this time my father was recruited to return to his beloved R. B. Hudson High School as Head Basketball Coach and Assistance Football, Track and Baseball Coach. Nancy became the Assistant Librarian and history teacher at R. B. Hudson High School.

Life continued to blossom as my parents became the parents of twins on July 21, 1967. My parents encouraged and supported their children to maximize their potential, to achieve excellence, to have a strong work ethic and to be a blessing to others. My parents have often said that to those who are blessed it is their obligation to be a blessing to others. Through their inspiration, motivation, prayers, and strength my brothers are college level athletic coaches and I am serving my 2nd term in Congress as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. They cherish three beautiful grandchildren: Neshambia, Taylor and Carter. Neshambia is a sophomore at the University of Alabama, Taylor will be in 6th grade and Carter will be in 3rd grade this year.

Andrew and Nancy Sewell continue to be excellent role models that lead by example. They reach out to family, friends and community teaching their children and now grandchildren the importance of doing the same. This becomes part of the fabric of our lives, interwoven into who the children are and what they will become. Families work together to solve problems, and they believe in the importance of passing their values and skills on to the next generation.

Andrew's successful and productive career as a Coach continued for 33 years in Huntsville and Selma, Alabama. Nancy, in addition to being Head Librarian in the school system, she was the first African-American woman elected to the Selma City Council, serving 12 years; the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) South Eastern Regional Director for 4 years; and AKA International Secretary for 4 years.

Marriage is a bond that lasts a lifetime. For my parents it is based on a foundation of love, spiritual belief, common goals and family values. Their love story nourishes one in understanding that this sacred union brought together their hearts, minds and souls. The laughter, love and joy continue today as we acknowledge with a grateful heart the 50th Wedding Anniversary of my parents, Andrew and Nancy Sewell.

On behalf of the State of Alabama, and this nation, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the Golden Anniversary of my parents who are extraordinary Americans and Alabama treasures!

Mr. Speaker, I stand today to join with my colleagues in expressing my deep disappointment in the Supreme Court's decision on the Voting Rights Act. I stand not just as a Member of Congress but as a Member of Congress who represents Selma, Alabama. I stand not only as a Member who represents Selma, Alabama, but also as a native of Selma.

I can tell you that, as I think about the Edmund Pettus Bridge each and every time I go home, I think about John Lewis and of so many foot soldiers who dedicated their lives for the right to vote. I know that I would not be able to stand in this well had it not been for their fight.

So I implore my colleagues: we as elected officials cannot afford to not protect the right to vote. It is sacred, our right to vote. I think that the only way that we, with dignity, can continue as elected officials is if we protect each and every person's right to vote in America. So I implore us to work together to figure out a coverage formula that will work. I also urge all of us to remember what it's like to see John Lewis in this well. John Lewis is the face of voting rights in America. I ask us to work together to figure out a formula to protect the right to vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Mr. Fred D. Williams III, a beloved husband and father, highly respected community leader, and successful business owner from the great State of Alabama, who sadly passed away on June 11, 2013 at the age of 76. This phenomenal man was an extraordinary source of wisdom and guidance for me and so many others.

While I'm deeply saddened by his passing, I am confident that his legacy will continue through the countless people that he touched during his life.

For more than 50 years, this exceptional man owned and operated Fred's Flower and Gift Shop in the historic Selma, Alabama. Opened on October 15, 1956, Fred's Flower and Gift Shop served as a pillar in the Selma community until July 2011, when Mr. Fred Williams retired. Mr. Fred Williams, III represents a whole line of wonderful business owners in my home town of Selma, Alabama.

Fred Williams was married for 45 years to Martha J. Williams, who preceded him in death on July 15, 2003. Their marriage was blessed with two beautiful children, Kaye Frances Williams of Alexandria, Virginia, and Kimberly Joyce Williams of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was also the doting and loving grandfather of McKenzie and Madison Dillon.

For me, this is a personal loss since I was privileged to be raised by Fred Williams. His daughter Kim was my childhood best friend, and I grew up in the Williams household. In fact, there is not a childhood memory of mine that does not include the Williams family or my many visits to Fred's Florist.

Because of the closeness my family shared with the Williamses over the years, I affectionately called him Uncle Fred. Uncle Fred has left an indelible mark on the city of Selma, Alabama, and I am so grateful for the part he played in raising me.

While I am sad that I am not able to attend the funeral today to be with Kim and Kaye, I rejoice in knowing that Uncle Fred's legacy will live on in the many people that he touched. I find comfort in remembering his hearty laugh, the way he always walked with his head cocked to one side, and of course the way he always brought a smile to my face as he called me Terri Sue. I will forever carry with me the love, support, laughter and precious memories of Uncle Fred.

On behalf of the State of Alabama and this Nation, I ask my colleagues of the United States House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the wonderful life and legacy of Mr. Fred D. Williams III, an extraordinary American and an Alabama treasure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak and ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks.

He came by his entrepreneurship spirit honestly, following in the footsteps of his forefathers who were prominent business owners in Selma.

His floral expertise was legendary and his leadership in the industry was highly acclaimed. In 1970, Fred Williams became the first African- American member of the Alabama State Florist Association. As a trailblazer, he achieved recognition at the state level in 1979 when he served as the President of the Alabama State Florist Association and ultimately received the Association's Lifetime Membership Award for his dedicated service.

Integrally involved in his family businesses, Fred also owned and operated Fairlawn Memory Gardens and was Corporate President of J.H. Williams and Sons Funeral Home, a 108-year-old family business. He was a licensed funeral director and former member of the Alabama Funeral Directors and Morticians Association.

Fred Williams was known as a savvy business leader and a caring professional who took great pride in ensuring his floral arrangements were beautiful and personal for each occasion. He was beloved, respected and admired in our community. Many will remember him as the ``dean of the floral business'' who inspired and provided exceptional mentorship for other florists in the industry.

Fred Williams spent his formative years in Selma, Alabama. He moved with his family to Richmond, Virginia in the 1950s where he graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School. He then attended the historic Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After graduation, he returned to his hometown of Selma and opened his flower shop in 1956.

Fred Williams was actively involved in every facet of the Selma community. His love of people and his hometown was evident in his tireless efforts to make the City of Selma a better place. The list of clubs and organizations included the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society, the Selma-Dallas Chamber of Commerce and he also served on the boards for the Vaughan-Smitherman Building and Sturdivant Hall. He was a charter member of the 12 High Club as well as the Chesterfield Club and he was a founding member of the Tuesday Night Men's Group. He was a long-time member of the Historic Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church where he earned the title of ``Trustee Emeritus'' for his generosity and dedicated service to the church.

I rise today in support of H.R. 742, the Swap Data Repository and Clearing House Indemnification Correction Act.

H.R. 742 helps to ensure that regulators continue to have the transparency in the derivatives market needed to make the critical decisions to help mitigate risk in our domestic and international financial markets.

As we continue to move forward with the implementation process of Dodd-Frank, we must be mindful of the original purpose and intent behind this essential reform to our financial markets. Dodd-Frank was intended to add more transparency and oversight to our financial markets and to ensure that another financial crisis and meltdown would never occur. However, Congress must continue to provide important guidance and oversight to financial regulatory agencies in order to ensure that no unintended consequences associated with these new regulations will run counter to the original intent.

That is why I support this bipartisan and commonsense technical correction and clarification in H.R. 742. As a former securities lawyer and finance professional, I believe that this bill, by correcting the indemnification provisions that impose burdensome regulations on our foreign regulators, will in many ways maintain the integrity of our financial markets; and I think it is the right thing to do.

While many aspects of the new derivatives market and the entire title VII regime remain uncertain, I want to applaud the diligent work of both the CFTC and the SEC in drafting and implementing these critically new regulations. Today's vote helps to add clarity and clarification to very important derivative reform. I also want to commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and my colleague, the gentlewoman from Wisconsin, Gwen Moore, as well as my colleague from Georgia, David Scott, for their leadership on this issue.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of this important clarification and to support this bipartisan piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Mrs. Dorothy Rogers Porter, a beloved musical icon and mentor from the Great state of Alabama who passed away on June 1, 2013 at the age of 77. This phenomenal woman was an extraordinary source of wisdom and guidance to me and so many others. While I am deeply saddened by her passing I am confident her legacy will live through the countless lives she touched during her lifetime.

For 38 years, this American jewel was first lady of the historic Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Alongside her husband, civil rights icon Rev. John T. Porter, Mrs. Porter became a fixture in the local community. But many will remember her for her extraordinary musicianship and her dynamic voice. As head of the children's choir, Mrs. Porter inspired a sincere love for music in the young lives that were under her direction.

The classically trained mezzo-soprano also taught music at Lawson State Community College and performed for audiences across the country. She graduated from Alabama State University with a bachelor's degree in music and went on to obtain a masters degree in music education from Wayne State University in Detroit.

Mrs. Porter was a committed servant leader active in so many community and civic endeavors. She lead Sixth Avenue's scholarship committee and was instrumental in preparing graduating seniors for the next phase in their lives. Mrs. Porter was a member of The Links Incorporated and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She also served on the Birmingham Library Board.

On a personal note, Mrs. Porter was a mentor of mine and countless others. I will miss her loving smile, wise counsel and warm embrace. I was proud to call her a sorority sister, fellow Link and most importantly, my mentor. We will all miss her dearly.

We are indeed grateful for the life of this awesome woman. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Mrs. Dorothy Rogers Porter.