Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today I recognize Colonel Timothy Holman of the United States Army for his extraordinary dedication and service to our Nation. Colonel Holman will soon transition from his current assignment as the Chief of the United States Army House Liaison Division in the House of Representatives to the Deputy for the Army's Unity and Inclusion Office.

With an impressive and proven record of leadership, including combat tours in Iraq as the Brigade Operations Officer of the 130th Engineer Brigade and in Afghanistan as the Battalion Commander of the 54th Engineer Battalion, Tim was chosen to serve as the Chief of the House Liaison Division in 2017 after serving as a Chief of Staff of the Army Senior Fellow with the Center for a New American Security. Colonel Holman's outstanding work led to him being selected as the Chief of the United States Army House Liaison Division. His first-hand knowledge of the military, its culture, and traditions was a tremendous benefit to Army senior leaders and Congressional offices. Tim was especially effective in his service to Members and staff as he escorted them on fact-finding and oversight delegations within the United States and around the world.

Recently, Colonel Holman led a CODEL to the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landing at Normandy, the largest CODEL of this type on record. His expert planning, attention to detail, and love of travel enabled exceptional visits for fifty-eight Members of Congress and their staff. I found him to be a thoughtful, intelligent, and a professional soldier in the best traditions of America's Armed Forces. Madam Speaker, it has been a pleasure to work with Colonel Holman during his tenure as the Chief of the United States Army House Liaison Division in the House of Representatives.

On behalf of a grateful Nation, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service and sacrifice of a fellow Mississippian, Colonel Timothy Holman, and his wife, B.J. Holman. I wish them the very best.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Dr. Cecil Weeks. Dr. Weeks, a native of Tupelo, Mississippi, is retiring after a long and distinguished 59-year career.

Dr. Cecil Weeks attended Mississippi State University where he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Education in English- Social Studies. Following his graduation, Dr. Weeks served as a classroom teacher in Lee County. In 1964, he returned to Mississippi State University to receive his Master's in Educational Leadership and Elementary Education and subsequently pursued his Doctorate also in Educational Leadership and Elementary Education in 1977. Dr. Weeks was the Principal of Tupelo's Church Street School into the late nineties and is currently the Co-Director of the North Mississippi Education Consortium and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi.

As a lifelong educator, Dr. Weeks has held numerous positions in honorary and statewide offices, such as Chairman of the Three Rivers Regional Education Service Agency and President of the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents. Dr. Weeks was also recognized as State Winner and Superintendent of the Year in 1994 by the American Association of School Administrators.

In addition to his educational service of Northeast Mississippi, Dr. Weeks has also served his community in the Tupelo Civitan Club. In 1972, he started Boy Scout Troop 85 at Harrisburg Baptist Church and was scoutmaster for many years. Dr. Weeks is a Deacon at Harrisburg Baptist Church where he uses his passion for education to teach at Sunday School to the ``Weeks / Tutor ``class.

I am thankful to Dr. Weeks for dedicating his life to educating the people of Mississippi. I wish him and his family all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and military service of World War II Veteran Joseph Leon Merritt. Mr. Merritt has always placed God and family first in his life, offering friendship and brotherly love to all those who crossed his path.

Mr. Merritt was born on May 27, 1919, in Sturgis, Mississippi. He spent his early life in ltawamba County with his parents, Frank and Lula Lee Merritt, and his seven siblings. After the war, Mr. Merritt moved to Louisville, Mississippi where he still resides to this day.

From 1942 to 1946, Mr. Merritt answered the call to serve our great nation in the U.S. Marines. Serving as a driver and bulldozer operator, Mr. Merritt rose to the rank of Corporal and was recognized for participating in actions

against the enemy in Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. Mr. Merritt founded Merritt Plumbing Company in Louisville and worked there until his retirement in 1983.

In 1945, Mr. Merritt married Gladys Taylor, and they remained together for almost 70 years. Upon Mr. Merritt's return from military service, the family grew to include two children, Joe Merritt and Carol Higginbotham. Mr. Merritt now has six grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.

Throughout his life and to this day, Mr. Merritt set an example for his children to follow. Mr. Merritt, a lifelong Christian, was an active member of Poplar Flat Baptist Church, where he served as Music Director for 50 years and was chosen to be a deacon of the church.

On Memorial Day of 2019, Mr. Merritt celebrated his 100th birthday. Mr. Merritt is an American patriot who served our great nation and continues to set an example for others to follow. We wish him many more years of good health.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Dennis ``D.J.'' Jewell for receiving the Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence Award in the Outstanding Volunteer Service by a U.S. Veteran category.

D.J., a resident of Columbus, Mississippi, was a past commander for VFW Post No. 4272 and completed over 1,000 community' service hours in 2018. As a veteran, one of his main concerns is the mental health of fellow service members, specifically veterans suicide rates. To prevent this issue in his community, Jewell established a monthly support group for combat veterans at the VFW and has also traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for mental health support for veterans.

I am honored to have the privilege to represent outstanding servicemen such as D.J. His selfless service to our country extends past his military career as he continues to go above and beyond for Mississippians each day. It is individuals like him that make Mississippi, and America, great.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Terry Norwood from the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF).

Mr. Norwood, a native of Union County, Mississippi, was born on December 27, 1951. He was raised on a dairy and cotton farm in Rockyford, Mississippi now known as Etta, Mississippi. It was here that Mr. Norwood's love for agriculture sparked. In 1969, Mr. Norwood graduated from West Union High School and attended Northeast Mississippi Junior College. After his two years at Northeast, Mr. Norwood earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education and Agriculture Engineering from Mississippi State University. Mr. Norwood subsequently earned a Masters Degree in Agriculture and Extension Education.

On June 1, 1993, Mr. Norwood joined the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation as a Fieldman and Regional Manager. He remained faithful in his commitment to MFBF for 26 years. Under his leadership, there has been 5 Achievement Award winners, 5 Discussion Meet winners, 2 Excellent in Ag winners, and 3 Farm Women of the Year winners. Leadership is often measured by what that individual achieves but a true leader is measured by what his subordinates achieve. The amount of awards people received under his leadership speaks volumes of the man and leader Mr. Norwood is.

In March of 1977, Mr. Norwood married his better half, Debbie McNabb Norwood and have spent 43 years happily married. Together they have three kids, Franklin, Dr. Allison, and Jacob. Mr. and Mrs. Norwood own and operate Rockyford Farms and Rockford Sorghum Mill, where they have produced sweet sorghum syrup called ``Moonlite Gold'' for 39 years with no intentions of stopping anytime soon.

Mr. Norwood has selflessly served his community and state for years, and I wish him and his family many years of health and happiness.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Monday, April 8, 2019 due to flight complications.

Had I been present, I would have voted yea on Roll Call No. 158; and yea on Roll Call No. 157.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Reverend Robert J. Jamison, Sr., who passed away on Sunday, March 24 at age 82.

Rev. Jamison, a native of Tupelo, Mississippi, was born on May 28, 1936 to Van and Cora Jamison. He was the third of four children and dedicated his life to Christ at an early age at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church. Robert graduated from George Washington Carver High School and married his high school sweetheart, Minnie Lee Edwards, in 1954. After graduation, he received degrees from Mississippi Industrial College, University of Utah, and Memphis Theological Seminary.

Rev. Jamison served as pastor of Second Baptist Church, New Providence Missionary Baptist Church and founded the People's Community Baptist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi. It was through these roles and many more that Rev. Jamison touched many lives. He was dedicated to making his community better by serving the people any way he could.

Rev. Jamison's life is one that should be celebrated and remembered. His legacy of obedience to God and selfless service to others lives on in all the lives he touched.

Left to cherish his memories are his son, Robert ``Fonda'' Jamison, Jr. of Silver Spring, MD; three daughters, Searcy (Ray) Taylor and Venita Goins of Gulfport, MS, Marcy Jamison of Tupelo, MS; four grandchildren, Christen Shane Jamison of Philadelphia, PA, Julicia ``GiGi'' Taylor of Camp Spring, MD, William (Ashlee) Goins and daughter, Ava Claire of Starkville, MS, Jamison Goins of Atlanta, GA;

three sisters, Jennie Kincaid and Annie Turner of Milwaukee, WI, Dora Thomas of Memphis, TN; one brother, Tyree Jamison of Rockville, MD; two brother-in-laws, Eddie Edwards and Obie Edwards of Verona, MS; one sister-in-law, Leora Edwards of Verona, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Billy Martin, who passed away on Sunday, January 27th at the age of 52.

Billy, a native of Gulfport, Mississippi, graduated from Gulfport High School and attended

Gulf Coast Community College. He went on to be an ice cream delivery driver for Blue Bell Ice Cream for over ten years. It was during this time that he began investing in the lives of young adults at Resurrection Life Worship Center in Picayune, Mississippi. After his time at Blue Bell, he accepted a full-time position at RLM serving as the administrator for over ten years. It was in this role that Bill's heart of service out shined all those around him.

In a world where everyone seems to be dead set on self-promotion and self-advancement, Billy found his joy in serving others. In a world where people are going to extreme lengths to draw attention to themselves, Billy went the extra mile to draw attention to others. In a world where it's common to see people broadcast their own accomplishments, Billy was a megaphone for the achievements and good qualities of others. In a time when everyone wants to see their dreams fulfilled, Billy saw fit to spend his time helping fulfill the dreams of others.

Billy's life is one that should be celebrated and remembered. His legacy of obedience to God and selfless service to others lives on in all the lives he touched.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife and best friend of 17 years, Jameye Hickman Martin of Picayune, his mother, Shirley Martin; his siblings, Randy (Karen) Martin and Terri (Tony) Zbysinski, of the Mississippi Gulf Coast; his brothers-in-law, Rev. Allen (Amy) Hickman of Picayune and Andrew (Karen) Hickman of Brookhaven, 17 nephews and nieces and 9 great-nephews and great-nieces.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Fred ``Bud'' Green. Bud, a native of Jumpertown, Mississippi, passed away on February 22nd at the age of 82.

Bud was dedicated to his family and community. For most of his life, he farmed the land that has been in his family for generations, insuring the land will stay in the family for generations to come. From 1995 to 2007, Bud proudly served the people of Prentiss County Mississippi, as Circuit Clerk. He often spoke of this as being one of the greatest joys in his life. Bud also proudly and actively served on Farm Bureau's Board of Directors.

It is through Bud's many years of hard work and service to his family and community that we can look back and celebrate all that he accomplished. Bud was a friend and leader to many and will be missed by all.

Bud is survived by his three children, Tommy Green, Rose Anne Parker, and Emily Pollard. He also leaves behind four grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my concern regarding H. Res. 183, Condemning anti-Semitism as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values and aspirations that define the people of the United States and condemning anti-Muslim discrimination and bigotry against minorities as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contrary to the values and aspirations of the United States. This resolution fails to condemn a specific act perpetrated by one of my colleagues, therefore rendering this resolution pointless. By broadly condemning every act of hatred, we condemn nothing. My colleagues consumed hours on the floor of the House of Representatives to debate a commonsense sentiment instead of passing meaningful policy to better the lives of Americans and condemning the specific statement of antisemitism made by a Member of the House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Richard Chisolm, who passed away on Monday, March 4th.

Richard, originally from Meridian, Mississippi, joined the Marine Corps as soon as he graduated high school. He served our country for four years before retiring. It was during this time he married his high school sweetheart, Diane Chisolm.

Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, Richard was employed by Mississippi Power and moved to my home town Union, Mississippi. This is where Richard planted his roots and became involved in the community around him. He became a Boy Scout leader, helping many young men including myself, become an Eagle Scout. Richard was an avid outdoorsman, spending as much time as he could bass fishing and playing softball. It was through Richard's example, so many young men knew how to be devoted to their country, family, work and community.

Richard was a great community leader and very formative in the lives of many young men through being a scoutmaster of Troop 29 in Union. He was a great mentor and taught us as Scouts, the value of God, community, and country. He lived the core values of the Boy Scouts and Marine Corps and developed all his Scouts to observe the same values and to learn leadership skills to be community leaders of the future. I have no doubt that I am a sitting Member of Congress because of the values instilled in me by my beloved Scoutmaster Richard Chisolm. There is no way to quantify the countless lives Richard impacted through his leadership.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Chisolm and son, my friend and Scout, Robby Chisolm. Richard leaves behind his two daughters, Tammy Livingston and Melissa Dienheart, along with four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Richard was loved by all that knew him. Semper Fi my friend, you will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Chief Donald Flake Farmer. Chief Farmer, a native of Coffeeville, Mississippi, is retiring after a long and distinguished career.

Chief Farmer is a founder of the Snow Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Through his efforts the town has seen a steady improvement in insurance ratings and has been a trend setter in fire protection in the region. Chief Farmer also serves as President of Snow Lake Fire District and heads the Benton County Fire Chiefs Association.

Chief Farmer has given the last 50 years to the advancement of Snow Lake Shores and Benton County Mississippi. He has been a leader for the July 4th celebration and Santa Claus at the Fire House. He was also the Police Chief for the Town of Snow Lake.

Chief Farmer has given and done whatever was needed to help the people of Snow Lake and Benton County for many years. I wish him and his wife Carol all the best in a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, today I would just like to give thanks to be able to be here at this State of the Union to hear about what our wonderful Nation is doing.

It is such an honor to be here, and to have the opportunity to be present during one of these State of the Unions. But, Mr. Speaker, most importantly, I want to recognize the men and women who are down range today serving this great Nation, and who can't be here and probably will never be afforded the opportunity to stand here in this great House and hear the State of the Union.

Without those men and women in uniform who defend this Nation every day, this Nation cannot exist and because of them, we will always be the greatest Nation on the face of the Earth.

God bless you.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and military service of World War II Veteran John Roy Shannon, Jr. Mr. Shannon has always placed God and family first in his life, offering friendship and brotherly love to all those who crossed his path.

Mr. Shannon was born on November 4, 1918, in Quitman, Mississippi. His father, a World War I Veteran, met and married the former Ruby Olivia Harper. They resided in Quitman, Mississippi, eventually moving to Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Shannon had three siblings; Joyce Mitchell, Mary Ann McWaters, and Harper Shannon.

In 1938, Mr. Shannon married, Minnie Catheren Cook, a fellow church member and a Jefferson County High School classmate. Mr. Shannon worked for Pan Am Oil Company which later became part of American Oil Company. From July 1943 until November 1945, Mr. Shannon answered the call to serve our great nation in the U.S. Army. Stationed at the Iceland Base Command, Mr. Shannon rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant receiving the Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle eastern Campaign medal, and the World War II Victory Medal in recognition of his distinguished military service.

Upon Mr. Shannon's return from military service, the family grew to include four sons; Harold, Ralph, Roy, and Sam Shannon. Roy Shannon, his third-born son, recently said his father was proud to serve our nation during World War II. ``Dad said America called and he answered,'' Roy Shannon said. ``He inspired three of us boys to follow in his footsteps. Harold, Ralph, and I are all U.S. Military Veterans.''

Throughout his life and to this day, Mr. Shannon set an example for his children to follow. Mr. Shannon, a lifelong Christian, was an active member of Huffman Baptist Church in Birmingham, an Adult Sunday School Class teacher for over 20 years and was chosen to be a lifetime deacon of the church. ``My father practiced what he believed,'' Roy Shannon said. ``He believed in God and country and he instilled that in us.''

Sam Shannon, Mr. Shannon's youngest son, said that he was lucky to have a father who was so devoted to God and family. ``At the time, we did not realize how fortunate we were,'' Sam said. ``He made it his main mission to be a good father and husband. He made sure we were fed, clothed, and housed and above all--loved.''

Harold Shannon said his father is proud to be a veteran. ``Being away from our family was difficult for dad because while he was serving, he missed the birth of one of my brothers,'' Harold said. ``Even so, our father was very, very proud to be a veteran. To this day, he always wears his World War II cap.'' Additionally, Harold said that Mr. Shannon was always a loving and caring father. ``He worked day and night to take care of us. I cannot recall him ever raising his voice. He has the patience of Job. He is still an example for all of us to follow. We're so proud of him.''

Mr. Shannon was married to Catheren Cook for 72 years until her death in 2010. After her passing, he became a resident of the Wesley Gardens Retirement Community in Montgomery, Alabama. Roy Shannon said his father is in great health which has the whole family counting their blessings daily.

Mr. Shannon is an American patriot who served our great nation and continues to set an example for others to follow. We wish him many more years of good health.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to make it clear that had a recorded vote on H.J. Res. 28 been recognized and called, I would have voted no.