Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of Michael A. Honeycutt, who is retiring as Colonel after serving decades of military service. A decorated Officer, he worked as an Active Guard and Reserve servicemember, climbing to the Mississippi National Guard, culminating as the Director of Joint Plans, Training, and Exercises.

Colonel Honeycutt graduated from all professional military education courses, including the National War College. He is decorated with the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and many other awards. He served in many tactical, operational, and strategic assignments, including an overseas combat tour to Iraq in 2004 to 2005, where I served alongside him.

He has worked at and served in all geographic areas of Mississippi on 17 different assignments. He was the Commander of the 154th Regional Training Institute at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center. Colonel Honeycutt has spent countless days, weeks, months, and years traveling throughout the state, country, and world, supporting and driving missions.

Colonel Honeycutt is one of the most influential leaders in the Army, maintaining the highest standards during the most demanding and complex times in history. He is a true American hero and a proud Mississippian. We are immensely grateful for his dedication to our country and the great state of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and achievements of Michael Elaine ``Mike'' Griffin, a lifelong resident of Ripley, Mississippi. Mike passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023, at age 62.

Mike was born July 13, 1961, in Ripley, Mississippi, to the late Sylvesta Elaine and Martha Criswell Griffin. He was a 1979 graduate of Ripley High School and continued his education at Northeast Mississippi Community College, where he worked on a technical degree as an electrician.

Upon deciding to pursue a military career instead, Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1980 and proudly served his country as a Rifleman and Remote Sensor Specialist until 1986. His spirit for adventure and service to his community led to his training and responsibilities as a State Trooper in 1987. On June 2, 1990, Mike married his beloved wife, the former Edna Huddleston of Falkner, Mississippi. On June 30, 2021, after 34 years of proudly and faithfully serving the State of Mississippi, Mike retired and was assigned as a government affairs liaison. Throughout his journey, he always strived to improve himself and contribute positively to his colleagues. His exceptional friendliness and kindness left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A member of the Church of Christ, Mike served as an Elder and Deacon for many years and was also an active member of the Lion's Club. He was an Ole Miss and Dallas Cowboy football fan, enjoyed dining out with family and friends, tending to his yard, and adored his wife and daughter. Mike was a man of immense character and kindness, a

pillar of his church and community, and beloved by all who knew him. His last selfless act was a testament to the caring soul he embodied following a life of dedication and service to his family, friends, community, state, and country.

Mike is survived by multiple loved ones, and memories of him will continue to be shared by Edna, his wife of 33 years; his daughter, Olivia Griffin of Oxford, Mississippi; one brother, Ricky Griffin; two half-sisters, Diane Cost (David) and Nina Lowry (Paul); his father-in- law, Wade Huddleston; sisters-in-law, Linda Bond (Kurt), Laura Green (Scott), and Myra Simmons (Stacy); and a host of nieces, nephews, many friends.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Dr. Elton Mac Huddleston, 79, who passed away on August 27, 2023, in Tupelo, Mississippi, after a life marked by service to his fellow man. He was born September 16, 1943, and was raised in Holmes County, Mississippi, by his beloved grandparents. He graduated from Durant High School.

He studied accounting and was a member of the ROTC at Mississippi State University. After graduating from MSU, he served in the United States Army, flying helicopters in Vietnam and, later, serving as a flight instructor. He held the rank of Captain and was a recipient of the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross, among other honors and awards. After his military service, he obtained his degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University and worked as a veterinarian in north Mississippi, including Pontotoc. He worked for several years for his alma mater, Mississippi State, in both the College of Veterinary Medicine, where he was among the first faculty, and the Division of Development before eventually settling back in Pontotoc, where he was known by his friends as ``Dr. Mac'' and worked many years as a large animal veterinarian. He was also the executive secretary of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association and Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine.

Later in his career, he served the citizens of Pontotoc County as sheriff's deputy and criminal investigator for the Pontotoc County Sheriff's Department before being elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives, where he served the people of District 15 from 2008 until his death. In the legislature, he served as chairman of the University and Colleges and Ethics committees and was previously vice- chairman of the Appropriations committee. He was a longtime member of West Heights Baptist Church in Pontotoc and led the Praise Sunday school class for many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elton Mac Huddleston, Sr., and Matilda Claudell Ellington Houston, and his grandparents, Luther Pearson McLellan, Amber Ellington McLellan, John Oliver Huddleston, and Fannie McDonough Huddleston.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Dr. Flavia Ruth Hutchinson Huddleston, of Pontotoc; 4 children, Robert McLellan Huddleston and his wife, Kimberly, of Wren, Mississippi; Meghan West Foley and her husband, William, of New Albany, Mississippi; Dr. Edward Mac Huddleston of Birmingham, Alabama; and Amber Claire Brown and her husband, Griffin, of Southaven, Mississippi; 4 grandchildren, Aubrey Kay Huddleston of Wren, Mississippi, and Stella Ruth Foley, William Deacon Foley, and Charlotte James Foley, of New Albany, Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the service of Major Laterrious ``Tony'' Starks, who served as a legislative liaison for the U.S. House of Representatives with profound duty, leadership, and commitment from January 2021 to August 2023. Major Starks served as a defense fellow for my office, and, as a legislative liaison, his interpersonal skills built countless relationships throughout Headquarters, Department of the Army, and Capitol Hill. These relationships enabled him to communicate the Army's narrative and facilitate senior leader engagements. In addition to the duties as a legislative

liaison, Major Starks expertly balanced a collateral duty as the White House Social Aide Senior Program Manager. His professionalism has resulted in strategic success across the Executive Branch. Due to his exceptional efforts, he was selected to lead over 100 White House events, to include two Medal of Honor Ceremonies and three State Visits.

In addition to his military-based contributions to our great nation, which have included service in many parts of the United States as well as in other countries, to include Germany and Korea, Major Starks is well-versed educationally, having invested himself in various levels of university programs. Major Starks's education includes studying at George Washington University, pursuing a master's degree in Legislative Affairs, from 2020 to 2021; studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Strategic Studies Fellow, in 2019; studying at Abilene Christian University, pursuing a doctorate's degree in Education, from 2018 to 2021; and studying at Stephen F. Austin State University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Government, from 2006 to 2010. He is currently a doctoral candidate.

Major Starks is an outstanding individual who has already served his country in many ways, and it is my honor to esteem him today.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to voice my strong support of H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.

First, I thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership throughout this process. I also thank my counterpart and friend on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, Ranking Member Joe Courtney.

This year's NDAA is a step in the right direction in strengthening our national defense. The bill wisely rejects the Biden administration's request to divest certain warships and aircraft, such as the F-22 and the C-130, thus ensuring our continued superiority in the near term.

Our servicemembers are the backbone of our national security, and this bill supports our servicemembers with a 5.2 percent increase in basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years. It authorizes a monthly bonus for junior enlisted members to counteract the effects of inflation. This legislation also expands the basic needs allowance to aid low-income servicemembers supporting families and extends military recruitment and retention bonuses. Furthermore, it waives fees on the TRICARE dental program for selected Guard and Reserve members while strengthening oversight of the TRICARE pharmacy program.

The Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA also provides substantial cost savings and reforms. It cuts inefficient defense programs, obsolete weapons systems, and unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy, resulting in a savings of $40 billion for the taxpayers. These savings include significant funds from the divestment of obsolete aircraft, decommissioning of outdated ships, and cuts to weapons programs that have either not met development milestones or experienced excessive cost growth.

This bill further increases financial accountability by penalizing the Department of Defense for cost overruns on major defense programs and requiring comprehensive audits of price and cost data for these programs.

Finally, the bill provides assistance to the 8,000 servicemembers discharged for failing to take the COVID-19 vaccine and gives them a path back to service.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of Terry Wayne Partin, retiring as Colonel, having served as a Chaplain with over two decades of military service. A decorated Officer, he worked as a dual-status military technician, climbing to the State Chaplain of Mississippi National Guard.

Colonel Partin is an Officer for both the Mississippi National Guard and the U.S. Army. Chaplain Partin graduated from all professional military education courses for chaplains and religious support leaders. He is decorated with the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and many other awards and decorations. He served in many tactical, operational, and strategic assignments, including two overseas combat tours to Iraq in 2005 and again in 2010, where I personally served alongside him. Chaplain Partin's career culminated with his promotion to the grade of Colonel and his selection as the Mississippi Army National state chaplain, where he donned the stole for three years. He has worked at and served the service members of Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center for many years in the areas of religious support, mental health, resiliency, and counseling.

He is a true American hero and a proud Mississippian who always made his family, friends, and fellow soldiers proud; we are immensely grateful for his dedication to our country and the great state of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Major General Terrill Kay ``T.K.'' Moffett. Major General Moffett passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the age of 73. T.K. Moffett was born on a small farm near Becker, Mississippi, on July 11, 1949. He was the youngest of nine children born to Elmer Carlos Moffett and Mary Ethel Meek Moffett.

As a young man, he gave his life to Christ at Becker Baptist Church, where he also helped lead musical worship in his teenage years. He was an honor's graduate from Amory High School and received nominations to all three United States Service Academies. T.K. chose the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree. After the Academy, he served as an Airborne Infantry Officer and Armor Officer, and graduated from both the Infantry Officer Basic Course and the Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He would go on to earn a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Hawaii, and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Mississippi. He is also an honor graduate of the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth; and he completed United States Army War College as a fellow at Harvard University, where he also studied Municipal Policing.

While pursuing a career in the military, T.K. also practiced law for almost 45 years, earning bar admittance in Mississippi and Alabama. He was the owner of Moffett Law Firm, PLLC, with offices in both Tupelo and Amory. He served as Tupelo City Prosecutor from 1989 through 1999. In 2015, Governor Phil Bryant appointed T.K. as Chancery Judge in Northeast Mississippi's First Judicial District.

Major General Moffett's military career spanned 40 years in the Army, Army Reserve, and the Mississippi Army National Guard. He commanded at every level from Platoon Leader to Tank Battalion Commander to Division Commander, having served in the 155th Armored Brigade, the 25th Infantry Division, the 4th Infantry Division, the 91st Division, and the 104th Division. He mobilized with the 155th Armored Brigade for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm and with the 91st Division for Operation Enduring Freedom. T.K. was promoted to Brigadier General in 1999 and Major General in 2003. He was the Commanding General of the Troop Command Mississippi National Guard, the Deputy Commanding General of the 91st Division in California, and the Commanding General of the 104th Division in Vancouver, Washington. He retired from the military in 2007. His awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross, the Mississippi Magnolia Medal, and the Mississippi Commendation Medal.

Major General Moffett was also the founder and owner of Moffett Leadership Institute and conducted leadership and ethics training with numerous military forums throughout the United States, Nigeria, and Rwanda. Though all these accomplishments are incredible, his foremost joy was his family. He was married to his wife, Loreta Millsaps Moffett, for 51 years. He was always proud of his daughter, Tara, and he found great joy in his grandchildren.

Major General Moffett is survived by his wife, Loreta Millsaps Moffett; daughter, Tara Leigh Moffett Dowden, and her husband, Dr. Landon Gene Dowden; four grandchildren, Arabella Leigh Dowden, Adalaide Mary Meek Dowden, Adoniram Landon Dowden, and Alastair Millsaps Moffett Dowden. He was preceded in death by his parents and his other siblings: Howard Donald Moffett, Jerry Kenneth Moffett, E.C. (Elmer Carlos) Moffett, Jr., and Walter Eldon Moffett. After serving with T.K. for many years in the 155th brigade combat team, I consider him a close friend and mentor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of John Jordan ``Johnny'' Morgan, who passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 76 years old.

Johnny was born on February 20, 1947, in Jackson, Mississippi, to the late Eddie Mack and Beryl Jordan Morgan. A lifelong resident of Oxford and Lafayette County, he graduated from Oxford High School in 1965, followed by his graduation from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Business Administration.

Active in local, regional, and state civic roles, Johnny's passion for Mississippi and its residents was evident to all who knew him. Johnny worked tirelessly for the betterment of not just his own community, but all of Mississippi. He served as a state senator from 1984 to 1992, representing Lafayette, Yalobusha, and Calhoun counties. He was later elected to serve on the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors for District 2, serving as president of the board for several years. Johnny co-founded the Good Ole Boys and Gals, a gathering of friends, candidates, and political enthusiasts across the state. Throughout his political career, Johnny garnered a reputation as not only an experienced politician but also a loyal friend and confidant to many.

Johnny served as President of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce, as well as serving the Oxford University United Methodist Church Board, the Mississippi Action for Progress Board, the local Powerhouse Board, and the Mississippi Blood Services Board. He was an owner and founder of Morgan White Insurance Group, CEO of Johnny Morgan & Associates Realty Firm, and vice president of Binswanger National.

Johnny is survived by his brother, Chip Morgan (Connie); a niece and nephew, Trey Sandifer (Camille) and Lindsey Sheffield (Jason); four great-nieces and nephews; his dear friend Allyson Duckworth; and numerous cousins and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and achievements of Sergeant Major John A. Thomas. Sergeant Major Thomas embarked on his military journey in October 1985 when he joined the United States Army. He became a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard in October 1995 and is currently the Directorate of Personnel and Community Activities Sergeant Major for Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center.

He is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Course, the United States Navy War College's Senior Enlisted Course, the National Defense University's Senior Enlisted Joint Course, the NATO Senior Noncommissioned Officer Orientation Course, the Garrison Command Leadership Course, and the Leadership Foundry/UT Center for Executive Education's Leadership Challenge Program. He has both his bachelor's degree and master's degree in business administration and completed the International Business Management Institute's Global Governance program.

Sergeant Major Thomas's military assignments include the 2ND MMC, 1ST COSCOM, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; the Logistic Support Unit, Multinational Force and Observers, Sinai, Egypt; the 1st United States Army Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama; the 3390th United States Army Reserve Forces School, Jackson, Mississippi; the 367th Maintenance Company, Philadelphia, Mississippi; State Headquarters Command, Jackson, Mississippi; the 1108th Aviation Classification Repair Depot, Gulfport, Mississippi; the 298th Corps Support Battalion, Al-Taqaddum Air Base, Iraq; the Joint Sustainment Command, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan; the 184th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Hattiesburg, Mississippi; the 298th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Philadelphia, Mississippi; Camp McCain Training Center, Grenada, Mississippi; the 184th Expeditionary Sustainment Command's Syrian Logistics Cell, Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq and Mississippi National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters, Jackson, Mississippi.

In addition to his impressive list of assignments, Sergeant Major Thomas has also assumed significant leadership roles. His contributions as the MS Covid-19 Logistics Task Force Senior Enlisted Leader, Syrian Logistics Cell Senior Enlisted Leader, Garrison Command Sergeant Major, Battalion Command Sergeant Major, and Sustainment Command Support Operations Sergeant Major have been instrumental in ensuring the readiness and success of his units. His invaluable experience and expertise have helped shape the future leaders of our armed forces, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have served under his guidance.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sergeant Major Thomas has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and decorations. His personal accolades, including the Combat Action Badge, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal, are a testament to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to duty. Each of these honors reflects the bravery, selflessness, and dedication that Sergeant Major Thomas embodies every day.

Sergeant Major Thomas and his wife, Denita, reside in Noxapater, Mississippi. They have two children, Alex and Adam, and three grandchildren, Parker, Alexander, and Isabella.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Kenneth Williams, an outstanding Mississippian, an influential businessman, a well-known philanthropist, and a beloved community member.

Mr. Williams, a native of Corinth, Mississippi, first began contributing to his home state by working for his family's multigenerational business, Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works Inc., in 1957. The business, known today as Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Group, was started by his grandfather in 1907. Mr. Williams currently serves as the company's CEO and chairman of the board, which has, with the help of his brother, Sandy, been expanded across parts of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee, serving over one million people.

Mr. Williams has served on various local, state, and national boards related to the soft drink industry and economic development. He served in leadership roles in Rotary and founded the Coke 10K Classic, one of the largest 10K races in Mississippi. He has served on the Mississippi Soft Drink Association board and the National Automatic Association and Trustmark Corporation in Jackson, Mississippi. He is also a past chairman of the Mississippi Economic Council.

The value that Mr. Williams has added to his community is evidenced by his awards. In 2020, Mr. Williams was awarded the Red Raspberry Humanitarian Award. In 2009, Mr. Williams and his brother, Sandy, were joint recipients of CREATE's George McLean Award for Philanthropy along with their spouses.

Mr. Williams represents one of four generations to attend the University of Mississippi. In honor of that legacy, his family sponsors the Corinth Coca-Cola Business Scholarship Endowment and formalized the Refreshments Inc. Partners in Business Scholarship Fund, which offers support to University of Mississippi's School of Business Administration students.

Over 80 years old, Mr. Williams has completed over 75 marathons on the 3 continents, including 22 consecutive Boston Marathons. At one point, he ranked fifth in the world in the 80+ age division of marathon runners. Mr. Williams has added cycling, swimming, skydiving, and bungee jumping to his list of hobbies to try.

Mr. Williams and his late wife, Nancy Ann Kincade Williams, were married for over 55 years. The couple has 4 children: Nan Williams Green (Stuart), Sara Williams Berry (Mont), Ken Williams (Edi), and Martin Williams (Adriene), most of whom reside in the Great State of Mississippi. His sons, Ken and Martin, are now part of the family business.

I commend Mr. Williams for a life that is so well lived and is such an example to others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the upcoming retirement of Richard E. Davis, a superb Soldier and citizen who has served our Nation for forty-one years, including, since October 2021, serving as the Command Sergeant Major of Camp Shelby, Mississippi, the largest Reserve Component training site in the United States.

A native of Petal, Mississippi, Command Sergeant Major Davis began his military career in the Mississippi Army National Guard on April 5, 1982, as a 62B, Construction Equipment Repairman. During his career, Command Sergeant Major Davis served in all levels of responsibility, including Track Vehicle Repairman, 3656th Maintenance Company, Camp Shelby, Mississippi; Armament Maintenance Supervisor, Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 106th Support Battalion, Monticello, Mississippi; Senior Auto Repairman, 3656th Maintenance Company, Camp Shelby, Mississippi; Battalion Maintenance Operation Noncommissioned Officer, Headquarters, 223rd Engineer Battalion, WestPoint, Mississippi; First Sergeant, Forward Support Command, 223rd Engineer Battalion, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, the unit with which he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2011 through 2012.

Upon return from overseas deployment, Command Sergeant Major Davis was assigned as the Mississippi National Guard Environmental Supervisor with Joint Force Headquarters, Mississippi National Guard, in Jackson, Mississippi. After completing his staff tenure, Command Sergeant Major Davis returned to the line units he knew and loved serving as the Command Sergeant Major, 890th Engineer Battalion, Gulfport, Mississippi. Following a successful assignment as the battalion level, Command Sergeant Major Davis was assigned as the 168th Engineer Brigade Command Sergeant Major from June 2018 until September 2021, after which time he was assigned as the Command Sergeant Major of Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center in 2021.

During his career, Command Sergeant Major Davis completed all levels of military education including Primary Leadership Development Course, the Basic Noncommissioned Officers Course, the Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course, and, ultimately, the Sergeant Major Academy, as well as numerous other maintenance and training courses. Command Sergeant Major Davis distinguished himself as a tactical and technical expert during his deployment to Afghanistan and while serving at Camp Shelby, supporting mobilizing and deploying units, and, of course, numerous State Emergency Operations.

Command Sergeant Major Davis's military awards include the Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; Noncommissioned Professional Development Ribbon with a numeral IV; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Mississippi Medal of Efficiency; Mississippi War Medal; Mississippi Emergency Service Medal; Mississippi Service School Medal; and Mississippi Longevity Medal.

I commend Command Sergeant Major Davis and his family for their dedicated support to our Army, our Soldiers, and this Nation. I congratulate him on an extremely successful career, his dedication to service, and wish him a fulfilling and restful retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Curtis Ryan Monroe, who died Sunday, March 26, 2023, at ninety-two years old. He was a retired baseball coach and former chair of the history department at Itawamba Community College. He was born in Decatur, Mississippi, on December 5, 1930, to James Clark and Annie Neva Roberts Monroe, and was the youngest of seven children. He attended Decatur High School where he was a multi-sport athlete, then attended East Central Community College, followed by Mississippi State University, where he obtained both a bachelor and master's degree as well as being a Presidential Scholar for two years.

It was in Starkville that he met Sally Ashford, who would later become his wife on June 12, 1959, at the Starkville Presbyterian Church. While wooing Miss Ashford, he gave his future father-in-law free baseball tickets to see him suit up for the Diamond Dogs.

After obtaining his master's degree from State in 1954, he was about to be drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the Army beat them to it. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and played on the base's baseball team. Curt was transferred to Fort Gordon near Augusta, Georgia. He was next stationed in Germany near the Czech border as a member of the 2nd Battalion of the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

He returned to the States in 1956. His first job was teaching history and coaching baseball and girls' basketball at Union High School. In 1961, Curt drove to Fulton and interviewed with then-IJC President John Crubaugh. Curt was offered the job of head baseball coach and history teacher. He accepted and, for the next sixty-two years, he and Sally made Fulton their home, raising their two daughters, Amy and Emilie Nan, on campus. Curt served as a teacher, a lifeguard and dorm parent. He also served as an assistant football coach at Itawamba Agricultural High School for many years.

Curt participated in Boy Scouts attaining the rank of Life Scout. Before Curtis could earn his Eagle badge, his scoutmaster left to serve in the war and the troop disbanded. Curt served as the head baseball coach at ICC until 1989 and continued to teach his legendary Western Civilization course until 1994. He wanted to be remembered for his teaching more than playing baseball. Upon retirement, he and Sally spent their time between Fulton and Starkville and their house in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He and Sally enjoyed being with their five grandchildren, often entertaining them for weeks at a time during the summers in Gatlinburg.

Curt was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2003 and the MSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007. He was a member of the M Club for many years. He was also a Master Mason, 32nd degree Scottish Rite, a Shriner, and a member of the American Legion Post 51 in Fulton. He was a longtime member of Fulton United Methodist Church serving on various committees and was a member of the Charlie Mae Sunday School class.

He is survived by Sally, his beloved wife of nearly sixty-four years; his daughter Amy Agee (Mike) of Germantown and her children, Ryan (Margaret), Marianne, and Sam; and his daughter Emilie Nan English (Brock) of Tupelo and her children, Curt and Charlie; his sisters-in- law Pat Johnson, Em Ashford, and Hanna White (Bill), and brother-in-law Pepper Ashford (Carol); and dozens of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers William Monroe, Leon Monroe, Sr., James Clark Monroe, Ellis Monroe, and Johnny Ray Monroe; his sister Annie Neva Doler; his brother-in-law Charlie Ashford and brother and sister-in-law Jim and Jacque Ashford.

The Mississippi delegation mourns those who lost their lives in the recent tornadoes that devastated our beloved State of Mississippi.

We also come together to honor the bravery and heroism of our first responders and county and city leadership, who worked tirelessly to save lives and restore order in the midst of chaos.

In Rolling Fork, Silver City, Winona, Amory, Wren, Egypt, Smithville, and all the other communities affected from the Mississippi River Delta to the north Mississippi hills, we know that the pain of loss and destruction is still fresh in your hearts.

We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their loved ones. We cannot imagine the depth of your grief, but we stand with you in solidarity.

As we mourn the loss of life, we must also acknowledge the strength and resilience of our communities.

In times of disaster, we come together to support one another and rebuild. We have seen this time and time again, and we know that Mississippi will come back stronger.

In the face of such devastation, we find comfort in the words of the Bible. In Psalms 34:18, it says: ``The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.''

We know that in times of trial, we can turn to God for strength and comfort. May God bless Mississippi, and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. Chair, on behalf of the Mississippi delegation, I ask for a moment of silence.

Amendment No. 16 Offered by Mrs. Boebert

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the work of Mr. Javlon Vakhabov, who is retiring from his role as Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United States, Canada, and Brazil. Javlon was born August 7, 1980, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, which was at the time the capital of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic.

In 2001, Javlon earned his bachelor's degree in International Law from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy. Subsequently, he graduated in 2003 from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy with his master's degree in International Law.

Javlon joined the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2001, serving early career assignments as an attache, 3rd secretary, and chief of division. In 2006, President Islam Karimov appointed Javlon to the Uzbek National Security Council, serving as leading consultant and as head consultant until 2011, when he was promoted to deputy secretary of the Council. For most of 2013, Javlon served as director of the Institute for Strategic and Inter-Regional Research, a government- funded think tank in Tashkent. In November of 2013, Javlon became one of the leadership team at the Foreign Ministry, as one of four deputy ministers of foreign affairs. On July 29, 2015, he was promoted to first deputy minister of foreign affairs, the title he held when he was appointed ambassador to the United States.

He has served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the United States of America since late 2017. Since late 2018, he has served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Canada with residence in Washington,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to encourage Members to support passage of S. 619, a bill that requires the Director of National Intelligence to declassify information related to the origin of COVID-19.

The need for transparency regarding the origin of this pandemic cannot be overstated, especially as the world continues to grapple with its effects.

I thank Chairman Turner for his leadership on this issue, and I thank the Senate Intelligence Committee for their diligent work.

As you all know, the COVID-19 pandemic and the government's chaotic response have had a devastating impact on our Nation and the world. It has caused loss of life, disrupted our economy, and fundamentally changed our way of life.

We owe it to the American people to inform them where this virus originated and how. Republican Members charged with oversight have always been champions of transparency and accountability. By supporting this bill, we are showing the American people that we take this responsibility seriously. Republicans are keeping their promise to do everything within our power to get the truth and hold those responsible accountable.

To date, the source of the virus remains unclear, and there are strong indications that it may have originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

The American people deserve answers. They deserve to know the truth about the origin of this pandemic. Without transparency, the public will turn to malign actors for information, further undermining our citizens' trust in the government and its intelligence agencies.

As we know, trust is a vital component of any successful democracy. When citizens do not trust their government, it destabilizes society and strains the fabric that binds our communities together.

The intelligence community has a responsibility to provide the American people with accurate information that can help them make informed decisions. By declassifying the information on COVID-19, the DNI can help restore the public's trust in our intelligence community.

Madam Speaker, I urge support for passage of S. 619. It is our duty to the American people to do everything within our power to get to the truth, and this bill is an important step in that direction.