Floor Statements

Offered By: Mr. Carter of Louisiana

Amendment No. 87: Page 2, line 24, strike ``limitation''

and insert ``limitations''.

Page 3, strike lines 1 through 5, and insert the following:

``(2) Limitations.--

``(A) Total increase.--The plan required by paragraph (1)

shall not provide for a total increase in the percentage of

Federal lands described in paragraph (1) leased for oil and

gas production in excess of 10 percent.

``(B) Deepwater horizon.--The plan required by paragraph

(1) shall not provide for any entity to engage in oil or gas

production activities on Federal lands described in paragraph

(1) leased for oil and gas production as a result of such

plan unless the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary

of the Interior, certifies that the environmental harms

caused by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of

Mexico have been completely remedied.

Offered By: Mr. Carter of Louisiana

amendment No. 132: Page 3, line 9, strike the closed

quotation marks and the final period.

Page 3, after line 9, insert the following:

``(4) AEQUIREMENT.--The plan developed under paragraph (1)

shall include a requirement that any entity entering into a

contract relating to oil or gas production occurring on

Federal lands leased pursuant to the plan may not provide for

the participation of a entity that offers a health plan that

does not provide coverage of screening and preventative

services, including contraceptive services, to at least the

extent and level as required under the essential health

benefits pursuant to section 1302 of the Patient Protection

and Affordable Care Act.''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand for his recognition as a 2023 Southern University at New Orleans Center for African and African American Studies Living Legend. Dr. Ferdinand is receiving this high honor because of his dedicated service to the citizens of New Orleans as a Cardiovascular Physician. For over 40 years, Dr. Ferdinand has endeavored to improve the health and lives of African Americans and other high risk, marginalized populations. He has devoted his life in medicine to eliminating the health disparities of New Orleans' most ostracized. people. In light of all of the aforementioned professional tributes, the roles he most treasures are devoted son, sibling, father, and husband.

Keith C. Ferdinand, MD, FACC, FAHA, FASH, FNLA began his medical career with a BA in biology from the University of New Orleans. He then went on to earn an MD from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC, an internship at the US Public Health Hospital in New Orleans, an internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at LSU Medical Center and a cardiology fellowship at Howard University Hospital, Washington, D.C. Following his years of doing clinical work, research and teaching at Xavier University, LSU, Baylor College of Medicine, and Emory University, Dr. Ferdinand returned to New Orleans as a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Tulane University Heart and Vascular Institute.

Dr. Ferdinand has been heavily involved in many national organizations concerned with public health, including the Association of Black Cardiologists, of which he was the former Chair and Chief Science Officer, the American Society of Hypertension, of which he was a board member, and the Healthy Heart Community Prevention Program, a cardiovascular risk program targeting African American and other highrisk populations. He is the immediate-past Chair of the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, which provides the leadership and encouragement for collaboration among over 65 organizations. Dr. Ferdinand focuses largely on cardiac risk factor evaluation and control, especially hypertension and hyperlipidemia, including communities of racial and ethnic minorities. He has had over 100 manuscripts published and has a strong media presence. His passion for patient care is highlighted by his commitment to non-profit work and community service. In 2015 he was inducted into the Association of University Cardiologists. He also focused on improving patient care and eliminating health disparities by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or gender through research and academic interests.

I am humbled to personally know such a great physician, who has done so much to improve the lives of countless residents across my district. We are so honored to have Dr. Ferdinand, a true advocate for patient care.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the re-grand opening of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana's J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center, a one-stop financial stability center offering an array of programming to the citizens of Greater New Orleans including financial education and coaching, credit building and counseling, benefits screening, and income tax assistance.

As part of United Way's footprint located at a newly acquired site at 2901 Canal Street, the new facility will also house United Way's IDA Project, a matched savings account program helping low-income individuals purchase long-term assets through a 4:1 match of their own savings. The program is addressing the challenges of intergenerational poverty by providing opportunities for participants to purchase a new home or vehicle, start or expand a small business, or pay for post- secondary education, all through their IDA accounts.

These in-house financial stability resources wiiI help empower low- to-moderate income families to achieve financial stability today and prosperity tomorrow, leading to more vibrant cornmunities for us all. In its first year of operation, the J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center has already served more than 2,000 people referred from the City of New Orleans' Network for Economic Opportunity's Workforce Partnership Centers. These opportunity centers include Strive New Orleans, JOBI Business and Career Solutions Center, Total Community Action, Urban League of Greater New Orleans, and Goodwill Industries. And as a result of the center's successes, United Way has expanded the center's offerings to each parish of United Way's Southeast Region.

A remarkable man I called my friend and neighbor, J. Wayne Leonard, the Prosperity Center's namesake and longest-serving head of Entergy Corporation, facilitated more than $50 million in charitable dondtions through Entergy aimed at moving people out of poverty and improving early childhood education. In October 2017, Mr. Leonard was awarded United Way of Southeast Louisiana's prestigious Tocqueville Society Award. During his powerful and inspiring acceptance speech, Mr. Leonard offered a sulprise gift of $1 million toward UWSELA's anti-poverty agenda. Entergy matched the generous gesture with a surprise $ 1 million gift of their own.

Mr. Leonard's legacy continues to positively impact the people of Southeast Louisiana. ``It has been an honor and privilege to play a role in powering people's lives, whether by providing electricity or offering a helping hand,'' said Leonard in a previous quote. ``I am pleased that Entergy has contributed to the sustainability of the Prosperity Center, which will give local residents access to the kind of critical services that can be life changing. As lives change for the better, so do communities.''

According to the ALICE Report, the study of financial hardship conducted with the help of our partners at Entergy, low-wage jobs continue to dominate our local economy while basic costs of living continue to outpace wages. In Orleans Parish, 27 percent of our neighbors are living below the Federal Poverty Line, while more than half are living below the ALICE threshold (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These families and individuals include men and women, young and old, and myriad races and ethnicities. They are people that you see each and every day--the cashier at the grocely store, the server at your favorite diner--many taking on two and three jobs just to make ends meet. ALICE is unable to save for the future and is just one medical emergency, one car repair, or one harsh storm away from falling into poverty themselves.

United Way has also recognized that many of our community's social issues are rooted in poverty and we've put a stake in the ground around creating innovative solutions with our partners. United, we will eradicate poverty in Southeast Louisiana. And the J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center is a critical step in the right direction.

J. Wayne Leonard saved as the former chairman and CEO of Entergy Corporation, and passed away September 18, 2018, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Born November 22, 1950, Mr. Leonard understood first hand the vision of this prosperity Center, growing up in Greenfield, Indiana. He rose from humble childhood beginnings to become CEO of a Fortune 500 company and a thought-leader for environmental stewardship and fighting poverty. He was among the first leaders in the energy sector to call for action to stem climate change and offered policy solutions to address the issue. Mr. Leonard was also known for his humanitarian spirit and passion for social justice, giving of his time and money to support causes, especially ones to improve the lives of people living in poverty.

On a more personal note, I am happy to work alongside the United Way of Southeast

Louisiana supporting Louisiana's constituents working across the River Parish. Congratulations to United Way of Southeast Louisiana and its J. Wayne Leonard Prosperity Center continuing the vision of a remarkable man. May they continue to change the lives of thousands in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Sonia Perez as she prepares to retire after 43 successful years of service. Throughout her long career, she ultimately was responsible for leading and executing the overall strategic direction of AT&T's corporate initiatives throughout Louisiana and Kentucky. Her teams engage the collective governmental ecosystem at the state, local, and federal level to build technology infrastructure that solves economic challenges faced by urban and rural communities.

Based in Baton Rouge, Sonia has led on strategy, governance and social responsibility issues within the private sector and the non- profit organizations she has chaired since she moved to Louisiana as the AT&T state president in 2010, and previously in Texas. Outside of her work AT&T Sonia serves as an Independent Director for Hancock Whitney Corporation (NASDAQ: HWC), and on the executive committees of The University of Texas Foundation, the Louisiana Board of Regents, and The National WWII Museum.

Sonia remains engaged with her alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin, and was selected as a 2017 Distinguished Alumnus; having also previously received the Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award. In 2006, she was the first Latina elected president of the Texas Exes, the university's alumni association. Among her proudest distinctions is a 1996 presidential appointment by President Bill Clinton to the Advisory Council of the Border Environment Cooperation Commission, a binational organization supporting the sustainable development of environmental infrastructure on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border. She was also recognized in 2006 with the El Abrecaminos Award from the Texas Mexican American Legislative Caucus.

She has chaired various boards including the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the state's business roundtable known as the Committee of 100, and the Board of Trustees of my Alma Mater, Xavier University of Louisiana. She also led Governor John Bel Edwards' Economic Development Transition Team and is a member of the governor's Resilient Louisiana Commission. In 2018, Sonia was named to the Merit Selection Panel for the United States District Court Eastern District of Louisiana. She has also served on the national board of the Public Broadcasting Service, PBS.

Prior to being named the first woman president of AT&T Louisiana in 2010, Sonia worked in various capacities in Houston and South Texas, including as a vice president of AT&T Texas, where she was responsible for the company's initiatives throughout the Houston region. During that time, she was named the Houston Hispanic Chamber's Female Senior Executive of the Year, and served on the Houston board of J.P. Morgan Chase, and the executive committees of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Houston Partnership. She was also a member of the Memorial Hermann Hospital System Board of Directors.

Sonia has received numerous awards and distinctions including Top 100 Most Influential Latinas in 2020 by Latino Leaders Magazine, LatinaStyle Magazine 2014 Corporate Executives of the Year, 2013 Inspiracion Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, 2015 Weiss Award from the New Orleans Council for Community and Justice, 2015 Role Model from the Young Leadership Council of New Orleans.

On a more personal note, Ms. Perez was someone I truly appreciated working with across New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and her leadership will truly be missed. Congratulations to Sonia as she enjoys the best days of her life in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Liberty Bank and Trust, a financial institution celebrating 50 years of quality banking in America as the first Black-run bank in Louisiana.

In November 1972, New Orleans was a city with a majority African American population. However, there were very few African Americans in elective office and limited resources for the development of African American businesses and personal wealth building. Following decades of segregation and limited voting rights, New Orleans was a city awakening to increased opportunities for its African American citizens.

Dr. Norman C. Francis conceived the idea of starting an African American owned bank in New Orleans following the failure of at least two other efforts to start such an institution. In late 1971, he approached a bi-racial group of businesspeople and elected officials with the idea and was able to secure the resources to open Liberty Bank on November 16, 1972, in a bank trailer on the site of its first Headquarters Building on Tulane Avenue in New Orleans. During its first week of operations, Liberty opened over 2,000 accounts, clearly demonstrating the need for an African American owned financial institution in New Orleans.

With $2 million dollars in assets, Liberty reported a substantial profit for its first year of operations and has reported profitable years 46 of its 50 years in existence The Liberty Bank Building on Tulane Avenue opened 2 years later. That same year, Liberty opened its first branch office on Gentilly Blvd.

Liberty's mission is to provide cost-effective delivery of high quality, innovative, customer driven financial products and services to diverse markets with a focus on disadvantaged minority communities who have traditionally been underserved. Concurrent with the bank's mission, Liberty strives to maintain the company's status as a catalyst for economic and community development while generating fair returns to shareholders and being an excellent corporate citizen.

Some of the members of the bi-racial group that worked with Dr. Francis in the early years to get the bank started included:

C.C. Dejoie--Publisher, Louisiana Weekly

Judge Ernest N. ``Dutch'' Morial, Then State Senator

Mike O'Keefe

Judge Israel Augustine

Owen Brennan, Jr., Prominent Restaurant owner

William J. Connick

Benjamin J. Johnson, Esq.

Ambrose J. Pratt, Jr., MD

Dr. Langston F. Reed, Local Dentist and Activist

Norman P. Zucker

Joseph O. Misshore

Ms. Jesse W. Cook

Joseph E. Berrigan, Jr.

Ben D. Bridgeman

Joseph G. Landrieu, Jr.

Jennings Courville

Tricon (Clem) Sehrt

A key development in the early years was the financing of Doley Securities', the first Black seat on the New York Stock Exchange owned by Harold Doley, Jr., becoming the only African American in its history to do so. The bank's additional key notes include asset growth over first 20 years, mortgages processed, work with National Bankers Association and community outreach efforts.

Once committed to opening an African American owned bank, Dr. Francis secured the only African American working above the level of teller in any bank in the New Orleans community to run the bank. That was Alden McDonald, joining the bank at the ripe age of 29 years old. Effective May 2, 2022, the board of directors of Liberty Bank and Trust Company announced that Todd O. McDonald was named the bank's president. Liberty's former President and CEO Alden J. McDonald Jr., Todd's father, continues to lead the Liberty Financial Holding Company. Dr. Francis is still chair of the Liberty Bank Board 50 years later, and Alden McDonald was one of the longest serving African American Bank Presidents in America.

Liberty Bank established its Baton Rouge presence in 1994 and opened a third branch in 2004. Liberty then moved into Mississippi in 2003, acquiring First American Bank in Jackson. This was followed by expansion into the Greater Kansas City market with the acquisition of Douglass bank in Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, in 2008.

Liberty Bank and Trust Company expanded across Greater New Orleans with the 2009 acquisition of United Bank and Trust Company, securing four additional locations to serve that market. That was followed by the acquisition of Home Federal Savings in Detroit, Michigan, which increased the bank's reach to six states. In 2013, Liberty Bank entered the Chicago market with the acquisition of Covenant Bank of Illinois, and in 2015, the bank expanded to Montgomery and Tuskegee, Alabama through the purchase of First Tuskegee Bank.

Liberty Bank's growth has been the result of acquisitions, fruitful partnerships, aggressive marketing, strong management, staff productivity and the trust it enjoys in the community. It all adds up to an efficient, well-capitalized institution that is perfectly positioned to continue fast-paced growths in both profits and assets. Liberty Bank is passionate about helping more people achieve more economic freedom.

Today Liberty Bank is the largest financial institution in the United States owned by African Americans. It has assets of more than $1 billion dollars, a customer base of over 40,000 accounts with 175 employees, and still growing, while recognized as one of the fastest growing financial institutions in the country.

Todd McDonald said in a press release, ``I've been singularly driven to build solid stakeholder partnerships and evolve financial products which meet the financial needs of an ever-changing world. This next 50 years will be extraordinary as we reshape our culture, talent and organizational capabilities which will make us more agile, more competitive, and more effective in our efforts to close the wealth gap in underserved communities across the country.''

A huge congratulations to New Orleans' home-grown financial institution, celebrating their Golden Anniversary New Orleans' with a promising future ahead of them.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3092) to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to improve the provision of certain disaster assistance, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 3092, as amended.

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

I rise in support of S. 3092, the FIRE Act. This legislation led by Representative Lofgren in the House and Senator Padilla in the Senate is designed to ensure FEMA's preparedness and response efforts address the unique nature of wildfires.

The bulk of FEMA's programs are designed to serve the victims of disasters caused by floods and hurricanes. However, climate change has made the threat of wildfire in communities grow each year. FEMA must serve all disaster survivors equally and adapt their programs to meet the challenges of wildfires.

This legislation encourages FEMA to predeploy assets during times of high risk of fire, evaluates public assistance eligibility post-fire, addresses equity of assistance for Tribal communities, and requires trainings for crisis counselors and caseworkers to ensure that they are equipped to meet the needs of economically disadvantaged survivors.

I support this effort and ask my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren), the author of this outstanding piece of legislation.

Madam Speaker, in closing, it is time that communities impacted by wildfires receive the same quality of assistance as communities impacted by hurricanes and floods. S. 3092 addresses the threat of fire head-on and will make communities safer.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this good legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8416) to improve individual assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 8416, as amended.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8416. This legislation, introduced by Subcommittee Chair Dina Titus, significantly improves disaster assistance programs for individuals and families.

It is undeniable that climate change has transformed the nature and severity of natural disasters in the United States. This has caused real and devastating impacts for those who find themselves living in the path of these disasters. Their lives will be upended by the loss of savings, homes, loved ones, and peace of mind.

Survivors turn to their government, especially to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, for support after what may have been the worst day of their lives. We know this by firsthand experience in my home State of Louisiana. In Congress, we must do everything in our power to ensure that Federal Government offers a hand of support that is fair, capable, and compassionate.

This package includes several key provisions to improve disaster assistance programs and survivor outcomes. First, this package will create universal application for direct Federal assistance and enable Federal agencies to share relevant disaster assistance information with each other.

The bureaucracy of the current application and evaluation process can leave survivors so overwhelmed that they give up hope on accessing the aid they are, in fact, entitled to. I have heard this from my own constituents. It is a travesty. It adds insult to injury. That is why I support this substantial step forward to cut red tape, streamline survivors' access to assistance, and reduce the time it takes for our communities to recover.

Second, this legislation gives FEMA new authorities that significantly expand the agency's ability to make disaster damaged homes more resilient. It is common sense to encourage mitigation activities in disaster-prone areas. Homes that were impacted once by a disaster are likely to be impacted again, and those hard-hit households may need extra help to rebuild stronger.

Third, several amendments were made to the Stafford Act which enables FEMA to support innovative post-disaster housing solutions. Natural disasters can exacerbate housing crises already existing in communities much like those which I represent. This bill seeks to help.

For example, it authorizes the agency to provide direct repair assistance to homeowners, which may reduce the amount of time survivors spend in temporary shelters or housing before returning home. It also authorizes FEMA to reimburse States that implement their own innovative post-disaster housing solutions.

Lastly, this legislation includes a series of reports and studies that may identify existing challenges in the administration of current post-disaster housing programs and propose new solutions.

H.R. 8416 is designed to put survivors first and get them back on their feet after disasters faster. Disasters recognize no boundaries, and we must in turn strengthen and continually improve our disaster preparedness, response, and recovery systems from sea to shining sea.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to support this effort, and I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Small Business,

Washington, DC, September 23, 2022.

Hon. Peter A. DeFazio,

Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman DeFazio: I am writing with respect to H.R.

8416, the ``Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2022''. Thank

you for consulting with the Committee on Small Business

regarding the matters in H.R. 8416 that fall within the

Committee's jurisdiction.

As a result of your consultation with us on this measure

and in order to expeditiously move the bill to the floor, I

forego further consideration of H.R. 8416. The Committee on

Small Business takes this action with our mutual

understanding that we do not waive any jurisdiction over the

subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and

the Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as

the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may

address any remaining issues that fall within our

jurisdiction. Further, I request your support for the

appointment of an appropriate number of conferees from the

Committee on Small Business during any House-Senate

conference involving this or similar legislation.

Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter

confirming our understanding regarding H.R. 8416 and would

ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be

included in the Committee Report and the Congressional Record

during floor consideration of the measure. Thank you for the

cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this

matter and others between our respective committees.

Sincerely,

Nydia M. Velazquez,

Chairwoman.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the distinguished gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus), who is the author of this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, this legislation includes a series of reforms that will streamline Federal assistance and benefit survivors like they have never been benefited before. It is our duty to make disaster assistance fair and accessible to each and every survivor.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this good, bipartisan legislation, and I applaud my colleagues for joining us in working in unison to do what is best for the American people. I completely support this incredible legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

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

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the ordering of the yeas and nays on the motion that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 533) to require a guidance clarity statement on certain agency guidance, and for other purposes, be vacated, to the end that the motion be considered as withdrawn.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to section 2 of House Resolution 1464, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bills: H.R. 4275, H.R. 5502, H.R. 5721, H.R. 6290, H.R. 7277, H.R. 7299, and

Madam speaker, I rise to remember the life, spirit, friendship, and leadership of Julie Cherry.

Julie Tregre Cherry, age 62, passed away October 25, 2022, in Baton Rouge, far too soon. Julie served most recently as the Secretary- Treasurer to the Louisiana American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and was a former President of the East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers. Julie was a dedicated public servant and fierce fighter for equity and justice. She advocated for laws, regulations, and policies beneficial to working families in the Louisiana Legislature and served on various boards and commissions, including the Louisiana Educational Television Authority, Baton Rouge Fire and Police Civil Service Board, and Governor's Workers' Compensation Advisory Council. In 2014, she received national recognition with the Presbrey Champion of Labor Award from the Workers' Injury Law and Advocacy Group and in 2012, the Dragon Slayer Award from Louisiana Workers' Advocates.

Just this year, Julie graduated from the Southern University Law Center with a Juris Doctorate and was looking forward to the next chapter in her professional life helping underserved and under- resourced people in Louisiana. Also, as a life-long music minister, Julie was heavily involved in the local Catholic community, especially the parishes of St. Jean Vianney and Most Blessed Sacrament. She remained a long-time educator and passionate student.

Julie is survived by her devoted partner, Richard le Bouef, and children Elaine Blacharski (Tony), Aaron Cherry (Elisabeth), Luke Cherry (Nicole), and Jacob Cherry (Juliette) as well as beloved grandchildren Reed, Penelope, Aaron Jr., James, Arthur, and Louis. She is also survived by mother Jeanne Tregre, sisters Marie Rourke (Mike), Patricia DeWeese (Danny), and Jeanne ``Cathy'' Kelly (Larry), and an extended family of nieces and nephews. Julie was preceded in death by her father, Bruce Tregre, Sr.; brothers Bruce Jr. ``Spike'' and Michael Tregre; former husband, Daniel Cherry; and nephew, Jordy Rourke.

I'm sending prayers to Julie's family, friends, students, colleagues, and church community.

She will be sorely missed.

I take comfort knowing she is with her Savior in heaven.

Madam Speaker, I rise to remember the life, spirit, and leadership of Reverend Thomas James, SVD, the Divine Word Missionaries.

It is with great honor, admiration, and deep privilege that we celebrate the life of Rev. Thomas Anthony James, SVD, who died peacefully on Friday, October 28, after a lifetime of priestly service. He was born on June 11, 1942, in St. Martinville, Louisiana, to Collins Henry James, Sr., and Eva Anthony James and is the eldest of three children.

Father James was educated at Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School in St. Martinville. He pursued his studies at St. Augustine Seminary in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Auxiliary Bishop Warren Boudreaux of the Diocese of Lafayette on December 18, 1969. Recognizing the need for and importance of increasing vocations to the priesthood among African Americans, Father James became an active member of the Black Clergy Association and devoted himself to that cause and to his ministry.

His first assignment was at Verbum Dei Catholic High School in Los Angeles, California, where he served as Teacher and Principal for almost 20 years. He returned to Louisiana in 1987 and was named Associate Pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lafayette. The following year, he was named Pastor at St. Edward Catholic Church in New Iberia and served as Episcopal Vicar of the South Region of the Diocese of Lafayette under Bishop Edward O'Donnell.

In 2002, Father James returned to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lafayette to serve as Pastor. This church had been built to accommodate the ``First Four'' African American priests ordained in the United States, and several of them had been stationed there. A deep historian, Father James connected the parish and its people to the ``First Four,'' understanding their struggles and persevering in service with gratitude. One of his proudest accomplishments was erecting a Memorial to these ``First Four'' African American Priests on the grounds of Immaculate Heart.

In 2015, Father James was named Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Broussard, and St. Anthony Mission Chapel in Cade. During his time at Immaculate Heart and in Broussard, Father James served as Episcopal Vicar of the Central Region of the Diocese of Lafayette under Bishop Michael Jarrell and for a brief time under Bishop Douglas Deshotel. In addition, he served three terms as Vice-Provincial for the Southern Province of the Divine Word Ministries and served several terms on the Provincial Council. He dedicated himself to mentoring young priests throughout the course of his ministry, and he embraced a paradigm of truth and service in his quest to share God's Word and open hearts, one person at a time.

He was dedicated to service in his support of Miles Perret Cancer Services, Veterans programs, and Hospice of Acadiana, where he served on the Board of Directors. He loved teaching, reading, enjoying time with his friends, fishing, and listening to music. He was a great storyteller, and most of all, he loved to serve God's people and he loved being with his family, whom he cherished so deeply.

Father James was preceded in death by his parents, Collins and Eva James, his nephew and Godson, Collins James III, great-nephew Christian James Batiste, great-niece Skylar Elizabeth Batiste, and great-nephew Denzel Anthony Batiste; and a host of other relatives.

He is survived by his siblings, Sister Geneva James, SSF, and Collins James, Jr. and his wife, Hazel; his niece Louise and her husband, Amos Batiste, Jr.; great nephews Dylan and Tyler Batiste and Brandon Chapman; great-nieces Naseyani and Khylee James and their mother, Forqueena James; and a host of relatives and friends.

I'm sending prayers to Father James' family, friends, students, colleagues, and church community.

He will be so missed.

I take comfort that now, he is at peace with his Savior in heaven.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Barbara Ellen Palazzolo Marullo.

Mrs. Marullo peacefully passed away October 3, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born the third of four children on April 17, 1941, in Queens, New York to Emma and Joe Palazzolo. Four years later, her family moved back to her father's hometown of New Orleans where they remained the rest of their lives. Barbara was a devout Catholic and believed in the blessing of family. As a young girl she would often spend long moments before bed praying for every single family member before going to sleep. Her faith remained strong until her death and was a hallmark of her character and personality. But it wasn't just faith which defined Barbara, she was a talented singer. In her senior year at John McDonogh High School in the Mid-City neighborhood of New Orleans, Barbara wrote and performed the class song for the graduation ceremony. So talented was she, that upon graduation, Barbara was offered a music scholarship to Southeastern University in Hammond, Louisiana, but turned it down opting to work and start a family. Though that didn't quell her desire to continue singing. And anyone who knew Barbara, knew faith, family and music defined her, and through the years she juggled all of them.

She met her first husband, Jack, in high school, and a couple of years later they married and started a family. Together they had three children, Jay, Gina and Nicolle. During this time Barbara continued singing and working with local bands as the lead singer at local music venues and clubs throughout New Orleans.

As time progressed, thoughts and feelings changed and Barbara moved on from her first marriage, and eventually met and married her second husband A.P. Marullo who brought two children of his own from a previous marriage, Joey and Anna. With their blended family in place, Barbara and A.P. had two more children together, Jude and Anthony. Through her life Barbara remained committed to her family and God, but music was never far from her heart. She continued singing in and around New Orleans, cut a few records and even performed on live TV during the local segments of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. As time passed, Barbara moved away from performing for entertainment, and combined

her love of music, and her devotion to her faith, and began singing in church.

Barbara sang regularly at her parish church, St. Peter, in Covington, Louisiana, as a cantor and choir member. She also made friends with the choir directors at the Catholic churches in Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach, Florida, and sang at Mass with their respective choirs during her frequent visits to the beach. Barbara remained independent and active up until her time in the hospital before her passing and will be most remembered for her God-given natural beauty, lovely singing voice, and her passion and love she had for her family and God.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother Emma Palazzolo (Campione) and her father Joseph Palazzolo; her brother Jerome Palazzolo, and her sister Joyce Chiusano (Palazzolo), and is survived by her husband Anthony P. (AP) Marullo, Jr., her former husband Jack W. Galle Sr.; her five children, Jack (Jay) W. Galle, Jr., Gina Bergeron (Galle), Nicolle Polit (Galle), Jude D. Marullo, and A.P. (Anthony) Marullo, III; and her two step-children Joey C. Marullo, and Anna M. Marullo. Barbara is also survived by four adult grandchildren, Brittany A. Polit, Gabrielle A. Bergeron, Edward C. Bergeron III, and Private Second-Class Timothy J. King; nine grandchildren, Elizabeth, Mia, Rocco, Eli, Enzo, Ily, Cohen, Gage, and Mila; and two step-grandchildren, Kai and Elise. Barbara is also survived by her sister, Cynthia Hern (Palazzolo). May the Lord cradle His child Barbara; may she rest in peace.

So many people's lives have been enriched because of the love and passion she expressed in touching them along the way. While the grieving process never truly ends, I pray that the day will come when her memory brings a smile to their face before it brings a tear to their eyes. There are no words to describe how much she was loved, and how greatly she will be missed.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to celebrate a dear friend and committed servant across the Country, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Roderick ``Rico'' Alvendia upon his appointment to the board of directors at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; and celebrating his 52nd birthday.

President Joe Biden has appointed New Orleans attorney and retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Roderick ``Rico'' Alvendia to the board of directors at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Biden selected Alvendia to serve a three-year term on the board. He will advise the president on the ongoing status and morale of the U.S. Military Academy.

Since 1802, West Point has educated and trained future officers to lead in the U.S. Army, and Alvendia will serve on its historic 200- year-old Board of Directors alongside senior members of Congress, including U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, U.S. Senator Richard Burr, and fellow Iraq War veteran U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.

Alvendia served honorably as an Army Officer for 25 years and received the Bronze Star Medal for his service during combat operations in Iraq in 2005 with the Louisiana National Guard 256th Brigade Combat Team, where he was part of an international team of lawyers who assisted Iraqi prosecutors in their criminal trials against insurgents.

A Loyola Law School graduate, Alvendia dedicates his time to raising his son, Noah, and co-managing the Alvendia, Kelly and Demarest Law Firm as a successful trial lawyer, while also helping Louisiana veterans in need. In 2013, together with other Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, Alvendia started the Legion of Mars Mardi Gras Krewe, the first New Orleans carnival organization established to honor U.S. military veterans and their families. Alvendia and the Mars Krewe have since helped thousands of local veterans while deployed or in financial hardship. Alvendia is also recognized as a major philanthropist throughout Louisiana, assuring those less fortunate are never left behind. Alvendia is also recognized as a major philanthropist throughout Louisiana, assuring those less fortunate are never left behind.

I am beyond proud of my friend as he represents his fellow New Orleanians and Louisianans, continuing to help local veterans as he serves on the Board of Visitors. Alvendia will continue working at his law firm and remain based in New Orleans while traveling to New York and Washington, D.C. throughout his 3-year Presidential Appointment.

A huge congratulations to retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Roderick ``Rico'' Alvendia. It is a remarkable achievement that deserves to be celebrated and marked in the most fitting way. We thank him for his service, while celebrating his 52nd birthday.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Delgado Community College as it celebrates 100 years of service to the New Orleans Region. The oldest and largest community college in Louisiana, Delgado offers students the most comprehensive array of education and training services available in the New Orleans region. Additionally, Delgado has articulation agreements with most of the state's four-year colleges and universities that allow students to transfer their Delgado credits to bachelor's degree programs. As well as offering degrees and transferable college credits, Delgado provides diplomas and certificates in many professional and technical areas. Workforce development is a priority at Delgado, hence the college's well-known motto: ``Education that works!''

Delgado opened officially on September 13, 1921, as the Isaac Delgado Central Trades School, at 615 City Park Avenue in New Orleans. During its first century, the school evolved into Louisiana's first comprehensive community college and became one of the state's largest higher education institutions. The college has helped to educate generations while advancing the aviation, construction, culinary, health care, maritime, and other industries. Delgado serves a diverse population, providing career training, academic education, and programs to improve the lives of students and support the New Orleans region.

For 100 years, Delgado has remained true to its mission of providing post-secondary education that is relevant and positions graduates for rewarding careers in our region's key industries. Delgado communicates constantly with their business and industry partners to ensure that they provide relevant, world-class training.

Isaac Delgado's original gift of $800,000 in 1921 to establish the Delgado Trades School has produced today's economic powerhouse for the region. Now, this investment in Delgado generates over $10 in economic activity for every $1 appropriated and has a total annual economic impact of $588 million.

Students attend Delgado because they welcome them all and meet them where they are. The best and brightest come attend Delgado for college degrees that prepare them for careers or additional education at a four-year school. Those who need help to find their paths forward-- including non-traditional students and those needing additional exposure to college fundamentals--find a nurturing environment at Delgado where they can thrive. Everything they do at Delgado is focused on the student--they help them succeed at whatever goals a student may have.

Delgado's reputation for educational excellence is growing both nationally and in Louisiana. Of the Top 50 community colleges in the nation, Intelligent.com ranks Delgado at No. 37. Given that there were 1,187 community colleges in the survey, that is quite an achievement. No other community college in Louisiana made the Top 50. The availability of these and other rankings online are helpful to those looking to Delgado to prepare for a career, additional study, and all of the other opportunities that a strong educational foundation opens up for Delgado students.

Delgado Community College is a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Committee on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredited institution, affiliated with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System with 32,631 students enrolled; a faculty of nearly 900 full-time/part- time faculty members; more than 100 areas of study leading to degrees and certificates, located on seven campuses throughout the Greater New Orleans Region and online.

Earlier this year, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh visited New Orleans to participate in a roundtable discussion on investing in and improving conditions in the resilience worker and restoration economy at this campus. The strength of the American economy depends on the strength and resiliency of our workforce. We must ensure that as we grow our economy, we empower and invest in our workforce to include more diverse voices and welcome workers and businesses from all constituencies into critical, growing sectors. We were able to highlight a model example of increasing inclusion into the resilience economy Force's efforts to employ historically marginalized or underemployed communities with good-paying jobs. Delgado is a great example of this investment. I look forward to what they have in store as they begin their next 100 years.