Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, ``Law enforcement is my existence; I have strived to make this world a better place for all of us. Service to humankind is the only way to show appreciation for being chosen by God to live this life.''

Those words are Chief Montroll's mantra every day. Born the youngest child to a doting police officer father and a loving mother who worked in accounting, her parents knew at a very early age that she would live a transformative life.

Chief Montroll was born on New Orleans' Eastbank and was a rambunctious youth filled with vigor and determination. She was always known to be the life of the classroom, filled with jokes and playfulness. Academics came easy to her also. Chief Montroll is a graduate of Oliver Perry Walker High School in New Orleans' Algiers area and graduated with a 4.0 average. After her high school graduation, she attended community college and concurrently made the decision to follow in the footsteps of her father and become a police officer. After graduating from the Harbor Police Academy, Melanie was full steam ahead in her career serving the community.

Chief Montroll, while holding a full-time law enforcement job at Harbor Police Department, enrolled in Southern University at New Orleans and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Soon thereafter, she secured her Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans. ``Education is the key to doors that cannot be opened normally.''

Within two years of her being employed by the Harbor Police Department, she was promoted to Corporal, which gave her officer supervisory responsibilities within the department. After many awards and accommodations, she was promoted to Sergeant, which included being the Director of Training and the Commander of the Marine division. This position prepared her to, once again, be promoted. This time to Lieutenant, and those responsibilities made her the Commander of the Criminal Investigations and Internal Affairs Division.

As a reward for Chief Montroll's hard work and dedication, she was promoted to Assistant Chief of the Harbor Police Department in 2017 with the rank of Captain. The job included Captain of all Platoons, Communications and Surveillance Center, Criminal Investigations and Internal Affairs, Maritime Security Operations Center, Bicycle Division, Training Division, and the day-to-day operations of the Harbor Police Department. She supervised security guards working under the purview of the Harbor Police Department. She was responsible for ensuring adequate and efficient deployment of patrol officers to various sections of the Port of New Orleans as well as overseeing the Port of New Orleans Fireboat Boat and 9-member crew. She was responsible for three civilian staff in charge of emergency operations and homeland security. She was responsible for the fiscal budget for the department and responsible for the Port of New Orleans remaining compliant with MTSA (Coast Guard Regulations) and Commander of Harbor Police Department's Marine Division. She served as the liaison for personnel and time management for subordinate officers between the Harbor Police Department and the Port of New Orleans' Human Relations Division. She coordinated working relationships with outside law enforcement agencies, including local, state, and federal.

Under the tutelage of Chief Robert Hecker, she learned the ins and outs of being the Chief of Police. She credits Chief Hecker for being an outstanding mentor and role model in policing. On Monday, February 28, 2022, after a long interview process, Melanie received the call that she was selected to be the next Chief of Police for the Harbor Police Department. Chief Montroll is the first African American female Chief of Police for the Harbor Police Department and one of the first in the State of Louisiana. Chief Montroll is married to Danyell Montroll and has a son Daniel and live in the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan area. She is an inspiring member of our community and I congratulate her on this incredible achievement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Warren Gene Woodfork, Sr.

Warren Gene Woodfork, Sr., the first African American Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Chief Woodfork is the eldest of eight children born in Opelousas, Louisiana. He relocated to New Orleans with his family at a young age. Chief Woodfork is a graduate of Joseph S. Clark High School and attended Xavier University of Louisiana. Chief Woodfork was beyond proud

to have family and friends following in his legacy of law and law enforcement, Ret. United States Postal Inspector, Samuel Huntley, Jr., New Orleans Police Captain, Michelle Woodfork and United States Magistrate, Judge Dana M. Douglas.

Chief Woodfork was appointed in 1985 by the city's first Black mayor, Ernest ``Dutch'' Morial and served a second term under the next mayor, Sidney Barthelemy before retiring in 1991. He was previously employed as a postal clerk and also served his country in the United States Air Force before his 28 year career in law enforcement. Chief Woodfork became the first commander of the Felony Action Squad, which operated for 10 years beginning in 1972.

He was also instrumental in making the Police Department's district captains accessible to neighborhood residents and business owners. Chief Woodfork, a product of the Calliope and Lafitte Housing developments, believed in community engagement. He saw the future of community policing by increasing the visibility of top-ranking officers in their district area and facilitating the regular and open exchange of information between the department with the people and businesses. This was a huge shift in tone for the department and was an innovative practice that brought a lot of success.

A trailblazer in his own right, Chief Woodfork appointed the first female Deputy Chief of the New Orleans Police Department, Yvonne Bechet, and the first female district commander, Carol Hewitt, who was assigned to the Seventh District. He later appointed Commander Hewitt as the first female commander of the Narcotics Drug Abuse unit in NOPD history.

Throughout his administration, Chief Woodfork also sought creative programs and concepts to target the juvenile crime problem and the growing level of violence by including programming in education, music and sports, as the three most important ingredients needed to lead young people away from crime.

Chief Woodfork was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the John F. Kennedy School of Government. He was a member of the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCAA), Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), International Association of Chiefs of Police, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), New Orleans Black Organization of Police (BOP) and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement, (NOBLE).

Chief Woodfork retired in 1991 to spend more time with his family. Prior to his retirement, he obtained funding for 200 new officers, along with the purchase of additional cars and equipment stating, ``This is a chance for me to give my successor a better start than I had.''

Though he may be gone, I know that Chief Woodfork is still watching over his beloved New Orleans community and beloved family.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate our Nation's actions to make healthcare more affordable. Together, we provided more resources for the CDC and State and local health departments to ensure they are prepared and equipped, implementing lessons learned from the pandemic.

We confronted our most urgent health crises while taking strides to reduce unacceptable health disparities. We invested in our veterans, focusing on the mental health needs of those who served our Nation.

We strengthened biomedical research, providing more funding for the National Institutes of Health and establishing the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to cure the previously uncurable. We protected the safety of our food and medicine by funding the FDA.

The pandemic taught us that no one is safe unless everyone is safe. That is why we increased funding for global health, to work to prevent the next pandemic.

With this budget, Democrats are not only making healthcare more affordable for all Americans; we are building a healthier and safer Nation.

Helping Working Families with the Cost of Living

Madam Speaker, I rise to highlight the significant investments we enacted to help working families with the cost of living.

In a time of great uncertainty and change, people are living paycheck to paycheck or on fixed incomes. Many are struggling just to pay basic bills.

Our investments represent a lifeline for working families. By increasing funding for childcare, public schools, and providing high- quality job training, this bill gives more tools to help Americans succeed.

Government must serve the people, not the biggest corporations. We provided resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs as they pursue the American Dream. We invested to connect communities to the internet and expand access to affordable housing and homeownership. We strengthened our core services and tackled the root causes of rising prices.

One example is by providing $158 million to support the production and delivery of small- to medium-size manufacturers, helping detangle the supply chain and lower costs to consumers. We paid for it by cracking down on big corporations and the wealthiest who are not paying their fair share. This government funding legislation truly delivers for the people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ambassador Harold E. Doley, Jr. on his 75th birthday.

Ambassador Harold E. Doley, Jr., a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, rang the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange on February 18, 2022, marking his 50th anniversary of becoming a member.

Ambassador Doley began his career in investment banking in 1968. Five years later, at the tender age of 26, he bought a seat on the stock exchange, becoming the first and only African American in history to do so.

Ambassador Doley chaired the investment committee of Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund, SAEDF, a private equity fund. Ambassador Doley also placed the first Black market maker on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Industry peers honored Ambassador Doley as an Outstanding Broker of the Year in 1971, and The Wall Street Journal selected him as Stock Picker of the Year in 1990.

Ambassador Doley has been an appointee of five Presidential administrations.

In 1982, Ambassador Doley was appointed the founding director of the Minerals Management Service in the Department of the Interior, a department of more than 5,000 employees. MMS represented the second- largest revenue source to United States Government at that time.

In 1983, Ambassador Doley was appointed the United States Representative of the African Development Bank Fund, AfDB, headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The AfDB was able to quadruple its authorized capital by using Ambassador Doley's capital increase formula.

At the AfDB, Ambassador Doley secured a AAA rating from the global financial rating agencies, the first AAA rating for an African-based entity.

Ambassador Doley was inducted into the United States Small Business Administration Hall of Fame in 2005 and is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

In 2003, the Doley family funded the Doley Foundation, whose mission is to support education and cultural endeavors that impact the African diaspora.

The foundation and its work is an outgrowth of a 1977 study the ambassador commissioned and directed in determining the reliability of using apartheid South Africa as a dependable source for the strategic and ubiquitous metal, platinum. The study can be found at the U.S. Library of Congress today.

In 2018, Ambassador Doley received the Imagine Award for Special Recognition in Social Justice in Cape Town for this watershed document.

The Doley Foundation replaced the Southern University Law Library in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and funded an NFL study that called on the league to engage with its franchise owners' contracts with minority businesses.

A graduate of my alma mater, Xavier University, and the President Management program and Harvard Business School, Ambassador Doley was recently selected as one of 50 Wall Street practitioners interviewed for this piece, Remembering Wall Street: 1950-1980.

Ambassador Doley is married and has two sons and two grandsons.

A huge congratulations and birthday wishes to this outstanding New Orleans native, Ambassador Harold Doley.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding, and a special thanks to Representative Alma Adams for her tireless efforts on behalf of our Nation's historically Black colleges and universities.

HBCUs were built to educate and celebrate the Black community when very few would. At Xavier University in New Orleans, my mother was able to bring six children to class while she finished her college degree. Little did she know that her children and grandchildren would later attend and graduate from the very same university.

We are barely 2 full months into the year, but dozens of HBCUs are on high alert amid several instances of racially motivated threats of violence. HBCUs are resilient institutions that can weather any storm but should not have to weather this type of storm.

The threats to these higher education institutions are not just disrupting postsecondary education. They are disrupting the very underlying sense of safety and community of the HBCUs. The fact that this has been undermined is perhaps the biggest travesty of all.

Let us be clear: These threats are acts of terror, and they must be urgently investigated and prosecuted. We must help foster safety in the HBCU communities.

We must help foster safety in HBCU communities. Today's resolution is a way that Congress can commit to fighting against hatred and racism and stand with HBCUs.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Octavia Green Robinson.

Octavia Green Robinson was born March 19, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Myrtle August Green and Oliver Daniel Green, Sr. Affectionately known to all as ``Tay'' and ``Big Momma'' Robinson, she left this life on February 6, 2022, at the age of 74. She was surrounded by her family, just like she would have wanted.

Octavia grew up in New Orleans' Historic 7th Ward. She is a graduate of Joseph S. Clark Senior High School, Dillard University, and Tulane University School of Social Work where she received her master's degree.

She was a decorated Sergeant with the New Orleans Police Department where in her early years she was part of the all-women's team who created Community Relations which became a source of refuge and hope for the people of New Orleans. Octavia moved through the ranks of departments such as Juvenile Division, and others and retired following 45 years of service.

Octavia was a proud member of Beautiful Zion Baptist Church, the First District Baptist Association, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Octavia leaves her legacy of love for all in the hands of her beloved husband of 47 years Edward J. Robinson, Sr., and her children she so

adored, Nicole Robinson (Jafar), and Edris Robinson-Dupard (Joseph), Kimberly Robinson, and Eddie Robinson, Jr. Octavia is also survived by 10 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Octavia's legacy will forever be ``No One Left Behind''. Octavia was all about family. She took in and cared for many around the world. Her love and caring ways for all will forever live on.

Down in New Orleans where the blues were born, it takes a cool cat to blow a horn.

Down in LaSalle and Rampart Street, it is Mardi Gras combo with a mambo beat.

Today is Mardi Gras, and as a New Orleanian, this is a special time for our city and our region. It is a joyous time culminating today in the dizzying, colorful explosion that is Mardi Gras Day--Fat Tuesday. Everywhere else, it is just a Tuesday, but in Louisiana it is Mardi Gras--a time for merriment, a time for joy, a time to party, and recognize the culture that makes New Orleans so unique and makes Louisiana so special.

It is a one-of-a-kind experience. Some might call this biased, but objectively I think everyone should enjoy and experience Mardi Gras.

Today, people from all over the world come together, krewes of all stripes and backgrounds work to pull off a day like none other.

After the challenges of isolation and the pandemic, this year's Mardi Gras is a chance for us to reunite, reconnect, and celebrate what truly makes New Orleans, New Orleans--the love, the peace, the culture, and the energy of its people.

While I am in D.C. for House business and for the President's State of the Union address, my heart is at home as the Zulu float turns on Jackson Avenue and the oceans of people scream and yell: Throw me something, mister. Our hearts are full of joy.

My heart is handing out coconuts at the Zulu parade as we speak, although I am physically in Washington, D.C.

People attending balls, costuming, and letting everyone be themselves is what Mardi Gras is all about. It is a time of love, a time of expression, and a time of cultural explosion.

Happy Mardi Gras to one, happy Mardi Gras to all, have a safe and happy Mardi Gras. Enjoy the beautiful weather.

For all of you watching, I invite you all to come to Louisiana, have a slice, have a piece of Mardi Gras. No matter where you are or where you are from, let's show each other some love this season.

And as we say in Louisiana: Laissez les bon temps rouler.

Mr. Speaker, my great home State of Louisiana is where the tignon laws originated. These laws mandated that Black women of Louisiana cover their beautiful hair, making it illegal to expose our hair. Imagine that.

All Americans should have the right to wear their hair that naturally grows

out of their heads without fear. We, as Members of Congress, must act to ban any discrimination against natural hair. Whether it is locs, curls, braids, or twists, Black Americans have the right to exist as their authentic selves and wear their natural hair with pride.

The CROWN Act would give and defend the right by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of hair texture or hairstyle in employment, education, and several other important spheres. This legislation has been heavily vetted and has already been passed in several States.

I am proud to have authored in advance the CROWN Act as a member of the Louisiana State Senate, but not complete the process before I was elected to Congress. This is particularly special for me. For the people of Louisiana and for people across the Nation, Federal action is needed.

Studies show that 80 percent of Black women feel they have to change their hairstyles to simply fit in to the workplace, that natural hair is somehow unprofessional. This is unacceptable.

I am calling on this Chamber to do the right thing, that all elected officials stand up and do what is right by the people of America. This includes those who may not live in your district and those who have different life experiences.

For the overwhelming majority of our country's existence, racial discrimination in its various forms has been legal. Today, we can continue to move this Nation forward.

Today, the House will vote to make discrimination based on hairstyles a thing of the past and make our workplaces more inclusive and truly free for people to express themselves.

Madam Speaker, this bill would, incredibly and tragically, for the first time make lynching a Federal hate crime in America.

Despite more than 200 attempts to pass antilynching legislation through Congress over the past 120 years, lynching has never been designated as a Federal crime.

And this isn't just a horror of the past. Unfortunately, we still see these horrible instances. This is reality still today because murders are prosecuted at the local level, this historical injustice meant that 99 percent of lynching perpetrators escaped punishment.

This bill is long overdue. Today I will be voting for Representative Bobby Rush's antilynching bill to finally close this dark chapter of our history. We cannot bring back Emmett Till or the thousands of others whose precious lives were lost in the horrible acts of racial terror, but passing this antilynching act is a historic step forward justice and a signal that our Nation will finally reckon with this dark chapter of our history.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Loretta Shaw Harrison.

Loretta S. Harrison was born in Verret, Louisiana, on February 1, 1956, the seventh child of twelve born to the late George W. Shaw, Sr. and Loretta Louise Moore Shaw. She passed away peacefully around family and friends on February 16, 2022, at the age of 66, after a brave battle with breast cancer. She is survived by three sons she adored, Robert, Roddrick, and Kendrick; two grandchildren; two godchildren; eight of her siblings; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

Loretta was a faithful steward of God with the belief that if you ``put God first, He will grant the wishes of your heart.'' She shared her unwavering love and dedication for God and the city of New Orleans with everyone she encountered. She was a woman with incredible grace and moral fortitude and was a guiding light to her friends and community.

Loretta, lovingly referred to as the ``Praline Queen,'' was the chef and owner of the historic Loretta's Authentic Pralines, becoming the first African American woman to own and operate a praline company in New Orleans. She made friends and admirers worldwide through her shop and her long-standing record as a food vendor at the city's biggest festivals, starting with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Her mother made pralines after church for family and guests visiting their home. By age 8, Loretta was cooking them alongside her mom, using a recipe that went back to her great grandmother. After graduating from Southern University at New Orleans, she went to work at the LSU Medical Library, where she sold pralines to students on the side. In 1978, her big break came when she heard that the Jazz & Heritage Festival put out the call for a praline vendor. She won the contract, sold 1,500 pralines in two weekends, and continued to supply the festival for over 40 years. The success inspired her to leave her job and develop her business full time.

Unfortunately, success did not come without a few failures along the way. Yet, she believed in her product and herself. By 1983, she opened her first shop in Jax Brewery. Later, she moved to the French Market, and in the 1990s, by the grace of God, she opened a second, much larger shop and production kitchen in Faubourg Marigny that serves gumbo, seafood platters, stuffed peppers, and calas, as well as pie, cookies, and king cake. She was a proud entrepreneur who advocated for local business owners, cultural and culinary arts.

After Hurricane Katrina, she quickly returned to New Orleans and was a vocal advocate for small businesses in meetings with national and local officials. During this difficult time, her business was buoyed by her steadfast belief that anything which can be destroyed can be rebuilt. She took immediate action, changing her business model to include an online storefront and becoming a restaurant for reporters, emergency workers, and volunteers rebuilding the city. She added plate lunches and dishes like gumbo, figuring people needed a place to grab a meal more than sweets. She would continue to evolve her menu and creations. She added praline filling to traditional beignets and even made beignets into sandwiches filled with crab cakes, eggs and bacon, and hamburger patties.

A veritable Renaissance Woman, she was a faithful member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church. She was a wonder to all who knew and loved her, and she will be remembered fondly for her joyful spirit and relentless optimism, which served her well until God called her home. Through her heroic battle with cancer, Loretta has helped shower numerous heavenly graces and blessings upon all of those she loved so deeply, and we are eternally grateful. I was honored and blessed to have known Loretta Harrison, and send my prayers to her beloved family in this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Walter Ignatius Willard.

Walter was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 14, 1957, the fifth child of twelve born to the late Elliot ``Doc'' Willard Sr. and Mary Jane Jordan Willard. He passed away peacefully on February 11, 2022, at the age of 64, after a well-fought battle with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He is survived by the love of his life, Valerie ``Missy'' Sims; their three daughters, Jordan, Jillian, and Jenna; his eleven siblings; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

A proud Purple Knight, Walter attended St. Augustine High School, and prior to graduating in 1975, played trumpet for St. Aug's renowned Marching 100. He not only was the trumpet section leader, but also was the first musician selected to play the band's newly introduced herald trumpet. He then earned a B.A. in political science in 1979 at Tulane University, where his ceaseless love of music led him to join the university's marching band. Walter then ventured to Washington, D.C., where he obtained his J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law in 1982. While in the nation's capital, Walter worked in the Capitol Hill offices of Louisiana Congressman Gillis Long, Senator Russell Long, and Senator J. Bennett Johnston.

Walter returned to New Orleans to start his law career, eventually earning a Master of Law degree in energy and environment from Tulane Law School in 1993. Over the course of his 30-year legal career, he was admitted to the bar for the states of Louisiana, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and served as judge pro tempore for the Orleans Civil District Court. As Dr. Martin Luther King once said, ``True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.'' A passionate advocate for justice, Walter spent his career leveraging his judgment and compassion in the pursuit of Dr. King's vision for authentic peace. One of his greatest endeavors in this regard was acting as one of the plaintiffs in the historic Supreme Court redistricting case Chisolm v. Edwards, which set the stage for Louisiana's first African American Supreme Court justice.

Walter's remarkable life was characterized by unconditional love and support for family and friends, zealous engagement with community programs and initiatives to improve life for others, and an ardent devotion to God. A lifelong parishioner at St. Raymond Catholic Church, he was an altar boy in his youth and became a member of the church's choir as an adult. Selflessly committed to the betterment of his community, Walter's civic involvements included acting as a voluntary attorney in child neglect cases for the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court CASA program, participating on the mayor's Environmental Affairs Advisory Committee as well as the Task Force on City-Owned Cemeteries, and serving as a member and chair of the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission. Additionally, Walter was a 30-year member of the Sugar Bowl Committee and a nine-year board member of both the Young Leadership Council and Young Audiences of Louisiana organization.

A veritable Renaissance Man, one could easily find Walter in a courtroom arguing a case, at Tipitina's jamming out to the Soul Rebels, at the Riverbend coaching his daughters' soccer teams, at the Loyola gym picking up a game of basketball, in the kitchen making omelets, in the yard planting a garden, restoring an old car, or playing with the family's menagerie of pets. He was a wonder to all who knew and loved him, and he will be remembered fondly for his joyful spirit and relentless optimism, which served him well until God called him home. The loss and death of Walter bears witness to the divine and mysterious power of redemptive suffering. Through his heroic battle, Walter has helped shower numerous heavenly graces and blessings upon all of those he loved so deeply, and we are eternally grateful.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Charles Callan Mary, Jr., M.D., a public servant who was inspired in life by his faith, education and a deep sense of purpose. He served the citizens of Louisiana with professionalism and humility over sixty-one years until his passing on February 5, 2022. He was a devoted husband of 58 years, father of 5, grandfather of 14, brother, uncle, and friend to many.

In his advanced studies, he soon recognized a calling that directed him to a pre-med curriculum at Loyola University of the South. Upon completion, he enrolled in Louisiana State University Medical School, graduating in 1961 with a Doctor of Medicine degree.

Dr. Mary completed an internal medicine residency at LSU's Medical School and then joined the Department of Medicine. He dedicated 18 years of his early professional life to Charity Hospital and its patients, staff and students, where he served as student, intern, resident, Assistant Clinical Director and then, in 1970 rose to the position of Medical Director and CEO. He felt in his heart this was his calling and Charity Hospital was his home.

Gov. Edwin W. Edwards appointed Dr. Mary as the first Commissioner of the newly created State Department of Health, Social and Rehabilitation Services, as well as State Health Officer in 1973.

In 1974, Dr. Mary went into private practice, founding the Mary Medical Clinic in New Orleans. He relocated his practice to St. Jude Medical Center in Kenner, and then Elmwood Medical Center in Metairie, where he would continue to practice internal medicine until his semi- retirement in 1997. He continued to see patients on a limited basis until Hurricane Ida in 2021. He also had a live local radio show called ``Ask Dr. Mary,'' which aired every week for over 15 years.

Dr. Mary's faith was fundamental to his life's work. Starting as an altar boy at Our Lady of Lourdes and continuing throughout his adulthood, he served and participated in many capacities, including as: a Knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great; a Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem; a Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta; a recipient of the Order of St. Louis IX (Archdiocese of New Orleans); a member of both the Board of Regents and Board of Trustees of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.; and a member of the Board of Trustees of La Roche College in Pittsburgh, PA.

His involvement did not stop there--he embraced the love of Mardi Gras instilled in him from his father respecting the traditions and celebrations of Carnival. Since his childhood, he remained active in the Knights of Babylon as a rider, an officer, board member and ultimately Captain and Capitan Emeritus after his father's 30 plus year tenure. Like every true New Orleanian, Dr. Mary was an ardent football fan (especially LSU and the Saints), an avid tennis player, a notorious joke teller and a lover of fine New Orleans signature food and libations.

The entire New Orleans community is grateful to Dr. Charles C. Mary, Jr. for his dedicated service to the field of medicine, his philanthropic contributions. His legacy will live on.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Mrs. Georgiana Smith Brunet, who found her heavenly wings on February 9, 2022 at the age of 97 years old. She was known to many as the Matriarch of Algiers, Louisiana, and was recently honored as the oldest serving community activist in my hometown. Affectionately called ``Bunny,'' she dedicated her entire life to her family, faith, and community.

Mrs. Brunet attended Illinois State University and the Booker T. Washington Nursing Program of New Orleans. She was married to her late husband Mr. Bernard Brunet, Jr. for 37 years and together they had five children, her pride and joy.

A devout Catholic, Mrs. Brunet was an active parishioner of All Saints Church for over 71 years where she served on the Social Outreach Committee as well as the All Saints Sodality. She was a member of the All Saints Rosary Group/Legion of Mary for over 40 years. In 2012 her lifelong commitment earned her the prestigious Order of St. Louis IX Medallion, an award which honors laypersons who have contributed their time and talents to the church. The award was presented by Archbishop Aymond, the Archdiocese of New Orleans at St. Louis Cathedral.

Mrs. Brunet became an active community advocate for the Algiers area, while working as a Pediatric Nurse within the community over her 30 years. Mrs. Brunet's community activism was also celebrated when she was honored at the Algiers Courthouse in 2012 for her volunteer work.

Mrs. Brunet left a lasting mark on many of the organizations she actively participated in including the Ladies Auxiliary of Peter Claver St. Rita's Court 36, 3rd and 4th degree, serving as Treasurer; the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Auxiliary; Fan Advisory Committee of her beloved New Orleans Saints; Girl Scouts of America, and Krewe of NOMTOC (``New Orleans Most Talked of Club'').

Mrs. Brunet was lovingly known as ``Mother Jugs'' for her work establishing the Krewe of NOMTOC and the Jugs Social Club, of which her husband was a co-founder and President. Nothing stood in her way of preparing and enjoying the Krewe of NOMTOC on parade Saturdays.

Mrs. Brunet kept busy following the activities of the New Orleans Council on Aging, attending events at the Arthur Monday Senior Center, craft-making, cooking, lobbying the State Legislature, and event planning.

Beyond her work, Georgiana had a vibrant social life. She was truly the life of the party and would carefully plan her costumes weeks in advance. She was a lively character with an undeniable fashion sense, always dressed to the nines on every occasion. Additionally, Georgiana was an avid traveler, visiting most states and several international destinations. She was a lover of politics, people, and fun, and a member of the Golden Girls Social Circle.

Algiers, Louisiana will never be the same without her. Her poise, talents and enduring love of everyone she touched will live in our hearts forever. We will all be better citizens because of the mark she left on each of us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert B. Jackson, a public servant who has served the citizens of New Orleans with humility and professionalism for over forty-two years. He began as a Public Health Educator Supervisor with the New Orleans Department of Health from 1981 to 1988 where he served as a member of the department's grant writing team and the CPR instruction team.

I met Mr. Jackson in his most recent role as Director of Community and Intergovernmental

Relations at the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans serving our great City over the past thirty-three years. His stellar work benefitted directors Harold J. Gorman, Marcia A. St. Martin, Cedric Grant and Ghassan Karban, assuring the needs of their customers.

Under his leadership, the Sewerage and Water Board's Water Education Program for public and parochial schools in the City of New Orleans met EPA requirements for public information and community education, thereby providing compliance with Consent Decree requirements for that component until recent years.

During Mr. Jackson's tenure at the Board, they successfully sponsored the Water Help Run/Walk-a-thon from 1992 to 1996 to help support the Water Help Program for elderly and handicapped in our community

And in the days following Hurricane Katrina, Robert B. Jackson was instrumental in securing emergency fuel, satellite phones, supplies and equipment to help stabilize water operations during the emergency. Then, by the second week of September 2005, a temporary headquarters with forty-four offices was secured, furnished and operational in order to provide continuity of service for displaced customers and employees needing to connect with the Board.

There are only a few employees who can credit their career to include entrusted service under five Mayors--Sidney J. Barthelemy, Marc H. Morial, C. Ray Nagin, Mitchell Landrieu and LaToya Cantrell.

The entire New Orleans community is grateful to Mr. Jackson for his dedicated service, and I want to express my sincere congratulations to him ahead of his well-deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember Mr. Welton M. Holman, a well-known educator and student motivator of Monroe, Louisiana who entered the gates of heaven on January 24, 2022.

Born in Monroe, Louisiana in 1946, Mr. Holman attended Richwood High School and was known as an outstanding football player. He attended Southern University in Baton Rouge on a full football scholarship and in 1971, he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree--launching his lifelong journey of youth mentorship and coaching.

Mr. Holman taught and coached in Moorehouse Parish, Union Parish, and Claiborne Parish before coming home to the Monroe City School System at Carroll High School, where he spent most of his career teaching and coaching football.

To further his education before retirement, he also attended Grambling State University and Louisiana Tech University where he received his Masters of Science Degree.

Even when he was technically retired, he continued his passion as a substitute teacher until he passed away.

Whether they were on his team or not, most people called him ``Coach.''

Over the years, Mr. Holman mentored many students, engaging them with his personality and positive spirit.

He appeared in theatrical performances, volunteered for community clean-ups, and was famous for his pep rally rendition of ``Members Only.''

Coach's dream was to inspire and support young people, and he undoubtedly has achieved this dream and has made a lasting difference on his community.

My deepest prayers are with Mr. Holman's family, friends, students, and loved ones in this difficult time, especially his stepdaughter, my dear friend Louisiana State Senator Katrina Jackson.

May you find comfort in scripture that reads, ``I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me'' (Philippians 4:13 ).

May they continue to live his dream as they cherish so many beautiful memories they had with him, and may Welton ``Coach'' Holman rest in heavenly peace.