Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank very much my esteemed colleagues for the opportunity to be here.

We are here to honor the memory of a dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a true stateswoman and a fierce defender of justice, fairness, and our great democracy. A dedicated member of the Congressional Black Caucus, her contributions have been nothing short of transformative and incredible.

I was blessed to visit her numerous times in Houston, Texas, and travel with her around the world. She was also instrumental in helping so many Louisiana natives during Hurricane Katrina, providing exceptional casework services in Houston.

After Katrina, so many of our people were homeless, lost, in need of love and care. Sheila Jackson Lee was there. She called us regularly to give us reports. Whenever there was an issue in Houston and it was someone from Louisiana, she was Johnny-on-the-spot.

It wasn't her district. It wasn't her people. They couldn't vote for her. It was her true love and passion for people that caused her to step up. She was a giant, although small in stature. Her heart was so big and her brain was even bigger.

I have never met anyone as passionate and as smart on every single issue she touched. When she stepped up, she spoke with a degree of power, familiarity, intellect, energy, and grace. They just don't make them like that anymore.

You heard my colleagues say that she would show up everywhere. Once we came back from a codel across the country, and because we had plane trouble, we were stuck waiting for another aircraft. There was an issue going on in India. We were all exhausted trying to make it home.

Sheila said, I have to go there. I have a lot of natives of India in my community. We were all exhausted and everyone chuckled and said, we are all going home.

Next thing I know, I looked at CNN when I got home and there was Sheila Jackson Lee. She was there in the midst of it all by herself, not a part of a codel, not a part of a team, not a part of anything other than a person with a big heart that knew that she was needed.

She was the first female ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. As a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget, she spearheaded critical policies for institutional change.

Her reintroduction of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act exemplified her unwavering commitment to uplifting the Black community and improving our Nation.

Sheila called me, as our assistant leader just mentioned, and she said: I need you to go and run this press conference for me. I can't be there, but I need you to go and run the press conference, and I need you to address the family and let them know how much

we love them and how much we care. I can't be there, but I will be on the phone.

She was on the phone. We couldn't see her. I suspect she may have been in the hospital, but she spoke with the same degree of love, passion, and strength for the family who had been so wronged.

I was honored when she made that call to me personally in May to partner with her on the press conference promoting this critical piece of legislation. It is one of my most recent and fond memories of working closely with her. It was one of the very last official actions of her passion, and there are so many.

We will forevermore miss the intellect, the passion, the strength, and the courage of Sheila Jackson Lee. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will be sorely missed by her immediate family, her Congressional Black Caucus family, her Democratic Caucus family, all the citizens of Texas, and countless others she touched around the world. Her unwavering commitment to her principles and her tireless advocacy for the underrepresented has left an indelible mark on our Nation.

On a personal note, Sheila was not just a colleague but also a treasured friend and mentor to me and many others. We devoted a bond of service for mankind. Her wisdom, compassion, and strength have guided us through many challenges. Her legacy will continue to inspire all of us as we strive to be better, do better, and try to continue the incredible work that she has done.

Rest in peace, my dear sister. Rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Bayou Classic, an annual football classic that honors the heritage and accomplishments of America's Historically Black Colleges and Universities, specifically between Grambling State University and Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and, Grambling State University, a member of the University of Louisiana System Institution, is in Grambling, Louisiana. Southern University A&M College, a member of the Southern University System, is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Bayou Classic has earned the distinction of being the No. 1 HBCU Classic in the Nation, with a storied history dating back to 1932, and has long promoted the importance of sportsmanship, musicianship, community, and traditions by representing the talents and achievements of students, staff, and alumni of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The Bayou Classic brings together fans and alumni of Grambling State University and Southern University and A&M College from around the globe to New Orleans, creating a vibrant celebration of football, family, traditions, and pageantry surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The Bayou Classic's core audience primarily consists of students, alumni, military personnel, and leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with age demographics ranging from high school students, college students, university alumni, and football fanatics.

The Bayou Classic attracts participants from all over the world, but has a dedicated national audience, including but not limited to Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

The Bayou Classic has consistently achieved record-breaking attendance, with projections of sustained future growth, particularly the Battle of the Bands & Greek Step Show, which draws an average attendance of 30,000 with sold out crowds for the past three years, and over 60,000-65,000 attendees for Game Day.

The 44th Annual Bayou Classic in 2017 propelled the event to be recognized as the No. 1 HBCU Classic and the most attended football game in the FCS division, further solidifying its status as the No. 1 HBCU Classic in the world since 2019.

The Bayou Classic officially celebrated 50 years of HBCU football rivalry, in which Southern University defeated Grambling State 27-22, on November 25, 2023 in the City of New Orleans at the Caesars Superdome. The school's records are Southern 26 wins, Grambling 24 wins.

I am happy to recognize this event, held in Louisiana's Second Congressional District, and proclaim the Bayou Classic as an historic event that showcases the excellence, pride, and unity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I appreciate all attendees from around the country and beyond who joined us in celebrating this momentous occasion, and to recognize the enduring legacy of the Bayou Classic, as we celebrated the 50th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of D'Juan Miguel Hernandez, born in Franklin, Louisiana

to parents Dr. Don J. Hernandez and Mrs. Elnora Polidore Hernandez, on October 24, 1966. He peacefully departed this world on May 29, 2024, at the tender age of 57 in New Orleans, Louisiana. A proud graduate Saint Augustine High School and Xavier University of Louisiana where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and English, two key Catholic Institutions located in my Congressional District. D'Juan ultimately pursued a career in law attending Thurgood Marshall School of Law and continuing at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate. He became a member of the State Bar of Louisiana and went on to establish the Hernandez Law Group and Business Advisors.

D'Juan Miguel Hernandez was a remarkable man, an influential leader, father, son, and my dear friend. He will forever be remembered from his career practicing law and mentoring small business owners, to the joy he spread throughout Algiers, Louisiana, the community I grew up in. In 1990, D'Juan was my very first campaign manager during my election as the first African American to the Louisiana House of Representatives from the 102nd District of Algiers. Growing up as a kid in Franklin Louisiana, his spiritual journey began at St. Jules Catholic Church, and his faith remained steadfast throughout his life, a guiding light that illuminated his path even in times of darkness. D'Juan remained a man of unwavering faith, boundless entrepreneurial spirit, and deep devotion to his family, D'Juan's testament to the values instilled in him from his Catholic upbringing.

D'Juan's educational journey was marked by his passion for music and academia. From his early years at Dwight Eisenhower Elementary where, as a kindergartner, he was introduced to the violin and the cello, his musical appetite broadened. While at Franklin Junior High School under Ronald Bernard, he developed an interest in the trombone. It became his major instrument at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, where he became a proud Purple Knight and member of the St. Augustine Marching 100 under the late Mr. Edward Harrell Hampton, founding band director, serving over five decades. His musical escapade led to a foray into the jazz idiom, and he became a member of the St. Augustine Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Carl Blouin, Sr., founder of the jazz orchestra in the 1960s. In his senior year at St. Augustine, he earned a seat in the Louisiana All State Jazz Band and recorded with the group.

It was D'Juan's entrepreneurial spirit that surfaced as his true passion. Well into his career, he enrolled and became an MBA graduate of Tulane University, A.B. Freeman School of Business, where he embarked on numerous ventures, including LA Waters, a bottled delivery company; and the non-profit ``Raphael Village'' of New Orleans. He was an ardent supporter of the Algiers Community Development Association and the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI).

D'Juan believed in the power of ideas, and the need for creating opportunities, especially as Faculty Lead and Business Advisor for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. He was also engaged in several business startups in Southwest Louisiana, all a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment. Through all his work, D'Juan leaves an enduring legacy of innovation and community empowerment.

Amidst his professional endeavors, D'Juan's greatest joy was his family. He cherished moments spent traveling with loved ones and relished as ``Poppi D'' to his granddaughter, Madisyn Gianna Hernandez.

D'Juan was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Coleman and Alice Polidore and paternal grandparents James and Hazel Hernandez, his uncles, Jon R. Hernandez and Coleman Polidore, Jr., his aunts, Hazel Widow, Emily Alexander, Queenie Polidore, and Alice Marie Broussard.

He is lovingly remembered by his parents, his uncle Renaldo Hernandez, his children Katelyn Hernandez, Jessica Hernandez, and Christopher Hernandez, his sisters Jualea Hernandez and Jalicia Parker, former wife Tara Carter Hernandez, his nephews Bradford and Silas Parker, his special brother David McClean, his business partners, and a host of other friends and family.

As we bid farewell to D'Juan, let us take comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. D'Juan made an impact on our community that will never be forgotten, he will be greatly missed. I am proud to have spent immeasurable time, developed strategies and grew up with him, treasuring his father as a mentor, and always fascinated by D'Juan's accomplishments. I am honored to document the incredible life of D'Juan Miguel Hernandez, a life too short, though incredibly well-lived. May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love of God and the angels.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an outstanding gentleman and blessing to the City of New Orleans, Sgt. Stephen Burdick ``Steve'' Hand. He was born in Bronxville, New York on July 21, 1941, to Faith Seiple Hand and Edward Sayer Hand, Sr, and grew up in Scarsdale, New York. Mr. Hand was deeply committed to our beloved city. He served as a leader in the initiative to preserve and restore New Orleans through his work at the Vieux Carre Commission, and the French Market Corp during the 1980s and 1990s. After living a full life dedicated to serving others, Steve (82 years old) passed away on January 8, 2024.

Steve was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1963. His training took place in Fort Benning, Georgia, with the 17th Artillery 2nd Infantry Division under Battery C 7th Battalion (``Garry Owen''). He served one tour of duty in 1965 to Vietnam in which he was stationed at An Khe with the 3rd Brigade 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Mr. Hand earned the title of Sergeant before being honorably discharged from the Army.

Upon returning to the United States, Steve returned to his studies and ultimately graduated from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine with a bachelor's degree in economics. After graduating, Steve began his career, working in Communications and Public Service. He fondly reflected on his experience working on Capitol Hill as a Legislative Assistant and Press Secretary to Senators Winston L. Prouty of Vermont and Edward Brooke of Massachusetts, the first popularly elected Black senator. He went on to earn a master's degree in Landscape Architecture at LSU in 1982, where he developed an appreciation for the state of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. At LSU, he wrote his thesis, about the historical, cultural, and political influences that have contributed to the development of the gardens and courtyards within the French Quarter. This thesis was instrumental in his future experiences in New Orleans, where he was dedicated to preserving, enriching, and educating others about the local landscaping and architecture that makes our city so special.

As a hardworking and dedicated Director of the Vieux Carre Commission, Steve used his expertise in the French Quarter's architectural landscape to preserve the historical and cultural character of New Orleans's oldest neighborhoods. Among his many accomplishments in this role, Steve was able to have the golden equestrian statue of Joan of Arc, relocated at Place de France. Additionally, he worked tirelessly alongside the City Council and Mayor's office to ensure that the integrity of this neighborhood and the needs of its residents were protected, pioneering an effort to keep the French Quarter safe and clean. Mr. Hand also served the New Orleans community as the Executive Director of the French Market Corp. in 1994, through which he supported the effort to revitalize and renovate the French Market, leading this historical landmark to flourish in our city's economy.

Steve Hand's legacy will continue to live on through the spirit of this city, which he loved so dearly. It will live on through all of the people, the long-lasting friendships that he made and cultivated, and those whose lives he touched around the Nation. Most importantly, Steve Hand's legacy will live on through his dear, loving family: Bear, his goldendoodle; his brother Edward S. Hand and sister-in-law Susan O. Hand; three nieces Samantha Fratus, Lindsley Rice, and Bailey Jeffrey and their families around the world. Stephen Burdick Hand is an inspiration to all those who dedicate their lives to serving their community. I, too, hope to carry his legacy with me as I continue to serve the people of Louisiana.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Victor John Labat, born in New Orleans, Louisiana to parents Victor and Jeanne Victor Labat, on November 24, 1932. At the tender age of 91 in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, he recently passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024. A proud graduate of Xavier Preparatory High School and Xavier University of Louisiana with a degree in mathematics, two key Catholic Institutions, both founded by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

During his college days, he served as the artistic designer and director of the Xavier Yearbook, where he proudly displayed his unique passion for drawing and painting. His professional successes spanned across varying careers In his early years, he was a construction company owner, designing and building homes around the city of New Orleans. He later moved his family of five to Washington, D.C., with an assignment to desegregate court ordered schools through southern states under the Nixon Administration. His career included being appointed Assistant to Leon Panetta, Director of the Office of Civil Rights under the Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources (HEW). The next assignment took him and his family to Dakar, Senegal, West Africa where he served as Director of the Peace Corps for five years.

With a wealth of international experience under his belt, he established Labat Anderson Inc., one of the country's most successful government contracting firms, creating offices and jobs throughout the U.S. and internationally. The success of Labat Anderson Inc. led to Labat Africa Ltd. in Johannesburg, South Africa. Labat Africa Ltd. is the first African American co-owned company to open upon Nelson Mandela's presidency and to trade on the South African Stock Exchange.

Victor retired to his family's hometown of Bay St. Louis, MS, though he spent a tremendous amount of time in his hometown, New Orleans, welcomed and cared for by family and friends. A vibrant man, that still enjoyed international travel until his passing, found peace in painting, fine dining and French wines, motorcycle riding, and laughing out loud with his family and friends. He had just completed his first soon to be published book on his family lineage titled, ``Is That So? From the Mississippi Gulf Coast, A Portrait of an American Family through Race, Education, Power, Politics, Religion and Class.''

Victor is preceded in death by his parents, and a younger brother, Michael L. Labat, Sr. He is survived by his three children, Carla Labat (George Dines), Lori Labat and Yancey Labat (Andrea Menotti), three granddaughters, Akira Scott, Eliza and Serenna Menotti Labat; a brother, Joseph A. Labat, MD (Dr. Deidre Dumas), sister-in-law, Constance ``Connie'' Ray Labat, Dorothy Martel Labat, Judi Gerhardt; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and associates.

I am proud to have spent time and growing up with mentors from this phenomenal family, as well as their children during my college days, always fascinated by their accomplishments. I am honored to document the incredible life of Victor J. Labat, a life well-lived.

Mr. Speaker, my flight was delayed. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 233.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend and colleague Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick for yielding to me.

We are here to honor the memory of a dear friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., a remarkable public servant and a true champion of justice, equality, and progress. I was honored to serve alongside him on the Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Donald Payne was not just a public servant. He was a force for change, a voice for the voiceless, a beacon of hope for the people of New Jersey and all Americans. He dedicated his career to fighting for racial justice and equal rights. He believed in a future where education was accessible to all, championing free college tuition and sustainable infrastructure that would benefit everyone.

In Congress, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving as the ranking member and chairman of the critical subcommittees focused on transportation, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness. His commitment to improving public transportation, expanding voting rights, and addressing the urgent threat of climate change earned him respect and admiration from colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Beyond his legislative achievements, Congressman Payne was known for his unwavering dedication to the well-being of working families and those most vulnerable among us. He understood that progress is measured not only by the laws we pass, but by the lives we touch and uplift.

As we honor Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.'s legacy today, let's commit ourselves to renewing the values he held dear. The Congressional Black Caucus will continue to fight for justice, equality, and opportunity. May we always remember his unwavering belief that our Nation's greatest lies in our ability to lift each other up and build a better future together.

Rest in power, Congressman Payne. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in the noble work of serving the American people. You will be sorely missed, my dear friend, but never, ever forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Cherfilus-McCormick for yielding.

Madam Speaker, the treatment of Black men and boys in our society is not a new issue. It demands our urgent attention and decisive action. The statistics paint a grim picture.

The life expectancy of a Black man in our country remains staggering low. Black men are disproportionately affected by mass incarceration, trapped in a vicious cycle that perpetuates inequality and injustice.

Our boys are funneled into a school-to-prison pipeline at an alarming rate, their futures stolen before they can flourish.

Gun violence, health disparities, police brutality, unemployment, educational and income inequalities: These are just some of the burdens that Black men and boys disproportionately shoulder in our society.

Despite these challenges, we have shown remarkable resilience. We have risen as icons in culture, education, fashion, sports, music, and politics, proving that our potential knows no bounds. However, we cannot be complacent. We must confront the systemic injustices that continue to oppress us and work tirelessly to dismantle the chains of racism and inequality. We must invest in education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and criminal justice reform to ensure that every Black man and boy has a chance to survive and, more importantly, to thrive.

I fought tirelessly to end healthcare inequities for Black Americans, and part of that is taking care of our mental health in the same way we take care of our physical health.

I introduced the Medical Health Workforce Act to increase the number of culturally competent mental health care providers in the United States, and I will keep fighting to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health care.

It is okay to sometimes not be okay. You are not alone. Stand firm and know that if you need help, help is there for you.

Recognize that we are a people and we all have a responsibility to care for each other.

Additionally, I am an original cosponsor of the PSA Screening for HIM Act. This bill requires health insurance providers to offer screenings without any cost-sharing requirements for Black men or men with a history of prostate cancer between the ages of 55 and 69; those individuals that are at the highest risk.

Prostate cancer affects Black men in the United States at an alarming rate but it does not have to be a death sentence.

Every year, the Black community is disproportionately affected by prostate cancer. Moreover, Black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as White men, but when we are diagnosed early enough, the survival rate is 97 percent. When diagnosed early enough, 97 percent survival rate.

When the engine light in your car goes off, you pull over. You check the oil. You check the fluids.

You make sure your car is all right because you don't want your precious engine to be damaged. But when our bodies tell us something is going wrong, we ignore it, whether it is mental or physical. We have to learn to pay attention to that light that indicates something is wrong, and then we have to be bold enough and bad enough to seek help and to know that sometimes it is okay to not be okay. There is nothing wrong with it.

The stigma associated with mental health is too great, and we as a community have to build beyond it. We saw what happened with the young people after COVID. Isolation, our babies, sitting at home with nothing to do but the internet and the dangers, and what we see happen as a result of that.

You are not alone. The attack is real, and we as a community must do something about it.

The Congressional Black Caucus is doing just that.

When we stand up and we fight for our young men and boys to tell them that: You will not be a lost cause, that are not alone, that we believe in you. We know that you can be successful, and we know that you can be great. We are going to stand with you through thick and thin.

We know erasures are on pencils for a reason because sometimes we make a mistake. It is not the mistake; it is how you recover from it.

Our society must do better. We must provide better educational opportunities, better economic opportunities and higher wages so people can enjoy a greater quality of life.

Supporting Black men and boys is not just a moral imperative, it is essential for the prosperity and well-being of our entire Nation. Together, let's advocate for change and build a future where every Black man and boy could reach their full potential and their God-given talents.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are here today to consider my bill, H.R. 4403, the Securing the Cities Improvement Act.

My bill will help cities build and maintain their security capabilities against nuclear or radiological threats.

While I will emphasize the critical nature of my bill, its effectiveness

hinges upon the reauthorization of the DHS Office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, CWMD.

Without CWMD, the Securing the Cities program will cease to operate. Securing the Cities, also called STC, was launched by the Department of Homeland Security in fiscal year 2007 as a pilot program to support New York City, Jersey City, and Newark, New Jersey, in detecting and preventing nuclear or radiological threats.

Today, the STC program provides 14 local governments, including my hometown of New Orleans, with detection equipment, training, exercise support, operational and technical support, subject matter expertise, and programmatic support.

STC's work in New Orleans has supported important events such as Mardi Gras, which is a very special and joyous time in my hometown. As you know, we will have the Super Bowl next year. This will have a critical impact on its safety and delivering joy to the people of our country and our world.

However, STC is limited to high-risk urban areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Urban Area Security Initiative, or UASI, program.

Linking STC and UASI together can create uncertainty for local governments participating in the program, as the composition of jurisdictions in the UASI program can fluctuate from one year to the next.

To ensure stability within the STC program and maintain partnerships with at-risk cities, I introduced the Securing the Cities Improvement Act. My legislation would allow CWMD to determine which cities to partner with for the STC program based on the jurisdiction's capability and capacity to prepare for and respond to threats of vulnerabilities against terrorist attacks and other high-consequence events utilizing nuclear or other radiological materials.

It would also establish performance metrics and milestones for the STC program and monitor expenditures for the program.

Furthermore, the legislation requires DHS to provide a report to Congress regarding participation in the STC program, the establishment of metrics and milestones for the program, and any proposed modifications for this program.

The bill is a commonsense measure, one that will ensure that our cities are protected from nuclear or radiological threats.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4403, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4403 is important for sustaining local jurisdictions' capabilities to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

Without the support of programs like STC, addressing and mitigating threats could become more difficult or cease to exist altogether, which would jeopardize the safety and well-being of every individual residing in our country.

Passage of this legislation is vital to maintaining our preparedness and ensuring the security of the Nation against the evolving challenges posed by terrorist attacks and other high-consequence events that utilize nuclear or radiological materials.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my House colleagues to support H.R. 4403, and I thank Chairman Green for his support in this measure.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5969 aims to make Global Entry more family friendly by allowing children ages 10 or under to accompany their parents or legal guardians through Global Entry lanes when clearing customs in the United States.

We would like to see all families with young children stay together throughout the customs process, and this bill would make travel more family friendly without compromising security.

This bill also makes it possible for parents to schedule interviews for Global Entry for their kids as groups as opposed to the current format which schedules appointments separately--a logistical nightmare for parents.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ivey).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Luttrell) for introducing this bill, and I commend the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ivey) for cosponsoring this bill aimed at improving the travel experience for families. I believe this bill will help families traveling with young children eliminate some of the difficulties that they may experience along the way.

I am happy to support this bill, and I urge all Members of the House to do the same.

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

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

This bill is a commonsense step to address the fentanyl crisis and save American lives. By requiring U.S. Customs and Border Protection to incorporate and continually update uniform policies and standards for their operations at ports of entry, we can be sure our officers continually adapt and implement their inspection practices to the changing dynamics of illicit activities along U.S. borders.

It is important that we continue supporting necessary improvements for our ports of entry, where approximately 90 percent of CBP's fentanyl seizures occur.

This bill complements the unprecedented progress that the Department of Homeland Security has made in recent years to stop fentanyl from entering our communities. DHS has launched new cross-government efforts to target smugglers and put more personnel, technology, infrastructure, and resources at our border. As a result, DHS has seized more fentanyl and arrested more criminals for fentanyl-related crimes in the last 2 years than over the last previous 5 years combined.

DHS has taken serious action to thwart human trafficking and human smuggling through ports of entry. The END FENTANYL Act builds on these efforts, as well.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

I thank the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Guest) for introducing the END FENTANYL Act. It is a key step forward to ensure that we are better prepared to stop fentanyl smuggling. By regularly improving our strategies at our ports of entry, we can ensure that the Department of Homeland Security is keeping our communities safe.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this incredible measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

DHS spends billions of dollars on service contracts to support its various missions, including its mission to secure the southwest border. These contracts provide a wide range of services such as transportation, medical care, and facilities to house migrants.

Given both the cost and the importance of these contracts to DHS' southwest border mission, H.R. 4467, introduced by Mr. Brecheen, seeks to improve DHS' procurement of contractor services used along the southwest border.

The bill requires DHS to identify service contracts valued at more than $50 million used along the southwest border and to assess whether those contracts are necessary to assist DHS in carrying out its mission.

The bill also calls upon DHS to identify areas to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness in its use of service contracts along the southwest border and to develop a strategy and implementation plan to carry out such improvements.

Finally, the bill also requires DHS to share its assessments, strategy, and plans with Congress both through a report and in standing briefings.

H.R. 4467 had bipartisan support both in this Congress and last, passing through the committee by voice vote.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague from Oklahoma (Mr. Brecheen) for introducing this bill aimed at improving DHS' procurement of contracted services used along the southern border.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4467, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6174, the DHS Biodetection Improvement Act. This bill seeks to enhance biodetection capabilities at the Department of Homeland Security by leveraging resources at the Department of Energy's national laboratories.

Currently, DHS' Office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, or CWMD, leads DHS' biodetection work. The premier biodetection program is BioWatch, which is outdated, expensive, and labor-intensive. CWMD's more recent efforts to advance biodetection technologies have been delayed because of this.

H.R. 6174 would move DHS' biodetection programs forward by requiring the Department to complete an assessment of how it is utilizing the Department of Energy's national laboratories for biodetection. The bill would require DHS to create the defined program and technical requirements necessary to advance biodetection programs, including critical research and development.

Further, the bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide Congress with a strategy for conducting regular external evaluations to identify capability gaps and recommend contingency plans if biodetection technologies underperform.

As foreign and domestic security threats evolve, Congress' support for advancements in biodetection programs is key.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, while DHS has worked to improve its biodetection capabilities, many challenges remain, and the current technologies are aging.

H.R. 6174 pairs DHS and the Department of Energy's national laboratories, which would improve biodetection innovation and, ultimately, keep our communities safe from biological threats.

Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this critical bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an outstanding gentleman and New Orleans icon, Edgar Lawrence ``Dooky'' Chase III. He was born in New Orleans on May 10, 1949, to Edgar L. ``Dooky'' Chase Jr. and Leyah ``Leah'' Lange Chase. Mr. Chase was known for his role as an educator and a leader in our community. After years of mentoring, guiding, and serving others, Dooky passed away on February 21, 2024.

Mr. Chase grew up in the Treme neighborhood, alongside his three sisters, Emily, Stella, and Leah. As owners of the renowned establishment Dooky Chase's Restaurant, Dooky's family has stood as a symbol of tradition and responsibility in our community. It was his family that instilled in him deep-rooted values and faith, which pushed him to become a force for all good in our society.

Chase's dedication to social progress was evident from a young age, through his efforts to promote voter registration with the NAACP's Youth committee in the 1960s. In 1967, he graduated from Jesuit High School, where he formed part of the first integrated class. He continued his path as a pioneer for social justice at Loyola University New Orleans, where he served as the first African American Class President. He then pursued a master's in business administration at Columbia University, followed by a law degree at Loyola University New Orleans.

After serving as Captain in the Marine Corps and working at Price Waterhouse Coopers, Dooky served as a faculty member and administrator at Dillard University in New Orleans. His commitment to serving others was evident throughout his 20 years at this institution, which culminated in a role as the Dean of the Business School. After years of mentoring students through this role, he decided to retire. However, this retirement did not last long, as Dooky graciously accepted a request by Dillard University to return as Vice President of Facilities to manage the school's rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to his achievements in his education and career, he served on numerous boards, commissions and councils throughout his life, some of which include the Chase Family Foundation, the Anti- Defamation League, New Orleans Public Radio (WNOE), Touro Hospital, The New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), Metropolitan Crime Commission, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana, Inc., The New Orleans Opera Association, City of New Orleans Municipal Employees Retirement System, New Orleans Botanical Gardens, the Bureau of Governmental Research, Loyola University Board of Trustees, City Park Improvement Association, Inc., New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, Board of Trustees of Our Lady of Holy Cross College, Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, New Orleans Museum of Art, Millennium Port Authority of Louisiana, State Board of Economic Development, and State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

An avid reader, Dooky was enthralled with historical research, and storytelling. He was also a deeply spiritual, devout Catholic; often reflecting on the role his faith played in his philosophical commitments, and perspective on all aspects of life, if you were one of the lucky ones, you were able to get a glimpse of the book he was working on--``Running on Raindrops'', a trilogy of historical fiction. His other works in progress included event planning for the Chase Family Foundations' annual Juneteenth celebration and fundraising events, and project management of the restaurant's Historic Upper Room renovations of the Dooky Chase Restaurant, where many Civil Rights Leaders met to discuss many of the country's segregation issues.

Mr. Chase had much to be proud of, yet his greatest source of pride was that which he felt for his family. On December 23, 1973, Dooky married the love of his life, Alva Jean, and in 1975, they welcomed twins Travis and Trevor into their lives. Seven years later, in 1982, they welcomed their third son, Edgar ``Dooky'' IV. The three boys went on to have their own children, who gave their grandfather the nickname ``Big Daddy.''

Edgar was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar ``Dooky'' L. Chase, Jr. and Leyah ``Leah'' Lange Chase, his sister Emily Chase Haydel, brothers-in-law Wayne Reese Sr. and Gary Darensbourg. He is survived by his loving wife, Alva Jean Darensbourg Chase. His sons Travis Chase and Trevor Chase, Edgar ``Dooky'' Chase IV. Grandchildren: Caitlin and Zoe Chase; Ava and Trevor Chase, Jr.; and Sidney Chase and Edgar ``Vito'' L. Chase V. Daughter-in-law, Gretchen Fauria Chase, as well as former daughters-in-law, Chastity Haydel Chase and Minaxi Desai Chase. His sisters Stella Chase Reese and Leah Chase Kamata. Brother-in-law James V. Haydel, Jr., Brother and Sister-in-law Glenda and James ``Jimmy'' Llorens, and Sister-in-law Phyllis Darensburg and a host of nieces and nephews from the Haydel, Reese, Kamata, Darensbourg and Llorens families.

Edgar ``Dooky'' Chase, III was an inspiring and compassionate man. He mentored thousands of young people in Louisiana's Second Congressional District and was at his mother's side running the World Famous Dooky Chase Restaurant. My prayers are with the Chase Family as they continue to carry on the Chase Family Legacy. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, today, I stand to honor Former State Representative Thomas Jasper, a gentleman near and dear to the citizens of New Orleans and Louisiana's Second Congressional District, as he celebrates his 95th Birthday.

Native New Orleanian Thomas Jasper was born on February 23, 1929, An ambitious and promising young man that attended Booker T. Washington Sr. High School in the 2nd Congressional District. After high school, he served in the United States Armed Forces and later graduated from Southern University at New Orleans. He is a notable accountant and professional, serving in several key administrative positions in city and state governments. He proudly and successfully served the Lower Nine Housing Development Corporation, Minority Business Development, and Louisiana State Office of Minority Affairs under the leadership of former Louisiana Governors Edwards and David Treen and former City of New Orleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy.

In 1976, he was elected to serve as Louisiana State Representative to House District 102 in the Lower Ninth Ward. He was a co-founding member of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus. He completed his tenure in 1980. He consistently demonstrated servant leadership acumen by being elected to the New Orleans State Central Democratic Committee and Democratic National Convention as a delegate.

From 2016 through 2021, it was an honor to have his support and insight as my trusted Advisor during my term as Louisiana State Senator. Mr. Jasper also was my trusted Advisor during my tenures at Councilman of District C in New Orleans, Louisiana from 1994 to 2002.

Avid community leader Mr. Jasper can always be found helping others in the community, advising on business development, and providing referrals to resources.

A pillar of Mr. Jasper's family upbringing is the biblical teachings regarding service to all God's children. As a young man and throughout most of his adult years, Mr. Jasper was a member of the Historic Second Baptist Church, serving as a Sanctuary choir member under Rev. Thomas Nelson Washington. A man dedicated to the will of God, he was regularly found in Sunday school, singing in the Choir and being a guest soloist on church programs across the city, and he continues to do so today. Currently, he worships at the First Agape Baptist Church, where he serves as a senior deacon and treasurer under the ministry of the Rev. Eddie M. Payne. Mr. Jasper loves to minister in song. He favors the older spirituaIs like ``I'll Tell it Wherever I Go'' and ``King Jesus Will Roll All Burdens Away'' but is most inspired by ``What a Blessing in Jesus I've Found.''

His favorite scripture is Romans 8:38-39 is his message to his children and grandchildren--``Be prayerful, have faith and trust in God, and let nothing separate you from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus.''

Mr. Jasper is the son of Samuel and Louise Jasper, devoted husband of Florence Harrell for 74 blessed years, and has reared three children, Gwendolyn Jasper Barnes, Nedra Jasper Alcorn, and the late Rev. Glenn Thomas Jasper. He is the proud grandfather of six grandchildren and doting great-grandfather of eight great-grandchildren.

Mr. Jasper is a mighty man of service, and today, he continues to serve as my purpose-driven mentor and father figure. He has encouraged me through all of my dreams throughout my career. He is genuinely a patriarch to many who continue to cross his path and will always be a part of my journey as I lead the constituents of the 2nd Congressional District of Louisiana. He is my dear friend and mentor, and I hope to be the mentor to others as he has been for me.

On this day, I wish my dear friend a Happy and Blessed Birthday, and may he see many more.