Sanford Bishop

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I ask that all Members rise for a moment of silence in remembrance of the Honorable John Robert Lewis.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to an accomplished businessman, athlete, artist, and dear friend of longstanding--Mr. Andre Moses White. Sadly, Mr. White passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, from complications with COVID-19. A memorial service honoring his life was held on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 11:00 am at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, Georgia. Andre Moses White (affectionately known as ``Moses'' to his family, friends, and colleagues) was born in Winter Park, Florida, to the union of the late Moses and Lucille White. He was born on October 7, 1944, and was the youngest of three sons. He attended Middleton High School in Tampa, Florida, and Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida. After graduating high school, he attended Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), where he received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and played as a Tight End under FAMU's legendary coach, Jake Gaither. Upon graduation, Moses was drafted by the Denver Broncos, thus beginning his career in the National Football League, where he also played for the San Diego Chargers and was one of the first African Americans to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals. Following a career-ending injury, he returned to Tampa, Florida, and became the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Officer for Hillsborough County, where he is most well-known for fighting to remove the confederate flag from the county seal--a feat that was finally accomplished in 2015. Moses continued his father's legacy in food and music by overseeing the family's historic restaurant, Moses White's Cozy Corner BBQ restaurant, and by working in the entertainment industry alongside icons such as Marvin Gaye and James Brown. Later on, at the age of 71, Moses went on to release two digital singles titled ``We're Americans'' and ``My Man'' under the name ``Moses White.'' After moving to Atlanta in 1988, he and his son, Andre, started The Georgia Sentinel, a progressive news outlet for Atlanta's African American community. While laying his foundation there, he served as the President of the Auburn Avenue Merchants Association, where he re- established the Auburn Avenue Festival (a pre-cursor to Music Midtown), which hosted the return of James Brown and the Famous Flames for a free reunion concert for the community. Moses cared about his community and was always engaged in organizations that did positive work. His most notable roles were as the Founder and President of the Moses White Foundation, which strives to improve the quality of life for the underprivileged in Tampa through education, community revitalization, and individual empowerment; as a Board Member of Wayfield Foods, where he played Wayfield's Santa Clause for nearly 30 years and brought joy to thousands of inner-city kids and their families during the holidays; and as a cherished member of the National Grocers Association, which is in the process of developing a scholarship fund in his name to benefit young African-Americans seeking a career in food retail. Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' Andre Moses White is undoubtedly great because of his distinguished service to his community, devotion to his craft, and the compassion he showed for his friends and loved ones. Moses accomplished much in his life, but none of this would have been possible without the Grace of God; the love and support of his late wife, Joyce; his children, Andre, Andrea, Richard, and Raulnina; and a host of family, friends, and loved ones who will miss him deeply. On a personal note, I will always cherish the friendship my wife and I shared with Moses and Joyce. They were both very special people and we enjoyed every opportunity we had to fellowship together. The kindness of their spirits truly revealed the timbre of their character. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in paying tribute to Mr. Andre Moses White and in extending our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time of bereavement. Moreover, we pray that we will all be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I support the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which: Changes the criminal conduct standard from ``willful'' to ``knowing or reckless''; Ends qualified immunity; Funds independent prosecutors for police misconduct; Strengthens the pattern and practice reviews at the Federal and State level; Establishes national standards for law enforcement; Invests in public safety innovation grants; Establishes a public national police misconduct registry; Requires data collection on the use of force; Bans chokeholds, and conditions Federal grants on banning chokeholds; Bans no-knock warrants and racial profiling; Permits deadly force only as a last resort; Establishes a duty to intervene by other officers; Mandates use of body cameras; and Prohibits sexual acts with anyone under arrest, detention, or in custody. I have always supported law enforcement, and I still do, but today the universal cries for change and justice demand that we hold law enforcement to the same standards of justice as any other American by passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. From the ag appropriations, the bill provides: $10 billion for SNAP; $150 million for food banks; $3 billion for school food programs; $1.1 billion for WIC; $309 million for Rural Rental Assistance. In addition, it provides: $1 trillion to States, counties, cities, territories, and Tribal governments; Hazard pay for essential workers; Free widespread testing, tracing, and treatment for every American; More direct payments to families. It requires safety in the workplace and support for really small businesses and nonprofits of all kinds. Mr. Speaker, it meets the challenges of COVID-19 for every single American, and I urge my colleagues to vote for it. It is a good bill. It is a good bill for America.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this bill. As Chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA Subcommittee of Appropriations, I want to acknowledge the tremendous cooperation between the Appropriations and authorizing committees in producing this bill so quickly. It takes a truly multi-jurisdictional approach to addressing the urgent needs, many families will have, as we face this pandemic. [The fight against this scourge will be tough and we must be prepared.] Last week we provided $61 million to FDA for the development and review of medical countermeasures, devices, therapies, and vaccines to combat the coronavirus. Today, we work to protect our families. Cancellation of conferences, sporting events and other gatherings is having a major impact on the hospitality, transportation, and related industries, resulting in layoffs that will likely cause families to turn to WIC and food banks for help. Schools are closing, leaving children without free and reduced-price meals. But I am pleased this bill would allow households with eligible children to receive emergency SNAP assistance to put food on the table. Three programs get additional funds in this bill. First, we provide $500 million for WIC to provide nutritious foods for low-income pregnant women or mothers with young children who lose their jobs or are laid off due to the coronavirus emergency. Second, we provide $400 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program--TEFAP--to help local food banks meet increased demand during the emergency. Third, we provide $100 million for Nutrition Assistance for the U.S. Territories. Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands rely on Congress to block grant their SNAP funds in an emergency and these funds will support their pandemic response. Thanks to the Chairs and staffs of the Appropriations and authorizing committees who worked so hard over the last 72 hours on this bill. It will bring relief, consolation, and hopefully food security to our constituents.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution. The right to vote freely and fairly is the foundation of our democracy. And yet, 150 years ago, this great nation prohibited an entire group of citizens from voting by law. 150 years seems so long ago but at the same time so near to us now. We know that even though, 150 years ago, our lawmakers said you cannot deny voters based on the color of their skin, that states were still allowed to functionally discriminate against African Americans. Back then it was literacy tests, when they knew the people who could not read were by and large former slaves. Poll taxes for black people. Threats of having your house burned down, being beaten, or even murdered if you dared to try and exercise your Constitutional right to vote. These practices persisted for a long time, until the Civil Rights Movement of the 50s and 60s. The brave actions of these peaceful protesters put them directly into harms way. Many were beaten, like our colleague John Lewis, and tragically some were murdered, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Their leadership directly paved the way to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This landmark legislation finally prohibited any voting law that intentionally or not, resulted in the discrimination against racial minorities. Section 5 closely monitored states that had previously used such laws in the past, so they could not slip under the radar. Unfortunately, Section 5 enforcement was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013. The rationale was this fight was so long ago that such monitoring was not needed anymore. I can assure you it was not that long ago to me nor anyone else who lived through it. 48 years is not even a lifetime for most Americans, and yet it was supposed to be long enough to correct nearly 400 years of oppression and disenfranchisement for African Americans. Of course, the predictable has now happened because 48 years was not long enough to right the wrongs. We are seeing new voting laws that will harm people of color, the poor, and the elderly disproportionately: new photo ID requirements, registration restrictions, and even mass purging of the voter rolls. Voter suppression is happening in 2020 in the same states Section 5 watched closely from 1965 to 2013. We have indeed come a long way from codifying voter suppression explicitly by race. We have come a long way from the physical violence that was a real threat when heading to the polls. However, we still have so far to go. It is too easy to get complacent--to think what we have won cannot be taken back. But it can be, it already was in 2013. Now we have to get back to work--protect what we have and push for what we don't. I rise today appreciating how far we have come in the last 150 years and remembering how far we must go in the next 150 years.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in 2009, President Obama came into office during the Great Recession. He inherited a dreadful economy but worked hard for policies that would stimulate growth and help the average American. Thankfully, his policies worked and America is on the upswing. However, we now have a President who wants to take credit where credit is not due. President Trump is reaping the benefits of Obama's economic policies, while harming the people who were still left behind. Recovering from a recession and lifting up all Americans takes more than eight years, and this President has not taken the torch. Instead of building on Obama's success, Trump has kicked the Americans who are still down. When farmers in the 2nd Congressional District of Georgia and all across the nation were suffering from major crop losses from natural disasters, President Trump decided to start a trade war with China. Trade wars do not often have victors, but they always have losers. American farmers, workers, and consumers were the losers. Our farmers lost business, our workers lost wages, and our consumers paid higher prices--all to cover the costs of the tariffs--not China and not President Trump, the architect of this bad plan. When running for office, then-candidate Trump said he would use his knowledge of tax cuts for the rich to help the people who this economy still isn't working for. When he was elected, one of the first things he did was give a $1 trillion tax cut to the super rich--also known as himself and his friends. Trickle down economics did not work then and they do not work now. Giving money to the wealthy does not translate to higher wages for workers. It means more money for the already super wealthy. The Trump tax cut has also ballooned an already too high national deficit. When you take a pay cut, you cannot pay your bills, so your debt grows. But it's not the wealthy who will feel the pain from an exploding deficit that will slow our economic growth. It is everyday Americans who will feel the effects--lower wages lead to a lower standard of living. The Peterson Foundation estimates that if the national debt continues rising as is, the average income for a family of four will drop by $16,000 over the next three decades. $16,000 is not much for those at the top. But it is devastating for those in the middle and working class. Food stamps, unemployment benefits, Medicare, and Social Security could all face cuts because of tax cuts for the wealthy. We should be trying to make the nation a better place for our children and grandchildren. Instead we have a leader who wants to leave them with our debt. Instead we have a leader who wants to ride on President Obama's coattails and lure us into a false sense of security, so he and his rich friends can have even more--when so many in America have less! America is supposed to be a land of opportunity, where anyone can succeed with enough hard work. Trade wars, tax cuts for the rich while cutting food stamps for the poor are not the way to make America great. Instead of building on our success and lending a helping hand to those in need, this President has only sought to help himself. Ms. Jackson Lee. Madam Speaker, I thank Majority Leader Hoyer Chairmen Neal of Ways and Means and Chairman Yarmuth of the Budget Committee and Vice-Chairman Beyer of the Joint Economic Committee for holding this very important and timely Special Order to review and assess the state of the national economy two years after the Republican-controlled Congress enacted the Trump-GOP TaxScam. The verdict is now in and it leads to the inescapable conclusion that the Trump TaxScam has not accelerated the economy, rather it is a significant drag on the booming economy President Barack Obama bequeathed to his successor, the current occupant of the office. Specifically, two points cannot be stressed enough. First, President Trump did not create the strong economy; he inherited it. Second, we paid an extremely high price--$1.9 trillion--for tax cuts that have done so little for the economy. Madam Speaker, most of President Trump's claims about the economy are false or highly misleading. There is no such thing as a ``Trump bump''--key economic indicators are the same or worse. The President's signature economic policy--the $1.9 trillion tax cut--has failed to deliver the promised economic boost and his second major economic policy--the trade war--is a self-inflicted wound, hurting farmers, consumers, businesses and the economy. Madam Speaker, those of us who were there remember well that the morning of January 20, 2009, which was one of the coldest days on record in Washington, DC. But it was nothing compared to the chill wind blowing through the American economy and body politic because at that time the nation was facing economic challenges unseen since the Great Depression: Americans were losing their jobs at a frightening rate of 800,000 per month; the national unemployment rate had risen to 7.8 percent and would continue to climb until reaching its peak of 10.0 percent in October 2009. For African Americans, the numbers were much grimmer, a jobless rate of 13.5 percent in January 2009 which would grow to 16.5 percent by the end of the year. And on top of this, tens of thousands of American families each month were losing their health insurance and their homes to foreclosure. And the average price of gas exceeded $4 per gallon. It was against this backdrop that the new President of the United States, Barack Obama, rose to take the oath of office. After being sworn in as the nation's 44th President, President Obama reassured an anxious but hopeful nation, saying: ``Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met.'' Because of the actions President Obama took, not to further the interests of himself but of the American people, these challenges were more than met and overcome and for that Barack Obama's presidency is regarded by historians as a consequential presidency that changed America for the better. Madam Speaker, before Trump took office in January 2017, the economy had recovered from the Great Recession and overall economic indicators were already strong and were trending stronger. Unemployment had been cut by more than half during the Obama administration, from a peak of 10 percent to 4.7 percent. The economy had experienced 76 consecutive months of job growth, the longest sustained period of growth in American history. GDP growth was strong, average of 2.6 percent annually in the last 11 quarters of the Obama Administration and median household income growth was strong and trending upward, increasing $4,800 during in last two years of the Obama administration. Even Greg Mankiw, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President George W. Bush, had to admit that ``the economy was in fine shape at the end of the Obama administration, despite what the current President falsely asserts. Madam Speaker, I will include in the Record an op-ed published on February 17, 2016 in the Washington Examiner, entitled ``Seven Years of Change You Can See and Feel.'' President Obama actually had a plan to tackle the economic woes that were affecting the American people. Working with the Democratic-controlled Congress, the President signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which created 3.7 million jobs and saved the jobs of millions of teachers, firefighters, police officers, and social service providers. The Recovery Act also cut taxes for working families, extended unemployment insurance, and expanded the Earned Income and Child tax credits, which disproportionately benefit African American families. The Recovery Act ended the Great Recession, transformed the economy from one hemorrhaging jobs to one that has created over 16 million new jobs over a record 71 consecutive months. The national unemployment rate has dipped under 5 percent for the first time since President Clinton left office, the deficit has been cut by 71 percent, and the Dow Jones stock market index topped 18,000 in 2015, an increase of 177 percent over where it stood the day President Obama took office. And, as an added benefit, the average price of gasoline has been reduced from more than $4.11 per gallon to $1.80, the lowest price since before the tragedy of September 11. In short, Madam Speaker, President Obama bequeathed a booming and vibrant economy to his successor, who promptly took actions to undermine it and explode the national debt. Madam Speaker, the GOP TaxScam was the wrong policy at the wrong time because it showered benefits on the top 1 percent and large multinational corporations while doing little for everyday working Americans and Main Street small business owners. GOP TaxScam also raises the nation's debt by $1.9 trillion at a time when the economy was already strong, and when we are facing major long- term budgetary challenges driven by our aging population. And rather than devoting resources to wise investments in our workers and small businesses, the GOP TaxScam further burdens working families, endangers Americans' retirement security, and worsens our budgetary outlook. Our long-term economic growth trajectory is unchanged and there is no sign of an investment boom. Real wage growth for workers remains modest and factories and jobs are more likely to go overseas. The federal deficit is soaring as corporate tax receipts plummet and the tax code is riddled with even more special-interest tax breaks and loopholes. THE GOP TaxScam Led To A Record-Setting $1 Trillion In Stock Buybacks The GOP TaxScam delivered huge benefits to rich investors and CEOs through record-setting stock buybacks in 2018 while average workers struggle to pay for rising health care and living costs. Stock buybacks do nothing to improve business operations or help workers. The GOP TaxScam Showers Benefits on the Wealthy and Large Corporations While Doing Little For Workers And Main Street Small Businesses The GOP tax cut is heavily tilted toward the wealthy and corporations and exacerbates the stagnation of wages for the vast majority of workers and worsens income and wealth inequality. The GOP tax law does nothing to help small businesses gain access to capital and grow their receipts. Only 5 percent of small businesses pay taxes at the corporate level and most of the pass-through tax cuts go to the largest 2.6 percent of businesses. The GOP tax law encourages companies to send factories and jobs overseas Under the GOP tax law, income generated by American companies abroad face tax rates that are half the new top corporate rate of 21 percent. Some companies may be able to avoid tax altogether on tangible investments made offshore. This further incentivizes companies to move tangible assets, such as factories and machinery, overseas. Rather than protecting workers and their families, the GOP tax law tilts the playing field against American workers. The GOP Tax Law Increases Deficits By $1.9 Trillion When We Are Facing Major Budgetary Challenges Driven By Our Aging Population Even after accounting for any economic growth effects, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the GOP taxscam increases deficits by $1.9 trillion over the ten years 2018 to 2028--hardly the ``pay for itself' message we heard from the Administration and Republicans in Congress. Our friends across the aisle promised the GOP TaxScam would significantly boost economic growth, spurred an investment boom, drove unemployment down to the lowest level since the 1960s, created jobs for millions of workers, and helped middle-class families keep more of their paychecks. All of these claims have collapsed in the crucible of actual experience. The GOP TaxScam Did Not Significantly Boosts The Economy In the seven quarters before and after passage of the Trump TaxScam, GDP growth is unchanged from the Obama economy, averaging 2.5 percent. By 2023, the tax law's positive effect on economic growth will fade away entirely. The GOP TaxScam Does Not Spur Business Investment There is no evidence of an investment boom, which Republicans promised would be the key to unleashing unprecedented economic growth and wage gains. Nonresidential business investment grew by less than 1 percent in the third quarter of last year, while business' orders for durable goods (another measure of investment) fell in December for the fourth time in five months. Instead of encouraging investment, the tax cut triggered a record level of stock buybacks. GOP TaxScam Not Cause of Lowest Unemployment Since 1968 President Trump is coasting on an economic expansion--now the second- longest on record--that began under President Obama. The law has not changed the unemployment trend. The unemployment rate has fallen steadily since the end of the Great Recession. The GOP TaxScam Has Not Created Jobs For Millions Of Workers More jobs were created in President Obama's last two years in office than President Trump's first two years, a monthly average of 227,000 for Obama contrasted to an average of 191,000 for Trump. Monthly non-farm job growth has slowed in the first 35 months of the Trump administration compared to the last 35 months of the Obama administration--36,000 fewer jobs per month under Trump. The tax law also encourages companies to send factories and jobs overseas rather than protecting jobs at home. The GOP TaxScam Is Not Helping Middle-Class Families Keep More Of Their Paychecks There has been very little increase in private sector compensation or wages since the tax law passed. Real wage growth continues to be disappointingly modest, and real bonuses increased by just 2 cents per hour between December 2017 and September 2018. The law ignores the stagnation of working-class wages and worsens income and wealth inequality. In fact, only 35 percent of the tax law's benefits in 2018 will go to the bottom 80 percent of households making less than approximately $150,000 per year. Even Though Federal Revenues Have Risen, The GOP TaxScam Has Created A Major Revenue Deficiency Problem Corporate tax receipts dropped an astounding 31 percent drop in 2018, with total receipts as a share of GDP falling to the lowest levels since the end of the Great Recession despite healthy economic growth and a tight labor market. Revenue last year was 16.4 percent of the economy, almost two percentage points below the 50-year average of 18.3 percent in years in which unemployment fell below 5 percent. By contrast, spending as a share of GDP last year fell right at the historical average. Predictably, the President and our Republican friends seeks to evade blame and responsibility for the fiscal mess and exploding debt they have created. Instead of redressing the harm caused by the Trump TaxScam, Republicans resort again to their past practice of blaming the deficit on the entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, SNAP, and veterans benefits and seek to slash these programs to the barebones. For example the President sought to cut non-defense discretionary (NDD) programs by $1.4 trillion, including cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, reduce funding for SNAP by $220 billion or 22 percent, and deny infrastructure funding for, cash-strapped state and local governments; and pile more hardships on struggling Americans with $327 billion in cuts to direct spending programs that safeguard basic living standards they need to get by. The President is obsessed with dismantling and destabilizing health care for millions of Americans by making yet another attempt to ``repeal and replace'' the Affordable Care Act passed under the extraordinary leadership of President Barack Obama which provided health security to more than 20 million Americans. Madam Speaker, we now entering Act III of the immorality play we predicted the President would write. Act I was the cutting of taxes for the rich; Act II was the inevitable exploding of the deficit we predicted would result and our Republican friends denied would ever happen. And now we have Act III, in which Republicans claim to have newly rediscovered their horror over the deficits created by their fiscal irresponsibility and insist that the mess they created but be cleaned up by slashing investments in the programs relied upon by the 90-95 percent of Americans who were made worse off by the GOP TaxScam. The President should be embarrassed and ashamed of his economic stewardship and thankful every day to President Obama for tackling and solving the major economic challenges facing Americans.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a talented tailor, dedicated husband, loving father, and dear friend of longstanding--Mr. Benjamin ``Ben'' Evans. Sadly, Ben passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2020. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at 1:00 pm at New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church located at 795 Maynard Street in Macon, Georgia. Benjamin Evans (affectionately known as ``Ben'' to his family, friends, and colleagues) was born in Bibb County, Georgia to the late Clifford Danielly and Fannie B. Evans. He was born on August 5, 1929 and was the eldest of two sons. He attended Hudson High School in Macon, Georgia and later joined the U.S. Army. Ben was a veteran, having retired from the military as a Staff Sergeant with 22 years of service. He was always industrious and hard-working. He attended Morgan State College in Baltimore, Maryland where he majored in Fashion Design. He loved men's fashion. Having learned the art of tailoring, Ben was so skilled that he could design a suit without a pattern. Known for being one of the best-dressed men in Macon, he loved to design matching outfits for himself and his beloved wife, Lillie Ruth. Ben opened an alteration shop, Genesis, and operated it in Downtown Macon for many years. He also served as the Business Manager and Co-Owner of Gantt's Pre-School and M.A. Evans Academy. On June 2, 1982, Ben was joined in Holy Matrimony to the Love of His Life, Lillie Ruth Gantt-Evans. They married after a long courtship. He made a dress from memory for his beloved Lillie Ruth and presented it to her as a gift on their first date. Ben accepted Christ at an early age where he was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Macon, GA. He later became a member of New Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Trustee Board. Ben cared about his community, and he was always engaged in organizations that did positive work. He served dutifully as a member of the following organizations: Disabled American Veterans (Life Member), Veterans of Foreign Wars, Homosapien Civic & Social Club, former member of 100 Black Men of Middle Georgia, Inc., Bibb County Democrats (Post Seat Holder), and former member of the Civil Service Board of Bibb County. Ben enjoyed sewing and loved to listen to music. He had a vast collection of blues and jazz. He loved to attend the annual Tom Bonner Picnic and VFW events and cared about the community. Ben accomplished much in his life, but none of this would have been possible without the Grace of God; the love and support of his wife, Lillie Ruth; his children, Chandra, Merita, Gregory, and Jimmy (deceased); his stepson Freeman; and a host of family and friends who will miss him deeply. On a personal note, I have been truly blessed with Ben's and Lillie Ruth's friendship and support over the years. Ben and Lillie Ruth have long had a passion for civic involvement manifested by unreserved support of candidates they believed would use the public trust of elected office to benefit their community. They worked tirelessly in voter registration, voter education, and voter participation. Together they could place campaign signs across the Macon landscape with such precision and creativity that they appeared to grow out of the ground overnight. Never have two people worked together for so long in so many elections for so many candidates and so successfully as the ``Ben and Lillie Ruth'' political team. I and countless other elected officials benefited and for their tireless service we will forever be grateful. Truly Macon, Bibb County, and America are better because Benjamin Evans passed our way. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in paying tribute to Mr. Benjamin ``Ben'' Evans and in extending our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and, loved ones during this difficult time of bereavement. Moreover, we pray that we will all be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, there is no joy for me in the impeachment process, because I know the nature of impeachment is polarizing. Unfortunately, based on his own words, conduct, and the evidence from credible witnesses, there is no other option but to impeach. The first article alleges the President abused the power of his office for personal gain. He withheld military aid and an Oval Office meeting from a foreign government unless they gave him dirt he could use against his likely challenger to help his own re-election bid. The President admitted he did this. This conversation was in the transcript the White House released. Two State Department officials' texts and phone calls confirmed the transcript and the President's own words. The second article alleges the President obstructed Congress by refusing to comply with the lawful requests made by Congress in the impeachment inquiry. President Trump repeatedly instructed government officials and agencies not to cooperate and spurn subpoenas. In the history of impeachment in our country, this has never happened. No President or Administration facing impeachment has ever categorically denied subpoenas and refused requests for documents, until President Trump. The facts are not in dispute. The President and his Chief of Staff have admitted they did it and told us ``we do that all the time, get over it.'' We must not get over it. We must not let the abnormal become the normal. We cannot allow this President to ``do whatever he wants'' if it violates the Constitution and laws of the United States. To not impeach would say to future presidents they can disregard the Constitutional authority given to Congress. To not impeach would announce to foreign countries that America's presidency is for sale. To not impeach would tell future presidents they too can try to rig an election in their favor instead of letting voters decide. To not impeach would say our President is above the law. The President and Members of Congress take an oath to the Constitution. The President violated his oath, but I will not violate mine.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for the time, and I rise in support of H.R. 1865. As the chair of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I am pleased to briefly highlight the important national priorities addressed in this bill. From the safety of our food and medicines, to agriculture research, to rural development, and nutrition assistance, the programs in this bill touch the lives of every American on a daily basis. The strong investments we make in this bill will improve people's lives at home and abroad. The fiscal year 2020 Agriculture bill provides $23.5 billion in discretionary funding, $183 million above the fiscal year 2019 level. In addition, it provides the latest estimates for mandatory programs required by law. The legislation makes major investments, totaling almost $3.8 billion, in our rural communities, including $1.45 billion for rural water and waste program loans and $545 million in grants for clean and reliable drinking water systems, $640 million for broadband programs, including $555 million for the Re-Connect grants and loans, an issue with strong bipartisan support. The bill funds all of the domestic nutrition programs, including SNAP, WIC, and the Child Nutrition Programs, sufficiently to meet anticipated participation in fiscal year 2020. In addition, it provides $35 million for the Summer EBT program, $30 million for the school kitchen equipment grants, and $5 million for the school breakfast expansion grants. The bill provides $1.8 billion for farm programs, including $35 million to address staffing shortages at county offices to ensure farmers and producers receive the best possible customer service. It also extends and expands disaster assistance to continue assisting farmers, ranchers, and producers in States that were devastated by natural disasters, including Hurricane Michael that devastated my district. The legislation makes critical investments in agriculture research by providing $3.2 billion, a $171 million increase over fiscal year 2019. We provided record levels of resources for the Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole programs. These programs send American commodities all over the world to address global hunger and are an essential tool of American diplomacy. The Food and Drug Administration will receive $3.16 billion in discretionary funding, with specific funding dedicated to fighting rare cancers, gaining efficiencies for generic drug reviews, improving response to foodborne illness outbreaks, and the continued implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. The bill funds the Commodity Futures Trading Commission at $315 million, a historic, necessary, and long-overdue increase. I am pleased that the bill provides funding for several programs authorized in the 2018 farm bill, including the 1890 National Scholars program. Finally, Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their historic and effective leadership throughout the appropriations process. I would like to also thank the subcommittee's distinguished ranking member, Mr. Fortenberry. He has been a great partner during this process.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, of course I have to give a tremendous shout out to the hardworking Appropriations Committee staff, both majority and minority. They have worked hard through multiple challenges, and they have delivered us a good bill, although not perfect, to avoid a government shutdown. Madam Speaker, this is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise to pay tribute to a great man and dear friend of longstanding, Mr. Larry N. Wofford. Larry passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, and a funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City, Alabama. A native son of Columbus, Georgia, Larry was born on August 1, 1944, to the union of the late Claude Newton Wofford and Zola Coker Wofford. He was retired from AT&T where he faithfully worked for over 47 years. During his distinguished career, he served as President, Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local No. 3212 for over 38 years; President, CWA Retirees for over five years; member of five Bargaining Committees; member of Telephone Pioneers of America; President, Chattahoochee Valley Labor Council for four years; and was actively involved with the Georgia Sheriff's Youth Homes in LaGrange, Georgia for over 25 years. Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once said that ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Larry paid his rent and he paid it well! He will be remembered for his insightful and optimistic spirit, his passion for helping others, and his immense love for his family. He leaves behind a great legacy in how life should be lived and warm cherished memories in the lives of those who knew him. While he was preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his loving wife, Sue, and a host of family, friends, and colleagues in the labor movement, who will miss him dearly. On a personal note, I am proud to have called Larry my friend. He was always encouraging and supportive of my career in the Georgia General Assembly and in the United States Congress and I will be forever grateful for his friendship, advice, and counsel over the years. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, along with my wife, Vivian; and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in saluting Mr. Larry N. Wofford for his lifelong dedication to serving working men and women and humankind in general. I would also like to ask my colleagues in the House to join us in extending our deepest sympathies to Larry's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank my colleagues for this Special Order giving tribute to a good and great man. Winston Churchill once said, ``You make your living by what you get. You make your life by what you give.'' My friend, Johnny Isakson, has given so much to so many for so long. He has truly made a life. Johnny Isakson has been a true statesman in his remarkable career as a public servant for Georgians. I first met Johnny in 1977 where we served together in the Georgia General Assembly. We developed a friendship which has endured through our work together in the State House, the U.S. House of Representatives, and during his service as our U.S. Senator from Georgia. Throughout his career, he has not viewed issues from a partisan perspective, but for the good of all Americans. Johnny served as a Republican in both chambers of Georgia's State legislature, but he was appointed by Georgia's Democratic Governor Zell Miller to be the chairman of the Georgia State Board of Education. His integrity, his kindness are invaluable qualities in a legislator and have no doubt been a defining measure of his success. I am honored to call Johnny my friend. We will miss him in the delegation. His loss will be felt deeply, but we can all agree that he is very much deserving of a happy retirement spent with his wife, Dianne, their children, and grandchildren, and we wish you the best, Johnny. The poet said: Isn't it strange how princes and kings, and clowns that caper in sawdust rings, and common people, like you and me, are builders for eternity? Each is given a list of rules; a shapeless mass; a bag of tools. And each must make your life as flown, a stumbling block, or a stepping stone. The people of Georgia, the people of our Nation, and, indeed, people all across the world are so blessed that you have used your life and your career not as a stumbling block but as a stepping stone for a higher, better quality of life for human kind. Thank you, and God bless you.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding Man of God, a devoted spiritual leader, and dear friend of longstanding, Reverend Roosevelt Carter, I, who retired from his role as Senior Pastor of First Monumental Faith Ministries in Albany, Georgia after over three decades of selfless service and was honored on Saturday, November 9, 2019, at 5:00 pm. In 1984, Reverend Carter answered the call to preach the word of God and founded First Monumental Faith Ministries alongside his wife, First Lady, and Co-Pastor, LaVerne Shinault Carter. For the past 35 years, Rev. Carter has been the shepherd at First Monumental where he has ministered to the needs of his flockchristening babies, baptizing believers, performing marriages, and consoling bereaved families while developing and honing his skills as a church administrator and inspiring spiritual leader. Under The Carters' dynamic and spirit- filled leadership, First Monumental Faith Ministries has experienced tremendous growth. But most importantly, under their leadership, First Monumental has been a beacon of hope and salvation for the congregation through its many ministries that share the good news of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Outside of the church, Reverend Carter has also proved himself a true servant of the community in which he lives. His drive led him to organize First Monumental Community Outreach, Inc. (FMCO) to help provide services to those in need. By utilizing its access to government grants, FMCO opened ``Job's Place'', the first assistance program for persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the Dougherty County area. Reverend Carter and FMCO also joined forces with the City of Albany & the Dougherty County Coalition to help end homelessness by leading the charge to acquire government funding from the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) to support and transition over 15 families to self-sustainable living. Furthermore, Reverend Carter also extended the reach of First Monumental Faith Ministries through the Monumental Development Center and the Fluff-n-Fold Laundromat to aid in job creation for residents in the community. Reverend Carter has achieved much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and the support of his loving wife, LaVerne, and his children, Roosevelt, Jr., Roderald, Lorenzo, and Renorta. On a personal note, I have been blessed by Reverend Carter's sage counsel and enduring friendship over the time that I have known him. He has always encouraged and supported me during my career in Congress and, I am proud to call him my friend. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in extending our sincerest congratulations and best wishes to Reverend Roosevelt Carter, I on the occasion of his retirement and in congratulating him for 35 outstanding years of leadership at First Monumental Faith Ministries, and for a lifetime of selfless service to God, the church, and to humankind.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am very saddened to hear Congressman Conyers passed away. He was a champion for racial equality and changed Congress for the better by co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus. John was a powerful and effective legislator who never stopped fighting to improve our nation, which he served longer than any other black Member of Congress to date. His career helped pave the way for the thriving Black Caucus we now enjoy. John lived through many pivotal moments in our nation's history. When Rosa Parks struggled to find a job after her historic protest, John rushed to hire her. She worked in his district office for 23 years until her retirement. When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, John began to fight for a holiday to honor him 4 days after Dr. King's death. It took him 15 long years, but John kept pushing to honor King's memory and the battle for civil rights. Vivian and I send our condolences to his wife, children, and all loved ones as we keep them in our prayers in this difficult time.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor for H.R. 3495.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Truly, this is the day that the Lord has made. In spite of the fact that our hearts are heavy, we must rejoice and be glad in it because we have the opportunity to celebrate the life of our longtime friend and our colleague, Congressman Elijah Cummings. As you have heard, Elijah rose from modest beginnings to become one of the greatest public servants that our country has seen. Elijah always did what he believed was right, which earned him respect and friendship on both sides of the aisle. His courage, his passion, and his integrity were undeniable to anyone who crossed his path. Elijah inspired us regularly as one of the greatest orators in this House. He came to my district in Georgia as a guest speaker, and when he finished, everyone was in awe. Elijah's powerful voice made everyone take notice, listen intently, and then act. America has lost a fierce warrior who was committed to doing the right thing, regardless of politics. We will truly feel his absence in this House, where he spoke truth to power and passionately advocated for justice and equality for all. My wife, Vivian, and I send our prayers and our deepest condolences to his wife, Maya, his children, and his family as we mourn this great man. Winston Churchill once said: ``We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.'' Elijah Cummings gave so much to so many for so long. He made his life, but even greater, he made a life for his constituents and for countless others all across this Nation. Truly, this world is a better place because of the life and legacy of Elijah Cummings. To God, be the glory for our friend, our colleague, and the legacy of Elijah E. Cummings.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a strategic thinker, a great motivational speaker, an excellent entrepreneur, a man of God, a friend of longstanding, and my fraternity brother, Dr. Cornelius W. Grant. Sadly, Dr. Grant passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia. His homegoing service was held on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of his family, friends, and the countless students he mentored as the Vice President of Student Affairs at Albany State College (now University) and those he touched in his many other endeavors. Dr. Cornelius ``C.W.'' Grant, also affectionately known as ``Dean Grant'', was born on February 10, 1931, to the union of the late Reverend Everett Grant and Mrs. Elberta Clark Grant. He was a product of the public-school system in Jacksonville, Florida, graduating from Stanton High School. The next step of his life's journey took him to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). He took a brief respite from FAMU to serve our country in the United States Army. After a successful tour of duty, he returned to FAMU and earned his Juris Doctorate Degree. He began his career at Albany State College in 1966 as the Vice President for Student Affairs where he retired in 1996 after an incredible 30-year career. Because of the solid spiritual foundation that was instilled in him at an early age by his parents, he enjoyed a strong relationship with God. He was an active member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia for many years, serving under the leadership of Dr. E. James Grant and Dr. Daniel B. Simmons. In later years, he continued his walk with the Lord at Second Mount Zion Baptist Church in Albany under the leadership of Dr. Theodus Drake. God indeed ordered the steps of his life. He was highly sought-after as a public speaker, lecturer, and consultant. Dr. Grant gave many speeches all across the country. He always left a mark and very often ended his speeches with his legendary phrase, ``If it is to be, it is up to me!'' Dr. Grant was armed with a servant's heart and gave of himself in selfless service to many local, state, and national organizations to include: The National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP); the American Association of Law Librarians; the Benevolent Elks; the Pinochle Club; Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Delta Delta Chapter); The Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany; Albany Civil Rights Institute; the American Red Cross; The Dougherty County School Board; and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Grant was a leader and not a follower. He served as President of the Albany Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors, Chairman of the Dougherty School Board and also served as President of NASAP. Dr. Grant was also a trailblazer and a history maker. As a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc., he holds the distinction of being one of only six members of the fraternity bestowed with both the Elder Watson Diggs Award and the Laurel Wreath, the highest awards given by the fraternity. He also served as the 16th Southeastern Province Polemarch. Dr. Grant was a man who exuded confidence. He was indeed an original. He made those with whom he came in contact believe that they could accomplish any task. Dr. Grant's life was truly lived in the words of George Bernard Shaw when he said, ``Some people see things as they are and they say why, I dream things that never were, and I say why not?'' Dr. Grant lived his life with a ``Why Not?'' philosophy. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his family, his late wife, Dr. Velma Fudge Grant, who was a long time professor of English and Language Arts; his two daughters, Cheryl Lawson and Joi Grady; his grandchildren; godsons; and companion, Judge Denise Marshall. On a personal note, Dr. Grant was my friend and my fraternity brother in both Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi. He was always encouraging and supportive of my career in Congress and I will indeed miss his candid and cogent advice and counsel. Madam Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District, and the countless others who were touched by this great man, would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Grant family. We are proud to have known a man who dedicated his life to the uplift of others. To God be the Glory for the life and legacy of Dr. Cornelius W. Grant.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and Happy Birthday wishes to a true man of God and public servant, Mr. Robert F. Kelley, Sr., who celebrated his 100th birthday on Wednesday, August 14, 2019. He celebrated this milestone with family and friends on Saturday, August 17, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. at The Cunningham Center located on the campus of Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. Robert F. Kelley, Sr. was born on August 14, 1919, in Ellaville, Georgia as the fourth of six children to the late Will Lee and Littie Hardison Kelley. The values of Christian discipleship, hard work, and education were instilled in Robert at a young age. Although his studies in the Chatahoochee County Public School System were cut short because he had to assist his father in tending to the needs of the family farm, he remained passionate about learning. Consequently, as an adult, he continued to learn and prepare for his future employment opportunities, such as the United States Civil Service, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, and the Muscogee County School District. On April 27, 1939, at the age of 19, Robert married the love of his life, Flossie McCray. They were faithfully married for 56 years until Flossie's passing in 1995. Over the years, they were blessed with eight children: Zelma (deceased), Robert, Jr., William, Carolyn Ann, Shirley, Doris, Dorothy, and Rosalyn; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great- grandchildren. As doting parents, Robert and Flossie always created a nurturing environment of unselfish love, encouragement, and values to carry their children, grandchildren, and a host of other family members through life. In addition to being a committed family man, Mr. Kelley is also a proud Veteran who served his country during World War II, receiving an honorable discharge in 1944. His service was a true testament of his devotion to his country, as African-American soldiers during this time were in a segregated Army and fought in a war with limited chances of receiving a promotion or even an acknowledgment. After his distinguished military career ended, Mr. Kelley continued to contribute to his community. On September 29, 1944, he became a member of the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia and served over many years in several leadership capacities including Chairman of the Deacon Board, Chairman of the Trustee Board, Church Clerk, Financial Secretary, Boy Scout Leader, and Tribe Leader. He continues to serve to this day. Ecclesiastes 9:11 says ``The race of life is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to those who endure until the end.'' Robert F. Kelley, Sr. has run the race of his life with zeal and dignity. As patriarch of his family, the legacy of the exemplary life he has led stands as a guiding light for the Kelley family and generations yet to come. God has blessed him for over 100 years and for that, and the lives he has touched, we can only say ``To God be the glory!`` Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the almost 730,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in honoring an outstanding citizen, family man, and man of God, Mr. Robert F. Kelley, Sr., for a lifetime of dedicated service to his family, his community, and his Nation. We extend our best wishes and God's blessings to him on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act, a bill that would radically improve the lives of millions of Americans. For ten years, the longest period in United States history, workers have suffered as the federal minimum wage stayed the same as inflation rose. With the same wages and rising prices, workers essentially received a 17 percent pay cut. That's unacceptable, and it's about time we give American workers a raise. Americans are working just as hard as any generation, and yet, they are receiving less than their parents and they are struggling to afford basic necessities and claim their share of the American dream. Nationwide polls show that Americans support raising the minimum wage across geographic and party lines. Georgia's Second Congressional District, which I represent, is one of many that would be most impacted. 43 percent of workers would receive a wage increase. A majority of these workers are women and people of color, who are disproportionately affected by poverty. The largest age group that would benefit are those between the ages of 25 and 39. Nationally, raising the minimum wage to $15 would lift 1.3 million Americans out of poverty, including 600,000 children. Poverty has devastating effects on families, and studies have shown children born into poverty have greater difficulties succeeding in the future. Mr. Speaker, Americans work hard and should be able to support themselves and their families. This bill is modest and gradual, giving businesses plenty of time to adjust. Raising the minimum wage is simply another way to help our constituents improve their lives and boost the economy. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my constituent and friend of longstanding, Hilton Ray Segler. On July 4, 2019, Hilton, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 82 in Albany, Georgia. He dedicated his professional life to agriculture. He began in 1957 selling ag chemicals, was co-owner of NIPAN, and later sold crop insurance. He is most remembered for his leadership in the pecan industry. Hilton developed a special interest in pecans and became a leading State leader and advocate for the pecan industry. He served as president of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association for two terms. As president, and a pecan grower himself, he testified before Congress on behalf of pecan growers for three of the last four farm bills. Hilton's hard work and desire to better the industry led to many accomplishments, including crop insurance, ensuring that conservation and emergency programs were available to pecan growers; and the Market Access Program, to aid in building the pecan export market. His passion and leadership will be sorely missed by the industry. On a personal note, Hilton was my friend. I will miss his sage advice and his wise counsel. He never told me what I wanted to hear. He always told me what I needed to hear. The State of Georgia and our Nation have been truly blessed to benefit from Hilton's leadership and his advocacy.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and Happy Birthday wishes to an inspirational leader and true man of God, Pastor Sidney R. Crawford, who celebrated his 101st birthday on Wednesday, June 6, 2019, with his family and friends. Sidney Richard Crawford was born on June 6, 1918, in Bonneau, South Carolina to the union of the late Mr. William Henry and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth ``Lizzie'' Hodge Crawford. He graduated from Berkeley County High School in 1937 and went on to attend college in Spartanburg, South Carolina. In 1941, he married the love of his life, Ms. Iva Elizabeth ``Betty'' Harper, in Heath Springs, South Carolina. That same year, he responded to God's call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by becoming an ordained Baptist Minister at Emanuel Baptist Church in Summerville, South Carolina. He pastored several churches in the Charleston and Summerville areas until 1947, when he decided that he wanted to serve not only his community, but his country. That year, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and honorably served his country for seven years. In 1954, he was called back into the ministry to preach in Adamsville, Alabama. Over the years, Pastor Crawford successfully balanced the role of Pastor at several churches in Alabama and Georgia until 1970, when he decided to return to college to enhance his studies. His hard work and dedication paid off in 1972, when he graduated with a degree from Charleston Southern University. But even with his newfound wealth of knowledge, he continued pastoring in churches and teaching at schools in South Carolina. George Washington Carver once said, ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Pastor Crawford has advanced far in life because he never forgot these lessons and always kept God first. The race of life isn't given to the swift or to the strong, but to those who endure until the end. Pastor Crawford has continued to run the race of life with zeal and dignity and God has blessed him over his lifetime. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the almost 730,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in honoring an outstanding citizen and man of God, Pastor Sidney R. Crawford, for a lifetime of selfless service to God, the church, and to humankind. We extend our best wishes to him on the occasion of his 101st birthday and without reservation exclaim: To God be the Glory.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated leader and true champion for the law enforcement community, Mr. James A. ``Bud'' Cody, Sr. Sadly, Bud passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2019. A public memorial celebrating his life and legacy will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia. James A. ``Bud'' Cody, Sr. was born on November 27, 1938, in Willacoochee, Georgia to the union of the late Homer and Mellie Cody. At a young age, he was destined to be a part of something greater than himself. While attending Valdosta High School, he was a member of the school's famed football program and state winning 4x4 track relay team. At the age of 18, he began working full-time at the Boys Club in Valdosta, and it was then that Bud realized his passion for helping underprivileged youth reach their full potential. As a full-time father and husband, Bud attended night classes at Valdosta State College and in 1961, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Social Work. Upon his graduation, the Boys Club relocated him to Texas where he was instrumental in the establishment of several Boys Club facilities across Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico. Bud discovered his second passion for serving the Office of Sheriff through improving law enforcement and training in 1966 when the Georgia Sheriffs' Association {GSA) hired him to serve as their first Executive Director. That same year, he began his tenure as the Director of the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes' Boys Ranch in Hahira, Georgia and as the Treasurer for the Sheriffs' Retirement Fund of Georgia {SRFG). He actively served in all three roles until his retirement in September of 2012. During his 46-year tenure as the Executive Director of the Georgia Sheriffs' Association, he was sought after by several Georgia governors {ranging from Governor Sanders to Governor Perdue) for his advice and counsel on matters relating to improving law enforcement throughout the state. Bud's impact on the law enforcement community expanded in 1978, when he joined his friend and business partner, Claude Grizzard, to form the company, Computer Fund Raising {CFR), which provided financial assistance to millions of officers and youth in over 30 states. In 1980, in an effort to nationally protect and preserve the Office of Sheriff, Bud worked with Bobby Timmons of the Alabama Sheriffs' Association to form the National Sheriff's Association Committee of Presidents and Executive Directors. In 1982, Bud used his position as Treasurer of the SRFG to assume control of the Fund's $9 million in assets and helped increase it to its current total of $97 million, to ensure that those who gave their lives to protect and serve receive retirement funds. Bud took his passion one step further in 1990 when he worked with state leaders, criminal justice practitioners, and Sheriffs to establish the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia, a world-class public safety training facility that trains more than 2,000 students daily. He also helped create safe havens and educational opportunities for thousands of Georgia's youth by overseeing the development of youth homes in Cherokee Estate, Pineland, Herrington, Homestead, and Mountain View, Georgia. Additionally, in 1995, he and the GSA created the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes Foundation, which currently holds $15 million in assets for their on- going youth homes. Bud accomplished much in his life; but, none of it would have been possible without the Grace of God and the love and support of his family--including his children, James, Jr., Derek, Camille, Amy, and Celena {deceased); his twelve grandchildren; and his four great- grandchildren. Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' Bud is undoubtedly great because of his selfless service, devotion to his work, and the compassion he showed for his friends and loved ones. Bud's impression on this earth extends beyond himself to the very well-being of the communities in which he lived and served. Madam Speaker, my wife, Vivian, and I, along with the almost 730,000 people in Georgia's Second Congressional District, salute Mr. James A. ``Bud'' Cody, Sr. for an outstanding career within law enforcement and his lifelong dedication to serving his community. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest sympathies to Bud's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant and dear friend of longstanding, Mr. Hilton R. Segler. Sadly, Hilton passed away on July 4, 2019, at the age of 82. His passing marks the close of a long and prolific life, and his departure leaves a void in the hearts of many Georgians. He leaves behind an impeccable legacy of service that will never be forgotten. A funeral service was held on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors in Albany, Georgia. Mr. Hilton Ray Segler was born in Ozark, Alabama, on April 26, 1937, to the union of the late Mr. William Foy and Mrs. Willie Clyde (Dunn) Segler. In 1948, his family moved to Albany, Georgia, where he went on to graduate from Albany High School and pursue several correspondence degrees in Law and Business. In 1957, Hilton started working for Southeastern Liquid Fertilizer in Albany, Georgia, before serving as the Assistant to the President of Planters Chemical Company in Virginia. He then moved back to Albany in 1964 to work for the Thompson/Hayward Chemical Company and was appointed Regional Manager for the company in 1981. Hilton also has served as a salesman for the TIDA Farm Service Center where his sales exceeded $1.5 million in his first year and $3 million in his second year, thus proving his acuity as a salesman. In the early 1990s, he purchased a pecan farm and farmed over 1,900 acres of pecan trees for almost six years. He later started a nickel nutrient supplement company, Nipan, LLC, in 2003. Products from his company have gained tremendous popularity in the last few years and are shipped all over the United States. In 2002, Hilton, along with Bucky Geer and James Lee Adams, testified before the Risk Management Agency on behalf of pecan growers. His undying efforts helped pecan growers across the United States attain crop insurance. Hilton also testified before the House and Senate Committees on Agriculture in an effort to obtain larger provisions for the pecan industry in the 2008 Farm bill. Consequently, pecans were included in the Country of Origin labeling requirements and also in the crop insurance program. Hilton continued to work on expanding pecan exports to China and other agricultural economies, by partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture and Georgia Department of Agriculture, and pushing for pecan farmers' participation in the Market Access program, a program that helps finance promotional activities for U.S. agricultural products. In 2004, Hilton championed efforts to obtain ``clean up'' assistance for pecan farmers who were hurt by hurricanes that devastated parts of Georgia and Alabama. In 2010, he testified before the House Agriculture Committee on the future of the pecan industry and the importance of nutrition and trade to this industry, for the 2010 Farm bill. Hilton accomplished much throughout his life, but none of this would have been possible without his enduring faith in God and the love and support of his wife, Faye; his children, Rhonda, Scott, and Jamie; and a host of family and friends who will miss him deeply. On a personal note, Hilton was my friend. I will miss his sage advice and wise counsel. He never told me what I wanted to hear; he always told me what I needed to hear. The state of Georgia and our Nation have been truly blessed to benefit from Hilton's leadership and advocacy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the almost 730,000 people in Georgia's Second Congressional District and countless others across America in paying tribute to Mr. Hilton R. Segler for a life well lived and in extending our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time of bereavement. Moreover, we pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I can tell my colleagues with great confidence that USDA's proposal to move the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) outside the National Capital Region is a bad idea. We held a hearing on the issue last March, at which four former senior USDA officials with 70 years of combined experience at the two agencies, from both parties, expressed their deep opposition to this proposal. Numerous stakeholders have expressed strong opposition, including the National Farmers Union, the Association of American Veterinary Colleges and nearly 1700 other organizations, university officials, and individuals from 47 states. We have not received a single letter in support of this proposal. USDA violated the Appropriations Committee's statutorily required 30- day waiting period for such proposals when it took action to implement the proposal six days after notifying the Committee. It failed utterly to comply with the requirements of the conferees in the 2019 omnibus appropriations report to submit all cost benefits for the move and a detailed analysis of any research benefits of a relocation when it submitted the 2020 budget. USDA has also refused numerous requests from Members of the House and Senate that it provide the original cost-benefit analysis developed before the proposal was announced. It finally gave us a so-called ``cost-benefit analysis'' after the final site was selected. But an independent analysis of this supposed analysis found that ``USDA leadership failed to follow federal guidelines for the benefit cost analysis'' and that ``the move to Kansas City will cost taxpayers between $83 and $182 million dollars, rather than saving them $300 million dollars.'' Large numbers of ERS and NIFA employees have left as a result of this proposal. I fear that ultimately, these agencies will become mere shadows of their former selves, with the loss of hundreds of years of expertise. These agencies' mission is to achieve the best science through research that advances U.S. agriculture and our understanding of the agricultural economy. I believe that the Department's proposal puts that mission at great risk. I urge a yes vote on the Norton amendment.