Sanford Bishop

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to an exceptional public servant and outstanding leader, Chief Judge Anthony Wallace Cato, on the occasion of his retirement from the South Georgia Judicial Circuit in Bainbridge, Georgia. A. Wallace Cato was born on February 6, 1938 in Decatur County, Georgia to the late John Ebb Cato and Edna Stegall Cato. A Georgia man through and through, he has lived in Bainbridge his entire life. He attended the University of Georgia and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1960 and a law degree in 1964. In 1966, he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives but he resigned in November 1969 to take office as District Attorney for the South Georgia Judicial Circuit. He served as District Attorney, prosecuting crimes in Southwest Georgia, until 1978. Judge Cato resigned as District Attorney in 1978 and was appointed as Superior Court Judge for the South Georgia Judicial Circuit in a newly added seat. He served as Judge under Chief Judge Robert Culpepper, Jr. until December 15, 1982 when Judge Culpepper retired. At that time, Judge Cato became Chief Judge and he has maintained that position since. Chief Judge Cato was a member of the Council of Superior Court Judges and served as Secretary and Treasurer in 1983-1984 under President Judge Emory Findley. Chief Judge Cato succeeded Judge Findley as the President of the Council in 1984-1985. Chief Judge Cato also served as an Administrative Judge of the Second Judicial Administrative District for two terms: 1986 through 1988 and 2002 through 2006. As Administrative Judge, he served on the Executive Committee of the Council during these time periods. Throughout his career, Chief Judge Cato has been recognized for his commitment and leadership on the bench. This year, he received the 5th Annual Emory Findley Award for Outstanding Judicial Service from the Council of Superior Court Judges. Always a mentor to those around him, Chief Judge Cato possesses the rare quality of humble leadership. After retirement, Chief Judge Cato will enjoy spending time with his wife, Sadie; their three children, Karen, Wally, and Nancy; and six grandchildren. Chief Judge Cato has accomplished much in his life, but none of it would be possible without the love and support of the family he cherishes so dearly. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to the Honorable A. Wallace Cato upon the occasion of his retirement from an outstanding career spanning 38 years as a Judge for the South Georgia Judicial Circuit.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the legacies of two of my esteemed colleagues, Charles B. Rangel and Corrine Brown. At the close of this Congress, Representative Rangel and Representative Brown will be concluding a combined sixty-nine years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives. I am truly appreciative and honored to have worked with these two dedicated and respected individuals. Today, I want to especially recognize their work for the Veterans Braintrust Forum, founded by Congressman Rangel in 1988. The Veterans Braintrust Forum serves as a virtual advisory group for the Congressional Black Caucus on veteran's issues. This year's forum focused on the VA's Commission on Care report. I am so thankful for the unwavering commitment that these two Members of Congress have for our nation's military, veterans, and African Americans, and I am proud to call them my friends. Representative Rangel began his work in Congress forty-six years ago, and I am proud to have been able to work beside him. A Korean War veteran, he entered public service fighting for civil rights and military veterans. In 1965, he participated in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery and in 1971 he was elected to the United States House of Representatives for the first time. During his tenure in Congress, Representative Rangel provided decades of leadership on veteran's issues by increasing educational and health benefits for the Vietnam Era and Desert Storm veterans, securing the creation of the Harlem Veterans Outreach Center, and implementing tax protection for members of our Armed Forces and veterans. He also was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, an organization dedicated to advancing the global African American community. Representative Rangel is not the only one transitioning from the House at the end of this term. Over two decades ago Representative Corrine Brown and I began serving together in Congress. She has been an effective advocate for our nations' veterans. Her leadership on the House Veterans Affairs Committee has helped to ensure that veterans have the resources they need to live healthy and productive lives. She also spent her time supporting the concerns of women veterans and fighting to end homelessness among veterans. Through her efforts, the first African American Marines, the Montford Point Marines, also were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2012. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Representatives Charles Rangel and Corrine Brown, as they enter this next chapter in both of their lives. The U.S. House of Representatives will surely not be the same without their leadership.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a respected community leader and outstanding citizen, Frank Johnson. Sadly, Mr. Johnson passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2016. Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 26, 2016. Frank Johnson served our nation honorably among the ranks of the first black Marines, known as the Montford Point Marines because they received basic training at the segregated Montford Point Base adjacent to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Mr. Johnson later worked at Robins Air Force Base until he retired. Although Mr. Johnson fought to protect our cherished freedoms and liberties, he did not benefit from all those freedoms and liberties for he did not have the right to vote due to the color of his skin. This inspired Mr. Johnson to join the march over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama on March 7, 1965. When the group of protesters reached the other side of the bridge, they were brutally attacked by police, giving the historic day the name ``Bloody Sunday.'' Frank Johnson's life was about helping people. He was known as the ``mayor'' of Macon's Unionville neighborhood for his efforts to revitalize the area and improve the quality of life for its residents. He was involved in the Unionville Improvement Association and helped with community clean-ups. Mr. Johnson wanted a recreation center for Unionville's young people to enjoy. He got that and more--a recreation center was opened on Mercer University Drive on the site where he grew up playing and it was named after him. The Frank Johnson Community Center is currently undergoing renovations and will reopen soon. Mr. Johnson devoted decades of service to the people of Macon through his meaningful contribution of energy, love, and genuine passion. He was an honorable human being who loved deeply and, in return, was deeply loved. Frank Johnson is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy, and his daughter, Cheryl. Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' Frank Johnson is one such great soul, who served humanity in a special way. Each day he graced the people around him with an enthusiastic sincerity of presence. His impression on this earth extends beyond himself to the very wellbeing of the Macon community, and for it he will be remembered by the community for time to come. Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 730,000 people of the Second Congressional District salute Frank Johnson for his dedicated service and exceptional impact on Macon, Georgia. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest sympathies to Mr. Johnson'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. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I pay tribute to an outstanding athlete, businessman, and citizen, William Thomas ``Bill'' Stanfill, Sr. Sadly, Bill passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2016. A memorial service was held on Monday, November 14, 2016 at Albany First United Methodist Church in Albany, Georgia. A Georgia man through and through, Bill Stanfill was born in Cairo, Georgia. According to him, growing up on a farm doing farm work helped prepare him to play football. While at Cairo High School, Bill was selected as the Class Double-A Lineman of the Year. He also led the basketball team to the state championship and was named MVP of the state tournament. As if that were not enough, Bill excelled in track and field, earning three state Double-A discus championships and a shot put title. Afters high school, Bill attended the University of Georgia on a football scholarship. He was in the first recruiting class of legendary UGA football coach, Vince Dooley. As a defensive tackle for the Georgia Bulldogs, he played on two SEC championship teams in 1966 and 1968. In 1968, he was elected permanent team captain, was a consensus All- American, and became Georgia's first and only winner of the Outland Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best college football interior lineman in the country. Bill was drafted in the first round with the eleventh overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 1969 draft. That year, he was named AFL Rookie of the Year runner up. In 1972, he was the leader of the ``No- Name Defense'' on the undefeated Miami Dolphins team that went on to win the Super Bowl. He was also the starting defensive end on the Dolphins' 1973 Super Bowl team. That year, he recorded 18 18\1/2\ sacks, a single season Dolphins record that still stands today. His career sack total stands at 67\1/2\, which places him among the greatest Dolphins pass rushers of all time. He was a four-time Pro Bowler in his eight-year career with Miami. After suffering numerous injuries, Bill retired from football but unfortunately, those injuries followed him for the rest of his life. Nevertheless, Bill always remained close to the sport and his former teammates. He was inducted into the Miami Dolphins' Honor Roll, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and the UGA Circle of Honor. Bill followed his NFL career with a successful business career with Dozier-Stanfill Real Estate Company in Albany, Georgia. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Albany and served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Monk Thompson Sunday School Class. Bill is survived by his wife, Gail; four children, Stan, Jake, Kristin, and Scott; five grandchildren, Cole, Jack, Samuel, Grace, and Luke; two sisters, Beth and Tommie; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 730,000 residents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia, salute Bill Stanfill for his drive, perseverance, and dedication, which contributed to the long list of accomplishments still remembered and admired by many today. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest condolences to Bill Stanfill's family and friends 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. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation and leadership of Unionville Missionary Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia as the church celebrates a remarkable 151 years. The congregation of Unionville Missionary Baptist Church celebrated this very significant anniversary on Sunday, October 16, 2016. Tracing its roots back to the Civil War era, Unionville Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1865. Prior to that time, black and white people of the Baptist and Methodist faiths worshipped together. When the white believers decided they no longer wanted to worship with the black believers, the black believers were left without a place to worship. Later in 1865, Mr. Wyler, a wealthy landowner, decided to donate land for a black church to be established. He stipulated that the first black Baptist or Methodist to place timber on the land and sit on it all night would be awarded the deed to the land. Thus, two enterprising black Baptists, Lee Buckman and John Josey, retrieved the timber from their bed, placed it on the property, and remained there until morning to await Mr. Wyler's arrival. Upon seeing this, Mr. Wyler donated and deeded land at 1610 Pio Nono Avenue to establish the Unionville Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Pollack served as the first pastor of the newly formed church. Today, the church is under the leadership of Pastor I. Edwin Mack. Having answered the call to lead the church in 1986, Pastor Mack holds the distinction of being the longest tenured pastor in the church's existence. During his tenure, the church membership has increased exponentially and as a result, the Unionville Missionary Baptist Church relocated to a new site at 3837 Houston Avenue. The church then expanded even further with the addition of the I. Edwin Mack Worship & Fellowship Center at 3820 Houston Avenue. A charismatic evangelical innovator, Pastor Mack's spiritual zeal is both infectious and highly contagious. He has previously served as President of the Sixth District of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia. A native of Cochran, Georgia, he is married to the former Eloise Cliett of Byron, Georgia and has a daughter, Brittany. The story of Unionville Missionary Baptist Church, which began as a small group of people worshipping together 151 years ago and has grown into an expansive and successful church, is truly an inspiring one of the dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation of people who put all their love and trust in the Lord. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Unionville Missionary Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia for their long history of coming together through the good and difficult times to praise and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my sincerest congratulations to Pastor Daniel Simmons, leader of my church home, Mount Zion Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Pastor Simmons celebrated 25 years of outstanding ministry to Mount Zion Baptist Church on Sunday, October 9, 2016. A native of Cairo, Georgia, Daniel Simmons was born to Mrs. Pinkie Norwood Simmons and the late Reverend Perry Simmons, Sr. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Albany State College (now University) in 1977. He went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from the University of Georgia in 1985 and a Doctorate of Ministry from Bethany Theological Seminary in Dothan, Alabama in 1991. Pastor Simmons worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor with the Georgia Department of Rehabilitation Services for seventeen years. He also worked as a Community Development Specialist. Pastor Simmons began preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in June 1984. He pastored Mountain Grove Baptist Church in Dawson, Georgia and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Shingler, Georgia. In 1991, the Lord called him to lead Mount Zion Baptist Church. In his 25 years of leadership, Mount Zion has expanded its ministry services, increased its membership tremendously to the point where a second worship service was added, and moved into its new state-of-the-art facility on 109 acres of land at 901 South Westover Boulevard in 2010. But most importantly, Pastor Simmons has led Mount Zion Baptist Church to become a pillar in the community, known for ministering to those in need. Pastor Simmons welcomes anyone and everyone into the church and its members make it their duty to ensure that every soul is taken care of and prayed over. With a congregation of over 3,000 members and 54 ministries, including radio, television, and live- streaming, Mount Zion is truly ``reaching the world for Christ through evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, and missions.'' Mount Zion Baptist Church celebrated another happy occasion--its 151st anniversary. The church was founded in 1865, the same year that the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery was passed by Congress and ratified by the States. Nearly a century later, many of the rallies during the Albany phase of the Civil Rights Movement were held at Mount Zion. To commemorate those struggles, the church donated the building to the Albany Civil Rights Museum which is currently housed there. Mount Zion has seen many ups and downs but God's will and our members' perseverance have shaped it into the expansive and successful place of worship it is today. Jeremiah 3:15 says, ``Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.'' Pastor Daniel Simmons is one such shepherd and a man of integrity who exudes the genuine principles and values of Christian discipleship. Over the 20 years I have been a member of the church, I am proud to call Mount Zion my church home and Pastor Daniel Simmons my pastor. As an ordained Deacon and Trustee, I have personally witnessed the unshakeable faith Pastor Simmons has for the Lord and the profound exegesis he conveys in his sermons. My wife Vivian and I are grateful that we can always count on Pastor Simmons' wise counsel and sage advice. Pastor Simmons has achieved many things in his life but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his wife and First Lady of the Church, Diane Davis Simmons, and his two children and five grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in thanking Pastor Daniel Simmons for 25 outstanding years of service to Mount Zion Baptist Church and a lifetime of service in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding public servant, attorney, and friend, William Johnathan Murray, Jr. Sadly, William Murray passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2016. Funeral services were held on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia. William Murray, Jr. was born on March 23, 1946 in Americus, Georgia. A lifelong follower of Christ, Bill was baptized at twelve years old at First Baptist Church of Americus. More recently, he worshipped at Calvary Episcopal Church of Americus, St. John's Anglican Church of Americus, and Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. From a young age, Bill was eager to serve others. During his time at Americus High School, he was Student Council Vice President his junior year and Student Council President his senior year. In 1968, he graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor's degree in history. He then attended the University of Georgia School of Law and graduated in 1971. During his time at UGA, he was a member of Blue Key, an honor society recognizing men and women of great character who have achieved distinction for service and leadership. He also was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society and served in leadership positions for various student organizations. During law school, he was on the Moot Court Team and won the Best Oralist award in the 1970 Law Day Competition. In addition to his numerous contributions at UGA, he established New College Press while still in college. New College Press published three books, one of which was written by Bill himself and was entitled ``A Boy's Dream.'' Later on, more books by various authors were published by William Murray Publishers. Following the completion of his law degree, Bill returned home to Americus to begin his law career and his public service. He served on the Americus City Council from 1975-1977 and was elected as a state representative in the Georgia General Assembly from 1977-1981. During this time, he introduced legislation that promoted manufacturing in Sumter County, officially designated the Andersonville Trail, and provided funding for University of Georgia projects. Bill also served as City Attorney for Plains, Georgia. In 1980, he married the love of his life, Sandra Merritt Deal. They had two children, Brian and Summer. Bill and Sandra worked together in his law practice and served their clients all over the state of Georgia. They later founded the Sumter Free Press, a newspaper relaying news, editorials, and local history to the residents of Americus. George Washington Carver once said, ``No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' We are all so blessed that William Murray passed this way and during his life's journey did so much for so many for so long. He leaves behind a great legacy in public service to the countless residents of Sumter County whose lives he touched and brightened. His impression on this earth extends beyond himself to the very wellbeing of Sumter County, and for it he will be remembered by the community for time to come. Mr. Murray is survived by his daughter, Jessica Summer Murray and two grandsons, Noah Johnathan Deal and William Brian Deal of Americus, as well as his sister, Gena Murray Moorhead, and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the more than 730,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District, in honoring William Murray, Jr. for his dedicated service to the people of Sumter County and the state of Georgia. We extend our deepest sympathies to William Murray's family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time and 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. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated public servant and outstanding citizen, Jacqueline A. Ellis. Sadly, Jacqui passed away last week. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 30, 2016 at Reid Temple A.M.E. Church in Glenn Dale, Maryland. The homegoing service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. Jacqueline A. Ellis came into this world on October 22, 1957 in Mobile, Alabama. Growing up during the tumultuous times of the Civil Rights Movement, Jacqui spent her life and career working to advance the interests of African Americans and women. Jacqui worked on Capitol Hill for nearly three decades, and her list of accomplishments and successes reflects her dedication to public service and the citizens she served. Jacqui attended Jarvis Christian College from 1976 to 1980. Later on in life, Jacqui was inducted into the Jarvis Christian College's Pioneers Hall of Fame. This honor highlighted her contributions to the school, and the positive recognition her career and successes brought to Jarvis Christian College. Her contributions to generations of students did not end there, however, as she also was a guest lecturer at the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University as well as a Co-Chair of the Bethune-DuBois Institute, Inc. Leadership Forum. The Bethune-DuBois Institute, named after two prominent African American educators, Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, strives to advance the interests and opportunities of African Americans through education and leadership development. Jacqui was a former National Board Member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), a civil rights group founded in response to the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955. The SCLC is now a national organization focused on fighting for human rights around the world. The SCLC honored Jacqui with the Ella Baker Award. Ella Baker was one of the most important leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, as well as a founding member of the SCLC. In addition, Jacqui was a National Board Member for the National Congress of Black Women; a founding member of the Organization of African-American Administrative Assistants and Chiefs of Staff; Chair of the Legislative Issues and Public Affairs Committee for the Links, Inc.; and Social Action Commissioner for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Jacqui spent 28 years working on Capitol Hill, where she had a smile or a word of advice for any Member, staffer, or visitor who needed it. On the Hill, she worked for former Congressman Major Owens of New York and former Senator Howell Heflin of Alabama, and she served as the Chief of Staff for Congressman Al Green of Texas. Having worked in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Jacqui was lauded by many past and present elected officials for her institutional knowledge and her selfless dedication to public service. In recognition of her altruistic spirit, Jacqui was awarded the Congressional Black Associates' Robert H. Ogle Trailblazer's Award for her mentorship and support of African-American staffers and Mobile, Alabama's NAACP Redeemer of the Dream Leadership Award. Throughout her life, Jacqui always dedicated herself to causes that made a difference in the lives of others. George Washington Carver once said, ``No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' We are so grateful that Jacqueline Ellis gave her time and talents to serving on Capitol Hill. She touched the lives of so many in the halls of Congress, including my own. She was a dear friend of longstanding to me and my family. Truly, Capitol Hill shined a little brighter because of Jacqueline Ellis. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and my wife Vivian in extending our deepest condolences to Jacqueline Ellis'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. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to an exceptional community leader and outstanding citizen, Mrs. Dorothy Hyatt, on the occasion of her retirement as Executive Director of Girls, Inc. of Columbus, Georgia. A Columbus native, Dorothy Hyatt starting going to Girls, Inc. at an early age and continued her attendance throughout high school. Her mother worked many hours to support Dorothy and her four siblings so Dorothy would spend much of her time at Girls, Inc. where she would do arts and crafts, learn how to cook and sew, and play in the swimming pool. Her peers and mentors at Girls, Inc. encouraged her to attend college after her graduation from Jordan High School in 1972. She received a scholarship from Girls, Inc. and earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Rehabilitation from Troy State University in 1976 and a Master's in Criminal Justice from the same university in 1980. Girls, Inc. had been such an integral part of her childhood and teenage years that it came as no surprise when Mrs. Hyatt returned to Girls, Inc. to work as Center Director of the Garrard Center in Columbus in 1976. In 1981, Mrs. Hyatt became the Executive Director of Girls, Inc. of Columbus and has served in this capacity ever since. There was no better candidate to run the organization than Mrs. Hyatt. Having been on the receiving side of the program, she knew the impact it could have on a young girl and the decisions she made during the most formative years of her life. Girls, Inc. can be the difference between a bright, successful future and a life of drugs, crime, or poverty. Mrs. Hyatt's understanding of the organization's mission on a personal level has helped to keep Girls, Inc. effective in mentoring girls and shaping them into strong, independent women. In addition to her leadership of Girls, Inc., Mrs. Hyatt has proven to be an exceptional member of her community. She has served on the Columbus South Task Force and the Columbus Coalition of Children and Youth. She served as a board member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club and the St. Francis Hospital Advisory Committee for Women's Health. In 1996, Ms. Hyatt served as President of the United Way Directors Association. She is a 1993 graduate of Leadership Columbus and a 1998 graduate of Leadership Georgia. Ms. Hyatt has been recognized numerous times for her professional and community work. She is a recipient of the Girls, Inc. Southern Regional Professional of the Year Award; the Judge Aaron Cohn Community Service Award; the Keith Bissel Volunteer Award from the Kiwanis Club; the Gracious Lady Award, the Leadership Georgia Foundation Award, and the Governor Honors Award, among many others. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays often said: ``You make your living by what you get; you make your life by what you give.'' Not only has Mrs. Hyatt made her living at Girls, Inc. by mentoring and uplifting girls beyond their circumstances, but she has also made her life by giving back to the great city of Columbus in so many ways. We are all very grateful for her tireless advocacy in making our community stronger. A woman of great integrity, her efforts, her dedication, and her expertise are unparalleled, but her heart for helping others utilizing these qualities has made her life's work truly special. Mrs. Hyatt has accomplished much in her life but none of it would be possible without the love and support of her husband, Phil; her children, Emilee and Wynn; and her grandson, Harrison. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Mrs. Dorothy Hyatt upon the occasion of her retirement from an outstanding career spanning four decades with Girls, Inc. of Columbus.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my sincerest congratulations to Pastor Daniel Simmons, leader of my church home, Mount Zion Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Pastor Simmons will be celebrating 25 years of outstanding ministry to Mount Zion Baptist Church on Sunday, October 9, 2016. A native of Cairo, Georgia, Daniel Simmons was born to the late Mrs. Pinkie Norwood Simmons and the late Reverend Perry Simmons, Sr. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Albany State College, now University, in 1977. He went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from the University of Georgia in 1985 and a Doctorate of Ministry from Bethany Theological Seminary in Dothan, Alabama in 1991. Pastor Simmons worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor with the Georgia Department of Rehabilitation Services for seventeen years. He also worked as a Community Development Specialist. Pastor Simmons began preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in June 1984. He pastored Mountain Grove Baptist Church in Dawson, Georgia and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Shingler, Georgia. In 1991, the Lord called him to lead Mount Zion Baptist Church. In his 25 years of leadership, Mount Zion has expanded its Ministry services, increased its membership tremendously to the point where a second worship service was added, and moved into its new state-of-the-art facility on 109 acres of land at 901 South Westover Boulevard in 2010. But most importantly, Pastor Simmons has led Mount Zion Baptist Church to become a pillar in the community, known for ministering to those in need. Pastor Simmons welcomes anyone and everyone into the church and its members make it their duty to ensure that every soul is taken care of and prayed over. With a congregation of over 3,000 members and 54 ministries, including radio, television, and live- streaming, Mount Zion is truly ``reaching the world for Christ through evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, and missions.'' Mount Zion Baptist Church is celebrating another happy occasion--its 151st anniversary. The church was founded in 1865, the same year that the Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery was passed by Congress and ratified by the States. Nearly a century later, many of the rallies during the Albany phase of the Civil Rights Movement were held at Mount Zion. To commemorate those struggles, the church donated the building to the Albany Civil Rights Museum which is currently housed there. Mount Zion has seen many ups and downs but God's will and our members' perseverance have shaped it into the expansive and successful place of worship it is today. Jeremiah 3:15 says, ``Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.'' Pastor Daniel Simmons is one such shepherd and a man of integrity who exudes the genuine principles and values of Christian discipleship. Over the 20 years I have been a member of the church, I am proud to call Mount Zion my church home and Pastor Daniel Simmons my pastor. As an ordained Deacon and Trustee, I have personally witnessed the unshakeable faith Pastor Simmons has for the Lord and the profound exegesis he conveys in his sermons. My wife, Vivian, and I are grateful that we can always count on Pastor Simmons' wise counsel and sage advice. Pastor Simmons has achieved many things in his life but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his wife and First Lady of the Church, Diane Davis Simmons, and his two children and five grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in thanking Pastor Daniel Simmons for 25 outstanding years of service to Mount Zion Baptist Church and a lifetime of service in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to a great friend and outstanding citizen, Mrs. Lydia de La Vina de Foley. Lydia has served The Congressional Club for over four decades. She will be retiring on September 30, 2016. Born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia, Lydia came to the United States as a student at Georgetown University in 1964. In 1967, she married John R. Foley III, whose father, John R. Foley II, had served the Sixth District of Maryland in the 86th Congress. As daughter-in-law of a former Member of Congress, Lydia became a member of The Congressional Club, and more recently a Lifetime Member. In 1992, she became a U.S. citizen. The Congressional Club was founded in 1908 as a Federally-chartered club for spouses of sitting or former Members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, and Members of the President's Cabinet. Associate membership is open to active members' adult children or spouses of adult children. Mrs. Foley has been an integral part of the bipartisan Club for over one-third of its existence. Mrs. Foley's first project at the Club was illustrating its Bicentennial Cookbook in 1975. She performed secretarial duties part- time and by 1977 became the full-time Secretary to the Club President. After many years, as her responsibilities expanded, Mrs. Foley was promoted to Administrative Assistant to the Club President and in 2010, she became the Executive Director of the Congressional Club, a position that reflected her assumption of a dual role as Clubhouse Manager. Club Presidents serve for two years, alternating between Democratic and Republican Members. Mrs. Foley has served 20 of them. My wife, Vivian Creighton Bishop, served as President of the Congressional Club from 2007 to 2008 and was Chair of the First Lady's Luncheon in honor of First Lady Michelle Obama on May 12, 2016. In addition to the many demands of running the Club and the Clubhouse day in and day out, Mrs. Foley has played a vital role organizing the annual First Lady's Luncheon, as well as Diplomatic Luncheons, Chili Cook-offs, weekly Club luncheon programs, and other events too numerous to mention. A familiar face at the Club, Mrs. Foley has been lauded by Members of Congress and their spouses as well as Presidents and First Ladies for her institutional knowledge, attention to detail, and welcoming nature. We are all so grateful that Mrs. Foley has given her time and talents to making The Congressional Club a place where the spouses of Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, and their families, can gather to offer support and enjoy each other's company. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Lydia de La Vina de Foley upon the occasion of her retirement from a career spanning forty-one years at the Congressional Club.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, division A of the MILCON/VA portion provides robust funding for military construction and provides adequate funding for both the Active and Reserve components. I was pleased the bill provides $35 million above the FY17 budget request to help speed up the cleanup of former Defense Department sites within the Base Realignment and Closure Account. The bill provides $74.4 billion, $3 billion above the FY16-enacted level in discretionary funding for VA programs. I believe that these resources will have a profound impact on the lives of our Nation's veterans. A couple of VA items that I want to highlight are the $1.5 billion for hepatitis C treatment, which is $840 million above the President's request. In addition, the bill includes $78 million for the Veterans Crisis Line and, overall, $173 million for suicide prevention. Furthermore, language is included that requires certain professional standards for the suicide hotline. This is a topic that many Members on both sides of the aisle were concerned about, and I think that we have taken some important steps for it to function better. Mr. Speaker, the funding provided will help the Department of Veterans Affairs provide better care and better service to our veterans. I believe that the resources provided in the bill will help lead to the elimination of a claims backlog, which is now under $75,000, down from a high of $650,000. The bill includes healthy funding for the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, the bill carries the authorization for several major construction projects that were previously funded. I believe it is past time to get these projects going because the demand on the VA is going to grow. As I stated earlier, the MILCON/VA portion of this package is a good one and is one that I think we can all be proud of. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Lowey, and my colleague and friend Chairman Dent for their hard work on this bill. I couldn't have asked for better partners in conducting our business and fashioning a bipartisan bill.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mrs. Anna M. Debro of Columbus, Georgia on her 100th birthday. Mrs. Debro is a phenomenal woman who has lived a life of compassion dedicated to serving her community as a triumphant and caring teacher, Christian, and mother. Anna M. Debro was born in Mississippi on October 3, 1916 to Reverend Louis W. Hooper, an honored educator, and Minnie Hooper. She married the late Presiding Elder James Debro, Sr., and together over their 30 years of marriage, had five children--James Jr., Willie, Lisa, Harriette, and Dwight. Mrs. Debro graduated from Delta Industrial High School, a historical boarding school for gifted Black children in the Mississippi Delta. In 1941, she earned her undergraduate degree at Alcorn & Campbell College and continued her education at Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University), where she received her Master's in Math Education in 1960. As a lifelong learner with a passion for education, she sought further studies at the University of Georgia, Florida A&M University, and Tuskegee University. Over the next 40 years, Mrs. Debro was committed to educating young minds in several capacities. She held the position of Math Department Chair, the Tri Hi Y Chair and Student Advisor, as well as the PTA Chairwoman at Carver High in Columbus, GA from 1954 to 1971. Furthermore, she taught at Columbus High from 1971 to 1978, where she was historically among the first wave of African American teachers to desegregate the Muscogee County School District. 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.'' Mrs. Debro has lived a truly blessed life due to her eternal faith in the Lord and her vibrant testimony of His greatness to all whom she encounters, whether they are a member of her community, church or classroom. As a devout servant of God and a member of St. Mark A.M.E. Church for over 70 years, her pledge to Christ is echoed in her compassionate leadership, which makes her a guiding light within the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and my wife, Vivian, in extending our best wishes to Mrs. Anna M. Debro on her 100th birthday. As we celebrate another year of this outstanding citizen's life, we would do well to follow the example of her legacy of striving to be lifelong learners and improving the quality of the communities we touch.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a talented businessman, philanthropist, and civil rights activist, Dr. Robert Lee Wright, who served as Chairman of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) Plan for Action Presidential Commission. Dr. Wright played an integral role in the development of this nation's greatest tribute to the tragic but triumphant story of the African-American community. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a crucial patch that has finally and rightfully been sewn into the quilt of American history. Though the seams may be laden by injustice and oppression, the focal point is the recognition of the vital role African Americans played in the establishment and evolution of this nation and its culture, all of which would not be possible without the valuable contributions of Dr. Robert Wright. Dr. Wright's remarkable journey began in a segregated Columbus, Georgia sweltering with the heat of racial injustice. He was the son of a bricklayer and nurse. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1955, after which he left Georgia to escape the systemic discrimination of the South to pursue a degree in optometry from Ohio State University. However, he was not gone for long. Upon his return to Columbus to practice as a medical professional, Dr. Wright became active in the Civil Rights Movement and participated in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March. In 1968, he was elected to the Columbus City Council and served until he was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development. In 1985, after his time in the Reagan Administration, Dr. Wright created Dimensions International, a successful defense contracting firm. In 2001, the NMAAHC Plan for Action Presidential Commission was established, and Dr. Wright was recommended by Congressman J.C. Watts of Oklahoma to serve on the commission and when the commission was organized, the members elected him Chairman. As the Chairman, he was tasked by law to provide President George W. Bush and Congress with an implementation plan for the museum. Wasting no time in engaging this charge, Dr. Wright and his panel produced ``The Time Has Come,'' a 2003 report that expressed the vision and enumerated the administrative details for the $540 million facility. This report led Congress to enact that same year the NMAAHC Act, which established the museum within the Smithsonian Institution. Even after this victory, the process often faltered as opposition to the museum forced several debates on funding, location, and even the need for such a museum. But through it all, Dr. Robert Wright and his team succeeded in bringing to life the Smithsonian's 19th museum right where Dr. Wright and so many others feel it belongs--on the National Mall. The National Museum of African American History and Culture will candidly display the brutal horrors of the international slave trade and its unquantifiable and lingering effects. The museum will also celebrate the tenacity and advancement of African Americans as they remained steadfast in the belief of their worth as human beings. The museum's juxtaposition of pain and tragedy with perseverance and triumph mirrors the ``Horatio Alger'' story of Dr. Robert L. Wright's life in achieving success in the face of adversity. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the millions of African Americans nationwide in recognizing Dr. Robert Lee Wright for his immeasurable contributions to the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. We will soon celebrate the grand opening of this remarkable Museum, where people from all walks of life can gather to remember a dark period in our nation's history, rejoice at how far we have come as a society, and reflect upon how far we have yet to go.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Iron Men Health Fair being held on Saturday, September 17, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Central Georgia Technical College in Macon, Georgia. Hosted by Macon-Bibb County, the Macon Chapter of the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition, and their partners, the Iron Men Health Fair is the manifestation of Middle Georgia's mission to improve health and wellness for men. Throughout the duration of the fair, the men of Middle Georgia will have access to a plethora of health and wellness resources, including screenings for glucose, hypertension, cholesterol, vision, hearing, body mass index, HIV, and prostate cancer. In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Iron Men Health Fair will help in the fight to defeat prostate cancer--the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Prostate cancer is a complex disease that can take several forms. Some forms of this cancer are non-life-threatening, but other forms can be extremely aggressive and lethal. These subtypes of prostate cancer take more than 29,000 lives each year. In Georgia alone, 5,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and approximately 1,000 of those men will die from the disease. For African-American men, prostate cancer is 1.6 times more common and 2.4 times more deadly than for Caucasian men. Although prostate cancer has been a story of heartbreak and tragedy for so many, it can also be one of great hope. If diagnosed early, men with prostate cancer have a 100 percent survival rate five years out. And at ten years after diagnosis, 98 percent of men who were diagnosed early remain alive and have the opportunity to lead healthy, happy lives for years to come. This year, President Barack Obama has again declared September to be National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. This month is meant to be a time dedicated to being aware, staying informed, and making proactive decisions in the fight against this all-too-common disease. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, early detection is the key to defeating this disease, especially for men over the age of 40. The Iron Men Health Fair embodies that mission. No cancer, especially prostate cancer, should be considered as a death sentence. With early detection, prostate cancer can be a curable and treatable disease. Getting tested regularly for prostate cancer and taking one's health seriously should not be taboo for any man. Every American deserves the chance to lead a happy, healthy life. During the month of September, we want to honor the lives we have lost to prostate cancer, highlight how far we have come, and redouble our efforts in beating prostate cancer once and for all through continued awareness and breakthrough research. The Iron Men Health Fair collaborators' commitment to ending prostate cancer is a worthwhile one as they had over 300 men attend and participate in the fair last year. The fair may very well play an important role in saving the lives of many men this year. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the Iron Men Health Fair, Macon-Bibb County, the Macon Chapter of the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition, and their partners for their commitment to promoting prostate cancer awareness as well as the general health and wellbeing for the men of Middle Georgia.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a brilliant artist, homegrown legend, and loving father, the Late Great Otis Redding, Jr. In recognition of Otis Redding's contribution to music that touched souls across the world, the Redding Foundation will be celebrating what would be his 75th birthday the weekend of September 9 through September 11, 2016 in Macon, Georgia. Otis Redding was born in Dawson, Georgia on September 9, 1941. At a young age, he and his family moved to Macon, where he began singing at Vineville Baptist Church. Embracing his budding musicianship, he joined the school band at Ballard-Hudson High School and competed in the Douglass Theatre talent show. After winning the talent show fifteen consecutive times, he was no longer allowed to compete. However, this certainly did not discourage him from embarking on his path to becoming the King of Soul. In 1958, Otis Redding officially began his professional music career when he joined Johnny Jenkins and the Pinetoppers. After the group finished recording with Booker T. and the MGs, Mr. Redding wanted to use the last few minutes at the end of the session to sing for everyone. As he started to sing what would become his first hit single of 17 hit singles in a row, ``These Arms of Mine,'' everyone in the studio became captivated by his voice. Jim Stewart, then co-owner of Stax Records, came running into the studio and began yelling, ``That's it! That's it! Where is everybody? We gotta get this on tape!'' A man with his own voice and a unique sound, Otis Redding's short but spectacular music career led to his releasing hit single after hit single, including ``I've Been Loving You Too Long,'' ``Respect,'' and ``Try A Little Tenderness.'' On his journey to becoming the King of Soul, he performed across the country and the world with shows in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean. In 1965, his business acumen allowed him to create his own label: Jotis Records. His concerts were box office smashes, some of the biggest of any performer during his time. In 1966, Otis Redding received the NAACP Lifetime Membership Award. The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) nominated him for awards in three categories for his recordings from 1967. He also accrued countless other honors and recognition for his music after his passing in December 1967, most notably of which are two 1969 Grammys for Best R&B Vocal Performance and Best Rhythm & Blues Song for his number one hit single, ``(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay;'' the 1999 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; and his 1998, 2011, and 2015 Grammy Hall of Fame Inductions. Otis Redding was much more than his beautiful voice. Above all else, he was a family man. He married his wife, Zelma, in August of 1961 and together, they raised three wonderful children: Dexter, Karla, and Otis Redding, Ill. Mrs. Redding also adopted Demetria after Mr. Redding's passing. There was a special place in Otis Redding's heart and soul reserved only for his family. He worked tirelessly to provide for them. His ambition, drive, and sacrifices paid off when he was able to move his family to ``The Big O Ranch'' in 1965, a 300-acre property in Round Oak, Georgia. Reflected in the mission of the Otis Redding Foundation, which was established in 2007 by Mrs. Zelma Redding in her late husband's honor, Otis Redding was dedicated to improving the quality of life for his community through education and empowerment. Those who knew Otis Redding personally speak fondly of him and his closest friends described him as a wonderful person to be around, and always 100 percent full of energy. They remember him being big in every way: physically, in his talent, in wisdom about other people, and in his love for his family and community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 730,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in recognizing Otis Redding, Jr. for his remarkable accomplishments as a pioneering and world-renowned musician. His timeless talent and everlasting legacy live on in the hearts of those who loved him and will continue to be remembered by generations to come.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Columbus, Georgia as the church's membership and leadership celebrate 142 years. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1874; 87 years after Richard Allen organized the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1787. It is believed the church seat was moved several times from 1874 to 1927. It is recorded that within the 53 years less than 20 pastors were appointed to Bethel. During the years of 1927 to 1930 the membership of Bethel ranged from 50 to 80. By the year 1932, the church membership had increased to 220. Ephesians 4:16 states ``from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.'' Through the blessings of God, New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church has grown spiritually, numerically, and materially, for the last 62 years. In 1954, a new building was assembled under the leadership of Rev. R. L. Tyson (deceased), thus Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was renamed New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. As the church's congregation grew in numbers and in spirit it also grew in size. Between the years of 1965-1998, God blessed New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church with several architectural additions to the church, to help accommodate its growing flock. By the grace of God, New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was bestowed the honor of hosting the 92nd Session of the Southwest Georgia Annual Conference, in 1988. New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church has been blessed to have several anointed guests, and guest preachers such as the first female minister, Rev. Varnette Green (deceased), who served as the guest Revivalist at the Youth Revival, in 1987, and Bishop Donald George Kenneth Ming, who preached the unadulterated word of God in June 1993, at the church's first family and Friends Day. In June 2002, under the righteous leadership of Rev. Bruce Francis, New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church celebrated its 127th Church Anniversary and some of the distinguished guests in attendance included Congressman Sanford Bishop and spouse, Mrs. Vivian C. Bishop, District Staff Member, Mrs. Elaine Gillispie and Councilor Evelyn Woodson. It gives me great honor to recognize New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, a holy vessel guided by the exceptional leadership of Rev. Richard A. Yancey. Like myself, Reverend Yancey is a distinguished member of Kappa Alpha Ksi Fraternity Incorporated. He is also an influential figure in the Columbus community, who has dedicated the last 26 years of his life to teaching the word of God. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join my wife and me along with the 730,000 citizens of the 2nd Congressional District in congratulating and honoring New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for 142 years of faithful service to God and humanity.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to extend heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Don Koehler, the Executive Director for the Georgia Peanut Commission, as he celebrates 30 years of service with this esteemed organization. Born on a small livestock and row crop farm, in southwest Alabama, Don Koehler has had an interest in agriculture since childhood. His experience and knowledge of agriculture and the peanut industry influenced his decision to attend and graduate from Auburn University, in 1979, where he received his Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Science. The experience that he has accumulated from his childhood on the farm and years in the classroom ultimately led to his decision of pursuing a career in agriculture. In 1986, Mr. Koehler accepted the prestigious honor in becoming the Executive Director for the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) and is currently the longest standing Executive Director in GPC history. Don is extremely passionate in helping to promote peanut research, particularly the peanut genome, as well as improving the production capacity of peanut farmers in Georgia and throughout the country. Georgia peanut farmers are responsible for producing nearly half of the United States' peanut crops, and the production levels continue to increase annually. In fact, I'm proud to say that the 2nd Congressional District which I represent, is the largest producer of peanuts in the Nation. Since Don's induction as Executive Director, the production levels of the commodity have nearly tripled. Under Don's leadership, the Georgia peanut industry led the nation in the export of peanuts globally; including China and Western Europe. In April 2016, 74,268 Metric Tons of peanuts and peanut products had been exported to various regions of Asia including, China and Vietnam. The improvements of exporting relations of peanut to Asia have been tremendous. Last year Georgia peanut exports had a total value of $81,592,245, which is a 530% increase over the previous year. The state of Georgia certainly appreciates what Don has done in the peanut industry over his 30 year tenure. He has earned much deserved respect as a result of his leadership and contributions to the Georgia Peanut Commission as their Executive Director. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me, along with all those associated with Georgia peanuts in congratulating Mr. Don Koehler for everything he has done to improve and strengthen the peanut industry in Georgia and the peanut industry nationwide.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an example of the significance of federally sponsored scientific research. I would like to especially commend two scientists, Dr. Edward Knipling and Dr. Raymond C. Bushland, and their research entitled ``The Sex Life of the Screwworm Fly''. These two distinguished individuals conducted extensive research in the 20th Century on a devastating disease in the cattle industry caused by the then-infamous Screwworm Fly. Through perseverance and dedication, the researchers ultimately discovered a novel method to eradicate the Screwworm Fly. Sterilized male specimens of the fly were released into the wild, overwhelming the native Screwworm Fly population and eventually negating the threat to cattle across the Southeast. Despite heavy disapproval and ridicule from some of their colleagues, the $250,000 in research conducted by Dr. Knipling and Dr. Bushland collectively saved the U.S. cattle industry billions of dollars, earning them the Golden Goose Award. This immense societal benefit from such a small public investment is why they will be honored with the Golden Goose Award this September. The research put into ``The Sex Life of the Screwworm Fly'' is a great example of the impact federally funded scientific research can make and exemplifies the purpose of the Golden Goose Award. Regarding current epidemics, Dr. Knipling and Dr. Bushland's research may possibly provide creative solutions as we try to control the transmission of the Zika virus from the Aedes mosquito today. In order to confront and overcome modern health challenges, we must be mindful of the importance of federally funded research, and support creative initiatives whenever possible.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to an outstanding man, distinguished medical professional and special friend, Dr. Pravinchandra H. Patel, MD in his union of holy matrimony with Ms. June Cassman. They exchanged nuptials on Saturday, June 25, 2016, in San Francisco, California and the wedding will be followed by a reception as well as a traditional Garba and Raas ceremony, which will take place at the Columbus, Georgia Convention and Trade Center on Saturday, July 9, 2016. Pravinchandra, or ``P.H.'', as he is known by his loved ones, is an extraordinary physician who specializes in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. P.H. graduated from Kasturba Medical College in 1979. He went on to intern at the Jewish Hospital For Chronic Diseases in 1982, and then attended Eastern Tennessee State University College of Medicine where he completed both his residency (in 1984) and his fellowship (in 1987). He is now one of the leading physicians at Gastrointestinal Diseases, Inc. in Columbus, Georgia. Dr. Patel's gastrointestinal practice serves as a primary source of professional care for digestive diseases in the Columbus area. He has provided extraordinary medical care to the patients in the Chattahoochee Valley Area for more than 34 years. Moreover, Dr. Patel is an exemplary entrepreneur and philanthropist. Having immigrated to the United States from India, Dr. Patel nevertheless retains his cultural and religious heritage. His luxurious home is designed, decorated, and furnished with authentic materials, art and other decor imported from India. Indeed his wedding celebration will include the traditional Garba and Raas ceremony. Dr. Pravinchandra H. Patel is truly a man of achievement, service and public distinction and will certainly be complemented in his life and career going forward by his union with his new wife, June. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join my wife, Vivian and me, along with more than 730,000 citizens of the 2nd Congressional District of Georgia, in congratulating Dr. Pravinchandra H. Patel, MD and his new wife, June, on their marriage and continued service to their community. They are so deserving of this magical moment and a lifetime of happiness to follow. May love reign in their lives forever.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I would like to say a few words about the fiscal year 2017 Financial Services Appropriations Act. I have been privileged to serve on the subcommittee since the beginning of the 114th Congress. I first want to commend the excellent work of Chairman Crenshaw, who will be retiring at the end of this Congress, Ranking Member Serrano, as well as the staffs of both the majority and the minority. Unfortunately, I will have to oppose this bill on final passage for a number of reasons. For example, I know that it is not the most popular or even the most politically wise thing to defend the Internal Revenue Service, but it does not make any sense to complain about the work of the IRS and then slash its ability to function by cutting its budget $246 million below the FY 2016 level and $1.4 billion below the President's budget request. Severe budget cuts have led to fewer audits, longer appeals, delayed refunds, and poorer service for the American people. It has also led to billions of dollars in lost tax revenue, money that could be used to repair our Nation's infrastructure or reduce the deficit. Instead, the cuts have only served to line the pockets of tax cheats, people who can't be audited and have collection by the Internal Revenue Service. Taxpayer Services, however, does get funding at the amount requested, which is a positive step for turning around the IRS' customer service issues. At the very least, it is encouraging to see the Congress taking the first steps to improving customer service and tax compliance-- resulting from unfair and unnecessary political attacks on the agency-- but now they are taking it seriously. I am also concerned that the FY 2017 Financial Services Appropriations Act contains a number of contentious policy riders that will hinder the government's ability to do its job. First of all, the bill unnecessarily micromanages the District of Columbia's budget and its laws, restricting home rule and the ability of the District of Columbia to manage its own finances. Also, the Federal Communications Commission is prohibited from implementing its popular net neutrality rules until all lawsuits contesting the rules have been resolved. The Commission has carefully tailored these rules to ensure approval by the courts, and the provision simply delays the implementation of consumer and small business protection from unscrupulous business practices. The bill severely undermines the Affordable Care Act by prohibiting funds to implement the individual mandate and the transfer of funds to the IRS for the use of implementing the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, the bill inhibits corporate transparency by blocking the Securities and Exchange Commission from requesting information on political contributions by corporations. Finally, it continues to prohibit individuals traveling to Cuba for educational exchanges outside of a degree program. That policy is a relic of the last century, and it has absolutely no part in today's globalized economy. As I said, I cannot support the FY 2017 Financial Services Appropriations Act as it currently stands. While we are still in tough economic times, this bill contains too many harmful policies and does not allocate the resources in a way to grow our Nation's economy.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to outstanding spiritual leader and man of God, a brave man, and dear friend, the Reverend Horace Clinton Boyd. Sadly, Reverend Boyd passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2016. A home-going celebration was held in his honor on July 2, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia followed by a brief memorial at Macedonia Baptist Church in Ludowici, Georgia. A Georgia man through and through, Reverend Boyd was born on November 28, 1926 in Long County, Georgia and was the fifth of ten children to the late Deacon Earnest Franklin and Mrs. Eula Wright Franklin. He studied at the public schools in Long County, Georgia before attending college and seminary training at Morehouse College of Atlanta, GA. Reverend Boyd also served his country courageously as a World War II veteran before he was honorably discharged. Reverend Boyd began preaching on October 13, 1946 at Engineer Chapel--Schofield Barracks on the Island of Ohau, Hawaii. He has pastored at many churches in Georgia, including the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, the birthplace of the 1960s Albany Civil Rights Movement. Despite threats to his person, his family, his home and his church, he allowed a mass meeting to be held at Shiloh that organized local Civil Rights marches. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. addressed the overflowing crowds from the pulpit of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and now a trail of footprints originating in the front of the church leading to the Albany Bus Station commemorates the Albany Civil Rights marches. Dr. George Washington Carver once said, ``No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' We are so blessed that the Reverend Horace Boyd passed this way and shared with us his legacy of service that will stand the test of time. Surely, the wealth of wisdom that Reverend Boyd has given to his listeners will forever resonate in their hearts and spirits. Reverend Boyd has been repeatedly acknowledged for his outstanding achievements, service and public distinction. He served as Dean of the Albany Seminary Extension Center for 25 years, Commissioned Board Member of the Dougherty County Family and Children Services for 27 years and as a past Moderator of the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Association from 1961-1994. He has achieved numerous successes in his life, but none of this would have been possible without the grace of God and his loving wife of sixty years, Ms. Barbara Mae Riles Boyd, who was called Home to be with her Savior in 2010. They have two children, William and Dolores. Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 730,000 people in the Second Congressional District of Georgia, would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Rev. Boyd's family, friends, and followers during this difficult time. May we 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 rise today to congratulate a dear friend of longstanding to my wife, Vivian and me, Lady Ruth Skinner, on 60 years of life and 40 years devoted to the ministry of Jesus Christ. David Viscott once said that, ``The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The Meaning of life is to give your gift away.'' Ruth Skinner has given her life away in service to God, her family, the Columbus community and the broader faith community. Truly, we and the world are all better for it. Ruth Skinner, affectionately called ``Lady'', was born and reared in Columbus, Georgia where she attended Columbus Technical College and became a Master Cosmetologist and businesswoman, in her own right. Furthermore, she is a member of Bread of Life Christian Center Ministries, Inc., where she has served as the Founding First Lady for over 31 years alongside her loving husband, Bishop L.D. Skinner, Sr. Lady Ruth Skinner's passion and dedication for her faith inspired her to lead. She has dedicated 40 years of her life to the ministry and has taken the gifts with which she had been endowed by God to better support her community. As a Ruling Elder of Bread of Life Christian Center Ministries and National Director of Explosion Ministries Fellowship Association of Churches (EMFAC), a fellowship of interdenominational ministries and churches, she demonstrates her leadership and unwavering faith in God. She is the mother to three sons--Pastor Darnel Skinner, Jr., Darrell Skinner, and Darius Skinner--and loves spending time with her siblings and grandchildren. Her 60 years of life, thus far, have been filled by travel with her husband, expanding her knowledge through literature, and nurturing her relationship with both God and God's people. Lady Ruth lives by the idea that only what you do for Christ will last, and her selfless dedication and service make it clear the lives she has touched over the years have been irreversibly changed. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me in extending our gratitude and best wishes to Lady Ruth Skinner on the occasion of her 60th birthday, and the celebration of 40 years of faithful service in the ministry of Jesus Christ. To God be the glory for the things He has done through the life of Lady Ruth Skinner.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the extraordinary contributions to our nation by Max Cleland, who served as a United States Senator from Georgia between 1997 and 2003, by introducing the Max Cleland Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2016. Max Cleland's life in public service began as a young man when he joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Stetson University. Following his graduation, he volunteered to serve as an Army Officer in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery at the Battle of Khe Sanh. He later suffered extensive injuries in combat, ultimately losing both of his legs and his right arm. Facing an uncertain future while recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Senator Cleland fought to overcome his injuries with both resilience and sheer fortitude. Following his release from Walter Reed, Cleland became the youngest member of the Georgia State Senate in 1970. Seven years later, he was appointed to head the Veterans Administration by President Jimmy Carter. Cleland then served as Georgia's Secretary of State from 1982 to 1996, after which he was elected to the United States Senate, where he represented Georgia for six years. In the U.S. Senate, Cleland advocated for veterans and a strong national defense, helped to institute significant reforms at the U.S. Department of Defense, and became a respected leader in Congress. Upon leaving the Senate, he served on the 9/11 Commission and is currently the Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, a position to which he was appointed by President Obama in 2009. As a leader on behalf of veterans for over four decades, Senator Cleland has overcome immeasurable obstacles and demonstrated how disabilities do not have to hinder having an accomplished and fulfilled life. His service, life, and fortitude in the face of adversity are indeed an example for us all. The Congressional Gold Medal is the proper means to honor this distinguished American who has given so much and continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the entire nation. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and celebrate his 90th birthday, a dear friend of longstanding to my wife, Vivian and me, Mr. James A. Bussey, Sr. A 90th birthday celebration was held on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 5:00 pm at the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia. David Viscott once said that, ``The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The Work of life is to develop it. The Meaning of life is to give your gift away.'' Mr. James Bussey has given his life away in service to others and we are all better for it. James Andrew Bussey was born in Harris County, GA in 1926 and attended Spencer High School, where he graduated in 1944. Upon graduation, James was accepted into Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, where he remained for one year before marrying Ms. Marguerite Lindsey in 1947 and moved to Columbus, GA. Mr. Bussey is an industrious man who worked two jobs every week to support his family because he wanted to provide a better life for them. He constantly had to fight the scourge of racism and because of this, he left Columbus in 1957 to move to Washington, DC where he obtained employment at the Washington Hotel. But, the stench of racism was not far behind as Mr. Bussey discovered that his weekly paycheck was $20 less than that of his White counterparts. Left with a heavy heart, Bussey immediately returned to Columbus. Because of his grit, determination and unwavering faith in God, Mr. Bussey found employment as a mail handler with the United States Postal Service. He took pride in delivering the mail and especially enjoyed the East Highland route, which allowed him to visit his mother and grandmother, frequently. Becoming a Mail Handler allowed Mr. Bussey to connect with his community on a personal level and he was known to sing as he walked with joy along his daily route. In addition, he would support and assist community members with literacy troubles, and would read and respond to mail whenever asked. Mr. Bussey's dedication to his job as a Mail Handler and passion for members of his community granted him the recurring opportunity to drive the postal vehicle in the annual Christmas parade, in Columbus. Mr. Bussey retired from the United States Postal Service in 1976, and upon his retirement, returned to college with his undying resilience and dedication, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbus College in 1988. Mr. Bussey became a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and to this day lives by their mission to promote brotherhood and service to all mankind. Furthermore, Mr. Bussey is a longtime active member of St. James AME Church where he is an officer, a member of the Sons of Allen, and a soloist with the choir. He has volunteered with the Columbus Ambassadors of the Columbus Visitors Bureau and has appeared on stage at the Liberty Theater as an adult performer in musical productions at the Three Arts and River Centers. Mr. Bussey continues to live a selfless and generous life, serving as a proud Christian, husband, father and friend and has been blessed with four children, James Jr., Janet, Margaret and Michael. I have known Mr. Bussey and the Bussey family for almost 50 years. He is one of the finest human beings that I have ever met in my lifetime. None of the success that he has obtained in life would have been possible without the love and support of his loving wife, Marguerite. He is an example of what Jesus meant when he said, ``He that is great among you shall be a servant and he that is greatest among you shall be a servant unto all.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and my wife, Vivian, along with the more than 730,000 constituents of the Second Congressional District in extending our best wishes to James A. Bussey, Sr. on his 90th birthday. As we celebrate another year of this outstanding citizen's life, we would do well to follow the example of his legacy of striving to improve the quality of life of others giving the gift of his extraordinary life away for the betterment of humanity.