Sanford Bishop

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), the ranking member of our Legislative Branch Subcommittee on Appropriations and a strong voice for the needs of our Nation's veterans, with a unique interest in the needs of our female servicemembers and veterans.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I yield the gentlelady an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, at this time I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this is a good bill. It is a bipartisan bill, and it is a bill that, I think, meets the needs of our services for their military construction, as well as for our veterans and our military families. As far as our military construction, if our services needed it, it is in the bill. If they didn't need it, it is not in the bill. I am so happy that we have taken very strong steps to address the claims backlog at the Veterans Administration. We have taken strong steps to ensure that we will soon have coordinated, interoperable electronic health records between the Veterans Affairs Department and the Department of Defense; and I am happy that in this bill, together, we will assure accountability for our Nation's veterans. Mr. Chairman, when our men and women took the oath to serve our country as part of our Nation's military, they took an oath to serve and defend; and when they completed that service, our Nation has, in fact, figuratively, written a check assuring that they will have the benefits that they need when they come back following their service. It is our duty as a Nation, our duty as a Congress, and certainly our duty as a part of this committee, to make sure that that check that we figuratively wrote to those veterans never, ever comes back marked ``insufficient funds'' and to make sure that that check--the benefits of that check don't come back redeemed in a delayed fashion. So we have done what is necessary to make sure that they get their benefits, that they get them in a timely manner, that the claims backlog is eliminated, and that we facilitate whatever it takes to make sure that they are rewarded for their service to our country because the price of freedom, it is not free. Somebody had to pay that price, and the people who paid the price are the men and women who served our Nation in uniform and are now veterans and their families who also sacrificed as the servicemembers went to war. I urge the adoption of this bill and ask my colleagues to support it. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, at this time, I would just like to commend the gentlelady for raising a very, very important issue to the health, safety, and welfare of airmen and those who go to MacDill; and I want to assure the gentlelady that the chairman and I will work very closely to make sure that that issue is addressed. It is our hope that the gentlelady will withdraw her amendment and that we can work on it together, but I assure the gentlelady that we will work together to make sure that that is a safe environment, a healthy environment, so that no one will be exposed to the consequences of black mold. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I join the chairman in accepting this amendment. I commend the gentleman for offering it, and I think that our national defense will certainly be enhanced by the adoption of this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, when I learned of the allegations of intentional misrepresentation of wait times, which may have caused some 40 deaths at the Phoenix VA, I was deeply disappointed and downright disgusted. I am pleased to see a bipartisan approach, and I believe this amendment will provide additional resources to the VA Office of Inspector General to improve oversight and accountability at the VA. I agree with my colleagues from Arizona that this situation requires answers and a thorough investigation. I believe Congress should allow the VA IG to complete its investigation, so the Congress can take appropriate action, if needed. The last thing I want is a knee-jerk reaction that could cause additional problems. I believe this amendment is the right approach, and I fully support it, and I urge all Members to do the same. I believe that a thorough investigation of the matter is the only way to restore our veterans' trust and the public trust in the VA health care system. We owe it to our veterans to ensure that the VA is providing the best possible care and that care is timely and accessible. I think this amendment will help achieve that goal. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding Man of God, Dr. Maurice Watson, who will celebrate his 10th anniversary as the distinguished pastor of Beulahland Bible Church as well as thirty-seven remarkable years in the gospel ministry. A celebration will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Beulahland Bible Church in Macon, Georgia. On July 21, 1960, Dr. Watson was born the seventh of eight children to Ulysses and Juanita Watson in Little Rock, Arkansas. He accepted the call to preach the Word of the Lord at the young age of sixteen and two years later, he was ordained. Dr. Watson earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, where he was Valedictorian of his class. He earned a Master's in Theology from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Watson's first pastorate was at St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, where he served for seven years. In November 1988, Dr. Watson was called to pastor the Salem Baptist Church in Omaha, Nebraska, where he served for fifteen and a half years. During his tenure, the church's membership almost tripled from 1,200 to 3,500 souls. Middle Georgia gained an extraordinary leader when Dr. Watson accepted the senior pastorate of Beulahland Bible Church in early 2004. With the vision of ``Changing the World from Middle Georgia,'' Beulahland opened a second location of worship in Warner Robins, Georgia in February 2005 under Dr. Watson's leadership. The church also constructed a second worship facility on its Macon campus. The congregation now enjoys a state-of-the-art 3,000 seat sanctuary in which to rejoice the Word of the Lord. Using Dr. Watson as a vessel, God has reached into the hearts of many so that Beulahland has welcomed thousands of souls to this prolific ministry. Dr. Watson's vision of ``Faith on the Fast Track'' has taken Beulahland Bible Church to greater heights than ever before. A dynamic and ever faithful pastor, his ministry has stretched across the globe. As one of the premier preachers of our generation, Dr. Watson is well- known and sought after for his anointed sound and understandable proclamation of God's Word. He is motivated by his love for people, his love for preaching, and his belief that no one is beyond God's reach. Dr. Watson has achieved numerous successes in his life, but none of this would have been possible without the grace of God and his loving wife, Janice, and their two beautiful daughters. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in thanking Dr. Maurice Watson for ten wonderful years of changing Middle Georgia for the better, thirty-seven remarkable years of ministry, and a lifetime of selfless service to God, the church and to humankind.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a generous community leader and outstanding public servant, and friend of longstanding, the Honorable Buckner F. ``Buck'' Melton, Sr., Former Mayor of Macon, Georgia. Sadly, Mr. Melton passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2014. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of his family, friends and the Macon, Georgia community. On Saturday, March 8, 2014, friends and family gathered to celebrate the life and career of this influential man at a memorial service held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Macon. Buck Melton was born on October 24, 1923, in Arlington, Georgia to the Reverend and Mrs. Henry Martin Melton. He grew up in Moultrie, Georgia, but moved to Macon to attend Mercer University. He went on to graduate from Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law and began his career as an attorney in Macon. After serving as city attorney during the 1960s, Attorney Melton was elected to the office of Mayor in 1975. During his one term as Mayor, Mr. Melton helped to establish Mercer University's School of Medicine as well as the city's local option sales tax, which is still used today. Mr. Melton was also particularly proud of the seventy miles of roads paved in Macon during his tenure. The World War II and Korean War veteran loved his adopted hometown of Macon and he served his community in many capacities. He was president of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce in 1971, president of the Macon Bar Association in 1973 and he served on the board of the Macon- Bibb County Urban Development Authority, among the numerous other civic organizations he belonged to during his life. 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.'' Buck Melton left behind a legacy of leadership and kindness that is still felt throughout the Macon, Georgia community today. Buck is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Tommie; children, Leigh and Buckner, Jr.; grandson, Grady; nephews, Tim, Hank and Will; and niece, Mary Ann. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, and the Macon, Georgia community in honoring the life of Former Mayor Buckner Melton, Sr. He will truly be missed, but his legacy will not soon be forgotten.

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 and truly one-of-a-kind woman, Dr. Ophelia DeVore-Mitchell. Sadly, Dr. DeVore-Mitchell passed away on Friday, February 28, 2014. A Repast and Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at the Gallery at Fountain Park in Columbus, Georgia. Dr. DeVore-Mitchell was widely known as one of our nation's first African-American models and the founder of the first black model agency. She was more well-known in Columbus, Georgia as the longtime owner of the Columbus Times newspaper, which is now owned and operated by her daughter, Ms. Carol Gertjegerdes. Dr. DeVore-Mitchell was born in 1922 in Edgefield, South Carolina but moved to New York City, where she majored in Mathematics at New York University. At the age of 16, she was working for Ebony magazine and in 1946, she enrolled in the Vogue School of Modeling, which up until then had excluded women of color. She was acutely aware of how African Americans were stereotypically depicted in the media, and she made it her mission to change this public perception. In 1946, Dr. DeVore-Mitchell opened the Grace del Marco Modeling Agency and in 1948, she founded the Ophelia DeVore School of Self-Development and Modeling. These agencies were pivotal in transforming the social landscape of America by paving the way for African Americans to pursue careers in the fashion and entertainment industries at a time when it was not the norm for black women to be recognized for their beauty. In 1955, Dr. DeVore-Mitchell and her models made history as the hosts of ABC's ``Spotlight on Harlem,'' New York's first television program produced by and for African Americans. She went on to produce several other New York cable television shows, including the ``Ophelia DeVore Show.'' She again made history in 1959 and 1960 when two of her clients, Ms. Cecilia Cooper and Ms. LaJeune Hundley became the first Americans, Black or White, to win titles at the Cannes Film Festival in Paris, France. Dr. DeVore-Mitchell helped shape the lives and careers of the country's top African-American models and entertainers. She has received more than 300 awards and honors over her lifetime and in 1985, she was appointed by President Reagan to the John F. Kennedy Center Committee on the Arts. In addition to her accomplishments in modeling and producing, Dr. DeVore-Mitchell was a newspaper owner and publisher, business executive, and consultant. Maya Angelou once said, ``In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength. We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of that tapestry are equal in value no matter their color.'' Ophelia DeVore-Mitchell used beauty as a public platform to address injustice and prejudice, blazing a trail for countless others along the way. By challenging the status quo and championing diversity, she helped to ensure that future generations would enjoy a robust and truly unique American culture that recognizes all members of society. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, and the nearly 700,000 people in Georgia's Second Congressional District in paying tribute to Ophelia DeVore-Mitchell for her numerous outstanding achievements and her everlasting dedication to promoting African-American power, pride, and presence. May her family members and friends be consoled and comforted by the knowledge that she made a great difference in this world and helped to build a better, more equitable America.

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 great man and close friend, Mr. Ira Loomis Flowers. Sadly, Mr. Flowers passed away on Friday, February 28, 2014. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday March 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville, Georgia. Mr. Flowers was born on January 4, 1953, in Washington, DC, to Bessie Lee Flowers Moore and the late Guyte Smith, Sr. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Stillman College, Mr. Flowers dedicated much of his life to youth development. He served in the Boys and Girls Club of Houston, Texas, before serving as a director at the YMCA in Columbus and Thomasville, Georgia, as well as the director of the Thomasville Resource Center. He worked for the Colquitt County Board of Education before retiring. He was steadfastly dedicated to furthering the success of men and women in his church, workplace, and community. He worked tirelessly to open doors and to level the playing field for at-risk youth in Southwest Georgia. Mr. Flowers was an influential member of society and a local civil rights legend. He organized and was president of the Malcom X Liberation Front. My Brother in the Bond, Mr. Flowers was also devoted to our beloved Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and was heavily involved in fraternity activities. Most important to Mr. Flowers was his sturdy and enduring relationship with the Lord. He was a longtime member of First Missionary Baptist Church. Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' We are all so blessed that Mr. Flowers 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 service to all the children, families, and members of the community whose lives he touched. The race of life isn't given to the swift or to the strong, but to those who endure until the end. Mr. Flowers has run the race of life with grace and dignity and God has blessed him over his lifetime. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and my wife, Vivian, in saluting Mr. Ira Loomis Flowers for his outstanding service to his community. We pray that Mr. Flowers' family, friends and loved ones 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 rise today to pay tribute to a great man and outstanding public servant, Crisp County Sheriff Donnie R. Haralson. Sadly, Sheriff Haralson passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at Cordele First Baptist Church. Following in his father's footsteps, Sheriff Haralson began his law enforcement career with the Cordele Police Department in 1977. After years of hard work and determination, he became Cordele's Chief of Police. A well-respected member of his community, Sheriff Haralson was reelected to a seventh term as Crisp County Sheriff in 2012, a capacity in which he served dutifully for twenty-seven years. During his tenure, Sheriff Haralson established local programs that benefitted both the community he served and the inmates in his care, including personal safety classes and an inmate GED program. Sheriff Haralson was influential in obtaining a regional youth detention center in Cordele and also helped to secure inmate labor in the building of a recreation facility, a significant cost-saving initiative. Sheriff Haralson was actively engaged in his community and served on numerous committees both locally and statewide. As the longest sitting sheriff in Crisp County history, Sheriff Haralson embodied the definition of a public servant through strong leadership, steadfast dedication and unwavering compassion. His years of distinguished service in law enforcement earned him the Governor's Public Safety Award in 2000 and Georgia's 2010 Sheriff of the Year distinction. Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' Sheriff Haralson is undoubtedly great because of his dedication and service to the community that he loved so dearly. As a lifelong resident of Crisp County, Sheriff Haralson's legacy will live on for years to come in the minds and hearts of all those whose lives he touched in Southwest Georgia. Sheriff Haralson is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughters, Amanda and Crystal; grandsons, Thomas and Eli; sisters, Sharon and Kadron; and his nephew, Cory. He was a longtime member and a Deacon of Cordele First Baptist Church. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to Sheriff Donnie Haralson and his legacy of service to Crisp County, Georgia. He loved the people of Crisp County and dedicated his life and career to improving the quality of life for his fellow citizens. He will truly be missed.

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 great man and close friend, Chef Darryl E. Evans. Sadly, Darryl passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2014. A home-going celebration in his honor will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia. Interment will take place on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Green Acres Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia. A Columbus, Georgia native, Darryl was a graduate of Carver High School Class of 1979. In 1986, he graduated from the American Culinary Federation (AFC) apprenticeship at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. One of the very few executive chefs of color in the hospitality industry, he achieved national recognition and earned numerous awards and accolades throughout the years. He was the first African American to compete in the International Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt, Germany, where he won three gold medals and one silver medal in 1988 and 1992. He is a three-time recipient of the AFC Chef of the Year Award and was named Chef and Culinarian of the Year by the Greater Atlanta Chef's Association in 1991, 1993, and 1996. He has served as visiting Chef for numerous functions held by the United States Congress and various state governments. Throughout his career, Darryl trained and mentored generations of culinarians. He made a living from feeding others, but he truly fulfilled his calling by helping to feed the hungry through organizations such as Taste of the Nations, the 1993 World Cooks Tour for Hunger in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, as well as through his church, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as the Chef of the church for many years. Darryl loved his life's work. He knew that food was much more than just for sustaining one's body. He strongly believed that food was an important part of history and culture--whether as part of signing a peace treaty, blessing an event or ceremony, or by simply bringing a family together. Darryl has achieved numerous successes in his life, but none of this would have been possible without the grace of God and his loving wife, Deborah; two sons, Brandon and Branford-Michael; and the rest of his devoted family and friends. Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the more than 700,000 people of the Second Congressional District salute Chef Darryl Evans for his numerous remarkable achievements. I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in extending our deepest sympathies to Darryl'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 rise today to pay tribute to a great man, veteran, and outstanding public servant, the Honorable Marcus Eugene Collins, Sr. Sadly, Marcus passed away on Friday, February 14, 2014, at the age of 87. The funeral service was held on Monday, February 17, 2014, at 3 p.m., in the chapel of Jamerson-Braswell Funeral Home in Pelham, Georgia. Born on January 25, 1927, in Albany, Georgia, Marcus spent most of his life in Pelham, Georgia. As a veteran of World War II, Marcus honorably and courageously served his country. Marcus was also dedicated to serving his local community in Georgia. He represented Pelham in the Georgia House of Representatives for twenty years and served as Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. After his time in the House of Representatives, Marcus was appointed Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Revenue. He served in this capacity from 1983 until his retirement in 1996. Later, Marcus was appointed Executive Director of the Tobacco Community Development Board. Hailed by his friends and family as a true Southern gentleman, Marcus was a ``mover and shaker'' in the community. He was ahead of his time, a true innovator, and a crucial player in South Georgia leadership. He was an inspiring mentor to me and to many others and the great legacy he leaves to all of us is the faithful and dedicated life he led. Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' Marcus is undoubtedly great because of his distinguished service to his community, devotion to his work, and the compassion he showed for his friends and loved ones. Marcus is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; children, Elizabeth, Marcus, David, Jennifer, and Rebecca; and thirteen grandchildren. He was a devoted member of Lake Pleasant Baptist Church in Pelham, Georgia. Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Collins family and we pray that they be encouraged by their abiding faith and the Holy Spirit during the coming days, weeks, and months ahead. I also ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to the Honorable Marcus Eugene Collins, Sr., and his legacy of service to the city of Pelham and State of Georgia. He loved the people of Mitchell County and he was committed to making the community prosperous and to improving the quality of life. He will truly be missed.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Presiding Elder Elijah Smith, who will be retiring as Senior Presiding Elder of the Eastern District for the Southwest Georgia Annual Conference for the African Methodist Episcopal Church after forty-nine years of faithful and dedicated service to the Lord. He will be honored at a retirement celebration on Friday, January 17, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center in Columbus, Georgia. A native of Fort Valley, Georgia and a man after God's own heart, Presiding Elder Smith began serving the ministry in the early 1960s. After being ordained an Itinerant Elder in 1967, he spent twenty-seven years pastoring various congregations in the Southwest Georgia Conference, including Eastman Circuit, Allen Chapel in Americus, Mountain Creek in Sumter County, and Saint John in Columbus. Under his leadership as pastor, the Saint John A.M.E. Church chapel was built on Steam Mill Road in Columbus. In June 1994, Bishop Donald George Kenneth Ming appointed him as a presiding elder. For many years, Presiding Elder Smith served as an instructor and assistant dean of the Board of Examiners in the Southwest Georgia Conference. Presiding Elder Smith's commitment to the ministry and support of civil rights led him to be a notable minister among other African American ministers rising up to challenge the segregation laws and suppression of voting rights in the South. After serving as president of the Sumter County Branch of the NAACP, he was recognized as an NAACP Life Member. In addition to being a servant of God, Presiding Elder Smith was a civil servant and retired from Robins Air Force Base as an electronic technician. A widely respected civic, community, and ministerial leader, Presiding Elder Smith has received numerous accolades and commendations. He was honored as one of the ``50 Most Influential African Americans in the Columbus-Ft. Benning-Phenix City Areas'' by the Courier Eco Latino. Presiding Elder Smith, a man highly favored by God, has accomplished many things in his life, but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his wife, Janet, and their nine children. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the Columbus, Georgia community in paying tribute to Senior Presiding Elder Elijah Smith for forty-nine outstanding years of Pastoral Ministry. Through his service to God's people, he has transformed many lives and inspired others to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of the FY 2014 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. I would first, however, like to commend Committee Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Lowey, and all the Committee members and staff on both sides of the aisle, for exhibiting a fine example of bipartisan cooperation and teamwork through the production of this bill. As I stated just now/earlier, I am very pleased with the Military Construction--Veteran Affairs portion of this omnibus bill and fully support its recommendations. As a former member of the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I am confident that the FY14 bill provides adequate funding to meet our nation's military and security needs for the coming fiscal year and beyond. More importantly, the bill avoids the extreme and devastating reductions in funding which would have occurred under the next round of sequestration, which, as we all know, could have had a profound impact on our nation's security. The bill fully funds the President's request for Military Personnel End Strength for next year, providing for 1,361,400 active-duty troops and 833,700 reserves; provides sufficient resources to maintain our commitments abroad, and in particular, ongoing military operations in Afghanistan; provides adequate funding for new procurement as well as operations and maintenance activities; it exempts medically retired personnel and survivor benefit plan annuity recipients from the temporarily reduced COLA provision included in the Ryan-Murray Agreement; and fully funds the one percent pay raise for the military, as requested by the President. Madam Speaker, I am also pleased that this agreement restores well over 60% of the sequester on non-defense discretionary spending in 2014 and restores those bills to roughly the FY2013 enacted pre-sequester levels. I was particularly pleased with the Agriculture Title, which fully funds the WIC, SNAP, and other key nutrition programs, and supports our key farm, rural development, and conservation programs as well. While I was pleased that the bill addresses a number of key issues, such as the additional funding for NIH; FAA's Airport Tower program, additional support for low income housing programs, and Army Corps of Engineers port construction activity, the bill still falls woefully short of providing an adequate safety net for the less fortunate. I was struck, and frankly appalled, by the fact that the bill did not include funding for the extension of unemployment benefits while including significant reductions in funding for employment and training activities at the Department of Labor. The lack of funding for ``Payments in Lieu of Taxes,'' could prove to be devastating to rural districts like mine if this issue is not fully addressed by the authorizers. So I'm not sure that any of us got all that we believe is needed to support the fiscal needs of our nation next year. However, I do believe that this bill provides an ``optimal solution'' and alternative to the budget skirmishes that have become all too frequent over the past few years. Let's stop the bickering, let's get back to regular order, and let's pass this omnibus bill. I believe our former Subcommittee Chairman, the late Jack Murtha, would have called this omnibus a good bill. It deserves our support.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Speaker, the MILCON-VA portion of this bill provides a total of $73.3 billion for FY '14 which is $1.3 billion above FY '13. The MILCON portion provides sufficient funding for our military facilities worldwide, including family housing, which is adequate funding to meet their needs. The VA portion is funded at $63.2 billion. It meets the discretionary budget request in all areas of administrative expenses, research, information technology and facilities for VA. In addition, it contains $55.6 billion in advance appropriations for medical services, medical support and compliance and medical facilities, which is $1.1 billion above the amount provided in FY '13. The bill also takes concrete steps to pinpoint and address the serious issues of the VA's claims backlog and interoperability of DOD's and VA's electronic health record systems. For example, addressing the claims backlog, the agreement includes a 10-point action plan which we believe will give the VA additional tools to reinforce personnel resources, training and quality oversight, as well as strengthen accountability by upgrading equipment and broadening access to electronic medical records. This plan not only focuses on increasing productivity but also on claim processors' accuracy. This effort would ensure that veterans receive fair compensation at the outset without delays from having to appeal decisions. Regarding the merging of the DOD's and VA's electronic health records systems, the agreement makes it very clear to both Departments that an interoperable record system that actually works is the chief end goal for Congress. New health record systems is an important project for both Departments to undertake, but the effort will be a futile exercise if the result is not the development of two interoperable systems, defined as the ability to exchange computable information electronically. Before I close, Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize our staff, Donna Shahbaz and her team on the majority side, Matt Washington on the minority side, and Michael Reed on my personal staff for all of the amazing work and time they have put into this bill in supporting our subcommittee's efforts. I would also like to thank Mrs. Lowey, Mr. Rogers, the distinguished ranking member and the chairman of this committee, and a special thanks to Mr. Culberson, the chairman of the subcommittee, for a bipartisan work product. It is a good bill.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Andrew College as it celebrates its 160th anniversary on January 15, 1854. Andrew College is a small, two-year college in rural Southwest Georgia dedicated to meeting the needs of students as a mission of the United Methodist Church. Approved by the Georgia General Assembly on January 15, 1854, Andrew's charter granted women access to college degrees 66 years before they were allowed to vote, making it the second-oldest educational institution in the nation to grant degrees to women. It was originally named Andrew Female College and operated as a women's four- year college for 63 years until 1917, when it became a junior college. In 1956, the institution became co-educational. During its 160 years, the College has met its fair share of obstacles; it acted as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War and suffered a devastating fire to the campus in 1892. However, the school was rebuilt and revived by members of the community, and today it helps students overcome obstacles of their own. Andrew prides itself on its history of providing an education to low-income and at-risk populations of Southwest Georgia, and teaches that life's challenges are often the catalyst for life's triumphs. Under the current leadership of President David Seyle, Andrew continues to grow as an educational and spiritual leader in the Southeast, providing an academically challenging liberal arts curriculum within a nurturing community. Dr. Seyle and his administration work tirelessly to cultivate a new generation of leaders who welcome life's challenges with empathy and justice. As a champion of affordable education, Andrew College is an outstanding example of compassionate leadership and perseverance. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Andrew College for achieving this historic milestone of 160 years, and for its commitment to higher education. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration, faculty and students to maintain Andrew's great legacy of personal, academic, and spiritual development.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on this day in 1964, President Johnson's called on our nation to launch an `unconditional war on poverty'. Exactly 50 years later, we can state with confidence two truths. The programs resulting from Johnson's War on Poverty have improved the lives of Americans of all ages in innumerable ways. True, the war on poverty has not been won. I submit that now is NOT the time to end our battle. Today, there are nearly 50 million Americans grappling with the economic and social hardships of living below the poverty line, including 13.4 million children. In my district in Southwest Georgia alone, more than one in four people and almost one of every two children fall below the poverty line. And yet without programs such as unemployment insurance, Rural Tax Credits, school lunch programs, affordable housing, Medicare, Medicaid, Job Corps, SNAP, TRIO, and others, where would we be? In Georgia alone: Over 29,000 children from low-income families would be without critical early stage developmental resources provided by Head Start and Early Head Start. Over 1.8 million low-income individuals and families would lose the ability to choose healthy food options through SNAP for themselves and their children. And so on. America's War on Poverty has gone beyond just helping reduce our poverty rate. It has educated, fed, housed, and trained millions of Americans, giving them hope and preparing them for a more successful tomorrow. By many estimates, the reduction in poverty has drastically improved the way of life for many Americans over the past 50 years. Lastly, and most importantly, we must remember that the label `poor' means more than a cold numeric value attributed to one's earning potential. We must remember that America's poor have a face. That face exists today! They are the homeless, freezing in the cold, because their job does not pay enough to cover the rent or because they have no job. They are children who cannot concentrate at school because hunger fills their daytime thoughts. They are uninsured Americans who, before the passage of the Affordable Care Act, could not afford quality health insurance. They are hard working Americans just striving to make ends meet and, like the majority of us, gripped with the goal of creating a better life for themselves and loved ones. We cannot turn our back on them now. We must continue to fight the war on poverty--and we must win! We must rededicate ourselves to the values that Lyndon Johnson lifted up 50 years ago. Values that set a moral standard for America and for which we still must strive. Values that were given to us over 2,000 years ago by Jesus in the parable of the Sheep and the Goats found in the 25th Chapter of Matthew. For when I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me. And whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. President Johnson took that to heart 50 years ago. And we today must do the same.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has inspired me and millions of people across the globe. He died last week at the age of 95, but lived a full life defined by a dedication to serve others and a simple, but all important, insistence that all citizens be treated with dignity and respect. Serving as the first black president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela fought and sacrificed for civil rights in his home country. To Nelson Mandela, all were equal--peace and justice were to be shared among all races, religions, and nationalities. Beyond words, Mandela lived a life of leadership by example. His long and courageous opposition to South Africa's long and violent apartheid and relentless pursuit of freedom and justice was a profound example of moral leadership that will long be remembered. A man not deterred or discouraged from his goals, Nelson Mandela was determined and unwavering in his fight for liberty. Beyond death, his life continues to serve as a daily inspiration for my public service, and I believe all of us can learn from Mandela's examples in forgiveness, hope, and sacrifice. South Africa and world are better for the example of his life--his work laid the foundations for a bright future in South Africa and his vision of peace has been since shared around the globe. His faith in God and commitment to the principles of freedom and justice for all are reflected in his favorite scripture from the Apostle Paul found in the 8th Chapter of Romans; `Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' He would not be separated from his principles of justice for all, no matter the cost. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me and the people of South Africa in paying tribute to Mr. Nelson Mandela and his exceptional legacy as a world leader. May his family and all of the lives he touched be consoled and comforted by their faith in the Lord, along with the assurance that the courage of Nelson Mandela will not soon be forgotten.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has inspired me and millions of people across the globe. He died last week at the age of 95, but lived a full life defined by a dedication to serve others and a simple, but all important, insistence that all citizens be treated with dignity and respect. Serving as the first black president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela fought and sacrificed for civil rights in his home country. To Nelson Mandela, all were equal--peace and justice were to be shared among all races, religions, and nationalities. Beyond words, Mandela lived a life of leadership by example. His long and courageous opposition to South Africa's long and violent apartheid and relentless pursuit of freedom and justice was a profound example of moral leadership that will long be remembered. A man not deterred or discouraged from his goals, Nelson Mandela was determined and unwavering in his fight for liberty. Beyond death, his life continues to serve as a daily inspiration for my public service, and I believe all of us can learn from Mandela's examples in forgiveness, hope, and sacrifice. South Africa and the world are better for the example of his life--his work laid the foundations for a bright future in South Africa and his vision of peace has been since shared around the globe. His faith in God and commitment to the principles of freedom and justice for all are reflected in his favorite scripture from the Apostle Paul found in the 8th Chapter of Romans; `Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' He would not be separated from his principles of justice for all, no matter the cost. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me and the people of South Africa in paying tribute to Mr. Nelson Mandela and his exceptional legacy as a world leader. May his family and all of the lives he touched be consoled and comforted by their faith in the Lord, along with the assurance that the courage of Nelson Mandela will not soon be forgotten.

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 Greater Saint Mark A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Georgia as they celebrate a remarkable 127 years. The anniversary celebration will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 3:00 pm at Greater St. Mark Church in Columbus. The event will also be an opportunity to welcome Reverend Kevin Moore as the church's new pastor. Greater Saint Mark traces its roots back to 1886 when the seven original members began holding prayer meetings in a small house located on the land where the church stands today. From the prayer meetings, soon grew a Sunday school and eventually, a full church service with a devoted congregation. St. Mark assigned its first pastor, Reverend M.R. Wilson, in 1889, and from his pastorate came the church's original structure. Since then, the Church has seen many changes. After Reverend W.L. Brown installed a new piano and organ, Reverend A.M. Threatt purchased a new parsonage, transforming the old one into classrooms, a Pastor's study, and meeting space. Reverend W.J. Daniels helped the Church acquire new pews, carpeting, and a bell honoring Mrs. Susie Herte and Miss Clara Charleston. The Bussey-Hixon-Alexander Annex was built to accommodate a modern kitchen and restroom, a pastor's study, a secretary and finance office, a choir room, and a stewardess room. In honor of Mrs. Johnnie Mae Johnson, a scholarship fund was established, along with the donation of a church van. In addition to the physical renovations to Greater St. Mark, many of the church's leaders have focused on advancing the spiritual impact the church can make on the surrounding area. Under the pastorate of Reverend B.A. Hart, Greater St. Mark held a planning meeting which eventually brought Citizens Trust Bank, a minority enterprise, to Columbus. He also established the Young Adult Ensemble and the Male Chorus to enhance the Church's music ministry, and introduced bi-weekly Bible study and Christian Education seminars. Reverend Dr. Roosevelt Morris oversaw the donation of a house to the Columbus Historic Foundation, on behalf of the church. In the three years of Reverend Henry E. Green's leadership, a new roof was installed and a church website was built. Now Greater St. Mark will be welcoming Reverend Kevin Moore into the family as the church's new pastor and more improvements are sure to come under his leadership. What began as a small house for families to meet in prayer has grown into a family of its own, housing generations of church members and guiding them through their journey with the Lord. All of these additions and renovations exhibit the giving nature of the entire St. Mark congregation, as well as their dedication to serving Christ, each other, and the community. Not only do contributions and improvements to the church improve Greater St. Mark's ability to spread the word of the Lord, but they also strengthen the bond the members have with each other. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the Greater St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Columbus, GA for serving as a pillar of faith and fellowship to its members for the past 127 years. May God continue to bless the church and its congregation.