Sanford Bishop

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished public servant, devoted man of Faith and dear friend to my wife, Vivian and me, Georgia State Representative Calvin Smyre. Representative Smyre was honored for his contributions to Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 11 a.m. in Columbus, Georgia. Representative Smyre earned a degree in Business Administration from Fort Valley State University. In 1974, he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives as its youngest member at 26 years of age. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to serve with Representative Smyre during my own tenure in the Georgia General Assembly, and we became great friends. A longtime statesman, Representative Smyre has built a repertoire of legislative accomplishments. He currently serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Rules Committee and is the former Chairman of the House Minority Caucus. He played major roles in authoring and sponsoring important legislation, including the legislation making Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a state holiday; creating the Georgia Dome, home of the Atlanta Falcons; and creating a new Georgia State Flag. He is President Emeritus of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. In addition to his legislative achievements, Representative Smyre has also built a successful business career. He has served as Executive Vice President of Corporate External Affairs of Synovus and President of the Synovus Foundation. He also serves as one of eight members of the company's Corporate Executive Group. Synovus, a Columbus, Georgia- based diversified financial services holding company, has been named one of Fortune magazine's ``100 Best Companies to Work For'' in America multiple times. Yet, Representative Smyre is more than a legislator, he is more than a business executive, he is a servant to all humankind and still finds time to serve his community. He has held leadership and membership positions on numerous boards, foundations and organizations. Dr. Maya Angelou once said that, ``I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.'' Representative Smyre continues to throw a prodigious amount of love and service back to the Columbus, Georgia community, the State of Georgia, and our country. But most importantly, Representative Smyre is a devoted Man of God. Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church has been his home for more than fifty years, the members of the congregation are his family, and worship is his sustenance. Representative Smyre has made numerous contributions to the Church and for that, he has been honored with the ``Calvin Smyre Tree of Life.'' This is the Church's way of thanking Representative Smyre for pouring his heart, body, and soul into Greater Ward Chapel A.ME. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, and the Columbus, Georgia community in honoring Georgia State Representative Calvin Smyre for his dedicated service, leadership, and faith.

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 Saint James A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Georgia as the church's membership and leadership celebrates a remarkable 150 years. The congregation of St. James A.M.E. Church will celebrate this very significant anniversary with a worship celebration on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at the Church at 1002 Sixth Avenue in Columbus, Georgia. Tracing its roots back to the Civil War era, the St. James congregation emerged from the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Reverend William Gaines serving as the first pastor in 1864. Today, the physical body of the church serves as a reflection and memorial of past members and pastors who contributed to its preservation. On September 29, 1980, the church was listed on the National Historic Register. In an 1873 act, the Georgia Legislature granted St. James A.M.E. Church the land on which it stands and the first cathedral construction was completed in 1876. The ornately carved front doors, built by slaves, are the oldest parts of the church and are a reminder of the history of strength and perseverance behind the congregation. Since its founding, St. James has endured several additions and renovations, all of which help tell the story of the church, its members and its fifty-one former leaders. In 1886, Reverend Larry Thomas oversaw the construction of the bell tower, which still stands today as a symbol of the Church's concrete mission to serve its congregation and community. Reverend Harold I. Bearden, who served from 1940 to 1948, installed the pipe organ that is still heard during church services today. In 1988, St. James purchased property for a new parsonage, and by 1996, the conversion of the old parsonage into an administrative building was completed under the leadership of Reverend Scottie Swinney. The building now houses offices, a conference room, music room, clothing and food bank, and archives room, which collectively aid in the fulfillment of the church ministry. After Reverend Swinney's tenure, Reverend Richard Washington was pastor of the church. The church is now pastored by Reverend Joseph Baker, Sr. In 2004, St. James erected an Elevator Tower to accommodate all members of the congregation. The building includes classrooms, accessible bathrooms, a stewardess room, and an elevator that services the Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary. To commemorate this achievement, a time capsule was deposited behind the Elevator Tower cornerstone to be opened in 2054. Throughout all of these changes, the church has consistently maintained its presence as a center for spiritual, educational, professional, and civic gatherings within the African American community. The second oldest church of its denomination in Georgia, St. James A.M.E. Church has served as pillar of faith and community for 150 years. The spirit within the congregation and their commitment to the growth of St. James is both admirable and inspiring. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Saint James A.M.E. Church in Columbus, Georgia for their dedication to helping one another, serving the community, and above all, worshipping 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 sincere congratulations to the congregation of Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church in Macon, Georgia as the membership and leadership of the church celebrates a remarkable 175 years. The congregation of Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church will commemorate this milestone with a Celebration on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 3:00 pm at Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church in Macon. Tracing its roots back to the pre-Civil War era, the Church was organized around 1838 when Pastor Samuel Cassels was instructed to preach and minister to the slaves of the members of the 1st Presbyterian Church's congregation. The ``African Chapel,'' a separate facility, was built on Fourth Street (now M.L. King Drive) but remained associated with the 1st Presbyterian Church. With a request for full independence by ``African Chapel'' members that was granted on May 5, 1866, the present Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church was formed. Joseph Williams, David Laney, and Robert Carter were the first Ministers ordained to serve the church following its formal establishment. The Church had humble origins due to racial and social stratification in the post-Civil War South. With the end of the Civil War, the bells of Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church rang to celebrate emancipation. Under the pastorate of David Laney, most notably, the distinguished Gothic Revival structure of the Church was constructed. The Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church is not only the oldest African-American congregation in the state of Georgia, but also bears the distinct honor of being one of the oldest minority congregations in the country. Named for the street on which it is located, the Church has become the primary place of worship for many generations of the most prominent black families in Macon. It also enjoys the privilege of being listed in the National Register of Historic Places in America, another indication of its importance in the local, state, and national communities. The story of Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church, which began as a small group of slaves worshipping in a small ``African Chapel'' 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 paying tribute to the Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church in Macon, GA 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 personal congratulations and best wishes to a great friend and servant of humankind, Judge John D. Allen, Chief Judge of the Chattahoochee Circuit of the Third Superior Court District of Georgia. Judge Allen will be recognized by the Columbus Bar Association for his distinguished service on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center in Columbus, Georgia. He will be retiring on Thursday, October 31, 2013. Judge Allen was born on January 17, 1943 in segregated Columbus, Georgia. It seemed like all the odds were against him of one day becoming a Superior Court Judge. Despite the lack of black role models in the law as he was growing up, Judge Allen kept education as his main priority. He graduated from Tuskegee University in 1966 with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. A distinguished cadet in the ROTC, Judge Allen was commissioned into the Air Force in 1966 as a 2nd Lieutenant Pilot. He completed Advanced Survival Training in 1967, and he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant/ Tactical Fighter Pilot in 1968. Upon completion of course, he was assigned to Southeast Asia and flew 167 combat missions while stationed in Thailand. After promotions to Tactical Aircraft Commander, then to Captain, Judge Allen flew another 127 combat missions in Southeast Asia before returning to Tampa, Florida and serving as an academic and flight instructor until his discharge in July of 1973. He left the Air Force as a highly decorated pilot, earning 23 Air Medals, 2 Air Force Commendation Medals, and numerous other awards for his service during the Vietnam War. In 1975, Judge Allen earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. He was admitted to the Georgia bar in 1976. From 1976 to 1987, he maintained a private law practice in the Columbus area. At that time, Judge Allen and I were two of only four black lawyers in Columbus. Judge Allen continued to break barriers when he began serving as a Columbus Recorder's Court judge for a year before assuming a position on the State Court for Muscogee County in 1987. In 1993, he was appointed to the position of Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge. He has been re-elected repeatedly since his appointment. Judge Allen's diligent judicial service has also been mirrored by his extensive involvement with the local and state communities. In conjunction with his professional accomplishments in the Air Force and on the bench, Judge Allen has served on a number of boards and commissions, most notably as Chairman of the Judicial Qualifications Commission, and has received many awards and accolades for his service. Judge Allen's contributions to the Columbus area and the state of Georgia have even earned him recognition from the Columbus Ledger- Enquirer as one of ``100 People to Remember for the Century.'' None of Judge Allen's momentous accomplishments would have been possible without the enduring love and support of his wife Victoria; children John Jr., Geoffrey, and Kevin; and grandchildren John Ill and Carson. A true Georgian devoted to serving his great state, Judge Allen embodies Georgia's state motto, ``Wisdom, Justice and Moderation.'' Judge Allen is a man of great integrity who sets a high standard of values that make for a strong foundation of character in himself and in others. On a personal note, I would like to thank Judge Allen for his friendship, advice and counsel over the years. His wisdom and sage advice have contributed immensely to my success. For that I will always be grateful. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 700,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in honoring Judge John D. Allen for his outstanding professional achievements and dedicated service to his country and to the people of the state of Georgia as he retires from his position as Chief Judge of the Chattahoochee Circuit of the Third Superior Court District of Georgia.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding leader, Dr. Everette J. Freeman, the Eighth President of Albany State University, who will be leaving the school after eight successful and productive years as President. He was honored at a farewell reception on Thursday, October 24, 2013, at Orene Hall on the ASU campus. Dr. Freeman is a Washington, D.C. native and alumnus of Antioch College with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and economics. He also earned a master's in labor and industrial relations from the University of Illinois, and a doctorate in education from Rutgers University. He holds a certificate from the Institute for Educational Leadership at Harvard University, as well as a Certificate in Economics from Fircroft College in Birmingham, England. Prior to his tenure at Albany State, Dr. Freeman made his mark on several institutes of higher learning, serving as senior vice president and provost of the University of Indianapolis, dean of continuing education at Jackson State University, and executive assistant to the president at Tennessee State University. He also acted as interim vice president for university relations and development at Tennessee State. The Second Congressional District of Georgia gained a valuable and respected leader when Dr. Freeman came to Albany. He has transformed Albany State University, both fiscally and academically. Despite State budget cuts, he initiated new online programs and joint enrollment policies, led the fiscal affairs division from the worst audit ratings to the best, and facilitated the transition of students from technical colleges into the University. Moreover, Dr. Freeman has demonstrated a continued dedication to improving the academic community at ASU. Under his strategic leadership, the University saw simultaneous annual enrollment increases and higher SAT scores of entering classes. In addition, Dr. Freeman oversaw $20 million in capital improvements to the Albany State campus, including a state-of-the-art student center, a learning center, and six residence halls. The positive impact of the construction reverberated throughout the student community, as well as in the surrounding city. The relationship between ASU and the Greater Albany area has been significantly strengthened, as the University's economic impact on the city reached $156 million during Dr. Freeman's time as president. Dr. Freeman also worked to establish partnerships with several local businesses, further improving the town and gown relationship between Albany and ASU. On a personal note, I am proud to call Dr. Freeman a friend and I am so grateful for all he has done for Albany State University and the Albany community. His heartfelt dedication to this school will be felt and remembered for years to come. Nelson Henderson once said, ``The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.'' Dr. Freeman has not only planted trees of knowledge whose fruit ASU students and alumni can yield, but he has also planted the seeds of success for future generations of Albany State University Golden Rams. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Dr. Everette J. Freeman for his eight outstanding years as President of Albany State University. His energizing leadership and his commitment to academic excellence has helped to make lasting improvements to Albany State University so to better provide current and future students with the tools they need to lead successful and productive lives.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen and servant of humankind, Mrs. Annette Bowling, Executive Director of the Albany Advocacy Resource Center (ARC). The Albany ARC will honor Mrs. Bowling for her forty years of dedicated service and leadership at their 50th anniversary celebration on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 6 o'clock in the evening at the Albany Hilton Garden Inn in Albany, Georgia. The Albany ARC was founded in 1963 to advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities in the Albany, Georgia community. In its fifty years of operation, it has become one of the largest and most successful private provider agencies in the state of Georgia. Mrs. Bowling began working at the Albany ARC in 1974 after her son was the first child in the state of Florida to undergo open heart surgery. As a single mom, she relied on the support she received from her community to get through this difficult time. This inspired her decision to dedicate her life to helping others and she then embarked on what was to be a long and fulfilling career at the Albany ARC. Mrs. Bowling's work with the Center since 1974 has made a difference in the lives of many Georgians, and has helped improve the quality and dignity of life for those individuals served by the Albany ARC. When she first arrived in Albany, there were no community services or resources for people with disabilities. Since then, she has passionately directed and advocated for many programs to improve the lives of so many Georgians with disabilities. Truly, any cause to which Annette Bowling's name was attached commandeered respect. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays once said, ``He who starts behind in the race of this life, must forever remain behind or run faster than the man in front.'' Mrs. Bowling has been the driving force behind programs that have helped improve the quality of rehabilitation and disability services for those who need these services to help them to ``catch up.'' She has contributed significantly to the Albany ARC, making it the great community resource that it is today. In addition to her work with the Albany ARC, Mrs. Bowling has served on many regional and statewide boards of directors, including the ARC of Georgia, Southwest Georgia Area Health Education Center, Southwest Georgia Easter Seals, Community Institute of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and the Georgia Budget Policy Committee. She also serves as Chairperson of the Division of Rehabilitation Services Council of the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance and has co-chaired the Governor's Blue Ribbon Taskforce on Community Based Services. Her office is filled with hundreds of awards and honors but the trophy that Mrs. Bowling is most proud of is the incarnation of her vision that those with disabilities can be productive members of society. Mrs. Bowling has accomplished much in her life but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of her husband of thirty-two years, George, her son and her granddaughter. Shirley Chisholm once said that, ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Mrs. Bowling has certainly paid her rent and paid it well. Winston Churchill said, ``We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.'' Through every stage of her life, Mrs. Bowling has always given of herself to others. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, and the more than 700,000 people of Georgia's Second Congressional District in paying tribute to a phenomenal woman, Mrs. Annette Bowling, and in thanking her for her forty years of dedicated service to the Albany Advocacy Resource Center, to the Albany, Georgia community and to thousands of families with disabilities across our great state of Georgia.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of the legislation before us this evening to rename the Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Florida the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. I am honored to join over 200 of my House colleagues as an original cosponsor of this bipartisan legislation, a great tribute to one of our dearest colleagues. Indeed, Bill Young will be forever known as one of the strongest supporters of our military and veterans in the history of this Congress. His staunch and unyielding support of our military and our veterans is legendary. Likewise, he was a true champion for his district, and a fount of knowledge about the chronicles of the U.S. House of Representatives. Bill Young will be missed in Washington, as well as in Florida. He, along with the late Congressman Jack Murtha, were not only great friends and mentors to me, but their wives, Beverly and Joyce, were also friends and mentors to my wife, Vivian. Chairman Murtha and Chairman Young were neither Democrat nor Republican when it came to our national defense. Regardless of which was the chairman or ranking member of the Defense Subcommittee, the men and women of America's military would be taken care of. I am proud to have served as a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense under both of these great leaders. With Bill Young's death, the Nation has truly lost one of the few remaining statesmen. Our thoughts and prayers are with Beverly and the entire family. Congress and our Nation have lost one of its greatest statesmen. I have lost a dear friend and a mentor. While we could use every word in every language spoken by mankind, we would not have enough words combined to adequately thank Bill Young for his service. But I am pleased to join my colleagues in passing this resolution to rename the Bay Pines Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Florida the C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. It has been said that you make your living by what you get; you make your life by what you give. Bill Young gave so much to so many for so long. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute a classic gridiron rivalry, the 78th Annual Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic, which is known as the ``Matchless Classic of All Historically Black College Football Classics.'' This year, the Maroon Tigers of Morehouse College will meet face-to-face with the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus, Georgia on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. The Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic, one of the longest running NCAA Division II classics in the nation, marks a rivalry that began in 1902 and has been played seventy-seven times in over a century. It first began as an entertainment event for the African-American civilian community and African-American U.S. Army soldiers in Columbus and Fort Benning, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama. Today, it helps raise funds to provide young men and women with scholarships to help them attend college. In 1955, the Classic Committee was formed by the late Mr. Gordon H. Kitchen, Mr. A.J. McClung, and Mr. Carl Haygood. The Committee continues to organize the Classic and has preserved the vision and mission of its legendary founders and past leadership. This year, the Committee will welcome Dr. John Silvanus Wilson, Jr., the Eleventh President of Morehouse College; Dr. Gilbert L. Rochon, the Sixth President of Tuskegee University; and Dr. Beverly Tatum, the Ninth President of Spelman College. This is the ninth year the Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic will be played in the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, which was named for the late Honorable A.J. McClung, a 1933 graduate of Tuskegee University, Chairman Emeritus of the Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic and 29- year member of the Columbus Council who served as Mayor of Columbus in 1973. The weeks leading up to this longstanding tradition are filled with excitement and anticipation. The Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic Parade is widely attended and filled with fanfare. The weeklong schedule of events also includes church services, recruitment activities, a media press conference, a golf tournament, Presidents/Queens Brunch, VIP Reception and high-spirited tailgating with thousands of fans from all over the United States and abroad. Throughout the years, the high quality of play and competition between the two teams on the field has represented college football at its best. The players and coaches of both teams train and work tirelessly to ensure a memorable classic. Each Classic features a spectacular show put on by the marching bands, the Piperettes, Mahogany in Motion, cheerleaders, flag teams and other auxiliary units. It always generates enthusiastic responses from proud fans cheering loudly for their teams. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting the Maroon Tigers of Morehouse College and the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University as they compete in this classic gridiron rivalry. Naturally, I will be cheering for my beloved Alma Mater, Morehouse College. Despite the outcome, however, the 78th Annual Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic is sure to be a memorable affair overflowing with spirit, pride, and tradition on behalf of the students, alumni, administrations, families, and supporters.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday, four brave United States servicemembers died in service to our Nation. Like too many before, Lieutenant Jennifer Moreno, Sergeant Hawkins, Sergeant Joseph Peters, and Private First Class Cody Patterson were killed--far from home--by an improvised explosive device in the remote Kandahar province of Afghanistan. Now, due to the government shutdown, their families have not been disbursed the standard survivor benefits from the United States military that they are rightfully owed. These benefits include reimbursement to the family for funeral expenses, payment of survivor housing, reimbursement for funeral travel, travel associated with dignified transfer of the remains, and other expenses. This is, beyond a doubt, an outrage. Two of the fallen, Sergeant Hawkins and Private Patterson, were based in my district at Fort Benning, Georgia. Both soldiers were members of the Army's prestigious 75th Ranger Regiment. Sergeant Hawkins was serving his fourth deployment to Afghanistan and Private Patterson his second. Imagine the pain these families are going through in coping with the death of a loved one. Now imagine being greeted with the cold shoulder of a shuttered government, their country turning on them all because of an unnecessary shutdown. How dare we not provide these grieving families with the necessary support in their time of need. I am truly embarrassed that these shutdown shenanigans have impacted these brave soldiers' families in this way. To those people who say the government shutdown is only of minimal impact, remember these families. This is not minimal. These are our sons and daughters we have sent to combat in faraway lands, and they should never have to question our Nation's resolve in taking care of their families. We must reopen our government so that such inconveniences do not continue to plague our Nation. In the meantime, let's pass this bill, H.J. Res. 91, for our Nation's military families.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding leader, Edward O. DuBose, State President of the Georgia State Conference National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Mr. DuBose will be stepping down as State President at the NAACP 71st Annual Georgia State Convention and Civil Rights Conference on Saturday, October 5, 2013 in Columbus, Georgia. Mr. DuBose was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the third of ten children to Carnell and Margie DuBose. After graduating from Harper High School in 1976, he joined the United States Army. Mr. DuBose served his country proudly and honorably for 21 years. Mr. DuBose has an Associate Degree in General Education, a Bachelor's in Business Administration and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The Owner of Everlasting Peace Counseling and Consulting Services, Mr. DuBose is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Certified Anger Management Specialist. Mr. DuBose is also registered as a Neutral with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution and has received certificates in Civil as well as Family and Domestic Relations Mediation. A man of many hats, Mr. DuBose served as President of the Columbus, Georgia Branch of the NAACP from 1997 to 2005. From 2000 through 2005, he also served as 2nd Vice President of the Georgia State Conference NAACP. He has also served as Georgia State NAACP Veterans Affairs Chairman and as District Coordinator for District 21 of the Georgia State Conference NAACP. On October 11, 2005, Mr. DuBose made history in Columbus, Georgia when he became the only resident and NAACP member from Columbus to be elected to the office of State President of the Georgia State Conference NAACP. He made history again on February 21, 2009 when he became the first Georgia State Conference NAACP President in its 69- year history to be elected to the NAACP National Board of Directors. Under Mr. DuBose's leadership, the Georgia State Conference NAACP has achieved a higher level of influence and a more prominent presence. He negotiated the only NAACP radio show in Georgia, helped to start the first Black History Month Parade in Columbus, Georgia, and coordinated the largest protest march in Columbus history by rallying over 15,000 people to call for justice for the 2003 shooting death of Kenneth Walker. He also assisted the Douglas County, Georgia branch of the NAACP in conducting the first protest march in the county in its history, rallying over 5,000 people seeking justice in the case of the ``Douglasville Six.'' Mr. DuBose had been steadfast and committed to leading the State of Georgia ``By Any Means Necessary'' to raise awareness, promote justice, and establish equality and respect in all aspects of life. Mr. DuBose has been honored with many awards and has achieved numerous successes in his life, but none of this would have been possible without the grace of God and his loving wife, Cynthia, and their three daughters, Cynthia, Casonya, and Kimberly. On a personal note, I would like to thank Mr. DuBose for his outstanding leadership in the Columbus, Georgia community and throughout the entire State of Georgia. Nelson Mandela once said, ``For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.'' Mr. DuBose embodies this statement thoroughly in his profession as a counselor and mediator, as well as in his leadership of the Georgia NAACP. We certainly could use more people like him in the world today. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 700,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in paying tribute to Edward O. DuBose for his outstanding leadership as the State President of the Georgia State Conference NAACP.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, H.J. Res. 59, the Senate clean bill, includes all programs administered by the VA. Let me repeat: all programs. The Senate didn't cherry-pick which programs get funded. It continues operations of the entire Federal Government. On the other hand, the anemic H.J. Res. 72 that we're voting on here, the Medical Research account is not included; Construction; Office of the Secretary, Board of Veterans Appeals; Inspector General, not included; IT account, not included; grants to State veterans homes, State cemeteries, the National Cemetery Administration, not included. Enough of these games. Let's pass a CR. Let's do our work. Let's finish our work. Let's fund the government and put these workers back to work. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, at this time I am pleased to yield 30 seconds to my good friend, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn), the assistant Democratic leader.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott).

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I'd like to point out the fact that while the bill may do what my good friend has suggested, it doesn't fund all of the accounts. There are a number of accounts, as has been pointed out time and time again, that are not funded. May I inquire, Mr. Speaker, as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. At this time I am happy to yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from Florida (Ms. Brown), a strong and consistent advocate for veterans and a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for over 20 years.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud), ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee.

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

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff), a member of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, at this time I also would like to extend our condolences, and would also like to express our appreciation to the Sergeant at Arms and to the Capitol Police for their hard work in making sure that the people that work in this Capitol, the Members and visitors, are safe. And we appreciate their vigilance during the recent incident. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr), who is the ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, at this time I am delighted to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price), the ranking member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke) for a unanimous consent request.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Barber) for a unanimous consent request.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Veasey) for a unanimous consent request.