Sanford Bishop

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I cannot in good conscience support today's misguided efforts to repeal the new health reform law. It would be a significant step backwards both for the citizens of Southwest Georgia whom I represent as well as the entire nation. Repealing the law will mean that insurance companies will continue to place lifetime limits on the coverage they provide, drop people from coverage when they get sick, and refuse children affordable health care because of a pre-existing condition. Repealing the law also will increase prescription drug costs for seniors. It will deny Medicare enrollees free preventive services like colorectal cancer screenings, mammograms, and an annual wellness visit without copayments, co-insurance, or deductibles. In addition, repealing the law will mean that children under age 26 will no longer be covered under their parents' plan; new small business tax credits that make it easier for businesses to provide coverage to their workers and make premiums more affordable will disappear; and there will be no further expansion of community health centers which are vital to the health care needs of rural Southwest Georgia. A recent report by the Center for American Progress also found that repealing the law would add up to $2,000 annually to family premiums and prevent 250,000 to 400,000 jobs from being created annually over the next decade. Furthermore, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, a repeal of the law will add $230 billion to the federal debt by 2021. Mr. Speaker, we cannot let this happen. We cannot and we must not turn back the clock.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding. Madam Speaker, my wife, Vivian, and I were shocked and saddened to learn of the awful events in Tucson, Arizona, last Saturday. First and foremost, our prayers are with Gabby Giffords, her family, her staff, and the other victims of the senseless tragedy. Since she was first elected in 2006, Gabby Giffords has been one of the brightest lights in this Congress. I have gotten to know her personally in the Blue Dog Coalition, and she is my friend. I have been especially impressed by her intelligence, her warm personality, and her singular ability to bridge differences and bring people together. These qualities, and the fact that she was attacked while serving her constituents, make the situation all the more heartbreaking. In the book of Isaiah, it is written, ``Come let us reason together.'' Let us then take this opportunity to pause and reflect on the lives of the victims, the heroism of the first responders, and the bedrock principle of American democracy--reaffirmed in the resolution before us today--the right to assemble peacefully and to petition the government for the redress of grievances. We must not let violence or the threat of violence deter us from representing our constituents and doing the Nation's business. God bless Gabby Giffords, the other injured, the families of those who were killed, the people of Arizona and the United States of America.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lena Baker. Today, her family dedicates her tombstone, 65 years after she was laid to rest at the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Cuthbert, Georgia. She was born June 8, 1900 near Cuthbert, in the small community of Cotton Hill where her family worked as farmers. Ms. Baker worked as a maid, cleaning houses and doing laundry to support her three children. She also was employed by Ernest B. Knight, a local gristmill owner. On April 29, 1944, Ms. Baker was forced from her home by Ernest Knight and taken to the gristmill, where she was held against her will. According to court testimony, Knight brandished the iron bar that was used to lock the door. Ms. Baker, fearing for her life, attempted to leave and the two ``tussled'' over a pistol. During the struggle, the gun went off, killing Knight. Ms. Baker testified that she walked immediately to the house of County Coroner, J. A. Cox, and confessed to the accidental death of Ernest Knight. Her trial convened on August 14, 1944 at the Randolph County Courthouse, which was then presided over by Judge Charles William ``Two Gun'' Worrill, who kept two pistols on the bench. With an unconcerned lawyer by her side, a jury of twelve Caucasian men--hardly a jury of her peers--found her guilty in a trial and deliberation that, together, lasted less than four hours. Judge Worrill sentenced Ms. Baker to be executed. However, Governor Ellis Arnall granted Ms. Baker a 60-day reprieve so that the Board of Pardons and Parole could review the case. In January 1945, the board denied clemency. She then was taken to Reidsville State Prison on February 23, 1945. Ms. Baker's execution date was rescheduled for March 5, 1945. She is the only woman to be executed by electrocution in the State of Georgia. She went to the electric chair calmly and bravely. Her last words were, ``What I done, I did in self-defense, or I would have been killed myself. Where I was I could not overcome it. God has forgiven me. I have nothing against anyone.'' Ms. Baker is buried in the cemetery at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Randolph County, where she once worshiped. In 1998 a group of church members finally marked her grave. In August 2005, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles posthumously pardoned Ms. Baker, acknowledging that the 1945 decision to deny clemency to Ms. Baker was ``a grievous error'' and that she could have been charged with the lesser crime of voluntary manslaughter, which would have prevented the sentence of capital punishment. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that the dedication of her tombstone today can heal the wounds of the past. May Lena Baker now truly rest in peace.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Section 2: ``The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority, to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction.''

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Chair, our economy is still very weak: over 75 percent of American workers are living paycheck-to-paycheck. The unemployment rate stands at 9.8 percent, and over eight million Americans are subsisting on unemployment insurance benefits while they search for work. In Georgia alone, the unemployment rate is over 10 percent. 67,000 additional Georgians filed for unemployment insurance last month. Despite these sobering numbers, our nation is on a dangerous path toward the largest tax increase in over a decade if we do not approve this vital legislation before us today. We must not let this happen. We must change course. Our nation's workers, retirees, businesses, and job-seekers simply cannot afford the crushing burden of new taxes in today's economy. Raising taxes in this economic environment would stifle investment, slow down job creation, and put severe financial strain on businesses and individuals. This bipartisan legislation confronts this reality. It temporarily continues the Bush Tax Cuts for the benefit of all Americans. It provides a desperately needed extension of unemployment insurance benefits. It reduces the crushing burden of the estate tax on our nation's family farms and businesses. And it puts money back into the paychecks of America's workers. I urge my colleagues to take action and vote to send this legislation to the President's desk. Now is the time to act. We owe it to our constituents and to our nation not to let their taxes go up on New Year's Day.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, in recognition of Kingdom Metropolitan Worship Center's 15th Pastor Appreciation & Church Anniversary Celebration, I rise today to honor my friend and constituent, Senior Pastor Bishop Marshall S. McGill. Bishop McGill is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Kingdom Metropolitan Worship Centre, a non-denominational church located in Columbus, Georgia. Through Bishop McGill's faithful stewardship, the church has become one of the most progressive congregations in Columbus. He is a native of Dayton, Ohio. He was educated in Biblical Counseling and Pastoral Care in Ohio and Alabama, respectively. In addition, Bishop McGill received his Doctorate of Humane Letters. For over twenty years, Bishop McGill has been blessed with a loving wife, First Lady, Pastor Teresa Y. McGill, from Huntsville, Alabama. Along with committing their lives to God, they have raised four wonderful sons, who serve in the ministry with their parents. He is the Founder and Superintendent of Kingdom Christian Academy and Preparatory School--a school for students in grades K-12 with three locations in the Columbus area. He is also the Founder of Bainbridge Christian Centre in Bainbridge, Georgia, as well as the Overseer of Grace Church in Barcelona, Spain. He also is the Founder and President of The Good Samaritan Counseling & Resource Institute. Bishop McGill is a sought-after International Conference Speaker and Teacher. As part of his global ministry he has been called to Europe, Ghana, India, Israel, South Africa, Spain, and Swaziland. He is overseer of ``Go Ye Nations'' in Nagercoil, India, with over 200 pastors and missionaries under his leadership and care. India also is home to the ``Marshall McGill's Children Home,'' an orphanage and school for disadvantaged and physically impaired children. Locally, Bishop McGill has served as Chaplain for the City Council of Columbus. Currently, he is the active Chaplain for the Columbus Marshal and Sheriff Departments. Bishop McGill possesses an incredible love for children and young adults, a desire to help the needy and to empower people to reach their full potential. His dedication is evident as he is often quoted as saying, ``We have often failed generations of the past because we failed to educate and train up leaders qualified to carry the torch for tomorrow.'' Madam Speaker, Bishop McGill has ministered on both local and global levels, striving to improve the world for the next generation. His spiritual guidance is an asset to our community and to the world and he is a constant reminder of what it means to be a child of God.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I agree that the extension of middle class tax cuts is vital to the economic health of our nation, and I proudly support providing this much needed relief. Over 75 percent of American workers are living paycheck-to-paycheck, and they simply cannot afford the burden of new taxes. Furthermore, many of our nation's seniors are on fixed incomes consisting of Social Security payments, supplemented by dividend and capital gains income. This measure will help ensure that seniors can make ends meet in this challenging economic environment. Unfortunately, this measure does not go far enough. Given the current state of our fragile economic recovery, now is not the time to raise taxes on any American. Businesses large and small are still having difficulty creating new jobs, training their workers, and growing for the future. I remain deeply concerned that raising taxes on those businesses would further impede job creation and punish success at a time when we should be encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit. Furthermore, I am troubled that this measure does not address estate tax relief. The most oppressive estate tax we have seen in a decade is scheduled to go into effect at the beginning of the New Year. Our farmers and small business owners face dire consequences from inaction on this issue. Higher estate tax rates would have an especially severe impact on farmers and small business owners in Georgia's Second Congressional District. According to a June 2009 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, if Congress does not take action on estate tax relief before the end of this year, the resulting higher estate tax could affect 10 percent of American farms, 98 percent of which are family- owned and operated. Many Georgians could lose farms that have been passed down from generation to generation, or be forced to sell much- needed land, buildings, and equipment. In addition, small business owners could lose the companies they worked so hard to build and hoped to hand down to their children. We cannot ignore these issues, and it is my hope that a bipartisan agreement can be reached before the New Year. We must extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, at least temporarily, for all Americans, as well as provide substantial estate tax relief for the benefit of our family- owned farms and businesses. Now is not the time for political games and maneuvering. The nation needs us to come together and address this issue in a bipartisan manner. We truly cannot afford to wait any longer.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my constituents in celebrating the 124th Anniversary of Greater Saint Mark AME Church in Columbus, Georgia. As part of this celebration, we honor the Church's oldest living member, Mr. Armster Hinton, who is 96 years old and has spent the majority of his life worshiping as a parishioner at Greater Saint Mark AME Church. Born April 16, 1914 in Hurtsboro, Alabama, where his family owned a horse farm, Mr. Hinton is the son of the late Merion and Daisy Hinton. He was educated at William H. Spencer High School, and graduated from that institution in 1933. Mr. Hinton sought higher education, and graduated from Albany State College with a degree in business. He went on to honorably serve his country during World War II. While a soldier in the U.S. Army, his company in the Army made dog tags for the troops. He also instructed his fellow soldiers in reading and writing, helping many of them to attain a fourth grade level education. In 1934, Mr. Hinton was married to the love of his life, the late Mrs. Nell Blanchette Gibson Hinton. They were married for 71 wonderful years and were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Mrs. Beverly Gaynell Hinton Hugle. Mrs. Hugle is married to Mr. Kenneth Hugle, who Mr. Hinton considers a son. Mr. Hinton's family also includes his precocious grandson, Master Destin Hinton Hugle. Along with his immediate family, Mr. Hinton's great love has impacted countless lives, namely those of his god-children: Mrs. Doris Burton Upshaw; Mrs. Frances Jones Walker; Mrs. Rose Marie Wilson Arnold; Rev. Paul Berry, III; Mrs. Jasper Dawkins, Jr.; and Mrs. Jasmine Dawkins Jones. A master tailor, he is retired from Tillman's Men's Clothing in Columbus. In his retirement, he has utilized his many talents as an avid cook and a consummate gardener. Mr. Hinton also has been the recipient of numerous recognitions from Greater Saint Mark AME Church, where he has been a life-long member since childhood. He is known throughout the community for his resplendent appearance. When asked about it, his favorite expression is, ``I can't help that; I was born looking good.'' He attributes his longevity to a powerful faith in God, along with ``having a ball'' with family and friends. Madam Speaker, from his service in the U.S. Army to his life-long dedication to his community, our country, the State of Georgia, and the City of Columbus, Mr. Armster Hinton has led a life of purpose. He is a kind-hearted and compassionate man who upholds the true meaning of Christianity. Today I join Greater Saint Mark AME Church in honoring Mr. Hinton's longevity. May he continue to inspire generations to come.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4783, The Claims Resolution Act of 2010. It is time to end this decades-long dispute and long process of overdue justice. The Senate overcame a major hurdle on November 19, and their actions should encourage us to build on their momentum, pass this legislation, and send it to President Obama in the interest of doing what is right. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ``The time is always right to do what is right.'' I am pleased to see that this legislation has strong support from both sides of the aisle, and I know that fiscally conservative Members like me are especially pleased that this legislation is fully paid for. This has not been a process of swift justice, but the Senate's recent accomplishment is good news for the victims of prejudice and discrimination. I am particularly pleased for the thousands of black farmers, as well as Native Americans and Hispanics, who will now finally receive a measure of justice. Discrimination in any form cannot be tolerated, and today my colleagues and I are presented with the opportunity to close the final chapter in this saga of flagrant prejudice. Now there are a number of Members who have expressed their concern with respect to potential fraud and abuse. Interestingly, out of the three groups included in H.R. 4783--Hispanic, Native American, and Black, only the Black farmers are saddled with fraud allegations and specific statutory language aimed at stemming fraud. I, too, am concerned with fraud! And I believe the bill adequately addresses this issue, as does the Department of Agriculture and I am confident this issue will be taken care of. We cannot let a few bad apples spoil the bunch. There are many hard- working, honest individuals and families who have suffered at the hand of discrimination, and we should all aim to see justice done so that those who have suffered from bias and bigotry can now move on with their lives. Mr. Speaker, as children, we are taught the Pledge of Allegiance and we are ingrained from an early age that these United States provide liberty and justice for all. Therefore, I ask my colleagues to keep that pledge and pass this legislation. Our great nation was founded on the principle that all men are created equal and it is time to see this gross injustice put to rest.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a brave soldier, a dedicated citizen of Thomasville, Georgia, and a great American, U.S. Army Specialist Shannon ``Chanen'' Chihuahua, who selflessly gave his life while serving his country in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Specialist Chihuahua was born in 1985, and was raised in Thomasville, Georgia. After graduating from Thomas County Central High School in 2004, he attended Valdosta State University. He met his loving wife, Kristen, in July of 2006 and the two were married November 4, 2006. Answering the call to service, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Specialist Chihuahua was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. His awards and decorations include: Purple Heart; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; and Combat Medic Badge. While deployed to Afghanistan, he was one of several service members tragically killed on November 12, 2010 when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades. He gave the ultimate sacrifice; he died while trying to save a fellow soldier, who was injured. Specialist Chihuahua's death is a great loss to this country, as he was a man of great promise and honor. He was described as an energetic and positive person with a constant smile. He was well regarded by his peers and known for his congeniality. His death is also a great loss to his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Kristen; two daughters, Sophia and Annabelle; his mother, Dennice Dinkins of Thomasville, Georgia; and father, Sebastian Chihuahua of Del Rio, Texas. Madam Speaker, U.S. Army Specialist Shannon ``Chanen'' Chihuahua made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. His time on this earth was too short. He was a proud American, a brave soldier, and a true family man. In life, he was loved and honored and in death, he will be remembered by a grateful nation.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Tommy Irvin, an accomplished public servant and a personal friend. He is retiring after devoting over 40 years to his state and country, serving as the Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture. His 54-plus years of public service began in 1956, when he was elected to the Habersham County Board of Education. From there, he went on to serve as Chairman of the School Board and President of the Georgia School Boards Association. Throughout his time in public office, he has remained dedicated to educational advancement in the State of Georgia, and as such, he is an honorary Lifetime Member of the Parent-Teacher Association of Georgia and the Georgia School Food Service Association. Commissioner Irvin continued his commitment to education during his four terms representing Habersham County in the Georgia General Assembly. He served on the House Agriculture, Education, & Appropriations Committees and as the Chairman of both the House Industrial Relations Committee and the Governor's Conference on Education. In addition, he was the Governor's Floor Leader and Executive Secretary to the Governor. He is the longest serving statewide official in Georgia, having been appointed Commissioner of Agriculture in 1969 by Governor Lester Maddox. Commissioner Irvin is the only Georgian to serve as President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. In addition to serving as the President of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, he served two terms as the President of the Southern United States Trade Association, an organization which he helped found to promote the export of Southern food and agricultural products. Commissioner Irvin has received many honors throughout his distinguished career, including the Progressive Farmer Magazine Man-of- the-Year in Service to Agriculture, the National Award for Agricultural Excellence by the National Agri-Marketing Association, the National Future Farmers of America Honorary American Farmer Degree, and the Southeastern Poultry and Egg Association's ``Workhorse of the Year'' award, which is considered to be the most prestigious recognition bestowed by the poultry industry. He has been inducted into the Halls of Fame of many organizations, including National 4-H, Georgia Agrirama, Vidalia Onion, Georgia Seed Association, Habersham County, Hall County, and University of Georgia College of Agriculture. He has received the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine's Distinguished Service Award. He received the Richard B. Russell Public Service Award, the Jefferson Jackson Day HOPE Award, and most recently received the American Farm Bureau Federation's Distinguished Service Award for his service as an agriculture leader with merit and distinction. Commissioner Irvin set up an international trade division in his department and pursued markets for Georgia's agricultural producers in the Soviet Union, China and Cuba. His initiative has inspired other states to follow his lead, and the United States Department of Agriculture and leaders in other countries have sought to emulate Georgia's procedures to eradicate animal diseases, and control plant pests. Madam Speaker, the State of Georgia, especially the agriculture community, and our nation have greatly benefitted from the tremendous leadership of Tommy Irvin. He will be remembered for his ingenuity and dedication. His many awards are well earned and he leaves an unparalleled legacy as he retires.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a man of great faith, a man who has given much to his community while serving as a model citizen, father, and apostle of the word of God, Pastor Stephen Stallworth. Pastor Stallworth was called to the ministry at the young age of twenty-six. In 1970, he attended the University of Michigan and the CH Mason Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. There he was ordained an Elder, and in 1976, he was installed as an Assistant Pastor. He was offered a position by General Motors in Albany, Georgia. In 1979, he and his family moved from Michigan to Georgia, where he felt called by God to serve as a pastor. Shortly after moving to Albany, Pastor and Mother Stallworth began the task of finding a church. One day, by a chance encounter, they discovered their first church while on their way to the parish they were attending at that time. Due to road work on their normal route, they detoured onto Church Street where they discovered a vacant church. They felt called by God to turn the empty building into a thriving, vibrant parish with which to serve God and the Albany community. Pastor and Mother Stallworth selflessly purchased the building to begin the new church. Instead of buying a home for their family, they began a home for their spiritual family in Albany, and in 1981, Pastor Stallworth established the Greater Grace Church of God in Christ. He and Mother Stallworth took to the task of restoring and refurbishing the land and property, and in doing so they established a neighborhood ministry. As the parish grew there was need for a larger facility, and through his ministry numerous Bishops, Pastors and Evangelist were born. There are nine churches in Pastor Stallworth's district; five of these churches originated directly from his ministry. There are approximately twelve churches operating in the Albany area that were born under the direction of Pastor Stallworth, and there are more that 2,000 members in his district. In March of 2008, Pastor Stallworth established a covenant between the Greater Grace Church of God in Christ and the Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries in Plant City, Florida, whose membership exceeds five hundred members and is one of the fastest growing churches in the area. The Pastor is national recording artist Calvin Callins. In 2009, Pastor Stallworth established covenants with Pastor Ray G. Johnson of Love Life Church and with Pastor Willie C. Carter of Acts II Full Gospel Church; both are located in Camilla, Georgia. Heeding the call to expand his ministry, Pastor Stallworth oversaw the erection of a multi-million dollar edifice. After two years of construction the new 22,000 square foot building was completed in February of 2008. 6,000 square feet are allocated for the Graceland Institute of Early Learning, which opened in September of 2008. Ever innovative, Pastor Stallworth envisions facilities to house senior citizens and college students. He is known for never preaching the same sermon twice and he seeks to expand his ministry and preach the word of God to all he can. His mission is to always exhibit excellence in his ministry by always lifting Jesus to the height that men and women will be drawn to Him. Madam Speaker, today I recognize and honor a man I am proud to call friend and constituent and a man who has altruistically contributed to our community, giving so much of himself. Today it is my privilege to honor Pastor Stephen Stallworth as he is elevated to the position of Apostle. He has served God and his community well and I know he will continue to do so.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a brave sailor, dedicated citizen, and a great American, U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer David Blake McLendon, who gave his life for his country. Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO) McLendon was raised in Thomasville, Georgia. After graduating from Thomas County Central High School in 1998, he answered the call to service by enlisting in the U.S. Navy, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He was a successful and dedicated naval non-commissioned officer, quickly rising through the ranks. His awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Navy Battle ``E'' Ribbon (two awards); Navy Good Conduct Medal (three awards); and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. In 2009, McLendon was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer and served as a Navy cryptologic technician. He was also a Navy SEAL. During his twelve-year Naval career, he served at Norfolk, Virginia and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and the Joint Expeditionary Base at Little Creek, Virginia. While deployed to Afghanistan, he was one of nine servicemembers tragically killed when their Army Blackhawk helicopter went down in the southern Afghanistan province of Zabul on Sept. 21, 2010. SCPO McLendon's death is a great loss to this country, as he was a man of great promise and honor. He was described as a consummate Navy professional by his fellow servicemembers, and was known for his dedication, quick wit, and engaging sense of humor. His death is also a great loss to his loving family. He is survived by his wife and parents, his brother and sister, his nieces and nephews, and his paternal grandmother. Madam Speaker, U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer David Blake McLendon made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. His time on this earth was too short. He was a proud American, a brave sailor, and a true family man. In life he was loved and honored, and in death he will be remembered by a grateful nation.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has greatly improved the medical community of Georgia, Joel Wernick. For over 20 years, Mr. Wernick has served as president and CEO of Phoebe Putney Health System in Albany, Georgia. Through his stewardship, Phoebe Putney has thrived. The number of physicians has doubled. The facility has grown by several million square feet, and state-of-the-art technologies are now available to the patients. Phoebe Putney Health System is the region's largest employer, and is comprised of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, a 450-bed tertiary care teaching hospital and Phoebe Worth Medical Center, a critical access rural hospital. Phoebe Putney Health System also manages the Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center, Georgia's first critical access hospital, in Cuthbert, Georgia. Phoebe Putney oversees the Southwest Georgia Family Medicine Residency and is the site for the Medical College of Georgia's first satellite clinical campus. In 2008, Phoebe Putney Health System helped to rebuild and expand the Sumter hospital in Americus, Georgia, after it was destroyed by a tornado; Sumter Regional Hospital is now Phoebe Sumter Medical Center and is a diversified health care system, complete with Inpatient and Outpatient Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, Outpatient Surgery Services, Hospice, Rural Health Care Centers, Migrant Health, School Nurse Program and numerous physician specialties and office practices. Through Mr. Wernick's excellent guidance, Phoebe has been recognized nationally for excellence in clinical quality, operations and community health. In 2004, Phoebe was presented the prestigious American Hospital Association's Foster G. McGaw Prize. Additionally, the health system became the first hospital recipient of a Discovery Health Channel Medical Honor. Phoebe also has won three Voluntary Hospitals of America, VHA Leadership Awards and the American Hospital Association's Nova Award for an innovative teen pregnancy prevention program. Mr. Wernick is a native of Arkansas and a proud Razorback, receiving his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas, and earned his master's degree in hospital administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is married to Stacy Wernick, nee Paul. They have one daughter, Lilly Katherine. Besides his involvement with multiple local, state and national organizations, he takes time to teach as a member of the Georgia Southwestern MBA faculty. He has been a Rotarian since 1982, and is a Paul Harris Fellow. Mr. Wernick is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is director of the VHA. He is also on the board of VHA- Georgia, the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals, and he is Chairman of the Medical Resource Network, a statewide managed care network. Mr. Wernick is actively involved in many local civic and economic development initiatives. He currently chairs the Southwest Georgia Alliance for Progress, a regional coalition to strengthen economic, educational and cultural infrastructures. Madam Speaker, Joel Wernick has greatly contributed to the lives of those in his community and across the State of Georgia through his leadership of Phoebe Putney. This year, he has been recognized by Georgia Trend magazine for his significant contributions, having been named one of the State's top 25 leaders. According to Georgia Trend, he ``has guided the hospital to a period of historic growth in staff, revenues and new services, and has expanded the facility's presence in vastly underserved areas in Southwest Georgia.'' For his dedication to our region, I wish to commend and congratulate an outstanding leader and my friend, Mr. Joel Wernick, on this significant accomplishment.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rev. Adolph Noble, Sr., of Bainbridge, Georgia, a man I am proud to call my friend and constituent. He is an accomplished public servant who has devoted his life to his family and his community. Rev. Noble was born August 22, 1955, in Thomasville, Georgia, to Smiley Noble and Betty Jean Noble nee Melvins. He grew up in Southwest Georgia, and graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1973. After completing his studies in Mortuary Science at the John A. Gupton College in Atlanta, Georgia, he then went on to study at the Meadows College of Business in Albany, Georgia. Upon successfully completing these academic endeavors, Rev. Noble began his lifelong call of ministering to others. He went on to study at the Southern Baptist Seminary in Tallahassee, Florida. From there, he has served his community as a pastor, ministering for over forty years. Thirty of these years have been spent at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Bainbridge, with several years spent preaching at Patterson Street Free Will Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama. Rev. Noble continues to minister to both of these parishes today. Rev. Noble is deeply involved in the many civic and religious affairs in his community. He served as the Past Moderator of the First Flint River Baptist Association, as the President of the Bainbridge/Decatur County Civic and Progressive League, and as a member of the Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, the Fourth District Funeral Service Association, and the Georgia State Funeral Service Association. In addition to his ministry and community outreach, Rev. Noble is also Owner and Funeral Director of Guyton Brothers Funeral Home in Bainbridge. Rev. Noble has been, and continues to be, very blessed in his family life. He is married to Sonja Noble nee Tyler, and he is the proud father of four children and the proud grandfather of five grandchildren. His kind demeanor and unyielding compassion has endeared him to many. Madam Speaker, the State of Georgia, especially the Second Congressional District, is truly blessed to have benefited from the tremendous counsel, and ministry of Rev. Adolph Noble, Sr. We greatly appreciate his guidance, leadership, compassion, and intense desire to help others and better his community.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unavoidably absent this afternoon, August 10. Had I been present for the vote which occurred today, I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 1606, rollcall vote No. 517.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Centennial Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. For the past 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America have worked tirelessly to provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness. William Boyce founded the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910 using, as a model, the British system of Scouting created by General Robert Baden-Powell in 1907. In 1916, the organization was granted a Congressional Charter, and as the organization grew, it served more and more young men, teaching them to live by the Scout Law. Since its inception, over 110 million Americans have been members of the Boy Scouts of America. I am proud to say that my life has been strengthened through scouting. As a young man, I was a member of Troop 201 in Mobile, Alabama. It was while earning my merit badges in Citizenship in the home, community, and the Nation that my interest in our great political process was ignited. From my experience as an Eagle Scout, I know the time, effort, and thorough dedication the Boy Scouts instilled in me, to be a better person, and to serve God and the greater good of our country. For a full century, boys and men have gathered and declared: ``On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.'' And for a full century, we have constantly remained Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. Our future leaders are cultivated through a combination of educational and fun activities, instilling lifelong values. Through various programs, the Boy Scouts of America strive to create a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society, and they have succeeded now for 100 years. The distinguished products of scouting can be found among my colleagues. Of the 111th Congress, 211 members have participated with the Boy Scouts of America, either as a youth member, an Eagle Scout, an adult volunteer, or some combination of the three. Personally, I take great store in what I learned as a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout. The experience has been a great influence on both my personal life and my work in Congress. I am especially honored to have received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, and I also am honored to have been a part of Alvin Townley's book, ``Legacy of Honor: The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts.'' Madam Speaker, we should all be inspired by the Boy Scouts of America and we should all be motivated to incorporate their goals into our daily lives. As the Boy Scout slogan says, we should all ``do a good turn daily.'' For the past 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America have lived this ideal, and our country is a better place due to their actions. On this day, I extend my sincerest congratulations to the Boy Scouts and join them in celebrating their Centennial Anniversary, and I pray that God will grant them one hundred more!

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unavoidably absent yesterday afternoon, July 26, on very urgent business. Had I been present for the three votes which occurred yesterday evening, I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 1320, rollcall vote No. 467; I would have voted ``aye'' on H. Res. 1504, rollcall vote No. 468; and I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 3101, rollcall vote No. 469.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia which has served as a tower of strength for the people of the Second Congressional District. The church was founded on July 11, 1920 in a small wooden house located at 627 Society Avenue under the noble leadership of the late Reverend Grant Edgar Hall. The church was christened by Mr. Jubie Johnson, who was also one of the first members of the church. During its inception, worship services were held on the first and third Sundays of each month. The church's first pastor, Reverend Edgar Hall, retired in 1956 due to ill health and old age. He was succeeded by Reverend R.J. Polk. Since then, the church has been blessed by several pastors who have served the people of Albany as evangelists, prophets, teachers, counselors, and friends. Reverend Polk was followed by dynamic leaders like Reverend P.E. Davenport, Reverend J.L. Jones, Reverend J.E. Brown, Reverend C.W. Heath, Reverend R.E. Ousley, Reverend Jimmy Sneed, Reverend Carl K. Rolle, Reverend Veron D. Lloyd, Reverend Clayton D. Smith and Reverend Dr. James B. Rodgers. In the last 90 years, the church has seen exponential growth. The church's original edifice was expanded under the guidance of Reverend Ousley. The adjacent land and Annex South were developed with Reverend Rolle's valuable assistance and Annex East was purchased and refurbished under Reverend Smith's guidance. With the effective leadership from the church's pastors and tremendous public support, the church has continued to expand. Under the Reverend Walter L. Ingram, Jr., the church relocated to its larger permanent residence on 1501 Newton Road. Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church has served as a pillar of strength for the Albany community. Through its numerous outreach ministries, it has strived to serve the people of the great state of Georgia and the city of Albany. By reaching out to those in need and comforting those who are suffering, the church has become a source of spiritual support for the people of the community. On the occasion of its 90th Anniversary, it gives me great honor to recognize Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church for all its efforts. I thank the church and its congregation for all their years of service. I wish and hope that they continue to spread the word of God and continue serving the community in Albany. To God Be The Glory!

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of H.R. 4899, the Supplemental Appropriations for FY 2010. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I, along with many of my colleagues, have been integrally involved in the oversight of our nation's funding and support of our efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan, as well as other initiatives aimed at supporting our war fighters. The Senate's bill, which we are considering tonight, provides $58.8 billion in supplemental funds for FY 2010, including $37.1 billion for the war and $5.1 billion for FEMA, as well as $13 billion in mandatory funds to Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange. While I do support the President's request for additional funding to support our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is important that we continue to monitor and assess our mission and role in both of these countries, particularly given the array of investments we need to make right here at home. Since 2001, Congress has provided close to $1 trillion in direct funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of 18 emergency supplemental bills, not including the support we provided for the efforts in our regular annual Appropriations bills. Combined, it's estimated that we've spent between $1.5 trillion to almost to $3 trillion so far on these wars. So I am very pleased that the amendments made in order by the rule will also provide us an opportunity to provide additional funding to the Senate passed bill for critical domestic programs, including $10 billion for education jobs, $5 billion for Pell grants and $701 million for border security. Of particular note, I am very pleased that the bill will include funds to settle both the Cobell v. Salazar and Pigford v. Vilsack class action lawsuits and it provides $1 billion for youth jobs. Finally, the supplemental will also include funding which is vital to an important segment of my constituency, our farmers and agricultural producers. The bill provides the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which is housed within the Department of Agriculture, with an additional $31.5 million to cover the costs associated with direct loans, guaranteed loans, operating loans and administrative expenses, which are so vital to our farmers, particularly in South Georgia. The bill will require that the loans be made available to family farmers who may not qualify for agricultural credit through other commercial institutions in the tight credit market. While the FY2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill provided enough funding to meet demand at the time it was passed last year, demand for the farm ownership and operating loan programs has been dramatically higher than historical levels due to the lack of availability of conventional credit. Mr. Speaker, this Supplemental bill strikes, what I believe to be a fair and balanced approach for the emergency needs of our war fighters abroad and the critical domestic issues we face right here at home, and I support the bill.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, for over 100 years the mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has been to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all people, as well as to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. This organization has always envisioned a society where all barriers of racial discrimination are removed through the democratic processes, as well as to ensure equality for all Americans. Throughout the past 101 years, the NAACP has faithfully adhered to its mission. Founded on February 12, 1909, President Lincoln's 100th birthday, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and most recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. It was established in response to the lynchings that were committed against blacks throughout the country. Today, the NAACP's more than half-million members and supporters are still the premier advocates for civil rights and equality in their respective communities. Over the last century, the talents of the NAACP's collective membership have enabled it to overcome numerous adversities and obstacles. After 101 years of setbacks and successes, this organization currently bears witness to numerous advancements that may not have been made possible if it were not for the collective voices and willpower of NAACP supporters past and present. It is hard to imagine where our country would be today if it had not been for the courageous men and women in the NAACP who risked their lives and livelihoods in order to promote equality. It is hard to imagine where this country would be if the NAACP had not tirelessly fought for improved equality for African-Americans. It is hard to imagine where this great country would be if it were not for the courageous men and women who fought to promote the rights of everyone, regardless of the color of their skin. Indeed, it is hard to imagine our country without the NAACP. My own life would not be the same if it were not for those individuals who stood up for equality and sought to form a more perfect union. I want to congratulate the NAACP on its 101 years of service to our country and for all of its many accomplishments. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, the long-standing conflict in the Middle East unfortunately has added a new and tragic event to its history. I deeply regret the loss of life that occurred on May 31, 2010 when the Israel Defense Force intercepted the flotilla of six ships that sailed from Turkey to Gaza. Events went horribly awry when nine people died. I want to repeat my support for the State of Israel and its right to defend itself from terrorist attacks in the strongest terms possible. Since 2005, when Israel disengaged from Gaza, over 10,000 rockets have been fired on the Jewish State, endangering the lives of thousands of civilians. Israel's naval blockade of Gaza has helped to ensure that the supply of munitions and weapons to Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, is kept to the lowest extent possible. The flotilla incident demonstrates once again that increased pressure must be placed on Hamas to recognize Israel's right to exist and to renounce terror. In addition, progress must be made in resolving the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians so that they can live in peace and security.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Retinella ``Nella'' Octavia Elizabeth Edgar Crooks, a lady I was proud to call my friend and constituent. An accomplished public servant and educator, Mrs. Crooks passed away on May 30, 2010, at the age of 108. Mrs. Crooks lived a very long and full life. She was born in Watt Town, Jamaica, on October 1, 1901. She was educated in Jamaica and then immigrated to the United States in 1924 where she met her husband, Dr. Kenneth B.M. Crooks. The happy couple was blessed with four children, twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. After ten years at the Hampton Institute, which is now Hampton University, Dr. and Mrs. Crooks moved from the United States to Jamaica where they worked at Happy Grove, a Quaker secondary school. Mrs. Crooks served there as a missionary educator, a member of the Jamaica Federation of Women, and as a fundraiser for the Religious Society of Friends. In 1957, Dr. and Mrs. Crooks returned to the United States and became very involved in Georgia's Second Congressional District. Mrs. Crooks served as a resident manager at what is now Fort Valley State University. While at Fort Valley State University, Mrs. Crooks became known for her unparalleled hospitality hosting teas. Of the many national and international dignitaries she entertained, she was very proud to include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. among her guests. Following a short stay at Fort Valley, Dr. and Mrs. Crooks moved to Grambling College in Louisiana. There she completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree while serving as a resident manager for the college. However, in 1959 her husband, Dr. Crooks, sadly passed away. Mrs. Crooks then returned to Fort Valley and earned her Master's Degree in counseling at the young age of 64. She was a member of the college faculty and published several books, including two books of poetry, her travel diary, her husband's biography, and her autobiography. Throughout her long and blessed life, she remained a very active member of the Episcopal Church, a YWCA organizer, and her beloved sorority, Delta Sigma Theta. She also worked tirelessly for her community, founding a children's reading club and volunteering for seniors' organizations. Madam Speaker, the State of Georgia, and especially the Second Congressional District of Georgia, have been truly blessed to have benefited from the tremendous contributions of Nella Edgar Crooks. She will be remembered for her compassion, her intense desire to help others, her unwavering love for her family, and her dedication to education, which lives on through the Nella Crooks Scholarship Fund at Fort Valley State University. It is a fitting tribute to her life and academic legacy, which was as long in accomplishments as it was in years. May she continue to serve as an inspiration to others.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Chair, I agree with the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the time has come to repeal the current ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy, which dishonors men and women who are willing to give their lives in service to our country and also prevents capable men and women with vital skills from serving in the armed forces. However, I believe a vote today is premature. Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen indicated initially that the impact of such a drastic change in military and cultural policy should be thoroughly reviewed, studied, and appropriate policies developed by the Department of Defense before Congress takes legislative action. Such a review and policy development would be completed by December 1, 2010. Therefore, I believe Congress should forgo legislative action until appropriately informed by the Pentagon's impact study, policy development, and implementation plan.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to join Representatives McGovern and Emerson as an original cosponsor of this bipartisan amendment, which affirms the intention of Congress to combat domestic childhood obesity and hunger in the interest of our national security. According to the July 2009 Trust for America's Health Report, the percentage of obese and overweight children ages 10 to 17 is at or above 30 percent in 30 States. Seven of the top 10 States are in the South, with my State of Georgia ranked third, with 37.3 percent of obese and overweight youngsters. Obesity is especially prevalent in the African American and Latino communities. Overweight and obese teens are at risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, arthritis and breathing problems and American children are disproportionately impacted. In a recent report, Too Fat to Fight, over 100 retired generals and admirals wrote that obesity among children and young adults has increased so dramatically that it threatens not only our Nation's health but the future of our military. Between 1995 and 2008, the military had 140,000 individuals, a 70 percent increase, who showed up at the centers for processing but failed their entrance physicals because they were too heavy, and 1,200 enlistees were discharged before their contracts were up. And now being overweight is the leading medical cause for rejection from military service. Mr. Chairman, proper nutrition, healthy food, ending hunger and access to physical activity for our youth are vital to ensuring that our Nation's military remains strong into the future. I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment and the strong effort to support and maintain a strong national defense by assuring strong and healthy servicemembers.