Corrine Brown

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, April Green. Born April Smith, Ms. Green was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia to Janet Smith Thomas on April 12, 1969. Raised by Janet and Daniel Thomas in Jacksonville, Florida, she was educated in the public school system, graduating from Sandlewood High School in 1987. Upon completion of high school she attended Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia where she majored in biology and played on the basketball team. April then enlisted in the Air Force Reserve, and shortly after enlisting was deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Desert Storm, where she served in the Medivac Unit as a medical assistant. After serving her country and completing college at Georgia Southern she returned to Jacksonville, Florida and began a career in banking. After many years at Barnett Bank of Florida, reaching the position of Vice President of Loans, April was called upon to serve in a different capacity. In 2003 she was contacted by her pastor, Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Sr. to provide leadership in the role as the church administrator and chief financial officer. At Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, April oversees the day to day operation of the church staff, finances and development. Bethel is the oldest African American Church in the State of Florida with a membership of approximately 11,000. Always wanting to give back to the community and having a passion to assist kids with their quest to attend college and further their education, April started the Jacksonville Pistons, a non-profit organization that would accomplish that goal. She created a traveling basketball organization for boys and girls between the ages of 8-17 with an emphasis on academic achievement and personal growth. To date she has mentored over 200 kids whom attended college. As she celebrates her 45th birthday, I speak for the entire Fifth District in thanking April Green for all her hard work serving the Jacksonville Community.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. The documents that we are debating today are more than just the Republican budget. It is who they are. They constantly quote scripture, yet the Bible says the poor will always be with us. Our job is to help raise the standard. They remind me of ``The Wizard of Oz.'' The Republicans have no heart. This is another example of reverse Robin Hood--robbing from the working people and the middle class to give huge tax cuts to the rich. The latest House Republican goals are to dismantle Medicare by ending the guarantee and replacing it with a voucher program and block grant and cut Medicaid by $732 billion. I was so upset last year when the SNAP program--programs like Meals on Wheels and assistance to children--was cut by $40 billion. Now they cut it by $125 billion. They want to repeal the Affordable Care Act. But let me just mention that everybody that talks about repealing it has health care. Every single one of them have health care. They reject the President's proposal for veterans and Job Corps while aiming to reduce the high unemployment rate among veterans. A cut of 24 percent to nondefense appropriations would mean $146 billion cut from veterans' health care. They cut transportation and infrastructure projects by $173 billion, phasing out the Essential Air Service programs to 160 small communities.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. It eliminates Amtrak operational funds, resulting in 36 States and more than 20 million people losing Amtrak service. The transportation budget assumes no highway or transit investment in 2015. And while everyone knows that education is critical, they cut billions from programs like Head Start. To whom God has given much, much is expected. I certainly think more is expected from the Republican leadership in this House. As I said from the beginning, they remind me of ``The Wizard of Oz.'' This Republican House has no heart.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is critical that we continue to improve access for women and minorities to jobs and contract opportunities in the field of transportation. As the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials I am introducing legislation today establishing a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program at the Federal Railroad Administration so that women and minority owned businesses will be guaranteed participation in any new passenger and high speed rail initiatives. The U.S. Department of Transportation has been the leader in ensuring minority and women owned participation in transportation projects, advocating for a reasonable 10% set aside for businesses that often struggle to compete on an uneven playing field with larger firms. Currently, each of the other modes of transportation have a successful DBE program, and it is critical that the Federal Railroad Administration develop a program for these same businesses. The Congressional Black Caucus has made strengthening Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs at the Department of Transportation a top priority, and will continue to push to ensure that these worthy goals are being met. This legislation will keep the American Dream alive for many women and minority owned companies and I encourage its swift passage and implementation.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, each year, March is designated as National Women's History Month to ensure the contributions of American women will be recognized and celebrated in schools, workplaces, and communities throughout the country. Uplifting women of character, courage and those who have made a lifelong commitment to serve should be acknowledged and honored. Throughout history, women are found on the forefront of leadership when dealing with troubling issues inflicting our great country. Currently, women face a pay gap in almost every occupation. Women are often paid less than men in female-dominated and gender-balanced professions. This is awful and we must work to make a change! We shouldn't have to explain this disparity to our daughters or nieces, should they have their true worth and value diminished. We must stand together and fight against the inequality; no one should be valued as superior over another. We must continue to work and end the injustice now. As we embark on the journey of equal rights for all women, let us acknowledge and be conscious of those remarkable and unforgettable leaders who struggled for equality before us--Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and many more. As we champion this year's theme, ``Celebrating Women of Character, Courage and Commitment,'' we reflect on those women, and how they can be an inspiration to us as we continue to push forward for equality. It would be my pleasure to recognize these women from my district who has done outstanding work, your efforts does not go unnoticed and continue to be great. When Women Succeed, America Succeeds. Our Salute to Women of the 5th District of Florida Thank you for your service and contributions to our community. The Hon. Mabel Butler: Orange County Commissioner, 1st African American to serve; elected in 1984 for 8 years. The Hon. Daisy Lynum: City of Orlando Commissioner of District 5 elected in 1998 retiring in 2014. The Hon. Mildred Dixon (Deceased): City of Winter Garden Commissioner, 1st African American and woman to serve on the city commission elected in 1985 and serving 7 terms, three of which she was unopposed. The Hon. Yvonne Scarlett-Golden (Deceased): First African American Mayor of Daytona Beach, FL (elected in 2003 and 2005). The Hon. Linda Chapin: Orange County Chairperson (now known as Mayor) of County Commissioners from 1990-1998. Dr. Barbara Jenkins: Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools named in 2012. Was former Deputy Superintendent, Chief of Staff and Senior Director for Elementary Education for Orange County Public Schools The Hon. Kat Gordon: School Board Member of Orange County Public Schools elected in 2000, served as Vice-Chair in 2013. Has been a librarian and counselor for 25 years in Orange County. Thelma Dudley (Deceased): Retired as an Adjunct Professor at UCF and working with Teacher Education for America's Minorities program recruiting and helping black students become teachers. However, she began her career as a teacher at a then all-black high School, Jones High School, teaching there for 25 years. Susie Boatman Forehand, RN: Former Nursing Professor at Valencia College who retired after 35 years. Dr. Felicia Williams: President of West Campus of Valencia College. She was former Assistant Vice President of Workforce Development at Valencia and has worked for 13 years as an adjunct professor that led a team to create the college's first bachelor degrees. Val Demings: Former Police Chief of the Orlando Police Department from 2007 to 2011 until her retirement. She was the first female to hold the position. Natalie Jackson, Esq.: Founder of Women's Trial Group, and lawyer for the Family of Trayvon Martin. Kelda Senior: Public Communications Office for City of Mount Dora since 2012 and former Staff Assistant for United States Senate. Jean Butler: Founder of JCB Construction established in 1987. A leading minority firm in Central FL for site development and construction management services. Lynn Mims: Founder of Mims Construction established in 1989 and ranked as one of the top ten concrete and masonry service providers in central Florida. Minority owned and operated Carolyn Fennell: Director of Public Affairs for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority that oversees the airport and general aviation Orlando Executive Airport. She is the 1st female director and 1st female to hold the position of Director of Community Relations, Marketing and Public Affairs Jennie Joseph: Owner and Clinical Director of The Birth Place Birthing Center, a full-service midwifery clinic. Designed and developed unique model of care to address inequities in health care service and delivery for minorities. Mercedes Clark (Deceased): Nurse at Orange Memorial Hospital and Winter Park Memorial Hospital. The 1st African American female to be the Director of Orange County Health Department in Orlando, Florida. At the time of her retirement, she worked as a Nursing Care Coordinator at Orlando Veteran Administration Outpatient Clinic. Ericka Dunlap: American Beauty Pageant titleholder who earned title of Miss Florida 2003 (the 1st African American) and subsequently crowned Miss America 2004. Stephanie Henry: Founder and CEO Step by Step Expressions, Married to Mayor of Daytona Beach, FL., Derrick Henry Tameka Gaines Holly, MPH: Community Rehabilitation Center, Inc.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, my fellow Americans, the results are in with the closing of the Affordable Care Act's first-time open enrollment period: over 7 million Americans have now secured quality, affordable health care coverage for themselves and their families. I want to congratulate everyone who signed up. I personally called over 30,000 people to encourage them to sign up, and worked at one of the sign-up sites over the weekend. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, no American could ever again be denied coverage for a preexisting condition; no woman can ever again be charged a higher premium just because she is a woman; 3 million young Americans age 26 and under can stay on their family plan; no American ever again will have to worry that one major illness will bankrupt their family; no senior will ever have to pay a copayment for key preventative services such as cancer screening. I want to thank everyone for signing up and not going for the okeydoke.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time. The Republicans have turned a blind eye to the plight of more than 2 million Americans whose unemployment benefits have been cut off. In my State of Florida, we have over 100,000 Floridians struggling to find work and are unable to collect insurance, which has also led to nearly $130 million in lost revenue for the State of Florida; yet in spite of repeated attempts time and time again, Republicans in Congress have coldheartedly refused to restore this vital economic lifeline that helps people support their families and pay their bills while they look for a new job during this very difficult time, the worst time since the Great Depression. To whom God has given much, much is expected. I urge my House and Senate Republican colleagues to look inside their hearts and do the right thing for the American people and pass an unemployment insurance extension today.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome our newest Member to Congress and to the Florida delegation. As I am sure he already knows, Congressman Jolly has big shoes to fill. Bill Young was a true statesman who put the needs of his district and our home State above politics, and Florida is a better place to live because of it. I always say, to whom God has given much, much is expected. When you are born, you get a birth certificate, and when you die, you are going to get a death certificate, and that little dash in between is what you have done to make this a better place. I am looking forward to working with the Congressman to make Florida and the United States the best that it can be. I also want to say that the St. Petersburg mayor is here, Rick Kriseman; welcome. Congressman Jolly, welcome to the United States House of Representatives.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate March 5, Boston's Crispus Attucks Day, and to celebrate the 25th Silver Anniversary of the Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Braintrust which took place this past September within a truly unique historical and contemporary context of Black, or African American military service and sacrifice. First, a series of national commemorations: the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the 150th anniversary of the Civil War to Save the Union and End Slavery, the 100th anniversary of the death of Harriet Tubman, known as ``The General,'' the 90th anniversary of the burial of Col. Charles Young, the third black graduate from West Point, the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion, the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Medgar Evers, World War II veteran and Civil Rights Hero, 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, and the 12th anniversary of 9/11; and second, amid the drum beat of war, with the U.S. threatened bombing of Syria, the senseless violence of Aaron Alexis and the Washington, DC, Navy Yard shooting rampage, and the battle of the budget, or yet another governmental shutdown on October 1st, affecting more than 800,000 employees at a cost of $25 billion. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, a disproportionate number of the furloughed federal workers were Black, or African American, who made up 17.7 percent of the workforce. Chaplain Michael McCoy, Sr., provided the Veterans Braintrust forum's invocation and benediction because we know from experience that Washington forums that start with an invocation and end with a benediction are blessed occasions. Welcoming remarks were given by Representatives Charles Rangel (NY-13), Sanford Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) and myself. With Representative Sanford Bishop, Jr. speaking in his role as the Ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and as Co-Chair of the bi-partisan Congressional Military Family Caucus expressing a keen awareness of the dangers sequestration and furloughs are having on our nation's servicemembers, military families, and veterans, and further reductions to the active-duty Army, National Guard and the Army Reserves. In addition, as the representative in the U.S. House for Fort Benning, the third largest Army Base in the country where sequestration will have a dramatic impact on the soldiers, their families, and the Columbus, GA, community. Further, he emphasized, if sequestration goes forward, the Army will reduce over 210,000 soldiers to meet their budgetary requirements. Afterward Members were called away to the Capitol to talk on the floor and vote on the budget, and the forum was turned over to moderator Ron E. Armstead, Executive Director. Yet the forum remained well attended, powerful, and there was a tremendous amount of energy in the room. The keynote address was given by the first African American to obtain the rank of Three Star Admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard, Admiral Manson K. Brown, a native of Washington, DC, who brought greetings from the 24th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr. As Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Headquarters he asked all veterans to stand and be recognized, and to let our Navy friends, colleagues and family members know that our thoughts and prayers continued to be with them over the tragic loss of so many lives at the Washington, DC, Navy Yard. Adm. Brown went on to say the key objective during the sequester has been to preserve the ability of the Coast Guard to meet the highest priority mission activities, including search and rescue, critical security operations, and emergency response. In addition, he pointed out that as part of Adm. Papp's commitment to support the President and First Lady's efforts to strengthen military families over the last three years, the Coast Guard has strengthened their military housing program, enhanced child development services, and improved communications between operational commanders and families by strengthening their Ombudsman network. They also launched a military family campaign, bringing a specific focus to strengthening their linkage with retirees, over the year, in order to create a vibrant national retiree network as a way to enhance outreach to Coast Guard veterans at large. In short, he reported that the Coast Guard as a military service is managing through sequestration and shielding the impacts where they can for military families and veterans. However, this is a delicate balancing act based on tough choices that senior Coast Guard leaders must make between military families and veterans, or non-mission-critical training, air and surface operations reductions, ships, aircraft and shore facilities deferred maintenance, as well as personnel staffing and travel cuts. In closing, Admiral Brown said, ``In terms of today's important Congressional budgetary discussions, this situation bears watching into an uncertain future.'' The keynote address was followed by two very special presentations. The first recognized Harlem's own, the late Dr. Joseph Warren, a gifted scholar, teacher and leader who inspired many. Second, the Montford Point Marines Associations recognized my efforts in the 2012 awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal, including Rebecca Lungren of 69 Productions for the upcoming Montford Point Marines movie ``Black Boots.'' Our distinguished panel consisted of Keith Miller, President, Foundation for Advancement in Science and Education (FASE); Dr. Mike Haynie, Executive Director and Founder of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University; Darlene Young, National President of Blacks in Government (BIG); Col. Kevin Preston, USA, Ret., Director of the Veterans Initiative for the Walt Disney Company/ESPN; Lewis Runnion, Director of the Military Affairs Advisory Group at Bank of America (BOA); Mayor Setti Warren of Newton, Massachusetts, Chairman of the Community Development and Housing Committee, U.S. Conference of Mayors; Mike Betz, General Manager, Military Student Initiatives, Education Corporation of America (ECA); Edward Jennings, Jr., U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Southeast Regional Administrator; John Moran, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS); Everett Kelley, National Vice President for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE); and Dr. Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, Director, Military Family Research Institute and Center for Families at Purdue University. Their presentations were lively and moving, but also very informative and focused to the point, thus holding the audience to the end and well worth it. Mr. Miller read a statement about DC resident Shirley Gibson, a real hero. She and other critical incident stress management team members, along with rescue workers, put their health on the line in the aftermath of New York City's 9/11 tragedy, and were later helped by an innovative detoxification treatment that was made available to them. Such innovative treatments as this rely on research funding. Unfortunately such funding is often the first to go when there are budget cuts. Consequently, sequestration is a threat to both the quality of life and health of our veterans. Dr. Haynie commented on the applications of sequester, and more broadly programmed reductions in federal spending, as the reductions are positioned to impact the employment situation of our nation's veterans and their families. To begin, one of the most immediate consequences of sequester for veterans is the fact that 27.3 percent of the federal workforce is composed of military veterans, many of which will more than likely be furloughed. The DoD workforce will be particularly impacted, as it will sustain approximately 52 percent of the total planned budget cuts. 44 percent of the DoD workforce are military veterans--which speaks volumes about the potential effects on our military readiness, due to the resulting loss of valuable knowledge, skills and experience. In the end, adding veterans currently employed by the federal government to the ranks of the nation's unemployed is positioned to potentially overwhelm supportive services and community-based infrastructure already strained by limited resources. Research also suggests that many of our military and veterans families are already economically vulnerable, and in the face of Congressional budget battles those families are likely to become ``collateral damage'' of sequester--an indiscriminate and ill-conceived approach to addressing the Nation's fiscal challenges. Retired Army Colonel Preston commented that our nation's veterans represent a value-added proposition for the business community, and hiring a veteran is not only the right thing, but also a smart business decision. Also when considering a veteran, do not fixate on their military rank, or job title--instead, view their attributes. Equally important, realize they are coming from a very different culture, have convertible task-oriented skill, years of leadership experience, a code of ethics, and winner's attitude. Moreover, our nation's veterans represent our society's best, so ``hire a vet.'' Mr. Runnion described how Bank of America's (BOA) Military Affairs Advisory Group was formed to bring together partners from across the company to help service members reintegrate into the civilian workforce through education, employment, wellness and housing. Additionally, how BOA supports our nation's active-duty military and veterans in three major areas: (1) Recruiting and Employment, (2) Customer Support, and (3) Community Outreach. One specific example he shared was BOA's three- year commitment to make up to 1,000 properties available to military veteran support organizations and other non-profit, community-based groups, which provide housing to military veterans and their families. Again, he reasserted, BOA has supported the U.S. military for more than 90 years, by contributing to military non-profits, providing banking services to military service members, and recruiting and retaining military veterans, Guard and Reservists, and military spouses. Mayor Warren cited the U.S. Conference of Mayors Hunger and Homeless Survey (December, 2012), sharing excerpts from the executive summary-- lack of affordable housing as a leading cause, followed by poverty, unemployment, evictions and violence. In addition, he discussed sequestration's impact on U.S. cities at the local level. While pointing out that cities are the laboratories of innovation, and along with their surrounding suburbs represent 90 percent of the nation's wage and salary income, which drives the national economy. Subsequently, 163 mayors have signed the U.S. Conference of Mayor's letter expressing opposition to sequester cuts that will deeply impact cities, for example, Community Development Block Grants (the largest and most flexible stream of federal dollars to cities and municipalities), particularly in addressing the needs of homeless veterans and homeless veterans supportive services organizations, now, and leading up to 2015, or President Obama's promise to end chronic homelessness among veterans. Mr. Betz, discussed today's trends in education, as a result of troop drawdown and increased separation from the military. First, at a time when overall educational enrollment is declining, student veteran enrollment continues to increase. Second, additional assistance and coordination with the private employment sector is needed to insure employment opportunities for our transitioning student veterans where they may provide adequately for their families. Third, he cautioned against our growing regulatory environment, which threatens to restrict awareness and access to training for our transitioning veterans and limits institutional choice. Mr. Kelley, an Army veteran stressed how AFGE's members know firsthand the pain that sequestration and furloughs inflict on lower wage federal workers and their families. Stating ``the current assault on federal employers is one of the most vicious we have ever seen. We all know the real agenda behind sequestration and reduction in force: weakening government programs that try to level the playing field for the other 99 percent.'' Further, for the past five years, the VA has targeted low wage positions filled primarily by minorities, veterans, the disabled and women for ``reclassification.'' Or those positions that Congress created after the Vietnam War to provide entry- level job opportunities for disabled veterans. Similar, to broader- based budget cuts at other federal agencies under sequestration, VA's downgrading initiative is both arbitrary and vicious. Furthermore, we still have a great deal of work to do to fulfill President Obama's mandate in Executive Order 13518 to make federal government the leader in creating new job opportunities for veterans. Veterans comprise nearly 42 percent of DOD's workforce, nearly 25 percent of Homeland Securities workforce, and nearly 28 percent of VA's workforce. In conclusion, he said, ``we need to find a solution to the sequester, and not hold our military and their civilian supporters hostage.'' That is why AFGE is supporting HR 2785 introduced by Congressman Timothy Walz (MN-01), to expand veterans preference rights for reservists, and for employees of the VA health care system who do not have title five appeal rights. And Dr. MacDermid Wadsworth, reiterated, African Americans comprise a significant percentage of service members and veterans, and have fought for the right to fight. And there is solid scientific evidence that shows the military has provided an environment for African American service members and their families that allows them to avoid some of the significant inequities that plague civilian society. For example, in civilian society, Black men are far less likely to marry and far more likely to divorce than their white counterparts. In the military, these differentials disappear, largely because economic resources are less likely to be tied to race. The military has also provided career opportunities and resources for single parents, ensuring that their children have access to health care and childcare--something their enlisted parents would have great difficulty obtaining in the civilian labor force with just a high school education. Moreover, she said, the sequester and the military drawdown pose a number of significant challenges. First, the sequester has had a cascading effect on family support in DOD. Because the rules of the sequester limit the ways that DOD can implement reductions, the pressure to cut programs that help to minimize the corrosion that military service can impose on families is especially intense. The furlough's have effectively reduced much of the workforce by 20 percent, and prevented the replacement of departing workers. For example: 30 percent of family support positions in the Army are currently unable to be filled. Second, the sequester is causing reductions that may be disproportionately hurtful to the programs that prevent and reduce child maltreatment, interpersonal violence, and other important family- related issues. Third, the drawdown will pose difficult challenges in terms of reducing military opportunities in the future for African Americans to pursue careers in an environment free of many inequities we have been unable to erase in civilian society. Careers already underway will be cut short. The black service members who are unwillingly sent to the civilian job market will need much more special assistance to ensure that they find jobs and/or positions that maintain their present trajectories. A fourth challenge that is in part an artifact of the sequester and in-part a result of the always-evolving diversity of families, especially now that it is clear that marriage is an imperfect way to define military families. Because it doesn't address the families of single service members whose parents, or sibling may constitute their primary support system, and it doesn't address committed partners who are unmarried. In this period of financial constraint, it might be tempting to forget about families. But every First Sergeant knows that families are key in the minds of service members, families are who they worry about while they serve, families make it possible for them to serve, families support them while they serve, and families care for them when they come home, especially when they are wounded or injured. Consequently, families are far too important to ignore, but she feels that is what could happen because of the perfect storm of sequester and policy complexities. The question and answer period provided the attendees a long awaited opportunity to both comment and ask questions of the panelist. While the government shutdown lasted 16 days, five fewer than in 1995--the budget battles, partisanship, gridlock and Congressional inaction have left many Americans confidence shaken with respect to the government according to several recent polls. American trust in government, and belief that it can solve pressing problems is at an all-time low. However, despite highly negative views of government, particularly Congress, according to Representative Sanford Bishop, Jr., the recent veterans unemployment rate, the lowest since 2001, tells a very different story. Post 9/11 veteran's unemployment is now below the national average, and for the first time since 2001 veterans are being hired at a faster rate than non-veterans. This improvement demonstrates that when Congress works together for a common cause we can make a difference. The 25th silver anniversary gala reception and awards ceremony was held in veterans hearing room 334 of the Cannon House Office Building, and consisted of both church, and club music. Church in terms of the fellowship, spiritually uplifting and awe inspiring presentation of special Congressional Awards to Sgt. James Guilford, Jr., USA, WWII (102 years old); Kenneth Guscott, U.S. Army Air Force, WWII; Hon. Federal Judge George Leighton, Ret., USA, WWII (100 years old); Dr. Rodney Atkins, Co-Chair, Annual Texas African American Soldiers Recognition Day; Johnnie Collins, Jr., Executive Director, AMVETS, Department of DC; James ``Jack'' Hadley, Founder & Curator of the Jack Hadley Black History Museum; Chaplain Michael McCoy, Sr., National President of the Military Chaplain Association & Associate Director Diversity Development, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Widow of Hon. Lucien Blackwell (PA-02), a decorated Korean War veteran, Ari Merretazon, 1st Vice President of Pointman Soldiers Heart Ministry & 2012 Black Male Engagement (BME) Leadership Award Winner for Veterans Community Development, Rev. Marsena Mungin, Commissioner of Women at Veterans Are Still Warriors, Veterans Serving Veterans, Inc., Ervin ``Tootsie'' Russell, USA, Vietnam veteran, AMERICAL Division. Posthumous: Capt. William Cooke, USA, WWII; John D. O'Bryant, USA; Dr. Jay Carrington Chunn, II, USMC; Eddie Lee Washington, USA, an accomplished musician & educator and Sgt. John Wesley Motley, Jr., USA, Korean War. Historic Groups, and Film: the Crispus Attucks Museum of Indianapolis, Jack Hadley Black History Museum in Thomasville, GA, and the film ``Veterans of Color,'' produced by the Manasota Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in Florida, and music culminating with Ray Charles soulful rendition of ``America the Beautiful.'' Equally important, our once in a lifetime awards guest speaker was none other than Dr. Mark Attucks, the fifth generation descendant of Crispus Attucks, the first American martyr to die during the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770, a prelude to the American Revolution, accompanied by his father Jesse Attucks, Jr., a decorated U.S. Marine who served in Vietnam. His ancestor was the first of more than 5,000 African American Patriots who served our country in the Revolutionary War. In 1888, a monument was built to honor his forefather and the events of that fateful day in our nation's history. The following poem was written and read at the dedication ceremony by John Boyle O'Reilly. ``Where shall we seek for a hero, and where shall we find a story? Our laurels are wreathed for conquest, our songs for completed glory; But we honor a shrine unfinished, a column with pride, If we sing the deed that was sown like seed when Crispus Attucks died. ``Honor to Crispus Attucks, who was leader and voice that day The first to defy, and the first to die, with Maverick, Carr and Gray Call it riot or revolution, his hand first clenched at the crown His feet were the first in perilous place to pull the King's flag down His breast was the first one rent apart that liberty's stream might flow For our freedom now and forever, his head was the first laid low Call it riot or revolution, or mob or crowd, as you may Such deaths have been seed of nations, and such lives shall be honored for aye.'' In 1998, the U.S. Mint authorized a commemorative silver dollar honoring Crispus Attucks and the Black Revolutionary War Patriots. However, two little known facts standout: First, his name Attucks does not have any European roots. Simply speaking the current spelling is not a ``slave'' name. Second, from the American Revolution to the present day an Attucks has served in the military, fighting for America's freedom, making Attucks the nation's longest serving military family. Lastly, special 25th Silver Anniversary thank yous go to Dr. Frank Smith, Jr., Dr. William Lawson, Dr. Donna Holland Barnes, Shannon Gopaul, Clyde Sims, Jr., James Gordon, Jr., Charles Henderson, Edward Daniels II, Lela Campbell, Carolyn Williams, Rev. Marsina Mungin, Cathy Santos, Chaplain Michael McCoy, Sr., Ralph ``Coop'' Cooper, Ernest Washington, Jr., Anthony ``Tony'' Hawkins, Clarence ``Tiger'' Davis, LeRoy Colston II, Thomas ``Tom'' Harris, Mildred ``Milli'' Smith, Morocco ``Roc'' Coleman, Robert ``Big Bob'' Blackwell, Cheryl Holland- Jones, the Educational Corporation of America (ECA), T. Michael Sullivan and the William Joiner Institute for the Study of War and Social Consequences, and Congressional staff members Ronnie Simmons, Lee Footer, Stephanie Anim-Yankah, Jonathan Halpern, Adam McCombs, George Henry, Hannah Kim, and Reba Raffaelli. Congratulations on 25 years, during which the journey has been the destination.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr., the Pastor of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church. For over 50 years, Bishop McKissick has served the Bethel community as its pastor. But previous to that, he helped the community as a choral member, music director, and Deacon prior to being called to succeed Rev. Robert Wilson in 1966 as Bethel's tenth pastor. Throughout his tenure, Bishop McKissick, Sr.'s exemplary teachings and spiritual guidance have inspired more than fifty servant leaders to accept God's calling to the ministry. Among them is his son Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Jr., Co-Pastor, Bethel Baptist Institutional Church. In addition, Bishop McKissick, Sr., demonstrating his commitment to meeting and supporting the ever-changing needs and growth of congregants, has established more than fifty ministries. A Christian Mission (The Help Center), marriage ministry, church basketball league, youth retreats, and missionary outreach program are among the initiatives long recognized for its innovation and excellence. Most notably and characteristic of the passion Bishop McKissick, Sr. and his wife of forty-nine years, Estelle Williams McKissick, share for education, is B.E.S.T. (Bethel Enhancing Students Totally) Academy, a program established in 1993 to support the academic needs of elementary and secondary students. Under their leadership, B.E.S.T. has become a valuable resource earning Bethel recognition as an approved summer school site for Duval County's most academically challenged students. This high level of commitment to quality education is evident throughout Bishop McKissick, Sr.'s journey, as evidenced by his own educational achievements and affiliations. Bishop McKissick, Sr. holds a bachelors degree for Edward Waters College (EWC) and has received training at a number of other leading institutions including Tuskegee Institute, the Music Institute, the Music Institute of Columbia University, Princeton University and Luther Rice Seminary. He also has conferred doctoral degrees from EWC and Bethune Cookman University. He has held membership on a number of boards and commissions including appointment to the first Board of Trustees at the University of North Florida, the Jacksonville Urban League, the YMCA James Weldon Johnson branch, and The Help Center. Bishop McKissick, Sr. has launched partnerships across the globe with Bethel's adoption of churches in South Africa and Panama. He was chosen by Fresh Ministries to participate in a 1999 tour of South Africa, and a tour of Turkey, hosted last year by the Amity Turkish Cultural Center. Recognized as a community stalwart, Bishop McKissick, Sr. has earned a host of awards and accomplishments. A few include recipient of the 1992 Humanitarian award presented by the National Conference for Christian and Jews; City of Jacksonville's Human Relations Award; National Association for Equal Opportunity Award; Bernard Gregory Servant Leader Award; and the Meritorious Leadership Award presented by Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr. In September 2011, was elevated to Bishop of Marriage and Family in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. A member of the NAACP and Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Sr. is married to Estelle Williams McKissick and they have one son, Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Jr. (Kimberly) and three grandchildren; Jocelyn, Janai and Joshua. Bishop McKissick gave his final sermon as Senior Pastor of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church on Sunday January 5, 2014. He ended the sermon saying ``there is no more powerful congregation than this congregation. For 175 years, God has blessed this church.'' ``Lord bless you and keep you . . .'' Thank you, Bishop McKissick. May the Lord Bless you and Keep you.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I was absent for rollcall 640. If I had been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' I want to state for the Record that I am very disappointed that in the bill we did not include unemployment insurance. I think it is terrible that the people in the people's House will go home without voting for unemployment for the people.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of the Fifth Congressional District of Florida, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Dr. Chester A. Aikens. I am deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of my dear friend and brother, Dr. Chester A. Aikens. This man of prominence and bearing was the epitome of a gentleman and a scholar. I am moved by his passion, emboldened by his commitments, honored by his friendship and made all the better by his innate wisdom and his belief in the integrity of the human experience. His was a purposeful life and one that helped shape the destinies of historical figures with whom he conversed, and equally so that of the common man and woman, in whom he placed unwavering faith. I came to know him as a husband, father, and dedicated servant to his people and causes, a dentist, a humanitarian, a scholar, a civic leader and businessman without comparison. Dr. Aikens was born in Madison, Florida, where he was the first black football player and honor society member at his high school. He graduated from Howard University, Washington, DC, with a doctorate in dentistry. He later earned a law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law and Master's degree in Business from Jacksonville University. Dr. Aikens was also a Major in the Florida Army Reserve National Guard. Known as a fearless warrior, Dr. Aikens was a formidable force who influenced a generation of young people to give both time and resources to their community. Inspired by his strong belief in equal opportunity, he was a true civil rights champion, who went on to greatly influence the community as a whole. As a member of the Jacksonville community for the past thirty years, Dr. Aikens' presence will be missed by many. He served on many community boards up to and including, first African American from Jacksonville to be President of National Dental Association, Jacksonville Civic Council, Jacksonville Aviation Authority, long-time member, and devoted Deacon of Bethel Institutional Baptist Church and many others. I am assured, for we all came to know the absoluteness of his word, the sanctity of his promise, the depth of his intellect, the breadth of his worldly experiences and his place in Jacksonville history.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness and a heavy heart, that I wish my condolences to Dr. Chester Aikens' family. Dr. Aikens was not only my dentist, but my long-time friend and community activist whom I greatly respected and admired. Aikens unexpected passing leaves an irreplaceable void throughout the Jacksonville community. As a recent recipient of Mayor Alvin Brown's ``Trailblazer Award,'' Dr. Aikens embodied that completely. He was a coveted member of the Jacksonville area, where his input, mentorship, and advice was consistently respected and sought out. It is a telling sign towards his character that Dr. Aikens passed after attending a local meeting with the pension reform task force, an issue he was passionate about. After receiving a doctorate degree in dentistry from Howard University, for 30 years, Dr. Aikens served the Jacksonville area as a prominent dentist. He was a consistent force, acting as one time president of the National Dental Association, a member of the Jacksonville Civic Council, and chairman of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority board to name a few of his accomplishments. A veteran of the Florida Army Reserve Nation guard, serving 11 years, Dr. Aikens dabbled in just about everything, doing his best to make an impact and improve his community. He was the consummate family man and ultimate professional. I will miss him dearly, but more importantly, the city of Jacksonville and broader Florida community lost an unparalleled leader. That said, he lived a life that should be a blueprint for those to come and an example of great character and unabridged competence.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Leroy Tyson. He passed away last week after a long illness. He was a Custodian with the Day Cleaning Division of the House Office Buildings. He began his tour of duty with the AOC on August 6, 2007, where he worked around the clock to help maintain the U.S. Capitol buildings. His kindness and great service will be missed. I got to know Lee when he took care of the hallways and restrooms around my office on the third floor of the Rayburn Building. He was always quick with a greeting and a friendly smile, always willing to go out of the way for whatever I needed. Lee was a pleasure to see at work and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tyson family during this difficult time.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time. The House Republicans have passed a bill 44 times to rescind the health care bill. ObamaCare is because Obama cares. The shutdown cost the American people $24 billion. I come from the great State of Florida where the Medicaid extension has not, to this time, been accepted. That means that over a million people--a million people--will not receive health care. Every time I speak to a group of students at the Florida A&M University, I ask them how many students can stay on their family plan because of ObamaCare? Every single hand goes up. So let's be clear: the first rollout was the proposal that let over 3 million people stay on their family plan. And the doughnut hole, because Obama cares, we are closing that that was instituted under the Bush administration. I really do believe to whom God has given much, much is expected. I really do expect more from the people's House than what we have gotten from the Republican leadership.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay homage and respect, to the life and legacy of Major Owens. Having been elected to the United States Congress in 1992, I got the grand opportunity to work alongside Major until his retirement in 2007. During this time, Major was a hardworking member and great person. He was resolute in his desire to help others and improve the quality of life for his constituents. Finding a career as librarian prior to coming to Congress in 1983, I can vividly remember how wise and articulate he was. Often times during a special order, Major would control the entire time speaking about issues impacting those in his district and the broader African American community. While in Congress, Major was a champion for many issues. Among his greatest accomplishments was securing over $100 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, helping pass the Americans with Disabilities Act, and consistently ensuring the voices of the disenfranchised did not go mute during his tenure. My continued thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. I pray that they find solace in knowing that Major lived a great life in which they and many others, can be proud of and inspired by. A man who believed in God, provided for his family, and served his country. Major was the absolute epitome of what it is to be a model citizen. There is an old gospel song that says . . . ``May the works I've done speak for me.'' There is no doubt that the great things Major accomplished during his 24 years as a Member of Congress will surely speak for him. May his soul rest in peace and legacy forever live on.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Chairman Bill Young, whose passing we mourn and whose dedication to America's servicemembers is well known to his fellow Floridians, as well as to all who serve in this House. Taking care of our nation's men and women in uniform was his passion. He often called them, ``kids'' because he cared for them as deeply as if they were family. Chairman Young was an officer and a Gentleman. He served for nine years in the Army National Guard. During his decades in Congress, he and his wife, Beverly, regularly visited with hospitalized combat troops in Florida, and here at Bethesda. They helped arranging travel for military family members, or those who were having trouble paying the bills. Here in the House, at the Appropriations Committee, and in any other way he could find, he was tireless in his work on behalf of servicemembers, veterans and their families. I worked with him when we were trying to finish the new courthouse in Orlando. This was just after the Oklahoma City Bombing, and all the new security requirements that were added to protect the buildings and the people in them. The project was $19 million over budget, but the Chairman came to what must have been the longest town hall meeting ever. Everyone had something to say. The Chairman was a gentleman as always and wanted what was best for the people of Florida, regardless of party. This was the case also when it came to funding for research. Chairman Young knew how important cutting edge research is and made it a priority to find the funding to help future generations of Americans. Madam Speaker, as we say goodbye to our friend and colleague, Chairman Bill Young, I want to thank him for being a reasonable person to work with. All of our encounters were pleasant and I will miss working with him.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank my colleague from Florida for yielding time to me. My amendment is very simple. It authorizes the Corps projects to receive a final Chief's Report up to 1 year following the enactment of the bill. Let's be clear: under the present arbitrary deadline, critical Corps of Engineer projects throughout the United States will have to wait for years. This is the second Corps project that we have done in 14 years. Now, my colleague from Florida keeps saying that there is no change. There is a change in this project, in that, in this particular bill, this is the first time that members did not have up to 2 years to get their Chief's Report in. The Chief's Report is long, it takes time, it is economically and environmentally justified, and it has to indicate it is a benefit to the entire country. Now, let me say one thing about this amendment. It does not change anything in the current bill. It pays the same way other projects are paid for. It is what we have always done. Authorizing these additional projects would generate billions of dollars in economic activity, create hundreds and thousands of well- paying jobs. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Murphy).

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Murphy).

Ms. BROWN of Florida. If we defeat the previous question, we can bring up this amendment right now.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Chairman, first of all, I want to commend Chairman Shuster for restoring the bipartisan nature to our committee, and I want to thank Congressmen Rahall, Bishop, and Gibbs for their work on this bill. I also want to thank the Corps of Engineers for their hard work. They have been underfunded and overworked, but they have always been there for the American people. The work they did during Hurricane Katrina and, most recently, Hurricane Sandy should be commended by Congress. We are already failing to prepare our ports for post-Panamax ships and are falling behind in our international competition. Ports throughout Asia, Europe, South America, and the Caribbean all have ports with depths of 50 feet. I agree that we need to fully reauthorize WRDA every 2 years, but I don't believe many people are confident that will happen. In fact, it took 7 years since reauthorization of the last WRDA bill. I went to a preliminary review on the Chief's Report, and the Army Corps made clear that they don't pick winners and losers, but that is what we are doing here in Congress. This is a fairness issue for the State of Florida. I hope that as we move toward conference, we must engage the House, the Senate, and the White House to ensure that the State of Florida is not left behind. As this bill continues to move through the process, we need to work together to make sure that we treat every State fairly and don't arbitrarily leave any critical infrastructure projects behind.

Ms. BROWN of Florida

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. One of my favorite songs is ``May the Work I've Done Speak for Me.'' I rise today to pay tribute to Chairman Bill Young, whose passing we mourn and whose dedication to American servicemembers is well known to his fellow Floridians, as well as to all who serve in this House. Taking care of our Nation's men and women in uniform was his passion. He often called them ``kids'' because he cared for them as deeply as if they were his family. Chairman Young was an officer and a gentleman. He served for 9 years in the American National Guard. During his decades in Congress, he and his wife, Beverly, regularly visited the hospitalized combat troops in Florida and here at Bethesda. They helped arrange travel for military family members, or those who were having trouble paying the bills. Here in the House, at the Appropriations Committee, and in any other ways he could find, he was tireless in his work on behalf of servicemembers, veterans, and their families. I worked with him when we were trying to finish the new courthouse in Orlando. This was just after the Oklahoma City bombing and all the new security requirements that were added to protect the buildings and the people in them. The project was $19 million over budget, but the chairman came to what must have been the longest town hall meeting held here in the Capitol. Everyone had to say the chairman was a gentleman as always and wanted what was best for the people of Florida, regardless of party. This was the case also when it came to funding for research. Chairman Young knew how important cutting-edge research is and made it a priority to find the funding to help future generations of Americans. Every year, Bill Young was a keynote speaker at the Memorial Day program in Bay Pines. He initially worked with President Gerald Ford and the Appropriations Committee in 1976 to replace the original hospital building. At one point, he went so far as to personally show the President where the building was and how badly it was leaking. He was very proud of the new hospital, which opened in 1983. He was thrilled when they named the road encircling it Bill Young Road. The VA Medical Center at Bay Pines has many services to completely serve today's veterans. There are all the health services that any hospital would provide; but, in addition, there are services for caregivers, dental services, extended care and services for seniors, along with programs that help homeless veterans. In addition, the women veterans healthcare program at Bay Pines focuses on wellness education, preventive health care, disease management, and care for the emotional well-being of women veterans. Today, we will go one step further in honoring the man who made the VA Medical Center at Bay Pines a reality. Today, we take the step of naming the whole facility after Bill Young. It is a most appropriate tribute--to name the center whose mission it is to coordinate the care for wounded men and women who serve in their life and that was their mission. Mr. Speaker, as we say good-bye to our friend and colleague Chairman Bill Young, with this bill we can honor his service in the way I know he would appreciate most deeply--having his name associated daily and directly with the highest level of care for our military veterans. I want to thank Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Miller for bringing it before us today, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the minority whip.

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).

Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor), whose district butts up to Congressman Bill Young's district.