G.K. Butterfield

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend of more than 40 years, Mayor C. Bruce Rose. Tomorrow, the city of Wilson, North Carolina, will pause to observe Bruce Rose Day and will rename the Headquarters Fire Station to the C. Bruce Rose Headquarters Station, recognizing 60 long years of continuous service to our city. Mr. Speaker, Mayor Rose graduated from Charles L. Coon High School and received an associate degree in applied science in fire science technology from Wilson Technical Community College. He also proudly served our country in the United States Army for 2 years. Mayor Rose served for 30 years with the Wilson Fire Department, 7 of which he served as fire chief. He attended fire schools throughout North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Maryland, including the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He is a graduate of the Executive Development Course of Chief Fire Officers in Emmitsburg. Mayor Rose is a life member of the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs and served on its board of directors for 4 years. He is also a life member of the North Carolina Association of Retired Fire Chiefs and served, by appointment of Governor James B. Hunt, on the North Carolina Fire Commission. Mayor Rose received the 1999 Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Mayor Rose continued to serve as a goodwill ambassador for the city of Wilson as he was elected mayor, beginning in 1992. He has been proud to celebrate the progress of the city through events such as ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings and presentations of proclamations. He speaks at community events, works to bring industries into the city, and has worked diligently to see the city community thrive. He is especially proud of the Whirlygig project, which is bringing economic development to our city. Under his leadership, an $18 million surface transportation project is now in progress in the eastern section of our city, which is the African American community. The city invested $2 million into this project; the North Carolina Department of Transportation invested $6 million; and, with my assistance, the city received a TIGER grant, under Secretary Anthony Fox, of $10 million for the project. During his tenure, Mayor Rose has been involved in several projects and initiatives, such as creation of the Buckhorn Reservoir and Greenlight Community Broadband, which is a municipal broadband, and it is successful. He has been Wilson's longest serving mayor, after serving 27, nearly 28, consecutive years and eight consecutive terms. Mayor Rose is a lifetime member of Wilson First Pentecostal Holiness Church, where he served as deacon and Sunday school superintendent. He is married to Rebecca Davis Rose. They continue to be active in our community and involved in church functions throughout the city. Mayor Rose, Mr. Speaker, is father to four children and one delightful grandchild. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating and honoring my friend, Mayor C. Bruce Rose, as he is recognized for 60--I will repeat that again, 60--consecutive years of unselfish service to the city of Wilson, North Carolina. The contributions of Mayor Rose to the city cannot be overstated.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first college football game ever played on November 6, 1869, and to recognize the importance of college football in our country today. Since the initial game 150 years ago, more than 5.33 million Americans have played college football and millions more have become devoted fans of the game. Over the past 150 years, college football has become woven into the fabric of our society and the lives of countless Americans. Many Americans have had the joy and privilege to participate in college football, including many of our nation's greatest leaders-- representing all different backgrounds--who often cite their experiences as college football players as critical factors in their development and their long-term success. College football players have become U.S. Presidents, Rhodes Scholars, actors, activists, chief executives of major businesses, successful entrepreneurs, academics and elected officials. The game promotes camaraderie among players which has translated into lifelong friendships for so many and has grown throughout the years with almost 80,000 student-athletes taking to the field every fall. In North Carolina's First Congressional District, I represent a number of schools across several divisions within the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA): the Duke University Blue Devils, the East Carolina University (ECU) Pirates, the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Eagles, the Chowan University Hawks, and the Barton College Bulldogs who will field a team in 2020. College football allows us, as participants and spectators, to put our differences aside and celebrate a game, that in many ways, embodies the spirit of what makes us great as a country--our diversity. It brings together a diverse pool of participants with different backgrounds, experiences, and creeds. On November 6, 2019, we celebrate college football for the stories and memories that it has helped create over these last 150 years. Madam Speaker, college football is special to so many, and I am honored to recognize such a significant milestone and achievement in the history of this game.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4617, the SHIELD Act. Mr. Chairman, the world knows that our democracy was attacked in 2016 by foreign actors. We have a responsibility as a Congress to fight back against foreign cyber intrusions into our democracy and protect the sanctity of our elections. The SHIELD Act does just that. Mr. Chair, right now, our country is facing an existential crisis. The question for each of us is: What are we going to do? What are we going to do to defend the principles and the Constitution upon which this country was founded? The vote today on the SHIELD Act will be one of those moments that, some years from now, we will all look back on, and each of us will have to give an account for what we did. We must take a vote to defend our democracy from foreign interference and ensure that every American vote counts. The words of my good friend and our dear colleague, Congressman Cummings, are swirling around this Chamber today. He said the following: ``When we are dancing with the angels, the question will be asked: In 2019, what did we do to make sure we kept our democracy intact? Did we stand on the sidelines and say nothing? Did we play games?'' Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, let me thank Congressman Horsford for yielding this evening, and I thank him for his extraordinary leadership. Elijah Cummings was my friend. Nearly every legislative day for the past 15 years, we talked about every subject you can imagine. Some of it consisted of small talk, but very often it consisted of serious conversations about our families and about our communities. So, on behalf of my family and on behalf of the 750,000 people of the First Congressional District of North Carolina, I extend condolences to the Cummings family and to the good people of Baltimore. Mr. Speaker, several years ago, I shared with Congressman Cummings a very sad situation in my district involving an African American attorney who had suffered a debilitating stroke and was having financial problems. Immediately--immediately--Mr. Cummings said: I have great affection for Black lawyers who have served their community, and I am going to send him some money. And he did. From time to time, I would see Mr. Cummings on national television on the talk shows. I would come back to the floor on Monday night or Tuesday night and I would sit next to him. I would compliment Mr. Cummings about his appearances on television and how he handled himself. I recall one day he told me that every minute that he is on television, he spent 1 hour preparing for that 1 minute. He was one for preparation. I sat next to Congressman Cummings as he cast his last floor vote several weeks ago. He didn't know it was his last, but it was. He was seated right over where Ms. Clarke is seated right now. As his staff assisted in getting him out of the chair, he looked at me that day and said: ``I'm so sick. I love you, man.'' I say to you tonight, Congressman Cummings: I love you; we love you; and America loves you. Mr. Speaker, we celebrate a life well-lived. Elijah Eugene Cummings belongs to the ages. Rest in peace, my brother, rest in peace.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the retirement of Augustus Burns Elkins, II, an Administrative law Judge, who retired on September 30, 2019, from the Office of Administrative Hearings after 35 years of service to the State of North Carolina. Judge Elkins received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Society, and his Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law. He is a certified Judge Advocate from the Air Force Management and Leadership School and served as an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force from 1979 to l984. From 1984 to 2001, he served as a Staff Judge Advocate with the United States Air Force Reserves, having achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The last 11 years of his Air Force service was spent with the 916 Air Refueling Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. For the State of North Carolina, he has held the positions of Deputy Director of the North Carolina Department of Administration--Motor Fleet Management from 1984 to l990, and General Counsel and Senior Managing Attorney for North Carolina Governor's Council for Persons with Disabilities (GACPD) from 1990 to 2001. At GACPD, he was recognized as one of the State's leading experts on the Americans with disabilities Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In 2001, he was appointed as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of North Carolina and had served in this capacity until his retirement on September 30, 2019. He is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association and has served as Chairman of the Administrative Law Section. Judge Elkins was honored with the 2018 Distinguished Service Award by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Exceptional Children Division. I offer my sincere appreciation for Judge Elkins' service to the United States of America and the great state of North Carolina. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Judge Elkins on his retirement and wish him many years of enjoyment with his family.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, l rise to recognize a great American and public servant, Ms. Gayle Bridges Harris of Durham, North Carolina. Lauded as a skilled and resourceful community builder and valued public health leader in Durham, NC, Ms. Harris will be retiring after 47 years of faithful and dedicated service to the health and well-being of all those she served. I am honored to share with my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the accomplishments of this remarkable public servant. As the 2nd African American student to graduate from Duke University School of Nursing, Gayle Harris' extraordinary career began in 1970. At 22 years of age, she began work at Durham County Health Department as a public health nurse. Ms. Harris' most recent role was serving as the Public Health Director and the General Manager for Community Well-being for Durham County, North Carolina. As General Manager for Well-being, Ms. Harris provided strategic leadership for Durham County's Department of Public Health, Department of Social Services, Cooperative Extension, Veteran Services and Durham Public Libraries. She also served as a lead liaison between the County and Alliance Behavior Health Care, Durham Parks and Recreation, Duke University Health System, Lincoln Community Health Center, Public and Private Universities, United Way of the Greater Triangle and other entities uniquely positioned to promote Durham's health indicators to new levels. With nearly 50 years of service in Durham County, Ms. Harris has served in several significant leadership roles. As Public Health Director since 2009, she contributed to the design of and managed the department's move into a new Human Services Building in 2011. At that time, she also played a key role in implementing two innovative programs: the Durham Diabetes Coalition, a joint venture of Durham County Department of Public Health with Duke University Health System to address diabetes in the community, and Bull City United, a violence interruption/reduction initiative. Ms. Harris was elected to serve as the President of the North Carolina Public Health Nurse Administrators in 1994 and the President of the North Carolina Public Health Association in 2011. Gayle Harris is the recipient of numerous awards: Communities Joined in Action 2014 Grassroots Leaders Award; Senior Pharm Assist 2014 Thomas R. Howerton Leadership Award; NC Association of Local Health Directors 2013 Ham Stevens Award for Outstanding Contributions to Local Public Health; Auxiliary of the Durham Academy of Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy 2012 Legacy Award; Duke University School of Nursing 2012 Distinguished Alumna Award; and University of North Carolina School of Public Health Alumni Association 1995 Distinguished Alumna Award. She was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing in 1990. Ms. Harris has served on numerous boards and committees, including Durham County's Strategic Plan Goal Champion (Health and Well-being for All); Mayor's Initiative to Reduce Poverty One Neighborhood at a Time; Durham Community Health Network; Project Access of Durham County Board of Directors (Vice-Chair); Co-Principal Investigator and Steering Committee member of the Durham Diabetes Coalition; United Way of the Greater Triangle Women's Leadership Council and Health Impact Committee; Durham YMCAs; and the Lincoln Community Health Center Board of Directors (Secretary). In 2012, spearheaded by Ms. Harris's efforts, the Durham County Board of Health, supported by the County Commissioners and City officials, adopted a rule to regulate smoking in prescribed public areas. In a city once dependent on tobacco for its existence, much of its public space is now smoke free including parks, bus stops, sidewalks, public indoor areas such as restrooms, and public areas of retail establishments. In 2014, the Durham health community, under Ms. Harris' leadership, won the prestigious RWJF Culture of Health award. This award ``recognizes communities that have come together around a commitment to health, opportunity, and equity through collaboration and inclusion; especially with historically marginalized populations and those facing the greatest barriers to good health.'' Because of Gayle Harris' leadership and support, the Durham County Department of Public Health has led racial equity work within Durham County Government by hosting racial equity training and presentations for thousands of government employees, nonprofit agencies, businesses, and community members. Gayle Bridges Harris has played a critical role in advancing the culture of health in Durham, North Carolina. She is a health leader from whom others learn. In her honor, we remember that: ``A community's vitality is built upon the health of the residents and the capacity of the community to foster and enhance the well-being of every citizen.'' I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Ms. Gayle Harris on this auspicious occasion.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of a great public servant, a mother, a wife, a friend to many, and the longest serving employee of the Washington County North Carolina School System, Mrs. Eleanor Patterson Barber. Some refer to her as ``Mother Barber.'' Mrs. Barber, Mr. Speaker, the daughter of Charles Edgar Patterson, a West Virginia Pentecostal preacher, and Lucille Patterson, a Georgia native from the Southlands, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on November 13, 1933. A graduate of the historic Crispus Attucks High School, Mrs. Barber trained as a concert pianist and graduated from Lain Business College in Indianapolis. She served in the Civil Air Patrol, where she met her husband, the Reverend William J. Barber I, a minister, educator, and activist with deep roots in eastern North Carolina. With a strong passion and conviction for justice and equality, the Barber couple, in 1966, relocated to eastern North Carolina to play an essential role in the integration of the county schools. Though it had been 12 years since the Brown decision, many Southern schools remained fully separated by race. While the decision to move southward from a northern metropolitan city meant that their only son at the time, William J. Barber, II, would enter kindergarten at a segregated school, they believed that this sacrifice would, nonetheless, serve the greater good for their family, Washington County, and the State. Her little boy, William, some refer to him as Billy, is now internationally known as Bishop William J. Barber, II, who was the architect of the Moral Monday movement and is now the founder and leader of Repairers of the Breach, or the Poor People's National Campaign. In 1966, Mother Barber began working as the office manager at the Washington County Union Elementary School, while her husband taught science at the school. In 1971, when Mrs. Barber began her duties at Plymouth High School, she made history as the first African American office manager at a desegregated school in that county. Mrs. Barber's passion and conviction have led her to impact generations of students over her 53 years of service. She has served 11 principals, and in some cases, she has watched students and their parents and grandparents matriculate through the school. She also helped teach countless young people how to play the concert piano, often when they didn't have the resources to afford the lessons. She has led choirs and served as the baccalaureate musician for the high school for many, many years, and she continues. In her more than half a century of service to North Carolina's public schools, I, today, applaud Mrs. Barber for her years of dedicated and committed service to our Nation's most precious resources: our children. Mrs. Eleanor Barber is a history maker, barrier breaker, and a remarkable example of the transformative power of a willing spirit and a dedicated public servant. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the people of the First District, including the people of Washington County and the town of Roper, where she resides, I express appreciation to Mrs. Eleanor Patterson Barber for 53 years of committed service to the Washington County, North Carolina, public schools. Thank you to Mrs. Barber for your perseverance and your willingness to give and to go the extra mile to pour into the youth all that you had to offer. Mrs. Barber, without exception, earned the right to be honored here today on the floor of the House of Representatives. It is my hope that God will continue to bless and keep Mrs. Barber and her family for years to come. I will say, Mr. Speaker, in closing, that Mrs. Barber has a wonderful family. She gave birth to two biological children. They were both boys. The first was Bishop William J. Barber, II. Bishop Barber is married to Rebecca Barber, and they have five children: Sharralle; William, III; Benjamin Joseph; Rebecca Eleanor; and Andrew Willard--five wonderful, delightful children. The other sibling deceased earlier this year. He lived in Grifton, Georgia. His name was Charles Edgar Barber, and he was survived by three children: Shakile, Malik, and Quentin. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate you allowing me time this morning to celebrate and to recognize a great American who has served well over these many years.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I thank the chair of our committee for yielding me time this morning. Madam Speaker, I rise this morning in strong support of H.R. 2722. It is past time that this Congress act boldly in response to the foreign interference that took place in our 2016 elections, and that is exactly what this bill does. The gentleman from Ohio, the ranking member of the committee, I say to him it is disingenuous to point the finger at the Obama administration. That may or may not be accurate, but let us look forward. This legislation provides $600 million in grants to State and local officials to secure election infrastructure and replace aging voting machines with voter-verified paper ballot voting systems; $175 million to States every 2 years to maintain elections infrastructure. It requires States to implement risk-limiting audits; it prohibits internet accessibility or connectivity for devices on which ballots are marked or tabulated; and it sets long-needed cybersecurity standards for vendors. I ask my colleagues, let us look forward. Let us protect the right to vote. Let us protect the ballot of every American citizen.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, at World Tabernacle Church in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, I had one of the highest honors in my life, to speak at the funeral service for Private First Class William Hoover Jones who served in the Korean war. He went missing on 26 November 1950. His remains were recently returned to U.S. soil by the North Koreans. The funeral service was handled by H.D. Pope Funeral Home, and he will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery on August 22 of this year with full military rites. Mr. Speaker, with your permission, I will read into the Record my remarks from the funeral: ``As Representative for North Carolina's First Congressional District, please allow me to extend official condolences to this family on behalf of the President and Congress of the United States of America. ``PFC William Hoover Jones gave his young life on the battlefield on foreign soil in defense of our country as part of the historic 24th Infantry Regiment, a Black Army regiment first organized in 1869 following the Civil War. ``Private First Class Jones fought on the front line for the Republic of South Korea during the Korean war. ``For his service, Private First Class Jones was promoted to private first class and posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal. ``This Nation is indebted to PFC Jones for his service to our country and for offering the highest sacrifice for freedom. His life. ``PFC Jones was born in Nash County in 1931 at the beginning of the Great Depression. Life in Nash County during that period was Third World. Not only did African Americans suffer from second-class citizenship, but they suffered from extreme poverty. Undoubtedly, William Hoover Jones wanted a better life. ``On 31 May 1950, at the tender age of 18, Hoover enlisted to serve for 3 years in the Army, recognizing that he would be deployed to Korea to engage in a deadly war. I am confident that he volunteered not only to defend our Nation and our Nation's interests, but to seek a better future for himself. ``The record reflects that Private Jones was poorly trained as an infantryman. History reveals that most Black soldiers of that era were poorly trained. Though his training was incomplete, Private Jones was deployed to Korea, placed in an all-Black unit, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division. President Truman had ordered that unit integrated in 1948, but as of 1950, integration in the unit had not occurred. ``The Black soldiers of the 24th Infantry fought valiantly, but the North Koreans and the Chinese were too fierce and greatly outnumbered our soldiers. ``The only African American officer serving the 24th Infantry was Lieutenant Leon Gilbert of York, Pennsylvania. Lieutenant Gilbert led his soldiers into fierce battles with the enemy near the 38th parallel. On 1 September 1950, recognizing that the 24th Infantry was literally on a suicide mission, Lieutenant Gilbert ordered his soldiers off of a deadly hill. The division's commanding officer directed Lieutenant Gilbert to return his soldiers to the fight, but he refused. ``Gilbert was court-martialed for his refusal. He was given a death sentence. After widespread outrage from Black Americans, President Harry Truman commuted the sentence to 20 years of imprisonment. He served 5 of those 20 years. ``Because of these events, the 24th Infantry Regiment was disbanded, but the division was desperately in need of infantry soldiers. Therefore, the 24th Infantry was reactivated and forced back to the front line. It was there that PFC Jones went missing on 26 November 1950 at the age of 19 years old. ``He was recovered by the North Koreans, and his remains have been secreted for the past 68 years. They were returned to American soil just a few weeks ago. That is the record of PFC Jones and the story of the 24th Infantry Regiment in the Korean war. ``PFC Jones represents a generation of young African American men who stood for this country when this country didn't stand for them. ``I thank the Department of Defense for its efforts in recovering and transporting these remains and enabling this ceremony as we salute an American hero. ``Finally, I pray solace will be found in knowing that a loved-one's remains are home. His soul is in Heaven, and he died on the battlefield with integrity. God bless each of the members of his family.'' Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to honor and recognize the life and work of Private First Class William Hoover Jones.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Chair, I know it has been a long evening and we have several hours in front of us, so I will try to be brief. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to provide funding for the expansion of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being to include data collection on the child victims of parental substance abuse, especially those of the opioid epidemic. As this epidemic continues, Madam Chair, the child welfare system across the country is being overwhelmed. That is the report that we are getting. They are just absolutely being overwhelmed. In my home State of North Carolina, foster care placements have been on the rise. In 2016, over 5,600 children were placed in foster care, and in 38 percent of infant placements, parental substance abuse was a factor. As my colleagues unfortunately know, similar increases have occurred all across the country. The NSCAW is the only national survey that provides longitudinal data on children who have been involved in State child protective services programs. It helps examine the current characteristics and needs of children and families involved with child protective services and helps to examine efforts to improve child and family well-being. However, it does not gather detailed information about the unique service needs of child victims of the opioid epidemic, their parents, their caregivers, or their child welfare professionals. This amendment will help fill this information gap by providing funding to expand data collection for those child victims of parental substance abuse, positioning the NSCAW to be the source for critical information on the impacts and the needs of child victims of the opioid epidemic. My amendment will fill the holes that currently exist in our data collection for these children and enable us to fully understand the critical service needs of these children. This data will empower caseworkers and child welfare agency administrators to provide the best services and supports for these children and their families. Our communities are suffering. All of my colleagues know that. Our communities are suffering from substance abuse and the opioid crisis, especially children, who are the most vulnerable in these communities. We must have the necessary information needed to better understand the full impact these children and their families are experiencing in order to provide for their needs. I think all of us on both sides of the aisle, hopefully, can agree on this. I want to thank the chair of the subcommittee for her friendship and her support for this, and I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this amendment. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), the chairwoman of the subcommittee.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for her passion and her leadership and her support for this amendment. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of a great public servant, a father, a dedicated man of faith, a friend to many, and the longest-serving elected official in Wilson, North Carolina, city government, the Honorable Avant Patrick Coleman. Avant Coleman, Mr. Speaker, better known as A.P., is a native of Edgecombe County, but he has resided in Wilson County for many decades. He received his formal education, earning his bachelor of science degree in agriculture and biology from historic North Carolina A&T State University. He went on to earn a master of science degree in adult education with a minor in sociology from North Carolina State University and a graduate of the Extension Executive Development Institute. Professionally, A.P. used the full potential of his education and passion in his career, which began with teaching vocational agriculture in Lenoir and Greene Counties. His desire to pour into our youth a conviction for community engagement led him to join the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, where he worked for 31 long years, retiring in March 1994. In this role, Mr. Speaker, he was responsible for countywide 4-H programs, a national initiative that embraces young people of all beliefs and all backgrounds and empowers them with leadership skills training for the betterment of their lives and their communities. A.P. Coleman has earned numerous distinctions, honors, and achievements. Elected in 1975, A.P. Coleman has served for 38 long years as a member of the Wilson City Council. He served as mayor pro tempore from 1989 to 1995. His campaign slogan embodied his mantra of service to the community to improve the lives of its people. He would say, ``A new way for a new day.'' His early platform for service included economic and business development, balanced growth, housing, crime and violence, and most importantly, contact with citizens. His retirement from elected office was effective a few days ago on 31 May 2019. A.P. Coleman has served on several council-appointed boards and committees throughout the State and the city, such as president of the North Carolina League of Municipalities, 1991 to 1992; chairman of Region L Council of Governments, 1990 to 1992, 2006 to 2007; a member of the Small Cities Council and National League of Cities, 1988 to 1995. He has served on the board of directors for Carolina Family Health Centers, Incorporated. That is our FQHC in the city. He served as director since 1999 and even served as chairman. Mr. Coleman previously served as a board member for the local and regional Nations Bank and was the recipient of many leadership awards, including the Extension Service Superior Leadership Award. He received a certificate of appreciation after completing a 4-H caravan 6-week study tour of the United Kingdom, honoring his leadership roles in the States of Maryland and North Carolina. He has served, Mr. Speaker, as finance committee chair for Carolina Smart Choices for Youth and as a chairman of the Wilson Preparatory Academy charter school. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Coleman has been a very engaged individual for decades. Throughout his years of public service, A.P. Coleman has been active with his local church, civic affairs, and other charitable organizations. He is a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., where he serves as an elder. He is a past member of the board of directors for United Way, president of the Wilson County chapter of the North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Association, vice president of Crime Stoppers, past member of the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf's human rights committee, member of the Presbytery of the New Hope disaster committee, and recipient of prestigious accomplishments and awards. Coleman is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and a life member of the NAACP. The most important thing to Avant Coleman has always been his family. He was married to the late Willa Monroe Coleman and is the proud father of three, Elliotte, Wanda, and Jacqueline, and a proud grandfather of one grandson, Juan. Avant is a family man, dear friend, and colleague to so many others. Mr. Speaker, he is also my neighbor, my next-door neighbor for the past 25 years. A man of principle and conviction to the importance of brotherly kindness, A.P.'s motto in life is the golden rule: ``Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'' Finally, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Coleman has lived an incredible life that, by the grace of God, has impacted the lives of so many. His selfless and lifelong dedication to public service and community are beyond remarkable, and he is truly a role model. His love for his family, friends, church, and community know no bounds. I am honored today to pay tribute to such a dedicated and honorable public servant. I am proud to have A.P. Coleman as a constituent and friend. I thank him for his dedication, service, and continued role as an inspiration to all of us. God continue to bless A.P. Coleman and his family.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Doyle for yielding time this afternoon. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1644. Phone calls and letters from my constituents make it abundantly clear that they want to see broadband internet expanded in their communities, they want greater consumer protections, and they want it now. The digital divide is holding them down. Until someone has lived in a community, Mr. Chairman, that does not have reliable access to high-speed internet, one cannot comprehend its importance. Internet connectivity enables students regardless of their financial circumstances the opportunity to access world-class educational resources. It spurs economic growth by giving businesses an opportunity to connect with customers throughout the world. It can help bring access to quality healthcare for families in rural communities. I say to my friends on the other side, this legislation is not a socialist initiative. It is America, my friends, in the 21st century. This bill provides permanent net neutrality protections and secures a free and neutral internet for constituents. This legislation will ensure that all Americans--Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, and Green Party--will have their voices heard, their stories told, and equal access to the information that is important to them. The Save the Internet Act addresses the way in which internet traffic is handled before it reaches the consumer--an important step toward closing the digital divide and making the digital economy more inclusive. The internet was developed to enable user choice about what content to access. That is why we need to pass this legislation, and we need to pass it now. I appreciate the work of Chairman Doyle and the Democratic Caucus for understanding the urgency of passing this legislation. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation. Let's send it to the Senate. Let's try to reason with our friends in the Senate, and let's get it passed and protect the internet.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise to support H. Res. 271. This resolution, I would say to the minority leader, is a statement. It is a statement by Democrats of our position on the Affordable Care Act. It is not surprising to me that they would not want the facts to be before the American people. That is what this resolution is about. On day one of his administration, President Obama announced he would address the critical need for affordable healthcare for millions of uninsured Americans. He reminded us that nearly 50 million Americans were uninsured. Low- income, childless adults could not benefit from Medicaid. Millions of seniors were not fully benefiting from prescription drug benefits under Medicare part D because of the doughnut hole. He told us that parents needed insurance on their children to age 26. And finally, Madam Speaker, President Obama stressed that insurance companies were increasing premiums and not providing quality coverage, and they were discriminating based on preexisting conditions, high copays, and higher deductibles. After much debate, we passed ObamaCare. It has made a difference in health accessibility and health outcomes. It is not a perfect solution, but it has impacted millions of lives. We want to make ObamaCare better; we want to make it more affordable. I would say to my friend from Oregon, with bipartisan cooperation, we can do that, and we can do it effectively. But Republicans have repeatedly tried to legislate ObamaCare out of existence with no replacement. This Congress has repeatedly said ``no'' to any repeal. On February 26 of last year, Republican plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in the Northern District of Texas contending that the minimum essential coverage provision is unconstitutional, and, since Republicans removed the mandate penalty, the entire law is unconstitutional. That was their claim. Three months later, Attorney General Sessions announced that the Trump administration wouldn't defend the minimum essential coverage claim and that the Trump administration would argue that preexisting conditions protections should be invalidated. However, the Trump administration said that the remaining parts of the law could be severed or separated and the law could remain intact. The Court heard the case and, as we all know, the Affordable Care Act was declared to be unconstitutional. It is now on appeal. On March 28 of this year, President Trump changed his position. On appeal, he is now aligning with the Republican plaintiffs and thumbing his nose, Madam Speaker, thumbing his nose again at this Congress. The Affordable Care Act, as the Speaker said a few moments ago, is the law of the land, and Republicans are refusing to defend it. Protection of preexisting conditions is the law of the land, Mr. President. The final insult came this morning when President Trump confirmed that he will ask the higher courts to throw out the entire law and that he will have a replacement ready the day after the election. I am outraged, and so should the American people be.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to improve early voting in rural communities. My amendment would ensure that early voting locations in rural communities are placed strategically in communities to provide the greatest access to rural voters seeking to cast their ballots. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment. My amendment, Mr. Chairman, gets to the heart of what we have been trying to do here today with H.R. 1, and that is to make voting easier. My amendment builds on the underlying text of H.R. 1 that directs States to locate early voting locations within walking distance of stops on public transportation routes by recognizing that rural communities face very different challenges to voting as compared to voters in urban communities. In many rural communities, Mr. Chairman, like the ones that I represent in eastern North Carolina, there is no public transportation in many of those communities, so polling locations in these communities need to be located where these voters will have the best chance to let their voices be heard in our elections, and my amendment would simply ensure that that happens. Mr. Chairman, rural communities are facing many challenges, but their ability to participate in our elections should not be one of those challenges. I think all of us on both sides of the aisle can agree on this. During the markup at the committee, I got a good feeling about it, and I hoped my friend from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis) would be willing to work with me in getting this amendment passed. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from Illinois would remember that at the subcommittee markup, or the full committee markup, we did have a very healthy conversation about this topic. I acknowledge that no amendment was offered at the committee, but I felt a consensus, Mr. Davis, when we discussed it at the committee, and I thought that it would be accepted by the other side. But suffice it to say that rural communities deserve to have polling locations that are convenient to all of its citizens. We are talking about Federal elections, not local elections, so I would ask my colleagues to reconsider and support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes).

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Chair, let me thank the gentleman for his comments and thank him for his friendship. The gentleman is right; we do serve on the House Administration Committee together. He is the ranking member of the committee and Ms. Lofgren is the chair. We will have many opportunities to work together, and I look forward to working with the gentleman and all of the committee on very important issues as we go forward. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues, to remember and honor a great, great public servant, a great North Carolinian, devoted husband and father, a man of great faith, and my personal friend for over 40 years, Congressman Walter B. Jones, Jr. And, Madam Speaker, I emphasize the word ``junior,'' because I knew Walter's father and knew him very well, for he was the Congressman for eastern North Carolina for many years. And though Walter did not use ``Junior'' in his official name, he was indeed a junior. Walter Jones passed away on Sunday, February 10, 2019, on his 76th birthday. He was a lifelong public servant, serving in the North Carolina National Guard for four years, the General Assembly of our State for ten years, and the U.S. House of Representatives for 24 long years, where he served North Carolina's Third Congressional District. Since coming to Congress, I watched Walter cast difficult votes with conviction, standing firm in what he believed was right for his constituents and for the American people. That is why the people of North Carolina's Third District sent him back to Congress again and again and again, electing him 13 times since 1994. Even as Walter gained seniority in the Congress, he maintained his strong conscience and principles. As a senior member of the House Committee on Armed Services, Walter was an outspoken and effective voice for our military. Anyone in eastern North Carolina who knew Walter Jones, or knew of him, would know of his love for the military. He was committed to safeguarding the well-being of our Nation's veterans and active servicemembers. In fact, Congressman Jones sponsored and cosponsored more veterans legislation in the last three congressional terms than any other sitting Member of Congress. Madam Speaker, it was one of the greatest honors of my life for my friend, Congressman Walter Jones, to ask me to administer his oath of office, which I performed at his Farmville home on January 4, 2019. And I might say that his home in Farmville is 20 minutes from my home in Wilson. I am equally proud to say that a 30-Member delegation traveled to Greenville, North Carolina, for the homegoing service for Congressman Jones. That 30-Member delegation was led by the dean of our delegation, Congressman David Price, and the ranking Republican among our delegation, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx. I will miss Walter Jones in these halls and in our beloved State. Walter would drive home each week. We would sit right here on the House floor each Friday and talk about our weekends. He would tell me how he was preparing to drive home and how he dreaded the traffic, but that he would offset the dread of the traffic by listening to audiotapes in his car while he would drive. Madam Speaker, we may have stood on opposite sides of the aisle here in the House, but there was always a mutual respect and friendship between us. I would say to the gentlewoman from Hawaii who spoke a few moments ago that he, too, called me Mr. Chairman. I never understood exactly why he would do that, but that was his vocabulary, and I found it very honorable that he would do that. Although our friend is no longer here, he has left an indelible mark on eastern North Carolina, on the House, and on the Nation. May our friend, Congressman Walter B. Jones, Jr., rest in peace and have eternal life with our Father in Heaven. To Joe Anne, Ashley, and all the family and friends of Walter Jones, we wish you God's blessings in the years to come.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise in memory of a great woman and legend within the Wilson, North Carolina community, Mrs. Fannie Mae Evans Corbett. Mrs. Corbett passed away on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. She was 86 years old. Born in Pitt County, North Carolina on May 23, 1932, Mrs. Corbett was the fourth of five children born to Bessie Evans and Sylvester Powell. Mrs. Corbett learned the meaning of hard work at a young age, spending much of her developmental years working in the cotton and tobacco fields. In 1955, Mrs. Corbett moved to Wilson, North Carolina, where she married and raised her family. After becoming a single mother of four children, Mrs. Corbett set out to improve her economic outlook by returning to school to earn her high school diploma and an associate's degree from Wilson Community Technical Institute. Mrs. Corbett's influence in Wilson was transformational. In 1968, Mrs. Corbett became one of the key founders of the Wilson Community Improvement Association (WCIA). Mrs. Corbett led WCIA's growth from a local grassroots organization to a proactive movement that was a model for community development corporations across the country. Mrs. Corbett's indelible contributions to Wilson include coordinating voter registration drives across East Wilson and engaging the youth in educational and recreational programs. In 1973, under Mrs. Corbett's leadership, WCIA established the Wilson Senior Citizen Center, which was the first nutritional feeding program in Wilson County. While championing the value of homeownership, Mrs. Corbett advocated for programs that would make owning a home an attainable goal even to those with modest means. In 1991, WCIA received a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to build 68 homes for low- and moderate-income people. Over 200 families applied for residency in the subdivision, Adventura East. After purchasing more land, WCIA completed an additional 30 units. Today, the Adventura East I & II subdivision is home to 148 families. In 1993, with WCIA's affordable housing momentum building, the organization acquired Sunset Terrace, a 104-unit housing complex. Two years later, WCIA successfully purchased and restored Beacon Pointe Apartments in Wilson. In 1997, WCIA restored and renovated Mercy Hospital, which was built in 1913 as one of three African American hospitals in North Carolina. Mrs. Corbett's service to her community has received national and international recognition and awards, including the prestigious Nancy Susan Reynolds award, the Citizen Award for Outstanding Service to Citizens of Wilson, and the Pioneering Award for Exemplary Service in Community Economic Development. Mrs. Corbett has also been featured in several publications and books, including ``To Right These Wrongs'' and ``Greater Freedom.'' Mrs. Corbett leaves to cherish her memory, four children, Barbara Claudette Blackston of Wilson, North Carolina; Christopher Evans of Apex, North Carolina; Donald Ray Evans of Portsmouth, Virginia; and Alvin Quintin Corbett of Eastampton, New Jersey; and a host of relatives, friends, and loved ones. Madam Speaker, as a devoted mother, friend, and public servant, Mrs. Fannie Mae Evans Corbett's passing will surely be felt by all whose lives she touched. She will forever be missed, but never forgotten in the City of Wilson and across the State of North Carolina.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of a veteran, neighbor, father, dedicated man of faith, and friend to many, Mr. James Boswell. Mr. Boswell is a lifelong resident of Wilson, North Carolina. James Marshall Boswell was born on February 2, 1919 in Wilson, North Carolina. His parents taught him and his three brothers to work hard, although neither his mother nor father had more than a fifth grade education. His father supported the family as a factory worker. Mr. Boswell recalls him sharing two double beds with his three brothers in their rented home. He would later go to work with his father at the wagon factory where he would perform hard manual labor for 40 hours a week, earning $12 per week. He worked at the factory until a friend offered him a job at a drive-in making $15 a week. In 1938, James wed his beloved wife, Alma ``Mozelle'' Woodall Boswell. They were married for 76 years until her passing in 2014. Mr. Boswell was working for the FBI in Washington, D.C. when Japan attacked the United States in 1941. Mr. Boswell felt it was his duty to serve his country, so he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps at the start of World War II. He qualified to fly the new B-17 Flying Fortress. He flew 51 combat missions throughout Italy, France, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Greece, Germany, and Austria during his three years of service. Mr. Boswell credits the Tuskegee Airmen for his crews' safe returns, and says he remained in contact with many of them for several years after returning home. James Boswell's three brothers also served our country with honor. The youngest, Harvey, served as a Merchant Marine. George Boswell served with the 8th and 9th Air Forces in Europe during World War II. Delmar was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. Having worked most of his life, James Boswell returned home to Wilson where he opened a grocery store, the Super Food Center, located on Herring Avenue. In addition to his service to our country, Mr. Boswell has selflessly given of his time and efforts to work in his community, serving as a Mason and Shriner for nearly 65 years. He is also a faithful member of First Christian Church in Wilson, where he has held several positions in leadership including chairman, elder, and deacon. Today, James Boswell continues to drive himself to Faith Christian Church every Sunday. The most important thing to James Boswell has always been his family. He has one daughter, Debby Boswell Keller of North Carolina, and one son, James Boswell, Jr. of Illinois. In describing her father, Debby stated, ``he is the most caring and giving person I know.'' James Boswell has lived an incredible life that, by the grace of God, has spanned an entire century. His selfless and lifelong dedication to his country and community are beyond remarkable, and he is truly an inspiration and role model for us all. His love for his family, friends, church, and community knows no bounds. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to such a dedicated and honorable veteran. I am immensely proud to have Mr. James Marshall Boswell as a constituent, and I wish him a very Happy 100th birthday. May God continue to bless him and his family.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, I rise this morning to recognize a great American and a great friend, Dr. Cureton L. Johnson, a longtime theologian and community leader in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Dr. Johnson will approach his last official sermon as pastor of historic First Baptist Church in Fayetteville on Sunday, January 27, 2019. I am, therefore, honored to share with my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the accomplishments of this remarkable man of God. Cureton Lee Johnson was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, to the late Dr. and Mrs. Paul H. Johnson. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received his master's degree from American University here in Washington, D.C., and the Shaw University Divinity School in Raleigh. He also received his doctor of ministry degree from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. He previously served on the public relations staffs at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro and Howard University here in Washington. Over the years, Madam Speaker, Dr. Johnson remained true to his commitment to be active, productive, and dedicated to every facet of his beloved community. As a young student at UNC-Chapel Hill, Dr. Johnson served as president of the Black Student Movement Association. He was the founding editor of the BSM's newspaper, referred to as Black Ink, which is still in publication today. A longtime social activist, Dr. Johnson was a member of the anti- apartheid movement during the 1980s and was arrested while demonstrating at the South African Embassy in the District of Columbia. Dr. Johnson also served as the editor of the Baptist Informer, which is the official publication of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Incorporated, the oldest organization of Black Baptists in the Nation, founded in 1867. The son and grandson of Baptist ministers, Dr. Johnson was called into the ministry in 1976 and ordained in 1978 under his father, the legendary Dr. Paul H. Johnson, Sr., at Martin Street Baptist Church in Raleigh. Dr. Cureton Johnson served as an associate minister at Martin Street Baptist Church and at Florida Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Dr. Johnson is also pastor at New Red Mountain Baptist Church in Rougemont, North Carolina, and Baptist Grove Baptist Church in Raleigh. On the first Sunday in June 1991, Dr. Johnson assumed full pastoral responsibility at his current First Baptist Church in Fayetteville. I might say, Madam Speaker, First Baptist Church in Fayetteville was formed in 1868, 5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln and months following the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, ending slavery in America. It is the oldest missionary Baptist church in the city of Fayetteville, a church that I have attended on many occasions, including when I was stationed at Fort Bragg Army post in Fayetteville. Madam Speaker, much of First Baptist Church's growth in recent years can be attributed to the leadership of Dr. Johnson and its spirit- filled church congregation. Under Dr. Johnson's leadership, the church has been a powerful force for uplifting God's people in this community, launching a free summer children's reading camp in 1993. It continues to serve over 100 children every year. In 1999, First Baptist Church broke ground on a $2 million Christian center. The two-story facility includes 11,000 square feet, a library and learning center, nursery, children's church, clothes closet, and a multipurpose room for neighborhood development and outreach ministries. First Baptist Church remains active in the Union Baptist Association, the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, and the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention. During his pastorate, Dr. Johnson has preached more than 2,300 sermons and welcomed more than 500 souls into the fellowship, presided over 750-plus funerals, officiated at more than 125 weddings, and dedicated some 130 babies. He has ordained 15 ministers, including First Baptist Church's first five women ministers. He has also ordained the church's first five women deacons. In closing, Madam Speaker, Dr. Johnson is blessed with a loving wife, the former Lena A. Goode of Durham. They have two sons, Paul and Cureton; one grandson, Jayden Cureton; and one granddaughter, Jaelynn. By the grace of God, Dr. Johnson retires after three decades of outstanding leadership at First Baptist Church. Although Dr. Johnson is retiring from an active ministry, he will never retire from his unwavering service to God. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, we thank Dr. Johnson for his service to community. His life has been one of unlimited service. We will cherish his leadership for years to come. I extend my congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Johnson, his wife, and the entire congregation at First Baptist Church and the Fayetteville community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Reverend Dr. Cureton Lee Johnson on this auspicious occasion.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, today, we enter day 20 of the Trump shutdown. President Trump has spent years as a reality television host, but, unfortunately, reality is still not his strong suit. This week, President Trump abused the backdrop of the Oval Office to feed the American people divisive and distorted rhetoric, while still ignoring the reality that a wall is wasteful and it is impractical and inconsistent with our values. President Trump has tried to convince the American people that there is a crisis at our border. The crisis, Madam Speaker, here is one of Donald Trump's own making: a government shutdown that has gone on too long. This is affecting real lives. This is a humanitarian crisis. Federal workers and their families, 80 percent of whom live outside of the metropolitan area of D.C., will go without a paycheck this Friday because of this shutdown. Madam Speaker, 7,000 workers in North Carolina are directly affected by the shutdown. Hundreds of thousands of public servants across the country are worried to death. Senate Republicans have a choice. Do your constitutional duty, my fellow Senators. Do your job as a Senate. Pass the House bill that we have sent over to you.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 2410, the Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2017, that passed the U.S. House of Representatives on February 26, 2018. Today, the House of Representatives passed S. 2465, which is the Senate-amended version of H.R. 2410. As a co-sponsor of H.R. 2410 and the immediate past Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I rise to clarify the Congressional intent of this important legislation. I commend my friends, Representative Danny Davis from Illinois and Representative Michael Burgess from Texas, for introducing H.R. 2410. I have been a longtime advocate for those with sickle cell disease and I am a proud co-sponsor of the bill in this Congress and in previous Congresses. There are approximately forty-four hundred people with sickle cell disease in my home state of North Carolina. My hope is that someday there will be none. Sixty-five percent of individuals with sickle cell disease in North Carolina have at least one emergency room visit per year--that is no way to live. We should do all we can to help improve patients' lives, advance treatment, and find a cure. That is why we must reauthorize the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program to enable the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to support research that will increase our understanding of sickle cell disease, and create a grant program to study the prevalence of sickle cell and identify ways to prevent and treat sickle cell disease effectively. S. 2465 makes changes to the House-approved language that warrant clarification Notably, Sec. 2 of S. 2465 enables the awarding of grants related to heritable blood disorders, including sickle cell disease, for the purposes of research, surveillance, prevention, and treatment. It is imperative to stress that the intent of this language is to require that those grants be awarded for sickle cell disease research, surveillance, prevention, and treatment, at minimum. It is not the intent of the language for grants to be awarded related to other heritable blood disorders (e.g. hemophilia) instead of or in lieu of sickle cell disease. Finally, Sec. 3 of S. 2465, reauthorizing the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program, is intended to provide awards related only to sickle cell disease. It is not the intent of the legislation to allocate awards made under Sec. 3 for other heritable diseases. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is intended to provide critical funding to assist those with sickle cell disease, and any awards made under Sec. 2 or Sec. 3 of this bill must be used for sickle cell disease response.