G.K. Butterfield

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Very well said, Congresswoman Adams. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price) for any concluding remarks.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of the most innovative jazz musicians of all time, the legendary Thelonious Monk. This legend, Mr. Speaker, was born in my congressional district in the State of North Carolina, and would have turned 100 years old today. Thelonious Sphere Monk was the second of three children born to Thelonious, Sr., and Barbara Monk on October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Though Monk and his family left Rocky Mount for New York City when Thelonious was a child, scholars and fellow musicians say Monk's North Carolina roots had an important influence on the man and his music. Writer Sam Stephenson credited Thelonious Monk's Carolina roots in the ``Oxford American,'' writing that Rocky Mount's flourishing tobacco culture and rail yard was one of the largest in all of the South the year Monk was born. Stephenson speculated those railways may have inspired Monk's composition ``Little Rootie Tootie,'' which features train whistle sounds. Mr. Speaker, incidentally, the city of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is divided between two counties, Nash County and Edgecombe County. The railroad in that community is the dividing line. Every day, the CSX and Amtrak trains come through that community. They have been doing that for a very long time. Those train tracks were first established in 1855, even before the Civil War. It was established as the Wilmington to Weldon Railroad. It was the longest railroad in the entire world, consisting of more than 160 miles of track. It came through Mr. Monk's hometown. Thelonious Monk began studying classical piano at the age of 11 and showed an early aptitude for the instrument. By the time he was 13 years old, he had won the weekly amateur competition at the Apollo Theater so many times that management banned him from reentering the contest there in Harlem. In 1941, Monk began working at Minton's Playhouse in Harlem, where he joined the house band and helped develop the school of jazz known as bebop. Alongside fellow jazz greats Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Eubie Blake, and Ruble Blakey, Monk honed his fast and often improvised style that would later become synonymous with modern jazz. Thelonious Monk's first known recording was made in 1944, when he worked as a member of the Coleman Hawkins Quartet. Monk did not record under his own name, however, until 1947, when he played as the leader of a sextet session for Blue Note. In 1947, he married Nellie Smith, his longtime sweetheart. Two children were born to the marriage, whom they named after Monk's parents, Thelonious and Barbara. In 1952, Monk signed a contract with Prestige Records, which produced pieces like ``Smoke Gets in Your Eyes'' and ``Bags' Groove,'' which he recorded with Miles Davis in 1954. In 1956, Mr. Speaker, Monk released his third album, ``Brilliant Corners,'' which is considered by many to be his first true masterpiece. In 1957, the Thelonious Monk Quartet, which included John Coltrane, began performing regularly, with tours across the United States and Europe. By 1964, Monk was popular with the mainstream audience and became one of the four jazz musicians ever to grace the cover of Time magazine. The years that followed included several overseas tours, but by the early 1970s, Monk was ready to give it up. He was ready to retire from the limelight. After battling illnesses for several years, Monk passed away from a stroke in 1982. Finally, Thelonious Monk, Mr. Speaker, has since been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame, added to the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry, awarded a Pulitzer Prize, and featured on a United States postage stamp. Thelonious Monk left a legacy as one of the originators of modern jazz music. That is why the city of Rocky Mount is so proud of their native son. They celebrated this past weekend in various places throughout the city honoring and celebrating the life of this great musician. I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to an outstanding artist, Thelonious Monk, as his family; the residents of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; and the country prepare to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great American, Dr. Virginia Kimbrough Newell, who will celebrate her 100th birthday on Saturday, October 7. Dr. Newell has spent her entire lifetime in service to others as a civil rights activist, elected official, mentor, and friend. Dr. Newell was born in Advance, North Carolina, to William and Dinah Kimbrough. She graduated from historic Atkins High School in Winston- Salem and received a degree in mathematics from Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama. She received her master's degree from New York University and a doctorate in education from the University of Sarasota in Sarasota, Florida. After receiving her doctorate, Dr. Newell returned to her beloved North Carolina and taught mathematics at Washington High School and J.W. Ligon High School in Raleigh. Dr. Newell later joined the faculty at Shaw University in Raleigh as an associate professor of mathematics. In 1965, Mr. Speaker, Dr. Newell joined Winston-Salem State University as a mathematics professor. She taught at that institution for 20 long years and served as chair of the mathematics department. Acknowledging her tremendous contributions to the university, the computer science center bears her name. A dedicated public servant, Dr. Newell served as Winston-Salem city alderman for 16 years, where she focused on the needs of her constituents and advocated for those who were often without a voice. In recognition of her selfless advocacy, the city of Winston-Salem has named a street and walking trail in her honor. Virginia Kimbrough married George Fisher Newell, a distinguished science professor, a marriage that lasted 46 long years. Two daughters were born to the marriage, my friend, Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris, and Dr. Virginia D. Banks. She is blessed with six grandchildren: Brittany, Phillip, Mary, Matthew, Mark, and Todd. Dr. Newell is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and is a platinum member of The Links, Incorporated. She is an Alpha Bette, which is a wife of an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity man, and an Archousa, which is a wife of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. She has been a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Winston-Salem for more than 50 years. Dr. Newell is, without a doubt, a visionary trailblazer who has positively impacted the lives of so many. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the people of my congressional district, I wish Dr. Virginia Kimbrough Newell a very happy 100th birthday. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams), who is from the 12th District of North Carolina.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my friend Donald R. Oliver as he retires as Chief of the City of Wilson, North Carolina Fire/Rescue Service located in my congressional district where he has led the department since 1992. Chief Oliver began his firefighting career in Wichita, Kansas 50 years ago with the Wichita Fire Department. It was there that he met his wife Linda who worked at the Department as a fire-dispatcher. After serving the people of Wichita as a firefighter, the two moved to Thornton, Colorado where Chief Oliver served as a firefighter for nearly 20 years and moved up the ranks first as Lieutenant, then Training Officer, Assistant Chief and ultimately Chief. Mr. Speaker, in 1992, Chief Oliver moved to my hometown of Wilson, North Carolina and began serving as Chief of the Wilson Fire/Rescue Service. He is the longest serving Chief of the Fire/Rescue Service in the history of our great City and I know I speak for residents of the City in thanking Chief Oliver for working day and night to keep us safe. In addition to his duties as Chief of the City of Wilson's Fire/ Rescue Service, Chief Oliver represented his fellow firefighters on the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire Prevention Committee where he served as Chair. The worldwide association represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders. Chief Oliver served as President of the National Fire Protection Association from 1996 until 2004 and was a charter member of the National Society of Executive Fire Officers. He also was a member of the Board of Visitors for the National Fire Academy from 1996 until 2009. Mr. Speaker, for a quarter century, Chief Oliver has led the City of Wilson Fire/Rescue Service. He has been responsible not only for protecting the lives of the residents of our City, but also those who served under his capable leadership. I am grateful for his work. So on behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the residents of the First Congressional District of North Carolina, I thank Chief Donald R. Oliver for his enormous sacrifices over his great career and wish him well as he retires from honorable service.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Halifax Community College located in my congressional district in Halifax County, North Carolina in the Town of Weldon as the institution celebrates its 50th Founders' Day and installs its new president, Dr. Michael Elam. Since its inception 50 years ago, Halifax Community College has served as a cornerstone of the Roanoke Valley region and has been a source of pride for the community. What would eventually become Halifax Community College was first called Halifax County Technical Institute and was chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly on September 7, 1967. Originally located on US Highway 301 in Halifax, the school, led by its first president Dr. Phillip W. Taylor, first opened its doors to students in February 1968. The school remained in its original location until 1977 when it relocated to its present location on NC Highway 158 in the Town of Weldon. Mr. Speaker, since its humble beginnings half a century ago, Halifax Community College has become known statewide for its innovative facilities and educational excellence in the Roanoke Valley. The institution serves more than 7,000 students each year and offers more than 40 academic programs that lead to certificates, diplomas and associate degrees. Halifax Community College offers basic literacy skills, workforce and human resources development, and continuing education programs. It is also home to the renowned 1,500-seat multipurpose theater called The Centre. The staff of Halifax Community College work in earnest each day to achieve the school's mission ``to meet the diverse needs of [the] community by providing high-quality, accessible and affordable education and services for a rapidly changing and globally competitive marketplace.'' In recognition of its hard work and achievements, Halifax Community College has been the recipient of many prestigious awards including the 2015 Southern Region Equity Award by the Association of Community College Trustees; 2016 Advancing Diversity Award by the American Association of Community Colleges; 2016 Rural Community College Alliance Innovator Award; and 2017 American Association of Community Colleges Community College Safety, Planning, and Leadership Award. Mr. Speaker, Halifax Community College is a vibrant, student-oriented institution that continues to embrace student learning and success as its top priorities. Under the visionary leadership of past presidents Dr. Phillip W. Taylor (1967-1988), Dr. Elton L. Newbern Jr. (1988- 1998), Dr. Theodore H. Gasper Jr. (1998-2006), and Dr. Ervin V. Griffin Sr. (2006-2017), Halifax Community College has prospered and has transformed educational opportunities and outcomes for the Roanoke Valley. I have no doubt that Halifax Community College's new president, Dr. Michael Elam, will build on the work of those who came before him and will ably and skillfully lead the institution into the future. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the staff and students of Halifax Community College, past and present, as they celebrate 50 years of excellence in education. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the people of the First Congressional District of North Carolina, I wish Halifax Community College great success for the next 50 years and beyond.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Kesler Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, located in my congressional district in the City of Henderson, North Carolina, as the Church and its faithful congregation celebrate its 150th Anniversary. Kesler Temple has been a beacon of light in the Vance County community and has positively impacted generations of families in eastern North Carolina. What would eventually become Kesler Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was founded in 1867 when members of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion faith established a new church. Its first pastor was Reverend A. F. Goslen. In 1872, Reverend A. G. Kesler was assigned to the Granville County Circuit by the legendary Bishop James Walker Hood who established the AME Zion Church in North Carolina. The Church was formally named in honor of Reverend Kesler five years later. Presiding Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church have appointed fifty pastors in the Church's 150 year history including the current presiding pastor and my college friend, Reverend Dr. James C. White. Under the leadership of Reverend Dr. James C. White, Kesler Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church continues to grow in size and strength. His strong faith in God and preparedness for the ministry, has earned him a stellar reputation among Christian believers throughout our great state. Mr. Speaker, by the grace of God, Kesler Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has been blessed for 150 long years as it has witnessed for Christ each and every day. The Church's faithfulness and scripture-based ministry will ensure that Kesler Temple continues to thrive for generations to come. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the people of the First Congressional District of North Carolina, I extend to the Pastor and members of Kesler Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church my best wishes on this auspicious occasion.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to honor the Reverend Dr. Howard W. Parker, Jr., who has served as pastor of historic Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church located in Greenville, North Carolina, for more than 35 years, and will soon retire. The son of Howard and Bernice Parker, Dr. Parker excelled academically, attending Shaw University, Winston-Salem State University, Wake Forest University, and United Christian College, ultimately receiving a master of divinity degree and an honorary doctor of divinity degree. Under his devoted leadership, Mr. Speaker, Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church has grown in membership and has become a giant in the Greenville community. In addition to leading his congregation, Dr. Parker served as president of the North Carolina General Baptist State Convention, which represents more than a half a million Missionary Baptists in 1,700 North Carolina congregations. Dr. Parker's commitment to the community has stretched far beyond the pulpit. He was twice elected to the Pitt County Board of Education and served as the board's chair. He serves as associate chaplain of the Greenville Police Department and is a member of the Greenville Initiative on Gang Violence. Dr. Parker is married to the former Ruby LaVerna Grantham from Goldsboro. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Kelly and Andrea. His distinguished career and life of unselfish and dedicated service to mankind has positively impacted the lives of so many. His contributions to the community are far and wide, and too numerous to mention. I ask my colleagues this morning to join me in honoring Reverend Dr. Howard W. Parker, Jr., and thank him for his important service to God and humanity. We wish him well in the years to come.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to recognize Richard DeWitt Smith, a native of my home State of North Carolina and a graduate of our alma mater, North Carolina Central University. Tomorrow night, Richard will be honored by the NCCU Alumni Association with the prestigious Alumni Founder's Lifetime Achievement Award. Richard is most deserving of this great honor. Since graduating in 1981, Richard has been a dedicated alumnus to the university, always exemplifying our motto of Truth and Service. Richard continues to serve NCCU and its alumni community in numerous capacities at the local, State, and national levels. He gives of his time, talent, and resources to help students from across the country succeed in obtaining a quality education from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Richard Smith has been married to Jacqueline Beatty Smith for 28 years. They met 40 years ago as NCCU students. Mr. Speaker, time does not permit me to fully describe Richard's many other contributions; but suffice it to say that Richard Smith is most deserving of this high honor--the NCCU Alumni Association 2017 Alumni Founder's Lifetime Achievement Award. I am proud of Richard Smith, and I thank him for his extraordinary work. I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating this great American hero.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time and for his leadership on the committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2430, the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017, which reauthorizes the FDA's user fee programs that are critical to drug development, the medical device approval process, and, most importantly, to the patients who will benefit from these advances. While I support this critical bill overall, I want to highlight, in particular, sections 503 through 505, which is the RACE for Children Act that my friend Mike McCaul, Congressman Mike McCaul, and I introduced earlier this year. Scientific advances have shown that some childhood and adult cancers share the same molecular targets. RACE, Mr. Speaker, will help facilitate the expeditious development of innovative and promising treatments for children living with cancer by providing the FDA new authority to require a pediatric investigation into an adult cancer drug if that drug uses molecular targeting and is relevant to the cancer. I am grateful to Mr. Walden and Ranking Member Pallone and their respective staffs for understanding the urgent need to enact the RACE for Children Act and for working with me, working with my staff, to see that it was included. I would also like to highlight section 701 and 702, which is the text of a bill I introduced with Dr. Bucshon to modernize and streamline FDA's medical device inspection process by moving to a risk-based inspection approach. The provision will allow FDA to better use its limited resources and improve patient safety by focusing on facilities that have the most potential to impact public health. Finally, passage of the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 will send a strong signal to the administration that Congress values the critical importance of medical research and patient safety.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my good friend Congressman Jim Clyburn's bill to reauthorize the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic Preservation program. I have known Jim Clyburn for more than 35 years, and this has been his passion ever since I first met him many years ago. I thank Mr. Clyburn for his passion and his leadership on this issue. Since 1988, the HBCU Historic Preservation program has provided more than $60 million to HBCUs all across the country to support infrastructure and facilitate learning. Both my undergraduate and law school alma mater, North Carolina Central University in Durham, an institution that I am now proud to represent in Congress, has greatly benefited from the program. And I might say that my father graduated from Shaw University, which is an HBCU, and later from Meharry Medical College. My mother attended high school at Shaw University and graduated from college at Hampton Institute, now called Hampton University. Mr. Speaker, HBCUs fill a unique and important role in our Nation's higher education system and in our country's narrative. Not only do HBCUs train our workforce of the future by producing the most African- American students who can earn science and engineering doctoral degrees, they are integral parts of our national identity. The more than 100 HBCUs spread across the country house the books and the memorabilia from freedmen and former slaves dating back many years. Many of the historic buildings on the campuses of HBCUs were used as meeting places during reconstruction and during the civil rights movement. HBCUs represent the past, the here and the now, and the future of our country. By reauthorizing this important program through 2024, we can honor the many important faculty and students that have helped HBCUs endure, support people at those institutions today, and prepare our workforce for the future. I strongly support this bill. I commend my dear colleague, Congressman Jim Clyburn, for his enormous leadership on this important issue. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of a dear friend, a North Carolina giant, the Honorable Ralph A. Hunt, Sr.: a community leader, businessman, educator, former North Carolina State Senator; and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Mr. Speaker, Ralph Hunt was a resident of Durham County, North Carolina, a county that Congressman David Price and I proudly represent. He was my constituent. Mr. Speaker, Ralph Hunt was also a native of my congressional district, having grown up in an adjoining county called Granville County, North Carolina. He was the seventh of eight children born in 1932 to Johnnie and Amanda Harris Hunt. As a young student at Mary Potter High School in Oxford, North Carolina, which was the only high school for African Americans during those days, Ralph grew up during the period of legal and forced segregation in the South, which helped lay the foundation for Ralph and others like him to get an education. Mary Potter High School was a nationally renowned high school for African Americans. Ralph Hunt, Sr., went on to further his education at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is a Presbyterian school. He was drafted into the United States Army during his junior year in school, but he was honorably discharged 2 years later from the United States Army. He then returned to North Carolina to complete his college education, earning a degree in mathematics in 1956. After spending many years as an educator at Mary Potter High School and Hillside High School, Ralph was elected to the Durham City Council. He was one of only two African Americans serving on the city council at that time. His fellow council members selected him to serve as mayor pro tempore. Ralph was then elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 1985 and served many years. During his tenure, Senator Hunt was a true statesman who led with conviction. He served as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, served as majority whip, and a member of the Joint Legislative Commission on Government Operations. He introduced the legislation that changed the election law in North Carolina to allow a 40 percent threshold to avoid a runoff in a primary. In 1993, Senator Hunt was appointed by then-Governor Jim Hunt to the prestigious North Carolina Utilities Commission, where he would serve as its chair. Ralph Hunt, Sr., retired from the North Carolina Utilities Commission in 2001 and returned to the State Senate very briefly from 2004 to 2005. Ralph's career in public service should serve as a marker we can all strive to meet. He was a visionary who helped bring the Durham community to be the economic leader that it is today. Ralph Hunt, Sr., achieved many great things in his life, but his greatest achievement, Mr. Speaker, was his loving family: his dear wife of more than 50 years, Rebecca; and his three children, Ralph, Jr., Reginald, and Regina. Mr. Speaker, the city of Durham, the county of Durham, and the State of North Carolina all shine brighter because of the life and work of Senator Ralph Hunt, Sr. We will miss him dearly, but his legacy lives on. Everything God gave to Ralph, he gave it back to his family and to his community. I said those words at his memorial service the other day, and I say it now from the well of the U.S. House of Representatives: Everything that God gave to Ralph Hunt, Sr., he gave it back to his family and to his community. Mr. Speaker, in just a few moments, after the next Republican speaker, my dear friend and colleague, Congressman David Price, who was also a dear friend of Ralph Hunt, Sr., will give additional remarks in tribute to this great leader.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 52nd Anniversary of Metropolitan Baptist Church located in my Congressional district in the City of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. This Church has been a beacon of light in the community for more than half a century and has positively impacted generations of families in eastern North Carolina. Metropolitan Baptist Church was founded on May 4, 1965, by a group of devout Christians eager to proclaim the goodness of the Lord. The Church's first worship service was held just five days later on May 9, 1965 in the auditorium of the Lincoln School. Reverend Benjamin Daniels, a Shaw University ministerial student, was the first to preach at Metropolitan. Despite these humble beginnings, the congregation remained faithful and steadfast and would go on to grow by leaps and bounds. On July 23, 1967, Metropolitan Baptist Church held a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate construction of a sanctuary at 1213 Leggett Road, where it still stands today. Reverend John W. Fleming presided over the first worship service in the new edifice on July 14, 1968. Under the leadership of Reverend Dr. J. E. Arnette, Metropolitan Baptist Church continued to grow both physically and spiritually. Dr. Arnette oversaw the establishment of Boy and Girl Scout Troops, a Young Adult Sunday School Class, and provided food for needy families. These good deeds led to Metropolitan Baptist Church to be ranked 12th out of more than 1,700 Baptist Churches in North Carolina by the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Reverend Raymond L. Privott succeeded Dr. Arnette and continued the tradition of providing outreach services that enhanced the growth and development of children. This included providing tutoring in community schools and providing preliminary SAT studies that greatly benefited young people in the Rocky Mount area. Reverend Norman T. Davis served as interim pastor for two and a half years and continued Metropolitan Baptist Church's commitment to both God and the community. He was followed by Pastor Richard Allen Gerald, who has served as Senior Pastor of Metropolitan since 2004 and has been the spiritual leader to many families and individuals. His strong faith in God and preparedness for the ministry, has earned him a stellar reputation among Christian believers throughout our great state. Mr. Speaker, by the grace of God, Metropolitan Baptist Church has been blessed for 52 long years as it has witnessed for Christ each and every day. The Church's faithfulness and scripture-based ministry will ensure that Metropolitan continues to thrive for years to come. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the people of the First Congressional District of North Carolina, I extend to the Pastor and Members of Metropolitan Baptist Church my best wishes on this auspicious occasion.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. So you have been working on it for 6 years. My information is that you posted this bill at 8 last night. The Congressional Budget Office has not given it a score. They have not told the American people how much it is going to cost or how many people it is going to affect. You have skyrocketed premiums for hardworking Americans who have preexisting conditions, and that is what my colleagues need to understand. If you are an average 40-year-old adult with a preexisting condition and have diabetes, it is estimated your premiums will rise $400 a month. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, $800 a month. And heaven forbid if you have some preexisting condition involving cancer; the numbers just go off of the chart. You know and I know this bill will not see the light of day in the Senate. This is a political stunt to save face with your rightwing base. You know it and we know it. If this wasn't so serious, affecting the economy and the affordability of insurance, I would say just go on and do it, because you will lose your opportunity to serve in this House and you will ultimately lose the majority. Don't do it. Forget about politics. Think about the 24 million Americans who will not be able to afford health insurance coverage. That is why the American Medical Association, AARP, American Nurses Association, and all of the other stakeholder groups have pleaded with you. They have called your office. They have written you letters. They have written us letters. Don't do it. I ask you to vote ``no'' on this ill-conceived legislation.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate my constituent, Apostle Theodore Thomas Herring, Sr. for 40 faithful years in the ministry. Apostle Herring has used his ministry to inspire and uplift people for decades. He has honored God and his community in immeasurable ways. Apostle Herring holds a master's degree in Theology from St. Paul's Bible Institute. He accepted the call to the ministry in April of 1977. On September 1, 1979, he was ordained pastor of Salvation and Deliverance Church located in Tarboro, North Carolina. Since his ordination, Apostle Herring has received numerous accolades for his work, including being named Pastor of the Year. He was named an ``Apostle of the Lord'' by the Chief Apostle of the Salvation and Deliverance Churches Worldwide in 2005. Apostle Herring also received an honorary certificate from Governor James B. Hunt for extraordinary services rendered at the Caledonia Correctional Institute. Salvation and Deliverance Church's first location was a small room in a pool hall located on Main Street in Tarboro. The church's first members were Apostle Herring, his wife, First Lady Evangelist Elizabeth Herring, and their four children. Despite these humble beginnings, Apostle Herring preached diligently every Sunday and utilized the singing talent of his sons to bring in more members. As time went on, the church began to grow by leaps and bounds. People were drawn to Apostle Herring's dynamic sermons and the church's critically acclaimed Salvation and Deliverance Choir. Under the guidance of Apostle and Evangelist Herring, the SDC Choir won numerous awards from various competitions including the Quaker Oats Voices of Tomorrow Youth Gospel Choir Competition, the Pathmark Gospel Choir Competition, UPN's Most Soulful Gospel Sound, Verizon's How Sweet the Sound Competition, and McDonald's GospelFest. In addition, the SDC choir has shared the stage with gospel artists such as Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams, Byron Cage, and Marvin Sapp and released its debut recording, ``More Than Conquerors.'' Mr. Speaker, Apostle Theodore Thomas Herring, Sr. is an inspiring teacher and dynamic minister of the Gospel. His faithful service to God and the ministry deserve of all his previous accolades and those yet to come. I ask my colleagues here in the United States House of Representatives to please join me in expressing sincere appreciation for Apostle Herring's faithfulness and extraordinary service to communities across our state and Nation.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, over the last few days, 110 organizations have written to me in opposition to TrumpCare. You know who they are: AARP, American Hospital Association, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, American Academy of Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychiatric Association, National Association of School Nurses, Alliance for Retired Americans, American Federation of Teachers, National Association of School Psychologists, National School Boards Association, National Education Association, the Children's Defense Fund, March of Dimes, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the American College of Physicians North Carolina Chapter, North Carolina Society of Addiction Medicine, Consumers Union, United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO, Families USA, Center for American Progress, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and the list goes on and on. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a list of entities opposing TrumpCare. 1. AARP 2. American Hospital Association 3. American Heart Association 4. American Medical Association 5. American Academy of Physicians 6. American Academy of Pediatrics 7. American Psychiatric Association 8. National Association of School Nurses 9. Alliance for Retired Americans 10. American Federation of Teachers 11. National Association of School Psychologists 12. National School Boards Association 13. National Education Association 14. Children's Defense Fund 15. March of Dimes 16. National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare 17. American College of Physicians North Carolina Chapter 18. North Carolina Society of Addiction Medicine 19. North Carolina AIDS Action Network 20. Consumers Union 21. SEIU 22. United Steelworkers 23. AFL-CIO 24. Families USA 25. Center for American Progress 26. Southern HIV/AIDS Strategy Initiative 27. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners 28. Children's Hospital Association 29. National Rural Health Association 30. American Lung Association 31. ACLU 32. National Urban League 33. Black Women's Health Imperative 34. Communications Workers of America 35. International Brotherhood of Teamsters 36. National Rural Education Association 37. National Association of Social Workers 38. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners 39. Lutheran Services in America 40. NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice 41. Children's Dental Health Project 42. Family Voices 43. First Focus Campign for Children 44. American Psychological Association 45. National Council for Behavioral Health 46. National Hemophilia Foundation 47. American Congress of Obstetriticians and Gynecologists 48. American Sexual Health Association 49. Big Cities Health Coalition 50. National Women's Law Center 51. Human Rights Campaign 52. Partnership for America's Children 53. Friends Committee on National Legislation 54. National Partnership for Women & Families 55. Planned Parenthood Action Fund 56. National Center for Learning Disabilities 57. Save Medicaid in Schools Coalition 58. HIV Medicine Association 59. Drug Policy Alliance 60. League of Conservation Voters 61. Natural Resources Defense Council 62. Green Latinos 63. Green For All 64. Safe Climate Campaign 65. Climate Reality Project 66. Center for Reproductive Rights 67. Interfaith Disability Advocacy Collaborative 68. International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers 69. Trust for America's Health 70. AIDS United 71. AFSCME 72. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 73. AASA, The School Superintendents Association 74. Accelify 75. American Foundation for the Blind 76. Association of Assistive Technology Act 77. Programs Association of Educational Service Agencies 78. Association of School Business Officials International 79. Association of University Centers on Disabilities 80. Autistic Self Advocacy Network 81. Center for American Progress Center for Public Representation 82. Clearinghouse on Women's Issues 83. Colorado School Medicaid Consortium 84. Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf 85. Council for Exceptional Children 86. Council of Administrators of Special Education 87. Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund 88. Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC) 89. Health and Education Alliance of Louisiana 90. Healthy Schools Campaign 91. Higher Education Consortium for Special Education 92. Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law 93. LEAnet, a national coalition of local education agencies 94. Learning Disabilities Association of America 95. Lutheran Services in America Disability Network 96. Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators 97. Michigan Association of School Administrators 98. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners 99. National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) 100. National Association of State Head Injury Administrators 101. National Black Justice Coalition 102. National Center for Learning Disabilities 103. National Disability Rights Network 104. National Down Syndrome Congress 105. National Health Law Program 106. National Respite Coalition 107. Paradigm Healthcare Services 108. School Social Work Association of America 109. School-Based Health Alliance 110. Society for Public Health Education 111. Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. What is it about this, Mr. Speaker, that you don't understand? You are wrong on this. Don't let your base push you over the cliff on this bill.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my longtime friend and constituent, Sheriff James L. Knight as he retires at the end of February after serving 20 years as the top law enforcement officer for Edgecombe County, North Carolina and more than 33 years in law enforcement. Sheriff Knight is the first African American to serve in this position in Edgecombe County. James L. Knight was born on July 19, 1959 in the Town of Macclesfield and is the youngest of nine children born to Annie Mae and Willie W. Knight. He attended Living Hope Elementary School in Macclesfield and South Edgecombe High School in Pinetops where he graduated in 1977. After graduation, Mr. Knight enlisted in the United States Army and served as part of the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was a model soldier and was awarded the Parachute Badge, Expert Badge M-16, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and two letters of commendation. He was Honorably Discharged in 1980 having earned the rank of Specialist E-4. Sheriff Knight began his law enforcement career with the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office in July 1984 as a Detention Officer. He rose through the ranks serving first as Deputy Sheriff and later as Detective, where he remained until he was appointed Sheriff of Edgecombe County by the Edgecombe County Democratic Party Executive Committee in 1997, when then-Sheriff Phil Ellis resigned from the position. Sheriff Knight has faithfully served the people of Edgecombe County as Sheriff for the last 20 years and has been reelected to this office every four years since being appointed. Sheriff Knight manages more than 100 employees, including over fifty certified officers. Under Sheriff Knight's direction, these officers cover over 526 square miles and are charged with protecting nearly 60,000 Edgecombe County residents. A dedicated public servant, Sheriff Knight implemented the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program within Edgecombe County Schools. D.A.R.E. is an officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches fifth graders how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives. There is no doubt that Sheriff Knight had a profound and positive impact on an entire generation of young people. His positive influence continues today. Sheriff Knight has always been known as a true public servant who is always eager and willing to serve. His long held goal has been to provide effective and efficient law enforcement service while building strong and trusting relationships with the citizens. He has certainly achieved that goal and so much more. Sheriff Knight's dedication to and impact in Edgecombe County is seen far beyond the walls of the Sheriff's Department. He has been a strong catalyst in improving and positively impacting the lives of Edgecombe County citizens. In recognition of his selfless work, Sheriff Knight has received numerous awards including the Citizen of the Year, James B. Hunt, Jr. Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Volunteer Services, and a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Law Enforcement. Sheriff Knight has served and continues to serve on several boards including the United Way, Boy Scouts of America, Governor's Crime Commission, National Sheriffs' Association, North State Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association where he served as the President of the executive committee. He even proudly represented his community as an Olympic Torch Bearer in the lead up to the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. At every step along his storied life, Sheriff James L. Knight has been accompanied by his wife, the former Margaret Sharpe. The two were married on August 1, 1982. Together, they have two children, James Jr. and Jamina, and one grandson Jayden. They attend Anderson Chapel Baptist Church in Macclesfield where Sheriff Knight serves on the Board of Deacons. Mr. Speaker, Sheriff James L. Knight has dedicated his entire adult life to public service. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the dedication and selflessness displayed by Sheriff Knight over more than 30 years first as a soldier, then as a Corrections Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Detective, and finally as Sheriff of Edgecombe County. While Sheriff Knight is deserving of far greater accolades from a grateful public, my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in expressing our sincere appreciation for Sheriff Knight's hard work and sacrifice.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize my constituent and friend, Officer Eddie Manford Buffaloe, Sr. as he retires from seventeen years of honorable service as a courtroom bailiff for District and Superior Courts in Northampton County, North Carolina. The past seventeen years as a courtroom bailiff is but a part of a long and storied career in law enforcement that spanned more than half a century. Officer Buffaloe was born in Northampton County in Gumberry, North Carolina on June 3, 1931. He was one of ten children born to the former Geneva Brooks and Eddie Bruce Buffaloe. He attended Northampton County Training School in Garysburg, North Carolina which was recognized as a ``Christian Institution for Negro Youths of Both Sexes.'' Following graduation, on December 5, 1951 at age 20, Eddie Buffaloe enlisted in the United States Army. He served on active duty for two years before transferring to the Army Reserve where he served an additional five years. After nearly seven years of military service, Eddie received an Honorable Discharge and returned to his Northampton County home. It was in 1961 that Eddie's law enforcement career commenced when he volunteered as a Special Deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff's Department where he worked the night shift. In 1965, Officer Buffaloe became a full time Deputy Sheriff with the Northampton County Sheriff's Department. His love of law enforcement compelled him to learn everything he could about his work. Officer Buffaloe participated in and completed significant training at the Northampton County Law Enforcement Officers Training School, United States Treasury Department's Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms division; Roanoke-Chowan Training Center; and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1991 at the age of 70 and after sixteen years with the Northampton County Sheriff's Department, Officer Buffaloe was appointed Chief of Police for the town of Rich Square. He honorably and faithfully protected the residents of Rich Square and led his department for eight years. During his service as Police Chief, in June of 1996, Chief Buffaloe was tragically shot by a citizen during a domestic dispute but he recovered and continued serving the people of that community until his retirement in 1999. Always driven to serve others, he embarked on yet another career in public service by serving as a courtroom bailiff for District and Superior Courts in Northampton County. From 1999 until 2016--17 years--Officer Eddie Buffaloe kept the peace when court was in session. He served as a bailiff under three different elected Sheriffs and is now ready to enjoy his hard earned retirement. At every step along his storied life, Police Chief Eddie Buffaloe, Sr. was accompanied by his wife the former Ruth Langford. The two were married on January 4, 1959 and just recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. Together, they had three sons--Anthony, Deon, and Eddie Jr. who followed in his father's footsteps in law enforcement and now serves as Chief of Police in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Chief Eddie Manford Buffaloe, Sr. has dedicated his entire adult life to public service. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the dedication and selflessness displayed by Chief Buffaloe over a more than 70 years first as a soldier, then as a volunteer Special Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, Police Chief, and finally as a courtroom bailiff. While Chief Buffaloe is deserving of far greater accolades from a grateful public, my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives join me in expressing our sincere appreciation for Chief Buffaloe's hard work and sacrifice.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask that President Trump rescind his refugee ban on children like the 12-year-old Yemeni girl, Eman Ali, who was not allowed to board a plane to join her U.S. parents, leaving her in limbo.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Paul L. Jones. Judge Jones has been committed to the state of North Carolina and the people of Lenoir and Greene Counties through his work as a community based lawyer, jurist, Army Reservist and his commitment to nonprofit organizations. Judge Jones is a proud graduate of historic Adkin High School in Kinston, North Carolina, Class of 1967. He received his undergraduate degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and his law degree from my alma mater, North Carolina Central University. Judge Jones and I were law school classmates in the Class of 1974. We were the best of friends in law school and our friendship has endured. Judge Jones work in the legal profession includes a variety of positions including his time serving as a staff attorney and Assistant Clerk of Court with the U.S. Supreme Court, a Judge Advocate Officer in the Army, supervising attorney for the North Carolina Central University Legal Clinic, managing attorney for Eastern Carolina Legal Services, and as a District Court Judge. When a vacancy was created for a Resident Superior Court judge position in 1999, Judge Jones was appointed to the Court and ran unopposed in 2000 and 2008, a position that he is now retiring. While on the Superior Court bench, Judge Jones was an officer of the North Carolina Judicial Council and a founding member of the Equal Access to Justice Commission. He was a member of the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission for a five-year term, which included the role of vice-chairman. In 2001, he was elected Vice-President of the North Carolina Bar Association. Before retiring as a Colonel in the Army Reserves in 2000, Judge Jones served as a Judge Advocate with the 108th Division IT in Charlotte, North Carolina. While serving, Judge Jones was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Legion of Merit. While his commitment to the legal field and the military is commendable, it is noteworthy that he is deeply rooted in his native community of Kinston, North Carolina. Judge Jones has volunteered and been active on more than 20 nonprofit boards within Kinston for over 30 years and received the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce award of Citizen of the Year for 2013. Judge Jones is married to the former Edwina Link and has two children, Krystle and Erika. Judge Jones is a man of integrity, valor, and service. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding my dear friend, Judge Paul L. Jones, and recognize his lifelong devotion to the people of Lenoir County and the State of North Carolina.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work of Dr. Debra Saunders-White, a dear friend, nationally recognized academic, and the eleventh Chancellor of North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Saunders-White transitioned to her heavenly home on Saturday, November 26, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. She will be greatly missed by the entire NCCU family and all who knew her. Dr. Saunders-White was born in Hampton, Virginia on January 8, 1957. As a first-generation college student, she received her undergraduate training at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Graduating in the Class of 1979 with a Bachelor's degree in history, Dr. Saunders- White went on to receive a Master's of Business Administration from the College of William and Mary (in 1993) and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from George Washington University (in 2004). The massive outpouring of accolades that arose upon Dr. Saunders- White's passing speaks to her character and abilities. She was installed as the eleventh chancellor of my alma mater, North Carolina Central University, on June 1, 2013. And, I might add, she became the first permanent woman chancellor in the University's 106-year history. Prior to assuming her duties at NCCU, she served as the acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education in the Obama Administration under Secretary Arne Duncan. Dr. Saunders-White joined the Department of Education in May of 2011 as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for higher education programs. Throughout her tenure as NCCU's Chancellor, Dr. Saunders-White made many important contributions to the University, including increasing the freshman-to-sophomore retention rate from 69 percent to 80 percent; growing faculty and staff annual giving from 19 percent to 76 percent; creating the Triangle area's first dual-enrollment, residential transfer program known as Eagle Connect, in conjunction with Durham Technical Community College; and opening a Fabrication Laboratory in 2015 that is part of a select number of such laboratories at HBCUs. Always committed to uplifting Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Dr. Saunders-White was named a ``cyber star'' by Black Issues in Higher Education and has published articles and whitepapers on the role of technology in learning. At NCCU, she was instrumental in raising scholarship funds for students and prioritized innovative academic instruction to prepare students of color to be competitive in the global marketplace. Beyond her academic contributions, what is more illuminating of Dr. Saunders-White's stellar character was the way she connected with students at the university. She took a personal interest in the scholarship and mentorship program by encouraging ``Eagle Excellence'' that went beyond success in the classroom. Her dedication to scholarship and preserving the legacy of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities earned her the respect and admiration of students and colleagues alike. It is dedicated leaders like Dr. Debra Saunders-White whose passionate commitment to helping all students succeed will leave a lasting mark on the future of our students and our country. NCCU (and all of those connected with institutions of higher learning) have lost a great educator and friend. Mr. Speaker, the Nation has lost a great educator. Dr. Saunders-White is survived by two children, Elizabeth Paige White and Cecil White, III; her mother, Mrs. Irene Saunders; and her brothers, Roger, Ralph, and Kyle. I hope the outpouring of love shared by the community has been a comfort to Dr. Saunders-White's family. Today, we remember Dr. Debra Saunders-White and reflect on her motto `Eagle Excellence.' That motto, which Dr. Saunders-White embodied in her work each day, will remain embedded in the fabric of the University for generations to come. This is indeed a solemn occasion. But it's also an occasion to celebrate. Dr. Saunders-White fought the good fight, kept the faith, and was a friend to so many and we are all thankful that she was able to touch so many lives. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life, work, and legacy of Chancellor Debra Saunders-White.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the sesquicentennial anniversary of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, located in my congressional district in Henderson, North Carolina. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1866, three years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln and months following the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution. The Church property was acquired by its members for religious worship, and has since remained a place of worship and fellowship for the Henderson/Vance County community and other surrounding areas in eastern North Carolina. In the Church's early days, both Methodists and Baptists worshipped in the same building, but in 1867, the membership had grown so significantly that the two denominations agreed that the Baptists would buy the Methodists' share of the property. Under the leadership of Reverend Jefferson Burwell and Mr. Aaron Pratcher, Shiloh Baptist Church proceeded to organize a place of worship on one acre of land located in Henderson. Mr. Speaker, much of Shiloh Baptist Church's growth over the years can be attributed to its dedicated leadership and congregation. In 1985, Reverend Richard I. Walden led the Church to a larger building to accommodate the growing congregation. With Reverend C. R. Mitchell as pastor in 1967, the Church saw the erection of a new Sanctuary and Educational Department. In October 2002, Shiloh further expanded with a new multipurpose building that was named in honor of Shiloh's church mother, Mother Johnnie Young Mims Sanders. Since 1995, Shiloh has been pastored by Reverend Joseph L. Ratliff. Today, Shiloh Baptist Church remains a pillar of the Henderson community and in the state of North Carolina. The Church remains active in its community, serving as a longtime partner of the Food Bank of North Carolina. As a member of the food pantry, Shiloh serves over 975 households and over 2,280 individuals each month. Shiloh has also partnered with area churches to provide school supplies to students and Christmas food boxes to over 225 families annually. Shiloh Baptist Church's 150th anniversary observes the labor and dedication over 150 years as well as the Church's promise for the future. By the grace of God, Shiloh Baptist Church's outstanding leadership and devoted congregation have allowed for significant growth in membership and ministry and continued outreach in the community. Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the rich history of Shiloh Baptist Church in Henderson, North Carolina, and I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Reverend Ratliff, the congregation, and the residents of Henderson on this historic milestone.

Mr. BUTTERFIELD

Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Let me begin, Mr. Speaker, by thanking the gentlewoman so very much for yielding time tonight. I thank the gentlewoman for her friendship. Most of all, I thank the gentlewoman for her extraordinary leadership here in the Congress. I have been observing the gentlewoman's work since the first day that she came to this House, and I can tell my colleagues that she has worked relentlessly on behalf of the people of the Third Congressional District of Ohio. I thank the gentlewoman for anchoring this Special Order hour tonight. Mr. Speaker, before I get into the other part of my remarks tonight, I just want to digress for a moment to recognize a great American that we lost today. I recognize the life and legacy of a dear friend, a friend of the Congressional Black Caucus and a personal friend of mine, Gwen Ifill. She was one of the Nation's leading journalists, regarded as one of the most prominent African American journalists in the country, and indeed a prominent journalist among all journalists. Mrs. Ifill began her career in the 1970s during a time when there were very few African Americans and very few females in journalism. Gwen was a trailblazer in her profession. She was a bestselling author and moderator of two vice presidential debates. Gwen Ifill was among the Nation's finest political correspondents as she was gracious and poised when addressing some of the most pressing issues facing our country. Her voice will be missed in the media, but her legacy--her legacy--will continue to have a lasting impact on how we view news broadcasts. We offer our sincere condolences to Ms. Ifill's family, her friends, her followers, and colleagues all around the world. Mr. Speaker, we are at a crossroads right now in our great country. That is undisputable. But I want my colleagues to know that the Congressional Black Caucus is up for the challenge. The CBC is poised in the 115th Congress to have a record number of 49 Members of Congress. Currently we have 46. Their number will go to 49. The CBC vows to continue to be the voice of our communities, representing more than 30 million Americans. We will continue to have conversations in all of our communities, and we will zealously represent our constituents. We will stand strong as a caucus. We will stand strong against any Republican effort to reverse the progress that we have made over the past few decades. We are facing some tough times ahead, Mr. Speaker, but we are going to continue to be clear on our priorities. We are going to continue to talk emphatically about promoting economic growth that will create jobs and stability in our communities. We are going to continue to talk about the need--the critical need--for criminal justice reform. We will continue to debate and talk about and to legislate on creating educational opportunities and reducing student debt. Don't you think that we have forgotten about the Voting Rights Act. We will continue fighting for the full restoration of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, this was the first election that we have had without the protection--the full protection at least--of the 1965 Voting Rights Act since it was implemented. Finally, we are going to continue to ensure diversity in the corporate arena, the workforce, and even in classrooms. Mr. Speaker, there are peaceful protests taking place in many communities across America. As I drove into Washington, D.C. this afternoon, I even saw some here in Washington. We understand the protests, we understand the pain, and we understand the pain in all of our communities due to the negativity and the division that they have seen over the last 12 months. We say to House Republicans that our communities are reeling with discontent and you need to understand this discontent. Now is the time to take up legislation that will help to lift those around the country that need us desperately to act. We have unfinished business presently before this Congress. Let us act and let us move legislation that will help those that need our voices the most. Mr. Speaker, we have the capacity to do this. Congresses in past years have worked in a bipartisan manner, and they have succeeded. We can do the same. We must work together as Democrats and Republicans on behalf of the American people. Compromise, Mr. Speaker, is not a bad word.