Tim Burchett

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the achievements of Harold Agnew, from Knoxville, Tennessee. At 91 years young, Harold continues to be active in our community through his job as a barber and a gospel musician. Harold was raised on a farm in South Carolina but came to call Knoxville home in his adult years. For 61 years, Harold has been a barber and still works 6 days a week at Gam's Barbershop in Mechanicsville. Anyone who has had their hair cut by Harold will notice something unique about him. He is a gifted singer who sings gospel tunes as he works. He is a member of the group known as Brother Agnew and the Angel Voices, which released their latest album called ``Serving the Lord'' in November 2019. At 91 years old, Harold has a cheerful personality and optimistic attitude. He continues to live his life to the fullest, with no intention of taking a step back from his day job. One of the lyrics from his recent songs is, ``but sometimes a nobody is your somebody.'' Harold believes everyone matters, regardless of who you are. That is a message we can all believe in. Congratulations, Harold, on all your success. Keep being an outstanding member of our great community.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Sami Natour, a respected member of the Knoxville community who recently passed away at the age of 86. Sami lived the American Dream. He was born in Palestine in 1933 and later immigrated to America in 1953. He returned to Palestine in 1956 to marry his wife, Abla, before they permanently settled in the United States and became American citizens. The Natours lived in Arlington, Virginia, before making east Tennessee their home. In 1972, Sami opened the Copper Kettle Restaurant in Knoxville with his brothers, Samir and Naji. Sami worked extremely hard to make the Copper Kettle a success. Sami's son, Peter, remembers his father's work ethic and how he would often work from 6 in the morning until midnight. Sami's dedication to his business clearly left an impression on his sons: all three of them own and operate restaurants in the Knoxville area. Peter runs Pete's Coffee Shop--one of my favorite places--Basel runs Rami's Cafe, and Bassam runs Sami's Cafe. Sami will be greatly missed. His life story serves as a reminder that anyone willing to work hard can follow their dreams and be successful in our great Nation.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Judge Charles D. Susano Jr. who is retiring after 25 years of service on the Tennessee Court of Appeals. Judge Susano will finish his career as the longest tenured State appellate judge in the history of Tennessee once he retires this coming April. Judge Susano is a lifelong Knoxvillian and a dedicated public servant. After graduating magna cum laude from--it hurts me to say this--Notre Dame in 1958, Judge Susano served in the United States Army for 2 years before he was honorably discharged. He then earned his juris doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1963. For the majority of his adult life, Judge Susano has dedicated himself to the law. He spent 30 years as a legal partner between two Knoxville-based law firms until Governor Ned McWherter appointed Judge Susano to his position with the Tennessee Court of Appeals--Eastern Section in March of 1994. Judge Susano was elected Statewide to his judgeship four times throughout his public service career and issued over 1,000 opinions during his time on the bench. He is also active in the Knoxville community through service on many nonprofit boards and at his church. The State of Tennessee is lucky to have had his public service throughout the years. Judge, I wish you the best in your retirement, and I hope it is filled with quality time with your wife, children, and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, on a personal note, I want to thank the judge for being such good friends of the Burchetts.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Second Class Petty Officer Marilyn Childress, a woman who served during the Vietnam war. Marilyn Childress enlisted in the Navy in 1972. Since women were not allowed in combat areas at the time, she was attached to the dispensary at Naval Air Station Glynco, Georgia, and then at the then-Naval Air Station Millington, Tennessee, as an operating room technician corpswoman. After completing her service to her country in 1975, Marilyn enrolled at the University of Tennessee and earned her master's degree. She settled in Georgia upon the completion of her degree, where she became the first female president of the Georgia Amateur Women's Soccer Association. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was her work in getting women's soccer recognized as an Olympic sport in 1996. When she returned to Knoxville in 2013, she helped establish the Veterans Heritage Site Foundation, which created the Sharp's Ridge Veterans Memorial Park in Knoxville, Tennessee, my hometown. Our country's heroes are the men and women of our Armed Forces like Marilyn Childress who served in sacrifice for our freedom. It is my honor to recognize Second Class Petty Officer Marilyn Childress as the Tennessee Second District's February 2020 Veteran of the Month.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Knoxville Catholic High School senior Eleni Christopoulos. Eleni has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award and was recently named to Knox.biz's 20 Under 20 class. When Eleni was born, she had a serious infection that needed specialized medical care. Fortunately, she overcame her illness, but she knows that not every sick child will get the same outcome. The experience inspired Eleni to start a program at East Tennessee Children's Hospital to comfort families whose children pass away in the neonatal intensive care unit. Eleni builds and hand-paints memory boxes for grieving families to store cherished keepsakes like photos and footprints. While it is impossible to ease the pain of a lost child, Eleni's memory boxes offer the families a small comfort during a difficult time. We don't hear enough about our young folks giving back to their communities and taking the initiative to help others, so I congratulate Eleni for making a meaningful difference in the Knoxville community and for being recognized as a young leader in the 20 Under 20 class. Eleni has a bright future ahead of her, Mr. Speaker, and I know her grandparents and her mom and dad, and they are very proud, as I am.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Harley Wheeler, an outstanding rugby player from Knoxville, Tennessee. His granddad, Roy, and his grandmother--he recently lost--Alice, were dear friends of mine. Harley played rugby since he was 14 and is now one of the top players in the United States. Harley began his rugby career with the South Doyle Rugby Club while a student at South-Doyle High School. In 2015, he enrolled at Life University to compete on its rugby team at the collegiate level. Harley's 4 years on the Life University rugby team were incredibly successful. The team advanced to the Division 1A College Rugby National Championship match every year he was on the team, and won the championship in 2016, 2018, and 2019. After graduating with a degree in business, Harley was selected to represent the United States on the international stage at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Team USA finished third at the games, defeating Brazil 24-19. Harley scored 10 points during the bronze medal match. As we approach the 2020 Summer Olympics, I wish Harley the best of luck as he competes for a spot on the national rugby team. I hope to see him representing Knoxville and the United States in Japan.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Yeoman 3rd Class Irene G. Norman, an American hero who served in World War II. Irene Norman enlisted in the Navy WAVES on October 28, 1944. She began her service in Bronx, New York, where she learned the trade of sheet metal fabrication. She was then assigned to her permanent duty station at Naval Air Station Miami in Florida, where she was responsible for repairing damaged aircraft so that they could continue to be used in the war effort. Yeoman 3rd Class Norman was honorably discharged in 1946 after 2 years of service to her country. Mrs. Norman returned home and attended Hiwassee College in Madisonville, Tennessee. She went to work for the local newspaper after graduation and did everything, from writing articles to selling ads. She wrote a column for the paper called ``Heads and Hearts'' that she was very proud of. Additionally, Mrs. Norman married and raised three wonderful children after she completed her service. Mr. Speaker, our country's heroes are the men and women of our Armed Forces, like Mrs. Norman, who served and sacrificed for our freedom. It is my honor to recognize Yeoman 3rd Class Irene G. Norman as the Tennessee Second District's January 2020 Veteran of the Month.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Prison to Proprietorship for Formerly Incarcerated Act, legislation I was proud to author with Representative Jeffries. I really appreciate his kind words. Some individuals who have paid their debt to society deserve a second chance at success. This includes giving folks reentering the workforce a shot at entrepreneurship and small business ownership. Included in this legislation are counseling and training services for incarcerated individuals who want to start their own small businesses. I am a firm believer in giving folks an opportunity to succeed, and this bill makes sure those who are joining society have the skills and knowledge to do so. Madam Speaker, I encourage all Members who feel the same to support this important piece of legislation. I thank Representative Jeffries for his efforts on this bill, as well as Ranking Member Chabot and Chairwoman Velazquez. I hope I said her name correctly. I have been working on it. I thank them all for their leadership on the Small Business Committee in helping this bill come to the floor. Madam Speaker, on a personal note, I always appreciate Chairwoman Velazquez reaching across the aisle to me and for her friendship from day one. I appreciate Ranking Member Chabot's mentorship and for always having time for a wet-behind-the-ears freshman.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Pam Mobley, a physician from Knoxville. Dr. Mobley has been in the Bahamas since September assisting with medical relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. Dr. Mobley was on Green Turtle Cay in the Abaco Islands when Hurricane Dorian began battering the Bahamas. The storm displaced the local personnel on Green Turtle Cay, but Dr. Mobley decided to wait it out. Once it was safe, she began providing medical assistance to those injured in the hurricane. Even though Dr. Mobley could have returned to the United States months ago, she has remained in the Bahamas to care for the injured and help with relief efforts. Her selfless actions are truly remarkable. I applaud Dr. Mobley for her humanitarian efforts in the Bahamas and thank her for being an excellent representative of the Knoxville community. I know I speak for many in east Tennessee when I say Pam is making us all very, very proud, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to impeachment against President Donald Trump. This is based on hearsay that was made by partisan witnesses behind closed doors. This impeachment is a sham, Madam Speaker, and it has divided this country. Congress' wasted time on this impeachment would have been better used to address issues that are facing Americans, like securing our southern border, the opioid epidemic, or establishing a constitutionally mandated budget. Now American workers have to wait until the Senate trial to pass USMCA that the President and the House Republicans have been working on for over a year. I am disappointed in the path Congress chose to go down.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Petty Officer First Class H. Travis Parker, an American hero who served in World War II and the Korean war. Mr. Parker enlisted in the Navy on August 26, 1942. He began his service on the USS Midway during World War II, flying Consolidated PBY Catalina seaplanes. He then flew Vought OS2U Kingfisher floatplanes as a member of Scouting Squadron VS-62 during the Korean war. He was stationed on the USS Monterey. Petty Officer First Class Parker was honorably discharged on January 5, 1963, after nearly 21 years of service to his country. Mr. Parker became very involved with A.L. Lotts Elementary School after his military service. He was consistently present at the school, reading to children and serving as a mentor for troubled students throughout the years. Mr. Parker also devoted his time and resources to improving the school and always took it upon himself to help fix problems. He purchased school supplies and even fixed up a classroom after it was vandalized by hoodlums. Our country's heroes are the men and women of our Armed Forces like Mr. Parker, not those who throw a baseball or throw a football. They served and sacrificed for our freedom. It is my honor to recognize Petty Officer First Class H. Travis Parker as the Tennessee Second District's December 2019 Veteran of the Month.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, today I recognize Knoxville-based engineering firm Strata-G on winning the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 2019 Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. Strata-G was founded in 2002 by retired Navy veteran Dan Hurst. Since then, the Strata-G team has grown to include more than 200 engineers, scientists, safety professionals and project managers that provide technical support to clients in environmental, energy, defense, utility and infrastructure sectors. Strata-G has received numerous awards for both its outstanding engineering services and focus on community service. The firm supports numerous charities, non-profits and land stewardship initiatives. The Small Business of the Year Award came with a check for $25,000, which Strata-G is investing in two of its community partners: Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries and Westview Community School. It's an honor to have Strata-G located in Tennessee's Second District, and I know I speak for many in East Tennessee when I say congratulations on this prestigious award.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I was unable to attend the vote series on December 12, 2019 due to health concerns. If I was present, I would have voted the following ways: Walden Amendment No. 1-YES; O'Halleran Amendment No. 5-NO; Gottheimer Amendment No. 7-NO; Luria Amendment No. 10-NO; Cunningham Amendment No. 11-NO; Republican Motion to Recommit- YES; and Passage of H.R. 3--Fewer Cures and More Government Price Control Act-NO.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize our Blount County Sheriff, James Berrong, who is celebrating his 30th year in office. Since 1989, Sheriff Berrong and his deputies have served the community by maintaining safe neighborhoods, providing outstanding emergency service, and busting lawbreakers. Sheriff Berrong successfully advocated better pay for his deputies and has prioritized hiring and retaining an excellent deputy force. Under his leadership, Blount County continues to be a safe place to live and raise a family. Sheriff Berrong and his deputies remain focused on guaranteeing safety at religious institutions and schools, increasing the Sheriff's Office's presence when necessary. Additionally, he ensures that sex offenders and human traffickers are held accountable. Sheriff Berrong has effectively led the crackdown on these dirtbags, and the Blount County Sheriff's Office has gained a reputation as one of the best law enforcement agencies, if not in the State of Tennessee, in the entire United States of America, for dealing with sex-related crimes. It is my honor to recognize Sheriff Berrong for his outstanding career as Blount County Sheriff. I know I speak for many in east Tennessee when I thank him for his continued service to our community.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, today I recognize East Tennessee Orthopedic Surgeon and U.S. Army Colonel John Jay McGraw, Sr. as he announces his upcoming retirement from OrthoTennessee. Not only is Dr. McGraw known for his remarkable contributions to the medical profession and 34-year military career, but he has long been a community leader in East Tennessee where he has held public office and served on numerous boards. In 2018, Dr. McGraw was appointed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Pain Management Best Practices Inter- Agency Task Force. In this role, he identified best practices for pain management and issued recommendations for addressing the opioid epidemic. These findings are now used by Congress to advance legislation on this issue. I am honored to call Dr. McGraw my friend, and I know I speak for many in East Tennessee when I say congratulations and best wishes for a happy retirement.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. I rise to recognize the millions of Americans across this great country who are living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Alzheimer's is a frightening disease that has impacted several individuals close to me. My Aunt Jane lost her battle with the disease, while my Aunt Virginia continues to fight it. Additionally, the legendary Pat Summitt, a friend of mine--she actually came to my father's funeral--who coached the University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team for 38 seasons, lived with and brought awareness to Alzheimer's disease before passing away in 2016. I am especially thankful for the caregivers who assist those living with a memory disorder. Friends, family members, and trained professionals care for these patients and make sacrifices to ensure their comfort. These efforts must not be overlooked, Mr. Speaker. Individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's need to know they are not alone in their battle against this difficult illness. And while I remain optimistic about new treatments and ongoing research to find a cure, this November I encourage my constituents and colleagues to take a moment to think about those Americans living with Alzheimer's disease and say a prayer for them and their families and to show support for the caregivers who look after and advocate for them.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize John O. Brown as the Tennessee Second District's November 2019 Veteran of the Month. A Vietnam war veteran, Sergeant Brown served in the U.S. Army for almost 13 years before medically retiring in 1971. John Brown was born on January 17, 1936, in the metropolis of Kettle Hollow, Tennessee. He graduated from Horace Maynard High School in 1951, joined the Army in 1958, and deployed to Vietnam as part of the Ninth Infantry Division in 1966. During his 12 months in Vietnam, Brown rose to the rank of sergeant first class before returning stateside. In 1969, Sergeant Brown received orders to return to Vietnam. On June 20 of that year, he was wounded in action and medically evacuated. The injury resulted in the amputation of one of his legs. For his bravery and service throughout his military career, Sergeant Brown was awarded the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, and the Army Commendation Medal. Despite living with a service-related disability, Sergeant Brown enthusiastically reentered civilian life. He earned degrees from Tennessee State Regional Vocational School and the Tennessee Institute of Electronics. Upon his graduation, he worked in sales for Sony and then became JVC's director of government overseas sales. He retired after a 27-year career with JVC. I am proud to recognize John O. Brown as the Tennessee Second District's November 2019 Veteran of the Month.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Patriotic Employer Protection Act. I am proud of this bipartisan legislation that encourages small business owners to hire military reservists. Military reservists bravely serve America and are also members of our Nation's small business workforce. In east Tennessee and throughout America, small business owners rely on the abilities and skills of reservists. When an employee is activated from the Reserves to answer the call of duty, small businesses should not struggle while that employee is absent. This legislation improves small businesses' access to Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Repayment Deferral for Active Duty Reservists. These programs offer financial support to small businesses that lose valuable production when a reservist is activated for military service. By improving access to these programs, small businesses can continue to operate while an employee is serving in the military. Additionally, it gives small businesses peace of mind that their businesses will not suffer in the absence of military reservists. It takes courage to put your livelihood and career on hold to serve our country, and small businesses should be proud of their employees' military commitments. Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to champion this legislation with Representative Kim, and I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I rise today in support of those who have experienced domestic abuse. Over 73,000 Tennesseans were victims of domestic violence last year. Sadly, many victims struggle for support after experiencing violence. In Tennessee, and across America, victims of domestic violence are oftentimes afraid to speak up about their abuse. Even worse, sometimes victims are not able to receive the help they need. This is unacceptable. Communities across America must create safe environments for victims of domestic violence and encourage them to seek assistance. Local organizations and shelters are always ready to help. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to make sure our constituents are aware of these resources. I am proud to partner with the YWCA, which employs a good friend of mine, Maggie McNally, whose father I worked with for over 15 years in Nashville and who now is the speaker of the Tennessee State Senate, to raise awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The YWCA and organizations like it are committed to ending domestic violence in our communities, and I fully support them in their mission.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Edward Poe Bostic, an American hero and Korean war combat veteran who passed away in August of this year at 87 years of age. Mr. Bostic joined the Marine Corps at the age of 16 during the Korean war. He fought at the amphibious invasions and battles at Inchon and Seoul. He also participated in the Blockade of Wonsan, the longest naval blockade in modern history, and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, known as the Frozen Chosin due to the harsh winter weather conditions. Mr. Bostic was proud to serve his country and proud to be a marine. Mr. Bostic retired from Y-12 Martin Marietta in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, after a 40-year career. He was an active member of the Campbell County Honor Guard; commander of the Disabled American, Veterans Appalachian Chapter 105; and commander of the Campbell County Young Marines. There are real heroes in this world, Madam Speaker, and they aren't music stars, famous athletes, or Hollywood actors. Our country's heroes are the men and women of our Armed Forces like Mr. Bostic, who served and sacrificed for our freedom. It is my honor to recognize Edward Poe Bostic as the Tennessee Second District's October 2019 Veteran of the Month.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, today I recognize longtime East Tennessee journalist Georgiana Vines as she celebrates her 80th birthday this week. Over the last five decades, Georgiana has had a successful career as a reporter and editor. She retired from full-time work in 2005 but continues to cover East Tennessee news and politics as a newspaper freelancer. In addition to working in the news industry, Georgiana has spent a great deal of time teaching and sharing her experience with future journalists at the University of Tennessee's College of Communications and Information. I am honored to call her my friend, and I know I speak for many in East Tennessee when I say Happy Birthday, Georgiana.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize September as National Recovery Month and to celebrate the millions of Americans who are recovering from substance abuse. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues Representatives Trone, Riggleman, Kuster, and Fitzpatrick for leading this initiative. Like so many communities across America, my district in east Tennessee has been affected by the ongoing opioid crisis. I am proud to work with my fellow Members in the Freshman Working Group on Addiction to bring attention to the severity of overdoses and how we can support those in recovery. Almost 70,000 Americans overdose on drugs each year, and some 23 million Americans are recovering from substance abuse. Friends, family, local organizations, and healthcare providers must do everything they can to combat this horrible addiction, and Congress also needs to play its part. I sponsored the Effective Drug Control Strategy Act to improve federally funded drug demand reduction programs and prevent addiction before it begins. Madam Speaker, the House should seriously consider this legislation and the positive impacts it would have on preventing drug addiction.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of my good friend, Bill Dunn, a colleague of mine from my time in the Tennessee General Assembly. Representative Dunn and I served together in the State house starting when we were members of the same freshman class in 1995. Since that time, he has remained a strong champion for fiscal conservatism and the rights of the unborn. Upon completing his current term, Representative Dunn will retire from his house seat after 26 years. Representative Dunn has been a diligent public servant, an excellent representative for his community, and, most importantly, an honorable family man. He and his wife, Stacy, have raised a wonderful family of five children; and I have not checked lately to see how many grandchildren there are, but there are a bunch of them, I am sure. I am sure his retirement includes quality time with his family. I wish Representative Dunn the best of luck in the next chapter of his life and thank him for his commitment to our home State of Tennessee. Bill Dunn is a good guy.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Knoxville, Tennessee, native, Corporal James Colquitt, an American hero and United States Marine. Corporal Colquitt joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. On March 15, 1944, he boarded a train and was sent to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego for recruit training. Corporal Colquitt served as a rifleman with I Company, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division. From February 19 to March 2, 1945, he participated in combat action against the Japanese during the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Pacific War. Corporal Colquitt received a Purple Heart for wounds received during combat operations on March 2, 1945. He was promoted to the rank of corporal and was honorably discharged from Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., on April 26, 1946. Corporal Colquitt is one of thousands of great men and women who honorably served our country during World War II. After defending our values and freedoms, these brave solders returned home, raised families, strengthened communities, and continued the growth of America. It is my honor to recognize James Colquitt as the Tennessee Second Congressional District's September 2019 Veteran of the Month and to thank him for his service to our country.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Clayton Edward Narveson, an American hero and World War II combat veteran. Mr. Narveson joined the United States Marine Corps following the attack on Pearl Harbor. He fought in the Battle of Tarawa in November of 1943. And during February and March of 1945, he served as a gunner on an 81 mm mortar during the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history, and our country's history. After the war, Mr. Narveson attended St. Paul College of Law and had a successful career as an attorney. For two decades, Mr. Narveson has made presentations to students telling some of the stories of his times in service and the struggles he and his family faced during the Great Depression. Through these presentations, he reminds young folks of the importance of serving your country and how blessed we are to live in the United States of America. There are real heroes in this world, and they aren't music stars, famous athletes, or Hollywood actors. Our country's heroes are the men and women of our Armed Forces, like Mr. Narveson, who served and sacrificed for our freedom. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to honor Clayton Narveson as the Tennessee Second District's July 2019 Veteran of the Month and to thank him for his service to our country, his dedication to his work and family, and for his continued support of our community and our great country.