Doug Collins

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the guidance and outstanding leadership Mrs. Pat Freeman has brought to senior adults in 13 Northeast Georgia counties. Recently, the Legacy Link board recognized Mrs. Freeman for her outstanding work and dedication, as founder and Chief Executive Officer, for over 20 years. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at the agency's Thanksgiving luncheon. In 1997, Mrs. Freeman created the nonprofit Legacy Link Area Agency on Aging with four employees. Since then she has been assisting the aging population of our region by offering wellness programs, employment training, Medicare counseling, grant applications, and counseling for grandparents who are primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Mrs. Freeman's team has grown to include more than 100 employees. Legacy Link serves roughly 1,300 people, and its overarching goal is to allow seniors to live comfortably in their own homes as long as possible. In addition, Legacy Link also advocates for quality care for seniors who live in nursing care facilities. My mother worked for Legacy Link, so I share in understanding the hard work, dedication, and the importance of their mission. I celebrate Mrs. Freeman's devotion to our senior adults and wish her the best as she transitions to working part-time.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of a distinguished leader from Gainesville, Georgia, retired Police Chief Jerry Forrester. After serving 13 months in Vietnam as a United States Marine, Jerry Forrester returned to the states and joined the Gainesville police department in 1968. He became Chief of Police in 1985 and is credited with updating the department with modern policing standards. While leading 65 officers in the police department, Chief Forrester worked hard to get ballistic vests and ammunition for officers as well as to increase their salaries. At the time, officers in Gainesville had to furnish their own weapons and ammunition, and it would have cost nearly $900 per officer to outfit each member of the department with the necessary equipment. Prior to his retirement in 1991, Chief Forrester successfully reorganized the department into three divisions, each with a separate commander. This restructuring laid a foundation for others to follow. Chief Forrester will be remembered as a leader others tried to emulate. His dedication and integrity will ensure his legacy is never forgotten.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon on Thursday, December 6, 2018.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 56) providing for the use of the catafalque situated in the Exhibition Hall of the Capitol Visitor Center in connection with memorial services to be conducted in the rotunda of the Capitol for the late George Herbert Walker Bush, 41st President of the United States, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 55) authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the lying in state of the remains of the late George Herbert Walker Bush, 41st President of the United States, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of my home, Hall County, Georgia. Hall County is Northeast Georgia's center for banking, industry, and health care. It was established on December 15, 1818 by the state legislature and was named in honor of Lyman Hall. Hall was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and served as a physician and Georgia governor. In its two-century history, Hall County has become home to many great attractions, including Lake Lanier, which has brought millions of visitors to the area. Any discussion of Hall County begins with chicken, as Gainesville is the poultry capital of the world. Jesse Jewell, a Gainesville native, pioneered the vertically integrated poultry farming method that revolutionized the industry. Flowery Branch is home to the training complex of the Atlanta Falcons. Lula, the hometown of my wife, Lisa, is a heritage-minded community that welcomes the annual Railroad Days each spring. From north to south, east to west, those who call Hall County home know just how special it is from the beautiful lake to the foothills of Hall County area, where I was raised and still call home. I celebrate Hall County's two centuries of rich history and wish the citizens generations of success that last long into the future.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Melvin Cooper, Director of Gainesville Parks and Recreation, who is retiring after 47 years of service with the city and 30 years as its Parks Director. In a letter to Gainesville's Parks and Recreation Board, Mr. Cooper said, ``From the time I was 12 years old I knew what I wanted to do and began to set my goals for what I have done for the last 47 years. I wanted to lead change, I wanted to be change, I wanted to work with people and make a difference.'' Melvin Cooper was born in Moultrie and spent most of his childhood in Commerce, Georgia. In 1970, while he was a student at the University of Georgia, he completed an internship for the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Cooper was first hired as a Program Coordinator and later held the role of Assistant Director for 16 years. During his tenure as Director, the Gainesville Civic Center was renovated, Lake Lanier hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, and the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center--along with many other facilities--opened to the public. After leading the Parks and Recreation Department for three decades, Mr. Cooper announced his retirement at a recent Board of Directors meeting. The search for a replacement will begin November 1, and Mr. Cooper will continue to serve as Director until May 31, 2019. During his career, which has spanned almost half a century, Mr. Cooper helped improve the quality of life in our community and his contributions will benefit generations to come. I wish Mr. Cooper joyful years ahead in his retirement.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the establishment of the Women in Science Scholarship at Truett McConnell University. The Office of Advancement and the Pilgram Marpeck School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics have raised close to $3,000 to fund the scholarship for females majoring in biology or exercise science. This scholarship has already helped students attend the Integrative Physiology of Exercise Conference through the American College of Sports Medicine in San Diego, California. Because of their efforts in departmental fund raising and garnering private donations, the women selected for this scholarship will be able to present scientific research, enrich their presentation skills, and enhance their professional network for future careers. I celebrate this new opportunity for women in Northeast Georgia and wish the recipients success along their academic journey.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th Anniversary of WRWH Radio, in Cleveland, Georgia. WRWH Radio began operating as an AM radio station in 1958 and its call letters were derived from White, Rabun, and Habersham counties, which it serves. Over thirty years ago the station was purchased by Dean and Bonnie Dwyer. Since then, WRWH has evolved from operating out of an old Quonset hut on the southern edge of Cleveland, to a state of the art studio on Hood Street. Today, WRWH broadcasts news talk on 93.9 FM. The station also provides learning opportunities for college and high school students. In its 60 years, WRWH has become a leader in covering White County's local news and was one of WDUN's original news partners when AccessWDUN.com launched. That partnership continues today. I join WRWH as they celebrate their 60th anniversary and commend this North Georgia business that continues to thrive.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 3 outstanding high school students from Georgia's 9th Congressional district that have been selected for highly competitive scholarships from the U.S. Department of State. Ms. Sarah Kudyba has been accepted into the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. This program is for motivated high school students who want to fully immerse themselves in German culture by living with a host family and attending a local high school. The program is designed to strengthen ties between youth, improve their career skills through formal study and work experience, and expand their cognizance of other cultures, society, history, and politics. Ms. Victoria Zappi-Colombine and Ms. McKenzie Hooper have been accepted into the National Security Language Initiative for Youth. This program provides merit-based scholarships so students can have the opportunity to learn less commonly taught languages through summer and academic- year immersion programs overseas. The goal of this program is to develop a cadre of Americans with advanced linguistic skills and related cultural understanding, help Americans compete effectively in the global economy, and to spark a lifetime interest in foreign languages and cultures among American youth. I am proud that Northeast Georgia is home to these exceptional students and I look forward to hearing of their future accomplishments.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hall County Resource Recovery and its partners, for receiving the first-of- its-kind award for innovative recycling methods. In the fall of 2017, Hall County Resource Recovery, Kubota, Southern Waste and Recycling, and Wilheit Packaging partnered with the goal of diverting recyclable waste from the Hall County landfill. Through this partnership, employees from Kubota gather and place recyclables into cages provided by Wilheit Packaging. Wilheit Packaging then transports these cages to the Hall County Recycling Center, where the recyclables are unloaded, sorted by category, weighed, processed, and baled. Southern Waste and Recycling built the alliance among these companies and monitors and evaluates their sustainability practices so that they can make the most of their resources and produce the least amount of waste. To date, 1,500 tons of fiber and 160 tons of plastics have been kept out of the landfill, helping keep Hall County clean and beautiful. Because of this, last month the Georgia Recycling Coalition Conference awarded Hall County Resource Recovery and its partners for their innovative methods. Never before in the history of the Georgia Recycling Coalition Conference has a partnership project like this won the Innovation Award. I celebrate Hall County Resource Recovery, Kubota, Southern Waste and Recycling, and Wilheit Packaging for the example of innovation, community building, and environmental stewardship they've set in Northeast Georgia.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the South Hall Rotary Club for raising over $8,000 for charities in Northeast Georgia. Rotary International is a service organization whose purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, advance goodwill, and promote peace around the world. During their recent Awesome 80s 5K run, the South Hall Rotary Club raised more than $8,000 to support the Relay for Life Hall County, the University of North Georgia Food Pantry, and their annual Foster Kids of Hall County Christmas Party. More than one hundred runners participated in the charitable event. Many of the participants celebrated by wearing costumes, neon shorts and leggings, wild colorful hairstyles, big glasses, and headbands on race day. Uniformly, however, the participants reflected the generous spirit of Northeast Georgia, and a strong commitment to serving their community. In past races, the South Hall Rotary Club has helped raise funds to support new dental equipment for Good News Clinic, Boys & Girls Club, and for a new computer lab at the Compass Center. I visited with President Renee Carden and the South Hall Rotary Club this August and was inspired by their dedication and giving spirit. I thank the South Hall Rotary Club for their philanthropic efforts and their work to unite the community for good.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th Anniversary of Habersham County, Georgia. Habersham County rests in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, in the northeast corner of Georgia, and was established on December 15, 1818. The county is named for Colonel Joseph Habersham, who was an officer of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, President George Washington's Postmaster General, and a mayor of Savannah. Habersham County's beauty extends from scenic Tallulah Gorge in the north, where The Flying Wallendas crossed on high wire, to serene Lake Russell in the south. People venture from far and wide to Habersham to enjoy the National Forest and the world class fly fishing on the Soque and Chattahoochee Rivers. It is a truly special place that I am blessed to represent. The only thing that outshines Habersham County's beauty is its community. You can always feel the warmth and welcome of the people, whether it's having breakfast at the Crossroads Cafe, celebrating our Appalachian heritage at the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair, or watching the Raiders football win on a Friday night. I celebrate Habersham County's two centuries of rich history and wish the citizens of Habersham County a joyful year ahead.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of an extraordinary man and fellow Northeast Georgian, Mr. Donald E. Panoz. Mr. Panoz, the son of immigrants from Avezzano, Italy, was born on February 13, 1935. While attending Greenbrier Military Academy, he met his wife Nancy, and both went on to serve in the U.S. Army. After his service, Mr. Panoz established many businesses in and around Georgia's 9th Congressional District. Some of these include Elan Pharmaceuticals in Gainesville, Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton, and Panoz LLC in Hoschton. Panoz also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for NanoLumens in Norcross. However, Mr. Panoz will be most remembered for founding the American Le Mans Series--which brought European-style endurance sports car racing to America--and Milan Pharmaceuticals, which developed the method of delivering medicine through transdermal technology. Mr. Panoz passed away on September 11, 2018 after a battle with cancer. As we remember his legacy, I join others in thanking him for his military service and recognizing his entrepreneurial spirit and success.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a servant leader in my district who has made a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands in Forsyth County, Georgia. For over 50 years, Chief Danny D. Bowman has served as a Georgia firefighter displaying the values of selflessness, honor, and patriotism. Chief Bowman is an Atlanta native and veteran of the United States Air Force. He began his career as a firefighter in Atlanta in 1968. After serving with the Atlanta Fire Department, he joined the Fulton County Fire Department in 1977. Bowman came to Forsyth County as a division chief in 2001 and began serving as the county's director of emergency management in 2002. He took the reins as Fire Chief in 2003. Forsyth County Commission Chairman Todd Levent credits Chief Bowman with ``making the local department what it is today.'' Chief Bowman will officially retire this October, and I want to thank him for his service to Forsyth County and the great state of Georgia. Chief Bowman's commitment to making Georgia safer spans over half a century, and I commend him for a career of sacrificial service to our region.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table (S. Con. Res. 48) directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 1551, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1551) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the credit for production from advanced nuclear power facilities, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 180th birthday of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville, Georgia. While it is difficult to find written histories, biographies, memoirs, and other accounts of religious life in the South prior to abolition, Rev. Clarence M. Wagner has identified historical evidence that a group made up predominately of freed slaves organized Gainesville's First Baptist Church in 1838. Rev. Wagner details his findings in the book Profiles of Black Georgia Baptists. In 1901, under the Rev. Jack Nichol's leadership, the congregation erected a new church building on the corner of Gainesville's Pine and High Streets. Rev. Nichol answered the call to ministry around 1877, and he is the first person known by name to pastor this body of worshipers, shepherding the flock from 1877 to 1903. The First Baptist Church was rebuilt in 1923 under the leadership of Rev. William Dorsey. Today, the church gathers at 1810 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, where Rev. Isaac Whitehead Jr. pastors the congregation. I join the First Baptist Church in celebrating their 180 years of worship in Northeast Georgia and wish the church many happy years of ministry ahead.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 107th National Day of Taiwan. Taiwan celebrates its national day every October 10th. As this special day approaches, I would like to wish the people of Taiwan and all Taiwanese and Chinese Americans a happy Double Ten Day. These occasions remind us to reflect on our past successes and look forward with renewed commitment to what we may accomplish together through our shared commitment to liberty and democracy. Taiwan was America's 11th largest trading partner in 2017 and strives to respect the intellectual property rights that protect American innovation. In this and other areas, we see that our nations share a special bond, forged by mutual respect and a steadfast commitment to one another's security and prosperity. Through the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 and President Reagan's deliverance of the Six Assurances in 1982, the United States and Taiwan cemented a strong friendship deepened by mutual strength in the face of hardship. I believe the United States and Taiwan must continue to prioritize investment in defense capabilities that will secure its peace and fight global terrorism, but also want to recognize that the commitment to the bond between our nations extends to humanitarian support. I would like to extend thanks to President Tsai Ing-wen and the people of Taiwan for their generosity and friendship, and again wish them a Happy Double Ten Day.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank residents of Tate City for advocating for people who live in and visit Northeast Georgia. These Georgians alerted me to the unsafe conditions of Tallulah River Road, which runs through Towns and Rabun Counties. This road is the sole route to Tate City and provides access to campgrounds, fishing streams, and destinations in the Chattahoochee National Forest and Appalachian Trail. I wrote to the U.S. Forest Service requesting road repair and maintenance, and would like to thank them for making timely improvements to Tallulah River Road. Following that letter, the talented Forest Service team, including a bulldozer driver named Brad, went to work clearing out ditches, removing roadside vegetation, managing potholes, and leveling and adding significant amounts of gravel to the road. Residents of Tate City have since reported that Tallulah River Road is easier to navigate and the surrounding area has benefited from the improvements. None of this would have been possible without the advocacy of concerned citizens. I would like to thank the many residents of Tate City who reached out to help me represent the interests of Towns and Rabun County, including Larry Hample, the Harrisons, the Lovvorns, the Masseys, the Gilsons, the Penlands, the Shrivers, the Van Camps, Robin Fisher, Brantley DeLoatche, the Lisicias, Steven Sickmond, Anne Taylor, the Jareks, Nikolai Len, the Eriksons, William Giordano, Steve Harvey, and the Foremans.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of an extraordinary woman and fellow Northeast Georgian, Mrs. Julia Dixon. Mrs. Dixon has been a resident of Elbert County since August 24, 1918. After marrying Mr. Henry Dixon on December 21, 1935, she committed herself to her family by raising her five children: Ms. Jimmie D. Bell, Ms. Cyndie D. Blanford, Mr. George Dixon, Mr. Oscar Dixon, and Mr. Neal Dixon. In addition to raising a family, Mrs. Dixon invested her local community through her work for the Elberton Recreational Department during baseball and football seasons. She regularly attended basketball games at Elbert County Comprehensive High School until just last year. This August 24, Mrs. Dixon celebrated her centennial birthday during a party at the local Masonic Lodge. Surrounded by family and friends, Mrs. Dixon oversaw the cutting of a very special birthday cake. I celebrate a century lived in Northeast Georgia and wish Mrs. Dixon a joyful year ahead.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Jan Hackett, President of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Hackett recently received the Tourism Leadership Award at the 2018 Governor's Tourism Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This award is presented to an individual who demonstrates excellence in leadership skills and abilities. The Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus hosts the Governor's Tourism Conference each year. The conference brings together tourism professionals from across the state, including Fannin's own Ms. Hackett. Tourism is a vital part of Georgia's economy, especially in our beautiful mountain region, employing some 460,000 people across the state and generating over $63 billion in revenue this year alone. This would not be made possible without individuals like Ms. Hackett. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to recognize Ms. Jan Hackett for her leadership, as well as her dedication to tourism in Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the sacrifice of Army Corporal Terrell Fuller. After 67 years, the North Korean government returned his remains to the corporal's loved ones on August 8th of this year. Corporal Fuller joined the Army when he was 20 years old. In the midst of the Korean War, he traveled alongside his fellow Americans. On April 12, 1951, the Toccoa Record first reported his disappearance. Corporal Fuller's family eventually lost hope that he would return, and, in 1954, the Army pronounced him dead. If he were alive today, he would have recently celebrated his 88th birthday. Corporal Fuller's funeral processions began at the Hartsfield Jackson airport and took him all the way home to Toccoa, where members of the community lined the streets to give him the welcome he has deserved for nearly seven decades. Today, this soldier has family who love him, but no living relatives who can personally recount his bravery and patriotism. Yet we in Northeast Georgia know that Corporal Fuller answered the call of duty, leaving behind his loved ones and creating a legacy of service. Corporal Fuller's sacrifice illustrates the tremendous debt that we owe to the members of our military who promote and defend freedom. I join Northeast Georgians in honoring the return of this long lost hero.