Doug Collins

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, June 22, 2018, I missed votes because I was unavoidably detained due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 287; and YEA on Roll Call No. 288.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the courage of Ms. DeDe Phillips of Hart County. On June 7, Ms. Phillips faced a dangerous, rabid animal with unselfish resolve. That day, Ms. Phillips walked into her own yard to an unusual discovery. A bobcat stood by her car for a moment before lunging at this grandmother. Knowing that her five-year-old granddaughter was safe just inside her home, Ms. Phillips decided not to call for help. Instead, she wrestled with the bobcat until she pinned it down and suffocated it with her hands. Only after the animal's death did Ms. Phillips learn that it was rabid and that she would have to undergo a series of rabies shots and medical care to address her broken fingers and other wounds left by the cat's claws and teeth. Mr. Speaker, I grieve with the Phillips family for this attack, and at the same time I want to celebrate the strength and selflessness that Ms. Phillips displayed by protecting her family from any possible harm. Northeast Georgia is full of courageous, capable people, and Ms. DeDe Phillips exemplifies their spirit. As she recovers, men and women in our region and around this country are recognizing her for the hero that she is.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on June 20, 2018, I was unavoidably detained due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 277 and YEA on Roll Call 278.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on June 20, 2018, I was unavoidably detained due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 272; YEA on Roll Call No. 273; YEA on Roll Call No. 274; NAY on Roll Call No. 275; and YEA on Roll Call No. 276.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on June 19, 2018, I was unavoidably detained due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 269, and YEA on Roll Call No. 270.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fran Entrekin for her long career of medical service to the Gainesville community. For 50 years, Nurse Entrekin has served local children and families. She began her career as a medical assistant for Dr. Buddy Langston in 1968 and then became a pediatric nurse in that practice. She started to work for the Longstreet Clinic in 1995 and, in 2004, became the first nurse to work at the Longstreet Clinic's Wee Care Office. This June, Nurse Entrekin will retire from the Longstreet Clinic, but not from caring for young people, as she plans to focus on her eight grandchildren. The legacy she leaves is one of passion and commitment. After caring for four generations of families, Nurse Entrekin is beginning a new season. I am proud to honor Nurse Entrekin for the decades she has invested in Northeast Georgia patients and the compassion she has spread throughout our community as a whole.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2018 recipients of the Hall County Chamber of Commerce's annual awards. Each year, the Hall County Chamber awards local businesses and individuals for the positive impact that they have had on the community. To honor the accomplishments of individual Hall County residents, the Chamber gave the Distinguished Citizen Award to Benny Bagwell, the W.G. Mealor Award to Paul Chambers, and the Community Service Award to State Senator Butch Miller. As a friend to each of these three men, I've seen their devotion to the Hall County community first-hand. Celebrating the achievements of local businesses, the Chamber awarded Green's Grocery and Millie's Drapery and Decorating with the Small Business of the Year title. Duplicating Products and the Norton Agency earned the Family Business of the Year award. We can't overlook the risks that men and women take to start a business or the benefits these job creators bring to our community. Keeping a business operating requires perseverance during the difficult times. The Hall County Chamber of Commerce empowers the community by connecting local businesses and offering resources to support their growth. When local business owners collaborate with each other, they can energize the Gainesville economy. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate this year's honorees on their well- deserved awards and wish them continued success.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Northeast Georgia's 14 service academy appointees. Emmi Schakat of Blairsville, Gavin Jones of Rabun Gap, A.J. Howard of Toccoa, and Owen Brown of Commerce will begin their careers at the U.S. Military Academy. Cole Wright of Blairsville will begin a similar path at the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School. The U.S. Naval Academy will welcome Chase Nufer of Gainesville and Jarad Ford of Danielsville. Jack Haller of Cumming and Loretta Strickland of Blue Ridge will attend the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School. Two rising midshipmen who will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy are Mackenzie Ralston of Blue Ridge and Timothy Leurart of Ball Ground, and the U.S. Air Force Academy will open its campus to Michael Herrington of Flowery Branch, Cameron Sturdivant of Gainesville, and Audrey Weiner of Gainesville. I proudly nominated each of these students for their service to our community and dedication to our country. Over the next several years, these Northeast Georgia students will further their education and develop the leadership skills needed to best serve our country as military officers. Mr. Speaker, I applaud these young leaders as they prepare for the challenges ahead, and I will keep them in my prayers as they enter a new season at America's military service academies.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alyssa Yarck. A student at the University of North Georgia, my alma mater, Alyssa recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award--the highest honor that the leadership organization awards. Alyssa joined the Girl Scouts as a kindergartener, entering into the Daisy ranks and deepening her commitment to the program even after graduating from Chestatee High School. She received the Girl Scout Gold Award for modernizing a system to equip first responders with important health information about students in Hall County. The new database, Assisting Special Kids' Needs and Other Technologies (A.S.K.N.O.T.), centralizes students' individual health needs and contact information within Hall County Central Communications, preparing emergency responders to better care for children in the event of an emergency. Whether an emergency occurs at school or home, first responders now have access to medical information for students who have enrolled in A.S.K.N.O.T. and can then respond accordingly. Alyssa started this program in 2015 and completed it last September. Her tireless service through the Girl Scouts has left a lasting impact on children in our community--I want to thank Alyssa for her dedication and congratulate her on this significant honor.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Cameron Smith and Robert Bryant Wade, who lost their lives to a flooded creek near McNutt Creek Dam last week. In this time of grief, we also recognize Cameron's bravery in attempting to rescue Bryant from drowning. Cameron's neighbors in Madison County will tell you what a considerate young man he was and how much he loved his family. Bryant's loved ones are already missing the kind and outgoing teenager. When Cameron saw Bryant struggling against the water, he immediately told his friend to dial 911, and he dove in to save someone he'd never met. Sadly, neither young man found his way out of the swollen creek. Mr. Speaker, Cameron and Bryant have left holes in their communities that my words can't capture, and Cameron's sacrifice reflects a selfless heroism that has become uncommon today. As Northeast Georgia struggles with sadness over the loss of two young men, my prayers remain with their families and friends.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gillsville's Lisa Sims for the perseverance she has demonstrated in her battle against multiple sclerosis. In 1997, the doctor diagnosed Lisa with MS, an incurable disease that causes the body's immune system to attack the central nervous system. She left the doctor's office that day understanding that she would become paralyzed from the waist down. Despite her diagnosis, Lisa has never stopped fighting MS and can still walk today. She tried various medications and weight loss programs over the years, which initially gave her hope. Ultimately, Lisa realized she needed to incorporate exercise into her daily routine. She joined a gym three years ago, and, since then, she has regained most of her strength. Despite the daily challenges she faces living with MS, Lisa still sets goals for herself and hopes to complete a half marathon one day. Mr. Speaker, Lisa Sims inspires Northeast Georgians to approach difficult times with relentless energy. I share Lisa's optimism for the future and look forward to hearing that she has conquered that half marathon.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Kubota Manufacturing's 30-year presence in the United States. Planting its roots in my hometown of Gainesville, this company specializes in tractor manufacturing. In the past few decades, several international companies like Kubota have made Northeast Georgia their home. For Kubota, what began as a 60,000 square foot plant with 44 team members in 1988 grew to the 2.5 million square foot plant with 2,600 team members that we see today. Instead of settling for one plant's success, Kubota chose to open additional manufacturing plants in Kansas and Texas, and, in 2005, the company founded the Kubota Industrial Equipment Corporation based in nearby Jefferson, Georgia. To celebrate its 30-year anniversary, Kubota Manufacturing donated $1 million to the Lanier Technical College Foundation. This gift will help finance Lanier Technical College's new Hall County Campus, which is scheduled to open in the spring of next year. Whether it's a student at Lanier Technical College or one of the company's employees, Kubota demonstrates the importance of investing in our nation's workforce--preparing men and women for the jobs our modern world requires. Mr. Speaker, I thank Kubota Manufacturing for using its success to support the communities in my corner of Georgia. I look forward to seeing this company's presence continue to grow over the next 30 years.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Flowery Branch High School boys' tennis team on winning the state title--the first championship in the program's history. The Falcons persevered through a difficult season, enduring illnesses, short-handed lineups, and an exhausting postseason. Despite these challenges, the team continued to exhibit their best effort and earned a spot in the championship against Buford High School. With only two starting seniors, this young team had never advanced past the second round of playoffs. After a four-hour match, Jack Thomas--one of the team's freshmen players--overcame an opponent who had defeated him twice before and helped his team clench the victory. Mr. Speaker, this group of young men remind Northeast Georgians that hard work paves the road to success. I am honored to highlight the Falcons' achievement and congratulate the team on their outstanding season.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, Chairman Bob Goodlatte, who has been a great supporter of working towards finding solutions. I think that is what we are here for today is finding solutions. I want to thank the chairman for working this, taking this, and moving forward on a lot of different fronts. But as we look forward, there are some things I want to clear up and some people I want to thank. With Hakeem Jeffries, I couldn't ask for a better partner to work with through the intricacies of big solutions and big problems. These are big problems. Mr. Jeffries and I have said: Let's take a look and see what we can fix. What is going to be said today is: I like this legislation, I like parts of this legislation; I like the legislation, but it doesn't go far enough; if it just did a little more--as if this place produced perfect results every time and we just want to wait. But I also would ask those who choose to vote ``no'' today, and my question is this: Is it okay to make progress on many other things but on this one say no? Say no to a family who has a family member in prison who could get treatment and get help? And when they come home--which over 90 percent of all prisoners in this country do, they come home--is it okay to say no to those folks, and say: No, we are not going to provide that for your family member; we are not going to provide extra treatment so that they can get help with addiction or work problems or anger management or skills deficits or education deficits? No, it is not. Is it okay today to vote ``no'' and say: I like a lot of this bill, but I want to continue to shackle women as they have babies? It is a pretty simple understanding. I get it. I want to see sentencing reform, too. I am on record as saying I do. I am on record as continuing past this to actually do that. Mr. Jeffries and I have talked about this more than we ever imagined we would. But Congressman Jeffries is a great partner in this effort. This bill is real and meaningful reform. Senator Cornyn and Senator Whitehouse across the way in the Senate have taken steps to actually introduce the same bill and are working to do this. The President has said this is something that can be signed. In fact, the President, Mr. Speaker, last week, said that America is a nation that believes in second chances. The FIRST STEP Act gives those second chances. It gives us hope. It gives us an ability to look at people. As I have said on this issue many times, it is a money and moral issue. In States like Georgia, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Texas, New York, and California, these issues have been discussed and evidence-based approaches have worked. We have seen it, Mr. Speaker, work in my home State of Georgia. We have seen an evidence-based approach be the way that you need to go. This bill provides the protection, and it also provides the incentive for this to work. Now, there have been many discussions on why we shouldn't do this, and there have been many people in recent days coming forward. I think it is pretty amazing to me--and I am going to have to be honest here-- for the former Attorney General to come out and say this is not enough and say that the current Department of Justice could do some of this, then I have one question for the former Attorney General: Where were you when you held the office? Why didn't you do something then? If it was within your grasp, why did you turn a deaf ear to the cries of families who were in need? Why did you decide not to do something and now weigh in on something that Congressman Jeffries and many others have put their hearts and lives into and weigh in and say it is not enough? Look to those families, Mr. Former Attorney General, and tell them it is not enough. It is easy to write an op-ed. It must be a lot harder to do it when you have the job. So, as we look forward here, this is a positive piece of legislation. This is something that we can look forward to doing, when you have a chance to give those prisoners the opportunity to cut the very things down in their life that cause them to get there to start with. When we begin to look at the reasons they are there--and there are multiple--then we are taking a first step toward solutions, a first step toward hope, a first step toward making a difference so that we can then see, if we can take this first step, then maybe we can get some of our colleagues to take that next step into sentencing reform and other areas that we have already worked on, that the chairman has worked on, and others across in the Senate have advocated for. But if we choose not to do that today, you are saying no to the future. Congressman Jeffries and I believe yes to the future. I know that when we have worked on this, it is about what we can accomplish and how we can accomplish it in a way that is meaningful to others. When we look at this, I also find it rather interesting, Mr. Speaker, the groups that have come together here. As we went around talking about this, we went to so many different groups from the left and the right that say this is a great first step: Justice Action Network, American Conservative Union, FreedomWorks, FAMM, Prison Fellowship, Faith and Freedom Coalition, #cut50, Heritage Action for America, and many, many more both on the left and the right. The Koch Foundation and others have said this is good. This is something we can move on. This provides that hope that we are searching for. To the bill's detractors, I respect your opinion. To the bill's detractors, I would just say: Why not? If why not, why not here? And if why not and why you don't want to here, when? Is it ever good enough? Can we ever get to a point? I think one of the things, Mr. Speaker, that we often deal with here is the art of the possible. Today is about the art of the possible. We have an administration that says: We will sign the bill. Jared Kushner has been such an advocate for this and worked with the administration to say: We will put forth the effort to make this work. We have partners in the Senate who say: We want to work and do even more. I am glad of that. And I have a partner here and many who have come alongside of us and have spoken to say: Let's do something today. Today is about action. Today is about being a part of something bigger than ourselves. This is a day when we can come to the floor of this House and be proud of why we are here. So many times we come down and we look at the bill and we see paper and we see words on a paper. But I tell you what I see, Mr. Speaker: I see the faces of the families behind these words. I see the faces of the families behind these words that it is actually going to help. So when you look at this vote and you look at this bill, I say: Look beyond the pieces of paper, look beyond the ink, and look to the families that will be helped. When you cast that ``yes'' vote, you are saying: I want to do something, and I am not afraid to wait on something I might want but know that I can take a step further now. It is very simple: vote ``yes'' to move it along or vote ``no'' and say no to those in need. I can agree and disagree about a lot of parts, but this is about the people behind the bill. Before I go, Mr. Speaker, though, in addition to the committee, the chairman, and the committee staff who have been so great, a few weeks ago, I had the chance to talk about a staff member of mine as a steel magnolia. Today, Jon Ferro, from my staff, a New York native who works for a Georgia Member, has earned from me the highest praise. He is now, as you will see in all of the groups that have worked on this, a Bulldog. He has worked this over and over. He has worked it to find solutions. For that I am thankful, and for that I am proud. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill. You could come up with every reason you want to vote ``no,'' and that is okay, I guess; but remember, there are families watching today. There are incarcerated people watching today. My question is: Will you vote for them or will you vote to hold up something that may or may not happen?

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lloyd Knight. Lloyd was recently awarded the Jim Casey Community Service Award--one of the highest awards given to United Parcel Service employees. Lloyd has been a part of the UPS team for over 10 years, joining the company after spending 20 years in the United States Air Force. Over his time at UPS, he rose to the position of Global Forwarding Freight Director and founded the UPS Veterans Business Resource Group. A veteran himself, Lloyd helped found VETLANTA, an organization committed to bringing together the business community, non-profits, and government to help make the Atlanta region the best destination in the country for veterans. Additionally, Lloyd dedicates his spare time to veterans through his involvement in Hire Heroes USA and American Corporate Partners. Lloyd has served both his country and neighbors in Georgia through his tireless service, leaving a lasting impact on local veterans and his community. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Lloyd for the compassion he has shown others and congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend from Jefferson, Pam Romano--a tireless advocate for adoptive families and children around the world. In 2012, Pam and her husband Mark began the process of adopting two Russian brothers, Bogdon and Yura. In the same year, though, Russia enforced a ban on adoptions to the United States, separating the Romanos from their sons. Since then, Pam and her husband Mark have assisted children caught in the crosshairs of this ban--like their two sons--by raising awareness on the issues dividing adoptive families. By meeting with lawmakers and sharing her family's story with others, Pam hopes to one day reunite with Bogdon and Yura. Last year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute honored Pam as an Angel in Adoption, a title given to leaders who have made extraordinary strides in helping children in need of a family. Moreover, her efforts inspired me to recently introduce the Intercountry Adoption Information Act--a bill designed to bring transparency to the international adoption landscape, where families often struggle to access up-to-date, accurate information they need. to navigate the adoption process. Pam's efforts to bring her children home reminds us of the unwavering power of a mother's love. I'm grateful for her dedication to bridging the bureaucratic gaps between families and their adopted children.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Johnson High School boys' soccer team on winning the state title. This honor marks the first state championship in the program's history. A few years ago, the Knights suffered a tough defeat in the 2014 championship game, and, in 2016, a loss in the first round of the playoffs prevented the team from advancing to the title match up. Seeking redemption, the Knights powered through the playoffs and earned a rematch against McIntosh High School, a team that bested the Knights during the regular season. This victory testifies to the team's determination and the support they've received from Gainesville residents. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the Knights on their hard- earned success, and I look forward to seeing what next season has in store for this team.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Mt. Vernon Exploratory School's 25th anniversary. For 25 years, the teachers and faculty members have strived to uphold their mission of character, competency, and rigor for all by investing in each student who walks through their halls. The school's commitment to supporting students and families has helped the Hall County School District earn the title of ``Most Caring Place on Earth.'' Mt. Vernon Exploratory holds a special place in my family's heart. My wife, Lisa, has taught at Mt. Vernon since it opened in 1993, and all three of our children have attended the school. We have enjoyed watching the school grow with each new academic year. From acquiring its charter school status to acquiring a new curriculum that addresses the modern students' needs, Mt. Vernon has cultivated a constructive environment for its students. I stand with the Mt. Vernon Trojans in celebrating this new milestone for the school and wish the faculty and students well as they finish the school year. Go Trojans.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dhruv Gaur a Gainesville , native and Lakeview Academy alumnus, who recently became the college champion of ``Jeopardy!,'' America's favorite quiz show. Dhruv studies public health and economics at Brown University. Each season, ``Jeopardy!'' hosts college students for a tournament, giving them the opportunity to represent their school through a display of their trivia knowledge. This season, Dhruv competed on the game show, and, despite his incorrect ``Final Jeopardy'' answer, he prevailed. As the victor, this Gainesville student took home a $100,000 cash prize, which he plans to use for future investments. Although Dhruv Gaur clenched the victory sporting his Brown University sweater, he also represented his neighbors back home in Northeast Georgia through his success. I congratulate Dhruv on his ``Jeopardy!'' win and look forward to his future success.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Blairsville's Eric England, a retired Marine known as one of the world's greatest marksmen. At the age of 84, Master Sergeant England passed away on April 7, 2018. Master Sergeant England joined the United States Marine Corps in 1950 and served as a scout sniper during the Vietnam War. In combat, he had 98 confirmed kills, making him one of the best snipers in our nation's history. Years after the Vietnam War, Master Sergeant England continued working for the Marine Corps as a Weapons Tactics Instructor. He viewed teaching as a way for him to continue defending American lives, encouraging him to create the National Marksmanship Unit at Georgia's Fort Benning in 1968. Master Sergeant England won countless awards for his world-class marksmanship, and he represented the United States as part of two Olympic shooting teams. Alongside his cousin and fellow Marine, Zell Miller, he was inducted into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame with the Class of 2017. My prayers are with the England family in their time of loss. I stand alongside many other Americans in thanking this hero for his service.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5447, the Music Modernization Act. It has already been said that this bill combines critical pieces of legislation to update our laws, including legislation that I authored, the Music Modernization Act, but it also represents the CLASSICS Act, the AMP Act, and rate standardization, things that have been negotiated for a long period of time. As we have looked at this and we have talked about it, this is a bill today that comes to the floor with overwhelming support, not just on this floor, not just in the committee where it passed 32-0. It comes to this floor with an industry that many times couldn't even decide that they wanted to talk to each other about things in their industry, but who came together with overwhelming support and said this is where we need to be. I can remember when the chairman first laid out a vision that would deal with copyright. Most thought it was a dream that would never happen. In fact, some thought we would never even get text that people could agree on. They were wrong, because we did. I want to thank the leadership of Chairman Goodlatte and Ranking Member Nadler for their tireless commitment to getting something done on copyright, which ultimately got us here. I thank their staffs: Joe Keeley, Lisette Morton, and Jason Everett. Also in this, Mr. Speaker, there is someone whom I also want to thank who, not only in this bill but in many others, epitomizes to me what is good about this institution. The Music Modernization Act has put my friend Hakeem Jeffries and I in, again, a leading role and is living proof that a rural Member from northeast Georgia and a Democrat from Brooklyn can find common ground. With Hakeem and I, we know that we can come together with good product when we have the right intentions in mind. Senators Hatch and Alexander have been champions in the Senate, where they have introduced companion legislation. Congressmen Issa, Rooney, and Crowley have all been key players, and many from different States have all taken part in this. As I have said earlier, they come from many places: David Israelite with NMPA; Bart Herbison from Nashville Songwriters Association International; Dina LaPolt, Michelle Lewis, and Kay Hanley from SONA; Beth Mathews from ASCAP; Mike O'Neill from BMI; Chris Harrison from Digital Media; Michael Beckerman from Internet Association; Mitch Glazier from Recording Industry Association of America; Todd Dupler and Darryl Friedman from Recording Academy; and others, such as Rick Carnes, Mike Huppe, Curtis LeGeyt, and many others; also my friends, one sitting behind me, Marsha Blackburn as well, who has been at the forefront of this. Mr. Speaker, before I finish up in just a little bit, I do need to thank two more, and that is my staff, who have lived with me, who have worked with me for a long time: Brendan Belair, my chief of staff, who has kept us on target; and Sally Rose Larson. You couldn't meet a better steel magnolia, who has shown herself to be such an invaluable asset during this process. Mr. Speaker, I want to end not with the bill. We will talk about it. But what brought me to this point and what brought me to this area and why this is so important today as we move forward for generations of others: I want to take you back in time almost 40-plus years to a state trooper's kid in north Georgia whose friends were books, whose friends were music, a radio, and songs that came true. It was in there that those songs that would come out, the music and lyrics, would take me to places far away from northeast Georgia and let me travel the world long before I could even drive a car. When we talk about copyright and we talk about the creator's spirit, it is about the creator's spirit, what comes out of their heart, that comes out of their mind, that comes through their hands and out of their mouths and into the lives that touch everyone of whom we become a part. This is about something bigger than ourselves. And my friend Hakeem and all the rest who have worked on this show that this place, when put properly forward, can touch the very soul of America. We have new ways of hearing that music nowadays, long past a radio. And the digital companies needed a place where they could give music to others, but songwriters needed to be fairly compensated. When I think of my friends who write music--Hakeem, we have talked to so many--it is about hopes, it is about dreams, it is about everything in this place. Any one of us in here would think of a song that could make us think of the first time we fell in love, the first time we had our heart broken, the first time we laid someone to rest, the first time we got that joyful noise of a new job or a new hope. Today, Mr. Speaker, we come carrying the dreams of those who have not even yet understood a song, of those who have not yet understood a melody. We carry those dreams into the future. And I want to thank everybody who has been a part of this, because today the song lives on, because it all begins with that emotion, with that heart, and with that melody.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the River Street Tavern in Ellijay, Georgia. After conducting a nationwide poll, the Brewer's Association and Forbes Magazine recognized this local favorite as one of the best craft beer restaurants in the country. With Gilmer County roots that trace back multiple generations, Brad and Heather Simmons have always been active in their community. Brad worked as a sergeant in the Gilmer County Fire Department, and Heather managed Jilly's Pub, a role that inspired her to have a restaurant of her own. Years later, Brad and Heather bought Jilly's Pub, which they turned into the River Street Tavern. Since 2014, the restaurant has proudly served up sips of North Georgia with its wide variety of locally brewed beer. Committed to welcoming each person who passes through their doors, the staff at River Street Tavern has turned many Northeast Georgians into regular guests. Whether they're enjoying live music or trying to get a dollar to stick to the ceiling, people return to the restaurant for good fare and good company. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the River Street Tavern on its well-deserved achievement. I wish Brad, Heather, and the rest of the team well as their business continues to grow

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate two of my Hall County neighbors, Jacob and Joab Bowen, who were honored by the community as ``Farmers of the Year'' at the Annual Agribusiness Awards Program. Jacob and Joab's father, Paul Bowen, started a chicken farm in 1987. Following his example, the two brothers have worked on their family's farm since its inception. Each year, the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and the Hall County Cooperative Extension host the awards ceremony to highlight achievements in our community's agriculture industry. In the last decade, Jacob and Joab have succeeded in managing their farm's expansion, earning them an honor at this year's event. What began as a small operation has grown into a large-scale farm that contains 16 chicken houses and several acres for cattle. Annually, the Bowen farm produces more than 22 million pounds of antibiotic-free chicken. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Bowen brothers for their diligence in a crucial yet often undervalued profession. Our communities depend on the food that Jacob, Joab, and many Northeast Georgia farmers produce, and I am grateful for their work.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lorena Camp Collins for her dedication to her community's health and well- being. For 55 years, Ms. Collins has spent her spare time volunteering at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, giving more than 24,000 hours of her life to supporting patients, family members, visitors, and medical staff. When holidays approached, she never hesitated to fill in for fellow volunteers and staff, allowing them to spend time with their families. In 2004, Ms. Collins earned the Marjorie Covington Smith Auxilian of the Year title, and Governor Deal honored her for 50 years of service in 2013. She never allowed such praise to distract her, and she has continued to invest her energy in the medical center. I am proud to honor Ms. Lorena Collins for her decades of selfless sacrifice.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Gainesville Vision Clinic, a local optometry practice in its 103rd year of operation. Northeast Georgia serves as the home to many family-owned businesses that have been in operation longer than I've been alive. A business's 100th year marks a meaningful milestone for the family that operates it--making the Gainesville Vision Clinic's achievement special to our corner of Georgia. This optometry practice has been managed by three generations of the Morrison family: Dr. J.C. Morrison, Sr.; Dr. J.C. Morrison, Jr.; and my friend, Dr. Bill Morrison, who currently runs the practice. After receiving his Georgia optometry license in 1917, Dr. J.C. Morrison, Sr. opened the Gainesville Vision Clinic on Bradford Street along the community square. He managed the practice for 49 years until his son took over in 1964 and, eventually, his grandson began leading it in 1975. Throughout the course of a century, this family's commitment to caring for their neighbors has remained constant. As the Morrison optometry legacy lives on, I celebrate their contributions to the Gainesville community as a family-owned business.