Joe Cunningham

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember Samuel H. Altman's legacy in the Lowcountry. A true Charlestonian, Sam was born and raised in the Lowcountry. Sam was a hard worker and began working in his father's furniture shop, studied hard in school, and went on to become an attorney for 54 years. He met a beautiful and talented artist named Susan, who ended up stealing his heart. They spent 55 magical years together, traveling often, and spending time with their children. Sam had many different interests and creative pursuits in life. He loved the Big Easy and would visit New Orleans time and time again. Sam took pride in the sights and culture of Charleston, and felt called to serve on the City of Charleston Board of Zoning Adjustment for over 25 years. Sam was a frequent fan in the stands at the College of Charleston Cougar basketball games, but was also the number one fan and biggest champion of Susan's art. Sam was a man of integrity who led by example and was happy to help any and everyone. It was a privilege to know him and a blessing to call him a friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and loved ones mourning his passing.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the wonderful life of Don Fowler. Don Fowler fervently worked at improving and molding the South Carolina Democratic party to be inclusive, inspiring, and of strong moral ground. He served as chairman of the S.C. Democratic Party and Democratic National Party. Fowler served 30 years in the United States Army, was a member of the Washington Street United Methodist Church, and was a lifetime member of the NAACP. Fowler loved politics and he loved people. His years of educating spanned over five decades and his teachings will be passed down by his beloved students for many decades to come. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 7:8. Don Fowler lived to serve his loved ones, his community, and the party he cherished, and he now rests in Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, students, and anyone that was lucky enough to know the legend of Don Fowler.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise with honor to address this Chamber one last time. And I say ``with honor,'' because it has been truly that to serve the people of South Carolina's First Congressional District. I want to thank them for that opportunity, particularly because, by most accounts, I never should have been here in the first place. I was reminded of that over the Thanksgiving holiday as I walked on the beach on Sullivan's Island with my 2-year-old son, Boone. We were out there searching for a sandcastle that he had built the day before, but I knew it had been washed away by the tides. I thought about the slim chances I had of making it here back in 2018. And then my defeat 2 years later. It became apparent that political victories and losses are as transient and vulnerable as my son's sandcastle on the beach. Especially in a district like ours, a Democrat in a ruby red and gerrymandered district that President Trump carried by 13 points back in 2016, one that had not been served by a Democrat in my lifetime. But we made it here by promising something different, by promising to work with one another, reach across the aisle, listen to those we may not agree with, and get things done. Washington, D.C., was rife with partisanship and chaos. However, I didn't arrive 2 years ago to simply complain; I came to roll up my sleeves and be part of the solution. Or, as the old adage goes, I did not come to curse the darkness, but to light a candle. But it wasn't just about talk; it was about action. We said we would work across the aisle, and I was ranked the fourth most bipartisan Member in Congress. I said I would work with anyone to get things done, and President Trump signed two of my bills into law. I promised to protect our beautiful shorelines in South Carolina, and we passed my bipartisan bill that did exactly that. We showed that working together can manifest remarkable results, all of which was made possible by the dedication of my incredible staff and with the love and support of my family. Sadly though, here in Washington, D.C., bipartisanship and civility seem to be the exception and not the rule. In my short tenure, I have been disappointed with a lot that I have encountered. I have seen Members consistently put their party ahead of their own people; embracing conspiracy theories or arguments detached from reality while knowing better and, sometimes, admitting so privately. I have seen Members mock the President behind his back and praise him to his face; loathe him in private and worship him on television. I have seen them intentionally spread misinformation and lies, flirt with white supremacists, and pander to the most extreme voices in our society. And it has been for one reason and one reason alone: self- preservation; people more interested in protecting themselves and their party than protecting our country; more interested in keeping their job than doing their job. Such reckless and selfish behavior has created a system where most politicians can't lose and most Americans can't win. And when it is time to tackle the greatest challenges before us, our leaders cannot even agree on the problems, let alone the solutions. Today's elected leaders bear a tremendous responsibility to be the custodians of our young and fragile democracy. And make no mistake, our democracy has been battered and bruised, but it is not yet broken. And to save it, we must agree on one basic truth: that the other side is not the enemy. The enemy is the stubbornness of our own biases. The enemy is a political system that seeks to divide us for sport. Let's fight that and not each other. Our country is facing some serious issues right now, and our country will be much better served if Democrats and Republicans can come together. My grandfather always told me that you can get through about any problem if you actually sit down with somebody and have a beer together. I have been trying to work with people since the first day I got here. I won't ever stop reaching across the aisle or trying to work with one another or sitting down and having a beer and listening to each other. For the betterment of this country, we have to come together. We have to sit down, listen to each other, and maybe even have a beer. In the spirit of bipartisanship and cooperation, I raise this glass to my colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I arise today to honor the short life of Annabelle Kristine Beauchamp of Bellevue, Kentucky. Annabelle was only three years of age when she left us on December 2, 2020. But in that short time on earth, she inspired a multitude of people with her great inner strength, determination, and fearless zest for life. She bedazzled the world as to how anyone so frail could be so powerful. Born with Downs Syndrome and a badly damaged heart she endured against all odds. Annabelle fought her way through numerous surgeries, and frequent and prolonged stays in the hospital. In the end, it still took a monstrous and murderous worldwide pandemic to vanquish her. With her death-grappling struggle she easily won all of us to her side. As Virgil wrote, ``those things doomed to die, touch the heart.'' Against the torrent of hardships which beset her from the very beginning, sweet Annabelle gallantly soldiered on through it all. With her captivating smile and determination, she breathed life into the state's ethos of unbridled spirit. Though faced with many obstacles at birth, Annabelle was richly blessed with two incredibly brave and loving parents--Will and Jessi Beauchamp. They proved to be a match in love and devotion with little Annabelle's undaunted courage. Anyone blessed to have known Annabelle during her short life knows that she did not intend to leave us so soon. She intended to live, to grow, to thrive and to bless us all for a long time to come. She intended to stay and bless us, no matter what it took. But, tragically, death conquers the earthly vessel in which we live, even if possessed of the vigor and zest as our little heroine. Annabelle left behind a little bit of herself wherever she went. No amount of physical impediments nor human restraints can be retentive to the strength of spirit. She left us with the eternal gift of that spirit. Even now, though freshly gone, she whispers to us in her own unique and endearing voice. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not dead, I did not die. I am the stars that shine at night, I am the sun in morning's light. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I do not sleep, I did not die.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and sincere gratitude that I rise today to recognize Lane Lofton. A Mississippi native, Lane grew up in the South with his parents, Lynne and Bill Lofton, and his brother and sister, Will and Lydia Lofton. Not ready to part with his Southern roots quite yet, he attended Samford University in Alabama, where he began his life in politics. Lane moved from the Alabama district operations for House Representative Bobby Bright to D.C. in 2009. It was probably the best move ever because it was in Washington that Lane met and married the love of his life, Anna York Lofton. They both have immense love for their two French bulldogs, Duey and Shirley. After nearly a decade of service in government relations, Lane interviewed to be my chief of staff about 2 years ago. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was at the end of a very long day of orientation, and he was the last interview of the day. I remember saying to myself after he left that we must have saved the best for last. Either that or it was a long day and I was overly tired and easily impressed, although I firmly believe that it was the former. The fact is that there is no one else I would rather have by my side over these last 2 whirlwind years than Lane Lofton. Together, we entered the 116th Congress with the Nation's longest government shutdown and ended it with a global public health and economic crisis. But no matter the problems at hand, Lane worked diligently every single day to support our office as we passed landmark legislation, fostered relationships across the aisle, and then sometimes he just reminded me to fix my tie. A tried and true public servant, Lane has always put the needs of others first, especially the 20-person office that he managed. That team can attest that, every single day, even when Lane had a bad day, he never showed it. He came to work every day with an ear to listen, a voice of reason, and a smile on his face. He sets an incredible example of selflessness in the work that he takes on, and he has been an invaluable mentor for our younger staffers. I look forward to watching the future successes that Lane will find in his personal and professional life. I think that his next challenge will be one of his biggest because Lane and his wife, Anna, will welcome their first son in February. I could not be more excited to watch their young family grow. Welcome to the No Sleep Club, Lane, and welcome to finding a level of love and devotion that you did not know you were capable of. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your service to the Lowcountry and for becoming a lifelong friend.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pat Walker and her contributions to bettering the Lowcountry, one meal at a time. For the past eight years, Pat has served as the President and CEO of the Lowcountry Food Bank and helped increase their efforts for food distribution of underserved communities in our district. Pat's entire life has been about service to others--from a 30-year career in education as a high school teacher and guidance counselor, followed by her 10 years at East Cooper Meals on Wheels as President and CEO prior to joining the Lowcountry Food Bank in 2012. As her friends and colleagues will tell you, Pat's job is not as much an occupation as it is higher calling. Her legacy to the organization includes exceeding all goals established by Feeding America and expanding into the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina with three food distribution centers along the coast. Pat Walker will now get to enjoy a well-deserved retirement and can rest assured that her tenure at the Lowcountry Food Bank leaves a blueprint for further growth. I thank Pat for her service to the Lowcountry. It is leaders like her that make our community a better place for everyone to live.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend Sh'Kur Francis of the New Hope United Methodist Church. This church was founded 136 years ago, and Rev. Francis represents a new optimism for the New Hope Church. With an upbringing from Charleston and Gullah-Geechee roots, Reverend Francis represents the Lowcountry well in upstate South Carolina. He will celebrate his sixth year of ministry there on November 15, 2020. Reverend Francis has been able to help the congregation grow and challenge previously held thoughts, to great success. Since his tenure as minister, the church attendance rate has nearly tripled. Reverend Francis has been an activist his whole life and uses his ministry to talk about important social justice issues. His devotion calls to mind Isaiah 1:17, where we are told, ``Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and please the widow's cause.'' Reverend Francis has done impeccable and meaningful service to our state, and I wish him many more years of ministry. At only 26, he has made quite the impact on his community, and I look forward to seeing his growth in the years to come.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Captain Wayne Magwood. Captain Magwood was a Lowcountry legend along Shem Creek for many years and his famed boat, the Winds of Fortune, has been a staple of the waters even decades before Magwood. He retired in July after trawling since the age of 12. Captain Magwood was featured in an episode of Dirty Jobs in 2005, and made subsequent appearances in Rucker's ``Come Back Song'' video, and on The History Channel, The Weather Channel, and Amazing Race. He is credited with authentically representing the incredibly difficult work of Lowcountry shrimpers and fishermen. Captain Magwood was honored in 2011 by the Governor with The Order of the Palmetto award, South Carolina's highest Civilian honor for extraordinary lifetime services. And what an extraordinary life Magwood lived, as a third-generation shrimper and a beloved mentor to the next generation of shrimpers. He has now been honored with the renaming of the pedestrian bridge in Shem Creek. While the bridge will carry on Captain Magwood's name, his legacy lives on in the many younger shrimpers he mentored and taught. I am thankful for his service to the Lowcountry and introducing our way of life to so many. My deepest sympathies are with the entire Magwood family and Shem Creek shrimping community.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the heroic actions of Heidi Drees, a Jefferson Award winner. On July 1, 2020, Heidi saved the life of a wounded Charleston County deputy, Mike Costanzo, after deciding to stop when she saw a crumbled human on the ground. Not only did she pull over to report and update details of the accident to 911, Heidi did what any courageous and kindhearted person would do; she comforted Deputy Costanzo in his dire time of need. Heidi held his hand, kept him alert, and she did not leave his side until medical professionals arrived on the scene. Heidi and Mike have mutually agreed that they are connected for the rest of their lives, and Heidi knows that it was a higher power that put her there on that day. I rise today to honor Heidi with the hope that she may be an inspiration to us all if we find ourselves in similar situations.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Judge Richard E. Fields of Charleston, South Carolina. I am in awe of his continued public service to the Lowcountry and his trailblazing legacy for the African American community of our state. After graduating from Howard University School of Law in 1947, Judge Fields was the first black attorney to open a law firm in Charleston. He found success after success an serve honorably as a South Carolina Circuit Court judge until his retirement in 1992. Judge Fields is a proud worshiper at the historic Centenary Methodist Church, where he was elected as Treasurer in 1950 and still holds that position to this date. For more than 50 years, he served as the delegate to the South Carolina Annual Conference and was a member of the Merger Committee that desegregated the white and Black conferences of the United Methodist Church during the late 1960s and early 1970s. A voting rights ``champion, Judge Fields helped form the Charleston County Political Action Committee where he organized black voters and helped elect Black South Carolinians to office. Anyone who knows Judge Fields can attest that he is a friend who quickly becomes family. He is more than willing to offer legal advice or spiritual affirmations and he does so with integrity and kindness. Not many people can say they have a U.S. Post Office named after them like Judge Fields; even less can say they have lived such a fulfilling and philanthropic life like Judge Fields. I thank Judge Fields for an incredible century of service to South Carolina.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, when I came to Washington, I promised that I would help to champion legislation that would make this planet a better place for future generations, and that is why I am proud the ACE Act will be signed into law. The ACE Act is a bipartisan sportsmen's package that ensures that we leave this planet in better shape than we found it. The ACE Act serves as a thank-you to the outdoor enthusiasts of South Carolina's First District, and the millions like them across the United States, by providing reauthorizations for vital conservation programs. The Lowcountry's hunters and anglers are some of the strongest stewards of our natural resources, and this bill is a promise that this partnership will continue for generations. I want to thank Representative Mike Thompson for his leadership. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get the ACE Act past the House and signed into law.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Amari President. Amari was only 16 years young when he passed, but his wisdom was already far beyond his years. Despite being too young to vote, he knew the importance of his civic duty to hold public officials accountable and to be involved in his local community. That involvement brought Amari into my life when he attended one of my very first townhalls and left me with a question. In my subsequent conversations with Amari, it was clear that his leadership and vibrancy were going to take him to big and wonderful places in life. Anyone who was lucky enough to know Amari knew his dreams were big but achievable for someone as bright and determined as him. You just knew Amari would find a way to achieve every single one of them, especially living up to his name and becoming a U.S. President one day. And he would have my vote. Beyond his ambition, his family knew Amari as compassionate, empathetic, and driven to serve others. Amari wanted to spread kindness and joy wherever he went. He went the extra mile to be a beacon of light and knew how to brighten your day by sharing his warmth through a big grin. His 16 years have left an incredible imprint on the Lowcountry, and his legacy will be found in every heart that Amari touched, including mine. I mourn this tragic loss with his family, his classmates, and the massive community that was blessed to know Amari and his greatness.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan legislation introduced by my colleague, Representative Dunn, and myself, which would ensure that lifesaving research and clinical trials are made available to reduce the rate of prostate cancer for our Nation's veterans. Prostate cancer is the number one cancer diagnosed in the Veterans Health Administration, and numerous reports have established a link between cancer and military service, including exposure to certain herbicides like Agent Orange. Early detection of this disease is critical, and veterans deserve a health system that provides both early detection and successful treatment. This bill will do just that. It is our job to ensure that, when our brave men and women return home from their service, the VA is there to rehabilitate them and reintegrate them back into civilian life. They deserve our unconditional support, which is why I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring our obligation to our veterans and vote in support of this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to produce a duplicate engrossment of H.R. 1812.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, good local journalism builds the foundation of a strong community. In the Lowcountry, we are blessed with some fantastic journalists, and I would like to highlight one of them today: Quintin Washington. Through his independent web series, called Quintin's Close Ups, Quintin has kept his finger on the pulse of our community by doing literally thousands of interviews with the Lowcountry's most influential people. From Presidential candidates to Members of Congress to business officials, you would be hard pressed to find an elected official in South Carolina who has not sat down with Quintin on camera. Mr. Speaker, Quintin doesn't do this for money or notoriety, but a genuine love for our community and a desire to make sure that everyone is informed. His interviews are invaluable to the Lowcountry, and we are incredibly grateful for his service. I know that I speak for everyone in the Lowcountry when I wish Quintin Washington many more years of first-class journalism.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Lenny Krawcheck to the city of Charleston in his time as the chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals. In his more than four decades on the board, Lenny played a critical role in shaping Charleston into the destination it is today, a consummate tourist attraction that has never lost its charm or sense of self. Lenny became chairman of the board in 1979 at the request of Mayor Joe Riley. During his tenure he helped revitalize the city, while staying true to Charleston's unique history and culture. Lenny quickly developed a reputation as a knowledgeable and fair arbiter. Even if folks disagreed with the final decision made by the Board of Zoning Appeals, they respected Lenny's integrity and commitment to do right by the city. As he leaves public service to focus on his personal life, the city of Charleston owes Lenny Krawcheck an enormous debt of gratitude.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Dr. Gene Budig of lsle of Palms, South Carolina. Gene was raised in the small town of McCook, Nebraska where his love of baseball began at age 12. He wrote to then St. Louis Browns owner, Bill Veeck, asking for a tryout and received a letter back informing Gene that he could have a tryout under the stipulations that he graduate high school. This formative moment taught Gene that with a little audacity and a lot of hard work, achieving his dreams was possible. In his 81 years, Gene served in countless leadership positions across the country, from Major General in the Air National Guard; University President at lllinois State, West Virginia and Kansas; and a newspaper executive and author, just to name a few. Despite his lengthy educational career, anyone who knew Gene knew his deep passion for baseball and that he wore his love for the game, and the Yankees, on his sleeve. Gene was the last President of the American League, where he celebrated diversity and hired Larry Doby, the first Black player in the American League, as an assistant. The Charleston RiverDogs brought Gene back to his childhood barter with Bill Veeck, but this time, he was shaking hands with his son, Mike Veeck. In the 14 years that Gene served as co-owner, it was clear how much the franchise loved Gene. We will all miss his kind presence. Gene is survived by Gretchen, his wife of 57 years, his three children, and his siblings. The Lowcountry mourns this loss but will remember Gene for the life he lived as a loving father, a leader full of wit and integrity, and an avid fan of all things baseball.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Amari President. Amari was only sixteen years young when he passed, but his wisdom was already far beyond his years. Despite being too young to vote, he knew the importance of his civic duty to hold public officials accountable and to be involved in his local community. That involvement brought Amari into my life when he attended one of my very first town halls and left me a question. In my subsequent conversations with Amari, it was clear his leadership and vibrancy were going to take him to big and wonderful places in life. Anyone who was lucky enough to know Amari knew his dreams were big, but achievable for someone as bright and determined as him. You just knew Amari would find a way to achieve every single one of them, especially living up to his name and becoming a U.S. President one day. Amari had my vote. Beyond his ambition, his family knew Amari as compassionate, empathetic, and driven to serve others. Amari wanted to spread kindness and joy wherever he went. He went the extra mile to be a beacon of light and knew how to brighten your day by sharing his warmth through a big grin. His sixteen years have left an indelible imprint on the Lowcountry and his legacy will be found in every heart Amari touched, including mine. I mourn this tragic loss with his family, classmates, and the massive community that was blessed to know Amari and his greatness.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the great life and legacy of Bill Hall, Sr. A remarkable businessman, dedicated father, and Lowcountry icon, Bill Hall embodied the American dream. He built his legacy from the ground up. Bill started his career bussing tables at age thirteen, moved up to grocery boy, and in the blink of an eye, his hard work left him running one of the most popular restaurants in the Palmetto State. Bill set a standard for hospitality and it started with a smile and a handshake. This is what you expected the minute you stepped into Hall's Chophouse and Bill never failed to deliver. Running restaurants from coast to coast was a family affair. Jeanne Hall, the love of his life, was always by Bill's side and his sons, Tommy and Billy Hall, can be found running operations at his establishments in the gentlemanly fashion their father passed on to them. Bill loved his work, his family, and the Lowcountry. Our community is heartbroken by this loss as we mourn a phenomenal leader. My thoughts are with his loved ones and employees. Bill will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marine Corps Captain E. Thomas ``Tom'' Pinnell III, who will be promoted to the rank of Major this weekend. Capt. Pinnell was commissioned into the Marine Corps in 2010. A college baseball athlete, Capt. Pinnell has earned the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar's ``Athlete of the Year'' award not once, but twice. He may not reach the status of a future Hall of Famer like Yadier Molina of his cherished St. Louis Cardinals, but Capt. Pinnell's athleticism set him up to represent Team USA in the CISM Military World Cup. Capt. Pinnell has also given back to the Marine Corps as a top recruiter, selecting the best and brightest to lead the next generation of Marines. His expertise won him the title of ``Recruiter of the Year'' of the Midwestern Region. In the coming months, Capt. Pinnell will transition from active duty to the reserves in order to begin a promising career in the practice of law. Capt. Pinnell and his wonderful wife, Lisa, just welcomed into the world their third child, Weston, little brother to Theo and Davis. Capt. Pinnell is a loving father who has given many years of service to this great nation. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Capt. Pinnell for his promotion and in wishing him all the best on his endeavors.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the Great American Outdoors Act, and to express my gratitude for so many of my friends and colleagues, including the 252 cosponsors from both sides of the aisle who are working with me to secure the greatest achievement for conservation in a generation. Mr. Speaker, my bipartisan legislation gives Congress a chance to deliver a massive win not only for our irreplaceable parks and public lands, but also for this institution as a whole by showing the American people that we can work together and keep our promises. The Great American Outdoors Act will honor our Nation's commitment to conservation in two important ways. First, it fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund, our most important conservation program. LWCF preserves the best of America, ensuring hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, and other recreational access for all of our constituents. It is the backbone of our $778 billion economy, which accounts for over 5 million jobs across this country. It protects working forests and the jobs that they support in the woods and the mills. And here is the best part: It does it all without spending a dime of taxpayer money. Despite this, we have consistently fallen short in utilizing the full amount of funds in LWCF. Over the past 55 years, we have only spent half the money that we have deposited in the fund, thereby creating an unsustainable backlog in the Lowcountry and across this Nation. This legislation will fix that, ensuring at long last that these funds are spent how they were intended. Second, it will relieve the growing multibillion-dollar maintenance backlog in our national forests, parks, and other Federal public lands. From crumbling roads and eroding trails to aging water systems and deteriorating historic sites and visitor centers, the widespread disrepair of our national treasures is only getting worse. The Great American Outdoors Act will address this as well by making essential investments to reverse the damage, while creating over 100,000 jobs in the process. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is grounded in two basic principles: that Congress should invest funding set aside for conservation towards the public good, and that we should pay the maintenance bills we have already accrued. It is time that we honor our promises. In South Carolina, the LWCF has protected the hallowed ground of Fort Sumter, the living outdoor classroom of Congaree National Park, the Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant, the Folly Beach Boardwalk, and literally hundreds of other local and State parks. In my district, LWCF protected the ACE Basin, which is the largest undeveloped estuary on the Atlantic Coast, providing a home for the area's incredible wildlife, a source of recreation for sportsmen and - women, and a natural safeguard for our coastal communities from devastating weather events. Just this past week, I heard from our veterans about the important role that public lands play in the healing process for many men and women transitioning back to civilian life. They told me how access to nature and the outdoors has helped them find a sense of calm and peace. The power of these places to heal and unite us reaches all the way back here to Washington, where my bill is supported by the Speaker, by the minority leader, and by a large bipartisan majority. Seventy-three Senators have already voted for this bill, and President Trump has specifically asked for us to send it to his desk. In this current climate of division and discord, the Great American Outdoors Act is exemplary of the fact that Republicans and Democrats can still come together to pursue commonsense solutions, do right by our public lands, and keep our word. Mr. Speaker, I invite all my colleagues to join me in supporting our communities, families, public lands, and economy by voting to pass the Great American Outdoors Act.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Representative Palazzo's and my bipartisan amendment, which would ensure that the National Guard servicemembers aiding in our response to COVID-19 have the care that they have earned when they return home. Under current law, National Guard soldiers and airmen on Federal orders are entitled to 6 months of transitional health coverage after they are demobilized. However, the servicemembers activated in response to the coronavirus are not eligible. This amendment, which is identical to my bill, the Support Our National Guard Act, would expand this important benefit to the over 45,000 National Guard servicemembers serving on the front lines of this pandemic. These brave men and women are sacrificing to ensure our Nation overcomes this unprecedented crisis, and they deserve our unconditional support. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring our obligation to our National Guard and vote in support of this amendment.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Rear Admiral Douglas C. Plate. Born 1920, he attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, and was commissioned in 1941. A man of many talents, Rear Adm. Plate had a steadfast foundation of success in his military career. He served on the staff of many fleets in the Pacific and Mediterranean during the second World War. Rear Adm. Plate commanded numerous vessels, like the USS Everett Larson and USS Mitscher. President Nixon assigned Rear Adm. Douglas C. Plate as Commander of the Second Atlantic Fleet, headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia in 1970. He recalls the most memorable moment of his Naval career to be when General MacArthur accepted the Japanese surrender for the Allied Powers. Rear Adm. Plate was the Junior Officer of the Watch on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay when this happened, and what a glorious and memorable day to witness. Plate was appointed Vice Admiral by President Nixon in July 1972. He retired as a Deputy Commander in Chief and Chief of Staff, U.S. Atlantic Command and the U.S. Atlantic Fleet in August 1975. A member of the Greatest Generation, Rear Adm. Plate was married to Peggy Deane Plate for 61 years and has two children. When he is not enjoying the local life of the Lowcountry, he has been very involved in many civic committees and boards. Mr. Plate has lived an incredibly rich life that has spanned an entire century. On behalf of South Carolina's First Congressional District, I extend a happy birthday and wish many blessings to Rear Admiral Douglas C. Plate on his 100th Birthday.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I stand today to remember the brilliant life of Melanie Arlene Thwing-Eastman. Melanie and I met while serving in the American Bar Association's Law Student Division. With Melanie's easy-going charm and sarcastic humor, it just made sense we would become friends. Her zest for life, personal integrity, and her genuine passion for the practice of law made her a natural leader. Melanie knew how to brighten a room. She knew that kindness went a long way. And she knew that she could not stand idly by when injustice occurred, and she was a fearless truthteller who always strove to do what was right. She made a real difference in the courtroom and the classroom and has left the world a better and brighter place. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with her husband Justin and her family, friends, and the many lives she touched. I join them in mourning this tragic loss.

Mr. CUNNINGHAM

Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendments, which will help fund critically needed flood mitigation infrastructure in South Carolina's Lowcountry and protect my constituents from harmful PFAS contaminants. This month marked the start of hurricane season, and given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is more essential than ever that we invest in flood mitigation infrastructure that will protect places like downtown Beaufort and hospitals in Charleston's medical district. In the Lowcountry, when it rains, it floods. Each year, our communities face tidal flooding that poses significant health, human safety, and economic risks. If a weather-related disaster hits during the COVID-19 pandemic, the results will be severe. That is why I am proud to offer two amendments that will ensure natural disaster preparedness and flood mitigation projects are prioritized in this legislation. I also offered an amendment that will require the Federal Government to investigate wild fish in PFAS-contaminated waters and the risk of consuming such fish to humans and natural predators. In a pair of recent studies, it was determined that PFAS were present in groundwater on Joint Base Charleston, as well as in wild fish in the Ashley and the Cooper Rivers. Given the health and environmental hazards associated with PFAS exposure, it is critical that we ensure my constituents are not put at risk. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in supporting my amendments, as well as the underlying legislation.