Troy Carter

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the ordering of the yeas and nays on the motion that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 533) to require a guidance clarity statement on certain agency guidance, and for other purposes, be vacated, to the end that the motion be considered as withdrawn.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam speaker, I rise to remember the life, spirit, friendship, and leadership of Julie Cherry. Julie Tregre Cherry, age 62, passed away October 25, 2022, in Baton Rouge, far too soon. Julie served most recently as the Secretary- Treasurer to the Louisiana American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and was a former President of the East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers. Julie was a dedicated public servant and fierce fighter for equity and justice. She advocated for laws, regulations, and policies beneficial to working families in the Louisiana Legislature and served on various boards and commissions, including the Louisiana Educational Television Authority, Baton Rouge Fire and Police Civil Service Board, and Governor's Workers' Compensation Advisory Council. In 2014, she received national recognition with the Presbrey Champion of Labor Award from the Workers' Injury Law and Advocacy Group and in 2012, the Dragon Slayer Award from Louisiana Workers' Advocates. Just this year, Julie graduated from the Southern University Law Center with a Juris Doctorate and was looking forward to the next chapter in her professional life helping underserved and under- resourced people in Louisiana. Also, as a life-long music minister, Julie was heavily involved in the local Catholic community, especially the parishes of St. Jean Vianney and Most Blessed Sacrament. She remained a long-time educator and passionate student. Julie is survived by her devoted partner, Richard le Bouef, and children Elaine Blacharski (Tony), Aaron Cherry (Elisabeth), Luke Cherry (Nicole), and Jacob Cherry (Juliette) as well as beloved grandchildren Reed, Penelope, Aaron Jr., James, Arthur, and Louis. She is also survived by mother Jeanne Tregre, sisters Marie Rourke (Mike), Patricia DeWeese (Danny), and Jeanne ``Cathy'' Kelly (Larry), and an extended family of nieces and nephews. Julie was preceded in death by her father, Bruce Tregre, Sr.; brothers Bruce Jr. ``Spike'' and Michael Tregre; former husband, Daniel Cherry; and nephew, Jordy Rourke. I'm sending prayers to Julie's family, friends, students, colleagues, and church community. She will be sorely missed. I take comfort knowing she is with her Savior in heaven.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I rise to remember the life, spirit, and leadership of Reverend Thomas James, SVD, the Divine Word Missionaries. It is with great honor, admiration, and deep privilege that we celebrate the life of Rev. Thomas Anthony James, SVD, who died peacefully on Friday, October 28, after a lifetime of priestly service. He was born on June 11, 1942, in St. Martinville, Louisiana, to Collins Henry James, Sr., and Eva Anthony James and is the eldest of three children. Father James was educated at Notre Dame Catholic Elementary School in St. Martinville. He pursued his studies at St. Augustine Seminary in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Auxiliary Bishop Warren Boudreaux of the Diocese of Lafayette on December 18, 1969. Recognizing the need for and importance of increasing vocations to the priesthood among African Americans, Father James became an active member of the Black Clergy Association and devoted himself to that cause and to his ministry. His first assignment was at Verbum Dei Catholic High School in Los Angeles, California, where he served as Teacher and Principal for almost 20 years. He returned to Louisiana in 1987 and was named Associate Pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lafayette. The following year, he was named Pastor at St. Edward Catholic Church in New Iberia and served as Episcopal Vicar of the South Region of the Diocese of Lafayette under Bishop Edward O'Donnell. In 2002, Father James returned to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lafayette to serve as Pastor. This church had been built to accommodate the ``First Four'' African American priests ordained in the United States, and several of them had been stationed there. A deep historian, Father James connected the parish and its people to the ``First Four,'' understanding their struggles and persevering in service with gratitude. One of his proudest accomplishments was erecting a Memorial to these ``First Four'' African American Priests on the grounds of Immaculate Heart. In 2015, Father James was named Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Broussard, and St. Anthony Mission Chapel in Cade. During his time at Immaculate Heart and in Broussard, Father James served as Episcopal Vicar of the Central Region of the Diocese of Lafayette under Bishop Michael Jarrell and for a brief time under Bishop Douglas Deshotel. In addition, he served three terms as Vice-Provincial for the Southern Province of the Divine Word Ministries and served several terms on the Provincial Council. He dedicated himself to mentoring young priests throughout the course of his ministry, and he embraced a paradigm of truth and service in his quest to share God's Word and open hearts, one person at a time. He was dedicated to service in his support of Miles Perret Cancer Services, Veterans programs, and Hospice of Acadiana, where he served on the Board of Directors. He loved teaching, reading, enjoying time with his friends, fishing, and listening to music. He was a great storyteller, and most of all, he loved to serve God's people and he loved being with his family, whom he cherished so deeply. Father James was preceded in death by his parents, Collins and Eva James, his nephew and Godson, Collins James III, great-nephew Christian James Batiste, great-niece Skylar Elizabeth Batiste, and great-nephew Denzel Anthony Batiste; and a host of other relatives. He is survived by his siblings, Sister Geneva James, SSF, and Collins James, Jr. and his wife, Hazel; his niece Louise and her husband, Amos Batiste, Jr.; great nephews Dylan and Tyler Batiste and Brandon Chapman; great-nieces Naseyani and Khylee James and their mother, Forqueena James; and a host of relatives and friends. I'm sending prayers to Father James' family, friends, students, colleagues, and church community. He will be so missed. I take comfort that now, he is at peace with his Savior in heaven.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Barbara Ellen Palazzolo Marullo. Mrs. Marullo peacefully passed away October 3, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born the third of four children on April 17, 1941, in Queens, New York to Emma and Joe Palazzolo. Four years later, her family moved back to her father's hometown of New Orleans where they remained the rest of their lives. Barbara was a devout Catholic and believed in the blessing of family. As a young girl she would often spend long moments before bed praying for every single family member before going to sleep. Her faith remained strong until her death and was a hallmark of her character and personality. But it wasn't just faith which defined Barbara, she was a talented singer. In her senior year at John McDonogh High School in the Mid-City neighborhood of New Orleans, Barbara wrote and performed the class song for the graduation ceremony. So talented was she, that upon graduation, Barbara was offered a music scholarship to Southeastern University in Hammond, Louisiana, but turned it down opting to work and start a family. Though that didn't quell her desire to continue singing. And anyone who knew Barbara, knew faith, family and music defined her, and through the years she juggled all of them. She met her first husband, Jack, in high school, and a couple of years later they married and started a family. Together they had three children, Jay, Gina and Nicolle. During this time Barbara continued singing and working with local bands as the lead singer at local music venues and clubs throughout New Orleans. As time progressed, thoughts and feelings changed and Barbara moved on from her first marriage, and eventually met and married her second husband A.P. Marullo who brought two children of his own from a previous marriage, Joey and Anna. With their blended family in place, Barbara and A.P. had two more children together, Jude and Anthony. Through her life Barbara remained committed to her family and God, but music was never far from her heart. She continued singing in and around New Orleans, cut a few records and even performed on live TV during the local segments of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. As time passed, Barbara moved away from performing for entertainment, and combined her love of music, and her devotion to her faith, and began singing in church. Barbara sang regularly at her parish church, St. Peter, in Covington, Louisiana, as a cantor and choir member. She also made friends with the choir directors at the Catholic churches in Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach, Florida, and sang at Mass with their respective choirs during her frequent visits to the beach. Barbara remained independent and active up until her time in the hospital before her passing and will be most remembered for her God-given natural beauty, lovely singing voice, and her passion and love she had for her family and God. Barbara was preceded in death by her mother Emma Palazzolo (Campione) and her father Joseph Palazzolo; her brother Jerome Palazzolo, and her sister Joyce Chiusano (Palazzolo), and is survived by her husband Anthony P. (AP) Marullo, Jr., her former husband Jack W. Galle Sr.; her five children, Jack (Jay) W. Galle, Jr., Gina Bergeron (Galle), Nicolle Polit (Galle), Jude D. Marullo, and A.P. (Anthony) Marullo, III; and her two step-children Joey C. Marullo, and Anna M. Marullo. Barbara is also survived by four adult grandchildren, Brittany A. Polit, Gabrielle A. Bergeron, Edward C. Bergeron III, and Private Second-Class Timothy J. King; nine grandchildren, Elizabeth, Mia, Rocco, Eli, Enzo, Ily, Cohen, Gage, and Mila; and two step-grandchildren, Kai and Elise. Barbara is also survived by her sister, Cynthia Hern (Palazzolo). May the Lord cradle His child Barbara; may she rest in peace. So many people's lives have been enriched because of the love and passion she expressed in touching them along the way. While the grieving process never truly ends, I pray that the day will come when her memory brings a smile to their face before it brings a tear to their eyes. There are no words to describe how much she was loved, and how greatly she will be missed.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to celebrate a dear friend and committed servant across the Country, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Roderick ``Rico'' Alvendia upon his appointment to the board of directors at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; and celebrating his 52nd birthday. President Joe Biden has appointed New Orleans attorney and retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Roderick ``Rico'' Alvendia to the board of directors at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Biden selected Alvendia to serve a three-year term on the board. He will advise the president on the ongoing status and morale of the U.S. Military Academy. Since 1802, West Point has educated and trained future officers to lead in the U.S. Army, and Alvendia will serve on its historic 200- year-old Board of Directors alongside senior members of Congress, including U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, U.S. Senator Richard Burr, and fellow Iraq War veteran U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. Alvendia served honorably as an Army Officer for 25 years and received the Bronze Star Medal for his service during combat operations in Iraq in 2005 with the Louisiana National Guard 256th Brigade Combat Team, where he was part of an international team of lawyers who assisted Iraqi prosecutors in their criminal trials against insurgents. A Loyola Law School graduate, Alvendia dedicates his time to raising his son, Noah, and co-managing the Alvendia, Kelly and Demarest Law Firm as a successful trial lawyer, while also helping Louisiana veterans in need. In 2013, together with other Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, Alvendia started the Legion of Mars Mardi Gras Krewe, the first New Orleans carnival organization established to honor U.S. military veterans and their families. Alvendia and the Mars Krewe have since helped thousands of local veterans while deployed or in financial hardship. Alvendia is also recognized as a major philanthropist throughout Louisiana, assuring those less fortunate are never left behind. Alvendia is also recognized as a major philanthropist throughout Louisiana, assuring those less fortunate are never left behind. I am beyond proud of my friend as he represents his fellow New Orleanians and Louisianans, continuing to help local veterans as he serves on the Board of Visitors. Alvendia will continue working at his law firm and remain based in New Orleans while traveling to New York and Washington, D.C. throughout his 3-year Presidential Appointment. A huge congratulations to retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Roderick ``Rico'' Alvendia. It is a remarkable achievement that deserves to be celebrated and marked in the most fitting way. We thank him for his service, while celebrating his 52nd birthday.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Ebenezer Baptist Church as they celebrate their 100th year of serving the New Orleans Community. On September 22, 1922, a meeting was called by Rev. Marshall Lewis, Sr. where the first officers were elected, prayer was offered, and the Church was organized. They began services in a rented space before shortly moving to its iconic and enduring home, 2415 South Claiborne Avenue. Under Founder and 1st Pastor Reverend Marshall Lewis, Sr.'s leadership, the congregation grew, and the church thrived. They were incorporated in 1928, completely paid off by 1935, and Reverend Marshall Lewis, Sr. successfully pastored this congregation from 1922 until his death in 1940. After his passing, and one year of mourning, the congregation chose his son Reverend Marshall Lewis, Jr. as the new pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Rev. Marshall Lewis, Jr. pastored the congregation until his untimely death in March of 1946. From April 1946 to January of 1947, Reverend Alexander BeBell served as the operating pastor; and from January 1947 to October 1947, he served as full Pastor. On October 31, 1947, Reverend Lawrence E. Landrum, Jr. was elected the new Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, ushering in a new era, pioneering, and starting many traditions within the Church. Growing up in the church, Reverend Landrum, Jr. was strongly involved in the community and eventually became a popular musician, singer, and preacher in New Orleans. In 1948, Pastor Landrum led a renovation of their church sanctuary that was completed in 1950. By the next year, Pastor Landrum began a live radio broadcast, combining two of their service choirs to form one of the city's first Mass Choirs titled the ``Radio Choir''. In 1952, Pastor Landrum ordained the First Woman Preacher in the Baptist Church, Rev. Viola Allen Miller; and throughout his Ministry he ordained hundreds more. In 1958, Pastor Landrum began to expand the church's community outreach, demolishing the adjacent property to build an educational building. This was completed in 1960 and to this day, houses 6 classrooms, a kitchen, dining area, office, and restrooms. Over the years, Rev. Landrum continued to grow the congregation from 167 members when he first took over, reaching 1,700 members at their peak. In the following years, Rev. Landrum's grandson, Minister Jermaine Landrum began working with and improving different ministries within the church, and by 1995, was appointed to Co-Pastor of the Church. Rev. Jermaine Landrum grew attendance and outreach ministries through both radio and television. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina tested the very fiber of the church. Following this disaster, the church had to undergo many changes to continue its operations ultimately resulting in Rev. Lawrence Landrum deciding to retire after 59 years of dedicated pastoring. In its modern era, Rev. Jermaine Landrum continue to strive for growth and rebuilding within this church community. This was accomplished through new forms of outreach, purchasing additional properties, a greater media presence, and many more opportunities. Ebenezer Baptist Church continues to weather through storms and pandemics, as their congregation survived all catastrophic events during 2020 through 2021. And now, the Church is still prospering, standing 100 years strong, and looking forward to better days ahead. Their history shows adaptability and the higher level of determination required to weather through setbacks and storms. Through faith and dedication, remaining as a solid pillar to the New Orleans Community, we honor their resilience as they continue to stand strong and continue serving.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Delgado Community College as it celebrates 100 years of service to the New Orleans Region. The oldest and largest community college in Louisiana, Delgado offers students the most comprehensive array of education and training services available in the New Orleans region. Additionally, Delgado has articulation agreements with most of the state's four-year colleges and universities that allow students to transfer their Delgado credits to bachelor's degree programs. As well as offering degrees and transferable college credits, Delgado provides diplomas and certificates in many professional and technical areas. Workforce development is a priority at Delgado, hence the college's well-known motto: ``Education that works!'' Delgado opened officially on September 13, 1921, as the Isaac Delgado Central Trades School, at 615 City Park Avenue in New Orleans. During its first century, the school evolved into Louisiana's first comprehensive community college and became one of the state's largest higher education institutions. The college has helped to educate generations while advancing the aviation, construction, culinary, health care, maritime, and other industries. Delgado serves a diverse population, providing career training, academic education, and programs to improve the lives of students and support the New Orleans region. For 100 years, Delgado has remained true to its mission of providing post-secondary education that is relevant and positions graduates for rewarding careers in our region's key industries. Delgado communicates constantly with their business and industry partners to ensure that they provide relevant, world-class training. Isaac Delgado's original gift of $800,000 in 1921 to establish the Delgado Trades School has produced today's economic powerhouse for the region. Now, this investment in Delgado generates over $10 in economic activity for every $1 appropriated and has a total annual economic impact of $588 million. Students attend Delgado because they welcome them all and meet them where they are. The best and brightest come attend Delgado for college degrees that prepare them for careers or additional education at a four-year school. Those who need help to find their paths forward-- including non-traditional students and those needing additional exposure to college fundamentals--find a nurturing environment at Delgado where they can thrive. Everything they do at Delgado is focused on the student--they help them succeed at whatever goals a student may have. Delgado's reputation for educational excellence is growing both nationally and in Louisiana. Of the Top 50 community colleges in the nation, Intelligent.com ranks Delgado at No. 37. Given that there were 1,187 community colleges in the survey, that is quite an achievement. No other community college in Louisiana made the Top 50. The availability of these and other rankings online are helpful to those looking to Delgado to prepare for a career, additional study, and all of the other opportunities that a strong educational foundation opens up for Delgado students. Delgado Community College is a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Committee on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredited institution, affiliated with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System with 32,631 students enrolled; a faculty of nearly 900 full-time/part- time faculty members; more than 100 areas of study leading to degrees and certificates, located on seven campuses throughout the Greater New Orleans Region and online. Earlier this year, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh visited New Orleans to participate in a roundtable discussion on investing in and improving conditions in the resilience worker and restoration economy at this campus. The strength of the American economy depends on the strength and resiliency of our workforce. We must ensure that as we grow our economy, we empower and invest in our workforce to include more diverse voices and welcome workers and businesses from all constituencies into critical, growing sectors. We were able to highlight a model example of increasing inclusion into the resilience economy Force's efforts to employ historically marginalized or underemployed communities with good-paying jobs. Delgado is a great example of this investment. I look forward to what they have in store as they begin their next 100 years.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Bowman for organizing this hour to discuss such a critical issue, and I thank him for his leadership. Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of the opportunity to shine light on this critical issue of mental health. Our children are our most precious treasures. For many of us, they are our reason why. Why we work two jobs. Why we go to school. Why we try to overcome personal challenges and become the best version of ourselves. Yet, our system is failing to help our dear children fight their own demons. From kindergartners to young adults, young people of all ages are struggling with mental health and that they are not being met with the services they need to be happy, to be healthy, and tragically, to save their lives. It is truly a crisis, and like most crises we face, the situation is worse for some communities than others, and certainly it is the case for communities of color. Here is a terrifying statistic: Black children under the age of 13 are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to their White peers-- twice as likely. Further, children who survive natural disasters--like many of my constituents in southeast Louisiana--are left with emotional scars that can impact them for their entire lives. A new study published by the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that the stress of experiencing a natural disaster during a pregnancy can substantially increase the risk of childhood depression and anxiety. It is clear that we are in a crisis, and we must act to meet the moment. I am so grateful that the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies of New Orleans has been granted $400,000 from HHS for an initiative to help identify health and wellness policies that are successful in improving Black youth mental health, and including suicide prevention. This year, Congress just passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which will help keep guns out of the hands of individuals who are in danger of potentially hurting themselves or others. But this historic bill also includes $500 million for school-based mental health services, and millions more for certified community behavioral health clinics and mental health telehealth. This year, we also launched the 988 hotline, a mental health hotline and text line, where people can reach trained counselors in their time of need. We must, we can, we will do more. We must make mental health service easy, accessible, and affordable to everyone, particularly our children. We must tear down the stigma and equalize mental health and physical health. It is okay to not be okay. Everyone needs support at a different point in their lives. Everyone needs a little extra help sometimes. Everyone can feel a little down sometimes. Everyone has issues that they think are insurmountable. But guess what? With help, with treatment, help is there, and you can survive it. You have got to know that. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help. Don't ever be afraid to admit that you just don't feel right. Don't ever be afraid to admit that you don't fit in, that you feel different. Help is there. And we have all had moments where we needed help. You have got to know that you can survive, and you will survive this. We must all be trained about the signs of mental health crises and look out for one another. Implementing many of these programs and supporting the mental health professionals who provide these services may have a significant price tag, and from my perspective, it is essential. Any dollar that we spend, any money that we appropriate that saves a life, that gives individuals hope that we care and that resources are available, are dollars well spent. We need to do more. We need to invest in programs and have staff that change and save lives. We need to do it now. We need to continue to fight. Our children are worth it. When someone has high blood pressure, they exercise, they diet, they take a pill. If someone has diabetes, they exercise, they diet, they take a pill. They modify their lifestyles, and they are not ashamed to admit those things. Mental health is no different. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you may need help because help is there for you, and we know empirically that the resources are there, and they make a difference. We have got to get away from feeling like if we need help that somehow some way that means something is wrong with me. Well, there is nothing wrong with you. There is nothing more wrong with you than a person that has a headache who takes an aspirin. There is nothing more wrong with you than somebody who has high blood pressure and takes blood pressure medicine. We can fix it. You are not alone. It is important that you know. To anyone who is struggling, who has children or young people in their lives who are struggling, you are not alone. You will never be alone. Things will get better. Reach out. 988 is available to you 24/7. Experts are waiting to heed your call. Organizations are funded to help you. We are here to help you. You are not alone, and you can and will survive.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, a huge thank you to our incredible leader, my neighbor, my friend, my colleague, my leader, the honorable Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who has the pulse of our country firmly in her grip. I have watched this woman go from country to country fighting for justice and what is right and what is pure. We can't thank her enough in recognition of the great work she does. She stands at this rostrum, and she talks about the atrocities in our country while she continues to fight for atrocities in other countries. I applaud her. I thank her for her incredible leadership. It has been a pleasure to work with her, and America has been a better place because of her. For decades, the CBC has fought for justice, truth, and equality. From within the halls of government that once permitted our ancestors to be enslaved, Congress after Congress, the CBC is at the center of many negotiations and conversations to better the lives of the American people. The 117th Congress was an exceptional example of CBC's leadership. The CBC led the fight for a national infrastructure investment, so that instead of bridges on the brink and toxic sludge, Americans will have resilient infrastructure and clean, safe, reliable drinking water. Today, the CBC leads the fight to reduce child poverty. Through policies like the expanded child tax credit and SNAP, we know that instead of setting kids up to struggle, we are setting them up to succeed. Through policies like the bipartisan Safer Communities Act, we can improve public safety and help prevent terrible, hate-driven crimes like we saw in Buffalo, Uvalde, or any city in the U.S.A. It seems to happen far, far too often. In Louisiana, because of the actions of the CBC and great leaders in this body, we have been able to have kids not have to sit outside of a McDonald's to use the internet. Since Katrina, since the hurricanes that have wrecked our community, since COVID that has wrecked our world, we know that things like broadband are no longer a luxury but a necessity. Yet, in many impoverished communities in my district, people would not have access. Many rural areas would not have access to the internet for telehealth, for education, for business purposes, for everyday life, for shopping. These things would not exist. But I am proud today, because of the efforts of this body and because of the CBC, we are able to deliver and bring those things home to the people of Louisiana and America. We know that because of the infrastructure bill that is now signed into law, Louisiana is seeing dollars flowing that they have never seen before. Bridges that have been on the brink of disaster are being repaired. The opportunity for us to have transportation between New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and beyond is now a reality. The ability to invest money in areas in my State that have been plagued with chemical poisoning, have been plagued with disease, because of the placement of these facilities that have historically settled themselves in communities of Black and Brown. No longer will our communities be the path of least resistance. No longer will people have to literally die for their jobs. We can have coexistence, but coexistence begins with everyone recognizing that the single most important commodity that anyone has is its people. Making sure that we have safe environments and clean environments where our children can be educated, where families can live, where families can earn a good living and enjoy clean air, that is what we fight for at the CBC every day. Louisiana will be the beneficiaries of such efforts. We will continue to fight to make sure that this caucus and this body understands and no longer looks away and says, ``business as usual.'' No longer can we afford to watch children go without. As my dear colleague and chairman of the Education and Labor Committee said moments ago, more money has been invested in HBCUs under this 117th Congress than ever in the history of our country. More money has been put into infrastructure, since the very creation of the Interstate Highway System, under this Congress, and this CBC has played a pivotal role in making these things happen. But it doesn't stop here. We must continue to fight. We must continue to go out and make sure that we tell our story: That we are here, we are working, and we will not let anyone turn the clock back on the efforts that we have fought so valiantly for. I am so proud to serve with giants in the CBC, people that have worked tirelessly for decades to make a difference in our community. There is a lot of work yet to be done. With the leadership of Chair Beatty, Whip Clyburn, and many others, the CBC will continue to secure major wins for the American people, because they deserve it. Madam Speaker, we will continue to fight. Failure is not an option. Madam Speaker, as a senior member of the Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and the Budget, as well as the Congressional Black Caucus, I am proud to stand beside my sisters and brothers to explore the achievements of the Congressional Black Caucus throughout the 117th Congress. I would like to thank Congresswoman Beatty, the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, for organizing this Special Order today. I would also like to thank Speaker Pelosi for her outstanding leadership throughout this Congress. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have been at the forefront of every major legislative achievement this 117th Congress. These achievements have pushed for an increase in equity for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and people from all backgrounds in the United States. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus strongly supported the President's goal of passing legislation that will significantly reduce healthcare costs for all Americans and address the very real climate crisis we are all facing. The Inflation Reduction Act will significantly reduce prescription drug costs and expand health insurance coverage for millions of Black Americans, relieving financial strains on individuals and families. Among adults 65 and older, Black Medicare beneficiaries are 1.5 times more likely than their white counterparts to have trouble affording medications. They are also 2 times as likely to not fill needed prescriptions due to high drug costs. 5.8 million Medicare beneficiaries are African American, which amounts to 10 percent of all beneficiaries. Altogether, 5-to-7 million Medicare beneficiaries will see their prescription drug costs go down because of the provision allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug costs. 3.3 million Medicare beneficiaries will have their insulin costs capped at $35 a month. Seniors will also have their yearly prescription drug costs capped at $2,000. The Inflation Reduction Act will enable free or low-cost health insurance to remain available, allowing over half a million more Black Americans to have health insurance coverage next year, compared to what the situation would be without the IRA. The Inflation Reduction Act is also the most aggressive legislation on climate change and clean energy in American history. This new law will help bring down energy costs for millions of Black Americans, and it includes very strong protections and programs to promote Environmental Justice. The average American family is estimated to see an annual $1,025 in energy savings, as the Inflation Reduction Act tackles one of the largest drivers of inflation--oil and gas prices--by lowering fuel and electricity costs and improving energy efficiency. This bill will prevent thousands of premature deaths by improving the air we breathe, with communities most burdened by pollution enjoying disproportionate health benefits. The Inflation Reduction Act alone will help get America 80 percent of the way to achieving its share of greenhouse gas reductions, and the majority of the way toward President Biden's goal of cutting carbon pollution in half this decade. The members of the Congressional Black Caucus were also leaders in the passage of the Presidents Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The once-in-a-generation investment into our nation's infrastructure addresses the disparate impacts of pollution on communities of color. Black, Hispanic, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Americans--especially those who reside in urban communities--are more likely to be negatively impacted by pollution. Black people are almost three times more likely to die from asthma related causes than their white counterparts. My constituents have already seen the magnificent results of this once-in-a-generation piece of legislation. Houston METRO was granted a $21 million grant to buy battery electric buses and charging infrastructure to replace aging diesel buses that have exceeded their useful life. The electric buses will improve air quality and health--for riders and residents in Houston's historically disadvantaged communities by eliminating nearly 18,000 tons of greenhouse gases over the next 20 years. The passage of the law also allowed me to work closely with Secretary Buttigieg to secure $40 million dollars in funding for Bush Intercontinental Airport. IAH's terminal redevelopment program is the largest project in the airport's 53-year-history. I am very pleased and proud that the CBC's priorities for the 117th Congress included some of my legislation, including the creation of the new Juneteenth federal holiday. On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing June 19th as an annual national holiday. Since I had placed the creation of a Juneteenth federal holiday on the national agenda--introducing H.R. 7232, on June 18, 2020 and reintroducing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in the 117th Congress--witnessing it become law was a true honor and an exhilarating occasion. It was the culmination of years--even decades--of efforts to have the nation formally recognize the importance of Juneteenth and inculcate it into the pantheon of landmark national occasions with profound significance for the country and all Americans. That day at the White House, I celebrated the joyful, yet tearful signing ceremony joined by my congressional colleagues, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, representatives of the numerous organizations who toiled in the vineyards for so long, and the first African American Vice-President. It spoke volumes that the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act had overwhelming bipartisan support, passing by unanimous consent in the Senate and a 415 to 14 vote in the House the next day. Although I had introduced resolutions recognizing Juneteenth since 2013, establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday was a quantum leap further. Enacting the holiday into law was much more than commemorating the historic events associated with Juneteenth. Making Juneteenth a national holiday asserts that the historic occasion is a fundamental part of American history. It elevates Juneteenth into the consciousness of all Americans. It reinforces the point that Black history is American history. National recognition of Juneteenth creates a channel for teaching and learning the truth about slavery which preceded it and both Reconstruction and the Jim Crow era that followed it. Amid this era of misinformation, having the national imprimatur on Juneteenth will launch discussions and awareness of the Black experience in America that will add to multi-ethnic cohesion and mutual respect. Since the 1800s, Juneteenth has been as important to African Americans as July 4th is to all Americans. Consider also that, at the end of the Revolutionary War, while patriots were celebrating the end of colonialism and subjugation, 450,000 African-Americans were trapped in chattel slavery: our country's original sin. Black Americans were considered and treated as property, not as people. Juneteenth is special because, on June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger, the Commanding Officer of the District of Texas, rode into Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of the Civil War and the freedom of the last Americans enslaved in the Confederate states. The announcement of freedom belatedly freed 250,000 slaves in Texas months after the end of the Civil War and two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, went into effect. Texas's newly freed men and women reacted first with shock and then with jubilation when General Granger read these words of General Order No. 3: ``The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection therefore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.'' Until then, slave owners withheld freedom by not informing those whom they enslaved and who enabled their wealth. It was necessary for the Union Army to take control of an area and announce freedom for it to take effect. Because of Galveston's remote location, it was not until June 19, 1865, that the Union Army arrived. General Granger's reading of General Order No. 3 ended chattel slavery, the institutionalized system of perpetual servitude that held generations of Africans in bondage in the our country for 248 years. No longer would human beings be forced into a legalized system of unending, lifelong slavery that was known for gruesome murders, dehumanizing rapes, and tortuous beatings and floggings with leather whips tipped with metal to rip flesh from bone. No longer would the atrocities of slavery be permitted by federal laws. Juneteenth was first celebrated in 1866 under the direction of the Freedmen's Bureau and was often called ``Jubilee Day''. As freed men and women left Galveston to begin their lives anew in other states, the retelling of their Juneteenth memories led to annual celebrations in many other states. Recognizing the importance of this date, former slaves coined the word ``Juneteenth'' to mark the joyous occasion. Yet, in some cases, white officials outwardly resisted the holiday, barring the use of public property for the festivities. So, church grounds were used for the festivities, and, as freed men and women achieved upward economic mobility, some communities purchased land for Juneteenth celebrations. One of the earliest documented land purchases in the name of Juneteenth was organized by Rev. Jack Yates. This fundraising effort yielded $1,000 and the purchase of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas. In the town of Mexia, Texas, the local Juneteenth organization purchased Booker T. Washington Park, which became the Juneteenth celebration site in 1898. Along with parades, prayer readings, performances and cookouts among finely attired attendees, Juneteenth community-centric activities informed Black Americans about voting, promoted education, and showcased the achievements of African Americans and the community. Perhaps because the holiday carried the message of empowerment, Juneteenth activities were sometimes interrupted and halted by white landowners demanding that their laborers return to work. Juneteenth continued to be highly revered in Texas decades later, with many former slaves and their descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston to celebrate June 19th. Juneteenth remains the oldest known celebration of slavery's demise, commemorating freedom while acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions made by courageous African Americans towards, in more recent years, making our great nation the more conscious and accepting country that it has become. Juneteenth was, and is, a living symbol of freedom for people who were denied hope of being free. It serves as a reminder that, as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, ``Freedom is never free,'' and as African American labor leader A. Phillip Randolph often said, ``Freedom is never given. It is won.'' Truer words were never spoken. We should all recognize the power and truth of those guideposts. Juneteenth calls upon us to pause to remember the enormous price paid by all Americans in our country's quest to realize its promise. Juneteenth honors the end of the 400 years of suffering that African Americans endured under slavery and celebrates the legacy of perseverance that has become the hallmark of the African American experience in the struggle for equality. As the poet Langston Hughes reminds us in his famous poem, ``Mother to Son,'' that life in America for African Americans ``ain't been no crystal stair.'' The Jim Crow era in America was marked by violence and terrorism against African Americans as our ancestors sought to activate the promises of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Juneteenth celebrations declined in the 1920s and 1930s partly due to the Great Depression's severe economic difficulties, but mainly because of the resurgence of heinous hate crimes perpetrated by the Ku Klux Klan to derail African Americans from advancing in society politically and economically. Despite the New Deal's progress and post-WWII economic policies, discrimination and the lingering impact of slavery largely excluded African Americans from the creation of the modern middle class. However, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and its legal framework for equality, led to a resurrection of Juneteenth celebrations that celebrated the achievements of Black Americans, reinforcing our community's sense of identity and pride. Juneteenth became an opportunity for us to showcase our successes and our contributions to society, while providing the government with a mirror into demographic disparities and a demand to recommit itself to serving all Americans. Amid this renewed spirit of identity, pride, and equality, Texas state representative Al Edwards introduced a bill, H.R. 1016, to make Juneteenth a state holiday. The bill became law, and on January 1, 1980, Juneteenth officially became a Texas state holiday, making Texas the first state to officially recognize this celebration of emancipation. Representative Edwards actively sought to spread the observance of Juneteenth across America. In the two decades after Texas acted, only a few other states did so. But in the past twenty years, a wave of states followed Texas's lead. By 2021, 49 states and the District of Columbia had commemorated or recognized Juneteenth. Nonagenarian activist Opal Lee, affectionately known as the ``Grandmother of Juneteenth,'' also deserves much credit for the federal holiday. Lee pressed for the holiday for years, and in 2016 at age 89, walked from her home in Fort Worth to Washington, DC, to deliver a petition and raise attention to) the holiday's importance. Today, after decades of rallies, petitions, editorials, and legislation calling for Juneteenth to be a national holiday, we celebrate the 2nd Juneteenth National Independence Day. The transformative significance of Juneteenth since the first celebration in 1866 is a remarkable tale in American history. Though it is now recognized at the national level, it does not erase our nation's racist history in straying from its original promise that ``all men (actually, people) are created equal.'' Every Juneteenth, I return to Frederick Douglass' speech best known as ``What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?'' The answer to this question is Juneteenth. In 2022, we can affirm that June 19, 1865, signifies the start of the American Promise that must be fulfilled and made real for all Americans, including the descendants of slaves. To say 1776 marks the beginning of our free nation begs the question, ``What does freedom mean if we are not all free?'' Juneteenth remains a pivotal moment, signifying the starting point in the emergence from racial oppression that was endured by generations with perseverance, resilience, and determination. This vision is shared by millions of Americans who have held fast to the promise of freedom in our nation while fighting for basic human rights. We know that the struggle which began in 1619 did not end with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The fight did not end two years later in 1865, nor 100 years after that with the passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts. The fight for our freedom continues as a common thread in the fabric of this country. But we also recognize the lack of freedom that persists for many, as well as the injustices, abuse, and discrimination that continue in today's America. The true power of Juneteenth lies both in the commemoration of the past and the possibilities of the future. When VAWA first became law in 1994, it represented a historic shift in the federal government's role in combating violent crimes committed against women. Due to the importance of the legislation and resulting success, VAWA was reauthorized on an overwhelming bipartisan basis in 2000, 2005, and 2013. Recognizing the importance of the law and knowing that the law was set to expire at the end of the year, I introduced the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2018'' in September of 2018. The reauthorization strengthened and enhanced the vital services provided under the law to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Despite our best efforts, the bill was not brought to the floor, and VAWA was allowed to expire at the end of 2018. I continued to work, along with other members, victims, survivors, experts, and advocates, to ensure not only that VAWA would be reauthorized but that we enhanced the law and made it better, more effective, and more responsive to the needs of those seeking to heal after suffering trauma. Therefore, I introduced the bill, HR 1620, the ``Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2021''. This version of the reauthorization represented countless hours of discussions to ensure that we refined and improved upon the earlier iteration of the bill. H.R. 1620 passed in the House and served as foundation for the bill that was introduced in the Senate and was eventually included in H.R. 2471, the ``Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022'' (the Omnibus) and signed by the President. Thankfully, after many hard-fought battles, we were finally able to get the VAWA Reauthorization across the finish line this year. Many of the provisions I included in my bills in 2018 and 2021 carried over to the Senate version of VAWA as well as the Omnibus, such as: The reauthorization of vital grant programs like the Services Training Offices Prosecutors, or STOP grants, administered by the Department of Justice, which allows the use of STOP grants to develop the most effective law enforcement tools and protocols for preventing domestic violence homicides and requires state, territorial, local, and tribal governments to certify that they have established and implemented such programs to be eligible for grants. Creating Hope through Outreach Options, Services, and Education, or the CHOOSE program, which clarifies that funding under the CHOOSE program for children and youth is being provided for the core areas of VAWA--domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking--and that services that target youth should also incorporate youth in underserved communities and sex trafficking and bullying as elements when part of a comprehensive youth violence response program. The preservation of funding for sexual assault services programs, transitional housing grants for victims, grants to states territories, and Indian tribes in rural communities, and grants to support families in the justice system with a history of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Just today, the House passed my bipartisan bill, H.R. 7566, the ``No Trafficking Zones Act.'' The bill would ensure that schools across the country, including institutions of higher education, are safe spaces for learning and academic exploration--free from the menace of sex trafficking. As predators often prey on communities of color, this bill is a strong measure to fight against sex trafficking that often targets young African Americans and other people of color. H.R. 7566 would establish a sentencing enhancement of up to five years in several instances: First, in the case of any person who commits the offense of sex trafficking within a primary or secondary school zone or on or within 1,000 feet of the premises of a school-sponsored activity or premises owned by an institution of higher education; Second, for any person who commits the offense of coercion and enticement of a minor enrolled in a primary or secondary school or a person enrolled in an institution of higher education--to travel in interstate or foreign commerce and engage in criminal sexual activity-- while the minor is in a school zone, or on, or within 1,000 feet of, premises where a school-sponsored activity is taking place or while the person is on, or within 1,000 feet of, premises owned by the institution of higher education; And, third, for any person who commits the offense of coercion and enticement of a minor using the mail or facilities of interstate or foreign commerce--such as text and instant messaging or social media platforms--while the minor who is enrolled in school or an institution of higher education, is in a school zone, or on, or within 1,000 feet of, premises where a school-sponsored activity is taking place or premises owned by an the institution of higher education. Human trafficking is one of the greatest threats to human rights in the United States. In 2020, 11,193 instances of potential human trafficking were reported to the United States National Human Trafficking Hotline with at least 70 percent of those instances involving sex trafficking, while an estimated 25 percent of all human trafficking victims in the country are in my home state of Texas at any given time--many of whom are minors. At least 5,359 of trafficking victims and survivors identified through the hotline in 2019 were under the age of 18, and in 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received more than 17,200 reports of suspected child sex trafficking. Many of these young victims of sex trafficking are students in school systems, colleges, trade schools, and universities across the country. A 2018 survey reported that in Texas--where No Trafficking Zone legislation passed with bipartisan support earlier this year--55 percent of young sex trafficking survivors were trafficked while at school or school activities and 60 percent of trafficked adults said they were first groomed and solicited for trafficking while on school campuses. Members of this body know all too well that children are sexually exploited in many ways. Some young people are trafficked by their schoolmates or people they once considered friends. While traffickers seek out young people who have noticeable vulnerabilities--including problems at school, conflicts at home, or even the need to fill in a tuition gap caused by the loss of a scholarship--no child or young person is truly safe from the schemes of charismatic traffickers bent on exploiting and destroying young lives. With the proliferation of social media and the myriad ways in which we communicate with one another, traffickers have put these same means of communication to their own use--to find, target, lure, groom, victimize, and exert control over their victims. While buyers are using technology to find and purchase sex anonymously. Traffickers have infiltrated every known form of communication-- especially the sites, messaging apps, and social media platforms our children use most frequently--leaving young people more vulnerable to manipulation. Access to the internet, cell phones, and smartphones makes it easier for traffickers and buyers to communicate with children and youth--even when they are at school, in class, or attending school-sponsored activities. As a result, trafficking has reached the halls, lunchrooms, gyms, dormitories, and classrooms of schools, colleges, and universities in every corner of this nation. These staggering facts and statistics led me to introduce this bipartisan legislation which the House passed today to protect young Americans from predators. Last week, the House passed H.R. 8326, the Ensuring a Fair and Accurate Census Act. By reforming the operations of the Census Bureau, this bill--which includes my amendment--would ensure that racial and ethnic equity in the decennial count will be a priority in future Census counts. My amendment would enhance the bill's operational impact by specifying that the deputy director appoint an official with responsibility to optimize racial and ethnic equity in the Census count. To ensure that equity be a priority, this official would report directly to the director and deputy director. In light of the decennial count's extremely consequential impact in terms of funding allocation formulas, political district apportionment, and other uses, it is imperative that the Census Bureau elevate racial and ethnic equity to a top priority in its counting strategies and procedures. My amendment directs the equity official to engage and collaborate with organizations that have influence with racial and ethnic groups, develop strategies and tactics to maximize participation of these populations, and rectify the undercount that has been typical of recent Census counts, especially among immigrants and homeless people. The status of the efforts to optimize racial and ethnic equity will also be included in the Census Bureau's biannual reports to Congress, to ensure accountability and bolster the likelihood of progress. Optimization of racial and ethnic equity in the Census count requires designation of a high-ranking official with direct responsibility for achieving this goal and reports directly to the Census leadership. My amendment establishes that role, makes racial and ethnic equity in the decennial count a priority, specifies key strategies that must be applied, and ensures that Congress receives regular reports about the progress toward the goal. H.R. 8326 is an excellent bill with vital reforms that uses this opportunity to advance equity in the Census count. My amendment creates a framework for achieving this objective. In May of this year, the House passed HR 7309, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022. This bill would ensure that more institutions will be able to provide education and job training services; a wider range of curricula will be available that enables learners to become job-ready; and more Americans will be equipped with skills that will jump-start long-term careers. It would extend the reach of job skills training and employment preparation to all corners of the country and all segments of society. It does so by creating vital national programs and instituting accountability systems that will monitor program operations and success. One of my two amendments to this bill would ensure that this legislation helps all Americans, specifically communities of color that historically did not benefit equally from workforce development and job skills training programs. My amendment ensures that HBCUs and other minority-serving educational institutions are eligible and encouraged to apply for maximal benefits under the bill's programs. My amendment clarifies that, beyond equality, the job training and workforce development programs at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions should be given priority in order to promote equity for students whose ancestors were denied that right. It can be the impetus for a fresh start. By including and prioritizing HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions, the institutionalized barriers which 1 impeded generational prosperity will be eroded, even if only incrementally and over time. By leveling the playing field, the imbalance of generational wealth will also be rectified. Diversity and inclusion must always be a priority particularly in future high-growth industries that are essential to our nation's long- term economic growth, success, and job creation strategy. The Transportation, Housing & Urban Development, Agriculture Appropriations Act passed the House in July of this year with many amendments that I offered. One of my amendments to this bill specifically benefits HBCUs. It supports the work of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) by increasing its funding by $2,000,000 for use in agriculture research programs at 1890s Institutions, which are land grant colleges at 28 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as Hispanic-serving institutions, and other educational institutions that benefit underrepresented communities. This amendment promotes NIFA's work at HBCUs with agricultural experiment stations, cooperative forestry, and other innovations to improve our nation's food production through agricultural research, economic analysis, extension, and higher education. One of ways NIFA achieves its mission is by providing research grants to education institutions, which include 1890s institutions created by the Morrill Act of 1890. Today, land-grant colleges and universities can be found in 18 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The list includes: Alabama A&M University Alcorn State University Delaware State University Florida A&M University Fort Valley State University Kentucky State University Langston University Lincoln University North Carolina A&T State University Prairie View A&M University in Texas South Carolina State University Southern University System Tennessee State University Tuskegee University University of Arkansas Pine Bluff University of Maryland Eastern Shore University of the District of Columbia* University of the Virgin Islands Virginia State University West Virginia State University HBCUs annually enroll 40 percent of all African American students in 4-year colleges and universities. HBCUs are prominent among research institutions in fields such as: animal sciences sustainable agriculture and agriculture economics toxicology and waste management conservation and environmental management business and industrial development biomedical science food and nutrition plant and social sciences international development Agricultural research programs at HCBUs help people living in densely populated areas learn ways to eliminate food deserts, increase public education about farming, bolster appreciation for our nation's farmers, and provide new avenues to careers for graduates with degrees in agriculture who seek to enter cutting-edge agricultural research. This amendment promotes NIFA's work with HBCUs on agricultural experiment stations, cooperative forestry, and other innovations to improve our nation's food production through agricultural research, economic analysis, extension, and higher education. The funds provided by my amendment supports research and education for helping urban and suburban communities maximize their green space by turning it into productive farming resources to support access to affordable foods. Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the country, wreaking its most bitter toll on communities of color. Early in the pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control found that Black Americans were infected with COVID-19 at a rate nearly one and a half times higher than that of whites, were hospitalized at a rate nearly four times higher, and were three times as likely to die from the disease. On February 8, 2021, I introduced H.R. 936, the ``COVID-19 Delivery Act,'' which strengthens FEMA's role in vaccine distribution. Specifically, this legislation: (1) authorized FEMA as the National Coordinator of vaccine transport and delivery; (2) supported the safe and effective supply chain transport, delivery, and site use of vaccines; (3) implemented the Center for Disease Control and prevention COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations. To date I have opened 96 COVID-19 testing sites and 88 vaccination sites in some of the most underserved communities in my district and Houston as a whole. As an original cosponsor of H.R. 1652 the ``VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act, I helped lead the passage of the bill in the House and on June 22, 2021, President Biden signed the bill into law. VOCA grants are the primary source of federal funding for thousands of victim service providers around the country, including programs serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, trafficking, and drunk driving. This critical piece of legislation supports vital victim service programs by preventing future cuts to already diminished federal victim service grants. H.R. 1652 requires the Department of Justice DOJ to deposit all monetary penalties, including from deferred prosecution and non- prosecution agreements, into the Crime Victims Fund. This simple fix prevents future funding cuts that jeopardize programs' ability to serve their communities. Although the Congressional Black Caucus has had many legendary achievements this Congress, our work is far from done. We will continue to fight for equality and justice by pushing legislation that will better the lives of African Americans, and indeed all Americans around the nation. Now more than ever, the facts and circumstances facing our nation demonstrate the importance of H.R. 40, which I introduced, and the necessity of placing our nation on the path to reparative justice, as well as providing accountability for injuries inflicted. H.R. 40 establishes a national commission to examine slavery and discrimination in the colonies and the United States from 1619 to the present and recommend appropriate remedies. H.R. 40 was first introduced by Congressman John Conyers in 1989. Though many thought it a lost cause, Conyers believed that a day would come when our nation would need to account for the brutal abuse of African Americans during slavery, Jim Crow segregation and the enduring structural racism endemic to our society. With the rise and normalization of white supremacism during the Trump administration, the discussion of H.R. 40 and the concept of restorative justice gained urgency, garnered attention from mainstream media, and illustrated the need for a national reckoning. Eradication of structural institutionalized racism requires it. Full empowerment, enfranchisement, and inclusion require it. Genuine equality and equity to overcome injustices require it. A vital step is an official acknowledgment that Black history IS American history and the Juneteenth holiday has achieved that. Another key step for reconciliation is the development of a factual, historical record that illuminates the truth about the African American experience amid slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, legalized violence, exclusion, and inequality. The factual, truthful record will expose the fallacies of revisionism and misinformation which, in recent years, have become the favorite tools of those with racist motives and agendas. Vilification of the collegiate study of critical race theory is a typical example. The role of federal, state, and local governments at each stage in the nefarious chapters of history must be revealed and recognized. The next step must be a national apology for governmental actions that legalized oppression, violence, inequality, and exclusion from the means toward socioeconomic mobility and generational wealth. Reconciliation requires an apology--an acknowledgment of government collusion in past ignominious eras--for three reasons: to provide accountability for past wrongs, to heal the national soul, and to confer official validation of the plights of its victims. Without an apology, there can be no closure; there can be no justice for our ancestors who suffered hideous torment. With those steps addressed, the focus turns to what can be done to right the wrong. Reparations in various forms are needed to instill equity and create a level playing field for African Americans who are still disadvantaged by the aftershocks of previous eras. The commission created by H.R. 40 would start by identifying (1) the role of federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery; (2) forms of discrimination in the public and private sectors against freed slaves and their descendants; and (3) lingering negative effects of slavery that impact today's African-Americans and society. The goal of the historical investigations that H.R. 40 mandates is to bring American society to a new reckoning with how our past affects the current conditions of African Americans and to make America a ``more perfect union'' by helping the truly disadvantaged. Consequently, the reparations movement does not focus on payments to individuals, but rather, on remedies that can be created in as many forms as necessary to equitably address the many kinds of injuries sustained from chattel slavery and its ongoing vestiges. To merely focus on finance is an empty gesture and betrays a lack of understanding of the depth of the unaddressed moral issues that continue to haunt this nation. Reparations can have wide-ranging positive effects, for example, a recent peer-reviewed study from Harvard Medical School suggests that reparations for African Americans that narrowed the wealth gap could have cut COVID-19 transmission and infection rates both among Blacks and the population at large. While it might be convenient to assume that we can address the current divisive racial and political climate in our nation through race neutral means, experience shows that we have not escaped our history. Though the Civil Rights Movement challenged many of the most racist practices and structures that subjugated the African American community, it was not followed by a commitment to truth and reconciliation. For that reason, the legacy of racial inequality has persisted, leaving the nation vulnerable to a range of problems that continue to generate division, racial disparities, and injustice. By passing H.R. 40, Congress can start a movement toward the national reckoning that we need to bridge racial divides. Reparations are ultimately about respect and reconciliation--and the hope that one day, all Americans can walk together toward a more just future. In his famous Second Inaugural Address, President Lincoln spoke of the profound moral debt owed for ``all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil.'' He asserted that the Civil War was the judgment of the Lord, which was ``true and righteous altogether.'' That debt remains to be paid, which is why African Americans always peacefully petitioned the government for the redress of grievances. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King said at the 1963 March on Washington: ``In a sense, we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. ``This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. ``It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked `insufficient funds.' But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So, we have come to cash this check--a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.'' Official slavery ended with the Civil War and the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment. But unofficial slavery continued by: (a) newly instituted share-crop farming; (b) a criminal justice system that pressed convicts into work that was once done by slaves; and (c) labor policies that dictated income for work done based upon skin color. This, of course, was reinforced by the systematic disenfranchisement of black Americans, the ``discrete and insular minority'' excluded from ``those political processes ordinarily to be relied upon to protect'' them, to quote Chief Justice Hughes' famous Footnote 4 in United States v. Carolene Products Company, 304 U.S. 144 (1938). These are just some of the many reasons that the history of the U.S. is intertwined with the history of enslaved Africans in the Americas. But to reach redemption and reconciliation, we must have the complete truth and lay our history bare. It is the light that sheds the way to the more perfect union all Americans desire. The Commission that would be created and empowered by H.R. 40 is a vital first step in the effort to attain truth and reconciliation about the Original Sin of American Slavery that is necessary to light the way to the beloved community we all seek. We witnessed nightly peaceful civil disobedience in the streets of America in solidarity with countless victims of injustice and cruelty. Young African American men and women no longer with us in body but forever with us in memory. We demanded justice and equity that starts with policing reform yet extends far beyond. It's not just about police conduct toward us. It starts with the predisposition of police about us, before interaction occurs. Police biases, implicit and explicit, can forecast a propensity for violence toward us and the denial of our civil rights. In addition to criminal justice reform, we demanded the full eradication of structural and systemic institutionalized racism. Since then, confederate statues were removed, newly developed factual curriculum has begun to educate all students about the actual truth of Black history, and millions of Americans learned about the Juneteenth holiday. Once again, I would like to thank Chairwoman Beatty for giving me and my CBC colleagues the opportunity to shine a light on all our accomplishments this Congress. I am so proud to be a part of such a dedicated and hardworking group of people. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you on legislation that will make America a more equal and just place. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record an ABC News article entitled: ``Congress passes legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.'' [From ABC News, June 16, 2021] Congress Passes Legislation To Make Juneteenth a Federal Holiday (By Libby Cathey) For the first time in nearly 40 years, Congress has moved to establish a new national holiday, this time for Juneteenth, and just in time for Saturday's 156th anniversary of the day that marks the last African American slaves being freed in Texas in the wake of the Civil War. The House voted Wednesday night to pass the legislation. It heads next to President Joe Biden's desk for a signature. When Biden signs it, as he's expected to at 3:30 p.m. ET Thursday, according to the White House, Juneteenth will officially become a federal holiday--the first since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was signed into law in 1983. Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, a fierce advocate for the Black community who sponsored the legislation in the House, proudly announced from the podium the ``bill is passed'' before bringing the gavel down. One Republican, Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana, said in a charged statement ahead of the evening vote that he opposed the legislation that was ``an effort by the Left to create a day out of whole cloth to celebrate identity politics.'' Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a lead sponsor of the Senate bill, called the statement ``kooky'' in a tweet. Other House Republicans who voted no on the legislation include Reps. Thomas Massie, Scott DesJarlais, Mo Brooks, Andy Biggs, Tom Tiffany, Doug LaMalfa, Tom McClintock, Mike Rogers, Andrew Clyde, Ralph Norman, Chip Roy, Paul Gosar and Ronny Jackson of Texas. The House vote came after the Senate--in a surprise move Tuesday--passed the measure by unanimous consent following a single Republican senator dropping his opposition. Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who opposed the legislation last year, said in a statement that he would no longer raise his objections on the floor, though, as of last week, the bill already had the support of 60 cosponsors to overcome a filibuster. ``Although I strongly support celebrating Emancipation, I objected to the cost and lack of debate,'' Johnson said, referring to his previous stance. ``While it still seems strange that having taxpayers provide federal employees paid time off is now required to celebrate the end of slavery, it is clear that there is no appetite in Congress to further discuss the matter.'' Biden will be accompanied for the signing by Vice President Kamala Harris, who was one of the Democrats to introduce the legislation in the Senate last year alongside Cornyn. Steve Williams, the president of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation, thanked lawmakers in a press conference on Capitol Hill earlier for, he said, ``put(ting) that exclamation mark on the fabulous work.'' ``The Juneteenth nation is ecstatic,'' he said. What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth--also known as Freedom Day, Liberation Day and Emancipation Day--marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to ensure that African Americans still enslaved were freed following both the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and end of the Civil War. The advance by Union Army Gen. Gordon Granger came 30 months and 19 days after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, which had declared, ``all persons held as slaves within any States, or designated part of the State, the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.'' But with the seven Confederate states operating under their own president, slaves in the South weren't exactly free to go. It would take another two months after Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House in April 1865 that troops would arrive in Galveston to free the final 250,000 people enslaved there. Most left the area despite a message from Union troops that they could stay and work for their owners as employees. A few months later, in December 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified and abolished slavery. Where is it celebrated? Like most holidays, Juneteenth is recognized in gatherings across the country, predominantly in the Black community. With the help of social media to spread awareness on a holiday not always taught in school, it has become more mainstream in recent years. Celebrations can include reflections, parades, food and drink, music--and even advocacy. For instance, in 2016, Opal Lee of Texas, a now 94-year-old activist, walked from her home in Fort Worth to the nation's capital in an effort to get Juneteenth named a national holiday. It was in 1979 that Texas became the first state to officially establish Juneteenth as an official holiday. Now, 49 states and the district separately recognize the day, with South Dakota as the only outlier, despite legislative attempts earlier this year. What's next? The legislation has passed just in time for the holiday Saturday. Biden is scheduled to sign the bill into law Thursday afternoon. Despite the bipartisan victory, advocates said they are still far from repairing the wounds from American slavery. Some point to HR 40, which specifically calls for the creation of a commission to study ``and consider a national apology and proposal for reparations for the institution of slavery, its subsequent de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against African Americans, and the impact of these forces on living African Americans, to make recommendations to the Congress on appropriate remedies, and for other purposes.'' A version has been introduced in every legislative session since 1989, but passed out of a House committee for the first time this year. ``We're giving America the opportunity for redemption, for repair, for restoration, for also understanding the new America, which is so multicultural,'' said lead sponsor, Jackson Lee, in April after it passed. That legislation is still awaiting a full House vote and is expected to face an uphill battle in the Senate. Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey, another lead Democrat to sponsor the legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday also highlighted in a tweet Wednesday that even with its passage, Republicans still attack critical race theory which would allow students to study the roots of events, such as Juneteenth, in school. ``Even today, as conservatives try to erase history with their attacks on critical race theory and understanding the impacts of systemic racism, we stand here acknowledging the truth. We will make #Juneteenth a federal holiday,'' Markey said in the tweet. Speaking at a press conference earlier Wednesday in front of the Capitol, a group of lawmakers including Jackson Lee and other Democrats supportive of the Juneteenth legislation said there is still work to be done. ``Of course today is not enough, there's so much more work left to be done, but this is an important day because it is a piece of pavement on that path towards justice,'' said Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn. ``This is not a moment for complacency, this is a moment to rededicate ourselves to that work.''

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend, the dearly departed Mrs. Mary Freeman Keller Zervigon, an outstanding, cherished public servant from my home State. A lifelong New Orleanian, Mrs. Zervigon was a policy advocate, philanthropist, and beloved civic leader who held posts in two mayoral administrations and spent countless hours working to improve the city of New Orleans as a member of many boards and commissions. She lived her life doing what she believed in and in doing what was right. Raised with civic activism in her DNA--her mother played a key role in desegregating New Orleans' public libraries--her ability to cut right to the chase made her an ideal lobbyist representing the city of New Orleans during rough legislative sessions. She was an incredible lady and an incredible leader, one who will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, my friend. God bless.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, today, I am honored to remember a groundbreaking public servant, personal mentor, and inspiring New Orleanian, the Honorable Moon Landrieu, mayor of the city of New Orleans. A son, father, husband, grandfather, brother, and lawyer, Moon Landrieu first served in the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1960 and next on the New Orleans City Council. He was elected mayor of the city of New Orleans from 1970 to 1978, served as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1979 to 1982, and was a circuit court judge. Throughout his career, he fought for equality and justice, opposing Jim Crow legislation and successfully outlawing segregation in public accommodations, standing as a shining light during our Nation's darkest times. He passed away on September 5, but the Honorable Moon Landrieu and his indelible impact will never be forgotten in our world.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding, cherished public servant from my home State of Louisiana. My dear friend, Mrs. Mary Freeman Keller Zervigon was an amazing human being, that left us far too soon. She passed away on August 27, 2022 surrounded by her loving family . A lifelong New Orleanian, Mrs. Zervigon was a policy leader, philanthropist and beloved civic leader who held posts in two mayoral administrations and spent countless hours serving on civic boards working to improve the city. She lived her life doing what she believed was the right thing to do. Raised with civic activism in her DNA, her grandfather A.B. Freeman, who led the Louisiana Coca-Cola Bottling Co., was too a civic leader and philanthropist. Her mother, Mrs. Rosa Freeman Keller, was an outspoken advocate of racial justice whose accomplishments included desegregating New Orleans' public libraries. At the time of her death, Mary was president of the Board of Liquidation, City Debt, and a member of Xavier University of Louisiana's Board of Trustees, the governing boards of New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School, the Jesuit Social Research Institute and the School Leadership Center. She also served on the Public Affairs Research Council's research committee. For much of her life, Mary worked full-time. When Moon Landrieu served as mayor, she was his executive assistant, then director of the city's Transportation Department. During Sidney Barthelemy's mayoral administration, she served as the city's lobbyist in Baton Rouge. Her ability to cut right to the chase made her an ideal lobbyist representing New Orleans during tough Legislative sessions. From 1988 to 1992, Mary also served as chairwoman of the Louisiana Tax Commission. She was a trustee of one family foundation and the president of another. Although Mary's work with those charities was public, she also gave generously--and anonymously--to many other causes and organizations. Mary may have been humble, but she was hardly a doormat, said former first lady Sybil Morial, who worked with her on the New Orleans Science and Math High School Board. ``She spoke her mind,'' Morial said. ``She had a lot of qualities her mother had. . . . I had great admiration for her because she was so frank.'' A lifelong New Orleanian, Mary graduated from the Isidore Newman School. She did not finish college until after she married Luis Mario Zervigon, had five children, and later divorced. Then she enrolled at Loyola University New Orleans, where she earned undergraduate and law degrees. In 1973, Mary was a delegate to the state Constitutional Convention. Other civic activities in her resume included memberships on the Sewerage & Water Board, the Human Relations Commission and the boards of the Bureau of Governmental Research, the Urban League of Greater New Orleans, the Metropolitan Area Committee, Loyola University New Orleans, and the Girl Scouts Louisiana East. She also served as a Girl Scout troop leader. In recognition of her tireless service, Mary received the Alexis de Tocqueville Award, the highest honor from the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, and the Hannah G. Solomon Award from the National Council of Jewish Women. She is survived by three sons, Andres Zervigon of New York City and Carlos and Luis Zervigon, both of New Orleans; two daughters, Alicia Zervigon of New Orleans and Rosa Landry of Abita Springs; 12 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Madam Speaker, I am humbled to have crossed Mary Freeman Keller Zervigon's path during my lifetime. The support and guidance I received from her during my professional career will be something I will cherish forever. I am humbly grateful for all she has done to serve so many that crossed her path. I am honored to celebrate Mary as a true leader in the great State of Louisiana.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a faithful and cherished public servant from my home State of Louisiana. It saddens me that patriarch and civil rights trailblazer, Honorable Moon Landrieu, passed away on September 5, 2022. While being a member of the Democratic Party and an American lawyer, Honorable Landrieu represented New Orleans' Twelfth Ward in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1960 to 1966. He later served on the New Orleans City Council as an at-large member from 1966 to 1970; elected as the 56th Mayor of New Orleans from 1970 to 1978; United States Cabinet Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1979 to 1982 during Jimmy Carter's Administration; and judge of the Louisiana 4th Circuit Court of Appeals from 1992 to 2000. He was born, Maurice Edwin ``Moon'' Landrieu on July 23, 1930, a native of Uptown New Orleans to Joseph and Loretta Bechtel Landrieu with one older brother, Joseph Landrieu, Jr. He graduated from Jesuit High School and attended Loyola University New Orleans on a baseball scholarship, serving as a team pitcher. During his undergraduate years, Moon was inspired by the social justice teachings of the Jesuits, which exposed him to the cruelty of segregation and was elected student body president. Moon graduated in 1952 earning his Bachelor of Arts in business administration and went on to Loyola New Orleans' Law School to receive his Juris Doctor in 1954. Upon completion of his schooling, Moon married Verna Satterlee and joined the United States Army in 1954 serving as a second lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General's Corps until 1957, after completing his army service, Moon returned home and opened a law practice while teaching accounting classes. After being heavily involved in organizations throughout the community, Moon decided to seek public office and won a seat in the Louisiana State Legislature in 1960 representing New Orleans' Twelfth Ward. Moon relied on his teachings and upbringing as he stood in strong opposition to the onslaught of Jim Crow legislation that was being introduced. Moon went on to serve in the New Orleans City Council in 1966 and continued to combat segregation by successfully outlawing segregation in public accommodations. He then went on to be elected the 56th Mayor of the City of New Orleans, receiving support from 99 percent of the black voters. During his tenure in office, Moon upheld his campaign promise of honesty, integrity, and respect for all people by overseeing the desegregation of city government and public facilities while encouraging integration throughout New Orleans' private businesses and professional organizations. He intentionally and strategically appointed Black New Orleanians to leadership positions within city government and transformed the economy by investing in hospitality and tourism. Moon oversaw major investments in Jackson Square and the French Quarter, the development of the Louisiana Superdome, and revitalization of the New Orleans Central Business District. He learned from previous administrations and sought to protect and preserve housing in historic neighborhoods through the creation of the Historic District Landmarks Commission in 1976. Moon also served as president of the United States Conference of Mayors during his term. Moon didn't stop there--he was appointed and served as the cabinet secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development from 1979 to 1981 during the Carter administration. After returning home and running his private practice, Moon was elected to serve as a Louisiana 4th Circuit Court of Appeals judge from 1992 until his retirement in 2000, completing 30 years of public service. Moon was inducted into the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in 2004. He is survived by his wife of 67 blessed years, Verna; nine remarkable children, Mary Landrieu, Mark Landrieu, Melanie Landrieu Cook, Michelle ``Shelly'' Landrieu, Mitch Landrieu, Madeleine Landrieu, Martin Landrieu, Melinda Landrieu Seiter, and Maurice Landrieu; and 37 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. who affectionally called him ``Pawpaw''. Madam Speaker, I will always cherish the sage advice Mayor Moon Landrieu gave me when I was first elected to the Louisiana State House of Representatives. I am certain that his wisdom, advice, and political endorsement has carried me to this day as a Member of Congress. We must honor the great leaders of our past. They have stood as a shining light during the darkest times in our nation's history. Therefore, I celebrate Moon's tenure as a leader in the great City of New Orleans, State of Louisiana, and United States of America.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding, cherished public servant from my home State of Louisiana. I am proud to say, my dear friend and mentor, The Honorable Sidney John Barthelemy gave me my first job in city government upon graduation from college. As an American political figure, he served as the second African American to hold the New Orleans mayoral chair from 1986 to 1994. He was a member of the Louisiana State Senate from 1974 to 1978 and a member at-large of the New Orleans City Council from 1978 to 1986. He is a proud member of the Democratic Party. The Honorable Barthelemy was born on March 17, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was the third of six children (Ruth, Lionel, Jr., Joyce, Anthony, Felix) in a deep-rooted New Orleans family, born to Lionel and Ruth (Fernandez) Barthelemy, Sr. He grew up in the historic 7th Ward, and attended Corpus Christi Elementary School, founded by Saint Katharine Drexel, SBS, foundress of The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament; and St. Augustine High School (New Orleans), run by the Josephites Fathers and Brothers. He then sought to enter the priesthood with the Josephites, studying at Epiphany Apostolic Junior College in Newburgh, New York, and then St. Joseph Seminary in Washington, D.C., where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and pursued graduate study in theology. While in the seminary, he worked summers as a laborer in a stevedoring company. In 1967, having made the decision not to enter the priesthood, Honorable Barthelemy returned to New Orleans and became an administrative assistant in the office of Total Community Action. In 1968, Barthelemy married Michaele ``Mickey'' Thibodeaux. They are the proud parents of Cherrie, Bridget, and Sidney, Jr. From 1969 to 1972, he was director of the Parent Child Center of Family Health, Inc. During these years, he also completed a Master of Social Work degree at Tulane University in New Orleans, worked part-time for the Urban League of Greater New Orleans, and assisted with various political campaigns, joining COUP (The Community Organization for Urban Politics), a political organization based in the 7th Ward of New Orleans. From 1972 to 1974, Barthelemy was Director of the Department of Welfare under Mayor Moon Landrieu. Backed by COUP, Barthelemy was elected in 1974 to one term in the Louisiana State senate from District 4, defeating a White incumbent who had held the seat for sixteen years. He was the first African American to serve in that body since Reconstruction. While he served in the Legislature, he also joined Xavier University of Louisiana as assistant director of the Urb-involve Program and as an instructor in the Department of Sociology. He became an adjunct faculty member in the Applied Health Sciences Department, Maternal and Child Health Section, of Tulane University. In 1978 Barthelemy was elected to an at-large seat on the New Orleans City Council, a position he held for two terms. Sidney Barthelemy first set his sights on becoming mayor of New Orleans in 1982, when he was re-elected to the city council. Barthelemy received 58 percent of the total votes cast. On May 5, 1986, Barthelemy began his first term as mayor of New Orleans. Barthelemy's administration experienced economic development successes, as he managed to bring additional investment to New Orleans East, most notably a distribution center to the New Orleans Regional Business Park (then known as the Almonaster-Michoud Industrial District). This project embodied the city's renewed efforts to leverage the existing infrastructure of the Port of New Orleans, then experiencing a resurgence by attracting modem warehousing and distribution facilities to the city. In the wake of the oil bust, the Barthelemy administration most forcefully advocated for the continued development of New Orleans' tourist and convention industry. Tourism was the only sector of the city's economy to exhibit meaningful growth under Barthelemy. Several high-profile wins occurred, including attracting the Republican National Convention to the city in 1988 and the NCAA Final Four tournament in 1993. Barthelemy also oversaw the opening of the Aquarium of the Americas, the Riverfront streetcar line, the New Orleans Centre and Riverwalk downtown malls, and encouraged the first expansion of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. In administering city government, Barthelemy managed to gradually eliminate the $30 million budget deficit he inherited in 1986. He also staffed agencies such as the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) and the Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Other notable narratives of the Barthelemy administration included the visit of Pope John Paul II to New Orleans in 1987, the passage of the controversial ``anti-discrimination'' ordinance affecting the membership in Carnival krewes, an unsuccessful, city-sponsored effort to redevelop Louis Armstrong Park into a recreation park/amusement center; the post-World's Fair redevelopment of the downtown Warehouse District; and the securing of funding for a new sports arena next to the Superdome. Consistent with the city's increasing economic tilt to tourism and the cultural economy, Barthelemy's mayoralty also supported a large addition to the New Orleans Museum of Art, re-use of portions of the former Canadian Pavilion of the World's Fair into the IMAX theater, as well as the creation of the Louisiana Children's Museum in the Warehouse District. Throughout his political career, Barthelemy carried a reputation as a quiet and mild-tempered politician. In 2012, then City Councilmember Cynthia Hedge Morrell acknowledged Honorable Barthelemy during an event at Gallier Hall stating, ``The City of New Orleans would not be where it is today if those tough decisions were not made and you had not had the fortitude to endure the wrath of the media and the wrath of people who did not understand'' that ``good decisions were being made for the future of our city''. As a respected former mayor, Barthelemy joined other former mayors, Moon Landrieu and Marc Morial, in a meeting on January 7, 2006, with parish presidents from the New Orleans metropolitan area to discuss post-Katrina plans for regional flood protection. He recently retired as Director of Governmental Affairs for Historic Restoration, Inc. (HRI Properties), a real estate development group based in New Orleans. Madam Speaker, I credit my role as a Member of Congress today, because of the opportunities and guidance I received from the Honorable Sidney Barthelemy. I am humbly grateful for his mentorship, as I celebrate his tenure as a leader in the great State of Louisiana.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, far too many things in life just aren't fair. However, one thing should, frankly, always be fair, and that is taxes. What should always be fair is access to insulin, access to clean energy, and relief from the raging energy costs that we see across our country. This historic Inflation Reduction Act is fully paid for by requiring the biggest corporations and the ultrawealthy to pay their fair share. It does so without any new taxes on small businesses or those making under $400,000. I said ``$400,000.'' We can achieve this goal by strengthening IRS enforcement against wealthy tax cheats and closing tax loopholes exploited by the wealthiest few, 150 massive corporations. In opposing these provisions, my Republican colleagues are, sadly, aligning themselves with megacorporations and the ultrawealthy and turning their backs on the American people. I am proud that, with this bill, Democrats are once again putting people over politics, fighting for the American people. I urge full support for this measure.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding, cherished public servant from my home State of Louisiana. My dear friend and the mayor of the City of Ville Platte, Jennifer Vidrine, will soon take the top leadership position of the Louisiana Municipal Association (LMA) as the first African-American woman Board President. The LMA was established in 1926 and is the strongest advocate for municipal government in my state. On July 30, it will become an even stronger and more effective organization with the installation of Mayor Vidrine as president. This is one of many ``firsts'' she is known for. In 2011, she was elected the first woman and African-American mayor of her fine city where today she continues to provide sound and caring leadership. Mayor Vidrine is a skilled and dedicated municipal leader with a deep passion for the residents she serves. On any given day, you will find Mayor Vidrine meeting with constituents about an array of issues affecting the elderly and youth, inspecting city utilities, sharing ideas with business leaders, and visiting local schools. Her phone never stops ringing. She encourages residents to call her directly on her cell phone, and they do. She frequently utilizes a telephone messaging service to keep residents informed on issues ranging from severe weather warnings, boil advisories, local sporting events, and the all- important annual celebrations like the city's Smoked Meat and Louisiana Cotton festivals. She was one of the first mayors to provide free testing and vaccinations during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working with state and federal officials, Mayor Vidrine was steadfast in instituting sound local ordinances to keep her community safe and provided critical personal protection equipment. She is an eloquent speaker who knows how to educate and motivate those of us in positions that can help navigate the federal bureaucracy. She never hesitates to speak up on behalf of the smaller towns and villages of our state giving them a voice of care and concern. She is an absolute force to be reckoned with each time she travels to Capitol Hill as one of the LMA's chief advocates for local government issues. Madam Speaker, it is a distinct honor for me to recognize this great leader and advocate for our great State of Louisiana, The Honorable Jennifer Vidrine in such a public way. I am confident she will have a significant and lasting impact on the LMA for years to come. I am extremely proud to call her my dear friend and now, Madam President.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding, cherished public servant from my home State of Louisiana. Dr. Willie Gable, Jr., a native of New Orleans, received his Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH), Master of Divinity from Union Baptist Theological Seminary (New Orleans, LA), Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) and Bachelor's of Science from Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN). Committed to a life of ministry and community service, Dr. Gable retires as pastor of Progressive Baptist Church, only its third pastor in 123 years. He is also the founder and Executive Director of the Dr. M.W. McCaleb Educational Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization that offers housing through its four facilities, rental assistance, and tutoring services to low-income individuals and families. During the formative years of life as a youngster growing up in the Calliope Public Housing units, Dr. Gable considered all kinds of careers, but initially was not drawn to serve God as a preacher. However, he ultimately found his true calling as a servant of the Lord, and our community is so grateful that he did. Dr. Gable worked for years in the Health Public Administration field, including as the Fiscal Administrator of the Nashville Model Cities Program in Nashville, Tennessee. His achievements in program development gave the opportunity to join Meharry Medical College faculty to develop a new undergraduate program in Health Administration and Planning. He coordinated the development and construction of Pembroke Area Family Health Center and Health Department where he also served as CEO. He was recruited to Chicago, Illinois as the Administrator of Tabernacle Hospital, a 130-bed African American church-owned facility. Dr. Gable has formerly served on many community boards throughout his career. Currently, he is a member of American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging as well as the National Baptist Convention Housing and Economic Development Commission as Board Chairman and President, which manages 27 housing facilities across 17 states. Also, he serves on the National Conference for Community and Justice, Legacy Foundation, Director Faith Based Initiatives HUD National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., and Gulf Coast Housing Partnership. He is 3rd Vice President of the 1st District Missionary Baptist Association and an Instructor with Louisiana Baptist and National Baptist Convention's Congresses of Christian Education. He has been an inspirational mentor to me, and I will truly miss his service to this community.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, 988. These three digits represent an important first step toward a transformed crisis care system in America. Congress passed the legislation to formally authorize 988 as the new number for suicide and mental health crises. This 24/7 hotline and text line is available to people with mental health-related distress, including thoughts of suicide, mental health crisis, or substance use crisis. Additionally, family and friends can use this service to support loved ones who are struggling. By calling or texting 988, people will immediately be connected with trained crisis counselors who will do everything they can to help. Mental health care is healthcare, and the enactment of 988 is a long overdue example of government finally prioritizing mental health and putting crisis care in reach for more Americans. But there is much more to do. I will continue to work in Congress and in the community to help fight the stigma and increase mental health support for all.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate two of my dear friends and constituents, Mr. Ruston Henry, Sr., RPh and Mr. Troy Henry, on the occasion of a Mural Unveiling Celebrating Black Excellence. This mural recognizes the accomplishments of two of New Orleans' native sons located at 1667 Tchoupitoulas Street near New Orleans' port access road along the Mississippi River, ``Clarence Henry Truckway'', coincidentally named after their grandfather, the late Clarence ``Chink'' Henry, Sr., a legendary labor leader and civil rights activist, also known as a Louisiana AFL-CIO Labor Hall of Fame Honoree. They are the proud sons of Mrs. Elvira Day Henry and the late Mr. Sterling Henry, Sr., a pioneer black pharmacist, responsible for integrating the workforce of the historic Treme's Circle Food Store, a key local business located in New Orleans' Seventh Ward, mentoring, and providing internships to many Xavier University of Louisiana pharmacy students beginning in the early 1960's. Their parents instilled in their children the importance of supporting underprivileged families, and helping ensure no one in need was left behind. Mr. Ruston Henry, Sr., RPh, a 1985 graduate of Xavier University's College of Pharmacy, following his parents through their alma mater, is a highly qualified pharmacist with more than 32 years of pharmacy experience in the management, administration, construction and operation of retail pharmacies. Mr. Henry is a Licensed Pharmacist in Louisiana and Mississippi who excels at teamwork, conflict resolution and sound decision-making under pressure. A second-generation pharmacist, he is the current owner and operator of H & W Drug Store, Inc. This store was co-founded by his late father in three retail locations, New Orleans East, the Westbank of Jefferson Parish, and inside the historic Treme' Circle Food Store. In 1999, Mr. Sterling J. Henry, Sr. retired and his son, Mr. Ruston Henry, Sr. took over the business, and now serves as the current owner and Chief Pharmacist. In 2017, Mr. Ruston Henry began pursuing alternative treatments involving medical cannabis. In 2018, the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy (LBP) selected the H & W Drug Store, Inc. to operate the first Medical Marijuana Pharmacy in the Metropolitan Region of Louisiana. H & W's services Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. H & W Drug Store Dispensary opened in August of 2019 and is currently located at 1667 Tchoupitoulas Street. H & W's primary focus was and always is to provide our patients with the best pharmaceutical healthcare available. Mr. Troy Henry, graduate of Stanford University, then Carnegie Mellon University, is the Managing Partner and principal fiduciary of Henry Consulting (HC). He is responsible for all 3 lines of business of HC: management consulting services, business services and equity ventures. Troy has over 30 years of management experience, with concentrations in business development, strategic planning, contract management, technology, and government. He has expertise in managing multi-million- dollar projects and leading teams that develop business strategies, implement solutions, and solve problems. Mr. Troy Henry's responsibilities with HC include providing general management and oversight on numerous HC projects and ventures throughout the country. In addition to applying his business acumen to these client specific engagements, Henry is Managing Member for several HC owned equity ventures: Infinity Fuels--a wholesale and commercial fuel supply company, Infinity Petroleum--a retail fuel and store management company, Pneuma Aviation--a private member-driven aviation company, Equity Media--a New Orleans-based media services company, and Bayou Phoenix--a commercial real estate development partnership. Through Henry's leadership, HC continues to be one of the fastest growing enterprises in the southern region. Previously, as President of the United Water Corporation, Mr. Troy Henry had responsibility for overseeing operations and management of United Water's regulated and unregulated water and wastewater businesses, customer satisfaction, client relations and marketing activities in nineteen states. Henry has also served in executive positions with IBM, Enron, Hewlett Packard, Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) and LORAL Federal Systems. He has bachelor's degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering from Stanford University, and master's degrees in Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University. Mr. Troy Henry been involved in numerous civic activities including member of the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Children's Museum, the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, the Eastover Property Owners Association (EPOA), the East New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Commission, the District 100 Community Development Corporation, and the Shell Regional Wholesale Council. Henry served as Chairman of Mayor LaToya Cantrell's Infrastructure Transition Team, and as Chairman of the Board of St. Augustine High School for over 12 years, which included oversight of the high school reconstruction effort following Hurricane Katrina. Henry is the founder of the leading business organization for East New Orleans, known as the East New Orleans Business Development District (ENOBDD) which produces ``The East Magazine.'' Congratulations to both Ruston and Troy Henry on continuing the legacy of their grandparents and parents, who are all so proud of them. New Orleans is blessed to have these native home-grown sons in our lives. May this mural remain forever as a mark to continue the Henry Family Legacy.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of Rev. Huey Price Lawson after 87 years of serving his country and community. Reverend Huey Price Lawson was born February 26, 1935, in Loyd Bridge, Louisiana to Reverend Joseph Solomon Lawson, Sr. and Eula Henton Lawson. The family relocated to Alexandria, Louisiana in 1941 where he resided until entering eternal rest on Friday, July 8, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Reverend Lawson attended Rapides Parish public schools and is a 1953 graduate of Peabody High School. After graduating high school, he enrolled at Grambling College (now Grambling State University) in the Fall of that year. While in school, he served as a cook for Jeansonne Grocery and Catering in Alexandria, Louisiana. In 1957, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Upon graduation, he gained employment as a teacher in the Rapides Parish School District. For 21 years, he provided positive classroom instruction at J.B. LaFargue, Lincoln Williams, Silver City, and Aiken Elementary Schools, including stints as Title I Coordinator, Boy Scout Troop Leader, 4-H Leader, and Basketball Coach. In 1958, he was drafted by the U.S. Army. Upon returning from service, he went back to the classroom and served as a Teacher where he was promoted to Center Director for PACE's (Central Louisiana Headstart Summer Program). He was an entrepreneur at heart. Throughout his career as an educator, he also explored several part-time marketing and sales opportunities to provide many extras for his family, friends, and students. This included selling everything from wigs, stainless steel pots and pans (Franchise Holder, Manager, and Salesperson for Flavorite Stainless Steel, Inc. (1963-1967), World Book Encyclopedias (Area Manager and Teacher, 1967-1970), Kirby Vacuum Cleaners, and Sayman's Salve. Rev. Lawson retired from the Rapides Parish School District in 1978. Following retirement, he worked for the Rapides Parish Police Jury as a Monitor with the CETA Program for three years. Reverend Lawson was a very active member of his community until he began to experience serious health issues during the last 5 years of his life. I extend my condolences to the Lawson family and friends as Reverend Lawson was laid to rest on July 15, 2022.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairwoman DeLauro very much for the opportunity to speak. Last year, Hurricane Ida swept through my State, leaving in its wake a shocking, terrible path of destruction. This body saw the devastation of this storm and saw fit to make an immediate downpayment so that the recovery could begin in Louisiana as we assessed the incredible damage. Implied in that downpayment was a commitment to come back and do more when Louisiana determined its actual need. My State, and many people here, are asking this body to keep its commitment. Disaster knows no boundary. It can and will hit all of our districts unexpectedly. I promise to be with you when it does. Today, I need this body to stand with me and pass additional hurricane relief funding so that the people of Louisiana can fully recover. Mr. Chair, I urge the passage of en bloc No. 2.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, wars were fought, movements were launched, constitutional amendments were passed to give every American of every race and gender full citizenship and the right to vote. But last month, the Supreme Court released a shadow docket ruling reinstating Louisiana's GOP-drawn, unrepresentative congressional maps. This sends Louisiana back to a tarnished history of diminishing the votes and voices of African Americans. It is shameful that the Court refused maps that fairly represent the population of Louisiana. We need maps that follow the simple math and give Black Louisianians their rightful representation per current population. The Supreme Court is out of control in so many ways, but this and other most recent rulings make it clear that this Supreme Court will stop at nothing to silence the voices of Black and Brown Americans. This ruling shows that many of these Justices are committed not to the Constitution but to the far-right political agenda that includes further attacking of the Voting Rights Act. Together we must fight against the age-old pattern of silencing Black voters. While the forces of injustice may have won the battle, we will win the war.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Monsignor John Cisewski, from the Archdiocese of New Orleans after 51 years of leading God's people as a priest of Jesus Christ. Monsignor Cisewski was born in the Upper Peninsula of Iron Wood, Michigan to late Walter and Sophia Jean Cisewski. He will be joining the ranks of retirement along-side all his living siblings, Wally, Jim ``Choo'', Kay and Judy, all who have been retired in various fields for many years. Monsignor Cisewski pronounced first vows and was ordained to the priesthood on October 16, 1971, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church located in the Ninth Ward, Desire area in New Orleans. He studied at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans after completing graduate work with degrees in Master of Arts Theology and Master of Divinity. He then became the Associate Pastor of St. Philip the Apostle, followed by St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in Pontchartrain Park. Forty-two years ago, Monsignor Cisewski rose to the ranks of pastor on March 17, 1980, at St. Monica Catholic Church. He later continued his ministry as pastor serving many parishes including St. Matthias Catholic Church; Our Lady of Lourdes (serving as dual pastor of two churches); St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, subsequently serving a pastor of the merged St. Raymond St. Leo the Great Catholic Church because of Hurricane Katrina; and his final assignment at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in 2008, also created in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, merging Holy Ghost Catholic Church and St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church. Recognizing the great impact Monsignor Cisewski has on the many parishioners throughout Orleans Parish, he was selected to serve on Priests Council for three terms, the Priests Personnel Committee for seven years, over twenty years appointed by then tenured Archbishops as Dean in the Inner-City Deanery, City Park/Gentilly Deanery and twice for the University Deanery. During the 1970's, Monsignor Cisewski taught Theology at St. Augustine High School and as Chaplain at Xavier University Preparatory High School, serving the youth in our community. Monsignor Cisewski went beyond his spiritual calling to leave his footprint on this city on community growth. He completed a graduate degree with a master's degree in urban studies at the University of New Orleans. He worked closely with the parishioners of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church to establish the Desire Social Center in the Desire Housing Development area. He later worked closely with the parishioners and residents in Pontchartrain Park and Gentilly Woods creating the Pontilly Neighborhood Association, one of the most active neighborhood groups still in existence to this day. And if you thought his plate was full, his service furthered having served as an active member over fifty years of the Knights of Peter Claver; the Faith Friar to E.O. Moss Grand Assembly No. 4 and also to M.L. Lunnon Grand Chapter No. 4. His tenure includes serving on the National Committee facilitating the establishment of the Fourth Degree for the Gracious Ladies of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. (Auxiliary). A huge Congratulations and Best Wishes to Louisiana's adopted Son as he begins a much-deserved retirement effective the first day of July, in the year two thousand twenty-two.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jerome ``Big Duck'' Smith, a New Orleans Native Civil Rights Pioneer and Icon of the Freedom Riders. Jerome ``Big Duck'' Smith, a life-long resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, is considered a stalwart of the Civil Rights Movement locally and nationally. It was 72 years ago that Jerome Smith, then 10 years old, removed the screen that acted as a barrier between white and black passengers on a New Orleans streetcar. ``The streetcar became very hostile,'' Smith recalls. The event took place 5 years before Rosa Parks energized the civil rights movement on December 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. Smith says that as he sat in the white section of the streetcar in Louisiana, an older black woman from the rear of the car descended on him, hitting him so hard that ``It felt like there was a bell ringing in my head.'' The woman loudly said she would teach the boy a lesson, telling him, ``You should never do that, disrespect white people. You have no business trying to sit with them.'' She forced Smith off the streetcar, and around the back of an auto store. But once they were behind the building, the woman's tone changed. ``Never, ever stop,'' the woman told Smith as she began to cry. ``I'm proud of you,'' she said. ``Don't you ever quit.'' Smith's involvement in the Civil Rights Movement dates back to the late 1950s when he joined the New Orleans chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (``CORE'') as a 19-year-old student at Southern University of New Orleans. From boycotting stores that refused to hire or serve Blacks to sit-ins along Canal Street, CORE's substantial contributions were integral to the Civil Rights Movement from 1960 onward. Speaking of CORE, the late Rudy Lombard stated, ``They had `a certain confidence,' . . . because they came out of a culture that was so rich. They knew that everything that was unique about the city could be traced to the Black presence.'' Thereafter, Smith challenged Federal desegregation laws across the South as a member of the Freedom Riders. Throughout his travels, Smith participated in numerous protests that resulted in battle wounds. In fact, Smith had been beaten at least 12 times by mobs or police during the struggle. On May 24, 1963, Smith met with Attorney General Robert Kennedy and a host of celebrities and civil rights leaders in New York City to discuss the state of civil rights in the United States. During this meeting, it is said Smith emotionally told the United States' Attorney General, ``I've seen you guys [from the Justice Department] stand around and take notes while we're being beaten.'' Despite grave injustice and adversity of the times, Smith made a profound impact on civil rights history. Beyond the Civil Rights Movement, Smith continued to impact our city, particularly in the Treme Community in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1968, Smith founded Tambourine and Fan to instill important culture, history, and tradition in New Orleans youth. He continues to teach classes modeled on those of the Freedom Schools during the 1964 Freedom Summer. ``Children in the Center recite lyrics of `Strange Fruit,' the names of the four young girls killed in the Birmingham, Alabama Church- fire of 1963, the Neville Brothers' `Sister Rosa,' and chants of Mardi Gras Indians who will `not bow down.' '' Jerome Smith has mentored multitudes of individuals across the city for decades and continues to do so. Smith is the definition of a true warrior, and his legacy continues to inspire people everywhere. If it was not for the courage of this stellar man, I have to wonder if I would be allowed to stand before you today. For that, I am beyond humble to stand on his shoulders leading the constituents of Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District. The world could never thank him enough for all he has done in his lifetime. A huge thank you to Louisiana's adopted son as he continues his fight to stand for the rights of equal justice.

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana

Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Leon E. Valdry, on his 90th birthday. Mr. Leon E. Valdry, a native of Bueche, Louisiana (a country community in Baton Rouge Louisiana), born June 7, 1932, celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday June 4, 2022. The function was held in Louisiana at the Valdry Center for Philanthropy located on the beautiful campus of Southern University. Mr. Valdry came from humble beginnings but has established himself as a real estate icon currently living in Beverly Hills, California. He is a philanthropist and the largest donor to his beloved alma mater Southern University in which he graduated 1957 in engineering. In 2019, Southern University opened the doors to the Valdry Center School of Philanthropy an academically based research center focused on Philanthropies named after him and his brother. It is the only HBCU Philanthropy Center in the country. Leon Valdry believes that consistent financial support from alumni is critical to Southern University's growth and longevity. ``As alumni, it is imperative that we give back to the University. Every graduate regardless of the amount they are able to give, should make a financial contribution annually,'' said Valdry. On March 21, 2015, Leon Valdry made a unrestricted gift of $100,000 to the Southern University System Foundation's 1880 Society. Valdry is a long-time supporter of the Southern University College of Business and a member of the 1880 Society, P.B.S. Pinchback Circle. The P.B.S. Pinchback Circle requires an annual cash contribution of no less than $25,000 to the Society. He is still a member. Philanthropy for Valdry has been a way of life for more than 50 years. The training he received while he was a student at Southern University, provided Valdry with an opportunity to secure his first job with the Litho Art Company in Los Angeles, California. Since that time, he has made a name for himself in real estate development throughout Louisiana and California. His real estate ventures consist of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Valdry is a resident of Beverly Hills, California and is President/CEO of Holly Park Plaza in Inglewood, California, which is one of the largest shopping centers in the city of Los Angeles. The Valdry Center for Philanthropy at Southern Universiy acknowledges the sizable contributions that Leon, Warren, and Virginia Valdry have made to their alma mater, and the need to support excellence in education at HBCUs by endeavoring to create a culture of philanthropy, promote racial equity, and provide a trained workforce to help direct volunteer action and charitable resources toward communities in need. He is a member of the Democratic Party and has made contributions throughout the years. Mr. Valdry looks forward to attending any upcoming Democratic functions in Beverly Hills. He has blessed both communities in Louisiana and Beverly Hills by assisting young adults/ students with their academic journey. He is a devout Catholic and is a member of the Usher Team at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Beverly Hills California. He is also an Army Veteran. President Biden joined in the celebration, celebrating Mr. Valdry for his love, kindness, generosity, and time to humanity. A huge Congratulations and Birthday Wishes to Louisiana's native Son.