Dwight Evans

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I am proud to cosponsor this bill, which is led by my Ways and Means Committee colleague from Oregon. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund has been a lifeline for small businesses in Philadelphia and across the country. We provided $28 billion to help more than 100,000 restaurants. Unfortunately, the need has been far greater than the initial funding. This bill would extend the lifeline with another $42 billion to help our neighborhood restaurants and the people they employ as the pandemic continues. Restaurants are part of our small business backbone that help to keep our communities together and our neighbors employed. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I have a motion at the desk.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, Philadelphians have been asking for help even before the pandemic, help with things like childcare, the cost of prescription drugs, housing, and jobs. Philadelphia, I have heard you. I am proud to vote for the Build Back Better Act and the infrastructure bill this week. Most of all, today, we make history. We make history because we are doing something for the American public. And it is important to remember, Build Back Better sends a message to every single American that we are on their side.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to first thank my colleague from the great State of Texas for yielding. Since I have been here, I have watched her relentless passion for Black people, and she has not let anybody stand in the way, and I am proud to stand with her and also the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Chairwoman Beatty. She, too, has led this Caucus, and I am honored to be here just to add my voice to this discussion this evening. President Biden's Build Back Better framework would bring down costs that have held back families in Pennsylvania for decades. It would do this by cutting taxes and making childcare, home care, education, healthcare, and housing more affordable. Let me repeat that, Mr. Speaker. President Biden's Build Back Better framework would bring down the costs that have held back families in Pennsylvania for decades. It would do this by cutting taxes and making childcare, home care, education, healthcare, and housing more affordable. These investments will provide new learning opportunities for children, help parents--and especially working parents--make ends meet, and it positions the economy for a stronger growth for years to come. As the Congresswoman said from the great State of Texas: This is transformational. And that is why I am happy to be a part of this discussion. The framework will create good-paying jobs for Pennsylvanians, combat climate change, give our kids cleaner air and water, and make America the leader in global innovation and 21st century manufacturing, which means jobs and opportunities, which means a sense of hope and optimism. Mr. Speaker, this is a moment for all of us and we must not sit back. And the Congressional Black Caucus, by what is taking place here, is demonstrating that it is there. As the late John Lewis used to say: If you see something, do something. And the Congressional Black Caucus is following that lead. We all recognize, as the late John Lewis used to say: If you think things haven't changed, just walk in my shoes. I want to focus tonight on childcare, which is so vital to our families and putting our economy back on track. It is a major reason why many Americans have not been able to go back to work. In Pennsylvania, the average yearly cost of childcare centers for a toddler is over $11,000. That means a Pennsylvania family with two young children, on average, spends 22 percent of their income on childcare for 1 year. The lack of affordable options also contributes to the 15 percent gender gap in workforce participation between mothers and fathers; 15 percent. That is outrageous. That should not be accepted. The Build Back Better framework is the way to go. President Biden has shown the kind of leadership and vision that is necessary. That is why the Congressional Black Caucus stands so proudly to join this effort with the rest of our colleagues who are ready to lead. This is just that kind of moment. We want to be at the right place at the right time. The building back framework would enable Pennsylvanians to provide access to childcare for more than 737,000 young children ages 0 to 5 per year from families earning under 2.5 times the State median income. I want to repeat that. The building back framework would enable Pennsylvania to provide access to childcare for more than 700,000 young children ages 0 to 5 per year from families earning under 2.5 times the median income, and it would ensure these families would pay no more than 7 percent of their income on high-quality childcare. This is something that is extremely important. This is something, when the President talks about building back better, it puts us all in the right position. It is something that needs to happen. It is something that is long overdue. We in the Congressional Black Caucus are prepared to join with the President and to send a message that building back better is in the interest of America. The President realizes that. He understood a long time ago about the needs that we have. So I compliment him in joining with our chairperson and joining with our colleague from the great State of Texas and their leadership, and all of us joining with him tonight to show that we are prepared to help lead this battle; that no one can do it by themselves, but we need to be prepared. We made a promise to build back better after the pandemic and this framework would do just that. Mr. Speaker, this is an opportunity for all of us. This is an opportunity for us to stand tall, to raise the issue about building back better. We all recognize this. This entire package, Build Back Better and the infrastructure package together, will make a huge difference in our economy. It is something that we all have worked on and we all understand the importance of it. So I share with you as one member of this Caucus, proudly of the Congressional Black Caucus, proudly of Pennsylvania, proudly a citizen of the United States, that I am ready for this. And I thank my colleague Sheila Jackson Lee for her leadership and all that she has done. As I have watched her, even though she hasn't noticed it, she has been in the forefront. She hasn't missed a fight, and I am glad to be a part of every effort. So with the Congressional Black Caucus I stand proudly on the President's Building Back Better framework, and I am ready to vote for it.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a renown and trailblazing entrepreneur from Philadelphia, Benjamin Bynum, Sr., a savvy businessman, and former United States Marine who died on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at the age of 93. Benjamin Louis Bynum, Sr. was born in Lexington, South Carolina on April 6, 1923. He was one of five brothers and five sisters. During World War II, he was a member of the Montford Point Marines, making him among the first African Americans to join the U.S. Marines Corps. Mr. Bynum was also a long-time businessman that operated some of the most popular; restaurants, jazz, and blues venues in the city of Philadelphia. Venues including--the Cadillac Club, which became known for booking well-known entertainers such as Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Kenny Gamble, Count Basie, George Benson, Fats Domino, Woody Herman, Bill Paul, and the Stylistics. As a matter of fact, Bill Paul's first album was called ``Feeling Good at the Cadillac Club,'' paying homage to the venue. His venues were known for providing an upscale environment and terrific cuisine. A cultural hub that was often frequented by black professionals and famous people. Which gave it a national reputation and following. Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who worked as a disc jockey under the name ``Mixmaster Mike'', at a Bynum establishment, credits Mr. Bynum in influencing him into getting in politics. Nutter said he got lessons in diplomacy, hospitality, and government while working there. He proclaimed, ``I would never have been in public service if not for Ben Bynum.'' Additionally, Mr. Bynum raised his sons to be business savvy and great restauranteurs. They are successful entrepreneurs in their own right. He was super proud of his children and their careers, declaring ``This is the seed that I planted.'' Mr. Bynum was a hard worker that often stressed that he would never retire. He worked well into his 90's. He could often be detected working the door at his sons' restaurants. As evidenced by his extraordinary life and career, Benjamin Bynum, Sr. served his nation in the military and was a trailblazing entrepreneur. He was a model citizen and proud Philadelphian. The 3rd Congressional District of Pennsylvania extends gratitude to Mr. Bynum for his dedicated support and service to the people and the city of Philadelphia. I offer sincere condolences to his family; to his brother, Jimmy, his sons Robert and Benjamin Jr., his daughters Antoinette, Benita, and Denee, nine grandchildren, seven great- grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, his partner, Thelma and friends on his passing.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the chairwoman for her leadership of the Black Caucus for this opportunity, and I would like to thank my colleague from the great State of New York for his leadership and what he has done. After listening to the mother, as the chairwoman said, I don't think it could have been expressed better. She did a fanatic job. Madam Speaker, in my home State of Pennsylvania, Republican majorities in the legislature are trying to stay in power by restricting people's right to vote. For 7 years, Governor Wolf's veto has protected voting rights, so they are trying to amend the State constitution to bypass him. We are seeing these types of voting suppression plans moving forward in several States as well as plans to override the votes after the votes have been cast. To those who want to suppress votes or throw out vote counts, why are you so afraid of the voters? Let me repeat that: Why are you afraid of the voters? Fortunately, Congress can still act. The House has acted twice. We have passed the For the People Act almost 8 months ago on March 3, and we have passed the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in August. Now the eyes of the Nation are on the Senate. Will the Senators let the filibuster gut the sacred right to vote? Personally, I would support an end to the filibuster but, I don't get to vote on Senate rules. According to the Brookings Institute analysis, there are 161 exceptions to the filibuster already. Let me repeat that: 161 exceptions to the filibuster. Everything from executive branch and judicial appointments to budget reconciliation, to fast-track trade agreements, to military base closures and arms sales, but not for voting rights. There are 161 exceptions. Madam Speaker, you heard me just describe to you those exceptions. At a bare minimum, Senators who support voting rights need to create exception number 162 to the filibuster--a voting rights exception. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. Make that exception to the filibuster. Save our democracy. It is important to understand just at this moment, this is a moment in history. This is a moment. I had the pleasure of serving with the late John Lewis on the Ways and Means Committee. And I watched him when I was growing up as he walked across the bridge. I was 10 years old. He demonstrated to all of us in this country what it means to be the conscience; very similar to Congresswoman Joyce Beatty leading the Congressional Black Caucus. The Congressional Black Caucus is the conscience of this Congress, and we stand here today to add our voices to make sure that people understand that we are in this fight, we were determined in every way that you can think of, Madam Speaker, to fight for that exception on the filibuster. We want to be clear and concise and let people know that we are not accepting this. This is something that is unacceptable. We must have the right to vote.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise in strong support of this bill. We have to pay our bills and uphold the full faith and credit of the United States. My constituents in Philadelphia don't get a choice. They have to pay their bills. Congress must do the same. We are working together to finalize legislation to advance the Build Back Better agenda that we share with President Biden. As we do that, we must remember we are elected to govern. Let me repeat that. We are elected to govern. Yes, the Senate needs to act, but we also must be responsible in this House. We are responsible for protecting the recovering economy against the threat of severe financial damage. This will clear the way to focus on bold opportunities to support American families. Madam Speaker, I call on my colleagues to act responsibly and join me by voting ``yes'', ``yes'' to avoid the first-ever default in the Nation's debt.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an influential and dedicated gentleman from Philadelphia, Anthony J. Wong, a devoted public servant, and former Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector who died on September 8, 2021 at the age of 93. Anthony J. Wong was born in Philadelphia on April 17, 1928 and was the only child of Chinese immigrants who owned a restaurant in Chinatown. After high school, he joined the Army and served in the World War II Occupation Forces in Europe. He also served in the Korean War. In the Army, he served in counterintelligence, as interrogator, a translator, and in the military police. Inspector Wong dedicated his life and career to this country and to the city of Philadelphia. He joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 1953 after serving in the U.S. Army. At that time, he was the sole Chinese American officer on the force. He retired from the police force in 2003 as the highest-ranking officer of Asian American descent. While in the Philadelphia Police Department, Mr. Wong served in several units, including in narcotics, vice enforcement, and patrol. He twice led the Training Bureau and commanded the Community Relations Division and the Patrol Bureau, which encompassed emergency planning. His last assignment was as Commanding Officer of the Police Training Bureau at the Police Academy. Mr. Wong was well rounded and highly respected by many. A man with many talents, he spoke multiple languages. He attended the University of Vienna in Austria, the Fels Institute of Local and State Government at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Universal School of Languages and Translation Bureau. Additionally, Mr. Wong was a college adjunct professor. He taught criminal justice, criminal investigation, and laws and procedures at the Community College of Philadelphia. He was fluent in German and used his skills to help Jewish concentration camp survivors who relocated to Philadelphia. Furthermore, he was very active in his community. He was a founding member of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp. (PCDC), which was founded in 1969 after the Chinatown community in Philadelphia began fighting plans to demolish Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and School to build the Vine Street Expressway. Although he was a police captain and could not partake in the street protests, he attended meetings and offered his expertise. He was also on the board of the On Lok House, an apartment building for low-income senior citizens. According to Cecilia Moy Yep, the PCDC founder, Mr. Wong was ``very faithful to Chinatown. He was active in the meetings, particularly on the On Lok House. That was his baby.'' As evidenced by his historic career Anthony J. Wong, dedicated his life to advocating and improving the lives of others. He was a model public servant. The 3rd Congressional District of Pennsylvania extends gratitude to Mr. Wong for his dedicated support and service to the Chinatown community and the city of Philadelphia. And offer sincere condolences to his family and friends on his passing.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor two cultural institutions in my district who have announced that they are formally merging. The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Center are poised to bring the greatest performances and most impactful education and community programs, in person and digitally, to audiences in Philadelphia, nationally and worldwide. This merger is an example of how cultural and creative non-profits can be drivers of a post-pandemic economy. The creative and performing arts play an integral role in Philadelphia and across all Congressional Districts. This new cultural and creative non-profit will be led by Matias Tarnopolsky. America is a land of immigrants and his family's journey from Argentina to the United Kingdom to California to Pennsylvania is inspiring. The Kimmel Center is America's premier performing arts venue. I join countless Philadelphians with unforgettable memories from visits to this exquisite hall. My constituents and visitors from across the world have watched performances there as well as celebrating weddings and graduations. The Philadelphia Orchestra has a deep partnership with the State Department. They are the only American orchestra to visit Vietnam. They have performed for our troops in Korea and to mark 30 years of democracy, they made history by traveling to Mongolia. I join the constituents of Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District in extending warm wishes to the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Kimmel Center in this new venture.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from the great State of New York for his leadership. In such a short period of time, what he has demonstrated to all of us about being a leader, I applaud him for this. I am pleased to join with my colleagues in the Progressive Caucus as we continue to advocate for President Biden's American Families Plan and investing in the care economy. That means things like funding for high-quality, affordable childcare, including universal pre-K; making sure that childcare costs do not exceed 7 percent of income for working families; ensuring that childcare workers, who are largely women and people of color, have a $15 minimum wage--let me repeat that--ensuring that childcare workers, who are largely women and people of color, have a $15 minimum wage; and meaningful investments in Medicare home and community-based services, which would help workers in the home care industry. Everyone would like to say they are pro-family and pro-children. This is the chance to prove it. Earlier this month, I joined with SEIU members in Philadelphia to rally for passing $400 billion for caregiving. I told them funding for childcare and other caregiving is essential, since we actually want people to be able to go back to work. We started this year off big and bold with $1.9 trillion in the American Rescue Plan. That was a big step in the right direction. It was a down payment. The American people voted into office a Democratic President, a Democratic Senate, and a Democratic House. As we promise to build back better, they expect us to do more than just reset the calendar to February 2020. The old normal wasn't so great for millions of Americans, including many Philadelphians I represent. They deserve better than the old normal. The American Families Plan would do a lot to deliver on our promise. Let's get it done. Again, I thank Mr. Bowman for his leadership and the importance of this leadership and all the members of the Progressive Caucus demonstrating how we are going to lead the charge.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium who leveraged their medical expertise and connections to facilitate testing and provide vaccines where measures are most needed in the Philadelphia region. They stepped up to level the playing field by testing and vaccinating thousands of people in at- risk communities. Surgeon Ala Stanford along with a dedicated team of volunteers have sought to eliminate health disparities during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium was founded by Dr. Stanford in the spring of 2020, to address the lack of Covid-19 testing in low- income and communities of color in Philadelphia, who also happened to have the highest positivity rates. Their efforts undoubtedly saved countless lives. Dr. Stanford left her role as a pediatric surgeon to dedicate her time to aggressively confront the growing health disparities in Black communities during the pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control--Black patients represent 22 percent of Covid cases and are 2.8 times more likely to be hospitalized and 1.9 times more likely to die due to Covid-19 as compared to White Americans. These starks figures are what drove Dr. Stanford to create the formation of BDCC. She declared, ``There was no testing in communities where people were dying the most. So, we created it.'' Her work has been invaluable to the city of Philadelphia, particularly for low-income and vulnerable residents. The consortium has tested more than 25,000 people and vaccinated more than 50,000 Philadelphians at 50 clinics. It also offers home vaccinations for people who can't access clinics. These services have been provided free to the public. They have recently partnered with Uber to provide 10,000 free rides aimed at helping people get to and from BDCC sites. Their work has drawn praise from the Biden's administration top health officials. ``She is the perfect example of how a community member can stand up and lead during a time of crisis,'' Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said. The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium held a ``vaxathon'' a 24-hour, walk-up vaccine site, which saw a massive turnout. The group vaccinated nearly 4,000 people, 75 percent of whom were people of color. It was a wildly successful event designed to increase the number of vaccinations given to Black Philadelphians and to reduce the vaccination disparity between White and Black Philadelphians. Dr. Ala Stanford is the recipient of several awards including the Health Equality Advocate award, and she is a decorated and revered physician who is considered a champion for health equity and access. She is a native of North Philadelphia who pours her all into creating wellness outcomes for her communities. Her accolades are lengthy, and she's the first Black woman pediatric surgeon trained entirely in the United States. She's board certified by the American Board of Surgery in both pediatric and adult surgery. With all her accomplishments and community work, Dr. Stanford has received a great deal of national media attention for her phenomenal work with the BDCC in providing care during the pandemic. Her work is regarded as a model for sound community health engagement. Assistant U.S. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levin stated: ``The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium is such a fantastic example of how we're going to reach individuals in their communities with messages from people that they know and people that they trust--trusted messengers like Dr. Stanford.'' The Third Congressional District of Pennsylvania extends gratitude to the Black Doctors COVID-19 and Dr. Ala Stanford for their dedicated support and extraordinary service to the people of Philadelphia in their effort to provide testing and expand access and equitable distribution of the coronavirus vaccine.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. This act is big and bold, and it begins to keep our promise to Build Back Better. This is a historic bill, a policy revolution. It includes: cutting child poverty in half, expanding the earned income tax credit for our essential workers, and saving people's pensions. It means a shot in the arm, returning kids to school safely, and more people back in jobs. My constituents in Philadelphia feel it is needed now. This is something we all should be working on together. I thank the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and all of the staff for working on this very important bill. This is something that is long overdue, and I am glad to be part of it.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from the great State of Texas for that introduction and along with my colleague from the great State of Alabama. When I had my first visit ever in my life to Alabama it was because of Terri Sewell who got me down there, and to the chairwoman of our fantastic caucus, Congresswoman Beatty. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleagues from the Congressional Black Caucus in honoring the memory of Congressman John Lewis and renewing his call for good trouble. I was 10 years old when I first saw Congressman Lewis on television walking across the Pettus Bridge. And I had to be here to stand at this anniversary of the Bloody Sunday march in Selma when Congressman Lewis and so many others risked their lives for the right to vote. This year we have seen more than 250 State-level bills that will restrict voting. Members of the Pennsylvania legislature have introduced at least 14 restrictive voting measures, 14 bills including some that would require a State-approved excuse to vote absentee. That would be a rollback of the vote-by-mail law. It is important to stand, Mr. Speaker, to stand tall and for us to learn from the great John Lewis that if you see something, do something. There is no way that I could not add my voice to this effort. I must stand because I see something, and I plan to do something. It is important to understand that we need to keep working on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act by getting into good trouble. We need to all be prepared, Mr. Speaker, to continue this fight. Although Congressman Lewis is physically not with us, his spirit is with us, and we all must recognize that only through the collective effort in the spirit that he has imparted upon us that we must continue this effort. So I wanted to make sure that my voice is added to the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and I want to do everything that I can to ensure that it takes place because it is for these types of efforts that we need a constant reminder. Mr. Speaker, I say to Congresswoman Sewell, yes, we must continue our journey to Alabama, to Selma. We must continue these discussions and raise our voice. We must continue to show people that until this happens, we are not going to stop. It is important to all of us. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Beatty for showing the leadership, along with Congresswoman Jackson Lee, for us showing this collective effort, for us working together to pass this act today.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the American Relief Plan desperately needed by Philadelphia constituents. This plan extends the poverty-busting earned income tax credits and provides billions for small businesses. It expands vaccine access, addresses health disparities, and helps schools open safely. The American people are counting on us to crush the virus. Let's do the right thing and pass this very critical bill.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to observe National Gun Violence Survivors Week. During this pandemic, gun violence has increased in many communities, including my city of Philadelphia. We suffered 50 homicides last month alone. We must pass reforms like universal background checks and closing the Charleston loophole. The House acted in 2019, but the Senate did not. While these bills would not stop 100 percent of shootings, they would certainly save some lives. We must also help the victims and the survivors of this violence. Too often, they don't know where to turn or what kinds of things or help are available. That is why Senator Casey and I will soon reintroduce our Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act. In the last session, we had nearly 80 cosponsors in the House. I invite you both, new and returning Members, to add your name. Our fellow Americans need our help.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an influential and dedicated gentleman from Philadelphia, Keven Parker, a well-known restaurant owner and community advocate whose recent passing on January 15, 2021 has left a void in the minds and hearts of the citizens of Philadelphia. Keven Parker was an incredible restaurateur and entrepreneur and his loss will be felt in the city of Philadelphia for years to come. He followed his mother's mission of feeding people delicious meals with restaurants on South Street, in Reading Terminal Market and operating a catering business. Ms. Tootsie's Soul Food Cafe is a household name dedicated for his mother and her famous penchant for Tootsie's Rolls. Keven as a young child would observe and help his mother Joyce, as she would teach him the details and nuances of producing extraordinary satisfying Soul Food. Keven was a hard working and self-made shining star entrepreneur and was one of contemporary Philadelphia's great personalities and a true visionary. He came from humble origins but strong roots. Parker grew up in West Philadelphia and became a successful businessman, overseeing six distinct entities. Keven Parker's restaurants were well regarded and were frequented by such people as President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Patti LaBelle, Will Smith and a host of others. His groundbreaking establishment Ms. Tootsie's on South Street was named the best Southern-Style restaurant for three years running in Black Enterprise magazine and was featured on food TV shows. The Food Network's Robert Irvine raved about his fried chicken on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Furthermore, Parker was committed to giving back to his community exemplified by hiring 55 individuals in his employ. The Keven Parker Company community outreach includes the Youth Adult Division, giving young men and women the opportunity to work for a progressive and upwardly mobile company while gaining valuable skills in an entrepreneurial and success-driven environment. Keven Parker dedicated his life to uplifting and improving the lives of others. He was a model citizen. The 3rd Congressional District of Pennsylvania extends gratitude to Keven Parker for his dedicated support and service to the City of Philadelphia and we mourn with his family and friends.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an influential and dedicated gentleman from Pittsburgh, Richard ``Dick'' Thornburgh, a devoted public official, former U.S. Attorney General and the 41st governor of Pennsylvania who died on December 31, 2020 at age 88. Dick Thornburgh dedicated his life and career to improving the lives of others through public service. Prior to being elected to public office, Thornburgh attended Mercersburg Academy then Yale University from which he obtained an engineering degree in 1954. He later received a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1957, where he served as an editor of the Law Review. He became a member of the Pittsburgh-based law firm Kirkpatrick & Lockhart in 1959. Additionally, Dick was awarded 32 honorary degrees from 32 other colleges and universities. Dick Thornburgh stands out as an honest, reform-minded public leader. He is universally regarded as an intelligent and empathetic leader. He built his reputation as a crime-busting federal prosecutor in Pittsburgh and as a moderate Republican governor. He is also well known for being a champion to those with intellectual disabilities. Both he and his wife were active in programs for the disabled. In 1985, the Thornburgh's were named ``Family of the Year'' by the Pennsylvania Association for Retarded Citizens. As Attorney General, Dick was instrumental in the passing of the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990. Dick Thornburgh was the first Republican to serve two successive terms as governor. He was recognized by fellow governors in a 1986 Newsweek poll as one of the most effective big-state governors in the nation. As governor, he oversaw the response to the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant accident. His calm and steady leadership helped with efforts to the partial meltdown at the nuclear power plant and played a major role in facilitating funding for the cleanup operation. Dick was responsible for consolidating all of Pennsylvania's state- owned colleges and universities into the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Furthermore, he is credited for creating the Governor's Schools, which were programs for talented and gifted high school students. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan appointed Dick Thornburgh as the United States Attorney General and held on to that position after President George H.W. Bush was inaugurated. Thornburgh was sworn into office after being unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate and served three years as Attorney General. He was steadfast in his pursuit against white-collar crime as the Department of Justice obtained a record number of convictions of savings and loan crisis and other securities officials, defense contractors and corrupt public officials. Dick also established strong relations with law enforcement agencies around the world to help combat drug trafficking, money laundering, terrorism and international white-collar crime. As an accomplished public leader Dick Thornburgh also worked at the international level, serving as a consultant to the United Nations, the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank to combat against corruption and fraud. He penned the book ``Puerto Rico's Future: A Time to Decide'' in 2007, where he argued for a change in the island's territorial/commonwealth status, and concluded it was a relic of colonialism. Throughout his career, Dick traveled widely, visiting over 40 countries and meeting with leaders from Africa, Australia, Canada, China, Cambodia, Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Ukraine, Taiwan, New Zealand and Central and South America. He was a former member of the Council on Foreign Relations. As evidenced by his historic career Dick Thornburgh, dedicated his life to advocating and improving the lives of others. He was a model public servant. The 3rd Congressional District of Pennsylvania extends gratitude to Dick Thornburgh for his dedicated support and service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and mourns with his family and loved ones.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Philadelphia International Record (PIR). One of music's most historic record labels. Visionary song-writing producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff co- founded PIR in 1971. Together they engineered one of the most significant chapters in music history. The groundbreaking label gave birth to the sophisticated Philly Soul sound also known as ``The Sound of Philadelphia.'' Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, The O'Jays, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, Lou Rawls and McFadden & Whitehead are just some of the stars who took the duo's distinguishing sound to the top of the charts. The Gamble and Huff partnership began in 1963, when the two hardworking musicians from West Philly and Camden met in the elevator of the Shubert Building, which now houses the Merriam Theater. They were both toiling as writers for separate music production firms. They joined forces and became a potent songwriting/production team. The ``Philly Soul'' sound featured a mix of doo-wop, gospel, R&B, and sound known for its orchestral sounds. Philadelphia Soul music is known for its incorporation of lush string arrangements along with penetrating brass, and often conveys very personal and emotional stories. The world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra's string section was often employed to play on many of Philadelphia International Record's tracks. Philly Soul is widely considered a producer's genre. Everyone from the Jacksons to B.B King to David Bowie came to Philadelphia seeking Philly soul magic. Philadelphia was a center for pop music. 50 years since its inception, Philadelphia and the world are poised to celebrate the golden anniversary of the label. The anniversary will highlight the extraordinary musical output of the storied label and spotlight milestone musical moments, artists and songs from the remarkable Philadelphia International Records family that have defined the landmark label and its incredible impact over the past 50 years. In 2014, Sony Music Entertainment announced their historic deal with Philadelphia International Records, securing global ownership of all recordings made for PIR. The landmark deal added all post-1975 PIR recordings to the PIR titles already owned by Sony Music Entertainment, reuniting the entirety of the Philadelphia International Recordings catalog under a single global licensing and reissue entity. For nearly 30 years, Warner Chappell Music has had the privilege of representing Gamble and Huff and their legendary music catalog, which includes nearly 3000 songs. Their impact on the music industry is immeasurable. To celebrate this milestone a flurry of projects will showcase the Philadelphia International brand and accord Gamble and Huff along with key collaborators like their ``Mighty Three'' partner Thom Bell-- increased appreciation and respect as 20th century Black music pioneers on a par with giants like Motown's Berry Gordy. According to Kenny Gamble co-founder of Philadelphia International Records ``It's a blessing to celebrate all the writers, musicians, engineers, disc jockey, and all the people that were on our team. When I listen to this music now. I can close my eyes and the music brings us all back together again. Hearing this music reminds me of all the hard work and dedication our team went through to make such a long-lasting catalog, that has been embraced by the world and I'm thankful.'' I am honored to extend my sincere congratulations to such an outstanding duo and celebrate the legacy that is Philadelphia International Records and The Sound of Philadelphia.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I represent the Third District of Pennsylvania, which includes part of Philadelphia, the birthplace of America. It was in Philadelphia that the Constitution of the United States was written and signed, the very Constitution that we are all sworn to uphold as Members of the House of Representatives. We are elected to serve our constituents, and it is our job to represent them and their interests in Congress. Yesterday, I spoke to the son of the late Dick Thornburgh, who is a two-time Republican Governor of Pennsylvania and was Attorney General under President Ronald Reagan and President Bush. His son stressed to me that his father would have wanted the rule of law to prevail regardless of the political outcome, because he cared more about the safeguarding of democracy than partisanship. In addition, Al Schmidt, who was a Republican commissioner of elections, said, when Philadelphia certified its results on November 23: ``I'm proud that the birthplace of our Republic held the most transparent and secure election in the history of Philadelphia.'' Instead of using this time to dispute the results of our fair and lawful election, we should be spending this time making sure vaccines are quickly given to essential workers and our most vulnerable communities, that people are getting housing. We should look at rental assistance. We should ensure that that is available. Small businesses, the engines of our economy, should be getting needed grants and loans. That should be our focus. Hospitals desperately need support and help. We should be paying attention to the needs of hospitals. We are in the middle of a pandemic where hundreds of thousands of people are dying, and we are in a recession that is putting millions of Americans at risk of hunger, homelessness, or both. It is time we start legislating for the people. One last person I want to mention is our junior Senator, Senator Toomey. There are very few things that he and I agree on, but he has stated very clearly that Joe Biden has won this election. He has stood up on the Senate floor and he has stated that. So it needs to be very clear that the late Governor Thornburgh; Albert Schmidt, the commissioner; and our current junior Senator all have one thing in common: democracy first, partisanship second. Let's keep that in mind.

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the objection.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an influential and dedicated man, Chen Lok Lee. Mr. Lee was a devoted educator and prominent printmaker and painter based in Philadelphia, PA. For over twenty years, he was a Professor of Printmaking, Silkscreen and Lithography at Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, which is the first and only visual arts college for women in the United States. Additionally, he taught Chinese calligraphy and painting classes to the community through the Community College of Philadelphia and other private venues. Mr. Lee was a political refugee from China who escaped narrowly with his life from communist forces in 1950 and was forced to leave his family behind. When his life was in jeopardy, his family helped him escape, and he swam towards Hong Kong and was rescued by a boat and eventually taken to the shores of Hong Kong. He stayed in Hong Kong for eight years, studying at the prestigious Hong Kong University, and then went on to enter the United States as a political refugee in 1959. He settled in New York City's Chinatown and worked his way through the Chinese restaurant business to support himself as a burgeoning artist and to learn enough English to establish footing in his new country. He also began to study under some very prominent and contemporary artists. While at the Arts Students' League in New York, he worked with George Grosz, Stephen Greene and Robert Hale, along with New York painter Hans Hoffman. From 1967 to 1970 Chen Lok Lee studied abroad at the Rome Academy in Italy and earned an MFA at the Tyler School of Fine Arts as a printmaker, painter and lithography under Romas Viesulas and Richard Callner. In 1973, he was awarded a prestigious fellowship from the Ford Foundation to study at Tamarind Lithographies in New Mexico. He was recognized at an international exhibition in Hong Kong, as invited by Her Majesty's Service in 1982. In his new adopted hometown of Philadelphia, he was selected to participate in the Mayor's Commission for Cultural Exchange between Philadelphia and sister city Tianjin, China, from 1986 to 1987. Mr. Lee was a loyal and dedicated husband to Linda, whom he met while studying in Rome. Linda, also an artist and educator, brought Chen home to her family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and then married him in 1973. They moved to New Mexico, and then Chicago, before settling back in Pennsylvania where Professor Lee was hired at Moore College of Art and Design. He was the loving and devoted father to Romana (Cliff), whom they named after the city of Rome where he and Linda first met, son Raymond, and doting grandfather of Hanalee, a naturally talented artist. He raised his children with every devotion and detail, ensuring they had resources, support, guidance and care to grow up well. He sacrificed much to give them a good life and the promise of futures they would be proud of. He was very proud of them all. Chen Lok Lee passed away on December 13, 2020. Professor Lee leaves behind a legacy of strength, courage, honor and devotion, and touched the lives of all who knew and loved him. On behalf of the 3rd Congressional District of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia I extend gratitude to the late Chen Lok Lee for his dedicated support and service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, in my city of Philadelphia and across the country, people of color are thrown in jail more and with harsher sentences than White people for the same cannabis-related crimes. Cannabis is one of the fastest growing U.S. industries, but Federal law keeps many businesses of color out of this market. That is why I urge my colleagues to support passage of a jobs bill, the MORE Act. It would decriminalize cannabis at the Federal level and expunge prior Federal convictions related to marijuana. Half of all States have already decriminalized cannabis. This jobs bill would also create the opportunity trust fund, which would generate grant programs to provide services and funds to those most negatively impacted by the war on drugs. This includes the equitable cannabis licensing program that I introduced in the Homegrown Act. The House and Senate need to pass the MORE Act now, as the growing cannabis industry is an important economic development tool for communities of color like mine. Let's pass this jobs bill.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, my constituents in Philadelphia need more COVID relief now. Many of them are worried or scared, but the Republican Senate is still focused on confirming more Trump judges. The House passed the Heroes Act, which gives us more of what we need, an extension of the $600 of weekly unemployment subsidy, not more Trump judges; Urgent relief for small businesses like restaurants, not more Trump judges; Emergency rental assistance and protection from eviction or foreclosure, not more Trump judges; Help for airline workers, not more Trump judges; Funding, testing, tracing, treatment to crush the virus and reopen safely, not more Trump judges. I urge the Senate to pass the Heroes Act now.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues, Rep. Brendan Boyle and Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon to honor State Representative Joanna McClinton, who has been elected as the Democratic Leader of the Pennsylvania State House. Rep. McClinton will serve as the first woman and first woman of color elected in this role. Rep. McClinton is a lifelong Philadelphian. She is a graduate of La Salle University and Villanova School of Law, both located in Philadelphia, PA. Rep. McClinton was an Assistant Public Defender for seven years. In 2013, she entered the political field as Chief Counsel for State Senator Anthony H. Williams. In August 2015, Rep. McClinton was sworn in to serve the people of the 191st Legislative District of Pennsylvania after winning a special election. Breaking barriers is not new to Rep. McClinton. In 2018, she became the first African American and woman to be elected as the House Democratic Caucus chairman for the 2019-20 legislative session. Rep. McClinton's historic election makes her the highest-ranking woman to serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly's 244-year history and the highest ranking Black Woman. On behalf of my colleagues, we wish to extend our sincere congratulations to Rep. Joanna McClinton for all her achievements and her continued commitment to public service and enhancing the quality of life for residents within her district and the state of Pennsylvania.

Mr. EVANS

Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained due to personal reasons. Had I been present on September 17, 2020, I would have voted: ``yea'' on H. Res. 908--Condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to COVID-19 (Rep. Meng--Judiciary); ``nay'' on motion to recommit on H.R. 2694--Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (Rep. Nadler--Education and Labor); and ``yea'' on H.R. 2694--Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (Rep. Nadler-- Education and Labor).