Alcee Hastings

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I would advise the gentleman that I have no further speakers, and I too am prepared to close.

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time, and I thank my good friend from Georgia for yielding me time. I believe I will be able to wrap up in a shorter period of time if I stick to the script. Madam Speaker, my friends across the aisle, some of them like to act as though they have no hesitancy in saying ``Black Lives Matter.'' The problem is there is always a ``but'' after ``Matter,'' and the sentence typically ends with ``All Lives Matter.'' I want to be clear about something: The only way ``All Lives Matter'' is if ``Black Lives Matter.'' The last thing I will say about this is that we better doggone well agree that ``Matter'' is a bare minimum. Madam Speaker, it strikes me that this is the first time we can gather here and note the recent celebration of Juneteenth, a celebration and a time for reflection in these trying days, to be sure. Indeed, we ought to take stock of and celebrate all that we have accomplished since that June day in Galveston, Texas, when General Gordon Granger read General Order No. 3 informing all who listened to carry forth that all slaves were now emancipated. The abomination of slavery ended, my ancestors moved forward with the hope of a better future and, I am sure, the knowledge that new and dire challenges would be waiting for them and their progeny, and that has indeed been the case. Whether it has been the harsh consequences of a reconstruction abandoned too easily and too quickly, Jim Crow, the violent resistance of the civil rights movement, the war on drugs, or the relentless police brutality conducted by some police officers directed at Black people, we have stood strong, we have stood together, and through prayer and perseverance, we have endeavored to ensure that access to the American Dream, that is rightly ours to attain, is ever growing for our children and grandchildren. As I have always done, I welcome all colors, creeds, and religions to this righteous march. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Woodall), all of the persons who have spoken, the distinguished staff on both sides for putting together this matter, and you, Madam Speaker, along with our colleagues in the various caucuses and, particularly, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for moving this matter forward. Like my friend from Georgia, I don't see this today as the end, but it is a privilege for me to be on the floor with him and you, Madam Speaker. And I am sure down the road, it will reflect in this historical record that we were here to make a difference. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule and the previous question.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and express sadness over the passing of Mr. Andrew James. Mr. James was a chronically homeless man who spent nearly 20 years suffering on the streets, vulnerable and struggling with mental illness. He was able to find hope, treatment, and housing security through the help of The Lord's Place. The staff that worked with him at The Lord's Place described him as a ``gentle soul, showing nothing but kindness to all he met, despite being treated unjustly while on the streets.'' After receiving assistance through The Lord's Place, Mr. James flourished. He was placed in a supportive housing program and was connected to mental health care, but it was the connection to others that made all the difference in his life. He loved others and they certainly loved him too. Mr. James passed away with dignity, in his own home on May 15, 2020. I extend my heartfelt condolences to all who were lucky enough to know Mr. Andrew James. He will be dearly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of my dear friend, Florida's first woman Senate President, Gwen Margolis. Gwen was a trailblazing figure in Florida and Miami-Dade politics, who dedicated her life to public service. During this time of great sadness and loss, it is helpful to reflect on the wonderful life she led. Gwen's reputation for honesty, kindness, and generosity made her the loving mother, great friend, and respected public official that she was. She was an excellent role model, not just for people wanting to follow in her footsteps, but for everyone in our community. Gwen compiled an exemplary record as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, including time as that body's first female chair. She also served multiple terms in the Florida legislature. Gwen was beloved throughout South Florida and will always be remembered for her selfless dedication to public service. Madam Speaker, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Gwen's family and friends. As we honor the life and legacy of Senator Gwen Margolis, we will always be grateful for the glass ceilings she shattered and her indelible mark in history. I pray that her family finds comfort during this extremely difficult time. She will be dearly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Farm-to- Market Road Repair Act, legislation that will expand eligibility for the Surface Transportation Block Grant program to include rural roads that serve to transport agriculture products from farms or ranches to the marketplace. American agricultural communities play a pivotal role in the economy within my district and across America. These farms and ranches provide the communities they serve with fresh products daily, ensuring consumers have an adequate and healthy food supply. Unfortunately, many of the roads are deteriorating. Over 70 percent of our nation's total road mileage is in rural areas, yet, between 2009 and 2015, these roads have only seen about 37 percent of federal highway fund. As Congress debates how to move forward with a bold plan to address infrastructure, we need to ensure road-repair projects like these do not fall by the wayside as we seek to address other larger infrastructure projects. Just because a road is in a rural area does not mean the road is small or otherwise unimportant. To the contrary, I am aware of several rural road projects in my district and the surrounding region that are major connectors that would benefit from this type of funding opportunity. My bill expands the current surface block grant program to include these roads--roads that serve as a lifeline to the people that depend on them. We must invest in our rural infrastructure now, before it is in complete disrepair. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the National Defense Net Zero Review Act of 2020, legislation that will refocus the Defense Department's (DoD's) efforts on Net Zero initiatives and require the Secretary to establish the first integrated master plan for achieving Net Zero energy benchmarks. The DoD consumes more energy than any other federal agency, spending nearly $12 billion on energy in FY2017, approximately two percent of the Department's total budget. Since the early 2000s, the DoD has made commendable progress in implementing Net Zero projects. These initiatives have generally focused on efforts to produce more energy from renewable sources on installations, limit consumption of water in order to not deplete the local watershed, and reduce, reuse, and recover waste to prevent unnecessary additions to landfills. Unfortunately, Madam Speaker, while progress has been made, it simply isn't enough. In fact, many of the energy benchmarks established by previous acts of Congress have never been achieved by the DoD, and many of the goals announced by senior DoD leaders over the past decade are no longer being pursued. To quote from the findings from a 2016 Government Accountability Office (GAO) study--the most systemic review of Net Zero with the DoD--the Department has ``not established an integrated net zero strategy or policy for achieving Net Zero,'' and ``none of the military departments have established Net Zero as a funded program''. Further, the DoD has not fully identified the potential costs of implementing net zero initiatives, due at least in part to insufficiently defined statutory goals. On the operational side of energy usage, DoD emissions for all military operations between 2001 and 2017 are estimated to be 766 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. The FY2017 Operational Energy Annual Report found that the Department used roughly 87 million barrels of fuel per year, which comes out to some 240,000 barrels per day. These findings paint a clear picture, that absent Congressional interest and oversight, pursuing and achieving Net Zero will not be prioritized in the way that it should be. The legislation that I am introducing today will get us back on track with a wholesale review of Net Zero initiatives under the DoD. First, my bill commissions two studies from the Comptroller General of the United States--a follow-up to the 2016 study and a second examining options for increasing efficiency and resilience on the operational side of the DoD's energy usage--that will analyze the extent to which these types of initiatives have been implemented, and the associated costs, benefits, challenges, and opportunities that exist for moving forward. These studies also solicit new information from the DoD, including anticipated funding and infrastructure needs to get serious about achieving Net Zero, and options for achieving specific benchmarks. Once this information is at hand, my legislation requires the Secretary of the DoD to present Congress with a master plan outlining an integrated strategy for achieving these initiatives in a manner that continues to prioritize military readiness. Importantly, Madam Speaker, my bill does not impose any arbitrary deadlines or requirements of the DoD. Rather, this legislation focuses on gathering the data we need to know what is feasible, what we'll need to get it done, and how much time it will take, so that Congress can make informed decisions in the future. This is the right way to move forward, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, May 28, 2020 marks Azerbaijan's 102nd Republic Day, the day on which the country became the first Muslim- majority secular democratic state. Since regaining its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan has proven itself a partner of the United States particularly in its commitment to regional stability and security cooperation. As someone who has traveled to Israel nineteen times and championed the cause of the U.S.-Israeli friendship since first coming to the House, I applaud Azerbaijan's commitment to ensuring that the Azeri and Israeli people remain good friends. Indeed, home to a thriving Jewish community of around 30,000, Azerbaijan is one of the few countries with a predominately Muslim population that is a staunch supporter of Israel. Azerbaijan is also committed to regional security and stability. With its dedication to countering terrorism and nuclear proliferation, its support for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and its contributions to UN and NATO peacekeeping missions, Azerbaijan continues to contribute to the stabilization of the region. Madam Speaker, although friends will have difficult conversations at times, those discussions are based in honesty and respect. Today, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the people of Azerbaijan on their Republic Day.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of, and express sadness over, the passing of an extraordinary woman, Elmira ``Nana'' V. Gilbert: Elmira moved to West Palm Beach, Florida when she was five years old and lived there for nearly nine decades. She passed away on March 5, 2020, just a few months shy of her 105th birthday. She was one of 52 members to graduate from the first high school for African Americans in Palm Beach County in 1935 and served as the vice president of her Class Reunion Committee for many years. She always lived her life to the fullest, embracing her role as matriarch of the Shederick, Gilbert, King, Brown I, and Brown II French families. Elmira was an extremely resilient woman having survived the many injustices of segregation and numerous hurricanes, including the deadly hurricane of 1928. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Elmira's many family members and friends. Our nation grieves with you, and I pray that you may find comfort during this extremely difficult time.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, we convene today to pass a desperately needed relief package that will provide nearly $3 trillion in economic relief to frontline workers and families. I am proud to speak in favor of the rule and in strong support of the underlying legislation, the HEROES Act. Like many of you, I continue to receive emails, letters, and phone calls from constituents bearing the brunt of this administration's disorganized response to the COVID-19 pandemic. My constituents write: ``I have been denied unemployment even though I have met every criterion. I am about to lose everything. Please help me.'' They write: ``I am homeless. I was just laid off because the schools are closing. I have my granddaughter with me. I need help.'' And they write: ``I am literally on my last $100 for food and have already maxed out my credit cards. Please help. Please help. Please help.'' Americans are afraid not just of how they are going to make ends meet but whether they are going to make it through this pandemic at all. Yet, this White House remains utterly disconnected from reality, moving at every opportunity to reject science, sideline medical experts, and pat themselves on the back for a job well done, even as the COVID-19 pandemic tears our communities apart. This week, President Trump said that ``we have prevailed,'' that ``we are going to have one of the best years we have ever had,'' that we are beginning to ``transition to greatness.'' The President of the United States refers to over 80,000 dead Americans as a ``transition to greatness''? I wish I could say that I was shocked, but I am not. What we continue to witness is a catastrophe. Calling it anything less does a great disservice to the millions of Americans who are affected by this illness. If there is to be any silver lining in these trying days, at this exact moment, these public servants are working around the clock to protect us. Madam Speaker, I say to my constituents: We see you.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to emphasize the urgency of global press freedom, particularly across the 57-nation region of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Earlier last week, we celebrated World Press Freedom Day, a day originally proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993 to celebrate the fundamental principle of a free and independent press. On this day and beyond, we honor journalists and media professionals for their tireless service in reporting the truth, sometimes at the risk of their own personal safety. World Press Freedom Day serves as an important reminder to governments around the world to respect their country's commitment to press freedom. The U.S. Helsinki Commission, of which I am Chairman, is charged with monitoring compliance with human rights and security commitments in the OSCE region. Freedom of the press is a foundational commitment to human rights and democracy. Unfortunately, however, some leaders view the media as a threat and seek to silence individuals and outlets through financial, legal, and physical means. What these leaders truly fear is that journalists will expose corruption, human rights violations, abuses of power, and other undemocratic behavior. According to the latest reports from the Committee to Protect Journalists, 250 journalists are imprisoned worldwide for their work, 64 journalists are missing, and 1,369 journalists have been killed since 1992. Additionally, Reporters Without Borders' 2020 World Press Freedom Index found that global press freedom has deteriorated by 12 percent since 2013. Madam Speaker, I also rise to applaud the undaunted service of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem De sir. His leadership as an independent monitor for these issues among OSCE participating States has offered candid review of our collective challenges, while demonstrating the importance of OSCE institutions. Mr. De sir's team has provided impeccable service to help nations implement their international commitments to this end through country visits and legislative review, as well as hosting expert conferences. I encourage my colleagues to closely follow his work and to learn more about his mandate by reviewing the proceedings of the U.S. Helsinki Commission hearing I chaired with Mr. De sir on July 25, 2019, addressing ``State of Media Freedom in the OSCE Region.'' Madam Speaker, amid this global pandemic, it is more important than ever that journalists and media professionals are able to work freely and without retribution. Unfortunately, too many journalists remain in jail throughout the OSCE region, while states like Russia, Azerbaijan, and Hungary criminalize providing essential information and transparency about the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent media continues to be assaulted under the pretense of punishing allegedly false, misleading, or unofficial information. This is unacceptable. Earlier in April, I released statements expressing concern with the latest attacks on press freedom in Russia and the unchecked power granted to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban amid the coronavirus pandemic. During these trying times, strong journalism and access to accurate, unbiased information are essential tools for countering the spread of the disease. I ask my colleagues to join me in urging states to recognize the indispensable role of the media during this time and to reverse policies that in any way discourage freedom of expression.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, had I been present for roll call vote No. 103--providing for the adoption of the resolution (H. Res. 935) establishing a Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis as a select investigative subcommittee of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, I would have voted YEA on the measure. Furthermore, had I been present for roll call vote No. 104--making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year end September 30, 2019, and for other purposes, I would have voted YEA on the measure.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill to ensure fair access and opportunity to federal jobs for all Americans. For close to two decades now, I and many of my colleagues have been fighting to increase diversity in the international affairs and national security sector. I have called for a diversity plan from the Director of National Intelligence, as well as for the Department of State and USAID. Last year, the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing entitled, ``Diversity in Recruiting and Retention: Increasing Diversity in the Military--What the Military Services are Doing.'' And only last week, Senators held an event bringing attention to the February Report: ``State Department: Additional Steps are Needed to Identify Potential Barriers to Diversity.'' My colleagues and I have been engaged in these efforts not because they are nice or correct, but because they are what is in the best interest for the survival of our nation. The U.S. workforce is becoming more racially, ethnically, and otherwise diverse, with estimates that by 2050 over half of the workforce will be made up of Americans from diverse populations. Jobs across our government, whether they are in the military, intelligence, foreign service, health or education sectors, will require that we not only hire, but also retain a more diverse federal workforce to sustain the needs of our country and remain a stable democracy. To do so, we must have a plan. My bill calls for a government-wide diversity and inclusion plan that ensures that all branches of government are engaged in multi-year strategic planning that recruits, hires, promotes, retains, and supports leadership from America's diverse talent pool in the federal workforce for the good of our country. It also calls for a review of diversity in government contracting and grantmaking, as both are often also pathways to government jobs. Diversity and inclusion are the underpinnings of democratic societies. It is time that we enforce democratic values by ensuring all segments of our society have equal access and opportunity to contribute to a vibrant workforce that is at the heart of our democracy for the future of our nation.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Leadership Institute for Transatlantic Engagement (LITE) Act--a bill that will create an institute to assist in strengthening ties with our allies, protect democratic institutions, and support visionary leadership on both sides of the Atlantic. In the 116th Congress, under my leadership as chair, the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, has held events on the importance of international election observation, good governance, and focused on democratic backsliding in particular countries as part of our continued commitment to the underlying principles of the Helsinki Final Act adopted by the 57 North American, European, and Eurasian countries that make up the region of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). We identified numerous challenges in western leadership that are putting our democracies and the transatlantic partnership at risk, including as continuing disparities in wealth, health, employment, education, justice, and other sectors that lead citizens to question whether democracy can deliver. Common to among these issues is the role leaders can play in ensuring laws are equitable, transparent, and enforced; elections are free and fair; and laying the groundwork to ensure the same protections, rights, and laws, are extended to all in their constituencies. The LITE Act will establish an institute to assist western democracies in living up to these ideals and restoring faith in democracy, by equipping transatlantic policymakers with legislative, communications, conflict resolution and other leadership tools to strengthen democratic institutions in their societies and the transatlantic relationship. Given demographic change on both sides of the Atlantic, the activities of LITE, as established by this legislation, will also include a focus on inclusive and intergenerational solutions to current challenges with the goal of empowering individuals across generations and from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge, tools, opportunity, and access to fully participate in their democracies. In addition, LITE will seek to reunify communities by assisting leaders with strategies that build resilience against the exploitation of community grievances that can lead to dangerous divisions in our societies. In February, we hosted young parliamentarians from the OSCE region here in the U.S. Congress to discuss how we can strengthen their political inclusion to advance peace and security efforts. Last year, we held hearings featuring European lawmakers, and on global leadership, democracy and public diplomacy. These hearings were the capstone in a decade of events that began in 2009 whereby the Commission has convened U.S. and European policymakers under the banner of the Transatlantic Minority Political Leadership Conference and Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network to support increased political representation in western democracies. As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of these efforts that have been pivotal in strengthening international relations over the past decade, I hope you will join me in supporting LITE to further codify leadership exchanges and knowledge building between diverse and young transatlantic policy makers as a means to sustain our democratic futures.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen, a dedicated public servant, who loved his community and contributed greatly to the people of Broward County, Florida. Justin passed away on February 25, 2020 at the age of 41. A graduate of Coconut Creek High School, Broward College, and Florida Atlantic University (FAU), he became Florida's first openly gay student body president at FAU, as well as serving as an intern for United States Senator Bob Graham. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law. Justin was a Wilton Manors City Commissioner before being elected Mayor in 2018. Active in the community, he became a member of the Wilton Manors-based Dolphin Democrats in 1997 and served as president from 2008 to 2009, overseeing the growth of the club to over 400 members. Justin was also a member of the Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus. When marriage equality became legal in 2015, Justin officiated the Valentine's Day marriages of nearly 40 couples at city hall as part of a city-sponsored marriage equality mass wedding program entitled, ``We Do It!'' He successfully worked to have Wilton Manors become the first city in Broward County to raise the Pride Flag outside city hall for National LGBT Pride Month, and then less than a year later to have Wilton Manors become the first city in the nation to permanently raise the Pride Flag as the foundation to a monument and memorial dedicated to the contributions of the LGBT community and their allies. In November of 2018, the people historically elected Justin as their Mayor by one of the largest margins of victory in a contested race. Now as ``The People's Mayor,'' but more importantly as a product of our city and community, Justin believed in upholding the highest standards and to serve with his best and nothing less. He believed that all elected, and government officials should remember and heed the words of Thomas Jefferson who said, ``Governments are the servants, not the masters, of the people.'' Madam Speaker, Mayor Justin S. Flippen's spirit and loving memory will always live on. His contributions to our community will be remembered for generations to come. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Broward County community during this time of great sadness and loss.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise to mark two painful anniversaries this week in the decades-long conflict over the territory of Nagorno Karabakh. Although separated by four years and 200 miles, the Sumgait Pogrom in 1988 and Khojaly Massacre in 1992 both demonstrated the heinous potential of interethnic hatreds to tear apart communities and trample human dignity. The commemoration of these horrific events is an opportunity to reflect on the innocent lives lost in this ongoing conflict as well as a chance to affirm the need for urgent steps to heal these wounds and find peace for all those afflicted once and for all. The Sumgait Pogrom occurred in the early days of the conflict between ethnic Armenians and Azeris over the semi-autonomous Soviet oblast of Nagorno Karabakh. At the time, the Armenian-majority region was self- governing but ensconced in the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1988, a mass Armenian political movement sought to capitalize on administrative reforms in the Soviet Union to unite the territory with the Armenian state. This self-determination campaign quickly unmasked mutual suspicions and interethnic resentments that degenerated into violence. Azeri counter-protests emerged in Baku in early February 1988 as ethnic tensions in Nagorno Karabakh intensified. Later that month, the reported murder of ethnic Azeris in Nagorno Karabakh lit a tinderbox of tensions that had built up in the town of Sumgait, 20 miles northwest of Baku. Gangs broke off from an Azeri rally in town and began looting, beating, raping, and murdering ethnic Armenians. Ethnic Azeris killed approximately 26 Armenians and injured hundreds more in the violence. The trauma of the pogrom sparked fears of escalating violence and led to the first major wave of relocations that eventually resulted in the near complete displacement of ethnic Armenians out of Azerbaijan and Azeris from Armenia. Reciprocal atrocities coinciding with the collapse of the Soviet Union caused the outbreak of all-out war in the early 1990s. The Khojaly Massacre on February 26, 1992 is the single greatest loss of life in the history of the conflict, which continues to this day under a shaky ceasefire agreed in 1994. In the early morning hours, advancing Armenian fighters opened fire on a stream of mostly civilian Azeris fleeing the town of Khojaly in the Nagorno Karabakh region. Although estimates vary, Armenian militiamen killed several hundred Azeri civilians in the snow-covered woods of Nagorno Karabakh that morning. All told, the Nagorno Karabakh War claimed approximately 20,000 lives and displaced more than a million people in both directions. Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, I am deeply familiar with the efforts that the United States, in partnership with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, has made over the past quarter-century to resolve this conflict. The United States is a co-chair alongside France and Russia in the trilateral Minsk Group process the OSCE established in the late 1990s to facilitate de-escalation and peace talks between the sides. This process has largely succeeded in keeping all-out war at bay for more than 20 years, but the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides bear responsibility for advancing the cause of peace, including by preparing their populations for a lasting resolution. I am encouraged by the significant decrease in ceasefire violations over the past couple of years as well as the steady pace of high-level encounters between Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders during this period. Yet no meaningful progress has been made in these talks. Moreover, the Armenian Prime Minister and Azerbaijani President punctuate their private discussions with inflammatory public statements that often distort the historical record and damage the cause of peace. Madam Speaker, I strongly encourage the political leadership in Yerevan and Baku to use these solemn commemorations of Sumgait and Khojaly this week to turn a new page in this terrible conflict. The most fitting way to honor the lives of those lost would be through words of reconciliation and steps toward peace. Together, the peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan can ensure such atrocities are never repeated and that future generations will know a life of secure and prosperous coexistence.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize the legacy of the Tabernacle Baptist Church, a historically black church located in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Tabernacle Baptist Church was established in 1893, before the creation of the town of West Palm Beach in 1894. The Church has proven to be a pillar and haven in the community throughout its 127-year history and continues to maintain its strong presence today. The Church's leadership through various projects, such as the establishment of the U.B. Kinsey Educational and Community Center, and the Rosemary Village Construction Project, illustrates a dedication to a holistic, community-driven mission. The Church has also created the first school for African American children in Palm Beach County and continues to champion education through programs such as their scholarship committee. Throughout the years, the Church has remained a steadfast spiritual guide and support and strives to strengthen its presence in order to better serve Palm Beach County. Under the leadership of Rev. Gerald D. Kisner, Pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church for the past 23 years; Reverend Kevin L. Jones, Assistant Pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church and the Church's Minister for Youth and Young Adults; and Ms. Gwendolyn Ferguson, Executive Assistant of the Church, they have carried the mission of the Church to serve as God's witnesses or ambassadors to people who are in need, through discipleship, outreach, teaching, preaching, community development, praise and worship. Madam Speaker, the Tabernacle Baptist Church is indeed an exemplary part of our community. I extend my warmest congratulations to the Church for its contributions over these 127 years and wish them many more years of continued success.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Dr. Marcus Demond Davidson, Senior Pastor of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church, on his 10th Annual Pastoral Anniversary, which will take place during the month of March 2020. This achievement truly is remarkable and a testament to Rev. Davidson's commitment to faith, leadership, and our community. Throughout his career, he has tirelessly served faith-based and secular groups by helping to transform and empower others to achieve their greatest potential. Rev. Davidson is a graduate of Deshler High School in Tuscumbia, Alabama. In further studies, he received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in Normal, Alabama; Master of Biblical Studies from Heritage Bible College in Huntsville, Alabama; Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama; and a Doctor of Ministry with an emphasis in Black Church Leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has studied at the Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas; abroad at the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. At the age of six, Rev. Davidson accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with the St. James Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of his father, Rev. Dr. Green Davidson, III. When he was sixteen years of age, Rev. Davidson acknowledged his call into the preaching ministry. In 1999, he was elected and previously served for ten years as pastor of the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Courtland, Alabama. Rev. Davidson's move to the New Mount Olive Baptist Church continued his career as a young, spirited minister who's many achievements include his work as a gospel recording artist, entrepreneur, noted preacher, pastor, and teacher. Additionally, he has been an inspiring figure through his numerous other works and engagements within the community. Madam Speaker, Rev. Davidson has long stated that ``worship is not so much style as it is substance.'' It is abundantly clear that over the last decade at New Mount Olive Baptist Church that this remains his ethos every single day. I once again want to congratulate Reverend Dr. Marcus Demond Davidson on his 10th Annual Pastoral Anniversary and wish him many more years of successful service to our community.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, had I been present for the vote on H.R. 3621--the Student Borrower Credit Improvement Act (Roll Call No. 32), I would have voted in favor of the measure.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Taiwan for holding successful elections on January 11, 2020 and commend President Tsai Ing-wen on her re-election. Free and fair elections are a core tenet of democratic societies and it is encouraging to see the people of Taiwan continue to enthusiastically embrace their civic duty, especially in the face of significant election meddling on the part of the People's Republic of China. The United States and Taiwan have long enjoyed a close friendship, with strong bonds forged through our economic, trade, and security ties. It is critical that the United States never loses sight of the importance Taiwan will play in our efforts to assure a prosperous and peaceful rise for all our friends and allies in the region. Taiwan's dedication to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law make it not only a great partner for the United States, but a beacon of hope for all countries striving to protect and further democratic ideals. Madam Speaker, I again congratulate our friends in Taiwan and President Tsai Ing-wen on this momentous occasion.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Alex Richardson who recently graduated from college with a degree in Criminal Justice. Immediately following graduation, Alex was hired by the City of Sunrise Police Department and sent to the police academy. On December 9, 2019, he was pinned in a ceremony at the Sunrise police headquarters and is currently undergoing police training in his community. Alex is known for beating the odds. He grew up without a father and lost his mother to cancer at age four. One of five children, he and his siblings were adopted by Mr. Patrick Hosler, Jr., who mentored him throughout his childhood. Alex played YFL football for his city, and he now coaches other young men and women in four sports. I am delighted that this fine young man lives in my Congressional district. I am confident that he will succeed beyond all expectations at whatever endeavor he chooses to pursue. I wish him all the very best and thank him for his service to our community.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the FAA family and Medical Leave Act. This legislation will ensure that employees of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are extended the same paid parental leave benefits afforded to other government employees under the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. The conference report to the NDAA, which was announced earlier this week and passed in the House of Representatives Wednesday evening, secured a critical provision for federal employees that will provide 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the case of birth, adoption, or fostering. The provision will help the federal government retain talent and remain competitive with private industry. Unfortunately, this section was drafted to apply to Title 5 only, which has resulted in FAA employees being left out of this very important benefit. More than 35,000 federal employees across our nation are responsible for managing air traffic control, aircraft, and airport safety. I believe we must move quickly to address this oversight and ensure that FAA employees receive the paid parental leave benefits they rightly deserve under the NDAA agreement. Madam Speaker, I am proud to introduce this measure and urge this body to provide for its immediate consideration.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Garth C. Reeves, Sr. who sadly passed away in November at the age of 100. Garth was the publisher emeritus of The Miami Times and a voice for the aspirations of African Americans in Miami for most of the past century. He was a man of principle, who after serving in the United States Army during World War II, worked to improve his community through civil rights activism, journalism, and publishing. Garth was born in Nassau, Bahamas in 1919. He attended Florida A&M University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in printing in 1940. He served in both the European and Pacific theaters during World War II, from 1942 to 1946, and later returned to Miami to work under his father, Henry Reeves, who founded The Miami Times newspaper. Garth dedicated his life to resisting and fighting racism. Taking the helm as publisher and chief executive officer of The Miami Times following his father's passing, he advanced the cause of civil rights and challenged segregation laws with acts of civil disobedience. In 1949, when African Americans were only allowed to play golf on Mondays, he showed up to play on a Wednesday. Garth and others sued for equal access to the golf course and won after a seven-year court battle. And in the 1950s, he was among the first to swim at Crandon Park in defiance of laws that designated it a whites only beach. Today, these may appear to be small acts, but they raised up the black community and highlighted the systemic inequalities facing African Americans each and every day. Garth's good works didn't stop there. He provided scholarships for students to attend his alma maters, Booker T. Washington High School and Florida A&M University, and he donated to The Black Archives/Lyric Theater. It is no surprise that in 2011, he was recognized by the National Newspaper Publishers Association with the Legacy of Excellence Award, and The Miami Times named as the top black newspaper in the country. More recently, he was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists' Hall of Fame in 2017. Madam Speaker, Garth C. Reeves, Sr. was a champion for our community and positively impacted the lives of countless people in Miami and around our nation. I extend my deepest condolences to his family during this extremely difficult time. Garth was a true blessing to so many. His legacy will always endure. I am proud to have called him a friend. He will be dearly missed.

Mr. HASTINGS

Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.