George Holding

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take pause and reflect on the life of Earl Leroy Ashe, Jr. Earl Ashe was born on February 8, 1933. As a teenager, he joined the Army and later became a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. Following Earl's discharge from the military, he went on to attend North Carolina State University and later graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in English. It was after his graduation from college, Madam Speaker, that Earl Ashe became a pioneer in the early days of television. He first started at several small television stations and then moved to Raleigh, North Carolina where he helped launch WRAL. During his career at WRAL, Earl produced and directed the daily news, the Uncle Paul children's show, local wrestling, and many other shows and commercials. While with WRAL, Earl met and befriended the future Senator Jesse Helms. Years later he joined Senator Helms to write, produce, and direct commercials for his senatorial campaigns. Earl was a trendsetter in campaign ad production; creating effective ads that moved public opinion and had a lasting impact on the state of North Carolina. So effective, in fact, that he also helped write advertisements for Senators' John East and Lauch Faircloth. Earl was known for his love of jazz music from the 1950s and 1960s and his plethora of opinions relating to foreign affairs, the military, and the overall direction of our country. And, Madam Speaker, Earl's storytelling was that of legend. Sadly, however, Earl Ashe passed away on November 12, 2020. He is deeply missed by his friends, family, and the entire community.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take pause and reflect on the life of Ronnie S. Williams. Madam Speaker, Ronnie Williams was especially proud of his service to his country. He graduated from Garner High School in 1966, attended Wake Community College then served in U.S. Army. He was deployed to Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. Williams was a member of American Legion Post 232 and Garner VFW Post 10225. In addition to his military service, Williams was a former first responder. He was a volunteer both in the Garner Volunteer Fire Department and in Garner EMS, serving as chief of the latter from 1980 to 1983. Madam Speaker, Ronnie Williams served on the Board of Aldermen for Garner, North Carolina for 20 years before being elected Mayor of Garner, and serving in that role between 2005 until December of last year. Under Ronnie's nearly three decades of public service, Garner, North Carolina prospered now includes over 30,000 residents outside of Raleigh. He also assumed roles of regional and statewide leadership during his tenure as mayor. He served as chair of the Wake County Mayors Association from 2007 to 2009 and was selected to be an at-large member of the N.C. League of Municipalities' Board of Directors Sadly, former Garner Mayor Ronnie S. Williams passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at the age of 72. His legacy as a devoted and dedicated public servant will be missed by all of those who knew him.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take pause and reflect on the life of James Russell Capps. Russell Capps was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on February 26, 1931. He attended Murphy Elementary School and Hugh Morson High School in the Oakwood neighborhood of Raleigh. He graduated from the Radio/ Television Institute of Chicago and then from Wake Forest University in 1956 with a degree in Sociology. During the 1970s, Russell worked a position in radio and later television with WRAL News in Raleigh. Capps then went on to the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for three years and served as a volunteer pastor at a Baptist church. Madam Speaker, in the 1960s he attended the Institute of Government in Chapel Hill, North Carolina for a number of studies in local government administration and fire service. In 1968, he served as the first Wake County Planning Director and later as the first director of Wake County Emergency Management and founded the Wake County Emergency Medical Services. Russell was then elected to the North Carolina State House of Representatives in 1994 and he served 6 terms in that body. For 22 years, Russell also served as President of the Tax Payers Association. He was a member of the Christian Action League of North Carolina for 40 years and he spent eighteen years as a department head in Wake County Government. Russell was also Fire Marshall of Wake County for seventeen years. He was a planner in the NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. He served as Wake County's first Planning Director who helped develop and prepare the original Wake County Comprehensive Development Plan. Sadly, Madam Speaker, Russell Capps passed away this year on October 6, 2020. He was 89 years old. He will be missed by his friends, neighbors, family, and the entire community.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take pause and reflect on the life of Justus Murray Ammons. Jud Ammons grew up on a farm in Western North Carolina, where sharecropping and plowing gardens shaped what he called his ``country boy'' work ethic. At N.C. State, he dabbled in his first entrepreneurial pursuits, including selling books, starting a laundry pickup business and working as an engineer for the State of North Carolina, all on top of college classes. He also met his wife, JoEllen and they were married in 1957 in Monroe, North Carolina. Madam Speaker, Jud and JoEllen spent their early married years traveling the world while Jud served in the U.S. Air Force and then worked as department head with CP&L. In the mid-1960s, the Ammons settled in Raleigh, North Carolina where Jud founded Ammons Construction Company. As a real estate developer, Jud built, owned and operated major subdivisions, day care facilities, golf course communities, industrial parks, retirement communities and shopping centers from the mountains to the coast. He sincerely cared about what he was doing and about the people he was building for, no matter the project. Jud was a savvy businessman, although he claimed it was ``common sense.'' Encouraged by seniors in his church Jud developed Springmoor Retirement Community in North Raleigh. The community is the cornerstone of Greystone and pioneered the concept of a planned urban development incorporating amenities that allow residents to live, work, play, worship and go to school in a cohesive community. In 2000, he wrote a book named for his life motto, ``Don't Wish You Had, Be Glad You Did.'' Decades ago, Jud coached basketball, soccer and football; more recently, he kept a list of grandchildren's sports and activities schedules in his back pocket, filling nights and weekends to the brim to make it to as many games, recitals and performances as possible. Always driven by the desire to meet the needs of the people of Raleigh, Jud served in leadership on the Wake County Planning Commission, Raleigh Greenway Commission, Raleigh City Task Force and Raleigh Bicentennial Commission. He was president and board member of the Raleigh-Wake County Home Builders Association and director of the National Association of Home Builders. In 2011, he was inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame. He and JoEllen helped found Greystone Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, Sunday School teacher and trustee. He served on several legislative study commissions, as a member of the Raleigh volunteer fire department and as a trustee of Mars Hill College in his hometown. Jud also loved raising champion beagles and was inducted into the Brace Beagling Hall of Fame. Jud was quick to tell a joke and a story, usually using his own dictionary of ``Jud-isms.'' A respected developer and businessman, he believed in dreaming big, working hard, and taking risks. But most of all, he loved God and his family, including his late wife, JoEllen, their four children and their 13 grandchildren. Sadly, Madam Speaker, Jud Ammons passed away this year on October 18, 2020. He was 85 years old. He will be missed by his friends, neighbors, family, and the entire community.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take pause and reflect on the lives of Adora Prevost Ragsdale and George Robinson Ragsdale. Dody, as her family lovingly called her, was born in Waynesville, North Carolina on May 31, 1939. The eldest of John Aaron and Adora Holtzclaw Prevost, she attended Waynesville High School and Sweet Briar College. She was elected President of her college class, and was an alumna of the Chi Omega Sorority where she also served as President. She graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Dody adored the Appalachian Mountains in her youth and loved them throughout her life. Her husband, George Ragsdale, graduated with honors in 1954 from Georgetown Preparatory School and then entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated in 1958. An active student leader, he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, the Order of the Golden Fleece, The Order of the Grail and was Chairman of the Men's Honor Council. He was elected President of the Senior Class and Permanent President of the Class of 1958. Madam Speaker, George then went on to graduate from UNC Law School in 1961. He spent a year in Washington, D.C., as Assistant Chief Counsel of the United States Subcommittee on Constitutional Rights for the Chairman at the time, Senator Sam J. Ervin, Jr. It was in Washington where he met his wife ``Dody'' Prevost. And on October 20, 1962 Dody and George married on what was described as a ``brilliant October morning.'' The couple moved back to North Carolina where George entered private practice in Raleigh. And upon the election of Governor Dan Moore, George was named Legal Counsel to the Governor. And then, in 1968, Governor Moore appointed him to the Bench as a Special Judge of the Superior Court of North Carolina, then one of the youngest such Judges in the State's history. Dody championed and pushed countless causes including a fine understanding of the Arts, serving as the Board President for the North Carolina Symphony, and being a founding member of the American Dance Festival. And in her tireless spirit, Dody held multiple positions in her community, including with the Rex Hospital Guild and serving as President of the Capital City Garden Club. George went on to found his own firm, Ragsdale Liggett, with his good friend Frank Liggett in 1972. During his long legal career, George served on the Boards of Directors of a number of publicly traded companies. Madam Speaker, George then went on to be elected to the Board of Trustees of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1979 and then served as Chairman between 1984 and 1985. Inspired by their deep Christian faith and devotion to God, Dody and George Ragsdale were founding members of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Sadly, Dody Ragsdale passed away on June 19th earlier this year. And her loving husband George passed on August 12th. They will be missed by their friends, their family, and their community. My deepest and warmest sympathies and condolences are with the entire Ragsdale Family in this difficult time.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 228.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Constantine ``Buzz'' Beler, who passed away last month at the age of 90. For more than half a century, Buzz was a towering figure in the restaurant industry and a beloved pillar of his community. The son of Peter and Cleo Hariklea ``Hattie'' Beler, Buzz learned the ropes of the restaurant industry at a young age working at his parents' restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland. Buzz went on to attend the University of Virginia where he was a member of the Riding team and a standout in the classroom. Following graduation, Buzz returned home to pursue a law degree at the University of Maryland. Buzz did a brief stint in the Army and then spent some time working at a local law firm. Ultimately, though, Buzz found himself yearning to return to the restaurant business. When the Horizon House--a little known eatery in Baltimore--went up for sale in 1965, Buzz and his brother seized the opportunity and opened up the ``Prime Rib.'' Their elegant, yet simplistic steakhouse did quite well. A decade later the brothers decided to open a second location in Washington, D.C. in 1976. The venture was a smashing success. Over the years, the Prime Rib became a renowned institution--racking up a long list of local and national accolades. All the while, Buzz could be found at the steakhouse nearly every night of the week--where he oversaw operations and spent his time chatting up customers. Several generations of locals came to admire Buzz for his strong character, impeccable work ethic, and vibrant spirit. Buzz will be remembered as a warmhearted, gracious gentleman who rose to prominence and achieved success the right way. Buzz was a dear friend and I will always cherish the memories I have of him. His was truly a life well-lived.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Alfred Llewellyn Hobgood III. Hobgood spent his entire life in North Carolina. He was a successful businessman, a fixture in the community and above all, a loving husband and father of two. Alfred Hobgood was born on December 3, 1946 in Kinston, North Carolina to Alfred Llewellyn Hobgood, Jr. and Suefan Gooding Hobgood. He was raised in Smithfield and attended Darlington High School before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His time at UNC was formative to his life and the lessons he learned set him up for a successful career in the business world. After leaving UNC, he began his career under the arms of Jim Wheat of Wheat First Securities. Then he went to Scott and Stringfellow in Eastern North Carolina. After that, he went on to work for RBC Wealth Management, where he served as Senior Vice President. Alfred was a passionate UNC fan and an active alumnus, serving as an officer on several boards, including as president of the Co-Founders Club and chairman of the Excellence Fund. Alfred was also an avid golfer. He was a founding board member of Old Chatham Golf Club and a board member of The Rex Hospital Open. And he passionately supported the First Tee of the Triangle as a past Director. His weight as a member of the community was felt all over North Carolina as he supported the Parrot Academy of Kinston, the LMH Foundation, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, St. Mary's School in Raleigh, Rex Hospital, and many other charitable causes. Sadly, Madam Speaker, Alfred Llewellyn Hobgood III passed away on October 6, 2019 at the age of 72. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the entire community.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take pause and reflect on the life of Margaret Angell Shields Volney. Madam Speaker, Margaret Angell Shields Volney was a proud graduate of East Carolina Teachers College where she received her BS degree in Home Economics. Her education gave her the foundation for a life filled with creativity and gourmet meals as she became a party planner extraordinaire with a driven desire to learn and explore new things. Margaret was an active member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where she volunteered her decorating talents for various church and school fundraising events. And she was a passionate member of The Old Saint Paul Preservation Guild, working towards preserving our oldest Catholic Church in North Carolina--a place where all of her family members had been baptized, married, and buried. Madam Speaker, Margaret actively pursued the preservation of the Judge Gaston House, where the first recorded NC Catholic Mass was held in 1821. In 1959, on Tryon Palace's opening day, Margaret was among the first docents under the guidance of Miss Gertrude Carraway. Margaret was an active Scout leader for many years; a founding member of the Trent Woods Garden Club; a Master Gardener; a member New Bern Golf & Country Club; and Trent River Artist Association. In 1978, Margaret and her daughter opened `Balloons Galore,' an ever-evolving place to shop especially during the holiday seasons. Whether it was a special decorating event, or a bouquet of balloons delivered by 'Big Bird,' Margaret brought smiles and memories for over 32 successful years in business. Sadly, Margaret Angell Shields Volney died peacefully surrounded by family and friends earlier this year on January 15, 2020. She was 93 years old.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Javier Estades. Javier was born in Spain, but went on to receive his undergraduate degree from George Washington University right here in Washington--his first real formal contact with the U.S. Javier then went back to Europe where he went on to receive his MBA and start his career working for large, fast-moving consumer companies. Then, about 15 years ago, he was hired by Altadis to manage the mass market team in Spain. As he progressed through the company, he was eventually hired to run the Altadis team right here in the United States and he immigrated here nearly 10 years ago. Javier Estades now serves as the president and chief executive officer of Tabacalera USA, which oversees Imperial Brands' premium cigar businesses, including Altadis U.S.A., JR Cigar and Casa de Montecristo. And for the past five years, Javier has headed the Cigar Association of America--a national trade association representing cigar manufacturers, importers, and distributors, as well as other major suppliers of the industry. The CAA is proactive in defending its members, their businesses and other like-minded associations. It also has an extensive network established to monitor and act on federal, state and local regulations that could have an impact on its members and the cigar industry at large. The organization's bylaws have been amended several times to allow for Javier Estades to serve multiple terms as the organization's chairman--something which I think speaks directly to his unwavering leadership to build deep relationships and be an effective advocate for his industry. Javier is deeply knowledgeable of every aspect of his industry and is so well-versed he can go toe-to-toe with just about anyone on any issue. His time as Chairman of the Cigar Association of America was marked by an almost overwhelming number of challenges, yet Javier seemed to navigate them all with ease, simply because of the type of person he is. It has been a real honor and joy to get to know Javier over the last five years and I hope he enjoys his retirement from heading the CAA-- maybe even with a cigar.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take pause and reflect on the life of Frances Stagg Nicholson Sanders. Madam Speaker, Frances Stagg was born on December 10, 1929, to Sterling Johnston Nicholson and Mary Washington Stagg. She was the youngest of five siblings and grew up in Durham, North Carolina. Shortly after attending Duke University, Mrs. Stagg married her childhood sweetheart, Bill Sanders. Frances Stagg was a beloved pillar of her community. She joined the Raleigh Junior League in 1955, was a member of the first Docent class of the North Carolina Museum of Art, President of Rex Hospital Guild Board and served as the Chair of the Wake Committee of the North Carolina Society of Colonial Dames, an organization devoted to historic preservation and patriotic services. She was also chair of the Girls Committee and honorary chair for the North Carolina Terpsichorean Club Debutante Ball. Stagg's greatest joy was spending time with family and friends at her home in Morehead City. Always with a smile, Stagg had a full and vibrant life filled with love and laughter. She enjoyed the salt air and sunshine, and loved boating on the Harem with Bill and their girls. She always loved having her dogs nearby as well as her many wonderful friends. Sadly, Frances Stagg Nicholson Sanders passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 13, 2019. She was 89 years old. She will be greatly missed by her friends, family, and her entire community.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Alfred Llewellyn Hobgood, III. Hobgood spent his entire life in North Carolina. He was a successful businessman, a fixture in the community and, above all, a loving husband and father of two. Alfred Hobgood was born on December 3, 1946, in Kinston, North Carolina, to Alfred Llewellyn Hobgood, Jr., and Suefan Gooding Hobgood. He was raised in Smithfield and attended Darlington High School before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His time at UNC was formative to his life and the lessons he learned set him up for a successful career in the business world. After leaving UNC, he began his career under the arms of Jim Wheat of Wheat First Securities. Then he went to Scott and Stringfellow in Eastern North Carolina. After that, he went on to work for RBC Wealth Management, where he served as Senior Vice President. Alfred was a passionate UNC fan and an active alumnus, serving as an officer on several boards, including as president of the Co-Founders Club and chairman of the Excellence Fund. Alfred was also an avid golfer. He was a founding board member of Old Chatham Golf Club and a board member of The Rex Hospital Open. And he passionately supported the First Tee of the Triangle as a past Director. His weight as a member of the community was felt all over North Carolina as he supported the Parrot Academy of Kinston, the LMH Foundation, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, St. Mary's School in Raleigh, Rex Hospital, and many other charitable causes. Sadly, Alfred Llewellyn Hobgood, III, passed away on October 6, 2019, at the age of 72. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the entire community.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most influential men of the modern world. As we celebrate the close of the 150th anniversary of Gandhi's birth, it is important to remember that his legacy is born out every day in the lives of billions of people who live the way they do because of his selfless work. His teachings of non-violence have impacted the entire world; and his promotion of racial, social, and political equality will continue to touch the global community as we work towards a brighter, freer future. It is vital that we continue to embody Gandhi's perseverance and non- violent ways as we work to make the world a better place. Today, we honor his legacy and the power that an individual man had to change the world. 151 years ago, Gandhi was born an ordinary man. Today, he is a worldwide symbol of peace and civil disobedience. May he continue to rest in peace, and may his legacy prevail eternally.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to attend votes. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Rollcall No. 144; NAY on Rollcall No. 145; NAY on Rollcall No. 146; NAY on Rollcall No. 147; NAY on Rollcall No. 148; NAY on Rollcall No. 149; NAY on Rollcall No. 150; NAY on Rollcall No. 153; NAY on Rollcall No. 154; YEA on Rollcall No. 155; YEA on Rollcall No. 156; YEA on Rollcall No. 162; NAY on Rollcall No. 163; YEA on Rollcall No. 164; NAY on Rollcall No. 168; NAY on Rollcall No. 169; YEA on Rollcall No. 170; NAY on Rollcall No. 171; and NAY on Rollcall No. 172.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Madam Speaker, one thing that I think has become abundantly clear during this pandemic is how important it is to incentivize biopharmaceutical innovation. Over the past few months, Federal officials worked tirelessly with drug companies to identify and develop treatments that can help mitigate the effects of the coronavirus-- indeed, save thousands of lives. In my district, the town of Wilson, North Carolina, is home to one of the three manufacturing sites that produce over 40 percent of the world's supply of dexamethasone, which has been identified as one of the first lifesaving drugs for coronavirus patients. This site in Wilson is preparing to ramp up production and meet global demands. Madam Speaker, to effectively fight this pandemic, policymakers must continue working with healthcare stakeholders to spur innovation and ensure a steady supply of vital drugs to treat the coronavirus. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, we are wasting time today talking about government price controls that would do the exact opposite. Rather than incentivize the development of a vaccine and new and innovative treatments, these price-setting proposals will discourage companies from investing in new drugs, and the tax penalty for noncompliance threatens to force companies and certain drugs out of the United States entirely. That not only means that thousands of Americans could lose access to the drugs they desperately need, but thousands of folks in towns like Wilson could lose their jobs as companies leave the United States. Madam Speaker, under no circumstances--no circumstances--can we adopt a policy that will curtail patient access to vital drugs and discourage the development of new, innovative treatments. Even the development of one less drug as a result of this policy is too many in the middle of a pandemic. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this misguided bill.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, it has now been seven weeks since the President signed the CARES Act into law to provide crucial relief to small businesses around the country. While these funds have been essential to keeping the doors open for many businesses, I want to draw attention to the entities that remain unable to access the emergency federal funding they desperately need despite providing invaluable community services during this emergency. Throughout this crisis, YMCAs across the state of North Carolina have been on the front lines, working to ensure essential personnel have the resources and assistance they need. In the last few weeks, the YMCA of the Triangle in Raleigh, NC has provided child care services for over 1,700 healthcare workers and served roughly 50,000 meals to families across the region. In Garner, NC, the Poole Family YMCA has provided stability and care to essential personnel by setting up day camps for their children. Their invaluable efforts are central to ensuring healthcare workers can continue fighting this virus. Despite their work supporting essential personnel, YMCAs continue to be left out of key federal assistance programs. Under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which Congress passed specifically to help groups like this, affiliated YMCAs that collectively employ over 500 people cannot access funds. As a result, the YMCA of the Triangle and the YMCA of Greater Charlotte have furloughed over 95 percent of their staffs as they continue serving communities at a net loss. Mr. Speaker, Congress cannot sit idly by as these YMCAs continue operating at a loss. I implore my colleagues to support an adjustment to affiliation rules for the Paycheck Protection Program in the next emergency package to ensure that YMCAs can access the assistance they need regardless of affiliation.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise to highlight the invaluable work that YMCAs across the country are doing during this crisis and urge Congress to ensure that they are made eligible for essential federal assistance programs in the next coronavirus package. From the beginning, YMCAs across the state of North Carolina have been on the front lines of efforts to combat the spread of corona virus and care for the communities affected by it. For weeks, YMCAs have take the initiative on providing family care and assistance. In Garner, NC, for example, the Poole Family YMCA has set up day camps for the children of essential personnel and runs blood drives. Their work has played an invaluable role in ensuring health care workers can continue fighting and that hard-hit communities have access to basic necessities. Despite providing these essential services, YMCAs have been left out of the federal assistance programs they desperately need. YMCAs in Raleigh and in Charlotte have furloughed aver 95 percent of their staffs and left many on extended unpaid leave as they continue to operate on a deficit throughout this crisis. Unfortunately, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which Congress passed specifically to help groups like this, does not allow affiliated YMCAs that collectively employ over 500 people to receive funds. Madam Speaker, without federal assistance, YMCAs across the country will no longer be able to provide relief to health care workers and underserved communities during this emergency. I ask that Congress work to ensure YMCAs that provide essential community services are able to receive funds through the PPP regardless of affiliation size in the next corona virus package.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Sergeant First Class Antonio R. Rodriguez, who gave his life on February 8, 2020 while serving our nation in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. Sergeant First Class Rodriguez of A Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group out of Eglin Air Force Base in Florida is a true American hero, one that honorably served the United States for over a decade as an elite Army Ranger. Sergeant First Class Rodriguez deployed ten times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. During his tenure in the Army, Sergeant First Class Rodriguez received several awards and commendations. In addition to his Ranger tab, Combat Infantry badge, and Parachutist badge, Sergeant First Class Rodriguez earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO Medal. Madam Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the life of Sergeant First Class Antonio R. Rodriguez and in offering our condolences and prayers to his wife, Sergeant Ronaleen H. Omega, and to the many family, friends, and comrades as they mourn the loss of this brave hero.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I was inadvertently detained and unable to make votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 55; and YEA on Roll Call No. 56.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I was inadvertently detained and was unable to make votes. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 41; YEA on Roll Call No. 42; YEA on Roll Call No. 43; NAY on Roll Call No. 44; YEA on Roll Call No. 45; YEA on Roll Call No. 46; YEA on Roll Call No. 47; NAY on Roll Call No. 48; YEA on Roll Call No. 49; NAY on Roll Call No. 50; and NAY on Roll Call No. 51

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Eddie Bridges of Greensboro, North Carolina. Members of Congress rarely get the opportunity to honor those who have truly dedicated their lives to the public good. That is because it is increasingly rare to encounter those who are truly selfless, truly dedicated to a cause larger than themselves, and who truly care about preserving the best of our natural resources for future generations. Greensboro's Eddie Bridges is such a rare person. Madam Speaker, Eddie is an unselfish leader whose love of the outdoors and sportsmen's community has led him to become one of the most effective conservation leaders in the history of North Carolina. On behalf of North Carolina's congressional delegation, I want the world to know what an impact Eddie has made and to thank him in this official salute, which nobody has ever deserved more. Madam Speaker, Eddie founded the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation, which raised $5 million and has funded $1.5 million in conservation projects across North Carolina. Eddie has been the driving force behind wildlife resource improvements that will benefit future generations forever. Thanks to Eddie's persuasive abilities and creative thinking, he has recruited the State of North Carolina and others to join him--to the tune of millions of dollars in projects--to improve wildlife restoration, water quality, and habitats statewide. Eddie's foundation has funded, for example, a quail habitat project in the Sandhills Game Land, a bass habitat project at Jordan Lake, a North Carolina State University black bear research project in Hyde County, and created the Frank A. Sharpe Junior Wildlife Education Center in Guilford County. We can all thank Eddie Bridges for the idea to create the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's Wildlife Endowment Fund, which currently has $130 million in assets and has funded $70 million for wildlife restoration and habitat improvements. Madam Speaker, Eddie also helped create the State waterfowl stamp and State income tax checkoff for nongame and endangered wildlife, which together have raised $10 million for nongame wildlife and waterfowl projects. The endowments founded by Eddie have raised more than $200 million to preserve and improve our natural habitat areas. Eddie served 12 years on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission after being appointed by Governor Hunt. He has received top national awards, including the Field and Stream Conservation Hero of the Year Award, the Budweiser National Conservationist of the Year Award, the prestigious Feinstone Award, the Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award, and the Chevron Conservation Award. Last year, Eddie was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. But talk to Eddie and he will tell you these awards aren't about him; they are about his desire to give something back. As Eddie said to the Wilmington Star-News last January: ``It's about much more than me. It honors the 1 million men, women, and children who hunt and fish and inject more than $1.3 billion into North Carolina's economy every year.'' An accomplished athlete at Elon University, a leader in the sportsman community, and a hunter and angler legend, conservationist Eddie Bridges has made a positive impact on North Carolina's natural resources like no other before him. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the entire delegation, I wish to thank Eddie for his years of service, his incredible resource development to strengthen our State's wildlife, and the educational impact on our youth and future generations. It is truly an honor to know Eddie and to recognize him today.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, it has been over a year since President Trump successfully negotiated the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. This is a good deal that will benefit every corner of the country. USMCA will empower businesses of all sizes to grow and create jobs, and it is a substantial improvement over NAFTA. Mr. Speaker, as it turns out this week is the 116th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers making the first flight in a powered aircraft. As we all know, the Wright Brothers were innovators and they traveled to North Carolina for this historic achievement. To this day, North Carolina continues to attract the world's most creative and innovative workforce. One prime example is the enormous amount of pharmaceutical research that takes place. Lifesaving drugs are being made in my back yard and the world is better off for it. This Administration was successful in getting Mexico and Canada to raise their exclusivity protections for cutting-edge biologic drugs. This was a monumental achievement. It is incredibly disappointing that Democrats sought to weaken these standards and actively worked against American innovators. These standards would have protected the hard work that is done by our health care industry as they work to come up with new cures and save more lives. By striping these protections from the final agreement--Congressional Democrats have effectively kneecapped the dedicated scientists, doctors and manufacturers working around the clock to develop new cures. I have a tough time understanding why American lawmakers would actively advocate against the interest of American companies trying to do business abroad. Ensuring that American innovators' rights are protected in Mexico and Canada would have had no impact on drug pricing. The Ways and Means Committee has been over that topic before, and to insinuate that there is a correlation between protecting our inventions in Mexico and higher drug prices in the U.S. is disingenuous. While I support the USMCA, the absence of these protections is a missed opportunity and we should do better.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Chair, H.R. 3 is a shortsighted proposal and a bad deal for our constituents. It will compromise the strong legacy of innovation that our Nation is proud of. It will be a grave mistake to fundamentally change the market structure that makes America a viable market for cutting-edge innovation in biopharmaceuticals. Government price setting will kill innovation in clinical areas where it is most needed. The pricing scheme outlined in H.R. 3 would disincentivize research and development for drugs that are first in their class, such as the future cure for Alzheimer's or ASL. Government price controls will not only kill innovation but will also fundamentally change the doctor-patient relationship in this country. This bill would allow bureaucrats to make the most personal of choices about the course of treatment for our constituents. Treatment decisions in this country should be made between a patient and their physician and should not be based on the rationing of treatments by bureaucrats in foreign nations. In North Carolina, H.R. 3's pricing scheme would shatter the biopharmaceutical ecosystem that supports 40,000 jobs directly, 200,000 jobs indirectly, and generates $13 billion in economic output annually. That is just in North Carolina. H.R. 3 would put small and midsized biotech firms out of business and threaten hundreds of thousands of our constituents' jobs. We should reject H.R. 3 and, instead, advance meaningful legislation that lowers patients' out-of-pocket costs, that protects innovation, and that would actually be signed into law.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. As we all have seen, the Indian parliament passed legislation last month changing the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. They modified provisions that were an obstacle to economic development and promoted a sense of separatism. Up until recently, Kashmir had been governed by Article 370, which was an outdated provision of law that the Indian constitution recognized as ``temporary.'' Article 370 might have worked well for those with political connections, but it denied economic opportunities for the people. I also created a polarizing environment that was exploited politically. During the past decades, thousands of people lost their lives due to terrorist attacks. Several groups based in Pakistan were able to conduct cross-border terrorism that wreaked havoc on individuals and families, and led to a morbid economy. The Modi government had to make a decision on whether to continue with the old policy or to pursue progress by changing the region's legal status. Madam Speaker, the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve better and Prime Minister Modi was right to take bold steps to address this situation. Changes to the status of Jammu and Kashmir passed Parliament by a two-thirds majority, which highlights the consensus on the need for this reform. Even with these changes, those seeking to cause disruption have continued to promote violence. Pakistan-based terror groups have recently floated posters warning common citizens against venturing out, going to work, and visiting public places. The groups have continued to engage in cross-border terrorism and have attacked civilians and children. These militant groups have also attacked migrant workers and those who are involved in the apple business, which is the chief crop of Kashmir. Madam Speaker, in order for Jammu and Kashmir to flourish, there must be peace and stability. Individuals and families need to feel safe when they leave their homes and go to work. The steps that Prime Minister Modi and the Parliament have taken are needed, they're good for the long-term stability of the region, and they should be applauded.

Mr. HOLDING

Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the plight of political prisoners in the Russian Federation, and to commemorate an important anniversary. Sixteen years ago last week, on October 25, 2003, Mikhail Khodorkovsky was arrested at gunpoint by special forces of the Kremlin. At the time, Mr. Khodorkovsky was head of a successful Russian company, Yukos, which had adopted Western standards of governance. His crime was to have called publicly on the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to address the problem of state corruption--and to have suggested that such corruption had reached the very highest levels of government. Mr. Khodorkovsky would spend a decade in a Siberian labor camp. Today, Russia is holding more than 230 political prisoners behind bars. Various reports leave no doubt as to the gravity and urgency of the problem and make clear that the situation is only becoming worse. The Kremlin is engaging in a crackdown on political opponents in order to suppress critical voices they see as a threat. Russia's longest held political prisoner is Alexey Pichugin. He is still in jail after more than 16 years because he refuses to sign false testimony against his former colleague, Mikhail Khodorkovsky. It would be difficult to imagine a more egregious violation of the rule of law and human decency. I urge Congress to use the numerous political and economic tools at its disposal--starting with the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act, which the House of Representatives adopted in 2012--to bring greater pressure on the lawless regime of Vladimir Putin. We owe it to the courageous Russian men and women fighting for their God-given human rights and freedoms.