Richard Hudson

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 605, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 606, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 607, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 608, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 609. Personal Explanation

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 107--the SFC Sean Cooley and SPC Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act. As the Representative of Fort Bragg, NC, the epicenter of the universe, and one of the fastest growing veteran populations in the country, I am all too familiar with what it means to be a ``Gold Star Family''. Our community has many of these families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty while serving our country and we remember them each and every day. This resolution before us today would give a renewed sense of optimism to some of these family members by providing them the unique opportunity to take part in a 12-month congressional fellowship in a Congressional office. This fellowship would be modeled after other successful programs to include the wounded warrior fellowship that already exists. Many of our offices have benefited by adding various types of fellows to our staff and I'm sure we would all stand to benefit from having a gold star family member as well. Nothing will ever be able to replace the loss of a loved one, but today we have the opportunity to provide an opportunity to those who have already sacrificed so much. I would ask all of my colleagues to support this resolution and look forward to its passage and having a gold star family fellow in my office soon.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Anne Friesen as the recipient of the Moore County Woman of the Year Award. The Woman of the Year Award is a prestigious honor presented annually by the Moore County Community Foundation to individuals that have impacted Moore County through charitable works and community service. Dr. Friesen has more than 20 years of professional experience in human services and serves as Executive Director of Friend to Friend, a Moore County non-profit whose mission is to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking rebuild their lives. During her tenure at Friend to Friend, she quickly responded to a devastating fire and oversaw the creation of a new, state-of-the-art shelter within one year. In addition to this important work, Dr. Friesen serves on the boards of The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The North Carolina Coalition Against Human Trafficking. In 2018, she earned her Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Professional Practices from Trevecca University and holds graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Kansas. Dr. Friesen has made an immeasurable impact on our community and is deserving of this distinction. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish her success as she continues to serve our community. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Dr. Anne Friesen for her service to our community and being named the Moore County Woman of the Year.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hugh Bingham as the recipient of the Moore County Man of the Year Award. The Man of the Year Award is a prestigious honor presented annually by the Moore County Community Foundation to individuals that have impacted Moore County through charitable works and community service. As Executive Vice President of First Bank, Mr. Bingham oversees 21 branches that cover 9 counties and has been a staple in many civic organizations over the years. He has served on the boards of The O'Neal School, Penick Village Foundation, Sandhills Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Sandhills Community College, and St. Joseph of the Pines. In addition to this important work, Mr. Bingham served as the United Way Campaign Chair from 2018 to 2019 and is a former President of the Moore County Community Foundation. A proud father and grandfather, he attends Southern Pines United Methodist Church with his wife, Jill Ward Bingham. Mr. Bingham has made an immeasurable impact on our community and is deserving of this distinction. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him success as he continues to serve our community. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Hugh Bingham for his service to our community and being named the Moore County Man of the Year.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Lieutenant General Paul LaCamera for his recent nomination for promotion and selection of General of United States Army Pacific. Since 2018, LTG LaCamera has been the Commanding General of both the XVII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District. Throughout his time at Fort Bragg he has shown profound leadership and unwavering dedication to protect our nation. LTG LaCamera received a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Military Academy and a Master of Arts degree from the U.S. Naval War College. After graduating from West Point in 1985, he was commissioned as an Infantry Officer and has proven time and again to be a natural leader with an incredible drive and work ethic. His past assignments include service with the 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia; 4th Ranger Training Battalion and the 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia; 2d Infantry Division, Eighth United States Army, Republic of Korea; 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, New York; 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado; and the Office of Security Cooperation, Baghdad, Iraq. I know I speak for everyone in the Fort Bragg community when I say he will be missed but is well deserving of this promotion. I wish him, his wife Theresa, and their four children the best of luck as they embark on this new adventure in service to our nation. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring LTG Paul LaCamera and his nomination for promotion and selection of General of United States Army Pacific.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Master Sergeant Daryl Cook on his 32 years of military service. Over the years, CMSgt Cook has made immeasurable contributions to our great nation and continues to personify the core North Carolina National Guard values of integrity, selfless service, and honor. He started his career in 1987 as a Fire Protection Specialist with the U.S. Air Force and retires as the Installation Fire Chief, 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina National Guard located at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. During his career, CMSgt Cook has served as Airport Fire Fighter, Driver/Engineer, Fire Inspector, Hazardous Material Technician, and Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) Federal Trainer. Immediately following the September 11th terrorist attacks that devastated our nation, CMSgt was requested through the Army National Guard Readiness Center to staff the Civil Support Team Cell. Exemplary of CMSgt Cook's devotion to service, he helped manage response and readiness in support of Operation Noble Eagle. Cook has served as DOD HazMat Trainer, an instructor for the On-Scene Commanders Course and through the Department of Defense instructs first responders in NBC type events. CMSgt Cook has been instrumental in the development of the NC Emergency Training Center project at the Stanly County Airport. I am proud to represent a district with one of the largest military and veteran populations, and I know I speak for our entire community when I say we are truly grateful for CMSgt Cook's extraordinary service and cannot thank him enough. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him success in his future endeavors. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Chief Master Sergeant Daryl Cook on his 32 years of military service.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rowan Little League's victory in the Little League Softball World Series Championship. Rowan Little League is based out of the City of Salisbury, located in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District. Rowan Little League defeated Eastbank Little League 4-1 on August 14, 2019 in the championship game at Alenrose Stadium in Portland, Oregon. This marks Rowan's fourth trip to the World Series in the past five seasons and is their second title, an extraordinary accomplishment for the perennially successful program. Under the direction of Coach Steve Yang, the program has exemplified the very best of North Carolina through tenacity and perseverance. Rowan far exceeded expectations this summer and enjoyed a perfect 17-0 record, including 7-0 in World Series play. I know I speak for our entire community in offering my most heartfelt congratulations to the exemplary young women of Rowan Little League. These young leaders are the heart and soul of our community and I couldn't be more proud. Madam Speaker, please join me today in celebrating Rowan Little League's victory in the Little League Softball World Series Championship.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose the rule and in opposition to these anti-energy bills. America leads the world in both oil and natural gas production, and our gas prices are on track to be the lowest in 20 years. We are experiencing, Mr. Speaker, an American energy renaissance. The oil and gas industry today accounts for over 10 million jobs, and we have the potential to add even more jobs in my State and others. However, this legislation before us today is a jobs killer. It increases our dependence on foreign oil and gas, and it reduces our ability to develop our own natural resources. In order for us to continue to lead, we need to explore our abundant resources at home. By safely developing America's own energy resources, we can create a more abundant, affordable, and sustainable energy supply, while, at the same time, we can ensure strong protections for the environment. Not only are there economic concerns, but there are also serious geopolitical implications. As a member of the Helsinki Commission, I know firsthand the national security concerns that come with turning over our share of energy markets. Russia is the largest exporter of natural gas to the European Union, and they use this to bully our allies and grow their sphere of influence. By divesting our energy production, Washington politicians are handing over opportunities to Russia to expand their energy foothold and increase their influence over our allies. We should be countering Russian influence in any way that we can, not giving up our own economic and geopolitical power. This opportunity will fade fast. If we don't take advantage of it now, the jobs, the money, and the bright economic future will all go to other countries, making our Nation and our allies more reliant on foreign energy. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the rule and on these underlying bills.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed two votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 515, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 516.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Susan ``Leanne'' Powell, a dear friend of more than 15 years. Leanne was a passionate and fierce leader whose light reached across North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District and brightened our great nation. Leanne departed this life on July 20, 2019 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Exemplary of her devotion to others, Leanne requested her organs be donated to her community and now three Notth Carolinians will benefit from her continued generosity. Leanne led a life of distinction and at age 12 started a career in politics that would span more than three decades. As a young woman she served as a campaign volunteer for the late Congressman Bill Hefner and later joined his office staff. This experience foreshadowed the extraordinary woman she was to become. Leanne went on to serve the White House Women's Office under President Bill Clinton and Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Jill Long Thompson. Following this time in our nation's capital, she returned to North Carolina and founded a successful campaign consulting firm before managing the campaign of Congressman Larry Kissell. Leanne helped elect this history teacher- turned-candidate to Congress in 2008 and served two terms as Congressman Kissell's Chief of Staff, a tenure defined by ideological purity and constituent service. After deciding to leave politics in 2013, Leanne would tell colleagues she wanted to ``make an honest living'' making whiskey. Today, Southern Grace Distilleries stands as one of North Carolina's premier distilleries and a testament of Leanne's hard work and dedication. Reflective of Leanne's innumerable accomplishments and devotion to public service, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper inducted Leanne into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on July 17, 2019, the highest civilian honor the governor can bestow. Throughout Leanne's life she made service to others a priority. My thoughts and prayers are with Leanne's husband, Drew Arrowood; her mother, Judy M. McCord; her brother, Albett ``Chip'' Powell Jr.; and all who loved her, including her beloved canine companion, Bleu. Renee and I join our entire community as we grieve together during this difficult time. I know I speak for the entire community when I say Leanne lives on in the hearts and minds of all who felt her kindness and generosity and I will do everything in my power to honor her extraordinary life. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and legacy of Susan ``Leanne'' Powell.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, if this unanimous consent request cannot be entertained, I urge the Speaker and majority leader to immediately schedule the born-alive bill so that we can stand up and protect the sanctity of human life.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Gohmert for yielding, and I thank Judge Carter for this incredible honor. The gentleman is a dear friend and someone I admire very much. His love for the State of Texas is unmatched. This truly is an honor. I am proud to be a North Carolinian, but I do love the State of Texas. I would first suggest that we should all remember that seven North Carolinians, if my recollection is correct, died defending the Alamo. I also have family ties to Texas. My great uncle Joseph Wesley Humphrey was a deputy sheriff, a member of the Texas legislature, and county judge in Rains County, Texas. Another great uncle, Reverend Daniel A. McRae, was a Methodist minister in San Augustine County, Texas. I believe that might even be in Mr. Gohmert's district. And the church and the cemetery there is still named ``McRae'' after my great uncle. So I do have family ties. I do love the State. I am deeply honored to receive this commission, honorary as it may be, and I will be proud to recite the oath: I, Richard Hudson, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Texas against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States, the Governor of Texas, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. And I will remember the Alamo. So help me God. Madam Speaker, I thank Judge Carter.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of the Honorable Ross Perot and his monumental impact on our nation. Mr. Perot is well known for being a wildly-successful, self-made businessman who ran for President twice, the first time receiving a recorded-breaking 19% of the vote as an independent candidate. Today, I would like to recognize him for his unparalleled service and sacrifice on behalf of our country's military. Mr. Perot is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Following his service, Mr. Perot joined International Business Machines (IBM), which led him to create the extremely successful company, Electronic Data Systems. Mr. Perot was responsible for many other breakthroughs and innovations in the industry. Mr. Perot made a point to hire former military personnel and based his management style on his military training. Mr. Perot continued to be an active advocate for our servicemembers and veterans, becoming one of the most outspoken advocates for our Prisoners of War (POWs). In fact, Mr. Perot was asked by then-Secretaty of State Henry Kissinger to lead the fight on behalf of our POWs, a project he spearheaded by personally chartering two jets filled with medical supplies and the wives of POWs still in Vietnam. His efforts directly led to many POWs being released in 1973 and returned to the United States. Over the course of his life, Mr. Perot received countless honors for his work. In 2009, he was recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs for his tireless efforts on behalf our nation's veterans, and received honorary status in the Army and Marine Corps. Mr. Perot was also named an honorary Green Beret and is one of only fourteen honorary members of the Army's famous 75th Ranger Regiment. Of personal note, I'm especially grateful for all Mr. Perot did for our soldiers and families at Fort Bragg, the largest military installation in the world, located in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District. Mr. Perot donated millions of dollars to the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, and has donated his time, resources and devotion to assisting projects at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg. While we mourn his passing, Mr. Perot will be remembered for his impeccable character, determination and generosity. I have a deep admiration and profound appreciation for all he accomplished and I am inspired by his example to ensure we take care of those who so bravely served our nation. Madam Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the life of the Honorable Ross Perot.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Falkenbury, the President and Chief Operating Officer for the United Service Organizations (USO) of North Carolina, on his decades of service to the State of North Carolina. John was appointed President and COO for the USO of North Carolina in March 2009. During his tenure, he was responsible for planning, organizing and directing the operations of the state headquarters, five USO fixed centers and a mobile center. More than that, he helped organize and marshal thousands of volunteers over the years to support hundreds of thousands of active-duty servicemembers, veterans and their families. John brought 25 years of corporate and military experience to the job, which allowed him to grow and advance the mission of USO. The USO centers across the state provide vital resources and support to our men and women in uniform and their families. These services include transition assistance, financial literacy, child educational programs, deployment and homecoming operations, military and civilian outreach programs, Fallen and Wounded Warrior escort services, and a focus on providing the entire community with support and assistance. Through his leadership, dedication and passion for service, John has been a champion in ensuring these programs are readily available for anyone who needs them. A resident of North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District and someone I've been lucky enough to call a friend for more than two decades, I can say from experience that John is a true pillar of the community above and beyond his USO and military service. John has served as President and CEO of Five Oaks Nursing Center in Concord, the Managing Partner of the Falkenbury Family LLC, and President of the Stephen D. Falkenbury Jr. Foundation in Charlotte. He also served as the WBT-AM radio station's on-air analyst and was a credentialed military consultant and frequent guest for News14 Carolina. I know I speak for everyone in the community when I say we are truly grateful for his unwavering service and cannot thank him enough. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him a long and happy retirement. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring President John Falkenbury and his service to our state

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Logan Herndon and Lieutenant William Jackson as recipients of the Public Safety Valor Award. The Valor Award is a prestigious honor presented to first responders of the greater Fayetteville region who perform acts of heroism under extreme risk. Captain Herndon and Lieutenant Jackson proudly serve the Fayetteville Fire Department and went above the normal call of duty in January 2019. After responding to a motor vehicle accident, Captain Herndon and Lieutenant Jackson began to routinely assist Cumberland County EMS and the Fayetteville Police Department. As they worked, unusual commotion could be heard from an ambulance where one of the motorists was being treated. Calls for help came from the ambulance and as Captain Herndon and Lieutenant Jackson rushed over, they found a police officer in a physical altercation with the motorist. They responded forcefully, quickly securing the scene. Captain Herndon and Lieutenant Jackson's quick actions may have saved the lives of their colleagues, as a loaded firearm was found in the offender's possession. I know I speak for everyone in our community when I say we are truly grateful for their unwavering service and cannot thank them enough. Captain Logan Herndon and Lieutenant William Jackson are deserving of this honor and I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish them success as they continue to protect our communities. Madam Speaker, please join me today in celebrating Captain Logan Herndon and Lieutenant William Jackson on receiving the Public Safety Valor Award.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Deputy Tristan Strickland as a recipient of the Public Safety Valor Award. The Valor Award is a prestigious honor presented to men and women of the greater Fayetteville region who perform acts of heroism under extreme risk. A second-generation law enforcement officer with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department, Deputy Strickland exhibited great courage and composure in the early morning hours of September 4, 2018. While responding to a domestic disturbance where a man was reportedly trying to force entry into the home of a mother and her four children, Deputy Strickland was fired upon while arriving on the scene. He exited his vehicle and returned fire, striking the offender from 90 feet away. Deputy Strickland then heroically shielded a fellow officer and engaged the subject so that she could seek cover. After securing the scene, the officers sought medical attention for the offender. Deputy Strickland's quick actions, excellent marksmanship under extreme pressure, and willingness to stand in front of a fellow officer are a credit to him, his family, and the Cumberland Sheriff's Department. I know I speak for everyone in our community when I say we are truly grateful for his unwavering service and cannot thank him enough. Deputy Strickland is deserving of this honor and I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him success as he continues to protect our communities. Madam Speaker, please join me today in celebrating Deputy Tristan Strickland on receiving the Public Safety Valor Award.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Cynthia Parrish and Sergeant Charles Cochran as recipients of the Public Safety Valor Award. The Valor Award is a prestigious honor presented to first responders of the greater Fayetteville region who perform acts of heroism under extreme risk. Proudly serving the Fayetteville Police Department, 911 telecommunicator Cynthia Parrish and Sergeant Charles Cochran exhibited great courage and composure on the night of July 3, 2018. While responding to a domestic disturbance where a man was reportedly holding his pregnant girlfriend hostage with a knife, Ms. Parrish traced the woman's location, obtained vital information for responding officers, and remained on the phone as the victim was repeatedly stabbed. When Sergeant Cochran arrived on the scene, he breached the apartment door with an axe, quickly located the victim and her attacker, and saved the life of the victim and her unborn baby after neutralizing the threat. Ms. Parrish and Sergeant Cochran's quick actions, bravery and dedication to service are a credit to them, their families, and the Fayetteville Police Department. I know I speak for everyone in our community when I say we are truly grateful for their unwavering service and cannot thank them enough. Ms. Parrish and Sergeant Cochran are deserving of this honor and I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish them success as they continue to protect our communities. Madam Speaker, please join me today in celebrating Ms. Cynthia Parrish and Sergeant Charles Cochran on receiving the Public Safety Valor Award.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Christopher Bordon, Master Firefighter Eddie Jean Pullum, and firefighters Mark Frye and Sean Gallagher as recipients of the Public Safety Valor Award. The Valor Award is a prestigious honor presented to men and women of the greater Fayetteville region who perform acts of heroism under extreme risk. Proudly serving the Fayetteville Fire Department, Captain Christopher Bordon, Master Firefighter Eddie Jean Pullum, and firefighters Mark Frye and Sean Gallagher went above the normal call of duty in January 2019. After responding to reports of a fire inside the home of a woman suffering from Alzheimer's disease, the four of them searched her 1,700 square foot home, extinguished the fire, moved the victim to safety, and provided her with medical assistance. Remarkably, they accomplished this in only 5 minutes and 25 seconds. As firefighters Mark Frye and Sean Gallagher initiated a rapid primary search to find the victim with zero visibility, Captain Christopher Bordon and Master Firefighter Eddie Jean Pullum coordinated a fire attack made in order to provide the best chance of survival for the victim. This incredible display of teamwork and heroism is a credit to them, their families, and the Fayetteville Fire Department. I know I speak for everyone in our community when I say we are truly grateful for their unwavering service and cannot thank them enough. Captain Christopher Bordon, Master Firefighter Eddie Jean Pullum, and firefighters Mark Frye and Sean Gallagher are deserving of this honor and I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish them success as they continue to protect our communities. Madam Speaker, please join me today in celebrating Captain Christopher Bordon, Master Firefighter Eddie Jean Pullum, and firefighters Mark Frye and Sean Gallagher on receiving the Public Safety Valor Award.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I also want to thank Chairwoman McCollum and Ranking Member Joyce for working with me on this very important amendment. In North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District, we are fortunate to have the Uwharrie National Forest. Throughout my time in Congress, I have heard horror stories from my constituents of the danger of the public roads within the Uwharrie National Forest. I have seen these roads firsthand and can testify to the critical need of paving these roads. My amendment works towards improving and maintaining these roads and assuring public access to this State treasure. One of my constituents had a heart attack, and the ambulance couldn't get down the road because of the ruts and the washouts. Thankfully, the desperate, resourceful paramedics got out of the ambulance and sprinted down the road with a stretcher. Another one of my constituents, their house burned to the ground because the road was so impassable, a firetruck couldn't get down to put out the blaze. These are just a few of the examples of the severe public safety concerns that my constituents are facing due to the inability of the Park Service to maintain these roads. It is unacceptable, and it is one reason why I have worked so hard to advocate on behalf of Uwharrie National Forest and advocate for more resources for the Park Service in general. Mr. Chair, I want to thank the Chief of the Forest Service, Ms. Christiansen, for her attention to this issue and for working with me to address this public safety crisis. In addition, Mr. Chair, I want to, again, thank Chairwoman McCollum for her work to increase funding for road construction in this legislation. I will continue to work and stress the urgency of this issue until my constituents are safe. It is my duty as a Congressman to get this done. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment as well as the en bloc.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Clyde ``Ernie'' Hiers on his 39 years of service to our communities as Fire Chief in Temple Terrace, Florida and the City of Kannapolis, located in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. Over the years, Ernie has made countless contributions to our community. He started his career in 1980 as a driver for Temple Terrace Fire Department at age 21 and retires today as Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator at Kannapolis Fire Department. Ernie is known throughout the community for his big smile, endless supply of jokes, and passion for service. Through his leadership, Kannapolis Fire Department has experienced a time of unprecedented growth. Ernie saw the number of firefighters rise from 33 to 84 on any given shift, transitioned to an all paid staff, and implemented thermal imaging and sophisticated 911 systems. Exemplary of his prowess, Kannapolis Fire Department constructed two new replacement stations and improved Insurance Service Office (ISO) ratings for the City. Ernie now plans to spend more time with his wife, Dora and their family, travel more, and to partake in his favorite hobby of serving as a Kansas City Barbeque Society Master Judge. I know I speak for everyone in the community when I say we are truly grateful for his unwavering service and cannot thank him enough. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him a long and happy retirement. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Clyde ``Ernie'' Hiers on his 39 years of service to our communities.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I also thank Chairwoman Lowey and Ranking Member Granger for their leadership and for working with me on this important amendment. As we experienced in April at my alma mater, UNC Charlotte, no community is immune from gun violence. The despicable violence and hatred we saw in our community have no place in our schools and our society. When I think back to my days as a student at Myers Park High School, I remember studying humanities in Dave Layton's class, having lunch with my friends, and looking forward to Friday night football games. I don't remember feeling scared or anxious, and I don't remember worrying about my safety. I want my son and all of America's children to have that same experience. If there is anyplace our children should feel safe, it is in our schools. That is why I, and so many of us here in this Congress, have been working for years to address this issue and tackle the root causes of violence. I led efforts to pass the STOP School Violence Act last year. Under Republican leadership, Congress passed many bipartisan measures to prevent mass violence, including legislation to strengthen the background check system, improve mental healthcare, and give schools the tools they need to protect our students. We have made some progress, but our work is not nearly done. What can we do to better identify and intervene with young people in emotional crises before they reach a breaking point? What causes these emotional crises, and what can we do to prevent them? Which of our efforts to make our schools safer is actually working? These and many more questions deserve to be explored. I hope my amendment will lead to answers that will protect our students and our educators. My amendment would double the money available for research to study the root causes of gun violence, including the impact and effectiveness of grants authorized under the STOP School Violence Act. This money would go to grant programs at the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security that are dedicated to ending violence in our communities. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jim Sells on his 40 years of service to our community as Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Concord, located in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. Over the last 40 years, Jim has made countless contributions to our area. He started his career in 1979 as a volunteer firefighter for the Concord Fire Department and is retiring on July 1st as the Emergency Management Coordinator. His strong character and leadership enabled him to advance within the City of Concord Fire Department, culminating as Emergency Management Coordinator. Jim has earned the reputation for leading the vital improvements to the City of Concord's emergency response infrastructure. Through his leadership, he developed the initial Concord Emergency Management Ordinance which created the division of Emergency Management within the Concord Fire Department. Exemplary of his passion for service, Jim created the City's first emergency operations plan and has saved countless lives. In honor of his tireless innovations, he was recognized by the Executive Steering Committee for the Democratic National Convention in 2012. The City of Concord now stands as a premier model of emergency management and readiness across the state of North Carolina. Jim has led by example over the years and is someone for whom I have everlasting respect and admiration. I know I speak for everyone in the community when I say we are truly grateful for all of his service and cannot thank him enough. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him a long and happy retirement. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Jim Sells on his 40 years of service to our community.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, I thank distinguished Ranking Member Granger for her strong leadership on the committee and for yielding this time to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to call attention to a serious issue of mismanagement between the Community Development Institute, known by its acronym, CDI, and the Office of Head Start. I wholeheartedly support the Head Start program, and I know it has the power to change lives. In fact, my mother is a retired Head Start teacher, and I know the impact on her students was profound. However, I have also seen, firsthand, the damage that can quickly happen to a community when proper oversight is not conducted over local Head Start programs, especially once CDI assumes control. In Cabarrus County, my home county in the Eighth District of North Carolina, we have witnessed CDI continuously demonstrate an inability to ensure the federally mandated guidelines outlined in the Head Start Act are met. While I have been impressed by the new Head Start national Director, Dr. Deborah Bergeron, I adamantly believe Congress needs to exercise more oversight when it comes to Head Start and CDI--not just in my congressional district, but across the Nation. I would like to ask Congresswoman DeLauro to work with me to make sure Head Start and CDI are held accountable and ensure the most vulnerable children in our communities receive the best preschool education possible.

Mr. HUDSON. I yield to the gentlewoman from Connecticut.