J. Hill

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Dr. Pete Mourani, who, after a nationwide search, has been named the fifth president of Arkansas Children's Research Institute and senior vice president and chief research officer. Dr. Mourani also serves as a professor of pediatrics and pediatric critical care in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Mourani previously served as medical director of Children's Hospital Clinical Research Organization and most recently, the medical director of Children's Hospital Colorado Research Institute. Dr. Mourani was named the Ross and Mary Whipple Family Distinguished Research Scientist Endowed Chair at Arkansas Children's. I am confident that children and their families will find the best care possible under Dr. Mourani's leadership, and I congratulate him on his new role.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Venture Center of Little Rock who has recently been awarded the top prize in the Best Fintech Accelerator/Incubator category at the second annual Finovate Awards, an international competition. The Venture Center, a nonprofit, bested four other finalists chosen by a group of industry professionals from around the globe. Along with the Venture Center winning the top prize, two alumni of the Venture Center's programs received top prizes: The Best Enterprise Payments Solution and Best Fintech Partnership awards. The Venture Center has proven what happens when local people, organizations, and entrepreneurs collaborate, and they have made Little Rock an epicenter of fintech innovation. I echo Governor Asa Hutchinson, saying, ``The Center's successes enhance Arkansas' reputation as a leader in financial technology and computer science.'' I am extremely proud of what the Venture Center is doing in Little Rock and beyond and congratulate them on their earned recognition at this year's awards.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize eight- year-old Maddie Finkenbinder and her father, Charles, who are working hard to provide reusable water bottles to students across Conway, AR elementary schools. When water fountains were disabled to stop the spread of the coronavirus in schools, Maddie went straight to her jewelry box to collect all her allowance and gave it to her father to purchase water bottles for her classmates. Since then, their work has grown, providing water bottles to five elementary schools in Conway, and the educators and administrators of Conway Public Schools are thankful. Charles and Maddie show the true heart of CPSD and the Conway community. I'd like to thank the Finkenbinders for their honorable work and encourage them to keep looking out for their neighbor.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 8265 to extend the Paycheck Protection Program to keep millions of employees on the payroll of America's small businesses.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, as we start a new school year, I rise today to recognize the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's men's basketball coach, my friend, Darrell Walker, who was named last year's Sun Belt Coach of the Year. Coach Walker became the third UA Little Rock coach ever to win the award, leading the Trojans to one of the Nation's best turnarounds, going from a 10-21 record the previous year to 21-10 this past season. That includes a 15-5 record in the Sun Belt Conference, on the way to UA Little Rock's first outright league title since 2015-2016. The spring of pandemic cut short the passion of March Madness. The Trojans were one of just two teams in Division I that finished in 1st place in their conference after being picked 11th or lower in the conference preseason. Coach Walker's passion for excellence in leadership and hard work are always evident, and he can now add Sun Belt Coach of the Year to his long list of accolades and career accomplishments. Good luck to Coach Walker, and good luck to the 2020-2021 team. Go Trojans. Recognizing Derrick Clark

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Dionne Jackson, the executive director of AR Kids Read, for striving to improve the literacy of Arkansas children. Ms. Jackson recognized the importance of literacy very young, after realizing that a family member could not read or write when they signed a document with an X rather than sign their name. This experience inspires her work daily at AR Kids Read. Dionne grew up in the Western Hills neighborhood of Little Rock and attended Hendrix College in Conway. After earning her degree, she became a science teacher at her alma mater, Horace Mann High School. She earned her master's from the University of Central Arkansas and went on to earn a Doctorate in Education from Baylor University, then becoming a tenured professor at Hendrix. As the executive director of AR Kids Read, she works every day to further their mission to advance the literacy education of Arkansas children and families with the aim of having students read proficiently by the third grade. Our community is so grateful to her dedication for this essential need in our area. Recognizing Darrell Walker

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Derrick Clark, who has made Arkansas proud with his resilience and his determination. For years, Derrick wrestled with drug abuse and homelessness on the streets in Little Rock, looking somehow for a fresh start. He spent time at Jericho Way, our Little Rock shelter, where he was able to meet people who saw his potential. Madam Speaker, Mr. Clark made that slow march to sobriety and self- sufficiency by working minimum-wage jobs until he landed a position with a trucking company. Armed with a commercial driver's license and gainful employment under his belt, Derrick established the Paul Philia Scholarship to give others the opportunity to attend trucking school. Mr. Clark put up the first $1,000 of his own money to launch the scholarship, and the fund was quickly put with the Arkansas Community Foundation. The J.C. Thompson Trust has agreed to match every dollar donated up to $10,000. Mr. Clark is now enrolled in college classes and dreams of writing a book. Madam Speaker, I commend Mr. Clark and wish him the best of luck in his journey, that journey of the pursuit of happiness. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Darrell Wood and his patriotic contributions to the city of Benton, Arkansas. Earlier this summer, Benton's mayor, Tom Farmer, noticed a street adorned with American flags. Over the coming weeks, Mayor Farmer noticed that more and more flags were appearing around the city until nearly every street in Benton was decorated. After asking citizens, Mayor Farmer determined that Mr. Wood was responsible for this patriotic display. To show their appreciation, Mayor Farmer and the City Council formally honored Mr. Wood for his contributions to the community with a commemorative plaque. The beautiful sight of these flags has inspired others in the community to add more of their own. Mr. Woods' actions have served as a bright light in these trying times, and we thank him for his selfless service to his city. Recognizing James ``Skip'' Rutherford

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the accomplishments and service of Ryan Christiansen of Bald Knob, Arkansas. Ryan is a member of Troop 157 of the Boy Scouts of America. His goal was always to become an Eagle Scout, which he accomplished on April 25, 2019, after earning 51 Scouting badges, 30 more than the number required. For his Eagle Scout project, Ryan built a mobile drop box for the proper retirement of American flags. He is additionally working to place Purple Heart parking signs at businesses in his area. The Arkansas Veterans of Foreign Wars named Ryan the 2020 Eagle Scout of the Year. He was additionally honored with a challenge coin from the White County Sheriff's Office, and County Judge Mike Lincoln named August 7 Ryan Christiansen Appreciation Day coinciding with Purple Heart Day. Now a freshman at Arkansas State University, Mr. Christiansen has worked tirelessly in the service of others, and I am proud to honor his hard work and perseverance today. Recognizing Barry McKuin

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great Arkansas public servant, Mr. Dale English. He was 80 years old. Before passing, Dale served the city of Searcy for 33 years as city councilman, and he served the fire department for 20 years, retiring as captain. Throughout his years of public service, Mr. English developed a reputation as a thoughtful, intelligent leader who earned the respect of his peers. As a constant presence on the Searcy City Council for the past 33 years, Mr. English's knowledge and experience were only matched by his love and commitment to youth sports. His memory will serve the community as a model of an effective, dedicated public servant for years to come. I join the citizens of Searcy and all Arkansans in honoring the remarkable life of Dale English. He will be missed. May he rest in peace. Recognizing Ryan Christiansen

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize James ``Skip'' Rutherford, who announced plans to retire as dean of the University of Arkansas, Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock. Mr. Rutherford has served in this role since 2006 and planned to retire earlier this year but stayed longer than expected to help the school, students, faculty, and staff weather the storm of COVID-19, which shows his dedication to the lives of those with whom he works. Skip had a passion for public service at a young age as he watched the election returns on the courthouse lawn in Batesville, Arkansas. He believed in order to make a real difference, you need to roll up your sleeves and get in the arena. He was instrumental in the building of the Clinton Presidential Library, the development of the River Market District, and coordinating the 40th anniversary commemoration of the 1957 integration of Little Rock Central High School, which in turn led to the school being named a national historic site. Martha and I wish Skip a fulfilling and active retirement. Recognizing Grady Spann

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the VFW Department of Arkansas' Post 4453 in Morrilton, Arkansas, on the occasion of their 75th year of service. Post 4453, also known as the Martin-Bradley Post, has been given their Diamond Jubilee Award for their exceptionally long and dedicated service to veterans in the Morrilton area. Our Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in Arkansas do so much to support our heroes, once they return home from service, by providing access to resources and a sense of community. The VFW posts also honor veterans once they pass, keeping their memories alive in the hearts of central Arkansans. Every year for the Fourth of July, VFW Post 4453 lines up American flags for the Morrilton Walk of Flags. Each of these flags is a visual reminder of the brave men and women from Conway County who defended our freedom at home and abroad. Thank you to our central Arkansas veterans who have laid their lives on the line for country, and congratulations to the Martin-Bradley Post of the American Veterans of Foreign Wars for their 75 years of service. May they serve many more in the years ahead. Honoring Dale English

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Grady Spann, the director of Arkansas State Parks, who was recently named president of the National Association of State Park Directors. Mr. Spann is a 27-year employee of Arkansas State Parks, having previously served as superintendent of the Ozark Folk Center, Historic Washington, and the Parkin Archaeological State Park. In 2012, he was named supervisor of Region 5, a newly created region of State parks. Mr. Spann's passion and dedication earned him not only the position of director of Arkansas State Parks in 2016, but now as president of the National Association of State Park Directors. The association aims to promote and advance State park systems throughout the United States. Grady's commitment to the preservation of the Natural State and beyond is evident in his leadership. I congratulate Grady Spann and wish him well in this new leadership assignment. Recognizing the VFW Department of Arkansas' Post 4453

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barry McKuin. Barry is stepping down from his responsibilities after 15 years of service to the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute as an original board member and advocate for this important nonprofit organization. Mr. McKuin first served as the CFO of Winrock Farms after Governor Winthrop Rockefeller passed away in 1973, and his involvement only grew from there. He was heavily involved in the Conway County Economic Development Corporation and served as its president. Barry has always put his community, the town of Morrilton, on the map by involving the town in the Uncommon Communities Program, which promotes local community and economic development. Lisenne Rockefeller, Institute board member, said, ``Barry saw the big picture, focused on the future, and kept others on track.'' Mr. McKuin's service to the nonprofit and community are greatly appreciated. Congratulations on his successful tenure at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, and we wish Barry McKuin success in years to come. Recognizing Mary Newsome

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today, I recognize the career and contributions of Mary Newsome to the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton and to Conway County, Arkansas. Mary is the longest-serving employee of the college, beginning in 1981 as extra help and, now, currently serving as the assistant to the chancellor. Yet after 39 years, her dedication to others goes far beyond the campus in Morrilton. Her list of community involvement is long, including her service as a board member of the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce, CHI St. Vincent Morrilton, Conway County Senior Adult Center, and the Conway County School Counts. She additionally serves as secretary of the Conway County branch of the NAACP and as a Sunday school teacher at her church. Mary always makes you feel so welcome. She is a neighbor that everybody wants and a citizen that every community needs. She has dedicated her life to the betterment of others, and I thank her for her years of service to UA Community College Morrilton and central Arkansas. Recognizing Dionne Jackson

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I was honored to attend the signing of the historic Abraham Accords at the White House, which represents a historic breakthrough for peace in the Middle East. Bahrain and the UAE are the first Arab countries to normalize relations with Israel in two decades. I applaud President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, and King Hamad Al Khalifa for coming together to achieve this critical milestone and step forward. This achievement proves the success of President Trump's undeniable support for the State of Israel and dedication to U.S. leadership in the region. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration and our allies around the world to build upon these agreements, develop deeper diplomatic ties, and strengthen our relationships. Recognizing Candace Franks

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness about an ongoing issue that is happening at the International Monetary Fund as it combats COVID-19. As the lead Republican on the Subcommittee for National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy for the House Financial Services Committee, I invite your attention to a bad policy proposal. During this time of crisis, the IMF provides financial assistance and debt service relief to its 189 member countries. As a part of the COVID relief, some IMF members, particularly China, have been lobbying for billions in extra relief through a new allocation of Special Drawing Rights, or SDRs. SDRs are an international reserve asset used to provide liquidity and supplement countries' official reserves. And unlike a typical IMF loan, Mr. Speaker, SDRs do not require repayment. Now, this idea has gained traction among certain congressional Democrats, notably Senator Durbin and Representatives Waters and Garcia, who have proposed allocating no fewer than two trillion SDRs--equivalent to $2.8 trillion--to the IMF's member countries. What the Democrats might not fully understand is that if the IMF were to allocate this additional two trillion SDRs, the allocation would be made in line with IMF shareholding weights, not financial need. This means that the bulk of SDRs would not go to the poorest countries with hundreds of billions of dollars instead going to the richest nations in the world. Even worse, Mr. Speaker, $170 billion would go to China, $20 billion to Iran, $75 billion to Russia, $17 billion to Assad's Syria, and $20 billion to the failed state in Venezuela. These billions would represent no-strings-attached liquidity for the world's most brutal dictatorships. However, there is an alternate way to ensure the IMF is able to provide assistance to countries that truly need it. The IMF has two trust funds that can lend or provide grants to the poorest and most vulnerable countries during emergencies, as we have with the pandemic. This is the proposal of House Republicans and of the Trump administration. Preventing blanket SDR allocations demonstrates that the United States is a leader to help the poorest nations in the midst of this pandemic, but also a leader in accountability in our multilateral institutions. A financial windfall for terrorists and authoritarians is the wrong approach. Historic Breakthrough for Middle East Peace

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Candace Franks, who is retiring as the commissioner of the Arkansas State Bank Commission after 13 years in that top position and more than 40 years with the Arkansas State Bank Department. I am proud to have known and worked alongside Candace for over a quarter century. Candace Franks has been a trailblazer in many regards. Candace is the first woman to serve as the Arkansas bank commissioner in its 107-year history, the first professional bank regulator to serve in the position, and the longest serving commissioner as well. During Candace's many years of service, she has been a good steward for Arkansas' funds. In 1980, when she began her career, the institutions under the Arkansas State Bank Department held $7 billion in assets. Today, they hold more than $123 billion. In addition to her work as Arkansas bank commissioner, she serves as the chairman of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, a member of the State Board of Finance, and a member of the Board of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System. I thank Candace for her devotion.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize The 3 Brothers Farm as the 2020 Conway County Family Farm of the Year. The farm, located near Sardis, is run by brothers Lucas, Nicholas, and Josh Moore. Nicholas and Lucas started farming together 20 years ago by raising cattle and conducting a custom hay baling operation while they attending Morrilton High School. In 2013, the two brothers began their crop-rotation program after they acquired more land after their former employer, Randy Pettingill, retired. Today, all three brothers raise a mixed breed of cattle using Black Angus bulls which they sell based on their sterling reputation and word-of-mouth sales. One day, they hope to open their own retail store stocked by their own beef. I thank our farm families, whose contributions to our communities and state keep our economy strong while producing the best agricultural products in the country. Congratulations to the Moore Family for winning the 2020 Conway Family Farm of the year.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, why were we brought back to Washington, D.C., this week? Was it to provide much-needed relief and assistance to American families and small businesses because of the pandemic? No. Instead, we continue to spend time on another set of mostly partisan messaging bills with little or no input from Republicans. My Democratic colleagues rely on grandstanding and talk more about the bills they have passed than the bills, Madam Speaker, they have actually gotten signed into law. It is time for Democrats to get serious and stop trying to score political points and come back to the negotiating table. Let's serve the American people by actually getting much-needed bipartisan legislation signed into law to fight this virus and get our economy back. We have already proven how much good we can accomplish for American families and the American people when we work together.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in final salute to the service of a man who loved the United States and devoted his life to her service, Lieutenant General Brent Scowcroft. General Scowcroft died August 6, 2020, and leaves behind his loving daughter, Karen, and her family. His devoted friends, colleagues, and loyal longtime staff members are left with terrific memories of a man who served two Presidents and had delivered his wise counsel to them. General Scowcroft was the only American to serve two Presidents, President Gerald Ford and President George H.W. Bush, as their National Security Advisor. In September 1991, President Bush asked me to leave the Treasury Department and join the White House staff, directing his Economic Policy Council. General Scowcroft was a member of that group and always made significant, substantive, and humorous contributions to our meetings when he was awake. Brent was renowned among his colleagues for his long hours, dedicated work, and daily care for his long-ailing, beloved wife, Jackie. That made late afternoon meetings a bit of a struggle. President Bush initiated the Scowcroft Award to that Cabinet Secretary or senior staffer that nodded off in a meeting, as former staffer and now President of the Council on Foreign Relations Richard Haass described, in the most ostentatious manner. One of those nod-offs occurred in the Roosevelt Room, with his head resting on my shoulder. During those White House years, my wife, Martha, served General Scowcroft as his deputy legal adviser. Our family extends our heartfelt condolences to Brent's family and his scores of friends around the world. Honoring the Life of Richard Colburn Butler, III

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and legacy of one of Arkansas's great businesspeople and civic leaders, Dickson Flake, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, at the age of 81. Throughout his life, Dickson's accomplishments knew no bounds, as he played major roles in crucial Little Rock developments, including the Arkansas BlueCross BlueShield headquarters and the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Dickson started his career in 1965 after finishing at the University of Michigan with a master's degree in business with high distinction. Because of his dedication, he was awarded the Arkansas Real Estate Association Realtor of the Year in 1971 and was inducted into the Arkansas Real Estate Hall of Fame in 2011. He was named the 2020 Business and Professional Leader of the Year by the Rotary Club of Little Rock. With the passing of Dickson Flake, Martha and I lost a good friend. Like many in central Arkansas, I lost a wise counselor. In this time of thanks and reflection, Martha and I extend our condolences and prayers to his family.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of one of Arkansas's great historic preservationists, and my lifelong friend, Richard Butler, III, who recently passed away at the age of 82. Richard was born in 1937 in Little Rock, where his father, Dick, was a philanthropist for whom the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies is named. After receiving his law degree from the University of Arkansas, Richard practiced law for a few years before becoming a trust officer at the Commercial National Bank of Little Rock. His attention to detail and historic architecture led to wonderful projects in Old Washington, Arkansas. For his devoted work, Richard was known in our State as Mr. Preservationist. Richard had a passion for teaching people about the history of Arkansas and was a steadfast supporter of churches and the arts. He was an inspiration and friend to many across our State, and I extend my respect, affection, and prayers to his friends, family, and loved ones. Honoring the Life of Dickson Flake

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the 2,977 victims who lost their lives in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and four hijacked planes. For all Americans, September 11th will be marked in our minds and hearts forever as a solemn day where innocent men and women were killed in what became the greatest attack on this nation since Pearl Harbor. After the attacks, the Conway Fire Department sent firefighters to Ground Zero in New York to help. In October 2011, the Conway Fire Department requested and received a large piece of steel from the World Trade Center. That piece sat inside Central Station until Conway resident Kevin Bass took it upon himself to create a memorial, launching the Citizens for Conway 9-11 Memorial page. Thanks to the efforts of the Conway Fire Department, Conway city officials, and Mr. Bass, that piece of the World Trade Center is now a memorial to honor those who lost their lives. The Searcy Fire Department also was selected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to receive an I-beam of steel from the World Trade Center. The Searcy Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary organized a fundraiser to cover the costs of that memorial. They had businesses and residents in Searcy to sponsor one of 343 American flags that were placed along the Beebe-Capps Expressway. The flags were placed on September 11, 2011, and each bore a ribbon with the name of a firefighter killed on 9/11. Thanks to the community's help, the 9/11 Memorial is a focal point at the Searcy Fire Department today. Both memorials stand as stark reminders of the constant bravery and heroism displayed by our nation's firefighters. This year, on the 19th anniversary of September 11, I pray for the families who lost loved ones and friends who no longer have their companions. May their cherished memories of good times, laughter, and happiness never fade.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Parent Teacher Association at the Guy-Perkins School District for once again providing students with school supplies for the upcoming academic year. All students in grades K-12 will have school supplies provided to them, regardless of whether students have chosen on-campus instruction or distance learning for this fall. As parents, teachers, students and educators begin a uniquely challenging school year, the PTA's long tradition will help parents with back-to-school costs and ensure that our teachers do not have to purchase their own supplies. According to Betty Vickers, Guy-Perkins PTA's secretary and treasurer, the initiative helps boost the community's economy because all the supplies are purchased locally. I am happy this wonderful tradition has continued into the 2020-2021 school year, especially during these extraordinary times where educating our kids presents unique challenges. Jennifer Carnahan Receives Service Award