J. Hill

Mr. HILL

Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition of the National Apprenticeship Act. As the co-chair of the Skilled Workforce Caucus with my friend from Michigan, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand, professional training programs in my home State of Arkansas and in Michigan. And, I want to thank my Democratic colleagues for their sincere effort to prioritize work training programs, however their efforts are flawed. I have heard my colleagues in the Democratic majority say they want our legislation to reflect America and I share that goal. I agree that we need legislation that reflects the where people work in our economy. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 12.1 percent of Americans are employed by unions. Frankly, this legislation does not reflect our country's workforce because it preferences one business model over another. Rather than encouraging entities and businesses to be empowered to make training choices that are best for their industry, we are instead picking winners and losers. As we move towards recovery from the COVID crisis, we need as wide of an approach to training programs as possible, and this bill is not the answer. Republicans, including myself have offered several amendments that will make a bad bill better. Please support my amendment change to this legislation. In that regard, I ask for unanimous consent to submit letters of support for my amendment. I urge my colleagues to oppose the National Apprenticeship Act.

Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to thank my friend from Michigan and my friend from North Carolina for their leadership in promoting apprenticeship programs that benefit the American people. Madam Speaker, my amendment is simple. It trades one word for another, but the impact is significant. The National Apprenticeship Act states, to the extent practicable, that the partnerships for funding under Title II be part of an industry or sector partnership and partner with a labor or joint labor-management organization. My amendment changes ``and'' to an ``or.'' I am afraid that the unintended consequences of the word will be treated as a requirement for the Federal Government that entities requesting funding under Title II must partner with a union. This bill, as written, allows the government to play favorites with Title II funding and, instead, we should encourage entities to be empowered to make choices that are best for the workforce in their area. In my view, entities applying for Title II funding under the bill should be partnering with both non-union and union industry leaders. But I have no doubt that should this bill become law, bureaucrats at the Department of Labor will interpret the use of ``and'' in this section to mean that if you are not partnered with a union organization you will not receive funding. That is my concern. My home State of Arkansas doesn't have a large union presence, like many States around the country, and this legislation would make it more difficult for entities in my home State to receive Title II funding. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining?

Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx), the distinguished ranking member on the Committee on Education and Labor.

Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank my friend from Michigan. He, in the last Congress, in putting the word ``and'' into the act, said he wanted to give a shout-out to unions. Therefore, I think he has actually identified it very well, that this does improve flexibility and choice. I am concerned about the Department of Labor reading the ``and'' as essentially a directive. So I believe the ``or'' is important, Madam Speaker. Americans are struggling with the COVID-19 crisis. Restrictions, as it relates to title II funding of this bill, unintentionally hurt the American people trying to get new jobs and opportunities. We need every angle to help our citizens get to a successful career. I call on my colleagues to support this simple amendment, to change the underlying legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, let me say this. Bottom line, in the construction industry, important to every one of our States, registered apprenticeships trained about 28,000 people a year, where the need is over 440,000 people a year in construction. We need more flexibility. This amendment is flexible. It supports the American people. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HILL

Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, as we recover from the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, I am humbled and honored to recognize, along with my friend and colleague, Congressman Perlmutter, our deep admiration and gratitude for the heroic actions of the men and women of the United States Capitol Police and to remember the two officers lost, Office Sicknick and Officer Liebengood. H. Res. 39 will ensure that the legacies of Officer Sicknick and Officer Liebengood will never be forgotten. I extend my sincere condolences to the families of Officer Sicknick and Officer Liebengood and am proud to recognize the selfless dedication and service that the men and women of the United States Capitol Police alongside all other involved federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies displayed on that day as they do every day. H. Res. 39--Honoring the bravery and self-sacrifice by officers of the United States Capitol Police and other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies during the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol. Whereas on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, during a joint session of Congress, an attack occurred on the United States Capitol, gravely threatening the physical wellbeing of the Vice President, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate along with hundreds of civilians located within and on the grounds of the Capitol Complex and the security of the Capitol Complex itself; Whereas United States Capitol Police officers and other law enforcement officers directly engaged the attackers, who were armed with explosives, metal pipes, chemical irritants, and other weapons; Whereas Officer Brian D. Sicknick of the United States Capitol Police sustained fatal injuries while engaging with the attackers and defending the United States Capitol; Whereas Officer Howard Liebengood of the United States Capitol Police died while off-duty after the attacks on the United States Capitol; Whereas more than 50 United States Capitol Police officers and Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia officers sustained injuries during the attack on the United States Capitol; and Whereas no members of the House of Representatives or the Senate were injured during the attack due to the swift and courageous actions taken by members of the United States Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, and other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) commends the examples of bravery and service-above-self demonstrated by officers of the United States Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, and the multiple Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies and protective entities that joined alongside of them during the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol; and (2) honors the example of service and devotion to duty displayed by Officer Brian D. Sicknick and Officer Howard Liebengood of the United States Capitol Police.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great American, Thomas Albert Parris. He was 87 years old. After joining the Air Force in 1948, at age 14, Mr. Parris was stationed in Germany for 2 years, where he drove an ambulance and became a medic. Mr. Parris continued to serve in that capacity at various Air Force bases in the U.S. and abroad. While stationed in the Azores, Mr. Parris assisted in delivering 395 babies. After retiring from military service, Mr. Parris owned several gas stations, worked on nuclear submarines, became a private pilot, and trained racehorses. Most recently, he was recognized by the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and awarded the Cherokee Warrior Medal of Patriotism by Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr., and the Tribal council members. I join Arkansans, Oklahomans, and all Americans in recognizing Mr. Parris' years of service and honoring his remarkable life. I pray he rests in peace. Honoring the Life and Legacy of Nicole Inman

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, as this year draws to a close, I rise to commemorate the historic Abraham Accords. After years of foreign policy experts saying it could not be done, President Trump and his team have now brokered peace between Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco, the fourth such agreement in just 4 months. Because of these remarkable diplomatic accomplishments, we will seek continued cultural, diplomatic, and economic visits and exchanges between Israel and Bahrain, Israel and the Emirates, Israel and Sudan, and, now, Israel and Morocco. I believe that this represents a historic paradigm shift in the region and gives momentum to ultimate peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Mr. Speaker, it has been more than 20 years since Israel signed peace with the Kingdom of Jordan and more than 40 years since the historic Camp David Accords and peace between Egypt and Israel. Since those historic agreements, the United States' efforts to further peace in the Middle East have stumbled and faltered, with little to no significant progress shown. In fact, the situation for Israelis has been more dangerous in recent years, with terrorist attacks and rocket bombardments becoming a near regular occurrence. Expanding diplomatic relations between Israel and these other nations will be beneficial to pushing back against the Iranian mullahs, Hezbollah, and other extremists in the region. I look forward to the United States working together with Israel and these new partners at the table to solve the crisis in Syria and to counter the mullahs in Iran. Mr. Speaker, many of us in Congress encourage the incoming Biden administration to build on these historic positive developments and not fall back into the failed Middle East policies of the past. Honoring the Life of Thomas Albert Parris

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Nicole Inman and her great memory, who, over the past many months, was recognized by her friends, family, and colleagues as a warrior of hope. Nicole recently lost her courageous battle with cancer. Many across Arkansas are mourning her passing. Nicole was the Bryant High School girls' soccer coach, who led the program to its second Class 6A state championship in May 2019, the same year she was awarded Coach of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches. She was more than a coach and a teacher; she was an inspiration on and off the field. Nicole's faith was a cornerstone throughout her fight. With her strong faith in God, she used her illness as an opportunity to minister and inspire her players and students. Nicole was also an incredible wife and mother. Her legacy will live on through her team and her husband, Scott, and their four children: Garrett, Ashton, Abbey, and Nathan. She will be missed by her community. I offer prayers for comfort to her family and condolences. Thank you for sharing her with our community.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Phil Roe, Representative of Tennessee's First District, as he chooses to end this chapter in his life and return to being a private citizen. On television, many Americans are left with the impression that the U.S. House of Representatives is a place of constant combat. Naturally, over the past two centuries, the House has seen many great debates about the future of our Nation. Debate at its essence is about passionately arguing for your preferred course of action. The beauty of the people's House and the reason that former Speaker Longworth described the House as coming nearer reflecting at all time the popular will than does any other individual or legislative body in this or any other country is that we debate in earnest, yet we do so with a premium on civility. But, alas, as I say, many Americans are left, based on the evening cable entertainment shows, with the opposite impression. My experience over the past 6 years is that this Chamber is, in fact, a place where the great issues of the day are debated and where, through that work and debate, firm friendships are established. Those friendships extend across the aisle, across cultures, and across generations. Over the past 6 years, I have come to have the greatest respect for one of my colleagues who, after 12 years, has elected to leave the House and return to that most basic title that we all hold with honor, that of citizen. During the course of these years, I recognize my friend, Phil Roe, Representative of Tennessee's First District, as a man of high character, immense intellect, and great loyalty. His loyalty to the people of the Tri-Cities of east Tennessee is shown in his daily spirit. His loyalty, passion, and care for his fellow veterans have overflowed in his role as chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and currently as ranking member. He has never forgotten his service in the U.S. Army in the Medical Corps, where he was stationed in Korea. He has never forgotten his constituents, who enjoy a livelihood in the thriving region in and around Johnson City, Tennessee. For three decades, prior to coming to Congress, Phil was an OB/GYN. He claims, Madam Speaker, that his terrific record of public service and local office, including being mayor of Johnson City, were essential to his preparation for and success in earning a seat in Congress. But we all know better, Madam Speaker. We know that simply delivering the vast majority of your constituents is a surefire way to be successfully elected. As a Christian, Phil sets a high standard and is a stalwart in the annual National Prayer Breakfast preparation and our weekly Thursday morning bipartisan fellowship, where he never hesitates to bring his guitar and share his musical talents. There must be something in the water in Bristol, Tennessee, home of country music. It is true that Phil and I bonded over critical national defense policy, accountability and excellence in care for our veterans, and his solutions for market-based policies that would lead to more affordable healthcare for all Americans. But we grew up as Scouts, so our real mutual love is for the outdoors. To this day, decades later, we share a love of backpacking, camping, and hiking in the mountains. In fact, in 2019, both of us were so excited that Congress passed, and President Trump signed into law, new national wilderness areas in each our districts. For me, I was able to add acreage to Flatside Wilderness and commence a formal study of the area. For Phil, it was adding nearly 20,000 acres of some of the wildest pockets of Cherokee National Forest in east Tennessee to the wilderness system. We both share an amazing affection for that long day at high-altitude above the treeline. One evening in Maine, after a delicious dinner, we agreed, hey, let's get up in the morning and go climb the highest mountain on the eastern seaboard and hike the end of the Appalachian Trail. We will climb and retrace the steps of Henry David Thoreau's attempt to climb Mount Katahdin. Sure enough, we were true to our word. We got up at 3 a.m. and drove from the coast to the trailhead, arriving at 7 a.m. We spent one of the most memorable days on the trail that I can recall. The summit of Mount Katahdin was pea soup, but you can tell from our smiles that the long trek up and down was worth every step. Congressman Roe, you have fought the good fight. You have kept the faith. And like every good Scout, you have left your campsite cleaner than when you found it. Now it is time for a few less cross fires and a few more late-night campfires. Martha and I wish you and Clarinda; your combined families; your three kids, Whitney, John, David; and their families many, many happy days on the trail in the years to come. You will be missed here in the people's House. You will be missed by your friends. These Halls will be a little emptier without your smile, your voice, and your love expressed daily for the people of east Tennessee.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Chairman Engel, and Ranking Member McCaul for their leadership on this matter and all the members on the Foreign Affairs Committee who worked so diligently to support the people of Hong Kong, their autonomy, and their freedoms. In my travel to Hong Kong, I witnessed firsthand the innovative spirit and work ethic of the citizens of that special place. Hong Kongers, like people all around the globe, look to the United States as a symbol for freedom and democracy, that beacon of hope in a sea of global despair that we have been for some 2\1/2\ centuries. Today, as the CCP tightens its grip on Hong Kong, we must provide unwavering support for the democratic desires of the people of Hong Kong and be steadfast in our solidarity with these democracy-loving, hardworking people. That is why I am pleased to support and urge all my colleagues to support this important bill, H.R. 8428, the Hong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act, to give those seeking refuge on our shores the protection they need. As the people of Hong Kong cry out to the free world for support against tyranny, the United States stands at their side to join those calling on the CCP to honor their 1984 treaty commitments and those aiding those Hong Kongers seeking refuge.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker), my friend, for yielding. I rise today in strong support of S. 461, the HBCU PARTNERS Act, introduced by my friend from South Carolina in the Senate, Senator Tim Scott; and my good friend here in the House, Congresswoman Alma Adams of North Carolina; and a strong bipartisan group, including my good friend from Virginia, our chairman of the Education & Labor Committee. Mr. Speaker, HBCUs play a critical role in the education of our young people in this country. Throughout their history, they have helped students achieve the dream of a college education and their unique start to that pursuit of happiness. In our central Arkansas region, we are blessed with four outstanding HBCUs, including Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith College, Shorter College, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. As the vice chairman of the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus, I am encouraged by the legislation that we consider today because it draws on partnerships--public, private, community--to strengthen our HBCUs. This has been a key for success of our HBCUs in Arkansas. Inspired by the strong Federal consensus both in the executive branch and the legislative branch, last year I sponsored and hosted the first regional HBCU Summit in Little Rock to foster public- and private- sector partnerships to enhance our HBCUs for philanthropy, student recruitment and advancement, and workforce partnerships and apprenticeships. I am committed to supporting our HBCUs to help them continue to graduate Americans who are prepared for a competitive global environment. Every student in America deserves the opportunity to succeed. For thousands of students in Arkansas and across the country, HBCUs offer those young people the key tools to help them succeed in that opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends on the HBCU Caucus, Chair Adams; our friend from Pennsylvania; and, of course, the chairman.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional young man in my district, Clayton Boothe, who was raised to value a broad span of interests. At just 17 years old, he is excelling in many of these areas. He is captain of his quiz bowl team, founder of Maumelle High School's chess team, and a member of Arkansas' Governor's School and the National Honor Society. He is ranked top of his class, and he is one of 16,000 semifinalists in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program out of 1.5 million nationwide applicants. He is a writer who is working on a novel. He is a musician and a member of the Arkansas Sympathy Youth Orchestra. He hopes to attend Northwestern University in Chicago, and I expect him to succeed wherever life takes him. I congratulate Clayton on his hard work and keen interests. Keep it up, Clayton, and make Maumelle High School and your family proud.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, in March, our public health experts said that we needed to stay home to fight this virus and to bend the curve. Those public health experts urged the administration and Congress to design COVID-19 relief that included 8 weeks of paycheck protection and enhanced unemployment compensation through July, all with the thought that that was the amount of support that we needed to provide, given the nature of this virus. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to state the obvious: Months later, America remains in the throes of a brutal pandemic, Americans are hurting, and Arkansans are hurting. Every day I hear from restaurant owners and hotel operators who are concerned about whether or not they will stay in business and whether or not they can survive. Central Arkansans tell me that they are spending more time worried about their school kids, keeping their schools open, and having reliable broadband to be able to do telemedicine and tele-education. More central Arkansans are taking their meals at food banks. Mr. Speaker, frontline workers depend on help and our health industry to deliver the care that is essential. Yet, Mr. Speaker, for what has the House leadership and Speaker Pelosi brought us back to Washington, D.C., to consider? Is it to consider this much-needed delivered COVID-19 relief for the American people? No. Is it to extend the deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program or bring the discharge petition to the House floor that House Republicans have proposed, that has over 180 signatures of this body to help our small businesses who desperately need that assistance? No. Mr. Speaker, while Arkansans and Americans are suffering, and while Republicans are working to extend critical assistance like the Paycheck Protection Program, our House Democratic leadership is putting a bill to legalize pot on the floor of the United States House for a vote. Let that sink in. In the midst of this pandemic and in the midst of calls across the country to help the American people, our leadership in this House has proposed a bill to legalize pot. My friends on the other side of the aisle are showing just how much they are out of touch with conditions in our country today. People are working to make ends meet for their families. They are trying to educate their children while juggling work obligations. They are trying to protect themselves and their loved ones from this virus. And that is why we are here this week: To legalize pot? Mr. Speaker, Republicans are leading. Our discharge petition could help small businesses right now, and every Democrat should sign it. Yet, Mr. Speaker, for 40 times, our Speaker of the House has blocked the consideration of extending the Paycheck Protection Program. House Democrats need to follow the lead of House Republicans and put Americans above their special interest friends by moving COVID-19 relief today on this House floor, by calling up our discharge petition and voting on paycheck protection relief. Recognizing Clayton Boothe

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Mr. McCaul, for the time and take a moment to salute and provide tribute to Congressman Eliot Engel for his extraordinary service as chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. His wise counsel will be missed in this House. Mr. Speaker, let me thank, too, my good friend on the House Financial Services Committee, a colleague and collaborator on many good things, my friend, Congressman Al Green from Houston, for his service and leadership on this important matter. Austin Bennett Tice, an international correspondent in Syria and a Marine veteran who we have heard about today, has been missing since 2012. And my constituent, Dr. Majd Kamalmaz, a noted child therapist who was in Syria attending the funeral of a relative, has been missing since 2017. These families deserve certainty and recovery of their loved ones, Mr. Speaker. Both Mr. Tice and Dr. Kamalmaz have called on American and international leaders to bring home their loved ones. It is our duty to do whatever we can to ensure that these and all other Americans held abroad are returned safely and as soon as possible. I am grateful for the leadership of President Trump and now National Security Advisor and former Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Robert O'Brien for their steadfast determination to bring American citizens home. Our work will not be complete until all Americans are reunited with their families and their loved ones. We ask for God's blessings on this House floor for those held in captivity and for their loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I vote in favor, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important legislation. Let's pull together in this House to bring home our American hostages.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the work of Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mike McCaul for their hard work on the China Task Force. After months of meetings and investigations, the task force released 82 key findings and 430 associated recommendations. That number of recommendations demonstrates the important work that we have to do as a Congress to address China's refusal to play by the rules as a global power. What was most disappointing, Madam Speaker, was that Speaker Pelosi refused to participate in this effort. Many of the recommendations, and legislation linked with the recommendations, are bipartisan. I have heard it directly from my Democratic colleagues with concerns about China's actions in a variety of areas, from human rights, intellectual property theft, and military incursions in the South and East China Seas, just to name a few. Tackling China as an issue should be a bipartisan one, and I hope my Democratic colleagues will come to the table in the coming months to collaborate with Republicans on the proper strategy to counter China's decision to threaten the global system.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to address a pressing problem that concerns Americans' constitutional rights. The liberties enshrined in the Constitution still apply to every American, even in the midst of a national emergency. It is becoming clear to many Americans that our national life has slid toward a double standard. For weeks, officials have asked the public to put life on hold and help fight this virus. The American people did their part and are doing their part, have made sacrifices to help our Nation, and continue to do their part. But throughout this pandemic, we have seen a troubling trend of State leaders leaning on religious institutions harder than any other group or organization. In 2018, Pope Francis, while addressing ``red martyrdom,'' those who face death and persecution on account of their religious beliefs, also warned our nations about ``white martyrdom,'' which occurs in democratic countries when freedom of religion is restricted. So far, lawsuits claiming that State restrictions on religious gatherings infringe on freedom of religion have been filed in Kentucky, California, Louisiana, Virginia, and elsewhere. In Virginia, at Lighthouse Fellowship Church's Palm Sunday service, there were only 16 people present, all properly socially distanced. Yet, the pastor was subjected, Mr. Speaker, to a criminal citation. In Kansas, two churches settled with Democratic Governor Laura Kelly after they sued over her 10-person limit for religious services. A Federal judge ruled that the State appeared to have singled out religious activities for stricter treatment. Now, Kansas churches can hold those services as long as they abide by the protocols for businesses and other establishments, such as providing hand sanitizer, face masks, and social distancing. In Kentucky, despite claiming that his order allowed congregants to attend drive-through services, Governor Andy Beshear had State police leave notices to self-isolate on churchgoers' windshields on Easter Sunday service at the Maryville Baptist Church outside of Louisville. In defiance of the Governor's mandate, Pastor Jack Roberts, along with congregants, ripped up those notices and filed a lawsuit. Mr. Speaker, a Federal appeals court sided with the pastor and blocked part of Beshear's order, allowing congregants to attend drive- in services. In the ruling, the three-judge panel of the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals expressed support for the church's argument that it wasn't being treated fairly, noting ``hundreds'' of cars parked in the lot of the nearby grocery store on the same day the police informed churchgoers that they were violating the law. ``The breadth of the ban on religious services, together with a haven for numerous secular exceptions, should give pause to anyone who prizes religious freedom.'' That is what the judges wrote. They continued, ``But it is not always easy to decide what is Caesar's and what is God's, and that is assuredly true in the context of a pandemic.'' Mr. Speaker, I commend the judges for standing up for the fundamental right of religious freedom, including the freedom of worship. Americans have shown that they can convene for religious services in a responsible way. The compassion and care for communities of faith throughout the pandemic are needed now more than ever. Our first Chief Executive, President Washington, prized our First Amendment to the Constitution, saying, ``No one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny and every species of religious persecution.'' Let's urge our colleagues in Congress, our State legislatures, our Governors, and down at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to honor Washington's passion for our enshrined right to religious liberty. Calling for Targeted COVID Relief

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, during this lame duck session, this House needs bipartisan leadership to achieve critical, needed COVID relief for central Arkansans. The majority of these issues are easy and have significant bipartisan support. We need to extend and expand the Paycheck Protection Program and ease paycheck protection forgiveness. Pandemic unemployment payments need to be addressed in a way to help families but also encourage work. Finally, States need flexibility on spending money from the CARES Act, and they need to change the deadline from the end of this year, 12/31, to a time in 2021. We cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. We call on Speaker Pelosi to call targeted, focused relief to the House floor today.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. I rise today to recognize Mr. James Johnson's retirement from the Forest Heights U.S. Postal Service office in Little Rock. Mr. Johnson served our community for 23 years at this location and was always ready and willing to help customers with their various needs. This past April, Mr. Johnson came up with an innovative solution to combat the spread of COVID-19 at the Forest Heights Post Office. By erecting shower curtain barriers, Mr. Johnson limited the direct contact between workers and customers, decreasing the chances of disease transmission. His dedication to the job was only matched by the warmth and grace with which he performed his duties. He welcomed all visitors to the office with a cheerful smile and wave. Martha and I were fortunate to get to know Mr. Johnson over the years and will certainly miss his kind and helpful nature. He is as true an example of a public servant as I have met. I would like to thank Mr. Johnson on behalf of the entire Little Rock community and wish him the best of luck with his retirement.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Julie Olson, an educator from Woodrow Cummins Elementary in Conway, AR. Julie has been awarded the Association of American Educators Foundation and Arkansas State Teachers Association COVID-19 grant. Ms. Olson will use this special grant to buy robotic kits for her kindergarten through second grade students. Julie's had great success with these kits in the past and receiving more will enable every student to have their own kit in a socially distanced classroom. Incorporating technology with traditional learning keeps her students engaged and eager to learn. Her proactive curriculum adaptation allows students to benefit from hands-on, experimental learning despite an unprecedented classroom setting. I congratulate Julie for receiving this grant, and I know she is making her community proud. I thank Julie for her innovative methods in educating Arkansas' students.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Tom Martin and Tim Kendel, who have tirelessly served the Higginson Fire Department. Both will receive a special ceremony to honor their contribution to the station and their community. Tom Martin has served as the department's chaplain and has always been available to the crew during times of personal crisis and offered his wisdom and spiritual guidance., He's been just as available to the community itself through assistance with tornado and fire relief. His willingness and selflessness to the crew could never go unrecognized. Tim Kendel has been a pillar of the Higginson Fire Department, as he has been a firefighter since the founding of the department in 1978. The department plans to celebrate Mr. Kendel soon with a parade to honor his service to the town of Higginson. I thank Tom and Tim for their constant work to protect their community, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic actions of Little Rock Police Officer Mr. James Phillips. When Officer Phillips and fellow officers were checking on an SUV that had abruptly stopped in the road, it soon became clear that there was a medical emergency inside the car. Officer Phillips immediately took action, and after discovering a choking child in the vehicle, he pulled the boy from the car and began using the Heimlich technique to clear the boy's airway. Officer Phillips successfully dislodged the piece of candy that had caused the boy to choke and helped him regain a stable breathing pattern. Thankfully the child, who is almost two-years old, was unharmed and returned to his parents safely. We thank Officer Phillips for his quick, effective action in saving this young boy's life, as well as all the first responders who protect our communities every day.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Joshua Kear as the recipient of the 2020 Teen Court Faye Shepherd Award for Juvenile Justice. The award recognizes a member of the community who has dedicated themselves to serving at-risk youths. Before becoming a law enforcement officer in Conway, Mr. Kear battled alcohol addiction. Through a faith-based rehabilitation center, he was able to overcome his struggle. Officer Kear, does not hide from his previous struggles, instead he uses them to assist and encourage others facing similar challenges. Serving as a mentor for many in the juvenile detention system, he reassures them that things will get better and that he will not give up on them. His love and commitment to those in the community serve as an inspiration for all. Thank you to Officer Kear, the Conway Police Department, and our law enforcement officers around the country, whose positive impacts on our communities often get overlooked. Congratulations to Officer Kear for winning the 2020 Teen Court Faye Shepherd Award for Juvenile Justice.