J. Hill

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my longtime friend, Eddie Drilling, who recently announced that he will be retiring later this year after a 41-year career with AT&T. Eddie currently serves as the senior vice president for External and Regulatory Affairs at AT&T, where he leads the national regulatory organization. His ties to Arkansas remain strong. He currently serves the University of Arkansas Board of Advisors, the Sam Walton College of Business Dean's Executive Advisory Board, and the Razorback Foundation Board. Eddie has been a leader in Arkansas for four decades, and a member and mentor of many organizations. He received the Pinnacle Award from the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, the highest award our chamber gives for service to the community. He also received the Lifetime of Service Award from the city of Little Rock. Mr. Speaker, I join all Arkansans in congratulating Eddie Drilling. Recognizing Ken Reeves on his Retirement from the Game and Fish Commission

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ken Reeves' outstanding contributions to conservation in Arkansas and his dedication at keeping Arkansas the ``Natural State.'' Ken served on the Game and Fish Commission as chairman for 5 years. He grew up in Harrison, Arkansas, where he attended Harrison High School and went to the University of Arkansas School of Law. Ken's love of fishing and passion for conserving wildlife from a young age made him an easy and successful appointment to the commission. Ken has demonstrated his passion for making a positive change as the chairman of the commission. He is leaving behind a legacy of improved outdoor services that will be enjoyed for generations to come. My congratulations to Ken Reeves. Jerry Evans--Outstanding Coach of the Year

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jennifer Carnahan as CHI St. Vincent's recipient of the 2019 Sister Teresa Joseph Babcock Service Excellence Award. Jennifer was born in Dumas, Arkansas, and received her nursing degree from the University of Houston before attending the Academy of Health Care Professionals for surgical technology. Jennifer has been serving in the medical field since she was 19 years old, starting in the ER, and she currently works in neurosurgery. Sister Teresa Joseph worked at CHI St. Vincent for nearly 30 years, exemplifying St. Vincent's core values of reverence, integrity, compassion, and excellence. Jennifer currently works in the neurology area in the North Campus. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Jennifer Carnahan.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jerry Evans for being named one of Arkansas' Outstanding Coaches of the Year. This year, Coach Evans led the Searcy High School Girls Wrestling Team to victory as the girls Arkansas State champions, also picking up two individual championships on the team. In 2019, he was the 5A Wrestling Coach of the Year for the Arkansas Wrestling Coaches Association, and was chosen by the Arkansas Democrat- Gazette as the All Arkansas Preps Wrestling Coach of the Year, and named the Arkansas High School Coaches Association Wrestling Coach of the Year through the Arkansas Activities Association. Coach Evans received his master's in kinesiology at Harding University in Searcy, graduating as the first member of his immediate family to earn a college degree. In an interview with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Coach Evans said, ``I knew I wanted to be a coach ever since I was in 8th grade. I knew I wanted to be in education and become a teacher.'' Mr. Speaker, I thank Coach Evans for his commitment to his students and his leadership as their coach. Guy-Perkins PTA Purchasing School Supplies

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic life of Congressman John Robert Lewis and his historic contribution to the nation we know and love today. In September 1957, the Little Rock Nine walked into history as they walked up the front steps of Central High School. It was a pivotal moment in history. John said this moment inspired him in his own leadership as an active member of the Civil Rights Movement. I had the pleasure of calling John a friend, as did many of my colleagues, and will cherish the time we had together in the people's House. John joining me as legislative cosponsors to expand the Little Rock Central High National Park boundary is a highlight of my congressional service. John will truly be missed, but long remembered. As the USNS John Lewis sets sail as a new class of naval vessel, we are reminded to carry on his legacy of dignified leadership. I join all Americans in honoring the remarkable life of John Lewis. Martha and I offer prayers for his family and for all those he inspired and who thus grieve over his loss.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rongalett D. Green, Master Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps, who will retire from that organization after over 30 years of distinguished service to our country; August 6, 1990 through September 30, 2020. The mission of the United States Marine Corps is as America's expeditionary force in readiness since 1775, the U.S. Marines are forward deployed to win our Nation's battles swiftly and aggressively in times of crisis. We fight on land, sea and air, as well as provide forces and detachments to naval ships and ground operations. Master Gunnery Sergeant Green currently serves with Manpower and Reserve Affairs, at the Promotions Branch. She is the Senior Enlisted Staff Non-commissioned Officer, responsible for the Special Selection Board for Officer Promotion Packages. Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) Rongalett ``Ronnie'' Green, of Little Rock, Arkansas, enlisted in the Marine Corps, in 1990 as a 0151 (0111, Administrative Chief). Following basic training and military occupational school, she has served at each level of administration, such as: Squadron, Battalion, Consolidated Administrative Center, Staff Secretary, and Group. During her career, she participated in military training exercises, in Japan and South Korea, has two successful tours as a Marine Corps Drill instructor, at both recruit training depots, Parris Island, South Carolina and San Diego, California, training male and female recruits. MGySgt Green spent two years, at Marine Corps Forces Europe, where she attended the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) School. She has participated in two deployments, Marine Central Command, Forward located in Djibouti, Africa (OIF) and Afghanistan (OEF). MGySgt Green served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor and Security Manager at Marine Corps University, Quantico, VA. MGySgt Green served on Capitol Hill as a 2015 Marine Corps Congressional Fellow in the U.S. Senate, and later became the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Legislative Director to the Commandant, Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs. She was the Senior Enlisted Advisor for the White House Military Office (WHMO). She has a Bachelor's Degree, in Human Resources with the University of Maryland University College, a Master's of Science Degree, in Organizational Leadership, an Executive certificate in Strategic Human Resources Leadership with Cornell University, and currently studying for a certificate in Project Management at Syracuse University. MGySgt Green's awards and decorations include: The Presidential Service Badge, Meritorious Service Medal (x2); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (x3); Navy Unit Commendation; Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (x9); National Defense Service Medal (x2); Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (x4); Marine Corps Drill Instructor Ribbon (x2); NATO Medal ISAF--Afghanistan; Certificate of Commendation; Letter of Commendation; Letter of Appreciation (x6); and Meritorious Mast (x3). MGySgt Green's candid and transparent message is ``challenge the odds and strive for greatness, and this will only happen if you can get out of your own way''. Every day while serving on active duty, my mission is to ``serve and take care of others, people on my left and right, because we are a team and they in turn will take care of me.''

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to Division F, the Corporate Transparency Act provision, within Amendment 499 to H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. This amendment is part of a larger of package of amendments that the House is voting for en bloc. Many of those provisions I support. I would like to emphasize that my remarks only apply to certain provisions within Amendment 499. Specifically, I do not support Division F of the amendment which is the text that relates to H.R. 2513 which passed the House floor on October 22, 2019. The legislation addresses how we might combat illicit finance activities through the collection of beneficial ownership information. I did not support the legislation when it passed the House floor, and I do not support it as a provision in amendment 499. In fact, I have long advocated against this policy since I was elected to Congress over five years ago. The collection of beneficial ownership has been debated in Congress for a long time as the ability to set up legal entities without accurate beneficial ownership information, has long represented a key vulnerability in the U.S. financial system. Congresswoman Maloney, the leader of the legislation, has been trying to pass a bill that would collect beneficial ownership for over a decade. I agree that knowing where money is coming from, where it is going, and in whose hand it sits is vital to U.S. national security. However, I cannot support the text as written as it places significant burden on small businesses. The legislation creates a new regulatory database within Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a law enforcement unit, which most small businesses have never even heard of. And, even more alarming, if they don't comply, they could face a penalty of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of up to 3 years. This could create significant unintended consequences for a large portion of the economy's commerce. I believe there is a better path forward, which is why I have long supported aligning tax filings with collection of beneficial ownership information--a regulation small businesses already understand. Furthermore, it is critical to note that the beneficial ownership information is already required and is already being collected. The Customer Due Diligence (CDD) Rule, which took effect in May 2018 requires banksto identify and verify the identity of the beneficial owners of companies opening accounts. The CDD rule is operational and effective. Why would we upend this regulation, that has been working for over two years, to place unnecessary burdens on our local dry cleaners, our farming community, or the realtor that sold you your house, or any other small business? These are the types of individuals that will have to comply FinCEN, an organization they have never heard of, if this amendment becomes law. We should be able to find a solution to collect this information that alleviates the bank burden while not subjecting small businesses to unnecessarily complicated reporting requirements. For these reasons, I cannot support Ms. Maloney's amendment.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today, I recognize Sarah Roberson and the staff at the Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Sarah and the staff have been restoring hope and happiness to our veterans through creativity and compassion. Sarah Roberson and the team have quickly developed new ways to bring joy to our veterans during the current public health crisis due to COVID-19 by dedicating their time to connecting veterans to their families via virtual chat, promoting outdoor activities including golf cart rides, gardening, and long walks. Sarah has also made sure our veterans have the ability to vote by assisting veterans with registering, transferring, and applying for absentee ballots. This initiative has shined a light on how creativity and compassion encourage positive attitudes and can unite a community even amidst a public health crisis. I congratulate Sarah Roberson and the team at the Arkansas State Veterans Home for their efforts in lifting the spirits of our veteran community.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of one of Arkansas' great coaching legends, Mr. Charles Ripley, who passed away this week at the age of 74. In his 27-year tenure at the Little Rock School District, Coach Ripley led the Parkview Patriots to five boys State basketball titles and an overall record of 487-152. In 1995, Coach Ripley was hired as the head basketball coach of Westark Community College in Fort Smith and then returned to Little Rock to serve as the athletic director and men's basketball coach at Arkansas Baptist College. Coach Rip is a real hero to so many in our community and is in the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. The Arkansas Baptist College Foundation has established the Rip It Scholarship Fund to fund and honor his long-time efforts to fund and assist student-athletes at Arkansas Baptist College. I join all Arkansans in honoring this remarkable life. Madam Speaker, I also want to say that I congratulate the House on concurring with the Senate on extending the PPP program date until August 8. This will help small businesses all over our country.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Coach Marcus Davis on his recent retirement from the Little Rock School District. Coach Davis has been an integral member of the Little Rock School District for 36 years, 33 of which were spent at Cloverdale Middle School. In his tenure in the Little Rock District, Coach Davis has served as the head boys basketball coach, head girls volleyball coach, and the head girls track coach. In addition, Coach Davis taught both physical education and health education. The lasting connections Coach Davis made with his athletes and students over the course of nearly four decades is truly inspirational. On behalf of all Arkansans, I thank Coach Davis for his devotion to educating and coaching our youth, and I congratulate him on a terrific career and a well-deserved retirement. Congratulating Little Rock on Bicycle Friendly Award

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, for being awarded the Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community Award from the League of American Bicyclists. As a biker and former board member of Bicycle Advocacy for Central Arkansas, I am pleased that my hometown was honored for its commitment to improving biking and safer streets for everyone. The Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community Award recognizes the city of Little Rock for creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit its residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices. Mr. Speaker, I thank the League of American Bicyclists for highlighting Little Rock's efforts to make biking a safe, accessible option for people whether they are commuting to essential jobs or simply enjoying our growing, amazing network of trails.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Independent Community Bankers Association and Little Rock's Venture Center. Together, they have renewed their partnership and commitment to the ThinkTECH Accelerator program for an additional 3 years. The ThinkTECH Accelerator brings community banks and fintech innovators together to develop new technologies specifically for community banks and the customers they serve. Not only has it received high praise from local government and top business leaders, but this renewal will keep tech entrepreneurs coming back to Arkansas for mentorship and much-needed capital. I look forward to working alongside the ICBA, the Venture Center, State leaders, and our entrepreneurs to continuously aid our small banks and enhance our economy here at home. Recognizing Kayle Browning

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Kayle Browning's great achievement of representing Arkansas and the United States of America at the Tokyo Olympics as a part of Team USA's Olympic trap team. Kayle is from Wooster, Arkansas, and graduated from Greenbrier High School. She went on to attend the University of Central Arkansas. Kayle started shooting at the young age of 8 in the yard with her dad, who is also an avid sporting clay shooter. She began her target shooting career in sporting clay and then made the All-America Team at the age of 12. Kayle also represented Arkansas and Team USA as an alternate in the 2012 Olympics in London. Kayle has shown dedication and determination over the years, and I am proud to have her represent our State on the national stage as an Olympian. I congratulate her on her achievement of joining Team USA's Olympic trap team. Recognizing Coach Marcus Davis

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for the time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.J. Res. 90, but I rise in support of the Community Reinvestment Act. And I rise in support of the goal of CRA, for a fair and more equitable treatment of financial investment, particularly in low- and moderate-income areas of our communities. This resolution overturns the updated Community Reinvestment Act regulation before it has even had a chance to take effect. Speaking purely from a procedural standpoint, this resolution, in my view, Madam Speaker, is not necessary. We could be spending time on the House floor today in a much more productive way to advance the economy. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has gone through a rigorous Administrative Procedure Act process. I think our constituents should know they have conducted outreach since 2017, 3 years, and have taken all that into consideration, the Federal Reserve data, Treasury recommendations, and have conducted both advanced notice for proposed rulemaking and a notice of proposed rulemaking, and received 7,500 comments. The final rule ended up incorporating much of this serious and constructive criticism received from all stakeholders, notably, our community groups. Banks have been complying with the Community Reinvestment Act for years. This is not a new rule, Madam Speaker. This rule is simply being updated to reflect the current economic and banking conditions in our country. The last time that was updated was 1995. Working for a publicly traded bank in Arkansas then, I was involved in the training and the implementation at that bank for those 1995 revisions. Madam Speaker, as one of the few Members of Congress who has actually gone through multiple CRA examinations, I can assure my colleagues that this rule could benefit from a thoughtful update. The final rule clarifies what counts for CRA credit. It updates what bank activity counts for CRA credit. It evaluates the CRA performance of our financial institutions in a much more fair, open manner. It makes CRA reporting more transparent and faster. It reflects the fintech community of digital banking in our country today. And it enhances CRA for rural areas and Tribal areas in our country. In short, the bank branch issue that the ranking member mentioned is serious. We have had a shrinking number of banks since the original rule was proposed in 1977, and the CRA rule was connected to those bank branches. That is another reason for modernizing the rule. Since we created this bank branch closure system by our economy contracting the number of banks, due to regulation and the like, it is a double whammy, so let's make sure that our banks can get credit for doing a good job on accessing of all of our communities, particularly our minority, low-to-moderate income, and rural areas served by those institutions. Let's fix this problem by having the certainty that we have an effective CRA rule, that it is implemented properly, and that we can all see our constituencies benefited by that. Let's let the Comptroller of the Currency do their job. They are the banking experts. They are the ones who have been managing this work. Congress should not be undermining it. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for the time, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the resolution but support the work of the Community Reinvestment Act.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Monsignor J. Gaston Hebert's 60th ordination as a priest as well as to salute his lasting contributions to our Catholic diocese in Arkansas. He was baptized and received his First Communion at St. Mary Church in Hot Springs, where he also celebrated his first mass as an ordained priest in 1960. I was privileged to have Monsignor Hebert as my teacher at Catholic High School in Little Rock, where he served as an English and drama teacher from 1960 to 1965. Even after he retired from serving as the pastor of Christ the King Church in Little Rock for 20 years, he continued to serve the diocese in Arkansas as vicar general under Bishop Andrew McDonald and Archbishop J. Peter Sartain. And again, importantly, as our diocesan administrator from 2006 to 2008, prior to the Holy Father's appointment of Bishop Anthony Taylor. Monsignor Hebert has served our community faithfully, and I thank him for his love, dedication, and years of service. Madam Speaker, we miss seeing him and are forever grateful.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today, I recognize the teachers and staff at Stagecoach Elementary School in Cabot, Arkansas for going above and beyond for their students during the current public health crisis due to COVID-19. They have adapted their teaching process to ensure they are meeting the academic needs of their students, but they are also finding creative ways to maintain relationships with students, their families, and the community. The teachers and staff have gone above and beyond by delivering groceries to families in need, continuing to offer breakfast and lunch for their students, providing supplies like laptops to families who may not have the necessary equipment for at-home learning, and conducting parades throughout the student's neighborhoods to lift spirits, and bring the community together. This initiative has shined a light on how adapting to the situation at hand and responding with positivity can unite a community even amidst a public health crisis. I congratulate the teachers and staff at Stagecoach Elementary School for their creative way of continuing education for Arkansas students and for ending the year on a strong note.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Amber Harbin, a science teacher at Forest Heights Stem Academy. Amber was recently named the Little Rock School District's 2020 Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes a devotion to education, with high-quality teaching, community service, and leadership. As a result of her hard work, Amber was also awarded the Marian G. Lacey Educator of the Year Award, a top award within the Little Rock School District. Amber's dedication to her students has been evident throughout her 13-year career as a science teacher most recently at Forest Heights Stem Academy. Amber Harbin's commitment to education is one all Americans and Arkansans can admire. I'd like to thank Amber, and all of the dedicated educators throughout Arkansas, for service and leadership in these trying times for central Arkansas's communities.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today, I recognize Aaron Baxter for his outstanding work in the ICU at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Aaron began his career in health care at UAMS in 2015 as a patient care technician after working in the energy and manufacturing sectors. While working as a patient care technician, Aaron attended nursing school and obtained his RN. With the current pandemic, Aaron has taken on yet another role in his unit, working as both a COVID nurse and a dofficer, where his role is to help colleagues make sure they are properly using and removing their protective equipment. His previous experience working with high voltage powerlines and steel fabrication has provided him with the ability to carefully monitor and identify safety issues during this process. Aaron's superiors say that he is a team player who stands out due to his high regard for patient care and safety. I thank Aaron for his dedication to protecting the health of Arkansans during this time. He, and frontline workers like him, are vital to us overcoming COVID-19 as a nation.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 17 incredible high school juniors and seniors from central Arkansas. When I came to Congress, I began my Educational Award Program, which allows high school teachers, counselors, and principals to nominate one junior and one senior each year. Students are nominated to receive an Educational Achievement Award for their academic success, character, and service to school and community. This year's honorees are: Jayce Pollard and Catie Overton from Conway High School, Jessica Hoffman and Logan Carney from Episcopal Collegiate School, Emma Anderson and James McConnick from Harmony Grove High School, Robin Eluvathingal and Kelvin Kang from Little Rock Central High School, Anna McDonald and Ella Beth Wengel from Little Rock Christian Academy, Jie Loken and Caleb McGill from Maumelle Charter High School, Lily Wewers from Mount Saint Mary Academy, Lilly Hawkins and Logan Miller from Pulaski Academy, and Ethan Williams and Taylor Zimmerman from Wonderview High School. Congratulations again to these fantastic students across central Arkansas. They're a testament to our state and Nation's bright future and it's been my honor to recognize their achievements and hard work.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today, I recognize Rena Edwards of Cabot, Arkansas and her team at the nonprofit organization Stitchers Mending Hearts Inc., an organization spread throughout the state, doing good for those in need through their crafting talents. For several years the team has been using their crafting abilities for good by creating and donating items to different organizations in the community including chemo hats for cancer patients, blankets and pillows for patients at Arkansas Children's Hospital, and socks and scarves for the homeless just to name a few. Recently Stitchers Mending Hearts has gone above and beyond during this public health crisis by donating more than 3,000 masks to health care workers and other organizations in their community. This initiative has shined a light on how creativity encourages positive attitudes and can unite the public even amidst a health crisis. I congratulate Rena Edwards and the team at Stitchers Mending Hearts for using their talents in a way that brings the community together.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Mr. Hank Browne, who was inducted into this year's Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame by the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. Hank is a lifelong hunter and dedicated supporter of the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation. He also founded his own business in Arkansas in 1975, Hank's Fine Furniture, which was recognized as one of America's Top 100 Independent Furniture Retailers. As a member of The Nature Conservancy Arkansas' Last Great Places Society, he has been a champion of conservation efforts in the Natural State throughout his lifetime. His service to the state of Arkansas and to wildlife and conservation will never be forgotten, and I join all Arkansans in congratulating Hank on this achievement and wish him much continued success.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate my friend--Michael Warrick, who was recently named the 2020 Arkansas Living Treasure by the Arkansas Arts Council. The Arkansas Arts Council Living Treasure award was created in 2002 and recognizes an Arkansas artist who excels in the creation of a traditional craft and who actively preserves and advances their craft through community outreach and educating others. That certainly describes Michael, who has taught sculpture at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for three decades. He grew up in a small town outside of Chicago and his interest in sculpting and the arts was evident from a young age. He earned his undergraduate degree in ceramics and master's degree in fine arts. He is known to have a profound impact on many of his students, several becoming successful artists in their own right. I join all Arkansans in congratulating Michael on this achievement and look forward to seeing more of his work throughout Little Rock in the years to come.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today, I recognize Deyonka Hickey and the non-profit organization Feed the Vets, for providing nutritious food and hygiene products for Arkansas' veteran community. Feed the Vets was established in 2017 and serves veterans, retirees, active duty, guardsman, reservists, and their families throughout Arkansas. The organization is operated entirely by veterans who volunteer their time. During this public health crisis Feed the Vets has continued to serve veterans by providing curbside pickup. I commend Deyonka and the team at Feed the Vets for their dedication to serving veterans.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Sophia Said for receiving the 2019 FBI Director's Community Leadership Award. Ms. Said is currently the Chairwoman of the Madina Institute and Mosque located in my hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas. She is also the Executive Director of the Interfaith Center of Arkansas. Established in 1990 to honor individuals for their efforts in fighting crime, terrorism, and violence in the United States, the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award is a true testament to the work Ms. Said has led to combat violence and hate crimes against religious groups in Arkansas. Ms. Said has brought together law enforcement agencies, religious congregations, and community leaders for FBI-lead trainings to prevent terrorist attacks in Arkansas. On behalf of all Arkansans, I thank Ms. Said for her devotion to protecting our Arkansas communities, and congratulations on this deserving recognition.

Mr. HILL of Arkansas

Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam Speaker, today, I recognize the staff at Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System that volunteered to help their sister facility in Louisiana: Erin Pitchford, Diana Tran, Latoya Johnson, Tonya Filbert, Teri Kennedy, Vickie Mabry, Ellen Shollmier, Linda Tate, Joe Wood, Nicholas Asman, and Michelle Freck. In April, three teams of Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetics traveled to New Orleans to support the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System. These 11 front-line heroes provided support to their sister VA facility during the initial surge of COVID-19 in Louisiana. The staff provided direct patient care in critical areas of the facility, including medical and surgical units. The purpose of this united effort was to ensure the well-being of our veterans who have served our country. We thank the nurses who are deployed, all those who stepped in to fill their shoes back home, and CAVHS for their compassion, clinical expertise, and their commitment to serving our veterans.