Hank Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I present the following U.S. Citizen of Distinction: Whereas, our lives have been touched by the leadership and service of Mr. Harold S. Buckley, Sr.; and Whereas, Mr. Buckley served our nation with honor and valor in the United States Army. He demonstrated unquestionable leadership and courage as a soldier devoted in protecting our nation; and Whereas, Mr. Buckley served and led our district in DeKalb County as a steadfast pillar of our community by being ever so watchful of issues that would hinder constituents. His 30-year tenure on the MARTA Board of Directors stands as the longest in the Authority's History. He served residential and commercial clients through his thriving real estate office; and Whereas, Mr. Buckley advised many elected and appointed officials on issues concerning the public, he also promoted supporting local small businesses; and served as a history-making member of the DeKalb Board of Realtors; and Whereas, he never asked for fame or fortune, nor found a job too small or too big; he gave of himself, his time, his talent and his life to uplift those in need by demonstrating unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of DeKalb County; and Whereas, he was a husband, a father, a grandfather and friend; he was a man of great integrity who remained true to the uplifting and service of my district; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia recognizes Mr. Harold S. Buckley, Sr., as a citizen of great worth and so noted distinction; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby attest to the 114th Congress that Mr. Harold S. Buckley, Sr., is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'' by declaring Mr. Harold S. Buckley, Sr. U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 27th day of February, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I present the following U.S. Citizen of Distinction: Whereas, our lives have been touched by the life of Mrs. Julia Aaron Humbles, who gave of herself in order for others to stand; and Whereas, her dedicated service is present in New Orleans, Louisiana and Metropolitan Atlanta, for all to see her as an unwavering advocate of justice for the youth, the elderly, the poor and the downtrodden; and Whereas, this remarkable, positive woman with a beautiful smile gave of herself, her time and her talent; never asking for fame or fortune but only to uplift those in need; and Whereas, she led by example from behind the scenes, and was on the frontline for our nation; she was an original Freedom Rider in the 1960s, an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), a member of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), a Goodwill Ambassador for her community, a charter member of her beloved church, New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church of Decatur, Georgia; and Whereas, this virtuous Proverbs 31 woman was a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a wife, a daughter, a friend, a warrior, a matriarch, and a woman of great integrity; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow a Congressional recognition on Mrs. Julia Aaron Humbles for her leadership, friendship and service to all of the citizens in Georgia and throughout the Nation; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby attest to the 114th Congress that Mrs. Julia Aaron Humbles of DeKalb County, Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'' Mrs. Julia Aaron Humbles, U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 6th day of February, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, twenty-eight years ago a virtuous woman of God accepted her calling to serve in the Social Security Administration; and Whereas, Mrs. Yulinda Cook begun her career as a Teleservice Representative in Birmingham, Alabama with the Social Security Administration, where she educated and mentored throughout her many years of service as a Technical Expert, providing stellar leadership and outstanding service to our community and ending her tenure as an Operations Supervisor in the Gwinnett Field Office in November, 2015; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents, giving the citizens of our District a friend to help those in need as a fearless leader and servant to all, who ensured that the system worked for everyone; and Whereas, Mrs. Yulinda Cook is a wife, mother and grandmother; she is also a cornerstone in our community who has enhanced the lives of thousands for the betterment of our District and Nation; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mrs. Yulinda Cook on her retirement and to wish her well in her new endeavors; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim February 27, 2016 as Mrs. Yulinda Cook Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 27th day of February, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, Walter and Miriam Henderson are celebrating fifty (50) years in marriage today in Rockdale County, Georgia; and Whereas, their union on March 26, 1966 blessed our community with a family that has enhanced our district; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious man of God and this phenomenal and virtuous Proverbs 31 woman are beacons of light to those in need, their church and the many friends from across the state of Georgia; and Whereas, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson are distinguished citizens of our state; they are spiritual warriors, persons of compassion, fearless leaders and servants to all; they are visionaries who have shared with their family and our community their passion to improve the lives of others; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mr. Walter and Mrs. Miriam Henderson as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary, fifty (50) years in marital bliss; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 26, 2016 as Mr. Walter and Mrs. Miriam Henderson Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 26th day of March, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, Pastor Michael A. Shinn is celebrating twenty-five (25) years in Pastoral leadership this year at New World Harvest Church and has provided stellar leadership to the church on an international level; and Whereas, Pastor Michael A. Shinn under the guidance of God has pioneered and sustained New World Harvest Church as an instrument in our community that uplifts the spiritual, physical and mental welfare of our citizens; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious man of God has given hope to the hopeless, fed the hungry and is a beacon of light to those in need; and Whereas, Pastor Shinn is a spiritual warrior, a man of compassion, a fearless leader and a servant to all, but most of all a visionary who has shared with his Church, our District and the world his passion to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Pastor Michael A. Shinn as he celebrates twenty-five years on his Pastoral Anniversary; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 18, 2016 as Pastor Michael A. Shinn Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 18th day of March, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I present the following U.S. Citizen of Distinction: Whereas, our lives have been touched by the life of this extraordinary woman, who has given of herself in order for others to stand; and Whereas, Mrs. Joyce Ann Johnson Jordan's work is present in the lives of the many people she has touched during her time here on earth; a joyful woman who believed in living a life with no regrets. She loved to travel, dance and was a connoisseur of music; and Whereas, this remarkable woman gave of her time, talent and life; she never asked for fame or fortune while uplifting those in need. She just wanted to do what was right; and Whereas, Mrs. Jordan led by working behind the scenes for the causes that mattered to her the most; she loved God, her family and her friends; Mrs. Jordan was a warrior, a matriarch, a woman of great integrity who remained true to the uplifting of her family as a wife, sister and aunt; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow a Congressional recognition on Mrs. Joyce Ann Johnson Jordan for her leadership, friendship and service to all of the citizens in Georgia and throughout the Nation; a citizen of great worth and so noted distinction; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby attest to the 114th Congress that Mrs. Joyce Ann Johnson Jordan of Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'' Mrs. Joyce Ann Johnson Jordan U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 2nd day of April, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, one hundred ten years ago a virtuous woman of God, Runell ``Nell'' Brooks Foster was born in Gwinnett, Georgia on March 27, 1906 to George B. and Emma Palmer Brooks; and Whereas, she grew up on the family farm in Gwinnett County, Georgia and married Mr. Clyde Foster on February 12, 1928; their union has blessed our district and nation ever since; and Whereas, this phenomenal Proverbs 31 woman, who is the oldest living graduate of Grayson High School, has shared her time and talents as a wife, mother, educator and motivator, becoming a Georgia citizen of great worth, a fearless leader and a servant to all by always advancing the lives of others; and Whereas, Mrs. Foster has been blessed with a long, happy life, devoted to God, Community and Family; and Whereas, Mrs. Foster along with her family and friends are celebrating a remarkable milestone, her 110th Birthday, we pause to acknowledge a woman who is a cornerstone in Gwinnett County, Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mrs. Foster on her birthday and to wish her well and recognize her for an exemplary life which is an inspiration to all; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 27, 2016 as Mrs. Runell ``Nell'' Brooks Foster Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 27th day of March, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. We have all seen the horrific reports coming from human rights groups on the ground in Yemen, where American-made cluster bombs are being used by Saudi Arabia against innocent bystanders--all under the guise of attacking Houthi rebels. Earlier this year, the Saudi-led coalition dropped cluster bombs in Yemen's capital of Sana'a, specifically targeting known civilian neighborhoods. One of the buildings hit was the Al Noor Center for Care and Rehabilitation for the Blind, which also has a school for blind children. The destruction of the school and the injuries sustained by the children was unbearably gruesome. This deliberate and reckless use of cluster munitions by Saudi Arabia highlights their complete disregard for the welfare of innocent people. These actions are unacceptable. There is something fundamentally wrong with preaching human and civil rights here at home while we export death abroad. We cannot ignore our duty to protect basic human rights and values here and around the world. Unfortunately, as long as we sell cluster munitions to Saudi Arabia, these outrageous violations will continue to occur. I ask my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the great servants, a truly great servant in Atlanta broadcasting history. Her name is Jocelyn Dorsey. She has been working at WSB-TV in Atlanta for the last 40 years. She was the first regularly scheduled Black female anchor on Atlanta TV in the history of our great city. She is truly a pioneer. She was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame among her many accolades and recognitions in the industry. Throughout her more than 40-year award-winning career, Jocelyn Dorsey has collected more hardware in terms of awards than I could possibly take 5 minutes to recite. It certainly would take us all day to recite the many awards that she has received, but my point is that in every professional recognition category that she has been considered under, she has won awards, and her recognition is duly noted by the professionals and her peers throughout the country. She has been giving back to her community in ways that have been unseen. While she started her career out in front of the camera, she is ending her career behind the cameras. She has been behind the cameras promoting community awareness, community service, making the station itself, WSB, which is the top-ranked station in the Atlanta market, truly representative of the community and truly responsive to the community. There are just so many things that have transpired as a result of her behind-the-scenes work that have helped so many individual Atlantans and not just Atlantans, people who are served by the Atlanta television market. She has truly left a great impact. We hate to see her go. She has been a true warrior for good and for fairness and inclusion as well. I will leave with the words of someone who has worked closely with Jocelyn for more than 40 years. His name is Mark Winne, who is an award-winning investigative reporter in his own right. She has found her calling in life, the way to use the distinctive suite of gifts God has given her in a way that serves others, and at the same time she makes a living doing it. She lives and breathes the work, rolling up her sleeves, and sticking her arms all the way into the dirt to plant, harvest, and plant again year in, year out. She brings zest and joy to it. She digs new technology, and she uses it, but her keen people sense has enabled her to be such an effective steward of the considerable resources WSB-TV invests in the community. She is a personal heroine and role model, and I think she may have the best--and in some ways toughest--job in the Atlanta television market. I will rest on those words of Mark Winne, and I will say to Jocelyn Dorsey: Work well done. I hope you enjoy your tremendous retirement. You are still a young woman. You have a lot to offer, but you deserve to have some fun. So have fun. By the way, she is an avid motorcyclist, and she rode--or, actually, piloted her motorcycle all the way from Anchorage, Alaska, to, I think, Tampa, Florida, in a ride to raise money for various charitable events and causes. So you will have a lot more time to ride now. When the group tells you, Hey, we are getting ready to go to Nevada, you won't have the excuse of having to go to work anymore. You will be able to jump on the bike and ride. So ride peacefully, ride strong, and we will see you soon.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, many individuals and organizations strive to bring awareness, enlightenment and entertainment to our community through culture and dance; and Whereas, The National Dance Week Foundation was formed in 1981 to bring greater recognition to dance; giving us a unique opportunity for our nation to showcase the different musicians, writers, producers, promoters, performers and dancers who have contributed to making Dance a heavyweight in the industry of entertainment around the world; and Whereas, today we celebrate the kickoff of National Dance Week in the Fourth Congressional District by witnessing performers showcase Dance to our community; and Whereas, Mrs. Susan Winfrey Dupar of Covington, Georgia serves as an Ambassador for the National Dance Week Foundation, is promoting and instructing the young and old in dancing, she is giving of herself to make a difference in the lives of others. Our beloved District has found a jewel in the art of dancing, it promotes fun fitness and dance touches the minds and souls of untold millions; and Whereas, our community has been strengthened in times of joy and sorrow through dance; putting rhythm in our feet, adrenalin in our blood and pizzazz in our spirits; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the gift of Dance as a unique and wonderful cultural contribution to our District, the Nation and the world; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim April 22, 2016 as National Dance Week Foundation Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 22nd day of April, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, there are many individuals who are destined to contribute to the needs of our community through leadership and service; and Whereas, Ms. Germaine Coles has answered that call by giving of herself as an Educational Support Specialist at Dunaire Elementary School, and as a mother, sister, daughter and friend; and Whereas, Ms. Coles has been chosen as the 2016 Educational Support Professional of the Year, representing Dunaire Elementary School; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents for the betterment of our community and our nation through her tireless works, unyielding support and words of encouragement; and Whereas, Ms. Coles is a virtuous woman, a courageous woman and a fearless leader whose unequivocal vision, talents and passion, help to ensure that our children receive the support and education that is relevant for today, and well into the future; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Ms. Germaine Coles for her leadership and service for our District and in recognition of this singular honor as the 2016 Educational Support Professional of the Year at Dunaire Elementary School; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim May 11, 2016 as: Ms. Germaine Coles Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 11th day of May, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, our greatest and most valuable assets are our children. Our children are the future and are educated and shaped by our teachers; and Whereas, Mrs. Daphne Jackson King is a teacher in DeKalb County, Georgia and an educator at Dunaire Elementary School, who has demonstrated thirty two years of dedicated leadership and raising student achievement in my district; and Whereas, Mrs. King has been awarded the honor of Teacher of the Year 2016, recognizing her exceptional teaching style at Dunaire Elementary School; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman is active at Dunaire Elementary School, her church, and in her community, in Decatur, Georgia; and Whereas, Mrs. King can be described as a Proverbs 31 woman. She is a wife, mother, daughter and a sister. She is devoted to serving our community daily as an educator who imparts knowledge and skills for the overall success of our children. She is a motivator, an innovator and a model citizen who gives and asks for nothing in return; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mrs. Daphne Jackson King for her leadership and service to my District and in recognition of this singular honor as 2016 Teacher of the Year at Dunaire Elementary School; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim May 11, 2016 as: Mrs. Daphne Jackson King Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 11th day of May, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, our greatest and most valuable assets are our children. Our children are the future and are educated and shaped by our teachers; and Whereas, Mrs. Sherrie Adams is a teacher in DeKalb County, Georgia and an educator at Smoke Rise Elementary School, who has demonstrated twenty-nine years of dedicated leadership and raising student achievement in my district; and Whereas, Mrs. Adams has been awarded the honor of Teacher of the Year 2016, recognizing her exceptional teaching style at Smoke Rise Elementary School; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman is active at Smoke Rise Elementary School, her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the YMCA in Decatur, Georgia; and Whereas, Mrs. Adams can be described as a Proverbs 31 woman. She is the wife of Dr. Michael S. Adams, Sr., the mother of Michael, Jr., and Matthew. She is devoted to serving our community daily as an educator who imparts knowledge and skills for the overall success of our children. She is a motivator, an innovator and a model citizen who gives and ask for nothing in return; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mrs. Sherrie Adams for her leadership and service to my District and in recognition of this singular honor as 2016 Teacher of the Year at Smoke Rise Elementary School; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim May 4, 2016 as: Mrs. Sherrie Adams Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 4th day of May, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I thank the gentlewoman from California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3636, the Oversee Visa Integrity with Stakeholder Advisories Act, also known as the O-VISA Act. I support this bipartisan legislation because it will strengthen the role of labor unions in the O visa petition process, a process by which international artists and entertainers with extraordinary ability are brought to the United States. As many of you may know, my home State of Georgia is one of the Nation's leading locations for film and television production. Since the State updated its tax laws, this industry has generated approximately $800 million annually in economic development, and it is credited with supporting about 11,000 jobs in Georgia. In June alone, there were more than 23 movies and TV shows being filmed in the State. And as more studios and production teams move to Georgia, the demand for international talent will continue to rise. While international audiences have a strong appreciation and demand for American movies, music, and other forms of entertainment, we also want talent from other countries to come to the United States for our enjoyment. In such instances, however, we must ensure that the immigration process effectively balances the needs of the entertainment industry while protecting the rights and interests of American workers. Congress has long realized that this is a delicate balance, which is why we created a specific role for American labor unions to participate in the O visa petition process for foreign artists and entertainers. Unions help ensure safe working conditions and fair wages for all, regardless of nationality. Under the O visa consultation process, unions provide informed opinions on these significant issues. The bill before us today makes an important change to current law. It requires the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to provide labor organizations the results of decisions for cases in which they submitted advisory opinions. This new requirement will bring transparency to the O visa process. In addition, this measure will enable labor unions to better monitor the outcomes of O visa cases and reduce uncertainty about the number of entertainment jobs filled by international artists. H.R. 3636 will further strengthen international artistic exchange while promoting American workers. In closing, I want to thank my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee, Representatives Mimi Walters and Jerrold Nadler, for their leadership in crafting this bipartisan legislation. H.R. 3636 is a good bill, and I am pleased to support it.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, for ten years, Mother Rovelma Thomas served as President of the Beulah Baptist Church Mother Board Number 1, in Decatur, Georgia. We are all grateful for this virtuous woman of God accepting her call to serve in the leadership role of the Mother Board; and Whereas, Mother Thomas began her membership at Beulah in 2000 and since joining the church, she has provided service to citizens from all walks of life. She has educated and mentored through various church ministries such as the Golden Eagles and the Ernestine Smith Bible Class. She is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents, giving the citizens of our District a friend to help those in need, a fearless leader and a servant to all, to ensure that the love of God touches everyone; and Whereas, Mother Thomas, a twenty-three year veteran of Decatur City Schools, is a cornerstone in our community who has enhanced the lives of thousands for the betterment of our District and Nation; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mother Thomas on her outstanding years of leadership and service to the Beulah Baptist Church Mother Board Number 1; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim June 11, 2016 as: Mother Rovelma Thomas Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 11th day of June, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, citizens of different cultures strive to bring awareness and enlightenment to our community; and Whereas, the African American culture has been and continues to be a great gift to our nation through its inventions, music, literature, dance, food, art, native crafts and religion; and Whereas, the power of prayer has sustained the African American race through generations. It continues to be a great tool in breaking bondages, bringing blessings and strengthening communities. Prayer brings about change to deliver, restore, build and resurrect; and Whereas, our beloved District is blessed to have citizens that believe in the power of prayer; and Whereas, our community has been strengthened in our awareness, our lives have been touched, and our spirits uplifted through the prayers that go up daily for the benefit of our District and our Nation; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize all of the individuals that give of themselves for the betterment of others and to recognize this sacred day of prayer in the African American Community; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 4, 2016 as: The African American Day of Prayer Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 4th day of June, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, reaching the age of 80 years is a remarkable milestone; and Whereas, Mrs. Betty Jane Baisden was born on March 19, 1936 and today she is celebrating that milestone; and Whereas, Mrs. Baisden has been blessed with a long, happy life, devoted to God and credits it all to the Will of God; she has been a devoted Christian since her childhood days to present as President of the Mothers Board at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia; and Whereas, Mrs. Baisden is celebrating her 80th Birthday with her family members, church members and friends here in Georgia, she celebrates a life of blessings; as a Mother, Grandmother, friend, community servant and leader; and Whereas, the Lord has been her Shepherd throughout her life and she prays daily and is leading by example a blessed life; an advocate, faithful matriarch and a community leader; and Whereas, we are honored that she is celebrating the milestone of her 80th birthday in the 4th District of Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mrs. Betty Jane Baisden for an exemplary life which is an inspiration to all, now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 19, 2016 as: Mrs. Betty Jane Baisden Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 19th day of March, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, Reverend Dr. Stafford J.N. Wicker is celebrating forty (40) years in ministry and providing stellar leadership to his church; and Whereas, Reverend Dr. Stafford J.N. Wicker under the guidance of God has pioneered and sustained Antioch African Methodist Episcopal Church as an instrument in our community that uplifts the spiritual, physical and mental welfare of our citizens; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious man of God has given hope to the hopeless and is a beacon of light to those in need; and Whereas, Reverend Dr. Wicker is a spiritual warrior, a man of compassion, a fearless leader and a servant to all, and most of all a visionary who has shared not only with his Church, but with our community and the nation his passion to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Reverend Dr. Stafford J.N. Wicker as he celebrates forty years in pastoral leadership; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 5, 2016 as: Reverend Dr. Stafford J.N. Wicker Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 5th day of June, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, for thirty-six years, Mother Minnie Jones served as President of the Beulah Baptist Church Mother Board Number 2, in Decatur, Georgia. We are all thankful this virtuous woman of God accepting her call to serve in the leadership role of the Mother Board, assisting and serving the members of the congregation; and Whereas, Mother Jones began her membership at Beulah in 1952 and since joining the church, she has provided service to citizens from all walks of life. In 1978, Mother Jones initiated the formation of the Junior Mother Board at Beulah. She served in various other ministries at the church such as the Golden Eagles, the Missionary Board, and the Usher Board. She is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother; and Whereas, this energetic, phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents, giving the citizens of our District a friend to help those in need, a fearless leader and a servant to all. She is a powerful prayer warrior and intercessor for the congregation; and Whereas, Mother Jones is a cornerstone in our community who has enhanced the lives of thousands for the betterment of our District and Nation; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mother Jones on her outstanding years of leadership and service to the Beulah Baptist Church Mother Board Number 2; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim June 11, 2016 as: Mother Minnie Jones Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 11th day of June, 2016.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to show support for the Muslim community in Georgia, as well as the Muslim community the world over, as they prepare for the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a holy month in the religion of Islam dedicated to spiritual meditation and personal reflection. For 30 days, Muslims will refrain from vulgarity, bad behavior and unfavorable habits, along with abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. In the wake of national discrimination and intolerance, the Fourth District has been working to build a community that is welcoming and accepting to Muslims and practitioners of all faiths. Recently, Gwinnett County began an outreach initiative called ``Building Bridges'' that connects government officials to Muslims and other diverse groups. In DeKalb County, local officials have been visiting mosques and meeting with local Muslim leaders in an effort to build a strong, trusting relationship. Such efforts to build understanding and good will with members of the Muslim community can be seen throughout the various cities of the Fourth District. In 2015, 125 people came together in Stone Mountain for a rally to welcome new refugees--this at a time when refugees were being rejected and attacked in our public discourse, politics, and media. The city of Clarkston has been called a ``safe haven'' for refugees for years. The leaders and citizens of Clarkston have done an excellent job of integrating refugees into the community, helping them learn to adjust to American culture, and providing access to housing, education, and job opportunities. I commend my district for its efforts to be inclusive, welcoming, and hospitable, and I fully support and encourage initiatives that help bridge cultural gaps while ensuring a safe, friendly and nurturing community. For Muslims, this next month is devoted to charity, loved ones, community, peace and faith--values that are universally respected, particularly in the great state of Georgia. I join my constituents within the Fourth Congressional District in sending the best of regards to the Muslim community during this significant month, and wishing all Muslims a Ramadan Kareem.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, this body has never passed a law that denied States the ability to act before there is a Federal standard in place. What we are perpetrating today with this vote is a first. Instead of being preempted to act once an established EPA standard is in place, States are prevented from pursuing critical protections for their communities from dangerous chemicals the moment the EPA decides to review the chemical, not when the EPA has created a new regulation. By allowing for this so-called pause preemption, we will create an almost 3-year limbo period in which a chemical under review is essentially unregulated by either State or Federal laws. Meanwhile, the public is subjected to potentially dangerous chemicals. This is unheard of in our existing consumer protection legal standards, and it will be to the detriment of the American people. However, I do commend the efforts of the Energy and Commerce Committee to take on this Herculean task of updating the existing regulatory regime and reaching a compromise package. However, I regret that this compromise comes at the expense of the rights of the States to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens. We should not be preventing local governments from exerting their basic duty to take proactive steps that will protect our communities, our environment, and the public health. Federal regulations serve as a floor, not as a ceiling, and States should be permitted to pursue laws that fill gaps in existing Federal regulations. Pause preemption not only increases uncertainty and delay to the rulemaking process, but it further limits communities' abilities to seek redress through our courts when they find themselves the victims of dangerous and unregulated chemicals.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, lastly, I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their tremendous work on this bill and for the time and energy spent by their staffs. I ask my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I thank the gentleman from Texas. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the Poe amendment. This amendment would expand the military's authority under the 1033 program to flood our streets with surplus battle-ready military equipment straight from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Specifically, this amendment would allow the Defense Department to transfer equipment, such as the MQ-9 Reaper drone, to Federal and State law enforcement agencies. This is a cynical attack, cloaked in the name of border security on President Obama's executive order, that limits the proliferation of military equipment within the borders of America. Typically, the 1033 program feeds more than $4.3 billion in surplus military grade weaponry, including armored vehicles and tanks, into the United States annually. Now we have Republicans looking to expand the type of weaponry that is distributed to law enforcement under the 1033 program to include military drones. While border security should remain at the forefront of our political discourse, the use of Grim Reaper drones and other military equipment to track and hunt down human beings is not the answer. An increase in manpower, training and facilities, not MQ-9 Reapers, is the way that we should go about our efforts in protecting our borders without sacrificing our values of respect for basic human rights and dignity. Moreover, allowing military equipment, such as predator drones, into America's airspace puts Americans at risk. Federal agencies have already lost hundreds of guns and grenade launchers that have been donated to police departments, and many of these weapons have shown up for sale on eBay or have been reported stolen. I don't want to see this happen with equipment, such as military drones, being doled out to border security. Further, the militarization of our State and Federal border security agencies will make the border more volatile and not safe. Therefore, I rise in opposition, and I ask my colleagues to support me in my opposition.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition, although I don't oppose the underlying amendment.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment, though I do not oppose the amendment.