Hank Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, Reverend Dr. Curtis L. Lester has celebrated forty (40) years in pastoral leadership this year and has provided stellar leadership to his church; and Whereas, Reverend Dr. Curtis L. Lester under the guidance of God has pioneered and sustained Greater Bethany Missionary Baptist 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. Lester 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 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. Curtis L. Lester as he celebrates forty years in pastoral leadership; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 8, 2014 as Reverend Dr. Curtis L. Lester Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 8th day of June, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, Reginald and Mary Lizzie Whipple are celebrating sixty years (60) in marriage today in Bibb County, Georgia; and Whereas, on June 13, 1954 because of their union then, our community today has been blessed with a family that has enhanced our district, Mr. Reginald Whipple, Sr., and Mrs. Mary Lizzie Whipple; 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; they both have been blessed with their family, their church and the many friends from across the state of Georgia; and Whereas, Mr. and Mrs. Whipple are distinguished citizens of our state, they are spiritual warriors, persons of compassion, fearless leaders and servants to all, but most of all visionaries who have shared not only with their family, but with 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. Reginald and Mrs. Mary Lizzie Whipple as they celebrate their 60th Anniversary, sixty (60) years in marital bliss; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 13, 2014 as Mr. Reginald and Mrs. Mary Lizzie Whipple Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 13th day of June, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, in November, 1901, the union of Edward Ramsey, Sr., and Hattie Johnson made the Johnson-Ramsey family definite and their union has blessed us with descendants that have helped to shape our nation; and Whereas, the seeds of family was planted in the 1800s with Wiley Johnson and his wife Saphronia Cobb-Johnson, parents of Hattie Johnson Ramsey, it would only be a matter of time before the first family reunion would be held in the rural area of the Huguley woods near Shawmut, Alabama in 1934; Otis Johnson, Wiley Johnson, Charlie Johnson and Carrie Booker led the charge of planning the first reunion and throughout the years, this family has produced many well respected citizens that have and continues to honor the patriarchs and matriarchs of the family which are pillars of strength across this great nation; and Whereas, in our beloved Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, we are honored to have members of the Johnson-Ramsey family, including Ms. Wandra Seymore-Outlaw one of our most beloved citizens in our District who resides in Ellenwood, Georgia; and Whereas, family is one of the most honored and cherished institutions in the world, we take pride in knowing that families such as the Johnson-Ramsey family have set aside this time to fellowship with each other, honor one another and to pass along history to each other by meeting at this year's 80th family reunion in Atlanta, Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the Johnson-Ramsey family in our District; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 20, 2014 as Johnson-Ramsey Family Reunion Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 20th day of June, 2014.

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 mighty woman of God, Mrs. Mildred Butts, who gave of herself to brighten the lives of others; and Whereas, her dedication to her family and community was unwavering, she was a model citizen with a heart of gold, providing nurturing love and support to her husband, children, grandchildren and other family members; and Whereas, this remarkable, positive woman with the 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, her beloved Butts family always knew that her hands and her words spoke meaning into everyone she encountered; and Whereas, this virtuous Proverbs 31 woman was a wife, a mother, a friend, a matriarch, and a woman of great integrity; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow a Congressional recognition on Mrs. Mildred Butts for her friendship and service to the citizens in Georgia; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby attest to the 113th Congress that Mrs. Mildred Butts of Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor.'' Mrs. Mildred Butts, U.S. Citizen of Distinction, in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 3rd day of June, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise to discuss H.R. 4870, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act. I want to thank the committee for fully funding the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Student Initiative. The $34.4 million allocation supports the educational development of a growing number of minority scholars in science, technology, engineering, and math, also known as STEM. I was proud when the House Armed Services Committee, and then the full House, approved my amendment to increase funding for this initiative by $10 million in the National Defense Authorization Act. By providing the full $34.4 million today, the Appropriations Committee and the full House will, once again, demonstrate our commitment to these outstanding scholars. HBCUs produce one-fifth of the Nation's undergraduate science graduates and 20 percent of Black undergraduate engineers. This funding, through the NDAA, emphasizes our support for these students and encourages more minorities to take the STEM path. In the long run, producing more qualified minority STEM graduates ensures a strong and diversified workforce, which is essential to our Nation's long-term well-being. I have serious concerns about this bill. I wanted to use this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for the work of the House Appropriations Committee in support of this initiative.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, Thirty years ago a virtuous woman of God accepted her calling to serve in the Educational System; and Whereas, Mrs. Cynthia V. Lewis began her educational career in teaching and this year she retires as a Teacher at Dunaire Elementary School in Stone Mountain, Georgia, she has served the DeKalb County and New York Schools Systems well, and our community has been blessed through her service; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents as a Teacher, Educator and Motivator, giving the citizens of Georgia and New York a person of great worth, a fearless leader, a devoted scholar and a servant to all who want to advance the lives of our youth; and Whereas, Mrs. Lewis is formally retiring from her educational career today, she will continue to promote education because she is a cornerstone in our community and 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. Cynthia V. Lewis on her retirement from the DeKalb County Public Schools System and to wish her well in her new endeavors; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim May 27, 2014 as Mrs. Cynthia V. Lewis Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 27th day of May, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, Thirty-five years ago a virtuous woman of God accepted her calling to serve in the Educational System; and Whereas, Mrs. Janice T. Crawford began her educational career in teaching and this year she retires as a Principal at Dunaire Elementary School in Stone Mountain, Georgia, she has served the DeKalb County Public Schools System well and our community has been blessed through her service; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents as a Teacher, Educator and Motivator, giving the citizens of Georgia a person of great worth, a fearless leader, a devoted scholar and a servant to all who want to advance the lives of our youth; and Whereas, Mrs. Crawford is formally retiring from her educational career today, she will continue to promote education because she is a cornerstone in our community that 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. Janice T. Crawford on her retirement from the DeKalb County Public Schools System and to wish her well in her new endeavors; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim May 21, 2014 as Mrs. Janice T. Crawford Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 21st day of May, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, A virtuous woman of God accepted her calling to serve in the Educational System; and Whereas, Ms. Elizabeth Jones began her educational career in teaching thirty-five (35) years ago, and this year she retires from teaching at Stephenson Middle School in Stone Mountain, Georgia, she has served the DeKalb County School District well and our community has been blessed through her service; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents as a Teacher, Educator and Motivator, giving the citizens of Georgia a person of great worth, a fearless leader, a devoted scholar and a servant to all who want to advance the lives of our youth; and Whereas, Ms. Jones is formally retiring from her educational career today, she will continue to promote education because she is a cornerstone in our community that 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 Ms. Elizabeth Jones on her retirement from the DeKalb County School District and to wish her well in her new endeavors; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim May 25, 2014 as Ms. Elizabeth Jones Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 25th day of May, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, Mr. Frederick Lee McHenry, Sr., a tenacious and illustrious man from Lawrenceville, Georgia, utilizes his gifts, talents and wisdom everyday to ensure that citizens are inspired and lives are touched; and Whereas, Mr. Frederick Lee McHenry, Sr., is a renowned advocate, business leader, motivator and community leader in the state of Georgia; and Whereas, he is the Grandmaster of the Genesis Willingham Grand Lodge of Georgia, Chief Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Supreme Council of Scottish Rite Masonic Order and has been an active Mason for over thirty years; and Whereas, this model citizen has shared his time and talents for the betterment of his community and his nation through his tireless works, words of encouragement and inspiration that continue to be a beacon of light to those in need; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mr. Frederick Lee McHenry, Sr., for his outstanding leadership and service to the citizens in the state of Georgia; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim May 17, 2014 as Frederick Lee McHenry, Sr. Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 17th day of May, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, Bishop Dr. Stewart Reese, Jr., is celebrating forty five (45) years in pastoral leadership this year as the founder of Bethesda Cathedral of the Apostolic Faith, Inc., and has provided stellar leadership to his church; and Whereas, Bishop Reese, under the guidance of God has pioneered and sustained Bethesda Cathedral 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, Bishop Reese 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 not only with his Church, but with our District 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 Bishop Reese, as he celebrates forty five years in pastoral leadership on this the Founder's Day of Bethesda Cathedral of the Apostolic Faith; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 1, 2014 as Bishop Dr. Stewart Reese, Jr. Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 1st day of June, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, Thirty years ago a virtuous woman of God accepted her calling to serve in the Educational System; and Whereas, Mrs. Angetti R. McLaughlin began her educational career in teaching and this year she retires as a Teacher at Dunaire Elementary School in Stone Mountain, Georgia, she has served the DeKalb County, Talbot County, and Atlanta City Public Schools System well, and our community has been blessed through her service as a community activist; and Whereas, this phenomenal woman has shared her time and talents as a Teacher, Educator and Motivator, giving the citizens of Georgia a person of great worth, a fearless leader, a devoted scholar and a servant to all who want to advance the lives of our youth; and Whereas, Mrs. McLaughlin is formally retiring from her educational career today, she will continue to promote education because she is a cornerstone in our community and 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. Angetti R. McLaughlin on her retirement from the DeKalb County Public Schools System and to wish her well in her new endeavors; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim May 27, 2014 as Mrs. Angetti R. McLaughlin Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 27th day of May, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, Reverend Dr. T. Nathaniel Hercules is celebrating fifty-five (55) years in ministry this year and has provided stellar leadership to his church on an international level; and Whereas, Reverend Dr. T. Nathaniel Hercules, under the guidance of God has pioneered and sustained Saint Paul AME Worship Center, 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, Reverend Dr. T. Nathaniel Hercules 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 not only with his Church, but with 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 Reverend Dr. T. Nathaniel Hercules as he celebrates fifty-five years in ministry and to salute him as he retires from pastoral leadership; A true Man of Excellence; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 6, 2014 as Reverend Dr. T. Nathaniel Hercules Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 6th day of June, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I want to honor Helen Ho Kim and the entire staff of the Asian American Legal Advocacy Center of Georgia. Based in the city of Norcross, part of which I represent, the center is dedicated to promoting the rights of Asian Americans in the Southeast. They protect and promote the civil, social, and economic rights of Asian Americans through policy, community organizing, leadership development, and legal education. The center strives towards individuals who are fully empowered, active in civic life, and working together to promote equity and fair treatment for all. The center is also proof that Asian and Pacific Islanders are part of every community in this country. As this month comes to a close, I encourage all Americans to take pride in the diversity of our country and to consider the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders in their communities.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am writing to inform the House of Representatives how I would have voted had I been able to be present in the House on Monday May 19, 2014 and on Tuesday May 20, 2014. I was unavoidably absent, and instead in my Congressional District in Georgia, due to Georgia's Federal Primary Election day being Tuesday May 20, 2014. With that said, this is how I would have cast my votes on rollcall votes before the House. Monday May 19, 2014: Rollcall 218, on H.R. 2203, To provide for the award of a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Jack Nicklaus--``yea.'' Rollcall 219, on H.R. 685, To award a Congressional Gold Medal to the American Fighter Aces, collectively--``yea.'' Tuesday May 20, 2014: Rollcall 220, on the Conference Report to H.R. 3080--Water Resources Reform and Development Act--``yea.'' Rollcall 221, on H.R. 3530--Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act-- ``yea.'' Rollcall 222, on H.R. 4225--Stop Advertising Victims of Exploitation (SAVE) Act--``nay.''

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, twenty five years ago, Ms. Laura Agle accepted a calling to serve others by becoming a staff member with the South DeKalb YMCA; and Whereas, she has served the citizens of our District with great care, concern and professionalism, by inspiring, educating and motivating; giving a boost to those aspiring to be in the best physical shape of their lives; and Whereas, she has shared her time and talents, giving the citizens of our District a friend, a community leader and an inspiring servant, who ensured that physical fitness and wellness opportunities are available to all; and Whereas, Ms. Agle is a cornerstone in our community enhancing the lives of many for the betterment of our District and our Nation; and Whereas, on her retirement from the South DeKalb YMCA, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Ms. Laura Agle for exemplary service and to wish her well in her new endeavors; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim January 31, 2014 as Ms. Laura Agle Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 31st day of January, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, in the Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, many organizations strive to bring awareness and enlightenment to our community; and Whereas, the W.N. Griffin, Jr., Gospel Choir formed in November, 1944 presents the gospel through songs of praise and inspiration touching the lives of thousands throughout the world; and Whereas, today we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of not only a choir, but a ministry that started with the leadership of Reverend J.S. Roddy and seven (7) choir members which has now grown to one hundred twenty (120) members; and has been and continues to be a great gift by witnessing the gospel through music; and Whereas, our beloved District has a jewel in this choir that touches the hearts, minds and souls of so many; and Whereas, our community has been strengthened, our lives have been touched and our spirits uplifted by this anointed choir that shares so freely of themselves; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the W.N. Griffin, Jr., Gospel Choir of Saint Philip A.M.E. Church for its outstanding service to our District; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim February 9, 2014 as The W.N. Griffin, Jr. Gospel Choir Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 9th day of February, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, since 2009, Theta Phi Sigma Christian Sorority, Inc., has been and continues to be a worthy instrument for good; and Whereas, the 2014 ``Theta Phi Sigma Christian Sorority, Inc., Proverbs Alpha Kingdom Celebration Weekend,'' is being held this year in Lithonia, Georgia; and Whereas, Theta Phi Sigma Christian Sorority, Inc., was founded by Dr. Jessica Martin, in Montgomery, Alabama, to promote Christian standards, values and the creative and artistic ideals of the modern woman; and Whereas, its members give of themselves tirelessly and unconditionally to serve our community through projects such as voter registration, health walks, mentorships and scholarships; and Whereas, the lives of many in our district are touched by the leadership and service given by the ladies of Theta Phi Sigma Christian Sorority, Inc., our nation and the world is a better place due to their commitment to excellence in all of their endeavors; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize their outstanding service to our District; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim January 18, 2014 as Theta Phi Sigma Christian Sorority, Inc., Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 18th day of January, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, Judge Horace T. Ward is a tenacious man of many gifts, talents and much wisdom who has served this nation nobly as private citizen, soldier, lawyer, state senator and federal judge; and Whereas, Judge Horace T. Ward rose from humble beginnings in LaGrange, Georgia showing unusual academic achievement from an early age by graduating as Valedictorian of his high school class, matriculating to Morehouse College and Atlanta University where he eventually earned the Master's Degree; and Whereas, he demonstrated an interest in studying law at a young age when he met one of the few African American lawyers in Georgia at the time, the great A. T. Walden, and set his sights on the University of Georgia Law School in an era of strict segregation,; and Whereas, he continued his fight to study at UGA for more than six long years and in the interim received his law degree from Northwestern University in Illinois and honorably served his country in the Korean War, he then returned to Georgia and made history as part of a legal team that successfully adjudicated the desegregation of the University of Georgia, thus opening educational opportunities to succeeding generations of African American students; and Whereas, Judge Ward again made history in 1979 when President Jimmy Carter appointed him as the first African American to serve on the U.S. Federal bench in Georgia as a District Court Judge for the Northern District where he served honorably and well; and Whereas, the Seventh Day Adventist Church is today honoring Judge Ward, an elder in the church, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has also set aside this day to honor and recognize Judge Horace T. Ward for his outstanding leadership and service to all citizens in the state of Georgia, including and especially the citizens of our district; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim February 8, 2014 as Judge Horace T. Ward Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 8th day of February, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, White's Chapel United Methodist Church has been and continues to be a beacon of light to our district for the past one hundred forty-four years; and Whereas, Pastor Harold Cobb and the members of the White's Chapel United Methodist Church family today continues to uplift and inspire those in our district; and Whereas, the White's Chapel United Methodist Church family has been and continues to be a place where citizens are touched spiritually, mentally and physically through outreach ministries and community partnership to aid in building up our district; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious Church of God has given hope to the hopeless, fed the needy and empowered our community for the past one hundred forty-four (144) years, being organized in 1870 after Captain White donated two acres of land to a small group of former slaves in order for them to continue to worship together as a congregation; and Whereas, White's Chapel has produced many spiritual warriors, people of compassion, people of great courage, fearless leaders and servants to all, but most of all visionaries who have shared not only with their Church, but with Rockdale County their 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 the White's Chapel United Methodist Church family for their leadership and service to our District on this the 144th Anniversary of their founding; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 2, 2014 as White's Chapel United Methodist Church Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 2nd day of March, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, The Conyers Rotary Club is a beacon of light to our district; and Whereas, today, The Conyers Rotary Club, in concert with thousands of clubs across the nation and the world, has launched a campaign to help eradicate hunger; and Whereas, club President Neal Sanford, the ``Rotary Has Heart'' Chair Diane Adoma and the entire local Rotary membership are stepping up with funding for the local Food Bank; and Whereas, this remarkable organization is showing it's heart by giving hope to the hopeless, feeding the hungry and empowering our community; and Whereas, The Conyers Rotary Club has for many years produced, people of compassion, people of great courage, fearless leaders and most of all visionaries who have shared their resources with citizens throughout Rockdale County; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative has set aside this day to honor and recognize the Conyers Rotary Club for their leadership on this day of heartwarming community service; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim February 13, 2014 as Rotary Has Heart Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 13th day of February, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, this year, Reverend Louis L. Ferguson is celebrating his third year in pastoral leadership as Pastor of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia, he has provided stellar leadership to his church and community; and Whereas, Reverend Louis L. Ferguson under the guidance of God has pioneered and sustained Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist 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 Ferguson 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 not only with his Church, but with our state 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 Louis L. Ferguson, as he celebrates his anniversary in pastoral leadership; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 15, 2014 as Reverend Louis L. Ferguson Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 15th day of March, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, One hundred five years ago a virtuous woman of God was born in Moreland, Georgia on February 11, 1909; and Whereas, Ms. Sarah King was born to Mr. John King and Mrs. Elizabeth King, she was educated in the local school system in Georgia; and Whereas, this Phenomenal Proverbs 31 woman has shared her time and talents as a Community Advocate and Motivator, giving the citizens of Georgia a person of great worth, a fearless leader and a servant to all who wants to advance the lives of others; and Whereas, Ms. King has been blessed with a long, happy life, devoted to God and credits it all to the Will of God; and Whereas, Ms. King along with her family and friends are celebrating this day a remarkable milestone, her 105th Birthday, we pause to acknowledge a woman who is a cornerstone in our community in DeKalb County, Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Ms. King 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 February 11, 2014 as Ms. Sarah King Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 11th day of February, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, the Newton County Leadership Collaborative is celebrating a milestone 10th Anniversary; and Whereas, the Leadership Collaborative brings together representatives from Newton County, the city governments of Covington, Oxford, Porterdale, Newborn and Mansfield, the Water and Sewer Authority, Board of Education and the Covington-Newton Chamber of Commerce; and Whereas, these elected and appointed officials are guided by the statement, ``We plan together and work together''; and Whereas, this group meets monthly at the Center for Community Preservation and Planning (The Center) using four guiding principles-- Protect Clean Water, Create Communities, Create Interconnected Corridors and Coordinate Public Investment, and Whereas they have developed the 2050 Plan, which is Newton County's roadmap to a sustainable future; and Whereas, the 2050 Plan was recently awarded the prestigious Excellence in Small Town and Rural Planning Award by the American Planning Association; and Whereas, the Center has been a pillar of strength for Newton County ensuring that each generation has a sense of history; a strong sense of identity and an appreciation for a vibrant community; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and laud the Center for their nationally recognized work on behalf of the citizens of Newton County now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 7th and 8th, 2014 as Newton County Leadership Collaborative Days in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 7th day of March, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, Pastor James C. Ward is celebrating today nineteen (19) years as Pastor of Antioch Lithonia Baptist Church; and Whereas, Pastor Ward, under the guidance of God has pioneered and sustained Antioch Lithonia Baptist 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 Ward 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 not only with his Church, but with 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 James C. Ward as he celebrates his nineteenth Pastoral Anniversary at Antioch Lithonia Baptist Church; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 9, 2014 as Pastor James C. Ward Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 9th day of March, 2014.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr., is celebrating ten years (10) in pastoral leadership this year and has provided stellar leadership to his church on an international level; and Whereas, Dr. Smith, under the guidance of God has pioneered and sustained Greater Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist 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, Dr. Smith 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 not only with his Church, but with 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 Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr., as he celebrates ten years in pastoral leadership at Greater Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 23, 2014 as Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 23rd day of March, 2014.