Hank Johnson

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. Robbie Bronner was born eighty years ago and is celebrating that milestone today; and Whereas, Mrs. Bronner has been blessed with a long, happy life, devoted to God and credits it all to the Will of God; and Whereas, Mrs. Bronner is celebrating her 80th birthday with her family members, church members, and friends here in Atlanta, Georgia on September 29, 2013; and Whereas, the Lord has been her Shepherd throughout her life and she prays daily and is leading by example a blessed life; and Whereas, we are honored that she is celebrating the milestone of her 80th birthday with church members from 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. Robbie Bronner for an exemplary life which is an inspiration to all: Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim September 29, 2013 as Mrs. Robbie Bronner Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 29th day of September, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Safe Climate Caucus. How much longer will the Republicans deny the science of climate change? Today, the world's leading climate change scientists say that it is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of climate change. In fact, just reading last night in the BBC, there's an article about a U.N. report that finds that, with 95 percent certainty, mankind has contributed mightily to climate change. Last week, scientists from Stanford and Purdue Universities found that the eastern and central United States will likely see more severe weather by the middle of this century due to climate change. Despite this overwhelming evidence, Republicans proudly proclaim themselves as science deniers. When will my colleagues take their heads out of the sand and work with Democrats to preserve our climate and economy for the future?

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to talk about this heartless and mean-spirited attempt by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to cut $40 billion from the SNAP program--the food stamp program--that ensures that children, seniors, and poor Americans can put food on the table. Earlier this year, I participated in a food stamp challenge. We agreed for a period of 1 week to limit our expenditure for food to $4.50 a day. That's about the average amount that a food stamp recipient receives for food. And so trying to eat on $4.50 a day was a mind expander and an eye-opener for me because it helped me see how fortunate I was to not be one of the many millions of people who rely on food stamps for their nutrition. During that week that I was on that food stamp challenge, I went around to a number of food pantries where people were lined up, White and Black, Hispanic and Asian, awaiting the food truck or the tractor- trailer to get there loaded with food so they could get some of it. People lined up several hours before the pantry actually opened just to get some food. So I can assure you that there are many people out there. And I spoke with many of them. I spoke with one woman who worked three part-time jobs that pay minimum wage. She was trying to take care of a family with that, and was still eligible and needed to have those food stamps. And so people have lost their jobs and have been offered and accepted new jobs after this economic meltdown caused by Wall Street. People lost jobs. They have accepted part-time jobs--cobbling a few part-time jobs together to try to make ends meet for the entire family. And they need those food stamps. But what my colleagues on the other side of the aisle plan on doing is cutting $40 billion for this next year, 2014. They want to cut $40 billion out of the budget. The budget is a statement of our values. If you can give farmers crop subsidies--$15 billion, $20 billion per year--and then, by congressional legislation, hide the identity of the recipients of those crop subsidy payments that you, the taxpayer, give to the insurance companies on behalf of the farmers; then what you do, you give the insurance companies, you offset their administrative and operating cost in operating that program, we pay them billions of dollars a year. So, as it ends up, over $100 billion in a 10-year period, crop insurance for people who don't need it. And we're going to cut food stamps today $40 billion? That's not the values that America stands for. I will be voting against that legislation.

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, Mrs. Barbara Ann Flanigan began her educational career in teaching thirty-seven (37) years ago, and this year she retires from teaching at Cedar Grove Elementary School in Ellenwood, 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, Mrs. Flanigan 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. Barbara Ann Flanigan 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 June 2, 2013 as Mrs. Barbara Ann Flanigan Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 2nd day of June, 2013.

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. Patricia Parker began her educational career in teaching thirty-eight (38) years ago, and this year she retires from teaching at Dunaire Elementary 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. Parker 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. Patricia Parker 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 21, 2013 as Ms. Patricia Parker Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 21st day of May, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, this year, Reverend Dr. John F. Williams is celebrating twenty-five (25) years preaching, twenty-three (23) years in pastoral leadership and seven (7) years as Pastor of Antioch East Baptist Church this year, he has provided stellar leadership to his church and community; and Whereas, Reverend Dr. John F. Williams under the guidance of God has pioneered and sustained Antioch East 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. Williams 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 Dr. John F. Williams, as he celebrates this milestone in pastoral leadership; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim August 25, 2013 as Reverend Dr. John F. Williams Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 25th day of August, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following U.S. Citizen of Distinction.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, since 1951, Hillcrest Church of Christ has been and continues to be a beacon of light in our district; and Whereas, Bro. Richard L. Barclay, Senior Minister and the members of the Hillcrest Church of Christ family, today continue to uplift and inspire those in our district and beyond; and Whereas, Hillcrest Church of Christ 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 the community; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious Church of Christ has given hope to the hopeless, fed the needy and empowered our community by preaching the gospel, witnessing for the gospel and teaching the gospel; and Whereas, Hillcrest Church of Christ has produced many spiritual elders, 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 our district and the world as they 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 Hillcrest Church of Christ family as they dedicate their new Church Sanctuary and for continued leadership and service to our District and the world; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim August 25, 2013 as Hillcrest Church of Christ Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 25th day of August, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, for the past twenty years, New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church has been and continues to be a beacon of light to our county and district; and Whereas, today, Bishop James H. Morton and the members of the New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church family continue to uplift and inspire our county and district; and Whereas, the New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist 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 county and 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 twenty (20) years; and Whereas, this Church 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 our community 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 New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church family for their leadership and service to our District on this the 20th Anniversary of their founding; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim August 18, 2013 as New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 18th day of August, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, today we pause to recognize a virtuous woman of God whose actions, thinking, and spirit blessed the lives of the children, parents, teachers, and support staff of not only the Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy, but the hearts of citizens across America; and Whereas, Ms. Antoinette Tuff on August 20, 2013 gave of herself to calm and defuse an incredibly dangerous situation that could have devastated our community and our Nation; and Whereas, Ms. Antoinette Tuff talked down an armed and troubled intruder who was focused on harming elementary school children, their teachers, support staff, and police officers on the scene; and Whereas, Ms. Tuff stood as a citizen diplomat, cool and calm, communicating with the would be assailant, as she advocated for life, not only for the intruder and herself, but for every life in the school building on that day; and Whereas, this wise woman of God shared her stories, her struggles, her trials and her triumphs, to breathe in words of encouragement and comfort, transforming a spirit of destruction into a spirit of redemption, allowing herself to be an instrument of God ensuring that all would live to see another day; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Ms. Antoinette Tuff for her bravery, her selflessness, leadership, and service not only to those students, teachers, support staff, police officers, and administrators at Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy in DeKalb County, Georgia, but also for her heart and spirit that have touched our Nation and the World; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim August 25, 2013 as Ms. Antoinette Tuff Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 25th day of August, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, today we celebrate leadership, service and a ministry that for the past thirty one years has enhanced our district, our state, our country and the world; and Whereas, Apostle Ulysses Tuff and Pastor Deborah Tuff are today celebrating thirty one years as spiritual leaders and servants of God at the church of their founding, The Way, The Truth and The Life Christian Center; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious man of God, Apostle Ulysses Tuff and this phenomenal virtuous woman of God, Pastor Deborah Tuff are instruments of God who give hope to the hopeless, feed the needy and empower our community by preaching the gospel, teaching the gospel and living the gospel; and Whereas, the members of The Way, The Truth and The Life Christian Center continue to uplift and inspire others, through outreach ministries, The Giver of Life Mission School, The Giver of Life Christian Academy, The Giver of Life Institute of Ministerial Training, and The Giver of Life Ministerial Association; and Whereas, The Way, The Truth and The Life Christian Center 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 our district, our nation and the world; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize The Way, The Truth and The Life Christian Center, Inc., on their 31st Anniversary and for their distinguished leadership and service to humanity; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim August 25, 2013 as The Way, The Truth and The Life Christian Center, Inc., Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 25th day of August, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, a cool, calm, collected and very tenacious man, Mr. Val Archer was born April 13, 1929, raised in Chicago, Illinois and now resides in Conyers, Georgia; and Whereas, during WWII at the tender age of 15, and even in the face of segregation and discrimination, out of a strong sense of patriotism and love of country, he answered the call to service in the U.S. military; and Whereas, Mr. Archer served honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps, the United States Air Force and as a member of the renowned Tuskegee Airmen, a unit with a strong sense of honor and duty who performed with great precision in combating the enemy in the European theater; and Whereas, he saw active duty in Korea, Japan, Guam, the Marshall Islands and Europe where he was always proud of the performance of his fellow Tuskegee Airmen who proved beyond a doubt that they were there to excel; and Whereas, he served with great distinction as the President of the Atlanta Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc and he is the recipient of The Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest civilian honor; and Whereas, this model citizen continues sharing his time, talents and great wisdom with young people urging them to not drift or follow the crowd, to get an education, practice self-respect, integrity and responsibility to themselves, their family and their country; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mr. Val Archer for his outstanding leadership and service to the citizens in the 4th District, the state of Georgia and the nation; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim May 18, 2013 as Mr. Val Archer Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 18th day of May, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, a tenacious man of God accepted his calling to serve in the Educational System; and Whereas, Dr. Bennie Pennington began his educational career in teaching thirty (30) years ago and this year he retires from teaching at Dunaire Elementary School in Stone Mountain, Georgia, he has served the DeKalb County School District well and our community has been blessed through his service; and Whereas, this remarkable man has shared his 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, Dr. Pennington is formally retiring from his educational career today, he will continue to promote education because he 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 Dr. Bennie Pennington on his retirement from the DeKalb County School District and to wish him well in his new endeavors; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim May 21, 2013 as Dr. Bennie Pennington Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 21st day of May, 2013.

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 one man, Bobby Hurd who has given so much of himself in order for others to stand; and Whereas, his work is present in the gospel music industry for all to see, and ``The Bobby Hurd Show'' has been instrumental in spreading the gospel and promoting gospel artists in the Metropolitan Atlanta area and beyond; and Whereas, this giant of a man accomplished so much during his time on earth, he was an electrician by trade, a promoter by talent, a community advocate by concern and a friend to all; and Whereas, he gave of himself, his time, his talent and his life to uplift those in need, he never asked for fame or fortune he just wanted to help somebody and to inspire anybody by being involved in community activities and spreading the gospel; he encouraged everybody to do the same by witnessing him walk the walk and talk the talk; and Whereas, Bobby Hurd led by doing both behind the scenes and on the front lines, he was an ambassador of goodwill who will be truly missed; and Whereas, Bobby Hurd was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend; he was our warrior, our patriarch, a man of great integrity who remained true to the uplifting of our community until his end; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia recognizes Bobby Hurd as a citizen of great worth and so noted distinction; Now Therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby attest to the 113th Congress that he is deemed worthy and deserving of this Congressional Honor by declaring Mr. Bobby Hurd U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, This 12th day of July, 2013.

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 one woman . . . who has given of herself in order for others to stand; and Whereas, Mrs. Ruby Marie Sings Langford Johnson's work is present in DeKalb County, Georgia for all to see, being an advocate for the youth, the elderly, the poor and ordinary citizens like you and me; and Whereas, this remarkable woman gave of herself, her time, her talent and her life; she never asked for fame or fortune to uplift those in need, she just wanted to do what was right; and Whereas, Mrs. Johnson led by doing behind the scenes, front and center for the state of Georgia, DeKalb County, her church, Beulah Baptist Church and for the DeKalb County chapter of the NAACP; this virtuous Proverbs 31 woman was a mother, grandmother, a daughter and a friend; she was our warrior, our matriarch, a woman of great integrity who remained true to the uplifting of our community until her end; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow a Congressional recognition on Mrs. Ruby Marie Sings Langford Johnson 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 113th Congress that Mrs. Ruby Marie Sings Langford Johnson of DeKalb County, Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'' Mrs. Ruby Marie Sings Langford Johnson U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 28th day of June, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation: Whereas, the union of Jordan and Sylvia Wedlowe in Twiggs County, Georgia in the 1800's began the Wedlowe family lineage which has blessed us with descendants that have helped to shape our nation; and Whereas, the Wedlowe Family has produced many well respected citizens and the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Wedlowe family are pillars of strength that have touched many throughout our nation, family members of the past and present; and Whereas, in our beloved Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, we are honored to have members of the Wedlowe family for they are some of our most beloved citizens in our District; 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 Wedlowe 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 family reunion 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 the Wedlowe family; Now Therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 29, 2013 as Wedlowe Family Reunion Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 29th day of June, 2013.

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 one man, Thomas Wesley Harris, Jr., who has given so much to our state and nation; and Whereas, Thomas ``Tom'' Harris has been instrumental as a pioneer in the beauty industry with his artistic talents, his high standards in creating and innovating cosmetology, being a mentor for hair stylists and in propelling many careers in Atlanta and beyond; and Whereas, this giant of a man accomplished so much during his time on earth, he served our country honorably in the U.S. Army, he was an entrepreneur, creating Tom Harris Hair Designers, he was a strong community advocate, a motivator and a friend to all; and Whereas, he gave of himself, his time, his talent and his life to uplift those in need, he never asked for fame or fortune he just wanted to help somebody and to inspire anybody by being involved in community activities and taking the time to encourage and train young stylists into using their skills to impact an industry; and Whereas, Tom Harris led by doing both behind the scenes and on the front lines, he was an ambassador of goodwill who will be truly missed; and Whereas, Tom Harris was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend; he was our warrior, our patriarch, a man of great integrity who remained true to the uplifting of our community; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia recognizes Tom Harris as a citizen of great worth and so noted distinction; Now Therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby attest to the 113th Congress that he is deemed worthy and deserving of this Congressional Honor by declaring Mr. Thomas Wesley Harris, Jr. U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 15th day of July, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, the birth of James Jordan in Jackson County, Georgia on August 15, 1837 began the Jordan family lineage which has blessed us with descendants that have helped to shape our nation; and Whereas, through the union of James and Dicey Shields Jordan (1858), Summie, John, James, Hilliard (Hill), Mary, Woodie, Henry Arthur, Babe, Alice and Emma were born; In 1885, James was united in marriage to his second wife Nancy Polk Jordan wherein, Bertha, Gilbert, Luther, Pledger, Judson and Lucy were born. The Jordan Family has produced many well respected citizens and the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Jordan Family are pillars of strength that have touched many throughout our nation, family members of the past and present such as Mrs. Janice Anderson Edwards, Rev. Frankie Jordan, Rev. Darrell White, Mrs. Evelyn Boynton, Miss Beverly Gray, Mrs. Annie Ruth Johnson, Mrs. Martha Ann Whitlock, Mr. Jerome Anderson, Mr. Summie Jordan, Ms. Rheba Brackery, Miss Rasheedah Carter, Ms. Vel Ford and Mrs. 0llie Brooks; and Whereas, in our beloved Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, we are honored to have members of the Jordan family for they are some of our most beloved citizens in our District; 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 Jordan 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 family reunion 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 the Jordan family; Now Therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 28, 2013 as Jordan Family Reunion Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 28th day of June, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, since 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has been and continues to be a worthy instrument for good; and Whereas, the Decatur Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was chartered on October 5, 1973, in Decatur, Georgia, by sixteen stellar sorors who had the foresight and vision to establish a Delta chapter in DeKalb County, Georgia; and Whereas, the Decatur Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is celebrating its forty year anniversary; 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 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., our nation and the world are better places 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 for the past forty (40) years and to wish them well on their anniversary; Now Therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim October 5, 2013 as Decatur Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 5th day of October, 2013.

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 African American culture and music; and Whereas, June is recognized as Black Music Month, this is a unique opportunity for our Nation to showcase the different musicians, writers, producers, promoters, performers, managers, attorneys, agents, and accountants who have contributed to making Black Music a heavyweight in the industry of entertainment around the world; and Whereas, today we celebrate the kickoff of Black Music Month at the Artist Factory in Atlanta, by witnessing the music, dance, food, art, and fashion that Black Music has inspired on an international stage; and Whereas, our beloved District has found a jewel in the music that touches the minds and souls of untold millions; and Whereas, our community has been strengthened in times of joy and sorrow through music; 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 Black Music 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 June 4, 2013 as Black Music Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 4th day of June, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, the birth of Oliver Charles, son of Mr. Handy and Mrs. Alfhosine Batiste Charles in Freetown, Louisiana, on December 27, 1897, began the Charles family lineage which has blessed us with descendants who have helped to shape our nation; and Whereas, Mr. Oliver Charles united in holy matrimony to Mrs. Laura Livingston Charles on March 18, 1927 in Freetown, Louisiana, their union has produced many well respected citizens and the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Charles Family are pillars of strength who have touched many throughout our nation, family members of the past and present, giving us generations of the Charles family lineage; and Whereas, in our beloved Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, we are honored to have members of the Charles family for they are some of our most beloved citizens in our District; 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 Charles 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 family reunion in Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the Charles family; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim July 6, 2013, as Charles Family Reunion Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 6th day of July, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, On December 29, 1881, the union of Abbie Burannice Benn and Jack Benn in Morgan County, Georgia, blessed us with descendants that have helped to shape our nation; and Whereas, to this union fourteen children were born; Carrie Benn, Emma Benn, John Benn, Jack Benn, Willie Benn, Anderson Benn, Birder Benn, Joseph Benn, Elbert Benn, Lula Benn, Corlor Benn, Mattie Benn, Arthur Benn and Rosey Benn; and from the children of Abbie and Jack Benn, and we have seen and are seeing generations of many well respected citizens, so today we honor all of the matriarchs and patriarchs, who are pillars of strength for the Benn, Brinkley and Randolph families; and Whereas, in our beloved Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, we are honored to have many members of the Benn, Brinkley and Randolph families who are productive citizens in our District; 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 Benn, Brinkley and Randolph families 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 family reunion in Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the Benn, Brinkley and Randolph families; Now Therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim, July 20, 2013, as Benn, Brinkley & Randolph Family Reunion Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, This 20th day of July, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, the birth of Ezekiel Dempsey in the state of North Carolina in the 1800's began the Dempsey family lineage which has blessed us with descendants that have helped to shape our nation; and Whereas, the Dempsey Family has produced many well respected citizens and the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Dempsey Family are pillars of strength that have touched many throughout our nation, family members of the past and present such as Rev. Tom Dempsey, Stephen Dempsey, William Dempsey, James Dempsey and Sarah Dempsey; and Whereas, in our beloved Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, we are honored to have members of the Dempsey family for they are some of our most beloved citizens in our District; 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 Dempsey 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 family reunion 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 the Dempsey family; Now Therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 8, 2012, as Dempsey Family Reunion Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, This 8th day of June, 2012.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. In response, Mr. Chairman, I would say that the old ways of creating or producing energy--those ways that foul up our environment and pollute our air and water and cause health concerns to the people of this great Nation--those types of jobs, fortunately, yield to a brighter day of new renewable and clean forms of energy. That's a growth industry that, if this legislature could only see the brightness of the future, I think we would have a whole lot more jobs created as the jobs of the past recede into history. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 367, the REINS Act. I have profound concerns with the REINS Act. This bill would undermine the ability of agencies to protect the public interest. It is a continuation of the majority's obstructionist approach that led to sequestration. This deregulatory train wreck threatens to send us back to the days before the Wall Street collapse, a financial catastrophe that could have been avoided by responsible policies. This bill comes from the same brain trust that pulled the bill for transportation funding yesterday. Apparently, $4.4 billion in budget cuts is not good enough for these Republicans. And now we consider the REINS Act, a bill that would require Congress to have the final say on regulations. Stop and think about that. The same House Republicans that could not vote to fund transportation now want to have the final say on all major rules. Never mind that Congress already has that power under the Congressional Review Act. Never mind that House Republican leadership tried this same maneuver in 2011. If Republican leadership truly believed in growing the economy and creating jobs, we would have come together with a grand bargain long ago. We could even vote on job-creating legislation to strengthen the middle class. But instead, this Republican Congress insists on voting on a messaging bill that will go absolutely nowhere. Few Americans are surprised by yet another Republican leadership failure that has become par for the course. Mr. Chairman, millions of Americans are still out of work. As we go back to our districts over the recess, I hope my Republican colleagues can look into the eyes of the poor and the unemployed in their communities and say: ``Don't worry, I voted for a messaging bill to deregulate America.''