Hank Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. This bill is about profits over people. This bill puts the Koch brothers' profits above people's health. No one knows how much air pollution this pipeline will cause or how the pollution will impact public health. My amendment, which has been endorsed by the National Resources Defense Council and by the Sierra Club, is common sense. I'm simply requesting a thorough analysis of the potential health risks. I am essentially asking that that analysis be completed before any decision is made on the pipeline. Even though the State Department has submitted two Environmental Impact Statements on the Keystone XL pipeline, the Environmental Protection Agency has found that neither statement included a satisfactory evaluation of the increased air pollution that would come as a result of the pipeline's operation. Communities surrounding the oil refineries that would be transporting raw tar sands crude through this proposed pipeline are already exposed to dirty air. Approval of the Keystone XL pipeline will only make it worse. The raw tar sands crude is more toxic and acidic than other types of crude, Mr. Chairman. Raw tar sands crude produces significantly more harmful pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions than conventional crude oil due to the complex refining process it must go through before it reaches the gas pumps. As this type of crude has only been exported to the United States from Canada for a relatively short period of time, there has not been a thorough study on how its transport would affect air quality in our Nation. It is troubling that the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, which would transport 900,000 barrels of this crude oil daily, should take place before such a study that would evaluate its effects on health has ever been done. We have a responsibility to the American people to properly assess what risks the construction of this pipeline may pose to our health. It would be irresponsible of us to sweep these concerns under the rug just to rush this project to the finish line. Valid questions have been raised about the health risks associated with the increased air pollution this pipeline will produce. These questions deserve legitimate answers. For this reason, I'm requesting a study on the health impacts of raw tar sands crude pollution in our communities surrounding the refineries where the Keystone XL pipeline will operate. I urge my colleagues to share my commitment to safeguarding Americans' health, and I ask that you approve my amendment and allow for such a study to be done before we make any decision on the pipeline's construction. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I implore my colleagues to address the global climate process. A recent academic study found that 97 percent of scientists agree that human activity is mainly responsible for climate change. That same study concluded that the public has been misled into thinking that there is a difference in thinking among scientists on this, but 97 percent of scientists agree that this is a problem. How much longer will science deniers and their supporters in Congress spread misinformation about the facts and the dangers of climate change? It is a fact that we have more carbon dioxide in our atmosphere than at any time in the past 3 million years. As a member of the Safe Climate Caucus, I urge all of my colleagues to recognize the dangers of climate change and to come together and address this problem ASAP. We don't have much time to lose.

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 called to contribute to the needs of our community through leadership and service; and Whereas, Mrs. Maxine P. Clarke has answered that call by giving of herself as an educator at Dunaire Elementary School, and as a beloved wife, mother and friend; and Whereas, Mrs. Clarke has been chosen as the 2013 Teacher 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, motivational speeches and words of wisdom; and Whereas, Mrs. Clarke is a virtuous woman, a courageous woman and a fearless leader who has shared her vision, talents and passion to help ensure that our children receive an education that is relevant not only for today, but well into the future, as she truly understands that our children are the future; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mrs. Maxine P. Clarke for her leadership and service for our District and in recognition of this singular honor as 2013 Teacher of the Year at Dunaire Elementary School; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim May 2, 2013 as Mrs. Maxine P. Clarke Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 2nd 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 woman . . . who has given of herself in order for others to stand; and Whereas, Ms. Mary Glenn'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, Ms. Mary Glenn led by doing behind the scenes, front and center for the state of Georgia, DeKalb County, her church, Ebenezer Baptist Church and for her beloved sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; 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 district 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 Ms. Mary Glenn 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 Ms. Mary Glenn of DeKalb County, Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'': Ms. Mary Glenn, U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 9th day of February, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I present the following U.S. Citizin of Distinction. Whereas, we are gathered to celebrate the life of Minister Timothy Miles Fowler, a cornerstone in the DeKalb County community; and Whereas, Timothy Miles Fowler was born in Decatur, Georgia, educated in the DeKalb County Public Schools and was a Minister at Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church; and Whereas, he was a young man who believed and lived a life for God, Country, Community and Family; and Whereas, Minister Fowler gave of himself, his time, his talent and his life with unwavering commitment to his family and community; and Whereas, he was a husband, a father, a son, a brother and a friend; he was a man who enjoyed life, savoring the moments with Iris, his wife and life partner and their three children, Timothy Tymere, Iana Allysa and Cameron Timothy; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia recognizes Minister Timothy Miles Fowler 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 Minister Timothy Miles Fowler is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'' by declaring Minister Timothy Miles Fowler U.S. Citizen of Distinction Extension of Remarks in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 27th day of April, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, reaching the age of 85 years is a remarkable milestone; and Whereas, Dr. Evangelist Bertha Rackley Williams was born on March 25, 1928, in Abbeville, Georgia, and is celebrating that milestone; and Whereas, Evangelist Williams has been blessed with a long, happy life, devoted to God and credits it all to the Will of God; and Whereas, Evangelist Williams is celebrating her 85th Birthday with her family members, church members and friends here in Georgia on April 14, 2013, she celebrates a life of blessings; as a mother, friend, a servant and a 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 Evangelist of the gospel and a community leader; and Whereas, we are honored that she is celebrating the milestone of her 85th birthday in Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Dr. Evangelist Bertha Rackley Williams for an exemplary life which is an inspiration to all, Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim April 14, 2013 as Dr. Evangelist Bertha Rackley Williams Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 14th day of April, 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, Barbara Nunn McCarthy was a community leader, making history as the first woman to serve on the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners; and Whereas, she provided leadership and service to so many community institutions including the Rockdale United Way, the County Extension Service, the C. E. Steele Community Center, Rockdale Retired Educators Association, Habitat for Humanity, the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families and the Conyers Rotary Club; and Whereas, Mrs. McCarthy never asked for fame or fortune, nor found a job too small or too big; she gave of herself, her time and her many talents by demonstrating unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of Rockdale County; and Whereas, she was a wife, a mother, a sister, an aunt, a teacher and a friend; she was also a woman of great integrity who throughout her life remained true to uplifting and serving; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia recognizes Barbara Nunn McCarthy as a citizen of great worth and so noted distinction; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson do hereby attest to the 113th Congress that she is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'' by declaring Barbara Nunn McCarthy, U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 30th day of March, 2013.

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 called to contribute to the needs of our community through leadership and service; and Whereas, Mr. Paterne Agbohessou has answered that call by giving of himself as an educator at E.L. Bouie Sr., Traditional Theme Elementary School, and as a beloved son, mentor and friend; and Whereas, Mr. Agbohessou has been chosen as the 2013 Teacher of the Year, representing E.L. Bouie Sr., Traditional Theme Elementary School; and Whereas, this tenacious man has shared his time and talents for the betterment of our community and our nation through his tireless works, motivational speeches and words of wisdom; and Whereas, Mr. Agbohessou is a courageous man and a fearless leader who has shared his vision, talents and passion to help ensure that our children receive an education that is relevant not only for today, but well into the future, as he truly understands that our children are the future; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mr. Paterne Agbohessou for his leadership and service for our District and in recognition of this singular honor as 2013 Teacher of the Year at E.L. Bouie Sr., Traditional Theme Elementary School; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 15, 2013 as Mr. Paterne Agbohessou Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 15th day of March, 2013.

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 called to contribute to the needs of our community through Pastoral leadership and service; and Whereas, Reverend Dr. Richard B. Haynes has given of himself to lead Salem Baptist Church these past twenty-five years; and Whereas, Reverend Dr. Richard B. Haynes under the guidance of God has pioneered and sustained Salem Baptist Church as an instrument in our community that betters the spiritual, physical and mental welfare of our citizens; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious man of God has shared his time and talents for the betterment of our community for the past twenty five (25) years by preaching the gospel, singing the gospel and living the gospel; and Whereas, Reverend Dr. Richard B. Haynes is a spiritual warrior, a man of compassion, a man of great courage, a fearless leader and a servant to all, but most of all a visionary who has shared with not only Salem Baptist Church, but with Gwinnett County 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. Richard B. Haynes for his leadership and service for our District as he celebrates his 25th Pastoral anniversary; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 10, 2013 as Reverend Dr. Richard B. Haynes Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 10th day of March, 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 gave of herself in order for others to stand; and Whereas, Ms. Polly Meriwether Lewis' work is present in DeKalb County, Georgia for all to see, being an advocate for the youth, the elderly, the poor and ordinary citizens; and Whereas, this remarkable woman gave of herself, her time, her talent and her life; never asking for fame or fortune but only to uplift those in need; and Whereas, Ms. Polly Meriwether Lewis led by doing behind the scenes, as well as front and center for the state of Georgia, DeKalb County, the YMCA, her beloved church, Greater Travelers Rest Baptist and for her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and Whereas, this virtuous Proverbs 31 woman was a mother, a daughter and a friend; she was 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 Ms. Polly Meriwether Lewis 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 113th Congress that Ms. Polly Meriwether Lewis of DeKalb County, Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'': Ms. Polly Meriwether Lewis, U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 7th day of March, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I present the following U.S. Citizen of Distinction. Whereas, we are gathered to celebrate the life of Mr. Clarence Nathaniel Holt, a cornerstone in the Providence community; and Whereas, Mr. Clarence Nathaniel Holt was born in Nashville, Tennessee, educated in the Davidson County Public Schools and was a longtime member of Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church; and Whereas, he was a member of the ``Greatest Generation'' having served our nation with honor in the U.S. Army during World War II; and Whereas, Mr. Holt gave of himself, his time, his talent and his life with unwavering commitment to his family and community; and Whereas, he was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a neighbor and a friend; he was a man who enjoyed life, savoring the moments with Jennie, his wife and life partner of sixty-two (62) years and their three children, Clarence, Kathy and Charles; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia recognizes Mr. Clarence Nathaniel Holt 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 Mr. Clarence Nathaniel Holt is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'' by declaring Mr. Clarence Nathaniel Holt, U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 7th day of February, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, on January 26, 1933, a tenacious man of God, Reverend Dr. Noel Battle was born in Union Point, Georgia; and Whereas, on February 14, 1937, a virtuous woman of God, Martha Hall Battle was born in Greensboro, Georgia; and Whereas, they both were raised in Georgia and they married on August 31, 1958, at the Springfield Baptist Church in Greensboro, Georgia; their union was blessed with four children, thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and Whereas, this phenomenal Proverbs 31 woman and this stellar man of God have shared their time and talents as inspirational pillars in our district, being citizens of great worth, fearless leaders and servants to all by always advancing the lives of others; and Whereas, this year we celebrate a couple that is blessed with a happy life, devoted to God, family and community; and Whereas, the works of Reverend and Mrs. Battle have and continue to enhance the lives of citizens in our district and beyond, we pause to acknowledge their unyielding service, for they are truly cornerstones 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 Reverend and Mrs. Battle on their accomplishments this year and to wish them well and recognize them for their exemplary lives which are an inspiration to all; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim February 23, 2013 as Reverend Dr. Noel Battle and Mrs. Martha Battle Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 23rd day of February, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, twenty seven years ago a virtuous woman of God accepted her calling to serve in the Internal Revenue Service in Houston, Texas; and Whereas, Ms. Lorraine Gobert began her career with the IRS as a W-4 Clerk in 1986 and today retires as a member of the Taxpayer Advocate Service Team in Atlanta, Georgia; 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 who wants to insure that the system works for everyone; and Whereas, Ms. Lorraine Gobert 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. Lorraine Gobert on her retirement from the Internal Revenue Service and to wish her well in her new endeavors; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim January 30, 2013 as Ms. Lorraine Gobert Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 30th day of January, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I present the following U.S. Citizen of Distinction. Whereas, we are gathered to celebrate the life of Mr. Jerrick Jackson, one of DeKalb County's favorite sons; and Whereas, Jerrick Jackson was born to Wiley ``Chief' Jackson, Sr., and Bobbie Lois Jackson, on April 19, 1966, he was educated in the DeKalb County Public Schools, later working for Delta Airlines and Norfolk Southern Railroad as a conductor; and Whereas, he was a young man who believed and lived a life for God, country, community and family; and Whereas, Jerrick Jackson gave of himself, his time, his talent and his life with unwavering commitment to his family; and Whereas, he was a son, a brother and a friend; he was a man who enjoyed life, savoring the moments with his family and his companion Kimberly E. Little and her daughter, AnBiya Y. Mitchell; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia recognizes Mr. Jerrick Jackson 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 Mr. Jerrick Jackson is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honor'' by declaring Mr. Jerrick Jackson, U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia Proclaimed, this 13th day of May, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I present the following U.S. Citizen of Distinction. Whereas, the lives of many have been touched by the life of this one woman who has given of herself to her family and her community; and Whereas, Mrs. Lucille Sutton's spirit is as sweet as pie, she was an exemplary mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, neighbor and friend; and Whereas, Lucille Sutton was a virtuous woman, a woman of great integrity who remained true to the uplifting of her community and family which in turn uplifted others; and Whereas, she was an exemplary matriarch, serving as compass and wise counselor and bringing great joy to our district, her family and friends; and Whereas, this remarkable woman gave of herself, never asking for fame or fortune as she became a quiet storm, a spark that starts a flame; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow a Congressional Recognition on Mrs. Lucille Sutton for her leadership, friendship and service to all of the citizens of DeKalb County and the nation; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby attest to the 112th Congress that Mrs. Lucille Sutton of DeKalb County, Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Recognition'': Mrs. Lucille Sutton, U.S. Citizen of Distinction. Proclaimed, this 2nd day of January, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I present the following U.S. Citizen of Distriction. Whereas, our nation is blessed to have this innovator and pioneer touch the lives of thousands through his leadership and service; and Whereas, Mr. John Oscar Boone, Sr.'s legacy is present throughout the nation and the world for all to see, being the first African American appointed to head a major state prison in the United States, serving many roles in the American Correctional System: Commissioner, Superintendent and Director; he valiantly served our country in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II; and Whereas, this giant of a man transformed the American Correctional System, he was instrumental in the implementation of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1965 and he represented our nation on an international level, he inspired elected officials, motivated the young and the old, as he accomplished so much during his time on this earth; and Whereas, this remarkable man gave of himself, his time, his talent and his life; Mr. Boone inspired others to do the same by witnessing him walk the walk and talk the talk, he opened doors for others to enter; and Whereas, Mr. Boone led by doing behind the scenes and on the front lines for many; Mr. Boone was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother and a friend; he was our warrior, our patriarch, a man of great integrity who remained true to the uplifting of the community until his end; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow an honorable distinction and recognition on Mr. John Oscar Boone, Sr., for his leadership, friendship and service to all of the citizens of Georgia and throughout the Nation; as a citizen of great worth and so noted distinction; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby attest to the 112th Congress that Mr. John Oscar Boone, Sr., of Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honorable Distinction'': Mr. John Oscar Boone, Sr., U.S. Citizen of Distinction In the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 8th day of December, 2012.

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. Glenda F. Britton began her educational career in teaching in Georgia and this year she retires from teaching at Edward L. Bouie, Sr., Elementary Theme School in Lithonia, 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. Britton 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. Glenda F. Britton 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 10, 2013 as Mrs. Glenda F. Britton Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 10th day of May, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, only a few schools excel in competition on a state level and our own Miller Grove High School is one of those; and Whereas, after making state history as the first boys basketball team to win five consecutive state championships; and Whereas, under the leadership and guidance of Coach Sharman L. White, the Miller Grove High School Boys Basketball team is being hailed as a Georgia basketball dynasty; and Whereas, the Wolverines of Miller Grove have demonstrated the will to win, the courage to win, the mechanics of teamwork and an astounding spirit of triumph in many mental and physical battles; and Whereas, the 8th day of March, 2013 will go down in history as the day that our Miller Grove High School Boys Basketball team became the 5 time, 5-A champions of Georgia; and Whereas, this team has exhibited great moral character on and off the basketball court and throughout the halls of Miller Grove High and the community; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the Miller Grove High School Basketball Team for its achievements bringing joy and honor to our District: Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim May 13th as Miller Grove High School Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 13th day of May, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, Atlanta Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church has been and continues to be a beacon of light to our State for the past forty years; and Whereas, Pastor Chris Montrose and the members of the Atlanta Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church family today continues to uplift and inspire those in our community; and Whereas, the Atlanta Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church 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 communities throughout the State of Georgia; 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 forty (40) years by preaching the gospel, teaching the gospel, and living the gospel; and Whereas, the Atlanta Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist 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 the State of Georgia and the world 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 Atlanta Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church family for their leadership and service to our district on this the 40th anniversary of their founding; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 30, 2013 as Atlanta Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 30th day of March, 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, Mrs. Joyce George began her educational career in teaching in Alabama and this year she retires from teaching at Edward L. Bouie, Sr., Elementary Theme School in Lithonia, 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. George 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. Joyce George 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 10, 2013 as Mrs. Joyce George Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 10th day of May, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I present the following U.S. Citizen of Distinction. Whereas, the Civil Rights Movement had many soldiers in the trenches, laying down the bedrock of the road to equality; and Whereas, Rev. R.B. Cottonreader, Jr., a citizen of Lithonia was one of those elite soldiers for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, serving as a field director mobilizing the community and playing essential roles in assisting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other widely known leaders in the fight for civil rights; and Whereas, at the height of the most turbulent times, this highly effective motivator utilized his skills to aid in the growth and development of the movement through the church, the Congress of Racial Equality and intensive field work in Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi; and Whereas, Rev. R.B. Cottonreader, Jr., led by action both behind the scenes and on the front lines as a warrior for justice, a man of great integrity who until the end, remained true to the uplifting of the community; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow a special recognition upon Rev. R.B. Cottonreader, Jr., for his leadership, tenacity, courage and strength, Now, therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby attest to the 113th Congress of the United States that Rev. R.B. Cottonreader, Jr., of Lithonia, DeKalb County, Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Recognition'' by declaring Rev. R.B. Cottonreader, Jr., U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 8th day of January, 2013.

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 called to contribute to the needs of our community through leadership and service; and Whereas, Ms. Alicia Turner has answered that call by giving of herself as an educator at Midway Elementary School, and as a daughter, mother and friend; and Whereas, Ms. Turner has been chosen as the 2013 Teacher of the Year, representing Midway 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, motivational speeches and words of wisdom; and Whereas, Ms. Turner is a virtuous woman, a courageous woman and a fearless leader who has shared her vision, talents and passion to help ensure that our children receive an education that is relevant not only for today, but well into the future, as she truly understands that our children are the future; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Ms. Alicia Turner for her leadership and service for our District and in recognition of this singular honor as 2013 Teacher of the Year at Midway Elementary School; now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim May 8, 2013 as Ms. Alicia Turner Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 8th day of May, 2013.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I present the following U.S. Citizens of Distinction. Whereas, our community has been blessed by the lives of Anisworth, Jacqueline and Drew Mallett; they have given of themselves daily to bring joy, service and the true meaning of friendship and family to our district; and Whereas, Mr. Anisworth Mallett being a father, husband and business leader in our community established and operated two businesses in our district, A and J Lawn Care and Golden Krust, LLC, he was tenacious and successful in his home, his business and his community; and Whereas, Mrs. Jacqueline Mallett being a mother, wife and Administrative Assistant in the DeKalb County Public Schools was very active and engaged in the affairs of the community, she was the walking definition of a Proverbs 31 woman, phenomenal in every way; and Whereas, Drew Mallett was the ideal young man, a seventh grader at Stephenson Middle School in Stone Mountain, he was a young gentleman, an athlete, a musician; he loved cars, girls and bringing joy to everyone he would meet being an ambassador of goodwill, he enhanced our district with his charisma; and Whereas, this remarkable family gave of themselves, their time and their talents; being leaders and servants in the Fourth Congressional District; and Whereas, Anisworth, Jacqueline and Drew Mallett led by example, encouraging, motivating, serving and enhancing the lives of others; they are model citizens not only to our community, but to our Nation; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow a Congressional Recognition on Mr. Anisworth Mallett, Mrs. Jacqueline Mallett and Master Drew Mallett for their unyielding leadership, friendship and service; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby attest to the 113th Congress that Mr. Anisworth Mallett, Mrs. Jacqueline Mallett and Master Drew Mallett of the 4th Congressional District of Georgia are deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Recognition'': Mr. Anisworth Mallett, U.S. Citizen of Distinction; Mrs. Jacqueline Mallett, U.S. Citizen of Distinction; Master Drew Mallett, U.S. Citizen of Distinction. Proclaimed, this 5th day of January, 2013.