Hank Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, 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. Shundra Y. Nephew has answered that call by giving of herself as an educator at Edward L. Bouie, Sr., Elementary Traditional Theme School, and as a beloved daughter, granddaughter and friend; and Whereas, Ms. Nephew has been chosen as the 2012 Teacher of the Year, representing Edward L. Bouie, Sr., Elementary Traditional Theme 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. Nephew 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. Shundra Y. Nephew for her leadership and service for our District and in recognition of this singular honor as 2012 Teacher of the Year at Edward L. Bouie, Sr., Traditional Theme Elementary School; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 30, 2012, as Ms. Shundra Y. Nephew Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 30th day of March, 2012.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, 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. Melody Poole Ellis has answered that call by giving of herself as an educator at Dunaire Elementary, and as a beloved daughter, mother, wife and friend; and Whereas, Mrs. Ellis has been chosen as the 2012 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. Ellis 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. Melody Poole Ellis for her leadership and service for our District and in recognition of this singular honor as 2012 Teacher of the Year at Dunaire Elementary School; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim April 25, 2012, as Mrs. Melody Poole Ellis Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 25th day of April, 2012.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, we are saddened by the death of Mr. Robert Lee Smith because our lives have been touched by the life of this one man; and Whereas, Mr. Robert Lee Smith's work is present in our community and his church, Hillcrest Church of Christ; being a deacon, Bible School instructor, bus driver and singer; and Whereas, this highly effective motivator utilized his skills to aid in the growth and development of his church; and Whereas, he gave of himself, his time and talent as he served his family, friends and community, and Whereas, Mr. Robert Lee Smith was a husband, a son, a father, a friend and 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 has set aside this day to bestow a special recognition on Mr. Robert Lee Smith for his leadership, friendship and service to all 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 of the United States that Mr. Robert Lee Smith of Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Recognition'' by declaring Mr. Robert Lee Smith U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 15th day of April, 2012.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, White's Chapel United Methodist Church has been and continues to be a beacon of light to our county for the past one hundred forty-two 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 county; 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 two (142) 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 142nd Anniversary of their founding; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim March 25, 2012 as White's Chapel United Methodist Church Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 25th day of March, 2012.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise in support of this amendment which will ensure that the Department of Justice has the resources it needs to fight white collar crime. The Department is preparing to close antitrust regional offices in Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, and Philadelphia. This amendment will prevent the closure of these field offices during fiscal year 2013. As a member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet, I am concerned about the impact of these closures. This action will seriously undermine the division's ability to enforce antitrust laws by limiting the number of boots on the ground, particularly in the Southeast and the Southwest. Closing these offices is very shortsighted. It puts nearly 100 jobs at risk in Atlanta and saves only $500,000 in fiscal year 2013. The proposal could end up costing money by transferring employees to regional offices with higher costs of living and higher salaries, like New York and San Francisco. Further, the proposal will weaken the antitrust division as experienced attorneys who choose not to transfer leave for other opportunities. Antitrust law is a highly specialized field of law and the institutional knowledge of an experienced attorney is invaluable. The Atlanta office ranks number one in terms of the most trial wins of any of the eight criminal offices. In fiscal year 2008, the Atlanta office ranked first among all of the criminal offices in the amount of restitution obtained for victims. For that fiscal year, the Atlanta office accounted for 71.2 percent of all restitution imposed by the division. As this Nation recovers from a recession largely caused by white collar misdoing, I implore this House to consider the message that closure of these offices will send to the public. Those considering whether to commit white collar crime need to know that there is strict Federal enforcement. Closing these field offices sends the wrong message to criminals and the public at exactly the wrong time. This Congress has been consumed with debating the proper role and scope of government. During that debate, we have all agreed that the minimum role of government is to ensure an equal playing field that allows opportunity for all and ensures that all wrong-doers will be prosecuted, no matter if they are engaged in petty criminal offenses or white collar crimes. The antitrust division, which promotes and protects competition in the marketplace, is essential to good governance and fairness. Surely Tea Partyers and progressives, ALEC members and union leaders can all agree that government must ensure a fair and competitive marketplace that allows for innovation. The closure of these four field offices will have the effect of significantly eroding the division's criminal enforcement program, leaving U.S. consumers and businesses in at least 19 States, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico unprotected against white collar crooks like Bernie Madoff who seek to rig bids, inflate prices, and otherwise defraud consumers and businesses. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Chair, our country is emerging from the worst recession in generations. Million of Americans, our neighbors, friends and constituents, are still out of work. Millions of those we represent have been out of work for more than 99 weeks. It's difficult for anyone who has not experienced long-term unemployment to fully understand the economic and emotional hardship caused by long-term unemployment. We all agree that we must help these Americans who are too often unemployed due to no fault of their own. That's why I have serious concerns regarding the recent news reports about blatant discrimination against the unemployed. According to news reports, employers are posting job advertisements stating ``must be currently employed'' or ``no unemployed candidates will be considered at all.'' This, Madam Speaker, is unacceptable. A policy where employers discriminate against the unemployed is unfair, unreasonable, and callously ignores the effects of the recession on millions of highly qualified workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Such a policy also disproportionately hurts minorities, as we suffer from higher unemployment rates. If this trend of employers discriminating against the unemployed continues, it will only prolong the suffering of people victimized by the unemployment crisis. Discriminating against the unemployed will not help America on its path to economic recovery. My amendment is simple. It will increase funding for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to the President's budget request level so the commission can adequately investigate discrimination against the unemployed and other victims of discriminatory hiring practices. My amendment is supported by the National Employment Law Project, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the American Federation of Government Employees, the Asian American Justice Center, the American Association of University Women, the National Employment Lawyers Association, and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. This amendment is just common sense, and I ask all of my colleagues to support this amendment. With these funds, the commission will be able to more effectively fight discriminatory hiring practices. We can and will debate the value of different job-creation proposals, but ending discrimination against the unemployed is beyond debate. Being unemployed is a status that should not disqualify anyone from a job. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to provide a needed boost to millions of Americans, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Chair, I rise to strike the last word in support of the Ellison amendment. I would also like to respond to what my colleague from Minnesota (Congressman Ellison) spoke about in terms of the amendment that he was going to offer which he decided not to offer, but it would have imposed a 20 percent penalty to Byrne/JAG grants for States with shoot first laws. Shoot first laws are also known as ``stand your ground'' laws. In 2005, Florida passed the first State law explicitly expanding an armed person's right to use deadly force against an unarmed person in ``any place where he has a right to be,'' even if the confrontation could be safely avoided. Florida's law, like so many similar laws in other States, was the result of collusion by some of the Nation's wealthiest corporations, along with the National Rifle Association, through a secretive organization called the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC. ALEC promotes model legislation written by its corporate members and disseminated to conservative State lawmakers around the country. In fact, about 60 percent of all State legislators are members of ALEC. The Florida stand your ground law was written by an NRA lobbyist. After the law passed in 2005, the NRA presented the bill to ALEC's Criminal Justice Task Force and boasted that the presentation was well received. The corporations and State legislators on the task force voted unanimously to approve the bill as an ALEC model. And as a result, more guns are being sold. Now 24 States have similar sweeping laws like Florida. Membership fees are not public, but reports do show that the NRA was a cochair of a recent seminar that ALEC held. This is a group that will do anything to help corporate sponsors accomplish their legislative objectives regardless of the value that it has towards regular citizens. They are just interested in profits. So ALEC, along with NRA, has supported these shoot to kill laws, and they are something that needs to be avoided. And so with that, I will end my remarks, ask for passage of the pending amendment, and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Then, as if that weren't disturbing enough, this bill would grant the government broad authority to share that information between intelligence and law enforcement agencies and use it for virtually any purpose defined as important to cybersecurity or national security. I know it's 2012, but it sure feels like ``1984'' in this House today. If you value liberty, privacy, and the Constitution, then you will vote ``no'' on CISPA.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Thank you, Ranking Member Ruppersberger. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this very disturbing bill. One thing that is important to keeping our country number one has been the personal freedoms that we have all enjoyed since this country's beginning. Those freedoms lie in the Bill of Rights. And the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution within that Bill of Rights provides for a right of privacy. Now this right of privacy can be impacted by technology and various advances in science that make eavesdropping, surveillance, and investigation easier and also more secretive by law enforcement, by personal individuals, and by corporations, by any component that may look to misuse information for their personal benefit. So I rise in opposition to this disturbing bill. CISPA would grant the private sector blanket permission to harvest Americans' data for extremely broad ``cybersecurity purposes,'' notwithstanding any other provision of law. It would grant the private sector blanket permission to then share that data with the Federal Government, notwithstanding any other privacy laws or agreements with users.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to talk about the discriminatory voter ID laws that are undemocratic and simply un- American. The American Legislative Exchange Council, also known as ALEC, has long been a secretive collaboration between big business and conservative Tea Party Republican politicians serving in this Nation's State and Federal legislatures. ALEC's goal is to advance the special interests of large corporations and the super-rich and wealthy by any means necessary. Yesterday, I discussed how ALEC has fiendishly and unabashedly produced legislative policy that degrades our air and water quality and wrecks our environment. Last week, I outlined how ALEC has infiltrated our criminal justice system by producing legislation that stimulates higher and higher levels of incarceration, to the benefit and to the surging profits of the private for-profit prison industry. And if that wasn't enough, with 194 days left until the general election, ALEC has been working hard to suppress the votes of the most vulnerable in our society. ALEC has met with its corporate allies and right-wing State officials behind closed doors to promote legislation to suppress the votes of likely Democratic voters. By making it more difficult for people to exercise their right to vote, ALEC's model voter ID act grants an electoral advantage to Republicans, while undermining the right of individuals to vote. In addition, ALEC has worked to make it easier for corporations to participate in the political process. Their Public Safety and Elections Task Force promotes model legislation that would disenfranchise millions of voters, devastate campaign finance reform, and allow for greater corporate influence in elections. Mr. Speaker, it has injected these corrosive laws into our States, and they have spread like untreated cancer. Bills based on ALEC's model legislation have already been introduced in 34 States and passed in many of those States. Voter suppression comes in many forms, from new voter ID laws to eliminating Election Day registration to restricting voter registration drives by community groups to reducing the number of days for early voting and limiting the number of days for voter registration. There is no doubt that ALEC is directly tied to the proliferation of these voter ID laws in the States' legislatures. These policies are not about preventing fraud in the voting process. This legislation is solely about disenfranchising minorities, the elderly, and other at-risk voters, such as the poor, who are unlikely to have the technical kinds of ID that these pieces of legislation demand. After the spotlight has started to shine on ALEC, they have come out publicly and said, Okay, we're going to get out of the public policy business. They're not going to not write any more model legislation like the Florida ``shoot first and ask questions later.'' They're not going to introduce any more of that type of legislation. They also have announced they're going to shut down their Public Safety and Elections Task Force, which is the committee that produced the voter suppression legislation. That's a good thing. But the damage has already been done, and we're going to have to remain vigilant about this group, this shadowy group, ALEC, this unholy alliance between Tea Party Republican legislators and big business. We'll have to keep our eyes open. I'll have more to talk about in the coming days.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen, a shadowy collection of wealthy businesses and conservative Tea Party Republican State lawmakers is undermining our democracy. Last week I discussed the connection between the American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, and the proliferation of shoot first and ask questions later legislation that supported the Trayvon Martin case that we all know about, and other draconian criminal justice laws. According to the New York Times: ALEC lawmakers typically introduced more than 1,000 bills based on model legislation each year and passed about 17 percent of them. A members-only newsletter from 1995, found in an online archive of tobacco company documents, bluntly characterized that success ratio as a ``good investment.'' I agree. ALEC's corporate members have gotten an outstanding return on their investments, but it's been at yours and my expense. Due to ALEC, the NRA, and the private for-profit prison industry, we are all less safe and more likely to be put in jail. The for-profit prison industry, on the other hand, has reaped huge financial rewards from ALEC-sponsored efforts to incarcerate more Americans and put them, as well as illegal immigrants, into this private prison system. For the private prison industry, where some of the inmates are paid as low as 2 cents an hour to produce goods that are later sold for profit, business is booming. But ALEC does not stop there. ALEC's corporate members are some of the world's biggest polluters and most profitable oil companies. ALEC's corporate bill factory has ghost-written legislation on their behalf to combat efforts to address climate change and oppose national renewable energy standards, among others. In 1998, according to the Center for Media and Democracy, ALEC belched a resolution out of its smokestack calling on the U.S. to reject the Kyoto Protocol and banning States from regulating greenhouse gases. ALEC's Energy, Environment, and Agriculture Task Force has since turned out model bills criticizing the Environmental Protection Agency. Recently, ALEC has focused on what it calls the ``EPA's regulatory train wreck,'' seeking to frame the EPA's enforcement of the Clean Air Act as ``higher prices, fewer jobs, and less energy.'' ALEC's dirty supporters, like the Koch brothers--named one of the United States' top 10 air polluters in a University of Massachusetts study--began attacking every effort to clean up the mess that they themselves have made. Why? Because they want to continue to make more money. ALEC is dumping its waste right here in Congress. After the Tennessee coal ash disaster, ALEC began pushing a model resolution called Resolution to Retain State Authority over Coal Ash as Non-Hazardous Waste. Can you believe that? This resolution was approved by ALEC on June 3, 2010. Just over a year later, October 14, 2011, this House passed a bill that authorizes States to adopt and implement coal combustion residuals permit programs. Mr. Speaker, this is only the tip of the melting iceberg. Yes, global warming is at work, and it is melting this iceberg that ALEC represents. I encourage the American people to visit the alecexposed.org Web site, where you can view leaked ALEC documents, including model bills, as well as a list of ALEC members. About 60 percent of the State legislators in this country are members of ALEC. Mr. Speaker, I'll return tomorrow with more on how corporations are using ALEC to install their agenda in the States and in Congress, undermining our basic rights and freedoms.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, our lives have been touched by the life of this one woman . . . who has given of herself to her community and family; and Whereas, Mrs. Eileen Samuel's spirit is present in Birmingham, Alabama for all to see, being a nurse, neighbor and friend; and Whereas, this giant of a woman was born in Birmingham, Alabama to Mr. Dewey and Mrs. Dellie Barnes on February 6, 1943, she has been on the move ever since as a woman of God; and Whereas, this remarkable woman gave of herself, her time, her talent and her life; she never asked for fame or fortune just fairness for the people, she was our quiet storm, a spark that starts a flame; and Whereas, Mrs. Eileen Samuel led by doing behind the scenes, she encouraged all those around her who wanted to make a difference, be it her children, her elected officials, her neighbors and her church members at Oak Street Baptist Church; she was a virtuous woman, a woman of great integrity who remained true to the uplifting of her community which in turn uplifted my community in Georgia through her daughter DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow a Congressional Recognition on Mrs. Eileen Samuel for her leadership, friendship and service to all of the citizens 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 112th Congress that Mrs. Eileen Samuel of Birmingham, Alabama is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Recognition''--Mrs. Eileen Samuel, U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 10th day of March, 2012.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, the public safety of our citizens is the foremost priority of our government; and Whereas, Ms. Marci McCarthy has given and continues to give exceptionable and distinguished service by providing guidance, protection and leadership in protecting our public and private sectors in cyberspace; and Whereas, Ms. McCarthy gives of herself to insure that our Nation can foster greater professionalism in the Information Security Industry; and Whereas, the issue of cybercrimes is of historical importance, and the work of Ms. McCarthy enhances the efforts of our homeland security and local law enforcement agencies; and Whereas, Ms. McCarthy gives of herself daily without any need for praise and fame, while serving valiantly and making us proud; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Ms. Marci McCarthy for her leadership and service to our District and the Nation; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim March 13, 2012 as Ms. Marci McCarthy Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 13th day of March, 2012.

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. Shundra Y. Nephew has answered that call by giving of herself as an educator at Edward L. Bouie, Sr., Elementary Traditional Theme School, and as a beloved daughter, granddaughter and friend; and Whereas, Ms. Nephew has been chosen as the 2012 Teacher of the Year, representing Edward L. Bouie, Sr., Elementary Traditional Theme 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. Nephew 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. Shundra Y. Nephew for her leadership and service for our District and in recognition of this singular honor as 2012 Teacher of the Year at Edward L. Bouie, Sr., Traditional Theme Elementary School; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 30, 2012 as Ms. Shundra Y. Nephew Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 30th day of March, 2012.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, the public safety of our citizens is the foremost priority of our government; and Whereas, Ms. Marci McCarthy has given and continues to give exceptionable and distinguished service by providing guidance, protection and leadership in protecting our public and private sectors in cyberspace; and Whereas, Ms. McCarthy gives of herself to insure that our Nation can foster greater professionalism in the Information Security Industry; and Whereas, the issue of cybercrimes is of historical importance, and the work of Ms. McCarthy enhances the efforts of our homeland security and local law enforcement agencies; and Whereas, Ms. McCarthy gives of herself daily without any need for praise and fame, while serving valiantly and making us proud; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Ms. Marci McCarthy for her leadership and service to our District and the Nation; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 13, 2012 as Ms. Marci McCarthy Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 13th day of March, 2012.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, reaching the age of 75 years is a remarkable milestone; and Whereas, Ms. Lorraine B. Myles was born on March 4, 1937 and is celebrating that milestone; and Whereas, Ms. Myles has been blessed with a long, happy life, devoted to God and credits it all to the Will of God; and Whereas, Ms. Myles is celebrating her 75th birthday with her family members, church members and friends here in DeKalb County, Georgia; 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 75th birthday in the 4th District of Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Ms. Lorraine B. Myles for an exemplary life which is an inspiration to all, Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim March 4, 2012 as Ms. Lorraine B. Myles Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 4th day of March, 2012.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, Fifty years ago, DeKalb County, Georgia was blessed with an educational institution that continues today to uplift and assist citizens in gaining knowledge to enhance their lives and the lives of others by investing in dreams; and Whereas, In 1961, DeKalb Area Vocational School--now Georgia Piedmont Technical College was founded to promote a student-centered environment for lifelong learning and development, encompassing academic and technical education for employment in a global community here in DeKalb County, Georgia to service the citizens of DeKalb County and nearby communities; and Whereas, Georgia Piedmont Technical College has grown from one campus to nine campuses in DeKalb, Newton, Rockdale and Morgan counties; and Whereas, Georgia Piedmont Technical College continues to be a resource for citizens in DeKalb County and throughout the state of Georgia by providing excellent community service, educational opportunities and stellar leadership; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia is officially honoring, recognizing and congratulating Georgia Piedmont Technical College on its 50th anniversary as an anchor in our District; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim April 14, 2012 as Georgia Piedmont Technical College Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 14th day of April, 2012.

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 to her community and family; and Whereas, Mrs. Eileen Samuel's spirit is present in Birmingham, Alabama for all to see, being a nurse, neighbor and friend; and Whereas, this giant of a woman was born in Birmingham, Alabama to Mr. Dewey and Mrs. Dellie Barnes on February 6, 1943, she has been on the move ever since as a woman of God; and Whereas, this remarkable woman gave of herself, her time, her talent and her life; she never asked for fame or fortune just fairness for the people, she was our quiet storm, a spark that starts a flame; and Whereas, Mrs. Eileen Samuel led by doing behind the scenes, she encouraged all those around her who wanted to make a difference, be it her children, her elected officials, her neighbors and her church members at Oak Street Baptist Church; she was a virtuous woman, a woman of great integrity who remained true to the uplifting of her community which in turn uplifted my community in Georgia through her daughter DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow a Congressional Recognition on Mrs. Eileen Samuel for her leadership, friendship and service to all of the citizens 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 112th Congress that Mrs. Eileen Samuel of Birmingham, Alabama is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Recognition''--Mrs. Eileen Samuel, U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 10th day of March, 2012.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, Over fifteen years ago a virtuous woman of God accepted her calling to serve in the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta; and Whereas, Ms. Carol Crumby began her career with the United Way working in Resource Development, Area Development and Community Engagement. Today she retires as the Senior Director for Education; 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. Carol Crumby 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. Carol Crumby on her retirement from the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta and to wish her well in her new endeavors; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim March 27, 2012 as Ms. Carol Crumby Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 27th day of March, 2012.

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 . . . who has given of himself in order for others to stand; and Whereas, James E. ``Jim'' Young's work as President and C.E.O. of Citizen's Trust Bank is present not only in DeKalb County, Georgia, but across this great Nation; and Whereas, this giant of a man was a husband, father, businessman and financial educator; and Whereas, this remarkable man gave of himself, his time and his talent; never asking for fame or fortune, yet inspiring anybody to be involved in community activities, encouraging the everyday entrepreneur to build businesses which strengthen our communities and our Nation; Whereas, James Young inspired citizens to be financially responsible, government officials to be just and small business persons to think and grow ``Big''; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to bestow special recognition on James E. ``Jim'' Young for his leadership, friendship and service to all of the citizens of Georgia and throughout the Nation; and Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby attest to the 112th Congress that James E. ``Jim'' Young of Stone Mountain, Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Recognition''--James E. ``Jim'' Young, U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 3rd day of March, 2012.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I present the following U.S. Citizen of Distinction. Whereas, we are saddened by the death of Mr. Robert Lee Smith because our lives have been touched by the life of this one man; and Whereas, Mr. Robert Lee Smith's work is present in our community and his church, Hillcrest Church of Christ; being a deacon, Bible School instructor, bus driver and singer; and Whereas, this highly effective motivator utilized his skills to aid in the growth and development of his church; and Whereas, he gave of himself, his time and talent as he served his family, friends and community; and Whereas, Mr. Robert Lee Smith was a husband, a son, a father, a friend and 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 has set aside this day to bestow a special recognition on Mr. Robert Lee Smith for his leadership, friendship and service to all 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 of the United States that Mr. Robert Lee Smith of Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Recognition'' by declaring Mr. Robert Lee Smith U.S. Citizen of Distinction in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 15th day of April, 2012.

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 to her family, church, community, and Nation; and Whereas, Mrs. Robbie Davis Gunn's good works are present in Nashville, Tennessee as an exemplary mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, neighbor, community worker and friend; and Whereas, this giant of a woman, who was raised up in the Providence Community, was born on August 20, 1928, to Rev. Robert Mitchell Davis and Mrs. Ada Edmondson Davis; and Whereas, Robbie Davis Gunn 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 mother and mother-in-law, serving as compass and wise counselor and bringing great joy to her own children and their spouses and friends; and Whereas, Mrs. Robbie Davis Gunn loved her family, encouraging all of those around her to make a difference, be it her children, her elected officials, her neighbors and her church members at Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church where she was a faithful member for 72 years; 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. Robbie Davis Gunn for her leadership, friendship and service to all of the citizens of Nashville and the Nation; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby attest to the 112th Congress that Mrs. Robbie Davis Gunn of Nashville, Tennessee is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Recognition''-- Mrs. Robbie Davis Gunn, U.S. Citizen of Distinction. Proclaimed, this 25th day of March, 2012.