Hank Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of Congressman Woodall's amendment. I would point out that currently States have the ability to enter into reciprocity agreements with other States. This legislation, should it pass, would take that ability away. It would mandate that there be this reciprocity agreement, and that's usurpation of States' rights. I have no problem with the Second Amendment, by the way, and the NRA is a lobbying organization which is quite powerful here in Washington, DC.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to this dangerous bill, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act. The 10th Amendment of the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution provides as follows: ``The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution nor prohibited by it to the States are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.'' Mr. Chairman, this bill would override the laws of almost every State by forcing them to accept concealed-carry gun permits from every other State, even if the permit holder would not be allowed to carry a handgun in the State where he or she is traveling. This is ridiculous. Each State should decide who may carry a concealed, loaded gun within their borders; and the Federal Government should respect the States' rights to do so. The irony here is that my friends on the Tea Party Republican side of the aisle claim to respect States' rights, but then they rush this legislation to the House floor, which tramples over States' rights. These Tea Party Republicans claim they want to create jobs for the millions of unemployed Americans in our Nation, but they are not focusing on creating jobs. Instead, they're bowing down to the National Rifle Association by moving this piece of special interest legislation forward. I urge my colleagues to oppose this dangerous bill.

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

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule and the bill, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act. It's the epitome of Federal arrogance that would impose its will on the 50 State legislatures in this country. This bill tramples on our system of federalism and endangers the public safety by forcing States to allow the carrying of concealed firearms by out-of-state residents even if they have not met basic licensing or training requirements mandated for carrying in that State. This total disregard for State laws may come as a shock to Americans who have always been told that these Tea Party Republicans want to shrink the scope of the Federal Government, but instead of creating jobs, we are here considering--strongly--a bill that is opposed by law enforcement officials throughout the States and throughout the country. This bill is nothing more than a piece of special interest legislation for the National Rifle Association. Under this bill, States will no longer be able to set standards for who may carry concealed, loaded guns in public. States that prevent those convicted of violent crime from carrying a concealed weapon would no longer be able to enforce their State laws. The Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, but it is not, ladies and gentlemen, absolute. I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen, nothing is more fundamental in our democracy than the right to vote. Unfortunately, our right to vote is under attack. According to a new report by the Brennan Center for Justice, voter suppression laws in States across the country could affect up to 5 million voters from traditionally Democratic demographics in 2012. It's no coincidence that this number is larger than the margin of victory in two of the last three Presidential elections. These voter ID laws do nothing more than discourage and block eligible voters, especially students, the poor, seniors, and minorities. These are Americans who tend to vote for Democrats. Recently, the media reported that a 96-year-old woman was denied a voter ID card in Chattanooga, Tennessee, because of one of these new laws. Her name is Dorothy Cooper, and she is a retired domestic worker. In fact, she was born in my home State of Georgia, and she relocated to Chattanooga so that she could find work. She could not get all the documents together, and so, therefore, her request for a government- issued ID was denied. After Indiana's photo ID law was implemented, the media reported about a group of elderly nuns who lacked driver's licenses and current passports, and they were turned away from the polls. Unfortunately, if States continue to pass these restrictive and unnecessary voter ID laws, we will hear more of these stories. The Tea Party Republicans are trying to hijack our right to vote so that they can steal the 2012 election. I don't know about you, but I'm disgusted with Tea Party Republican attempts to use voter suppression laws to erode traditionally Democratic voters by blocking their access to the polls. These voter ID laws do not prevent fraud. In fact, they do nothing other than suppress voter turnout. America has not seen this level of suppression since the days of poll taxes and literacy tests. More than 30 States introduced legislation this year designed to impede voters at every step of the voting process. These laws do not combat fraud but prevent millions of hardworking, taxpaying Americans, especially minorities, young voters, the working poor, people with disabilities, and senior citizens from casting ballots in 2012 and beyond, making this the most significant setback to voting rights in a century. Photo ID restrictions disenfranchise eligible registered voters. An estimated 11 percent of U.S. citizens--21 million people--do not have current, government-issued photo ID's. While poll taxes were abolished more than 60 years ago, this new slew of voter ID laws is reminiscent of the days when poll taxes were required, days which none of us want to revisit. These Tea Party Republicans have been scheming from day one of President Obama's term in office to make sure that he's a one-term President. They want to take ``their'' country back. So State legislators, in accordance with this scheme, have passed a spate of laws specifically designed to block access to the ballot box by voters who tend to vote for Democrats. It's not fair, it's not right, and it's simply un-American. Ladies and gentlemen, now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their country.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I thank my colleague, Congresswoman Fudge, for organizing this Special Order, and also my Whip, Steny Hoyer, for being intimately involved in this. The right to vote is a fundamental right. And this right is under attack. It's the Tea Party Republicans that have raised the false specter of voter fraud at the polls. Study after study documents that most, if not, all voter fraud occurs during the absentee voter process. And the Tea Party Republicans have done nothing to alleviate that voter fraud. Instead, they've declared open season on in-person voting. Now, why would they do that? They have the nerve to claim that their voter ID laws will protect the elections that are allegedly riddled by fraud. But they're really trying to fix a problem that does not exist. All across America oppressive voter suppression ID laws are propping up. My home State of Georgia is one of the States of shame. It has strict voter ID laws. And earlier this year, more than 30 other States introduced legislation to require government-issued IDs for voting. The requirement that all voters present a government-issued photo ID, or if you live in Texas a concealed carry permit, before being able to cast a regular ballot will disproportionately disenfranchise minorities as well as seniors, the disabled, students, and poor people who are less likely to have or carry a photo ID. These voter ID laws are a blatant attempt by Tea Party Republicans to influence the outcome of the upcoming elections, and we cannot let them get away with it. We'll fight and fight hard to make sure that all voters eligible to vote can vote. I thank my colleague for yielding.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I recently introduced the Fairness and Transparency in Contracting Act, which will help level the playing field for small businesses and ensure that publicly traded companies no longer masquerade and then receive contracts meant for small businesses. Small business contracts should go to small businesses. Unfortunately, loopholes in the system have resulted in subsidiaries of large corporations receiving Federal small business contracts. The GAO has found that small businesses across the Nation are the real losers when the Federal contracts are awarded to large firms that should not be eligible. Mr. Speaker, Congress should no longer turn a blind eye when large publicly traded and foreign-owned companies obtain Federal small business contracts. The Fairness and Transparency in Contracting Act will ensure that America's small businesses can compete. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Thank you, Mr. Green, my colleague from Texas, fellow barrister. I myself practiced law for 27 years before becoming a Congressman. Much of that time was spent as a criminal defense lawyer, and 12 years of that time was spent as a magistrate court judge. So I have an intimate awareness of the domestic violence issue. And there are not many things, Mr. Speaker, that are more important than our responsibility for job creation in this Congress. Not many things can transcend that, but certainly this month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is a proper occasion to do that. And so, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Between 1990 and 2005, Mr. Speaker, firearms were used to kill more than two-thirds of spouse and ex-spouse victims of domestic violence, and it's clear that the presence of guns makes domestic violence much more likely to result in death. According to one study, domestic violence assaults involving a firearm are 23 times more likely to result in death than those involving other weapons such as the gas jar, the jar of gas that threatened the life of Yvette Cade that my colleague from Texas alluded to. Most of these deaths will come from the use of firearms. And, unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. We are talking about our mothers, our daughters, our sisters, and our friends. Their lives, Mr. Speaker, are at stake. The thing that disturbs me is that the Tea Party Republicans could care less about their lives because their allegiance belongs to the NRA. But let me tell you what really scares me: H.R. 822, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011. The Judiciary Committee reported this horrific bill out today. Every single Republican on that committee voted unanimously against every amendment that was posed by Democrats to try to make that bill more safe. And then, with the final report of the bill out of committee, every single colleague on the other side of the aisle voted to issue that bill out favorably with the exception of one Republican. This dangerous bill will allow domestic abusers to carry concealed guns nationwide, making it easier for domestic abusers to follow their victims across State lines. During the Judiciary Committee markup, I offered an amendment that would have kept concealed weapons out of the hands of domestic abusers. This commonsense amendment to protect domestic violence victims was rejected unanimously by the Republicans on the Judiciary Committee. The Republicans, the Tea Party Republicans, stayed faithful to the NRA. Could you believe that they rejected amendments to keep concealed handguns out of the hands of sex offenders, suspected terrorists, anyone convicted of selling drugs to a minor and anyone convicted of assaulting or impersonating a law enforcement officer? Ladies and gentlemen, although Halloween is right around the corner, we are not in the Twilight Zone. This is real life, and the Tea Party Republicans have sold out the safety of the American public to the NRA. It is truly a sad day in America when we move such legislation, especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation. Whereas, we need businesses to set up shop in our community to provide the goods and services that are needed in order for our citizens to survive and thrive on a day to day basis; and Whereas, in 1969, Mr. Lamar Ferrell started Lamar Ferrell Chevrolet here in Decatur, Georgia, to service the citizens of DeKalb County, Georgia, and nearby communities; and Whereas, when Mr. Ferrell passed away, the new owner Mr. Buddy Hyatt purchased the business and it has been family owned ever since under the name of Superior Chevrolet; and Whereas, Superior Chevrolet continues to be a resource for citizens in DeKalb County and beyond with excellent service, providing employment opportunities and providing a product that ``keeps America moving'' contributing to the local and national economy; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia is officially honoring, recognizing and congratulating Superior Chevrolet on their forty-second (42) anniversary as a business anchor in our District; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim October 21, 2011, as Superior Chevrolet Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 21st day of October, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, Bishop Quincy Lavelle Carswell, is celebrating fifty (50) years in preaching the gospel this year and has provided stellar leadership to his church on an international level; and Whereas, Bishop Quincy Lavelle Carswell, under the guidance and calling of God began preaching the word of God as a child and has transformed over the years as pastor of the historic Tabernacle Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1975-1992, founding Covenant Ministries of Metropolitan Atlanta in 1993; and Whereas, from Miami, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia, he has transformed, trail blazed and taught the gospel on a national and international level wherein the lives of many have been touched; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious man of God has been and continues to be a blessing to us as a spiritual leader, an educator and a community leader who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk; and Whereas, Bishop Carswell is a spiritual warrior, a man of compassion, a fearless leader and a servant to all, but most of all a visionary who has shared not only with his Church, but with our District and the world his passion to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Bishop Quincy Lavelle Carswell, as he celebrates his 50th Pastoral Anniversary; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim October 23, 2011, as Bishop Quincy Lavelle Carswell Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 23rd day of October, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, Oakhurst Presbyterian Church has been and continues to be a beacon of light to our county for the past ninety years; and Whereas, Pastors Gibson ``Nibs'' Stroupe and Pastor Caroline Leach and the members of the Oakhurst Presbyterian Church family today continues to uplift and inspire those in our county; and Whereas, the Oakhurst Presbyterian 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 ninety (90) years by preaching the gospel and living the gospel; and Whereas, Oakhurst 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 DeKalb County 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 Oakhurst Presbyterian Church family on their 90th Anniversary and for their leadership and service to our District; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim September 25, 2011 as Oakhurst Presbyterian Church Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 25th day of September, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following Proclamation: Whereas, seventy-five (75) years ago Leo J. Hulseman established the Paper Container Manufacturing Company in Chicago, Illinois and by the 1940s began manufacturing a paper cone cup known as the ``Solo Cup'' which provides unparalleled hygiene and convenience to consumers; and Whereas, the ``Solo Cup'' was such an inspiration that the company itself was renamed Solo in the 1940s and become a brand that would become ubiquitous across America and the world; and Whereas, Solo Cup, has grown to be a $1.6 billion company and has demonstrated its concern for the environment by introducing many product lines relying on compostable and renewable sources; and Whereas, Solo Cup is a recognized industry leader in the areas of sustainability and beautification receiving the 2010 Keep America Beautiful Corporate Leadership Award; and Whereas, The Solo plant in Conyers, Georgia is a place where 400 of our citizens are employed and is an enthusiastic participant in Georgia's Work Ready Program and; Whereas, The Solo Company has proven to be a great corporate citizen supporting community outreach and educational initiatives by working closely with public officials, the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council and the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce and; Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the Solo Company, it's management and employees for leadership and service to our district; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim September 13, 2011 as Solo Cup Company Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 13th day of September, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on this 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I wish to extend my best wishes to our Taiwanese friends. Taiwan's continued success and growth into one of the world's most vibrant democracies despite tremendous adversity is a testament to the skill of its leadership and the resolve of its people. Due credit must be given to President Ma Ying-Jeou for his tenacity in advancing the cause of peace in the Asia Pacific region. It is my greatest hope that Taiwan and its neighbors, in particular the People's Republic of China, will continue to deepen cultural and economic ties to promote lasting peace in the region and in the world.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, America was united in its disgust at the spectacle in Washington during the debt ceiling fiasco. The Republican threat of default ranks among the most reckless and destructive political stunts in modern American history. It undermined the fragile, but recovering, economy and reduced faith in the United States of America. It has also undermined the American people's trust in its government. There's no reason to have a debt ceiling at all. It doesn't restrain spending since the spending has already been committed. It just threatens our credit, and it weakens our country. That's why I, Representative Nadler, and Representative Moran introduced this morning the Full Faith and Credit Act, a bill to do away with the debt ceiling once and for all. But if we are going to have a debt ceiling, the threat by Members of Congress to refuse to raise it is an outrage. We've already made these commitments; yet some would have us default. Some would undermine the full faith and credit of the United States. Some would do irreparable damage to our economy and our standing in the world. It's a disgrace. It's a total disgrace. And the American people see it for what it is: part of a concerted effort to undermine this economy in order to undermine the President and fulfill the congressional Republicans' Inauguration Day vow to do everything within their power to ensure that President Obama would be a one-term President.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, seventy-five (75) years ago Leo J. Hulseman established the Paper Container Manufacturing Company in Chicago, Illinois, and by the 1940s began manufacturing a paper cone cup known as the ``Solo Cup'' which provides unparalleled hygiene and convenience to consumers; and Whereas, the ``Solo Cup'' was such an inspiration that the company itself was renamed Solo in the 1940s and become a brand that would become ubiquitous across America and the world; and Whereas, Solo Cup has grown to be a $1.6 billion company and has demonstrated its concern for the environment by introducing many product lines relying on compostable and renewable sources; and Whereas, Solo Cup is a recognized industry leader in the areas of sustainability and beautification receiving the 2010 Keep America Beautiful Corporate Leadership Award; and Whereas, The Solo plant in Conyers, Georgia is a place where 400 of our citizens are employed and is an enthusiastic participant in Georgia's Work Ready Program; and Whereas, The Solo Company has proven to be a great corporate citizen supporting community outreach and educational initiatives by working closely with public officials, the Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council and the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the Solo Company, it's management and employees for leadership and service to our district; Now Therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr., do hereby proclaim September 13, 2011, as Solo Cup Company Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, This 13th day of September, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to talk about jobs today. The Republicans have taken us through a no-jobs winter agenda, a no- jobs spring agenda, a no-jobs summer agenda, and now we are about to enter fall. Everybody is talking about jobs but they're not really doing anything, other than blaming the President. It's been 250 days since Republicans have had control of this body. Not one single jobs bill has passed. Yesterday, the President gave us a specific plan, but we've already heard from some colleagues on the other side of the aisle that they will not be in support of it. Is this a part of their no-jobs agenda for the fall? It looks like it. It's certainly not leadership, and it's not governance.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I thank the ranking member for yielding. I rise in strong support of this bill, which will keep people working in building our infrastructure. Failure to pass this bill would put politics first and would mean unnecessary economic pain for millions of Americans. We've seen in the past that stop signs and guardrails have been put out, that traffic jams have been started, and now we want to blame the drivers of the car for the traffic jam that the other side commenced. It doesn't make any sense. Let's go ahead and pass this bill today. I commend my brother on the other side of the aisle for putting it forward--a clean bill. In Georgia, the highway bill provides more than $97 million a month for infrastructure jobs, employing more than 22,500 Georgians. I urge my colleagues to support this bill so we can move past this stalemate and pass a long-term bill.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, one hundred and two years ago a tenacious man of God was born in Camp Hill, Alabama on August 14, 1909; and Whereas, Mr. Johnnie Doss was born to Mr. Jack and Mrs. Minnie Doss, he grew up in Camp Hill, Alabama attending school in the local school system; he worked as an experimental farmer for the government. He owned cattle and sold milk to the local dairy; and Whereas, Mr. Doss has shared his time and talents as a husband, father and motivator, giving the citizens of Georgia a person of great worth, a fearless leader and a servant to all who want to advance the lives of others; and Whereas, Mr. Doss has been blessed with a long, happy life, devoted to God and credits it all to the will of God; he is a father of fifteen (15), a grandfather of fifty (50), a great-grandfather of forty-two (42) and a great-great grandfather of thirty-two (32); and Whereas, Mr. Doss along with his family and friends are celebrating this day a remarkable milestone, his 102nd birthday, we pause to acknowledge a man who is a cornerstone in our community; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mr. Doss on his birthday and to wish him well and recognize him for an exemplary life which is an inspiration to all; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim August 14, 2011 as Mr. Johnnie Doss Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 14th day of August, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, reaching the age of 93 years is a remarkable milestone; and Whereas, Mrs. Mary Lee Spencer was born on August 28, 1918 and is celebrating that milestone; and Whereas, Mrs. Spencer has been blessed with a long, happy life, devoted to God and credits it all to the Will of God; and Whereas, Mrs. Spencer is celebrating her 93rd birthday with her family members, church members and friends here in De Kalb County, Georgia on August 28, 2011; 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 93rd birthday in the 4th District of Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mrs. Mary Lee Spencer for an exemplary life which is an inspiration to all, Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim August 28, 2011 as Mrs. Mary Lee Spencer Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 28th day of August, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following proclamation. Whereas, Arthur and Dorothy Rogers are celebrating fifty years (50) in marriage today in DeKalb County, Georgia; and Whereas, on August 27, 1961 because of their union then, our community today has been blessed with a family that has enhanced our district, Mr. Arthur Lewis Rogers and Mrs. Dorothy Elizabeth Rogers; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious man of God and this phenomenal and virtuous Proverbs 31 woman are beacons of light to those in need, they both have been blessed with their family, their church and the DeKalb County community; and Whereas, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are distinguished citizens of our district, they are spiritual warriors, persons of compassion, fearless leaders and servants to all, but most of all visionaries who have shared not only with their family, but with our District their passion to improve the lives of others; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Mr. Arthur and Mrs. Dorothy Rogers as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary, fifty (50) years in marital bliss; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim August 27, 2011 as Mr. Arthur and Mrs. Dorothy Rogers Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 27th day of August, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Jim Gullett, Sr., was born in Camden, Alabama between 1850 and 1852 in slavery, his life has blessed us with descendants that have helped to shape our nation; and Whereas, the Gullett Family has produced many well respected citizens and their matriarchs and patriarchs of the family are pillars of strength not only for their families, but for our nation as well; and Whereas, in our beloved Fourth Congressional District of Georgia, we are honored to have many members of the Gullett family, including Mrs. Adrienne Clark one of our most beloved citizens in our District who resides in Lithonia, Georgia; and Whereas, family is one of the most honored and cherished institutions in the world, we take pride in knowing that families such as the Gullett 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 Lithonia, Georgia; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize the Gullett family in our District; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim Friday, July 15, 2011 as Gullett Family Reunion Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 15th day of July, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Reverend Dr. John H. Smith, Sr., has celebrated forty (40) years in pastoral leadership this year and has provided stellar leadership to his church; and Whereas, Reverend Dr. John H. Smith, Sr., under the guidance of God has pioneered and sustained Welcome Friend Missionary Baptist Church as an instrument in our community that uplifts the spiritual, physical and mental welfare of our citizens; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious man of God has given hope to the hopeless and is a beacon of light to those in need; and Whereas, Reverend Dr. Smith is a spiritual warrior, a man of compassion, a fearless leader and a servant to all, but most of all a visionary who has shared not only with his Church, but with our District and the 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 H. Smith, Sr., as he celebrates forty years in pastoral leadership; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim July 24, 2011 as Reverend Dr. John H. Smith, Sr. Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 24th day of July, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Mr. Hank Stewart, a tenacious and poetic man from Jacksonville, Florida utilizes his gifts, talents and wisdom everyday to ensure that citizens are inspired and lives are touched; and Whereas, Mr. Stewart is a renowned poet, motivator and community leader in DeKalb County, Georgia; and Whereas, he founded the Hank Stewart Foundation based on strengthening the whole child--mind, body and soul; and Whereas, this model citizen has shared his time and talents for the betterment of his community and his Nation through his tireless works, words of encouragement and inspiration that continue to be a beacon of light to those in need; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Hank Stewart for his outstanding leadership and service to the citizens in the state of Georgia and on the 20th anniversary of becoming a poet and the 10th anniversary of his White Linen Affair; Now Therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim July 30, 2011 as Hank Stewart Day in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, This 30th day of July, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Bishop Miles and First Lady Helen Fowler are celebrating fifty years (50) in marriage today in Lithonia, Georgia; and Whereas, on June 18, 1961 because of their union then, our community today has been blessed with a family that has enhanced our district, Bishop Fowler as Pastor of Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church and Mrs. Fowler as First Lady, they both are instruments in our community that uplifts the spiritual, physical, economic and mental welfare of our citizens; and Whereas, this remarkable and tenacious man of God and this phenomenal and virtuous Proverbs 31 woman have given hope to the hopeless, fed the hungry and are beacons of light to those in need, they both have been blessed with their family, their church and the DeKalb County community; and Whereas, Bishop and First Lady Fowler are distinguished citizens of our district, they are spiritual warriors, persons of compassion, fearless leaders and servants to all, but most of all visionaries who have shared not only with their family, but with our District their passion to improve the lives of others; and Whereas, the U.S. Representative of the Fourth District of Georgia has set aside this day to honor and recognize Bishop Miles and First Lady Fowler as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary, fifty (50) years in marital bliss; Now therefore, I, Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. do hereby proclaim June 18, 2011 as Bishop Miles and First Lady Helen Fowler Day in the 4th Congressional District. Proclaimed, this 18th day of June, 2011.

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia

Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, 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, Mr. Ladeadrick ``Bob'' Jackson's work is present throughout Meadowcreek High School for all to see, being the Principal of Meadowcreek High School, Lilburn, Gwinnett County, Georgia from 2006 to 2011, he did much to aid in the achievements of the school; and Whereas, this giant of a man taught academics to young scholars, managed administrators, 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; he never asked for fame or fortune; he just wanted to uplift those in need, he just wanted to make a difference by educating others and building up a community; Mr. Jackson inspired others to do the same by witnessing him walk the walk and talk the talk; and Whereas, Mr. Jackson led by doing behind the scenes and on the front lines for many; Mr. Jackson was a husband, a father, an educator 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. Ladeadrick ``Bob'' Jackson 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. Ladeadrick ``Bob'' Jackson of Georgia is deemed worthy and deserving of this ``Congressional Honorable Distinction:'' Mr. Ladeadrick ``Bob'' Jackson--U.S. Citizen of Distinction--in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. Proclaimed, this 29th day of July, 2011.