Trent Kelly

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Robert Brownlee, Sr. of Louisville, Mississippi. On August 25, Pastor Brownlee will be celebrating 30 years in the Gospel Ministry. Pastor Brownlee currently serves at Agape Baptist Church in Louisville, Mississippi. He previously served at Union Chapel Mission Baptist Church in Louisville, Mississippi, New Zion Church in Houston, Mississippi, and Bluff Creek Church in Phoebe, Mississippi. During his 30 years, Pastor Brownlee has done incredible things for the state. He led his community through Helping Hand Ministries, participated in health fairs, clothing drives, disaster recovery, mentored the youth, organized summer feeding programs, led jailhouse ministry, and led foreign mission trips. Pastor Brownlee is a husband, father, and friend to many. I thank him for his many years of service, and I pray that God continues to bless and work through him.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Robert Spencer Herring, who passed away on Monday, August 5th at the age of 79. Robert, a lifelong resident of Guntown, Mississippi, dedicated his life to bettering his community. He served Lee County as both the Justice Court Judge and the Sheriff for two terms. Robert was also a former Mayor of Guntown. He and his wife, Jo Ann, attended Guntown First Baptist Church. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Jo Ann Robison Herring of Guntown; his sons--Barry Herring of Hattiesburg and Darren Herring of Guntown; his six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren as well as many more family members and friends. Robert's life was one of service, grace, love for his family, and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the military service of the 173rd Quartermaster Service Company of the United States Army. On August 9, 2019, the 173rd Quartermaster Service Company is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their safe return from Vietnam in Greenwood, MS. These brave veterans arrived in Da Nang, Vietnam on September 30, 1968. The unit was headquartered both at the Gia Le Combat Base and the Phu Bai military complex. During their tour, the unit received campaign participation credits for Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase V; Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VI; TET 69 Counteroffensive; and Vietnam Summer-Fall 69. On August 5, 1969, the 173rd Quartermaster Service Company returned home to the United States. I thank these veterans for their service to our great nation and the state of Mississippi.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Dr. Kelly Scott Segars, Sr., who passed away on Tuesday, July 23rd at the age of 89. Dr. Segars, a resident of Iuka, Mississippi, served his community, state, and nation as a physician, banker, pilot, farmer, entrepreneur and humanitarian. He was born on March 11, 1930, in Red Bay, Alabama to Dock and Ora S. Segars. He was an honor graduate of Red Bay High School and the Auburn University School of Pharmacy. Upon completion of his studies at Auburn, he married his high school sweetheart, Martha Ann Thompson. He joined the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant and was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant while serving in Korea from 1953 to 1955. He received many recognitions for his service including the American Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal and Army Commendation Medal. Following his military service, he pursued his interest in medicine and graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in 1959. In 1982, he established The Segars Clinic, and it quickly became known as the State's most innovative and technically advanced medical facilities in North Mississippi. In 1962, Dr. Segars chartered the First National Bank of Iuka. Today, First American National Bank operates nine branches in six counties. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of almost 67 years, Martha Thompson Segars; his sons--Scott Segars and Mark Segars of Iuka, MS; and his daughter Leigh Ann Segars of Pensacola, Florida as well as five grandchildren. Dr. Segars' life was one of service, love for his family, and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Billy Jackson Thames, Jr., who passed away on Friday, July 12th at the age of 66. Jack, a lifelong resident of Newton, Mississippi, served six years in the National Guard Unit of Newton. He attended The University of Mississippi and later acquired his law degree from the Mississippi College of Law. Jack returned to Newton to open a private law practice and later served as Assistant District Attorney until his retirement in 2017. Jack and his wife, Wanda, attended Newton United Methodist Church. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Wanda Thames of Newton; his sons--Amos, Zachary, Samuel, and Benjamin; his brother Kirk Thames; and his grandchildren Knox Thames and Harper Thames, as well as many more extended family members. Jack's life was one of service, grace, love for his family, and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this is an attempt to codify a 2013 USCIS memo establishing parole in place for unlawful aliens, spouses, children, and parents of Active-Duty forces. While I support the underlying rationale behind this amendment and also that policy, I cannot support this because it is too vague, broad, and ambiguous, and it does not accomplish the purpose for which it is intended. The purpose is to protect those servicemembers. Mr. Chairman, I will tell you what this does is we don't even ask the servicemember if they want that person here. So if the person is a victim of domestic violence, escaping a spouse who is following them, there is no provision to even ask the spouse: Do you want this person to be living close to you that you are trying to escape? It does not take into account any underlying crimes that that person may or may not have committed. Whether it is domestic violence, sexual battery, it puts the other servicemembers at risk when we don't. Mr. Chairman, specifically, the memo provided that these relatives or anyone who has ever served in the U.S. Armed Forces for any period of time, with or without regard to whether the discharge was honorable or dishonorable, is eligible to receive parole on a categorical basis. Mr. Chairman, we can't honor folks who have been dishonorably discharged. We are not honoring the rest of our soldiers when we honor just anyone. In a 2013 meeting with the Obama administration, USCIS admitted that the servicemember is never contacted to determine whether he or she wants the unlawful aliens to receive parole in place. It admitted there is no process in place to verify that the servicemember actually served in the Armed Forces. The USCIS admitted that parole in place could be granted even if the servicemember was dishonorably discharged. It admitted that the servicemember could have felony convictions and his or her immediate relatives would still be eligible for parole in place. These felony convictions could be for domestic violence, sexual assault, all the things that we have come to despise and are trying to stamp out in our Armed Forces. USCIS admitted that, even in cases of divorce, a servicemember's ex- spouse could be eligible for parole in place, and it admitted that unlawful alien relatives could still receive parole in place despite a past criminal record. This amendment does not fix any of those issues and could allow a relative, even if estranged from a servicemember, to be granted parole. Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I continue to oppose. Like I said, it is overly vague and broad. With the right words added to this, this could be something that works and that is helpful. But, in its current form, I can't support it. Mr. Chair, I continue to ask my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. I have no further speakers, so when the gentleman is ready to close, I am ready to close.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Takano, my friend from California, for entering this amendment. Mr. Chair, I do continue to oppose this amendment. But with that I just ask that he look at making it a little more finite and making it a little less vague, and with that I could support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express concerns with the FY20 NDAA in its current form. Specifically, I am concerned with the plan to cut $15 billion from the top line requested by the President and, more specifically, $1.2 billion from the President's request for military personnel accounts. I spent 33 years in uniform serving the Nation but can't support this bill in its current form without changes to the amendment process. While it is true that personnel accounts have historically had money left over at the end of the year, several factors will likely make fiscal year 2020 different. Over the last few years, there have been funds left over associated with the transition to the new military-blended retirement system because fewer servicemembers are opting into the new retirement system than expected. However, the opt-in period ends this year, so there will be no leftover funds related to this in FY 2020. Also, in fiscal year 2019, the Army will likely fall short of its end strength goals by approximately 9,500 troops, which will result in excess funds for 2019 because fewer troops came into the Army. However, the Army is likely to meet their comparatively modest end strength goal of FY 2020, so there will likely be no excess funds relating to end strength. Finally, the 3.1 percent automatic pay raise and the proposed increase in total force end strength means that personnel costs will increase, not go down. In sum, there is likely to be no excess funding in the military personnel accounts in FY 2020. In addition, given the provisions in this bill that would greatly restrict reprogramming authority, I am concerned that, if personnel accounts are underfunded, the Department may not have sufficient transfer authority to reprogram funds to fix it. There are more important provisions in this bill, and I particularly want to thank Chairwoman Speier for her work in arriving at a bipartisan subcommittee mark. Specifically, the bill would provide important end strength increases and provide additional benefits for military spouses seeking employment. In closing, I want to thank Ranking Member Thornberry and Chairman Smith for their leadership. I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to improve this bill which is so important for our troops and their families.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and military service of World War II Veteran James E. Hudson. Mr. Hudson has always placed God and family first in his life, offering friendship and brotherly love to all those who crossed his path. Mr. Hudson was born on June 21, 1919, in Tishomingo County, Mississippi. He spent his childhood in Iuka, MS with his parents, Milton and Florence Hudson, and his seven siblings. Mr. Hudson graduated from Iuka High School where he played on the basketball team. Mr. Hudson was drafted to the United States Army right out of high school in 1941. He spent his basic training at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina before being sent to Fort Bliss, Texas, to serve in the First Calvary division, also known as the Horse Calvary, of the United States Army. Mr. Hudson was later deployed to the Pacific theater where he went to New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, the Southern Philippines, and Luzon for 2 years. He completed his service in 1945. After the War, Mr. Hudson returned to Iuka, Mississippi where he still resides to this day. He married his sweetheart, Mae Romine from Florence, Alabama and they had four children. Mr. Hudson worked as a carpenter for TVA building dams on the Tennessee River. He has been blessed with thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. Throughout his life and to this day, Mr. Hudson set an example for his children to follow. Mr. Hudson, a lifelong Christian, is a Methodist and attributes his 100 years of happiness to Psalm 118:24: ``This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad therein.'' On June 21st of 2019, Mr. Hudson will celebrate his 100th birthday. Mr. Hudson is an American patriot who served our great nation and continues to set an example for others to follow. We wish him many more years of good health.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Agnes Zaiontz, who passed away on Wednesday, May 29th at the age of 77. Agnes, a resident of Columbus, Mississippi, was a long-time employee at the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Authority, serving as office manager. During her time with the Tenn-Tom Waterway, she assisted with the creation of a traveling Smithsonian exhibit at the Tenn-Tom Waterway Museum. The Waterway dedicated the exhibit to her naming it ``The Agnes Zaiontz Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Transportation Museum.'' When she was not at the office, Agnes was an active member of Annunciation Catholic Church. Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Francis Zaiontz of Columbus, MS; her sons--Bobby Zaiontz and Frank Zaiontz, Jr.; her daughter--Cindy DeFelice of Olive Branch, MS; grandchildren--Patricia DeFelice, Emily DeFelice and Maddie Zaiontz; as well as her sisters-- Margie Walker, and Darcus Goodman. Agnes's life was one of service, grace, love for her family, and community. She will be greatly missed by all who she encountered.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, today I recognize Colonel Timothy Holman of the United States Army for his extraordinary dedication and service to our Nation. Colonel Holman will soon transition from his current assignment as the Chief of the United States Army House Liaison Division in the House of Representatives to the Deputy for the Army's Unity and Inclusion Office. With an impressive and proven record of leadership, including combat tours in Iraq as the Brigade Operations Officer of the 130th Engineer Brigade and in Afghanistan as the Battalion Commander of the 54th Engineer Battalion, Tim was chosen to serve as the Chief of the House Liaison Division in 2017 after serving as a Chief of Staff of the Army Senior Fellow with the Center for a New American Security. Colonel Holman's outstanding work led to him being selected as the Chief of the United States Army House Liaison Division. His first-hand knowledge of the military, its culture, and traditions was a tremendous benefit to Army senior leaders and Congressional offices. Tim was especially effective in his service to Members and staff as he escorted them on fact-finding and oversight delegations within the United States and around the world. Recently, Colonel Holman led a CODEL to the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landing at Normandy, the largest CODEL of this type on record. His expert planning, attention to detail, and love of travel enabled exceptional visits for fifty-eight Members of Congress and their staff. I found him to be a thoughtful, intelligent, and a professional soldier in the best traditions of America's Armed Forces. Madam Speaker, it has been a pleasure to work with Colonel Holman during his tenure as the Chief of the United States Army House Liaison Division in the House of Representatives. On behalf of a grateful Nation, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service and sacrifice of a fellow Mississippian, Colonel Timothy Holman, and his wife, B.J. Holman. I wish them the very best.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Dr. Cecil Weeks. Dr. Weeks, a native of Tupelo, Mississippi, is retiring after a long and distinguished 59-year career. Dr. Cecil Weeks attended Mississippi State University where he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Education in English- Social Studies. Following his graduation, Dr. Weeks served as a classroom teacher in Lee County. In 1964, he returned to Mississippi State University to receive his Master's in Educational Leadership and Elementary Education and subsequently pursued his Doctorate also in Educational Leadership and Elementary Education in 1977. Dr. Weeks was the Principal of Tupelo's Church Street School into the late nineties and is currently the Co-Director of the North Mississippi Education Consortium and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi. As a lifelong educator, Dr. Weeks has held numerous positions in honorary and statewide offices, such as Chairman of the Three Rivers Regional Education Service Agency and President of the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents. Dr. Weeks was also recognized as State Winner and Superintendent of the Year in 1994 by the American Association of School Administrators. In addition to his educational service of Northeast Mississippi, Dr. Weeks has also served his community in the Tupelo Civitan Club. In 1972, he started Boy Scout Troop 85 at Harrisburg Baptist Church and was scoutmaster for many years. Dr. Weeks is a Deacon at Harrisburg Baptist Church where he uses his passion for education to teach at Sunday School to the ``Weeks / Tutor ``class. I am thankful to Dr. Weeks for dedicating his life to educating the people of Mississippi. I wish him and his family all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and military service of World War II Veteran Joseph Leon Merritt. Mr. Merritt has always placed God and family first in his life, offering friendship and brotherly love to all those who crossed his path. Mr. Merritt was born on May 27, 1919, in Sturgis, Mississippi. He spent his early life in ltawamba County with his parents, Frank and Lula Lee Merritt, and his seven siblings. After the war, Mr. Merritt moved to Louisville, Mississippi where he still resides to this day. From 1942 to 1946, Mr. Merritt answered the call to serve our great nation in the U.S. Marines. Serving as a driver and bulldozer operator, Mr. Merritt rose to the rank of Corporal and was recognized for participating in actions against the enemy in Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. Mr. Merritt founded Merritt Plumbing Company in Louisville and worked there until his retirement in 1983. In 1945, Mr. Merritt married Gladys Taylor, and they remained together for almost 70 years. Upon Mr. Merritt's return from military service, the family grew to include two children, Joe Merritt and Carol Higginbotham. Mr. Merritt now has six grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. Throughout his life and to this day, Mr. Merritt set an example for his children to follow. Mr. Merritt, a lifelong Christian, was an active member of Poplar Flat Baptist Church, where he served as Music Director for 50 years and was chosen to be a deacon of the church. On Memorial Day of 2019, Mr. Merritt celebrated his 100th birthday. Mr. Merritt is an American patriot who served our great nation and continues to set an example for others to follow. We wish him many more years of good health.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Dennis ``D.J.'' Jewell for receiving the Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence Award in the Outstanding Volunteer Service by a U.S. Veteran category. D.J., a resident of Columbus, Mississippi, was a past commander for VFW Post No. 4272 and completed over 1,000 community' service hours in 2018. As a veteran, one of his main concerns is the mental health of fellow service members, specifically veterans suicide rates. To prevent this issue in his community, Jewell established a monthly support group for combat veterans at the VFW and has also traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for mental health support for veterans. I am honored to have the privilege to represent outstanding servicemen such as D.J. His selfless service to our country extends past his military career as he continues to go above and beyond for Mississippians each day. It is individuals like him that make Mississippi, and America, great.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Terry Norwood from the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF). Mr. Norwood, a native of Union County, Mississippi, was born on December 27, 1951. He was raised on a dairy and cotton farm in Rockyford, Mississippi now known as Etta, Mississippi. It was here that Mr. Norwood's love for agriculture sparked. In 1969, Mr. Norwood graduated from West Union High School and attended Northeast Mississippi Junior College. After his two years at Northeast, Mr. Norwood earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education and Agriculture Engineering from Mississippi State University. Mr. Norwood subsequently earned a Masters Degree in Agriculture and Extension Education. On June 1, 1993, Mr. Norwood joined the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation as a Fieldman and Regional Manager. He remained faithful in his commitment to MFBF for 26 years. Under his leadership, there has been 5 Achievement Award winners, 5 Discussion Meet winners, 2 Excellent in Ag winners, and 3 Farm Women of the Year winners. Leadership is often measured by what that individual achieves but a true leader is measured by what his subordinates achieve. The amount of awards people received under his leadership speaks volumes of the man and leader Mr. Norwood is. In March of 1977, Mr. Norwood married his better half, Debbie McNabb Norwood and have spent 43 years happily married. Together they have three kids, Franklin, Dr. Allison, and Jacob. Mr. and Mrs. Norwood own and operate Rockyford Farms and Rockford Sorghum Mill, where they have produced sweet sorghum syrup called ``Moonlite Gold'' for 39 years with no intentions of stopping anytime soon. Mr. Norwood has selflessly served his community and state for years, and I wish him and his family many years of health and happiness.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Monday, April 8, 2019 due to flight complications. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on Roll Call No. 158; and yea on Roll Call No. 157.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Reverend Robert J. Jamison, Sr., who passed away on Sunday, March 24 at age 82. Rev. Jamison, a native of Tupelo, Mississippi, was born on May 28, 1936 to Van and Cora Jamison. He was the third of four children and dedicated his life to Christ at an early age at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church. Robert graduated from George Washington Carver High School and married his high school sweetheart, Minnie Lee Edwards, in 1954. After graduation, he received degrees from Mississippi Industrial College, University of Utah, and Memphis Theological Seminary. Rev. Jamison served as pastor of Second Baptist Church, New Providence Missionary Baptist Church and founded the People's Community Baptist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi. It was through these roles and many more that Rev. Jamison touched many lives. He was dedicated to making his community better by serving the people any way he could. Rev. Jamison's life is one that should be celebrated and remembered. His legacy of obedience to God and selfless service to others lives on in all the lives he touched. Left to cherish his memories are his son, Robert ``Fonda'' Jamison, Jr. of Silver Spring, MD; three daughters, Searcy (Ray) Taylor and Venita Goins of Gulfport, MS, Marcy Jamison of Tupelo, MS; four grandchildren, Christen Shane Jamison of Philadelphia, PA, Julicia ``GiGi'' Taylor of Camp Spring, MD, William (Ashlee) Goins and daughter, Ava Claire of Starkville, MS, Jamison Goins of Atlanta, GA; three sisters, Jennie Kincaid and Annie Turner of Milwaukee, WI, Dora Thomas of Memphis, TN; one brother, Tyree Jamison of Rockville, MD; two brother-in-laws, Eddie Edwards and Obie Edwards of Verona, MS; one sister-in-law, Leora Edwards of Verona, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Billy Martin, who passed away on Sunday, January 27th at the age of 52. Billy, a native of Gulfport, Mississippi, graduated from Gulfport High School and attended Gulf Coast Community College. He went on to be an ice cream delivery driver for Blue Bell Ice Cream for over ten years. It was during this time that he began investing in the lives of young adults at Resurrection Life Worship Center in Picayune, Mississippi. After his time at Blue Bell, he accepted a full-time position at RLM serving as the administrator for over ten years. It was in this role that Bill's heart of service out shined all those around him. In a world where everyone seems to be dead set on self-promotion and self-advancement, Billy found his joy in serving others. In a world where people are going to extreme lengths to draw attention to themselves, Billy went the extra mile to draw attention to others. In a world where it's common to see people broadcast their own accomplishments, Billy was a megaphone for the achievements and good qualities of others. In a time when everyone wants to see their dreams fulfilled, Billy saw fit to spend his time helping fulfill the dreams of others. Billy's life is one that should be celebrated and remembered. His legacy of obedience to God and selfless service to others lives on in all the lives he touched. Left to cherish his memory are his wife and best friend of 17 years, Jameye Hickman Martin of Picayune, his mother, Shirley Martin; his siblings, Randy (Karen) Martin and Terri (Tony) Zbysinski, of the Mississippi Gulf Coast; his brothers-in-law, Rev. Allen (Amy) Hickman of Picayune and Andrew (Karen) Hickman of Brookhaven, 17 nephews and nieces and 9 great-nephews and great-nieces.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Fred ``Bud'' Green. Bud, a native of Jumpertown, Mississippi, passed away on February 22nd at the age of 82. Bud was dedicated to his family and community. For most of his life, he farmed the land that has been in his family for generations, insuring the land will stay in the family for generations to come. From 1995 to 2007, Bud proudly served the people of Prentiss County Mississippi, as Circuit Clerk. He often spoke of this as being one of the greatest joys in his life. Bud also proudly and actively served on Farm Bureau's Board of Directors. It is through Bud's many years of hard work and service to his family and community that we can look back and celebrate all that he accomplished. Bud was a friend and leader to many and will be missed by all. Bud is survived by his three children, Tommy Green, Rose Anne Parker, and Emily Pollard. He also leaves behind four grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my concern regarding H. Res. 183, Condemning anti-Semitism as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values and aspirations that define the people of the United States and condemning anti-Muslim discrimination and bigotry against minorities as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contrary to the values and aspirations of the United States. This resolution fails to condemn a specific act perpetrated by one of my colleagues, therefore rendering this resolution pointless. By broadly condemning every act of hatred, we condemn nothing. My colleagues consumed hours on the floor of the House of Representatives to debate a commonsense sentiment instead of passing meaningful policy to better the lives of Americans and condemning the specific statement of antisemitism made by a Member of the House of Representatives.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Richard Chisolm, who passed away on Monday, March 4th. Richard, originally from Meridian, Mississippi, joined the Marine Corps as soon as he graduated high school. He served our country for four years before retiring. It was during this time he married his high school sweetheart, Diane Chisolm. Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, Richard was employed by Mississippi Power and moved to my home town Union, Mississippi. This is where Richard planted his roots and became involved in the community around him. He became a Boy Scout leader, helping many young men including myself, become an Eagle Scout. Richard was an avid outdoorsman, spending as much time as he could bass fishing and playing softball. It was through Richard's example, so many young men knew how to be devoted to their country, family, work and community. Richard was a great community leader and very formative in the lives of many young men through being a scoutmaster of Troop 29 in Union. He was a great mentor and taught us as Scouts, the value of God, community, and country. He lived the core values of the Boy Scouts and Marine Corps and developed all his Scouts to observe the same values and to learn leadership skills to be community leaders of the future. I have no doubt that I am a sitting Member of Congress because of the values instilled in me by my beloved Scoutmaster Richard Chisolm. There is no way to quantify the countless lives Richard impacted through his leadership. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Chisolm and son, my friend and Scout, Robby Chisolm. Richard leaves behind his two daughters, Tammy Livingston and Melissa Dienheart, along with four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Richard was loved by all that knew him. Semper Fi my friend, you will be missed.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Chief Donald Flake Farmer. Chief Farmer, a native of Coffeeville, Mississippi, is retiring after a long and distinguished career. Chief Farmer is a founder of the Snow Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Through his efforts the town has seen a steady improvement in insurance ratings and has been a trend setter in fire protection in the region. Chief Farmer also serves as President of Snow Lake Fire District and heads the Benton County Fire Chiefs Association. Chief Farmer has given the last 50 years to the advancement of Snow Lake Shores and Benton County Mississippi. He has been a leader for the July 4th celebration and Santa Claus at the Fire House. He was also the Police Chief for the Town of Snow Lake. Chief Farmer has given and done whatever was needed to help the people of Snow Lake and Benton County for many years. I wish him and his wife Carol all the best in a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I would just like to give thanks to be able to be here at this State of the Union to hear about what our wonderful Nation is doing. It is such an honor to be here, and to have the opportunity to be present during one of these State of the Unions. But, Mr. Speaker, most importantly, I want to recognize the men and women who are down range today serving this great Nation, and who can't be here and probably will never be afforded the opportunity to stand here in this great House and hear the State of the Union. Without those men and women in uniform who defend this Nation every day, this Nation cannot exist and because of them, we will always be the greatest Nation on the face of the Earth. God bless you.