David Kustoff

Mr. KUSTOFF

Mr. KUSTOFF. Madam Speaker, last week, our community in Collierville, Tennessee, experienced a horrific tragedy. On Thursday, September 23, last week, a gunman opened fire at the Kroger on Byhalia Road. Fifteen people were shot, and one woman, Olivia King, a mother and grandmother, died as a result of her injuries in the hospital later that day. Roberta and I are praying for Olivia King's children, her family, and her friends at this difficult time. As Collierville Alderman Maureen Fraser said: ``Everybody needs to be more like Olivia King. She was very kind, very generous, very Christian, and a rule-follower.'' Our hearts go out to all the victims, their loved ones, and everyone in the entire community who has been impacted. I want to quote Collierville Police Chief Dale Lane, who said that Collierville is ``one of the most resilient communities in America.'' I believe that this is an absolutely true statement. On that tragic day, we witnessed our brave heroes--law enforcement officers, Federal agents, firefighters, EMTs, doctors, nurses, and other local officials--spring into action. Not a single person hesitated to act or tend to a person in need. Their training and selfless actions helped save people's lives that day. There is no doubt about it. I cannot thank enough everyone for their incredible bravery and courage that day. The collaboration and cooperation between all the law enforcement agencies and all the first responders was tremendous. These agencies included: the Collierville Police Department; the Collierville Fire Department; the Shelby County Sheriff's Office; the Germantown Police Department; the Germantown Fire Department; the Memphis Police Department; the Memphis Fire Department; the Bartlett Fire Department; the Bartlett Police Department; the Fayette County Sheriff's Office; the DeSoto County, Mississippi, Sheriff's Office; the Tennessee Highway Patrol; the FBI; and other Federal law enforcement agencies. They worked flawlessly together to address and handle the situation in a timely and professional manner. I also commend Collierville Police Chief Dale Lane's strong and effective leadership, and I thank his entire staff for their heroism. Special commendation also goes to Collierville Fire Chief Buddy Billings and his men and women for their swift action that prevented the additional loss of life. Further, I want to recognize all the first responders, the doctors, the surgeons, the nurses, and their staff for delivering the necessary and immediate care to these victims. Lastly, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner, Town Administrator James Lewellen, and Collierville Municipal School Board Chairman Wright Cox for their continued and strong leadership. Mayor Joyner issued a proclamation declaring tomorrow, September 30, 2021, at 1:30 p.m., as a day of prayer and meditation for the town of Collierville and her victims. The people of Collierville are strong and resilient. They will always remain Collierville Strong.

Mr. KUSTOFF

Mr. KUSTOFF. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and congratulate a great Memphian and friend, Rabbi Micah Greenstein, who is celebrating 30 years of service and commitment to Temple Israel in Memphis and the entire Jewish community. Rabbi Greenstein is the eighth senior rabbi at Temple Israel, a synagogue founded in the 1850s. He has served as senior rabbi for over 20 years and is now celebrating his 30th anniversary at Temple Israel. In 1991, after completing his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Cornell University, Harvard, and the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Rabbi Greenstein came to Memphis, a place he and his family have called home for more than 30 years. Over the years, Rabbi Greenstein has served as two-time president of the Memphis Ministers Association, was the first rabbi to speak at the Washington National Cathedral on a major state day and has been named by Newsweek magazine as one of the top American rabbis in 2012 and 2013. Rabbi Greenstein has been honored with the Memphis City Council Humanitarian Award and the Memphis Theological Seminary's President's Humanitarian Award. As clearly demonstrated, Rabbi Greenstein has worked throughout his career to make his community, his home in Memphis, and his country a better place. Mr. Speaker, when you speak with members of Temple Israel, they will tell you how extraordinary the congregation is, and that is due to the rabbi's dedication, his charisma, and his passion. I talked to Laurie Meskin, the current president of Temple Israel. She stated: ``Rabbi Greenstein has made our synagogue, Temple Israel, what it is today. He is truly gifted at mobilizing people from near and afar, is a great communicator and orator, and believes in a vibrant Jewish future for all of us in Memphis.'' From my good friend and former Temple Israel president, Billy Orgel: ``Many families at Temple Israel are very intertwined with the Greenstein family, as everyone knows each other in Memphis. Our kids know each other very well and are all the same age. Rabbi Micah is a good friend who is there in sickness and in health.'' He continues: ``He is not just our rabbi, but to many in the Memphis community, no matter their religious background, he is a close friend as well. He is their rabbi too.'' Rabbi Greenstein has forged bonds with numerous other religious leaders in Memphis and throughout the country. For example, he led Memphis' first interfaith religious leaders mission to Israel years ago. Another friend of mine, Mark Halperin, also another former Temple Israel president, said: ``Ultimately, the unique thing about Rabbi Micah is that he is the whole community's rabbi. Temple Israel is a special place, but it makes it more special to have someone like Rabbi Micah there with us.'' In a 1999 profile of the rabbi in Memphis Magazine, the article cited a then young college-age Micah Greenstein finishing at Harvard's JFK School of Government and deciding to switch studies from what he said was public service to Jewish service. The rabbi went on to say: ``I'm doing exactly what I think God intended for me to do, to touch people's lives in a Jewish way, to make the world more human, and to bring people together to share their differences.'' Roberta and I congratulate Rabbi Micah, his loving wife, Sheril; and their three children, Cara, Jake, and Julia, on this incredible 30-year milestone. We say mazel tov.

Mr. KUSTOFF

Mr. KUSTOFF. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I would like to recognize my friend and colleague from Louisiana (Mr. Johnson), a great leader. I thank him for organizing this evening. Mr. Speaker, I want to address two different fronts of President Biden's policies, both of which are failing the American people. The April jobs report showed that the economy added less than 270,000 new jobs. That is disappointing, and it was an underperformance from the 1 million jobs that economists expected. It really should be no surprise to anyone because the enhanced unemployment benefits that were approved by Congress, against all of our objections, under President Biden's initiative have truly disincentivized people from going back to work. Then, on the second front, we have seen over the past week or so Hamas continue to launch thousands of rockets at Israel, aiming to kill as many innocent lives as possible. Let me be clear: I strongly condemn these attacks. Everybody on this side of the aisle strongly condemns those attacks. We fully support Israel's unequivocal right to defend herself and her citizens. Yet, President Biden has taken a weak approach, demonstrating to terrorist organizations that his administration won't stand up for one of our greatest nations, greatest friends, and greatest allies, and that is Israel. America's support of our strongest ally in the Middle East, it should never be quiet. That sends a terrible message to the rest of the world. Ultimately, we need a government that is more efficient, more effective, and accountable. We need to get people back to work. We must reopen our economy, lower taxes, and get our children back in school. Lastly, we have to show the rest of the world that our support for Israel will never waver, that we stand strong in defending the Jewish state together as one. You know, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once said, and I will paraphrase: If Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no Israel. I think that pretty much sums it up.

Mr. KUSTOFF

Mr. KUSTOFF. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in the memory of my friend and a great Memphian, Arnold Perl. Arnold was known as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and strong advocate. While Arnold Perl was born in Texas and raised in Chicago, Memphis was Arnold's true home. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Illinois and, in 1968, moved to Tennessee. Memphis remained his adopted city until his passing on May 4 of this year. After he came to Memphis, Arnold founded his own law firm, Young & Perl, a law firm focusing on labor law and labor-management relations. Arnold later served as a member of the well-known Memphis law firm Glankler Brown, where he represented some of the biggest Fortune 500 companies. Arnold also argued cases before numerous State and Federal courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. As a lawyer, Arnold was sought after for his impressive skills, his expertise, and his extensive knowledge of the rule of law. Since 1983, he was listed in each edition of The Best Lawyers in America and even served on its advisory board. Without a doubt, Arnold was an extremely accomplished lawyer, but his passions went beyond the law. For over 30 years, Arnold served as a strong and committed member of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. For 16 of those years, from 1996-2012, he was its chairman. Through his leadership, Arnold played a vital role in making the Memphis International Airport into one of the top hubs in the world. Working in conjunction with FedEx, Arnold helped the Memphis airport become the world's largest cargo airport. He also facilitated the relocation of the Tennessee Air National Guard's headquarters, which helped promote growth for Memphis. Arnold was chairman of the New Arena Public Building Authority, where he oversaw the development of the FedExForum, the home of the Memphis Grizzlies and the Memphis Tigers. This was a huge accomplishment for Memphis, as it brought great economic development and unity to the community. During its construction, Arnold's mantra was to build the facility on time and on budget. Indeed, the FedExForum was built in 3 years and on budget. Most importantly, Arnold was a dedicated member of the Memphis Jewish community and was devoted to his faith. He served as the 45th president of Temple Israel in Memphis, from 2006-2009. Arnold was passionate in his advocacy for Israel. In 1983, he and his wife, Mary Lynn, were two of the founding members of the AIPAC chapter in Memphis. Arnold was devoted to educating people on the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. Ultimately, Arnold was not only a gifted lawyer; he was a true civic giant, a fierce advocate, a faithful individual, and a loving family man. He worked tirelessly to make Memphis a better place for all to live. His two daughters, Stephanie and Laurie; and his two sons-in-law, Jeff and Jonathan, who he saw more as sons, said that their dad followed four pillars that he adopted from one of his mentors: Family, faith, professionalism, and community. Roberta and I extend our deepest sympathies to Mary Lynn, his loving wife of 55 years; their daughters, Stephanie and Laurie; his sons-in- law, Jeff and Jonathan; his six grandchildren, and the rest of his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.

Mr. KUSTOFF

Mr. KUSTOFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the upcoming 100th birthday of Irma Roberts, probably the most famous high school librarian in the history of Memphis City Schools. Irma Roberts was the librarian at White Station High School from 1963 to 1986. Aside from being the librarian, she was the school's student council sponsor. She planned the homecoming and directed the annual Queen of Clubs. Without a doubt, Irma Roberts had a great influence on my life and on so many other students at White Station High School. She is truly an inspiration to a couple of generations of students at White Station High School. She was a tremendous educator. Dodson, DeAnn, Dabney, Bob, Bill, and Ryan know how terrific their mother and grandmother is as a person. Now, so does everyone else. Irma Roberts, congratulations on your 100th birthday.

Mr. KUSTOFF

Mr. KUSTOFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Judge Harry Walker Wellford, who passed away Saturday, April 17. Judge Wellford was a third-generation Memphian, who dedicated his life to serving his community through the justice system, and also dedicated his life to his family. Judge Wellford started serving his community in our great country at a young age. Like so many of his generation, the Greatest Generation, Harry served our Nation fighting in the Pacific theater during World War II. After serving our Nation overseas, Harry Wellford returned to his home State of Tennessee to obtain his law degree from Vanderbilt University. In the 1960s, a turbulent time for our Nation and for Memphis, Harry Wellford was an active member of the biracial Memphis Relations Committee, serving for the betterment of the Memphis community. It was during this time that Harry Wellford became politically active, leading the west Tennessee efforts for Howard Baker's campaign for the United States Senate; and then, in 1970, managing the Statewide campaign for his good friend, Winfield Dunn, to become Governor of Tennessee. Harry had a good and successful law practice and was well-regarded in the legal community. It was for these reasons that Harry was nominated for a Federal judgeship in 1970 by then-President Richard Nixon. Judge Wellford was unanimously confirmed as district court judge. Later, President Ronald Reagan nominated Judge Wellford for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, to which he was confirmed. Judge Wellford had a long and distinguished career on the bench. A good friend of Judge Wellford was Judge Julia Gibbons, who currently serves on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and, in 1982, replaced Judge Wellford on the district court when he was elevated to the appellate court. Commenting on him yesterday, Judge Gibbons said: Harry Wellford was one of the people we most admire to become; he was my friend; his touch with people emanated in everything he did in life. Madam Speaker, Harry and his wife, Katherine, were members of Idlewild Presbyterian Church before she passed away. They loved to travel, and he enjoyed spending his free time playing tennis and golf. Despite being a well-distinguished judge and a political reformer for the State of Tennessee, what mattered most to Harry was his family. Judge Wellford's favorite song was ``Eternal Father Strong to Save,'' more commonly known as ``The Navy Hymn.'' So appropriate for him and for his generation. Indeed, Harry Wellford will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Today, Roberta and I are thinking about Harry and his five children: Harry, Jr.; Beasley; Buck; Kate; and Allison. Harry Wellford, thank you for your service to our great Nation.

Mr. KUSTOFF

Mr. KUSTOFF. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from Arizona for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I stand here tonight saddened because a little over a year ago, I took to the House floor to pay tribute to a dear friend, Peggy Daniel of west Tennessee, who had recently passed away. Today, we honor the life of her son and my friend, Drew Daniel, who left us way too soon. Drew passed away last week. He was a native of west Tennessee, the son of my friends, Peggy and Jimmy Daniel. Drew moved to Shelby County in the early 1990s for college, and he received his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Memphis, where he then later achieved a master's degree in public administration. Drew interned in the House of Representatives for then- Congressman Don Sundquist, who also was a close and dear friend of Drew's parents. Drew loved to volunteer for his community, and he was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, the Midtown Rotary Club, and Memphis City Beautiful Commission. Drew was also extremely active in the Shelby County Republican Party and the Tennessee Republican Party. He had served as the Shelby County Young Republican chair and was an elected member of the Tennessee State executive committee of the Tennessee Republican Party. In 2019, Drew was selected as a Tennessee Republican Party Statesman of the year. Drew was also a longtime valued employee for David Lenoir in the Shelby County Trustee's Office and then an agent for New York Life. Without a doubt, Drew was a dedicated leader with a heart for public service and also for volunteerism. I really don't know many people who were more passionate about politics or their community than Drew Daniel. I have so many memories, seeing Drew and Peggy cheering on the Memphis Tigers in the Liberty Bowl and the FedEx Forum. Truly, as good of a person as Drew was, he was a great son to his parents and a terrific brother to Mike and Melanie. We are all better because of Drew, and he will be deeply missed by everyone. Roberta and I extend our deepest sympathies to his brother, Mike, and his sister, Melanie. Rest in peace, Drew.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Suzette Mink, from Millington, Tennessee, for her strong service to Shelby County government as she is set to retire in a few weeks. Suzette's service to Memphis and Shelby County started in 1985 when she began working for the Shelby County Trustee's Office. From there, she worked for the Shelby County general sessions court clerk, the general sessions criminal court judges' office, and then the general sessions civil court judges' office, where she will retire after 17 years of faithful service to these judges. In 2019, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris awarded Suzette with the Shelby County Shining Star Award. This award is given to someone who has shown exemplary dedication to their job within Shelby County government, and this award was much deserved. I know I speak on behalf of all of Memphis and Shelby County, and the judges, when I thank Suzette for her service to our community. When I think of true public servants, we talk about people like Suzette. I wish her and her husband, Derrick, the best in their retirement.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor a terrific Tennessee leader, State Senator Dolores Gresham, who will be retiring from public service this year. My friend, Senator Dolores Gresham, has been a strong leader in west Tennessee for many years, and I have great respect for her strong career of service and her tireless leadership in education. Dolores Gresham has been highly influential in the political, social, and civic life in west Tennessee. Before she entered public service as an elected official, Senator Gresham proudly served our country as a member of the United States Marine Corps and retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel. A champion for education in Tennessee, Dolores Gresham presided over and led the Tennessee State Education Committee during a time of great improvement in academic achievement in the history of the Volunteer State. Senator Gresham has proved to everyone that citizens can make a difference by being involved in community service and by leading by example. Roberta and I wish her and her husband, Will, the best in their retirement. We appreciate her friendship, and we greatly appreciate her public service to the Volunteer State. Honoring Andy Holt for His Strong Service to West Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend and Tennessee State Representative Andy Holt. Andy is retiring this year from the Tennessee State legislature. Representative Andy Holt has been a leader and an outspoken voice in the Tennessee State House since his first term began in 2011. Representative Holt's work on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, his involvement with the Tennessee Farm Bureau--and I can't forget his famous Hogfest--were all critical in bringing national attention to west Tennessee's agricultural community. Andy has served as a member of the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee, which is a vital committee that helps craft the Tennessee State budget. Andy Holt has also been a strong voice in the Tennessee State Capitol and has never shied away from speaking and living out his values. He was part of numerous monumental pieces of legislation, such as the enhanced concealed carry permit and the heartbeat bill, and helped successfully repeal a portion of the Tennessee professional privilege tax. No matter the politics of an issue, Andy Holt always stood up for what he believed in and always put his west Tennessee family values first. I am honored to call Andy Holt a friend of mine. He truly understands and cares about the needs of Tennesseans, and he will be sorely missed in the Tennessee State legislature. Roberta and I wish Andy, his wife, Ellie, and his entire family well as he leaves the stage of public service. I thank Andy for his faithful service to west Tennessee, to Tennessee State government, and to the State of Tennessee. Honoring Mrs. Suzette Mink's Public Service to West Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a really fine man, Richard Barber from Jackson, Tennessee. Richard runs the Aspell Recovery Center in Jackson, and he was recently honored as the Jackson Exchange Club's Man of the Year, a title very much deserved. I first met Richard through a really good friend of mine, Dr. Ron Kirkland. Ron is a board member of Aspell and wanted me to see the great work that Aspell does in Jackson and the west Tennessee community, treating, mentoring, and loving those who need it the most. Most of the staff members working at Aspell have also traveled the path to recovery. Richard Barber has been a strong leader in the community, and he has a true commitment to helping those in need. I have seen firsthand how hard Richard has worked to make changes in the drug and rehabilitation field for those suffering from addiction. Richard has literally changed lives through Aspell, where he was instrumental in the development of two new expansions: A Mother's Love in Humboldt and the Savannah/Hardin County intensive outpatient care unit. There is no doubt that without Aspell, so many folks in west Tennessee wouldn't get the care and the wherewithal that they need to survive. Without Richard Barber, there would be no Aspell as we know it today. Congratulations, Richard. Through your hard work and your incredible humility, you are the right pick for the Exchange Club's Man of the Year. There is no doubt that west Tennessee and the city of Jackson are better because of you.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible 95 years of life of Rudi Scheidt. Although born in Germany and raised in San Francisco, Rudi spent most of his life in Memphis. Through Rudi and his wife, Honey's, active philanthropy and dedication to the arts, he touched almost every aspect of cultural life in the Memphis community. Rudi and Honey helped expand the University of Memphis Music School, now known as the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. They aided the Memphis Wonders Series to both evolve and prosper. Rudi was committed to the Jewish community, serving as President of Temple Israel. He remained a true leader for his synagogue. Tony Bennett's lyrics were wrong on this occasion, for, you see, Rudi Scheidt didn't leave his heart in San Francisco. Rudi left his heart in Memphis. I feel lucky to be able to call Rudi a friend. I know the city of Memphis and the Jewish community will feel his impact for years to come. Roberta and I will miss him. My thoughts are with his wife, Honey, as well as their children: Susan; Helen; Rudi, Jr.; and Elkan during this difficult time.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 should never be a political issue. Yet today, Democrats have put forward an 1800-page bill filled with a wish list of policies drafted with zero input from House Republicans. Now is the time to get serious about helping the American people. We should be returning to Washington to get back to what we were elected to do, not vote on a messaging bill that has absolutely no chance of becoming law. Our country deserves better. Mr. Speaker, this bill was not a sincere effort to address this pandemic. It is why I will be voting against Speaker Pelosi's wish list bill.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. There is no doubt that our small businesses in west Tennessee and across the Nation have felt the brunt of the economic effects of the coronavirus. The Paycheck Protection Program has saved small businesses in west Tennessee and also allowed them to keep their employees on the payroll. Now, I am disappointed that the Democrats didn't allow a vote on this funding before today, but I am appreciative of the vote. I look forward to voting for this funding today that will give American small businesses the resources to maintain their livelihoods and weather the storm.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of The CARES Act. The COVID-19 Pandemic has greatly affected the health and livelihoods of people around the globe. Mr. Speaker, this bill is not perfect but it is a solid step forward to providing the stimulus needed to revive our economy. There is no that doubt that as a nation we have endured tough times in our history, but we have always come back stronger and more resilient. I am proud to be here today, representing West Tennessee during this trying time. There may be more challenges coming in the days ahead, but we know that the American people will meet them head on and we will prevail-- just like we always do. As a body, we need to demonstrate our support for all of the brave men and women working to protect us, for our fellow citizens and for the President--and pass the CARES Act.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the CARES Act. We all know that the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the health and livelihoods of people around the globe. Mr. Speaker, this bill is not perfect, but it is a solid step forward to providing the relief needed to revive our economy. There is no doubt that as a Nation we have endured tough times in our history, but we have always come back stronger and more resilient. I am proud today to be here representing west Tennessee during this trying time.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable life of Peggy Williams Daniel. Peggy was a true friend not only to me, but, really, to everyone she met. A graduate of Lambeth College and earning her postgraduate degree from the University of Memphis, Peggy loved watching and rooting for her Memphis Tigers. Peggy also knew that her roots were in west Tennessee. She was married to a great man, Jimmy Daniel, who predeceased her. Peggy was an active leader at the Girl Scouts, a Cub Scout leader, and deeply involved in the political process. She and Jimmy worked hard to build the Republican Party in west Tennessee; and, frankly, there are few people that I can think of who are as patriotic as Peggy. Peggy was a true American patriot. She loved wearing her red, white, and blue. Peggy's daughter, Melanie, summed it up best when she said: ``Peggy Williams Daniel entered this world with a star-spangled bang and has showered all with her firecracker wit and enthusiastic energy throughout her colorful life.'' Peggy leaves behind her three children, my friends: Mike, Melanie, and Drew. We will all deeply miss Peggy but know that her spirit lives on.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman for helping organize this evening. Mr. Speaker, today, as we commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, it is important that we honor the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of the evil Nazi regime--we honor their memory, we honor their bravery, and we honor their spirit. It is also important that we pay tribute to the survivors who continue to share their stories to ensure that all of us, especially the younger generations, never forget the grave tragedy that took place. As Elie Wiesel said: ``For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.'' Sadly, the frequency and the scale of anti-Semitic incidents in our Nation and across the globe have increased, causing deep alarm. We must continue to speak up, and we must continue to play a role in shining a spotlight on the ugly resurgence of this hate. Today, on the annual day of commemoration, my colleagues and I came together and we passed legislation, the Never Again Education Act, which will ensure our children, tomorrow's leaders, are taught about the horrors of the Holocaust. I appreciate my colleagues for joining me in being united in our mission to combat the rise of anti-Semitism around the world, as well as taking this time to honor the victims of the Holocaust. We must take this opportunity to reflect on the past in hopes of preventing this type of evil from reoccurring. Let us remember those who perished in the Holocaust and pray that this never happens again.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, on December 28, 2019, the Jewish community in Monsey, New York, gathered together to celebrate Hanukkah. That celebration was cut short due to a vile, anti-Semitic attack leaving five people wounded and an entire nation in shock. Anti-Semitism is on the rise, and it is important that younger generations understand where this hate stems from and why we need to combat it. H. Res. 782 does just that. This important resolution encourages schools to teach the history of anti-Semitism and the Holocaust and calls on law enforcement to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice. We must stop these senseless acts of hate, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I do want to thank my colleagues, Congressmen Ted Budd and Lee Zeldin, for their leadership in introducing this vital legislation with me.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Brady for yielding. I thank Ranking Member Brady and Chairman Neal for their hard work on this agreement. We know that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is vital to our Nation's economy and my home State of Tennessee. Over 200,000 jobs in Tennessee depend on the passage of USMCA, and that includes about 35,000 manufacturing jobs and 10,000 west Tennessee farm operations. Madam Speaker, the Volunteer State produces almost $14 billion in exports to Canada and Mexico. More importantly, the USMCA updates the 25-year-old trade agreement that we know as NAFTA and modernizes the economic partnership of North America. Frankly, the USMCA will allow Tennessee and our Nation as a whole to achieve greater prosperity. I thank President Trump for delivering on his promises and creating a better trade agreement for the American people. Madam Speaker, I look forward to voting ``yes'' on the USMCA, and I urge all my colleagues to do so as well.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, going back almost 3 years to when the President was sworn into office, we have seen some Members on the other side of the aisle pledging and promising to impeach President Trump. Prior to the start of this inquiry, Speaker Pelosi claimed that the impeachment must be compelling, overwhelming, and bipartisan. The impeachment inquiry was announced less than 3 months ago, and what we know is that the process has been fast, faulty, and flawed. What we have witnessed since September 24, when the inquiry was announced, is that the evidence we have seen is not compelling, it is not overwhelming, and the process is undoubtedly and unquestionably not bipartisan. I am viewing this through the lens of a former United States Attorney, and as we take this vote, here is the bottom line for the American people: there was no bribery, there was no extortion, there was no quid pro quo, and there were no high crimes and misdemeanors committed by the President.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Oregon. I want to thank Chairman Pallone and Ranking Member Walden for their hard work on this important bipartisan issue. Robocall scams leave anyone with a cell phone vulnerable to fraud. Today it is time for Congress to act. The TRACED Act expands the authority for the Federal Government to punish these folks and will help verify legitimate calls. I want to thank everyone who worked to bring this bill to the floor for a vote, and I urge all my colleagues to show their support.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable and extraordinary life of Ira Lipman. Ira was not only a loyal friend, but he was a humanitarian, a successful businessman, and a widely respected leader by all. Ira was committed to the city of Memphis and inspired others to make his hometown a better place to live. He founded his company, Guardsmark, in the city of Memphis, which grew into the Nation's largest privately held security company. He was recognized as a national leader on all security matters. Ira also championed the creation of the Memphis Shelby County Crime Commission, which, for more than 20 years, has brought together leaders in business, government, and law enforcement to address the city's crime issues. Ira's generosity, his wisdom, and his courage were unparalleled, and I am lucky to have been able to call him a friend. Frankly, the world was a better place with Ira in it. Ira leaves behind his beloved wife of 49 years, Barbara, as well as three sons. Indeed, Ira may have rested his head at night on his pillow in New York City, but his heart and his soul lived in Memphis.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole) for yielding. H.R. 336, the Strengthening America's Security Act in the Middle East Act, is the House companion to S. 1. This bill was so important that the United States Senate made it their top legislative priority and passed it with overwhelming bipartisan support. H.R. 336, a bill introduced by Ranking Member McCaul, combines four various policy initiatives that deal with the United States-Israel relationship. This legislation authorizes assistance in weapons transfers to Israel; extends defense cooperation with Jordan; establishes additional sanctions on individuals supporting the Syrian Government; and, most importantly, allows States to divest from entities that are boycotting Israel. Just this week, the House passed, with bipartisan support, a resolution opposing the anti-Israel, anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, also known as BDS. That resolution was a great stepping stone, but we need to do more. Now we must pass legislation with some teeth. There is no doubt that Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East. It is the only Jewish state. Since her birth 71 years ago, the U.S.-Israel relationship has continued to grow stronger as we find new means for cooperation and ensure the safety of her and her people. It is time for the Democrat leadership to bring this crucial bill to the House floor for a vote. It is vital for all of us to come together and show our support for Israel. It is not solely Republican and not solely Democrat. We must continue to come together as a unified body to stamp out anti-Semitism and hate towards the only Jewish state, Israel.

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee

Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valerie Calhoun. Valerie is the cohost of ``Good Morning Memphis'' on WHBQ-TV, and she is the recipient of five Emmy awards. Most recently, Valerie was recognized and honored as an inductee into the Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame. Anyone who knows Valerie Calhoun recognizes how well-deserved this honor is for her and her family. Valerie is someone who puts passion and dedication behind everything that she does. Through Valerie's lifelong commitment to journalism, she has brought news from around the world into every home in Memphis, west Tennessee, and the Memphis metropolitan community. On top of her skills in journalism, Valerie and her family have become an integral part of the Memphis community through their volunteer work. You can always find Valerie and her husband, John, volunteering at Southern Reins, at Beau's school, and hosting numerous charitable events throughout the community. Through her hard work and dedication to journalism, Valerie has become an inspiration to many looking to make their career in broadcasting and in journalism. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Valerie on her induction into the Tennessee Hall of Fame.