Barry Loudermilk

Mr. LOUDERMILK

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who exemplified the hard-working, blue collar life that is the backbone of our Nation. On February 23, of this year, the Lord called Neil Adkerson to his heavenly home at the young age of forty-six; but, in those forty-six years, Neil achieved the most important aspects of the American dream. Coming from a childhood where love was plentiful, but means were scarce, Neil understood early the values of family bonds, of a strong work ethic, and of self-reliance. He never sought fame, and always shied away from recognition. Anytime he helped a friend or neighbor, which was often, he always did it with a smile. Neil worked long hours to make a modest living, and never complained about his life. He lived within his means, so he could provide for his family. His focus was on providing a happy, loving upbringing for his three stepsons, to which he only ever referred to as his sons. They are, in his words, his greatest contribution to this world. Even in hard times, Neil always greeted people with a humble smile and a kind word. The one thing that that could raise his ire was someone disparaging the country that he loved dearly; and, even then, he would simply tell them why he believed America is the greatest country on earth, because it had given a poor boy from North Georgia so much freedom and opportunity. In short, Neil Adkerson was a good man who loved God, loved his family, and loved his country. That, Madam Speaker, is the very essence of what it means to be an American.

Mr. LOUDERMILK

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I have a readout from the House Rules Committee meeting on H.R. 3005 recorded June 28, 2021, at which time the Joint Committee on the Library chair, Zoe Lofgren, announced her approval of the Kansas longstanding request to update their contribution to be a statue of Amelia Earhart, and I thank the Congresswoman Lofgren for taking that direction. Madam Speaker, I have the official collection of correspondence from the State of Kansas to the Architect of the Capitol that informs them where Kansas is in the 10-step replacement process. Madam Speaker, that process began 22 years ago in 1999, and I thank you for your indulgence with that. Madam Speaker, I just want to reiterate that there is much that was said here today that we are in agreement with. Something that the esteemed majority leader said I think needs to be reemphasized and is again the reason why I have adamantly fought to replace the statue of Stephens, the Georgia statue of Alexander Stephens, because of his criticism of our Founders. His criticism was that they truly believed those ideas that were written in our Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal. In fact, he said that that was the flaw of our Nation. That is why they rebelled against this Nation; that we should go back to those original principles and have people here that honor the idea that God in His infinite ability, created all of us and He created us all with value, equal value regardless of skin color, regardless of age, regardless of any other factor; that we are all created in His divine wisdom and given life, and life can be so abundant if we just hold on to these ideas and principles. And those statues that we have in this Capitol should reflect those values, and I can think of no one that reflects those values more than the Reverend Billy Graham. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the General Assembly of North Carolina bill requesting that the statues be replaced.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a letter to the Joint Committee on the Library Chair Lofgren requesting organization consideration of North Carolina's statue and reopening of the U.S. Botanic Garden. House of Representatives, Committee on House Administration, Washington, DC, June 17, 2021. Hon. Zoe Lofgren, Chairperson, Committee on House Administration, Washington, DC. Chairperson Lofgren: More than six months have passed since the start of the 117th Congress, and it is our understanding that the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library (JCL) will officially organize next week. We are looking forward to the JCL's first official action this year as there are pressing issues before the Joint Committee demanding our immediate attention. We encourage the following items be considered as some of the JCL's first orders of business: Reopening of the U.S. Botanic Garden (USBG). The Joint Committee's delayed organization has directly affected the public's access to one of the Capitol campus' main attractions, the U.S. Botanic Garden, which to this day remains closed awaiting permission from the JCL to re-welcome visitors. We must take up this matter of business immediately, as the USBG's reopening plans and executive leadership team have informed oversight stakeholders of the campus' readiness for safe and immediate reopening. Consideration of the request by the State of North Carolina. The State of North Carolina is anxiously awaiting JCL's action on its request for the removal and replacement of one of the state's contributions to the National Statuary Hall Collection. Already years into this process, the request is awaiting JCL approval and the Architect of the Capitol is ready to partner with us to move the process along. As members of the Joint Committee, we stand ready to get to work, while upholding the long tradition of bipartisanship and bicameralism. As the incoming Chairperson, we encourage you to add the above items to the agenda of the JCL's first organizing meeting so that we can begin to address these pressing issues. Sincerely, Rodney Davis, Ranking Member, Committee on House Administration. Barry Loudermilk, Member, Committee on House Administration.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I have a document which is the chart of every State's request that is currently in the process of getting a statue replaced. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a timeline of the Joint Committee on the Library's organization for this Congress, including the minutes of the first JCL organizing meeting. House of Representatives, Committee on House Administration, Washington, DC, June 29, 2021. Submission for the Record Timeline of Joint Committee of Congress on the Library Organization for the 117th Congress of the United States On January 3, 2021, the 117th Congress had its opening day. On April 16, 2021, the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 321, Electing Members to the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library and the Joint Committee on Printing. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed S. Res. 244, A resolution providing for members on the part of the Senate of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. On June 23, the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library gaveled into session around 4:00 p.m.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the official 10- step Architect of the Capitol statue removal and replacement process. This process was established in the 2000 omnibus and further defined in 2014 and requires coordination between the State, the Architect of the Capitol, and the Joint Committee on the Library. All requests for statue replacements begin in State legislatures and is then communicated to the Architect of the Capitol who then manages the communication of the request to the JCL for approval through the process. Architect of the Capitol January 2014. Procedure and Guidelines for Replacement of Statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection The creation of the National Statuary Hall Collection was authorized by the United States Congress in 1864 to allow each State to provide two statues of notable citizens for display in the United States Capitol. The Joint Committee on the Library of Congress has oversight of the collection, and, under the committee's direction, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is responsible for the reception, placement, and care of the statues. In accordance with legislation enacted in 2000, ``Any State may request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of a statue the State has provided for display in Statuary Hall'' under two conditions: (A) the request has been approved by a resolution adopted by the legislature of the State and the request has been approved by the Governor of the State, and (B) the statue to be replaced has been displayed in the Capitol of the United States for at least 10 years as of the time the request is made, except that the Joint Committee may waive this requirement for cause at the request of a State. Steps in the Procedure 1. Responsibilities of the State. The State legislature enacts a resolution that identifies the statue to be replaced, names the individual to be newly commemorated and cites his or her qualifications, selects a committee or commission to represent the State in selecting the sculptor, and directs the method of obtaining the necessary funds to carry the resolution into effect. Expenditures for which the State is responsible include the cost of paying the sculptor for designing and carving or casting the statue; designing and fabricating the pedestal; transporting the statue and pedestal to the United States Capitol; removing and transporting the replaced statue; temporarily erecting the new statue on its pedestal in the location approved for the unveiling ceremony; certain expenses related to the unveiling ceremony; and any other expenses that the State commission may find it necessary to incur. 2. Request to Replace a Statue. A duly authorized State official, typically the governor, shall submit to the Architect of the Capitol a written request to provide a new statue, a description of the location in the State where the replaced statue will be displayed after it is transferred, and a copy of the applicable enacted State legislation authorizing the replacement. The Architect of the Capitol will review the request for completeness and will forward it to the Joint Committee on the Library. 3. Joint Committee on the Library Action. The Joint Committee on the Library will approve or deny the request. 4. Agreement Regarding Replacement. If the request is approved by the Joint Committee on the Library, the Architect of the Capitol will formalize an agreement with the State to guide the process. The agreement consists of the State's commitment to follow the guidelines for the design and fabrication of statues (see below) and to take responsibility for any cost related to the design, construction, transportation, and placement of the new statue; the removal and transportation of the statue being replaced; and any unveiling ceremony. The agreement is between the Architect of the Capitol and the State. If the State authorizes a commission, foundation, or other entity to act upon its behalf in subsequent parts of the process, the governor must so notify the Architect of the Capitol in writing. 5. Approval of Maquette. The State or its representative shall submit to the Architect of the Capitol, for review and final approval by the Joint Committee on the Library, photographs of the maquette from all four sides and the proposed dimensions of the completed statue. 6. Approval of Full-Size Clay Model and Pedestal Design, Including Proposed Inscription. The State shall submit to the Architect of the Capitol, for review and final approval by the Joint Committee on the Library, photographs of the model from all four sides, dimensions, engineering drawings of the pedestal, the anticipated weight of the completed statue and pedestal, and the text of any proposed inscriptions. Any structural, safety, and design concerns will need to be addressed before final approval. 7. Approval of Completed Statue, Cast in Bronze or Carved in Marble, and Completed Pedestal. The State shall submit to the Architect of the Capitol, for review and final approval by the Joint Committee on the Library, photographs of the completed statue and pedestal from all four sides, dimensions, the final weight, and the text of any inscriptions. 8. Ceremony and Program. The holding of an unveiling ceremony is optional. Permission to use the Rotunda or Emancipation Hall must be granted by concurrent resolution of the Congress, and legislation by the Congress is required to authorize printing of the proceedings at government expense. The State may contact its delegation in Congress for assistance and for introduction of the required legislation. Although no law requires the Congress to accept statues by formal resolution, it is recommended that acceptance of the statue by the Congress be included in the legislation introduced for the use the Rotunda or Emancipation Hall for the unveiling ceremony. The State must arrange the program for the ceremony with the Speaker of the House, who will ensure that congressional participation is bipartisan and bicameral and that the program concludes in a reasonable time. The Architect of the Capitol provides support for any unveiling ceremony. 9. Statue Removal/Installation and Ownership Transfer. The State must arrange for a rigger approved by the Architect of the Capitol to remove the replaced statue and install the replacement statue in the location of its unveiling. This work must be coordinated with the Architect of the Capitol. The replaced statue must be removed shortly before the new statue is brought into the Capitol. Before the replaced statue is removed, a document transferring ownership of that statue from the federal government to the State will be signed by the designated State official. 10. Permanent Location. The permanent location for the replacement statue will be approved by the Joint Committee on the Library. The National Statuary Hall collection is located in several areas of the Capitol: National Statuary Hall (the Old Hall of the House), the Rotunda, the second-floor House and Senate corridors, the Hall of Columns, the Crypt, and the Capitol Visitor Center. The Architect of the Capitol will make recommendations for placement of the new statue with the least possible disruption to previously placed statues while maintaining a harmonious arrangement. To assist in developing this recommendation, the agency's structural engineer will determine whether the floor in any proposed location can safely support the weight of the statue. If the replacement statue is suitable in weight and dimensions, it will normally take the place of the replaced statue. If not, the Architect of the Capitol will, upon the approval of the Joint Committee on the Library and with the advice of the Commission of Fine Arts as requested, relocate statues within the Capitol. If necessary, after the statue has been unveiled, the Architect of the Capitol will be responsible for moving it to the permanent location approved by the Joint Committee on the Library. Guidelines for Replacement Statues The guidelines below are provided for reference only; they may be modified in particular cases by the Joint Committee on the Library. Images of the one hundred statues now in the collection are available at the Architect of the Capitol website (www.aoc.gov). Subject. The subject of the statue must be a deceased person who was a citizen of the United States and is illustrious for historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services. Statues may represent only one individual (ruling adopted by the Joint Committee on the Library at meeting of March 13, 1950). Statues should represent the full length. Material. The statue must be made of marble or bronze. Replacement statues made of the same material as the replaced statue are preferred. Materials from domestic sources, including, as applicable, sources in the territories and possessions of the United States, are preferred. Pedestal. To reduce weight, the Architect of the Capitol recommends that the pedestal be made of a hollow steel frame faced in granite or other stone or be made of bronze. It is recommended that the pedestal be designed and constructed with a removable panel (usually in the back) to allow access to attachment bolts. The pedestal design, dimensions, and weight must be submitted to the Architect of the Capitol for review. Inscriptions. Inscriptions on the pedestal should include the name of the State and of the individual represented. The preferred option is that inscriptions be carved. Alternatively, they can be raised or cast on a bronze plaque. It is traditional and preferred that inscriptions be simple and that they appear only on the front of the pedestal. The proposed inscription should be submitted for review and approval by the Joint Committee on the Library as part of the pedestal design. Size and Weight. In general, the figure in the replacement statue should be over life size, with a height between seven and eight feet, and the total height, including the pedestal, no greater than eleven feet. Within that size range, the combined weight of a bronze statue and its pedestal should not exceed 5,000 pounds; a marble statue and its pedestal should weigh no more than 10,000 pounds. Patina and Coating. For bronze statues, the selected patina and coating must be easily maintained and repaired. Formulas for the patinating and coating materials must be provided to the Architect of the Capitol for use during future maintenance. Other Considerations. The statue and pedestal should not be a potential source of safety hazards. They should not have any protruding or sharp element that could cause harm or be an obstacle for persons in the building. Relevant Legislation The law creating National Statuary Hall is the act of July 2, 1864 (2 U.S.C. Sec. 2131) (formerly 40 U.S.C. 187), which established that each State had the right to donate ``statues, in marble or bronze, not exceeding two in number for each State, of deceased persons who have been citizens thereof, and illustrious for their historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services . . . .'' This law was modified in 2000 by Sec. 311 of H.R. 5657 (included by reference in H.R. 4577) and established as law by P.L. 106-554, which provides that ``Any state may request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of a statue the State has provided for display in Statuary Hall in the Capitol of the United States . . . .'' 2 U.S.C. Sec. 2132. Supervision and direction of the collection are assigned to the Architect of the Capitol by the act of August 15, 1876 (19 Stat. 147), 2 U.S.C. Sec. 2131. With the approval of the congressional Joint Committee on the Library, the Architect of the Capitol is responsible for the reception and location of the statues in this collection, first established by H. Con. Res. 47, agreed to February 24, 1933, and included in P.L. 106-554. 2 U.S.C. Sec. 2132. Excerpt From Public Law 106-554 Sec. 311. (a)(1) Any State may request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of a statue the State has provided for display in Statuary Hall in the Capitol of the United States under section 1814 of the Revised Statutes (40 U.S.C. 187). (2) A request shall be considered under paragraph (1) only if-- (A) the request has been approved by a resolution adopted by the legislature of the State and the request has been approved by the Governor of the State, and (B) the statue to be replaced has been displayed in the Capitol of the United States for at least 10 years as of the time the request is made, except that the Joint Committee may waive this requirement for cause at the request of a State. (b) If the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress approves a request under subsection (a), the Architect of the Capitol shall enter into an agreement with the State to carry out the replacement in accordance with the request and any conditions the Joint Committee may require for its approval. Such agreement shall provide that-- (1) the new statue shall be subject to the same conditions and restrictions as apply to any statue provided by a State under section 1814 of the Revised Statutes (40 U.S.C. 187), and (2) the State shall pay any costs related to the replacement, including costs in connection with the design, construction, transportation, and placement of the new statue, the removal and transportation of the statue being replaced, and any unveiling ceremony. (c) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit a State to have more than two statues on display in the Capitol of the United States. (d) (1) Subject to the approval of the Joint Committee on the Library, ownership of any statue replaced under this section shall be transferred to the State. (2) If any statue is removed from the Capitol of the United States as part of a transfer of ownership under paragraph (1), then it may not be returned to the Capitol for display unless such display is specifically authorized by Federal law. (e) The Architect of the Capitol, upon the approval of the Joint Committee on the Library and with the advice of the Commission of Fine Arts as requested, is authorized and directed to relocate within the United States Capitol any of the statues received from the States under section 1814 of the Revised Statutes (40 U.S.C. 187) prior to the date of the enactment of this Act, and to provide for the reception, location, and relocation of the statues received hereafter from the States under such section.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the members of the North Carolina delegation that was written to the Joint Committee on the Library encouraging them to move quickly on their request to replace the Aycock statue with that of Billy Graham. Congress of the United States Washington, DC, June 29, 2021. Hon. Zoe Lofgren, Chairperson, Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. Hon. Amy Klobuchar, Ranking Member, Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. Chairperson Lofgren and Ranking Member Klobuchar: We write today to encourage the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library's (JCL) expeditious approval of the North Carolina General Assembly's request to replace the State's current statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection. Since 2015, North Carolina has worked to replace one of its current statues, which depicts Charles Brantley Aycock, an individual associated with white supremacy, with one of the late Reverend William Franklin ``Billy'' Graham, Jr. Despite North Carolina's diligent efforts in coordination with the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) and past Joint Committees on the Library, the statue of Aycock remains. On October 2, 2015, the North Carolina General Assembly passed Session Law 2015-269; HB 540, ``An Act Requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to Approve the Replacement of the Statue of Charles Brantley Aycock in National Statuary Hall with the Statue of the Reverend William Franklin ``Billy'' Graham, Jr.'' This legislation passed the North Carolina House with bipartisan support and passed the North Carolina Senate unanimously. In February 2018, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest sent letters to the AOC in support of the General Assembly's request. On July 29, 2020, the North Carolina Legislature's Statuary Hall Selection Committee unanimously approved the design of the Rev. Graham statue. According to the AOC, North Carolina's request continues to await JCL approval to proceed to step five of the ten-step replacement process. Now, over six months into the 117th Congress, JCL's delayed organization continues to hinder North Carolina's wishes to remove a white supremacist's statue from the Capitol. We implore the JCL to honor the will of the people of North Carolina by moving immediately to complete its work on North Carolina's request and to stand ready to assist as needed in order to ensure the State's wishes are finally realized without further delay. Sincerely, Patrick McHenry. Virginia Foxx. Richard Hudson. Ted Budd. David Rouzer. Dan Bishop. Gregory F. Murphy, M.D.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, to the gentlewoman from California, I am prepared to close if she is. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, it is refreshing to know that there is so much we actually do agree on in this Chamber, because the things that my good friend from Texas just said, we agree on, and we have agreed on since Abraham Lincoln was the President. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis), my good friend, who is also the ranking member of the Committee on House Administration.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have remaining?

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, prior to the organizing of the current Joint Committee on the Library, Ranking Member Rodney Davis and I sent a letter to the Joint Committee on the Library to demand immediate action on North Carolina's pending request to replace the statue of Charles Brantley Aycock with the statue of Reverend Billy Graham. So far, the request has been ignored, but I can only assume it was because it would impede the ability to do what we are doing here today. But I am encouraged by the chair's commitment to act on that very quickly. I would also say that this isn't an isolated case. There are currently eight States with pending requests, including Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, Kansas, North Carolina, Nebraska, Utah, and Virginia. In fact, Georgia has just introduced in this last session a new piece of legislation to remove Stephens' statue with that of the late Representative John Lewis, which is receiving bipartisan support. In fact, the Republican Speaker of the House is the top cosponsor of that legislation. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining?

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Arkansas.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the very passionate words that we have heard here today. And as I said in the beginning, we on this side of the aisle not only agree, but we have been advocating for these very things for quite some time. In fact, as far as Georgia's statue, I have advocated in times past for the removal of Alexander Stephens' statue--it has been on several occasions that I have spoken about this--and let me just share with you this one idea, this principle, the criticism that he made of our Founders, because he believed that our founding documents, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were inherently flawed. This is what Stephens said. ``The prevailing ideas entertained by him,'' meaning Jefferson, ``and most of the leading statesmen at the time of the formation of the old Constitution''--talking about the Constitution we have today because he was advocating for the Confederate Constitution--``were that the enslavement of the African was in violation of the laws of nature; that it was wrong in principle, socially, morally, and politically.'' And we agree with that. What he is saying is the flaw of our Founders was that they believed this idea that all men are created equal, and they put that in our founding documents. The reason I bring that up today is because of something that the minority leader said, which is that under critical race theory they are teaching that our founding documents were the opposite, and more that they were what Alexander Stephens was saying they were, that they are flawed, that they teach racism. But Alexander Stephens was taking the opposite approach, and he says they weren't teaching racism, that is why they are flawed. This is why I have advocated a long time for the removal of Stephens' statue. In fact, as I was speaking about this at one time, my family and I received a threat from the Ku Klux Klan in Georgia, because I adamantly believe that we are all created equal and we are all given the same opportunities in this Nation. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman).

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as I stated earlier, you will find that many, if not all, on this side of the aisle will agree with most of the comments, if not all the comments, that are made by our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I think we need to go back and look at where we have been as a nation and where we are going. A lot of what we put into this building should reflect not only our history but our values as a nation. That is why I, in the past, have advocated very strongly for certain statues to be removed. I think it is important now that we have both parties looking at this. As my colleague from North Carolina mentioned, Taney and the Dred Scott decision, I think it was during a time period when Democratic President Andrew Jackson nominated his bust to be put in the Capitol here today. Now, it can't be overstated how much this body and this country condemn the institution of slavery. I believe, as a whole, this Nation has done that and continues to do that. In fact, when I was in the Georgia legislature, I realized that Georgia was the sole State of the former Confederacy that had not officially condemned the act of slavery nor had condemned its participation in slavery during these dark periods of our Nation. So, I introduced legislation called the Freedom Resolution, which would formally acknowledge the ills, the hatred, and this dark period of our Nation that our government, our State government, the State that I love, was actually engaged in. That was a very painful time in our history, but we learned from that history. I don't think anyone wants to forget that time period, else we will repeat that in some shape, form, or fashion. As I said, it is important that the statues that we have here reflect the values of this Nation. In fact, I was very vocal many times in the past over one of Georgia's two statues here, Alexander Stephens. To say he was a racist was an understatement. As was mentioned, his ``Cornerstone Address,'' as we read it today, is just wrought with the idea that all men are not created equal. In fact, he was very condemning of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. He even went as far as illustrating that they were insane because of our founding documents being built upon a false premise, and that false premise was the idea that God created all of us equal. He went on to say that God didn't create us equal. He went on to say that White people were superior and that that is why we have the institution of slavery, and it should be preserved. Those are not ideas that are commensurate with what we believe in this Nation. But it was during a time period where many of the Old South, Democrat-led houses and senates and statue commissions, were trying to hold on to those old ideas and principles that our party--the party of emancipation was brought up, Abraham Lincoln. We have been opposed to these ideas. We totally wrapped our arms around this idea that all men are created equal, that we are all given equal opportunity, that all life is important, that everyone is created in the eyes of God, and that this government exists to protect those freedoms and those liberties. But there were those in the Democrat-controlled Southern States who wanted to hold on to the old ideas, those ideas that Alexander Stephens espoused. That is why, in Georgia, the Democrat-led commission wanted to poke their finger in the eyes of the Federal Government, and they nominated or placed as statues these people who held ideas different than what we hold as a party over here, what we hold as a nation today. My opposition to this bill isn't because of the goal that we are trying to achieve, but it is the way that the majority continues to skirt procedure in this body for the second consecutive Congress. This bill was rushed to the floor without a hearing or a markup in the Committee on House Administration. I am sure we will hear from my colleagues on the other side that Republicans are insincere in our opposition to slavery and dragging our feet when it comes to removing these statues. In fact, it was a Republican, a good friend of mine in the State legislature, Scot Turner, who in 2020 introduced legislation that he knew I supported, and I came out publicly supporting, to remove Stephens' statue and replace it with a statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. The States have begun to take action. As we talked about, North Carolina has already taken action to remove their statues and replace them. But I am very concerned about this committee. In fact, the Joint Committee on the Library, the committee responsible for facilitating the removal of statues approved by State legislatures, was only organized last week. Now, this is 6 months from the start of the 117th Congress. I have been on the Joint Committee on the Library, and I was very excited the first year I was appointed to the Joint Committee on the Library because, as a fan of the Library of Congress, I thought this would be a great opportunity to participate in preserving the history and heritage of this Nation. But of the three terms that I have been on the committee, from my recollection, the committee has only met three times, and that was an organizational meeting each time. It is hard to do your work when you don't even get together to do the work. The lack of urgency to organize the committee is reason for enough concern. Even more disappointing is our failure to address several approved statue replacement requests from State legislatures. In October 2015, the State of North Carolina began the process of switching out the statue of Charles Brantley Aycock with the Reverend Billy Graham. Now, this passed the North Carolina House 71-28, a bipartisan vote, and in the Senate, 44-0, a unanimous vote in the North Carolina Senate. Yet, we still have not taken action on approving that for a man who definitely had a very strong impact not only on civil rights but on our Nation as a whole, who we so respect that his body laid in the rotunda not too long ago. Yet, we still have not been able to move on getting that done, as well as several other States. I believe that we need to focus our efforts on changing this process because I think it would mean a whole lot more, a whole lot more to this body as well as to the American people if the States who originally put those statues in here were the ones that now asked that they would be removed. I think that would be much more appropriate than this body taking action. If we reformed our process to make it where the States could actually do it, it would mean a whole lot more to the future of our Nation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, the chair of the House Administration Committee, for the opportunity to be here today. I rise in opposition to H.R. 3005, but not because of the goals that it attempts to achieve. Many of us have been fighting for those same things. In fact, some of the comments that she made, you will find in my remarks about some of the people whose statues are here that I do not believe should be in this honored building, and I have fought for a long time to remove those. But I am in opposition to the process of which we are trying to impose to do this. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), my good friend and the leader of the Republicans here in the House.

Mr. LOUDERMILK

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from North Carolina for managing the opposition to this. Look, it is simple. The reason we are here today is to debate the Democrats' latest episode in their anti-financial technology agenda, but also their rush to undo any policy of the previous administration, whether it was good or bad. Now, here are the facts: More than 30 percent of adults are unbanked or underbanked, 40 percent do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense, 42 percent have a subprime credit score and are rejected for bank loans at a rate four times higher than those with prime credit. Now, fintech has been instrumental in expanding access to credit for consumers who have little or no credit history. Online lending has grown to $90 billion a year. So what do consumers typically use these loans to pay for? Funerals, weddings, car repairs, and home improvement. Fintech is particularly important for minorities. In fact, fintechs were the top PPP lenders to Black-owned businesses and Hispanic-owned businesses during the pandemic. But there is an issue that has caused difficulty when banks and fintech companies partner to make loans, and that is the question of which entity is considered the true lender. Until recently, this question was attempted to be settled in a series of confusing and conflicting lawsuits. The courts are divided on it. But, last year, the OCC finalized a rule to provide much-needed certainty. It is no surprise that the organizations calling for the rule to be overturned are the so-called consumer groups that, for the most part, are funded by trial lawyers. The Democrats are attempting to overturn this rule because some imaginary lenders could rent a bank charter to engage in predatory lending, but as the ranking member has just stated, that is clearly prohibited in the existing rule. This resolution is devastating to minority consumers and businesses, those with subprime credit, and the unbanked. Instead of giving those people options, this resolution would direct them to payday lenders, or in States like Georgia where payday lending is illegal, they will have no access to credit. Madam Speaker, I urge opposition to this disastrous resolution.

Mr. LOUDERMILK

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outgoing President of Georgia Highlands College, Dr. Don Green. After serving as the Vice President for extended and international operations and dean of the College of Professional and Technological Studies at Ferris State University, he was selected by the Board of Regents as the fourth President of Georgia Highlands in 2014 and has faithfully led the College over the past 6 years. During his tenure, he spearheaded the development of additional degree programs to best equip students for the current and future labor market. He also worked tirelessly to expand the accessibility of a college degree to more young people across Northwest Georgia and throughout the state. He presided over significant growth in Georgia Highlands' economic impact and student scholarship opportunities, as well as the addition of a new academic building focused on the STEM careers of the future. I thank President Green for his friendship and his leadership of Georgia Highlands College. I wish him the best as he becomes the next President of Point Park University in Pittsburgh.

Mr. LOUDERMILK

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outgoing President of Kennesaw State University, Dr. Pamela Whitten. After serving as the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Georgia from February to June 2018, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia selected Dr. Whitten to lead one of Georgia's top universities. During her tenure, Kennesaw State University has experienced record enrollment growth, stronger research capacity, and a more beneficial student experience. In response to COVID-19, President Whitten challenged KSU's faculty, staff, and administrators to prioritize student health and maintain academic excellence in innovative ways, even during a pandemic. Under her leadership, the university became a leading example of remote learning and established a COVID testing site on campus for the region. I thank President Whitten for her friendship, her leadership of Kennesaw State University, and am grateful for her dedication to all who call themselves KSU Owls. I wish her the best as she becomes the next President of Indiana University.

Mr. LOUDERMILK

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Jerry Cooper on the occasion of his retirement after twenty years of service as the County Manager in Cherokee County, Georgia. Throughout his lengthy career in public service, Jerry has promoted fiscal responsibility, ethical leadership, and superior service. Under his leadership as County Manager, Cherokee County has seen tremendous growth, transforming from a distant exurb of Atlanta into a thriving community to live, work, and play. In 2008, his leadership was put to the test as the `great recession' upended small communities, like Cherokee County, across the country. Jerry met the emerging challenges with an unwavering resolve, and Cherokee County improved upon its pre- recession debt rating to an S&P AA+ rating at a time when many other communities were still reeling from the crisis. He developed a professional code of ethics for public employees, enhanced local emergency services, and improved public facilities, all while maintaining an estimated $106 million in tax savings for Cherokee County taxpayers over the course of his career. In addition to his role as County Manager, Jerry has served on the boards of the Malon D. Mimms Boys & Girls Club, Reinhardt University, the Rotary Club, and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. He served as President of the Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, the Cherokee Educational Foundation, and was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Award from Allen Temple Church. Prior to his career in public leadership, Jerry served in the United States Navy as a submariner aboard the U.S.S. Sam Rayburn. After traveling the world in service to our country, the Arkansas native returned home and obtained a Masters of Public Administration from the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Later he settled in Georgia, where he has spent much of his career life. He and his wife Sherry plan to enter this new phase of life, taking time to enjoy the community they have worked tirelessly to build over the past two decades. On behalf of the 11th District of Georgia, and the United States House of Representatives, I earnestly congratulate Mr. Cooper on his retirement, and thank him for his years of public service.

Mr. LOUDERMILK

Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Donald F. ``Don'' Stevens, a friend, a Patriot, and a pillar of his community, who went to be with the Lord on January 27, 2021. In the history of every community, there are leaders whose work shapes that community for generations to come. Don was one such leader. He has been called ``the right man for the time'' as Cherokee County transitioned from a rural community in the foothills of North Georgia to a metropolitan center. Don believed in the simple values of hard work, enthusiasm, and positivity--attributes he would come to exemplify in the Cherokee County community. A retired Delta Airlines pilot, Don carried his love for aviation into a second career as the Chairman of the Cherokee County Airport Authority, where he fought to lengthen the municipal runway so it could accommodate more air traffic and larger jets. He believed the airport would be the gateway to bringing business into Cherokee County, and he was right. He loved planes, and he and his son maintained and flew a beautiful vintage Cessna 195, and often soared through the blue North Georgia skies. Don also loved classic cars. He could often be found at a weekend car show or in a parade. He was well known for his jokes, as he did his best to bring a laugh or a smile wherever he went. Don was a generous man who loved people and believed in second chances. He was an outspoken advocate for criminal justice reform; and, he worked to establish Cherokee County's DUI Court, which today helps many win their battles with substance abuse and regain control of their lives. Years ago, Don and his wife, Lila, began Cherokee Thanksgiving, serving holiday meals to those in need throughout the community. He also served on the board of the Cherokee Bank, was a volunteer firefighter, and has been recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as a ``First Citizen'' of Cherokee County. Don is survived by his wife, Lila, son Keith, two daughters, Janet and Kelly, and six grandchildren, who will long remember his passion for people and the community, and will carry on his wonderful legacy. On behalf of Georgia's 11th Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives, I commend and thank Donald F. Stevens for his life lived in humble service to the community.