Julia Letlow

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the 40th anniversary of Entergy's River Bend Station, proudly located in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Since commencing commercial operations in 1986, River Bend Station has proudly served the residents of West Feliciana Parish, the State of Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast region for four decades, providing safe, reliable electricity. River Bend Station stands as a cornerstone of energy resilience in Southeast Louisiana, playing a vital role in meeting the power needs of nearly half a million customers. With a maximum dependable capacity of 978 megawatts, River Bend contributes to grid stability during periods of peak demand and extreme weather events. River Bend Station employs more than 800 employees and contractors who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to operational excellence, nuclear safety, emergency preparedness, and the highest professional standards. Their work exemplifies the spirit of public service and technical leadership that strengthens Louisiana's energy infrastructure. Beyond providing critical energy, River Bend Station maintains strong and ongoing partnerships throughout West Feliciana, East Feliciana, Pointe Coupee, and East Baton Rouge Parishes. The facility supports local jobs, contributes to charitable organizations, invests in STEM education, and prepares future generations through workforce development initiatives that help secure Louisiana's economic and energy future. This year marks the 40th anniversary of River Bend Station's operation--a milestone that honors the dedication and accomplishments of its employees and underscores the plant's significant role in Louisiana's energy future. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Entergy's River Bend Station, its leadership, and its employees, on this important anniversary.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Willie Cooper, whose decades of service left a lasting mark on agriculture in Louisiana. For 56 years, Mr. Cooper served with the United States Department of Agriculture and the Farm Service Agency, supporting farmers and advancing one of Louisiana's most vital industries. In 1972, he was appointed Louisiana State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency, a role he held for 42 years. He served under 8 Presidents and 13 Secretaries of Agriculture, an extraordinary testament to his expertise and the trust placed in him. Mr. Cooper was known for his integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to doing his work the right way. He embodied the very best of public service. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of this body, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with him. May we honor his memory through our service.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1011, the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025. Across this country, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners are on the front lines of natural disasters. Whether it is hurricanes in my home State of Louisiana, wildfires in Nebraska, or severe storms across rural America, these events do not just damage land. They threaten livelihoods, local economies, and our Nation's food and fiber supply. Too often, when disaster strikes, the programs designed to help, including the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program, are slowed by red tape, delays, and barriers to access. My bill, H.R. 1011, takes a commonsense approach to fixing that. This legislation ensures that producers, forest landowners, and family forestry businesses can access advance payments of up to 75 percent of recovery costs so they can begin rebuilding immediately rather than waiting months for reimbursement. It expands the types of emergency conservation practices that qualify for assistance, recognizing that recovery goes far beyond repairing fences. It includes restoring farmland, rehabilitating conservation structures, and stabilizing land after devastating events. It also ensures that wildfire damage can qualify for assistance when natural conditions cause fires to spread, providing fairness and certainty for landowners facing increasingly severe fire seasons. For forest landowners and family forestry businesses, this bill provides critical flexibility to remove debris, replant trees, and restore working lands without unnecessary delay. Mr. Speaker, timing matters. We are quickly approaching both hurricane and wildfire seasons. Communities across the country are preparing for what may come. When disaster hits, recovery cannot wait. Producers and landowners need tools that match the urgency of the moment. This bill delivers exactly that. For a farmer whose fields have been washed out, for a rancher rebuilding miles of fencing, and for a family forestry business working to recover from a storm or wildfire damage, this legislation means faster recovery, less financial strain, and a stronger path forward. I also recognize the bipartisan leadership behind this effort. In the Senate, I thank Senator Deb Fischer and Senator Ben Ray Lujan for leading this important legislation. Here in the House, I am grateful for the support of my colleagues, Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Don Bacon, Mike Flood, and Adrian Smith. This is what bipartisan, solutions-oriented policymaking looks like. H.R. 1011 removes barriers, cuts through delays, and ensures that disaster assistance works when it is needed most. It strengthens the resilience of rural America because when our producers and forest landowners recover faster, our communities recover faster. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this practical, bipartisan solution and stand with the farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and family forestry businesses who feed, fuel, and sustain our Nation.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John Norman Gallaspy, a constituent who left a profound legacy in Louisiana. His life was defined by the many roles he undertook, beginning as one of the youngest students at Louisiana State University and later becoming a father, husband, and champion watermelon grower. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Field Artillery and deployed to Korea in 1952, after graduating. His exceptional fire support saved many lives and earned him the Bronze Star for Valor in Combat. He later attended LSU Law School and met his first wife Dixie Yates. Mr. Gallaspy and his late wife spent 60 years together and raised three sons in Bogalusa, where he practiced as a self-proclaimed ``small town lawyer.'' Beyond his career, Mr. Gallaspy remarried to Martha Moak, was a grandfather to eight, an avid reader, and author. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply honored to commemorate his remarkable life and service to our community.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Louisiana State University baseball team for taking home their eighth national title. Under the leadership of Coach Jay Johnson, LSU captured their second title in 3 years. The Tigers triumphed through their championship season with 53 wins and an undefeated College World Series. Coach Johnson and his team exemplified excellence on and off the field, making Louisiana proud of not only their athleticism but also their outstanding character and service to the Baton Rouge community. As LSU's Representative in Congress, I joined my constituents in following the team's journey to yet another championship. ESPN this week referred to LSU as the ``Greatest Ever College Baseball Program,'' and I couldn't agree more. This victory wasn't just about raising the trophy at the end. It was a testament to the resilient, winning spirit of our State. I thank the players, coaches, and staff for inspiring a new generation of Tigers to dream big and for representing Louisiana with honor on the national stage. Congratulations. Geaux Tigers.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the 75th anniversary of Associated Grocers, Inc. of Baton Rouge. For 75 years, this organization has been a steadfast partner to locally owned supermarkets, supporting small businesses, sustaining local jobs, and fostering economic growth across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Associated Grocers was founded in 1950 by a group of visionary independent grocers who understood the power of collaboration in a competitive marketplace. Over the decades, this cooperative has grown to serve more than 200 independent retailers, a model that strengthens local economies and ensures that consumers have access to fresh, quality foods, even in rural and underserved areas. Congratulations to Associated Grocers, Inc. of Baton Rouge on this milestone anniversary. May their legacy of service, partnership, and community leadership continue to inspire future generations.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, for 100 years of educating students in our State. My background is in higher education, and I know a good school when I see one. I can confidently say that Southeastern is hitting the mark. With more than 150 academic programs and over $1 billion in annual economic impact, Southeastern is truly changing lives. This year, the school saw its highest ever graduation rate and freshman retention rate. Hitting the century mark is no small achievement, and Southeastern's momentum is only increasing. With their recent record-breaking enrollment increase, Southeastern will continue to shape our Nation's leaders for years to come. A quality education sets students up for a lifetime of success. By that measure, Southeastern has had a tremendous impact. I thank the wonderful faculty and staff who have made 100 years possible. Under President William Wainwright's leadership, Southeastern is moving in the right direction. I look forward to seeing the great work they do in the school's second century and beyond.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained today during the roll call vote on H.R. 23 -- Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 7.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained today during roll call votes on the Motion to Recommit and passage, H.R. 5717, No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act; H.J. Res. 136, Tailpipe Emissions Rule CRA; and H.R. 9106, Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 436, YEA on Roll Call No. 437, YEA on Roll Call No. 438 and YEA on Roll Call No. 439. personal explanation

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Madelyn Connor. There are very few times in life when you meet a person and leave the conversation inspired to do more, but that was Maddie. Madam Speaker, she was a dreammaker. She had a vision for her community, a dream in her heart, and a drive to see it through to completion. Earlier this year, I received a request to visit a new charter school opening its doors in northeast Louisiana. I knew very little about the school named the Academy of Collaborative Education, also known as ACE. I only knew that it would serve students from our region who had received an autism diagnosis. On the day of my visit, Maddie swung open those school doors, and I was met with her contagious smile and a huge hug. As she sat me down to explain the origin of the school, I noticed that her passion for the kids who would benefit from this program shone through the most. It came from one of the most genuine and fiercest of places: a mother's heart. She explained that her son had received an autism diagnosis, and she was left with disappointment and frustration when she realized the curriculum at her local public school would not suffice for his needs. She sat down with his speech pathologist, Joellen Freeman, one day to share her concerns, and it was there that a dream and a plan was born: to start a charter school aimed at supporting children with autism. The journey to start this school was riddled with obstacles and heartache, but Maddie never gave up. That was her nature. Nothing was going to stop her from giving these kids an opportunity to learn in a supportive environment. It took 2 years and an arduous 250-page application process, but her dream was finally realized with an official ribbon cutting on July 26, 2024, alongside her cofounder, Joellen. This picture of her was taken on that very day the ribbon was cut. Her family and friends were there to celebrate and remember her beaming with joy on the day that her dream was realized. I will never forget when I stood up to leave after our meeting and tour of her new school was complete. She stopped me on the way out to grab something from her desk. Her eyes flooded with tears as she showed me a picture of her son, Ace. She said: This is my why. She didn't have to say another word. Our eyes met, and I instantly understood. There is nothing more powerful than a mother's love. It has the power to change the world. In northeast Louisiana, we lost our dreammaker on August 30, 2024. Richard, who is with us today in the gallery, lost his loving wife. Gracyn, Ace, and Jett lost their precious mother. As they navigate this journey through grief, I pray they will find some comfort in knowing that they were Maddie's whole world, so much so that she left them a legacy. The Academy of Collaborative Education has the power to transform a region and impact countless lives in our State of Louisiana and beyond. It will be there for years to come to help autistic children and worried moms and dads because Maddie had a dream in her heart and a fierce determination to help her children, and she never gave up. Madam Speaker, I leave my colleagues with the words spoken by Maddie's husband, Richard, at her funeral. He said: We lost Maddie, but only in flesh. Her spirit lives on through her family, friends, and each and every one of the people who knew her. We will all be reunited with her again one day. How sweet that day will be. May we all live each one of our days left inspired by the way Maddie lived hers: as a dreammaker.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly remarkable Louisianian, Major General Lee Hopkins, for his 40 years of service in the Louisiana National Guard upon his retirement. Major General Hopkins was commissioned in 1986 through the State Officer Candidate School of the Louisiana Army National Guard. He then enlisted into the 205th Engineer Battalion and concluded his 40-year career as the Assistant Adjutant General for the Louisiana National Guard. He also shares my passion for education. General Hopkins oversaw the State's highly successful education programs consisting of three Youth Challenge Programs, three STARBASE programs, and one Job Challenge Program to provide targeted education and STEM opportunities. His leadership positively affected the lives of more than 10,000 at-risk youth during this period. This only scratches the surface of all the incredible ways General Hopkins contributed to our State and country throughout his career. Please join me in thanking him for his service and sacrifice.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of H. Res. 1226, memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, that I am proudly co-leading with Representatives Michael Guest, Chris Pappas, and Abigail Spanberger. Today, I would like to take a moment to honor the courageous heroes from my home State of Louisiana who have been added to the Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial: Officer Carl Douglas Kimball; Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo; Officer Trevor Aron Abney; Corporal Scotty Wayne Canezaro; Sergeant Nicholas Neal Pepper; Sergeant Charles Fitzgerald Dotson; Lieutenant Barry Paul Giglio; Corporal Robert William McKinney; Deputy First Class Kyle Michael Melancon; Sergeant David Jacob Poirrier; Corporal Shawn Kevin Kelly; and Lieutenant Michael Stephen Godawa. I ask everyone to join me in praying for these officers and their families who put their lives on the line each day for every American. May we continue to teach future generations the critical mission that law enforcement personnel undertake in service to our communities.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for this bill and also to express to the House the heartfelt gratitude of Luke's family, his friends, and all who loved him. My husband was someone I knew to be a truly exceptional and gifted individual. Luke's purpose was always driven by people, and his passion was public service. Luke was the kind of person who would meet a stranger and just a few minutes later could walk away, having established an enduring friendship with them. Mr. Speaker, I can't even begin to count the number of people who called, texted, emailed, or wrote me letters in the days after we lost Luke telling me how he had touched their lives. Throughout his career, I saw so many times when he would spend hours on the phone talking to local mayors and police jurors about the problems in their communities, showing them the same care and attention that he would give if it had been the Governor of Louisiana or the Speaker of the House on the other end of the line. As I travel the Fifth District to this day, I still meet many of those same people who fondly remember those times that he helped them. What was different about Luke and one of the incredible things that set him apart was the fact that his mind was like an atlas, encyclopedia, and historical narrative of our little corner of northeast Louisiana. He not only knew the people and their concerns, but he knew their stories. He could drive through those little, small towns all over our region and show you where Ulysses Grant and his troops had prepared for the attack on Vicksburg, where Theodore Roosevelt had gone hunting for the famous black bear, and where Huey and Earl Long played as young brothers and later campaigned for votes as Governors. There is no place that Luke loved more than his own Richland Parish, the home of the Letlow family for eight generations. His story was deeply rooted in the fertile soil of the delta, which gave name to his pet project, Richland Roots, a website he created to tell the stories of Richland Parish and its rich history. He would spend countless hours researching the past of the towns and villages of the parish, the landmarks, the churches and, yes, even the post offices. You see, Luke understood that all over Richland Parish there were these little pieces of the past that were left with us, containing both the stories and the lessons from those who came before us. Now he will receive his very own landmark, a little piece of Richland Parish to help tell his story. It is my hope, Mr. Speaker, that one day another history-loving kid from Richland Parish will see that post office and learn about Luke's story. I hope they will learn about how his journey took him from the back roads and small towns of northeast Louisiana to the corridors of the United States Capitol in Washington. I hope they will learn about how he dedicated himself to the people of our region, working every single day to make their lives better. I hope they will learn about the fact that even though he was never able to serve as a Member of this House, the men and women who served here thought so highly of him that they bestowed this high honor. Mr. Speaker, when Luke's light would shine on you, it was impossible to feel anything other than his warmth and love. He had a way of making you feel exceptional, and I know that to be true for every person in his life. It is what I miss the most. Luke may be gone, but his light will never leave us. I see it every day in the faces of our children: our son, Jeremiah, and our daughter, Jacqueline. I see it every time I go home and drive those back roads in Richland Parish and see the places that he loved so much. By bestowing this honor on him, you are ensuring that his name and his legacy will live on long after all of us are gone. I ask my colleagues to join our majority leader and our Louisiana delegation in supporting this bill on behalf of Luke's family and his friends and all who loved him.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jim Harper's time as President of the Louisiana Farm Bureau. Jim is a longtime resident of Rapides Parish where he farms sugarcane, rice, crawfish, and soybeans, some of Louisiana's finest crops. He has given 25 years of his life to the Louisiana Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and I join the countless number of people in thanking him for the tireless work that he has done to protect our farmers, ranchers, and producers. Our Louisiana agriculture industry is better because of his commitment and his dedication to Louisiana's largest industry. Jim has been a friend and true colleague, and there is not a soul who doesn't enjoy the opportunity to work with him. I wish him nothing but the best in his next phase of life: spending more time with his wife Debbie and their grandchildren. I know he will never be a stranger to the Louisiana agricultural community.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of a truly remarkable gentleman, Mr. Ray Young. Mr. Ray was born in Hico, Louisiana, in 1929 and grew up no stranger to hard work or getting his hands dirty on his family's farm. Building a successful agriculture business from the ground up and establishing deep roots in the ag community, he is well-regarded as the Nation's longest tenured crop consultant, a passionate and widely respected officer in both local and national organizations, and a tireless advocate for agriculture in Washington, D.C. Mr. Ray grew to be loved by all who encountered him and quickly became an irreplaceable figure across the State of Louisiana. Mr. Ray held a rare and unique quality, always seeing the good in everyone he met--even seeing the promise in a challenging piece of land. He was a friend to many and an enemy to none, never judging anyone by their limitations. Beyond his extensive agriculture background and accomplishments, Mr. Ray's unwavering faith in the Lord served as an inspiration and showcased the very best of our Louisiana community. He was a man of good faith and goodwill with a true servant's heart who sought to love others the way Christ loves us. I have no doubt he has heard the words from above: Well done, good and faithful servant.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, today my community is hurting. They are mourning the loss of Tarver Mickel Braddock, a student athlete at Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana, who left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Tarver was known for his contagious positive attitude and his love of making people laugh. To know Tarver meant your life was made better just by being in his presence. As I look up into the House gallery at the faces of his classmates who are with us here today, Mr. Speaker, I see them. My heart aches with them, and our prayers will be with them as they face the coming days and weeks ahead. Please know that Tarver will never be forgotten, and today, we celebrate his legacy. I pray his loved ones find comfort in knowing that Tarver's life will have a ripple effect for years to come. As those who loved Tarver experience the pain of losing him, it is my prayer that the Lord will bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you, be gracious unto you, turn His countenance towards you, and give you peace.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of a dear friend and respected member of the Ruston, Louisiana, community, the president of Louisiana Tech University, Dr. Les Guice. President Guice has tirelessly served Louisiana Tech in multiple capacities over the course of 45 years and recently completed his 10th year as the university's president. He graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1976 with a bachelor of arts in architecture, earning a master's degree in civil engineering in 1978, and served as an assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering. He was promoted to associate professor in 1981. After obtaining his Ph.D. in civil engineering from Texas A&M in 1988, he earned a full professorship and became the permanent department head of civil engineering. President Guice impacted countless students in the classroom before serving as the dean of the College of Engineering and Science in the late 1990s. His extensive and impressive list of accomplishments at Louisiana Tech speaks to President Guice's dedication to students and faculty, as well as his unwavering commitment to excellence and higher education. His leadership facilitated ground- breaking faculty and student research, multiple national and global rankings, historic enrollments and graduations, notable philanthropic campaigns, and the innovative expansion of the school's campus. President Guice kindled public and private partnerships, bridging the gap between government resources and private-sector efficiency. He truly understood the concept of ``town and gown'' by working diligently with Ruston local officials to make sure it always felt like that special college town where students could enjoy both the campus as well as the beautiful amenities the city of Ruston has to offer. He consistently inspired both students and faculty to seize their potential, ultimately enabling the university to achieve higher goals year after year. He promoted diverse perspectives among his teams and encouraged each person around him to pursue their passions, and then he would give them the runway to fly. I remember attending an event where President Guice was giving a campus update to the community. He asked all of his faculty and staff to stand up. He gave all the credit for every success that Louisiana had under his presidency to them. That is the kind of man President Guice is: always working behind the scenes, giving credit to others, and delighting in their successes. There is a reason people call Louisiana Tech a family. You can't help but feel it when you are on their campus. That kind of culture comes from the top down. Kristi Stake, a professor at Louisiana Tech, said it best when I asked her about him. She said that Dr. Guice never wanted the focus to be on him. He always put the spotlight on the people around him, especially the students. He accomplished a lot that people will probably never know. President Guice continuously put students' success as his top priority as he created a thriving environment where students felt welcome. He supported the development of strong academic programs, a robust school culture, and a place where students could be successful. We know that beside every strong man is often an equally strong woman. Kathy Guice has served selflessly by his side as the first lady of Louisiana Tech. They have opened their home to countless students, faculty, and staff, helping to cultivate that warm family environment. Also not lost on me are the sacrifices a person makes when they are in public service, especially the toll it takes on your family life. Nevertheless, Kathy was always up for the challenge, making everyone feel welcome. She is the ultimate steel magnolia, and I thank her for her service. Today, I echo thousands of Louisianians in celebrating President Guice's retirement from his influential career at Louisiana Tech University and his extensive legacy that will continue to grow and thrive because of programs, innovation, and partnerships that he helped to form during his tenure. He will be fondly remembered by friends, faculty, and students, and his work will continue to benefit the community. He may be retiring, but we know he will always be there cheering on the Bulldogs. I thank Dr. Guice. He transformed an entire region, and for that we will be forever grateful.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, in honor of Veterans Day, I would like to take the time to recognize one of our very own veterans from the Fifth District of Louisiana. Mr. Gerald McClellan, a resident of Pineville, Louisiana, is a retired Master Sergeant E-8 of the United States Army. He joined the Army straight out of high school in 1973, went through vigorous training, and spent his deployment in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. He distinguished himself with outstanding achievements, going on to receive the Meritorious Service Medal upon retirement for impeccable service to the military. On Veterans Day, we reflect on the service and sacrifice of our Nation's veterans like Gerald. They are responsible for protecting and ensuring that our freedoms continue to last from generation to generation. We must never forget that we are the land of the free because of the brave. Today we give our most sincere gratitude to our veterans. Their duty and fidelity to the cause of freedom is something for which they will forever be honored. Today and every day we thank them for their service.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to amendment No. 26, which would slash funding for the Delta Regional Authority by $6.1 million. This Federal-State partnership is a critical lifeline to my district and State by providing dedicated funding to address vital infrastructure, workforce, and healthcare needs for rural towns. These towns have little to no tax base to be able to raise the funds themselves to replace expensive and aging infrastructure systems. Rural communities do not have the financial resources to hire grant writers to help them through a complex Federal grant process, and because of this, these towns miss out on national grant competitions. DRA's funding supports a pilot program that would help these communities identify opportunities, provide assistance to write the applications, and help with implementation. While cutting $6.1 million may not seem like a lot, I have seen firsthand what a simple $200,000 can do to help grow a rural town. Finally, the DRA has had minimal increases over the last 5 years. A cut in funding this deep would be a step in the wrong direction. On behalf of rural towns across the delta region, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the remarkable life of Hershell West who has left an extraordinary impact on our community and an outstanding legacy across the State of Louisiana. Hershell is known as a role model across the State, most famously as one of Louisiana's great sports heroes, as a true legend in the world of college basketball. Hershell was a respected community leader across the State of Louisiana, serving as a mentor and teacher to generations of young Americans. Hershell is most notably known for his selfless spirit and his unique ability to inspire others to action. Throughout his career he displayed an unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of those around him. He had outstanding accomplishments as an athlete and coach, including Louisiana State AA Championship in 1959, the NAIA Championship in 1961, and elected as one of the first 25 members of Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. We remember and celebrate his extraordinary life, his skill, his honor, and his legacy. Mr. Speaker, today the House honors an outstanding Louisianan, Hershell West.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week we passed H. Res. 363 that I proudly introduced with Representative Michael Guest memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. I join 110 of my colleagues recognizing and commemorating the ultimate sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers. Honoring our officers is not just an act of appreciation, it is a fundamental responsibility of all citizens throughout this great Nation. Our police officers are the very sentinels who selflessly dedicate their lives in the pursuit of preserving the safety and security of the citizens they are committed to protecting. They stand as a brave shield between us and danger, strengthening the foundation of our communities and embodying the very best of our society. Today, I will take a moment to honor five courageous heroes from my home State of Louisiana who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty: Walter Soileau, Jr., with the Cameron Parish Sheriff's Department; Trey Copeland with the Cotton Valley Police Department; William Collins, Jr., with the Doyline Police Department; Nicholas Tullier with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office; and Louis Estay with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office. I ask everyone to join me in praying for these officers and their families who put their lives on the line each day for every American. As we pay our respects and honor these brave heroes for their ultimate sacrifice, let us all commit to supporting and uplifting the women and men who wear the badge each day. Let us teach our children as well as future generations the critical mission that law enforcement personnel undertake in service to our beloved cities and our communities. Today, let us respect, let us honor, and let us remember these fallen heroes. Honoring State Representative Francis Thompson

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you to honor an extraordinary individual who has dedicated over 50 years of his life to public service in the great State of Louisiana. That person is my good friend, State representative Francis Thompson, the longest serving State legislator in Louisiana history and one of the longest serving in our country. Representative Thompson was born and raised in his hometown of Delhi, Louisiana, right in the heart of Richland Parish. Thompson was first elected to the Richland Parish School Board in 1968 before winning a special election for District 19 in the Louisiana House in 1975. Voters have re-elected Thompson 11 times since then, serving 12 years in the State senate and 37 years and counting in the statehouse. His unwavering commitment to north Louisiana and our State is remarkable. From the halls of the State legislature, Representative Thompson has been a strong and unwavering voice for north Louisiana. Throughout his distinguished career, he has championed crucial issues such as education, economic development, healthcare, and infrastructure, always striving to improve the lives of those whom he serves. Representative Thompson's leadership and experience have been invaluable in shaping legislation that addresses the unique challenges faced by Louisiana. His extensive knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of governance have earned him the respect of his peers and colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Mr. Speaker, not only his legislative achievements make Representative Thompson a remarkable public servant, as a former educator, he possesses a rare quality: the ability to connect with people on that personal level. Throughout the years, Representative Thompson has been a true friend to those whom he serves. He is known for his accessibility, his willingness to listen, and his genuine care and empathy has touched the hearts of so many, creating lasting bonds that will extend far beyond politics. As we reflect on Representative Thompson's lifelong commitment to public service, let us acknowledge his unwavering dedication to our great State of Louisiana. He is an exemplary leader, a tireless advocate, and a true champion for the people of north Louisiana. It is with great respect and gratitude that we acknowledge his remarkable contributions to Louisiana.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Chair, I rise today to join my voice with millions of American parents as the House considers H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act. H.R. 5 is about one simple and fundamental principle: Parents should always have a seat at the table when it comes to their child's education. We believe that learning is a partnership between a family and their child's teachers. This bill is the vehicle by which we can put parents and educators together at the same table to have a productive dialogue. This bill is not complex or complicated, nor should it be partisan or polarizing. Contrary to what you may hear from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, it is not an attack on our hardworking teachers, who will always be the heroes in my eyes. It is not an attempt to have Congress dictate the curriculum or determine the books in the library. Instead, this bill aims to bring more transparency and accountability to education, allowing parents to be informed and, when they have questions and concerns, to lawfully bring them to their local school boards. Over the past 2 years, we have seen too many instances where rather than opening their doors to welcome parents in as partners, some schools instead slammed them shut and said that government bureaucrats know what is best for our children. Parents across this country have overwhelmingly spoken out that they have had enough. They want a seat at the table because, at the end of the day, these are our children, not the government's. Mr. Chair, I worked in education before I came to Congress, and I am also a mom. I have seen firsthand how when you educate a child, you give them a future. We know that when parents are involved, it is the students who succeed. We also know that when a family is shut out of their child's education, it will lead to disastrous results. Mr. Chair, let us give parents that voice in the learning process. Let schools open the doors and welcome them in as partners. Let us work together to build a brighter future for America's children.

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 122. Stated against:

Ms. LETLOW

Ms. LETLOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Charles MacDonald, an outstanding public servant who has left an incredible legacy across the State of Louisiana. Dr. MacDonald dedicated his career to education--working as a high school teacher and principal before becoming an administrator at the University of Louisiana Monroe. After working 17 years on ULM's campus, Dr. MacDonald won a seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives. While serving in the legislature, he authored the bill that created the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, or TOPS, a scholarship program which has enabled hundreds of thousands of Louisiana's best and brightest to obtain a college education. I was fortunate to be one of the first recipients of the program over 25 years ago. To this day, Dr. MacDonald's work in higher education continues, as he currently serves on the Louisiana Board of Regents. He has been a mentor and friend to so many, including myself, helping guide young educators on their career paths, and we are so thankful. Mr. Speaker, today the House honors an outstanding Louisianian, Dr. Charles MacDonald.