Kweisi Mfume

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize a champion for all people, a fighter for fair housing, an unrelenting advocate, and an American trailblazer. This woman was a friend and was our colleague as a former member of this body. The champion I rise to salute today is the Honorable Carrie Mae Pittman Meek--the Sunshine State's Public Servant. Congresswoman Meek was born the grandchild of a slave and daughter of a sharecropper. As the youngest of 12 children growing up in Tallahassee, Florida, she excelled in academics and used education to overcome systemic obstacles that were the routine reality of those times, including sexism, racism and discrimination. After earning her undergraduate degree from Florida A&M University, Congresswoman Meek enrolled at the University of Michigan to earn her master's degree because Florida banned Black students from attending state graduate schools at that time, according to her Congressional biography. The state government would pay her out-of-state tuition ``if we agreed to get out of Dodge,'' she once recalled. The then-single mother of two started her professional career as a college professor and coach at Bethune Cookman University, then taught at her alma mater Florida A&M University, before taking her talents to Miami-Dade Community College as its first Black professor, associate dean and assistant to the vice president. With a firm foundation as a college professor, our former colleague beat out 12 other candidates when she ran for the Florida state House in 1978. Just five years later, she became the first Black woman elected to the Florida state Senate. Carrie would go on to leverage her state service into a successful U.S. House campaign in 1992. Alongside former Representatives Corrine Brown and Alcee Hastings, Carrie joined Congress as one of the first Black members elected from Florida since the Reconstruction Era. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Meek knew the importance of investing federal dollars to provide opportunities for all people and in all communities across this great nation. Her work ethic, thorough knowledge of the legislation before her, and mastery of the legislative process are as much a part of her legacy as her support for public education, affordable housing, and programs to prevent poverty. As a fighter for women's rights, Congresswoman Meek worked to protect victims of stalking at the state level and focused Congress on important legislation like the Violence Against Women Act. Indeed, her effectiveness as a public servant was only rivaled by her warmth and grace. Warmth, grace, compassion, tenacity, and savvy are some aspects of the Sunshine State's Public Servant that we will always remember. Congresswoman Meek recently passed away after living a full life of over 95 years. Her funeral services and homegoing celebration are taking place today as I stand before you in this Chamber. Carrie is survived by her three children Lucia Davis-Raiford, Sheila Davis Kinui, and retired Congressman Kendrick B. Meek of Florida, as well as seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Her entire family will remain in our prayers. May they be comforted to know the courageous spirit of the Honorable Carrie Mae Pittman Meek lives on.

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, throughout my years in Congress, I have found it is not often that someone is as impactful or influential in breaking the color barrier in a sport or changing the culture of country clubs as the person for whom I stand today. I am honored to rise to recognize someone who found a more fair way on the fairways of professional golf; from Pensacola, Florida to Johannesburg, South Africa all the way to Augusta National and many courses in between, this groundbreaking golfer recently passed away. This incredible ambassador for the game was a gentleman both on the links and in real life, Mr. Lee Elder. With 16 professional tour wins, including his breakthrough at the Monsanto Open in Pensacola in 1974, Lee Elder was the first African American to win a PGA Tour event. Mr. Elder was, however, a champion in more ways than one. He was a Black man born in the Jim Crow South who taught himself how to play golf on segregated courses. Working as a caddy he surmounted the hardships of being orphaned at a young age. In his early golfing days in the United Golf Association, Lee gained prominence for his skill and approach to the game. Much like Jackie Robinson in Major League Baseball, Mr. Elder who chose to stand against the stain of racism, had to endure many indignities. He broke through on the PGA Tour in 1968 as a 34-year-old golfer. From changing clothes in parking lots because Black people were not allowed in the clubhouse to getting death threats for playing in the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, he overcame obstacles. He went to South Africa during the height of apartheid. He protested PGA rules allowing golfers to play at Sun City, Bophutswana, an outpost for segregation. He spoke out against country clubs which still excluded Black players as late as 1990. Mr. Elder helped Black golfers for whom he created Summer Youth Development Programs. All these acts define a champion of civil rights. I stand today, Madam Speaker, for Lee Elder, not only for his dedication to the game of golf but also for his outstanding commitment in paving the way for people of color to pursue their passions in both their studies and their sports. Using his fame and fortune to establish a foundation to help Black students and the United Negro College Fund is also an important part of his legacy. Standing on the shoulders of such an athlete shows us what we all know in our hearts to be true: without the likes of Lee Elder, there might not be a Tiger Woods nor entry into Country Clubs. Mr. Eider's efforts yielded a fairer way on all fairways across this land.

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I hereby remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 5344.

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I would respectfully disagree with the gentleman in his opposition. There are a couple of things that I think are important to be pointed out. As the vice chair of the Small Business Committee of the House, I continue to hear the stories from women-owned businesses, veteran businesses, minority-owned businesses, and those that are socially and economically disadvantaged, that they want this; that they believe that if you increase these goals, things then will change. By the way, these goals are aspirational; that is why they are called goals. This is not a mandate; not saying that we are going to move 1 year to another. It is all aspirational. And we believe it is the right thing to do; otherwise I don't know what we go back and say to those different groups of individuals. Now, Republican and Democratic Members alike on this committee have heard over and over again about how we ought to do more; how we ought to push the government to actually do what it ought to be doing in many respects. But, again, this is an aspirational goal. These are very, very small increases. And as we talk about defense contracting and the ability of minority businesses, women-owned businesses and, even more importantly, as I have said before, service- disabled veteran businesses to be able to compete with some real hope of being able to benefit. I would really urge passage of this amendment. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Mfume-Neguse amendment which will codify Congress' support for small businesses across the country, particularly as it relates to this defense bill. This amendment increases the overall Federal contracting goal for eligible small businesses from 23 to 25 percent. But more specifically, the amendment also increases the Federal contracting subgoals in different areas. For example, for service-disabled veterans, who we always talk about and sometimes do something about, this is an important aspect of this amendment because, for service-disabled veterans, this increases the contracting goal from 3 to 4 percent, over a year or two. For qualified small businesses, it increases the Historically Underutilized Business Zone contracting goals from 3 to 4 percent. And for qualified women-owned and controlled businesses, it increases the contracting goals from 5 to 7 percent; which I think is significant for women-owned businesses and, as I said before, those disabled veteran businesses. For small businesses that are owned by socially-disadvantaged individuals, it increases the contracting goal to 15 percent, and it does that over 4 years incrementally. This is an extremely rare opportunity for us to do something in this particular bill about the people who are going to be benefiting from the bill and the people who have worked so hard in and out and around the defense industry who are small businesses in our country, veteran- owned businesses, women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses. And at the beginning and the end of the day, Madam Speaker, this is a simple amendment aimed at growing contracting opportunities for those categories. And again, this is not a mandate; these are goals, and we think they are very achievable. I would urge consideration, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I look forward to the gentleman, not only being on the committee, but agreeing and certainly offering the invitation to work together. My hope is that this passes; and, if it does, then I would extend to him the opportunity to do that, and I would join with him in doing that to make sure the already existing goals are achievable, and the aspirational goals really represent a ray of hope for these four groups. And I don't favor one over another, except that it is hard for me to look at a service-disabled veteran who is trying to do business in a bill dealing with defense, and to be able to say, well, I am sorry, we just didn't do it again. So I would close--I appreciate the gentleman's opposition, although I don't agree with it, and I would urge passage of this amendment, Madam Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of a measure on which I am a proud original cosponsor--H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021. Named for my friend and classmate from the 100th Congress, Congressman John Lewis, H.R. 4 honors America's promise to keep our democracy open to all--regardless of gender, income, race, color, or creed. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 are some of the most consequential acts of Congress passed in our lifetime. The Voting Rights Act was a needed countermeasure to the voter suppression efforts emanating across many states as a part of America's ``Jim Crow'' era. The Voting Rights Act required preclearance of changes and adjustments made to voting laws by certain states and local jurisdiction--jurisdictions with long and demonstrated histories of discrimination. The jurisdictions captured by the preclearance designation are said to be subject to the ``coverage formula.'' In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down the ``coverage formula'' of the Voting Rights Act in many respects. The Court's rationale, with which I disagree, was the discrimination targeted by the original Voting Rights Act is outdated and is no longer relevant. It's a play on the notion of ``my ancestors discriminated against you, not me'' so there is no allowable remedy for that discrimination and its vestiges. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act updates the coverage formula component of the Voting Rights Act, using data, testimony, and evidence captured by the House Committee on Administration through various hearings and briefings. Over the course of 13 hearings in two Congresses, including six just this year, the House Judiciary Committee built a substantial record demonstrating the continuing and current need for preclearance protections. Additionally, the House Administration Committee's Elections Subcommittee conducted numerous hearings and issued a report on ``Voting In America: Ensuring Free And Fair Access To The Ballot.'' The combined record shows that in the absence of a preclearance requirement, a number of states swiftly passed voter suppression laws, including many state and local jurisdictions that had previously been subject to preclearance before the 2013 Supreme Court decision. For example, within 24 hours of the ruling, Texas and North Carolina reinstated voter ID laws, which were later held to be intentionally racially discriminatory. These court rulings, however, came too late for many minority voters. In both states, their discriminatory laws were in effect for three years before being struck down, including during the 2014 midterm elections. In short, without preclearance, these states were able to hold elections under discriminatory rules that banned minority citizens' ability to vote, and those citizens had no remedy for the harm they suffered. The onslaught of voter suppression targeting minority citizens has continued unabated. Today, Americans face the worst voter suppression campaign in America since Jim Crow. State lawmakers have introduced over 400 voter suppression bills in 49 states this year alone. And at least 18 states enacted 30 laws that restrict access to the ballot, with likely many more on the way. These laws suppress the vote--they make mail voting and early voting more difficult, reduce availability at polling places, unleash a flurry of faulty voter purges, and exacerbate barriers at poll stations for Americans with disabilities, among other blatant suppression tactics. Now, with H.R. 4, the House is restoring the preclearance protection with a new formula, which is ironclad constitutionally and which will make significant progress to restore the purpose of the Voting Right Act: ``banish the blight of racial discrimination in voting.'' As Members of Congress, our duty lies in upholding our democracy and serving the American people. Our nation provides the opportunity for its people to amplify their voices at the ballot box. The United States Constitution allows us to correct any underlying issue that poses a threat to this fundamental right. I urge my colleagues to cast their vote in favor of this critical measure and to protect every citizen's vote from the wave of voter suppression laws flooding our Nation. Americans deserve nothing less than the ability to participate freely in our nation's political process.

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I stand today to honor a dedicated worker and public servant who has committed herself to the service of others. Mrs. Katie Malone, of whom I speak has gone the extra mile for the constituents of Maryland's 7th Congressional District for 15 consecutive years. From handling military service academy application requests to working to obtain passports for people who were in emergency predicaments, Mrs. Malone has given effort above and beyond what could be expected of someone working in her capacity for a congressional office. This is borne out through the many testimonials and kudos I have received from parents and high school counselors who have repeatedly applauded her extra caring for young people competitively attempting to be appointed to one of our nation's military academies. Likewise, her empathy, care, and concern for new arrivals in America is exemplified by her excellent service to immigrants coming to Maryland. Whether refugee, asylum seeker or Special Immigration Visa applicant each person, every family and local communities were connected to a person in Katie who wanted to transition people smoothly and seamlessly into our great and welcoming State of Maryland. As demonstrated by her care and affection for her husband, William Malone, and children Abigail, Jane, Jack, and Erin, it is obvious that Bill and Katie are giving parents who know and teach that all people matter regardless of their background or station in life. Working to improve the mail delivery and postal service options for everyone in the district regardless of zip code is another effort Katie has undertaken. Seniors and service personnel who rely on the timely delivery of mail have particularly benefited from her efforts. She handled special projects with special care and always did it with a smile on her face. If you were to look up the term ``constituent service'' in the dictionary, Katie Malone's picture would be there. Since June of 2006 when the late Elijah Cummings hired her to work in his congressional office Katie has toiled in the trenches. She has addressed constituent complaints in an effective and efficient yet friendly manner. Service to the public has been her hallmark. I have received numerous compliments about her work and the effort she gives to get things done for the people of my district. So, it is with heartfelt gratitude that I rise to recognize Mrs. Katie Malone for her dedication, hard work and public service to the benefit of all in the 7th District, throughout Maryland and indeed for our Nation. May she continue to be a beacon of light in a sometimes-dark world of public engagement. We were fortunate to have worked with someone as enthusiastic, competent, and optimistic as Katie. May her future endeavors continue to touch people with the positivity that she has shown in her public service for both Elijah and myself in Maryland's 7th Congressional District

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I was not recorded on H.R. 391, the vote that occurred a little while ago. Had I been recorded, my vote would have been in the affirmative.

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I rise this morning to commemorate the life of a gentle giant and a great theologian: Reverend Doctor Marcus Garvey Wood. His celebration of life and homegoing service is taking place in Baltimore's Providence Baptist Church tomorrow morning. Reverend Wood, who I knew as ``my mother's favorite cousin,'' was one of seven children born to Frank Wood, a hardworking carpenter born into slavery, and Julia Wood, a dedicated and giving homemaker. They lived modestly on a family farm in Gloucester, Virginia. With nothing more than 25 cents and a commitment to serve, Reverend Wood entered adulthood at the age of 17. It did not take him long to begin his spiritual journey. He preached his first sermon as a senior in high school and shortly thereafter, became licensed by the church to preach in 1937. By the Grace of God, Dr. Wood was ordained as a Baptist minister only 3 years later. Reverend Wood devoted most of his life to serving the community around him. An inspiring leader, he was pivotal in community service and played a key role in the 1960's Civil Rights Movement in Baltimore, marching alongside his noteworthy former classmate and lifelong friend, Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Reverend Wood and I share the same undergraduate alma mater, Morgan State University. By the end of his academic journey, Reverend Wood had obtained two bachelor's degrees, a master's degree in divinity, and was bestowed the high honor of receiving a ``Distinguished Alumni Award'' from Crozer Theological Seminary. He was the last surviving member of his class at Crozer Theological Seminary--where he met Dr. King--to begin what was to be a personal connection to both Dr. King and his legacy. Reverend Wood carried what he learned from his academic pursuits and his peers into a career of visionary leadership and public service. From launching innovative techniques like opening solar-heated and ADA accessible church facilities, to developing the Providence Adult Day Care Center, no stone could be left unturned. He spread his love around the world and traveled to countries like England, Scotland, Russia, and Ireland to attend religious conferences. He made room to dedicate time to developing food programs, an AIDS ministry, prison outreach, and a committee for the homeless. He maintained memberships to different organizations, boards, and agencies such as the Baltimore Urban League, the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, the NAACP, and many more. Reverend Wood's wife of 69 years, the former Bessie Pendleton, died in 2017. He leaves to mourn his passing a brother, Dr. Garnett Wood; daughter, Jeanetta James; son, Marcus G. Wood; and grandchildren Kevin Brown, Darrell Brown-Bey, Monica G. Wood and Melissa G. Wood Bartholomew; as well as two great grandchildren and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. Madam Speaker, in closing, Reverend Wood disavowed any trappings or pretensions and lived his faith in God. He did not suffer fools lightly and was one of a kind. He was, as they say, ``the Real McCoy.'' Reverend Doctor Marcus Garvey Wood left a memory with every person he interacted with, including myself. May his soul forever rest in peace.

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and to recognize and honor a day that symbolizes freedom for all African-ancestored Americans. My thanks to my colleague, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, for taking the lead on this important legislation and for doing the hard work to put the imprimatur of the United States Congress on this day, a day that means so much to so many. As an original cosponsor of the legislation, I am proud to say that, once again, we are at the doorstep of history, and to finally acknowledge that history in a new light. Juneteenth is a reminder that we must continue to move forward in honor and in recognition of ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and the nameless and faceless generations of African Americans that we will never know. Their plight and this history are all captured in the words of the poet Langston Hughes when he wrote: I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen when company comes, but I laugh, and eat well, and I grow strong. Tomorrow, I'll be at the table when company comes. Nobody'll dare say to me, ``eat in the kitchen'' then. Besides, they'll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed. I, too, am America. Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this Juneteenth National Independence Act, and I encourage all of my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California, Ms. Chu, for bringing us to this point. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 275, condemning the horrific shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 16, 2021, and reaffirming this body's commitment to combating hate, combating bigotry, and combating violence against the Asian-American community and the Asia-Pacific Islander community. It is consistent with this body's approach to racism that has affected African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans. Madam Speaker, I am a bit lost at some of the comments that I have listened to because, on the other side of the House, someone mentioned that this has everything to do with the trial. This has nothing to do with the trial. This has to do with those innocent people who were murdered. The trial never came up. This has nothing to do with trying to point fingers. This is about people who got up that day with families and all died because they happened to be in a certain place at a certain time. Sometimes when I listen to that, I say to myself: Well, you really don't understand. You really don't understand. Maybe it is nice to be born male and White when no one has ever attacked you because of your skin color, because of your heritage, because you are male. I just repudiate all of that. It sickens me to see the level of violence being perpetrated against Asian Americans who represent our friends. They are our neighbors. They are our fellow Americans, our coworkers. Over 600 cases have dotted the news throughout this Nation in just the first few months of this year, with two-thirds of those cases being against Asian-American women, where they were kicked, and they were beaten, and they were stabbed, and they were hit with bricks. Doesn't that sicken us to the point that we really want to just condemn this, as we should? In an era of smaller vision, rampant apathy, and celebrated mediocrity, we desperately need those who will stand up for that which is right and to fight like hell against that which is wrong. I urge passage of this resolution.

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I rise this morning to call attention to the passing of First Sergeant Boyd McDaniels III, a Fellow Brother Mason and friend to all that would come to know him. His funeral services are taking place as I speak. First Sergeant McDaniels was a dedicated and highly accomplished soldier who served in several high-profile conflicts, including Desert Storm I and II, Operation Iraqi Freedom and several other classified missions. A skilled soldier, Boyd rose through the ranks of the Army and served in both the famed 82nd Airborne Division and 101st Airborne Division and was also a trained marksman. He received his training in lithography at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he also served years later as a drill sergeant. Boyd was a highly decorated veteran who served with great honor and distinction. During his service, he was the recipient of two Bronze Star Awards. Among his other military honors was a U.S. flag, Service Star, Office Star Professional Badge, Basic Marks, Quail Badge, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Badge, Parachutist Terrorism Service Medal, Meritorious Service medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award and the Army Good Conduct Medal. The Army is also where Boyd met his future wife and the love of his life, Deborah, when they were both serving in Germany. He retired from the U.S. Military on June 1, 2003. Boyd was also called to another type of service while serving in the military: becoming active in two fraternal organizations. While in Germany he joined the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons of North America becoming the lodge's youngest ever ``Most Worshipful Grand Master.'' He would later rise to the rank of 33rd degree. He was also a member of Shriners International. Boyd was a huge Dallas Cowboys and avid South Carolina Gamecocks football fan. He also loved his Lamar High School Silver Foxes, his alma mater (Class of 1984). Gregarious, outgoing and the life of the party, Boyd loved to have a good time and wanted others to enjoy themselves as well. Family was the most important thing to him. He talked to his mom every day and adored his wife and two sons. They were the center of his universe. First Sergeant McDaniels leaves to mourn his passing a wife, Deborah McDaniels of Columbia, S.C.; two sons Bryan McDaniels of Columbia, S.C. and Ryan McDaniels of Rock Hill, S.C.; his parents, Rev. Boyd McDaniel, Jr. and Mamie Lee McDaniels of Darlington, S.C.; three siblings, Tara (Michael) Bines of Columbia, S.C., Zachary (Andrea) McDaniels of Baltimore, MD, Connie (Troy) McDaniels Williams of Florence S.C.; and sister-in-law Charlene Swain (David) and two brothers-in-law, Troy (Linda) Cummings and Ronald Cummings of Eatonton, GA. He also has eight nieces and nephews--Marcus, Kyla, Kelsen, Chelsea, Kiera, Kevis, Emma and Troy Jr. Mr. McDaniels was preceded in death by two siblings, Robin Lee Williams and Phillip ``Ricky'' Rueben. May Boyd's soul rest in peace.

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, there is an old African proverb that says: Until the lions tell their own story, the tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter. Who are the lions? They are the victims. They are Black and Brown and indigenous. They have suffered, endured, and survived 200 years of brutality, slavery, racism, Jim Crow, oppression, deprivation, degradation, denial, and disprivilege. We have learned in this country one thing, that justice comes in small steps. And when we consider the enslavement of the Negro, the extermination of the Indian, the annexation of the Hispanic, our Nation that we love had an iniquitous conception. So these small steps, no matter how painful they are, must be taken. This bill helps move us toward a more perfect Union. I urge passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 264.

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn), the distinguished whip of the House of Representatives.

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I want to make sure that I mention my appreciation to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield) for the way they succinctly captured a great swath of American history over the period of time that followed Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 all the way up to the beginning of the Black Codes and the failing of Reconstruction, an era that held great hope for this country but did not come to pass and really was not evidenced until many, many decades later, as Mr. Clyburn pointed out. I am happy and honored to bring this measure forward. I want to thank the gentlewoman from South Carolina for all of her efforts and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Rice) for their work advancing this. Madam Speaker, I strongly urge the passage of H.R. 264. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 264) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1101 Charlotte Street in Georgetown, South Carolina, as the ``Joseph Hayne Rainey Memorial Post Office Building''.

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues here in the House in consideration of H.R. 264 to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1101 Charlotte Street in Georgetown, South Carolina, as the Joseph Hayne Rainey Memorial Post Office Building. Joseph Rainey was the first African-American Member of the United States House of Representatives and one of 14 Black Representatives elected before the end of Reconstruction in 1877. Joseph Rainey was born into slavery in Georgetown, South Carolina, in 1832. His father was a barber and used his earnings to buy freedom for himself and his family and, yes, including Joseph. Later, during the Civil War, Joseph was drafted by the Confederacy, but he escaped to Bermuda and his wife and he there started a business. In 1866, he returned to Georgetown where he became the county's Republican Party chairman. Just a few years later, in 1870, he was elected to the United States Congress where he served until 1879, making him the longest serving African-American Member of Congress in the 19th century. Following his time in Congress, Rainey was appointed as a Federal agent of the U.S. Treasury Department. He returned to South Carolina in 1886 and, unfortunately, passed away the following year in Georgetown. Representative Joe Rainey fought tirelessly for civil rights, education, and economic opportunity for all people. He left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. So, at the very least, naming a post office in his honor will continually help all of us to remember the contributions of this remarkable trailblazer. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield).

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 772) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 229 Minnetonka Avenue South in Wayzata, Minnesota, as the ``Jim Ramstad Post Office''.

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. MFUME

Mr. MFUME. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material on this measure.