A. McEachin

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on October 23, 2019 during roll call no. 579, On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 650, Providing for consideration of H.R. 4617, the Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 580, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 650, Providing for consideration of H.R. 4617, the Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 581 , On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 4617, Lesko of Arizona Part B Amendment No. 2. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 582, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 4617, SHIELD Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 583, On Passage, H.R. 4617, SHIELD Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 584, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 777, Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on October 21, 2019 during roll call no. 568, On Motion to Table, H.Res. 647, Raising a question of the privileges of the House. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 569, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 4406, Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 570, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 4407, SCORE for Small Business Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on October 17, 2019 during roll call No. 561, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1815, Huizenga of Michigan Part B Amendment No. 1. Had I been present, I would have voted ``No.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 562, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1815, Gottheimer of New Jersey Part B Amendment No. 2. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 563, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 1815, Wagner of Missouri Part B Amendment No. 3. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call No. 564, On Passage, H.R. 1815, SEC Disclosure Effectiveness Testing Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on October 18, 2019 during roll call no. 565, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 3624, Huizenga of Michigan Part C Amendment No. 1. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 566, On Agreeing to the Amendment, H.R. 3624, Hill of Arkansas Part C Amendment No. 2. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 567, On Passage, H.R. 3624, Outsourcing Accountability Act of 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 24, 2019 during roll call no. 541, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 3190, BURMA Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 27, 2019 during roll call no. 553, On Passage, S.J. Res. 54, Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 554, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 3722, Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 555, On Motion to Table, H. Res. 603, Raising a question of the privileges of the House. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on October 15, 2019 during roll call no. 556, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 2385, To permit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a grant program to conduct cemetery research and produce educational materials for the Veterans Legacy Program. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 557, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 95, Homeless Veteran Families Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 26, 2019 during roll call no. 549, On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 591, Providing for consideration of S.J. Res. 54, relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 550, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 591, Providing for consideration of S.J. Res. 54, relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 551, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 3525, U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening Standards Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 552, On Passage, H.R. 3525, U.S. Border Patrol Medical Screening Standards Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on October 16, 2019 during roll call no. 558, On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 629, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1815) SEC Disclosure Effectiveness Testing Act, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3624) Outsourcing Accountability Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 559, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 629, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1815) SEC Disclosure Effectiveness Testing Act, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3624) Outsourcing Accountability Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 560, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.J. Res. 77, Opposing the decision to end certain United States efforts to prevent Turkish military operations against Syrian Kurdish forces in Northeast Syria. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and remember the legacy of the African American Bateaumen of the James River. These men played critical roles in establishing the economy of colonial Virginia, and it is imperative we honor and remember their work. The James River Bateau, a series of flat-bottomed wooden cargo vessels first used in the 1770's, was the primary means of transporting goods on the James River until 1840. Crews of men performed the difficult, dangerous, and physically demanding work of moving tobacco and other goods and services up and down the river, connecting Richmond to the wider world. Their efforts helped make the City of Richmond a regional hub for industry and commerce. I am pleased that the Commonwealth is recognizing the profound impact of the African American Bateaumen of the James River with a historical highway marker designation from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. By highlighting the experiences of these men, this highway marker helps us achieve a more inclusive understanding of our shared history. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the legacy of the African American Bateaumen. Their contributions to colonial Virginia were formative in growing the Commonwealth's economy, and I am grateful for their work. This landmark designation will help us remember the important work they did and preserve their legacy for future generations.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the unveiling of the Virginia Women's Monument in Richmond, Virginia. I would like to recognize the Virginia Council on Women for hosting the unveiling of this groundbreaking monument, the first-of-its-kind in the country to be erected on State Capitol grounds. The Virginia Women's Monument acknowledges the profound achievements and lasting legacies of extraordinary women who have lived and worked in Virginia. The monument honors over four hundred years of women's history through twelve historic Virginia women: Anne Burras Laydon, Cockacoeske, Mary Draper Ingles, Martha Washington, Clementina Rind, Elizabeth Keckley, Sally L. Tompkins, Maggie L. Walker, Sarah G. Jones, Laura S. Copenhaver, Virginia E. Randolph, and Adele Clark. These women made significant strides for the betterment of our Commonwealth and our country. Their distinct accomplishments range across various fields, such as business, banking, arts, politics, medicine, and social justice. These women deserve a prominent platform and our nation's attention, and I am honored to recognize them. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these distinguished women and honoring their memories through the dedication of the Virginia Women's Monument.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company and all of the attendees of the ``Remember Them'' convocation on October 1, 2019, which commemorated the 400-year anniversary of the African Holocaust. The Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company has helped increase awareness about the transatlantic slave trade, and I am grateful for their efforts in organizing this important commemoration. The 400-year African Holocaust commemoration is an opportunity to mourn and reflect on the enduring impacts of the transatlantic slave trade, and to celebrate all that our community has overcome and achieved since 1619. We must always remember those who were affected by this horrific and painful chapter of history, and learn from our shared past. As we reflect, let us honor the resilience of our community, and reinvigorate our commitment to justice. Together, I know we can create an equitable and fair future for all generations. Madam Speaker, please join me in expressing my gratitude to the Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company and all of the attendees of the ``Remember Them'' convocation for their work to better our community. As we look toward our next chapter, let us never forget where we have come from, nor the experiences of those who came before us. I wish them the best for a successful and healing event.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 19, 2019 during roll call no. 536, On Ordering the Previous Question, H. Res. 564, Providing for consideration of H.R. 4378, Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2020, and for other purposes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 537, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 564, Providing for consideration of H.R. 4378, Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2020, and for other purposes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 538, On Passage, H.R. 4378, Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2020, and for other purposes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 20, 2019 during roll call no. 539, On Agreeing to the Amendment, Jordan of Ohio Part B Amendment No. 1, H.R. 1423, Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 540, On Passage, H.R. 1423, Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 18, 2019 during roll call no. 533, On Ordering the Previous Question, H.Res. 558, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1423) FAIR Act; waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 534, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H.Res. 558, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1423) FAIR Act; waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 535, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 4285, Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 17, 2019 during roll call no. 531, On Motion to Instruct Conferees, S. 1790, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 532, On Closing Portions of the Conference, S. 1790, National Defense Authorization Act of the Fiscal Year 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 9, 2019 during roll call no. 515, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 1420, Energy Efficient Government Technology Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 516, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H.R. 1768, Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 10, 2019 during roll call no. 517, On Ordering the Previous Question to H. Res. 548, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 205), Protecting and Securing Florida's Coastline Act; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1146), Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1941), Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 518, On Agreeing to the Resolution, H. Res. 548, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 205), Protecting and Securing Florida's Coastline Act; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1146), Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1941), Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 519, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 2852, Homebuyer Assistance Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 11, 2019 during roll call no. 520, On Agreeing to the Amendment, Gosar of Arizona Part B Amendment No. 3, as Modified, to H.R. 205, Protecting and Serving Florida's Coastline Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 521, On Passage of H.R. 205, Protecting and Securing Florida's Coastline Act of 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 522, On Agreeing to the Amendment, Gosar of Arizona Part F Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 1941, Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 523, On Agreeing to the Amendment, Gosar of Arizona Part F Amendment No. 7 to H.R. 1941, Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted, ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 524, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 1941, Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 525, On Passage of H.R. 1941, Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted, ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 12, 2019 during roll call no. 526, On Agreeing to the Amendment, Young of Alaska Part D Amendment No. 1 to H.R. 1146, Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 527, On Agreeing to the Amendment, Gosar of Arizona Part D Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 1146, Artic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 528, On Agreeing to the Amendment, Gosar of Arizona Part D Amendment No. 3, as Modified to H.R. 1146, Artic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 529, On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 1146, Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted, ``nay.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 530, On Passage of H.R. 1146, Arctic Cultural and Coastal Plain Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record a commemoration of George Washington Carver High School and the George Washington Carver Alumni and Friends Association. It is with great pleasure that I commend George Washington Carver High School for receiving a historical highway marker designation from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. George Washington Carver High School was founded in 1948 after African-Americans in Chesterfield County advocated for a new high school to address the lack of appropriate educational opportunities and services for African-American students. Over the next 22 years, George Washington Carver High School was the county's only public high school for African-American students. Mr. William Albert ``W.A.'' Brown, the sole principal of the school, along with his faculty and staff, propelled George Washington Carver High School to become a center of intellectual and cultural excellence within the community. George Washington Carver High School closed its doors in 1970 due to desegregation across the country. To honor its legacy of breaking barriers and providing exceptional educational opportunities, the George Washington Carver Alumni and Friends Association formed in 2014. For the past five years, the organization has provided services for the community, such as mentoring, volunteering, and supporting students with scholarships and other resources. Due to the efforts of the George Washington Carver Alumni and Friends Association, the former school site was recognized with a historical highway marker by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The Association's outreach efforts and tireless advocacy prove that the work ethic instilled in the 22 classes of George Washington Carver High School endures today. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources approved George Washington Carver Alumni and Friends Association's request to designate the former high school as a historic site on April 17, 2019. The official recognition ceremony was on June 21, 2019, with a representative from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and the unveiling of a large mounted poster at the George Washington Carver Alumni and Friends Association Biennial Scholarship Benefit Gala will be held on September 21, 2019. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring the George Washington Carver High School and the legacy it has left behind for the entire country

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record a statement from Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman, founder and spiritual leader of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach, and the representative of the Jewish community at the City of Chesapeake's civic occasions. Consider ``Day of Caring'' To Honor Beach Victims (By Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman) At this trying and beclouded time of grief and sorrow, we gradually and painfully come to grips with the enormity of our losses diminishing us all as well as our newly discovered vulnerabilities. Our beloved Virginia Beach and the entire Hampton Roads community lost its beautiful but dangerously blinding innocence on that fateful Friday afternoon. How could we imagine that the mass shootings in other regions would not reach us too? Truth to be told no one is insulated and immune in the wide American landscape. What happens around us near and far is bound to affect us at home. However, we are obligated to protect ourselves as best as we can given whatever limitations we face. We are called upon now to pick up together the shattered pieces of a complex and confounding reality to reemerge rededicated and reenergized to make our threatened world, inwardly and outwardly, a safer home and better place for one and all. Our fallen 12 heroes who so callously and cowardly were taken from their loving families, co-workers, neighbors, friends and all of us, deserve no less. For their cherished memories' sake and our very survival and future let us engage more than ever with those around us, particularly the ones we deem to be beyond our intimate circle of close associates. We acknowledge that the social phenomenon of alienation is a hallmark of our challenging times. Pleasant surprises do await us when willing to reach out beyond the familiar and engage others in simple but far-reaching acts of human interaction that hitherto we regarded as too threatening and non-consequential. There is much to be learned, gained and prevented by exercising our extraordinary ability of ordinary communication in our wonderfully diverse human environment in Hampton Roads in which too many may feel lonely, unnoticed and undervalued. So called ``strangers'' cease to be strangers once we encounter and appreciate our common humanity and shared American dream in which we all have a critical stake. The Bible wisely instructs us that a celebration is not complete without including the strangers in our midst so they may transform their status, claiming their rightful place in society and in our hearts. Spreading more and more conscious but random acts of kindness and goodness in our shared garden of life and civic exchange, is bound to grow beneficial returns in kind. At times a reassuring smile and a generous act on the road and in the office can go a long way and even stymie road and office rage. Our democratic and educational institutions on all levels demand our involvement and support that necessary change should occur. Surely prudent and common-sense gun control legislation along with an accountable and responsible mental health system are on the agenda. Are we waiting for more mass shootings' tragedies, oceans of tears and cries of family survivors of different languages and geographies, and heart- wrenching memorial services to propel us into action? Ought we not teach, beginning at one's home, that each finite human life is of infinite worth, and each of us is an entire, irreplaceable universe of purpose and meaning reflecting the Most High? We are witnesses to what irreparable damage can be done by a few minutes of unchecked madness and unrelenting evil, using weapons of mass destruction equipped with silencers. Let us not allow a corrosive culture of death to replace a promising culture of life. It would be advantageous for our entire nation to take a day out for national soul-searching and resolve to delve into issues that should be paramount on our American agenda. A day in which we engage in discussions and activities toward healing our nation, creating a ``National Day of Caring'' that would create a ripple effect. The slogan ``VB Strong'' has joined us to the sorrowful and hurting family of previously affected communities, even as we pray and plan that our Virginia Beach is the last in such an unenviable category of suffering. I suggest that we be better served by the slogan, ``VB Cares,'' which is ultimately the source of authentic strength. What befell us will surely not define us, but we cannot deny it. It may yet refine us to become more compassionate, considerate and connected with each other. My 99-year-old mom, a Polish Holocaust survivor, called me from Israel that dark day, asking, ``What's happening to America?'' Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman is the founder and spiritual leader of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach. He is Honorary Senior Rabbi Scholar at Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach. He represents the Jewish community at the city of Chesapeake's civic occasions.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on June 12, 2019 during roll call no. 250, on the Motion to Adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted nay.

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on June 10, 2019 during roll call no. 242, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 542, the Supporting Research and Development for First Responders Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 243, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 2539, the Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I was unavoidably detained during roll call no. 244, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 2590, the DHS Overseas Personnel Enhancement Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. McEACHIN

Mr. McEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on April 10, 2019 during roll call no. 163, on Agreeing to the Amendment, Delgado of New York Part A Amendment No. 4, to H.R. 1644, the Save the Internet Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 164, on Agreeing to the Amendment, Wexton of Virginia Part A Amendment No. 6, to H.R. 1644, the Save the Internet Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was unavoidably detained during roll call no. 165, on Agreeing to the Amendment, McAdams of Utah Part A Amendment No. 12, to H.R. 1644, the Save the Internet Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 166, on Motion to Recommit with Instructions for H.R. 1644, the Save the Internet Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' I was also unavoidably detained during roll call no. 167, on Passage of H.R. 1644, the Save the Internet Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''