Eleanor Norton

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, I introduce the Protecting Independent Contractors from Discrimination Act, which would extend to independent contractors the same federal antidiscrimination protections enjoyed by employees. My bill would extend the following antidiscrimination statutes, which apply to employees, to independent contractors: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. In a Bureau of Labor Statistics 2005 analysis of the American workforce, approximately seven percent were considered independent contractors. That number has surely only grown in the 13 years since that analysis with the growth of the so-called ``gig economy.'' Independent contractors, who often do the same work as employees, have almost none of the same protections, including health insurance, collective bargaining, retirement security and even antidiscrimination. My bill focuses only on discrimination, such as discrimination based on race, age and gender, from which every worker is entitled to be free. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Coach Neal Henderson on his induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Over the past 40 years, Coach Henderson has led the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club, known as the Cannons. Henderson fell in love with hockey at a young age when his father, a Merchant Marine, was stationed in St. Catharines, Ontario during World War II. After moving back to the U.S., he settled in the District of Columbia in the 1960s with his family. He shared his love of hockey with those willing to learn and soon recognized interest in the game far exceeded the narrow streets of the District where he taught neighborhood kids. To meet the demand, Henderson started renting ice space at the Fort Dupont Ice Arena and, in 1978, he established the Cannons with his high school classmate, Betty Dean. For the next 40 years, he coached the Cannons at Fort Dupont Ice Arena and continues to be a community icon. Coach Henderson saw hockey as an opportunity to give youth from predominantly low-income communities a chance to play and develop greater connections through the game. Henderson's Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club is a developmental program that provides local and inner- city youth with the opportunity to participate in an organized ice hockey program. The team colors are black, gold and white, symbolic of African-American history in the District--black soldiers, brass buttons and white officers. The Cannons is one of the oldest minority hockey club in North America. The team is made up of 50 players between the ages of 8-18 predominantly from Southwest and Northwest D.C. neighborhoods and has been recognized by the Washington Capitals. Henderson and his players had the unique opportunity to touch the Stanley Cup in June 2018 when the Capitals came to Fort Dupont. Henderson's organization has supported over 1,000 children since its inception in 1978 and encourages students to succeed beyond the rink. Coach Henderson's program has an 85% high school graduation rate, and he incorporates educational activities, such as visits to museums and colleges, when the team travels for tournaments. Henderson embodies the best values of the District of Columbia and its residents. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Neal Henderson for his achievements and contributions to the District of Columbia and its children, and for his well-deserved induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 11th annual ``DC Beer Week,'' a week-long series of events celebrating the independent craft beer industry, local beer culture and the rich brewing legacy in the District of Columbia. Sponsored by the District of Columbia Brewers' Guild, DC Beer Week will take place this year from September 8 through September 15. Many of the District's breweries, taverns, restaurants and cultural institutions will participate in more than 30 beer-related events throughout the week to highlight the successful rebirth of the brewing industry in the District, and the quality and diversity of craft beer produced in our area and across the nation. DC Beer Week not only serves to celebrate the brewing industry. It also serves as a nod to the rich brewing history we have right here in the District. The first brewery in D.C. opened in 1796. The District became home to dozens of breweries in every section of the city, many right here in the shadow of the Capitol. By the late 1800s, our area was home to some of the most prosperous breweries and recognizable beer brands in the nation, such as the Christian Heurich Brewing Company in the District and the Portner Brewing Company in Alexandria. The District became especially known for the introduction and production of quality lagers in the southeast United States. Although most of our breweries did not survive prohibition, the Heurich Brewing Company reopened after the repeal of the 18th Amendment in 1933 and remained operational until 1956. The legacy of Christian Heurich is preserved at his Victorian mansion--``the Brewmaster's Castle''--in Dupont Circle, which is operated by the Heurich House Museum. Of course, DC Beer Week would not be possible without the rebirth of the brewing industry in our city. After more than a 50-year absence, over the past decade we have seen the opening of more than a dozen D.C.-based production breweries and brewpubs. Despite limited industrial space, production breweries such as DC Brau Brewing Company, Atlas Brew Works, 3 Stars Brewing Company, Hellbender Brewing Company and Right Proper Brewing have gained a national reputation for producing high-quality beer. In addition, since the opening of the District Chophouse and Brewery in 1997, District residents now have several options to enjoy a quality meal with their locally brewed beer at establishments such as Bluejacket, Gordon Biersch-Navy Yard, the Public Option, Right Proper Shaw Brewpub and our newest additions, Red Bear Brewing Company and Valor Brewpub. These breweries not only provide great craft beer for local consumers, but also provide hundreds of jobs for local residents, make significant contributions to our local tax base and serve as anchors for economic development in neighborhoods throughout the District. Our tight-knit breweries are outstanding and active citizens of our community and support various charitable causes and community non-profit organizations. They are also leaders in supporting diversity and inclusion in our local business community. I urge all of my colleagues, constituents and visitors to the District to come together to raise a glass in support of DC Beer Week and the local brewing community. There are great events throughout the week, such as Fun Run on Sunday from Right Proper to Red Bear, the Kickoff Party at Bluejacket, a Home Brewing Competition hosted by 3 Stars, a Record Fair at Right Proper, a celebration of Women in Beer at Red Bear and a Sunset Cruise hosted by DC Brau. Taverns such as Roofers Union, Boundary Stone, Churchkey and Church Hall will be hosting exciting events featuring beers from multiple local breweries, and there will be the annual ``Brewers on the Block'' festival at Union Market. In addition, the Heurich House will be curating an Educational Events series that will include opportunities to learn about beer history, culture and the art of brewing. There truly will be something for everyone. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing DC Beer Week for its contribution to the District's historic beer culture and our local economy.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing James Nathanial Short Jr., a District of Columbia native and retired 33-year veteran of the D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday. James Short Jr., who can trace his lineage in the United States as far back as 1781, was born to James N. Short Sr. and Ollie W. Short. The couple raised their six children in the historic Langston Terrace Dwellings, named for John Mercer Langston, who was Dean of Howard University Law School. Langston Terrace, the first public housing complex in Washington, D.C. (3rd in our Nation), was erected in 1938, designed by African-American architects and managed by Mr. Short's father. James Short Jr. learned the value of God, family and community in this nurturing setting. During his tenure in the fire department, Mr. Short continuously put his life on the line to protect D.C. residents. At one point during his career, a building collapsed on him, yet his injuries did not hold him back and he rose to become Deputy Fire Chief. Mr. Short worked with his colleagues to stop illegal businesses in the District and to curb drug sales. Mr. Short has been a member of Brown Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, on Capitol Hill since 1966 and is also a member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia (Redemption Lodge #24). Mr. Short has been a leader in the civic life of the District. He is the former Chairman of the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Executive Board Member of the National Kidney Foundation, former Boy Scout master for Brown Memorial AME Church and a member of the Hillcrest Community Civic Association. Mr. Short was educated in D.C. public schools and became a certified public manager upon graduating from the George Washington University Graduate School of Business and Public Management. He also received the District of Columbia's ``Center for Excellence in Municipal Management'' certificate. He was a D.C. Master Barber for over 40 years and owned and operated the Le Droit Park Barbershop on Florida Avenue, Northwest. Currently, Mr. Short is President and CEO of Short Consultation, LLC. Mr. Short was granted membership in the University Club of the District of Columbia in 2013 and remains a member in good standing. He enjoys hosting family, community and business gatherings and celebrations there. Mr. Short is blessed with two daughters, Kym Elder and Nicole Short, five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter and a host of family members scattered across the country. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing James Nathanial Short Jr. for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the District of Columbia on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the life and work of Dorothy Louise Strong Johnson on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Dorothy Louise Strong Johnson, daughter of Willie M. Strong and Mary Lucilla Smith Strong, moved to the District of Columbia from North Carolina on July 15, 1937. Her parents put her on a Seaboard Air Line Railroad coach bound for Union Station to live with her Aunt, Nora Roxanne, on 32 K Street NW. Mrs. Johnson was born in Newport News, Virginia but spent her childhood in Hamlet, North Carolina. In school, she was known as an inquisitive student and an active member of the girls' basketball team. During her last year of high school, Mrs. Johnson was unable to return to school until November. Instead, she picked cotton and did other jobs so that she could save money. Not only did she pick cotton in the Hamlet area, she picked cotton as far away as Bennettsville and McColl in South Carolina. After moving to D.C., Mrs. Johnson worked for the United States Bureau of Printing and Engraving from 1942 until 1974. She retired as an assistant supervisor printing money for the Department of the Treasury. During her tenure, she also served as an acting supervisor. Mrs. Johnson married Ivory Johnson, and they had eight children (Dorothy, Gwendolyn, Reginald, Wanda, William, Dora, Wesley and Sheldon). She raised them mostly as a single parent. All of her children finished high school, some attended and completed college, three served in the United States Army and all were employed in civil service occupations. During Mrs. Johnson's residency in D.C., she maintained homes in Northwest, Northeast and Southeast. She is still the owner of two of these homes. When Mrs. Johnson arrived in D.C., her aunt introduced her to the members of the 10th Street Missionary Baptist Church. After worshipping with this congregation, Mrs. Johnson joined and became an active member. Her activism includes being a member of the Prayer Band, serving as a Sunday School teacher, engaging with others in Bible study at her home and serving as an outreach evangelist. She engaged with others in the North Carolina Club, and in later years, was named a Mother of the Church. Upon the death of the church's pastor, she served as the vice chairman of the search committee, which invited the Reverend A. Michael Charles Durant to the pulpit as its present leader. Mrs. Johnson is highly respected for her Christian walk and passion. She remains supportive of the ministries at the 10th Street Missionary Baptist Church. For many decades, Mrs. Johnson volunteered at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center every Monday. As a mother of three veterans, she was fully aware of the needs of these men and women. When she was not serving coffee, she could be found engaged in conversation. In her words, ``They just needed someone to talk with and know that someone cared.'' Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and work of Dorothy Louise Strong Johnson on the occasion of her 100th birthday. We recognize her for the profound impact her life has had on others and for the love and affection she generously shares.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, I introduce a bill similar to one I have introduced in six previous Congresses, the Universal Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2019. My bill would establish and expand prekindergarten programs in public and public charter schools for three- and four-year-old children. The District of Columbia has made considerable strides since I first introduced this bill, but today's bill is still needed for the nation to fill a gap in the ``Every Student Succeeds Act,'' which addresses elementary and secondary education, but ignores the prekindergarten years, the most critical years for children's brain development. My bill seeks a breakthrough in public education by providing funding for states to add prekindergarten for children at three and four years of age, like kindergarten programs for five-year-olds now routinely available in public schools. This bill would eliminate major shortcomings of unevenly available ``day care'' and, importantly, would take advantage of the safe facilities required in public schools. Unless early education becomes a necessary part of a child's education, it almost surely will continue to be unavailable to the majority of families with children. My bill provides federal funds to states, which must be matched by at least 20 percent of a state's own funds; to establish or expand universal, voluntary prekindergarten in public and public charter schools for three- and four-year-olds, regardless of income. The classes, which would be full-day and run throughout the entire school year, must be taught by teachers who possess equivalent or similar qualifications to those teaching other grades in the school. The funds would supplement, not supplant, other federal funds for early childhood education. The unique money-saving aspect of my bill is that it uses the existing public-school infrastructure and trained teachers to make early childhood education available to all, saving billions of dollars for its implementation. The success of Head Start and other prekindergarten programs, combined with new scientific evidence concerning the importance of brain development in early childhood, virtually mandate the expansion of early childhood education to all children today. Early learning programs have been available only to the affluent, who can afford them, and to some low-income families in programs such as Head Start, which would be unaffected by my bill. My bill provides a practical way to universal, public preschool education for the majority of families. The goal of the bill is to afford the benefits of early childhood education to the American working poor, lower-middle-class and middle-class families, most of whom have been left out of this essential education for their children. We cannot afford to allow the most fertile years for childhood development to pass unenriched. My bill responds both to the great needs of parents who seek early childhood education, as well as to today's brain science, which shows that a child's brain development begins much earlier than had been previously understood. Considering the staggering cost of day care, the inaccessibility of early childhood education and the opportunity that early education offers to improve a child's chances of success, schooling for three- and four-year-olds is overdue. The absence of viable options for working families demands our immediate attention. My bill reflects what jurisdictions throughout the nation increasingly are trying to accomplish. The District of Columbia, for example, has achieved an extensive integration of early childhood education as part of a larger effort to improve D.C. public schools. A recent report highlighted the economic benefits of early childhood education, emphasizing its role in expanding job opportunities and decreasing the amount of money spent on programs to address teen pregnancy and crime. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Kingman Boys and Girls Club for 50 years of service to children and families in the District of Columbia. For 50 years, Kingman has provided afterschool programming, academic and cultural enrichment, and athletic programming to young people in D.C. Kingman's staff have worked diligently to provide an atmosphere where all young people feel valued and challenged to achieve their dreams. Kingman continues to be an active contributor to the lives of young people and their families, providing a sense of community, care and stability. We also recognize Aaron ``Cliff'' Webster, the Executive Director of Kingman, for over 40 years of leadership. His background managing multifaceted programs on a shoestring budget has made him essential to maintaining the success of Kingman over the years. Mr. Webster has successfully led Kingman through difficult and changing times with a commitment to nurturing D.C.'s youth. He has worked to create an environment where young people can thrive in their academic and athletic pursuits, and we thank Mr. Webster for being a source of stability and guidance to all who pass through Kingman's doors. His love and dedication for the families of Kingman and the District of Columbia make Aaron ``Cliff'' Webster a role model for our children. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Aaron ``Cliff'' Webster and in congratulating Kingman Boys and Girls Club for 50 years of service to children and families in the District of Columbia.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today I introduced a bill to require the Directors of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) and the District of Columbia Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to reside in the District of Columbia during their tenure. CSOSA is an independent federal agency that supervises offenders only in D.C. PSA is an independent agency within CSOSA that supervises defendants only in D.C. This bill would not apply to those already in office upon enactment. Congress has justifiably required that certain federal officials live in the jurisdiction they serve to ensure in-depth knowledge of the unique issues and challenges residents and these federal officials face, but federal officials serving the District are not required to do so. This patronizing leftover from when the District was governed by the federal government has real effects on residents. There is no reason that the Directors of CSOSA and PSA, federal agencies that uniquely serve D.C. residents, should not be required to live in the District, engage with local communities and work closely with local officials. Adding residency requirements for federal officials serving the District is a matter of fairness for the residents they serve. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to introduce a bill to redesignate the National Park Service-owned Rock Creek Park, in the District of Columbia, as ``Rock Creek National Park.'' Renaming this park will highlight its significance to the nation, including visitors to the nation's capital, and will help get much-needed funding for the park's inviting trails, waterways and other unique features. No additional federal funds will be required. Rock Creek Park is already a national park, established by Congress in 1890 ``for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United States,'' and is the oldest urban park and the third federal park ever created, after Yellowstone and Sequoia. Rock Creek Park was designed to preserve animals, timber, forestry and other interests in the park, and to ensure that its natural state is maintained as much as possible, for all American people, not just for D.C. residents. Over time, several structures have been established or donated to further preserve Rock Creek Park. In 1892, for example, the federal government acquired Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, one of the mills used by local farmers during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. In 1950, the Old Stone House, located at 3051 M Street NW, with its great pre-Revolutionary War architecture, was acquired by the park. The building was restored, and programs explain the house's rich history from the colonial period to the present day. The Fort Circle Parks were also acquired to interpret and preserve the Civil War Defenses of Washington, which created a ring of protection for the nation's capital during the Civil War. Today, Rock Creek Park offers residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Northern Virginia, as well as thousands of visitors, an escape from our increasingly urban environment. Residents and tourists alike enjoy many activities in the park's 2,000 acres, including hiking and biking on the historical trails, horseback riding, picnicking, tennis and other recreational activities in some of the open fields. Our residents have expressed their appreciation by volunteering to clean up and maintain the trails and waterways. Redesignating Rock Creek Park as Rock Creek National Park will help recognize the national status of the park and protect and revitalize this remarkable resource in our nation's capital. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in remembering the life and work of Ronald Clifford Clark. Clark, the co-founder and former executive director of Regional Addiction Prevention, now known as RAP, Inc., passed away on May 14, 2019. He will be remembered by District of Columbia residents for his contributions to the battle against drug addiction and for his love and appreciation of life. Clark moved to the District of Columbia in 1970, at a time when D.C. was facing an addiction epidemic. Originally on a path of becoming a musician, Clark's life took on new purpose after seeing firsthand the damages of drug addiction and a society ill-equipped to handle it. Clark took a novel approach to providing treatment for substance abusers and created a holistic program that was African-centered and drug free. RAP, Inc. was one of the first programs in the District to allow mothers to bring their children into the facility with them while they participated in treatment. It was also one of the first programs to provide services to individuals living with AIDS. Over the years, his strategy proved to be lifesaving and redeeming for many D.C. residents. Clark will also be remembered for his love of music, in particular jazz, which he carried into his work, making sure that music was ever- present in his facilities. As the son of the musician Roy T. Clark, Clark learned how to play piano, saxophone and bass at a young age and later formed a Modern Jazz Society in his early 20s. He was devoted to jazz and for a period of time he had a show called Transitions that aired on Thursdays from midnight to 4am on WPFW-FM 89.3. His organization continues to serve those in need. His work touched and changed thousands of lives in D.C., bringing families back together, motivating individuals to choose different pathways for their lives and changing attitudes of the public about the value of treatment over of sending addicted people to prison. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in remembering Ronald Clifford Clark for his strength of character, his capacity for love, and his commitment to helping others and giving many District of Columbia residents a second chance at a better life.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, I introduce the District of Columbia Bridges Home Rule Act. This bill would repeal a redundant 1997 federal law that makes it a crime for a person in the District of Columbia to obstruct any bridge connecting D.C. and Virginia. The District already had, and continues to have, its own local law prohibiting obstructing a bridge in the District. There is no federal law that prohibits a person in Virginia from obstructing such a bridge or a person in any state from obstructing a bridge connecting two states, and, fortunately, D.C. does not need a federal law to keep our bridges clear either. This law is as offensive as it is redundant. It harks back to a time when a private group in D.C. attempted to block the 14th Street Bridge into Virginia, although there is no evidence that D.C. authorities failed to act. The District's local criminal law prohibiting obstructing a bridge takes care of any obstruction occurring here. Under the 1997 federal law, ``whoever in the District of Columbia knowingly and willfully obstructs any bridge connecting the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia . . . shall be fined not less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000, and in addition may be imprisoned not more than 30 days. . . .'' Under D.C. law, a person may be subject to imprisonment and/or fines for ``crowd[ing], obstruct[ing], or incommod[ing] . . . [t]he use of any street, avenue, alley, road, highway, or sidewalk.'' The courts have long held that D.C. may repeal federal laws that predate the 1973 Home Rule Act (HRA) and apply exclusively in or to the District, but have not ruled on whether D.C. may repeal post-HRA federal laws that apply exclusively in or to the District. My bill would avoid any court challenge the District could face if it tries to repeal this 1997 federal law. This is an important step to increase home rule for the District, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce a bill to require the removal of a statue of Confederate General Albert Pike from federal land near Judiciary Square in the District of Columbia. This statue was authorized, not by the District, but by Congress in 1898, when the District had no home rule. The statue was constructed using both federal and private funds. The Freemasons, of which Pike was a member, donated the majority of the money needed to build and install the statue in 1901. I oppose tearing down Confederate statues, because I believe they should be moved to more appropriate settings, like museums, to avoid erasing an important part of history from which Americans must continue to learn. Pike was a Confederate general who served dishonorably and was forced to resign in disgrace. It was found that soldiers under his command mutilated the bodies of Union soldiers, and Pike was ultimately imprisoned after his fellow officers reported that he misappropriated funds. Adding to the dishonor of taking up arms against the United States, Pike dishonored even his Confederate military service. He certainly has no claim to be memorialized in the nation's capital. Even those who do not want Confederate statues removed will have to justify awarding Pike any honor, considering his history. After meeting with the Freemasons, I believe that the best course of action is to remove the statue and find a more appropriate place for it. The Freemasons themselves support the statue's removal, given its divisive nature. The D.C. Mayor and the Council also support the removal of the statue. My bill clarifies that no federal funds may be used to remove the Pike statue. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 3253) to provide for certain extensions with respect to the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, Representative Donald S. Beyer, Jr. and I introduce the Allowing Body Cameras in Joint Task Forces Act of 2019. This bill would prohibit the federal government from refusing to work with local police departments that require their officers to wear body cameras. Our bill would apply to all federal agencies. Under current policy, though it appears to be unwritten, the Department of Justice has been refusing to participate in task forces with local police departments that have body camera requirements. The Justice Department has determined that 47 percent of police departments in the country have body cameras. It is beyond reason to prevent these numerous police agencies from participating in federal task forces if their officers wear body cameras. The federal government should be encouraging the use of officer body cameras instead of discouraging their use. This bill only applies to uniformed officers, which means federal officials could refuse to participate in task forces if body cameras are used during undercover operations. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the achievements of Martin Puryear. Martin Puryear, the eldest of seven children, was born in Washington, DC. He was raised in Southwest Washington and attended the then- segregated William Syphax Elementary School. His lifelong interest in the natural world and how things are constructed inspired a young Puryear to visit local institutions such as the National Zoo, the Museum of Science and Technology and the Museum of Natural History. The city's art museums left a profound impact on Puryear, and today some of those same museums--the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Hirshhorn Museum--hold some of his most significant works in their permanent collections. After graduating from the Catholic University of America, Puryear spent two years in Sierra Leone teaching English, French and biology as a member of the Peace Corps. He continued his studies at the Swedish Royal Academy of Art in Stockholm and received his MFA from Yale University. Puryear's approach to object-making has been influenced by the indigenous techniques and materials of cultures he has encountered on his travels. His sculptures are painstakingly constructed from materials such as wood, metal and stone. Their elegant, abstract forms reflect his deep interest in history. Puryear received a MacArthur Foundation award in 1989 and the National Medal of Arts from President Obama in 2011. This year, he is representing the United States at the 58th Venice Biennale. The Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Art Institute of Chicago have organized major retrospectives, and his work has been acquired by museums across the United States, Europe and Asia. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Martin Puryear for his outstanding accomplishments as an artist and honored DC native.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the DC Grays for their commitment and contribution to increasing interest and youth participation in baseball and softball in the District of Columbia. In particular, I want to recognize the DC Grays 2019 summer college baseball team and the annual Capitol Hill reception. The DC Grays is a talented collegiate summer baseball team that, in addition to competing in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League, strives to engage inner-city youth and their families with baseball. Their mission is to be ``ambassadors for baseball'' in the District by running summer baseball camps and clinics for D.C. youth. Named for the champion Homestead Grays from the Negro Leagues, the DC Grays reaches out to African-American ballplayers who may have been overlooked by other teams. The DC Grays partners with Major League Baseball (MLB) to further help its mission of providing disadvantaged youth an opportunity to learn and enjoy the game of baseball. The programs help motivate young players to stay in school and pursue secondary education. MLB's RBI program helps teach youth not only the importance of success on the field but also in the classroom and the community. This year, the DC Grays RBI is sponsoring two summer baseball leagues and two travel softball teams for kids from Wards 6, 7, and 8 in D.C.--in addition to fall ball programs and winter training. There are 250 kids participating in DC Grays RBI programs this year. Last year, the DC Grays participated in MLB's unveiling of the new Josh Gibson mural on U Street across from Ben's Chili Bowl, and their players attended an event to honor Jackie Robinson as part of MLB's all-star festivities. They strive to honor the Negro Leagues and its role in Washington baseball history. Each year, the DC Grays hosts a salute to Negro League Baseball in collaboration with the Hubert Simons League Museum. Madam Speaker, I ask the House to join me in commending the DC Grays for the important work it has done and continues to do in the community. We wish the DC Grays luck in continuing to inspire and engage disadvantaged youth.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the nation's community corrections professionals and the vital role they play in enhancing public safety throughout the United States. In honor of the invaluable contributions of these dedicated public servants, the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) and its associated members have designated the week of July 21 through 27 ``Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week 2019.'' I thank the thousands of men and women who perform these important public safety duties and urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in support of APPA's week-long recognition efforts this year. Thousands of women and men in the nation's capital and across the country serve as pretrial, probation and parole officers or administrators. As public servants, they, along with many other Americans, commit themselves on a daily basis to helping improve the lives of those involved in the criminal justice system. The work of these professionals ultimately results in stronger and safer communities for all. Community corrections professionals are responsible for the supervision of adult and juvenile offenders in communities throughout our nation. These trained professionals go above and beyond the call of duty by connecting their clients to supportive services, community- based resources, employment opportunities, housing programs and other evidence-based practices that help individuals successfully complete supervision and reenter society. Community corrections professionals strive to provide these services and support, while simultaneously providing client surveillance, crime prevention and restorative justice. In honor of Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week 2019, I take the opportunity to recognize those who carry out community corrections and supervision services especially in the District of Columbia, including the officers and professionals of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA). CSOSA and the Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia (PSA) are dedicated to reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety in the nation's capital. CSOSA and PSA are recognized as model community supervision entities because of their use of evidence- based practices and community partnerships. On any given day, CSOSA is responsible for supervising approximately 10,500 individuals on probation, parole or supervised release, while PSA supervises over 17,000 defendants over the course of a year. Charged with having to balance issues of public safety with social services and reentry support, the employees of CSOSA and PSA help to enhance the security of everyone who lives, works or visits the District. Madam Speaker, again, I extend my gratitude to these public servants for their commitment, compassion and contributions to healthier and safer communities throughout the United States. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in acknowledging the impact community corrections professionals have on the quality of life of all Americans throughout our country by recognizing July 21 through 27 as Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week 2019.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend for courageously bringing this contempt resolution to the House today. The authority and the very integrity of the House of Representatives has been challenged by this administration as never before in American history. If it were not for the Supreme Court, this administration's determination to deliberately prevent an accurate Census count would have succeeded. Neither the President nor the Republican House has the support of a majority of the American people. Using Secretary Ross, the administration tried to cheat its way to an undercount. Both Attorney General Barr and Secretary Ross have gone out of their way to refuse to provide needed documents or offered pretexts for not providing them pursuant to valid subpoenas. So serious has been this obstruction that the House must seek criminal contempt, which can carry stiff penalties and prison time, or simply surrender to the administration and invite continuing obstruction of our ability to perform our legislative and oversight functions. To be sure, we fully recognize the difficulty of enforcement of criminal contempt against this administration by this administration, but the House would as soon surrender its authority as to take no action in the face of historic and willful defiance.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, I introduce the District of Columbia Federal Officials Residency Requirement Equality Act, which would amend federal law to require certain federal officials who serve the District of Columbia to actually live within its boundaries. In nearly every other jurisdiction in the United States, federal district court judges, federal circuit court judges, U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals are required by federal law to reside within the jurisdictions where they have been appointed--but these same officials appointed to serve only the people of the District are not bound by these same requirements. Even in the territories, such officials are required to live in those districts, other than the U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshal appointed for the Northern Mariana Islands who at the same time are serving in the same capacity in another district. The only other exceptions exist for such officials appointed to the Southern District of New York and the Eastern District of New York, which are the only districts that serve different parts of the same city. My bill would put the District on equal footing with almost every other jurisdiction by ensuring that our judges, U.S. Marshals and U.S. Attorney live among the residents they have been appointed to represent, in keeping with the federal law that applies elsewhere in the United States. The requirement that these federal officials ought to live in the jurisdictions they serve is significantly related to knowledge of the effect of their decisions, an important reason the residency requirement is enshrined in federal law. As stated in the official commentary to the Code of Conduct for United States Judges, ``a judge should not become isolated from the society in which the judge lives.'' The same holds true for other federal officials. My bill recognizes that the District deserves federal officials with the same understanding and links to the community as Congress has seen fit to require for federal officials in other jurisdictions. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, on July 12, 2019, I was unable to attend votes because I was attending to official business. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 462; YEA on Roll Call No. 463; YEA on Roll Call No. 464; YEA on Roll Call No. 465; YEA on Roll Call No. 466; YEA on Roll Call No. 467; YEA on Roll Call No. 468; YEA on Roll Call No. 469; YEA on Roll Call No. 470; and YEA on Roll Call No. 471.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, on July 11, 2019, I was unable to attend votes because I was out of town on official business. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 438; YEA on Roll Call No. 439; YEA on Roll Call No. 440; YEA on Roll Call No. 441; YEA on Roll Call No. 442; YEA on Roll Call No. 443; YEA on Roll Call No. 444; YEA on Roll Call No. 445; YEA on Roll Call No. 446; YEA on Roll Call No. 447; YEA on Roll Call No. 448; YEA on Roll Call No. 449; YEA on Roll Call No. 450; YEA on Roll Call No. 451; YEA on Roll Call No. 452; YEA on Roll Call No. 453; YEA on Roll Call No. 454; YEA on Roll Call No. 455; YEA on Roll Call No. 456; YEA on Roll Call No. 457; and YEA on Roll Call No. 458.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, due to an error, I voted ``nay'' on Roll Call 460 (Amash of Michigan Part B Amendment No. 50 to H.R. 2500). I intended to vote ``yea''.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce the Reducing the Effects of the Cyberattack on OPM Victims Emergency Response Act of 2019 (the RECOVER Act), which would require the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to make permanent the free identity protection coverage that Congress required OPM to provide for 10 years to individuals whose Social Security Numbers were potentially compromised during the OPM data breaches. In 2015, OPM reported that the personally identifiable information of as many as 25.7 million current, former and prospective federal employees and contractors was stolen in two data breaches. I appreciate that Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger is co-leading on this bill. After OPM announced that it would offer identity protection coverage of limited duration and value, Senator Ben Cardin and I introduced the RECOVER Act in July 2015, which would have provided affected individuals lifetime protection and at least $5 million in identity theft insurance. Congress subsequently included a version of our bill in an enacted appropriations bill, but limited the duration of the protection. Under current law, OPM is only required to provide identity protection coverage through fiscal year 2026. Under the bill we are introducing today, OPM would be required to provide coverage for the remainder of the lives of affected individuals. The current coverage is inadequate, particularly considering that there is no limit to when the thieves (or those they have shared the stolen data with) may exploit the data. Therefore, there should be no limit on the duration of the coverage provided to affected individuals. This bill would give current, former and prospective federal employees and contractors who were affected both some peace of mind and protection. OPM failed to protect these people. It follows that the government must do the right thing to make up for its mistake. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, I introduce a bill The Civil War Defenses of Washington National Historical Park Act to recognize and preserve the Civil War Defenses of Washington located in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland. The Defenses of Washington, including forts, unarmed batteries and rifle trenches, created a ring of protection for the nation's capital during the Civil War. This bill would redesignate the 22 Civil War Defenses of Washington currently under National Park Service jurisdiction as a national historical park, and allow other sites associated with the Defenses of Washington that are owned by the District or a unit of state governments to be affiliated with the national historical park through cooperative agreements. This bill would also require the Secretary of the Interior to facilitate the storied history of the Civil War for both the North and the South, including the history of the Defenses of Washington and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864, being assembled; arrayed and conveyed for the benefit of the public for the knowledge, education and inspiration of this and future generations. Last year, I was able to have a hearing on this bill. Although the National Park Service testified against this bill, I feel strongly that the Defenses of Washington need additional recognition and should be redesignated as a national historical park. The Defenses of Washington were constructed at the beginning of the war, in 1861, as a ring of protection for the nation's capital and for President Abraham Lincoln. By the end of the war, these defenses included 68 forts, 93 unarmed batteries, 807 mounted cannons, 13 miles of rifle trenches and 32 miles of military roads. The major test of the Defenses of Washington came with the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1864, when Confederate Lieutenant General Jubal Early, directed by General Robert E. Lee, sought to attack the nation's capital from the north, causing Union forces threatening to attack Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy, to be withdrawn. General Early was delayed by Union Major General Lew Wallace at the Battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864, and was stopped at the northern edge of Washington at the Battle of Fort Stevens on July 11-12, 1864. The Shenandoah Valley Campaign ended when Union Lieutenant General Philip Sheridan defeated General Early at the Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia, on October 19, 1864. Nearly all the individual forts in the Defenses of Washington--on both sides of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers--were involved in stopping General Early's attack, and the Battle of Fort Stevens was the second and last attempt by the Confederate Army to attack Washington. Taken together, these battles were pivotal to the outcome of the war and the freedom and democracy that the war represented for this country. It is therefore fitting that we recognize these sites by redesignating them as a national historical park. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Ms. NORTON

Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Francis ``Fran'' Johnson for her commitment to community service in the District of Columbia on the occasion of her 70th birthday on July 23, 2019. Johnson is a third-generation District native. She began her service to the District as a candy-striper at Howard University Hospital, formerly known as Freedman's Hospital, in 1964. Over the years, she has advocated for critical issues such as equality in education and housing and improved financial literacy, among others. As a neighborhood advocate, she has increased the number of signs in the community to help children with hearing impairments and called for more lighting in her neighborhood to help reduce crime. She fights for a D.C. with clean streets, safe neighborhoods and flourishing communities. Building on her experience as a Ward 4 resident, she cofounded a non- profit named Shammah, Inc, which provides low-income families with food, shelter and the opportunity to learn life skills. Over the years, she has been recognized for her commitment to service. In 2009, she was named ``Superwoman'' by NBC News 4, and in 2017, she was crowned Ms. Senior District of Columbia. As Ms. Senior District of Columbia, she attended over 200 community events, amplifying the voice of older D.C. residents and advocating for an age- friendly D.C. In her role as Ms. Senior District of Columbia, she testified at D.C. Council hearings and partnered with several D.C. Office on Aging and Community Living programs. Johnson attended St. Cecilia's Academy and D.C.'s first land-grant college, the Washington Technical Institute. She graduated with academic honors and a degree in Business Administration/Secretarial Science. She began her professional career in 1970, as the first African- American legal secretary for the International Business Machines Corporation's (IBM) intellectual property division. After 30 years at IBM, she retired and joined the Business Executives for National Service as the office receptionist and Assistant to the CFO. While she has embraced many roles during her lifetime--wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, professional and community advocate-- Johnson still makes time for sports, music, traveling and many other hobbies. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Francis ``Fran'' Johnson on the occasion of her 70th birthday and for her lasting contributions to the District of Columbia.