Jon Ossoff

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend a champion of Georgia's families. In October 2015, Erin Campbell valiantly founded the Athens Area Diaper Bank with a mission to help families in need. Since then, her work has helped countless families access some of the most basic, yet vital, supplies a newborn and their families need. Working with partner nonprofits, agencies, and organizations in their six-county service area, Ms. Campbell and the Athens Area Diaper Bank work to collect donations and distribute diapers and other supplies to those in need. In 2022, the Athens Area Diaper Bank celebrated its 1 millionth diaper distributed, an incredible feat. Working closely with Ms. Campbell and the Athens Area Diaper Bank team, I brought Republicans and Democrats together to deliver new funding for the Athens Area Diaper Bank and their partner organization, Helping Mamas, enabling them to serve more rural communities in the Athens-Clarke County Area. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend Erin Campbell for her inspirational service to the Athens area and thank her and the entire Athens Area Diaper Bank team for their work.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Columbus, Georgia's Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church on its 160th anniversary, celebrated in August 2023. Founded in 1863 under a grape arbor in an oak grove as Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, the congregation has been a mainstay of the Columbus, GA, community ever since its founding by Brother Boston Miles and Sister Mary Moore, who became the church's first members. In August 1967, the First Baptist Church of Columbus, GA, granted full titles and deeds of the church building to the Shady Grove congregation, and on March 27, 1968, the Superior Court of Muscogee County duly incorporated the ``Greater Shady Grove Baptist Church, Inc,'' a name change to distinguish itself from other churches with the same name. In January 1988, the Reverend Dr. Marcus J. Gibson became the acting pastor and served in that capacity until April 17, 1998, when he was made interim pastor. On February 14, 1999, Reverend Gibson was installed as the 22nd pastor of the Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, the same role he maintains today. Under Pastor Gibson's leadership, the congregation has continued to flourish, successfully expanding, improving the south parking lot, upgrading the transportation ministry, and remodeling the sanctuary. Greater Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church has also added new ministries and programs, including the annual women's and laymen's conferences, outreach ministry expansion and improvements, the organization of the liturgical dance ministry, the mother ministry, the organization of the sick, bereavement and condolence ministry, and initiating of the deacons family care. Above all, Greater Shady Grove Baptist Church remains a central place for fellowship, community, teaching, and nurturing. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend Reverend Marcus J. Gibson and the Greater Shady Grove Baptist Church on its momentous 160th anniversary, and here is to many more.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend the Reese-Hyman American Legion Post No. 96 on its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1923 by World War I veterans from Warren and Glascock Counties, the Reese-Hyman American Legion was named in honor of Cummings Reese and Samuel Hart Hyman, the only Warren County residents who lost their lives in service to the Nation during World War I. According to Eric Wilkerson, who had served as the post's adjutant for 17 years, the local chapter quickly grew to over 100 members in its first few months and became very active in the community, including running the annual Warren-Glascock County Fair. Led today by Commander Patricia Hambsch, the Reese-Hyman American Legion Post No. 96 continues bringing local veterans together, helping them access their hard-earned benefits and advocating for policies that help veterans. In July, its members gathered in Warrenton to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Reese-Hyman American Legion Post No. 96. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I thank all of Georgia's veterans for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our Nation, and I commend the Reese-Hyman American Legion Post No. 96 on this momentous occasion.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Barbara Rivera Holmes for her dedicated service to Southwest Georgia's economic development and small business community. Ms. Rivera Holmes serves as president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and the chamber's foundation. For over two decades, she has dedicated her work to the people of Southwest Georgia, first working as a reporter at the Albany Herald and ``Southwest Georgia Living'' before joining Albany- Dougherty County's economic development commission. In 2015, she took over as interim president and CEO of the chamber, becoming its permanent leader in August 2016. Founded in 1910, the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce works to represent the interests of Southwest Georgia's business community on the local, State, and Federal levels, unlocking economic opportunities and growing the local economy. Under Ms. Rivera Holmes' leadership, the Albany area chamber has undertaken new, creative initiatives aimed at driving economic development and helping small businesses thrive, including launching a public-private partnership aimed at helping unemployed rural residents start their own businesses. Most recently, Ms. Rivera Holmes graduated from the Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating her continued commitment to better represent the local chamber and serving her community--and I congratulate her on this achievement. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend Albany Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Barbara Rivera Holmes for her career of service to Southwest Georgia's business community.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, last week, I voted to advance the Supreme Courts Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act out of the Judiciary Committee, as I believe that strong judicial ethics are critical to maintaining public trust in our judiciary. I rejected amendments unrelated to ethics reform to maximize prospects for successful passage of this measure, but I am willing to consider the nongermane amendments offered if put forward as standalone measures or as amendments to germane legislation.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Wande Okunoren- Meadows for her commitment to early childhood education and development for families in Forest Park and across metro Atlanta. As executive director of Little Ones Learning Center, Ms. Okunoren- Meadows oversees the early childhood education center providing services to more than 175 children. Her passion for childhood development has allowed her to create programs to promote wellness and boost education for the youngest members of the community. A graduate of Emory University, Ms. Okunoren-Meadows' leadership has produced invaluable preschool, afterschool, and pre-kindergarten education programs for the children of Forest Park, providing them valuable knowledge and skills for a brighter future. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and recognize Wande Okunoren- Meadows for her dedication to Georgia's youth and years of service to her community.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Rev. Dr. Kenneth B. Martin of Antioch Baptist Church in Augusta on his retirement and lifelong service to the Augusta community. For 37 years, Rev. Martin has led a life of service and devotion as Antioch Baptist Church's longest serving pastor. He also served as a former president of the 10th district of General Missionary Baptist Convention. Under his leadership and spiritual guidance, the Antioch Baptist Church community has been able to establish more than 30 ministries that give members of the community access to vital transportation, nutrition, and healthcare services. Rev. Martin has made it his mission to serve those around him, and his inspiring work, rooted in spiritual growth and development, has transformed the lives of many in his community. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and recognize Rev. Dr. Kenneth B. Martin for his service to the Augusta community and the State of Georgia and join his family, friends, congregation, and the entire community in celebrating his retirement.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Rev. Joseph Baker of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church for his lifetime of service to the Chattahoochee River Valley and the State of Georgia. For the past 30 years, Pastor Baker has been a beacon of hope and service for members of the communities he has served since answering the call to preach in 1993. After relocating to Atlanta from Orlando to continue his higher education journey, Pastor Joseph Baker served as senior pastor of Saint Paul AME Church in Canton, GA, and both Saint Mary's AME and Townsley Chapel AME Churches in Savannah, GA. Since July 2013, Pastor Baker has served the Columbus community as the 52nd pastor of St. James AME Church at the local, conference, and episcopal levels. He also serves as dean of the Southwest Georgia Annual Conference Board of Examiners and as a member of the Southwest Georgia Annual Conference Board of Trustees, Support of Presiding Elders and Ministerial Classification. A product of the Suwannee County School System, the University of Central Florida in Orlando, and Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Pastor Baker continues to find ways to open doors of opportunity for others through access to education. For example, Pastor Baker established a partnership with Columbus Technical College to offer GED studies at St. James AME. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and recognize St. James AME pastor Rev. Joseph Baker for a lifetime of service on behalf of the State of Georgia.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend Moises Velez of Macon, GA, for his years of service to Georgia's Latino community. Twenty-five years ago, Mr. Velez founded ``Que Pasa,'' the first Spanish newspaper in the Macon community. Mr. Velez's vision of keeping newly arrived immigrants informed about vital services available to them in Middle Georgia and across the State quickly transformed the newspaper into a trusted news source for the Latino community on important issues like health care, immigration, and education. ``Que Pasa'' keeps the growing Latino community in Middle Georgia informed about news and events statewide. Mr. Velez's success led to his recognition as one of Georgia's 50 most influential Latinos by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2022. Mr. Velez is a representation of the extraordinary contributions of Georgia's Latino community. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and recognize Moises Velez for his contributions to Georgia's Latino community and years of service to the Macon community.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, today the Senate takes up legislation to avert an economically catastrophic default on U.S. sovereign obligations. The Department of the Treasury has advised the Congress that without passage of this legislation by June 5, the United States will default. Any modifications to the legislative text under consideration by the Senate will require reconsideration of the measure by the House, pushing passage of such legislation past Treasury's June 5 deadline and forcing a default. Our overriding governing responsibility is to avoid default and the massive economic damage it would impose on American families and businesses. Accordingly, I will oppose all amendments offered to this measure to ensure Senate passage of the measure as passed by the House and to protect families and businesses from economic catastrophe.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise to commend La Raza radio station for its service to the Latino community in Georgia. Based in Suwanee, GA, La Raza is the largest Latino radio station in Georgia, informing more than 1 million Latinos throughout the State. The station hosts numerous popular radio shows, including Los Hijos de La Manana, that provide all-day news and entertainment for Latinos across Georgia. Every year, La Raza also hosts a family-friendly festival, bringing nearly 50,000 community members together from across the State to enjoy performances and authentic Mexican food. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend La Raza's 19 years of service to Latino communities in Atlanta and throughout the entire State of Georgia.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I rise to commend Paul Bianchi, whose leadership in education has helped thousands of children to flourish, improved our world, and built a Georgia legacy that will endure. After 52 years as head of school for The Paideia School, Mr. Bianchi will retire on June 30, 2023. At Paideia, Mr. Bianchi has built an institution to nourish the minds and hearts of children in Georgia. After earning an undergraduate degree and a M.A. in teaching at Harvard University, Mr. Bianchi was offered an opportunity to teach at The Galloway School in Atlanta. After 1 year at Galloway, Mr. Bianchi was approached by a group of Atlanta parents who asked him to establish a new school that would emphasize individualized instruction, academics, and the arts. Mr. Bianchi agreed to lead that effort, and in 1971, helped open The Paideia School. Under Mr. Bianchi's decades of leadership, Paideia has grown to serve a student body of 1,020 students. Mr. Bianchi added a high school in 1973 and has managed the growth of a thriving campus with gyms, theaters, science labs, and maker studios. Mr. Bianchi's leadership has lifted thousands of young people to understand their world and their potential. His work has instilled in generations of students the knowledge, curiosity, and compassion to pursue their dreams and to make a positive difference for our State, our Nation, and the world. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, like so many whose lives Paul has shaped, I am deeply grateful for his service to education, to Georgia, to the United States, and to the world.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I have conducted further oversight into the treatment of military families in privatized housing at Fort Gordon, GA. The report summarizing the findings and conclusions of my oversight can be found at http://Ossoff.senate.gov/ MilitaryHousingOversight.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I rise to commend Nichole Campbell, a leader in the Augusta community working to empower women in business and give back to others. In 2018, Ms. Campbell founded The Sisters Social, Inc., a nonprofit organization that aims to unite women of different backgrounds and provide entrepreneurial education, professional networking, and community outreach. After seeking out an organization of women business owners and failing to find one in her community, Ms. Campbell stepped up to found The Sisters Social, Inc., for women in Augusta and the Central Savannah River Area, CSRA. During the pandemic, the group provided countless business owners with invaluable advice during a challenging time for many. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and recognize Nichole Campbell on her leadership and great successes empowering women business owners and giving back to her community.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I rise today to commend Reverend Dr. J. H. ``Johnny'' Flakes III for his mentorship and leadership in the Chattahoochee River Valley. Like his father before him, Pastor Flakes III has become a mainstay at Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church and in the greater Columbus faith community. As a student, Pastor Flakes III earned the distinction of being one of 21 students chosen by the Interdenominational Theological Center at Morehouse School of Religion for inclusion in ``Who's Who Among Students in American Universities'' across the United States. Alongside his work as a local spiritual mentor, Pastor Flakes' work has also made an impact nationally and internationally, delivering the keynote address at the American Baptist College convocation in Nashville and speaking at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation's event on Black health and wellness, where he celebrated the legacy of Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine with other leaders from the faith and medical communities. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Pastor J.H. Flakes III for his mentorship, leadership, and enduring commitment to the people of Columbus.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I rise today to commend Sister Theresa Sullivan of Macon, GA, and her entire team for their dedication and commitment to serve those in need across Middle Georgia. As Director of Daybreak Day Resource Center Macon, Sister Sullivan oversees the organization's mission to ensure that everyone has a place to call home and a stake in their community. Growing up on the North Side of Chicago, Sister Sullivan found a passion for volunteering as a member of the Daughters of Charity, dedicating her time to helping people experiencing mental illnesses. From housing placement, to food and transportation assistance and a free health clinic, Sister Sullivan brings members of the community together to help those experiencing homelessness receive vital services to help them overcome their current situation. Their partnerships with religious organizations, businesses, and community leaders keep the mission alive to support people experiencing homelessness. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Sister Theresa Sullivan and her team for their dedication and service to the Macon community.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I rise today to commend Ms. Evelyn ``Mimi'' Woodson for her lifetime of public service on behalf of her beloved Latino community and her constituents in Columbus, GA. A native of Puerto Rico, Councilor Woodson became the first Latina elected to office in Georgia and went on to serve on the Columbus Council for over 28 years. Councilor Woodson's public service career extends beyond her remarkable leadership on the Columbus City Council. For 15 years, she served our country honorably in the U.S. Army and was one of the last members of the Women's Army Corps. The contributions of Georgia's Latino community have brought people across Georgia together to address some of the greatest challenges facing our State, and Councilor Woodson's career is a testament that positive change is possible if you believe in yourself and open doors of opportunity for others. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Councilor Evelyn ``Mimi'' Woodson for her dedication to Georgia and the Columbus community.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I rise today to commend Pastor Han Byeong Cheol, senior pastor of the Korean Central Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, for his years of service and advocacy on behalf of Atlanta's Korean American community. Since 2009, Pastor Han has led the Korean Central Presbyterian Church's missionary work and has dedicated his time to spreading the gospel to his local Korean community and the entire region. Two years ago, following the horrific spa shootings in which three members of Georgia's Korean American community lost their lives, Pastor Han demonstrated strong leadership by bringing faith leaders together to speak out against acts of hate and help the community heal. At a time when acts of violence toward Asian Americans are on the rise across our Nation, Pastor Han is stepping up to spread awareness about the rise of hate crimes, educating people on how to use faith to bring about positive change, and guiding his community forward. Georgia's Korean American community is strong, and even in the face of vile attacks, their resolve has not broken. Pastor Han and the Korean Central Presbyterian Church community are prime examples of that. As we commemorate this solemn anniversary, may we find solace in those in our community like Pastor Han who have turned tragedy into healing. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Pastor Han Byeong Cheol for his years of service to Georgia's Korean American community.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I rise to commend and recognize Tina Tyus-Shaw on her induction into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Madam President, I rise to honor a titan in Atlanta's media industry, someone whose name--and voice--are a staple of everyone's morning routine. Scott Slade began his storied career at WSB Radio in 1984 on an overnight music show. In 1991, he took over as host of ``Atlanta's Morning News,'' becoming the longest running host in the Atlanta market. Last month, Slade announced he would step aside from daily hosting duties of ``Atlanta Morning News.'' Slade's service to the community extends beyond his duties on air as a trusted voice for news. In 2000, Slade started the WSB Radio ``Care- a-Thon'' for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Cancer Center, helping raise millions of dollars to fight childhood cancer and blood disorders. Slade's voice and journalism has informed Georgians for decades, and we are all grateful to him. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Scott Slade on his historic career and on his induction into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame on March 15, 2023.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise today to commend Pastor Angel Maestre for his impact on Augusta's Hispanic community. Pastor Angel Maestre is a beacon of Georgia, serving as the head pastor at Oasis Augusta Iglesia for the last 18 years. Over the course of his tenure, Pastor Maestre has worked to uplift the community through his countless years of mentorship, selfless acts, and service. Pastor Maestre has also founded the first Hispanic radio station in Augusta to better connect the community and inform residents of news impacting their neighborhood. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Maestre helped inform the Hispanic community about vaccinations through his show, ensuring the community was well informed and staying healthy. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I commend and recognize Pastor Angel Maestre for his dedication to Georgia and the Augusta community.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise today to commend Ms. Carolyn McKinley for her leadership as executive director of the Meriwether County Chamber of Commerce. As chamber executive director, Ms. McKinley was instrumental in working with the Flint River Trail, Meriwether County, and representatives from 18 riverfront counties to create more outdoor recreation opportunities, which will lead to economic development opportunities in southwest Georgia. During last year's Georgia Governor's tourism conference in Athens, McKinley accepted the Georgia River Network's 2022 Water Trail Hero Award on behalf of the Flint River Water Trail group. This award honors the partnership between the Flint River Water Trail and Meriwether County leaders to boost tourism and economic development along Georgia's more than 2,500 river miles. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Carolyn McKinley's leadership as executive director of the Meriwether County Chamber of Commerce and for her commitment to economic development in southwest Georgia.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise today to commend Zachary Horton of Warner Robins, GA, for the inspiring success of his pecan business, the Blind Squirrel Nut Company. Mr. Horton's story demonstrates that optimism and resilience can lead to amazing achievements. The Blind Squirrel Nut Company was born out of Zachary's entrepreneurial spirit after he was diagnosed with a medical condition that caused him to lose his vision. Mr. Horton's self- confidence and determination empowered him to launch a pecan business that has served customers across middle Georgia for over a year. The Blind Squirrel Nut Company also offers a variety of products to customers nationwide, giving Americans across the country a taste of Georgia's unique pecans. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize and commend Mr. Zachary Horton as a champion who against all odds has been able to fulfill his greatest dream thanks to his perseverance, passion, and hope.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise today to commend and celebrate Ser Familia, an organization in Atlanta focused on helping Georgia's Latino families gain the tools and resources to solve challenges and flourish in their communities. Natives of Puerto Rico, Belisa and Miguel Urbina cofounded Ser Familia in 2001. For more than 20 years, Ser Familia's vision to assist Latino families reach their full potential and become contributing members of their communities has changed the lives of hundreds of families across Georgia. From teaching youth character building and leadership skills to offering counseling services on behavioral and mental health, Ser Familia continues to expand its positive impact on the Latino community by developing programs that are tailored to address the greatest needs of youth, couples, parents, and families. As I have said before, the State of Georgia is home to a vibrant and diverse Latino community, and I am grateful for the extraordinary contributions of people like Belisa and Miguel Urbina who work tirelessly every single day to guarantee that all members of the Latino community have access to opportunities that help them thrive. I have enjoyed working closely with Belisa and Miguel to deliver the resources to help Ser Familia open a family resource center in Clayton County, helping expand their comprehensive services to the community. I join with our Latino community to commemorate the remarkable work and contributions of Ser Familia to the Atlanta community, the State of Georgia, and the United States. Their leadership is a reminder of the outstanding contributions of Latino Americans who are committed to moving Georgia and our country forward. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, it is my honor to recognize and commend Belisa and Miguel Urbina for their service on behalf of Georgia's Latino families and congratulate them on Ser Familia's success.

Mr. OSSOFF

Mr. OSSOFF. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia's 25th anniversary. Over the last 25 years, the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia has strengthened the State's Latin American community by championing efforts that boost economic development, expand access to new business opportunities, and promote civic engagement. Founded as the Mexican American Business Chamber in 1998, the LACC today is one of the largest Latin American organizations in the State of Georgia. The chamber plays an important role in the extraordinary contributions of Georgia's Latino community, and it stands as a pillar of unity and diversity that keeps moving the State forward. Georgia's Latin American diaspora community is diverse and fast-growing, and it is a privilege to represent Georgia's Latin American community in the U.S. Senate. As Georgia's U.S. Senator, I recognize the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia on its 25th anniversary and commend them for their dedication to Georgia's Latino community.