Steven Palazzo

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this resolution. Let's be clear with the American people: Democrats wrote this bill before being briefed by senior intelligence officials on the strike that eliminated Soleimani, a well-known terrorist. At the end of the day, we all know that this man was responsible for the death of thousands of individuals, including over 600 American servicemembers. President Trump was absolutely right to respond and acted within his constitutional authority to protect American citizens. He owes no one an apology. Feelings can be healed, but dead Americans cannot be resurrected. My question for those on the other side of the aisle who are hellbent on undermining this President over political differences is: How many more Americans did you want to die before President Trump acted? Let's reflect. President Obama authorized over 540 drone strikes, killing over 3,700 people and more than 320 civilians. Not a single one was authorized by Congress. As a veteran and member of our United States military, I am ashamed of the behavior I am witnessing now. Our military deserves better, and so do the American people. During a time when our country should unite behind our Commander in Chief, this resolution turns us against ourselves. I support our men and women in uniform and hope my colleagues on the left will come to their senses to do the same.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my very own, Ms. Anita Faye Bourn, for thirty years of dedicated service as a congressional staffer. Anita's career with the U.S. House of Representatives began in 1989 when my predecessor, Gene Taylor, won the special election. Anita was hired on as a secretary, but quickly found her niche through constituent services. When I first took office in 2010, I had the opportunity to carry over staff from the previous administration. Anita was an obvious choice and to this day, has proven to be one of my most trusted staffers. Anita was born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with family, faith, and music at her epicenter. She would say her mother, Christine Bourn, is the heart and soul of the family. She has two sons, and a niece, to whom she is known as ``Tee-Tee''. Anita also claims a host of brothers and sisters in Christ through her church family at Shady Grove Baptist Church. Anita is a longtime member of the church music ministry and is deservedly considered the resident ``rock star''. I can attest to this as I have had the privilege of hearing her beautiful rendition of ``God Bless America''. Anita's musical career officially began at the age of 12, when she started playing piano during church services. Since then, Anita has served as Director of the inspirational choir, the senior adult choir, and the men's chorus, while also directing the annual Easter and Christmas programs. Recently, Anita was nominated as the Choir Director of the Year at the Gulf Coast Gospel Music Awards. Whether she is serving my constituents, or ministering to her community, Anita pours her heart into each of her endeavors. In a few words, Anita is faith-filled, compassionate, vibrant, and a true expert in her field. I could not ask for a better representative among my staff. To close, I would like to share one of Anita's favorite bible verses, Romans 8:28: ``And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose''. Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Ms. Anita Bourn for thirty exceptional years.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I oppose the Articles of Impeachment, and I include my statement in the Record. Madam Speaker, as the Democrats continue suppressing Republicans' right to speak out against the ridiculous impeachment inquiry, I was unable to provide remarks during the debate in the House on the two articles of impeachment today. I now ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle why they chose to silence not only members of Congress but also our constituents. The responsibility of impeachment is not one I take lightly. I am disappointed the Democrats continued ramming this baseless impeachment through the House without hearing from every single member of Congress. Had I been provided the opportunity to speak before the House, I would have shared the following thoughts. I rise with a heavy heart for our nation today. Later this evening, House Democrats will force a vote on the weakest articles of impeachment this legislative body has ever seen in an attempt to overturn the fair and lawful election of Donald Trump. Since the day President Trump was inaugurated, Democrats have made it their sole purpose to impeach this man, but for what? No facts have been presented to substantiate a single allegation made by the liberal majority. Simply put Mr. Speaker, the Democrats in Congress do not care about free and fair elections. They do not care about the will of the American people. They care about obstructing the work of a great American president with whom they disagree. The articles of impeachment before the House today, fall significantly short of an impeachable offense. This vote sets a horrible precedent that any majority can undo an election based on personality conflicts and policy disagreements. The Democrats have entirely disregarded process and procedure by blatantly ignoring the notion that all are innocent until proven guilty--the president is not guilty of obstruction of Congress, and he is not guilty of an abuse of power. The president making efforts to curb corruption in a country well known for corruption is not quid pro quo; it is good governance by a chief executive dedicated to doing right by the people of this country. Make no mistake about it, when the work of this House is done, and the Senate votes to dismiss these charges, the other party will continue to obstruct and slander the president at every turn. My constituents and I agree that the president is changing the face of America for the better. While some on the other side may not like his straight-forward manner, it is hard to argue that our country is not better because of him. The Democrats have forgone due process in an attempt to fulfill their electoral shortcomings. When my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to find reasons why they lost in 2016, they should not look beyond the confines of their own caucus. I encourage my colleagues to give up this charade, get back to leading, and move past personal vendettas against a duly elected president. The majority party could take some lessons from our president. Let's put Americans first and get back to taking care of our country.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, due to a rescheduled flight I was unable to attend votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 655, and YEA on Roll Call No. 656

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my very own, Ms. Anita Faye Bourn, for thirty years of dedicated service as a congressional staffer. Anita's career with the U.S. House of Representatives began in 1989 when my predecessor, Gene Taylor, won the special election. Anita was hired on as a secretary, but quickly found her niche through constituent services. When I first took office in 2010, I had the opportunity to carry over staff from the previous administration. Anita was an obvious choice and to this day, has proven to be one of my most trusted staffers. Anita was born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with family, faith, and music at her epicenter. She would say her mother, Christine Bourn, is the heart and soul of the family. She has two sons, and a niece, to whom she is known as ``Tee-Tee''. Anita also claims a host of brothers and sisters in Christ through her church family at Shady Grove Baptist Church. Anita is a long-time member of the church music ministry and is deservedly considered the resident ``rock star''. I can attest to this as I have had the privilege of hearing her beautiful rendition of ``God Bless America''. Anita's musical career officially began at the age of 12, when she started playing piano during church services. Since then, Anita has served as Director of the inspirational choir, the senior adult choir, and the men's chorus, while also directing the annual Easter and Christmas programs. One year, she depicted the Christian family in Tyler Perry's Madea style, which was undoubtedly an audience favorite. More recently, Anita was nominated as the Choir Director of the Year at the Gulf Coast Gospel Music Awards. Whether she is serving my constituents, or ministering to her community, Anita pours her heart into each of her endeavors. In a few words, Anita is faith-filled, compassionate, vibrant, and a true expert in her field. I could not ask for a better representative among my staff. To close, I would like to share one of Anita's favorite bible verses, Romans 8:28: ``And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose''. Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Ms. Anita Bourn for thirty exceptional years.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 due to a business call I was unable to vote on H.R. 2181, the Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 597.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Saint Peter's Baptist Church in Pascagoula, MS which will be celebrating its 200th anniversary. The founding of this church tells the story of Mr. Dudley Brooks, who was a former slave that gained his freedom by saving the life of his master's wife. Mr. Brooks then went on to work as a ship caulker so he could save up money, eventually buying his wife's freedom in Louisiana. Together, they traveled back to Scranton, presently known as Pascagoula, where they built their home on Market Street. Mr. Brooks started by gathering a small group of community members to worship in his home which eventually transformed into the First Free Mission Baptist Church, later installing Reverend George Washington as the first pastor. The congregation soon outgrew the Brooks' home as worshippers traveled from Gautier by boat to attend the church, requiring the church to move the service underneath a huge oak tree on Market Street, presently known as Canal Street. With the oak tree's roots serving as pews for family members, and a small ship's bell fastened to the tree churchgoers would summon worshippers to join their service by ringing the bell. While times were tough and money was limited, members of the congregation were able to raise $250 to purchase a 200 ft. by 60 ft. lot. While Mr. Brooks and the congregation were unable to write at the time the church was established, the story of the church's beginnings have been passed down through generations. The new church purchased a larger bell and placed it in the tree where the old ship's bell hung. While the church has since moved locations, the larger bell still hangs from an oak tree on Canal Street. Mr. Dudley Brooks' hardships are a real test of the human spirit, and through his determination, he created something that would continue to touch lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for centuries. His story is a true miracle and inspiration to us all. I want to congratulate the members of Saint Peter's Baptist Church for continuing to build on the foundation laid by Mr. Brooks and Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Ms. Emily Kathryn Goss of Caesar, Mississippi, whose life was unfortunately cut short on July 12 at the age of 17. Emily was a captain of the cheer team at Hancock High School, where she would have been a senior this upcoming fall semester. She was a hardworking honor student who stayed active in various clubs. When she wasn't at school, Emily worked at the Country Side Diner and was also a babysitter. Emily is remembered for being a loving, kindhearted young woman who was always smiling and loved life. She was a faithful member of her youth group at Union Baptist Church. She is survived by her parents, Kevin and Christina Goss, as well as her sister, Elise, whom she shared an inseparable bond with. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones as they grieve the loss of Emily. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in a moment of silence to honor the life of Ms. Emily Kathryn Goss

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Doug Walker who has retired from his career in broadcast journalism after 43 years. Doug has served the people of south Mississippi at the WLOX news station for 30 years and has many notable accomplishments under his belt from his tenure with the station. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, causing mass amounts of devastation throughout south Mississippi. Doug and the WLOX team remained on the ground and on air during the storm so they could continue providing critical updates to south Mississippi. Because of this impeccable journalism, Doug and others at WLOX received the distinguished Peabody Award in 2006. This award recognizes broadcasting excellence in both news and entertainment. Without the coverage provided by Doug and the WLOX team, south Mississippi would not have received widespread updates before, during, and after the storm. We are grateful to have hap these individuals remain engaged on delivering coverage of the hUrricane and our recovery. A year after Hurricane Katrina, Doug received a personal invitation to the White House for a one-on-one interview with President George W. Bush. During their discussion, Doug and President Bush reflected through the events that unfolded after the storm passed, both recalling the utter devastation the storm brought to Mississippi. Doug has recounted this invitation and interview as the highlight of his broadcasting career. Furthermore, Doug exemplifies the ``never quit mentality'' that is embodied by so many along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Doug was diagnosed with kidney cancer in late 2006. Although that news may be defeating for some, Doug did not let it defeat his spirit. After many surgeries, Doug was cleared of his cancer and eventually returned back to his passion. I have personally enjoyed working with Doug over the years, most often on the WLOX News this Week segment. I know he will be sorely missed on WLOX by many in south Mississippi. I am pleased to recognize Doug for his many accomplishments over the years and wish him a very relaxing and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I was unfortunately delayed by weather and unable to vote on June 24, 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 399; YEA on Roll Call No. 400; YEA on Roll Call No. 401; and YEA on Roll Call No. 402.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my fellow members of the Mississippi delegation to express the sorrow and grief within our hearts. This week, the city of Biloxi lost one of our law enforcement officers at the hands of senseless violence. Officer Robert McKeithen's end of watch was on May 5, 2019, when he was killed in the line of duty less than an hour after helping a Biloxi man out of his wrecked car. McKeithen was an Air Force veteran who served our Biloxi Police Department for nearly 24 years. He was a family man who leaves behind a wife and children. During his time as an officer, McKeithen became known for his selfless acts to put those in our community first. Particularly, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Hurricane Katrina, where he went out of his way to save the lives of a family trapped in their home while the floodwaters were rising. We have come to expect our law enforcement officers to run to the dangers we civilians run from. They choose to keep our families and neighborhoods safe, never knowing if they will return home to their own families when their shift ends. Our community now comes together in a time of grief mourning the loss of our fallen hero. Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask the House to join me in a moment of silence to honor the life and service of Officer Robert McKeithen.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, due to delayed flights on April 1, 2019, I was in transit and unable to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 137.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, due to a family commitment, I was not present and therefore unable to vote on Thursday, March 28, 2019. Had I been present I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 135 and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 136.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Clebern H. ``Bobby'' Shows, Jr. who passed away on January 20 of this year at the age of 80. I send my condolences and prayers to Bobby's wife of 42 years, Sandra, as well as his family and friends. Born and raised in Mississippi, he was a graduate of USM. During his life he worked as a cattle farmer, businessman, and public servant. I had the distinct honor to serve alongside Bobby in the Mississippi House and knew him as a friend. Bobby was first elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1992 and served the community of Ellisville for 24 years. He was well-known by his colleagues in the State legislature as a principled conservative and served as chairman of the County Affairs Committee. Throughout his time in office, Chairman Shows earned his reputation as a strong advocate for Mississippi's rural residents. Although we are sad to hear of his passing, we take comfort in his example of a life well-lived and the legacy he leaves behind. On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Mississippi, we honor the memory of Bobby Shows, a loving husband, father, man of God, and a dedicated civil servant.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, there is a host of things wrong with bringing this bill to the floor. By bringing forth the Senate version of this bill, it completely ignores all of the work this subcommittee has done over the past year. It ignores Members' priorities, and all of the testimony that we received that served as the basis of the House version of the Agriculture bill. I will name a few examples of what this looks like. First, for the Food and Drug Administration, Madam Speaker, the House bill included $3.1 billion for the FDA. The Senate bill before us today includes $2.9 billion. The additional $149 million in the original House bill supported a number of medical product initiatives above the level in the Senate bill, including initiatives like the promotion of domestic manufacturing, the new domestic drug industry, and the new medical data enterprise initiative. Madam Speaker, the higher levels in the Republican bill are critical to helping industry advance medical products to the marketplace sooner, safer, and with greater efficiency. The ultimate beneficiary is the American consumer or patient. Lastly, an issue that is very important to my home State of Mississippi and the Nation at large: rural broadband. The House Republican bill made a major investment in a broadband pilot program for rural America. We included $550 million to expand broadband infrastructure for some of our country's most underserved communities. The appropriation in this bill before us today falls short of meeting this critical priority. Madam Speaker, ultimately bringing the Senate version of this bill to the floor is just plain lazy, as it ignores the will of this House and all of the hard work Members from both sides of the aisle have put into this process. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the legislation.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, there are a host of things wrong with bringing this bill to the floor. By bringing forth the Senate version of this bill, it completely ignores all of the work this committee has done over the past year, ignoring Members' priorities as well as testimonies, both of which serve as the basis of the House version of the T-HUD bill. I will name a few examples. The Choice Neighborhoods program receives $50 million less in the Senate bill before us today. The Choice Neighborhoods initiative works to address the problems of growing poverty in high-poverty neighborhoods. It provides flexible resources for local leaders to help transform their distressed neighborhoods into mixed-income, successful neighborhoods. Also notably missing from the Senate bill is a very important family mobility demonstration project. Low-income families and voucher holders are often concentrated in high-poverty neighborhoods with limited education, transportation, and employment opportunities. The demonstration project absent from the Senate bill utilizes the voucher platform to target families with children and enable them to move to neighborhoods with greater economic opportunities. There are also several provisions in the House report that are missing from the Senate version. As a former deputy director for a public housing authority in Mississippi, I can tell you that these commonsense provisions would vastly improve the lives of not only our dedicated PHA employees, but also the lives of their tenants at a time when PHAs are stretched thin and do not have the operating or the capital funds necessary to meet HUD's ever growing list of demands. As it relates to operating funds, HUD's current method for calculating formula income and utility expenses for PHAs in no way reflects the reality that many experience locally, particularly for PHAs that serve large elderly and disabled populations. The House language directs HUD to submit a report outlining alternatives for operating fund calculations so that PHAs already strapped for cash do not continue to lose money because of a one-size-fits-all approach. Lastly, for years now, the T-HUD package has contained a provision prohibiting funds for HUD's physical needs assessment, an onerous and costly requirement that increases administrative burdens on PHAs and, as time has shown, has no operational benefit for local housing programs. These may seem trivial to some, but these are vitally important to the people they affect. Mr. Speaker, these are not Republican priorities; these are bipartisan priorities. We owe it to the Members of this body who worked hard on these provisions and many others to consider these bills properly and through the conference process. Bringing the Senate version of this bill to the floor ignores the will of this House and all the hard work Members from both sides of the aisle have put into the process. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the legislation.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, the American people are sick and tired of our porous borders and of the inability of Washington to get things done. Every day that we fail to secure these borders, more drug runners, human traffickers, and violent criminals enter our communities. It is time we quit playing politics and give the American people what they want and what they voted for. Although President Trump has certainly pushed the topic into the spotlight, the idea of a wall is nothing new. We have been talking about a wall for decades. This is not a work in progress. This is a failure of leadership. Presidents, Republican and Democratic alike, have failed to secure our border. It is time for the President to take emergency action. And make no mistake: Our border security absolutely constitutes a national emergency. Every day, our brave soldiers are breaking their backs to support our national security across the globe, yet we can't secure our own country here at home. If you were to ask any of them what the priority in this Nation is, I think you would receive resounding support for a border wall and border security. We simply cannot continue to operate as we have. The time has come for our President to take decisive action, and I urge him do everything in his power to build this wall.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2511, the Commercial Engagement Through Ocean Technology Act, as amended, also known as CENOTE. This bicameral, bipartisan, and bicoastal legislation advances the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's use of unmanned maritime systems by coordinating the private and academic sectors with the Navy on evaluating unmanned maritime systems technology and their utility in science and management. The legislation highlights the unique role that nondefense interests such as NOAA, academia, and the private sector play in the advancement of unmanned systems, which can gather a wide range of ocean data with fishery management, navigation, and economic benefits. Additionally, sensors can be utilized for dozens of meteorological and oceanographic readings, including acoustics, water temperature, salinity, and much more. The evolution of unmanned systems continues to present opportunities to replace, enhance, and reinforce traditional tools and infrastructure, such as moorings and manned research vessels, while minimizing operational costs. Demand greatly outpaces supply in the fielding of these assets. Specifically, NOAA is charged with the difficult tasks of mapping, observing, and exploring our oceans, which cover over 70 percent of our Earth's surface. It is no surprise, then, that 80 percent of our ocean is unmanned, unobserved, and unexplored. Because of the limitations of funding and fielding, NOAA continues the slow process of mapping. However, legislation like this can assist in the process. This legislation would require NOAA to leverage the technical and procurement expertise of the Navy and other partners to assess existing capabilities and initiate acquisition strategies. Ultimately, CENOTE is a win for defense, commerce, fisheries, environmental monitoring, and research and disaster planning and recovery. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. Finally, I want to thank Chairman Rob Bishop and his professional staff, Bill Ball, for assisting my office in bringing this legislation to the floor.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2615, the Gulf Islands National Seashore Land Exchange Act. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a national park that draws millions of visitors to the islands in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Islands National Seashore includes the Mississippi barrier islands of Petit Bois, Horn, East and West Ship, and Cat, as well as the Davis Bayou Area. I am proud to have this important park, its natural beaches, historic sites, and wildlife sanctuaries within my district. The Gulf Islands National Seashore has been a part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast community since Congress established the park in 1971. Since that establishment, the Gulf Islands National Seashore has worked closely with the Mark Seymour Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 5699. In fact, the post has shared a road with the seashore for the better part of the last 30 years. The Gulf Islands National Seashore Land Exchange Act would make permanent a 30-year easement that has provided an access road and driveway for the VFW. In exchange, the VFW will give the Gulf Islands National Seashore some of its acreage, which includes valuable wetlands. The Gulf Islands National Seashore and the Mark Seymour VFW both strongly support this land exchange, but the Department of the Interior needs congressional approval before it can make the land exchange official. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I encourage the House to pass this bill as a suspension vote. I would also like to thank the subcommittee chairman as well as Chairman Bishop and the ranking member of the Committee on Natural Resources for their support and help in bringing this bill to the floor.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the retirement of an outstanding military service member, Sergeant Major Paul L. Collier, Jr. For 40 years, Collier has shown outstanding leadership, professionalism, and technical ability while serving in the Mississippi Army National Guard. Born in Wurzburg, Germany, Collier began his career at Camp Shelby, then Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Sergeant Major Collier will retire from service at Camp Shelby in his most recent role as Logistics Senior Supply Supervisor of the Joint Forces Training Center. SGM Collier served at home and abroad with great distinction. Deployments included Panama, Italy, and South America, as well as Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Highly decorated SGM Collier fully engaged in service, earning a collection of awards and decorations too numerous to mention. Among them are the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with four Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Armed Forces Service Medal. Educational pursuits have been paramount to SGM Collier's successful military career. From the Sergeant Majors Academy, NCO courses, Army Combative Instructors Course, Airborne, Battle Skills, Basic Law Enforcement Academy, and Leadership Development, few soldiers rival SGM Collier's 40-year military education journey. In addition, he also holds a Bachelors' Degree in Business Management, and is an active member of VFW Post 3036--Hattiesburg, MSNCOA, and EANGUS, Association of Quartermasters, and the National Infantry Association. He is married to the former Paula Stuckey with whom he shares two sons and one daughter-in-law. His numerous accomplishments and exemplary leadership reflect great credit upon our United States military. It is my honor and privilege to recognize Sergeant Major Paul L. Collier, Jr.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an impressive Gulf Coast philanthropist, Miss Emma Hartley of Gulfport, Mississippi. My district is nicknamed ``Mississippi's Fighting Fourth,'' earned for Mississippi's spirit and the residents who call her ``home.'' Most Mississippians have a warrior spirit, a tenacity, a willingness to do whatever it takes to live and nurture each other with compassion and intentional care. These qualities embody one of Mississippi's youngest and most determined warriors--ten-year-old Emma Hartley. Emma was born August 2, 2008, missing a heart valve. Less than 24 hours after her birth, Emma underwent the first of what would become many surgeries. Perhaps it was an innate fighting spirit and a purpose to persevere for the sake of loving others that brought Emma and her heart safely through that first critical surgery. Perhaps she knew then that she would need to grow strong and develop a voice to encourage others to face tough battles with a smile. Perhaps it is simply that God has big plans for this little girl. What is known is that Mississippi's Gulf Coast is blessed by Emma's heart, beating now for over 10 years, and Emma's desire to make a difference in the lives of those facing similar health challenges. Emma has outlived the expectations of many of her doctors, and she will soon undergo her fifth surgery. Before age 18, she is likely to face several more; but, she endures each procedure with courage and grace. From an early age, Emma participated with her mom, Lisa Northrup, in fundraising efforts such as Rock Your Scar, the March of Dimes, Mended Little Hearts, and the Heart Walk for the American Heart Association. Now, with the support of family, friends, and her church, Emma champions her own efforts, working hard to raise funds, give speeches, and boost awareness of these causes in her local communities. Crafting and creating artwork, two of Emma's hobbies, are incorporated into her philanthropic efforts, too. For one of her fundraisers this year Emma sold handcrafted wood signs, some of which were ordered from far away. Also, Emma's artwork has been reproduced in awards given to the top Heart Walk high achievers. This year's Gulf Coast Heart Walk is on September 22. Emma will offer the opening prayer to start the event. Mississippi is fortunate to have such a brave, talented, ambitious, and inspiring warrior, like Emma Hartley.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding work of Lieutenant Commander Jerry McNew. McNew joined the United States Navy in 1989, entering Basic Training at the Naval Station in Chicago, Illinois. He later attended Tactical Training Center Atlantic, located in Dam Neck, Virginia, graduating with honors as an Operations Specialist Seaman. Spanning three decades, McNew's career has taken him on eighteen deployments, thirteen of those in combat missions. His dossier reads like something out of a Tom Clancy novel. From weapons tactics to Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer, to Civil Affairs, Command Staff, Air Intercept Controller Supervisor, Battle Watch Captain, Surface Warfare Officer, Fleet Marine Force Combat Officer, and many more titles, it is safe to say, LCDR McNew is an expert in Naval combat operations, quite possibly all over the world. It is no surprise that McNew advanced ranks from E-1 to E-8 to 0-4 between 1989 and 2015. He took part in 27 Operations, including Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina, Desert Fox, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm, Operations Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, as well as the Piracy Patrols in Somalia, among many others. His exemplary leadership, throughout the nearly 30 years of Naval service, has contributed greatly to the security of the United States, and our global community, as well as his fellow military brothers and sisters. It is an honor to recognize Lieutenant Commander Jerry McNew upon the occasion of his U.S. Navy retirement.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor an impressive Gulf Coast philanthropist, Miss Emma Hartley of Gulfport, Mississippi. My district is nicknamed ``Mississippi's Fighting Fourth,'' earned for Mississippi's spirit and the residents who call her ``home.'' Most Mississippians have a warrior spirit, a tenacity, a willingness to do whatever it takes to live and nurture each other with compassion and intentional care. These qualities embody one of Mississippi's youngest and most determined warriors--ten-year-old Emma Hartley. Emma was born August 2, 2008, missing a heart valve. Less than 24 hours after her birth, Emma underwent the first of what would become many surgeries. Perhaps it was an innate fighting spirit and a purpose to persevere for the sake of loving others that brought Emma and her heart safely through that first critical surgery. Perhaps she knew then that she would need to grow strong and develop a voice to encourage others to face tough battles with a smile. Perhaps it is simply that God has big plans for this little girl. What is known is that Mississippi's Gulf Coast is blessed by Emma's heart, beating now for over 10 years, and Emma's desire to make a difference in the lives of those facing similar health challenges. Emma has outlived the expectations of many of her doctors, and she will soon undergo her fifth surgery. Before age 18, she is likely to face several more; but, she endures each procedure with courage and grace. From an early age, Emma participated with her mom, Lisa Northrup, in fundraising efforts such as Rock Your Scar, the March of Dimes, Mended Little Hearts, and the Heart Walk for the American Heart Association. Now, with the support of family, friends, and her church, Emma champions her own efforts, working hard to raise funds, give speeches, and boost awareness of these causes in her local communities. Crafting and creating artwork, two of Emma's hobbies, are incorporated into her philanthropic efforts, too. For one of her fundraisers this year Emma sold handcrafted wood signs, some of which were ordered from far away. Also, Emma's artwork has been reproduced in awards given to the top Heart Walk high achievers. This year's Gulf Coast Heart Walk was on September 22. Emma offered the opening prayer to start the event. Mississippi is fortunate to have such a brave, talented, ambitious, and inspiring warrior, like Emma Hartley.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, due to tropical storm Gordon, which impacted my district on 9/4/18, I was en route back to Washington and unable to vote on the following roll call votes on 9/6/18. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 392.

Mr. PALAZZO

Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, due to tropical storm Gordon, which impacted my district on 9/4/18, I was en route back to Washington and unable to vote on the following roll call votes on 9/6/18. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 386; YEA on Roll Call No. 387; NAY on Roll Call No. 388; NAY on Roll Call No. 389; and NAY on Roll Call No. 390.