Donald Payne

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Richard Rohrman on his retirement and thank him for his 26 years of dedicated service to New Community Corporation. Mr. Rohrman has done tremendous work for Newark and my 10th Congressional District as CEO of one of our most important community development corporations. New Community Corporation was founded in Newark, New Jersey in 1968 during a time of great civil unrest throughout the community. At the time, it provided local services from housing to healthcare to banking to help it rebuild after the Newark Rebellion. The mission of the corporation is to ``help residents of inner cities improve the quality of their lives to reflect individual, God-given dignity and personal achievement.'' Mr. Rohrman has helped the corporation achieve its goals throughout his 26 years of working for the betterment of Newark residents. In his role as CEO, he has worked to provide $75 million in renovations to 1,100 housing units for my district's most vulnerable populations. He implemented a real estate development plan to create more housing and ownership opportunities for moderate income families. Also, he developed and expanded programs to improve the health and healthcare options for underserved communities. He has many important achievements during his time at the organization. He was responsible for the maintenance and security of charter schools, day care centers, a health care complex, and corporate offices for New Community. He managed a portfolio of small businesses, including an upscale restaurant, sandwich shop, health spa, print and copy center, food court, and grocery delivery service. In addition, he supervised the final phases of renovation of St. Joseph Plaza, a historic, former church originally built in 1882 that now houses New Community's corporate headquarters. Finally, Mr. Rohrman led a company- wide energy cost reduction initiative that saved the company more than $300,000 annually and a beautification program that involved landscaping more than 40 acres of company-managed property. Mr. Rohrman has been a strong advocate for the underprivileged and strong supporter of actions and initiatives to help our underserved communities. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Rohrman on his retirement and thank him for his many years of dedicated and honorable service.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Congressman Alcee Hastings. Congressman Hastings spent more than 30 years in Congress and fought for racial equality during his storied and historic life. At the time of his passing, he was the Dean of the Florida Congressional delegation as the Representative from Florida's 20th District. Before that, he was Florida's first African-American federal judge and a strong civil rights advocate. Congressman Hastings died on April 6, 2021 after a long bout with pancreatic cancer. Congressman Hastings was a life-long public servant. He served as a Circuit Court Judge in Broward County, Florida and then became a U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of Florida. After his election to Congress in 1992, Congressman Hastings was a leading member of the Congressional Black Caucus and a senior Democratic whip. He served as a member of the House Rules Committee and a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he was chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. He was an esteemed member of Congress throughout his time there. Personally, I am devastated at the loss of my colleague and mentor, the Honorable Alcee Hastings. We would talk about his time spent in Newark as a child and his fond memories of growing up there. While voting, I would spend many days sitting next to him and listening to the wisdom he imparted on me. His blunt honesty and brilliance as a legislator were second to none. We even shared our love of colorful socks. The Lord has another one of my Fathers on the Floor of Congress with him no and I will miss him dearly.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Congressman John Lewis on the 56th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday March. Congressman Lewis spent more than 30 years in Congress, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and fought for racial equality across the country during his storied and historic life. The civil rights icon died on July 17, 2020, after a tragic fight with cancer. It was a devastating loss for me and our entire country. Congressman Lewis was such a great fighter for the right thing in our nation. With his passing, I lost one of my fathers on the floor of the House. He was a colleague of my father, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr. and one of the men who inspired me to run for office. I was in awe of how he could convey such power and strength with a gentle demeanor. His passion and love for his country and people brought out a ferociousness in such a mild-mannered man. He didn't just speak for civil rights, he stood up against abuse and suffered for it to make this country better for all Americans. I learned so much from him and his leadership was evident in hundreds of actions in and out of the U.S. House of Representatives. One of my greatest honors happened when we held a `sit-in' on the floor of the House in 2016 to try and get a vote on gun control legislation after 49 people died during a shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, FL. It was his drive and dedication that inspired me and so many of my colleagues to join him that day. There were so many situations like that I could mention. Congressman Lewis always said it was important to `get into good trouble' and those words have inspired me to this day. He was a hero, a mentor, a leader, and a great, great friend.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss Black History Month and the insurrection against our Capitol Building on January 6, 2021. Since 1926, America has celebrated Black History in some form. It started as a week and now it is a month to honor the achievements of Black Americans throughout our nation's history. Schools and organizations conduct seminars and events to highlight the month. It is a positive way to acknowledge the power of diversity in the growth of our country. But there are still those in America who disagree with diversity. They want to return to a time when only a small minority of Americans were allowed to have rights and the full protections of the U.S. Government. They believe that `white is right' and everything else is wrong. Luckily, their numbers have been decreasing across the country during the last few decades. Unfortunately, they are not going quietly. The forces of white supremacy were strengthened and emboldened by former President Trump. In the last few years, they have acted out in ways both public and private. They were the ones who attacked our nation's Capitol Building on January 6th. They were the ones who wanted to ``hang'' former Vice President Mike Pence. They were the ones who brought a Confederate flag, one of the nation's foremost symbols of hate and prejudice, into the Capitol Building. And they forced elected officials of both political parties, Republicans and Democrats, to flee for their lives on that fateful day. We know that white nationalists have become empowered to commit acts of hate like this one nationwide because they had support in the White House. In 2019, the total number of hate crimes rose to 7,312 and marked the fourth increase in the past five years. We know that white supremacy-supporting domestic terrorists pose a greater threat to our nation's peace and security than foreign terrorists. And we know how to fight and defeat white nationalism. The question is when are we going to defeat it for good?

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to condemn the behavior, comments, and beliefs of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Rep. Greene has stated or shown support for a number of baseless conspiracy theories and criminal actions against American elected officials and institutions. Even before she represented the people of Georgia's 14th District, Rep. Greene said or supported beliefs that 1) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi should be shot, 2) the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 did not happen, and 3) the shooting at a Parkland, FL high school that killed 17 people was staged. Since Rep. Greene has been elected to Congress, she has continued her horrific, incendiary and anti-American rhetoric and behavior. Rep. Greene has encouraged and incited the disgraceful attack on our nation's Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 as well as acts of violence against former presidents of the United States. She has posted on social media a split-screen picture of herself with an AR-15 automatic weapon on one side and three female Members of Congress on the other with the caption, ``The Squad's Worst Nightmare.'' No Member of Congress should have to worry about being in pictures with an AR-15 pointed at them. As a deliberative body, we debate, and we disagree. But we do not abide death threats of any sort. Her attempted apology on the House floor was just a disingenuous attempt at covering her true beliefs. Never once did she address the violent comments towards Democratic Leadership that she made or agreed with. The Republican leadership refused to punish Rep. Greene for her statements and behavior. In fact, they thought it was a good idea to put her on the House Education and Labor Committee. For a Member of Congress to claim that the Parkland tragedy is fake and then be assigned to the Education Committee is outrageous. It is a slap in the face to all the families who lost children and loved ones during that horrible day. Never at any point has Rep. Greene fully recanted, repudiated nor apologized for any of her statements and behavior. Every day she is a sitting Member of Congress brings shame and dishonor to the U.S. House of Representatives. Her actions are absolutely unacceptable and beneath the dignity of this body. I strongly believe that Rep. Greene poses a continuous threat to the safety of several Members of this body and the institutions that have been the pride of America for more than 200 years. That is why I voted for the removal of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from all committee assignments and will further push for her removal from Congress.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote in person on Roll Call Vote No. 3, since the vote was closed prior to my assigned group being called to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 3

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to declare that our 4-year public nightmare is almost at an end. Next month, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President after an honest, free, and fair election, and an ugly chapter in America's history will be over. No more governing by tweet. No more constant lies. No more insulting our Nation while praising our enemies. No more incompetent family members conducting national policy. No more gross profiteering off of the Presidency. No more children in cages. No more promoting of white supremacy. No more attacks on American institutions like the FBI, the courts, schools, and the post office and so many others. No more payoffs. No more conspiracy theories. No more recounting ballots. And a future with no more coronavirus, hopefully. For the last 4 years, we have been told to make America great. When Joseph R. Biden is sworn in as President of the United States, we can say that we finally did.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss my bill, the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act. It has been a long time coming. I thank my friend and New Jersey colleague, Congressman Frank Pallone, the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. As chairman of the House committee, his leadership was critical to getting my bill to the floor today. I have been working on this bill since my arrival to the United States House of Representatives. Unfortunately, colorectal cancer is the reason that I am a member of this body. In addition, I thank my coleads on the bill, as you heard earlier, Congressman Rodney Davis and my colleague from Virginia, Donald McEachin, who has been instrumental in moving this bill forward. Congressman McEachin has done an incredible amount of work to promote the bill and increase awareness of colorectal cancer. I also thank my other colead, Congressman David McKinley from West Virginia, for his efforts, as well. These great representatives understand the importance of this bill to the health and security of millions of Americans and know that colorectal cancer is bipartisan in nature of its negative impact on people in this country. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America. It only trails lung cancer, and it affects both men and women. It is the second leading cause of death in the United States in cancers. Like many cancers, it is treatable and patients can recover if it is caught early enough. But that depends on whether Americans get screened. And one of the reasons that we are here today, my bill would seek to remove one of the barriers to screenings. It would allow Medicare to cover screenings and surgical procedures to remove cancerous polyps during the screenings. Today, Medicare covers only screenings for eligible patients. If doctors find and remove a cancerous polyp during the screening, patients could wake up to a surprise bill that could cost thousands of dollars. After my father succumbed to this dreadful disease, I had my first colonoscopy, and at that time they found 13 polyps. So can you imagine the bill that I could have potentially awoken to, tens of thousands of dollars in bills that I did not even know that I had? Too many men refuse to get screened because of the fear of this surprise bill and a lot of the reason why men don't find this procedure very palatable. Then they wait to get screened until there is a problem, and potentially that is a decision that could be fatal. I encourage my House colleagues to vote for this bill so we can save thousands of American lives annually. It has been almost 9 years since I lost my father, Congressman Donald Payne, Sr., to colorectal cancer, and I do not want to see other families go through the same horror and pain. I ask that we pass this bill. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and save the lives of the American people.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from North Carolina for allowing me several minutes to pay my respects to a great man. And it is not remiss that I see the Speaker pro tempore; it is very appropriate that you are in the seat tonight, sir. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Lewis. He was an American icon, civil rights legend, and dear friend and an inspiration to millions. Yet, these words truly fail to describe the difference he made in our country. He always spoke of ``getting into good trouble,'' and I know that has been echoed here on numerous occasions, but it sums up what Mr. Lewis was all about. His efforts led to the Civil Rights Act. His efforts led to the Voting Rights Act. And his efforts led to the Congressional Black Caucus, and even the election of President Barack Obama. But his loss is more than his legacy. For me, once again, I have lost one of my fathers on the floor of Congress. He was a role model for what makes a great Congressman, and I constantly watched as he moved about his business: Like the way he always fought for the right thing; the way he could convey such power and strength through such a gentle demeanor. But when he had passion, and was committed, there is no one else on this floor you would rather have with you going into that fight. And the way he stood up to abuse to make this country a better place. One of my greatest honors was to be a part of the sit-in he led on the House floor to fight for gun control legislation after the terrible, dreadful Florida issue. We got into some good trouble that day. He inspired us then, and his words and deeds will inspire new generations; whether they are civil rights pioneers, elected officials, or any American with a dream or cause. God bless you, Mr. Lewis. Your life made our country and our world a better place.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me as I rise to support the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Police brutality in our communities of color has been a national pandemic for decades. My colleagues and I can recall quite easily an incident or incidents of police brutality that involve ourselves or our loved ones. We understand what it feels like to be afraid of the very men and women who are supposed to protect you. We understand that we are considered dangerous based on the color of our skin. Unfortunately, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle don't seem to understand that. They have shown that our law enforcement officials, like our President, are above the law. That's not right. I am proud to vote for a bill that will go a long way towards healing the rift between our law enforcement agencies and the minority neighborhoods they serve. It will end racial profiling in police conduct. It will ban the use of chokeholds, basically the 21st century's version of lynching. It will eliminate ``no-knock'' warrants in law enforcement, which means police officers must respect the rights of every homeowner and renter regardless of race. It will establish independent prosecutors in cases of excessive force. In addition, it will establish a national standard of conduct for police officers nationwide. This national standard will make it easier to train law enforcement officials across the country to support equal protections under the law for all American citizens. People of all colors, cultures and creeds have taken to streets across the country to demand action in this cause. They want it established in federal law that black lives matter and the time of killing our men and women of color is over. As our citizens tear down the statutes of racists and bigots across the country, we need to follow suit and tear down the policies that allow racism to exist in our law enforcement. Mr. Speaker, I know my fellow members of the U.S. House of Representatives agree that the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act deserves to be recognized at this time because it represents a milestone in the American commitment to justice and equality for every citizen. All lives will matter when Black lives matter.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the HEROES Act, our fifth coronavirus aid package. Right now, Americans are losing loved ones, jobs, their health insurance, and their patience. The only aid that they will get is whatever we provide them. Government exists to help the country in times of great need, and there might not ever be a greater time in our lifetime than right now. I am shocked that many of my Republican colleagues seem not to care. The price might be high, but the price of doing nothing is always higher. Our constituents count on us to do the right thing. This bill is the right thing for American workers, American families, and American businesses.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman, I thank the Speaker, and I would say to my friend on the other side of the aisle, there was no urgency in February when this was first brought to the President's attention. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the fourth coronavirus stimulus. It is good to see both parties can come together to aid the country during a national crisis. But we must have accountability for the money that we provide, and we must get it to the people that need it the most. Like many Members, I was not happy to hear of small businesses that could not get funds. We must do a better job in getting the funds to the people that need it the most, and that should be our commitment.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ruby Ann Whittle Smith on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Ms. Smith has been a district resident for 95 years. She was born in South Hill, Virginia, on March 15, 1920, and moved to Orange, New Jersey, 5 years later. Ms. Smith graduated from Orange High School and later the New York Institute of Dietetics. She started her career as a hospital dietician and worked at Community Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, then she spent 30 years as a clerk at Western Electric. But she is known and loved for her passions: her dedication to New Hope Baptist Church in East Orange, her enjoyment of Denzel Washington movies, and her love of peppermints and bingo. Happy birthday to Ruby Ann Whittle Smith. She is truly 100 years young.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a scoring sensation in my district, Rakiyah Sellers. The senior guard at College of Saint Elizabeth scored her 1,000th career point in February. She began her basketball career at the Ivy Hill Elementary School in Newark, New Jersey. From there, she continued to shine as a standout player for the Lady Jaguars of Newark's Arts High School. Her scoring milestone came in a Colonial States Athletic Conference semifinal. Her team, College of Saint Elizabeth, beat Notre Dame of Maryland University 76-51. In the conference final, Rakiyah had 4 points, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals. Unfortunately, her Eagles of Saint Elizabeth lost to the Keystone Giants 72-61, but that does not dim her accomplishment. She is a shining star of Newark, and I am proud to highlight her today.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me as I rise to pay tribute to Ruby Ann Whittle Smith and celebrate her 100th birthday. Mrs. Smith was born on March 15, 1920, to George and Dora Whittle in South Hill, Virginia. In 1923, the Whittle Family moved from Virginia to Baltimore, Maryland. After a short stay there, they moved to New Jersey where, in 1925, they settled into their home in Orange. Mrs. Smith attended the Orange Public Schools until her graduation from Orange High School in 1940. After high school, Mrs. Smith furthered her education at the New York Institute of Dietetics. Once she graduated, she worked as an intern at Provident Hospital in Baltimore, MD. When she finished her internship, Mrs. Smith returned to New Jersey and became a dietician at the Community Hospital in Newark, NJ. Eventually, she left the hospital and began a career at the Western Electric Company, a subsidiary of AT&T, in Kearney, NJ, where she made telephones for distribution. She worked in the Western Electric office for 30 years before she retired in 1985. She was supported throughout her life by her husband, Willie E. Smith, Sr. They were married for 37 years. In addition, she was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church in East Orange and served as a volunteer to Hospice, Inc. Many church members continue to visit Mrs. Smith to this day through the New Hope Visiting Ministry. She was a very active member of the East Orange Senior Citizens Exercise and Wellness Program. She enjoyed the program's social events, participated in the exercise programs, transported those who needed a ride around town, and rode in Memorial Day parades. Today, she spends her time with friends at the Orange Retirement Club in East Orange, where she enjoys the exercises, BINGO, lunch, outings and plenty of fun. Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow members of the U.S. House of Representatives to join me and recognize Ruby Ann Whittle Smith for bringing joy and love to the people of my district for 100 years.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me as I rise to pay tribute to Annie Virginia Johnson Rice and celebrate her 100th birthday. Annie Virginia Johnson Rice was born in Brightwood, Virginia on March 12, 1920. She was the sixth of 11 children born to the late Ernest and Louise Johnson and educated in the Madison County School System. She received her early Christian education at the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, where she was baptized in the Robinson River. Annie moved to Washington, D.C. as a young woman and soon developed a keen appreciation for many of Washington's cultural attractions. Her life's work was caring for her children and late husband. She was the adoring wife of the late James A. Rice and a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great, great grandmother. She is similarly committed to her church and community. Annie is a long-time member of Simms United Methodist Church and has served as a communion steward, church greeter, and assisted with the acolytes for many years. In addition, Annie was an active volunteer with the Meals on Wheels Program for more than 20 years. The program allowed her to do what she enjoys most--travel around her adopted hometown to improve the lives of others. But Annie's favorite passion is hats. At church, she can be found in her pew regally adorned in one of her many decorated hats with matching gloves and handbag. Her favorite color is purple, but her accessories can be a rainbow of colors. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and recognize Annie Virginia Johnson Rice for bringing joy and love to so many people and celebrate her 100th birthday.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate, again, some exceptional young people from my district, the cheerleaders from West Orange High School. Known as the Mountaineers, they fought their way to the 2020 Universal Cheerleading Association's National Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida. They survived a tough regional in Pennsylvania to get there. In Orlando, they faced the best high school cheerleading squads in the country. During their first UCA competition, they won their semifinal for the large varsity non-tumbling division and earned a trip to the finals. Before they left, I said to them I hoped that they would bring the trophy home to West Orange, and that is exactly what they did. The Mountaineers earned a trophy for finishing eighth out of 32 squads, and I am extremely proud of them. They may not have earned the top trophy, but they are champions to me and their entire 10th District of New Jersey.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Roselle Park Panthers youth cheerleaders. They earned a national championship and a bronze medal at the 2019 American Youth Cheer, AYC, national championships. The AYC championships are divided into more than 20 divisions, from small to elite teams. The Roselle Park Panthers won awards in two different divisions. First, a squad of cheerleaders aged 10 to 15 years old won the division 14 small level 3 national championship. Then a team of 7- to 10-year-olds earned a bronze medal for a third-place finish in the division 10 small level 2 competition. This is the second time in 3 years that Roselle Park has won a cheerleading national championship and the third time in the squad's history. Along the way, the Panthers were crowned Jersey Shore Champions, Regional Champions, and Regional Grand Champions. I am extremely proud of these young people and their accomplishments, and I look forward to hearing what they will do next. They are truly winners, and I am proud of Roselle Park, a great part of my district.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise my House colleagues for their swift and decisive action to attack the corona threat yesterday. Members of both parties recognized that this disease is a national and public health crisis, that it will affect all Americans, regardless of political party. We came together to approve $7.8 billion to protect the safety and well-being of all Americans. The Founding Fathers created this Chamber for exactly that reason. In the spirit of bipartisan cooperation, I would like to discuss the Affordable Care Act. Like our coronavirus bill yesterday, the ACA attacked a public health crisis. It improved the health and security of millions of Americans, especially those with preexisting conditions. It has saved money for American workers, and it has helped millions of American families provide care for their children. If these attacks on the ACA are successful, at least 25 million Americans will be uninsured. We do not want them to avoid screenings for coronavirus or future viruses because they cannot afford it.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women in this country. This year, almost 148,000 Americans will be diagnosed with this dreaded disease, and 53,000 will die from it. Yet, if we catch it early, 90 percent of patients could survive within 5 years. The key is awareness and education. If we can educate more Americans about colorectal cancer, we can limit the number of deaths from it. We can remove the fears and stigmas that prevent people from getting screenings. I lost my father 8 years ago this weekend, Congressman Donald Payne, Sr., to colorectal cancer. But if more people get screened, we have a chance to keep more families from losing their fathers, brothers, and sons to this disease.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Chairman, first, let me commend the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee for this timely piece of legislation, this long-time coming piece of legislation. As has been stated, we fly home every week, and us being in Homeland Security, we interact with the TSOs on a regular basis. I don't know what is going on in the gentleman from Alabama's airports, but these officers are really first responders who stand in the gap of whether we fly or travel safely every single day. They check thousands of bags for weapons that could be used to harm people flying or the pilots or the staff on airplanes, and we can't give them a dignified wage, a living wage? I talk to them. Some of them have two jobs. Why should someone with such an important duty to keep our airways safe from terrorists and harm have to leave there and go work at Burger King? It is not right. I commend the gentleman from Mississippi once again for this. These people need to be given the dignity that they deserve. They stand in the gap every single day, and not to pay them a commensurate salary with their job is criminal.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a great public servant from my district, Denise Wilkerson. Ms. Wilkerson is the council president for the city of Roselle, New Jersey, but her dedication to her community extends far beyond her city council work. She also is the president of the Union County National Organization for Women. She served as second vice president of the National Council of Negro Women in Roselle, as well. She is actively involved in her local NAACP chapter, and, in addition, she is the executive director of Abounding Women Community Outreach. This nonprofit is dedicated to empowering women through their community events and professional skills training. She is a vibrant part of my community, and I am glad to commend her from the floor of the United States House of Representatives on this day. She deserves all the accolades we can give her and much more.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet on Monday next, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mr. PAYNE

Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Henry Hamilton to close Black History Month. Mr. Hamilton is the principal of the Whitney E. Houston Academy in East Orange, New Jersey. He has been a teacher, administrator, and principal at the school for 50 years of his 57 years in education. His dedication to his students is shown every single day. He chats with them in the halls. He eats meals with them during lunch. He encourages them when they are having a bad day. He even carries peppermint treats to reward students for good grades. He loves teaching so much that he never missed a day of work for his first 33 years of service. Madam Speaker, I celebrated his work and legacy during my special Black History Month celebration on February 21. He is an asset to my district, a revered public servant, and a great, great man. He deserves all these accolades and many more.