Hal Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of Eastern Kentucky's fallen heroes, Jacob Russell Chaffins, a 28- year-old law enforcement officer and certified canine handler who was one of three officers killed in the line of duty in Allen, Kentucky. Chaffins' life should not be measured by his number of years on Earth, but by the magnitude of his service and courageous action during his short lifetime. He not only earned Badge No. 533 from the Prestonsburg Police Department, but he was also a member of the Prestonsburg Fire Department, a certified EMT, and a U.S. Marshal. Chaffins was also enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces, serving as a Combat Engineer Sergeant in the Kentucky Army National Guard's 577th Sapper Company in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. As a guardsman, Sgt. Chaffins was deployed during multiple state emergencies, including the Winter Storm Response of February 2015 and COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts in March 2020, dedicating countless hours to serve and protect the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Sgt. Chaffins was awarded the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, and the Florida Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement in Exportable Combat Training Capability. Sgt. Chaffins was also awarded the Army Achievement Medal in recognition of his excellence as a team leader in preparing and equipping troops to defend this great Nation and the values we hold dear. President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a former commissioner of the New York City Police Department once said, ``No man is worth his salt, who is not ready at all times to risk his body, to risk his well-being, to risk his life in a great cause.'' On Friday, July 1, 2022, Officer Chaffins paid the ultimate sacrifice after he valiantly risked his life and answered the call of duty to protect others in Floyd County. His heroic death was the greatest display of love described in John 15:13, ``Greater love has no man than this: to lay down his life for his friends.'' It was with great courage of conviction that Jacob Chaffins lived to protect the people of the United States, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and especially those in Floyd County. In a Nation where police forces have been vilified in recent years by the actions of a few bad actors, may Officer Chaffins' life be a reminder of the outstanding integrity and sacrifice that the thin blue line represents. We must continue to support our law enforcement officers across the United States, ensuring they are fully equipped, adequately prepared, and never at the mercy of evildoers. This Nation owes a great debt of gratitude for the life and service of Officer Jacob Chaffins. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Savannah, their daughter Paisley, his mother April and his siblings, as well as the widespread band of brothers and sisters in uniform who served alongside him. May his loved ones find peace and confidence in God's promise in Matthew 5:9, ``Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.''

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Tommy Harold Mink in celebration of his retirement from the Rockcastle County Industrial Development Board in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, where he has dedicated 45 years of service to the community and southeastern Kentucky. Mr. Mink has been instrumental in providing wisdom and guidance for industrial development, job creation, and economic growth in Rockcastle County, beginning with the Rockcastle County Improvement Board and continuing to aid in acquisition, retention, and development of local land for new opportunities for more than four decades as a charter member of the Rockcastle County Industrial Development Board. Mr. Mink is also a member of the Kentucky Cattleman's Association Hall of Fame, as a result of his life-long, successful career in the farming industry. His passion for farming began as a child in Rockcastle County where he was born and raised on a 35-acre dairy farm. He became a first-generation college graduate in his family, earning a degree in agriculture in 1958. Today, he and his sons still own and operate a 350 cow/calf and back-grounding operation. His expertise has been highly sought after by a number of local and state organizations, including serving as a board member of the Rockcastle County Cattlemen's Association since 1985, serving as Master Conservationist in 1981, a charter member of the Rockcastle County Forage Council, the Rockcastle County Soil Conservation District since 1982 and Chairman from 1983 to 2019, a charter member of the Rockcastle County Saddle Club for more than 20 years, an Extension Agency Board Member, Chairman of the Western Rockcastle Water District, the Farmers Home Administration, a Farm Bureau board member, the Vocational Educational Regional Advisory Board in Harlan County, and a court- appointed appraiser for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He is also Chairman of the Brindle Ridge Fire Department, a founding member of Cedar Rapids Country Club, and a deacon of the Brindle Ridge Baptist Church. Mr. Mink has also been a Kentucky Colonel since the late 1960's. As a veteran of the U.S. Army, with two tours of active duty from 1959 to 1966, this nation owes Mr. Mink a great debt of gratitude for his military service. His overall lifetime of service is truly inspiring, from working on the farm as a young boy, to becoming a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, to establishing a Veterans Honor Guard in Rockcastle County, to building a successful business and providing tireless community service throughout his entire adult life. Mr. Mink has sincerely earned his due retirement and I wish him and his family the very best in the years to come.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7691, the emergency supplemental appropriations act for Ukraine. Mr. Speaker, this vital assistance will continue the support of Ukraine's heroic and inspiring assistance of their countrymen and will continue to support their heroic and inspiring resistance to Russia's unprovoked invasion. We and our allies must continue to provide the assistance critical to defeat Russian aggression and help preserve Ukrainian independence. For those in this country and elsewhere, Mr. Speaker, who thought that war was a 19th or 20th century concern, this crisis has underscored the importance of capable military alliances, the centrality of NATO, and the critical importance of American leadership in the transatlantic alliance. This bill provides essential military assistance across State Department and Department of Defense accounts. It also includes funding for Russian sanctions enforcement, returns our diplomats to Kyiv, and provides much-needed humanitarian relief for Ukraine and other countries impacted by this crisis. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the bill.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6531, the Targeting Resources to Communities in Need Act. The impetus for this legislation was the understanding that in certain parts of the country there are pockets of systemic poverty caused by a variety of factors that can be very difficult to boost economically. Ranging from rural towns to populated urban areas, these areas of persistent poverty deserve a keen eye from our Federal Government and a plan to help them reinvigorate. I have been proud to work with Majority Whip Jim Clyburn on this for many years now with some modest success, but hopefully a great future today. I have been happy to work with Mr. Clyburn on legislative efforts to alleviate persistent poverty and set up these communities for economic success and self-sufficiency. This bill directs the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with Federal agencies, to develop and implement guidance and measures to increase the share of Federal investments targeted to areas of persistent poverty. The bill will require the OMB director to submit to Congress each fiscal year a report including the list of programs, by agency, under which the amount of Federal funds targeted to persistent poverty areas were increased in the previous fiscal year. By targeting Federal resources to these communities, we will spur economic development in the areas of the country that need it most and strengthen the American economy as a whole. The bill further requires the U.S. Government Accountability Office to report on the effectiveness of the measures implemented, which will responsibly ensure that this legislation is making a meaningful impact. We have made great strides to lift up impoverished areas, like Kentucky's Appalachian region, but we have more work to do in my district and similar parts of the country that need our attention. This targeted bill will help communities break through the cycle of poverty and provide resources necessary to thrive. Mr. Speaker, I thank Whip Clyburn for his partnership and his great work on this over the years and his commitment, and I urge support for the bill.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Leonard Lawson, my long-time friend and trusted advisor, who literally moved mountains in Kentucky and our neighboring states. Leonard's astute business leadership and savvy partnerships led to his rise as a giant in the transportation industry, becoming a leader across the Commonwealth and nationally-renowned among industry experts for the companies he built to transform Kentucky and beyond. In fact, his companies' portfolios include more than $10 billion in highway and airport infrastructure projects across Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana, and Ohio, including interstate construction and widening projects, working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and completing local development projects. Although his success was widely applauded and criticized by the media over the years, Leonard was a very private man who came from humble beginnings. He grew up without many resources, and he and his wife, Bonnie, were both proud graduates of the Red Bird Christian School, a small private school nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Clay County, Kentucky. Struggling to sustain the costs of operating such a courageous mission at the school, the Lawsons raised and donated enough money to reopen its doors, ensuring future students could live in the dormitory throughout high school, as Bonnie did. The Red Bird Christian School became one of many philanthropic endeavors that the Lawsons invested in. Before being diagnosed with cancer, Leonard generated enough funds to start and eventually expand the Leonard Lawson Cancer Center at Pikeville Medical Center. Last year alone, his generosity helped provide treatment to nearly 3,600 patients who otherwise would have driven hours for the same medical care. Despite losing his own battle with cancer, I am confident that his legacy cancer center will extend lifesaving hope to countless patients in the future. Many of us dream of ways to win the tireless war on poverty and how to change the course of generational challenges in Kentucky's Appalachian region, but Leonard skillfully managed to do his part to make a lasting difference and systemically impacted access to better roads and much-needed medical care in the mountains. Eastern Kentucky will be a different place without him. I'II miss our fishing trips and casting visionary plans together to help our beloved home region. Leonard's small stature could not contain the insurmountable hope he had for a brighter future in southern and eastern Kentucky. He leaves behind an expansive legacy that will live on in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky for many years. My wife, Cynthia, and I extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to Bonnie and the entire Lawson family.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Loretta Lynn, in celebration of her 90th birthday. The incredible voice of America's famed coal miner's daughter has resounded across the Appalachian Mountains and around the world, highlighting the resiliency and courage of the people of Eastern Kentucky, where she was born and raised. Loretta Lynn's superstardom is a remarkable story, rising from her humble beginnings in Butcher Holler to the top of the country music charts. Her Eastern Kentucky roots shine through the lyrics of her most famous songs and paint a prominent picture of hope and perseverance that are iconic in our coal mining region. She has inspired generations of gifted singers from the mountains. Although Nashville gets much of the glory for birthing the superstars of country music, it is in the hills of Eastern Kentucky where many of them were born, raised, and played their first guitars. Loretta Lynn is just one of the many names lining our Country Music Highway in Eastern Kentucky. We have a rich heritage of talented musicians and vocalists, thanks to country music pioneers, like Loretta Lynn, who proved that hard work, mountain grit and sheer talent makes for an unstoppable combination. At the age of 28, she signed with her first record label and stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first of many times, becoming a member just two years later. In 1972, she was the first woman to be nominated and to win Entertainer of the Year at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. She went on to win CMA's Female Vocalist of the Year award in 1967, 1972 and 1973. When we teamed up with Conway Twitty, the duo recorded five consecutive number one hits, winning the CMA's Vocal Duo of the Year award for four consecutive years, 1972 through 1975. Her best-selling autobiography, Coal Miner's Daughter, was turned into an Academy Award-winning film in 1980. As her success continued, Loretta Lynn was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988 at the age of 56. Her portfolio includes 60 studio albums, including five certified gold and one certified platinum record. Earning 18 Grammy nominations and 3 Grammy awards, Loretta Lynn stands now as the most awarded female country recording artist and the only female to be named the Academy of Country Music's Artist of the Decade. Adding to her monumental list of accolades, she was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her lifetime contributions to the arts. The people of Kentucky are proud of our own ``Coal Miner's Daughter'' and the legacy of hope that Loretta Lynn built to move mountains for aspiring young artists from the Appalachian Mountains. On her 90th birthday, we celebrate and applaud the life of Loretta Lynn.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend Mike Buckles upon his retirement from the Daniel Boone Community Action Agency, where he has served as Executive Director for nearly 25 years. Mike has dedicated his career to assisting individuals and families most-in-need. He turned an agency facing financial hardships into a thriving, successful resource to combat poverty. Mike is a visionary leader, always working to expand services to help as many people as possible in Clay, Jackson and Lee counties. As Executive Director, he increased employment from 40 to 135 employees, added two certified Kentucky Career Centers and increased the budget to over $16 million. He worked diligently to lift the Daniel Boone CAA out of debt and increased programs for transportation, weatherization, low-income energy assistance, workforce development, child care, housing and emergency services. As a result of his achievements, Mike was selected to lead Community Action Kentucky as President for two terms. In 2015, he was inducted into the Transportation Hall of Fame and he received the ``Jesse Amburgey Award of Excellence in Community Action'' in 2019. In 2020, he was named a ``SOAR Hero'' by the non-profit SOAR organization--Shaping Our Appalachian Region. Under his leadership, Daniel Boone CAA has also earned many accolades, including the Statewide Transportation Award, Eastern Kentucky Section 531 Award, Vehicle Maintenance Award, Statewide Transportation Award, and the Weatherization Leadership Award, among others. Thanks to Mike's lifetime of perseverance and due diligence, countless families in our rural region have received assistance when they needed it the most--getting a ride to the doctor's office, getting the training necessary for a new job, keeping warm in the winter, accessing childcare during work hours, and much more. Without a doubt, Mike Buckles has made a resounding difference in southeastern Kentucky and I appreciate his sincere friendship and partnership over the years. I wish Mike a happy and peaceful retirement with his wife Sharon and their beautiful family.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for the introduction. Mr. Speaker, I want to salute Chairman DeLauro and Ranking Member Granger of the full committee for putting together a final appropriations package for the year. It is a fair compromise that includes funding for many priorities here at home and abroad. As ranking member of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, I want to highlight a few priorities included in the SFOPS section of the bill that provide critical funding to our allies and partners during a time of great angst around the globe. Although essential military and economic aid for the brave people of Ukraine is included elsewhere in the bill as an emergency supplemental appropriation, base funding for State-Foreign Operations is essential to our national security. Following the chaotic Afghan withdrawal by this administration, and a full-scale assault on Ukraine by President Putin, it is critically important that this Congress sends a signal to the rest of the world that the United States stands by its allies and partners. We do so here by including $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing for Israel and robust, continued support for other key partners in the Middle East like Egypt and Jordan. Funding is also increased for our efforts to counter the malign influence of the Chinese Government. In our own hemisphere, the bill increases funding for one of our most important partners in the region, Colombia, as they continue to work to thwart drug producers and traffickers. The bill also prioritizes funding to address the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids into the United States from Mexico and China. I am also pleased to report that the agreement restores all protections for the unborn that are in current law, including a prohibition on the use of funds to pay for abortion. At no time should U.S. taxpayer dollars be used to kill the unborn. We must always protect the sanctity of life. Finally, this omnibus provides critical resources for southern and eastern Kentucky, I am proud to say. It continues our fight against the opioid epidemic, which is as important now as it has ever been. It provides record funding for my Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program, which is creating new economic opportunities across Appalachia and throughout my district. It includes my community project funding requests, which will provide important resources to our first responders, help protect Kentuckians from future floods, improve access to clean water, fight the scourge of opioids, improve medical care, and promote economic growth. This bill is a substantial improvement on the House-passed bill, and I commend our chairwoman and ranking member for their hard work on this package. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Roy Taylor, a long-time friend and business leader in Somerset, Kentucky. Roy and I shared a passion for broadcasting and advancing communications in rural southern Kentucky. He was incredibly talented in the world of technology and telecommunications. In fact, during his time with the U.S. Army, he was part of Special Forces and worked with the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he led highly classified military operations. Our nation owes Roy a great debt of gratitude for his brave service and dedication to our country. When he returned home, Roy used his military training and education to advance telecommunications in the Lake Cumberland region. He first worked in sales and transmitter maintenance with WSSC radio and later invested in WTLO radio in Somerset, Kentucky. A visionary for telecommunications in our rural region, Roy was always one step ahead to connect our communities to the rest of the world through broadcasting access. He became a forerunner in the cable television industry through Burnside Comex Cable TV, writing franchise agreements and expanding access in our small communities. Thanks to his foresight and diligence, he literally crossed bridges for the first time, bringing cable to the city of Burnside and Burnside Marina. Following his success in the cable industry, Roy established CNl Wireless to focus on broadband connectivity in our rural region. I frequently sought Roy's advice over the years and counted him as a trusted confidant and advisor. We sorted out a number of challenges and strategies together over lunch or a round of golf, because he believed in making the most out of every day; work was the main topic of conversation for Roy in every situation. He always stayed busy, focusing his time and energy on projects that could create more jobs and develop new opportunities for the Lake Cumberland region. We have made great strides to advance technology across southern and eastern Kentucky over the last 40 years, thanks to leaders like Roy Taylor, who committed a lifetime of work and expertise to help make our rural region a better place to live. My wife Cynthia and l extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to the Taylor family and all those who were blessed to know our loyal friend.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I yield to the gentleman from Kentucky, my close friend, whose district was the hardest hit and whose constituents along with all those impacted are in our prayers.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of my good friend and long-time colleague in this House chamber, the gentleman from Kentucky, Larry Hopkins, who represented the people of central Kentucky for 14 years from 1979 to 1993. Congressman Hopkins served with great charisma and humor, befriending folks in every corner of Kentucky and across Capitol Hill. Public service was second nature to Larry; he fought diligently for investments in our communities and worked hard to pave a brighter future for Kentucky. In fact, Larry won the Republican nomination for governor in 1991 before Brereton Jones succeeded in the general election. Prior to his federal service, he was also elected to serve in both chambers of the Kentucky state legislature. As a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he led the U.S. House Armed Services Committee with invaluable insight and expertise, leading the way for military modernization. He was a true patriot and champion for our U.S. Armed Forces on that committee. Larry and I were close friends before arriving on Capitol Hill, often traveling together, and sharing stories from home and abroad. He deeply loved the people of Kentucky and worked tirelessly to improve this great Commonwealth. I count it a great honor to have called him a friend, and I send my deepest condolences to the Hopkins family.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my long-time friend Willard Kinzer, a World War II veteran, racecar driver, and successful businessman in Eastern Kentucky. He is a loyal patriot of this great nation, a generous philanthropist for Kentucky's Appalachian communities and an innovative leader for the Kinzer Drilling Company. One of the most iconic symbols in Eastern Kentucky has become the giant American flag flying in front of the Kinzer Drilling headquarters in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. It represents Willard's consummate pride in the American way of life, our military, and his dedication to the people of our region. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Willard joined the U.S. Navy when he was only 16 years old--he adjusted his birth certificate, determined to help his country in World War II. He narrowly missed the deadly explosion on ammunition ship USS Mount Hood just before he was sent back home to the United States. That explosion killed the entire 300-plus crew on board and nearly 100 more crew members on the nearby USS Mindanao. It injured 371 more, sank 22 small boats and damaged 18 larger ships. On that day, Willard's perspective forever changed, and he began living with a new fearless lease on life. Willard Kinzer is the type of person who wakes up and hits the ground running. In fact, he has a sign at home that says ``Life begins at 200 mph.'' With a passion for fast cars, he has won countless trophies and awards for drag racing and hill climbing competitions over the years, and he holds the record for being the first person in history to drive a stock suspension car faster than 230 miles per hour. It should come as no surprise that he celebrated his 90th birthday winning a drag race championship in Bristol, Tennessee. He is truly a thrill-seeker at heart. For 70 years, he was blessed to share every adventure with his wife, Lucy. Together, they raised a beautiful family and invested in local communities, helping build the Mountain Arts Center, the Wesley Christian School in Allen, and Hope in the Mountains in Prestonsburg. They also grew the Kinzer Drilling Company into a successful gas and oil business, spanning 800 miles in Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. On this Veterans Day, I count it a great honor to join the people of Eastern Kentucky in recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of Willard Kinzer, saluting him for his valiant service during World War II and his continued work across Eastern Kentucky.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise to wish my good friend, Don Childers from Letcher County, Kentucky a very Happy 90th Birthday. Don has been a close friend over the years, becoming one of my earliest and strongest political allies in the coalfields of Kentucky's Appalachian region. He has led a remarkable career in the oil industry after starting from humble beginnings in Hellier, Kentucky. Hard work and determination have defined his storied lifetime. Don put himself through college by driving a coal truck, earning $13.05 per day. He earned an associate degree from Pikeville College in 1952 and a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Kentucky in 1954. That same year, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany, leaving behind his wife and newborn daughter. After fulfilling the call of duty, he returned to Hellier High School in 1956, where he accepted a job as a teacher and basketball coach. Education, however, became the shortest term of his career. Six weeks into his new job as a teacher and coach, Don was offered a job with Gulf Oil Corporation as a Territory Manager, spanning 22 counties in southeastern Kentucky. Working with some of the best operators in the region, Don quickly learned the ropes of the petroleum business, leading to speedy promotions within the company. Ten years after working for the Gulf Oil Corporation, Don asked for the rare opportunity to purchase the Whitesburg operations, so he could raise his family at home in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. The company accepted his offer and Childers Oil was born. Today, they employ over 1,000 people, including its full-service 24- hour convenience stores and affiliated companies. The Childers Oil Company has always been a family venture with his wife, Peggy, leading kitchen recipes and retail operations. Their two daughters and son-in-law now play key roles in the company, and the third generation is coming on strong with a full understanding of their grandfather's business philosophy. This family-owned and operated business is also a wonderful steward of the communities they serve, partnering with numerous civic and charitable organizations every year, reinvesting in the region they love so much. In addition to Don's work in the oil industry, he has tirelessly worked to bring additional jobs and opportunities to the region through his work on the Letcher County Planning Commission, which he established with a group of community leaders 17 years ago. They have patiently advocated for a federal corrections facility to be built in Letcher County to create hundreds of good-paying jobs in Eastern Kentucky. Knowing the additional opportunities that could arise with a new prison, Don also launched the Letcher County Airport Board to meet aviation needs in our mountainous terrain. He is a bold, visionary leader who has inspired many others to think out-of-the-box for innovative industry goals in Eastern Kentucky. Don is also a man of great faith, having dedicated more than 55 years as a member of the Whitesburg First Baptist Church. I count it a great honor to celebrate Don Childers and his many accomplishments on his 90th birthday. I hope this year is filled with many more blessings for Don and his family.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the memory of my dear friend, Nancy Mitchell of Corbin, Kentucky, who earned her heavenly reward on October 24, 2021 after an extended battle with cancer. Nancy and I first became acquainted when her husband, Bob Mitchell, helped lead my first congressional campaign in 1980. I asked Bob to serve as my District Director in 1981, and for 40 years, even after Bob retired, Nancy was a tried-and-true member of Team Rogers, quickly earning the friendship of countless folks across southern and eastern Kentucky with her welcoming smile and delightful personality. When it was time to hit the road for Town Hall meetings across my expansive rural, mountainous district, Nancy put her life and her business on hold to join us for many long days and nights traveling from county to county, learning how we could help improve Kentucky's Appalachian region. It was truly a family affair. After Bob and Nancy's daughters, Stephanie and Jenny, were born she focused her time on raising two incredible girls. Bob and I spent many days, covering a lot of miles across Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District every week, and Nancy never failed to provide unwavering support and encouragement along the way. Nancy was the epitome of a leading lady with tremendous class. She built Mitchell Tax and Accounting from the ground up, starting with an office in their home so she could work while raising their two girls. She grew her business from a small tax service into one of the leading accounting firms in southern Kentucky, and she did so by treating her clients like true friends and beloved neighbors. In addition to running her own business, Nancy went on to be the first woman ever elected to the Corbin City Commission, simultaneously serving two terms as Vice Mayor of Corbin. She generously shared her expertise and savvy business style as a Trustee for Union College, a member of the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals, and the KCEOC Community Action Partnership's Board of Directors. Nancy was also a dedicated Sunday School teacher, and she had a God-given gift of making every child feel special. In every aspect of her life, she was gracious with her time, humble in her conversations, and full of joy. While expanding her business, Nancy never lost her passion for politics and public service. She served as Vice President of the Kentucky Federation of Republican Women, Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Knox County, and Treasurer of Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District Lincoln Club. In 2012, Bob and Nancy were jointly inducted into the Fifth Congressional District Lincoln Club Hall of Fame. Above every achievement and success of her own, there was nothing that she took more pride in than her family, and especially her grandchildren: Tori, Taelor, Trenton and Ethan--who are all brilliant. Nancy beamed with pride when she shared stories about their latest accolades, and she was truly their biggest fan. My wife, Cynthia, and I extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to my closest friend, Bob and the entire Mitchell family. Everyone who knew and loved Nancy now has a special treasure waiting for them in heaven. She was bold in her faith in God and that gives us peace to carry on.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the remarkable career and astute leadership of my dear friend, Jean Hale of Pikeville, Kentucky, who plans to retire after dedicating 52 years in the banking industry in Central Appalachia, serving as Chairwoman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Community Trust Bancorp for the last 23 years. Jean Hale joined Community Trust in 1969 and progressed through the officer ranks, working twice as hard to make her mark in a male- dominated industry. In 1992, she was named President and CEO of Community Trust Bank and seven years later, became president and CEO of Community Trust Bancorp. In 2005, Chairwoman was added to her growing list of leadership roles. During her tenure, the company's total assets increased 152 percent from $2.2 billion on December 31, 1999, to $5.5 billion on June 30, 2021, with banking locations in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee. She credits her stellar work ethic to her parents. Her father was a coal mining electrician, and she refers to her mother as a ``homemaking engineer'' for making their clothes, raising their garden and canning goods. Together, they put Jean and her three siblings through college with no debt, moving from Grapevine to Pikeville so they could live at home and go to college, saving money on room and board. Jean has carried the same financial wisdom and skills throughout her career, even making her own suits when she first started working for Community Trust. Over the year, her counsel and expertise have been highly sought after among financial sector experts, leading her to become Chairwoman of the Board of the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority and a member of the Kentucky Economic Development Partnership Board, the Commonwealth Seed Capital, LLC Board, the University of Pikeville Board of Trustees, the ARH Foundation Board, and the Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. In addition to her work in the banking industry, I am personally grateful for Jean's commitment to SOAR--Shaping Our Appalachian Region--a non-profit organization that she helped launch to revitalize rural communities in Kentucky's Appalachian region as a result of the downturn of the coal industry. Jean was one of the first leaders that I personally asked to help establish SOAR. The initiative that started in 2013 is now a comprehensive regional movement that is effectively shaping a brighter future for the people of southern and eastern Kentucky. Since day one, she has served on the SOAR Executive Committee and as Chair of the Development Committee and Finance Committee. Thanks to her leadership, SOAR is a thriving, self-sustaining grassroots organization that is empowering economic development and growth where we need it the most. The characteristic that sets Jean apart is her passion. She deeply loves Eastern Kentucky and watching our region thrive despite our challenges. I count it a great honor to celebrate my friend, Jean Hale and the countless accomplishments that she has made on behalf of so many Central Appalachian families and businesses. May her retirement be blessed by many wonderful years with her family and beloved grandchildren.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish John Rosenberg a happy 90th birthday! The storied life of this Holocaust survivor and retired poverty law attorney has been filled with remarkable trials and triumphs, both figuratively and literally. John is, without a doubt, one of the greatest civil rights attorneys of our lifetime, especially for the people of Kentucky's Appalachian region. Giving us more reason to celebrate, I also rise to congratulate John on the 50th anniversary of AppalRed, the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund of Kentucky, a non-profit law firm that he established to help low-income people in 37 Appalachian counties in eastern and south- central Kentucky where more than 240,000 people live in poverty. Over the last five decades, John and his team of pro-bono attorneys, have helped folks in our region get and keep basic needs, including: income, adequate food and health care, safe and sanitary housing, and personal protection from violence and abuse. They do not charge for legal services as they fight for justice for the most vulnerable people in the mountains. John painfully learned the reality of civil injustice at a very early age. When he was only 7 years old, John and his family were pulled out of their home in Magdeburg, Germany by Nazi soldiers. His father spent 17 days in the Buchenwald concentration camp before being released with an ultimatum of 30 days to flee their homeland. After spending a year in an internment camp in Holland, the Rosenberg family safely boarded one of the last ships to the United States with no belongings. The determination to survive and experience liberty and justice continued throughout his life and inspired his mission for civil rights. John graduated from Duke University and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Using the G.I. Bill, he later earned a law degree from the University of North Carolina in 1962. Before arriving in Kentucky, John was a trial attorney and section chief in the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. He was responsible for several high- profile cases including the first trial under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in Selma. He also was heavily involved in the investigation and trial preparation for the case involving three murdered civil rights workers that inspired the 1988 film, Mississippi Burning. In Kentucky, his work largely focused on advocating for coal miners, fighting for protections and benefits for impoverished families, and closing what he calls the ``justice gap'' in Appalachia. His journey from a World War II Nazi Germany Holocaust survivor to an Eastern Kentucky pro-bono civil law hero is astounding. I count it a great honor to celebrate John Rosenberg's 90th birthday and the countless accomplishments that he has made on behalf of so many Americans and Appalachian families.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the memory of my friend, Ann Haney, a longtime community leader in Pulaski County, Kentucky and co-owner of Haney's Appledale Farm in Nancy, Kentucky. Just a few weeks ago, we were celebrating the annual Kentucky Farm Bureau picnic on their popular family farm, and as always, Ann was busy entertaining guests and packing up homemade apple and peach pies for folks to take home. She was always a gracious host with shining southern hospitality and the stellar organizational skills to keep everything moving seamlessly behind the scenes. Ann helped carry on the legacy of Haney's Appledale Farm for many years, alongside her husband Don. Together, they celebrated 50 years of marriage with three children and three grandchildren. Aside from her time on the family farm, Ann could often be found at the Pulaski County Public Library, placing books into the hands of our local children, and inspiring them with her love of reading. She retired in 2015 after dedicating 29 years as a community relations specialist at the library, where she also avidly raised funding to provide free books to local children through her role as past president of the Pulaski County Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Ann was a passionate advocate for education, preserving our history and giving back to the community. As a board member of the Mill Springs National Battlefield Association, she helped preserve the historic Civil War land in Pulaski and Wayne counties that is now designated as a National Monument in the National Parks System. Thanks to her tireless efforts, countless people from around the country will learn about this key battle in southern Kentucky that impacted the foundation of our country. Finally, Ann was also known for her love of family and the University of Kentucky Wildcats. She was past president of the UK National Alumni Association and served a six-year term on the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees. As we say in the Big Blue Nation, her blood ran true blue. The sudden and unexpected loss of Ann Haney has been a shock to our entire community, and my wife, Cynthia, and I extend our deepest heartfelt sympathies to Don and the entire Haney family. We were blessed to know Ann and we are forever grateful for the difference she made in so many lives.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Captain Carter Conley, founding member and leader of the Magoffin County Rescue Squad in Salyersville, Kentucky where he dedicated nearly 50 years to serving and protecting the community he loved. Carter made a decision immediately after graduating from the University of Kentucky, nearly five decades ago, to return home to use his bachelor's degree in Early Education, where he would raise a wonderful family and make an impact on his small hometown by also pursuing his dream of becoming a firefighter and certified EMT. Hard work was never a foreign term to Carter--he lived and breathed it, from working his way through college, to uniting a group of community leaders to form the Magoffin County Rescue Squad in 1974. The squad started off with 10 members, $100.00, and the mountain ingenuity it takes to raise enough money to purchase and refurbish an old bread truck and two old boats from the Jenny Wiley State Park for the rescue squad's first fleet. Thanks to coal severance dollars and the support of the local fiscal court, the rescue squad began to grow, and became essential to emergency response during the flood of 1978. Carter and the squad ramped up fundraising efforts over the years, taking their pleas to the local newspaper, the radio station, and eventually a live televised auction. As a direct result of their tireless efforts, the people of Magoffin County are safer today than ever before. In addition to his volunteer work with the Magoffin County Rescue Squad, he worked at Mountain Comprehensive Care; he served as an Assistant Fire Chief 1982 to 1985; he was a Level 1 Fire instructor through the Kentucky Fire Commission; and worked at Big Sandy Area Development District as a case manager in aging services for over 15 years. Carter's impact on Magoffin County is widespread and deeply rooted. As we survey the impact of COVID-19 in our communities, we must look beyond the statistics and see the lives of beloved individuals like Captain Carter Conley, who lost an unpredictable battle, despite his efforts to save others from the same deadly virus. My wife, Cynthia, and I extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vivian and the entire Conley family. Capt. Conley was a true hometown hero, and although his watch is finally over, I am confident that his great host of family and friends will continue to keep his memory alive.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Freddie Goble, a beloved Eastern Kentucky friend who recently retired after bringing laughter and joy to our Appalachian communities for the last 30 years through his comedic performances as ``Munroe.'' Behind Munroe's iconic star-spangled sequin vest, his bird-adorned ballcap and bright red shoes, is a multi-talented artist who found a home with the Kentucky Opry and the Mountain Arts Center (MAC) in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. In addition to serving as the house comedian, Freddie's work behind the scenes brought the MAC to life. He wrote songs, mentored the Kentucky Opry Junior Pros, served as Assistant Director of the MAC, and became an ambassador for tourism and home- grown talent in Kentucky's Appalachian region. In fact, he was one of the original champions for construction of the Mountain Arts Center, giving aspiring artists a stage of their own. Before discovering Munroe, Freddie Goble dedicated his career to transportation planning for the Kentucky Department of Highways and the Big Sandy region, working to make our roads safer in Eastern Kentucky. He is also a former city council member for the City of Prestonsburg and has volunteered his time for countless projects and organizations in the Big Sandy area. His love of Eastern Kentucky was clearly on display long before he ever stepped on stage at the Mountain Arts Center. As Freddie begins this new chapter of retirement, I want to personally express my appreciation for his work in our region and all the laughter that he shared with us over the years. I wish Freddie and his wife Beverly a retirement filled with many years of happiness and rest with family and friends.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my brother, Wayland Douglas Rogers, as we approach the first anniversary of his passing on September 9, 2020. Wayland was a special addendum from Santa, making his familial debut on December 26, 1941. We had a wonderful childhood, growing up in rural Wayne County, Kentucky. Music was always important to my family, but it was apparent early on that Wayland was gifted in that aspect. While we knew he was extremely talented, as we watched him lead the Wayne County High School marching band as drum major, we never dreamed he'd one day be nominated for a Grammy award. Wayland went on to study music at the University of Kentucky, Wichita State University, Northwestern University and the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. He served as artistic director/conductor of The Camerata Singers of Lake Forest, Illinois, and music director at North Shore Unitarian Church in Deerfield, Illinois. He held faculty appointments at Northwestern University, DePaul University, Loyola University/Chicago, and Western Kentucky University, among other schools. Wayland's compositions garnered accolades from The Leeds University Liturgical Choir Competition, The Roger Wagner Center Choral Competition, Meistersingers Choral Competition, The Chautauqua Chamber Singers Award, The Illinois American Choral Directors Association Choral Composition Competition, The Vincent B. Silliman Anthem Award and the Thornesian Prize from Chichester, England. In 1986 his recording of Mozart with the Chicago Symphony Winds received a Grammy nomination for best chamber music, losing to Yo-Yo Ma. Wayland's voice was a gift to his family. Although he never had children of his own, he made a point of staying close with his nieces and nephews, and they adored him. His rich baritone voice graced many a family wedding and funeral. Wayland didn't limit his magnificent voice to song. He was of the strong conviction that all people are created equal, and he used his voice to speak out against societal inequalities and injustices. His greatest legacy, though, will be the talented musicians whose careers he helped shape and will continue to help shape long after he's gone. He loved to nurture talent, and throughout his career, Wayland offered guidance, motivation, and support to many young artists. With that goal in mind, before his death Wayland endowed a scholarship with the University of Kentucky's School of Music. I and the rest of his family look forward to following the careers of the recipients of the Wayland Rogers Scholarship for Excellence in the Performance of Art Song. Through his music and the University of Kentucky School of Music scholarship that bears his name, Wayland's voice will continue for generations. But for his family and friends, his compassion, zest for life, and love of everything beautiful will sing in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, dear brother.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of my good friend, Bobby Clue who is celebrating his 10th anniversary as Executive Director of the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce. Bobby returned to his hometown of Somerset, Kentucky ten years ago to take on the task of leading the local Chamber of Commerce, and he has served as one of the greatest advocates for business development and support in southern Kentucky. His achievements in business management, government affairs, public relations and consulting in the public and private sectors have provided him with a great wealth of knowledge to better support members of the Chamber of Commerce and the entire community. I personally appreciate Bobby's decision to return home to use his expertise and talents to promote a brighter, more prosperous future in the Lake Cumberland area with a thriving portfolio of successful local businesses. In addition to taking on the helm of the chamber, Bobby has also volunteered his time as a board member for several local civic and government organizations, including the Pulaski County Technology Center Steering Committee, the Young Professionals of Eastern Kentucky and the Mill Springs Battlefield Association. Bobby also serves as an Ex-Officio Member of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, lending his voice for the Commonwealth's entire business community. More importantly, Bobby and his wife Andrea are now raising their beautiful daughters, Chelsea and Shelby Jo in southern Kentucky. I can only hope that they someday follow their father's footsteps to become leaders for the next generation in Pulaski County. On behalf of Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District, I applaud Bobby Clue for dedicating these last ten years as a true champion for Main Street.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart).

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman).