Cedric Richmond

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. RICHMOND. I only have one amendment, and it is the amendment to move $155 million from the Bureau of Prisons over to the Juvenile Justice program.

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Chair, I rise today to talk about something that I would hope is important to both sides of the aisle, and that is our youth. Here in Congress we talk about how important a lot of things are: education, public safety, strong communities, freedom, and prosperity. If we have a goal of keeping our children in school and on the path to success, cutting Juvenile Justice programs is the wrong way to go in order to reach it. We know that supporting programs that keep our children out of jail is one of the best investments we can make, and it gives us one of our highest returns on our investment. On any given day in this country, there are over 70,000 juveniles in jail around the country. This incarceration is not cheap. We spend about $6 billion a year on juveniles in prison. Interactions with the criminal justice system at a young age have a ripple effect that makes it harder for children to achieve success later. Students who are arrested early in high school are six to eight times more likely to drop out of high school. What is more, children who are incarcerated are almost 40 percent less likely to graduate from high school and 40 percent more likely to be in prison at the age of 25. Finally, if someone with an arrest record as a juvenile does graduate high school, they are still only half as likely to enroll in a 4-year college. In short, keeping our children out of jail has benefits to the children, their families, our communities, and to the Nation as a whole. This President realized all of this when he made his budget request. That is why he requested more than $300 million for a variety of authorized programs aimed at improving public safety and keeping children on the path to college and careers instead of the path to prison. Unfortunately, the bill in front of us calls for devastating cuts to these vital programs. The funding level in the bill is more than $155 million below the President's request, and even $68 million below last year's funding level. My amendment today would simply bring the funding for Juvenile Justice back in line with the President's request by funding one of the only programs left available in the bill, and that is mentoring. By increasing the role and capacity for mentoring programs across the Nation, we can have a true impact on children in every community. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RICHMOND. I would like to know what the point of order is. I am just shifting money from one thing that is already in the budget to something that is already in the budget. Point of Order

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Chairman, I would just say I started coaching Little League at 16, and I continue to do that today, and I continue also to mentor. I would just say that as we look at the budget and we try to do things to bring the budget back into balance, we keep leaving out the point of return on investment. And if we continue to invest in things that are going to give us more than a one-to-one return, then we are actually gaining a benefit that will allow us to cut down the deficit. And then I would just quickly add in the spirit of bipartisanship and working together that it is almost like the field of dreams for the Bureau of Prisons. If you appropriate it, they will spend it. And if they build it, they will fill it. We don't want to do that when we have a greater avenue, I think, to put our youth on a better path and not only save money, but create less victims of crime. So with that, I would just remind all of our Members that I hope we continue to work together. And we should really be careful here because the life you save may be your own. I thank the chairman for his cooperation, and I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Chairman, I support this amendment to make an important change to a definition in the act and the law. A strength of this bill acknowledged by some in the privacy community are the limitations that the bill places on the authorizations for sharing and network monitoring. These activities can only be carried out for a ``cybersecurity purpose.'' Among other things, this limitation is intended to ensure that information is not shared for surveillance or law enforcement purposes and the authorization for network monitoring is not exploited by an overzealous employer who wants to track his employees' every move on the Internet. However, because of the broadness of a term within the definition of ``cybersecurity purpose,'' it came to light that the language could be interpreted far more expansively than intended. I commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ratcliffe), who is now offering the amendment, for tightening up the definition of ``incident'' in this bill and the underlying law. We use our smartphones, tablets, and computers for all manner of things, from setting up doctor appointments to buying groceries or ordering books. It is important that, even as we seek to bolster cybersecurity, we do not lose sight of the need to protect the privacy interest of ordinary Americans. That is why I support the Ratcliffe amendment. It will ensure that, in practice, the activities undertaken in this bill are limited to protecting networks and the data on them. I urge an ``aye'' vote on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Castro). Over the course of the past year, cyber breaches at Target, Sony, eBay, and Anthem have consumed headlines and brought awareness to the vulnerability of large corporations to cyber threats. Although cyber attacks against small businesses are not well- publicized, they are a dangerous threat that we cannot afford to ignore. In fact, in 2012 alone, the National Cyber Security Alliance found that 60 percent of small businesses shut down within 6 months of a data breach. Small businesses are attractive prey for hackers because they often lack the resources necessary to identify cyber vulnerabilities and harden their cyber infrastructure. Mr. Castro's amendment builds upon language I inserted into the underlying bill that is aimed at improving cybersecurity capabilities of small businesses. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to help protect small businesses from cyber threats by supporting this important amendment.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, with March Madness behind us, I rise today to congratulate five high school basketball teams from my District that won Louisiana State Championships. The first team I would like to recognize is the Madison Preparatory Academy Chargers from Baton Rouge, winners of the Class 1A Final this year. I would especially like to acknowledge Mr. Brandon Sampson, a senior guard who was named Most Outstanding Player and capped his high school career with an efficient 19-point game in which he shot 7-for-9 from the field. Mr. Joshua Anderson, a sophomore player added 18 points, four rebounds and three steals. Next, I would like to congratulate Riverside Academy Rebels from Reserve, LA, who captured their third straight state championship with an 85-60 win in the Class 2A Championship. Mr. Jordan Andrews, named Most Outstanding Player, led Riverside (30-6) with a game-high 19 points. Mr. Herb McGee and Mr. Charvon Julien each added 17 points. Riverside is the first Louisiana boys squad to capture at least three consecutive titles since 2009. Third are the L.B. Landry-O.P.Walker (Landry-Walker) College and Career Preparatory Charging Buccaneers from New Orleans. They have captured the boys' 4A championship title for the second consecutive season. The Charging Buccaneers also had a pair of players selected for the All-State team, including Mr. Lamar Peters, who was voted the Most Outstanding Player on the 4A boys squad. Mr. Peters averaged 19.7 points per game with 5.0 assists and was joined on the All-State list by teammate Mr. Keytaon Thompson, who scored the game-winning shot as time expired in the state title game. The Scotlandville Hornets from Baton Rouge have reclaimed the Class 5A Championship title. Mr. Ja'Vonte Smart, a Hornet freshman earned the MVP honors after ending the night with a game-high 18 points and nine rebounds. Mr. Jordan Adebutu scored 11 points in the win, including a pair of free throws which ultimately put the game away. With this victory, the Hornets wrapped up their third state title in the past four years. Lastly, I would like to recognize the Warren Easton Eagles from New Orleans, who captured the Class 4A state championship with a 46-42 victory. In addition to this being the first girls basketball state championship in the school's history, Easton also became the first public school from Orleans Parish to win a title in girls basketball. Warren Easton was one win away from an undefeated regular season, earning their No. 1 slot in The New Orleans Advocate's season-ending Super 10 rankings. I also would like to acknowledge Miss Kechell Figueroa and Miss Sabrina Banks for their selection onto the Girls All- State team.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Rule for H.R. 1560 and H.R. 1731. Members from both parties have a shared goal of bolstering cybersecurity and improving the quality of information that the private sector receives about timely cyber threats so that they can protect their systems. I am greatly disappointed that the Rules Committee failed to make in order any of the several amendments submitted by both Democrats and Republicans to refine what the White House has called ``sweeping'' liability protections, as they appear in both cyber information sharing bills to be considered this week. Extending liability protection to a company that ``fails to act'' on timely threat information could encourage companies to simply do nothing despite receiving information critical to the security of its systems. Appropriate liability protection does not grant immunity to companies for failing to act on such cybersecurity threat information, but rather incentivizes sound cybersecurity practices. The provision also effectively preempts state laws--including those in California, Massachusetts, and Maryland--that hold businesses liable for failing to maintain reasonable security of their systems, thereby undermining important protections for consumers and their sensitive data. Instead, my Democratic colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee and I support President Obama's straightforward, tailored approach to addressing what some in industry have identified as a major barrier to the sharing of cyber threat information--the risk that sharing such information would expose companies to legal liability. Unfortunately, the liability protection provision included in the bill puts in place an unduly complicated structure that runs the risk of providing liability relief to companies that fail to act on timely cyber information. I submitted two amendments to address the liability protection problems that exist in both information sharing bills to be considered this week. The first would have struck the provision immunizing companies that fail to act on timely threat information and clarified that the Act has no impact on a duty to act on shared cybersecurity threat information. The second would have removed all potential liability exemptions for willful misconduct by government actors. These provisions would have improved both bills greatly, and at a minimum they deserved to be debated on the House floor today. The effectiveness of information sharing legislation and efforts to improve the security of companies' systems depends on getting liability protection right. I look forward to continuing the discussion on liability protection with Members from both sides of the aisle as the bill moves forward.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the The Prytania Theater, the crown jewel of the New Orleans' art scene and the only single- screen motion picture theater in the state of Louisiana. The Prytania Theater first opened its doors on December 20, 1914 and has witnessed the evolution of cinema from silent pictures, to talkies, to the current digital landscape. The owners of the land and building, John and Gayle Gish, placed the Prytania in a protected trust so that future generations could benefit from its historical value. It is currently operated by the Brunet family, who has continuously operated theaters in the New Orleans area for over 100 years. For the Brunet family, the Prytania is arguably the most important venture they have pursued to date. Rene Brunet Sr. operated several neighborhood theaters beginning in 1907. And after his death in 1946, his son, Rene Brunet Jr., took over the family business and operated as many as six neighborhood theaters at one time. Although the movie industry has changed enormously over the last century, Rene Jr. and his son Robert continue to carry the torch. Currently, Robert oversees the daily operations of the theater alongside his daughter Paige, while Rene Jr. remains an important part of the Prytania operation. On several days of the week, one may find all three generations of the Brunet family at work inside the Prytania, and the Brunets intend to run the theater for as long as possible. Like all movie theaters, the Prytania brings communities together for the unparalleled and magical experience of collectively viewing a movie on the silver screen. The Prytania is also an anchor for the surrounding community. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Prytania was the first theater to re-open after the Hurricane in October 2005; and upon re-opening, Rene Brunet Jr. extended his hand in generosity and offered free admission to the first responders. The Prytania is a centerpiece of New Orleans' vibrant arts scene. It has hosted movie stars like Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, Nicholas Cage and Quentin Tarantino; New Orleans Saints players; the New Orleans Film Festival; the French Film Festival; the Irish Film Festival and numerous premieres and film community events. The Prytania's history of hosting world-famous movie industry figures and smaller, independent filmmakers shows that the Prytania is a unique institution that continues the tradition of old Hollywood glitz and glamour while also serving as a bastion of the independent film community. I would like to congratulate the Brunet family on this historic milestone, and I wish them many more years of providing New Orleans residents and visitors a positive movie experience.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Thank you, Representative Jeffries, for allowing us to address this most important issue. Mr. Speaker, as we talk about it today and as members of the Congressional Black Caucus address this country and address this Chamber, let me just start with: this is not a Black problem; it is not an African American problem; it is not a Hispanic problem; and it is not a minority problem. This is an American problem that is eroding the fabric and the core of who we are and what makes us exceptional. As we talk about police violence and as we assess it, we try to figure out if we have a few bad apples or whether this is a systematic problem that needs to be addressed. I prefer to believe that it is the former--a few bad apples who need attention. With that, I will use an example. Representative Jeffries, I am sure you know that we had a police shooting in the New Orleans airport a couple of weeks ago when a man who was otherwise peaceful lacked medical attention and was paranoid and went to the airport and intended to do harm. In fact, he did do harm, but in the process, Lieutenant Heather Sylve had no choice in this situation but to fire, to discharge her firearm, and she killed Richard White. She had no choice, and she saved many lives. I would like to believe that there are more Heather Sylves out there than what we are seeing on the news every day. Yet the preponderance of what we are seeing every day is of shootings that are not justified. When we talk about what we can do, body cameras won't stop the event from happening; but like red light cameras and these automated traffic tickets, what they do is change behavior because, hopefully, officers will realize that there is nothing done under the cloud of darkness anymore, that whether it is body cameras or civilians standing up and recording the interaction, whatever you do will be recorded to show an independent version of what is going on. Maybe--just maybe--that will change behavior and make officers just take notice that today is not yesterday and that you can't do the things that you used to do. As we address it, one of the things we can also look at is the diversity of these police departments and at the diversity of the FBI, the DEA, and the ATF. Those departments and those police forces and those law enforcement organizations should reflect in their makeup the great diversity in this country. U.S. attorneys in this country should stand and fight for civil rights violations just as they do the headline-grabbing public corruption and all of the other things that they focus on. We have the new cases, but I have old cases in New Orleans. After Katrina, I had Henry Glover. An officer on a second-floor balcony shot him dead with a sniper rifle, saying that he posed an imminent threat to that officer on the second floor. Not only was he shot and killed but the police took the body, in an abandoned car, to a levee and burned it. If we get past Henry Glover, we can go to the Danziger Bridge, where officers engaged in a firefight with six civilians. Today, we learned all of them were unarmed, and none of them fired on the police. Two of those civilians were killed. This is a very hard conversation to have. It is a conversation that we have to have because the longer we ignore it the longer it will fester. The urban communities have been singing this song and have been reporting this for years and years and years, and it is not until new technology that we see that this was not a fabrication but a concerned community that was watching their sons and their fathers be killed at the hands of law enforcement. We are part of the greatest body on Earth, which is the United States Congress, and we can solve problems when we have the will because, as my grandmother always said, Where there is a will, there is a way. It is time for Congress to dig up that will to make this country a more perfect Union. We all know that it is not perfect--it was not perfect when it was created, and it is not perfect today--but with the courage of legislators like Representative Jeffries from New York, Representative Johnson from Georgia, who will speak next, and with the will of strong legislators who are not afraid to have an ugly conversation, we can wrap our hands around this, and we can make our streets safe for everyone because all lives do matter. I think that it is time that both Republicans and Democrats and Whites and Blacks sit down and say that this is unacceptable, because the hate and the disgust and the hurt that is growing in African American and urban communities around this country is playing out to be justified. The only thing that I can hope and pray for, Representative Jeffries, is that we are bigger and that we are better than that as a country. I look forward to working with you, and I look forward to working with this Congress to find solutions to these problems so that we do not have to bury another father or another son whose life was snatched from him by the hands of either an inexperienced officer or, worse than that, by an officer who just had ill intentions. Every day, good people put on that uniform and go out and risk their lives to make sure that our communities are safe, that our children get to and from school, that our husbands and wives get to work and get home. They do that every day, risking their lives, and they sacrifice much so that we can be safe. We need to make sure that we root out those bad apples to make sure that it doesn't happen to any more families.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) for diligently preparing this budget. Mr. Chair, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to vote for the CBC budget. Mr. Chair, the budget that we adopt will speak to our values as a Congress and our values as a country. I am sad to say, Mr. Chair, that the Republican budget says that we are a country without values and lacking a conscience. The Republican budget makes severe cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, education, job training, and transportation so that it can fund tax cuts to the wealthy. I want to be crystal clear. The Republican budget is a financial hocus pocus that will not put us on a path to financial stability. However, Mr. Chairman, it is a certain path to a dire moral bankruptcy that is counter to the soul of our great country. Now, Mr. Chairman, on the other hand, the CBC budget is a financially superior budget that invests in what makes this country exceptional. The CBC budget eradicates poverty by increasing economic opportunities through significant and sustained investments in education, infrastructure, affordable housing, manufacturing, small business, and job training. Mr. Chairman, my colleagues on the other side talk about the ability to lift people out of poverty. We have the ability today to lift 14 million people out of poverty simply by raising the minimum wage. If we create more minimum wage jobs, we are only increasing the number of people who will still live in poverty. Mr. Chairman, the Republican budget rewards those who make political contributions, and the CBC budget rewards those who contribute to society and the greater good. In closing, the CBC budget recognizes that working families in this country are getting shortchanged, so our budget tries to level the playing field and give more opportunities to those working families so that they can enjoy the economic prosperity that the investor class has enjoyed since our efforts to come out of the Great Recession.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Louis Charles Roudanez, founder and publisher of the first daily African American newspaper in the United States, on the 125th anniversary of his death. Dr. Roudanez, a free man of color and native Louisianian from St. James Parish, founded the New Orleans Tribune to serve as an outspoken voice for the interests of African Americans during a period of turmoil and uncertainty during the final year of the Civil War and early Reconstruction. The Tribune aggressively advocated for civil rights, black suffrage, desegregated public education, and better wages and working conditions for freed slaves. It operated under the radical philosophy that ``freedom without equality before the law and at the ballot box is impossible.'' Although primarily a lens to conditions in Louisiana, the paper worked towards reforming all of Southern society by sending a copy of each issue to every Member of Congress. It quickly received national recognition, and its editorials were often read here on the floor of Congress. Though the Tribune ceased publishing in 1870, its spirit of advocacy, justice, fairness and uncompromising purpose was invoked in 1985 by Dr. Dwight and Beverly Stanton McKenna, when they began their newspaper and named it in honor of Dr. Roudanez's Tribune. The modern- day Tribune continues to offer an invaluable voice on issues affecting the Black community in New Orleans and around the country. To honor Dr. Roudanez, I would like to share part of the Tribune's mission statement, published in July 1864 on the front page of its first issue: ``Under the above title we publish a new paper devoted to the principles heretofore defended by the Union. Convinced that a newspaper, under the present circumstances, representing the principles and interest which we propose to defend and advocate was much needed in New Orleans, we shall spare no means at our command to render the Tribune worthy of public confidence and respect.'' Today we recognize the fulfillment of Dr. Roudanez's mission. In commemoration of his life and achievements, a monument has been dedicated to Dr. Roudanez at the building that housed the Tribune.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Lolis Edward Elie, one of the Nation's preeminent civil rights attorneys. Elie, a native of New Orleans, attended Howard University, Dillard University, and later earned his J.D. from Loyola Law School. Following graduation, Elie started the law firm of Collins, Douglas, and Elie, which became the most noteworthy firm in Louisiana for racial equality. In 1960, the New Orleans chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality, or CORE, asked Elie and his firm to represent them following a sit-in. Elie and his firm defended CORE chapter president Rudy Lombard and three others who were arrested for staging a sit-in protest at the lunch counter of the McCrory five-and-ten-cent store. They appealed the case to the United States Supreme Court, which, in its decision, declared the city's ban on sit-ins unconstitutional. Later in his career, Elie was one of seven supporters of the Freedom Riders who met with Attorney General Robert Kennedy in 1961 when Kennedy encouraged them to shift their efforts to registering Black Southerners to vote. His son, Lolis Eric Elie, is a prominent writer and filmmaker. Lolis, Sr., still calls New Orleans home and mentors the younger generation through his training program for new Black attorneys. Through Lolis Elie's example, many young Black men and women are able to achieve much more than they ever thought possible, myself included.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in my continuing recognition of Black History Month to honor Freedom Rider and civil rights legend Jerome ``Big Duck'' Smith. An active mentor of youth in New Orleans, he earned his nickname because there is usually a line of children waddling behind him. From a young age, Big Duck was not intimidated by what he viewed as the racial norms in New Orleans. When he was 10 years old, he removed a screen that acted as a barrier between Black and White passengers on a New Orleans streetcar, causing some uneasiness. An older Black woman riding the streetcar took him off the car and told him ``never, ever stop'' and that she was proud of him for what he had done. This show of support would light a fire within him to fight for racial justice. Jerome Smith would go on to become part of the Freedom Riders, a group that looked to desegregate bus terminals across the Deep South. Also, he helped found the New Orleans chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality, one of the big four civil rights organizations. Today, Big Duck is the director of Tambourine and Fan, a youth organization in New Orleans that engages young people on the civil rights movement, leadership, and the importance of political engagement. His work for the civil rights movement and with youth throughout the city is an inspiration not only to me, but to the entire region. Big Duck embodies the never-ending struggle for justice and equality of opportunity.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Andrew ``Pete'' Sanchez, Jr., a native of my hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. I especially wish to congratulate him on becoming the 100th King of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club. It is my distinct privilege to recognize him here today for this accomplishment. Following in the footsteps of his father, Andrew Sanchez, Sr., Mr. Sanchez joined the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club in 1994. Since then, he has occupied numerous leadership positions within Zulu. He has served on the Zulu Board of Directors for the past nine years, and is Zulu's representative to Mayor Mitch Landrieu's Mardi Gras Advisory Council. In addition to his work with Zulu, Mr. Sanchez is a dedicated family man and has been active in his community. He has received awards for his work with Toys for Tots, serves as a Commissioner on New Orleans Board of Zoning, and in November, was appointed by Mayor Landrieu to the New Orleans Cultural and Historical Committee. He is a proud graduate of McDonough #35 Senior High School and Southern University A&M College. He is married to Dr. Janice Sanchez, and the proud father of Ashley Nichelle Sanchez. This year, he will get a chance to share the honor and joy of being Zulu royalty with his wife, as Dr. Sanchez will reign alongside him as the 79th Queen of Zulu. This will be a special time for the family, and we are very proud of him. The commitment that Mr. Sanchez shows to his family and his community is an example to all of us. The hard work and dedication of Mr. and Dr. Sanchez to improving the community and raising a strong family gives us hope and promise for the future of our city. In closing Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Mr. Andrew Peter Sanchez, Jr. on his coronation as the 100th King of Zulu and wish him a successful reign as King Zulu, 2015.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the spirit of Black History Month to honor Leah Chase, also known as the ``Queen of Creole Cuisine,'' a renowned chef, author, and a civil rights icon in New Orleans. As executive chef at her historic restaurant, Dooky Chase's, she has served luminaries such as Duke Ellington, Thurgood Marshall, President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, among countless others. In 1946, she married local musician Edgar ``Dooky'' Chase, Jr., whose family owned a small street corner stand. At a time when New Orleans was starkly divided by segregation, Dooky Chase's Restaurant was one of the few places where groups of mixed races could gather publicly. As a result, the restaurant became a central hub for leaders of the civil rights movement to meet and discuss strategy. Of course these types of gatherings were highly illegal, but due to the immense popularity of Dooky Chase's, there would have been a public uproar had law enforcement interrupted business. Leah took full advantage of this and hosted Black voter registration campaigns, NAACP meetings, and countless other gatherings, and fed them well. To this day, people from across the world are blessed by Mrs. Chase's warmth, hospitality, and, of course, her cooking. She has received countless awards, has been immortalized in song by Ray Charles, and inspired Disney's first African American princess, but she remains rooted in her ministry and committed to service. This month, Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor some of the people who have paved the way for my generation and some of the people whose shoulders I stand on. So today, I congratulate and commemorate Leah Chase.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, before we left after this workweek, I wanted to make sure that I came to the floor and took the time to recognize the loss of a cultural icon in New Orleans and a family friend. Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Theodore Emile ``Bo'' Dollis, the Big Chief of the Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians and a cultural icon in New Orleans for decades. Bo Dollis died this week at the age of 71. Though his family did not want him to join the Mardi Gras Indians as a child, Bo secretly sewed his own suit at his friend's home. He joined the Wild Magnolias as a Flag Boy and quickly rose in their ranks, becoming Big Chief in 1964, a position he held until his health no longer allowed it. As Big Chief, just as his mentor, Big Chief Allison ``Tootie'' Montana, did, Bo encouraged the Indians to shun violence and instead hold prettiness contests when one group would meet another. Bo was also instrumental in bringing the music of the Mardi Gras Indians to an audience beyond New Orleans. With Bo Dollis on lead vocals, the Wild Magnolias recorded their first single in 1970 and their first album in 1974. Under Bo's leadership, the group toured all over the world, opened for Aretha Franklin, and played at Carnegie Hall. This week, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival announced that Bo Dollis would appear on the festival's official poster. Bo has received numerous honors and awards, including Offbeat Magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship. Mr. Speaker, Bo Dollis embodied the happiness, the passion, and love of music that define the culture of New Orleans. His soaring voice brought joy to countless listeners, and his colorful personality brightened every room he entered. The city of New Orleans will not be the same without Bo Dollis, but his legacy will live on in the lives of all that he inspired. And this Mardi Gras will not be the same without Big Chief ``Bo'' Dollis' presence there. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 1204. Soliciting input from impacted stakeholders is critical to developing effective policies. H.R. 1204, introduced by Ranking Member Thompson, codifies that sentiment by making permanent the Aviation Security Advisory Committee. The Aviation Security Advisory Committee is a valuable asset to our nation's aviation security because it helps ensure that the policies that TSA develops are responsive to the security challenges and can be effectively integrated. As the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Transportation Security, I have seen firsthand just how critical it is for TSA to solicit and heed stakeholder recommendations. I congratulate Ranking Member Thompson for his stewardship of this legislation and look forward to the House concurring in the Senate amendment so that this legislation can become law. I would like to take this opportunity to again thank Administrator Pistole for his service. For over four years, Administrator Pistole led the Transportation Security Administration honorably and effectively. Thanks to his leadership, TSA is a more efficient, risk-based, agency. Administrator Pistole is expected to step down from his post at the end of the year. He will be missed. With that Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the Senate amendment to H.R. 1204.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2719, the ``Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act.'' H.R. 2719 addresses longstanding concerns that I and other Members of this Committee have raised about the Transportation Security Administration's stewardship of taxpayer funds when pursuing, acquiring, and deploying security-related technologies. Importantly, the bill also seeks to address TSA's lackluster record of contracting with small businesses. Last year, the Subcommittee on Transportation Security, of which I am the Ranking Member, held a hearing with industry stakeholders where we heard from representatives of both small and large businesses on how to improve TSA's acquisition practices and to engage with small businesses more effectively. There are ample small, minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses that are ready, willing and able to provide services and technologies to TSA that would enhance our security and likely reduce contracting costs. If TSA cannot identify such businesses, I will be happy to refer them to some. The bill takes a significant step toward holding TSA accountable for achieving its goals for contracting with small and disadvantaged businesses by requiring the agency to develop an action plan to accomplish its goals and report to Congress on how it plans to get there. I thank the Subcommittee Chairman, the gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. Hudson, for his willingness to include small businesses in the discussion as we developed the legislation before the House today. I also congratulate Chairman Hudson on his work on this legislation. As the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Transportation Security, I was proud to work with the Chairman to lay the groundwork for this legislation through multiple hearings with both industry and TSA. The bill tackles head on the lack of transparency and accountability that has plagued TSA's acquisition practices since the Agency's inception. Mr. Speaker, the Senate amendment to H.R. 2719 is sound, bipartisan legislation that deserves the support of the Full House. I would like to express my gratitude to Chairman Hudson for the bipartisan manner in which he operated the Subcommittee on Transportation Security this Congress. I look forward to continuing to work with the gentleman in his new role as a Member on the Committee on Energy and Commerce. With that Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the bill.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Lawrence Nathaniel Brooks, Sr. Mr. Brooks, a World War II veteran and Louisiana resident, celebrated his 105th birthday on September 12, 2014. Mr. Brooks was born in 1909 in Norwood, Louisiana. He joined the United States Army in 1940 and did basic training at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Serving our country was a family legacy for Mr. Brooks. He had three uncles who fought in World War I, and his brother, Chester, was a member of the United States Coast Guard. The bombing of Pearl Harbor would change Mr. Brooks' life forever. Shortly thereafter he was called to duty. He served in the predominantly African-American 91st Engineer Battalion which was stationed in New Guinea and then the Philippines during World War II. He served three white officers in his battalion, and his daily routine included cleaning the officers' sheets, shining their shoes, making sure their uniforms were clean, and accomplishing any task these officers asked of him. Brooks attained the rank of Private 1st Class during the war. During his service, he had two alarming encounters. While he was stationed in New Guinea, the Japanese bombed the base where he was located. Additionally, Mr. Brooks was on a C-47 going from Australia to New Guinea, transporting a load of barbed wire when one of the engines went out. The crew had to work quickly to lighten up the load in order to make the plane light enough to continue on. A true New Orleanian, even Hurricane Katrina couldn't keep Mr. Brooks away from the city he loves for too long. A few days after the levees failed and the city flooded, Mr. Brooks moved to Los Angeles. However, he returned to New Orleans a little more than a year later. Mr. Brooks' most enduring legacy is his engagement and involvement with his community in New Orleans. He is widely known as a pillar of his community and regularly volunteers at his church, St. Luke's. Mr. Brooks was married to the late Leona B. Brooks, and he is a father of five, grandfather of thirteen, great-grandfather of 19, and great-great grandfather of 2, and he is loved by even more. He is known for his love of dance, and has committed to enjoying and celebrating life. The National World War II Museum, which I proudly represent, recently hosted a celebration for Mr. Brooks. During the celebration, he was honored by the Museum, the Veterans' Administration, and a host of national and local organizations. It is my honor to introduce Mr. Brooks to the country. I invite everyone to join me in congratulating Mr. Lawrence Brooks on a life well-lived, and wishing him the best.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Lawrence Nathaniel Brooks, Sr. Mr. Brooks, a World War II veteran and Louisiana resident, will be celebrating his 105th birthday on September 12, 2014. Mr. Brooks served his country in World War II with the United States Army's 91st Engineer Battalion. A father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and great-great grandfather to a large family, he is known and loved by even more. But perhaps Mr. Brooks' most enduring legacy is his engagement and involvement with his community in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is widely known as a pillar of his community and regularly volunteers at his church, St. Luke's. His positive attitude and dedication to family and friends are an inspiration to us all. It is my honor to introduce Mr. Brooks to the country. I invite everyone to join me in congratulating Mr. Lawrence Brooks on a life well-lived, and wishing him the best.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the ninth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I rise to recognize the resilience demonstrated by many Louisianans in the years following that tragic event. While we are all familiar with the tragedy of this horrific event, I am reminded of the triumph of the people of New Orleans, who worked side by side to overcome the devastation and rebuild our great city. I remember all of us working to help our fellow New Orleanians, to feed the displaced and support our first responders. Today, I would like to recognize the contributions of Chef Durio. Chef Durio is a true hero. Not only did he not abandon New Orleans in her time of need, but doubled down on his efforts to help her get through this difficult time. At one point during the aftermath of the hurricane, he would spend days traveling from New Orleans to Biloxi, Houston, and Lafayette to prepare meals for first responders and those in need. There are not enough words to truly thank him for playing his part in this story. Louisiana Chef of the year for 2007, and a lifelong New Orleanian, Chef Durio started out as a barber. I am pleased and honored to know him and glad to introduce everyone in America to a true American hero.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of the New Orleans Tribune, the country's first African American daily newspaper. Originally founded in 1864 by Dr. Louis Charles Roudanez, a free man of color and native Louisianian from St. James Parish, the Tribune served as an outspoken voice for the interests of African Americans during a period of turmoil and uncertainty in the final year of the Civil War and early Reconstruction. The Tribune aggressively advocated for civil rights, black suffrage, desegregated public education, and better wages and working conditions for freed slaves. It operated under the radical philosophy that ``freedom without equality before the law and at the ballot box is impossible.'' Although primarily a lens to conditions in Louisiana, the paper worked towards reforming all of Southern society by sending a copy of each issue to every member of Congress. It quickly received national recognition, and its editorials were often read here on the floor of Congress. Though the Tribune ceased publishing in 1870, its spirit of advocacy, justice, fairness and uncompromising purpose was invoked in 1985 by Dr. Dwight and Beverly Stanton McKenna, when they began their newspaper and named it in honor of Dr. Roudanez's Tribune. The modern- day Tribune continues to offer an invaluable voice on issues affecting the Black community in New Orleans and around the country. In June, the African American Leadership Project honored the Tribune as its Institution of the Year for its ``outstanding reporting, incisive commentary, and journalistic advocacy for social justice on behalf of those needing a voice.'' In commemoration of its success, I would like to share part of the Tribune's mission statement, published in July 1864 on the front page of its first issue: ``Under the above title we publish a new paper devoted to the principles heretofore defended by the Union. Convinced that a newspaper, under the present circumstances, representing the principles and interest which we propose to defend and advocate was much needed in New Orleans, we shall spare no means at our command to render the Tribune worthy of public confidence and respect.'' Today we recognize the fulfillment of this mission. I wish to congratulate the McKenna family on this historic milestone, and to thank everyone at the New Orleans Tribune for the exceptional service that it provides to the African American community.