Cedric Richmond

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Congressman Evans, for leading this Special Order and for yielding to me, especially on a matter this important. As I reflect on the last 200 or so days in this country, I am saddened. The truth of the matter is I always thought this country was better than this. I thought that we had so many people, not just African Americans, but we had people of like mind, like Goodman, Chaney, and Schwerner, who gave their lives and who sacrificed blood, sweat, and tears so that this country could be a more perfect Union, so that I could go to some of the best schools in the country, so that I could dream the impossible dream, so that I could stand on the floor of this House and speak my mind, introduce legislation, but, more importantly, fight for the ideals that make this country an exceptional country. It is so easy for our President and our colleagues to say America's exceptional. Well, it is, but you have to understand how it got to be exceptional, because it didn't start off that way. In fact, we came here on boats. We survived middle passage. We built this Capitol as free labor. We have given as much blood, sweat, and tears as any people in this country. To see the President of the United States call people who would walk with neo-Nazis and the KKK and white supremacists, some of them are fine people--but young African-American males are taking a knee not to disrespect our country, but they are taking a knee because they want a better future for their sons. They want better community police interaction. What they want is that people who are with the color of law with misconduct against African-American men and women, sons and daughters, parents, grandparents, what they want is a better country for them. They didn't choose violence. They chose peaceful protests just like Martin Luther King. When Dr. King chose peaceful protests, what the President doesn't realize is that the country wasn't accepting of his ways either. ``Letter from Birmingham Jail'' was all about Dr. King responding to people of like mind who shared the cause of freedom and equality and justice. They just didn't like his tactics. And the question was: We should wait. His letter was addressing people of like mind. The problem here is I just can't address someone of like mind because I don't think that this administration has the maturity, the sensitivity, or the understanding, whether it is willful or unwillful, to understand what is going on in this country. Instead of doing the Presidential thing, instead of doing the right thing and bringing this country together, I am afraid that this country is being torn apart at its very core, and for that I know that we are a better country. Let me just say in closing that, in order for us to move forward in a more responsible and more perfect fashion, it is going to take ordinary citizens like you out there watching us at home, it is going to take you all standing up and speaking out. It doesn't matter if you are African American or if you are Hispanic or if you are Black, injustice is injustice. The words ``no justice, no peace'' are not a threat. It is that it is hard to accomplish peace when there is no justice in the land. I would just ask that we all come together and that we not only look at words, but we look at policies, so when we now look at the opioid addiction through a loving mental health medical crisis standpoint, we don't forget the young people who were addicted to crack and who got involved in drugs back then that we have now decided that, with opioids, we are going to take a nurturing approach and with crack we locked everyone up. We should come in, take the approach that we are doing with opioids, which is the exact correct approach, and we should apply it to crack, and we should apply it to all of those millions of people who are incarcerated for drug crimes. When you start talking about root out racism, it has to be in policy, it has to be in our rhetoric, but it has to be in our daily lives. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Congressman Evans, for yielding to me.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today, as a Member of the United States House of Representatives, embarrassed. At the same time that I am embarrassed, I am also dumbfounded. I know that there are people at home that are thinking: Why would a Member of Congress, the most prestigious body in the world, be embarrassed, dumbfounded? Well, I was always taught that if you show me your budget or if you show me your legislation, then you are showing me your values. Representative Scott, my good friend from Virginia, had an amendment that would strike the prohibition that Federal funds could be used to desegregate our public schools in this country. If you look at the GAO study, there are more schools now that are desegregated than in 1968. We can talk eloquently about the history of the House and what the Democrats did when they were in control and how many amendments were made in order. I am not talking about how many amendments. I am talking about a specifi amendment, a specific issue. We are perpetuating segregation in the United States of America in our public schools. We are not allowing the States to use funds to promote integration and diversity among our schools. My State--and I will own this--is still the only State under a Federal desegregation order, because we have not completely desegregated our schools. We still have that ugly history. With everything going on in this country and school kids probably huddled around a TV right now watching this institution work and they are saying: These are our leaders? We elected them to run this country? Why wouldn't they want me to go to school with other kids of other races? That is why I am embarrassed. It is wrong. I don't think we should just hide behind procedure, but address the issue and the moral failure and the message that we are sending to our children.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of New Orleans Fire Department Operator Gregory ``G'' Joseph Howard, Sr., a New Orleans, Louisiana native, who passed away on August 26, 2017 at the age of 36. Mr. Howard was born on October 20, 1980 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was raised in the 7th Ward and graduated from Sarah T. Reed High School in 1999. He was a nine year veteran of the New Orleans Fire Department. He spent most of his career with the fire department at the Engine 6 station on Old Gentilly Road, in the Desire neighborhood. Mr. Howard went to Memphis, Tennessee, with his colleagues, to compete in the Memphis Finest Hoops Fest basketball tournament for first responders and law enforcement. While out with some of his colleagues after the first set of games, Mr. Howard was struck by a stray bullet and died instantly. Mr. Howard loved the city and the people of New Orleans. His legacy will forever be a part of the city and his dedication to community embodies the spirit of New Orleans. We cannot match the sacrifices made by Mr. Howard, but surely we can try to match his sense of service. We cannot match his courage, but we can strive to match his devotion. Operator Gregory ``G'' Joseph Howard, Sr. survivors include his wife Dominique Howard, two sons: Gregory J. Howard, Jr. and Dillion J. Howard; his parents: June Howard and Gregory Newman, Sr., his sister Brittney Howard, a host of siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Operator Gregory ``G'' Joseph Howard, Sr. a beloved husband, father, and son.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Chair, I rise to support the gentlewoman from Utah's amendment. I think that it is very appropriate, and, unfortunately, we find ourselves in a time where this is needed. But we have the awesome responsibility, and we have to remind ourselves sometimes that we are the only 435 people in the country that will vote on this country going to war and making decisions that impact this country. Because of that, I think that we need to make sure that we safeguard ourselves in this rising time of new threats and dangers. Look, we all signed up for public service and to serve our country and to make it a more perfect Union; however, a lot of our families and our neighbors and our constituents that show up at our functions didn't necessarily sign up for that. So for those reasons, I would just ask that my colleagues support it. I think it is a very prudent piece of legislation, amendment, at a very important time.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ms. Dyan Hamilton French Cole, a New Orleans native and well known community and civil rights activist. Ms. Cole, affectionately known as ``Mama D,'' passed away on May 20, 2017, at the age of 72. Ms. Cole was a lifelong New Orleanian, and graduated from Joseph S. Clark High School. She was a relentless community activist, who would frequently attend city council meetings or other places where elected leaders were gathered to advocate for quality housing, recreation, and justice. Nearly every day, she headed to Orleans Parish Criminal District Court to advocate for young black men who were appearing in court that day. Ms. Cole is best known for her support of the Stalling Gentilly Playground and serving as the first female President of the New Orleans Chapter of the NAACP in January 1975. After Hurricane Katrina, when Ms. Cole refused to evacuate, she organized crews she called the ``Soul Patrol,'' to go through her native 7th Ward and other neighborhoods, saving people, feeding them and finding them clothes, assistance and other relief. Ms. Cole housed numerous people at her home on North Dorgenois Street that some people referred to it as Recovery Camp Dorgenois. On December 6, 2005, Ms. Cole was one of the representatives from New Orleans invited to testify before the House Select Committee on Hurricane Katrina. Ms. Cole spoke passionately of the disgraceful lack of assistance in the aftermath of the storm and the racial discrimination that flowed in the city. Ms. Cole loved the city and the people of New Orleans. Her legacy will forever be a part of the city and her dedication to community embodies the spirit of New Orleans. Ms. Cole's survivors include a son, Byron Cole; a sister, Audrey Jackson; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Ms. Dyan Hamilton French Cole, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and example to aspiring community activists everywhere.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of United States Army Specialist Caleb Michael Collins, a New Orleans, Louisiana native, who passed away on July 25, 2015, at the tender age of 22. Specialist Collins was a graduate of St. Augustine High School class of 2011, and a former member of the Marching 100 at the historic all- male Catholic high school in the 7th Ward of New Orleans. In July 2015, stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, Specialist Collins distinguished himself by disregarding his personal safety by jumping off of a 25 foot ledge into the ocean to save a fellow soldier who had been swept off the Halona Blowhole ledge by a wave. Through his courageous actions, Specialist Collins made the ultimate sacrifice. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, 25th Composite Truck Company, 524th Sustainment Support Battalion, 25th Sustainment Brigade, 25th Infantry Division and the United States Army. Specialist Collins has been awarded the Soldier's Medal. The Soldier's Medal is awarded to an individual whom while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, is recognized by heroism not concerning direct encounter with an enemy. The Soldier's Medal is the highest military peacetime award for bravery. Specialist Collins' legacy will forever be a part of the city and his dedication to service embodies the spirit of New Orleans. Specialist Collins' survivors include his parents, Ernest L. and Dawn Moore Collins and sisters Chelsi Marie and Briana Monique Collins. Mr. Speaker, Specialist Caleb Michael Collins was a tremendously positive young man, always with a word of encouragement for his family and friends. I celebrate the life and legacy of Specialist Collins, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ms. Deborah Cotton, a New Orleans writer and cultural advocate. Ms. Cotton, affectionately known as ``Big Red Cotton,'' passed away on May 2, 2017, at the age of 52. Ms. Cotton was raised in Texas and Oklahoma. She attended San Francisco State University, majoring in the field of African-American studies, before moving to Los Angeles, where she worked as a union organizer. In June 2005, not long before Hurricane Katrina struck, Ms. Cotton moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. She instantly immersed herself in the city's culture and communities. Ms. Cotton became known for her writing about second-lines, brass bands, Mardi Gras Indian practices and many other events in New Orleans. She blogged, tweeted, and filmed nearly every Sunday second-line parade. Though Ms. Cotton was not from New Orleans, her writing helped her to forge better relationships among the city, police, and the parading clubs. On May 12, 2013, when shooting broke out in the 7th Ward during the annual parade of the Original Big 7 Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Ms. Cotton was filming. Of the 19 people shot that day, Ms. Cotton was among those wounded, suffering grave internal injuries that would ultimately take her life. Ms. Cotton loved the city and the people of New Orleans enough that, even when the worst happened to her, she responded with compassion and inspired others to do the same. She dedicated herself to continuing to live life with joy and compassion. She forgave the individual who shot her and spent time getting to know him as a person. She also dedicated herself to providing a clear-eyed look at the problem of violence in our communities. Ms. Cotton's legacy will forever be a part of the city and her dedication to community embodies the spirit of New Orleans. Ms. Cotton's survivors include her mother, Carolee Reed, and two sisters. Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Ms. Deborah Cotton, a beloved daughter, sister, and example to aspiring writers everywhere.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated is a collegiate Greek-letter fraternity with a predominantly African-American membership. Since the fraternity's founding on January 5, 1911 on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, the fraternity has never limited membership based on color, creed or national origin. The fraternity has over 150,000 members with 721 undergraduate and alumni chapters in every state of the United States, and International chapters in the United Kingdom, Germany, Korea, Japan, United States Virgin Islands, Nigeria, and South Africa. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated celebrated its 100th anniversary on January 5, 2011, and is one of only four predominantly African American collegiate fraternities to do so. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated was founded by ten African- American college students, the Elder Watson Diggs, Dr. Ezra Dee Alexander, Dr. Byron K. Armstrong, Attorney Henry T. Asher, Dr. Marcus P. Blakemore, Paul W. Caine, George W. Edmond, Dr. Guy L. Grant, Edward G. Irvin, John M. Lee. The fraternity sponsors programs providing community service, social welfare and academic scholarship through the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation and is a supporter of the United Negro College Fund and Habitat for Humanity, the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Guide Right Service Program, along with the Kappa Leadership and Development League. In addition to the community service contributions made by Kappa men, these gentlemen also make contributions and achieve in every field of human endeavor. Kappa men are leaders in the fields of law, business, education, healthcare, athletics and entertainment. Also, eight members of the Congressional Black Caucus are proud members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated: Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.; William Lacy Clay, Jr.; John Conyers, Jr.; Alcee L. Hastings; Hakeem Jeffries; Al Lawson; Donald McEachin; and Bennie G. Thompson. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the philanthropic and achieving spirit of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. As a hard-working and generous group of men, you are admired by many for the vigor that you possess and for the service that you render to others.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Lolis Edward Elie, a prominent New Orleans, Louisiana civil rights lawyer, who passed away on April 4, 2017 at the age of 89. Mr. Elie was born on February 9, 1928 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Gilbert Academy, a Methodist high school. After high school he did a six-month stint as a merchant seaman and wound up in New York City, where he was impressed by the music clubs and the Apollo Theater. To support himself, Mr. Elie did menial work such as shining shoes and delivering stationery. When the Korean conflict broke out, Mr. Elie was drafted into the Army and sent to California, where he was trained as a clerk. Afterward, he attended Howard University, and then transferred home to Dillard University, where he helped to organize a sizable student chapter of the NAACP. It was suspended in 1956 after the Legislature required civil rights groups to publicly reveal their membership lists, putting members at risk. In 1959, Mr. Elie received his law degree from Loyola University Law School, got an office on Dryades Street and opened what became the legendary firm of Collins, Douglas & Elie with Loyola Nils Douglas and Robert Collin. In 1960, Mr. Elie and his colleagues represented the New Orleans chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) following a sit-in campaign. The case, centered on CORE chapter President Mr. Rudy Lombard and three others who were arrested for staging a sit-in protest, paved the way for a watershed decision that redefined racial justice in America. They appealed the case all the way to the United States Supreme Court which, in its decision, declared the city's ban on sit- ins unconstitutional. Later in his career, Mr. Elie was one of seven supporters of the Freedom Riders who met with Attorney General Robert Kennedy, when Kennedy encouraged them to register black Southerners to vote to increase their political power. He also represented the `Deacons for Defense and Justice' in their negotiations with the Governor's office and Bogalusa City Council defending their right to self-defense. Mr. Elie remained active in New Orleans and continued to mentor the next generation of leaders through his training program for new black lawyers. Though he is no longer with us, his influence and example will live on through the many young black men and women who continue to be inspired by his legacy, myself included. Mr. Elie's survivors include his son Mr. Lolis Eric Elie, his daughter D. Migel Elizabeth Elie; three grandchildren; and three great- grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Lolis Edward Elie, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Drago Cvitanovich, co-founder of Drago's Seafood Restaurant, who passed away on February 4, 2017 at the age of 94. Mr. Cvitanovich was born in 1922 in Yugoslavia, now Croatia, and fled the communist rule of his homeland after World War II. He fled to Germany and worked as a civilian employee of the United States Army. Later, Mr. Cvitanovich moved to Canada and worked for a lumber company. In the spring of 1958, he took a trip to New Orleans to visit family and experience his first Mardi Gras. It was there that he met Ms. Klara Buconic, a fellow Croatian, who was also visiting her family. Three weeks later, they were married in Buras, Louisiana. The first Drago's restaurant in New Orleans was in Lakeview, but it was not named for Mr. Cvitanovich. It was owned by his sister, Gloria, who named it after her husband, Drago Batinich. Mr. Cvitanovich would work for nine years at his sister's restaurant and two years with Acme Oyster House in the French Quarter. In 1969, Drago and Klara Cvitanovich opened their restaurant in Metairie's Fat City neighborhood. Since that time, Drago's Seafood Restaurant has grown to three locations and more than 450 employees. Mr. Cvitanovich cultivated relationships with hundreds of other Yugoslav immigrants who had settled in south Louisiana and made their living in the fishing, shrimping and oyster industry. Mr. Cvitanovich's restaurant became popular for the quality of its seafood. In 1995, Mr. Cvitanovich served as the king of Metairie's Argus parade on Mardi Gras. In 2013, Drago and Klara Cvitanovich were inducted into the Louisiana Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. In 2014, Drago and Klara Cvitanovich received the Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation also created an award honoring his legacy, the Drago Cvitanovich Award for Outstanding Philanthropy by an Entrepreneur. Mr. Cvitanovich's wife preceded him in death. His survivors include his two sons Tommy and Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich and eight grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Drago Cvitanovich, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Stacey Plaskett from the Virgin Islands, for taking this assignment and making sure that the Congressional Black Caucus continues its conversation with America, and to inform people on issues that are important to us, and also reflecting on how important African-American history is, not just to us, but to this country. It is African-American history that made this country great in the first place. How our civil rights groups and people of the same kind, not necessarily the same color, came together to make this a more perfect union. So today what I wanted to do was actually talk about some of the civil rights organizations that changed this country, made it better, made it possible for me to be here, and compare and talk about some of the movements that we see today that are making some of the same differences for the next generation. It is just a shame that in 2017 we are still fighting the same fights we fought 50 years ago for voting rights, for equality, and all of those things. So when I say I want to talk about some of those organizations, I want to talk about organizations like SCLC, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; or CORE, the Congress of Racial Equality; or SNCC, the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. They all played an important role in launching grassroots movements that succeeded in ensuring more equality for African Americans. Sit-ins, bus boycotts, marches, voter registration drives, and other protests--these grassroots movements spread across the South, including my home State of Louisiana. Let's just talk about one specific incident. September 9, 1960, the Woolworth store lunch counter in New Orleans closed early. What was the reason? Seven members of the Congress of Racial Equality, five Black students and two White students, decided to hold a sit-in demonstration to protest Jim Crow. This was the first-ever sit-in in the city. The seven students were like so many other students across the South at the time who were using nonviolent action to change the country. In fact, let me read their names because many of them I knew. In fact, one, Jerome Smith, who was a Southern University student the year before, is actually still on the battlefield in Louisiana not only coaching Little League, but fighting for criminal justice reform and financial and economic equality. You also had Rudy Lombard from Xavier University, a freedom fighter; Archie Allen from Dillard University; Bill Harrell from Tulane; William Harper, who was at LSU; Hugh Murray, who was also at Tulane; and Joyce Taylor, who intended to enroll at Southern University. Fortunately, unlike others who held sit-ins, these seven Southern students didn't have milkshakes thrown on them. They were not beaten or bloodied. The seven students sat down at 10:30. Six police officers were on hand to keep the peace and did not try to remove the students. The students sat there determined for 2 hours. Because of the demonstration, Woolworth blinked first. They decided to close early that day and they closed at 12:30, after the students had sat there for 2 hours. These seven students and so many other civil rights activists are the shoulders on which we all stand. Unfortunately, the fight for equality is not over. We see this most clearly when we look at our criminal justice system. To date, the organization Black Lives Matter has launched a grassroots movement that has succeeded in exposing police brutality and making it front-page news. The movement began in 2012, after the death of Trayvon Martin, who was killed by a neighborhood watchman on February 26, 2012. I would be remiss if I did not mention that yesterday was the fifth anniversary of Trayvon Martin's death. Black Lives Matter is focused on all of the ways Black people are disempowered by the State, including police brutality. In addition to exposing police brutality and making it front-page news, Black Lives Matter, like the organizations during the civil rights movement, has attracted a diverse coalition of supporters. The reality is not lost on African Americans. As I mentioned before, two of the protesters who sat in at the Woolworth store in Louisiana were White. If you go back to Philadelphia, Mississippi, where they found the three bodies of the civil rights workers who were registering people to vote, you saw Goodman, Chaney and Schwerner--one African American and two White Americans--who stuck together fighting in justice. Dr. King said so eloquently: ``Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'' So as we talk about our organizations like SNCC, CORE, and SCLC, and we talk about Black Lives Matter, it reminds me of the time when Dr. King was sitting in the Birmingham jail, and seven--eight White religious leaders in the South criticized Dr. King, asking: Why he couldn't wait. Why did he have to force the issue? And why, as an outsider, he was down in Birmingham? Dr. King responded and initially said: ``I don't usually answer criticism because I would be doing it all day, but because I believe you to be eight men of goodwill, I will take the time to answer.'' I just want to read you an excerpt of his answer because I think it is so appropriate when we think of our groups that are coming up now. He said: ``I think I should give the reason for my being in Birmingham, since you have been influenced by the argument of `outsiders coming in.' I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every Southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.'' It then goes on to say: ``So I am here, along with several members of my staff, because we were invited here. I am here because I have basic organizational ties here.'' Then he goes on to say: ``Beyond this, I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the eighth-century prophets left their little villages and carried their `thus saith the Lord' far beyond the boundaries of their hometowns; and just as the Apostle Paul left his little village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to practically every hamlet and city of the Greco-Roman world, I too am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my particular hometown. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid.'' So when you think of Black Lives Matter and other protests, the first comment is: We are outside agitators; why are they here? They are here because injustice is here. So all marginalized groups must stand together in the fight against injustice. This was important during the civil rights movement and it is important now. In that spirit, African Americans fully recognize the importance of not only joining movements in support of their rights, but also joining movements in support of the rights of others. Standing Rock: Most recently, African Americans and others have stood with Native Americans at Standing Rock to protest the Dakota Access pipeline. The Muslim ban: We have stood with the Muslim community to protest the Trump administration's controversial Muslim ban. Then there was the Women's March, which was led by a diverse coalition of organizers and attracted millions of protesters across the Nation and the world to protest sexism and other gender issues. African Americans participated in the march, including several members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Then we can talk about indivisible. African Americans and others have stood with their fellow constituents at recent townhalls to make sure that their Congressman or Congresswoman hears their voices on the Affordable Care Act and other issues. Some of these exercises in civic participation have been inspired by the guidebook ``Indivisible,'' which, as the authors state, provides best practices on getting elected officials to listen. Then there is Moral Mondays with Reverend William Barber. It began in 2013 after the Republicans took over the Governor's mansion and State legislature in the Tar Heel State for the first time in more than a century. On what was supposed to be the first and only Monday protest, Barber led a small group of clergy and activists to the State legislature to protest the State Republicans' efforts to block Medicaid expansion, cut unemployment benefits, and roll back voting rights. The next Monday, hundreds of protesters showed up, and hundreds soon became thousands. These protests became known as Moral Mondays, and they eventually spread across the South. So let me just say that from SCLC to SNCC, to CORE, to ``Indivisible,'' to Moral Mondays and Reverend Barber, to Black Lives Matter, people of like mind that fight for justice come together. And that, we learned from the civil rights movement, and that is our contribution to date to Black History Month and celebrating that civil protests and civil disobedience can change and make this a more perfect union.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Ms. Donna Marie Glapion, a native of my hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. I especially wish to congratulate her on becoming the Queen of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club for 2017. It is my distinct privilege to recognize her for this accomplishment. Ms. Glapion has been a member of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club for 15 years. Over the years she has shared her creative talents, having decorated numerous events for Zulu Members, Characters and the organization. She has served as the First Lady of the Mighty Mayor's Krewe, participated for many years with Zulu's Toys for Tots program, and has served as Co-Modiste to the Zulu Maids from 2012-2014. In addition to her work with Zulu, Ms. Glapion is dedicated to her family and has been active in her community. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and for the past seven years she has positively impacted the lives of children in the community through her work as a character school operations manager. From 2009 to 2015, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of the students at James M. Singleton Charter School and since July 2015, hmerved as the Operations Manager at William J. Fischer School. Ms. Glapion is a graduate of McDonogh No. 35 Senior High School and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, earning a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication. She completed post graduate work in language studies at the Universidad Iberoamericana, in Mexico City, Mexico. Ms. Glapion began her professional career as an Administrative Assistant in the office of the late City Councilwoman Dorothy Mae DeLavallade Taylor and as Operations and Finance Manager for the Mary L. Landrieu for Governor Campaign. Ms. Glapion has served as an Operations Manager in the Corporate Real Estate/Facilities Management Department at Whitney National Bank, and from 2001 to 2005, she was part of a research team at Tulane University School of Medicine as the Administrator of the Hematology/Oncology Section. In closing Mr. Speaker, the hard work and dedication of Ms. Donna Marie Glapion gives us hope and promise for the future of our city and I wish to congratulate Ms. Glapion on her coronation as Queen Zulu and wish her a successful reign in 2017.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Mr. Adonis Charles Expose, a native of my hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. I especially wish to congratulate him on becoming the King of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club for 2017. It is my distinct privilege to recognize him for this accomplishment. Mr. Expose has been a member of the Zulu organization since 2002 and has actively participated on every level in various leadership capacities. In 2008, he represented the Zulu organization as Mayor of Zululand. He has also had the honor of serving as Parliamentarian of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Inc. for six years. In addition to his work with Zulu, Mr. Expose is a dedicated family man and has been active in his community. He is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and former board member of Young Audiences, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana and Heart N Hands, Inc. He has been a member of the Pines Village Neighborhood Association, Mayor's Office Task Force Committee for Blighted Housing and an alumnus of the Committee for a Better New Orleans/Metropolitan Area Committee along with being involved with Forever Our Children, Inc. and the Young Leadership Council. Mr. Expose is a graduate of McDonogh No. 35 Senior High School and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications with a minor in English. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Southern University A&M College. He began his professional career at the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) where he served as a Strategic Planning Analyst and was later promoted to Director of Communications for the agency. Currently, he is employed by the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) in the Office of Procurement and Contracts. The commitment that Mr. Expose shows to his family and community is an example to all of us. In closing Mr. Speaker, the hard work and dedication of Mr. Adonis Charles Expose to improving the community gives us hope and promise for the future of our city and I congratulate him on his coronation as King Zulu and wish him a successful reign in 2017.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 690. I would like to thank the gentleman from New York, Congressman Donovan, for his help and support and his bipartisanship. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 690 is based on a bipartisan bill I introduced last year, H.R. 5391, which passed the House in September. For decades, security experts have warned of the danger that radioactive materials could be smuggled within and across our borders and used in an act of nuclear terrorism. The DHS Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, or DNDO, brings together expertise from across the Federal Government to detect and prevent the illicit transport, storage, and assembly of nuclear and radiological weapons. These interagency partners coordinate their efforts using a multilayered framework--the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture, or GNDA. GNDA describes Federal programs, guidelines, and detection technologies and identifies research challenges and security gaps. In 2015, GAO looked at how DNDO manages its $350 million research and development program. The report found that DNDO needs to do a better job of documenting how it chooses which projects to fund and how these investments align with security gaps and research challenges-- especially for vulnerabilities identified in the GNDA. H.R. 690 would resolve these issues by requiring DNDO to document the rationale it uses to prioritize research topics, explain how selected investments align with gaps and research challenges, and develop a systematic approach to evaluate the outcomes for individual projects. Such documentation is essential to ensure that DNDO is making the right research investments to keep the Nation secure. Mr. Speaker, my bill, H.R. 690, would help DNDO use its limited resources toward projects that actually close the vulnerability gaps. Preventing and detecting nuclear smuggling is a complex endeavor. It requires seamless coordination between law enforcement and intelligence officials across the Federal Government. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 690, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 655. For over a decade, the Securing the Cities program has provided a growing number of first responders from New York City and Newark, New Jersey to Los Angeles and Long Beach to Washington, D.C., Houston, and Chicago with the tools they need to detect radiological and nuclear threats. Securing the Cities is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, DNDO, which houses the Department's experts on preparing for and responding to rad/nuc events. The program makes funding available to participating jurisdictions for planning and analysis related to radiological and nuclear threats, as well as equipment purchases, training, and exercises. Through this program, DNDO supports grantees by providing subject matter expertise, training, coordination, and technological support. H.R. 655 would formally authorize the existing Securing the Cities program and improve it by directing the Government Accountability Office to assess the program and offer recommendations for how it could become more effective. Mr. Speaker, this bill passed the House last Congress by a vote of 441-4. Mr. Speaker, the Securing the Cities program plays a critical role in protecting communities across America from the threat posed by radiological and nuclear weapons. H.R. 655 will ensure that this important program continues and becomes more robust in future years. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 655. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 437. Whether the result of a naturally occurring outbreak, like Zika or Ebola, or an intentional release of bio-pathogens, like anthrax attacks that shook Washington immediately after 9/11, we must ensure that our public health and medical response communities are prepared to respond to events that may stretch their capabilities. In recent years, the Metropolitan Medical Response System Program has been eliminated, and grants supported by the Department of Health and Human Services, such as the Hospital Preparedness Program, have been cut. As a result, many jurisdictions have been forced to make tough choices and, in many cases, divert other limited funding to support medical preparedness. Under current law, the Urban Area Security Initiative and the State Homeland Security Grant Program funding can be used to bolster medical preparedness capabilities, but the ability to use funds for that purpose is contingent on the grant guidance issued every year. H.R. 437 would make enhancing medical preparedness and medical surge capacity and capabilities eligible uses of Homeland Security Grant funds under the law. This measure passed in the House last Congress, and I urge my colleagues to again support this measure. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 437. Developing and maintaining medical preparedness is an important part of national preparedness. State and local governments should not have to wonder whether they will be able to use DHS grant funds for this purpose from year to year. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 437. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. I thank Congressman Veasey for the work that he does in representing Fort Worth, Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege and an honor to be the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus in that we represent almost 80 million Americans, 17 million of whom are African American; but the real reason is that it is a talented group of 49 people, and we are going to need each and every one of them to keep track of this rapid, schizophrenic style of governing that we are dealing with. I will just talk about the two most egregious things from this past week, which are the allegations of voter fraud and his nomination of a person to run the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and his unconstitutional ban on Muslims. Since 2010, 20 States have restricted voting rights by enacting discriminatory voter ID and proof of citizenship laws, illegally purging thousands of proper voters from the rolls, cutting back early voting, limiting voter registration, and engaging in other suppressive tactics. These laws were put in place to combat the notion of voter fraud despite the fact that there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the United States. More than a dozen recent investigations and studies all show voter fraud to be virtually nonexistent. A 2014 Washington Post investigation found 31 incidents of voter fraud in the more than 1 billion ballots that were cast in elections at all levels of government from 2000 to 2014. Of the more than 137 million ballots cast in the 2016 election, election and law enforcement officials in all 50 States have yet to report any indications of widespread voter fraud. But, if there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud, what reason could anyone have, including the President, for this claim? The truth is that Republicans have used the voter fraud lie to restrict voting rights for years. Voter ID laws have been sponsored by Republicans and have been passed overwhelmingly by Republican legislatures. Richard Posner, a conservative U.S. circuit court judge appointed by President Reagan, has called the concerns about voter fraud a mere fig leaf that is intended to justify laws that appear to be aimed at limiting voting by minorities, especially Blacks. In July 2016, a U.S. circuit court struck down North Carolina's law, calling it the most restrictive voting law North Carolina has seen since the era of Jim Crow. The judges charged that Republican lawmakers had targeted African Americans with almost surgical precision. Let me just turn very briefly to the President's ill-advised, unconstitutional executive order that purportedly promotes national security. Keeping America safe is a top priority for all of us, but this order is wrong. It is wrong because it makes us less safe, and it is wrong because it goes against our American values. This is the latest in President Trump's series of actions that shows that his number one priority is short-term shows of intolerance instead of the long-term security of the American people. Actions by the Oval Office directly affect people's lives. When the President is making policy up on the fly, it has real harmful consequences in the lives of everyday Americans. The fact that the Secretary of Homeland Security--a committee in Congress on which I serve--was not included in discussions about implementing the executive order, even though this Department is in charge of its implementation, is clear evidence of a broken system. Shutting out the mothers, children, fathers, and families who are fleeing the same violence that we fight against is exactly what ISIS and similar groups want us to do, and it only strengthens their hands. This haphazard order does nothing to keep Americans safe. In fact, it hurts our efforts to fight against terrorism. Let me just say, Mr. Speaker, to my colleague from Texas that the President of the United States, when addressing Liberty University, cited ``2 Corinthians,'' while most church-going people in the country would say ``Second Corinthians.'' He cited 2 Corinthians 2:17, which reads, wherever the Lord is, there is liberty and freedom, but there can't be liberty and freedom without meaningful access to the voting polls. He didn't need to get to chapter 3. He really could have just stopped at the first few paragraphs of the Second Corinthians, which read: ``Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . who comforts us in our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble.'' The question becomes: Why go to Liberty University and offer your Christian values? It always talks about the least of these in the Bible and what we are doing to help others and to do unto others as you would have them do unto you so that, as soon as mothers and children and families are fleeing persecution and certain death, we put a wall up around our country, shut down our airports, and say: We don't care what trouble you are in. You just can't come here. That goes against everything that this country was founded on. It goes against my Christian values, and it goes against any purported Christian values of anyone's in these United States of America.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Plaskett. Mr. Speaker, the CBC has led the charge in proposing solutions for the underserved and disadvantaged communities throughout this country. In his first remarks as President, Donald Trump claimed to champion this cause in his remarks, which proved to be petty and beneath the Office of President of the United States. On day one, in his first official acts in the office, one of his first official acts was to remove from the whitehouse.gov Web site a page detailing a broad set of civil rights commitments and accomplishments under President Obama. It is fitting that President Trump, as one of his very first actions in office, would take down the public pledge to defend the civil rights of all Americans. This is a continuation of the divisiveness that defined his campaign where he proposed a Muslim ban, mass deportation, and a nationwide stop-and-frisk program. This is consistent with a President who would nominate Jeff Sessions, a man unanimously opposed by the civil rights community, as Attorney General. President Trump didn't stop with changing the Web site. It has been reported that the Department of Justice is seeking to delay a hearing meant to focus on the relief required for Texas' discriminatory voter identification law. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled last year that the law had a discriminatory effect and that provisions must be made to allow those who lack the specific ID that the law requires be able to cast a vote. Every judge who has considered the Texas law found it discriminatory, but it still has been used in elections there. Unfortunately, President Trump has given no indication that he is willing to stand up to protect the voting rights of all Americans. Since being elected, he has ignored proven instances of intentional voter suppression and chosen instead to spread alternative facts about voter fraud. As one of its first substantive acts, the Trump administration suspended a mortgage insurance rate cut put in place by the Obama administration to give relief to homeowners. According to the Federal Housing Administration, the cut would have saved the average homeowner $500 this year. This reversal will make it more difficult for middle class Americans trying to purchase a home and eliminate relief for homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments. According to the National Association of Realtors, this will prevent 30,000 to 40,000 new home buyers from purchasing homes in 2017. This move will disproportionately affect African American homeowners who are more likely than White homeowners to rely on FHA mortgage insurance. Mr. Speaker, we know exactly who Donald Trump is and have an inkling about what he intends to do, but what we plan on doing is educating the President about the needs of underserved communities. So I will just take a moment to address a few of his points in his new deal for the African American community, which is truly a bad deal in terms of economic equality. It is a raw deal in terms of public education, and it is a hollow deal in terms of voting and civil rights. On behalf of the caucus, the CBC, the Congressional Black Caucus, I would like to inform him that 39 percent of African Americans actually live in suburbs compared to 36 percent who live in inner cities. The remaining 25 percent live in small metropolitan areas or rural communities. For more than 45 years, the Congressional Black Caucus has worked to improve conditions for African Americans from all walks of life. Collectively, our members represent 78 million Americans, 17 million of whom are African American. Our districts are rural as well as urban. Some of our members represent majority minority districts, while others do not. Mr. Speaker, tonight you will hear from several members of the Congressional Black Caucus who will point to specific pieces of legislation that we have championed and that we have authored that would address many of the issues facing inner-city communities, facing poor communities, and facing communities all across this country no matter the race or makeup of those communities. What I would like to reiterate and stress is the fact that we don't just talk about a problem, but we offer solutions. We have sent to you, Mr. President, a letter outlining all of the 10 points in your new deal with concrete solutions and legislation that we have authored that we think will go further and is a more comprehensive way of approaching the problems in those communities. We also sent you another document that details more than your 10 issues, but highlights issues that are faced by American families all across this country and our policy proposals that will solve them. We would just encourage you to step out of the White House and to listen to people who have done this for a long time and who live in those communities and who have offered viable solutions. So I would just say that we don't need more talk or more rhetoric. What we need is action, and we need action from 1600 Pennsylvania. We need action from the White House, and we would urge you to look at the proposals that we have that offer a better solution.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to have this opportunity to stand on the House floor and to anchor the Congressional Black Caucus' Special Order hour, where today we want to discuss some of the issues and challenges confronting this country that we hope this newly constituted Congress will be prepared to take up as we move into the 115th Congress. The first and most glaring issue confronting the Congressional Black Caucus is the nomination and confirmation of Jeff Sessions to be the Attorney General of the United States. The members of this caucus, since its inception, have fought for equality and justice, and we do it because it is the right thing to do, and that is how we were raised. Jeff Sessions' record is atrocious when it comes to equal rights, equal protection, justice for all, and voting rights. At worst, he was a coconspirator in the promotion of segregation and discrimination. At best, he lacked the courage and motivation to fight for equality, equal protection, and justice. In the words of Maya Angelou: ``When someone shows you who they are believe them. . . .'' President-elect Trump has shown us time and time again exactly who he is through his words and his actions. His Cabinet nominations offer further evidence of who he is and what he values. Each of these individuals have shown us who they are as well. Mr. Speaker, tonight you will hear from many passionate, educated, experienced freedom fighters from our communities, and they will each address their concerns with the nominations coming from the President- elect. We do it out of an obligation to continue to fight for the least of those, those who cannot hire a lobbyist, those who are struggling to make ends meet, those who wake up every day trying to figure out how to put clothes on their kids' back, food on the table, a house, a roof over their head, and to continue to fight for the American Dream, opportunity for their children. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to defend an 18-year-old school student who expressed his life experiences, and he did it in the form of art protected by the First Amendment to our Constitution. But what I also want to do is make sure that we, as Members of Congress, don't use our bully pulpit in this very prestigious and most elite body in the United States to condemn the actions of an 18-year- old who is only expressing what he sees on a daily basis. What real leadership is is to talk to that young man and ask him why, in his community, this is his perception; ask him why he fears the police; and ask him why, in his neighborhood, they fear the police. We, as Members of Congress, understand the sacrifice of law enforcement and the fact that they put their lives on the line every day, and we honor them. But when there is a question on any segment of our society that they don't get equal justice, equal protection of the laws, and that the Pledge of Allegiance rings hollow when you say ``and justice for all,'' what real leadership does is tackle that issue as opposed to jumping on an 18-year-old high school student.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Congressman Scalise to honor a true New Orleans legend, Mr. Edgar ``Dooky'' Chase Jr. Mr. Chase is known in New Orleans not only for the decadent cuisine served at Dooky Chase's Restaurant, but also for his continued dedication to being a leader in the African-American community. He used food and music to bring people from all walks of life together under one roof. From the age of 16 to the age of 88, Mr. Chase worked tirelessly for the people of New Orleans. During his teenage years, Mr. Chase was an active member of the Musicians Union and helped increase the pay for local entertainers. He also worked with the Musicians Union to promote the first racially integrated concert performed at the Municipal Auditorium in the historical Treme neighborhood. Mr. Chase and his wife Leah, graciously known as the ``Queen of Creole Cuisine,'' turned his family po-boy restaurant into an eloquent dining experience for the likes of Martin Luther King Sr., Ray Charles, President Barack Obama, and everyday citizens like Rep. Scalise and I. This restaurant served as a safe place where African-Americans could dine when other establishments did not serve them. Even in hard times, Mr. Chase's faith did not waver. After Hurricane Katrina, he and his wife lived in a FEMA trailer across from their restaurant for more than a year until they could reopen their doors in 2007. Because of Mr. Chase's relentless dedication and service to the New Orleans community, his legacy will live on through his iconic restaurant, and through his beloved wife.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th birthday of Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana. One of eight children, Governor Edwards learned the importance of helping others at a very young age, which he's shown through his profound strength and leadership in governing our great state of Louisiana. A retired Airborne Ranger for the United States Army and a diligent public servant, Governor Edwards has always put his community and nation first. Within his first 8 months in office, Governor Edwards has focused on the state's crippling budget crisis, led our recovery from the historic floods that destroyed more than 100,000 homes, and worked to bring the community together after two tragic shooting incidents. Through it all, he has focused on the positivity in our citizens and the need for rebuilding our state. Governor Edwards has faced every task and issue with an optimistic attitude, always believing that better days would be coming for Louisiana. I am proud to wish my friend a happy birthday.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).