Cedric Richmond

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise today in my last floor speech in this body to do what I was sworn to do on the first date: To protect and defend the Constitution. President Trump put the domestic terrorists on notice by saying, ``Stand back and stand by.'' He then summoned them to D.C., directed them to march on the Capitol, and then he sat back and watched the insurrection. Some of my colleagues--some of which may well be coconspirators--in their latest attempt to placate and please this unfit President, suggests that we shouldn't punish Trump for his actions in order to unify the country. That is the climax of foolishness. Let me suggest to them: Stand up. Man up. Woman up. And defend this Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic, including Donald J. Trump. In the first impeachment, Republicans said we didn't need to impeach him because he learned his lesson, so no need to remove him. Well, we said, if we didn't remove him, he would do it again. Simply put, we told you so. Richmond out.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the retirement of Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson who serves as the Louisiana Supreme Court 25th Chief Justice. She is the second female Chief Justice and the Court's first ever African American Chief Justice. A native of Donaldsville, Louisiana, Chief Justice Johnson graduated from Spelman College in 1964 and became one of the first African American women at Louisiana State University Law Center to earn her Juris Doctorate Degree in 1969. During the 1960's Chief Justice Johnson worked as a community organizer with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense and Education Fund and at the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. After graduating from law school, Chief Justice Johnson served as the Managing Attorney of the New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation (NOLAC). In that role she provided legal services to over 3,000 clients in underprivileged communities. In an effort to help improve civil rights for underrepresented communities, Chief Justice Johnson also worked in federal, state, and juvenile courts. In 1981, she joined the New Orleans City Attorney's Office and later became a Deputy City Attorney for the City of New Orleans. She also served as a supervisor for the litigations and appeals involving agencies of the City of New Orleans. In 1984 Chief Justice Johnson was elected as the first woman to serve on the Civil District Court of New Orleans. Six years later she was easily re-elected and faced no opposition. In 1994, she was elected by her peers to ascend to Chief Judge. Shortly after, she was elected to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court where she would ultimately be re- elected in 2000 and 2010 with no opposition. In 2013, she became Chief Justice of Louisiana's highest court. Not only has Chief Justice Johnson been instrumental on the Court, she has also been a pillar of her community. She has served in several leadership roles including as an Executive Committee Member of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, as the Chair of the New Orleans Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Young Women Christian Association, amongst others. Chief Justice Johnson is also the recipient of numerous awards including the 2020 National Association of Women Judges Lady Justice Award, the National Bar Association Judicial Council's 2019 William H. Hastie Award, the National Bar Association's 2019 Gertrude E. Rush Award, and Louisiana State University's 2013 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Unsung Hero Award. Additionally, she was inducted into the National Bar Association and Louisiana State University Law Center Halls of Fame. Chief Justice Johnson is a treasure to the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. As the first African American Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, Chief Justice Johnson is a trailblazer whose judicial career and dedication to public service is unrivaled. I am grateful for her service in the fight for justice and equality. Madam Speaker, I celebrate Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson on her retirement from the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the retirement of the Honorable Judge Ernestine S. Gray who served as a judge in the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court in New Orleans for over 35 years. A native of South Carolina, Judge Ernestine S. Gray was educated in Orangeburg before graduating from Spelman College in 1971 and Louisiana State University Law Center in 1976. Prior to her election to the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, Judge Gray was involved in private practice. During her career in public service she worked in the Louisiana Attorney General's office focusing on antitrust law issues and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as a trial attorney. From the beginning of her career, Judge Gray has dedicated herself to the juvenile justice system. She demonstrated that commitment through her work at the Baton Rouge Legal Aid Society where she presided over several family law cases. Judge Gray also held various president level positions at the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, National CASA, and the local YWCA amongst others. Currently, she serves as the president of the Pelican Center for Children and Families. A highly respected public servant, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Judge Gray is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2018 American Bar Foundation Outstanding Service Award, the 2013 City Business Leadership in Law Award, the 2011 Louisiana Association of Black Woman Attorney's Trailblazer Award, the 2008 Honorary Membership for the Louisiana Chapter of the Order of the Coif, the 2004 recipient of Spirit of Crazy Horse Award Reclaiming Youth International, the 2002 Albert Elias Award for Advancement of Compassionate Care of Troubled Youth, the National Council on Crime and Delinquency Prevention, and the 1995 American Bar Association Franklin D. Flaschner Judicial Award. Judge Gray had an extraordinary judicial career and truly made a substantial impact on the lives of children and families in New Orleans. We cannot match the sacrifices made by Judge Gray, but surely we can try to match her sense of service. We cannot match her courage, but we can strive to match her devotion. Madam Speaker, I celebrate the retirement of the Honorable Judge Ernestine S. Gray.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the legacy and work of Louisiana Freedom Rider, Ms. Jean D. Thompson. Ms. Thompson made history by participating in the Freedom Rides that helped illuminate persistence segregation in the South despite Morgan v. Virginia and Boynton v. Virginia. Born in Lake Providence, Louisiana on January 13, 1942, Ms. Thompson was an active member of the NAACP and Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). Throughout her life, Ms. Thompson participated in a number of sit-ins, was active in Louisiana and Mississippi Freedom Summers, and contributed to anti-war and feminist efforts in San Francisco and Berkeley, California. Starting at the age of 19, her passion and determination made her one of the youngest trailblazers for racial equity. In response to the federal government's unwillingness to enforce the U.S. Supreme Court's decisions outlawing segregated interstate travel, the Freedom Riders rode integrated buses across state lines in the South to bring awareness to local laws that still required blacks and whites to use separate seating. These intentional actions played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement. Ms. Thompson is a daughter of New Orleans, and without her desegregation efforts, persistence against injustice, and fearlessness, many of us would not be where we are today. It is critically important that we give Ms. Thompson her flowers while she is still here with us so we can celebrate the strides she took to improve racial equality. May we always lift up her name and honor her legacy by continuing to advance equal rights and justice for African Americans and those of African descent all around the world. Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and work of Ms. Jean D. Thompson.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mr. George V. Rainey who passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at the age of 89. He was the oldest Zulu king of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. A New Orleans native, Mr. Rainey attended New Orleans Public School System and graduated with the first senior class at Booker T. Washington School in 1949. He would later join the U.S. Army where he served in the Korean War. In 1967, Mr. Rainey started Rainey's Restaurant and Catering, which quickly became a staple in the city. For several decades it was one of the most prominent Black-owned restaurants in the area that served both the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Essence Festival. In 1972, Mr. Rainey joined the Zulu Social Aide and Pleasure Club where he served in a variety of capacities for more than 45 years. In 1978, he was elected Big Shot and starting in 1991 he served as the organization's vice president for five years. In his service as a Board member for more than two decades, he was integral to the production of Zulu's poster series and its successful pursuit of corporate sponsorships. In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, Mr. Rainey returned home to assist families in need. Along with Bishop James Nelson Brown of Fisher Community Church and the 82nd Airborne Division cooks, he worked courageously for two months to feed the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Rainey was a treasure to the city of New Orleans. That is why he was honored by President George W. Bush and the Jefferson Award Foundation. He lived a fulfilled life doing what he loved to do for so many years. I am grateful for his service. I send my sincere prayers, condolences, and strength to the Rainey family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. Mr. George V. Rainey's wife, Jeanne died in 2005. He is survived by three daughters, a son, and six grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. George V. Rainey.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, let me say that the goal of the bill is positive, but how it is achieved is just flat wrong. To pay for this legislation, what we do is go straight to Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas and take $1.9 billion a year of potential revenue to those States to uplift their people to pay for this bill. Let me be specific about Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. They rank 48th, 49th, and 50th in terms of quality of life for their residents. They rank 1, 2, and 5 in terms of their African-American population. So, what are we doing here, in this time of racial inequity? We are going to Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana and taking $1.9 billion a year without sharing any of that revenue with their States where: they can improve education, where all three rank last; they can improve healthcare, where all three States rank last; and they can improve their environment, where all three States are in the bottom one-third. So, all I am saying is, at some point, equity demands that those States get their fair share.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, let's assume two kids go out at night to the school dance. When the Black mother is waiting by the phone and the phone rings and the child says, ``Well, there was a problem,'' and both kids say, ``We see police lights. The police are on the way,'' the White mother and parent is going to think help is on the way and feel relieved; the Black mother is going to get more concerned and say, ``Just do whatever they tell you, baby. Just come home. No matter how much they degrade you, just come home.'' There is a difference of policing in this country, and we are just asking to fix it.

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Let me just quickly reply to what I think the big difference is between the two sides. We just heard an eloquent argument about the financial impact to families if a police officer loses his job, that they have loss of income. What we are talking about is the loss of love and support both financially and emotionally to a family when they lose their father or their mother or their child. So while one side looks at this as a purely financial or economic problem, we look at it as life or death. I also heard them talk about the Senate bill. I won't even go into the Senate bill. It doesn't ban chokeholds. It doesn't end no-knock warrants. That bill has about as much teeth as a newborn baby. But what I will say, Madam Speaker, is that America is burning, and my colleagues can't see it or they don't want to see it because of blind loyalty to a self-absorbed leader who lacks the character or concern to care. But America is not only burning; America is also weeping. She is weeping for the victims of excessive force by those sworn to protect and serve. She is crying for her American leadership to man up to meet this moment and to write in the laws of this country once and for all that Black lives do matter. She is calling on us to act, not to cower to the moment, be wilfully ignorant, or just deny the ugly facts. Now is not the time for the quintessential coward or the political hypocrite. America is crying and America is weeping. If you open your hearts and your ears and get past the purposeful irrelevant noise, you will then hear that she is begging for help. Just listen. America is crying for help just like George Floyd did. So the real question today is: Will you pretend you didn't see those horrific 8 minutes and 46 seconds? Will you cower to the white nationalists or will you continue to only protect life until it is born? In church, we are taught that weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning. Colleagues, today we will determine how long the night lasts, how long the mourning will last, the weeping will last. How long before we see the joy of the morning? How long before we make this a more perfect Union? It is time for results, not rhetoric. And to the Members on the other side who may have African-American children, let me just tell you the difference really quickly.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Judge Charles Lloyd Elloie, a retired Orleans Parish Criminal Court judge, who passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at the age of 82. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 6, 1938 to Joseph and Elizabeth Fredricks Elloie, Judge Elloie was one of five children and was raised in the Lafitte Public Housing Development. A Pullman porter, his father worked on the Sunset Limited railroad while his mother was a domestic worker. A student of public school throughout grade school, Judge Elloie attended Dillard University and graduated with a BA degree in Education. He was the first of five in his family to graduate from college. Following his graduation from 1960 to 1966, he served as a biology and math teacher in the Orleans Parish School System. After his tenure teaching, Judge Elloie became an agent for the Prudential Insurance Company where he became the first African American hired in his region. In this role, he was successful in assisting individuals and expanding this critical service to many who did not have access prior. However, despite his success, he still yearned to address some of the unsettling societal inequalities he had seen and experienced throughout his life. Naturally, Judge Elloie's desire to make an impact in his community led him to get involved in New Orleans politics. In 1968, he pursued a seat on the local school board, but ultimately fell short. However, he stayed determined and refused to allow this loss to deter him. In 1969, Judge Elloie founded the Community Organization for Urban Politics (COUP) in partnership with his close friend, Attorney Robert Collins. Almost immediately, COUP became extremely influential in New Orleans and particularly powerful in the 6th and 7th wards. That same year, he ran unsuccessfully for the House of Representatives, but just a few years later he served as Assistant to the Mayor and Director of Youth Opportunities. In those roles, he successfully promoted political engagement, provided recreational and workforce opportunities for young people, and held politicians accountable to ensure they addressed obstacles faced by people of color both economically and socially. Prior to the election of former Louisiana Governor Edwin W. Edwards, Judge Elloie worked on his campaign and served as Assistant to the Governor from 1972 to 1975. Upon his departure, he ran for State Representative to represent an uptown district, but unfortunately did not garner enough votes needed to win. Soon after, Judge Elloie decided to enroll in Southern University Law Center to pursue a career in law. During his tenure as a student, he served as Student Bar Association President. Upon graduating in 1979, Judge Elloie was prepared to become a legal servant of the people. Beginning in 1980, for sixteen years Judge Elloie had a successful criminal law practice. His legal knowledge, his ability to connect with people, and his passionate pursuit of justice and equity for his clients all played key roles in his career as an effective criminal lawyer. In 1995, Judge Elloie ran a successful campaign for the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court judge. In 2002, he was re-elected without opposition for a second term. In 2007, Judge Elloie retired following a tenure of service that brought justice and provided numerous opportunities for second chances, all while making his courtroom accessible to the community. Judge Elloie lived an extraordinary life, founded on bringing justice for all, that cannot be overstated. He was dedicated to elevating his community, maximizing his potential, and being an agent for social change. Judge Elloie was a trailblazer and his life, legacy, and spirit will remain a guiding force to the city of New Orleans. I am grateful for his service. I send my sincere prayers, condolences, and strength to the Elloie family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. Judge Charles Lloyd Elloie is survived by his wife of more than 30 years, Dr. Pearlie Hardin Elloie, two sons, Charles L. Elloie, Jr. and Joseph C. Elloie, one brother, Wilbur Ronald Elloie, nine grandchildren, one great grandchild, numerous nephews, nieces, family members, friends, and colleagues. Judge Elloie was a member of the St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, serving as Lector. He was also a life-time member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Judge Charles Lloyd Elloie.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I was unable to be present for the following votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 80, the Ensuring Chinese Debt Transparency Act, and YEA on Roll Call No. 81, H.R. 5003, the Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I was unable to be present for the following votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 71, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, YEA on Roll Call No. 72, H.R. 4852, and YEA on Roll Call No. 73, H.R. 2490.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4432, the ``Protecting Critical Infrastructure Against Drones and Emerging Threats Act.'' As Chairman of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee, I have made it a priority to understand the security challenges facing our critical infrastructure and to figure out solutions. My district in Louisiana has one of the nation's highest concentrations of critical infrastructure--including pipelines, refineries, ports, and stadiums. I have talked with owners and operators of critical infrastructure in my district and across the nation about the security issues they're facing, and there is always one common theme: Drones. Drones are hardly a new technology, but they do present policymakers at every level of government with serious challenges. It's a challenging issue because drone technology is an important tool in infrastructure security, providing situational awareness over critical infrastructure. At the same time, we know bad actors can use drones to move explosives, conduct surveillance and mapping activities, and carry out cyber attacks. The weaponization of drones is not just a potential concern--we have seen it happen. Late last summer, drones were used to strike oil installations in Saudi Arabia, halting half of the country's oil production. And, in late 2018, reports of drone activity near the runway at Gatwick Airport outside London grounded hundreds of flights. The Federal government is aware of the security threats posed by drones, but we don't have a full picture of where and how often unauthorized drone activity is happening near our critical infrastructure. Owners and operators of chemical facilities regulated under the Chemical Facilities Antiterrorism Standards program have complained that no one in the Federal government collects information about unauthorized drone activity over their facilities. Our operators want to share important threat information that can inform our antiterrorism efforts but there's no one to collect it. We must do better. H.R. 4432 would require DHS to establish a way for owners and operators to voluntarily report information about unauthorized drone activity over their facilities. DHS would then use that information to develop a threat assessment on unmanned aerial systems and other emerging threats. H.R. 4432 marks an important step forward for DHS in its partnership with the private sector and in gaining full situational awareness about the threats posed by drones in the U.S. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I want to note my concerns with the President's FY 2021 budget request for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Despite bipartisan agreement that CISA needs more resources to deal with more frequent and sophisticated cyber attacks, the budget slashes DHS' cybersecurity arm by $250 million. Inexplicably, it calls for a $10 million cut for cybersecurity support for State and local governments, at a time when they are increasingly targeted by foreign adversaries and criminal hackers. Worse still, it would eliminate funding for DHS' chemical antiterrorism security program that was established under the leadership of former Secretary Chertoff in response to intelligence suggesting chemical facilities would be a ripe target for terrorists. Chemical facilities remain a target for terrorists, and I am disturbed by the Administration's poor judgment related to this important antiterrorism program. With that, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4432.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a group of young men who had an excellent undefeated season at LSU and won the national championship. I also rise to congratulate Coach Orgeron for his leadership in shaping not only those young men on the field, but off the field also. I also take great pride, Mr. Speaker, in recognizing one outstanding individual on that team, his name is Grant Delpit. Grant Delpit was my first batboy at the congressional baseball game. Last year he was the unanimous All-American, and this year he caused a fumble in the national championship game. But more importantly, his parents, a lawyer, law enforcement, and his grandmother serves on the board of a charter school in my district. They are an exceptional family. Mr. Speaker, we have a commitment that when we see our young people doing well that we recognize them and congratulate them. So, to all of the outstanding young men at LSU for winning the national championship, and to Grant Delpit for excelling in the classroom, off and on the field, I just want to say congratulations, we recognize you. And good luck in whatever you do in your future.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the 97th Birthday of World War II Veteran, Mr. James A. St. Julien, Sr.--also known as ``PawPaw.'' Born on January 9, 1923, Mr. St. Julien is a lifelong New Orleanian and was raised in the 7th Ward. He is a proud member of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Prior to her transition nearly 10 years ago, he was married to his beloved wife Mrs. Selma St. Julien for 67 years. Additionally, he is the father of 11 children: 9 girls and 2 boys and has over 35 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. As a World War II Veteran, Mr. St. Julien participated in several campaigns and theaters. The American Theater of WWII, the Asiatic- Pacific Theater of WWII, and the Battle of the Philippines. In the 766 Engineering Company, Mr. St. Julien cleared the pathway for the landings on the island of Leyte. A force of 700 vessels and 174,000 men accompanied these landings. On July 5, 1945, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur announced the liberation of the Philippines. Shortly after the end of WWII, Mr. St. Julien was honorably discharged and separated from the U.S. Army on December 18, 1945. Mr. St. Julien's military service to our country is truly admirable. He is a leader and role model in the community. His 97th Birthday deserves to be celebrated and I am honored to join in its celebration. I thank Mr. St. Julien for his service, and I wish him many more birthdays. Madam Speaker, I celebrate the 97th Birthday of a proud World War II Veteran, Mr. James A. St. Julien, Sr

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, President Trump, on January 20, 2017, raised his hand and swore to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution. Now we must preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution from him. Madam Speaker, I rise today, not to disparage and embarrass the President of the United States, but to defend our precious democracy. I speak today, not because I hate this President, but because I love this body, the people's House. I have heard Republicans say: Why are we rushing to judgment? This is not a rush to judgment; it is a rush to justice, and we must not delay. Corruption is corrosive; it eats away like acid. The longer we wait, the more time we allow for this President to do irreparable harm to our country and our democracy. Just last week, Rudy Giuliani was back at it in Ukraine. So please don't tell us to wait, because the corruption continues. There is a famous quote that says: Politicians worry about the next election; statesmen worry about the next generation. Today calls upon us to be statesmen and stateswomen--Democrat, Republican, and Independent. Our election is under attack from within. So, to my Republican colleagues, many of whom spent a lifetime trying to build a reputation of honesty and courage, I beg you: Don't throw that away for President Trump. He doesn't deserve it, nor will he appreciate it past the next tweet or next week. My fear and my prediction is that his actions will continue. Madam Speaker, Donald Trump recently said: I can do anything I want. He also bragged that he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and get away with it. Well, he is shooting holes in our Constitution on Pennsylvania Avenue, and our House, the people's House, must defend the Constitution from a domestic enemy to the rule of law: Donald Trump. Because I don't want generations to come to blame me for letting our democracy die, I, therefore, rise in favor of impeaching Donald Trump.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Let me just pick up where they left off. Whether it is a reauthorization, whether it is a restoration, it does not matter. What this is, is fixing the stain on America that prohibited and stopped African Americans and other minorities from voting. I rise today torn because, on the one hand, I am elated that this House is finally moving H.R. 4 so that we can protect the right to vote, but on the other hand, I am disappointed because we have to do it by ourselves, that this is not a bipartisan effort to ensure the precious right to vote. Many people may say that it is a burden on the States. What about the burden that the States put on us? In the spirit of Goodman, Chaney, and Schwerner, who were killed so that I could vote, and John Lewis and others who crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, who were beaten so that I can vote, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask for everyone to support H.R. 4. We should join hands and do it together.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to acknowledge the life and legacy of Coach Marvin Keelen. Coach Keelen coached at Goretti Playground in New Orleans, Louisiana. I met Coach Marvin probably when I was about 13 years old; and he started me out as a bookkeeper at the playground keeping score. Then I went on to be an umpire; then I went on to be a coach. Coach Marvin passed away this weekend, but over his 34 years of coaching at Goretti Playground, he has touched the lives of so many young men. We have a Capitol Police officer here that Coach Marvin coached. We have myself and countless others that his direction, his mentorship provided a real pathway for a lot of our young men. The other thing I would say about Coach Marvin is his family followed in his footsteps. Just two weekends ago, his younger son, Nick, won his first city championship. His other son, Marvin, won a couple of city championships, and Coach Marvin won about seven. But it wasn't just about competing. It was taking our young kids and making sure that they understood their potential to be whatever they wanted to be, that they could be champions if they wanted to be, that they could actually be U.S. Congressmen. So I just want to extend my condolences to his wife Jennifer Keelen; his daughter Nikki; his son, Nick; and his other son, Marvin, to let them know that their father has heard those words: ``Well done, my good and faithful servant.'' Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Judge Angelique ``Angie'' Reed

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Judge Angelique ``Angie'' Reed, who passed in the city of New Orleans. Judge Reed was the quintessential judge. She was fair, but she was firm. She expected the best out of lawyers in front of her, and she demanded nothing less. She was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and, in honor of her, I am wearing my pink tie today. She was also a faithful member of Jack and Jill, that provides mentorship to children and communities all across the country, and she was a faithful member of the New Orleans Chapter of The Links. Let me just say that her membership in all of these organizations really highlighted her love for New Orleans. On the national level, she was a member of the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association, even co-chairing the event in New Orleans. I first met Judge Angie Reed when she was just a young lawyer in the City Attorney's Office and I was a law clerk trying to find my way around. She took me under her wing and taught me life lessons that I would never forget about the practice of law: that it was not about trying to make money; it was not about you, but it was about your client; it was about making a difference; it was about righting a wrong. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his speech, ``Give Us the Ballot,'' proclaimed that, if you give us the ballot in the South, we will elect judges and put judges on the bench that will love mercy and do justice. Judge Angelique Reed did just that, and she did it better than anyone else. She leaves behind her daughter, Giana Warren. And I would just say that the New Orleans community is better off because Angie Reed passed our way, and she will be sorely missed. She also will hear those words: ``Judge Reed, well done, my good and faithful servant.''

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the delegate from the Virgin Islands for cohosting this Special Order in honor of Elijah Cummings. We all ask that question to the Lord: ``What is required of thee?'' And the answer is simple: Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with thy God. That is exactly what Chairman Elijah Cummings did. He fought for justice every day, not just in the halls of Congress, not just in courtrooms, sometimes it was on the streets of Baltimore. When the community was protesting, he was out there fighting for justice. He loved mercy. He fought for criminal justice reform every ounce and minute of his life, because he knew that we have to give people a second chance and that, but for the grace of God, who knows where anybody would be. And then last, it was to walk humbly. Many people don't know this, but Elijah Cummings was one of the first Members of Congress to endorse me, because he was about lifting up the next generation. He knew that you don't have to blow out somebody else's candle for yours to shine brighter. And what he did all the time was light candles in the next generation so that they would assume the mantle of leadership and so that they would find their purpose in life. So I would just end with this: Elijah Cummings was a man of purpose. It wasn't about politics. It wasn't about partisanship. It certainly wasn't about profits. It was about purpose. And the one thing that comforts me, and I am sure the entire Black Caucus, is that we know in our hearts that last Thursday, at 2:30 a.m., we know that Elijah Cummings heard these words: Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Franklin Augustus, a stunt pilot and avid flyer. Mr. Augustus passed away on Friday, August 16, 2019 at the age of 69. Mr. Augustus was an acrobatic air show pilot and a member of a New Orleans-based group that honored the Tuskegee Airmen. A licensed pilot who had been flying since the age of 19, he once described himself as the ``world's only black civilian air-show acrobatic pilot'' in a 1988 Times-Picayune Newspaper article. Mr. Augustus performed hundreds of daredevil aerial maneuvers at shows and often visited schools to speak with young students to encourage them to explore aviation. In addition to being a stunt pilot and avid flyer, Mr. Augustus was a longtime community activist, a U.S. Army veteran, the president of the Lake Charles Tuskegee Airmen Chapter and a Reserve Deputy for the New Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. Mr. Augustus was a treasure to us all. He lived a fulfilled life doing what he loved to do for so many years. We are forever grateful to Mr. Augustus for his life and we keep his friends and loved ones near and dear to our hearts. Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Franklin Augustus.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of former Louisiana Governor Kathleen B. Blanco. Governor Blanco passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the age of 76. Governor Blanco was a giant whose life and presence in Louisiana politics made an indelible mark in history, and I am saddened by the news of her passing. As Louisiana's first woman to serve as governor coupled with her time spent in the Louisiana State House, Governor Blanco was a trailblazer whose work and dedication to the state of Louisiana remains unquestionable. Her legacy of leadership during the plight of Hurricane Katrina will be marked by her championship of all Louisianans. It has been an honor to work with Governor Blanco during my career, and I am grateful for her service. I send my sincere condolences, prayers, and strength to the Blanco family during this difficult time. May her soul rest in peace. Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Governor Kathleen B. Blanco.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Nancy Parker, an author, breast cancer advocate, dedicated community leader, and award-winning journalist at WVUE FOX 8 News. After bringing the news to South Louisiana for nearly 25 years, Mrs. Parker passed away on Friday, August 16, 2019 at the age of 53. Mrs. Parker was a loving mother of three and wife of longtime newsman, Glynn Boyd. She was a veteran journalist at FOX 8 News where she was both a nominee and awardee of several Emmy Awards. Outside the newsroom, Mrs. Parker wrote two beautifully written children's books tailored in the culture of New Orleans. She was also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Mrs. Parker was a treasure to us all. She lived a fulfilled life doing what she loved to do for so many years. We are forever grateful to Mrs. Parker for her eternal impact and we keep her friends and loved ones near and dear to our hearts. Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Nancy Parker.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Carl Eugene Porter, Sr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. An Army veteran and hall of fame athletic coach, he passed away on the evening of Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at the age of 88. He was well known to many as ``Coach Porter''. One of four children, Coach Porter was born on February 10, 1931 in Columbia, Missouri before moving to Baton Rouge to attend Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Physical Education. After graduating, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and served four years. He married his college sweetheart, Ivory Hawkins, on December 30, 1954. After his service in the Army, Coach Porter began a career in education. His career began at Scotlandville Junior High School, where he led the Athletic Department to many championships over a nineteen- year period. In 1976, Coach Porter transitioned to Southern University Laboratory School as the Athletic Director where the Fighting Kittens earned many State Championships during his twelve-year tenure. With a record of 129-25 under his watch, many of his players went on to have successful collegiate and professional sports careers. Coach Porter was also well known for placing an emphasis of academics for the athletes under his tutelage. Coach Porter's thirty-one-year coaching career led him to be inducted in the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1999. He also remained an active community and civic leader through his contributions to the NAACP, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Kiwanis, the Fisherman's Club, and the Anna T. Jordan Recreation Center. Coach Porter was widely known for his love of family, friends, church, music, and humanity, and many regarded him as a local icon. As a mentor, advocate, leader, and friend, Coach Porter left an indelible impact on all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of dedication and service to the Scotlandville community will be remembered now and many years to come. Coach Porter is survived by his wife, Ivory Hawkins Porter, his children, Carl, Jr., Tracy, Rudy, Rodney, and Lonzella, as well as his seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Carl Eugene Porter, Sr.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I was unable to be present for the following votes on Tuesday, July 23. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 497; YEA on Roll Call No. 498; and YEA on Roll Call No. 499.

Mr. RICHMOND

Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Ms. Sadie Roberts-Joseph, civil rights activist and founder of the Odell S. Williams Now & Then Museum of African-American History--now known as the Baton Rouge African-American History Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She passed away on July 12, 2019 at the age of 75. One of 12 children, Ms. Roberts-Joseph was born in 1944 in Woodville, Mississippi before her family relocated to Baton Rouge. She attended Baton Rouge Vocational-Technical School and Southern University, studying education and speech pathology. She later worked as a minority business officer for the City of Baton Rouge and as a certified respiratory therapy technician. Ms. Roberts-Joseph was a prominent civil rights activist in the Baton Rouge area. In 2001, she founded the Odell S. Williams Now and Then African-American Museum. She also founded the Community Against Drugs and Violence, a non-profit organization whose mission was to create a safe environment for the youth in north Baton Rouge. She also served as host for the Juneteenth Freedom Festival, which remembered the emancipation of slaves in the Confederate states and a Veterans Day celebration, which honored veterans of all racial backgrounds who fought in the Civil War. Ms. Roberts-Joseph was an individual of great compassion, intelligence, vision, and integrity. Known as a pillar of the community, her legacy will forever be a part of Baton Rouge and her dedication to service will forever embody the spirit of Louisiana. We cannot match the sacrifices made by Ms. Roberts-Joseph, but surely, we can try to match her sense of service. We cannot match her courage, but we can strive to match her devotion. Ms. Roberts-Joseph's survivors include two children; Jason Roberts and Angela Roberts Machen. Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Ms. Sadie Roberts- Joseph.