Martha Roby

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Thursday, December 17, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: YEA on Roll Call No. 245.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. Had I been present I would have voted as follows: YEA on Roll Call No. 244.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), my friend, for yielding. Thank you so much, Leader Hoyer, I just appreciate your friendship all these years. I really do appreciate the time you have given me. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you and my colleagues here today to speak for my final time on the House floor. Mr. Speaker, 17 years ago, my husband, Riley, and I prayerfully decided I would put my name on the ballot for the first time. Never could we have imagined that that original decision to run for the Montgomery City Council would lead us to serve five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. We are so grateful that God allowed us to serve our country in this way, and we give all honor and glory to Him. I count it a great privilege to have served the people of Alabama's Second Congressional District over the past decade, and I cannot adequately express how deeply thankful I am for the confidence my constituents have placed in me over the years. Each of you sitting here before me knows the responsibility that comes along with being a Member of Congress. Yes, we are required to vote and to be the conscience of those we represent, but serving our constituents back home truly changes lives in our communities for the better. As I look back on the wonderful things Team Roby was able to accomplish, along with the help of my colleagues in the Alabama delegation, I realized that our most significant duty is to help those who need us. Whether it is requesting assistance with the VA or another Federal agency, assisting with cleanup following a large-scale weather event, voicing an opinion, or booking tours of the U.S. Capitol, my doors have always remained open to each person I represent. I am thankful for the unique opportunities given to me by those who came before me, especially the chance to serve on several impactful committees, including Committee on Appropriations, Committee on the Judiciary, Committee on Agriculture, Committee on Armed Services, Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the Select Committee on Benghazi. Much work has been done in each of these revered committees to impact the lives of my constituents, and for that, I am forever grateful. I have been asked many times over the past few months what will I miss the most upon my departure, and my answer has remained the same-- the relationships. The genuine friendships formed with my colleagues, my constituents, and so many others over the years, and interacting with these individuals on a daily basis is what I will truly miss the most. For many, this past year was and continues to be very challenging. We have all experienced plenty of unfamiliar hardships. Not only has the global health pandemic taken center stage, but America is marked by intense division and polarization. Every time you turn on the television, you see a depiction of disunity amongst the American people. I imagine many Americans struggle to believe that friendship can actually exist within the Halls of Congress. It is incumbent upon us, Members of Congress, to join forces and work together to get things done for the good of the American people. When we reach across the aisle and work with the other side to arrive at a compromise for the benefit of those we serve, we are truly at our best. I believe the American people are starving to see bipartisanship in action, especially during this time of much suffering and uncertainty. People want to know their leaders are working together for the common good and not just shouting each other down. My greatest hope and prayer moving forward is that all Members of Congress--new and old--regardless of party identification, beliefs, or opinions, will come together and work toward a common goal to deliver real results for the American people. I have faith in this institution, and I have faith in each of you. Now, I want to especially thank the people of the Second District. It is your faith and trust in me as your representative that helped me every step of the way. I am honored to have been given this incredibly unique opportunity, and I thank you for letting me be your voice in Congress. Together, we have been able to deliver some incredible results for our military, veterans, agricultural community, and the unborn. While we made much progress together, the fight is not finished. I want to thank my Congressional colleagues for your kindness and friendship throughout the years. Not too far into my time in Congress, I woke up realizing that the people I served with had become some of my very best friends. I am confident these relationships will continue, and I will certainly miss our time spent together having conversations about our families and encouraging one another. I want to thank my incredible staff, all former and present Members of Team Roby, for your hard work on behalf of the people of Alabama and our country. I know all Members say this, but I truly believe I have the greatest staff in the world. I would never be able to execute this job without the dedication and support of my staff. They have worked tirelessly to serve the people of the Second District. We have a special saying on our team: ``Once Team Roby, always Team Roby.'' And lastly, I thank my husband, Riley, and our two children, Margaret and George, my parents, the Robys, and our entire village for supporting our decision to serve our country. Your steadfast love and constant support have carried us through the easy and the hard times, and I love each of you dearly. On behalf of Riley, Margaret, George, and myself, we sincerely thank all of you who made our service to our country in the great State of Alabama possible and those who offered their services along the way. Thank you, and for the very last time, I yield back.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to include in the Record a letter from the Judicial Conference of the United States voicing their opposition and concerns to H.R. 8235, the Open Courts Act of 2020. Judicial Conference of the United States, Washington, DC, December 7, 2020. Hon. Steny Hoyer, Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Leader: I write on behalf of the Judicial Conference of the United States, the policy-making body of the federal Judiciary, to express our continued strong opposition to H.R. 8235, the Open Courts Act of 2020 (``OCA''), which is scheduled for floor action on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. This legislation--which will take years to implement--rushes forward without appropriate and necessary assurances and provisions regarding the budget for such an enormous undertaking. The bill as drafted will have devastating budgetary and operational impact on the Judiciary and our ability to serve the public. We very much appreciate that you, along with House Judiciary Courts Subcommittee Chairman Hank Johnson, intervened last week after my helpful conversation with Chairman Johnson to prompt more dialogue between the branches. The many hours of staff conversations, through the weekend, that followed your encouragement led to some significant textual changes to the bill. We are grateful for those efforts which addressed some of our concerns with the previous version of the bill. Very serious concerns remain, however, and further dialogue is much needed. The fact is that our preliminary estimates for the cost of this bill is orders of magnitude higher than the bill's proponents have presumed--currently we are $2 billion apart-- and CBO's hurried and preliminary estimates of the cost of developing and implementing a new electronic filing and public access system, in our view, vastly underestimates the cost of the bill. Critically, some of the bill's revenue streams are also untested, difficult to administer and/or impossible to estimate reliably in advance. If our cost estimates are correct--or even marginally closer to correct than the bill's proponents'--there is no scenario in which the revenue generated by the bill could be sufficient to cover those costs. This will force the Judiciary to slash funding for staff and other critical operations. Moreover, the Judiciary's backbone case management system, and therefore the Judiciary itself, could grind to a halt. In anticipation of a funding shortfall, the bill now provides for an emergency pause in the transition to the new system required by the bill. This might be preferable to the forced accommodation of significant unbudgeted costs, but such a pause in the middle of a massive transition of systems would result in its own substantial disruptions. Better information on the costs of this bill and the revenues it would generate is needed to ensure that the Judiciary and public users of this system avoid devastating consequences. We believe we will have a much clearer picture of cost projections in early Spring 2021, at the conclusion of the first phase of a study for a replacement case management system to be performed by GSA. The Judiciary has other major concerns with the bill, including issues of technological feasibility, security, and governance, but the threat of devastating budget consequences for the Third Branch simply cannot be overemphasized. The Judiciary is committed to working collaboratively with the next Congress to improve our systems for filing, storing, managing, and making available to the public all relevant court records. We recognize and share Congress' bipartisan interest in a modern, effective, fair and successfully funded system. The current version of the Open Courts Act, however, is not the way to accomplish those goals. We look forward to working through these shared goals with you in the future. Sincerely, James C. Duff, Secretary.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Monday, November 16, 2020. Had I been present I would have voted as follows: YEA on Roll Call No. 219, and YEA on Roll Call No. 220.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Thursday, September 17. Had I been present I would have voted as follows: NAY on Roll Call No. 193; YEA on Roll Call No. 194; and YEA on Roll Call No. 195.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on Friday, July 24 due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present I would have voted as follows: ``nay'' on rollcall No. 162, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 163, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 164, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 165, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 166.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Thursday, July 23, due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: ``nay'' on rollcall No. 157, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 158, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 159, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 160, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 161.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Monday, July 20 due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present I would have voted as follows: ``nay'' on rollcall No. 153; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 154; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 155; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 156.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on Tuesday, July 21 due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: ``nay'' on rollcall No. 144, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 145, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 146, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 147, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 148, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 149, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 150, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 151, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 152.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on Monday, July 20 due to a family medical emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: ``nay'' on rollcall No. 139; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 140; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 141; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 142; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 143.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a beloved Alabamian, Reverend George Washington Carver Richardson, Jr. Dr. Richardson passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2020. Dr. Richardson was deeply devoted to the Lord, a loving husband and father, and a strong voice for the community. He will be dearly missed by all. Dr. Richardson was born in Geiger, Alabama, to George and Louise Richardson. At the early age of four years old, Dr. Richardson began preaching. He spent his early years preparing to enter Ministry, and he went on to earn his BA Degree, Bachelor of Theology, Masters of Divinity, Masters in Religious Education, Doctor of Divinity, Doctor of Humane Letters, Existential Degree, and L.C.U. Degree all from various institutes. Dr. Richardson's faithfulness to spreading the Gospel never wavered as he traveled across the United States, preaching to crowds, conducting workshops, and leading seminars. He served as Pastor to several churches, but he led the Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church for almost forty years. Not only was Dr. Richardson devoted to the Church, but also to the community. He worked towards the betterment of mankind his entire life through his involvement with the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Richardson served on several Civic Boards and Committees, such as the SCLC, NAACP, and Montgomery Improvement Association. He also helped spearhead the Selma Movement from beginning to end, participating in marches and demonstrations in the area, including Bloody Sunday. In 1967, Dr. Richardson moved to Bessemer, Alabama and became the first African American to campaign for a major political office, running for the Office of Mayor. His campaign paved the way for future African American leaders to take leadership positions in the city of Bessemer. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Reverend George Washington Carver Richardson, Jr. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered, and his remarkable legacy will be remembered for years to come.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, today I was unable to vote on Tuesday, June 30 and Wednesday, July 1. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: NAY on Roll Call No. 130; NAY on Roll Call No. 131; NAY on Roll Call No. 132; NAY on Roll Call No. 133; YEA on Roll Call No. 134; YEA on Roll Call No. 135; NAY on Roll Call No. 136; YEA on Roll Call No. 137; and NAY on Roll Call No. 138.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the honorable life and work of a beloved Alabamian, Mrs. Ann Varnum. Mrs. Varnum passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, after a full life of 80 years. A Dothan native, local media personality, and friend to many, Mrs. Varnum will be dearly missed. Ann Varnum was born in Dothan on January 15, 1940, to the late Elizabeth and J.P. Jones. Mrs. Varnum attended and graduated from Huntington College and Auburn University with a degree in English. Following graduation, she began a career in teaching before getting her big break at Dothan's WTVY television station. Mrs. Varnum devoted nearly 50 years to WTVY, working her way into the hearts of Alabamians through her dedication to the community, charming personality, and devotion to God. She is best remembered for hosting the station's morning show, beginning in 1974 until the late 1990s. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mrs. Ann Varnum. Her life was one of service, grace, and love for her family and community. She will be greatly missed by all whom she encountered, and her remarkable legacy will be remembered for years to come.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Monday, June 29. Had I been present I would have voted as follows: YEA on Roll Call No. 123; NAY on Roll Call No. 124; YEA on Roll Call No. 125; NAY on Roll Call No. 126; YEA on Roll Call No. 127; NAY on Roll Call No. 128; and NAY on Roll Call No. 129.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Bates House of Turkey in the City of Greenville, Alabama. On March 1, 1970, the late W.C. ``Bill'' Bates, Jr. and wife, Teresa Carlton Bates, opened the doors of legendary Bates House of Turkey in Greenville, Alabama for the first time. As the second generation of Bates Turkey Farm, they became a driving force behind not only the farm's success, but also in the success of the iconic restaurant. Following the completion of Interstate 65, the entrepreneurial visionaries, Bill and Teresa Bates, decided to buy property and build the restaurant in Greenville, making the conscious decision to serve only turkey dishes made from free-range birds grown on their farm. In addition to Bates House of Turkey being one of the most unique restaurants in Alabama, it has also become one of the most popular spots for commuters to stop and grab a bite to eat while traveling through Butler County along I-65. Now, over 50 years later, Bates House of Turkey is still a family- owned restaurant where locals and non-locals alike gather for dishes such as their famous hickory smoked turkey sandwich or their old- fashioned roast turkey dinner. The Bates children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have been successful in continuing the family legacy and keeping the restaurant alive and thriving. As the staff and loyal patrons gather to celebrate this wonderful achievement, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the Bates family for their profoundly positive contributions to the Greenville community and surrounding area.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on Thursday, February 6 and Friday, February 7. Had I been present I would have voted as follows: NAY on Roll Call No. 38; NAY on Roll Call No. 39; NAY on Roll Call No. 40; NAY on Roll Call No. 41; YEA on Roll Call No. 42; YEA on Roll Call No. 43; NAY on Roll Call No. 44; YEA on Roll Call No. 45; YEA on Roll Call No. 46; YEA on Roll Call No. 47; NAY on Roll Call No. 48; YEA on Roll Call No. 49; NAY on Roll Call No. 50; NAY on Roll Call No. 51; NAY on Roll Call No. 52; YEA on Roll Call No. 53; and NAY on Roll Call No. 54.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Smith for leading this Special Order. The topic that we are here to discuss tonight is one of the utmost importance. Of course, next week, we approach the 47th anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision. With this single ruling by the Supreme Court, abortion was legalized across the country. While many abortion activists celebrate this time as a victory for so-called women's health, it represents a somber occasion for those of us who advocate for life. It is no secret that I am unapologetically pro-life. I believe life begins at conception, and I am opposed to abortion at any stage. While not everyone in this body shares my convictions about life or on certain policies surrounding the rights of unborn children, our pro- life agenda has momentum, and it is strong. Next week, thousands of Americans will gather in our Nation's Capital to participate in this year's March for Life. This is an annual event where the pro-life community joins together to advocate for the protection of unborn children. I know that some pro-life supporters will be traveling from Alabama's Second District, almost 900 miles, to defend the unborn. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to send a message to the thousands of marchers who are gathering to show their support for the pro-life movement: Thank you. Thank you for your dedication to this most worthy cause, and know that you are not alone in this fight. As you continue to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, remember that my pro-life colleagues and I stand with you. I promise to use this platform here in Congress, and beyond, to be a vocal advocate for the unborn. I will not stop fighting until our laws and policies protect life at every stage, and I hope you won't either.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and sacrifices of Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, who was tragically killed on December 6, 2019, at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida. Born and raised in Enterprise, Alabama, Kaleb was a natural leader and devoted servant to his community from an early age. Inspired by his uncle's service in the Gulf War, Kaleb knew at a very early age since childhood that he wanted to serve his country in the military. Kaleb continued to demonstrate his leadership skills at Enterprise High School, where he participated in JROTC, National Honor Society, French Honor Society, and captain of the rifle team. It was through his experience on the rifle team that he learned of the opportunities at the United States Naval Academy. Kaleb was accepted to attend the prestigious Naval Academy upon graduating from high school in 2014. Kaleb continued to serve his hometown community after graduation by volunteering his time to the rifle team during school breaks. At the Naval Academy, Kaleb set his sights on becoming a Navy pilot, and he excelled. A dedicated student, Kaleb majored in mechanical engineering and was named to the Dean's list and Commandant's Honors list. Outside of the classroom, he was a member of the Academy's rifle team, served as a wrestling coach, and was a small-arms instructor. Under his leadership as captain of the rifle team, the Naval Academy won its first victory over West Point in a decade. After commissioning, Kaleb served a temporary assignment at the Naval Academy's Physical Education department until last month, when he reported to Pensacola to begin flight training. On December 6, Kaleb made the ultimate sacrifice for his country when an active shooter opened fire at the Naval Air Station. Without hesitation, Kaleb sprang into action. After being wounded himself, Kaleb was able to locate first responders to identify the shooter, undoubtedly preventing many more causalities that day. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to join the people of Alabama's Second Congressional District, the Enterprise community, and the Watson family to honor Kaleb today. He is remembered by his peers and many others as a kind friend, encouraging teammate, and generous volunteer. Kaleb died a hero, and his courageous actions and service to this nation will not soon be forgotten as we continue to share his story of selflessness and valor. May God bless his family and community as we mourn the loss of Joshua Kaleb Watson, and may God bless all of our military members who continue to defend and protect the United States of America.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Boll Weevil Monument in the City of Enterprise, Alabama. In 1882, John Henry Carmichael founded the city of Enterprise. Early on, Enterprise thrived primarily due to agriculture, specifically the cotton crop. Cotton was the catalyst that spurred the development of water and electric systems, the growth of the schools, and the opening of new businesses in the community. Enterprise, Alabama like many other towns and cities emerging in the southern United States, were economically dependent on the prosperity of the cotton crop. The Boll Weevil, a small insect native to Mexico, made its way to the southern United States in the early 1900s, devastating cotton buds and destroying the viability of the crop along the way. Enterprise was not spared, as the Boll Weevil ravished Coffee County's cotton production and the city's agricultural foundation. The farmers and families of Enterprise suffered greatly from this economic blow, but they remained determined and solution-oriented. In pursuit of relief from the economic hardship for the citizens of Enterprise, banker H.M. Sessions, county Agent John Pittman, and scientist Dr. George Washington Carver encouraged agricultural diversification. With favorable soil and weather conditions, relief came in the form of peanut seeds, which were brought to Enterprise in 1916 and grown by local farmer, C.W. Baston. In just one year, the peanut industry exploded in Enterprise, yielding over five million dollars and making the city a top peanut producer nationwide. The Boll Weevil Monument that many in the community pass by every day was erected to recognize the role of the Boll Weevil in transforming Enterprise and compelling its citizens to ``triumph over adversity.'' This central monument symbolizes the adaptability, resiliency, and determination that embody the character of Enterprise and its citizens, past and present. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to join my constituents and the residents of Enterprise to honor the centennial of the Boll Weevil Monument on Main Street. This monument stands as a reminder to us all of what can be accomplished in the face of adversity. I am proud and forever grateful to represent this city and the people of the Second Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an important time in Alabama's history. I am proud to lead the efforts joined by my colleagues from Alabama in introducing a resolution today, which honors the 200th anniversary of Alabama's statehood. On December 14, 1819, Alabama was incorporated into the Union as the 22nd State. December 14, 2019, will mark 200 years since the historical day of our State's incorporation. This is a monumental occasion in our State's history, and we are looking forward to joining Alabamians in a year full of memorable celebration and commemoration of the bicentennial. It is my greatest honor to represent and serve the people of Alabama's Second Congressional District, which includes Montgomery, our State's capital city. Alabama is currently experiencing extreme economic development and job growth across the State, which makes this special time even more exciting for us all. I join my colleagues in recognizing this milestone in our State's history. I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve the people of Alabama as we celebrate the birthday and history of the beloved State we all call home.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and provide tribute to the honorable service to our Nation by a great Alabamian and American. U.S. Army Colonel (Retired) Ellis Wayne Golson of Dothan, Alabama will retire from Department of Defense civilian service on December 31, 2019 after 47 years of continuous service to our nation. Colonel Golson, originally from Evergreen, Alabama entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1972. And since that summer day long ago, Colonel Golson has selflessly defended our country, culminating in a second career of significant contribution as a senior Director of future U.S. Army Aviation capabilities at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Colonel Golson served at home and abroad in many demanding areas of command and leadership. As an Army civilian, Colonel Golson continued his leadership of our defense as the Director of all Army Aviation Combat Developments, a critical and essential position developing future Army helicopters. Colonel Golson has been joined in his life's work by his life's partner, Rachel. Rachel has always supported Ellis as she lent her experience, compassion and precious time in the volunteer support of Soldiers, civilians and military family members through victories as well as unit losses and other very personal tragedies. I am honored to pay tribute and post to the record a lifetime of honorable service, commitment and great contribution to our Nation's defense provided by Colonel and Mrs. Ellis Golson. Together they faithfully served and set the conditions for both military and personal success for those that will follow. May God continue to bless Ellis and Rachel Golson in retirement as well as all of our military members who continue to protect the United States of America.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Dorothy K. Spence Browning for her service in the Navy WAVES during World War II. Dorothy was born on January 2, 1922, in Great Falls, Montana. She grew up running an apple orchard with her family in Glenn's Ferry, Idaho. Later, she attended college at the University of Idaho and then began teaching in a one-room school house in Pocatello, Idaho. When the war broke out, Dorothy joined the Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). The Navy WAVES were created in 1942, following the signing of the Women's Reserve Act. This landmark legislation allowed women to serve as an official part of the Navy for the first time and helped pave the way for the future of women in the United States Armed Forces. The numerous contributions from the WAVES proved to be a vital asset to winning the war. Dorothy served in Brooklyn, New York, Stillwater, Oklahoma, Seattle, Washington, and then finally discharged at Klamath Falls, Oregon. While living in Oregon Dorothy met her husband John H. Browning. John was a young marine from Mobile, AL, who served two tours in Okinawa and Guadalcanal and later received a purple heart for the wounds he suffered. The couple later moved to Montgomery, AL, where they went on to raise their three children Phillip, Steve, and Kathy. Dorothy was a tutor for several local elementary schools, taught Sunday school at Perry Hill United Methodist Church, and would sew and craft Raggedy Ann dolls that she would donate to the church bazaar and local charities in Montgomery. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Mrs. Browning's legacy and her service to our nation. Her contributions to secure and maintain our freedom will not be forgotten.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Madam Chair, I would like to use my time to raise awareness that a correctly sized and properly configured maintenance facility to support and repair F-35 aircraft coming to the 187th Fighter Wing is needed very soon at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Alabama. The 187th Fighter Wing was selected as a preferred location for the bed-down of the F-35, with the first aircraft to arrive in several years. Squadron operations require administrative, training, and support space as part of the aircraft organizational maintenance shop. Currently, the existing facilities that service the F-16 Red Tails squadron are inadequate. Aircraft maintenance currently resides in three temporary facilities or trailers. Much of the space designated for these functions is less than required for effective operations. The aircraft maintenance shops are 43 percent undersized, and the required tool storage is kept in aircraft parking spaces in the hangar. I appreciate very much the committee chairwoman and ranking member's efforts to provide our men and women in uniform adequate and acceptable working spaces so they can do their jobs accurately and effectively. It is my hope that, moving forward, we will continue to work together on this particular issue through the fiscal year 2020 appropriations process. Again, I, too, thank the chairwoman and, certainly, the ranking member for yielding me this very important time.

Mrs. ROBY

Mrs. ROBY. Just very quickly, I just want to say please, please, please come out and support this event. Go Congress. Beat the press. Beat cancer.