Terri Sewell

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak against the Ryan budget. Mr. Speaker, here we go again, another House Republican budget filled with the same gimmicks and fuzzy math that the American people soundly rejected last fall during the Presidential election. It's another budget that slashes critical economic investments, undermines job growth, and attempts to reduce the deficit on the backs of our seniors, disabled, women, and low-income families. We cannot pass this budget, just like we could not pass it last year. It increases tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans at the expense of the middle class. On average, $2,000 more in taxes will be charged to the middle class. This budget also does nothing to replace the arbitrary and irrational cuts of the sequester. As a result, 750,000 jobs will be lost this year alone. The Republican budget would end Medicare as we know it and force Alabama seniors to pay more for health care. It will reopen the doughnut hole, and 48,264 Alabama seniors will have to pay more for prescription drugs. This budget also cuts $6.2 billion in health care. Mr. Speaker, the American people deserve more. We can't allow our Republican leadership to continue to try to give tax breaks to the wealthy at the expense of the middle class.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Mrs. Jean T. Martin, a beloved Alabamian who passed away on March 11 in Selma, Alabama at the age of 89. As a dedicated public servant, Jean Martin was known in our local community as the long-serving Selma City Councilwoman, an avid local historian, and a gifted journalist. Gracious and proud of her Selma roots, Jean was the personification of a southern belle. Personally, Jean Martin was a close family friend and a trusted mentor. I am deeply saddened by her passing but I am comforted in knowing that her legacy will live on through the countless life lessons she taught me and so many others. Mrs. Jean Martin was born in Selma on September 9, 1923. She attended Dallas Academy and was a graduate of Albert G. Parrish High School. Jean later met and married army serviceman Phillip David Martin. While the young couple would live many places both home and abroad, Jean and her husband would soon find their way back to her beloved Selma. Upon her return to Selma, Jean worked at Craig Air Force base in accounting, finance and personnel. She would remain at Craig Field until its closing. Her next career move would catapult Jean to her status as a gifted writer and journalist. She began working as a community editor for the Selma Times Journal. Jean had a special way of writing that brought to life the sights, sounds, and people that she covered in Selma, Dallas County and surrounding areas. Jean Martin would continue to work for the Selma Times Journal for the rest of her life. For more than 30 years, she served in various capacities at the newspaper and was Life & Style editor emeritus at the time of her death. Jean Martin was also an exemplary public servant. She served on the Selma City Council from 1996-2008, representing Ward 3 and eventually becoming the Council's President pro tem. During her tenure, she was an exceptional servant leader who passionately advocated for her constituents making an indelible mark on our community. Jean Martin will also be remembered for her wealth of knowledge about Alabama history and friendly disposition as the long-serving curator and founding board member of the Old Depot Museum. Through her efforts at the museum, Jean became a trusted historian, steadfastly preserving the rich history of her beloved city of Selma. Jean was involved in numerous community organizations--a founding member of Cahaba Concern; an active member and officer of the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society; Chair of Selma's annual Pilgrimage; a board member of the Cahaba Center for Mental Health and Mental Retardation; and a board member for the State advisory board for the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel. Jean also served on various advisory committees for the Alabama Historical Commission. On a personal note, Jean Martin served with my mother Nancy Gardner Sewell on the Selma City Council and was a beloved colleague and close family friend. My brothers and I affectionately called her ``T Jean.'' She was an amazing mentor and role model to me and I credit my love of community to her extraordinary example. I know that in Congress I stand on her shoulders because Jean Martin broke so many glass ceilings as a strong woman who gave generously and led nobly. I will miss her wise counsel and advice dearly. While we grieve the loss of this beloved member of our community, let us strive to emulate her example of public service and carry on her efforts to make the Selma and Dallas County a better community. Jean Martin was a phenomenal woman who used her substantial talents and abilities to better the lives of those she served. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and this Nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of my beloved mentor Mrs. Jean T. Martin.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Mrs. Jean T. Martin, a beloved Alabamian who passed away March 11 in Selma, Alabama, at the age of 89. As a dedicated public servant, Jean Martin was known in our local community as a long-serving Selma city councilwoman, an avid local historian, and a gifted journalist. Personally, Jean was a close friend and trusted mentor. I am deeply saddened by her passing, but I am comforted in knowing that her legacy will live on through the countless life lessons she taught to so many of us. Jean Martin worked tirelessly as a community editor for the Selma Times Journal. For more than 30 years, she served in various capacities at the newspaper. She was also an exemplary public servant. She served on the Selma City Council from 1996 to 2008, representing Ward 3, and eventually became the council's president pro tem. During her tenure, she was an exceptional public servant who passionately represented Selma. On a personal note, Jean Martin served with my mother, Nancy Gardner Sewell, on the Selma City Council and was a beloved colleague and close family friend. My brothers and I affectionately called her ``T Jean.'' She was an amazing mentor and role model to me, and I credit my love of community to her extraordinary example. I am now in Congress and I stand on her shoulders because of the many glass ceilings of this strong woman who died at 89. She was a wonderful public servant. I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in paying tribute to the life and legacy of Jean Martin.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Sarah Collins-Rudolph, a little known American hero whose life was forever changed on the morning of Sunday, September 15, 1963. On that tragic day, Sarah's sister Addie was one of four little girls killed in the noted bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. While her name isn't engraved in memorials or printed in history books, to many in the Birmingham community, Sarah is known as ``the fifth little girl.'' As we remember the 50th anniversary of this tragic event in our nation's history, we pay tribute to the four lives that were lost. But, we must also remember those that survived this horrible tragedy. Sarah Collins-Rudolph is one of those survivors. Sarah is the last of eight children born to Alice and Oscar Collins of Birmingham, AL. The day of the bombing, she was just 12 years old. Sarah and Addie Mae were one year apart and formed a unique closeness due to their closest in age. On the morning of the bombing, Sarah was in the bathroom of the church's basement with the four victims including Addie Mae, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley. Sarah was the only girl in the bathroom that day to survive. She lost her right eye and her life was filled with corrective surgeries and extensive medical care for her injuries. There were 21 survivors of the bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church but no single family suffered as much as the Collins family, losing Addie Mae and caring for Sarah's multiple injuries. The physical and emotional scars of this senseless tragedy remain with Sarah as she continues her extraordinary life. Even today, there are moments when she struggles mentally with her fate of being bombed at just 12 years old. Despite the persistent aftermath of the events, she is dedicated to making sure that the nation remembers the bombing and its significance to the civil rights movement. Sarah shares her painful story in hopes that future generations will know their history and remember those that were symbols of the civil rights movement. Today, I salute Sarah Collins-Rudolph for her sacrifices to our country. We are often reminded of the civil rights giants that fought on the front lines for justice and equality. But it is an imperative that we never forget the sacrifices made by all those who were a part of this transformative time in America. On behalf of a grateful nation, we say thank you to Mrs. Sarah Collins-Rudolph for the personal sacrifice and courageous fight she has endured for civil and equal rights. On that Sunday morning in 1963, Sarah's life changed instantly and she was forever scarred by the actions of those who sought to stifle America's movement. But because of Sarah, we rejoice in a new era of our history that realizes the dreams of those before us. We salute Mrs. Collins-Rudolph because her story was a catalyst for a new America. Her sacrifices led us to the liberties and freedoms that many of us enjoy today. I am especially grateful for Sarah's story for had it not been for her painful journey, my own journey would not be possible. As Alabama's first Black Congresswoman, I stand before you today with a humble heart knowing that Sarah's journey paved the way for my own place in American history. I ask all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in saluting Mrs. Sarah Collins-Rudolph, an Alabama treasure and an American hero.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the integration of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This weekend, a bi-partisan congressional delegation led by Representative John Lewis (D-GA) will travel to Alabama as a part of the 13th annual Faith & Politics Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage. I have the great pleasure of co-hosting the delegation with my fellow Alabama colleagues Representatives Spencer Bachus (R-AL) and Martha Roby (R-AL). The Pilgramage allows participants to retrace the steps of our nation's Civil Rights icons through the historic civil rights sites in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Selma. It is also a time to reflect on our painful past while acknowledging our current progress. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of so many significant civil rights events that occurred in 1963. One of those events was the infamous stand taken by then Governor Wallace at the doors of the University of Alabama to prevent black students from registering. The University of Alabama has come a long way since that infamous day to promote racial diversity within its student body, faculty, and administration. Today, I pay special tribute to the University of Alabama and commemorate the 50th anniversary of a pivotal event in the struggle for racial equality in America. I believe it is important that we must acknowledge our painful past and frame its significance in the global fight for civil and human rights. The history of the State of Alabama must be embraced for the critical role it played in the Civil Rights Movement which caused a global movement for the quest of human dignity and rights around the world. We, in the 7th Congressional District of Alabama, pay tribute to the University of Alabama, one of the crown jewels of higher education in our district, and honor the courage of the black students--Autherine Lucy, James Hood, and Vivian Malone--who paved the way for the multitude of successes the University enjoys today. On June 11, 1963, two African-Americans, James Hood and Vivian Malone attempted to enroll at the University of Alabama. Prior to their attempts, only one African-American, Autherine Lucy, had been successful in registering and actually attending classes at the institution. In 1957, Autherine Lucy and Polly Anne Myers filed suit against the University to clarify their rights and obtain an injunction after being denied admission based on race. The injunction was granted and Ms. Lucy was eventually admitted to the University. She became the first African-American to attend a white public school or university in the State of Alabama. However, she was unfairly expelled after just three days when the University suggested that her presence was a nuisance to the campus because they could not provide a safe environment for the young student. In 1963, pursuant to the same injunction, James Hood and Vivian Malone made a second attempt to fully integrate the University. Upon their arrival to the Tuscaloosa campus, former Alabama Governor George Wallace attempted to block Hood and Malone from entering Foster Auditorium to register for classes. As the world watched, Governor Wallace's attempts to prevent integration of the University of Alabama were recorded in our Nation's history as ``The Stand in the Schoolhouse Door.'' Governor Wallace was determined to defend his now infamous declaration: ``Segregation Now, Segregation Tomorrow, and Segregation Forever.'' But his efforts to halt progress were short lived. Later that day, Hood and Malone with the support of a federal court order and members of the Alabama National Guard, were eventually allowed to register for classes and pursue their degrees. They are forever recorded in our nation's history as two of the first African-American students to attend the University. Vivian Malone was the first African- American to graduate from the University of Alabama and James Hood later received his doctorate from the University. Today, ``The Stand in the Schoolhouse Door'' is remembered as a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of this historic event, we recognize its significance in the quest for justice and equality. While there were dark moments, the events of that day are now seen as a catalyst on our road to forming a more perfect union. Today, the University of Alabama stands as a beacon of inspiration. The diversity represented in today's student body is a visible reminder of the sacrifices of Autherine Lucy, James Hood and Vivian Malone. Because of their bravery and courage, the University of Alabama now boast a widely diverse student body, an outstanding academic curriculum and a world class athletic program. Today, the University of Alabama is ably led by its first woman President, Dr. Judy Bonner. We recently celebrated having the number one collegiate team in four NCAA sports-- including women's gymnastics and football being named the BCS National Champions for the second year in row. As a benefactor of the courageous contributions of Autherine Lucy, James Hood and Vivian Malone, I am humbled by the opportunities their bravery has afforded all black Alabamians. As Alabama's first African- American Congresswoman, I know that my journey would not be possible without their sacrifices. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the University of Alabama and its important place in our nation's history. Roll Tide!

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th pastoral anniversary of Dr. Tommie L. Lewis, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Since 1982, this dedicated servant has led the congregation of Bethel Baptist Church to new horizons in ministry. I am pleased to honor Pastor Lewis and join with his congregation in celebrating 30 years of excellence in leadership and service to the Lord. Pastor Lewis answered his call to minister on January 6, 1973 at the Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church. For more than 40 years, Pastor Lewis has been led by his faith to minister and spread his message of service and commitment to mankind. While he has served at other churches, Pastor Lewis is most celebrated for all that he contributed to the Bethel Baptist Church family, affectionately known as ``Bethel Nation''. Under his 30 year leadership, Bethel Nation has grown to a membership of over 5,000 worshippers and currently stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the Pratt City community. Pastor Lewis has shaped a legacy defined by numerous ministries that reach far beyond the church sanctuary. In both his professional and spiritual life, his character has been defined by his willingness to serve, his unselfish generosity and his unwaverering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. He uses his clergy position as a powerful force for good throughout this world. Pastor Lewis is an accomplished biblical scholar. He attended the Birmingham Easonian Baptist Bible College and the Universal Bible Institute in Brunswick, Georgia. Pastor Lewis is also the recipient of various honorary doctorate degrees as a result of his varied contributions to the ministry and public service. Through the years, in addition to his dedicated service to Birmingham, Pastor Lewis has also sought to share his spiritual teachings all over the world. He has ministered to and delivered sermons throughout the United States, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. But no matter where his ministry has taken him, Pastor Lewis is forever committed to home. Pastor Lewis has led by example and displayed his commitment to public service through his affiliation with various religious and civic organizations aimed at empowering the lives of those that he serves. His involvement include but are not limited to: the Pratt City Ministerial Alliance, the Birmingham Metropolitan Baptist Ministerial Conference and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Pastor Lewis also worked to transform the trajectory of his community through his service as former Captain for the Bessemer Police and Fire Department Chaplaincy Corps and the former Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Jefferson County Transit Authority. Pastor Lewis currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Jefferson County Commission of Economic Opportunity and State President for the National Rainbow Push Coalition. In 1998, he received one of Birmingham's highest honors when he was inducted into the City of Birmingham Gallery of Distinguished Citizens. In the aftermath of the April 2011 tornadoes, which completely destroyed Bethel Baptist Church, Pastor Lewis' faith and determination has been unwavering as he continues to minister to his congregation as they rebuild a stronger Bethel Nation. He continues to be grounded in God's mercy and grace giving hope to the hopeless and providing opportunities for the least amongst us. While his contributions and accolades are large in number, I am especially grateful for the servant leadership that Pastor Lewis has shown to the 7th Congressional District of Alabama. He has made an inedible imprint on the lives of so many of us through his ministries. We are blessed by his visionary leadership. Therefore, it is with pride and a humble heart that I pay tribute to Pastor TL Lewis in recognition and appreciation of his 30th pastoral anniversary at Bethel Baptist Church. And so it shall be transcribed in the annuals of the United States House of Representatives that special recognition be made to Reverend Dr. Tommie L. Lewis on behalf of a grateful nation.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 50th commemoration of the city of Birmingham's pivotal role in the civil rights movement. We are declaring 2013 as the Year of Birmingham in order to honor the historic events that occurred in our city in 1963. The city of Birmingham serves as a reminder to the rest of the world that, out of despair, there is hope and that justice does, indeed, prevail. My good friend Congressman Spencer Bachus and I, along with the entire Alabama delegation, plan to ask this august body to bestow, on a bipartisan basis, its highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, to the four little girls who tragically lost their lives during the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church. We believe it is befitting that during this year, 2013, we posthumously pay tribute to Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Denise McNair, for they have truly paid the ultimate sacrifice. They are, indeed, emblematic of so many citizens of Birmingham who lost their lives for the cause of freedom. They represent all of those citizens and all of those who fought so hard and courageously, black and white, to make sure that we in this Nation hold up its ideals of equality for all. I ask that this august body work with Spencer Bachus and the entire Alabama delegation to bipartisanly support and bestow upon them the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. James Hood, one of the first African-Americans to attend The University of Alabama, who passed away Thursday, January 17 at the age of 70. Dr. Hood was a trailblazer in the quest for civil rights and equality. I am deeply saddened by his passing but I am comforted in knowing that his legacy will live on. Dr. Hood was born on November 10, 1942 in Gadsden, Alabama. He attended Gadsden public schools and he enrolled at the University of Alabama in 1963. On June 11, 1963, Dr. Hood along with fellow student Vivian Malone attempted to enroll at the University of Alabama. Upon his arrival to the Tuscaloosa campus, then Alabama Governor George Wallace physically blocked Dr. Hood from entering Foster Auditorium to register for classes. As the world watched, Gov. Wallace's efforts to block Dr. Hood and Ms. Malone were recorded in our Nation's history as ``The Stand in the Schoolhouse Door.'' Later that day, Dr. Hood, with the support of a federal court order and members of the Alabama National Guard, was eventually allowed to register for classes and pursue his degree. However, despite his bravery and courage, Dr. Hood's time as a student at the University of Alabama was short. On August 11, 1963, Dr. Hood left the University after numerous threats and constant harassment. He would later return to the University of Alabama in 1997 to obtain a doctorate in interdisciplinary studies. After his short time at the University of Alabama, Dr. Hood went on to obtain a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University and a master's degree from Michigan State. Dr. Hood also studied at the University of London. He later served as deputy police chief in Detroit and as a chairman of the police science program at the Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin before retiring in 2002. During his extraordinary life, Dr. Hood was also a devoted father to five children and nine grandchildren. Today, as we mourn the passing of this American hero, we are reminded of his sacrifices for our Nation. Dr. Hood's courage was a testament to his commitment to education and equality. On behalf of a grateful Nation, we honor Dr. Hood's personal sacrifices and commit to sharing his story with future generations. Today, ``The Stand in the Schoolhouse Door'' is remembered as a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Hood's quest for educational equality served as a catalyst for the opportunities that many of us enjoy today. As a benefactor of Dr. Hood's contributions, I am humbled by this opportunity to further solidify his place in American history. As the first African-American woman elected to Congress from the state of Alabama, I know that my journey would not be possible without the contributions of foot soldiers like Dr. Hood. Let his life serve as a testament to the courage and strength of one individual's ability to change the trajectory of our Nation. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this Nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. James Hood.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of an Alabama State representative, Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, a lawmaker from Mobile, Alabama, who passed away, sadly, on Saturday at the age of 67. Dr. Kennedy was a pillar in the community and a tremendous public servant. She was the epitome of a servant leader, and she blazed the trails in Alabama politics that so many of us now follow. She led by example and was motivated by a drive and a passion for public service and education. I am deeply saddened by her passing and know that her legacy of service will live on. Yvonne Kennedy was born on January 8, 1945, in Mobile, Alabama, to Leroy and Thelma Kennedy. At a young age, she displayed a commitment to academic excellence, and upon graduating from high school, she earned her bachelor's degree from Alabama State University, a master's degree from Morgan State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama. These early accomplishments were the beginning of an illustrious career both as a lawmaker and a community leader. First elected to the Alabama State House of Representatives in a special election in 1979, Dr. Kennedy was one of the longest-serving members of the Alabama State legislature. She served the 97th District of Mobile for more than 33 years. She was a prominent lawmaker who fought against Alabama's egregious voter ID laws, and she also championed the restoration of voter rights for rehabilitated ex-felons. She was the former chair of Alabama's legislative black caucus and was well respected by her colleagues. Her tireless commitment to public service and her advocacy for quality education in Alabama was unparalleled. In 1981, Dr. Kennedy became the president of Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Alabama, and she served in that role for over 25 years. Under her leadership, Bishop State expanded from one campus to three campuses, and flourished until her departure in 2007. Dr. Kennedy was a premier educator whose commitment to education knew no bounds. Dr. Kennedy was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and was their 19th national President from 1988 to 1992. She served on the boards of the Association of Higher Education, America's Junior Miss, was a trustee for Miles College, and she was a longstanding member of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She was chairwoman of the Mobile County United Negro College Fund and youth director of the Board of Christian Education-Southeast Alabama Conference. I know that my generation owes Dr. Kennedy a debt of gratitude. I know that my generation stands on the shoulders of trailblazers like Dr. Yvonne Kennedy. It was her light that guided the path that led me to become Alabama's first African American Congresswoman, and for that I am eternally grateful. She left an indelible imprint on Alabama and across this Nation, and her legacy will live on. It is indeed a great privilege and an honor that I have today to recognize the legacy and contributions of Dr. Yvonne Kennedy with this tribute on the floor of the House of Representatives. Let her life stand as a testament to the courage and strength of one individual's ability to shape the lives of so many. On behalf of the Seventh Congressional District and the State of Alabama and a grateful Nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Yvonne Kennedy.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life and service of Alabama's own fallen soldier, Army Private First Class Julian L. Colvin, a courageous soldier, loving son, an American hero. PFC Colvin was a dedicated soldier assigned to the 508th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. PFC Colvin lost his life at the age of 21 on July 22 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Kandahar, Afghanistan. PFC Colvin, a Birmingham native, proudly joined the United States Army on March 9, 2011 as a combat engineer. As a remarkable paratrooper and outstanding engineer, he was considered a shining example of excellence in our military service. Born on March 2, 1991 in Birmingham, Alabama, PFC Colvin was the loving son of Carla and Alfred Colvin. As a young man, PFC Colvin dutifully answered the highest call to duty for this country. PFC Colvin was a selfless servant leader who bravely sacrificed for the love of his country. During his brief military career, PFC Colvin earned numerous honors, including the distinguished Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal. The Seventh Congressional District in the State of Alabama and this Nation have suffered a tremendous loss. Our Nation is eternally grateful for PFC Julius Colvin and his dedicated service and patriotism. I ask those present today to join me in honoring the life and legacy of this heroic soldier, PFC Colvin. General Leave

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my 1-minute speech.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to a distinguished Alabama educator and civil rights pioneer, Professor Thelma McWilliams Glass. She was known for her exemplary efforts in the field of higher education and her tireless commitment to the struggle for racial equality. Professor Thelma Glass was the last surviving member of the Women's Political Council, the organization that was instrumental in the planning and organization of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in the 1950s. She recently passed away in Montgomery, Alabama, on Wednesday, July 25, at the age of 96. Professor Thelma Glass was born in Mobile, Alabama, on May 16, 1916, and at an early age was instilled with a love of learning that led to her lifelong pursuit of academic excellence. She graduated valedictorian of Dunbar High School in Mobile, Alabama, at the age of 15 and earned a bachelor's degree from Alabama State University and a master's degree from Columbia University, both in geography. In 1942, Thelma McWilliams married the love of her life, Arthur Glass. They were both professors at Alabama State University for over 40 years. Their love for each other was as strong as their dedication and commitment to the students they taught at Alabama State University. After 41 years of marriage, her husband, Professor Arthur Glass, passed away in 1983. Professor Thelma Glass was an accomplished educator who taught geography at Alabama State University for 40 years. She led by example, displaying the same exceptionalism, tenacity, and commitment to public service that she demanded of her students. After four decades of dedication to Alabama State University and her community activism, in 1981, the Thelma M. Glass auditorium in Trenholm Hall was dedicated on the campus of Alabama State University in her honor. Professor Glass was at the forefront of the civil rights movement, showing great courage as she stood up to social injustices of segregated Montgomery, Alabama, in the 1950s. She was a core member and secretary of the Women's Political Council that formed at Alabama State University to campaign against the abuses and the indignities of segregation. The activism of the Women's Political Council laid the groundwork for the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott. When Rosa Parks set the protest into motion with her arrest in 1955 after refusing to give up her seat on the bus, women like Professor Thelma Glass were ready and willing to fight against such racial injustice. The Women's Political Council was soon absorbed into the newly formed Montgomery Improvement Association with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at its helm. Professor Glass continued to play an integral role by copying thousands of flyers and recruiting her students to help spread the word of the bus boycott. She risked her life driving in carpools and organizing transportation for those participating in the boycott. The success of the Montgomery boycott pushed the civil rights movement into full force, as African Americans across the South fought against racial inequality and ultimately led to the signing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was women like Professor Glass who refused to sit on the sidelines and be a footnote in history that made it possible for all of us to enjoy the rights that we do today. I know I would not be standing here today as the first African American Congresswoman from Alabama if not for activists like Professor Thelma Glass. The remarkable career of Professor Thelma Glass as an educator and civil rights activist has been recognized by numerous awards. In 2011, Professor Glass received the Black and Gold Standard Award, one of the highest honors awarded to an alumnus by Alabama State University. Professor Glass was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the Montgomery chapter of the Links Incorporated, and St. John A.M.E. Church. Thelma Glass was, indeed, an inspiration to all. I know on a personal note, Professor Glass served as a role model and mentor to my mother Nancy Gardner Sewell, whom she encouraged as a student at Alabama State University to pledge Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She was the epitome of a woman of grace and style who lifted as she climbed. I stand on the shoulders of these trailblazing activists such as Professor Glass, this remarkable woman who paved the way for the advancement of African Americans. Our Nation is eternally grateful to Professor Thelma Glass' commitment to racial equality and social justice that is a great example to all of us. She left an indelible mark on the State of Alabama and on this Nation, and today I proudly stand to acknowledge her legacy and hope that we all remember it for generations to come.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the visit by First Lady Michelle Obama to Camp Noah at the McAlpine Recreation Center in Birmingham, Alabama on Wednesday July 18, 2012. I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to my dear friend and our First Lady, Michelle Obama, who traveled a long way last week to honor her commitment to return to Alabama to see our recovery efforts from the devastating tornadoes of April 27, 2011. President Obama and the First Lady visited Alabama two days after the storms to witness first-hand the destruction. They promised federal assistance and that we would not be forgotten. On July 18, 2012, the First Lady held true to her promise to return to Alabama to see our recovery and rebuilding progress. We will never forget the tremendous losses suffered by the April tornadoes which claimed the lives of 253 Alabamians. Yet out of that devastation, we found hope and showed great resilience in working together to rebuild our communities. The First Lady's visit gave us the opportunity to show our progress as she witnessed the healing spirit of the children affected by the tornadoes. During her visit to Birmingham, First Lady Michelle Obama surprised a crowd of nearly 100 kids, grades first through sixth, at McAlpine Recreation Center participating in Camp Noah. The summer camp is sponsored by Ascension Lutheran Church in Huntsville, AL and is part of a national project designed to help kids heal from their disaster experience through music, life-skill training and arts and crafts. The First Lady greeted the children with a smile and words of encouragement. She graciously took the time to hug each and every one of the children. The kids' excitement and joy when the First Lady entered the room was exhilarating. Their expressions and comments said it all. Kiara Cherry remarked, ``Oh my God! The First Lady is at the McAlpine--I am so excited!'' She added that meeting the First Lady was on her list of things to do before she turned 15 and now she could check it off her list. Devonte Harris, 12, of Forestdale, agreed, saying, ``I'm just really happy right now.'' Lastly, Rakya Holmes, 8, whose godmother's home was destroyed in the storms, noted ``She smelled good, and I love her.'' These reactions by the children at Camp Noah expressed our sheer excitement and gratitude to the First Lady. The faces of the children were priceless. The First Lady's visit was a life-changing event for the kids and a morale boost for our community. It takes tremendous coordination, hard work and organization to make a visit by the First Lady of the United States a reality. The fact that our First Lady Michelle Obama would take the time to visit with us in a tornado affected community in Birmingham is a real testament to her dedication and commitment to helping us overcome this disaster. I want to commend the City of Birmingham, the extraordinary staff of McAlpine Recreation Center and Camp Noah, as well as UAB's MHRC Healthy Happy Kids program for making the First Lady's visit a huge success. As the Representative of the 7th Congressional District of Alabama, I was extremely proud of all of the efforts made by our community working together to leave a lasting impression on the First Lady. The excitement and joy on the children's faces at Camp Noah made it all worthwhile. Thank you First Lady Michelle Obama!

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday July 17 and Wednesday July 18, 2012, I was not present for recorded votes and was with my constituents in my district preparing for and attending tornado recovery related events with the First Lady of the United States. If I were present, I would have voted in the following way: Tuesday July 17 H.R. 6018--To authorize appropriations for the Department of State for fiscal year 2013, and for other purposes--voted ``yes.'' S. 2009--Insular Areas Act of 2011--voted ``yes.'' Wednesday July 18 H.R. 5872--Sequestration Transparency Act of 2012--voted ``yes.'' McCollum Amendment to H.R. 5856--Reduces Military Retirement Funds (for military bands) by $187,770,000 and applies the savings to the spending reduction account--voted ``no.'' Kingston/McCollum Amendment to H.R. 5856--Reduces the amount of Defense Department funding for professional sports sponsorships by $72,300,000 and applies the savings to the spending reduction account-- voted ``yes.'' Quigley Amendment to H.R. 5856--Reduces the Navy Shipbuilding and Conversion account by $988 million (funding for one DDG-51 Destroyer) and applies the savings to the spending reduction account--voted ``no.'' Cohen Amendment (#1) to H.R. 5856--Reduces the Navy Cruiser Modernization account by $506,660,000 and increases the Defense Health Program (for cancer research) account by $470 million--voted ``no.'' Pompeo Amendment to H.R. 5856--Strikes the $250 million Rapid Innovation Fund from the bill and applies the savings to the spending reduction account--voted ``no.'' Markey Amendment (#1) to H.R. 5856--Reduces the funding for ground based missile defense by $75 million and applies the savings to the spending reduction account--voted ``no.'' Amash Amendment to H.R. 5856--Allows outsourcing of Defense-related work and strikes the requirement that such outsourcing be done on a competitive and cost-beneficial basis--voted ``no.'' Cohen Amendment (#2) to H.R. 5856--Reduces the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund by $175 million and applies the savings to the spending reduction account--voted ``no.'' Cicilline Amendment to H.R. 5856--Strikes the $375 million in funding for the Afghanistan Infrastructure Fund and applies the savings to the spending reduction account--voted ``no.'' Woolsey Amendment (#1) to H.R. 5856--Reduces total defense funding by $181 million--the same amount that the FY13 Transportation/HUD bill cut the Federal Transit Administration--voted ``no.'' Markey Amendment (#2) to H.R. 5856--Prohibits the use of funds to operate or maintain more than 300 land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)--voted ``no.'' Woolsey Amendment (#2) to H.R. 5856--Reduces funding in the bill by $293,900,000--the same amount as was cut in the proposed FY13 Labor/HHS appropriations bill for Title X Family Planning (zeroing out the account)--voted ``no.'' Woolsey Amendment (#3) to H.R. 5856--Reduces funding in the bill by $1,700,000,000--the same amount as the Republican budget cut the Social Services Block Grant program (zeroing out the account)--voted ``no.'' Lee Amendment to H.R. 5856--Reduces funding for the Overseas Contingency Operation (OCO) by $21 billion, excluding: the Defense Health Program; Defense Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities; the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Fund; and the Office of the IG--voted ``no.'' King (IA) Amendment to H.R. 5856--Prohibits the use of funds to be used to implement, administer, or enforce the requirements in the Davis-Bacon Act--voted ``no.''

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, with only 14 legislative days left before Congress lets out for the summer recess, I want to register my disappointment that my Republican colleagues are now willing to spend yet another hour--5 hours--for the 31st time in trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Instead of using this valuable time to put our country back on track by investing in job creation and stimulating economic growth, House Republicans have opted for divisive politics and partisan politics. I believe enough is enough. The American people deserve better, and frankly, my constituents expect better. Not only has the Affordable Care Act been passed in both Houses of Congress and signed by the President, it was upheld by the highest court in the land nearly 2 weeks ago. By now, we should be moving forward and acknowledging the benefits of the Affordable Care Act, which the House Republican leadership cannot seem to grasp. In my district alone, the reality is that 77,000 seniors receive affordable prescription drugs now. The reality is that 36,000 children in my district can no longer be denied coverage for preexisting conditions. We must get back to the work of the people. I am reminded, once again, that we have 14 days left until recess. Please let's get back to the business of the House, which is getting people back to work.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss fuel efficiency, an issue that is near and dear to the heart of all hardworking Americans. As Members of Congress, it is our mission to do all that we can to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil for America's families. We must work hard to create and incentivize ways to produce alternative fuels and reduce gas prices here at home. And we should continue to work with our auto industry to promote the manufacturing of more fuel efficient vehicles right here in America. America's auto industry is hard at work manufacturing and developing the technology to manufacture more fuel efficient vehicles. My congressional district and the State of Alabama is home to many auto manufacturers and suppliers that are achieving that goal and are even working hard to exceed it. All Americans can contribute to promoting energy independence and environmental sustainability by taking a few simple steps. And as we head into the major summer driving season, it's important to remember that we all can improve fuel efficiency right now. For example, using cruise control will help drivers maintain a steady speed and save fuel. Studies have shown that tuning your car and keeping tires inflated can increase your fuel economy by 3 or 4%. Driving responsibly and at the speed limit also helps to improve fuel economy. The EPA's website provides information about fuel efficient driving and there are numerous agencies and organizations that provide information and resources about how to drive more efficiently. Auto manufacturers and associations have also undertaken efforts to increase awareness and educate us all about fuel efficiency, and I support and applaud those efforts. In closing, I encourage all of us to take the time to learn how to drive more efficiently and maximize our fuel economy. These techniques will save Americans fuel, decrease emissions and help us achieve energy independence.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, yesterday's contempt votes were yet another example of partisan politics and an attempt by House Republicans to discredit the Obama Administration. I could not, in good conscience, participate in such deception and disservice to the American people. To simply vote against the House Resolution does not adequately demonstrate the outrage and disdain that I feel about this unfair and woefully political vote.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Chairman, I understand the point of order; but I rise today in support of this amendment by my fellow colleague from Alabama, which adds critical funding to assist communities devastated as a result of last year's severe weather. This bipartisan amendment would add $200 million to the underlying bill and direct it towards communities that received CDBG disaster assistance in FY 2012. Prior to awarding of these new funds, this amendment directs HUD to establish a formula of funding that would give preference to applicants based on a county's unmet housing need, including renter-occupied units. Currently, there is still an ongoing and urgent need for housing options, particularly rental units, across several parts of my district as well as my colleague's district. This amendment would help communities like Tuscaloosa, Alabama, receive adequate funds to help repair and rebuild the rental housing units that were destroyed by the April 27 tornadoes. This would help to provide rental housing units that will provide critical shelter for women, children, and families. A recent report released by HUD estimated that the amount of unmet housing needs for Tuscaloosa County alone would exceed $56 million. Most of this figure was associated with unmet rental housing need. The devastation and destruction that was caused by the April tornados across the State of Alabama is still being felt, especially in places that already have economically disadvantaged areas. This amendment would provide the additional funds needed for these affected areas to continue their efforts toward full recovery. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SEWELL. I move to strike the last word.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 410, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, June 1st marked the official start to this year's hurricane season. As the hurricane season begins and tornado season continues, we are in an even greater need for life saving communications and technology. I want to take this time to thank our local TV and radio stations for the invaluable lifesaving work they do during times of emergencies. Radio and television stations are our nation's most reliable network for distributing critical emergency information. Even when the electricity goes out and internet networks and cell phone towers go down, over-the-air broadcasting continues to air. This was never more evident than in the wake of the April 27, 2011 tornadoes and storms that ravaged the great state of Alabama. Last year, four months into my first term in office, the State of Alabama experienced unimaginable tragedy as we were ravaged by the force of tornadoes and storms. Nine of the 12 counties in my district experienced tremendous damage and loss. These devastating storms destroyed many of our homes, churches, schools and businesses. 253 lives were lost including 76 from the 7th Congressional District. There is no doubt that broadcasters act as first responders in times of crisis. Before and after these devastating tornadoes, broadcasters remained on the air uninterrupted, providing local communities with vital, lifesaving information. Had it not been for our local broadcasters providing critical information around the clock, many more lives could have been loss. Americans depend on their local TV and radio stations when unforeseen emergencies arise. If we are to improve disaster preparedness in our nation, we must ensure that local stations have effective tools to communicate with the public during these times of crisis. This can be done by readily equipping mobile devices with broadcast radio for emergency preparedness. Cell phones are ubiquitous and broadcast radio would provide instant emergency information on the go to the widest possible audience during times of emergencies. The ability to have access to lifesaving information is critical and has very serious homeland security implications. For example, during last year's 5.8 Virginia earthquake, cell phone networks in the Washington, D.C. area became overloaded and inoperable. This should never be the case. Congress, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission and the mobile phone industry should consider ways to expand the availability of broadcast radio service in mobile phones to keep Americans safe. I look forward to working with these various agencies to ensure that all Americans have the next generation of emergency warnings and information. Again, thank you to local broadcasters for providing lifesaving coverage during times of emergencies and crisis situations around the clock.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month. As the daughter of a multiple stroke victim, I personally know how important it is for people across our nation and this world to be informed of the risk factors, warning signs and side effects of strokes. In 1989, my father Coach Andrew Sewell suffered a series of strokes that left him wheelchair bound and with limited speech. If not for access to quality healthcare, I know my father would not be alive today nor would he have made the significant strides and advancements in his recovery. With strokes being the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, as well as a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability, it is critically important that Americans know the warning signs and the importance of early response. African Americans are disproportionately affected by this disease due to our higher risk for diabetes, high-blood pressure and obesity, which are key triggers to the disease. African Americans have almost twice the risk of stroke compared to Caucasians. This year alone, approximately 795,000 strokes will occur or one stroke every 40 seconds! These statistics can diminish if we diligently exercise proper cholesterol management, blood pressure control, maintain a balanced diet and eliminate smoking. We must remain committed to providing quality healthcare for everyone across this nation. There is no better time to stress the importance of Affordable Care Act and Healthcare Reform. The Affordable Care Act is the first step toward strengthening our health care system and is already helping improve the lives of so many people in my district, the State of Alabama and across this nation--including my dear father. Due to the multiple strokes that has left my father wheelchair bound, my mother recently had to purchase a new van with an accessible retro wheelchair lift to transport my father. Without affordable quality healthcare this would not have been possible. This law puts Americans back in charge of their health care and gives millions of American families better access to healthcare benefits and protections, which are so critical to the welfare of our nation. Public awareness and education is vital to prevention and rehabilitation. To the families affected, like mine, who cherish every day with a stroke victim, let us stand tall to prevent this debilitating disease from affecting more Americans. I applaud the efforts of organizations like the National Stroke Association and the caregivers of Stroke victims for bringing greater awareness, care and comfort to those affected.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. I rise today in support of America's postal workers, small businesses, senior citizens, and rural communities across this Nation. I stand before this Chamber gravely concerned about the future of the United States Postal Service and the impact of its fiscal crisis on communities across America. The Postal Service is an iconic American institution woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. For more than 200 years, the men and women of the United States Postal Service have fulfilled their mission to deliver universal, trusted, timely, and effective service to the American people. Americans depend on the postal service, rain or shine, six days a week, from Montana to Alabama, from New York to California, from Florida to Alaska. Whether it's overnight, flat rate, first class, the United States Postal Service delivers. Today, the Postal Service is teetering on the brink of insolvency and its future remains uncertain. Significant declines in first-class mail volume, evolving consumer trends, and increasing expenditures and operating costs mean that the Postal Service must reduce its footprint, reorganize, and take drastic measures to remain viable and competitive in the 21st century. On May 15, the moratorium on postal closure will be lifted and thousands of post offices and mail processing facilities across this country will be targeted for closure. If Congress does not act, the lifting of this moratorium could mark the beginning of a slow and painful process of downsizing, layoffs, and reorganization for the U.S. Postal Service. We must take swift and decisive action to create a more efficient business model for the United States Postal Service. I believe that an investment in the future of the Postal Service is an investment in our economy, in small businesses, and in the American people. It requires our prompt attention and deserves our immediate action. So much is at stake in this debate over postal reform. We know that reform is necessary, given the current market reality. But we cannot reform the postal service on the backs of the rural and underserved communities throughout this country. For so many of these communities, the post office is the meeting place--the place where you send your packages and receive your medicine. The lifting of the moratorium on May 15 is an issue of utmost concern to the constituents that I represent in Alabama. In towns like Oak Hill, Magnolia, and Sawyerville, Alabama, the local post office is much more than a place for sending and receiving mail. Post offices are vital lifelines for these rural, isolated communities. These lifelines must be preserved and protected. I am committed to ensuring that we as Americans have access to affordable, reliable, and efficient postal service. Consider the ripple effect and the economic impact of the closure of a post office and how that may affect an entire community. Imagine small town America, where the local post office lies at the heart of the community and is an integral part of its history and identity. This is the case in many of the communities across my district. The fact is, the closure of postal offices will devastate small towns like Gainesville, Coy, and Myrtlewood, Alabama, and so many across this Nation. Yes, we must all buckle up. We must all decide to show fiscal responsibility. And in these market conditions, we know that reductions are necessary. But surely we can do something to make sure that these reductions are not on the backs of the rural, underserved, and underprivileged communities. Many of the postal services that are being offered are irreplaceable in these communities. For seniors who can't leave their homes, mail carriers deliver lifesaving medication. And for small businesses, postal services like bulk and flat-rate mail enable them to grow and create jobs. The United States Postal Service provides Americans with universal and invaluable service, and I urge my colleagues to come together and pass a bipartisan comprehensive plan for the future of the United States Postal Service that will not disproportionately affect underserved communities.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 172, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, as the Representative of Alabama's Seventh Congressional District and a Selma native, I am proud and humbled that I could introduce this bipartisan resolution with my colleague, friend, and fellow Alabamian, Representative Martha Roby. Acknowledging the historic significance of the Selma to Montgomery marches by adding the voices of Members of Congress, current and former, to the history of the civil rights movement, we are preserving an important part of the legacy that is the civil rights movement, a legacy that is important not only to black history but to American history and, thus, to world history. It is truly a full circle moment for me. Personally, I stand here today before this august congressional body as a Member of Congress and a native of Selma, Alabama. I ask my colleagues to support House Resolution 562. I am humbled because I know that my election last year would not have been possible had it not been for the courage of Members of Congress, present and former, like Congressman John Lewis. For that, I say thank you. This resolution directs the House Office of Historian to compile oral histories from current and former Members of Congress involved in the monumental Selma to Montgomery marches as well as the civil rights movement. These documents will be used for the purpose of extending and augmenting the historical record for public dissemination and education. The historical accounts of current and former Members of Congress are living history. They offer an important perspective on the events of the 1960s. The State of Alabama played a critical role and an integral part of the fabric of the civil rights movement and American history. It is a painful part of Alabama's history. But today, we stand, opening arms and welcoming the commemoration of those events, because without those events and the brave men and women who traveled all across this Nation to come to the State of Alabama during the 1960s to bring about the change that we all enjoy, black men and white men, Jews and gentiles, coming together in order to make sure that we had a more perfect Union and that America lived up to its ideals of democracy and civil liberties. I can't imagine what it was like to be Congressman John Lewis as he walked across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. I grew up in Selma. I lived my life in Selma, Alabama. My mom and dad are still in Selma, Alabama. I cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge every time I go home to visit them. It stands as a symbol for the world of what's possible when brave white men and black men, women, and children decide to change the fate of history and, in doing so, bring about significant changes for this country. I'm proud to represent Selma, Alabama; Birmingham, Alabama; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; the State of Alabama in this Congress. I do so humbly because of the courage and bravery of former and current Members of Congress who did the unthinkable. I can't imagine being Congressman John Dingell from Michigan who first took office in 1955. He sat in this very Chamber and voted for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 against amazing opposition from his own constituents in Michigan. He did the brave thing about voting in favor of these historic legislations. He was not the only one sitting in this Chamber in 1965. Representative John Conyers, a black Congressman who was elected in 1965 and who still serves in this Chamber, was in this room and cast that vote for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. We need to remember and record the history of Congressman Lewis, Congressman Dingell, and Congressman Conyers, and so many Members of Congress, current and past, who are alive today and preserve that history for future generations to come. Over the next 3 years, Congressman Lewis, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of so many of those events of the 1960s. In fact, the mayor of the city of Birmingham is declaring 2013 the Year of Birmingham because we will be celebrating 50 years since the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church when four little black girls gave their lives so that I could enjoy the freedoms I enjoy today, so that we all can enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy today. Over the next 3 years, it will be 50 years for a lot of significant 1960 events, and I am honored to join with my colleague, Martha Roby, who represents Montgomery and is a native of Montgomery. Alabama has two women Members of the congressional delegation for the first time ever. Our elections in 2011 were only made possible because of the courage of so many people who sat in this body and made tough votes. To the people of this Chamber who decided that it was time to make a difference in America, I'm honored to share the cosponsorship of this legislation with Martha Roby. We share a common history as proud Alabamians, a history that should be recorded for posterity. Now, this weekend, I get the opportunity, as well as Congresswoman Martha Roby and Congressman Spencer Bachus, to co-host with Congressman John Lewis the Faith & Politics Institute's annual pilgrimage back to Alabama. We will start this coming Friday, tomorrow, in Birmingham. We will visit the historic site of the 16th Street Baptist Church. We will walk in Kelly Ingram Park with Congressman John Lewis and walk in his footsteps. We will visit the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, and then we will travel on Saturday to Montgomery, Alabama, and we will see Dexter Avenue Baptist Church where Martin Luther King was a young pastor. We will also enjoy in the evening a dinner, a dinner in the State capitol, Montgomery, Alabama, in the State capitol. Could you imagine that almost 50 years from 1965 that white Members of Congress and black Members of Congress would be able to sit and break bread with the Governor of the State of Alabama? We will do that on Saturday. And on Sunday, I get to welcome a delegation to my hometown, Selma, Alabama; and we will reenact that great march. We will go to my home church, Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, where I have been a member for 30 years, where my mother is on the board of trustees. We will sit in that church. We will partake and experience that which people did 50 years ago. Then we will march hand in hand across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. I know that I would not be here if it weren't for the fact that people marched, people died, and people prayed for the opportunity that we enjoy today. I could not imagine as a little black girl from Selma, Alabama, that I would be the first black Congresswoman from the State of Alabama. But I can because they marched. I can because they died. I can because people prayed. I ask my colleagues to join me, Congresswoman Martha Roby, Congressman John Lewis, and so many others in supporting this House resolution today.