Terri Sewell

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the dean of the House, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell). (Mr. DINGELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by thanking all of my colleagues, especially my colleagues from Alabama, and all of my colleagues who have participated in today's debate. It is indeed an honor and a privilege for me, a native of Selma, Alabama, a 30-year member of Brown Chapel AME Church, to have the humble honor to be a sponsor of this bill. I know that I drink deep from wells that I didn't dig, my whole generation does. It is a long time overdue, but I just want to say humbly, Thank you, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 360. And again, I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus). It has been an honor to serve with you and to share this time with you. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Danny K. Davis). (Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlelady.

Ms. SEWELL. I again thank the gentleman from Alabama. It is indeed an honor to be able to manage the floor with you on this bill and cosponsor it with you, and I thank you for your generosity. At this time I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished gentlelady from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver).

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to another native of Alabama who happens to represent Georgia, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Alabama. It has been a pleasure to not only represent Jefferson County with him, but to serve in this body with him. And I thank you for yielding me that time. I now yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis); and while he may represent Georgia, we claim him as Alabama's native.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the distinguished Democratic whip, my dear friend, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished leader of the Democratic Party, the gentlelady from California (Ms. Pelosi).

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn), my mentor and a great leader.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 additional minute. This recognition is long overdue, and I am grateful to this body for its consideration during this 50th anniversary year. Dr. King offered the best rationale for granting this Gold Medal in the eulogy that he made at their funerals. He poignantly acknowledged: History has proven over and over again that unmerited suffering is redemptive. The innocent blood of these girls may well have served as a redemptive force that will bring new light to this dark city. The Holy Scripture says, ``A little child shall lead them.'' The death of these little children may lead our whole Southland from the low road of man's inhumanity to man to the high road of peace and brotherhood. I urge my colleagues to support this Gold Medal bill so that this country can finally recognize the redemptive force that the deaths of these four girls made in bringing light to a dark Nation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 5 minutes. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to join my colleague, Spencer Bachus, as we begin consideration of our bill, H.R. 360. I am proud to have had the entire Alabama delegation, Representatives Bonner, Aderholt, Rogers, Roby, and Brooks, as well as Alabama natives Representatives Lewis and Bishop, join me as original cosponsors on this legislation. I am also thankful for the leadership of both parties, Speaker Boehner, Leader Pelosi, Majority Leader Cantor, Whips Hoyer and McCarthy, as well as Financial Services Committee Chairman Hensarling and Ranking Member Waters, for their support and leadership. I also want to thank the more than 296 Members of Congress who cosponsored this bill. H.R. 360 requests that Congress bestow its highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, to Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley, who tragically lost their lives during the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in 1963. These beautiful girls never got a chance to live out their promise, but their lives were not in vain. As Dr. King said at their funeral, ``They are the martyred heroines of a holy crusade for freedom and human dignity.'' At 10:23 on Sunday, September 15, 1963, amid high racial tensions, a bomb went off in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church as people gathered to worship for Sunday. The explosion killed four little girls who were in the basement bathroom preparing to return for Sunday school. Twenty- two people were injured by the blast, including the younger sister of Addie Mae Collins, Sarah, who survived but lost her eye. The senseless deaths of four little girls shocked the Nation and became a galvanizing force for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But, Mr. Speaker, justice was long delayed because it wasn't until 37 years later, on May 18, 2000, that all four Ku Klux Klan members who planted the bomb were finally brought to justice for their crimes. These innocent girls lost their lives much too young. Addie Mae Collins, 14, was a reserved and sweet little girl. She liked for people to be at peace around her, they said. Denise McNair, 11 years old, was a loving and friendly child who already exhibited a take-charge and generous spirit, helping others as she went along the way. Carole Robertson, 14, was a vivacious young girl who was an avid reader and played the clarinet in the band. Cynthia Wesley, 14, was an honor student who enjoyed playing the saxophone in her school band. That fateful Sunday was going to be her first day serving as an usher in church. Although there are many individuals and events of the civil rights movement that rightfully are worthy of recognition, the selection of the four little girls was emblematic of so many who sacrificed and lost their lives for the cause of freedom. Medgar Evers, Emmett Till, Jimmy Lee Jackson, as well as Virgil Ware and James Johnny Robinson--who was also killed within hours of the 1963 bombing--they were all martyrs for justice whom we should never forget. It was their blood which was shed for the bounty that so many of us now enjoy. While we recognize that this medal cannot in any way replace the lives lost nor the injuries suffered as a result of the horrific bombing, I hope this medal serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of the many sacrifices made and the great achievements obtained so that this Nation could live up to its ideals of equality and justice for all. This Nation should never forget those who marched, those who prayed and died in the pursuit of civil rights and social change. It is my sincere hope that their families will receive this highest civilian honor in the humble spirit in which it was intended. I am delighted today to be joined by the sisters of Denise McNair and Carole Robertson, and the president of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, who are all in the gallery as witnesses to this debate today. Mr. Speaker, I want to urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation in honoring the lives of these four girls as we pay tribute to their families and recognize the enormous progress that we as a Nation have obtained.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, today I just want to thank this body for passing this profound Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the four little girls who lost their lives in the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. I just want to acknowledge my sincere appreciation to the leadership of both parties in getting this Congressional Gold Medal on the floor. We have in our presence two sisters of two of the deceased four little girls. I think I speak on behalf of the whole State of Alabama and our Alabama delegation when I say a profound thank you for this body. I know that everyone here is mighty appreciative of the sacrifices that their families have made in order for our great Nation to live up to its true ideals of justice and equality for all, and I think that it's befitting if we all stand and clap. A unanimous vote is truly a victory for all of us.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1071. The bill corrects the specification of the precious metal blanks to be used by the U.S. Mint in making the National Baseball Hall of Fame coins which Congress authorized last term. This correction will result in a cost savings, permitting the U.S. Mint to implement the design specifications using standard-sized blanks and produce the coins by January 2014, the required deadline. Last Congress, I voted in favor of minting the National Baseball Hall of Fame commemorative coin. Proceeds from the coin will go to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, to help fulfill its mission of preserving history, honoring excellence, and connecting generations through the rich history of our national pastime. One of the most popular exhibits at the Hall of Fame is that of Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in 1947, bringing his amazing skills from the Negro League to win Rookie of the Year his first year. He led the Brooklyn Dodgers to 6 pennants in 10 seasons, including their own World Series in 1955. He was the 1949 National League Most Valuable Player. Jackie Robinson was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1962, after his phenomenal career. Most importantly, he showed tremendous grace and poise as he integrated the major leagues and served as an inspiration to so many of us in generations to come. The number he wore--42--as a Brooklyn Dodger has been retired in his honor, and no other ball player can wear that number again. Baseball is also a wonderful pastime in my own district of Birmingham, Alabama, where we have a minor league team, the Birmingham Barons, and enjoy the baseball. I ask for passage of H.R. 1071 and urge my colleagues to approve this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two of my talented and distinguished constituents--Mary Lee Bendolph and Loretta Pettway Bennett. Both ladies are renowned quilt artists from Gee's Bend, Alabama. The beautiful work of these honorees and the group of women quilters from Gee's Bend has gained international recognition and is source of great pride to my district and the state of Alabama. Gee's Bend is a beloved rural community--geographically isolated on a peninsula at a deep bend in the Alabama River, just southeast of my hometown of Selma. For nearly 200 years the women of Gee's Bend have been creating quilt art. These local women use available materials, in patterns of their own creative design. They have received widespread, critical acclaim and their work has been compared to the most valuable pieces of modern abstract art. Mary Lee Bendolph, the seventh of 17 children, descends from generations of accomplished quilt makers in Gee's Bend. She learned to quilt from her mother, Aolar Mosely, and she worked over the years in a variety of textile-related jobs. Mary Lee gathers design ideas for her quilt art by looking at the world around her. Anything-- from people's clothes at church, to her barn, to quilts hanging on clotheslines in front yards, to how the land looks when she's high above it in an airplane--can inspire her. Mary Lee Bendolph has worked to promote greater understanding of her community and its unique art form. She has appeared on numerous television and radio programs, and figured prominently in the PBS documentary ``The Quiltmakers of Gee's Bend.'' In 1999, Mary Lee's life was profiled in The Los Angeles Times by J.R. Moehringer in ``Crossing Over: Mary Lee's Vision,'' which was awarded a Pulitzer Prize. Additionally, the main character Sadie Pettway in Elyzabeth Wilder's play ``Gee's Bend,'' currently on tour, is based on the life of Mary Lee Bendolph. Loretta Pettway Bennett is a fifth-generation quilter from Gee's Bend, Alabama and one of the youngest to continue handstitching quilts in the renowned Gee's Bend style. She is the second of eight children and oldest daughter of Tom O. and Qunnie Elizabeth Pettway Jr. Loretta's ancestry traces back to Dinah Miller, a great-great-great grandmother who, according to folklore and family history, was one of the first slaves to have arrived in Gee's Bend. Loretta has over two dozen additional relatives among the initial group of quilters, establishing her as a bona fide member of what could be considered America's quilting royalty. Loretta has stated that she came full circle, back to her Gee's Bend roots, when she made a quilt in honor of her mother Qunnie Pettway, who taught her to sew and quilt, and her cousin Arlonzia Pettway. ``After that quilt, I went into a zone where I was inspired to use really bold colors and different types of materials together just like the generations of relatives before me, because they used what they had. I added something else that my family especially loves, music and dancing. I was finally there, using different shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Just like my family, imperfect but still a family.'' Most recently, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts featured the Gee's Bend Jazz Symphony in February 2013. During Black History Month 2013, the history of the community of Gee's Bend, and the spirit of the women of the Gee's Bend quilt art, was brought to the nation by jazz pianist Jason Moran, using music to help animate history and interpret museum collections. Mr. Speaker, I am beyond honored to represent the community of Gee's Bend and these two extraordinary artists. I look forward to many more appearances in our nation's capital by these highly talented artists.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Chair, today I rise to support the bill. I can say, Madam Chair, that I actually voted against the bill last term. But today I am proud to say, because of the hard work of both the chairman and the ranking member and so many members of this committee, that today I stand before you in support of the bill. I am now a new member of the Intelligence Committee and, as I've told my staff, the more you know, the better you can vote. And today, I want to rise to explain why I am voting for this bill. I think that everybody agrees that there are cyber threats each and every day. And, in fact, Director Clapper, the Director of National Intelligence, he actually said his number one thing that keeps him up at night is cyber attacks. And what this bill will do is simply to share information. It is not about releasing personal identifiable information. That is strictly prohibited by this bill. So it is strictly prohibited by this bill. And this bill has been greatly enhanced by so many of my wonderful colleagues who have submitted amendments, many of which I am sure will pass tomorrow, as well as greatly enhanced by the amendments that were brought forth by committee members. I shared some serious concerns about some privacy protections when I came on the committee, and I have to tell you that the committee was gracious enough to listen to the amendments that I offered, as well as other amendments that were offered by my colleagues on this side of the aisle. I was surprised, given the partisan nature of politics here in this House, that the Intelligence Committee really tries, because of our national security, to work together. And in a true bipartisan manner, many of those privacy protections were unanimously agreed to by members of the committee. Once again, I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill, and I urge the President to sign this bill into law. Today, I rise in support of this bill. But Madam Chair, last year, I voted against the cybersecurity bill that was offered in this body. I am now and am honored to serve as a member of the Intelligence Committee and the more you know, the better you can vote. I want to commend the Chairman and the Ranking Member for their leadership to improve this legislation. I also want to thank all of my colleagues who offered amendments to strengthen this bill by providing more privacy protections for our citizens and improving inter-agency coordination. While this is not a perfect bill, this is a step in the right direction and I am hopeful that the Senate will take up this measure and make it even stronger. It is also my hope that the White House will continue to work with us in this body's effort to be proactive instead of reactive. Madam Speaker, we simply cannot afford to wait--The threats against our national and economic security are real. Attacks against our financial, energy and communication sectors are happening every day. We have received dire warnings from our defense and intelligence officials that widespread attacks are the number one threat to our national security above all else. The Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, has elevated cyber threats to the top of the list of national-security concerns. The National Intelligence Estimate provided evidence of widespread infiltrations of U.S. computer networks. Evidence has also emerged of spying inside the computer networks of major U.S. media, including the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Defense and intelligence officials have grown increasingly alarmed over a relentless cyber attack campaign against U.S. banks, critical infrastructure and a host of other private entities. We must continue to work together to find a balance between preserving privacy and protecting the security of this country from the danger of cyber attacks. Sharing cyber threat information, as provided for in this bill, is vital for combatting malicious hackers, criminals, and foreign agents. By removing the legal and regulatory barriers currently impeding the free flow of actionable information, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) will promote nimble, adaptive innovation--the best strategy for defending against a rapidly evolving threat landscape. This growing number and complexity of cyber attacks on private and government computers has provided an opportunity for us to join together and pass bipartisan legislation to address the problem. I am committed to finding a workable solution with the Senate and White House, and I believe this bill provides a solid framework on a critical issue for national and economic security. I look forward to considering any amendments my colleagues put forth today to help improve the legislation of this bill. And though I realize this is not a perfect bill, I think the time to act is now to protect our national security. I urge members to vote for this legislation.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to join so many Americans across this Nation and this world in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's ``Letter from a Birmingham Jail.'' After being arrested on April 12, 1963, Dr. King came across an article in The Birmingham News entitled ``White Clergymen Urge Local Negroes to Withdraw From Demonstrations.'' The eight White clergymen who authored that article were very critical of Dr. King and the others who demonstrated. They called the demonstrations ``untimely and unwise.'' These criticisms inspired Dr. King to pen a letter that was published upon his release on April 16, 1963. The letter became one of the most preeminent documents of the civil rights era. So today I join the voices around the world as I read in part from this beautifully written, masterful document, ``Letter from a Birmingham Jail'' by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: 16 April, 1963. My Dear Fellow Clergymen: While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities ``unwise and untimely.'' Seldom do I pause to answer criticisms of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would have little time for anything else . . . But since I feel that you are men of genuine goodwill, and that your criticisms are sincere and heartfelt, I want to try to answer your statement in what I hope will be a patient and reasonable term. I think I should indicate why I am here in Birmingham, since you have been influenced by the view that I am somehow an outsider coming in. I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Moreover, I am cognizant of the interdependency of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what's happening in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial ``outside agitator'' idea. Anyone who lives in the United States of America can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds. We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct- action campaign that was not ``well timed'' in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now, I have heard the word ``Wait!'' It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This ``Wait'' has almost always meant ``Never.'' We must come to see with one another what one jurist said, that ``justice too long delayed is justice denied.'' Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself, and that is what has happened to the American Negro. The Negro has had many pent up frustrations and resentments and must release them. So let him march; let him make a prayerful pilgrimage to the city hall; let him go on freedom rides and try to understand why he must do so; let him release his frustration in a nonviolent way . . . But though I was initially disappointed at being criticized as an extremist by you, as I continued to think about the matter I gradually gained a measure of satisfaction from the label. Was not Jesus an extremist for love? Was not Amos an extremist for justice? ``Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.'' Was not Paul an extremist for the Christian gospel? ``I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.'' So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? Perhaps the South, the Nation, and the world are in dire need of creative extremists. I hope this letter finds you in strong faith. Let us all hope that the dark cloud of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will lift from our fear-drenched communities, and in some time not so distant, that the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great Nation in all of their succulent beauty. Yours for the cause of peace and brotherhood. Martin Luther King, Jr. So Mr. Speaker, on this 50th anniversary of this beautifully written letter, I hope my colleagues will join me in reflecting on its powerful words. ``Letter from a Birmingham Jail'' stands as a reminder of how far we've come in our Nation and living up to the ideals of justice and equality for all.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the life and legacy of William Woods Tate, Jr., a beloved educator and high school debate coach, who was an extraordinary mentor to me and so many others. Coach Billy Tate, as he was known, was an accomplished speech and debate coach in Alabama and Tennessee for over 40 years. Coach Tate, sadly, passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy defined by his commitment to developing the oratorical skills of future leaders. At the time of his death, Coach Tate was a five-diamond debate coach at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, where he taught speech and coached winning debate teams for more than 30 years. He was an outstanding teacher and an inspirational leader in the National Forensic League, the oldest and largest honor society for high school students in speech and debate. During his illustrious career, Coach Tate had multiple national finalists in policy debate and extemporaneous speaking. In 1999, his policy debate team reached the national finals, and in 2006 Coach Billy Tate made coaching history as two of his policy teams closed out the national finals winning the first-ever NFL co-citizenship in policy debate. He was an extraordinary individual. Not only did he teach his students so brilliantly. In his spare time, he loved bridge. He was a devoted son, who always saw to the care of his beloved mother in Selma. Coach Tate also managed to keep up with his debate students through the years and relished their life successes. He demanded excellence from his students, teaching them not only the importance of debate prep and strategy, but also took great pride in exposing his students to the very best restaurants, and that included important table etiquette that accompanied such an experience. Although Coach Tate spent the bulk of his career at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, he began his speech and debate experience in 1975 at Selma High School in his beloved town of Selma, Alabama. I know that his students at Montgomery Bell Academy believe they had his best coaching years; but I am here to tell you from personal experience that the 1970s and 1980s at Selma High School honed his craft and greatly influenced his strategy. He produced some of the finest high school debaters the State of Alabama has ever seen to date, and I am proud to say that I was one of those students. Billy Tate was my debate coach for 3 years at Selma High School. For a public high school in rural Alabama, we dominated the competition and won many State championships. For many years, the walls of Selma High School's library were lined with the hundreds of debate and speech trophies won by the teams coached by Billy Tate. Debate was more than an average extracurricular activity; it was a serious discipline. Those of us who had the privilege of being coached by him knew that it was a serious time commitment, a commitment of both time, money, and talent. To be on Billy Tate's debate team, a student had to commit to attending summer debate camps and countless weekend travel to tournaments all across Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia during the academic year. It was not the average debate class. I know that my life journey would not have been possible were it not for my debate experience under the tutelage of Coach Billy Tate at Selma High School. I know that I speak on behalf of all the debaters at Selma High School and Montgomery Bell Academy in expressing our sincere gratitude for Coach Tate's guidance, his dedication, and unwavering belief in our abilities. I especially dedicate this tribute to the Selma High School debaters I had the privilege of competing with--Tom Bundenthal, Lawrence ``Bubba'' Wall, Derek Edwards, Max Andrews, John Polk, Leslie Looper, and Crystal Boykin, to name a few. To say thank you to Coach Tate seems woefully inadequate, but I do take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through those of us he influenced. May Coach Billy Tate always be remembered for the excellence he inspired in all of us. Today, I ask my colleagues in the United States Congress to join with me and the hundreds of debaters he taught in his 40 years of coaching in celebrating the life and legacy of a native Alabamian and a nationally renowned debate coach, Mr. William Woods Tate, Jr.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Chair, I was detained and missed this vote for the Record. I support this amendment and would have voted for it. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''