Terri Sewell

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with over 800,000 Federal workers and contractors who are dramatically impacted by the shameful and irresponsible government shutdown. I rise today to share the stories of those Federal workers in my district, Alabama's Seventh Congressional District. This shutdown is impacting everyone. I had the pleasure, recently, of going through the Montgomery airport and the Birmingham airport in my district. It was Martin Luther King Day, and everybody was trying to be upbeat, but, you know, it is really hard to be upbeat when you miss a paycheck. It is hard to be upbeat when you have bills to pay and you don't know how you are going to make ends meet. We celebrated Martin Luther King's birthday on Monday, and it was Dr. King who said: ``Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'' Well, Madam Speaker, it is a threat to justice that people work without pay in this country, in America. It is an injustice that they are about to miss the second paycheck. It is unacceptable that we are not doing our job so that the people who are working without pay can get paid. We have to do better. We must reopen government. Enough is truly enough. Today, my staff delivered food to the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Aliceville, Alabama, in Pickens County, to the hundreds of workers who work there every day and who have not gotten paid in 35 days. They did so out of service. But do you know what? We, out of obligation, must open up this government so that everyone who is working gets paid, all those who are furloughed can go back to work. We know the importance of dignity of a job. These are hardworking Federal workers and contractors who deserve to get paid. Why are we holding them hostage? Why are their paychecks held hostage all for a wall? I want to be clear, Madam Speaker: We Democrats believe in border security, but we want effective border security. I do not believe in spending $5.7 billion for a wall when people in my district, babies in my district, go to bed hungry, when there are people in my district who need basic water and sewer in Lowndes County and Pickens County and in Perry County, Alabama. I will stand up and fight for all those in my district, and I stand in solidarity with my Federal workers and contractors. They deserve to get paid. I had an opportunity to talk with a young TSA worker from Birmingham, Alabama, just on Tuesday. I pass through that airport once a week going to and fro to D.C. This young worker, with a smile on her face, said: How are you this morning? Can I help you? I said: How can I help you? I want you to know that we are working hard every day to open up government. She said: I know that. I know that you are. I also know that you know that a wall will not make the difference. You know, the sad irony is that so many of these Federal workers don't have savings. She told me that she was just happy to have a job with the Federal Government, to have the security of having a Federal job is what she said. She also told me that right now things are okay because she has her mother to take care of her child. She can no longer afford to send her child to daycare and put gas in her car to drive to the Birmingham airport to work at 4 a.m., that first shift, but she does it. She does it as long as she can. We have to stand on this floor and demand that we reopen government as long as we can, as long as they have not gotten their paychecks. It is unfair. It is an injustice. It is an injustice. So today, many of my congressional staff are with those correctional officers in Aliceville, Alabama. We heard the story of Heather Bryant, who is struggling to pay for the gas she needs to drive the 30 minutes to work. You see, in this small community of Aliceville, Alabama, the Federal women's correctional facility is the major employer. It is the major employer in that city, in that county. I want you to know that because, in the 35 days that these corrections officers, parole officers, prison workers have gone without pay, we have seen restaurants close. We have seen convenience stores reduce hours in that community. Indeed, in order for us to provide meals today, we had to reopen that Meat and Three diner in order to feed these workers today. This is unacceptable because it is not just the Federal workers who are impacted; it is the collateral damage that is done to the communities around this country. Store owners, restaurant owners who depend upon those workers for their livelihoods are affected. We must do something now. It is unfair for us to ask those folks who are furloughed to come back to work and not get paid. It is unfair and unjust for us to ask Federal workers who are working hard every day in our airports, in our prison systems all across this Nation to work without pay. But as Martin Luther King also said: ``The time is always right to do what is right.'' What is right, Madam Speaker, is to reopen government now. We must stand with these Federal workers. We must unabashedly demand that they get paid, and we must seek ways to work across the aisle to get government open. But they have to also offer an olive branch. This President hasn't done that. Instead, he has put his interests over the American people's interests. Enough is enough. We must reopen government and let our Federal workers, our contractors, know that we stand in solidarity with them.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Sergeant Wytasha Carter, a 16-year veteran of the Birmingham Police Department, who lost his life, tragically, in the line of duty on January 13, 2019. Wyt, as his family and friends fondly called him, was a natural-born leader with whom others enjoyed working. Sergeant Carter was a Birmingham native who graduated from Phillips High School before attending Liberty University. Sergeant Carter was drawn to service from a young age. After graduating from college, he served in the United States Armed Forces, as a U.S. Air Force sergeant, before beginning his law enforcement career in 2002 as a correctional officer with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department. Sergeant Carter served with the Birmingham Police Department for nearly 8 years and was recently promoted to sergeant last year. But above all, Sergeant Carter was a husband, he was a father, and he was a beloved member of his community. He was so beloved that more than 2,000 people gathered to celebrate his life and his service at his funeral last Saturday. Sergeant Carter was a passionate guardian of his Birmingham community: He was a fierce protector of his coworkers; he mentored children about the dangers of drugs and gangs; and he was someone who consistently worked above and beyond the call of duty, devoting his life to improving his community. Sergeant Carter died from a gunshot wound while doing the job he loved so passionately. He and other police officers were working to make our community safer. Sergeant Carter led by an example of excellence and of giving back to his community. The city of Birmingham is better because of his contributions. His death is a stark reminder of the dangers that our brave policemen and -women face while working to secure our safety. They courageously put their lives on the line day after day to protect and to serve our neighborhoods while we sleep. Every time they put on their uniform--and even when their uniform comes off--they bravely put duty before self. I ask my colleagues to join me in praying that God provides comfort to Sergeant Carter's family and friends, especially his wife of 21 years, Tiphanie, his daughter, and his young son. We pray for all of those who were affected by this senseless tragedy, as well as his fellow officer, who was critically injured in the shooting and who continues to rehab toward full recovery. We must use this tragedy as a reminder that Congress must act to prevent this sort of senseless gun violence, gun violence that Sergeant Carter spoke out against. We honor the legacy of service of Sergeant Carter by making sure we in this body act. As President Obama said: ``Our tears are not enough. Our words and prayers are not enough.'' We must act. Madam Speaker, on behalf of Alabama's Seventh Congressional District and a grateful nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Sergeant Carter's contribution to making the community of Birmingham better and this Nation. May we live out Sergeant Carter's legacy by working for a safer and more secure nation today and every day.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of late Mayor Larry Paul Langford. Mayor Langford was a beloved mayor of Birmingham and Fairfield, as well as serving Jefferson County as its first African American president of the Jefferson County Commission. He devoted much of his time to big ideas for the people whom he loved in the communities that he served. Mayor Langford will be remembered as a larger-than-life personality who broke barriers as the first Black reporter for the region at WBRC; the first Black mayor of Fairfield, Alabama; the first Black president of the Jefferson County Commission; and as mayor of Birmingham. A Vietnam vet, Mayor Langford served in public office in multiple capacities for nearly 23 years, and he will be greatly missed by our community. On March 17, 1946, Larry Langford was born to John Langford and to Lillian Nance Langford as the oldest of six children. He was a proud graduate of Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for 5 years during the Vietnam war. Langford returned home with a renewed sense of community and a renewed sense of service. He quickly completed his college degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and he became the first African American male to become a news reporter for WBRC 6 News in its region. The importance of this role was never lost on Langford. He knew that, after the tumultuous decade before, to have an African American man reporting the news in this area was an important sign of progress in the city of Birmingham. Langford did well as a reporter, using his charisma and outgoing personality. He was able to speak with the people of Birmingham and tell their stories. Langford decided to run for his first political office. He was elected to the Birmingham City Council in 1977, where he quickly became known as the liveliest and most outspoken of city council members, as well as the most media savvy. During his time on the Birmingham City Council, he also worked as a radio news director and contributed to the Birmingham Times. After an unsuccessful run for mayor of the city of Birmingham against fellow Councilman Richard Arrington, Jr., in 1979, Langford temporarily retreated from public life. By 1982, Langford had moved to Fairfield, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham, and married the love of his life, Miss Melva Ferguson. A few years later, he decided to return to public life and ran for mayor of Fairfield, handily defeating a crowded field of candidates. Langford became the first African American mayor of the city of Fairfield in 1988, another first. After his election, he led an aggressive campaign to revitalize the city. Langford was granted more authority and helped to save the Fairfield City Schools from bankruptcy, and he pushed for regional cooperation in economic development that led to an agreement between 11 Jefferson County municipalities which joined forces in 1998 to finance and construct a $90 million project called Visionland, an amusement park that he brought to the city of Birmingham. It was actually in Bessemer, and it was part of a regional cooperation. During his four terms as Fairfield mayor, Langford set his eyes on the Jefferson County Commission, where he hoped to continue to develop more regional cooperation in economic development. Langford was elected to the Jefferson County Commission in 2002, defeating the incumbent. After becoming elected to the commission, he was quickly elected by his peers to be its president, another first. During his tenure as president of the Jefferson County Commission, he proposed a 1 percent sales tax that helped build 30 new schools and generated over $1 billion in revenue. In 2006, Mayor Langford ran again for the mayor of Birmingham for a second run. This time, he was successful and won in a very crowded field without a runoff. Mayor Langford was sworn into office on November 13, 2007, as mayor of Birmingham. He went on to strike an agreement with a foundation that provided computers to schoolchildren throughout the city of Birmingham. Nearly 17,000 elementary and middle school children received laptops that year. While Mayor Langford's 23-year political career resulted in many successful public projects, his service was not without controversy. Mayor Langford's tenure as mayor of Birmingham was cut short when a jury found him guilty of public corruption on October 28, 2009, and he was sentenced to 15 years. After serving 8\1/2\ years, on December 28, 2018, due to his failing health, Mayor Langford's sentence was commuted by a Federal judge, giving him compassionate release. The next day, Mayor Langford was transferred from a Federal prison to Birmingham Hospital, where he remained until his death. I want you to know, on a personal note, Mayor Langford was an outstanding mayor and his service will always be remembered and beloved by the community that loved him so much. I was honored to be a part of his funeral and to help him get his compassionate release. It is important that we remember the totality of his career. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Mayor Larry Langford.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of the late Mayor Larry Paul Langford. Mayor Langford was a beloved member of the Birmingham, Fairfield and Jefferson County communities, who had bold dreams for the communities he loved and served He promoted economic development and made significant investments in the children and schools of Fairfield and Birmingham. Mayor Langford will be remembered as a larger than life personality who broke boundaries as the first black reporter for the region at WBRC; the first black Mayor of Fairfield, AL; the first black President of the Jefferson County Commission; and as a former Mayor of Birmingham. A Vietnam veteran, Mayor Langford served in public office in multiple capacities for nearly 23 years and will be greatly missed. On March 17, 1946, Larry Langford was born to John Langford and Lillian Nance Langford, as the oldest of six children. He grew up understanding the importance of a good education and having a strong foundation of faith to guide him. His mother often stressed that a quality education was the key to improving one's lot in life and encouraged all of her children to strive for academic success. A proud graduate of A. H. Parker High School in Birmingham, Langford took his mother's advice to heart, but placed his dreams of attaining a college degree on hold when he chose to enlist into the United States Air Force shortly after finishing high school. After serving for five years in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era, Langford returned home with a renewed sense of service to his community and quickly completed his college education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Langford attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and began working for a local news station. Langford became the first African American male to become a news reporter for WBRC 6 News in its region The importance of this role was never lost on Langford. He knew that after the tumultuous decade before, to have an African American man reporting the news in this area was just one of several signs that the City of Birmingham was changing. Langford did well as a reporter, using his charisma and outgoing personality, he was able to speak with the people of Birmingham every day and record their stories. After several years working as a reporter, Langford decided to run for his first political office. He was elected to the Birmingham City Council in 1977 where he quickly became known as the ``liveliest and most outspoken'' of the council members, as well as the most media- savvy. He would frequently brief reporters before meetings and would then provide the most memorable or controversial quotes packaged in sound bites for television coverage. During his time on the Birmingham Council, he also worked as a radio news director and contributed to the Birmingham Times. After an unsuccessful run for Mayor of the City of Birmingham against fellow councilman Richard Arrington, Jr. in 1979, Langford temporarily retreated from public service. By 1982, Langford had moved to Fairfield, AL and married the love of his life, Melva Ferguson A few years later, Langford decided to return to public service and help the City of Fairfield respond to the complaints of the community. Langford ran for Mayor and won handily, defeating a crowded field of several candidates. Langford became the first African American Mayor of the City of Fairfield in 1988, another first for the charismatic public servant. After his election, he began an aggressive campaign to revitalize the city that included a massive project that would fix the streets and sidewalks of Fairfield. After a successful lobbying attempt to the Alabama State Legislature, Langford was granted more power in his role as Mayor over the Fairfield City Council, that allowed him to increase the city's sales tax to save Fairfield City Schools which were facing bankruptcy and the possible threat of having to close all of the public schools in the City. It was there that Langford became an outspoken advocate for students and began to find ways to make sure students who attended Fairfield City Schools would be ready for the technological advancements they would be facing in the near future. While the Mayor of Fairfield, Langford also distinguished himself by pushing for regional cooperation in economic development and he became the driving force behind an agreement of 11 Jefferson County municipalities to join forces in 1998 to finance the construction of Visionland Amusement Park in Bessemer, a $90 million project. During his fourth term as Fairfield Mayor, Langford set his eye on the Jefferson County Commission where he hoped his connections in Jefferson County would allow for stronger regional partnership amongst the cities of Jefferson County. Langford was elected to the Jefferson County Commission in 2002, defeating incumbent Jeff Germany. After being elected to the Commission, he was then elected President of the Jefferson County Commission; becoming the first African American to do so. A strong believer in helping students succeed, he proposed a 1 percent sales tax that helped build 30 new schools and generated over $1 billion in revenue. These new resources were immediately put to use by the nearly 36,000 students who were a part of the Jefferson County School System at that time. This was one of Langford's most successful projects and the effects of these schools are still felt throughout the county today. In 2006, Langford attempted a second run for Mayor of Birmingham This time, he was successful and won enough votes to avoid a run-off election. Mayor Langford was sworn in on November 13, 2007. Just like he had done in Fairfield and on the Jefferson County Commission, as Birmingham Mayor, he put students first. Langford wanted to make sure that these students were getting every opportunity possible. Mayor Langford struck an agreement with a foundation that provided computers to children from developing countries, and got them to expand their reach to Birmingham City School. Nearly 17,000 elementary and middle school students received laptops that year. While Mayor Langford's 23-year political career resulted in many successful public projects, his service was not without its controversy. Mayor Langford's tenure as Birmingham mayor was cut short when a jury found him guilty of public corruption on October 28, 2009 and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. After serving eight and half years, on December 28, 2018, due to his failing health, Mayor Langford's sentence was commuted by a federal judge giving compassion release. The next day, Mayor Langford was transferred from a federal prison hospital in Lexington, Kentucky to Birmingham by ambulance where he was admitted to a Birmingham hospital and remained until his death on January 8, 2019. Mayor Langford was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fairfield, AL and frequently held bible studies to help promote the Word of God. He wanted to help the young men and women in his community to be guided by the strength and lessons of the Bible and to help heal the community through faith. Mayor Langford is survived by his beloved wife, Melva; son, Ronald Strothers; brother, Oliver Nance; niece, Lena Powe McDonald; sister-in-law, Casi Ferguson; two grandchildren, Ronald and Jared Strothers; and a host of other nieces, nephews, friends and supporters. On a personal note, I am grateful for the kindness shown to me by Mayor and Mrs. Langford when I first moved to Birmingham. Mayor Langford was a man of big vision and a huge heart that has left our community better because of his many initiatives. It was out of respect for his many good deeds that I was honored to play a part in getting Mayor Langford's compassionate release due to his failing health so that he could spend his final days in Birmingham. Mayor Langford died as he lived--with dignity, distinction and as a free man with his family, friends and community who loved him deeply. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the life of Mayor Larry Paul Langford. May we celebrate the totality of his life today and honor his great works during his 23 years of service to Fairfield, Birmingham, and Jefferson County, Alabama.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, on January 14, 2019, I regret I was unable to vote due to an important conflict in my congressional district. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 30, H.R. 116, the Investing in Main Street Act.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to honor the extraordinary life of Mr. Anthony Ray Hinton. Mr. Hinton was on death row for 30 years before being cleared of a crime he never committed. He has now written a memoir relaying his experiences and frequently speaks about the need for reform of our nation's criminal justice system. As we debate passage of legislation which would transform our criminal justice system, I believe it is important that Mr. Hinton's story is told and that his call for reform is heard in the halls of Congress. The story that led to Mr. Hinton's wrongful incarceration began in 1985 after the murder of two men in two separate armed robbery incidents at Birmingham restaurants. Later that year, a third restaurant manager in Bessemer was shot and wounded. The manager then identified Mr. Hinton from a photo lineup, even though Hinton was working at a warehouse 15 miles away on the night of the shooting. Despite the lack of evidence against him, Mr. Hinton was soon arrested. Police recovered six slugs from the crime scenes and the state forensics department matched them to a rusty .38 special that detectives took from Mr. Hinton's mother's home, where he lived. Mr. Hinton was charged with two counts of capital murder. He maintained his innocence and passed a lie detector test before his trial. During his arrest, Mr. Hinton says police refused to explain the charges against him, but they assured him that he would be convicted simply because he was black. Mr. Hinton's court-appointed attorney believed that most black people would lie about committing a crime, so he failed to represent the case adequately. Despite limited evidence and a sworn testimony provided by Mr. Hinton's employer stating that he had been at work on the night of the robbery, the jury convicted Mr. Hinton and sentenced him to death. To pass the days while serving his sentence, Mr. Hinton began to read and organized a book club for fellow prisoners. He made friends and says he never saw any of his fellow inmates as `monsters.' Instead, he learned to see the good in all people and believes it was his attitude that helped him survive. After a decade on death row, the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery took on Mr. Hinton's case. During their appeal, evidence was introduced from three forensic experts. Still, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals refused to overturn his convictions or grant a new trial. For 16 years, the Equal Justice Initiative continued to push for a retrial. Finally, in 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Mr. Hinton's original defense lawyer was ``constitutionally deficient,'' and remanded his case to the lower court for retrial. After the Supreme Court ruling, the Jefferson County District Attorney moved to drop his case. On April 3, 2015, Mr. Hinton was released from prison after three decades on death row. Mr. Hinton had 30 years of his life taken away from him. During this time his mother, a woman who never ceased to believe in her son's innocence, passed away. Mr. Hinton says it broke his heart to realize she would never have the opportunity to see her son as a free man again. Mr. Hinton was punished for another person's crimes. But if he were to live the rest of his life in anger, he would have even more of his life taken away. In his own words, ``The rest of my life is mine. Alabama took 30 years. That was enough.'' Mr. Hinton's wrongful conviction shines a light on the failures of our criminal justice system. He has written a memoir, The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row, and has travelled the country, giving readings and talks on his experiences. Today, Mr. Hinton continues to work with the Equal Justice Initiative, sharing his story nationwide. He even spoke at the Peace and Justice Summit, held by the Equal Justice Initiative, earlier this year. Mr. Hinton's work bringing awareness to the issue of criminal justice has encouraged advocates across the country to join the fight for prison reform. Mr. Hinton is far from alone in his experience with our criminal justice system. Since 1973, a total of 158 people have been released from death row after evidence of their innocence was uncovered. As Congress debates passage of legislation to reform our criminal justice system, the lessons learned from Mr. Hinton's case, and from others who have wrongfully been sent to death row, must be remembered. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th Congressional District and the State of Alabama, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and the extraordinary sacrifices made by Mr. Anthony Ray Hinton in our pursuit of a more perfect Union. He is a symbol of hope and perseverance in our fight for reform. His legacy of resilience will lead the way for equality in our justice system.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and career of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas C. Smith III, who served ably as Director of the Birmingham VA Medical Center during his distinguished career in the U.S. Army and with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Throughout his career, Mr. Smith worked tirelessly to provide care for our nation's Service Members and Veterans. Mr. Smith was a man of the highest character who loved his family and who dedicated himself to God and country. Mr. Smith was born in Phenix City, Alabama, on July 6, 1953, to parents Thomas C. Smith II and Ganelle Putnam Smith. He grew up with three sisters, Kaye, Phyllis, and Deborah, who he loved and cherished greatly. After graduating from Central High School, Mr. Smith attended Auburn University where he was well known for his acting talent and often graced the stage of Telfair Peet Theatre. Upon earning his degree at Auburn, Mr. Smith worked at the Ritz Theater in Gadsden, Alabama. It was there, as Director of the Ritz Theater, that Mr. Smith met the love of his life, and his future wife, JoDean. Over the course of their marriage, JoDean and Mr. Smith had six beautiful children, including two sons, Justin and Drew, and four daughters, Adrienne, Emily, Laura, and Kathleen. At the age of 29, Mr. Smith joined the U.S. Army, pursuing a career of service in the field of health care. As a Service Member, Mr. Smith studied at Baylor University, receiving his Masters in Healthcare Administration in 1992. Mr. Smith worked at U.S. Army hospitals around the globe, from the Army General Hospital in Seoul, South Korea, to the Army Health Center in Vicenza, Italy. His 22-year career in the U.S. Army culminated with Mr. Smith's work as Deputy Commander for Administration of the Army Community Hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia. While in the military, Mr. Smith was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit, an honorary organization which recognizes leadership and significant contributions to the Army Medical Department. He also earned the Expert Field Medical Badge and received the Army Legion of Merit for exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. After retiring from the military in 2005, Mr. Smith began serving as Assistant Director and thereafter Director of the Central Texas Veterans Affairs Hospital. After eight years there, Mr. Smith accepted the Directorship role at the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. For those who had the opportunity to work with Mr. Smith he will always be remembered as a tireless servant leader who cared deeply for our Veterans, appreciated those who worked with him, and related to everyone with compassion and respect. While Mr. Smith dedicated himself fully to caring for Service Members and Veterans, he was also a devoted father and husband. He was always happiest when he was surrounded by his loving wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Mr. Smith's Catholic faith was of the utmost importance to him, and he truly sought to live each day according to Christ's example. On a personal note, I got to know Mr. Smith when he assumed the role of Director of the Birmingham VA Medical Center. Mr. Smith was a true patriot who led by example. His warm smile and engaging spirit greeted every Service Member and Veteran that sought care at the Birmingham VA Hospital. Mr. Smith made a positive and lasting impact on the Veteran community in Birmingham. His legacy will live on in the many people he touched through his long career providing quality health care to our military Service Members and Veterans. Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, JoDean, son Justin and daughter- in-law Molly, son Drew and daughter-in-law Angie, daughter Adrienne and son-in-law Richard Stravitsch, daughter Emily and son-in-law Daniel Henson, daughter Laura, daughter Kathleen, and fourteen grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Kaye Latulippe, Phyllis Mann, and Deborah Smith. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Thomas C. Smith II and Ganelle Putnam Smith. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th Congressional District and the State of Alabama, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the career and incredible contributions of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas C. Smith III. He served his country well, and his contributions as a servant leader will be remembered in Alabama for many years to come.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Rex Buffington, for his life's work as executive director of the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership since it was established 30 years ago. I again thank the gentleman from California for yielding me this time. I am joined here tonight by my fellow board members of the Stennis Center as we speak about the retirement of the executive director, Rex Buffington. For more than 30 years, the Stennis Center has taught, inspired, and trained our Nation's young people through programs such as debate, women's leadership initiatives, and Truman Scholars. Thanks to the leadership of Rex from the very beginning, their work has had a powerful impact on our Nation's leadership, mobilizing a generation of dedicated public servants and community leaders. I am happy to share with Rex not only our southern roots--he is from Mississippi and I am from Alabama--but our mutual love for debate and our dear friend, my former high school debate coach, Coach Billy Tate. Coach Billy Tate, my high school debate coach at Selma High School, was instrumental in the creation of the John C. Stennis Novice Speech and Debate Tournament. I know that my life's journey would not have been possible if it had not been for my high school debate experience. I know that the Stennis Center's debate program is just one of the many ways young leaders across this country are being equipped with the invaluable tools necessary for leadership. Rex knows that it is the people behind our democracy that makes democracy work. He has been quoted as saying: ``No government, regardless of its history or structure, can be better than the people who make it work.'' I agree with Rex. When we have programs aimed at attracting thoughtful, committed, and honest leaders to public service, we get good policy in the end. While I am disappointed to see Rex's time as executive director come to an end, I know that his leadership has set the groundwork for another 30 years of success in attracting young people of character to public service. The impact that Rex has had has been enormous, and I thank him.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and amazing career of Alabama State Senator Hank Sanders, also known as The Rock. For the past 35 years, State Senator Sanders has been a powerful voice in the Alabama Legislature, ably representing the 23rd District since 1983. He was the longest serving chair of the Senate Finance and Taxation Committee from 1996 and served for four consecutive terms until Republicans took over the statehouse in 2010. Senator Sanders is a lawyer; a statesman; a native of my hometown of Selma, Alabama; and a true Renaissance man. Along with his numerous legislative accomplishments, Senator Sanders has also penned more than 1,600 newspaper articles and columns known as Senate Sketches as a way of communicating directly with his constituents. Senator Sanders' years of service to the State of Alabama and to the Alabama Legislature will be missed. For you see, Mr. Speaker, after 35 years, this lion of the Alabama Senate is retiring. Choosing not to run in 2018, he will be ably replaced by his daughter, who recently won that election. Unlike many who found themselves in positions of power, Senator Sanders did not come from a privileged background. Senator Sanders came from humble beginnings, 1 of 13 children born to Sam and Ola Mae Sanders in Baldwin County, Alabama. Growing up, Senator Sanders said what his family lacked in money, they more than made up for in love and support. The Sanders family provided constant encouragement for their children, pushing each of them to further their dreams through education. At the age of 12, Senator Sanders was inspired to become a lawyer after reading an article about Thurgood Marshall. Following his graduation from Douglasville High School, Senator Sanders began pursuing his legal career, graduating near the top of his class at Talladega College. After earning his bachelor's degree, Senator Sanders went on to enroll and graduate from Harvard Law School. He attended Harvard Law School in the 1970s on a Felix Frankfurter Scholarship, an award for underprivileged students who showed exceptional promise. During his time at Harvard Law School, he was president of the Harvard Black Law Students Association. It was during law school that he found his life mate, his beloved wife, Faya Ora Rose Toure, formerly known as Rose M. Sanders. After graduating, Senator Sanders and his wife moved back to Selma, Alabama, my hometown. Their decision to go to Selma was one that was made because they knew how important it was to do things in the Black Belt, saying they grew up to love and cherish the city, which provided an opportunity to build both of their careers and raise their family. They started a very productive law firm by the name of Chestnut, Sanders, and Sanders. During their 41 years together, they produced six beautiful children and nine grandchildren. In 1971, Senator Sanders founded the law firm of Chestnut, Sanders, Sanders, and Pettaway, which was one of the top African American-owned law firms in the State of Alabama, as well as one of the largest in the country. Senator Sanders dedicated his life to making sure he pursued justice on behalf of the underserved. He gave a voice to the voiceless, and he still works tirelessly today. In 1982, Senator Sanders decided to pursue his passion for helping others on a State-wide level, winning a seat in the Alabama State Senate for the 23rd District. During his 35 years representing the largest political region in Alabama, Senator Sanders won seven bids for reelection. Senator Sanders has proudly championed issues such as childhood education and nutrition, healthcare, women's issues, and removing the sales tax for food. He served as chair of the Finance and Taxation Education Committee, and he was voted Outstanding Legislator by the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus. Senator Sanders was voted a finalist for the Legislator of the Year Award by his fellow Senators. He has numerous awards to his credit. On a personal note, Senator Sanders was my State senator for those 35 years representing my hometown of Selma. He is a legal and political giant in our community, and I join with our community this weekend in acknowledging his 35 years of service to the State of Alabama and to this Nation. He is truly a renaissance man. He has a brilliant legal mind, and not only is he politically astute, but he is also a family man who begins every day with prayer and meditation. I think it is so important for those young folks who come behind us that we know and respect and honor Senator Sanders. It is with great honor, Mr. Speaker, that I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the lion of the Alabama State Senate, a man who has left an indelible imprint on the lives of so many in the Black Belt of Alabama, a community that he has represented for more than 35 years. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the accomplishments of State Senator Hank Sanders. He has served his constituents well, and his contributions to the State of Alabama and to this Nation will shape the political and social landscape of this great Nation for years to come.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Mr. Gregory Calhoun, who passed away on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at the age of 66. Calhoun was a pioneering businessman and the first black supermarket owner in the South. Through his entrepreneurial success and his contributions to Montgomery and communities across Alabama, Calhoun inspired those around him. His enterprising spirit and giving nature will not be forgotten. Calhoun was born on September 10, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan. At an early age, his family moved to Montgomery, Alabama. There, Calhoun learned about the fundamentals of running a business from his father, Thomas Calhoun Sr., who was a business owner, and his mother, who was head of housekeeping at a local hotel. From his parents, Calhoun also learned about the value of standing up for what you believe. In 1965, when Dr. King marched from Selma to Montgomery to highlight the injustice of voter suppression in the South, Calhoun's family joined the march. Calhoun was just 12, but he ran to the front of the march, where he met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was this historic march which helped to expose the brutality of Jim Crow laws in the South and which built public support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Calhoun began work in the grocery business at a young age, starting as a bag boy at the local Southwest Super Foods. He was only 14 years old at the time, but he dreamed of someday owning the supermarket himself. Climbing the ladder of success was a slow process, but over the course of a decade Calhoun rose from stock boy to supermarket manager to an executive position with his supermarket's parent firm, Hudson-Thompson Co. When Calhoun found out that Hudson-Thompson Co. was selling Southwest Super Foods, he jumped at the chance to buy the supermarket where he had gotten his start. Finding a loan to buy the store was not easy. Calhoun approached several Montgomery bankers, all of whom turned him down. Eventually, Calhoun found a willing financier in New York, but in order to secure funding, he had to put up his house and his life's savings as collateral for the loan. With everything on line, Calhoun got to work managing his grocery business. He immediately began making improvements to the store, assuring store employees they would receive raises, buying new equipment and opening a deli, bakery and seafood shop, among other improvements. It was hard work, but he was not alone. Calhoun pointed to his faith in God and his family's support as keys to his success. As he was starting his supermarket business, Calhoun was able to work the long hours required to grow his stores because his wife, Verlyn, and his children were by his side. Over the course of his career, Calhoun built his supermarket business up to include 15 locations. Calhoun Foods would operate in west Montgomery for more than 20 years. As a successful leader in the food industry, Calhoun became the first African American elected to the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Board of Directors. At FMI, Calhoun served three consecutive terms on the organization's Executive Committee and launched the popular FMI African American Share Group. Calhoun credited his family's help running the supermarket business for giving him the time necessary to dedicate to his board position at FMI. After his success in the supermarket industry, Calhoun diversified his business ventures. In 1993, Calhoun and Associates was formed to assist Fortune 500 Companies with Minority and Diversity Affairs. Calhoun also founded other business ventures including Calhoun Communication and Superior Brokerage, both of which built on Calhoun's success as an entrepreneur. In addition to running businesses and sitting on the board of FMI, Calhoun committed himself to uplifting his community and opening doors of opportunity for others. Through the establishment of the Greg Calhoun Foundation, Calhoun supported charities and community organizations that make a difference in the lives of young people, the elderly, the homeless, displaced Veterans and the medically inflicted. Calhoun also served on the boards of many charitable organizations including the United Way, Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, and the Montgomery Area Food Bank. The Calhoun Celebrity Golf Tournament was Calhoun's major fundraiser to support donations to The Sickle Cell Foundation of Greater Montgomery, Macon and Dallas Counties, The Calhoun P.A.R.I.S Parenting Scholardome Program, and R.E.S.T.O.R. Shelter for the Homeless and Displaced Veterans. Icons including Smokey Robinson and Steve Harvey joined the golf tournament regularly and helped to make it a philanthropic success. Today we remember Calhoun as an advocate, not as a voice for the left or for the right, but as a voice for all people. During his life, Calhoun fought for jobs, he fought for our rights, and he fought to give underserved communities a shot at success. He would work with Republicans or Democrats if he thought they could make a positive difference. Calhoun worked side-by-side with freedom fighters like Rev. Jesse Jackson as a Rainbow PUSH board member. He also supported now- Congresswoman Martha Roby, a Republican, when she first ran for City Council. Calhoun did not see party affiliation, he saw opportunities to make a difference, and he seized on them. For his business success and community leadership, Calhoun was recognized with an award for the National Minority Retail Firm of the Year in 1990 by the United States Department of Commerce. Calhoun was also chosen to tour with President Clinton during the 1999 Economic Development Tour, and he was appointed to serve on the board of First Lady Michelle Obama's Healthy Food Initiative in 2011. Calhoun leaves behind his loving and faithful wife Verlyn, his sons Malcolm and Gregory Renard, and one of his biggest cheerleaders, his daughter ShaKenya, and his grandchildren whom he adored, Jacquenya, Mackinzie, Kaylin, Morgan, Yorel, Kelsie, London, and Ari. For future generations, Calhoun had a few words of advice. ``Nothing worthwhile is free,'' he said. Calhoun's mantra of working hard, studying, and knowing what you do took him from bag boy to business leader, and for aspiring young leaders in our community today, his words are worth remembering. Calhoun taught us that success is not some series of shortcuts or lucky draws, what drives success is dedication, it is your expertise and your deliberate focus on your work. This was a message that Calhoun shared with students, entrepreneurs, and employees. As a new generation sets out to blaze their own trail, I believe that the advice Calhoun gave and the guidance he provided will have a lasting impact. On a personal note, Greg Calhoun has always been an inspiration to me through my. work in the public and private sectors. I remember Calhoun as an optimist who saw the opportunity in every challenge he faced. His achievements as an entrepreneur were a constant reminder that there is no secret ingredient to success--just our own hard work and dedication. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th Congressional District and the State of Alabama, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life and contributions of Greg Calhoun. He was a community leader and a Montgomery treasure whose work to open doors for others has changed countless lives.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, less than a year after the first disastrous tax bill, here we are voting on another bill that will double down on this betrayal and put hardworking families who are working every day to make ends meet even further into debt. As my constituents remember, the first tax law cost us $2.3 trillion. Those working to reach the middle class will see less investment in their communities; will see their Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid shrink; and will see the costs of healthcare insurance rise. It is unconscionable that Republicans are trying to pass another batch of tax cuts that will add another $650 billion to the $2.3 trillion they have already spent through the Tax Code. This will end up costing us $5 trillion over the next 20 years. Vote ``no'' on this reckless tax cut.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the 55th observance of the bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and to commemorate the lives and legacy of four precious little girls--Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Morris Wesley--who were murdered during that devastating attack 55 years ago. On September 15, 1963, at 10:22 a.m., the four little girls were getting dressed in the bathroom downstairs in the church, preparing to sing in the church choir. The morning of the bombing, some 200 church members were in the building getting ready for the 11 o'clock service. When the bomb detonated on the church's east side, it caused the interior walls of the church to cave in and sent mortar and bricks flying from across the front of the church. Most of the parishioners were able to evacuate the building as it filled with smoke, but the bodies of four little girls were found beneath the rubble in the basement restroom. The bombing was a racially motivated act of terrorism, Madam Speaker, orchestrated by four suspected members of the Ku Klux Klan. As part of the attack, the men planted 19 sticks of dynamite outside the basement of the church. Along with the murder of the four little girls, a dozen other people were injured, including Sarah Collins Rudolph, the younger sister of Addie Mae Collins. Sarah had been in the basement with her sister and the other girls getting ready for church--yes, getting ready for church service. The attack would later be described by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as one of the most vicious and tragic crimes ever perpetrated against humanity. As the day continued, thousands of African Americans protested, gathering in scenes across the State. Governor Wallace, at the time, soon called in the police to break up the protests. Dozens of people were arrested, and two young Black boys were also killed that day: Johnnie Robinson, 16, and Virgil Ware, 13. Robinson was shot by a police officer, and Ware was killed by two White youths within hours of the bomb detonating. Following the attack, several people were suspected, but no one was immediately brought to justice. It wasn't until 14 years later, in 1977, when then-Alabama Attorney General Bob Baxley reopened the case and the investigation began to make headway. Eventually, Klan leader Robert Chambliss was finally brought to trial and convicted of the murders. It would take another 20 years before the other Klansmen accomplices were brought to justice. It was then-U.S. Attorney Doug Jones who brought justice, leading to the convictions of Thomas Blanton and Bobby Cherry. The events that took place in Birmingham, Alabama, on September 15, 1963, became a major catalyst for the civil rights movement. The loss of four young girls was not in vain for, you see, we got the passage of very important historic civil rights legislation because of their sacrifice: the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Today, as we continue to seek justice and equality for all people, Madam Speaker, we must appreciate just how far we have come. Every gain in the battle for civil rights has come at a high cost, paid for by those who believed in a vision and a dream bigger than themselves. In order to see results, we must continue to fight, further their legacy and their work each and every day. On a personal note, it is never lost on me that I get to walk the Halls of Congress today because four little Black girls lost their lives, so they can't. It is humbling and inspiring to know that my very presence in this institution was because of the personal sacrifice of others. I was honored that my first bill to pass Congress was to pay tribute to Addie Mae Collins, to Carole, to Cynthia, and to Denise posthumously, when the Congress of the United States gave a Congressional Gold Medal in 2013 on the 50th anniversary of their deaths. I want to thank Pastor Price and the amazing congregation of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, who tirelessly keep the flame and memory of this tragic incident alive and preserves this historic church for future generations. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Seventh Congressional District and the State of Alabama, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the 55th observance of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing and in honoring the life and legacy of four little girls, Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Morris Wesley. The events 55 years ago shaped the future of our Nation and continues to have a lasting impact on our quest for equal justice and our pursuit for a more perfect union.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Annie Avery, the newly crowned Ms. Alabama Nursing Home 2018. Ms. Avery was the only African American among the top 10 finalists in the 35th annual pageant held at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham on Monday, July 30, 2018. She has lived at East Glen Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for 6 months and has already established herself as a valuable leader at the facility. Born in New Orleans, Ms. Avery was a longtime resident of ``The Big Easy,'' graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in New Orleans. Later, she married James Avery, Jr. and together, the couple raised two sons. She is the grandmother of nine grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. In New Orleans, Ms. Avery served as a historic preservationist, community organizer, and motivational speaker. Ms. Avery's passion for activism started at a young age. As a young woman, she courageously marched with Dr. King during the Civil Rights Movement in an effort to secure equal voting rights for all Americans. Her passion for equality and justice carried her through countless missions in life and led her on numerous adventures. Some of her most cherished memories from her many adventures include a walk through Nelson Mandela's prison cell during her visit to South Africa. She says that this moment affected her deeply because of ``the spirit [she] felt knowing he served 27 years in those walls and his carvings on the walls.'' Additionally, Ms. Avery says that her visit to a church in Savannah, Georgia that was built by slaves had a significant impact on her. When asked what the purpose of the holes on the church floor were, she stated that she ``felt a body movement'' because the holes were for the slaves' breathing as they hid from slave holders. Inspired by these experiences, Ms. Avery formed `Ladies in Red,' an organization that recognizes women and the obstacles they have overcome in their lives. Ms. Avery served as the Director of the African American Heritage Preservation Council of the Preservation Resource Center in New Orleans, which was founded on the idea that African Americans needed to be stewards of their history. She also worked with the First Time Homebuyer's Association, served as chairwoman of the Crescent City Peace Alliance, and as assistant director of the Comeback Alliance, an organization designed to purchase and renovate historic buildings. For all of her hard work and dedication, Ms. Avery was recognized as the 2002 Woman of the Year in New Orleans. Following Hurricane Katrina, Ms. Avery moved from New Orleans to Denver, Colorado. After a year and a half in Denver, she relocated to Birmingham to be near her son, Calvin, following his retirement. She has said that she likes Alabama, because she enjoys the local jazz and blues music and historic houses. She says it reminds her of her time in New Orleans. Today, Ms. Avery continues to be an inspiration to both the workers and the other residents at East Glen, going so far as to establish a ``Ladies in Red'' group at the nursing facility. Ms. Avery says she hopes to establish as many groups as she can in nursing homes throughout Alabama, saying it brings her joy to make everyone feel welcome in her home. Additionally, Ms. Avery is a member of the community prayer line and is the Secretary of Resident Council at East Glen. The staff at East Glenn admire how Ms. Avery never allows her physical impairments to affect her personality or keep her from serving as an inspiration to all at the facility. I am honored to congratulate Ms. Avery on being crowned Ms. Alabama Nursing Home 2018. Because of her impact at East Glen, her significant contributions to the community, and the respect and praise she receives from those close to her, I know that she is most deserving of this remarkable and respected recognition. For her exemplary accomplishments, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life and legacy of Annie Avery, an extraordinary resident of East Glen in Birmingham, Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the thousands of immigrant families who have been torn apart at our nation's border. The United States is a country of immigrants with a proud legacy of protecting families fleeing violence and persecution. As a nation, we are a voice for human rights, which is why I was deeply disturbed when news broke that the Trump Administration was ripping innocent children from their parents as their families sought asylum in the United States. I was alarmed when I heard about President Trump's criminal prosecution of all those seeking shelter within our borders. Last weekend, I went to the border with some of my colleagues to see for myself the impact of President Trump's ``zero tolerance'' policy. After seeing detention centers where children are still separated from their parents, after witnessing the immigration courts where asylum seekers are prosecuted en masse, after seeing the inhumane conditions that families are being held in at processing facilities, I can only report that this President's anti-family immigration policy is a disaster. Mr. Speaker, there is a humanitarian crisis happening right in our own backyard. At one detention facility, my colleagues and I met a grandmother who had brought her grandchildren to the United States, fleeing violence in her home country. They traveled across the Rio Grande by boat and she lost one of her grandchildren on the way. When she reached our shores, she thought she would find refuge, but her remaining grandchildren were taken from her and put into a separate detention facility. After weeks in detention, they still have not been reunited because the process this Administration has put in place only recognizes parents and their children, not grandparents, siblings or relatives as part of the family unit. She told us her story in tears. As someone who grew up close to their grandmother, I can only imagine the pain that she and her grandchildren must feel being separated--after traveling through such horrendous conditions to reach America. In our privilege, it's hard to imagine what conditions this family must have been living in to take that dangerous journey to our shores. My colleagues and I also visited a federal courthouse in McAllen, Texas, where we observed court proceedings for detained immigrants who were seeking asylum in the United States, fleeing violence in their home countries. Instead of recognizing their right of asylum, the court processed these immigrants en masse. These immigrants also pled guilty en masse, setting them on a course to be deported back to the countries they had fled because of violence. So far, over 400 immigrant parents have been deported without their children! How will they find their way home? We met with border patrol officers who told us that their jobs have been complicated by the actions of the Trump Administration. Mr. Speaker, we need to support the law enforcement officers who keep our country safe, but this Administration's ``zero tolerance'' policy has failed them, creating a logistical and human rights nightmare that they do not have the support to solve. This is why I am an original co-sponsor of the Keeping Families Together Act and the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, which provides standards for facilities at which aliens in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security are detained. Additionally, I have cosponsored the Family Unit Right and Protective Act, which requires the reunification of families separated upon entry into the United States because of the ``zero tolerance'' immigration policy requiring criminal prosecution of all adults apprehended crossing the border illegally. The children who have crossed our borders are looking for safety from violence. Instead, they have found cold cages, and concrete floors with aluminum blankets. For many of the families seeking asylum in the United States, crossing the border is the difference between life and death. However, when these families cross our nation's border, we are not a welcoming safe haven in a time of crisis. Instead, we are criminally prosecuting families seeking safe refuge, separating children from parents, and scattering the children across our nation. As a country that was built by immigrants, it is disgraceful how we are treating immigrants at our own border. Therefore, I am urging my colleagues to cosponsor and support the Keeping Families Together Act and the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act. As the global leader in the fight to protect human rights, the United States can and must do better when it comes to the treatment of asylum seekers.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to shed light on a major loophole in our tax code that favors private schools at the expense of public schools. I have introduced H.R. 4269, The Public Funds for Public Schools Act which would close this loophole that allows the wealthy to profit off their ``donations'' to private school voucher organizations. In 18 states, laws have been passed allowing wealthy donors to claim tax credits for donations that go to private, often unaccredited, schools. In these states, tax credits are awarded to taxpayers who donate to private school voucher organizations. At least eleven states offer a dollar-for-dollar credit, which allows wealthy donors to donate to Scholarship Granting Organizations without losing any money because the state ends up bearing the full cost of the donation. When combined with a federal charitable tax deduction, the dollar-for-dollar state credit ends up resulting in a taxpayer-funded profit for the so-called ``donor.'' Wealthy donors reap the benefits while our public-school children are left with substandard resources in some of the most impoverished areas of the country. This is a major loophole in our tax code. Not only are states reimbursing the wealthy rather than investing in public education, but federal dollars are being given to the wealthy at the blatant expense of public school children and educators. To be clear, the American taxpayer bears the cost of this lucrative tax shelter, and the American public is left with less funding for our public schools. Mr. Speaker, I am a proud product of public schools. After the Brown v. Board of Education decision, small private all white academies started to pop up in many Southern states, including one in my hometown. Selma High School, where I graduated, provided me with a quality education. I was on the renowned Selma High School debate team and we won competitions across the state. Over the decades, many ``concerned'' white parents have taken their kids out of public schools, sending them to the private academy across town. This process has led to re-segregation of schools in many parts of the South. After years of losing revenue to private schools, my old high school is deemed as ``failing'' today by the state of Alabama. Moreover, there aren't enough resources to provide debate and other extracurricular activities to the children. State laws like the one providing a dollar-for-dollar tax credit to private academies have further exacerbated these trends. Until this year, the academies in my state didn't even have to be accredited to qualify for the voucher program. Thirty-five states provided less overall state funding per student in the 2014 school year than before the recession in 2008. When the Republican tax bill was signed into law last year, deductions for state and local tax payments were capped at $10,000, leaving some wealthier taxpayers looking for new and creative ways to reduce their tax liability. In response, more state legislatures are considering laws to pass this lucrative taxpayer-funded loophole. H.R. 4269, The Public Funds for Public Schools Act, would remove this loophole by reducing the double deductions benefit on these donations, saving money that could be reinvested in public schools that are struggling to provide adequate resources for their students. We have a responsibility to our children and their future to do the right thing. I urge my colleagues to co-sponsor H.R. 4269.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the cornerstone of our democracy: our right to vote. After the Supreme Court's 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision, core aspects of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were invalidated, and eligible voters now face new barriers to casting their ballot, including many voters in Alabama. Because of the Court decision, many states have enacted new voter restrictions. For example, Alabama has implemented a photo identification law, which has barred many from participating in our elections. Twenty-one million Americans, over 10 percent of the eligible voting population, do not have a government- issued ID and, in many states, these Americans are consequently unable to vote. Senior citizens and the disabled, people who also call my district home, have been adversely impacted by the recent wave of voter suppression laws. My father was one of these voters, and I witnessed firsthand the struggles he faced just to be able to vote for his daughter when Alabama's voting law were changed. Obtaining a photo ID is no easy task, especially since many handicapped individuals have limited mobility. The decrease in the number of driver's license offices in Alabama over the past decade has worsened this issue. Out of the 10 counties with the highest percentages of African-American voters, which constitute a majority of my district, eight have lost ID offices. Many polling stations throughout the state have also shut down, and at the local level, these changes have disproportionately affected area with a large number of black voters. Mr. Speaker, voting is a right, not a privilege. We should be working to make our elections more accessible, not less accessible. As the U.S. Representative of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, the Civil Rights District of America, I have made it a top priority to restore the vote. That is why I have introduced H.R. 2978, the Voting Rights Advancement Act. My legislation restores and expands the original Voting Rights Act by providing federal oversight of election changes in states with a history of voter discrimination. The recent wave of voter suppression laws undermines the progress of our nation's civil rights trailblazers, from the women of Seneca Falls to the marchers in my hometown of Selma. We should not let them down, and we should not let our voters down. I urge Congress to come together in a bipartisan effort to improve access to the ballot and pass H.R. 2978. It is our responsibility to uphold what our constituents so rightfully deserve: a government of the people, for the people, by the people.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address Americans' concerns over increasing income inequality that has been exasperated by the Republican Tax Scam bill. The so-called Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by Republicans last fall not only fails to provide a significant tax cut for working class and middle Americans, but it also increases the national deficit by $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. Moreover, any marginal income tax reduction that it affords everyday Americans will disappear within the next few years. According to the Congressional Budget Office, 76 percent of Americans will actually experience an overall tax increase between now and 2027. It is my strong belief that providing tax relief to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and working-class families is key to creating a strong economy that works for everyone. But requiring working families to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy and powerful will not promote real, sustainable economic growth. Here is what the Republican tax law will do: By 2027, Americans in the first, second, and third quintiles will have their taxes increased, while 83 percent of tax breaks will go to the top one percent. By 2027, 86 million households (more than half of America's middle class) will see a tax increase. In Alabama, the richest 1 percent will see a $4,450 tax cut, where the bottom 80 percent will see a $117 tax increase. We do not have to look back far into history to learn that these types of tax cuts hurt the American people. Ronald Reagan's 1981 tax cuts were followed by only 3.5 percent average growth between 1982 and 1985, and required base broadening tax increases. Deficits from the Reagan tax cuts led to tax increases by George H.W. Bush in 1990. George W. Bush's tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 were followed by a precipitous decline in growth from 3.8 percent growth in 2004 down to -0.3 percent in 2008. The Bush tax cuts were also a major driver of the growing deficit, and widened income disparities. We also saw what happened in the state of Kansas when Republicans promised that dramatic cuts to business taxes would bring a new wave of economic growth and thousands of new jobs. Unsurprisingly, the economic growth was never realized and the state was forced to close schools, cut funding to public universities, cut funding to public services, and delay contributions to state pension funds. Columbia University Law professor Michael Graetz said, ``the historical record is pretty clear that tax cuts don't pay for themselves through economic growth.'' Despite this evidence, Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee rammed through a partisan tax scam bill, passed it through the House of Representatives without a single Democratic vote, and passed it through the Senate in the same fashion. As the Trump Administration calls for another round of tax cuts for the wealthy, I urge the President and my Republican colleagues to fulfill their promise to work together on bipartisan legislation that will truly benefit all Americans. We need bipartisan legislation that works to uphold America's strong middle class and provides underserved families with the assistance they deserve to escape the cycle of poverty and enter the workforce.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the privilege of attending the annual forum on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), where we focused on forging new strategies for U.S.-Africa trade and investment. It was an honor meeting with African leaders to continue the discussion on how we can continue to develop trade between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa. I want to thank all of the Members of Congress who have worked together to support and maintain the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Since the legislation's passage in 2000, the strong bipartisan support that AGOA has received is proof of our nation's commitment to expanding global markets for U.S. goods and services. It shows that at our core, despite President Trump's protectionist views on trade and recent attacks on our allies, we as Americans value any opportunity to strengthen international relations and develop strong democracies. Trade with Africa has greatly benefited the United States and Africa. By allowing duty-free access to the U.S. market for exports from 40 sub-Saharan countries, AGOA offers African countries tangible incentives to continue their efforts in opening their economies, while also reinforcing internationally recognized human rights. While exporting $13.8 billion in goods to the United States under the act in 2017, AGOA nations also continued to make efforts to enact policies that observe the rule of law, political pluralism, and the right to due process, fighting poverty and corruption along the way. As a member of the Ways and Means committee, and as a representative of the state of Alabama, whose economy is highly dependent on trade, I will continue to be supportive of AGOA because it promotes investment and strengthens our global economy. I applaud both American and African government officials, the private sector, and the people of the AGOA nations for working so hard to maximize the benefits of AGOA. I encourage us to continue working together to enhance our commitment to Africa.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to state my excitement that Democrats and Republicans came together this year and supported my amendments to increase FY 2019 funding for competitive grants to preserve the sites and stories of the Civil Rights movement and grants for Civil Rights Preservation of sites on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In total, our amendments boosted funding for civil rights research by $4,500,000 for Fiscal Year 2019. I greatly appreciate the bipartisan commitment and support from Interior Subcommittee Chairman Calvert, Ranking Member McCollum, and Democratic Assistant Leader Clyburn. These grants, as part of the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Fund, are critically important to protecting and preserving Civil Rights history. As the Congresswoman representing the 7th Congressional District of Alabama, also known as the Civil Rights District, I can personally attest to the impact these grants have in the community. Many historic events of the Civil Rights Movement took place within my district, including the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, the Children's March, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Bloody Sunday. We are fortunate that the National Park Service is preserving and interpreting these stories, and I am grateful for the Park Service's dedication to telling a more complete version of America's history. The National Park Service also brings much needed economic revitalization to communities in my district through tourism. In Birmingham, the Civil Rights National Monument and other sites are playing a critical role as part of the new National Civil Rights Trail. In my hometown of Selma, the NPS Selma Interpretive Center attracts tourism to the rural black belt community. These historic sites will also help generate economic activity beyond tourism. In fact, for each dollar invested in National Parks, 10 dollars is generated in national economic activity. As the foot soldiers of the Civil Rights movement grow older, it is imperative that every effort is made to preserve the stories and sites of the era. There is no place more equipped for such preservation than Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These institutions and their students have a legacy that is inseparable from the Civil Rights Movement. They continue to play a role in activism and education that would make many of those who came before them proud. The funding that my amendments provided in the House Interior Appropriations bill for FY 2019 is an investment aimed at both historic preservation and economic development. Not only is it important to preserve history in our districts--we all have important stories to tell that provide education to visitors--but it is also imperative that we help bring much needed development to our communities. Thanks again to Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum, and I urge all of my colleagues to continue supporting this historic preservation funding as we finalize appropriations for FY19.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the pervasive and ongoing environmental injustice affecting the citizens of the 7th Congressional District of Alabama. Many residents of the Black Belt depend on septic tanks for sewage disposal. Because 35-45 percent of residents in the Black Belt face poverty, many cannot afford spending thousands of dollars on a septic tank and the upkeep it requires. As a result, many have turned to a far less expensive but more alarming alternative: using ``straight pipes'' to transfer human waste from the home directly to their backyards. This means that folks going for a walk and children playing in their yards are in direct contact with sewage and human waste. During heavy rains, these constituents are left helpless in defending not only their homes, but their health from the effects of raw sewage and human waste. The heavy rains forces waste to go back up pipes and back into homes. The issue of inadequate wastewater treatment is not just a problem in Alabama. It is a problem in communities throughout our country. Additionally, this issue is causing dire health consequences. Several studies have identified parasites specifically in Lowndes County, Alabama. In our great country, the presence of diseases found in third world nations is unacceptable. Wastewater management and other environmental concerns that exacerbate poverty must be addressed. Most recently, the United Nations weighed in on this issue. After visiting parts of the Black Belt and other impoverished areas in America in December of 2017, United Nations Special Rapporteur Philip Alston was baffled that such a developed and advanced country like the United States could allow its most impoverished to live in such awful conditions. The UN report has confirmed what I have known for a long time: that inadequate wastewater treatment is a persistent issue in poverty stricken communities. I have been working to address this problem by helping secure an additional $1.8 billion in funding for wastewater infrastructure in addition to introducing the Rural Septic Tank Access Act. This Act would provide adequate resources for rural families to afford proper septic systems. UN Ambassador Nikki Haley publicly stated that the UN report and its conclusion about poverty in America was ``patently ridiculous'' and questioned why poverty in the U.S. needed to be examined. I personally invite Ambassador Haley to my district to witness firsthand the poverty and systemic environmental concerns that millions of Americans experience and suffer from every single day. Our nation cannot boast such greatness if those suffering the most are left behind. As a proud product of Selma, I know tenacity and grit is commonplace among the great folks of the 7th Congressional District. But to be able to overcome obstacles, basic needs must be met and health concerns should be addressed. We have no option but to stand firm in our fight on the very real and pervasive poverty all over rural America and in the area I call home.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his leadership on tonight's topic. I also associate myself with his comments, as well as the comments of Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. Congresswoman Norton has been a steward on the issue of judicial appointments in the United States Congress for many decades, and it is an honor to follow her tonight in her leadership against the Trump administration's attempt to stack the courts with extreme rightwing political allies. Just as President Trump has attacked our Nation's free press, just as he has attacked our intelligence agency, this President is now targeting our Nation's third branch of government, our treasured court system. We cannot let President Trump destroy yet another institution of American democracy. The importance of a fair and nonpartisan court system cannot be overestimated. It is our Supreme Court, overall, that decided Brown v. Board of Education, the case that ended segregation in America's schools. It was our courts which struck down voter suppression laws, like poll taxes that freed and allowed lots and lots of African Americans in my home State of Alabama to vote. It was the Supreme Court that protected the work of the free press and our Nation's newspapers when President Nixon attempted to silence them. And it was our Supreme Court which struck down discriminatory State laws prohibiting interracial and gay marriage. Those court decisions were the product of judges and justices in our judicial system, who put our Constitution and the law first, irrespective of the pressure they faced from politicians and from Presidents. Mr. Speaker, the opposite can be true as well. When our courts are stacked with political allies, who put politics first and justice last, our Nation suffers. We need think of no other than the infamous Supreme Court decision which paved the way for Japanese American internment camps as an example. It is a reminder of all that can go wrong when our courts are stacked with political allies. Today, our court system continues to decide questions that will have consequences for generations to come. When it comes to gerrymandering and discriminatory voter ID laws, our courts are still considering cases that will impact our right to vote. As this administration continues its assault on our free press, we should have no doubt that the courts will be faced with First Amendment questions in the years to come. That is why President Trump's attempt to stack the court is so concerning. Last year, this administration appointed nine appellate judges, more than any President since President Nixon during their first term in office. And where do those open appellate seats come from? These are judgeships which Republicans systematically held open during President Barack Obama's final 2 years. I can speak with authority on that fact because, in the State of Alabama, we had not one, not two, but three open Federal judgeships that were held open for 2-plus years, and one 11th Circuit appellate judgeship that was held open for 2 years. Yes, the people of Alabama were not well served by the fact that my Republican colleagues withheld appointing any person to that, in hopes that they would win the Presidential election in 2016. Now it was a good bet for them, but it was a bad bet for the American people and for the people of Alabama. For you see, the judges that were sitting, took on an inordinate amount of caseload that was unacceptable. I know that for one, in the Middle District of Alabama, there was a senior judge by the name of Myron Thompson, who had 120 percent caseload. Yes, that is right. As a senior judge, he not only had a caseload that surpassed his caseload when he was an active judge, but, as a senior judge, took on an extraordinary number of cases. Why? Because in the Middle District of Alabama, there was only one judge sitting, as well as one senior judge, Judge Thompson. This is unacceptable. This is an unacceptable play towards politics that, in the end, disserved the people of Alabama and disserved the American public. The same was true on the Supreme Court level. Yes, Judge Merrick Garland was supremely qualified to sit on the Supreme Court, and was President Obama's choice to sit on the Supreme Court. But a year prior to the 2016 election, the GOP decided that it was not the time for a judge to be appointed when a Federal election was going to take place within a year. Now, one can say the same thing about the fact that we have a midterm election that is coming up in 2018. But, oh, no, we don't get the same courtesy. This is politics before people, it is unacceptable, and we should not take it sitting down. That is why I am very happy that the Congressional Black Caucus tonight, under the leadership of the gentleman from Pennsylvania, is talking about stacking of the Supreme Court and its importance to all Americans. I can speak firsthand how important the court system was to the civil rights and voting rights movement of America. As a daughter of Selma, Alabama, and as the first Black congresswoman from the State of Alabama, I can tell you, unequivocally, that it was because of th protections of the equal protection amendment, it was because of the Constitution and those brave judges, judges like Frank Johnson of the Middle District of Alabama, who stood against pressure to do what was right for all Americans, interpreting the Constitution as it was meant to be: that all men and women are created equal, and that the equal protection of the law extends to all Americans, irrespective of race and gender. So I think it is really important that we remember from whence we all come. This is a proud tradition that is important that we uphold. What is even more concerning is the temperament displayed by the court picks under this administration and their lack of qualification for the job. Last year, President Trump nominated four judicial nominees who didn't pass the American Bar Association's standard for being rated qualified by the ABA. Now, that is a simple standard. The ABA standard of requiring that one be qualified is simple: a nominee must show integrity, professional competence, and judicial temperament. During his 8 years in office, President Obama never--I repeat--never selected a judicial nominee who received an unqualified rating from the ABA. Yet, this President nominated four unqualified judicial candidates in a single year, which is the worst record in American history. One was to a Federal bench in Alabama. The nominee was Brett Talley, who withdrew his name in 2017 for his lack of judicial experience. He had never tried a case, and yet this person was nominated by this administration to a life appointment on the bench in the Middle District of Alabama. Unacceptable. Thank God, calmer and cooler heads prevailed and he withdrew his name. But the reality is, having unqualified candidates should not go under this administration. We should stand up and speak out against it. That is why I am glad to join with my colleagues from the Congressional Black Caucus as we talk about what is at stake. A heck of a lot is at stake. We have a lot to lose under this administration, and it starts with the Federal courts. The reason President Trump has elected so many unqualified judges to fill our courts is that they are political allies of the extreme right. Every single one of President Trump's judicial nominees are allies of the rightwing, attacking women's rights, attacking human rights, attacking healthcare and workers' rights, and, of course, attacking voting rights. President Trump's recent nominee of Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court is no different. A review of Judge Kavanaugh's record shows that he will drive the Supreme Court further to the right, threatening and further attacking healthcare, our right to vote, affirmative action, and all of the important progress that we have made as a Nation when it comes to civil rights and civil liberties. It was Judge Kavanaugh who upheld a discriminatory voter ID law as a judge on the D.C. Court of Appeals. Faced with a South Carolina voter ID law, which the Obama administration reported would disenfranchise tens of thousands of minority voters, Judge Kavanaugh ruled that the measure was not discriminatory. The Obama administration said this same voter ID law violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a similar piece of legislation, and Judge Kavanaugh approved it. That is bad news for voting rights. And where I come from, representing Alabama's Seventh Congressional District, the voting rights, and the civil rights district of America, that is bad news for Americans. We should stand up for the equal rights of all Americans to vote. There should be no modern-day barriers to voting. And to have a Supreme Court nominee who has so blatantly gone against that is unacceptable. Mr. Speaker, on voting rights and so many other issues, from healthcare to police brutality, the American people cannot trust Trump's judicial nominees to put the law before politics. We must call on the Senate to stop President Trump's attempt to stack the courts. Nothing less than the third branch of government, our democracy, is at stake. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for allowing me to speak on this issue, and I ask that all Americans oppose this nominee to the Supreme Court.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Pennsylvania is exactly right. The swamp only needs to be cleaned up when the swamp doesn't agree with this President. We have seen, in the nomination of Brett Talley to Alabama's Middle District, that he did not report that his wife worked for the White House counsel. Now, this, to me, is an important disclosure. You can't be more on the inside, in the swamp, drowning in the swamp, than to have a relationship like your wife working for the White House. I think it is really hypocritical that this White House would talk about draining the swamp, and yet choose judicial nominees that are clearly in line with far rightwing views and are clearly a part of the problem, not a part of the solution. I think that we, the American people, need to really speak out when it comes to the Supreme Court nominee, and, actually, all Federal judgeships. I had the great honor of clerking for the first African American judge in the State of Alabama, Judge U.W. Clemon. It was a great honor of my life as a young lawyer to sit at his feet and to learn. And I have to tell you that it is disheartening to me to see people who are woefully unqualified getting the opportunity to be nominated to a Federal bench. These are life appointments, life appointments that allow people to sit in those seats for decades to come and, therefore, decide decisions decades to come. I know that when you talk to our Senators, they will, if they are truthful, tell you that some of the most pressing legacy issues for them are the nominations to the Supreme Court and the nominations to the Federal court. Why? Because these nominations, life appointments, have lasting effects that yield way beyond the actual nomination itself. It is unfortunate to me, because when we think about, of the three branches government that worked for the civil rights movement and worked for all those freedom fighters, it was the Federal court that, with its independence, was able to grant so many opportunities to those freedom riders. I think about Frank Johnson, a young judge from Montgomery, Alabama, who grew up in rural Alabama and had the temerity, had the audacity, had the courage to do what was right in the face of mounting pressures that came from his White citizenry around him to do the right thing and to actually issue that injunction that allowed marchers, such as our colleague, John Lewis, to march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, which brought us the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Where is our courage today? I ask the gentleman from Pennsylvania. We have to stand up in the face of such overt partisanship and speak out against it. The balance of the Court is so important. So much of the progress that we have seen as a Nation, we have always been one Supreme Court Justice away from a lot of that progress being eroded. It is with great sadness that I see Justice Kennedy leave, but it is with greater sadness that I see the nominee, Kavanaugh, coming before the Senate for confirmation as the next Federal Justice. I do know that politics and elections have consequences, but when I think about the scale of progress and what affects that progress, nothing is more telling, nothing is more important, than the Supreme Court. I hope that aggrieved persons, irrespective of their gender, irrespective of their race and who they love, that they can come before the Supreme Court and get a fair hearing.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Well, he has a very expansive record. He sat on the bench now for over a decade, so there is an expansive record there. I believe in looking at a person's record to be able to tell what they will do in the future. His past has shown that he is squarely aligned with the Federalist Society, squarely aligned with the far right. It is because of his extreme views that he is now the nominee. Now, I would love for him to prove me wrong, but one's history, one's past, is a judge of what one will do in the future. So my great fear is about issues such as the right of the executive branch to overreach. His decisions that relate to that, to me, are why I believe this President chose him, because there has been some overreaching going on in the executive branch, and this President feels that this judge will be more partial toward him. Now, let's just be very clear. The judge should be about being partial toward the facts and toward the law, irrespective of who the petitioner is. I can tell you that often people say that justice is blind. But the reality is justice often is seen through the eyes of the experience of the judges. That is why it is important to have a bench that is diverse, a bench that has diversity of thought, diversity of philosophy and ideas, because, at the end of the day, we are not monolithic as a people. We all have different views, and we come to those perspectives based on our experiences. Frankly, this particular judge, this particular nominee, Kavanaugh, does not show that diversity of experience. His views have been clearly aligned with the far right, and I believe that that is woefully out of character with the American public. I believe that the American public is far more centrist than that and that the American public deserves better than that.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the U.S. Department of Commerce Section 232 investigation into automobile imports and the negative impact that it could have on Alabama's economy. In my district, I have both a Hyundai and Mercedes auto manufacturing facility. Not only do they produce cars for the U.S. and foreign markets, but they provide thousands of high paying jobs for my constituents. Last year alone international automakers invested $10.2 billion in the state of Alabama, employing more than 80,000 citizens, and providing good wages and benefits to their employees. On May 23rd, Secretary Wilbur Ross announced that the Commerce Department would begin an investigation into whether imports of automobiles and auto parts threaten national security. However, before the Department of Commerce could begin their investigation, President Trump delegitimized the entire process by prematurely stating that he wanted a 25 percent tariff on automotive imports. We now know that this investigation is just a justification for this administration's desire to implement 19th century style tariffs on America's allies around the globe. The Peterson Institute for International Economics predicts that if the new auto tariffs are implemented, the United States will lose 624,000 jobs and production would fall by 4 percent. As Members of Congress, we cannot stand by and allow this administration's destructive trade policies to hurt American workers. As a result, I led a bipartisan letter, cosigned by 149 Members of Congress, to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross expressing concern with the Section 232 investigation into auto imports. The letter highlights the auto industry's importance to working families and the nation's economy, as well as the vast network of international suppliers that the industry relies on to stay competitive. I strongly urge the Trump Administration to think carefully about the impact of the autos 232 investigation, and the devastating effect tariffs could have on American workers. Rather than endangering American jobs through a trade war with our allies, we need to strengthen our trading relationships to better position U.S. workers in the global marketplace.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.