Terri Sewell

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call votes held on April 27, 2018, I was inescapably detained handling important matters related to my district and the State of Alabama. If I had been present, I would have voted NO on the amendment proposed by Rep. McClintock (112), NO on the amendment proposed by Rep. Duncan (114), YES on the Democratic motion to recommit, YES on final passage of H.R. 4, and NO on the motion to table H. Res. 856.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call votes held on April 26, 2018, I was inescapably detained handling important matters related to my District and the State of Alabama. If I had been present, I would have voted YES on the amendment proposed by Rep. DeFazio (42), NO on the Amendment proposed by Rep. Rohrabacher (60), NO on the Amendment proposed by Rep. King (IA) (63), NO on the Amendment proposed by Rep. Lipinski (78), NO on the Amendment proposed by Rep. Denham (79), YES on the Amendment proposed by Rep. Lynch (87), and YES on H.R. 4744.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call votes held on April 25, 2018, I was inescapably detained handling important matters related to my District and the State of Alabama. If I had been present, I would have voted YES on the Motion to Recommit H.R. 3144, NO on final passage of H.R. 3144, and I would have voted YES on final passage of H.R. 5447.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5444, the Taxpayer First Act. I want to take a point of personal privilege and congratulate the gentlewoman from Kansas and the gentleman from Georgia for working together and showing the Nation that, indeed, Democrats and Republicans can put party aside and actually get something done here in the Nation's Capitol. I especially want to thank the gentleman from Georgia, Congressman Lewis, who, of course, is a native son of Alabama. On this tax day, this bill is an opportunity for us to change the relationship many taxpayers have with the Internal Revenue Service. Tax season is a stressful time for millions of Americans, and the compliance burden on the average American and small-business owner is unnecessarily difficult. We are taking important steps today to make the tax filing experience more sensible, fairer, and more efficient. The base text of this bill includes the text of the bill that I introduced with our Republican colleague, Jason Smith, the Preserving Taxpayers' Rights Act. Our provisions, as a part of this bill, will introduce process reforms in four ways to help the Internal Revenue Service become more efficient and strengthen its ability to provide service to its customers. First, our provisions would maintain taxpayers' legal right to have their case heard by the independent and impartial IRS Office of Appeals to ensure the timely, efficient, and cost-effective resolution of any tax disputes between a taxpayer and the IRS. Secondly, it will ensure that cases the IRS designates for litigation can only be used where the matter involves a tax abuse that affects a large amount of taxpayers. Thirdly, the provision in our bill that is in this underlying text would ensure that the use of designated summonses that extend the time period for the IRS to assess a tax liability are properly authorized and only used when taxpayers are uncooperative and refuse to provide information requested by the IRS. Finally, the provision would also prevent the IRS from outsourcing Federal tax audits of private taxpayers to outside law firms. In summary, our provisions in the bill will improve the independent appeals process, ensuring that the existing right of appeal is maintained and strengthened for taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, overall, H.R. 5444 is a good bill that will make the tax filing experience much more sensible, fairer, and efficient. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a mentor, a fellow Selma, Alabama, native, voting rights activist, and an American hero, Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglas Reese, who passed away on April 5, 2018, at the age of 88. Dr. Reese is best known for the pivotal role he played in the Selma to Montgomery march that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It was Dr. Reese, as president of the Dallas County Voters League, who invited Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to Selma to organize and support their local voting rights campaign. As a longtime educator, pastor, and civil rights activist, Dr. Reese's life and legacy stands as a testament to the power of one man's ability to change the world. Dr. Reese was born in Selma, Alabama, on November 28, 1929, the only son of a strong, matriarchal family led by his mother, Ellie R. Reese, and that included his older sister siblings, Doris Reese and Annie Ratliff. His strong educational and spiritual home environment, coupled with the Christian education training he received, was the solid foundation of his success. An outstanding student, Dr. Reese graduated from Alabama State University and Livingston University with a degree in mathematics and continued his education at the University of Alabama, Southern University, and Auburn University before receiving his doctorate of divinity from Selma University. Dr. Reese's teaching career began in Wilcox County, Alabama, where he taught science for 9 years and, most significantly, met his future bride, Alline, a fellow teacher. The two were married on June 28, 1953, and she remained his lifelong companion for 64 years. By the mid-1960s, Dr. Reese had returned to teach in Selma, Alabama, where he became the president of the Dallas County Voters League and president of the Selma Teachers Association. He used both leadership positions to actively educate Blacks in Selma about the right to vote. With courage and tenacity, Dr. Reese led the first-ever teachers march to the Selma Dallas County Courthouse in which over 100 Black teachers demanded the right to vote. He challenged his fellow teachers to exercise their right of citizenship by saying: ``How can we teach American civics if we ourselves cannot vote?'' As the president of the Dallas County Voters League, he invited Dr. King to Selma to support their local efforts. With the help of Dr. King and SCLC, Dr. Reese organized a voting rights march on March 7, 1965, a day that will live in infamy as Bloody Sunday. During the march, protesters were brutally beaten and sprayed with tear gas simply for speaking out for their right to vote. The sacrifices made that day by foot soldiers like Dr. Reese were captured on national outlets and led to the rise of so many Americans who came to Alabama to support their efforts. The Selma to Montgomery marches which Dr. Reese set in motion led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. While many minority Americans continue to face barriers to the polls today, our progress as a nation is unmistakable. We have Dr. Reese to thank for that progress. On a personal note, I know that I would not be here today as Alabama's first Black Congresswoman were it not for the work of Dr. Reese and so many foot soldiers who led the way, who looked our democracy in the eye and made us hold up to those ideals. It was my greatest honor as a Member of Congress to present to my fellow Selma native Dr. Reese the Congressional Gold Medal for his work in the voting rights movement on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery march. Dr. Reese and others helped to change the course of American history and open the doors of opportunities for African Americans all across this Nation. We shall never forget the sacrifices that they made to our country. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Seventh Congressional District of Alabama; a great, grateful nation; and the State of Alabama, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life and contributions of Reverend Dr. Frederick Douglas Reese. Dr. Reese was an American hero, a national treasure, a beloved Selma native whose life's fight for voting rights will forever change the fabric of American history. May we all recommit ourselves to the cause he fought for by voting in every election: local, State, and Federal.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2901, to make permanent the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) matching grant program. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program assists low-to- moderate income, elderly, disabled, and limited English speaking taxpayers in preparing and filing their federal income tax returns. Since fiscal year 2008, Congress has used the appropriations process to provide funding for the Community VITA matching grants program for tax return preparation assistance. But Congress has not authorized the VITA program to receive grants through the tax-writing process. This bill puts the VITA grant program on more solid, permanent, and predictable footing. Without this bill, the IRS has administered the VITA grant program narrowly, restricting grantees' ability to use grant funds to hire experts to train volunteers and perform quality reviews as well as to serve as Certified Acceptance Agents. As a result, few VITA grantees assist low income self-employed taxpayers who file as pass-throughs, or low income taxpayers with disaster losses. Moreover, few VITA grantees are open year-round or assist taxpayers in preparing amended returns. This bill will lead to a stronger VITA program that is able to help many more low-income Americans navigate the tax filing process. I applaud the sponsors of this bill, Representatives Carlos Curbelo and Danny Davis for working together on this long overdue legislation. As a cosponsor of H.R. 2901, I urge all my colleagues to vote yes on this sensible bill.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of renowned civil rights leader, Reverend Dr. Frederick Douglas Reese of Selma, Alabama who passed away on April 5, 2018, at the age of 88. Dr. Reese is best known for the pivotal role he played in the Selma to Montgomery March that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It was Dr. Reese who as President of the Dallas County Voters League invited Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to Selma to organize and support their local voting rights campaign. As a longtime educator, pastor and civil rights activist, Dr. Reese's life and legacy stands as a testament to the power of one man's ability to change the world. Dr. Reese was born in Selma on November 28, 1929, the only son of a strong matriarchal family led by his mother Ellie R. Reese and that included his older sister siblings--Doris Reese and Annie Ratliff. His strong educational and spiritual home environment coupled with the Christian education training received from his Green Street Baptist Church family propelled him to develop a firm faith that served as the solid foundation for his success. An outstanding student, Dr. Reese graduated from Alabama State University and Livingston University with a degree in mathematics and a background that prepared him for political involvement. Believing knowledge is power, he continued his education at the University of Alabama, Southern University, and Auburn University before receiving his doctorate of divinity from Selma University. Dr. Reese's teaching career began in Millers Ferry in Wilcox County, AL where he worked in the school system for nine years teaching science and eventually serving as assistant principal. It was there that Dr. Reese met his future bride, Alline Touglass Crossing, a fellow teacher. The two were married on June 28, 1953 and she remained his life-long companion for 64 years. In 1960, Dr. Reese returned to his hometown of Selma to teach at R.B. Hudson High School. A beloved educator, Dr. Reese challenged his students to excel and made learning fun with his unique teaching style that combined disciplined study with practical application. By the mid-1960s, Dr. Reese was the president of the Dallas County Voter's League and president of the Selma Teachers Association. He used both leadership positions to actively educate Blacks in Selma about their right to vote. In fact, Dr. Reese's first act as President of the Teachers Association was to sign a proclamation declaring that teachers should register to vote. He challenged his fellow teachers to exercise their right of citizenship, saying ``How can we teach American civics if we ourselves cannot vote?'' With courage and tenacity, Dr. Reese led the first ever Teachers March to the Dallas County Court House in which a hundred black teachers demanded to register to vote. It was the first time in the Civil Rights Movement that teachers in the South publicly marched. Their actions were met with violence by the local sheriff Jim Clark and law enforcement. Nevertheless, Reese's persistent collaboration with league members notoriously called the ``Outrageous Eight", now revered as the ``Courageous Eight", fueled the movement with his nonviolent tactics and moral fortitude. Imbued by his faith and determination, it was Dr. Reese as president of the voter league who penned the invitational letter for Dr. King to come to Selma to bring his influence and support to the Selma voting rights campaign. On March 7, 1965, led by our colleague John Lewis, Dr. Reese and more than 600 other activists marched over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma on what is infamously known as ``Bloody Sunday.'' During the march, protestors were beaten and sprayed with tear gas on the orders of Alabama Governor George Wallace. Following the march, participants gathered at the Brown Chapel AME Church where Dr. Reese spoke to the crowd. Bloodied and beaten, the protesters committed to marching again for their right to vote. On March 21, 1965, after President Lyndon B. Johnson ordered the protection of the marchers, more than 50,000 people completed the 50- mile march from Selma to Montgomery. The Selma Marches prompted Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that still remains a keystone of federal voting rights protections for all Americans. Dr. Reese also answered God's call to the ministry. He began his pastoral ministry by serving the congregations of Macedonia and Mt. Zion Selfield. Reverend Dr. Reese was the Pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years, making a lasting impact on the Selma community. Dr. Reese was a true renaissance man. For his outstanding contributions, he has received numerous awards and honors. Dr. Reese was a civil rights icon, exemplary educator, beloved pastor, loving husband, doting father and grandfather. Dr. Reese brought Selma and this nation out of the turbulent darkness and then went on to be among its first African American city councilmen and rose through the ranks of the Selma School System to be principal of Eastside Junior High School, principal of Selma High School and eventually Assistant Superintendent from which he retired. In his passing, Dr. Reese leaves behind his wife Mrs. Alline Reese; son Marvin (Frances), Conyers, GA; daughters Minister Valerie (Ed) Harris, and Minister Christa Reese; grandsons Marvin (Charlene) Reese Jr, Minister Alan (Kimberly) Reese and Frederick Reese, Conyers, GA; great grandchildren Kyla Russell, Zaria Reese, Jada Mains, Faith Reese, Jaylen Reese, Alan Reese Jr, and Maliyah Reese, Conyers, GA. On a personal note, I will fondly remember Dr. Reese as my principal and mentor at Selma High School who always told me that anything was possible. I know that I am Alabama's first Black congresswoman today because of the activism and influence of Dr. F.D. Reese. To say thank you does not adequately express my gratitude. One of my greatest honors as a Member of Congress was to present Dr. Reese with the gold medal at the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony that honored the foot soldiers on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights March. Dr. Reese's life and legacy stand as a testament to the power of one man's ability to change the world. His legacy will live on in the many people he impacted. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and a grateful nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life and contributions of Reverend Dr. Frederick Douglas Reese. Dr. Reese was an American hero, a national treasure and a beloved Selma native son whose life's fight for voting rights forever shaped the fabric of American history.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Judson College President Dr. David Potts of Marion, Alabama. I join with my constituents in mourning the recent passing of Dr. Potts, an exemplary educator, visionary longtime college president of Judson and a beloved member of the Marion community whose life's work influenced so many and helped to shape the advancement of Alabama's Black Belt. Dr. Potts was born on July 1, 1950 to Louise and Alton Potts, in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up understanding the importance of a good education. His parents often stressed that a quality education was the key to improving one's lot in life. As a proud graduate of Ramsey High School, Dr. Potts took his parents' advice to heart, and enrolled at Samford University, in Birmingham, AL, where he earned both a B.A. and M.S. in Education. Dr. Potts went on to enroll in the University of Alabama where he received his Ph.D. in Higher Education. In 1980, Dr. Potts began his service at Judson College in Marion, Alabama as its Vice President for Development. In this role, he was instrumental in establishing the Adult Degree Program, a non- traditional, external degree program for adult learners that would grow into Judson's Distance Learning Program. Dr. Potts briefly returned to Samford in 1985 to organize and implement ``The Samford Commitment,'' a $28 million capital campaign, and later rejoined the Judson administration as Executive Vice President for Administration in 1987. In this role, Dr. Potts sought to create a student-centered campus culture driven by continuous improvement, based on research completed for his doctoral dissertation. In 1990, Dr. Potts was appointed President of Judson College by its Board of Trustees. Dr. Potts left a lasting legacy during his 28-year tenure as President of Judson. The list of his accomplishments at the college was as numerous as the many lives of those he impacted. Dr. Potts grew Judson's endowment from $2 million to $19 million dollars and raised $35 million through capital campaigns for new construction and facility restoration, including the refurbishment of Judson's historic Jewett Hall. Nine new academic programs were added under his leadership, including three of the five largest majors currently pursued by Judson students. Throughout his tenure as president, the college increased the diversity of its faculty and student body and remained faithful to its Christian mission. In addition to his exceptional service at Judson, Dr. Potts also worked to improve higher education across the Southeast. He served as both a Commissioner and an Executive Council Member for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the regional body that accredits Judson and hundreds of others colleges and universities in the Southeastern United States. He served as a member or chair of countless SACSCOC on-site review committees, designed to help colleges measure their effectiveness. In 2013, Dr. Potts was honored with the James T. Rogers Distinguished Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions to Higher Education by SACSCOC in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the field of higher education. As a committed civic leader, Dr. Potts made enormous contributions to the community. He was a founding board member of Sowing Seeds of Hope, a faith-based, non-profit organization seeking to address the root causes of poverty in Alabama. As a member of Sowing Seeds of Hope's Board of Directors and Health Care Task Force, Dr. Potts helped bring a dialysis center to Marion, promoted programs that helped children gain health insurance coverage, and actively worked toward the re-opening of a hospital in Perry County. He was a former president of Alabama Possible, formerly the Alabama Poverty Project, an organization co-founded by his father, former Alabama Baptist Convention executive secretary A. Earl Potts, which seeks to raise awareness of poverty issues statewide. In his passing, Dr. Potts is survived by his wife of 44 years, Beth Bloodworth Potts; his daughters, Kristin Potts Helton (John) and Shannon Louise Potts (Phil); eight grandchildren, Gavin, Harper, John David, Laura Beth, Levi, Patch, Ryder, and Teague; and his sister, Elizabeth ``Libby'' Louise Potts (Dale Peterson). On a personal note, Dr. Potts made a profound impact on my life and the lives of so many in my district. His passion for education was equal to his love of his community and his deep compassion for mankind. I am forever grateful for his dedication and tireless advocacy on behalf of the people of Alabama's rural Black Belt. In him, I saw a kindred spirit in our shared and unwavering belief in the people of the Black Belt. Despite the many obstacles, Dr. Potts saw the myriad of possibilities and unharnessed potential in the beauty and natural resources that the Black Belt had to offer. Through his dedicated efforts, he has left our community a better place for all and for that he will forever be remembered for his leadership, brilliance, and kindness. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. David Potts. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and this nation, we pay tribute to his distinguished contributions for the betterment of the State of Alabama, and extend deep appreciation for his exemplary service as President of Judson College.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of a young student leader and bright light in the Birmingham community, Courtlin La'Shawn Arrington. Courtlin was a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and a senior at Huffman High School who passed in a tragic act of gun violence on March 7, 2018. Courtlin was an outstanding student, with an engaging personality and a big heart. I speak for Birmingham when I say that we are devastated by her loss. Courtlin was a part of our community and she will be greatly missed. Courtlin was born on April 17, 2000 to Tynesha Tatum and Courtney Arrington at Cooper Green Hospital in Birmingham, AL. She was educated in the Birmingham City School System and was a graduating Senior at Huffman High School. Courtlin had dreams of becoming a nurse. According to her family members, nursing was a family career and Courtlin had dreamed of being a nurse since she was very young. Just a few months shy of graduation, Courtlin planned to work as a nurse's assistant until she earned her RN. The faculty, students and staff of Huffman High School remember Courtlin as a constant source of enthusiasm, intelligence, and beauty both inside and out. They believed there was no limit to what she may have achieved. Her sister Tamera Tatum said Courtlin never had any doubt that she would become a nurse after graduation, and that whatever she put her mind to, she was able to achieve. Courtlin had the same unstoppable attitude. She believed that anything was possible with the right attitude and hard work. Before her tragic death, Courtlin was on the road to living her dreams, and had even received acceptance letters from several colleges. Outside of the classroom, Courtlin was more than a dedicated student and aspiring nurse. To her friends, she will be remembered as an exceptional, loving person who cared deeply about the people around her. Courtlin was a beloved sister to her siblings, brother and sister Gera'Mich and Tamera, lovingly known as the ``Trio 3.'' Courtlin and her siblings cherished their time together, with Courtlin often taking on a motherly role in the group. She was fun, she was caring, and when she needed to, she kept her brother and sister in line. Courtlin relied heavily on her faith, confessing Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very early age. She relied on her faith in God to carry her through both the good and bad in life and she enjoyed visiting various churches in the greater Birmingham area. One of her favorite churches to visit was The Rock Church where Pastor Mike McClure taught her the importance of her Christian duties. She exhibited those teachings in wanting to help others. She believed her passion for nursing to be her life's ministry. For the community of Birmingham, Courtlin's passing hits especially hard, pushing students and adults in the area to demand something better. Courtlin's family hopes her death will bring change--change in school safety measures and more parent accountability for all children. They don't want her death to be in vain. They don't want another parent to have to go through the experience of losing their child to gun violence. As a Member of Congress, I believe that we have a responsibility to protect our schools from gun violence, accidental or otherwise. Every year more students and teachers, sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters are killed in school shootings--we need to do everything in our power to make this incident the last. We cannot settle for symbolic gestures in Congress when our children's lives are at stake. I am committed to working together to ensure that this type of tragedy never occurs again. Left to cherish the amazing memories of Courtlin are: loving mother, Tynesha Tatum; father, Courtney Arrington; stepfather, Derrick Hardy; sister, Tamera Tatum; brother, Gera'Mich Tatum; grandmother, Terrie Tatum; grandfathers, Zac Arrington and Timothy (Carolyn) Hardgrove; uncles, William (Shekeitha) Tatum, John Tatum and Tamarreo (Inger) Tatum; great uncles, Buch Tatum, William Tatum and Anthony (Ella) Bryant; two special cousins, Sid'Liyah Williams and Creonna Broadnax; special friend, Darius Craig; three best friends, Serinity, Makayla and Lemond; a very close family friend, Amy McClease; a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and other friends. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Courtlin La'Shawn Arrington--an outstanding young person who left a lasting impact on the community of Birmingham, Alabama.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of the late Mallieve Lenora Wicker Breeding. Breeding was a beloved member of the Selma community, investing hours in the city's school system and the development of her community. Breeding was born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Albert Wicker, on August 29, 1921, as one of three children. Breeding grew up understanding the importance of a good education. Her parents often stressed that a quality education was the key to improving one's lot in life. As a proud graduate of Tremont High School in Selma, Breeding took her parents' advice to heart, and matriculated at Huntingdon College, in Montgomery, AL. It was during this time when Breeding met and married the love of her life, USAF Lieutenant Colonel Charles Norton Breeding. Lt. Col. Breeding was an instructor at the Maxwell Air Force Base and the two met while Breeding was serving as a hostess on behalf of Huntingdon College. Breeding said it was commitment, trust, communication and lots of love that kept their bond alive. The Breeding's marriage produced three beautiful children and lasted 54 years, until the death of Lt. Col. Breeding. Breeding loved being a mother, and she considered her children Charles, Beverly and Nancy to be her life's greatest achievement. Outside of her duties as wife and mother, Breeding loved to volunteer in the community. Lovingly known as Selma's ``Madam Butterfly,'' Breeding received state and national awards for her volunteer service efforts in the public school system. She was involved in the development of butterfly gardens and was responsible for Selma being declared the Butterfly Capital of Alabama. In 1968, she was the winner of Auburn University's W. Mosely Kelly Environmental Award for achievements in forestry, wildlife and related resources. She was a charter member of the ``Tale Telling,'' was a member of the Benjamin Sterling Turner Memorial Committee and organized the Bicentennial Tree Program, which became the Selma Beautification Council. Breeding was a member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. She used her faith as a driving force for her volunteer work. Breeding believed the Lord had given everyone specific gifts in order to help their communities. In her passing, Breeding leaves behind her daughters, Beverly (George) Perkins of Sylacauga and Nancy (Hartley) Smith of Selma; grandchildren, Tom (Terri) Perkins of Nolensville, Tennessee, Dena Perkins (Brett), Adair of Mountain Brook, Alabama, David Perkins of Birmingham, Alabama, Rachel Smith (Brent) Evans of Middletown, Delaware, Christopher A. Smith of Springs Grove, Illinois and Cindy Breeding (Lee) Holmes of Dothan, Alabama, and 12 great-grandchildren. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Mallieve Lenora Wicker Breeding. We pay tribute to her distinguished contributions for the betterment of the State of Alabama, and extend deep appreciation for her exemplary service to the community of Selma, Alabama.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the black women in our country who have, for decades, led this nation's fight for justice without the recognition they deserve. Some are calling 2018 the year of the black woman. This year, black women are proving the strength of their voice at the ballot box, black women are running for office in record numbers, and black women are leading movements against sexual harassment and police violence. But I believe that 2018 is the year of the black woman because, after decades of activism and advocacy, this is our year to give black women the recognition they deserve. As we celebrate women's history month, let's reflect on the fact that today's story of the suffrage movement so often imagines America's suffragettes as uniformly white. That was not the case. From Sojourner Truth to Nannie Helen Burroughs, we must remember the courageous black women who stood up for their right to vote. Let us remember Ida B. Wells, who led the fight for women's rights but was asked to march at the back of the women's suffrage parade because she was black. She refused, she persisted, and she marched with her state's delegation for her right to vote. Black women have not only led our nation's fight for justice for decades, but they have understood the true nature of injustice for just as long. Today's social justice movements have taken ahold of the concept of intersectionality--the fact that race, class and gender, do not exist separately but create interwoven systems of discrimination. It was a black woman--Kimberle Crenshaw--who originally coined the term ``intersectionality'' in 1989. But even before intersectionality was a word, it was black women who knew the truth about the injustices of discrimination in America. It was 1893 when a black suffragette named Anna Julia Cooper said, ``The colored woman feels that woman's cause is one and universal; and that not till the image of God, whether in parian or ebony, is sacred and inviolable; not till race, color, sex, and condition are seen as the accidents, and not the substance of life; not till the universal title of humanity to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is conceded to be inalienable to all; not till then is woman's lesson taught and woman's cause won.'' Generations of black women have fought, bled and died for their right to vote. And so many of these heroes are from my home state of Alabama. It was the death of four little black girls in the bombing of Birmingham's 16th St. Baptist Church that awakened our nation to the realities of violent racism. Heroes like Recy Taylor, Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin and Autherine Lucy Foster--to name only a few--stood up against brut violence to build a world where men and women of every race and class have the opportunities they deserve. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we must not only remember the sacrifices they made, but the work that remains to be done in their fight for justice. These women passed onto us the rights and the opportunities that we enjoy today, but they also handed down a responsibility to carry on their work, fighting not just for women, not just for African Americans, but for all people, against all injustice. Today, I'm proud to see so many black women leading that fight. From the Black Lives Matter movement to the Me Too movement, their contributions and their leadership are changing the way our society understands and addresses discrimination and injustice. This Women's History Month, in the Year of the Black Woman, I want to use this moment to recognize the countless black women who have spent their lives fighting to make America live up to its ideals, as well as all those black women who are still alive today carrying on that fight.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 133rd Elected and Consecrated Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Harry L. Seawright. After more than 30 years in ministry, Bishop Seawright is currently presiding prelate of Alabama's 9th Episcopal District for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Seawright was born in Swansea, South Carolina as the youngest child to the late Joe Nathan and Mary L. Seawright. Born into a family of sharecroppers, Bishop Seawright says, ``the work was hard and the profits were few but the family cared deeply for one another.'' Bishop Seawright was just five years old when his father passed away, leaving his mother to raise seven children alone. ``The insurance we got after my father passed was just enough to cover my father's casket and that was it,'' Bishop Seawright said. ``The next eight years after that was a real struggle for my family.'' Equipped with only a ninth grade education, Mrs. Mary Seawright decided to relocate the family after her husband's death in hopes of providing her children with a better life. The decision would move them through six different homes over the course of the next eight years. ``My mother was a praying woman,'' Bishop Seawright said. ``She had a lot of faith and courage.'' His mother took on various domestic jobs in order to facilitate her children's growth. She stressed to her children that with faith, education and hard work anything was possible. His mother's passion for education became a driving force for Bishop Seawright, who with the help of his family, enrolled at Benedict College in South Carolina. Bishop Seawright says it was during his sophomore year of college while working with a student Christian organization that he first heard his call to ministry. He began speaking at Vespa services on January 23, 1977. After graduating from Benedict College with his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, he enrolled at the Howard University School of Divinity, where he received both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. Following graduation, Bishop Seawright began his appointment as Interim Pastor of St. Stephen AME, in St. Matthews, SC. He served on the ministerial staffs of Reid Temple AME and Pilgrim AME, both in Washington, D.C. His pastoral appointments were: Payne Memorial AME, Jessup, MD; Hemingway Temple AME, Washington, D.C.; and Union Bethel AME, Brandywine and Temple Hills, MD. He served Union Bethel for 30 years, the longest tenure of any other pastor in the church's 130-year history. In 1991, Bishop Seawright led Union Bethel in the construction of a $1.6 million sanctuary. Union Bethel has over 50 innovative ministries. In 2001, Union Bethel opened a satellite church in Temple Hills, MD, and Union Bethel North (previously known as Union Bethel Intergenerational Center, Inc.--IGC) was birthed. This second church location holds Sunday worship services, Church School, weekly Bible Study and Intercessory Prayer. For nine years, Union Bethel operated FOCUS (For Our Children's Unity School) daycare and kindergarten. FOCUS students received a strong Christian and academic foundation. Union Bethel's ministries and services blessed thousands of people in the county annually. Bishop Seawright spent over 39 years in ministry, specializing in community leadership, church construction and development. It was early during his ministerial journey that Bishop Seawright met his future wife, Sherita Moon Seawright. ``She was beautiful, accepting and very smart,'' Bishop Seawright said. ``And she always encouraged me in her way.'' He was just a sophomore in college when they met and the two would go on to marry in 1982, two years after they started dating. The union brought about two beautiful children, Shari Nicole and Harry Matthew. ``They are my world,'' Bishop Seawright said. ``Having them brought love to a new meaning.'' In 2016, after more than 30 years with Union Bethel, Bishop Seawright prepared to take on his new appointment in Alabama's 9th Episcopal District. The opportunity relocated the Bishop and his family to Birmingham, Alabama. The move allowed Bishop Seawright to focus on encouraging other pastors and also provided an opportunity to develop a few programs including the Life Center at Daniel Payne Plaza. Daniel Payne Plaza provides people struggling in the community with an opportunity to earn their GED and gain certifications in a multitude of vocational areas, including food preparation and construction. The goal is to transform how the 9th district serves not only the church, but the community. Bishop Seawright says because of his upbringing he understands the value of education and is determined to provide that opportunity to those he serves. Bishop Seawright has preached for over 30 years and has faithfully served the AME church and his community. His exemplary work has earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow ministers, church members, government and community leaders. On a personal note, I want to thank Bishop Seawright for his continued support and encouragement of my home church, the Historic Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, AL. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the many accomplishments of Bishop Harry L. Seawright. We pay tribute to his distinguished career for the betterment of the State of Alabama and extend deep appreciation for his exemplary service as the Presiding Prelate of the 9th Episcopal District.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 620.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Alabama Crimson Tide on their NCAA Football National Championship win against the University of Georgia Bulldogs. In a historic comeback, the Crimson Tide overcame a 13-0 deficit to win the game in overtime and to return the title to Tuscaloosa. With this year's victory, the University of Alabama wins its 17th national title, by far the most of any school in the modern era of football. This is head coach Nick Saban's fifth championship win in just nine seasons. Mr. Speaker, no other school has won, even, any more than three national championships in any 10-year period. This year's victory is an extraordinary record which further cements Coach Saban's status as one of the greatest college football coaches of all times. Likewise, I want to congratulate the players. As Coach Saban said, this was a true team victory. From running backs Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris to wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Devonta Smith to defensive powerhouses Minkah Fitzpatrick and Raekwon Davis to true freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, every player stepped up to the challenge and demonstrated resilience and grit for all four quarters and into overtime. I also want to recognize quarterback Jalen Hurts. While he did not finish the game, Jalen led the Tide all the way to the national championships twice, with an impressive 25-2 record in his two seasons. Thank you to Jalen for his leadership and his gracious sportsmanship and being such a good sport throughout the whole game. Finally, I want to commend the Georgia Bulldogs on a fantastic season and a hard-fought championship game. Coach Kerby Smart and the Dogs were a worthy opponent, and I know that they will give us a run for our title next season. My friend Representative Jody Hice, who represents the University of Georgia, made a friendly bet with me before the game, and he will honor his wager this week. On Thursday, he will join me on the Capitol steps wearing a Bear Bryant houndstooth hat, as well as an Alabama tie, to commemorate and celebrate Alabama's victory. He will also serve Georgia barbecue to my staff for lunch. I thank Jody for being such a good sport. In closing, I want to again congratulate the University of Alabama Crimson Tide on their 17th national football title. What a game. And as we say in Alabama: Roll Tide.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Evans for yielding. He has so ably represented and led the Second District of Pennsylvania. It has been an honor to call the gentleman my colleague. I want to say, Mr. Speaker, that today I join with my CBC colleagues in honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 50 years after his tragic death. Today we honor and celebrate the man who led our country in the fight against racism and injustice, a man who forged tools of nonviolence and compassion so that our Nation could break the chains of segregation and Jim Crow. Today we honor a man who refused to believe that racism and war would define our future, and who fought to ensure that truth and love would be the final word. As the United States Representative of Alabama's historic civil rights district, I know that Dr. King's selfless sacrifices changed the trajectory of our Nation's history and changed the lives of so many families in my district and around the world. When Birmingham was one of the most segregated cities in America, it was Dr. King who brought the civil rights movement home to Alabama during the Birmingham campaign. When four little Black girls were killed in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, it was Dr. King who delivered their eulogy and who refused to let their deaths go unnoticed. Mr. Speaker, when the police beat marchers on a bridge in my hometown in Alabama who were simply marching for the equal right to vote, it was Dr. King who helped Dr. Reese and so many others to organize that march from Selma to Montgomery. It was foot soldiers like the honorable John Lewis, whom I am honored every day to be able to call colleague, who sacrificed their lives for the opportunity of a next generation to have the dream that so many wanted and fought for. There are constituents in my district, the civil rights and voting rights foot soldiers, who marched with Dr. King, who answered the call to fight for justice. These foot soldiers faced fire hoses, police dogs, and nightsticks so that future generations of Americans could now have the equal right to vote. Mr. Speaker, I get to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge just to go home to see my folks and to visit my family in Selma, Alabama, to go to my hometown to visit my friends who live in a place that still needs help. There is still some unfinished business of civil rights and voting rights. It is my great honor to invite year after year so many to come--thousands--walk in the footsteps of John Lewis with John Lewis. It doesn't get any better than that. For me to be able to see that I am the Member from Alabama, I know that I stand on the shoulders of John Lewis and so many others. But I also know that I must get off his shoulders and that I must do the hard work and the unfinished business that is civil rights and voting rights in America. As long as there is voter suppression and people are not allowed to vote in this country, we have work to do. We have lots of work to do. We must do our own work. It is not enough to just say thank you. It is not enough that we come before every year to reenact the march from Selma to Montgomery. It is not just about reenactment. It is about what we do day in and day out to further the dream that is Dr. King's to build that beloved community that we talked about. I get to see up close John Lewis and know that he is not just talking the talk. He walks the walk every day. There are times when I am purely frustrated in this House, frustrated because there is so much work that we need to do and so much work that we don't do because of our dysfunction. When I get tired, I just look over at John Lewis, and I think to myself: this man never was tired. The hard work was done by so many before us, and those of us who get to walk these Halls of Congress have to decide what we are going to do to help further that dream. Dr. King's life was not in vain. John Lewis' work is not in vain. There are so many of us who know that we stand on the gentleman's shoulders and know that, in order for this country to live up to its ideals of justice and democracy for all, we must--every generation must--continue that fight. It was Dr. King who wrote a letter from a Birmingham jail that talked about injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. And there are injustices everywhere. So we have work to do. We, the members of the CBC, take that challenge very seriously. But we Members of Congress of this House, this august body, must take that work seriously, too. That work is not work that is Republican work versus Democratic work. It is America's work. It is the work of our democracy. It is the work that we must do that our constituents sent us here to do that so often is stifled by our rhetoric, stifled by our inability to see beyond our party, and stifled by so many things. But I know for a fact that when we work hand in hand together, Republicans and Democrats, Blacks and Whites, those from different religions, that we can do amazing things. We know that because of the life and legacy of Dr. King. So on this 50th anniversary of his death, let us not mourn. Let us recommit. Let us recommit ourselves to that which he stood for, for that which John Lewis stands for, and that is justice for all, irrespective of what country they come from. We are tried and tested every day, and it is important that we remember that we can all walk across that Edmund Pettus Bridge by doing the hard work of seeking justice and equality for all people just because they are people. I honor again the great work of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Mrs. Recy Taylor, an extraordinary Alabamian whose story and fight for justice was an early catalyst of the Civil Rights Movement. Mrs. Recy Corbitt Taylor was born on December 31, 1919, to a family of sharecroppers in Abbeville, Alabama. She cared for her six younger siblings after her mother died when she was 17. On September 3, 1944, at the age of 24, Mrs. Taylor, a wife and mother to a 3-year old daughter, was walking home from a church service at Rock Hill Holiness Church with a friend. A car full of young white men pulled up, and the men ordered Mrs. Taylor into the car at gunpoint. She was then blindfolded, brutally raped, and abandoned in the woods. In the Jim Crow South, Mrs. Taylor and other black women who dared come forward were threatened, shamed, and harassed for speaking out. Despite being threatened by her perpetrators and local law enforcement, Mrs. Taylor decided to seek justice and tried to identify her rapists. Because she spoke up, Mrs. Recy Taylor received death threats and her home was firebombed by white supremacists. As a result, she, her husband, and their young daughter moved in with her father and siblings the following day. Her younger siblings were no longer allowed to play in the front yard. According to reports, her father would sleep outside at night, watching over the family while cradling a shotgun for protection. The strength and resolve Mrs. Taylor showed over 70 years ago should compel all of us to remain vigilant in seeking justice for all victims of sexual assault today. The courage being demonstrated today by victims of sexual violence is fueled, in part, by the bravery shown by Mrs. Recy Taylor and many other victims of sexual assault. Like so many racially motivated rapes and crimes during the Jim Crow era, the perpetrators were never arrested. When a grand jury met in October 1944, no suspects in Mrs. Recy Taylor's case had been arrested so there was no police lineup for Mrs. Taylor to identify the perpetrators. The grand jury failed to indict any of the men linked to Mrs. Recy Taylor's assault. Rosa Parks, who began her career as an anti-rape activist, was called upon by the NAACP to investigate the case, determine why no arrests were made, and build public support for Mrs. Taylor. She was threatened and intimidated by the deputy sheriff when she came to Abbeville to interview Mrs. Taylor. Nevertheless, she persisted, later creating the ``Alabama Committee for Equal Justice for Mrs. Recy Taylor'' triggering a movement to seek justice. Word spread nationally about Mrs. Recy Taylor's case through the black press. Mrs. Parks spearheaded a letter writing campaign urging Alabama Governor Chauncey Sparks to investigate the crime further. After additional pressure from activists like W. E. B. DuBois, Mary Church Terrell, and Langston Hughes, the Governor sent investigators to Abbeville. They found that the Sheriff had lied about arresting the men. Despite a confession by one of the men, a second grand jury refused to indict the men in February 1945. Mrs. Recy Taylor's courage and the network of black women that came together to defend her built a foundation for the Montgomery Bus Boycott over a decade later. Every movement since from the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s to the Women's Marches in 2017 have been influenced by the determination of Mrs. Recy Taylor, Mrs. Rosa Parks, and so many women like them. Most notably, Mrs. Taylor's case has been the impetus for a movement to end impunity for sexual violence committed throughout history. Mrs. Taylor's story gained renewed attention with the 2010 publication of a book by historian Danielle McGuire entitled, ``At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance--a New History of the Civil Rights Movement From Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power.'' The book prompted long-overdue apologies from the mayor of Abbeville, the county, and a strongly worded apology from the state of Alabama in 2011. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Dexter Grimsley in the state house and Senator Billy Beasley in the state senate, acknowledged, ``the lack of prosecution for crimes committed against Recy Taylor by the government of the State of Alabama . . . was, and is, morally abhorrent and repugnant.'' The resolution went on to express ``profound regret for the role played by the government of the State of Alabama in failing to prosecute the crimes.'' The resolution was formally presented to Mrs. Taylor on Mother's Day at the church where she had worshipped the night of her attack, now known as Abbeville Memorial Church of God in Christ. Mrs. Taylor passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2017, just days shy of her 98th birthday. Mrs. Taylor's story is a pivotal link in the ever evolving pursuit of justice for victims of sexual assault. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering and honoring an icon and an American treasure, Mrs. Recy Taylor. Her legacy continues to live on in the countless lives she touched and fuel justice for victims of sexual violence in all communities, especially for those who feel like they have no voice. May the blessing of God be with her family, including her brother, Mr. Robert Corbitt, two sisters, Mary Murry and Liffie Kinsey, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren, and friends as they celebrate her life.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of the late Walter Howlett, Jr. Walter was a beloved member of the Birmingham community, investing not only in the city's business development but in community development as well. Walter was born to Walter Howlett, Sr. and Laura Richardson Howlett, the second of seven children. Walter grew up understanding the importance of a good education. His parents often stressed that a quality education was the key to improving one's lot in life. A proud graduate of A.H. Parker High School in Birmingham, Walter took his parents' advice to heart, holding dreams of attaining a business degree. But those dreams were put on hold when he was drafted into the United States Army shortly after finishing high school. After serving for a year in the military, Walter returned home and completed his college education. Attending both Jefferson State Community College and the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Walter attained a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and went on to earn his Certified Public Accountant license. As his parents had said, Walter's education would indeed impact his lot in life. Soon after graduation he became a beloved protege of civil rights activist, A.G. Gaston. Mr. Gaston created the first black bank and the first African American funeral homes along with countless other firsts for the black community. It was his endearment and admiration for Mr. Gaston that helped to spur a more than 30-year career with the Gaston Corp., devoting countless hours to the development of some of Birmingham's most affluent and successful black-owned businesses. In 2003, Walter was appointed CEO of the A.G. Gaston Construction Co. In spite of all his success in business, Walter still considered his family and faith to be his highest priorities, specifically his four children: Mondra Howlett, Cadeshia Howlett Samuel, Tameka Howlett, and Damien Howlett, and his wife, Deborah Howlett. The Howletts' love story began in 2012. Shortly after the loss of his mother, friends and family say the meeting was a true blessing in Walter's life, and that she put a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. Two years later, in September of 2014, the couple exchanged vows. Mrs. Howlett says her life's greatest joy was the time they had together. Walter was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church in Collegeville, participating in various areas of ministry from the choir to serving as an usher. Walter lived by the motto, ``find a need and fill it,'' a lesson learned by Mr. Gaston. He believed service to one's community was not an obligation but a privilege. In the course of his life Walter served on numerous boards including the United Way of Central Birmingham, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. He considered it a great joy to give back to the community he said gave him so much. In his passing Walter leaves behind four siblings including: Birdie Lee Howlett, Patricia Howlett Peterson, James Lee Howlett, and Fredia Gail Howlett, his other siblings Willie Maud Jenkins and Jay Jerome Howlett are both deceased. On a personal note, Walter was a cherished mentor and a dear friend. He was a dedicated servant-leader who knew the importance of ``each one, teach one.'' Walter believed in mentoring young people and I was grateful that he was so supportive of my candidacy and always offered his wise counsel. His commitment to excellence and passion for business and entrepreneurship will live on through the many lives he touched. On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama, and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Walter Howlett, Jr. We pay tribute to his distinguished career and contributions for the betterment of the State of Alabama, and extend deep appreciation for his exemplary service to the community of Birmingham, Alabama.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 697.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, the Republican majority is ramming this tax bill through, calling it a Christmas gift to the American people. I have never seen such intellectual dishonesty in my life. It is more like the Grinch who stole Christmas. In poll after poll and through elections in New Jersey, Virginia, and my home State of Alabama, the American people continue to send a message that they do not want this tax bill to move forward. But here we are watching the fiscal hawks of the Republican Party blow through every red light on the way off the cliff, adding $1.5 trillion to the deficit. What is the rush, I ask you. Last week, the American people in my home State of Alabama spoke up and spoke out. We deserve to have our duly elected Senator to vote on this bill. What is the rush? Not one hearing, not one expert testifying, and no regular order. I ask you, Mr. Speaker, what is the rush? I believe the rush is because they know this is not tax reform. It is a tax sham. The American people deserve better. My constituents from Alabama deserve better. We should vote ``no'' on this tax bill.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call votes held on December 18, 2017, I was inescapably detained handling important matters related to my District and the State of Alabama. Had I been present, I would have voted No on Roll Call No. 685, the Motion to Fix the Convening Times and YEA on Roll Call Nos. 686 and 687, which are as follows: H.R. 4375, and STEM Research and Education Effectiveness and Transparency Act, and H.R. 3979, Keep America's Refuges Operation Act.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call votes held on December 12, 2017, I was inescapably detained handling important matters related to my District and the State of Alabama. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on the Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 3971, and NO on Final Passage of H.R. 3971.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, we are not ready for conference. The Senate bill was written by lobbyists in the dead of night when Republicans hoped no one was paying attention. There was no CBO score, no debate, no time to even read the bill, and now the majority thinks this bill is ready to go to conference? Really? Not. The House and Senate bills will put us at least $1.4 trillion into debt, will cause cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and will raise taxes on 82 million Americans. Mr. Speaker, this is a bad deal for Americans, and it is an even worse deal for my constituents in Alabama. In my State of Alabama, over 500,000 families making $80,000 a year or less will see a tax increase. It will result in $205 million being taken away from teachers and students, and it will put $168 million in charitable donations at risk. These bills are not for the middle class. These bills will do enormous damage to the middle class. Mr. Speaker, we are not ready for conference.

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call votes held on November 28, 2017, I was inescapably detained handling important matters related to my District and the State of Alabama. Had I been present, I would have voted YES on H.R. 2768, and NO on H.R. 3115

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to reject this misguided and mean-spirited tax bill that is being rushed through this Congress today. Mr. Speaker, this Republican sham tax bill picks winners and losers. The winners under this tax bill are corporations, Wall Street fat cats, the top 1 percent of the highest wage earners in America, and the special interests. The losers are the middle class, working families, students, the most vulnerable in our society, and our farmers. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the National Farmers Union, which objects to this bill. National Farmers Union, November 14, 2017. Congressional Tax Plans Jeopardize the Farm Safety Net, CBO Analysis Says For Immediate Release. Contact: Andrew Jerome. Washington.--Amidst the steepest drop in farm profitability in a generation, U.S. Congressional leadership is proposing tax reform legislation that would jeopardize all funding for farm bill commodity safety net programs. The two tax bills being considered in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives would add $1.5 trillion to the federal deficit. According to new Congressional Budget Office analysis of the bills, that $1.5 trillion deficit increase would need to be offset by eliminating all funding for vital farm programs such as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), among other mandatory federal spending programs. ``If Congress passes legislation that increases the deficit, they will subsequently be forced to cut federal spending. In the case of the tax bill, current law could require 100 percent sequestration of all commodity program payments and other farm bill programs,'' said National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson ``Tax cuts for the highest income brackets should absolutely not come at the expense of programs that protect our nation's family farmers and ranchers.'' The House and Senate budget resolution that was passed earlier this year paves the way for tax cuts that would increase the U.S. federal deficit by $1.5 trillion over ten years Statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rules require that increases in deficit spending be offset by reduced spending across non-exempt mandatory programs The government would be required to cut such programs by $150 billion per year in accordance with PAYGO. The total available pool of funding across all non-exempt mandatory programs amounts to, in CBO's estimation, ``only between $85 billion to $90 billion,'' meaning that all impacted mandatory spending programs other than Medicare, including the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), would be entirely stripped of funding. The CCC is the second largest non-exempt mandatory program, after Medicare It funds dairy and other farm program payments, including ARC and PLC, both of which are critical for keeping family farmers and ranchers in business during times of economic uncertainty. Discretionary spending and a number of mandatory programs, including Social Security, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), federal crop insurance, and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), are exempt from PAYGO. ``Farmers Union has long opposed using budget sequestration to reduce the federal deficit, especially through cuts to agricultural programs,'' added Johnson. ``This proposal asks farmers and ranchers to trade any possible tax benefits for the elimination of farm safety net payments, like ARC and PLC. That would be a disastrous trade. NFU continues to advocate for a simplified, progressive tax code that does not risk programs vital to the livelihoods and well-being of American family farmers and ranchers.''

Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. These are the very same people that this President promised to benefit. This is what this bill does for corporate America: It dramatically cuts rates from the largest companies in the world, moving the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent. It creates loopholes for wealthy individuals to recharacterize their wage income as small business income so that they can pay less in taxes. It repeals the alternative minimum tax, which captures the tax liabilities for wealthy individuals. In fact, the only tax return that we have ever seen of Mr. Trump was his 2005 tax return in which he had to pay $38 million. Why? Because of AMT. And this tax bill will also permanently repeal the estate tax, which only affects 5,500 households in America. And I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, none of those households are in my district. In contrast, how will this tax bill impact the middle class? Mr. Speaker, 36 million middle class households will pay more taxes. One in four taxpayers will pay more taxes. To pay for the corporate tax cuts, this bill will hurt working families. It will eliminate deductions on interest on student loans. It will eliminate medical expense deductions, which many, many households use to pay for long-term care needs. It will eliminate the lifetime learning credit. And it will also do away with deductions for families that pay for daycare and aging parents. Mr. Speaker, this is not comprehensive tax reform. The American people deserve better, and we as a Congress can do better. Please reject this bill.