Terri Sewell

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call on all of my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 308, the Rosa Parks Day Act. Today, December 1, Americans across the Nation are celebrating the legacy of Rosa Parks. It was on December 1, 1955, when Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her seat on a city bus. This simple but bold act of resistance to Jim Crow segregation laws inspired the historic Montgomery bus boycott. For 481 days, spurred by Rosa Parks' courage, thousands of African Americans peacefully protested the Montgomery City Bus System until the United States court ruled in Browder v. Gayle that the segregation ordinances were unconstitutional. Rosa Parks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1966, the Congressional Gold Medal in 1999, and was the first woman to ever lie in state at the U.S. Capitol rotunda. In addition, many States, including Ohio, California, Missouri, and Oregon already observe Rosa Parks Day at the State level. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of Americans to advance justice and equality. Madam Speaker, now is the time to pass this legislation and to declare December 1 as a Federal holiday, as Rosa Parks Day.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on November 3, 2023, I was unavoidably detained attending to matters in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted No on Roll Call vote 593, No on Roll Call vote 594, No on Roll Call vote 595, Yes on Roll Call vote 596, No on Roll Call vote 597, and Yes on Roll Call vote 598.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of a trailblazing engineer for the City of Chicago, my best friend's father, Mr. William Griffin, who passed away on his 100th birthday, on October 24, 2023. Mr. Griffin was born on October 24, 1923, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Willie Griffin and Alma Daigre. He was raised in Chicago, Illinois, growing up in the Washington Park community. Mr. Griffin attended DuSable High School, where he excelled in classical literature and mathematics while making a name for himself as a tight end on the Black Panthers football team. Upon graduating in 1943, he continued his education at Wilson Junior College to pursue engineering. Mr. Griffin was drafted into the United States Army as an Army Private in 1943, working his way up the ranks as a Basic Instructor, Airplane Handler, and Rifleman, until he found his niche as a Heavy Machine Gunner. Serving in the 365th Infantry, 92nd Division, Mr. Griffin operated heavy weaponry and supported infantry units to break through enemy defenses. He was honorably discharged as a well-decorated officer on February 15, 1946. His military awards and recognitions include the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, and a World War II Victory Medal. Mr. Griffin met his life partner, Esther Murphy, a beautiful southern belle, who moved to Chicago from Sheffield, Alabama, when she rented a room in his mother's boarding house. The couple wed on March 31, 1959, and from their union had three children. Following his Army discharge, Mr. Griffin resumed his education at the Illinois Institute of Technology, earning his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1951. He became a licensed Civil Engineer by 1957 and would go on to obtain his Structural Engineer license in 1964. Mr. Griffin began his trailblazing career in engineering for the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. Mr. Griffin held numerous lead civil engineering and supervisory roles in the Bureau of Engineering, Bureau of Construction Services, and Operations Division, ultimately becoming the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Works for the City of Chicago in the Harold Washington Mayoral Administration. The engineering legacy of Mr. Griffin lives on in the infrastructure of Chicago. The inner workings of the engineering systems throughout the city have felt the impact of Mr. Griffin's creativity and dedication to his craft, which traces back to him riding the L train as a child. From his childhood he developed a deep appreciation and curiosity for urban systems and architecture. His love for the City of Chicago is felt in every gear, beam, and buttress of the bridges and left an undeniable mark on the engineering system of one of the most visited cities in the United States. Mr. Griffin was a community leader in the Jeffery-Yates Neighbors Community Organization. Mr. Griffin stayed active into his later years, nurturing his longtime loves such as debate, sports, classic literature, and music as a talented trumpet player. Above all, Mr. Griffin was a committed family man. He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife, Esther Murphy. He is survived by their three children, Ava, Tara, and Eric; his cousin, whom he considered a brother, Elliott Daigre; his furry, four-legged family members: Ebony, Chewbacca, and Milo, as well as Kavik, Prince, Hunter, Langston, Sade, Starlight, Puffy and Friskie; and a host of cousins, dear friends, and family who we know will miss him dearly. On a personal note, I was honored to get to know Mr. Griffin as the beloved father of my law school best friend, Tara. Mr. Griffin was one of a kind. His quick wit, robust knowledge of all things, and warm and engaging demeanor were a part of his perpetual charm that made him a true Renaissance man. Mr. Griffin excelled in everything he did--as a trailblazing engineer for the City of Chicago, a devoted husband, a self-taught handyman, and a connoisseur of classical literature, jazz, sports, and life learning. I will cherish all the wonderful memories of being in his presence. I am so grateful to Tara, Ava, and Eric for sharing their father with me. I know the legacy of Mr. Griffin will live on through the many people he impacted. We are all blessed that he lived to be 100 years old. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of William Griffin for his contributions to the engineering profession and decades of service in transforming the City of Chicago.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on the evening of November 2, 2023, I was unavoidably detained attending to matters in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted No on roll call vote 579, No on roll call vote 580, No on roll call vote 581, No on roll call vote 582, No on roll call vote 583, No on roll call vote 584, No on roll call vote 585, No on roll call vote 586, No on roll call vote 587, No on roll call vote 588, No on roll call vote 589, No on roll call vote 590, No on roll call vote 591, and No on roll call vote 592.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of a talented journalist, truth seeker, and man of great integrity, former Montgomery Advertiser reporter Alvin Stanley Benn, who passed away on October 10, 2023, at the age of 83. Alvin Benn was born on April 25, 1940, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Upon graduating from Manheim Township High School in 1958, Alvin Benn enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Throughout his six years of service, Alvin Benn traveled the world after being stationed in Cherry Point, North Carolina, and Okinawa, Japan. While stationed in Japan, he pursued his passion for journalism, working for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. He continued his education in the United States at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, completing military journalism school. In 1964, Alvin Benn began what would be a lifechanging career chronicling the history of Alabama. He made his mark on journalism as a minted correspondent for the United Press International, covering the sweeping Civil Rights Movement. Interviewing the leading voices on each side, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Alabama Governor George C. Wallace, his holistic approach to reporting exposed the true story of the Civil Rights Movement, bringing the reality of the fight for rights and liberties to homes nationwide. For over two years, Alvin Benn led the United Press International's Birmingham Bureau, taking on multiple roles that supported the publication, including bureau chief, writer, editor, photographer, and producer. He contributed to newspapers across the Southeast, including the Decatur Daily in Decatur, Alabama from 1967 through 1974; the Natchez Democrat in Natchez, Mississippi; the Selma Times Journal in Selma, Alabama; and publications in Alexander City, Alabama; and Lafayette, Georgia, before settling in Selma, where he lived for over 40 years. During his time at the Natchez Democrat, Alvin Benn and the news staff received a nomination for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. In 1980, he joined the Montgomery Advertiser, where he would spend over 20 years. In his 50-plus-year career, Alvin Benn produced over three to four stories per day before retiring in 2003. Retirement did not curb his desire to continue writing, nor did it decrease his readership. ``Al Benn's Alabama'' continued to be a widely read column in the Montgomery Advertiser and served as the cherry on top of Alvin Benn's storied contributions to journalism. From interviewing United States presidents to writing a book titled ``Reporter: Covering the Civil Rights . . . . And Wrongs in Dixie,'' Alvin Benn is an Alabama gem whose dedication to ``journalistic integrity'' continued to inspire us all. Alvin Benn is the recipient of many awards and recognitions, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alabama Press Association, the Communications Award from the Alabama Farmers Association, and the Distinguished Alabama Community Journalist award from the Auburn University Department of Journalism. Alvin Benn was a proud member of the Mishkan Israel Congregation in our hometown of Selma, Alabama, and the Temple Beth Or in Montgomery, Alabama. Alvin Benn is preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years, Sharon Ann Boumel Benn. He is survived by their two children, Danielle Waters and Eric Benn; four grandchildren, Benjamin Waters, Scott Waters, Alexandria Benn, and Ilan Benn; son-in-law, Curtis Waters and daughter-in-law, Maria Benn; and a host of family and friends. On a personal note, I grew up right down the street from the Benn family. In fact, his son, Eric, was my siblings' best friend and my third little brother. Everywhere Andrew and Anthony went, Eric went too. They are best friends and truly brothers. The Sewells are blessed to have grown up with the Benns, and we remain good friends and family for a lifetime. Mr. Benn was an amazing journalist with a special talent for crafting his words into storytelling. He wrote the first article about my scholarship to Princeton University and subsequently, wrote about every major event in my life's journey, from joining the rowing crew at Oxford to getting elected Alabama's First Black Congresswoman. If anything happened in Selma or the Black Belt, Mr. Benn knew about it and reported on it. Spanning a career of decades, Mr. Benn told the history of Alabama's Black Belt--the events, the characters, and all the happenings. What a gift his writings will leave in the annuals of Alabama's history. His legacy will live on through the mini-stories and all the lives that he touched. Rest in peace and power. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Alvin Stanley Benn for his contributions to journalism and decades of exemplary service to the State of Alabama.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on September 14, 2023, I was unavoidably detained in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted NO on the Previous Question (Roll No. 388), NO on H. Res. 681 (Roll No. 389), YES on the Democratic Motion to Recommit on H.R. 1435 (Roll No. 390), and NO on passage of H.R. 1435 (Roll No. 391).

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963, and to honor the lives and legacies of four little girls killed in this heinous attack. Mr. Speaker, 60 years after parishioners of the 16th Street Baptist Church prepared for Sunday service, 19 sticks of dynamite placed by Ku Klux Klan members exploded. As the interiors of the walls of the church caved in, over 100 churchgoers rushed for safety. Though most of the congregation escaped, under the debris lay the bodies of Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Morris Wesley, as well as Sarah Collins Rudolph, who was injured but ultimately survived. Tragically, the brutality did not stop after the bombing. When African-American communities across the State of Alabama took to the streets to demand justice, they were met with unspeakable violence at the hands of law enforcement. Within a few hours, Johnny Robertson and Virgil Ware, ages 16 and 13, were killed in a clash between protesters and the police. Despite the horrific nature of this attack, it took over 34 years before the perpetrators faced justice. In 2013, Mr. Speaker, I was honored that the very first bill I passed in this body awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor we can give, to the four little girls posthumously to ensure that their lives were never forgotten. While we will never recover the lives lost or the injuries suffered, we know that their sacrifice was not in vain. Indeed, the loss of the four little girls changed America forever, bringing into clarity our Nation's storied history of racially motivated violence, and galvanized the civil rights movement. It was their memory that inspired generations of freedom fighters to build for a world where the color of your skin does not determine the value of your life. It was their memory that burned in the minds of foot soldiers as they fought to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It was their sacrifice that brought our Nation closer to realizing its highest ideals of equality and justice for all. Without the influence of the four little girls, I not only question where America would be, but where I would be. Mr. Speaker, 60 years after their passing, I get to walk the Halls of Congress as Alabama's as first Black Congresswoman, and I do so because of their sacrifice and because they cannot. Their premature and senseless death serves as a constant reminder that every battle and every gain in the fight for civil rights has come at a high cost, paid for by the sacrifice of others. Yet, despite their gains and our gains as a Nation, we know that our work is far from over. Today, as extremists seek to rewrite our history and roll back our progress, it has never been more crucial to ensure that the legacy of the four little girls lives on in American history. After all, those who don't learn from their history are doomed to repeat it. In the words of Coretta Scott King, struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really won. It is earned and won in every generation. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the lives of the four little girls and remembering them by name: Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Morris Wesley.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of an educator, administrator, and all-around phenomenal woman, Ina Yvonne Whisenhunt Tillman, who passed away on August 8, 2023, at the age of 85. Ina was born in Vredenburgh, Alabama, to the late Martha Packer Whisenhunt and Walter Carver Whisenhunt, Sr. Upon graduating high school, Ina followed her passion for education at Alabama State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1960. Returning home from Montgomery as a teacher, Ina spent the next decade teaching in the Selma City School System. As a college student, Ina was inspired to get involved in the fight for civil rights by influential activists like Thelma M. Glass and Attorney E.D. Nixon, who served as her professors and frequent speakers. When she returned to Selma, she continued to stay involved in the Movement, participating in numerous marches and demonstrations. She was a proud member of the Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she heard Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak, solidifying her commitment to fighting for liberty, equality, and justice for all, especially the African-American community. Bringing her activism to her classroom, Ina bravely took on the task as 1 of the first Black teachers to integrate Cedar Park Elementary School. In 1971, Ina left home again, relocating to Mobile, AL, to advance her career in academia. She served as the Educational Director of Head Start in Pascagoula, MS, before transitioning into the Mobile County School System as a Title-IV Assistant Director and Chapter I Assistant Director. Ina made her mark as a dynamic educator and always worked to improve the lives of her students both inside and outside the classroom. Aspiring to become a principal, Ina continued her education at the University of South Alabama, earning her master's degree in 1974 and then at the University of Alabama for her associate's degree 2 years later. Following a battle between local Black educators and the school system, where a judge ruled in favor of the educators regarding discriminatory hiring practices, Ina accomplished her goal, becoming the Assistant Principal of Mattie T. Blount High School. She later served as Principal of E.T. Belsaw/Mt. Vernon School until her retirement in 1995. Throughout her life, Ina was an active member of her community, no matter where she relocated. She was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; The Links, Incorporated; and Phi Delta Kappa. She also received many awards and recognitions, including the Outstanding Educational Service Award from Blount High School; the Outstanding Educator Award from Phi Delta Kappa; the Top Career Woman of the Year in 1988; and the Area Director's Award from The Links, Inc. Later in life, Ina expanded her community impact through the written word. She authored books and papers, even writing one on her life growing up in Selma, titled ``Just Live,'' a complication of short stories. Ina's penmanship led her to contribute to the Mobile Press- Register and win first place in the 1992 National Convention of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for her position paper. Ina's is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Willie James Whisenhunt and Walter Carver Whisenhunt, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Felicia (Marvin); son, Joseph (Renunda); 6 grandchildren, Jeremy Populus Jones, Ari Clayton-Brinkley (Calvin), Kobi Jones, Mikah Jones, Charles Clayton, Chloe Jones; sister-in-law, Patricia Whisenhunt; 2 nephews, Bradley Whisenhunt and Corey Whisenhunt; 4 nieces, Angela Whisenhunt, Cheryl Whisenhunt Young (Kimmer), Denise Whisenhunt Carey (Rodney), and Erica Whisenhunt; 2 cousins, Mary Powell and Jacquitta Powell Green; 1 stepdaughter, Gracie M. Anderson (Brosofski); and a host of other family and friends. On a personal note, my twin brothers and I affectionately called her ``T'Vonne''. Our families were close forever friends. Growing up in Selma, I have so many fond memories of the good times we enjoyed with her children. Her daughter ``Lisa'' and son ``Jojo'' were our childhood best friends. When those boys got together it was triple trouble. Even when they moved to Mobile, we continued to stay connected. Over the years, we have celebrated family triumphs and comforted each other during times of sorrow and pain. T'Vonne was like a second mother to me--always providing wise counsel and words of encouragement. She will be missed, but I know that her incredible legacy will live on in the many people she impacted. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Ina Yvonne Whisenhunt Tillman for her contributions to generations of scholars and decades of exemplary service as an educator and community activist.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Executive Order No. 9981, which desegregated the U.S. Armed Forces. It was in my home State of Alabama--I should say, ``our home State of Alabama''--in 1941 that 1,000 brave Black men trained at the great Tuskegee University to become the first Black pilots in U.S. history. They challenged the status quo by showing White pilots and U.S. military leadership that they were more than qualified to defend the United States in a combat role. Segregation in the military finally ended on July 26, 1948, with President Truman's Executive Order No. 9981, but progress has been slow, Mr. Speaker. It took another 40 years before Colin Powell made history and became the first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Furthermore, it was just 2 years ago when Lloyd Austin was confirmed as the very first Black Secretary of Defense in our Nation's history. The battle to end discrimination in the military is one that we are still fighting today. Just this month, House Republicans voted to strip diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from the Armed Forces, undermining decades of strides toward racial equality. That is why, yesterday, I joined Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland in introducing a bill to finally codify nondiscrimination in the military. As our servicemembers risk their lives daily to protect our country, the least we can do is to protect them from discrimination. I am immensely proud to honor the enormous contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen today. We must never forget the precious gift of freedom that is preserved because of their dedication and courage.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, today, I was unavoidably detained attending to important matters in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted NO on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question (H. Res. 614), NO on H. Res. 614, YES on Ryan Amendment No. 1, NO on Ogles Amendment No. 2, NO on Greene Amendment No. 3, NO on Greene Amendment No. 34, NO on Bost Amendment No. 35, NO on Rosendale Amendment No. 37, NO on Roy Amendment No. 38, NO on Roy Amendment No. 39, NO on Roy Amendment No. 40, and NO on Zinke Amendment No. 41.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on July 25, 2023, I was unavoidably detained addressing important matters to my district. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on H.R. 1338, and yea on H.R. 4470.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. Like so many of the Republican amendments that were shockingly made in order, this is yet another tragic attempt to gut DOD of any efforts to increase diversity and decrease extremism. Let me be clear: This provision will only hurt our national security and readiness. Some 41 percent of our military members are minorities, and that number will continue to grow. So it is unbelievable to me why my colleagues across the aisle are so opposed to ensuring that nearly half of our servicemen and -women feel seen, heard, and supported as they defend our country. As we continue to face recruitment and retention challenges, we should be using every tool in the toolbox to recruit the best and the brightest. That means recruiting people of diverse backgrounds. As a Black woman standing before you today, hear me when I say that this amendment is as harmful as it is hurtful. We simply should not have to defend why diversity is our Nation's strength and yet, here we are. It is maddening, and it is dangerous.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, as a proud member of the House Committee on Armed Services and the Representative for critical military installations in Alabama, I take very seriously my responsibility to ensure that our servicemen and -women get the tools and support that they need to keep our Nation safe. This year's NDAA, as it is currently written, does just that. The bill will help modernize Alabama's Air National Guard facilities and support leadership training at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. It also includes record funding to support research at HBCUs and makes significant investments in the health and well-being of our servicemen and -women and their families. While I voted to pass the NDAA out of committee last month, I remain very concerned that my Republican colleagues are trying to push poison pill amendments--amendments focused on culture wars; not unity, but division, and not Social Security or Medicaid or our national security. For 61 years, Congress has passed the NDAA with bipartisan support. I implore my colleagues across the aisle to not break this tradition of national importance. Mr. Speaker, every year since I came to Congress, I have been proud to vote for the NDAA. I am not sure that I can vote in favor of it this year if those poison pills are included. Mr. Speaker, I implore my Republican colleagues to keep the NDAA intact as it was from the committee. I will vote against the rule, but I hope to be able to vote in favor of the bill.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, for centuries, African Americans were systematically denied the opportunity to pursue a higher education, build wealth, and achieve financial independence, leaving behind a painful legacy of discrimination that persists to this day. Let us not forget. It was in 1963--only six decades ago--when Black students were finally allowed to enroll alongside their peers at the University of Alabama. Almost half of the members serving in this be today were alive at that time. Make no mistake--we have made tremendous progress since then. For the past four decade colleges and universities across this nation have had the freedom to build student bodies that reflect the diversity of our great nation. With the blessing of the Supreme Court, these schools have used affirmative action policies as a tool to break down educational barriers for students who would otherwise be left behind. Tragically, two weeks ago, in an extreme reversal, this Republican- controlled Court has once again chosen to ignore our history and roll back our progress. By banning affirmative action in college admissions, the Supreme Court has deprived us of a critical tool in our continued fight for equality and justice for all. Not only is this decision a blatant attack on educational opportunity, it also upends nearly 40 years of precedent, undermining the sacred trust that the American people have placed in the Court. From voting rights, to reproductive freedom, to educational opportunities, this Court has demonstrated time and time again that it is willing to ignore history, ignore precedent, and ignore common sense in order to strip away our freedoms and roll back our progress. Mr. Speaker, we know that ignoring our past will not make it go away. In the words of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, ``deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life.'' If we are going to address the injustices of the past, we must be intentional about leveling the playing field and providing opportunities to those who have been left behind. After all, our entire nation benefits when talented students of diverse backgrounds get a fair shot at success. Despite this shameful decision, we must not be deterred. Let this decision serve as a reminder that progress is elusive, and every generation must fight to preserve the progress of the past and advance it. Now is the time to redouble our efforts and to hold this nation accountable to its highest ideals of equality and justice for all. Until every American can enjoy the full promise of our democracy, our work continues.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 277.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to demand that Speaker McCarthy and my Republican colleagues in the House return so that we can pass a clean bill to prevent a devastating default. Let me be very clear. We, as Members of Congress, have a solemn obligation to pay our Nation's bills and to protect the full faith and credit of the United States. We have never defaulted on our debt, but this time, House Republicans are refusing to address the debt limit unless we cut serious programs that Alabama families that I represent need most, like veteran benefits and food assistance for our seniors and children. Madam Speaker, this is a manufactured crisis. Republicans could pass a clean debt ceiling bill but chose not to. We passed such a bill three times under the Trump administration. Today, Republicans have chosen to send us home instead of doing our job. Our job is to protect the American people and to make sure that the full faith and credit of the American Government stands. It has never been in default and shouldn't be in default now. This is a dereliction of duty.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of a trailblazing public servant and educator, Selma Mayor George Patrick Evans, who passed away at the age of 78 on May 15. A native of Selma, Alabama, Mayor Evans overcame great diversity and adversity to break down barriers for generations of leaders like myself to follow. An educator, coach, basketball referee, principal, superintendent, city council president, and mayor, Evans wore many hats; but the common thread was service. He loved our hometown of Selma, Alabama, and he served her well. He dedicated over 40 years to the Dallas County Public School System, cultivating an impactful career molding, teaching, coaching, and mentoring the youth of Selma and Dallas County. In 1994, he made history again as the first African-American superintendent of Dallas County Public Schools. He began his career in electoral politics in the Selma City Council. In this role, he brought the same passion, love of people and community, making history as the first African-American president of the Selma City Council. In 2008, he earned more distinctions, as the second African-American mayor of the city of Selma in its 192-year history. During his two terms as Selma's mayor, Evans led the Queen City through the recession of 2008, the implementation of the city's optic fiber network, and helped address the lingering impact of segregation within Selma's community. I was proud to partner with Mayor Evans to bring vital Federal resources home to Selma and Dallas County. From his demonstrated efforts to revitalize downtown Selma to his commitment to making our community safer and stronger, Mayor Evans fought hard to improve the lives of the people he served. His foresight propelled the city of Selma forward and cemented his legacy as a trusted leader in our community. On a personal note, I have known Mayor Evans all my life. I even served as his family's babysitter during my youth. Mayor Evans has always been a man of great character and honor whose love of God, family, and community has been his guiding principle. Through all of his accomplishments, he has led by example through his hard work, perseverance, grit, and kindness. His public service has left an indelible imprint on the city of Selma, and we will miss him terribly. Let us not weep, but find comfort in knowing that his incredible legacy will live on in the many people he touched. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Selma's mayor, George Patrick Evans, for his decades of service to the city of Selma, Dallas County, and the entire State of Alabama. May he rest in peace and power.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of a trailblazing public servant and educator, former Selma Mayor George Patrick Evans, who passed away at the age of 78 on May 15, 2023. A native of Selma, Mayor Evans was a proud product of the Selma City School System. He began his higher education at St. Mary's College in Dodge City, KS, earning his Bachelor of Arts in speech and physical therapy in 1962. Shortly after graduation he returned to Selma, where his passion for education led him to teach at Tipton High School in Dallas County. He continued his education while teaching, receiving a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Livingston State University and an Educational Specialist Certification in Educational Administration from Troy State University Dedicating over 40 years to the Dallas County School System, Mayor Evans held many roles, including Principal, Assistant Principal, Coach, and Right to Read Coordinator. Transitioning from the classroom into upper management, he served as the Dallas County Board of Education Federal Program Coordinator for 9 years and served as Superintendent for 5 years. Mayor Evans' impactful career as an educator led him to break barriers as the first African American Superintendent of Dallas County public schools and Chief Academic Officer of the Alabama State Department of Education. Bringing the same passion and tenacity into his career in electoral politics, Mayor Evans blazed trails in the Selma City Council, becoming its first African American City Council President. In his words, ``good things kept happening at that time,'' making history as the second African American Mayor in the City of Selma's 192-year history. As Mayor for two terms, he showed his skill as a public servant leading the Queen City through the recession of 2008, a 12-percent municipal salary cut, and boldly addressing the lingering impact of segregation within Selma's communities. His foresight propelled Selma forward, implementing the City's optic fiber network and ``butterfly park'' to allow tourists an unobstructed view of the Alabama River and the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge. As a trusted leader in the Selma community, Mayor Evans served on the board of numerous organizations, including a member of the Executive Committee of the Alabama League of Municipalities, Chairman of the Alabama Department of Archives and History Board of Trustees, Wells- Fargo, then Wachovia Bank Board of Directors and AMFund Board of Directors. A man of faith he worshiped at the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Selma, and served as an Elder and Clerk of Session. His additional civic affiliations include the SeLma Exchange Club, Twelve High Club, Chesterfield Club, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Mayor Evans was known for his love of basketball and received numerous awards for his contribution to expanding the sport in Alabama. From 1979 to 2010, he served as the men's basketball official and officiating coordinator for the Southwestern Athletic Conference, leading him to an induction into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame. He served on the AHSAA Bryant-Jordan Student Athletic Program Scholarship Committee and the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Mayor Evans is survived by his beloved wife, fellow educator, and nurse Jeannie Evans; sons, Patrick, Duane, and Byron; and grandchildren, Erin, Pailee, Pilar, Eden, Paxson George, Patrick Jr., Kelly, and Tremaine. On a personal note, as a native of Selma, I have known Mayor Evans all my life and even worked as the family babysitter during my youth. Mayor Evans has always been a man of great character and honor, whose love of God, family, and community has been his guiding principle. From being Dallas County's first Black school board superintendent to his 16 years of public service as President of the Selma City Council and then as Mayor, Evans led by example through his hard work, perseverance, grit, and kindness. During his tenure as Mayor, he partnered with my office to bring vital federal resources home to Selma and Dallas County. From his demonstrated efforts to revitalize downtown Selma to his dedicated commitment to making our community stronger and safer, Mayor Evans fought hard to improve the lives of the people he served. His public service has left an indelible imprint on Selma, and he will be missed. Let us find comfort in knowing his incredible legacy will live on in the many people he touched. May he rest in peace and power. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of an exceptional public servant, Selma's former Mayor, George Patrick Evans, for his decades of service to the City of Selma, Dallas County, and the entire State of Alabama.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on May 22, 2023, I was unavoidably detained in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted Yes on Rollcall No. 228 (H.R. 1076) and YES on Rollcall No. 229 (H.R. 1156).

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on the afternoon of May 16, 2023, I was unavoidably detained in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted NO on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question for H. Res. 398 and NO on H. Res. 398.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on the afternoon of May 15, 2023, I was unavoidably detained in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 213 and YEA on Roll Call No. 214.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, on the afternoon of April 19, 2023, I was unavoidably detained in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Passage of H.J. Res. 42, and YEA on H.R. 1149.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career of a legal giant and civil rights activist, Alabama's first Black Federal judge, the Honorable U.W. Clemon, who celebrated his 80th birthday on April 9. A native of Alabama, Judge Clemon was born in 1943. Despite spending much of his childhood in the segregated school system of Jefferson County, Clemon broke down barriers, graduating as a two-time valedictorian, first at Westfield High School in 1961 and then Miles College in 1965. As a college student, Judge Clemon was a leading voice for civil rights. He marched in countless student demonstrations under the direction of Dr. King and played a pivotal role in the Selective Buying Campaign to boycott segregated stores in downtown Birmingham. Before graduating from Columbia Law School in 1968, Clemon clerked at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, forming a lifelong association serving as local counsel on numerous civil rights lawsuits throughout Alabama. Judge Clemon always understood the importance of the law in the fight for justice and equality. He quickly gained a reputation as an effective and fearless lawyer, taking on Coach Paul ``Bear'' Bryant to desegregate the all-White University of Alabama football team. He took on the U.S. Steel Corporation, which led to the desegregation of the American steel industry. By 1974, Judge Clemon took his advocacy to the Alabama State Legislature, making history as one of the first two African Americans elected to the Alabama Senate since Reconstruction. His tenure as a pioneering lawmaker and skilled attorney caught the attention of President Jimmy Carter, who appointed then-Senator Clemon to serve as Alabama's first Black Federal judge in 1980. He went on to serve on the Federal bench for 30 years until 2009. Judge Clemon was a highly respected jurist inside and outside the courtroom. He was known as fair but tough. He demanded that lawyers before him represent their clients competently and effectively. Judge Clemon served as the Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama from 1999 to 2006. Despite retiring from the bench in 2009, Judge Clemon has remained a vibrant member of the Birmingham legal community where he continues to practice law, serving the underrepresented, vulnerable, and underserved. He has received numerous awards, holds three honorary degrees, two street namings, and most recently, an elementary school was named in his honor. On a personal note, Judge Clemon is a trusted adviser, counselor, and a loving father figure to me. My most formative legal experience was serving as a law clerk for Judge Clemon after graduating from law school in 1992. I learned so much serving as his law clerk. I learned more about the practice of law and saw firsthand what justice looks like by witnessing him in his courtroom. Sitting with him in his chambers was always an educational experience. The judge tested my knowledge, stretched my legal acumen, challenged my views, and inspired me to be a better lawyer and person. I know that I now serve as Alabama's first Black Congresswoman because I was blessed by a transformative experience clerking for Alabama's first Black Federal judge. I thank his loving family, his wife of 50 years, Ms. Barbara, and his two children, Michelle and Isaac, for sharing him with so many of us. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 80th birthday and the extraordinary career of an exceptional jurist, lawmaker, public servant, and wonderful counselor, Judge U.W. Clemon, whose life's work stands as a testament to the power of one person to change the world. May the seeds that Judge Clemon sowed continue to bear fruit for generations to come. Happy birthday, Judge.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career of a legal trailblazer, Civil Rights activist, scholar, former State Senator, pioneering lawmaker, and my special mentor, the Honorable Judge U.W. Clemon, as he celebrates his 80th birthday on April 9, 2023. A native of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, Judge Clemon was born to Addie and Moses Clemon in Fairfield in 1943. He began his education in the then-segregated Jefferson County School System, graduating valedictorian of Westfield High School in 1961, then attended Miles College. At Miles College, Clemon excelled in academics and student activism, serving as SGA President and a leading voice for civil rights on campus. Clemon played a pivotal role in the ``Selective Buying Campaign'' to boycott segregated stores in downtown Birmingham. Because of that boycott, a young Clemon was confronted by ``Bull'' Conner, when he petitioned the Birmingham Commission to remove its segregation laws. Clemon marched in many student demonstrations under the direction of Dr. King, and blazed trails, successfully desegregating the Birmingham Public Library. Upon graduating from Miles College as valedictorian of the Class of 1965, Clemon fulfilled his childhood goal of becoming an attorney, receiving his law degree in 1968 from the Columbia Law School in New York City. While a law student, Clemon clerked at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. This clerkship led to a life-long association with the organization as local counsel on numerous civil rights lawsuits brought in Alabama. After law school, Judge Clemon brought his immense talents back home to Birmingham. He spent the next 12 years as a premier civil rights attorney, dedicated to addressing the racial barriers against Black people in Alabama. Clemon was an effective fearless lawyer taking on Coach Paul ``Bear'' Bryant to desegregate the ``all-white'' University of Alabama football team, leading lawsuits against local school boards, large and small employers, and major corporations, including the United States Steel Corporation, which led to the desegregation of the American steel industry. By 1974, Judge Clemon made history as one of the first two African Americans elected to the Alabama State Senate since Reconstruction. Serving the 15th District for five years, Senator Clemon took the same fearless advocacy to the Alabama State Legislature, chairing two powerful Senate committees--Rules and Judiciary--and was an unrelenting critic of Governor George Wallace's stance on the death penalty and exclusion of African Americans from state boards and agencies. His successful legal career gained the attention of United States President Jimmy Carter, who appointed then-Senator Clemon to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Ascending to the bench, Judge Clemon made history as Alabama's first Black Federal Judge in 1980 and served as Chief Judge from 1999 through 2006. During his almost three decades as a federal judge, Judge Clemon presided over numerous federal cases on a variety of issues. His decisions changed the face of our judiciary, and his legacy has had profound effects on Alabama systems and practices in housing, criminal justice, education, employment discrimination, and environmental injustices changing and influencing the landscape of Alabama for generations to come. Judge Clemon was a highly respected jurist both inside and outside the courtroom, known as a tough but fair judge, demanding that lawyers before him represent their clients competently and effectively. As Chief Judge, the Court developed a better relationship with the community by adopting a more juror-friendly approach, insisting on a diverse jury pool, prioritizing minorities in the court's workforce. In 2009, Judge Clemon retired from the bench submitting his retirement letter to President Barack Obama. It was befitting that Judge Clemon was succeeded by his law clerk Abdul Kallon. Judge Clemon received numerous prestigious awards, holds three honorary degrees, two street names, and an elementary school in his name. Judge Clemon continues to be a vibrant member of the Birmingham legal community. Now in private practice, he continues to take on cases of the underrepresented, vulnerable, and underserved. A man of faith, Judge Clemon served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for his home church Jones Chapel AME Church and is a current member of the Sixth Avenue Church, where he serves as a deacon. Judge Clemon is a loving and proud husband of Mrs. Barbara L. Clemon for over fifty-five years and the doting father to their daughter Michelle who is a lawyer in Birmingham, following in his footsteps as a graduate of Columbia Law School, and his son Isaac who is a musician in New York City. On a personal note, Judge U.W. Clemon is a special mentor to me, a trusted advisor and loving father figure. My most formative legal experience was serving as a law clerk for Judge Clemon after graduating from law school in 1992. I learned more about the practice of law and saw first-hand what ``justice'' looks like by witnessing him in the courtroom. Sitting with him in his chamber was always an educational experience. The Judge tested my knowledge, stretched my legal acumen, challenged my moral values, and inspired me to think and be a better lawyer and person. There is not a major life decision that I made that I didn't get his wise counsel and advise including running for Congress. I know that I now serve as Alabama's first Black Congresswoman because I was blessed by the transformative experience of serving as a law clerk to Alabama's first Black Federal Judge. To say ``thank you'' to him seems woefully inadequate. As we celebrate his 80th birthday, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Judge Clemon for all the guidance he has given me in my life's journey, and I want to thank Mrs. Barbara and Michelle for sharing the Judge with me. His extraordinary legal career is a testament to the power of one person to change the world. Through his hard work, brilliant mind, fearless determination, and thoughtful legal decisions, he has changed lives. May the seeds he has sown into so many of us, continue to bear the fruit of change. Congratulations for a life well led. Happy 80th Birthday. Here's to many more years. On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Happy Birthday and to celebrate the extraordinary career of an exceptional jurist, lawmaker, and public servant, Judge U.W. Clemon, for his decades of service to the State of Alabama and this Nation.

Ms. SEWELL

Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to join with my CBC colleagues in commemorating the 58th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and to call on my colleagues to take action to protect our most valuable and sacred right to vote. As the daughter of Selma, Alabama, it was in my hometown of Selma, exactly 58 years ago, where John Lewis and the foot soldiers shed blood on the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the equal right of all Americans to vote. It was in Selma where ordinary Americans peacefully protested so that every American could enjoy the full promise of our democracy. It was in Selma where these brave foot soldiers were met with tear gas and unspeakable violence, but we know that their sacrifice was not in vain. Indeed, it was the courage and tenacity of those brave foot soldiers that brought us the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and provided Federal oversight to ensure that no State could restrict the right to vote based on the color of a person's skin. This past weekend, I was proud to welcome President Biden and a bipartisan delegation of congressional colleagues to Alabama to commemorate the anniversary of Bloody Sunday. I applaud the President for his appearance at the Edmund Pettus Bridge and his dedication and recommitment to ensuring that our history is never forgotten. Coming to lay eyes on the faces and places of the movement is, indeed, a brave and powerful thing to do. I also acknowledge that this year was different. It was different not only because the President came to visit us but also because, on January 12, my hometown of Selma suffered a major disaster with a tornado that destroyed thousands of properties in Selma. So, the President's visit was twofold. It was both an acknowledgment of the importance of voting rights but also an acknowledgment that he and the Federal Government will be there to help my hometown rebuild. After all, Selma is a custodian of America's history. We are merely the custodians of that history. I honor and applaud my colleagues of the CBC for doing this Special Order hour on voting rights, and I want to say that it is very important that we not only talk about voting rights but that we do something about voting rights. We passed the John Robert Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which I am so proud to sponsor and be the author of, twice out of the House of Representatives. Both times, it languished over in the Senate because of an archaic procedural rule called the filibuster. We need to not give up and be tireless in our efforts to ensure that every American has the right to vote. After all, we in the CBC understand all too well that we would not be here if it weren't for the sacrifices of those who came before us, who laid their lives on the line so that this country could live up to its highest ideals of democracy and equality for all. Again, I commend the CBC and my colleagues tonight. I am honored to join you in making sure that we keep this alive. It was John Lewis who said that the vote is the most precious, fundamental right in our society. He also reminded us that our struggle is not a struggle for 1 day, 1 week, or 1 year. Our struggle, the struggle for voting rights, is a struggle of a lifetime. We in the CBC are committed to making sure that we pass the John Robert Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act named after our beloved John Lewis. I thank you for allowing me to begin this Special Order hour, and I again commend my colleagues for joining us in the fight to make sure that all Americans have access to the ballot box.