Greg Stanton

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Joe McDonald, who passed away on November 16, 2019. Joe was a man of deep faith, an exceptional sportsman on and off the field, and an inspiration to the thousands of students who had the great privilege to learn from him. A beloved member of our community, Joe's life was marked by steadfast commitment to education and service to others. Joe grew up in Bakersfield, California and was the fourth of seven children. His childhood was filled with family and faith; Joe played sports and made harmless trouble with his brothers, gained a strong work ethic from his parents, and worshiped proudly, singing alongside his family in their church's choir. After two years at Bakersfield Community College, Joe caught the eye of Arizona State University Football Head Coach Frank Kush who recruited him to play tight end for the team. Off the field, he earned his degree and met the love of his life, Sharon, before beginning his career as an educator. A few years into his teaching career, Coach Kush reached out again, this time to ask Joe to be an assistant coach for Sun Devil football--he said yes. Throughout Joe's return to ASU, he coached for six years, served as the associate athletic director and earned both his master's and doctoral degrees. Joe brought both success and diversity to ASU football, leading the Sun Devils to the 1970 Peach Bowl and the 1971-1973 Fiesta Bowls as one of the first Black coaches at a Division One University. Following his time at ASU, Joe returned to the classroom as a teacher and was later named the first principal of Desert Vista High School. During his principalship, the school was recognized multiple times for its academic achievements and excellence in athletics and fine arts. Joe always saw the good in everyone. He constantly advocated for the best interests of his students, teachers, and administrators because he knew they were the foundation which made Desert Vista a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all. In recognition of his more than a decade of service to Desert Vista, the school's auditorium was named after him upon his retirement. Joe was also active and engaged in our community; he was a member of the First Institutional Baptist Church congregation for 52 years, where he regularly taught Sunday School. He served on the Sun Angel Foundation Executive Board and the Memorial Hospital Board. For all of his work in the community, Joe was recognized with the Arizona African American Achievement Award, the NAACP Leadership Award, the Tribune Leadership Award, and the Distinguished Administrator's Award. Joe will be dearly missed by his friends, family, colleagues and all whom he empowered during his lifetime of service as an educator and school administrator. We join his family in grief and gratitude, thankful we bore witness to his incredible legacy which will be felt for generations to come. I thank Joe, and wish him Godspeed.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the objection.

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, over the last few hours, we have seen the consequences of dangerous un-American rhetoric; an armed insurrection against the seat of government of the most powerful country on Earth; a breach of this Capitol building to attack Congress, something that has not taken place since the British occupied this building during the War of 1812; an attempted coup spurred by rhetoric coming from those who are looking out for themselves, not country. It is stunning, Madam Speaker, that there are some in this House who have voiced support for what happened. It was not a protest. It was treason. It was sedition. And it should be prosecuted as such. At its root is a disease that has infected our politics, one that will make some political leaders do anything, including lie and incite violence to hold on to power. That is what we are seeing before our very eyes. In contesting the outcome of this election, my Republican colleagues make a contradictory argument that puts party and power before country. They argue the election results were valid when it showed they won their races, but the same ballots were somehow fraudulent when it produced a result President Trump did not like. Keep the results we like, they demand, cancel the one we don't. That is not how democracy works, and neither is armed insurrection. Here is the truth: Arizona has a long bipartisan record of conducting safe, secure, and fair elections. And I say that as someone whose party has more often than not been on the losing end of those elections. This last election was, once again, safe and secure. And I commend our State and county election officials, public servants on both sides of the aisle, for making Arizona proud once again. We are here because the case that Republicans have brought before us has failed in court over and over and over again. My colleagues say: Let's go back to the State, let them decide. My friends, Arizona has spoken. They have sent the correct electors. Arizona's Republican attorney general, one of the most partisan in the country, said: ``There is no evidence, there are no facts that would lead anyone to believe the election results will change.'' The Republican speaker of our State house has told us he doesn't like the results of the election, but they are the right results. Joe Biden has won Arizona. The State supreme court, made up entirely of justices appointed by Republican Governors, has spoken, too. The court said the President's challenge ``fails to present any evidence of misconduct, illegal votes, or that the Biden electors did not in fact receive the highest numbers of votes for office.'' Look to the words of one of the President's own campaign chairs in my State, our Governor, Doug Ducey. Our Governor loves the President. He has been so loyal. He made sure the President could hold large rallies in our State in the middle of a pandemic. The Governor personally attended them. They spoke so often that the Governor gave the President a special ``Hail to the Chief'' ring tone on his phone. After election day, as the legal challenges played out, the Governor kept quiet; but when the truth became clear, even he acknowledged ``Joe Biden did win Arizona.'' I am grateful that, in this instance, the Governor put law, not partisan politics, first. And I urge my colleagues in the House to follow his lead. Each and every one of us in this House, the people's House, swore an oath to preserve, protect, and defend our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Over the last few hours, we have gained a better understanding of what that means. The future of the Constitution, the most precious of the founding documents of the greatest democracy human kind has ever known, is in our hands. Defending democracy is not, and should not be, a partisan task. It is a sacred one. Right here, right now, we must recognize that fidelity to the founding principles of our Nation are not about loyalty to one man, but rather to ensure that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the Earth. The world is watching us all right now. We must get it right. Reject this ill-conceived attack on our democracy.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of a civil rights icon and progressive giant, former Phoenix City Councilman Calvin C. Goode, who passed away on December 23, 2020 at the age of 93. Calvin spoke softly but carried with him the moral authority of having fought--and won--many civil rights battles throughout his long career. Calvin was just 10 months old when his family moved from Oklahoma to Gila Bend, Arizona. The family relocated again to Prescott when the local school refused to enroll Calvin because of the color of his skin. He went on to attend Carver High School in Phoenix, Arizona's only high school built for Black students. After growing up attending segregated schools, Calvin devoted his life to improving education access in our community alongside his beloved late wife Georgie. He earned degrees in business and education from Phoenix College and Arizona State University, and served as an accountant for Carver and other Phoenix Union High School District schools for 30 years. First elected in 1971, Calvin served a record 22 years on the Phoenix City Council. During his time at City Hall, Calvin continued to be guided by his deeply held belief in the equality of all people. Known as the ``Conscience of the Council,'' his legacy of creating opportunity for all endures in Phoenix--from the early childhood education and jobs programs he championed to the anti-discrimination ordinance he helped broker. He was instrumental in pushing the City to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day, paving the way for the holiday to be observed statewide. Even after his time on the Council, Calvin remained one of the most impactful leaders in the Phoenix community. He fought to protect the history of his beloved Eastlake Park neighborhood where he lived for most of his life--an area shaped by segregation and redlining that became a gathering place for civil rights leaders. In his later years, he was instrumental in turning his alma mater, the formerly segregated Carver High School, into a museum and worked to ensure the institution would survive and thrive to hold African American Arizonans' history for future generations. He was above all a man of quiet courage and unshakeable conviction, and we are all better because of his lifetime of service. Godspeed, Calvin.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Ying C. Tang, who passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2020, at the age of 92. Ying was a legend among us, part of the greatest generation who answered the call of duty and valiantly served his country to protect American values at home and abroad. In recognition of his bravery, patriotism, and commitment to preserving our liberty, Ying was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal--the highest civilian recognition granted by Congress. Ying's life embodied the greatest ideals of our nation, and for his selfless service and sacrifice, we are forever indebted. A true native son of Arizona, Ying was born in the back room of Sunrise Grocery Store, the family business, located at the southwest corner of Central Avenue and Indian School Road in the heart of central Phoenix. The fourth of 12 children, Ying attended Glendale High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the young age of 18. He willingly served during World War II from 1945 to 1946 before returning to Arizona to build a life in the state he called home. Upon his return to Phoenix, Ying devoted himself to the family grocery store. What started from his father's humble beginnings sparked his passion to expand the family business into a chain that served many in our community. His fidelity to family and the business they created cultivated his entrepreneurial legacy. Whether in real estate, commercial investments, retail projects, or any of his business pursuits, Ying treated his colleagues and community partners with dignity and respect as if they were his own family. He was a man of deep admiration whose spirit brought light to every room he entered, and his business success shaped future generations. Ying was a relentlessly active member of our community who found joy from his involvement in several organizations including the Thomas Tang American Legion Post 50, the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Compassionate and kind-hearted, Ying found pleasure in life's simplest gifts. From a dominoes game to a dim sum luncheon, he wove his infectious smile and kind nature into everything he did, bringing joy to all he met. Arizona owes a debt of gratitude to Ying for his invaluable contributions to our great nation. In this spirit of remembrance, we join Ying's wife of 66 years, Catherine, and his family and loved ones to honor his legacy that will be felt for generations to come. I thank Ying for his service, and Godspeed.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Sara Wyffels for being named the 2021 Arizona Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Educational Foundation. Mrs. Wyffels has dedicated her 14-year career to serving her students and community as a Spanish teacher at Chandler High School. Her selection for Teacher of the Year comes at a time when Arizona's educators face unprecedented challenges, yet Mrs. Wyffels has risen to the occasion each step of the way. Every day, Mrs. Wyffels puts her students first and strives to motivate and inspire through boundless enthusiasm, kindness, and compassion. Although this past school year was unlike any other for teachers throughout our country, she continued to bring new ideas and life to her classroom, both in-person and virtually. Her lessons immerse students in a new culture and emphasize the power of language in forming human connections. Mrs. Wyffels pulls from her own experiences as she teaches her students to listen and connect with one another and broadens their worldview, helping them reach their full potential. In her work, Mrs. Wyffels has created more equitable conditions for teachers and students in the Chandler Unified School District, in our community, and throughout Arizona. Since she began teaching, her tireless devotion to students has served as an example of what can be accomplished when young adults are empowered with the tools to explore, discover, and achieve their highest aspirations. Mrs. Wyffels' students leave her classroom and enter the world with a greater appreciation for the differences that make us all unique, a deep respect for others, and a passion for creating positive change as global citizens. I am proud to recognize Mrs. Wyffels for her extraordinary service and the difference she has made both inside and outside the classroom. She is a National Board-Certified Teacher and a member of the Chandler Education Association. Mrs. Wyffels chose to become a teacher to inspire and help change the lives of her students, and we are all grateful for her work as a teacher, role model, and mentor. I wish her the best as she continues to inspire her students to create a better and brighter future for Arizona.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Dr. C.T. Wright, who passed away in October 2020. A longtime resident of Arizona, Dr. Wright was a community leader, pastor, and criminal justice advocate. He was the embodiment of the American Dream and devoted his life to preaching unity and making Arizona a better place for all. From his work as chairman of the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency to his civic and religious pursuits, Dr. Wright was a force for good and his enduring legacy is his love for Arizona. Born in Social Circle, Georgia, Dr. Wright lived many lives as a day laborer in the Georgia cotton fields, scholar, elementary school teacher, college professor, university president, and leader in criminal justice reform. Through all of this, he learned firsthand the value of persistence, open-mindedness and hard work--and how crucial they are in building better communities. These lessons refined his character and took him around the world. After working in Africa, Dr. Wright decided to bring his message of unity and civility to Arizona, a place he called ``the greatest state on the planet.'' His voice would often echo through the chamber and halls of the Arizona State Senate, in rooms of state GOP meetings and into the stands at campaign rallies when he delivered passionate prayers to members of a nation he saw as greatly divided--but not beyond repair. Throughout his years here, Dr. Wright quickly became a landmark member and advocate for Arizona's African-American community and earned his place as a delegate in political conventions, a member of the Arizona Electoral College, the Fountain Hills Unified School District Governing Board, chairman of the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency and many other honors. After being appointed to the Board of Executive Clemency in May 2014, Dr. Wright helped give a second chance to inmates and their families through compassionate early releases. It was one of many positions Dr. Wright used to bridge the gap between faith and politics and help everyday Arizonans and political leaders make environments that encourage inclusivity, understanding and progress. Dr. Wright wasn't afraid to be outspoken but was reluctant of recognition. He wanted his work to speak for itself, and it has. His impact on his community was commemorated with the Congressional Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. As he leaves us, we should remember that he leaves us with lessons to act on and words to live by, ``Behold how good and how pleasant it is together, together in unity.'' I thank Dr. Wright for his life's work, and Godspeed.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Ronnie Lopez, who passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2020, at the age of 73. Ronnie was an Arizona trailblazer; a champion for the Latino community; and a consequential leader who broke economic, social, and political barriers to forge a stronger path forward for our state. Born in the spring of 1947, in Miami, Arizona, Ronnie was quick to seize new opportunities and moved to Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 20, where he investigated discrimination cases for the Arizona State Civil Rights Commission. Ronnie's passion for public service took many forms--from helping launch influential organizations, such as Chicanos Por La Causa and Valle del Sol, to serving as a Justice of the Peace and eventually becoming the chief of staff to then-Governor Bruce Babbitt. He was always at the forefront of change, breathing life into ideas conceived from the purpose of placing people above all else. Ronnie cherished his role as a father, grandfather, and husband--and to him, family extended beyond relatives to include friends and neighbors, and he wove those values deeply within his work to strengthen the bonds within our community. He committed himself to the causes and people he believed in, meeting every opportunity ``all in,'' as he would say. It's what made him unique--a leader who stood with us regardless of the challenge, the friend we could count on, and the mentor we all looked up to. Ronnie's relentless advocacy was inimitable, and it led to his lifelong friend, the late Representative Ed Pastor, being elected as the first Hispanic American to represent Arizona in Congress. While Ronnie credited others for his successes, insisting he stood on the shoulders of giants, he was always the first hand to reach out and lift others up with him. His legacy will forever be a part of Arizona, reminding us of how much stronger we all stand when we are ``all in.'' I thank Ronnie, and Godspeed.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the invaluable contributions of Eshawn Peterson to the state of Arizona. As a champion for children and young adults, Ms. Peterson's storied career has bolstered the ladders of opportunity and equality for countless Arizonans across the state, and her lifetime achievement deserves to be forever etched in our historical record for all to remember. For her tireless dedication to Arizona families, Ms. Peterson was one of the few who were recognized as a 2020 Angels in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). Founded in 2001, CCAI aims to ensure that every child experiences the support of a caring family. Each year, CCAI selects a handful of exceptional individuals, families, or organizations across the nation to receive the honor of Angels in Adoption. These honorees have gone above and beyond to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children in need of permanent, loving homes. Ms. Peterson has made a personal pledge to spend her life giving more Arizona children a chance at finding a family who can give them the loving childhood she almost never had. Growing up, Ms. Peterson spent eight years in our state's foster care system, separated from her six siblings. Her experiences fortified her strength, courage and faith. It also pushed her and her sister Jackie Phillips to create Onward Hope, Inc., a foster care and adoption agency that's rooted in her belief that every child should have a safe home and a loving family. For five years and counting, Ms. Peterson's organization has empowered children with a sense of strength and resiliency and help them successfully transition into the fulfilling life they deserve through mentoring, workshops and coaching. Her work so far has left an immeasurable mark on our state and its children. Madam Speaker, I am privileged to recognize Eshawn Peterson for all the work she has done in communities across Arizona. My state is truly fortunate to have her working to improve the life of every child. I wish her the best as she continues her work to make the dream of a forever family a reality for so many children in need.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of George Washington Biggs, who passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020, at the age of 95. A native son of Arizona, George was a legend among us and the last remaining Tuskegee Airman in our state who valiantly served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. For his selfless service and sacrifice, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor--the highest civilian recognition given by Congress. George was a hero with unwavering patriotism who fought tirelessly to uphold and preserve American values, and our country's indebtedness to him will forever stand the test of time. Born in Nogales, Arizona, to a family with a history of military service, George answered the call to duty early in his life. At age 18, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen--the first Black military aviators to fly in combat during World War II. George and his fellow airmen overcame racism and discrimination and played a significant role in the eventual integration of the United States armed forces. George returned to civilian life in 1946, but his heart remained on the frontlines, and he reenlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he would go on to fight in the Korean War as a Second Lieutenant. Following the ceasefire in Korea, George returned to the states and was stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, where he trained and mentored Black airmen. In 1970, George retired from the military after flying his final mission during the Vietnam War. His life was forever intertwined with those he served alongside-never forgetting the sacrifices our brave men and women make to preserve the American way of life. Each Memorial Day, George would visit the Nogales City Cemetery where his father was buried to plant flags over the graves of veterans to honor them. As a nation, we join his wife, Olga, their 10 children, 22 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and loved ones in honoring George. A man of unshakeable conviction, courage, and dedication, George's legacy will remain synonymous of a true American patriot. Thank you for your service, George and Godspeed.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act. To better position ourselves for the 21st century economy, we need to invest in energy-efficient infrastructure that is both sustainable and makes good business sense. This bill does that by incorporating my legislation to reauthorize the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program to provide grants to States, local governments, and our Native American Tribes to reduce fossil fuel emissions and conserve energy. When this program was last funded, local governments were able to pursue a large range of projects, from energy retrofits to deployment of LED street lighting and solar energy systems to electric vehicle charging stations and alternative fuel pumps. A national evaluation of the program's effectiveness found that with just 1 year of funding, 25.7 million metric tons of carbon equivalent was avoided. And $5.2 billion in cumulative energy bill savings were produced, 70 percent of which were realized by residential customers. Just imagine what we can achieve with the dedicated, multiyear funding this bill provides. It will create jobs, help consumers save on their energy bills, open new opportunities for local governments to invest in energy conservation, and reduce carbon pollution. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Pallone for his leadership on this legislation.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I offer my stanch support for Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act. It is a horrific fact that Native American women face a murder rate ten times higher than the national average, with eighty-four percent experiencing some form of violence in their lifetime. To make matters worse, without a dedicated federal database designated to collecting information on the number of how many Native women go missing or are murdered every year, we do not have the whole picture--this is completely unacceptable. Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act begin to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. In Arizona, a state home to 22 Native American tribes, we recognize and know the horrors of this crisis. We know that it is a misconception that Native women only go missing on Tribal lands. Studies have shown that the majority of Native Americans and Alaska Native people now live in urban communities, where they also go missing. Violence against Native women spans beyond tribal lands and thus so must the solutions. I am encouraged to see these bills come to the House Floor for consideration because it has taken us too long to act on this issue. It has taken us too long and lives have been taken and lost. We cannot in good conscience continue with inaction. I support the passage of these bills and hope they are signed into law as soon as possible--we owe it to the Native American women who we have lost and those who are still with us today and worry they might be next.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Valle del Sol for 50 years of excellence in serving Arizona through its world-class healthcare services and programs. Since 1970, Valle del Sol has touched the lives of thousands of Arizonans, inspired transformational change, and provided meaningful support to families in our communities across the Valley. Its incredible work is a model in the greater Phoenix area and will continue to help many live healthy and fulfilling lives. Ever since its inaugural year, Valle del Sol has invested in quality and affordable healthcare services for people of all backgrounds, especially our Hispanic and Latino neighbors. They have helped lead the way in treating those struggling with substance abuse and brought behavioral health to the forefront of our community by establishing the first Latino centered methadone treatment program in the Phoenix area. Valle del Sol has built bridges for five decades and continues to spotlight the best and brightest in our community. Above and beyond healthcare and human services, its team has enriched the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Arizona. Its Hispanic Leadership Institute has brought together an extraordinary, diverse network of leaders who will continue to make our state a better place to work and live. Over the past few decades, the program has produced leaders who have carried out positive change in healthcare, government, business, and the non-profit sector--all of who lead with a stronger understanding of their commitment to the people they serve. I thank Valle del Sol, its community partners, and everyone involved in this grassroots movement to make it the gold standard for healthcare and human services in the southwest. Congratulations on 50 years of serving our children and families in Arizona. I am confident their passion and service will continue to leave a lasting impression for the next 50 years and beyond.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Coach Steele Kerriden ``Kerry'' Croswhite, who passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19 at the age of 61. For 17 years Coach Croswhite served Chandler High School as a social studies teacher, head coach for the school's swim and dive team, and assistant coach for the softball program--a true pillar of excellence for the school's academic and athletic programs, and an inspiration for the thousands of students who had the great privilege to learn from him. A beloved member of the Chandler community, Coach Croswhite embodied a steadfast dedication to public education, Chandler High School, and service to others. Coach Croswhite's impact resonated throughout the entire Chandler High community. He was always ready with a word of encouragement and empathetic ear, and he emanated pride and joy when celebrating his students and his school. Not only an inspirational teacher and coach, Coach Croswhite was known across campus for the bagpipes he played at school events, swim meets, football games, and at the school's annual Unity Assembly, where he donned a kilt in proud celebration of his ancestry. He was a selfless leader who devoted his career--without fanfare or in pursuit of recognition--to the students he taught and coached at Chandler High. As the head swim and dive coach, Coach Croswhite spent countless hours training and mentoring the athletes he worked with every day. Coach Croswhite always went out of his way to help others-- even jumping into action without hesitation to save the life of one of his students after she suffered a seizure in the pool. Because of his leadership and example, countless students have learned the value of camaraderie, perseverance and teamwork. Conch Croswhite's wife, Laurie, shared that at the time of his passing, he was listening to the song ``These Are the Days'' by Van Morrison. In celebration of his life and legacy, may we think of him each time we hear this song in the future. We join his family in grief and gratitude, thankful that we bore witness to the impact he had on the entire Chandler High community. His legacy will be remembered for generations of students, teachers, and faculty to come. Thank you to Coach Croswhite, and Godspeed.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Betty Harriet Fairfax, who passed away on November 7, 2010. An educator philanthropist, and community leader, Betty devoted her life to ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have equal opportunity and access to the American Dream. Teaching in public schools for nearly 70 years, Betty's life was marked by service and generosity and today Arizona is a more just and equal place because of her work. From an early age, Betty was ingrained with the belief that all children deserve a quality education. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio with her parents, Dan and Inez Wood Fairfax, Betty was an accomplished student and received degrees from Kent State University and Western Reserve. After graduating with her master's degree, Betty began a public school career that would reflect the arc of the moral universe. Initially recruited by Phoenix Union High School District to teach at Carver High School, the legally segregated school for Black children, Betty ended her career over a half-century later as a beloved Dean of Students and with a high school named after her. Her lifelong devotion to public education was honored many times and upheld as an example of a selfless leader who dedicated her career--without fanfare or in pursuit of recognition--to the students she taught and counseled. Betty's commitment to education extended beyond excellence in teaching and into creating endowments for those who suffered most from educational inequities. Together with her sister Jean, Betty formed permanent financial legacies that support the spectrum of public education, from scholarships for Black students committed to being public school teachers to funding professional development opportunities for educators. Today, students and teachers across the nation benefit from Betty's generosity and philanthropy, and her visionary leadership has created intergenerational prosperity and opportunity for families in Arizona. Arizonans owe a debt of gratitude to Betty. Her investment in public education will be felt for generations to come and will ensure that more students be included in the American Dream. In this spirit of gratitude and remembrance, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Betty Harriet Fairfax.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mike McQuaid, who passed away on July 25, 2020. A man of deep faith, Mike was a committed advocate for people experiencing homelessness in our community and transformed our approach to serving those in need. His empathy and focus on human dignity serve as an example to all of us, and Arizona is a kinder, more just place for his presence among us. After a successful career in commercial real estate, Mike devoted himself to serving members of our community experiencing homelessness. What began as serving hot meals through a church community service project turned into using his professional expertise to create a comprehensive campus that would house critical services for our neighbors in need. Today, because of Mike's leadership and perseverance, the Human Services Campus in downtown Phoenix brings together numerous local agencies to serve men and women experiencing homelessness and has become a national model for addressing one of our society's most pressing needs. Mike was equally known for his visionary leadership as he was for his humility and kindness. Mike swept the floors of the building with the same determined focus as he negotiated deals in the halls of power. For all his hours of labor and sweat, Mike never asked for anything financial in return, drawing a salary of $1 a month when he became the first director of the new campus. His life became an inspiration and example to executives and leaders across Arizona, and he never shied away from asking everyone to consider what it meant to love your neighbor. Always ready with a kind smile and word of encouragement, Mike continuously maintained a personal connection to the cause, befriending families in need and providing direct services where he could. Mike will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all of those committed to justice and societal change. His work and service will be felt for generations to come and today I rise in gratitude to honor his life and legacy. Thank you, Mike, and Godspeed.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mary M. Black, who passed away on March 21, 2020. A woman of courage and conviction, Mary relentlessly fought for a better life for our state's children and families. For 35 years, she served as chief executive of Black Family and Child Services of Arizona, an agency she founded after encountering systemic inequities in our state's child welfare system. Because of Mary's work, the needs and hopes of families of all backgrounds have been elevated and heard, and we are better for her presence among us. Mary was a fearless champion of children. Having grown up in rural Louisiana with loving parents who endowed her with a strong sense of self-esteem, Mary's work was grounded in her firm belief that all children deserve a safe and supportive home. After graduating from Grambling State University, Mary became a social worker in Arizona's child welfare system, where she became acutely aware of the hardships faced in trying to place Black children in foster care and adoptive families. She responded with leadership and faith, dedicating herself not only to finding loving and caring homes for Black children, but also developing policies and programs that valued children of color and treated all families with dignity and respect. Mary's vision resulted in the founding of Black Family and Child Services of Arizona, which has become one of the state's most respected nonprofit social services agencies. Since its inception, the agency has kept families together, found foster and adoptive homes for children in need, and created prosperity and opportunity for Arizonans of all races and backgrounds. Mary and her pioneering work have been recognized numerous times for its innovation and focus on human dignity. Mary's passion and leadership have inspired Arizonans to do justice, to love kindness and to keep fighting to ensure all children grow up in safe and supportive homes. We join her family in grief and gratitude, thankful that we bore witness to her work in Arizona and confident that her legacy will be felt for generations. Godspeed, Mary.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Henry Ong, Jr., who passed away on July 2, 2020, at the age of 98. A native son of Arizona, Henry was a part of the Greatest Generation who fought to preserve our freedom and American way of life. As a nation, state, and community, we are forever indebted to Henry's service and sacrifice. Henry was born to Henry Ong, Sr. and Mar Lai Hing Ong in Phoenix, Arizona. After he graduated from Phoenix Union High School, and despite the widespread anti-Chinese sentiment of the time, Henry and his three brothers answered the call of duty and joined the U.S. Army. He became a bombardier, forming part of a B-24 crew that carried out 29 successful bomber missions. On June 6, 1944, Henry participated in the D-Day invasion of the beaches of Normandy, helping deliver the victory that marked the beginning of the end of the war in Europe. In his final mission before coming home, the German Army shot down Henry's plane deep in enemy territory. Alive but wounded, Henry was captured, interrogated, and taken as a prisoner of war by the Nazis, surviving nearly nine months of suffering and starvation. As Allied troops advanced through Europe, the Nazis began liquidating the camps and Henry, along with thousands of prisoners, was forced to march over 1,000 miles during the brutal winter. Many perished. On May 4, 1945, Allied forces liberated Henry and four days later declared victory in Europe. Henry was the only Chinese American from the state of Arizona to have been captured as a prisoner of war. For his selfless sacrifice and wounds sustained in war, he was awarded the Purple Heart. After the war, Henry returned home to build a life in Arizona. He attended college and married his bride Priscilla (Pat), and together they raised four children: Pamela, Michael, Curtis (Buddy), and Kevin. Even though he hung up his uniform, Henry continued to serve his community. A man of deep faith, he was a Sunday School teacher and deacon at First Chinese Baptist Church in Phoenix. He became a successful real estate and insurance broker and was known for his contagious energy, charismatic spirit, and love and devotion to his wife and family. Although Henry had survived the depths of darkness, invisible wounds of the war remained with him. After 40 years of silence, Henry began to speak about his encounters with the horrors of war and his imprisonment by the Nazis. He cared deeply for his fellow veterans and encouraged other POWs to share their own experiences and heal from their memories. He was a past commander and life member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans, and he maintained a lifelong friendship with members of his crew. The American people must never forget Henry's patriotism and bravery. A man of courage and conviction, our nation is better for his presence among us. Godspeed, Henry.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Moving Forward Act, a historic investment of more than $1.5 trillion in the American people, in the American economy. I thank Chairman DeFazio and Chairman Pallone for their extraordinary leadership. This bill includes long-delayed investments in Arizona's roads, bridges, transit, airports, broadband, clean water, and so much more. Arizona will receive more than $5 billion for highway and nearly $1 billion for transit. Importantly, it supports major Arizona projects like I-11, public transit in cities big and small, and support for our long-overlooked Tribal communities. It addresses urgent infrastructure needs in my State, including increased investments through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and support for workforce development initiatives. It includes $100 billion to make sure every American, whether in urban, rural, or Tribal areas, has access to affordable high-speed internet, and it leads the way in tackling climate change, including my bill, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. This will create jobs, help families save on energy bills, and reduce carbon pollution. Mr. Speaker, the time for action is now.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. I want to thank Chairman Nadler and Congresswoman Bass for their unwavering leadership on this historic legislation. Black lives matter. George Floyd was murdered 1 month ago today. This month has been a painful and reflective period for our Nation, and the House has taken an essential step to heal that pain with this bill. Today, we vote on long overdue legislation to bring greater accountability and transparency into policing and to help make everyone more safe. The specific measures included in this bill, from banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants to eliminating qualified immunity, are critical steps to improve policing practices. It includes reforms to combat racial profiling and right injustices that exist in America today. The ability to end racism in our country is beyond the reach of Congress. We don't have the power to change every heart and mind, but we do have the power to change the law, to make it more just, and to combat structural racism through measurable, meaningful reforms. Change starts here today.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Ray ``Gumbi'' Salazar, a true giant of Arizona, who passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the age of 71. We will remember him as a civil rights pioneer who dedicated his entire life to the advancement of a more just and equitable Arizona. His unwavering positivity, artistic spirit, and commitment to education serve as an inspiration to our community and our state. Salazar was a changemaker who fought for opportunity and a brighter future for all. He was born in the Golden Gate Settlement in South Phoenix, which the government later razed through eminent domain for the expansion of the airport. His commitment to education was shaped by his early days at Phoenix Union High School, where students walked out over discrimination and educational inequities. For decades, Salazar served on the board of Chicanos Por La Causa, both as chairman and as a member of the Board Veteranos, where he never lost sight of the importance of education for the Latino and underserved communities. Today, education remains one of the organization's five mission pillars of impact. His dedication to justice was also evident through his work with youth and the formerly incarcerated. For 28 years, Salazar served at the Arizona Department of Corrections, where his steadfast belief that everyone deserves a second chance led him to working with persons who were returning to society. A longtime member of the Latino Peace Officers Association, Salazar actively participated in community education to combat the influence of gangs and drugs and encourage young people to choose lives of service. Salazar's creative spirit inspired generations of artists. At the young age of five, he developed a passion and vision for the arts. Salazar became an immediate sensation, moving audiences with his choreography, vocals, and live performances. He graduated from Arizona State University with a major in music and became a Latino trailblazer in music, both as a percussionist and vocalist. For more than six decades, his beloved music celebrated Mexican culture and brought enjoyment to countless Arizonans, forging the path forward for the young artists he shaped and inspired. Salazar gave all his time, heart, and soul to the betterment of the Latino community and all Arizonans. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for his service to our state; Arizona is a better place because of him. His legacy will continue to live on for years to come. Godspeed, Gumbi.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the House fulfilled a critical duty. We passed an emergency funding bill to address the coronavirus to make sure that we give public health officials across America the tools to help keep Americans healthy. My State, Arizona, had the fifth confirmed case of COVID-19 and recently has another presumptive positive case. Since the first U.S. case was identified, State and local public health officials have had to carry the heavy burden of responding to this outbreak and preventing it from getting worse. Our local communities should not take this on alone. The spread of the deadly coronavirus demands a coordinated, comprehensive, government-wide response. In our emergency funding package, we specifically allocated almost $1 billion to go directly to State and local communities In Arizona, our public health officials and our Governor have indicated a need for upwards of $13 million to effectively meet the demand that the coronavirus outbreak merits. It is time we get our State and local agencies the support they need. Congress must always do all that we can to lift up our local health officials, and our funding bill does exactly that.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, on March 2, 2020, I missed votes due to a delay in my flight from Arizona. Had I been present, I would have voted Yes on Roll Call No. 79, the Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act, H.R. 5003, and Yes on Roll Call No. 80, the Ensuring Chinese Debt Transparency Act, H.R. 5932.

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Rudy Campbell, former mayor of Tempe, who passed away on February 3, 2020 at the age of 96. Arizonans will remember him as a dedicated man who committed his life to serving his country and making Tempe a better place to work and live. Deeply committed to his community, Mayor Campbell had a long and storied history of public service. Born in Oklahoma to migrant farmworkers, Campbell learned the early value and dignity of hard work. He forged his own path and worked every day to provide his parents and sister with the support they needed to succeed in their own lives. After serving in World War II, Campbell came to Arizona and made Tempe his home. He settled down to work and raised his family in Tempe with his wife, Greta. They had two children, four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren together over their 76-year marriage. Campbell took on many leadership roles throughout his decades of public service in the Tempe community. He served as President of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Arizona Highway Commission, and a member of the Tempe City Council. A champion of public education, Campbell advocated for accessible and affordable higher education for all during his service on the Arizona Board of Regents. In 1966, Campbell made history by becoming the first Mayor elected by the people of Tempe. His tenure leading the city served as a model for future mayors and will continue to inspire generations of leaders in Tempe and across Arizona. As Mayor, Campbell worked tirelessly to expand and transform Tempe's infrastructure. Campbell modernized Tempe's roads, highways, and bridges, leading the way for industry and accelerating economic growth in the region. His contributions to the city were invaluable and laid the foundation for modern-day Tempe. His service as mayor and in the community led to the City of Tempe naming a park in his honor. Today, Campbell Park is a beloved place in our local community and a testament to his lifetime achievement. His legacy will continue to live on for years to come. I thank Mayor Campbell for his service and Godspeed

Mr. STANTON

Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Jerry Brooks, former mayor of Chandler, Arizona, who passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020. A Vietnam veteran and renaissance man, Mayor Brooks served in the U.S. military for 30 years. His greatest legacy as mayor was establishing the Chandler Performing and Visual Arts Center, a welcoming and innovative performance space that bonds our community together through arts and culture. Jerrell W. Brooks was born in San Antonio, Texas, on November 23, 1930, to Marion and Viola Brooks. After moving to Arizona as a child, Brooks attended Phoenix Union High School. Just shy of graduation, Brooks enlisted in the U.S. Marines after being inspired by those who served in the second World War. After his discharge in 1950, Brooks returned to Arizona and completed a construction engineering degree at Arizona State University in 1954. Following graduation, he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force through the university's ROTC program. Brooks retired as a colonel after serving in Vietnam, in 1977 after 30 years of service. Brooks moved to Chandler in his retirement and began to observe that the city's infrastructure could not keep pace with rapid growth and development in the community. It inspired him to become active in local politics. Brooks won a seat on the Chandler City Council in 1982 and was elected mayor just two years later. True to his word, during his four-year term as mayor, Mayor Brooks paved roads, built infrastructure, and annexed land in south Chandler to build new streets and utility infrastructure to serve future residents of the city. His lasting legacy and the crown jewel of Chandler is the Chandler Performing and Visual Arts Center. Mayor Brooks advocated and fought for a performing arts center that would attract new employers, entertainers, and families to Chandler and transfonn a quiet agricultural town into a thriving, family-friendly, diverse and welcoming community. He lived to see his vision come to fruition. Future generations of Chandler residents will undoubtedly be affected by the cultural opportunities available in their own city thanks to Mayor Brooks' vision for the Center. Thank you to Mayor Brooks, and Godspeed.