Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I heard the gentleman opposing this resolution. We are not actually seeking information from Mr. Bannon because of his opinions. We issued the subpoena because we believe he has knowledge of relevant facts that we need to discover. We are not violating anything and, certainly, not Mr. Bannon's First Amendment rights. The only violation we can talk about is the violation of this building on January 6, and Mr. Bannon's claim that the election was stolen helped foment that attack. Investigating that is also part of our charter. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, after the Select Committee's October 19th business meeting, I wrote to Mr. Costello yet again to urge Mr. Bannon to change course and comply with the Select Committee's subpoena of September 23, 2021. I reiterated that Mr. Costello's stated reasons for Mr. Bannon's flat refusal to provide documents and appear at a deposition have no legal basis or support. I provided him with a link to the Select Committee's adopted report on a contempt citation to review the detailed basis for our recommendation to the House. I include my October 19th letter in the Record. Select Committee To Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, October 19, 2021. Mr. Robert J. Costello, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP, * * *. Dear Mr. Costello: I write yet again to urge your client Stephen K. Bannon to change course and comply with the September 23, 2021, subpoena from the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol (``Select Committee''). As explained in our prior correspondence, your stated reasons for Mr. Bannon's flat refusal to provide documents and appear at a deposition have no legal basis or support. Because of Mr. Bannon's continued refusal to comply with the subpoena, the Select Committee has unanimously voted to recommend that the House of Representatives find Mr. Bannon to be in contempt of Congress. The detailed basis for that recommendation is contained in the Select Committee's report, a copy of which is available at the following link: https:// docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ ByEvent.aspx?EventID=114156. Should the House of Representatives agree with that recommendation, the Speaker of the House will certify the relevant statement of facts to the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, ``whose duty it shall be to bring the matter before the grand jury for its action.'' See 2 U.S.C. Sec. 194. Additionally, President Biden's recently communicated views relating to your client's reliance on executive privilege as a basis for his non-compliance provide further support for the Select Committee's position. As you know, in its October 18, 2021, letter, the Office of the White House Counsel concluded that ``at this point we are not aware of any basis for [Mr. Bannon's] refusal to appear for a deposition.'' The letter further noted that President Biden has ``already determined that an assertion of executive privilege is not in the public interest, and therefore is not justified, with respect to certain subjects within the purview of the Select Committee.'' In short, the current President's statements should remove any doubt regarding the inappropriateness of Mr. Bannon's reliance on assertions of executive privilege as grounds for his noncompliance with the subpoena. Mr. Bannon has no basis in law to continue to defy the appropriate use of congressional subpoena authority. These developments underscore the folly of any continuing defiance of the Select Committee subpoena by Mr. Bannon. The Select Committee remains focused on expeditiously obtaining the testimony and documents necessary to meet our responsibilities and we continue to expect immediate compliance by Mr. Bannon. Should Mr. Bannon choose to change his posture, please notify Select Committee staff * * *. Sincerely, Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, the importance of our investigation, and the recommendations we make for legislative and other policy changes that result from our investigation, require the participation of witnesses who have clear knowledge of the events leading up to and during the January 6th attack. Mr. Bannon's own actions in defiance of our lawful subpoena for a valid legislative purpose demand the consequences reflected in the House resolution citing him with contempt and referring his case to the Department of Justice.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, just for the record, again, the gentleman from Indiana referenced the whistleblower. We have not talked to the whistleblower, but we have talked to the whistleblower's lawyer. We are doing our work. So, clearly, since he is quoting Politico, I want him to just get the record straight. Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Luria), who served two decades in the Navy and was among the first women to serve in the Navy's nuclear power program.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, the former President's lawsuit, however, is immaterial to Mr. Bannon's defiance of our lawful subpoena. As House Report 117-152 makes clear, Mr. Bannon had a duty to produce documents and appear before the Select Committee. His flat refusal to comply with the subpoena is unacceptable. I made that clear in a letter to Mr. Costello before the Select Committee's business meeting on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. I include in the Record my response to Mr. Costello's October 18th letter. Select Committee To Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, October 19, 2021. Mr. Robert J. Costello, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP, Dear Mr. Costello: The Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol (``Select Committee'') is in receipt of your October 18, 2021, letter requesting a one-week ``adjournment'' of your response to my October 15, 2021, letter. The only basis for your request is yesterday's filing of litigation by former President Trump against the Chairman, Select Committee, Archivist of the United States, and the National Archives and Records Administration. That litigation relates to the Select Committee's requests for documents in the possession of the National Archives and is immaterial to the Select Committee's demand for documents and testimony from Mr. Bannon. The investigation of the Select Committee is extremely important and urgent for the nation, and further delay in compliance by Mr. Bannon undermines the ability of the Committee to timely complete its essential responsibilities. Accordingly, no grounds exist for any ``adjournment'' or other delay and your request is denied. Sincerely, Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, in response to the gentleman from Illinois' statement, the first hearing of the select committee that we actually held interviewed four officers who put their lives on the line defending all of us who work here in this body. So I assure you, my directions to the committee have always been, we will look at all of the facts and circumstances surrounding what occurred. We are genuinely interested in getting to the facts. We are working to get the answers. And that is why we are on the floor today, to get answers from Steve Bannon about what he knew, what he did leading up to January 6. Also, to the gentleman from Indiana, I am glad he finally agrees that the select committee has a legitimate legislative purpose and that is why we are here today, pursuing that legislative purpose. So I am happy that the Record will reflect his comments. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Murphy), a valiant member of the select committee.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kinzinger), an Iraq and Afghanistan Air Force veteran and a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, since Speaker Pelosi asked me to chair the January 6th Select Committee, I have spent a lot of time thinking about the importance of what we are doing, the weight of it, the urgency. We need to give the American people answers about what happened. There needs to be swift accountability. But there are longer-term considerations, too. Madam Speaker, I am a grandfather, and when I talk to my grandkids about that horrific attack on our democracy on January 6, my mind jumps ahead to the future in store for them--questions about whether American democracy, as we know it now, will remain strong, whether it will withstand future tests. That has to be the legacy of this committee's work. To be sure, we are going to answer questions about what happened on that day. But we also need to draw a roadmap for making sure our democracy remains strong tomorrow. We will look backward at what happened and try to explain how and why the insurrection came about. But we will also look forward and generate recommendations for legislative policy and process changes that will help ensure that nothing like this ever happens again. When we get to the end of this process and look back, we are going to ask ourselves: Did we do everything in our power to uncover every fact? Did we use the tools at our disposal to get a full accounting, or did we let someone stand in our way without facing consequences? Did we learn what we needed to know for Congress to forge legislation to help ensure we never experience another January 6 again? That is why we are taking up this resolution today, citing Steve Bannon with criminal contempt and referring him for prosecution by the Justice Department. We didn't choose to be here. This isn't about punishing Steve Bannon. The select committee would prefer and, frankly, expect all witnesses to fully cooperate. But Steve Bannon has led us down this path by refusing to cooperate in any way with our investigation. We believe Mr. Bannon has information valuable to our probe. He was deeply involved in the so-called stop the steal campaign. He was reportedly in a war room meeting the day before the riot and had been pressuring the former President to try to stop the counting of the electoral college ballots. He himself warned that ``all hell'' would break loose on January 6. We believe he can help inform our inquiry as to how the riot came together and what it was intended to achieve. He is clearly an important witness. We subpoenaed him. And unlike other witnesses who have engaged and worked with our team to find a way to cooperate, Mr. Bannon told us he wouldn't comply because the former President told him not to. He hid behind vague and baseless claims of privilege. That is just not acceptable. The select committee told Mr. Bannon several times that he would face the consequences if he didn't change course. Well, he didn't change course, and his actions have brought us to this point. Madam Speaker, we need to make it clear that no person is above the law. We need to take a stand for the integrity of the select committee's investigation and for the integrity of this body. What sort of precedent would it set for the House of Representatives if we allow a witness to ignore us flat out without facing any kind of consequences? What message would it send to other witnesses in our investigation? I am not willing to find out. I am not willing to get to the end of the select committee's work and look back wishing we had done more to uncover all the facts, not when we know what is on the line, when we know that our democracy isn't yet out of danger, when we know that the forces that tried to overturn the election persist in their assault on the rule of law. Our investigation is going forward. We are hearing from witnesses, reviewing documents, and analyzing data. Mr. Bannon stands alone in his defiance, and we will not stand for it. We will not allow anyone to derail our work because our work is too important: helping ensure that the future of American democracy is strong and secure. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, meanwhile, with regard to Mr. Bannon's claims that executive privileges somehow precluded his production or appearance pursuant to the Select Committee's subpoena, on Monday, October 18, 2021, the Office of White House Counsel wrote a letter to Mr. Costello and specifically stated that ``at this point we are not aware of any basis for [Mr. Bannon's] refusal to appear for a deposition.'' It further stated that President Biden ``has already determined that an assertion of executive privilege is not in the public interest, and therefore is not justified, with respect to certain subjects within the purview of the Select Committee.'' I include the full White House letter in the Record. The White House, Washington, DC, October 18, 2021. Robert J. Costello, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP, * * *. Dear Mr. Costello: I write regarding the subpoena for documents and deposition testimony issued on September 23, 2021, by the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol (the ``Select Committee'') to your client, Stephen K. Bannon. As you are aware, Mr. Bannon's tenure as a White House employee ended in 2017. To the extent any privileges could apply to Mr. Bannon's conversations with the former President or White House staff after the conclusion of his tenure, President Biden has already determined that an assertion of executive privilege is not in the public interest, and therefore is not justified, with respect to certain subjects within the purview of the Select Committee. Specifically, President Biden determined that an assertion of executive privilege is not justified with respect to a set of documents shedding light on events within the White House on and about January 6, 2021, and with respect to documents and testimony concerning the former President's efforts to use the Department of Justice to advance a false narrative that the 2020 election was tainted by widespread fraud. President Biden's determination that an assertion of privilege is not justified with respect to these subjects applies to your client's deposition testimony and to any documents your client may possess concerning either subject. Please contact me if you have questions about the matters described herein. Please note, however, that at this point we are not aware of any basis for your client's refusal to appear for a deposition. Sincerely, Jonathan C. Su, Deputy Counsel to the President.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, by the direction of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, I call up the report (H. Rept. 117-152) and accompanying resolution recommending that the House of Representatives find Stephen K. Bannon in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena duly issued by the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 730) recommending that the House of Representatives find Stephen K. Bannon in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena duly issued by the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, and ask for its immediate consideration

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, the mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is broad and diverse. The more than 60,000 men and women of CBP protect our borders at and between the ports of entry and help boost our economic security and prosperity by facilitating trade and travel. While the roles they play may differ, CBP personnel are tasked with keeping our country a safe, secure, and resilient place where the American way of life can thrive. In carrying out this critical role, CBP personnel provide a great service to our country. They put their uniforms on every day and kiss their families goodbye, not sure what the next shift may bring. Tragically, some have not returned home. I wish to pay tribute to the brave officers and agents who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation. We commemorate them, celebrate their lives, and offer their families and loved ones our continued support. They have earned the respect and appreciation of a grateful nation, and their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Today, on the occasion of CBP's 2021 Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony, I include in the Record the names of these officers and agents as follows: James S. Litz, Air Interdiction Agent, End of watch: September 7, 2012 Donna M. Doss, Border Patrol Agent, End of watch: February 2, 2019 Robert M. Hotten, Border Patrol Agent, End of watch: October 6, 2019 Luis O. Pena, Jr., Border Patrol Agent, End of watch: December 23, 2019 Van Dong, CBP Technician, End of watch: April 1, 2020 Richard McCoy, CBP Officer, End of watch: May 3, 2020 Omar E. Palmer, CBP Officer, End of watch: May 4, 2020 James Taylor, CBP Field Technology Officer, End of watch: May 8, 2020 Ching Kok ``CK'' Yan, CBP Officer, End of watch: May 16, 2020 Johan S. Mordan, Border Patrol Agent, End of watch: June 12, 2020 Alfonso Murrieta, CBP Officer, End of watch: July 9, 2020 Enrique J. Rositas, Jr., Border Patrol Agent, End of watch: July 11, 2020 Roel De La Fuente, CBP Officer, End of watch: July 13, 2020 Agustin Aguilar, Jr., Border Patrol Agent, End of watch: July 25, 2020 Marco A. Gonzales, Border Patrol Agent, End of watch: August 5, 2020 Lucas Saucedo, CBP Officer, End of watch: August 21, 2020 Carlo Cayabyab, CBP Officer, End of watch: September 16, 2020 Domingo Jasso III, CBP Officer, End of watch: November 5, 2020 Christopher Carney, Air Interdiction Agent, End of watch: November 16, 2020 Richard Rios, CBP Officer, End of watch: December 2, 2020 Jose Santana, CBP Officer, End of watch: December 2, 2020

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable hero, Mrs. Anna Washington Lee. Mrs. Anna Washington Lee was born September 19, 1917, in Sunflower, Mississippi. On Sunday, September 19, 2021, a precious gift of life and love, celebrated her 104th birthday with her family, students and friends in acknowledgment of her motherhood and service. From her humble beginnings in rural Sunflower County, Mrs. Lee, along with her twelve siblings, were raised on a system of integrity premised on the tenets of love, kindness and compassion imparted by their parents. Her parents instilled a central moral compass that echoed the heart of the Good Samaritan and core ethical values encompassed in the importance of work, family, community, and the love of God. Known for her kindness and willingness to assist others, Mrs. Lee has devoted most of her life as the matriarch of her family, as an educator for 49\1/2\ years in Sunflower and Bolivar Counties. She is also the oldest living female resident of the City of Mound Bayou, Mississippi. Mrs. Lee is a God-fearing Christian, a devoted nurturing mother of one child and one grandson. She is the living embodiment of a woman of Proverbs 31:10. She is a woman after God's own heart, committed to her faith, her family, and her friends. Her faithful membership of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church has shown her as an upstanding pillar in the community. Mrs. Lee remains the archetype icon and central foundation of a family that retains and unbreakable bond of love, honor, devotion, commitment and encouragement for each generation; and at 104 years of age, Mrs. Lee, ``Ma Anna'' as she is affectionately called, continues to be a blessing to others through her impartation words of advice and wise counsel to those in her company as a reminder of God's unfailing love for us all. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Anna Washington Lee for her dedication and tenacity to serving her community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a remarkable servant, Ms. Estelle S. Pryor. Ms. Estelle S. Pryor was born May 8, 1929, to the late Charlie Smith and Lattie Howard Smith in Bourbon, MS. She was the sixth of eight children. She was previously married to the late Peter Griggs, Jr. and the late Bennie Pryor. Ms. Pryor received her elementary education in the Leland School District, her secondary education and High School diploma from Coleman Junior and Senior High School, in Greenville, MS. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Childhood Elementary Education and Child Education Development from Mississippi Valley State University. Next, she received a CP Nurse Certificate from Homer G. Phillip Hospital School in St. Louis, MO in 1949. She also attended Deluxe Beauty College where she received a Cosmetology License in 1961, and studied Data Processing and Business at Moorhead Junior College. Ms. Pryor was the first African American female hired in the Washington County Courthouse as a Deputy Circuit Clerk, where she was later promoted to the position of Chief Deputy Clerk. When she was later elected as the Washington County Circuit Clerk, she became the first African American female elected to public office in Washington County since reconstruction. She held that position until her retirement in 1995, having been in office for over thirty years. Ms. Pryor lived an exemplary life. Her honors, memberships, associations, achievements, and prestigious awards, too numerous to name, span over nearly seven decades. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Ms. Estelle S. Pryor.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable community servant Mr. Tyre Phillips. Tyre Phillips was born in Grenada, Mississippi, which is known as the city that smiles, in January of 1997. Tyre is the son of James and Jusqulynn Phillips of Grenada, MS. He is also a member of Open Door Abundant Life Church of Apostolic Faith in Charleston, MS, where his father is the pastor. Phillips received his high school diploma in 2015. After graduation, he went to East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) in Scooba, MS, where he gained a full ride scholarship in football. Phillips started both years at EMCC. After the two years, he graduated from EMCC and received a full ride scholarship to go play football at Mississippi State University. January 2017, Phillips began going to Mississippi State. His first season there he was redshirted, which later down the road he called ``the best thing I ever could have done.'' During his junior year, he played at both tackle positions as part of an offensive line rotation. During his senior year, he started all 13 games the Bulldogs played in. Phillips played in the 2020 Senior Bowl after his senior season. During his time at Mississippi State University, he became a member of Omega Psi Phi Incorporated and he received SEC honors. Phillips then graduated from Mississippi State University with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Science with Child Youth Development. After graduation, Phillips then started training for the NFL combine. He was soon drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round with the 106th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. During training camp, he shifted from tackle to offensive guard for the starting job at the start of the season despite dealing with an ankle injury. Phillips started 8 games and played 12 games overall his rookie year as a Raven. Phillips is now entering his second year as a Raven and he is now battling for a starting position for this upcoming season. During the off season, Phillips offers music lessons to children in the community. He also assists in local football camps for aspiring athletic youth. Next year, Phillips will be starting his own camp, investing in young men in his community, as many from the city of Grenada did for him. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Tyre Phillips for his dedication and tenacity to serving his community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Writer's Guild Founder, Dr. Jerry K. Domatob. Dr. Jerry Komia Domatob is Professor of Mass Communication at Alcorn State University, in Lorman, Mississippi. An author, photographer, and poet, Domatob earned his Ph.D. in Mass Communication from Ohio University, in Athens, Ohio. He holds two master's degrees in international Affairs and Journalism from Carleton University, in Ottawa, Canada. Dr. Domatob also studied law and Journalism at the University of Yaounde. He has taught in several universities including the University of Northern Iowa, Fordham University, New York and Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Jackson State University, Suffolk County Community College and Brentwood Community College. With broad expertise in media education, Dr. Domatob brings varied pedagogical experiences in communication and related fields. Dr. Domatob is also known as one of the founders of the Claiborne County Writer's Guild, a small but passionate group of writers who actively promote the literacy arts in the community. This group is known for encouraging students with scholarships to critiquing each other's work, to just good fellowship and enlightenment. They are all about inspiring new talent to grow and new works to come forth. Dr. Domatob is also known for his impact and influence in the community. He is known to be a creative, soft spoken, a humble man who stimulates positivity and influential thought patterns. He currently serves as the Vice President for the Harriette Person Memorial Library Friends of the Library. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a community leader and founder, Dr. Jerry Komia Domatob for his dedication and tenacity to serving his community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 4094, the One-Stop Pilot Program Act of 2021. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, October 12, 2021. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4094, the One- Stop Pilot Program Act of 2021. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Aaron Krupkin. Sincerely, Phillip L. Swagel, Director. Enclosure.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and ambitious young lady, Ms. Trinity McGloster. Trinity has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve. Trinity McGloster, a Vicksburg High School Student, who made her debut as the kicker for the Gator football team Friday (September 10, 2021) night against Canton in the team's first district game. It's not everyday that a young lady decides to play the game of football, but the freshman soccer athlete is prepared to show that she has what it takes to shine against anyone. ``I've been playing soccer since I was four, so my coaches, parents, and teammates have been preparing for this moment and I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to try something new,'' McGloster said. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Trinity McGloster for her passion and desire to be a trailblazer.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Velma Benson Wilson. Velma was born and raised in Marks, Mississippi. She is the fifth of seventeen children and spent her early childhood on a small rural farm, where her parents taught her the value of hard work, family, and the importance of getting a good education. Wilson graduated from Quitman County High School as the class valedictorian, and was awarded a full academic scholarship to St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Education in 1973. Wilson is currently employed by the Quitman County Board of Supervisors as the first Quitman County Economic & Tourism Director. She has been in this position for one-year and has made significant achievements by establishing a 501(3) (c) for the county to help generate additional funding resources outside the realms of state and national grant funds. A new Quitman County Economic & Tourism website has been developed to market to potential businesses and industry, to seek economic opportunities. Wilson has successful opened the Quitman County Interpretive Welcome Center, which serves as a multi-purpose building- offering lounge space and restrooms for waiters and riders for the Amtrak trains that stop twice daily in Marks, a tourism gift shop and office and public meeting spaces. Wilson was instrumental in working with the Mississippi State Legislative, the Board of Supervisors, and the City of Marks Board of Aldermen to obtain state bond funding of $200,000, to assist with the renovation of the county full-service grocery store, which officially closed in 2017, making Quitman County a food desert. Additionally, a grant was submitted and funded for $200,000, with a USDA American Healthy Financial Food Initiative, which allowed the purchase of new refrigeration equipment for the grocery store. In April 2021, this store was successful re-opening bringing back 30 loss jobs to the community. In 2016, Wilson was employed as the first African American, and the first female County Administrator for the Quitman County Board of Supervisors. She served in this position for 5 years prior to transiting to the Director of Economic Development and Tourism. Within her five year tenure, as County Administrator, she helped secured over $4 million in local, regional, state and federal funds for projects that benefitted Quitman County. One of Wilson's most momentous achievements, as County Administrator was coordinating negotiations with federal, state, and local elected officials, as well as regional stakeholders in an agreement with Canadian National Railroad and Amtrak to allow the construction of an Amtrak station in Marks, MS. The Amtrak station opened May 4, 2018. Wilson's previous career, prior to returning to her hometown, included a co-business owner (15 years) multi-auto franchises (Buick, GMC, Dodge, Chrysler and Hyundai) in Jackson, TN. And she spent (12 years) as a social worker and educator. She is also an author. Her book, What's in the Water, was the winner of 2013 Daughter of American Revolution Print Media Award. This book also gave her the distinction of being named as one of the twenty most influential women in West Tennessee for civic, business and community contributions. As a writer, Wilson was an Oprah's Magazine Contributor for the October and November 2013 issues; she was honored in 2004 with the Alumni Community Service Award; and, her alma mater recognized and honored her through the American Legion, by putting a copy of her book, What's in the Water, on display in the St. Norbert College's library. In 2019, Wilson was appointed to serve as an officer on the Delta Council as a presidential appointment. She has also served as a board member for numerous organizations: Jackson, Tennessee Area Chamber of Commerce; March of Dimes; The Boys and Girls Club; Jackson Arts Council; The Jackson Symphony; United Way; Jackson, Tennessee Chapter of the Links, Inc. (Past President and Vice President); and NAIA (Vice Chair). With over 30 years of experience in education, social services, corporate business, public relations, marketing, she has received civic and leadership awards and recognition for work in areas of: Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Black Adoption Awareness, Services to Youth, NAACP, and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She is married to Sidney Wilson, Jr. They have two children: Janice (graduate of Columbia Law School), and Sidney, III (graduate of Vermont Law School). She has a grandson, Elias, and granddaughter, Tiarra. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Velma Benson Wilson for her dedication in serving her community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant Reverend Isiac Jackson, Jr. Rev. Jackson began his formal education at Rogers High School in Canton, Mississippi, where he received his high school diploma in 1965. He attended Prentiss Junior College for two years and completed his undergraduate education at Alcorn State University, where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1973. Before becoming a Minister of the Gospel, Rev. Jackson taught in the Canton Public School System for years. Other experience consists of working as Supervisor I, Madison County Food Stamp Office; Instructor at the Mississippi Baptist Seminary Extension; served for one year as Justice Court Judge, in Canton, Mississippi; Drug Coordinator for Canton Public School System; Moderator in the Madison Baptist Association; Executive Secretary of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Mississippi, Inc.; served as President of the Mississippi Baptist Seminary; and was elected President of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, Inc. in the July 2010 session. Rev. Jackson is the Pastor of Liberty Missionary Baptist Church in Canton, Mississippi. He is married to Ora Jackson, and they have three children: Michal, Ghika (George) and Isiac, Ill. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Rev. Isiac Jackson, Jr. for his dedication and tenacity to serving his community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, the safety of our children is central to our country's well-being, and we must ensure that, for its part, the Department of Homeland Security is equipped to consider these needs. The Homeland Security for Children Act would ensure the unique needs of children are taken into account throughout the Department by mandating the DHS Secretary direct all components and offices to consider children when creating policies and implementing programs. It specifically directs the Department to seek feedback from organizations that represent children when developing and carrying out policies and programs. H.R. 4426 would also permanently authorize a ``children's technical expert'' within the Federal Emergency Management Agency to prioritize the interests of children in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives. Lastly, the legislation, as introduced by my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) would require DHS to report to Congress on the Department's work to incorporate children's interests throughout all its work. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4426, the Homeland Security for Children Act, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC, September 23, 2021. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives. Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Thompson: I write concerning H.R. 4426, the Homeland Security for Children Act. There are certain provisions in this legislation that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. In order to expedite floor consideration of H.R. 4426, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure agrees to forgo action on the bill. However, this is conditional on our mutual understanding that forgoing consideration of the bill would not prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or similar legislation that fall within the Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. I also request that you urge the Speaker to name members of this Committee to any conference committee which is named to consider such provisions. Please place a copy of this letter and your response acknowledging our jurisdictional interest into the committee report on H.R. 4426 and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Sincerely, Peter A. Defazio, Chair.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. As the lead Federal agency for cybersecurity, DHS has taken steps to increase public awareness of software vulnerabilities routinely exploited by malicious cyber actors. To identify and manage these types of vulnerabilities on its own network, DHS needs better visibility into the supply chains of the software it procures. Enactment of H.R. 4611 would ensure that DHS has access to the information it needs to enhance its ability to manage the risks to its own networks. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4611, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, DHS obligated the $20 billion on goods and services in fiscal year 2020, making it the fourth highest spending civilian agency in the Federal Government. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that the Department's funds are well spent. Enactment of H.R. 4363 would provide greater transparency into the Department's contract awards and enable better oversight of DHS's spending. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4363, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4089) to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and disseminate best practices for rental companies and dealers to report suspicious behavior to law enforcement agencies at the point of sale of a covered rental vehicle to prevent and mitigate acts of terrorism using motor vehicles, and for other purposes, as amended.