Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a July 19 article from CBS News stating that the number of migrants unlawfully crossing the southern border has continued to drop dramatically in July, thanks to Biden-Harris administration policies. Notably, the article includes the following quote: ``July is on track to see the fifth consecutive monthly drop in migrant apprehensions along the U.S.-Mexico border and the lowest level in illegal immigration there since the fall of 2020, during the Trump administration. . .''. [From CBS News, July 19, 2024] Migrant Crossings Continue to Plunge, Nearing the Level That Would Lift Biden's Border Crackdown (By Camilo Montoya-Galvez) The number of migrants unlawfully crossing the U.S. southern border has continued to drop markedly in July, nearing a threshold that would require officials to lift a partial ban on asylum claims enacted by President Biden, according to internal government data obtained by CBS News. July is on track to see the fifth consecutive monthly drop in migrant apprehensions along the U.S.-Mexico border and the lowest level in illegal immigration there since the fall of 2020, during the Trump administration, the internal Department of Homeland Security figures show. In early June, President Biden invoked a far-reaching presidential authority to suspend the entry of most migrants entering the U.S. illegally, effectively shutting off access to the American asylum system outside of official ports of entry. Illegal border crossings--which were already falling before Mr. Biden's action--plunged further after the order took effect, reaching a three-year low in June. Illegal crossings along U.S. southern border over the past year The numbers denote Border Patrol apprehensions of migrants who entered the U.S. between official ports of entry along the southern border. But the DHS regulation implementing Mr. Biden's proclamation stipulated that the asylum crackdown would be lifted if the 7-day average of daily migrant apprehensions between ports of entry fell to 1,500. In the past week, the average of daily illegal crossings counted in the regulation's calculations reached roughly 1,650, according to the internal DHS figures. Those calculations, as dictated by the regulation, exclude crossings by unaccompanied children who are not from Mexico. Those children are typically housed in government-run shelters until they turn 18 or are placed with a U.S.-based sponsor, as mandated by a 2008 antitrafficking law. If the 7-day average of daily illegal crossings dips to 1,500, the regulation says, Mr. Biden's asylum proclamation would be ``discontinued 14 days after'' Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas makes a ``factual determination'' about the threshold being reached. ``The Departments have determined that the 1,500-encounter threshold is a reasonable proxy for when the border security and immigration system is no longer over capacity and the measures adopted in this rule are not necessary to deal with such circumstances,'' the regulation says. Asylum limits could remain in place While illegal border crossings are nearing the 1,500 deactivation threshold, it's possible that they may remain above that number, keeping the partial asylum ban in place. And even if the 1,500 trigger is reached, Mr. Biden's proclamation would be reinstated if the 7-day average of daily illegal crossings were to rebound to 2,500. A senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official said the agency does not expect the partial ban on asylum requests to be deactivated imminently, noting that illegal crossings appear to be plateauing. ``We're not in a place yet where we're a day . . . or days away from being below 1,500,'' the official told CBS News. But the official acknowledged that reaching the 1,500 trigger is possible and confirmed there's been internal planning and preparations for that eventuality. If Mr. Biden's proclamation is suspended, the official said, CBP would still strive to place migrants in expedited deportation proceedings, instead of releasing them with notices to appear in immigration court. Another Biden administration asylum restriction that applies to those who don't seek refuge in third countries before crossing into the U.S. would also remain in place. ``Noncitizens who enter the United States between ports of entry and do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States continue to be swiftly removed,'' DHS spokesperson Erin Heeter said in a statement. A dramatic change at the border With an overall average of roughly 1,800 daily migrant apprehensions so far in July, Border Patrol is on pace to record fewer than 60,000 migrant apprehensions this month, the lowest level since September 2020, according to unpublished DHS data. That average, unlike the one used in the asylum regulation's calculations, includes all unaccompanied children. The current situation at the southern border represents a dramatic change from just late last year, when illegal crossings rose to a quarter of a million in December, an all- time monthly high. After that record-breaking influx, the Mexican government, at the request of U.S. officials, ramped up operations to stop migrants from reaching American soil. Immigration experts credited the Mexican government's migration crackdown with playing a key role in the sustained drop in migrant crossings recorded by American officials this year. Temperatures in the southern U.S. have also soared in the summer, making the migration journey even more perilous. But U.S. officials said Mr. Biden's move to partially shut down asylum processing has led to a more acute drop in unlawful crossings. Because it makes it easier for U.S. officials to deport more migrants, the proclamation has sharply reduced the releases that authorities view as a factor that encourages migration. Still, not everyone is being deported quickly. Some groups, such as unaccompanied children, medically vulnerable migrants and those who secure appointments to be processed at legal entry points, are exempt from the partial asylum ban. Some migrants who are disqualified from asylum under the policy are also still allowed to stay because the U.S. does not carry out regular deportations to their home countries due to diplomatic and logistical constraints. Progressive advocacy groups have strongly decried Mr. Biden's asylum crackdown, and the American Civil Liberties Union is arguing in federal court that the policy violates U.S. and international refugee law. Theresa Cardinal Brown, a senior adviser at the Bipartisan Policy Center and a former government immigration official under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, said the legality of Mr. Biden's actions are ``still an outstanding question.'' But she said the drop in releases under the policy is affecting migrants' decisions, at least in the short-term. ``When a sufficient number, it doesn't necessarily have to be everybody, but a sufficient number of people are not allowed to come in, to wait and succeed in coming in, that does send a signal back,'' she said.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a fact sheet released by the Department of Homeland Security this morning that shows President Biden's Presidential Proclamation to temporarily suspend the entry of certain noncitizens across the southern border has helped reduce the number of encounters at out our Southwest Border by 55 percent. [From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, July 24, 2024] FACT SHEET: President Biden's Presidential Proclamation and Joint DHS- DOJ Interim Final Rule Cut Encounters at Southwest Border by 55 Percent The Presidential Proclamation issued by President Biden to temporarily suspend the entry of certain noncitizens across the southern border--including the southwest land and southern coastal borders--and the complementary joint interim final rule (IFR) issued by DHS DOJ have now been in effect for seven weeks, helping reduce the number of encounters at our Southwest Border by 55 percent. The Border Patrol's 7-day average has decreased to below 1,800 encounters per day. In June, the Border Patrol recorded 83,536 encounters between ports of entry, the lowest number since January 2021, and below the number of encounters between ports of entry in June 2019, the last comparable year prior to the pandemic. While the President's action has led to significant results, our nation's immigration system requires Congressional action to provide needed resources and additional authorities. Twice now, Congress has failed to pass the bipartisan border security agreement negotiated in the U.S. Senate, which would provide the critical personnel and funding needed to further secure our Southern border. The agreement would have added 1,500 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agents and Officers, added 1,200 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel, 4,300 asylum officers, invested in technology to catch illegal fentanyl, and delivered sweeping reforms to the asylum system. Congress must still act. While the Proclamation and IFR have been in effect: DHS has removed and returned more than 65,000 individuals to more than 125 countries, including by operating more than 200 international repatriation flights. DHS has doubled the percentage of noncitizens processed through Expedited Removal while in CBP or ICE custody. Expedited Removal processing was already at record levels prior to the Proclamation. DHS has decreased the number of people released pending their removal proceedings by 70 We continue to implement recently announced measures (https://www.ice.gov/news/release/ice-announces-ongoing-work- optimize-enforcement-resources) to increase the overall capacity of enforcement resources--including repatriation flights and detention capacity. ICE is optimizing air charter contracts to maximize the number of repatriation flights operated each week. Over the last year, the agency has removed individuals to a range of South American and Eastern Hemisphere countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Uzbekistan, and India, and in the last few weeks, DHS conducted a removal flight to the People's Republic of China (PRC). Efforts to expand the number of removal flights continue with the expectation of additional flights added to the schedule in the coming weeks. Under the terms of the IFR, the limitation on asylum eligibility will be discontinued when encounters fall below certain levels but will come back into effect if encounters rise again. The Proclamation and IFR enable DHS to quickly remove those without a legal basis to remain, strengthening enforcement consequences for those who fail to use lawful pathways to come to the United States. For more information on how the Proclamation and IFR work, visit the following links: Fact Sheet: President Biden's Presidential Proclamation and Joint DHS-DOJ Interim Final Rule Cut Encounters at Southwest Border by Over 40 Percent in First Three Weeks (https:/- www.dhs.gov/news/2024/06/25/fact-sheet-president-bidens- presidential-proclamation-and-joint-dhs-doj-interim) Fact Sheet: Presidential Proclamation to Suspend and Limit Entry and Joint DHS-DOJ Interim Final Rule to Restrict Asylum During High Encounters at the Southern Border (https:// www.dhs.gov/news/2024/06/04/fact-sheet-presidential- proclamation-suspend-and-limit-entry-and-joint-dhs-doi) Individuals continue to be eligible for asylum, including individuals who use the CBP OneTM mobile app's appointment scheduling function. CBP makes 1,450 appointments available per day at eight land ports of entry via this functionality. Use of the app requires those seeking an appointment to submit vital information in advance, improving DHS's ability to conduct screening and vetting. CBP One is just one example of how this Administration has carried out the largest expansion of lawful pathways and orderly processes in decades. The majority of all Southwest border encounters during the past three fiscal years resulted in a removal, return, or expulsion. DHS removed or returned over 740,000 individuals in the 12 months after the end of the Title 42 public health Order, more than any year since 2010. That included more removals to countries other than Mexico than in any prior year ever.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a July 22 ``analysis'' article from the right-wing Wall Street Journal stating that the Vice President's role was narrow--and also successful. Notably, the article includes the following quote: ``Harris's job was meant to be narrow, and over the years Harris has fulfilled it by announcing tranches of private investments.'' [From WSJ, July 22, 2024] Analysis: Was Kamala Harris Actually Biden's `Border Czar'? (By Michelle Hackman) Even before Kamala Harris became the Democrats' likely challenger to Donald Trump, Republicans have used her immigration portfolio as a line of attack against her-- calling her President Biden's ``border czar.'' But Harris's task, assigned to her in 2021 by Biden, was actually much narrower. At the start of his presidency, Biden tasked his VP with what the administration called the ``root causes'' of migration from Central America--the extreme poverty, famine and gang violence that have driven so many people over the last decade to uproot their lives and head north to the U.S. Former President Barack Obama had asked Biden to take on the same task when he was vice president. Biden successfully pushed Congress to allot several billion in aid money for Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Harris's job was meant to be narrow, and over the years Harris has fulfilled it by announcing tranches of private investments by companies like Pepsi, Cargill and Nestle in Central America. But the assignment gave Republicans a convenient scapegoat as illegal crossings at the southern border climbed. Days after the announcement of her assignment, House Republicans appeared at a press conference brandishing a sign reading, ``missing at the border: Vice President Kamala Harris.'' On Monday, the RNC tweeted a video purporting to show the moment Biden anointed Harris ``border czar.'' In the video, Biden says he is asking Harris ``to lead our efforts with Mexico and the Northern Triangle, the countries that need help in stemming a movement of so many folks, of stemming the migration to our southern border.'' Mr. Thompson of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record an April 5 ``fact check'' article from the Washington Post giving four Pinocchios to the favorite Republican claim that the Biden administration ``flew at least 400,000 illegal immigrants into the country.'' Notably, the article states that Republicans are Quote: ``peddling a blatant falsehood her'' Unquote. [From the Washington Post, April 5, 2024] Taxpayer Dollars Being Used to Fly `Illegal Aliens' Into U.S.? Nope. (By Glenn Kessler) ``Do you support American taxpayer dollars being used to fly illegal immigrants from countries like Venezuela and Haiti into America to be settled in cities and towns near you? If so, then vote against me. Vote no to preserve this practice of using taxpayer dollars to charter planes that move and import thousands of illegal aliens into your states.? Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), in a speech on the Senate floor, March 23: ``Have you had to cancel or rethink any upcoming summer trips because of high prices? Don't worry--your taxpayer dollars will be used to pay for illegal immigrants to fly into a town near you.'' Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, in a post on X, April 2: Two lawmakers from Tennessee have issued misleading statements about a Biden administration program that permitted an increased use of a process known as humanitarian parole for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Hagerty offered an amendment to a spending bill-- defeated in a party-line vote--that he said would prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to fly in migrants. Green, on X, posted a Fox News article--headlined ``All Senate Dems vote against barring taxpayer funds to fly illegal migrants to U.S. towns''--and made a similar claim. Under the Biden program, people from these countries who try to cross the border without the proper paperwork are ineligible for parole and subject to expulsion. Instead, before arriving, they must receive authorization to travel to the United States and a statement of financial support from a sponsor. As of the end of February, the Department of Homeland Security says, more than 386,000 people from those countries had arrived lawfully in the United States and another 19,000 were vetted and authorized to travel. In other words, they are not in the country illegally, despite the rhetoric in the statements. And beyond the question of whether these immigrants are ``illegal,'' if You listen to Hagerty and Green, U.S. taxpayers are footing the bill for their travel. That's wrong. the Facts The website for the program makes clear that people applying for humanitarian parole must pay for their tickets. Under a list of requirements, one is: ``Provide for their own commercial travel to an air U.S. port of entry and final U.S. destination.'' When we asked spokespeople for Hagerty and Green, we received different answers about why they said taxpayers' dollars were involved. Neither is convincing. Hagerty's staff said he was referring not to plane tickets, but to the fact that the program was created and administered with taxpayer dollars. His amendment said ``no funds appropriated by this Act may be used to facilitate, provide, or purchase air transportation from a foreign country to the United States''--so ``facilitate'' is the operative word here. But the arm of the DHS that administers the program--U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)--is 96 percent funded by fees paid by people seeking to come to the United States. For instance, people in the parole program must pay as much as $520 to file an application for work authorization. Moreover, parole applications (now totaling about 400,000) make up an even smaller part of the nearly 10 million applications handled by USCIS each year, so the number of people handling the applications would be an infinitesimal part of the USCIS workforce. On top of that, the salaries of these workers are funded by fees, not congressional appropriations (``taxpayer dollars''). In any case, as we noted, people approved for the program must book and pay for their own flights to come to the United States. There aren't any charter flights, despite what Hagerty said. Green's staff offered a different explanation--that he was referring to nongovernmental organizations being reimbursed for transportation costs through the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, another arm of the DHS. But this is also off base. The SSP is focused on helping pay the costs for people who cross the border between ports of entry, such as with the help of smugglers, and find themselves abandoned in the middle of a desert. The recipients are mainly border cities and charities that assist these undocumented immigrants with food, shelter and transportation. But people in the parole program arrive with authorization and a confirmed financial sponsor. In fact, the Biden administration created the parole program to reduce unauthorized border crossings that have burdened border facilities. So the only way SSP dollars would be used by someone in the parole program is if a disaster happened and this person found themselves in a shelter that received some funding from the SSP--a highly unlikely prospect. the Pinocchio Test Hagerty and Green are peddling a blatant falsehood here-- that the Biden administration is paying for the flights of migrants from four countries in the parole program. In reality, the migrants must pay their own way. When challenged, their offices resorted to alternative explanations about the use of taxpayer dollars that strain credulity. Four Pinocchios The Fact Checker is a verified signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network code of principles.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this unserious and politically motivated resolution. It is sad that today we are wasting time on this pointless resolution, which is nothing more than a campaign press release, rather than addressing real problems facing the American people, but a do- anything resolution is right in line with this do-nothing Congress. The House is about to go on vacation for 6 weeks, having delivered only political resolutions, not solutions, for the American people. In fact, my Republican colleagues are so eager to campaign, they are starting the August recess a week early and rushing to the floor with this press release disguised as a resolution before they head for the exits. Let's make no mistake: This resolution is only before this body because Vice President Harris will be the Democratic nominee for President. Testing new campaign messaging, though, is not a good use of the House's time, yet that is all this resolution offers. It changes absolutely nothing. It does not even pretend to change anything. I am sure the American people would rather us use our time to fund the government, but my Republican colleagues can't seem to agree among themselves about that. Instead, here we are, debating H. Res. 1371, a second-rate attempt at election interference. Perhaps it is also an ethics violation since my Republican colleagues are blatantly using House resources for campaign purposes, and like so much other campaign literature, this political resolution is premised on falsehoods and supported by cherry-picked statistics. The resolution would have you believe President Biden and Vice President Harris inherited an impenetrable southern border from the former administration. This is just not true. The cruel and inhumane policies of the Trump administration did not deter irregular migration. It took a worldwide shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to temporarily reduce the ever-increasing numbers of desperate people seeking freedom, safety, and opportunity in the United States. When global pandemic-era restrictions eased, worldwide migration increased. The United States is far from alone in facing this challenge. When President Biden and Vice President Harris took office, they reversed terrible Trump-era policies that separated children from their parents and put children in cages. The Biden-Harris administration has also increased enforcement, deployed more border surveillance equipment, and sped up immigration processing. The administration is removing and returning more people and implementing tough new policies that have cut the number of border crossers by more than half over the last 7 weeks alone. Vice President Harris, in particular, has worked to address the root causes of migration, especially from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Improving conditions in Northern Triangle countries means fewer people feel compelled to make the journey to the U.S. We have seen results. Since Vice President Harris was given this task, Customs and Border Protection's encounters with Central American migrants have declined by more than 70 percent. Furthermore, under Vice President Harris' leadership, the administration has also reinforced partnerships with countries in the region, and even around the world, to increase enforcement and share information. Mexico, for the first time ever, has agreed to accept the return of Venezuelans and Cubans. Under the former President, we struggled to remove migrants from these countries from the United States. There are also more visa requirements to enter the Western Hemisphere now, making the journey that much more difficult. This administration has recognized that migration is no longer regional but global and has taken action. Mr. Speaker, you will notice that nowhere in my remarks have I referred to the Vice President as a so-called border czar like this flawed resolution does. That is because such a position does not exist. The authors of this resolution cannot point to a single administration document that names the Vice President the ``border czar.'' That is because such documents do not exist. Even news organizations, like Axios, that referred to Vice President Harris as a so-called border czar have posted corrections and clarifications. That is because border czar is simply not her role. I would like to read from President Biden's March 2021 remarks describing Vice President Harris' duties. ``The Vice President has agreed, among the multiple other things that I have her leading--and I appreciate it--agreed to lead our diplomatic effort and work with those nations to accept the returnees and enhanced migration enforcement at their borders.'' The Vice President's role is diplomatic. It is about leading partnerships with foreign countries. It is not about overseeing the Border Patrol or ICE. That is Secretary Mayorkas' job, and he said as much in testimony before the Homeland Security Committee. The border czar title is a work of fiction created by overactive Republican imaginations and the media, and this resolution is premised on that fiction. Furthermore, this resolution is incredibly petty because Republicans struggle to quick squeeze anything of substance into it. It criticizes the Vice President, who was directed to focus on diplomatic engagements, for waiting 3 months to visit the southern border. Republicans then take issue with where she chose to go along the southern border. Vice President Harris went to Texas, just not the part of Texas Republicans thought she should go. The resolution also criticizes the Vice President for failing to make direct outreach to U.S. Border Patrol chiefs. Again, she was not tasked with overseeing the Border Patrol. Secretary Mayorkas, their actual boss, speaks to the U.S. Border Patrol regularly. Furthermore, H. Res. 1371 only includes border encounter statistics through May of this year, conveniently failing to include a nearly 30 percent decrease in encounters between ports of entry in June. The resolution also conveniently fails to mention that since early last month, DHS has removed or returned more than 65,000 border crossers to more than 125 countries. In the past year, DHS has removed or returned the most people since 2010. That includes more removals to countries other than Mexico than in any other prior year ever. Mr. Speaker, the House has better things to do than adopt pointless, false, and politically driven, nonbinding resolutions. Perhaps, for example, it could legislate on border security in a bipartisan fashion as the Senate tried to do; that is, before former President Trump told his MAGA allies to run away from the negotiating table so he could run on border security on the campaign trail. As much as my Republican colleagues talk about the threats from our border, they don't want to seem to do anything about it. Taking action is bad politics for them, so we get political resolutions rather than solutions. In fact, under Republican control, the 118th Congress has little to show for itself. Indeed, it is among the least productive in history. Maybe House Republicans are simply biding their time because they think they can implement their Project 2025 agenda next year. This do-nothing resolution is out to test-drive political talking points rather than change the sorry trajectory of this do-nothing Congress. Before I reserve, Mr. Speaker, I want to note that this is the first time the Homeland Security Committee has come to the floor since the passing of my dear friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who was a senior member of the committee. Congresswoman Jackson Lee cared passionately about border security and a humane immigration system that reflected American values. We will miss her bold, distinctive voice during today's debate, which we all know that she would have participated in with trademark tenacity. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this thinly veiled attempt as a political attack, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from Washington.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Barragan).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Goldman).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, if my Republican colleagues are worried about migrant children, I encourage them to look at policy solutions and to engage on a bipartisan bill, such as the Senate bipartisan border bill, where we can make real change. I encourage the majority to support this administration's effort to crack down on the employers who take advantage of these children. I encourage Republicans to take real action. This partisan resolution achieves nothing. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kennedy).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Ramirez).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from Illinois.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this resolution is a last-ditch, unserious effort by extreme MAGA Republicans to scapegoat Vice President Harris for longstanding challenges at the border. H. Res. 1371 is premised on the false claim that the Vice President was made a ``border czar,'' a fake title made up by Republicans and the media. This is a political stunt on the American taxpayers' dime. I wish they would put the same effort into immigration reform or passing budget bills. Let me reiterate: This resolution does absolutely nothing to improve the quality of life for Americans. If Republicans truly saw the challenges at the border as a crisis, they would have worked with Democrats on the bipartisan Senate border legislation, but they abandoned the bipartisan bill to please their Presidential candidate who wanted a campaign issue instead. We get political resolutions rather than solutions. The American people deserve better. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with immense pride to acknowledge a standout business from our community that has been honored with the 2024 National Small Business Week Award, Quapaw Canoe Company. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional contributions of John Ruskey and his team, whose dedication has not only enhanced our local economy but also enriched the cultural and environmental landscape of our region. Quapaw Canoe Company, founded by John Ruskey, provides guiding and outfitting on the biggest river in North America, the mighty Mississippi River. They have been making a significant impact for about 26 years. By offering guided canoe tours and educational programs on the Mississippi River, they have created opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn about out history, and appreciate the beauty of the river that has shaped our community. What sets Quapaw Canoe Company apart is their unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and cultural preservation. Their work goes beyond simply providing recreational activities; it involves a deep respect for the river's ecosystem and a passion for sharing the rich stories of our past. Through their efforts, they have fostered a greater appreciation for the Mississippi River and have played a crucial role in maintaining its natural beauty for future generations. During the challenges of the past few years, Quapaw Canoe Company has demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation. They adapted their business practices to meet new demands and continued to serve our community with dedication and excellence. This ability to overcome obstacles and continue to thrive is a true reflection of the spirit of entrepreneurship. As we celebrate their accomplishment, it is fitting that we recognize Quapaw Canoe Company for their outstanding achievements. John Ruskey and his team are deserving of this honor, and their success serves as an inspiration to us all. Please join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to Quapaw Canoe Company for this prestigious award. Their contributions to our community and their dedication to their mission are truly commendable.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, tonight, we mourn the loss of our dear friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. She was a fighter, a fierce intellect, and above all, a force. Her presence here in Washington--for almost 30 years--was unmatched. Her constituents were not only the good people of Houston; they were the disadvantaged looking for an opportunity, the destitute looking for a new start in our country, and the vulnerable looking for an advocate. I have no doubt that her legacy of fearless leadership and commitment to her community will continue to inspire generations. It would be impossible to distill Congresswoman Jackson Lee's three decades of service in Congress here tonight but suffice it to say there was not a subject worthy of attention that she ignored. As a Member of the Homeland Security Committee since it became a standing committee almost 20 years ago, Congresswoman Jackson Lee fought for resources for first responders, help for those suffering the effects of natural disasters, and immigration policies that reflect our values as a Nation of immigrants. Congresswoman Jackson Lee's reputation preceded her. On Capitol Hill, it appeared that she could be in more than one place at once. Within one hour, the congresswoman could be observed giving a floor speech, participating in a committee hearing on a topic she cared about whether or not she was a Member of the committee, and then giving remarks at an event to support a cause. She was relentless, and every cause she took on was better because of it. The Nation owes her a debt of gratitude. I am grateful that Congresswoman Jackson Lee decided to lend her immeasurable energy and tenacity to the Homeland Security Committee. Her absence will be felt just as much as her presence, and we will miss her dearly. Tonight, we continue our prayers for her family, friends, and constituents. May God bless Sheila Jackson Lee.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Paul Cotton. Paul Cotton departed this earth at the age of 69, surrounded by his loved ones at Methodist Le Bonheur Hospital in Germantown, TN. Born on August 21, 1954, in Marks, MS, to the late Prince and Hazel Lee Cotton, Paul was one of twelve children raised in Jonestown, MS. Paul embraced his faith in Christ early in life, which guided him throughout his journey. He graduated from Coahoma Agricultural High School and pursued a carpentry trade at Coahoma Junior College in the 1970s. On February 24, 1974, Paul married the love of his life, Madgeline Cotton. Their union was blessed with six children: Gwendolyn, Shuwanda, Angela, Myrtis, Paul Jr., and Jerel. Paul also had a daughter named LaKeesha. At his passing, he was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In 1979, Paul joined the United States Army Reserve, later extending his service with a contract until July 30, 1985. He earned honorary medals for his M-16 and hand grenade expertise and was honorably discharged after approximately five years of dedicated service. Paul's vocation was in construction, where he built buildings, homes, highways, and roads across the United States for fifty years until his retirement. He was affectionately known as the ``Jack of all Trades.'' Paul worked for Ingalls Shipyard in the late 1980s in Pascagoula, MS, and later for Mississippi Limestone. He also worked as an independent contractor and repaired cars in his spare time. As the patriarch of his family, Paul was deeply loved by his wife, siblings, children, and grandchildren. His humble and kind-spirited nature made him one of a kind. To his children, he was a King, embodying work ethic, love, and values. Paul's memory will be cherished forever in the hearts of his loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life, legacy, and service of Paul Cotton.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the second class of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship (ICDF) Program. The ICDF Program intends to help DHS cultivate diverse talent to enter public service in Federal cybersecurity offices and components. This exemplary fellowship class is working across the homeland security enterprise--in DHS Headquarters, the Office of Intelligence and Analysts, Coast Guard, Secret Service, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. This year's class includes four returning fellows and eleven new fellows. They represent 10 States and hail from universities of all sizes. Six of this year's class attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and three attend other Minority Serving Institutions. This talented class of fellows represents the diverse perspectives that are needed to help strengthen DHS's ability to analyze the evolving threats facing our Nation. I am proud that the fellowship program I passed through the House has provided pathways to success for each of these future homeland security leaders. Congratulations to Veronica Kyles, Christian Lopez, Erin Sullivan, Reyben Cortes, Kiara Kelly, Ariel Henderson, Ethan Polhemus, Sage Despignes, Sharanya Padithaya, Zaria Gibbs, Daryan Lassiter, Kamryn Brown, Shaqandra Roberson, Tori Johnson, and Kaari Harsila. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to following their careers as they progress toward making our homeland even safer.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr, Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable individual, Ms. Linda Keys. Linda Keys was born in July 1955 to the late Willie and Mary Phipps Keys. She grew up in a rural farming community where hard work and familial support were fundamental values. Being the youngest of seven children, Linda witnessed her parents' dedication firsthand. Her father worked tirelessly as a farmer to provide the necessities of life, while her mother juggled he roles of homemaker and wage earner, demonstrating an unparalleled work ethic. Raised in Mississippi Linda's upbringing instilled in her a drive for academic excellence and a belief in the transformative power of education. She graduated from Quitman County High School (QCHS) in Marks, Mississippi, in 1973 and then pursued higher education at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1978. Although Linda initially aspired to become an educator, her path took an unexpected turn when she was offered a full-time position at Ford Motor Company after completing internships. Embracing the opportunity Linda embarked on a career that required her to balance the demands of work. education. and motherhood with unwavering determination. After the passing of her husband in 2012, Linda transitioned into a retired lifestyle until her mother's declining health prompted her to move back to Mississippi in 2015. It was during this period that Linda's compassion for the less fortunate was reignited, as she witnessed children enduring the bitter cold without adequate clothing. Motivated to make a difference, Linda founded Mississippi Coats4Kidz in January 2016, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing coats, blankets, and other essentials to children living in poverty across Mississippi. Through her steadfast leadership and the support of various stakeholders, including grants, sponsors, and donors, Linda's organization has distributed over 100,000 coats to date offering warmth and hope to countless children in need. Linda's philanthropic efforts have garnered recognition and accolades, including certificates of recognition from the Mississippi State Senate awards from organizations such as Men United and WMC Action News 5, and the prestigious Governor's Initiative for Volunteers of Excellence award in 2022. In addition to her charitable endeavors, Linda is an active member of various professional and nonprofit associations, including National Association of Professional Women and the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits. She is a devout believer in the power of faith and community and attends Pleasant Grove M.B. Church in Crenshaw, Mississippi, where she finds spiritual guidance under the leadership of Pastor Prez Jackson. As Linda continues her mission to serve the vulnerable members of her community, her unwavering commitment to making a difference, one coat at a time, stands as a testament to the transformative impact of compassion and resilience. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Linda Keys for her service to the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Sheriff James Haywood. Sheriff Haywood has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve. Sheriff Haywood is a native of Laurel, MS. He graduated from RH Watkins High School in 1973 and then attended the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating in 1977. In 1979, he graduated from the Mississippi Highway Patrol School and served as a Mississippi State Trooper from 1996 to 2003. Following his tenure as a state trooper, he began his career as the Sheriff of Sunflower County, MS. His hard work and dedication have led to his reelection every four years since 2003. Sheriff Haywood has been married to Deloris for 42 years, and they have four sons. He is currently a member of O'Neal AME Church, Indianola Men of Standards, the NAACP, and the Board of Sunflower Humphreys County Progress. Throughout his personal and professional life, he has shown unwavering dedication and commitment to his beliefs. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sheriff Haywood for his longevity and dedication to serving the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a family restaurant in Yazoo City, MS, recognized for their culinary delights of one of the Deep South's most basic staples, Fried Chicken. To say Thelma's Kitchen is a family restaurant is an understatement. Owner, Thelma Burks opened the doors of Thelma's Kitchen in 2017, after she ran a nearby chemical plant's kitchen and a small snack bar in town that sold burgers, veggies and fried chicken lunches for local farmers. She now works with her son, three daughters, sister and a family blend to make the restaurant one to remember. It has been noted that Thelma Burks came up with her fried chicken recipe while experimenting in her kitchen. A sack of flour, salt, pepper, plus two other seasonings she will not disclose, has customers coming back for more. In her words, ``It's just old-fashioned fried chicken,'' in the actions of customers, it is a trip worth taking to dine. Ms. Burks will not leave you with a sweet tooth, because she is also known for her pecan pie. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Thelma's Kitchen, home of some of Mississippi's best fried chicken in the 2nd Congressional District.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Tamla Hughes. On April 20th Tamla was chosen as a state finalist for the 2024 Teacher of the Year award. Tamla Hughes teaches 10th through 12th grade English. She is the president of the Zeta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority and is a very active teacher and parent of the Natchez Adams School District. With hard work and dedication, her philosophy is ``As a teacher, I may not be able to change the world but if I can reach one child, perhaps that child can.'' Natchez High has never had a Teacher of the Year from Natchez Adams School District advance to the next level. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Tamla Hughes for her actions and achievements in the Natchez, MS community.