Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and selfless leader, Mr. Louis Johnson. He has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to make a difference. Mr. Louis Johnson, affectionally known as ``Bay Bay'', is the winner of the first annual Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Bill Hetrick Community Service Award. The Bill Hetrick Community Service Award is named after Bill Hetrick, who served as a long-time board member and Past President of the Mississippi Sports Foundation, Inc. Mr. Johnson, the former Chief of Police in Edwards, Mississippi for 39 years, parlayed his love of sports into coaching youth baseball and softball. He was able to coach while also giving the children in his community a positive role model to follow. When the number of kids playing baseball started to dwindle, Mr. Johnson started coaching basketball, and, at one point he was coaching 6 different teams at the same time. He has been a great asset to his community, and his work never goes unnoticed. The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame will honor Louis Johnson for his lifetime commitment to his community with this award during its annual Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, set for Saturday, July 29, at the Jackson Convention Complex. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Louis Johnson for his dedication and hard work in caring for the constituents in the State of Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Chaquina Griffin Taylor. She has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve. Chaquina Griffin Taylor, the youngest of four siblings, is the daughter of Willie Earl Griffin and Jacqueline Griffin. She spent her formative years growing up in Lambert, MS. Mrs. Taylor currently serves as the Collective Impact Coordinator at Delta State University, focusing on Quitman County. Mrs. Taylor is a proud graduate of Madison Shannon Palmer High School. She furthered her education at the illustrious Tougaloo College, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Mrs. Taylor holds a Master of Science in Psychology with specializations in Child Adolescent Development and Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a certified Meditation Mindfulness Teacher, Trainer, and Positive Psychology Practitioner. Mrs. Taylor began her career working in corrections at an all-male facility providing substance abuse services and cognitive behavior therapy to the inmate population (2008-2017). While working in corrections, Mrs. Taylor revamped the Alcohol Anonymous program, implemented a Victim's Impact program, taught orientation classes, and trained new managers on the substance abuse curriculum. Mrs. Taylor has also been working in higher education since 2017. At Coahoma Community College, she was appointed the MIBEST College and Career Navigator (2017-2021), providing wrap-around services to the non-traditional student population. She continues to serve as an adjunct Psychology Instructor. Mrs. Taylor is an advocate for education. She is a life learner and a natural leader. Mrs. Taylor has served as the Quitman County School District P-16 Council president. She is a Samberg Leadership Maximizer completer. In addition, she completed the Mississippi Community College Policy Fellows Program and the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy. Mrs. Taylor obtained her Quality Matters Online Teaching Certification as well. Additionally, she is a dedicated member of esteemed professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Education Association (NEA), and the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE). Last and most important, Mrs. Taylor is Michael Taylor's wife and Scholar Taylor's mother. She has a bonus daughter named Mariah Taylor. She is an active member of Power House Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Robert Griffin, Jr., where she serves as the church treasurer. Mrs. Taylor is passionate about helping others. She aspires to inspire. Her motto is ``You are the pilot of your life, so take control.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Chaquina Griffin Taylor for her contributions and service to her community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Fire Chief Willie G. Owens. Chief Willie G. Owens is the leader of the Jackson Fire Department, and he has 32 years with the department. He is a native of Belzoni, Mississippi, where he attended McNair High School and enrolled in Jackson State University in 1970. He received a B.S. degree in Health & Physical Education from Jackson State in 1972. In 1974, he began a career with the Jackson Fire Department. In 1979, he went back to Jackson State University and received a degree in Fire Science Technology. The City of Jackson entered a Consent Decree with the Federal Government for racial discrimination in 1973, and therefore, hired an all-black class the next year that produced two Fire Chiefs, with Chief Owens being one of them. Chief Owens has made many accomplishments since becoming fire chief. He extended the promotional list from one to two years, decreased the age limit from 21 to 18 to become a firefighter, establish a fire science program in the Jackson Public School System, and increased the number of firefighters to its station. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Fire Chief Willie Owens for his dedication to the City of Jackson.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late pastor, correctional officer and self-motivated community leader, Nathan Harris, Sr. Nathan enjoyed an extensive career of correctional officer, safety officer, teaching and serving. Nathan's formal education was in the public-school systems in Quitman County. After graduating, he attended Northwest Community College, Charles Harrison Mason Bible College and earned a certificate in Theology from the Interdenominational Theological Seminary of Atlanta, GA. Nathan had a long successful career with the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) for 29 years. After retiring from MDOC, he went to work for the Arkansas Department of Corrections where he remained employed until his passing. In December 2008, Elder Nathan Harris was appointed as Pastor of St. Peter Church in Shaw, MS along with his wife, Missionary Charlestine Scott Harris. Prior to becoming the Pastor, they worked hard and diligently for the Lord and the ministries of the church and community. He served as a faithful example and dedicated leader to St. Peter Church for over 15 years. Elder Harris believed in supporting the members, children, parents and the community. The ministries of teaching, saving, giving and counseling was truly in his heart. Nathan married Charlestine Harris almost 36 years ago, and they have 5 children. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the late Nathan Harris, Sr. for his dedication to advocacy in correctional rehabilitation, Biblical education, public service and his selfless service to Bolivar County, Coahoma County, the MS Delta Region, and Arkansas.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kristen Washington: Jacksonian Baker On `The Great Chocolate Showdown' of Jackson, Mississippi. If a dessert could describe Kristen Washington, she said it would be a cinnamon roll because that baked good is brown and round, just like her. The Jackson native grew up watching her grandmother, Maple Washington, throw down in the kitchen, and while those skills skipped a few of Kristen's siblings, Maple passed them down to Kristen. Some of her favorite recipes she learned from her grandmother are her peach cobbler and tea cakes, which fed her a love for dessert in her youth. ``Dessert can be your breakfast, lunch and dinner,'' Washington told the Mississippi Free Press. ``You can have a cinnamon roll for breakfast, and it's still a dessert. And it's comfort food. Dessert is a comfort food.'' As an adult, Washington always baked in her free time for fun, using her grandmother's old recipe books or following Instagram reels for cake ideas and inspiration. She started selling funnel cakes in 2021, and later that year, she made a birthday cake for her sister-in-law. Washington was hesitant, but her sister-in-law encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone. That affirming moment led Washington to launch PhatKake's, her at- home baking business, where she creates homemade cakes, funnel cakes, tarts, and other desserts. She named the business after her childhood nickname and runs it while balancing her day job as a personal-care aide. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Kristen Washington for her passion, dedication, and tenacity to serving her community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Kelvin Reed. Kelvin Reed has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve. Kelvin Reed was one of Warren Central's top boys' basketball players in the late 1980s. He led the Vikings in scoring as a sophomore, and steals and assists as a junior and senior, and was twice selected to The Vicksburg Post's All-County team. Reed averaged 15 points, 7 assists and 3 steals per game over three varsity seasons. After high school, Reed moved on to Pensacola Junior College in Florida. He set the school's assists record and led the team to the 1993 NJCAA Division I national championship. Reed was inducted into the 2022 Vicksburg Warren School District Athletic Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Kelvin Reed for his passion and dedication to the Vicksburg Warren School District.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Jimmy Sweet. Jimmy Sweet has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve. Jimmy Sweet was a standout football player and track athlete at Temple and North Vicksburg from 1970 to 1973. Sweet was part of the Temple team that won the 1970 Red Carpet Bowl and Black Big 8 championship, and then scored 18 touchdowns in three seasons at North Vicksburg. After his playing career, Sweet spent 28 years working for the Vicksburg Police Department and was involved in several community organizations and programs. Sweet was inducted into the 2022 Vicksburg Warren School District Athletic Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jimmy Sweet for his passion and dedication to the Vicksburg Warren School District and City of Vicksburg.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable unsung hero, Dr. Willie J. Reece, Jr. Dr. Willie J. Reece, Jr. is a native of Grenada, MS and the youngest of six children. His parents Willie Reece, Sr. and the late Sharon Seals Reece are his biggest inspirations. Dr. Reece enjoys singing and is actively involved as a member at Greater Faith MB Church under the leadership of Pastor Alvin D. Brown, Sr. Dr. Reece graduated from Grenada High School in 2010 and received his Bachelor of Art degree in psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2014. Later, he obtained two master's degrees from Belhaven University-- Master of Art in Teaching (2016) and Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (2018). In 2019, Dr. Reece completed an educational leadership degree, and he completed the doctor of education program in educational leadership in 2023. Dr. Reece has completed eight years of experience in education in the roles of teacher, lead teacher, MTSS coordinator, curriculum specialist, and principal. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Willie J. Reece, Jr. for his dedication and tenacity to serving his community and desire to be a light that shines even in his dark times.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Pastor Larry Benford. He has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve. Pastor Larry Benford surrendered his heart to God at a very young age and he has been declaring the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ since then. A native of Leland, Pastor Benford graduated from Leland High School and Mississippi Valley State University, where he received a bachelor's degree in environmental health with a minor in Chemistry. He also has received training from The University of Illinois at Chicago as well as formal Biblical tutelage from Lifeway Christian and New Orleans Theological Seminary. Pastor Benford is an anointed leader. With pastoral services expanding over two decades, through the help of the Holy Spirit, he has served as Deacon, Sunday School Director, Assistant Pastor, and Pastor at Greater Springfield, Victory Temple and Mount Carmel Churches, respectively. As pastor of Living Word Fellowship Church since October 10, 1999, he has always taken the stance that the Word must be taught with passion and boldness--without compromise--in order that the lost will be saved, and the saved will be strengthened. Growing together in the Word of God, Pastor Larry and First Lady Wanda Benford are consummate students of the Word and outspoken believers in its ability to change lives for the better. Pastor Larry and First Lady Wanda Benford's greatest desire is that others would develop an intimate, personal relationship with the Lord. Pastor Larry and First Lady Wanda Benford have been married for 32 years. To this union, they have been blessed with 3 daughters, Keyna, Leslie and Ariel and 3 grandchildren, La'Kya, Kylar and Gervase. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Larry Benford for his passion and dedication to serving the Lord, his members, and his community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable unsung hero, the late Evangelist Dorothy Howard. Dorothy Howard was born on March 13, 1959, to the late Eugene and Marie Perry of Scott, MS. She departed this life on Monday, August 7, 2023, peacefully at her home. Evangelist Howard confessed Christ at the age of eleven. She later became a member of Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, MS under the leadership of Pastor Willie Harris. She has served as an assistant pastor, choir member, and a prayer intercessor. She was an active member until she took her final rest. She attended Greenville Public Schools and graduated from Greenville High prestigious class of 1978. Then, she matriculated at Mississippi Valley State University. She also was a graduate from Nina Taylor Biblical Schools Institute, where she was ordained as an Apostle and served on the board. Evangelist Howard was known in the Christan community as a prolific vessel of God known for her charismatic preaching and singing that God gifted her with. She was a well-known Good News Sharer and Encourager of the Faith. She made history and broke glass ceilings in ministry. She was also a gifted educator serving in the education and childcare system for more than three decades. Students all over the world have her to thank for a great head start. Evangelist Howard had an immense amount of love for God. Her hobbies include but are not limited to; spending time with her family/friends, singing, shopping, and reading. She also had a passion for assisting others and praying for them. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the late Evangelist Dorothy Howard, for her dedication and tenacity to serving her community and desire to be a light that shines even in her dark times.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedicated public service of Ms. Marie Mak, Director of Contracting and National Security Acquisitions at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), upon her retirement from Federal service. Ms. Mak has devoted over 36 years of service to the Federal Government, including at Naval Air Systems Command and the U.S. Coast Guard, before joining GAO in 2002. Since entering the Senior Executive Service in 2014, Ms. Mak has skillfully led numerous GAO teams to conduct insightful analyses of acquisition programs and contracting processes within the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense, resulting in high quality reports for Congress. Her wide-ranging portfolio has also included assessing the Federal Government's response to hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout her GAO career, Ms. Mak has taken a balanced, fact-based approach to reviewing Federal programs--a fundamental cornerstone of what Congress and the American public value about GAO. Drawing on her experience at the Coast Guard, where she helped develop strategic plans and performance measures, and allocate resources, she was able to understand the challenges that agencies often confront in their day-to- day management efforts. She coupled that experience with a critical eye to recommended actions that agencies can take to improve their acquisition processes to deliver better, timelier, and more affordable systems used to execute their missions. She has testified before Congress several times on a variety of Coast Guard acquisition and disaster response contracting issues and delivered numerous briefings on key defense acquisition programs. As a result of Ms. Mak's work, Congress is able to hold agencies accountable to first responders, warfighters, and the American public. Ms. Mak has received numerous GAO awards throughout her career, including the Customer Service Award and John Henry Luke Mentoring Award. While Ms. Mak's work has saved taxpayer dollars, she has also positively impacted the growth and development of the people with whom she works. Ms. Mak embodies GAO's people values of ensuring others are respected, valued, and treated fairly, and has served as a trusted mentor and advocate that invests her time in coaching and developing people. Her focus on staff development will benefit the next generation of GAO leaders to the advantage of Congress and taxpayers for years to come. I congratulate Ms. Mak on her well-deserved retirement and thank her for her distinguished service to Congress and the American public.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of William Dilday. William Dilday was born on September 14, 1937 in Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from the Boston Latin School and received his B.S. degree in Business Administration from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1964, Dilday started his career as an operations supervisor at IBM. In 1968, Dilday became the personnel administrator and public relations director at Edgerton, Germehausen, & Grier, Inc. He then began working at WHDH-TV in Boston as director of personnel in 1969. Dilday then entered the field of journalism in 1972 as general manager of WLBT-TV/WLBM-TV in Jackson, Mississippi, as the first African American general manager of a network affiliate station. He worked at WLBT-TV/WLBM-TV until 1984. As chief operation officer, he led the station to achieve number one in Nielson and Arbitron ratings from November 1973 to February 1984. In 1990, Dilday joined WJTV-TV as general manager and executive vice president, where he implemented operation and programming plans that improved station ratings. After his departure from WJTV, Dilday joined NewsPress and Gazette as corporate vice president. Dilday was then hired as president and chief executive officer of Kerimax Communications, Inc. Dilday has also spent time as a guest columnist for the Jackson Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Mississippi. Dilday has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Peabody Award, the National Mental Health Association Media Award, and two Iris Awards from the National Association of Television Program Executives. In addition to his career in journalism, Dilday has been active in many organizations and companies. He has served as a board member for First American Bank. Dilday has also been a board member of the National Association of Television Broadcasters and the National Broadcasting Company Affiliate Board. He has served as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus Communication Task Force, as well as a founding member of the National Association of Black Journalists and 100 Black Men. From 1978 until 1979, Dilday served as president of the Jackson Urban League. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life, legacy, and service of William Dilday.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. Res. 597, the rule providing for consideration of the reauthorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration, H.R. 3935. The rule blocks a large number of amendments that would make important reforms, including two germane amendments I offered that are critical to ensuring the Transportation Security Administration can continue to carry out its mission to secure aviation. The first amendment would add the text of my legislation, the ``Fund the TSA Act'' (H.R. 3394). TSA is facing major budget challenges as it works to implement essential reforms to pay and labor rights for its workforce. That amendment would provide TSA with the funding it needs by making a modest increase to passenger security fees and ending the diversion of fee collections from TSA's coffers. The other amendment would add the text of my ``Rights for the TSA Workforce Act'' from the 117th Congress. For too long, TSA workers have labored under unfair working conditions and on little pay, leading to low morale and high attrition. Though the Biden-Harris Administration has thankfully taken action to address those disparities, the ongoing changes must be codified to ensure their permanence. My amendment would do so by putting that workforce under the same personnel management system used by most Federal agencies. TSA's security efforts underlie the entire aviation system, so as we work to reauthorize the FAA and modernize that aviation system, it is a shame that Republicans' Leadership refuses to allow this body to consider desperately needed changes to support the TSA. Additionally, I am concerned that the rule precludes consideration of a bipartisan amendment submitted by the gentleman from Michigan, Congressman Bergman, to keep the retirement age of pilots at 65. The current retirement age conforms with international standards, and Congress should maintain it to ensure the continued safety of aviation passengers. Finally, I have strong concerns with section 813 of the underlying bill, and this rule does nothing to address those concerns. Section 813 would severely weaken the existing regime for applying temporary flight restrictions to protect major sports events across the country. Since the FAA established flight restrictions over open-air stadiums after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, they have helped protect millions upon millions of Americans attending large-scale events, with minimal disruptions to general aviation. Section 813 risks undermining this long-successful security program by introducing a broad, complex, and unnecessary waiver program for aircraft, including drones, to fly near, over, and above crowded stadiums. To the extent some may have concerns regarding scheduling conflicts between sporting events and airshows, a much more tailored solution could be developed. As it stands, section 813 degrades homeland security, and I oppose its inclusion in the bill. I include in the Record a letter from the National Football League, Major League Baseball, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association expressing opposition to section 813. I also include a Statement of Administration Policy from the Biden- Harris Administration, which states the following: ``While the Administration supports the goal of providing accessibility to and public use of the national airspace, it is concerned that provisions proposed in the bill could introduce unnecessary risks to those attending major sporting events if the effectiveness of safety and security buffers currently provided by temporary flight restrictions were to be decreased. To the extent that the proposed provisions are intended to accommodate airshows, the Administration urges the Congress to consider alternative methods to deconflict airshows and major sports events rather than potentially put aviation operations in close proximity to events attended by millions of Americans each year.'' With that, I urge my colleagues to oppose H. Res. 597. July 18, 2023. Dear Members of Congress: We write to urge you to oppose the weakening of a law that protects the millions of sports fans and spectators who attend professional and collegiate sporting events each year. The current statutory ban on aircraft--including unmanned aircraft systems (``UAS'') or drones--flying over large stadium sporting events throughout the country provides necessary safety and security protections against real and potential threats. We are deeply concerned about section 813 of the House version of the Federal Aviation Administration (``FAA'') Reauthorization Act. If adopted, the language would establish a broad and complex waiver program that would permit countless aircraft to fly near and over stadiums during games, putting millions of fans at risk, and unnecessarily so. Congress wisely eliminated a similar waiver program back in 2003, after discovering troubling and persistent failures, gaps, and vulnerabilities in the process for conducting background checks and issuing waivers. The FAA first established flight restrictions over large stadium sporting events immediately following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, in response to concerns about terrorists using aircraft as weapons. Congress subsequently twice codified and strengthened these restrictions, providing specific criteria for aircraft operations permitted within the flight restricted area. Section 813 would effectively eliminate the specific criteria and replace it with an open- ended waiver program. The long-standing, congressionally mandated flight restriction enhances the safety and security of large stadium events, while minimizing the disruption to the National Airspace System (``NAS''). Specifically, airspace over large stadiums--with a seating capacity of 30,000 people or more and where a NFL, MLB, and NCAA Division 1 football games or major motor speedway events, such as NASCAR and INDYCAR races, are taking place--is closed to all aircraft from one hour before until one hour after a major sporting event. The flight restrictions extend to three nautical miles from the center of the stadium and from the surface to 3,000 feet above the stadium. The flight restrictions do not apply to authorized aircraft, such as Department of Defense, law enforcement or air ambulance flight operations, or those in contact with air traffic control for take offs and landings at nearby airports, among others. Having devoted substantial resources to secure our stadiums on the ground, we regard the stadium flight restriction as essential to safeguarding the airspace overhead. Moreover, given the proliferation of UAS in our NAS, as well as the continuing need to remain vigilant to other current and emerging risks, the stadium flight restriction is as vital now as ever to our national security and public safety. We believe section 813 complicates the airspace over stadiums, compromises public safety and security, and courts potential disaster. We, therefore, urge you to uphold current law and maintain existing flight restrictions that protect the safety and security of millions of fans who attend large stadium sporting events every year. Sincerely, Cathy Lanier, Chief Security Officer, National Football League. David Thomas, Vice President, Security and Ballpark Operations, Major League Baseball. Bill Rhodes, Managing Director, Security, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. Dan Gavitt, Senior Vice President, National Collegiate Athletic Association. Statement of Administration Policy H.R. 3935--Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act The Administration supports enactment of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill and applauds the bipartisan work of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Administration is focused on ensuring that the aviation sector works well for the American people, and reauthorizing the FAA in a timely manner will help achieve that goal. H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, would enhance aviation safety; invest in, and improve on-the-job safety for, our aviation workforce; integrate into the national airspace system new entrants such as Advanced Air Mobility and Commercial Space operators; strengthen passenger rights; and improve our aviation infrastructure. The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to address the Administration's concerns with this legislation, a number of which are outlined below. Protection of Aviation Consumer Rights and Promotion of Competition. The Administration is strongly committed to protecting the rights of aviation consumers and promoting competition in the aviation industry. The Administration opposes provisions in the bill that would reverse important gains made by this Administration to combat junk fees in the airline industry and would eliminate longstanding consumer protections. The Administration believes that the disclosure requirements currently in place for passenger tickets are necessary to help consumers comparison shop for a ticket. The Administration encourages the Congress to include the Administration's proposals to expand consumer protections by banning family seating junk fees, requiring up-front disclosure of add-on fees, and requiring automatic refunds and additional compensation for controllable flight cancellations and delays. The Administration further supports opening up airport gate access and preventing anticompetitive practices that block new entrants. International Commitments. While the Administration appreciates the language aimed at ensuring continued U.S. implementation of Open Skies agreements while promoting labor standards for U.S.-based aviation sector workers, the Administration also urges the Congress to add provisions to implement U.S. international commitments and ensure our aviation partners follow suit. The bill should be amended to include provisions for U.S. implementation of global market- based measures of the International Civil Aviation Organization, and to establish U.S. leadership relating to the understanding and mitigation of the non-Greenhouse Gas climate impacts of aviation. Agency Restructuring. While the Administration supports the goal of improving the efficiency of the organizational structure of the FAA, it does not support the proposed changes in FAA rulemaking review and the weakening of the Administrator's ability and authority to determine the appropriate size and allocation of the air traffic controller workforce. The Administration also has concerns with provisions that would make fundamental changes to the agency's structure, eroding the discretion of the Administrator to manage the agency in the most efficient manner. Implementation Timelines and Program Changes. The legislation includes multiple rulemakings, reviews, reports, and other requirements with aggressive timelines, along with the creation of numerous programs that are not conditioned on the availability of appropriations. The Administration is also concerned that proposed major structural changes to airport infrastructure programs are untested, and may be difficult to implement depending on the level of resources made available. The bill would also reduce the amount of competitive airport grant funding, which would reduce the FAA's ability to address important safety and capacity issues. Standards for Airport Service Workers. The Administration urges the Congress to include provisions that will improve job quality for, and therefore aid in the recruitment and retention of, those who clean planes, handle baggage, assist passengers who use wheelchairs, and provide other services critical to safe, stable, and timely operations for aviation customers. Age Standards for Pilots. The bill includes a provision that would raise the retirement age for pilots in commercial operations. Making this change without doing research and establishing any necessary policies would be outside the international standard. Maintaining Safe and Secure Airspace During Major Sports Events. While the Administration supports the goal of providing accessibility to and public use of the national airspace, it is concerned that provisions proposed in the bill could introduce unnecessary risks to those attending major sporting events if the effectiveness of safety and security buffers currently provided by temporary flight restrictions were to be decreased. To the extent that the proposed provisions are intended to accommodate airshows, the Administration urges the Congress to consider alternative methods to deconflict airshows and major sports events rather than potentially put aviation operations in close proximity to events attended by millions of Americans each year.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Chief Billy G. Barber. Chief Barber has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve. Barber is a native of Leland, MS. Barber graduated from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy in Pearl, MS, and became a sworn officer in 1990. He began his career as a police officer with the Leland Police Department in January 1990 until February 1998. Next, he began his career at the Washington County Sheriffs Department in August 1998 when a position became available. From August 1998 to September 2013, he served as a Patrol Deputy, Sergeant, Investigator, Lieutenant, and Assistant Chief. During this time, he also became an ordained Minister in 2004. Steadily climbing the ladder, in September 2013, Barber returned to his hometown and served as Chief of Police for Leland Police Department until August 2017. Also, from 2016 to 2017, Barber served as the Chaplain for the Mississippi Association of Chief of Police. In all these years, Barber has accumulated vast knowledge and trainings to get him where he is today, as the Chief Deputy of Washington County Sheriff's Department. He has held this position since August 2017. Barber has over 33 years of law enforcement experience in community policing. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Chief Deputy Billy Barber 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 tenacious and self-motivated leader, Linda F. Davis. She has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve. Day of Caring is a community event that allows various groups and organizations to come together for a day and help different local organizations. Davis volunteered at United Way of West Central Mississippi's Day of Caring this past April. She is also the Vicksburg Post Volunteer of the week. Davis is a 39-year employee at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station supporting the Engineering Department. She has a daughter named Johnalynn, and in her free time, she enjoys volunteering, traveling, watching television and family time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Linda F. Davis for her passion and dedication to the Vicksburg Warren Community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable person, Nick Wallace. He is a celebrated executive chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who leverages his innate talents to highlight the beauty of food, redefine the Southern experience, and introduce the world to Mississippi-inspired cuisine. Drawing inspiration from his early training with his grandmothers, Nick's culinary style combines his family-farm origin with French technique, resulting in a modern, Mississippi-influenced cuisine infused with Nick's own culinary innovation experience and understanding of flavor profiles. Nick is the owner of CHURN Creameries 2022, Nick Wallace Culinary, Nick Wallace Catering, and Nissan Cafe by Nick Wallace. In addition to flexing his leadership skills as an executive chef at some of America's prominent museums and hotels, Nick has been featured in domestic and international television programming, including Food Network's Comfort Nation (Season 2); Chopped, Chopped: Alton's Challenge, and Cutthroat Kitchen; Food Network Canada's Firemasters; and Voyage's (France) Unexplored America--Mississippi. Most recently, Nick appeared on Bravo's Top Chef (Season 19) and CNN's NOMAD with Carlton McCoy. Through the years, Nick has garnered regional and national recognition, including being selected by the James Beard Foundation to present five Mississippi-themed dinners in New York City; participating in 50 States--50 Chefs (Flavored Nation); being named ``Best Chef of Mississippi'' (2020; gaining consistent inclusion in the peer reviewed ``Best Chefs America'' list; and earning ``Best Chef' (Jackson, MS) recognition for 4 consecutive years. Additionally, Nick is the founder of Creativity Kitchen, a nonprofit aimed at providing nutrition education, exposure to farm-to-table practices, and access to flavorful, healthy meals and culinary experiences for young, public-school students and their families (Jackson, MS). Most recently, Creativity Kitchen partnered with Whole Food's 5 percent Community Giving Program, helping to add a percentage of store profits as donations to an area elementary school. Committed to his community and using palate-pleasing cuisine to touch lives, Nick is a Co-Chair of Share the Gulf and a board member for Hunger Free America. He also participates in partnerships with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Dole, Novo Nordisk, and Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing my former staff member, Nick Wallace for his dedication to the food insecurities within the state of Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the accomplishments and exceptional work of The Diamond Project, Inc. The Diamond Project is a remarkable youth mentoring organization that empowers and uplifts the youth in our community. Founded in June 2017 by Andrea S. Lee. The Diamond Project emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless young people. Its mission to cultivate excellence, resilience, and compassion resonates deeply with the core values we hold dear. The Programmatic Points of The Diamond Project are Health and Wellness, Professional Development, Personal Development, Community Service, Empowerment, and Prevention. It focuses on working with pre- teen and teen girls by introducing them to mentors who not only grew up in the same small towns but also graduated from the same schools. Through the organization, the participants are exposed to numerous networking and growth opportunities. In July 2022, The Diamond Project organized a visit to Washington, DC where they met with female staffers on Capitol Hill. During a private tour of the Chambers of Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, a truly remarkable experience unfolded as they ventured into the tunnel beneath the chambers. A site of historical importance and a major tour highlight as it was the exact location the British entered the Capitol during the War of 1812. In February 2023, members of The Diamond Project had the honor of traveling back to Washington to visit The White House, where they were invited to attend a private screening of the movie ``Till'' alongside the movie cast. Furthermore, they had the privilege of sitting in the front row during President Biden's inspiring speech. On February 25th 2023, The Diamond Project's Mentee of the Year traveled to Los Angeles, CA, to attend the prestigious NAACP Image Awards. In May 2023, The Diamond Project awarded their first high school graduating seniors with $5,500 in college scholarship funds, helping to ensure these bright and deserving individuals have the means to pursue higher education and continue their journey towards success. The Diamond Project has organized numerous enlightening workshops that have included influential speakers who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Notable workshop speakers include Jill Scott, Derrick Johnson--a leader in civil rights advocacy, and Angela Rye. The Diamond Project's dedication to education, empowerment, exposure, and civic engagement is commendable. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Diamond Project, Inc., for their passion and dedication to serving the Mississippi Delta and their admirable desire to positively impact the future of young girls.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Whitney S. French. She has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve. Whitney S. French was born on January 6, 1986, to Willie and Shirley French. Except for a few childhood years in Jackson, MS, and her college years at Alcorn State University, Whitney is a proud lifelong resident of Marks, Quitman County, Mississippi. Whitney is a 2004 graduate of Madison Shannon Palmer High School (MSPHS). In 2010, she received her Bachelor of Social Work from Alcorn State University. To give back to her alma maters, she actively serves on the QCHS-MSPHS Scholarship Gala Committee, is the Chaplain and Recruitment Committee Chair for the North Delta-Clarksdale Alcorn Alumni Chapter and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Alcorn State University Department of Social Work. Whitney has a long history of serving her community through church. As a child, she used to accompany her grandmother, Cora Burrell Walker, to Valley Queen M.B. Church to help prepare boxes for their food pantry and would assist with other Kitchen Committee and Missionary Society duties. Whitney was baptized at College Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, MS, where she participated in the youth choir and holiday programs. Once Whitney returned to Valley Queen, she remained active in the choir and served as a welcome and announcing clerk. She is currently a member of Brown Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves on the Brown Everywhere Virtual Community Core Team, in the Single's Ministry, and as Virtual Greeter Team. Whitney has always been known for being a talker. This has led her to several leadership positions throughout life. In high school, she served as class president from freshman to senior year. During her high school years, she represented Quitman County in a statewide Sankofa knowledge bowl, at a Congressional Black Caucus conference, through the youth credit union board, and as a member bf the QC Performing Arts Choir. Whitney makes sure to advocate on behalf of her community in meetings revolved around community resources and planning. She serves as a board member for the Quitman County Arts Council and on the Board of Directors for Quitman County Economic Development and Tourism, Inc. Whitney is currently honing her leadership skills as a 2023 fellow of Delta Regional Authority's Delta Leadership Institute. She also works to increase access to education and resources needed for young people to have healthier outcomes. Even before she could vote, Whitney was passionate about her community exercising their rights to vote and being fully represented. As a youth, Whitney worked as a poll watcher and canvassed the community during election and census terms. After returning to the community from college, Whitney was active with the local Democratic Executive Committee and Voters' League. She currently uses her voice on social media to encourage her friends and fol1owers to be aware active in the political process. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Miss Whitney S. French for her contributions and service to her community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of a safety officer and a self-motivated community leader, Rory Antoine Micou. Rory enjoyed a long career of policing, teaching and serving. Rory's love for all genres of music was cultivated from his great- grandmother, Henrietta Cleggs, his grandmother, Dorothy Micou and his mother, Herdy Micou. His formal education was in the public-school systems, graduating with Honors from John F. Kennedy (JFK) High School in May 1981. While at JFK, Rory played football, was in the marching band, and formed a talented group called The Dynamic Connection (DC Gang). The DC Gang performed throughout the delta and won numerous awards including a radio performance on WDIA radio station in Memphis, TN. His talent as a soloist guided him to an offer of a four-year scholarship at Alcorn. Rory was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and he was also a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. Rory married Cheryl Elaine Sias on July 25, 1992. To this union, one child was born, Alexis. In 2008, Rory became employed with the Cleveland Police Department as a patrolman and went on to become the school resource officer for the Cleveland School District. Rory was extremely dedicated to his job in the district. He believed in supporting the children, parents and staff. Many people in the community associated him with his animated school crossing duties. Rory retired from the Cleveland Police Department in October 2022 due to health issues. As he battled his health issues, he was strong enough to return to work in the capacity of the school crossing guard (he loved this job). He continued until his health issues would not allow him to. Many residents of the Cleveland area have stated how it brought a smile to their face as they started their workday. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring the life, legacy, and service of Rory Antoine Micou.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Massachusetts giving me time. Mr. Speaker, this resolution is simply the latest attempt by extreme MAGA Republicans to distract from the legal peril facing their twice- impeached, twice-indicted party leader. This cynical resolution has nothing to do with border security, it does nothing to stop fentanyl deaths, and it has nothing to do with constitutional law. Extreme MAGA Republicans hoped for chaos at the Southwest border when title 42 pandemic restrictions ended, but migrant encounters last month actually decreased 15 percent according to Customs and Border Protection. Now, since MAGA Republicans have no policy solutions, they are attempting a backdoor maneuver to advance a baseless impeachment of President Biden--something they openly admit they wanted to do from day one. Under this rule, my committee will have to put aside its homeland security oversight and authorization activities to deal with the Boebert resolution, which is predicated on phony policy differences rather than any allegation that the President committed a crime. Let that sink in, Mr. Speaker. The House Homeland Security Committee is going to become a venue for a political Presidential impeachment. I have proudly served on the committee from its creation, and I guess if you are around long enough, Mr. Speaker, you will see everything. Is this distraction for a disgraced ex-President the best way for the Homeland Security Committee to spend its time? No, it is not. We know the answer, and it doesn't have to be that one. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the rule.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, with all the challenges our Nation faces today, why are we relitigating the ex-President's first impeachment from 2019? After a similar resolution failed last week, why are extreme MAGA Republicans hijacking this House yet again by devoting precious floor time to attacking my friend and colleague Adam Schiff? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the leader of their party is facing trial on 37 felony counts of conspiracy and mishandling of classified documents. The disgraced ex-President even stored some of the Nation's most sensitive secrets in the bathroom of his Florida club. These attempts to censure Adam have been orchestrated to distract, but no one is fooled. Extreme MAGA Republicans are targeting Adam because he is everything they wish they could be. He is tough, principled, and effective. I have stood shoulder to shoulder with Adam.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the work we did on January 6. It speaks for itself.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Kimberly Young-McLear, a Commander in the United States Coast Guard, on the occasion of her retirement from Federal service. In December 2019, during my tenure as Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Commander Young-McLear testified before our Committee and the Committee on Oversight and Reform in a joint hearing titled, ``Righting the Ship: The Coast Guard Must Improve its Processes for Addressing Harassment, Bullying, and Retaliation.'' The hearing was the culmination of an 18-month investigation into how the Coast Guard mishandled Commander Young-McLear's allegations of harassment and bullying based in part on her race, gender, and sexual orientation and failed to protect her from prohibited retaliation. The hearing, along with the issuance of a joint staff report on the results of the investigation, prompted the Coast Guard to implement several recommendations to improve its anti-harassment policies, investigative processes, and civil rights manual. Commander Young-McLear's courage in coming forward led directly to these critical changes to root out harassment and bullying and drive accountability within the Coast Guard. In the years since, Commander Young-McLear has continued to be an advocate before Congress and resource for victims and whistleblowers across the government, while steadfastly serving the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Commander Young-McLear has served with distinction in several roles at DHS, including as Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary, as a professor at the Coast Guard Academy, and as Senior Advisor at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Among her many contributions, Commander Young-McLear developed and delivered over 10 academic courses to more than 800 Coast Guard cadets across business, marine science, and cyber systems majors; played a key role in developing the Coast Guard's first Cyber Strategy and CISA's first Strategic Plan; and successfully advocated for policies enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equality across the Department. Commander Young-McLear's bravery, perseverance, and integrity provide a model for civil servants across government. Her valuable contributions throughout her 20-year career have informed Congress' oversight and legislative work, including that of the Committee on Homeland Security, and improved the Coast Guard's ability to execute its mission by reinforcing the need for all servicemembers to act with honor and integrity. I am proud to have worked with Commander Young-McLear during her tenure at the Coast Guard. I rise to honor her service and wish her well.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Local Organizing Committee (LOC). LOC has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to make a difference in their community. The LOC of Greenville, MS, is a collaboration of various organizations, churches, business owners, community leaders, activists and grassroot organizers that work together through their resources to culturally and holistically improve the conditions in which their community lives. They work diligently throughout the community and surrounding areas to bring awareness, education, empowerment, outreach, training and self-help programs through love and unity. The LOC is organizations that through planning and action committees work to give the community a voice. The LOC's mission is to be the liaison between the people and the local government in overcoming difficulties that face the black community. Under the 3M-Model and The National Agenda, they work to accomplish this mission. The town hall meetings are the driving force that they use to reach people. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Local Organizing Committee for their outstanding service and commitment.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and accomplished band director and music educator, Dr. Renardo Murray. He has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to make a difference. Dr. Murray was chosen as Alcorn State University's 2023 Mississippi Humanities Council Teacher of the Year. He and other recipients will be honored for their contributions to the humanities. Dr. Murray is the associate dean and professor for the School of Arts and Sciences. Before his current role, Dr. Murray was the director of Bands for the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band. He holds an outstanding track record in assuring student success both musically and academically. He has an extensive background of developing, operating, and maintaining quality band programs. Before his tenure at Alcorn State University, Dr. Murray served Jackson State University first as assistant band director from 2004 to 2009, and then as interim director of bands/instructor of music since 2009. He has also served as band director at the secondary education level: for Yazoo City High School, Yazoo City, Mississippi; Blackburn Middle School, Jackson, Mississippi; Clinton High School, Clinton, Louisiana; and as assistant band director for Wilkinson County High School, Woodville, Mississippi. Dr. Murray earned his doctorate degree in music education in 2011 from the University of Mississippi, a master's degree in music education from Jackson State University in 2004 and his bachelor's in music education from Alcorn State University in 1995. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Renardo Murray for his passion and dedication in the field of education.