Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the family legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Louella Williams' family tree. The recorded history of Doc and Rebecca Williams and Frank and Louella Williams, sons, and daughters of Mississippi soil with roots in Yazoo County emanates from the Phillip Plantation, now known as the Phillip Farm, located in Yazoo County in Mississippi's Second Congressional District. Their descendants, Tommie, ``Doc James, Frank, Jr., Magnolia, Randolph, Laura, Lillie, and Adam (A.C.) and their sons and daughters have borne fruit up to the 7th generation of progeny with Mississippi ties. The Williams Family descendants from Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas gathered in Washington, D.C., our Nation's Capital, to celebrate family and history in the month of July 2022. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the family legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Louella Williams.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a legend, Mrs. Carlene Palmer. Mrs. Palmer has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, determination, and a desire to be a trailblazer. Mrs. Carlene Palmer was born on October 3, 1926. She is the first female African American to own a dry-cleaning business known as Southside Cleaners in the Freetown Community of Crystal Springs, MS. During segregation times in Crystal Springs, Freetown was known as the part of town that African Americans owned businesses such as cafes, hair salons, cab services, dry cleaning, laundry buildings, etc. Mrs. Palmer proudly served her community with this business for 47 years from 1962 until her health caused her to retire in 2009. At the ripe age of 95 years old, Mrs. Palmer still looks forward to making her famous Sunday dinner every week. She is a true crown jewel of Crystal Springs, MS. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Carlene Palmer for her outstanding service and history making in Crystal Springs, Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Stanley Lang. Pastor Stanley Lang is the oldest son of 7 children. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Rosie and Charlie Lang. Presently, he is the Industrial Training Coordinator for Coahoma Community College, in Clarksdale, MS, and Pastor of the local community church for the past 26 years. He has held other jobs in his career including Director of the Montessori School in Jonestown, MS; Lead counselor for offenders in the Mississippi's penitentiary; Supervising Social Worker for the Department of Children Services in Memphis; and 4th grade teacher at Norris Elementary in Memphis, TN. He was recently selected to serve as Board Alderman for the Town of Marks in the absence of a member who passed. Stanley possesses (3) Master degrees- in Child Protection, Pre-school Education and Leadership. Recently, he completed a period as the Dislocated Workers Coordinator, where he worked with City Aldermen to get the city of Marks a grocery store, formerly a food desert; and provided the store with ready employee who completed his employment training two weeks program. He is recognized amongst family, his community, and his colleagues as a man of integrity, service, compassion, and outstanding spirit. He regularly attends, serve, and Minister at the Anderson Street Community Church of Christ, Marks, MS. Stanley attended and graduated from the then Quitman County High school (1980). He attended Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS, as a Sociology Major. For a few years after graduating from Mississippi Valley State University, Stanley worked as a manager for McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and Krystal's while simultaneously working for the Department of Correction in Parchman, MS. Stanley enrolled in graduate school at Nova Southeastern University in 2009. He also worked as a teacher at Norris Elementary School in Memphis, TN. After 23 years in Memphis, Tennessee, Stanley returned to Marks to be closer to his ailing grandmother and family. In 2016, Stanley was hired as the Director of the Montessori school in Jonestown, MS. In 2018, he was hired as GED/BASIC skills instructor for Coahoma Community College (Adult Basic Education Program). During the next several years, Stanley would be promoted to Dislocated Workers Coordinator and then Industrial Training Coordinator. Stanley is County Team Leader at Coahoma Community College/Adult Basic Education Program and served on many planning boards including some in Coahoma and Quitman Counties. In 2019, Stanley was chosen as the chairperson for the Quitman County Democratic party. Although he no longer holds that position, he is still involved. Stanley is currently working on pursuing his Doctorate in Leadership in August 2023. Although he excelled in his employment, Stanley aspires to become more involved in his community as a pastor and public servant. Stanley is married to Ontania Wane'ka Lang (27 years of joyful marriage). He has 3 children (Stanika, Pedro and Rashad), all live in North Mississippi area. Stanley's leadership, passion, dedication, reliability, and service have made him synonymous with being one of the best community leaders in the state of Mississippi. When all is said and done, Stanley is recognized for his service to God, his family, his country, his community, and the people that seek his help. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor Stanley Lang for his dedication to serving this great state and country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of En Bloc No. 4, which contains a number of provisions that the Committee on Homeland Security has advanced in a bipartisan manner. I am pleased that it includes Amendment No. 390 that contains the text of H.R. 903, the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2022, as passed by the House in May. Under TSA's current personnel system, the agency regularly ranks at, or near, the bottom of the annual Federal employee satisfaction surveys and suffers from high attrition. The most recent Inspector General analysis of employee turnover revealed that in a single year, TSA spent roughly $16 million on hiring and training nearly 2,000 people who left just months after they got the job. Such costly and disruptive turnover risks hampering security operations and must be addressed meaningfully. My amendment seeks to attract and retain a mature and stable workforce within TSA by placing the agency under the Federal personnel system set forth in title 5 of the U.S. Code. Getting the TSA workforce under the personnel system under which most other Federal employees operate has been a priority for many of us for decades. The unprecedented support by the Biden administration has significantly improved prospects for getting this done. And this amendment's inclusion in the NDAA provides an opportunity to engage with our Senate partners in a timely way. Additionally, I am pleased that En Bloc No. 4 includes Amendment No. 420 that I filed with Rep. John Katko of New York, the Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. It contains the text of 25 bipartisan homeland security measures that the House had previously approved. These measures would strengthen community security, improve Department of Homeland Security acquisitions and supply chains, and enhance DHS operations. The bipartisan amendment includes provisions to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program from $75 million to $500 million for each fiscal year through 2028, reform the way DHS procures uniforms issued to Department frontline personnel by encouraging the procurement of domestically sourced items by U.S. small businesses, reauthorize the U.S. Secret Service's National Computer Forensics Institute, authorize a one-stop screening process for certain arriving international travelers, and authorize grants to carry out the Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program, or CETAP--a program to strengthen K-12 cybersecurity education. I am also pleased that the en bloc includes a measure (Amendment No. 526) authored by Rep. Al Green of Texas to bolster the authorities and operations of the Department's Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Office. Finally, I am delighted to have the support of Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon, the Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, on Amendment No. 441, which is also included in the en bloc package and seeks to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency in its efforts to instill equity as a foundation of emergency management. Studies have found that low-income communities, rural areas, racial minorities, tribes, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and children are all more likely to experience the most devastating impacts of disasters. Yet, many in these communities and groups face an uphill battle to navigate the complicated Federal assistance processes. With hurricane season underway and wildfires wreaking havoc on communities big and small, passage of my amendment is very timely. I thank Committee on Armed Services Chairman Adam Smith of Washington and his staff for their partnership with me and my staff throughout this entire process. Looking ahead, I am eager to work with the Senate to get these important provisions in the final NDAA package and on the President's desk.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Memorial Highway Sign of Lieutenant Troy Morris. Lieutenant Morris served the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) for over 27 years. He became a Mississippi Highway Patrolman then was promoted to Lieutenant of Troop M in Brookhaven, MS. Lieutenant Morris was also employed with the United States Postal Services for approximately 16 years. He was shot and killed by an assailant in the early morning hours of August 7, 2020. On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, Central Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons joined officials to dedicate a segment of U.S. Highway 61 in Jefferson County as the ``Highway Patrol Lieutenant Troy Morris Memorial Highway.'' During the 2021 legislative session, House Bill No. 872 was signed into law, designating a segment of U.S. Highway 61 located in Jefferson County, beginning at the Town of Fayette, and extending northerly for one mile, as the ``Highway Patrol Lieutenant Troy Morris Memorial Highway.'' Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the late Lieutenant Troy Morris for his amazing dedication, hard work and legacy he has left behind to his family, friends, colleagues, and Mississippi, especially the Second Congressional District.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable police officer, Orlando Bolden. Officer Bolden is a native of Grenada, MS. He began his career with the Grenada County Sheriff's Department as a reserve deputy. He then moved to Duck Hill and worked for the Duck Hill Police Department. When a full-time position became available in Vaiden, MS, he took the job and still worked part time in Duck Hill. Officer Bolden is currently working for the Winona Police Department, going on 3 years now. What make Officer Bolden stand out from the other officers is that during the school year, he directs traffic in his own personal style. When people drive down Highway 407 or Highway 51 during school traffic at Winona Elementary School, they will often see Officer Bolden dancing with his whistle in his mouth, directing traffic. Officer Bolden is well-known for his dance moves. Officer Bolden believes that entertaining traffic control is just of a small gesture that shows another side of law enforcement and that everything does not have to be so uptight and wound up. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Officer Orlando Bolden for his longevity and dedication to serving the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Mr. Johnny Lee Reynolds, Jr. Mr. Reynolds has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success. Mr. Reynolds received the Vicksburg Post Volunteer of the week for his volunteer services with United Way of West Central Mississippi as part of their Community Investment Committee. Mr. Reynolds said he has volunteered his whole life because it was instilled in him as a part of his family support. He also stated that, ``volunteering makes you of a part of your community.'' Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Johnny Lee Reynolds, Jr. for his passion and dedication to serve Warren County.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Fire Chief Carmen Brocks from Flora, Mississippi. A 1986 graduate of Provine High School, she furthered her education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on a basketball scholarship and graduated in 1990. Throughout her young adult life, Ms. Brocks was very active in sports and was known as a kind, caring, friendly and compassionate individual. Not long after college, she decided to attend the Jackson Fire Academy to become a firefighter with much encouragement from her family. She also completed the course work with a B.S. Degree in Fire Administration at Columbia Southern University. In November 1993, Ms. Brocks began her career as a Firefighter I at the Jackson Fire Department and graduated as a Firefighter II in 1994. After 9 months, Ms. Brocks started climbing the ladder with the fire services, when she completed the requirements and successfully passed the exam to become a Relief Driver Operator. In 1998, she was promoted as the 1st female in the emergency services division to become Lieutenant under the leadership and supervision of, then, Captain Willie Owens. Ms. Brocks still kept striving in her professional career as the first female in the emergency services division to become Captain. In 2010, she became the first female District Chief, which she held for 8 years. In March of 2018, District Chief Brocks was appointed to Division Fire Chief of the Emergency Service Division under the leadership of Fire Chief Willie Owens. Chief Brocks has blazed the trail for any African-American female who may want to follow in her appointment as Division Fire Chief. That also goes for any female who may want to follow in her footsteps. Chief Brocks truly believes, ``to achieve anything, it requires faith, belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination and dedication.'' Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Fire Chief Carmen Brocks for her dedication to serving.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 7174, the National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, June 23, 2022. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 7174, the National Computer Forensics Institute Reauthorization Act of 2022. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Madeleine Fox. Sincerely, Phillip L. Swagel, Director. Enclosure.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office for H.R. 5274, the Prevent Exposure to Narcotics and Toxics Act of 2021. The cost-estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, June 17, 2022. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 5274, the PREVENT ACT of 2021. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Sofia Guo. Sincerely, Phillip L. Swagel, Director. Enclosure.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable church, Abundant Life Assembly Church of Apostolic Faith, Inc. In 1978, God instructed Apostle James T. Herrington, a native of Sardis, Georgia, to transition from his surroundings because he had been assigned to a greater work. Leaving his family behind, Apostle, his wife, and young son moved to Grenada, Mississippi, and started what was then, a very humble ministry. Apostle James T. Herrington is the Vice President of the General Board of the Alliance of Apostolic Churches of Christ Jesus (AACCJ). He is a member of the Grenada Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance; Grenada Chamber of Commerce; Grenada's Chapter of 100 Black Men of America; and Grenada's Chapter of the Rotary Club. The Abundant Life Assembly Church of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. was literally birthed out of his heart and was the first apostolic church to grace the city of Grenada. Since the church's inception in 1982, and its humble beginning, the church has experienced tremendous growth and now Apostle serves as Senior Pastor of this assembly and Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of the Abundant Life Assembly Churches of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. (ALCAF) which has churches throughout the southeastern continental United States. June 2022, the Abundant Life Assembly Church of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. will honor its' 40-year anniversary. The ALCAF has done so much for the Grenada community. Through ALCAF, Apostle Herrington has provided a daycare for children to attend, and he has provided transportation to the community that needed rides to their doctor appointments or work. Apostle Herrington has also provided food boxes. We are very thankful for Abundant Life Assembly Church of Apostolic Faith, Inc. and Apostle James T. Herrington for all the astonishing things he has done for the Grenada community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Abundant Life Assembly Church of Apostolic Faith, Inc. for its longevity and dedication to serving the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the history of White Star Missionary Baptist Church. The history of White Star Missionary Baptist Church will help to inspire the present and future congregations. Since its beginning, White Star has stood pointing men and women, boys, and girls to the Heavenly way. Amid world turmoil in the face of strife and war, and at times when Christian ideals are crumbling this church has ever held high the banner of Christ who said, ``Upon this rock I build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.'' White Star Church had its beginning intricately tied to another church, the ``Colored Methodist Episcopal Church.'' The first church held its services in the Methodist church building that was located on the northwest corner of Railway Avenue and Willis Street (the present residence of Mr. & Mrs. S.A. Payton). White Star Church developed out of the desires of and efforts of some of the residents of Belzoni to organize a church. These members met in the Methodist building until they were able to purchase the Methodist lots and build their own church. According to Mrs. Geneva York and the legal documents at the county courthouse, White Star Church was organized in 1915. The White Star Church became a separate entity in 1920 under the leadership of its first pastor, the Reverend I.E. Taylor. During his leadership, White Star Church moved to its present site at 609 Railway Avenue. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing White Star Missionary Baptist Church for their dedication and tenacity to serving their members and community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the history of True Light M. B. Church. In 1934, approximately 43 members marched with candles from Morning Star Baptist Church on Kane Street to a small store on East Bell Street in Jackson, Mississippi. Rev. J. H. Sims was the founder and first pastor of True Light M. B. Church. A few of the pioneers were Mary Lee Hicks, Sarah Lynn, Pearlina Smith and Rev. James Thomas. Rev. Sims served True Light faithfully until his departure. Then, Rev. Will Robinson was installed as the second pastor of True Light and served for three years. Under Rev. Robinson's leadership, the membership relocated from the store on Bell Street to a wooden framed building in the back of True Light Church present location. Reverend (Dr.) Robert H. Walls was the third and most tenured pastor of True Light. He was a licensed minister from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and joined True Light in 1935 along with his wife, Leatha Warren Walls. After Rev. Robinson departure, the church asked Rev. Walls to serve as Pastor until they decided to call a pastor. The church made great progress under his leadership, and the membership increased. Because of this progress, Rev. Walls was ordained to preach the Gospel. In April of 1940, the church asked Rev. Walls to serve as True Light's Pastor, and he accepted this calling of God. Because of the church's growth, a survey revealed a need for additional space. To address this need, the church purchased two lots with a seven-room house. Uplifting services were held in a small wood framed building on the recently purchased property. The continued growth created the need for a modern church building. The church borrowed $10,000 to construct the building. Pastor Walls drew on a brown paper bag a sketch of the present edifice. Pastor Walls once stated, ``True Light Church was spiritually built.'' He had never constructed a building before but became a ``Master Builder.'' For five years, day and night, he toiled. He had many sleepless nights and cried many tears, but he kept on working and had faith that God would surely see them through. In 1953, the church marched into our present edifice. The church began full-time worship service in 1961. True Light Church was one of the first Black churches in the City of Jackson and the first Black church to be constructed with bricks in the City of Jackson. In 2001, after Pastor Walls entered the evening time of his life, Reverend Marvin Adams began to serve as Interim Pastor of True Light. Rev. Adams and his family were long time members of True Light Church. Thus, he was familiar with the membership and the various ministries. He was installed as the fourth Pastor of True Light that same year. Under Rev. Adams leadership, three ministers served as Associate Ministers: Carlos Casanova, Henry Taylor, and James Thomas. Brother Clarence James was ordained as a deacon. The interior sanctuary was renovated, and a Vesta View added to accommodate members and visitors waiting to enter the sanctuary. The church purchased a 47-seat passenger bus and carpeting was placed in the dining area of the Fellowship Hall. A Dance Ministry and Food and Clothing Ministry were organized. Rev. Adams faithfully served as Pastor of True Light Church for three years. In March of 2006, God sent the church a spirit-filled anointed man of His choice, Marcus E. Cheeks. Pastor Cheeks was installed as the fifth pastor of True Light Church. He is an educator by trade holding degrees from Tougaloo College, Jackson State University and soon to be the University of Mississippi. Pastor Cheeks believes that a church's main focus should be in growing spiritually. He has the belief that through faithful study, dedication to the Word, and an intimate daily walk with Jesus Christ, the Lord will surely use him to glorify His Kingdom. Under his leadership, four ministers have served as Associate Ministers, Carlos Casanova, Henry Taylor, James Thomas, and Darrel Woullard, Sr. Five Deacons, Leroy Carter, Marc Clay, Curtis Holmes, Lee Lyle, and Harvey Marshall have been ordained. In addition, True Light's ministries have increased to include a Couples Ministry, an Outreach Ministry, Small Group Study platform for all Christian teachings, and the implementation of the Unity Drive designed to increase our personal and financial commitments to God. The church has purchased three adjacent properties for future growth. Physical renovations have taken place in several areas of the church: the Pastor's Study, church sanctuary and restrooms, parking lot, technology has been added to Leatha Walls Educational Complex and the purchase of an additional church minibus. Most importantly, Pastor Cheeks has provided a vision into the future, with fervent prayer, focused commitment and faithful service united with our Lord and Savior, ``One in Jesus.'' True Light Missionary Baptist Church has made significant contributions to the community, state and Nation by being actively involved in the Midtown Community, the Jackson District Missionary Baptist Association, the Jackson District Congress of Christian Education, General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi and the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the history of True Light Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable community church, Bethlehem Church No. 1 and 2. The old Bethlehem No. 1 church was given in 1973 down on Porter's Bayou. The founder of the Bayou was Anderson Robinson. The Robinson's were the first Black family on the Bayou. A letter found written by Martin, recounts that several families suggested a plan to build a Brush Harbor Church in 1888, which was done. Shortly, thereafter, the Bethlehem Church No. 1 was built on land donated by Randall Miller and was pastored by Zachariah Coleman. The No. 2 church was bought from Jeff Arrington and a congregation was formed there in early 1890. The first pastor was Reverend Williams, as mentioned in the letter. The last pastor of the Bethlehem Church No. 2 was Reverend Clarence Hunt, who still lives in Cleveland, Mississippi. Bethlehem Church No. 2, an old Baptist church, was built in November of 1889. They closed in 2018 due to mold in the church and it was beyond repair. Unfortunately, there were no funds available for the needed repairs, so the decision was made to shut its doors. There are eight church members who joined in with Bethlehem Church No. 1, which is equally historic, about a quarter mile down the road. When Bethlehem Church No. 2 closed its doors, the church only had a small congregation. There had been a disagreement within the church for approximately 20 years and many of the members left because of it. Bernice Watts-Griffin, one of the eight people, left as congregants when Bethlehem No. 2 closed in 2018. She had been a member at Bethlehem Church No. 2 for over fifty years. The former church member said, ``I was one of the first students to integrate Shaw Public Schools in the mid-1960's and we had many Civil Rights activists in the congregation.'' Mrs. Griffin was a young girl during that time and do not remember any specific or historic meetings held during that time. Recently, there has been a discussion about trying to bet the church placed on a historic registry or named a historic site through the state. Hopefully, that comes to fruition. When asked what she would like to see happen to Bethlehem Church No. 2, Watts-Griffin said she wished the church would be formally declared and recognized as a historic building. It is the wish of the former members of Bethlehem Church No. 2 that the property could be repaired, however the damages inside the church would be of tremendous cost. It is with honor and hope to commend the vision of such a remarkable church as Bethlehem Church No. 2, where history is still standing. Although, they have joined with Bethlehem Church No. 1, the churches will continue to serve the community through service and commitment that has sustained the Bethlehem Church No. 2 family throughout this journey, and whose venture is a testament to God's promise of success and longevity to those who diligently seek Him and obey His will. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Bethlehem Church No. 2 for their dedication to serving their members and community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated trailblazer Mrs. Dora Smith. Dora has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success. Dora is a native of Vicksburg where she attended and graduated from Rosa A. Temple in 1965. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Educational Psychology from Alcorn State University. Dora, a woman of integrity, honor and dignity, was the first black female officer at the Vicksburg Police Department, where she worked for 26 years. In this capacity, she has worked in patrol, Juvenile Division, desk sergeant and Drug and Alcohol Division. As a member of the Vicksburg Police Department, Dora touched the lives of many children through her work in the Juvenile Division and in her relationship with child abuse agencies, shelters, and MS Dept. of Human Services. On her off days from the police department, Dora worked as substitute teacher at Vicksburg Public School District. After retirement, she worked as a security guard at Riverwalk Casino, where she is recognized as a Happy Hero. Dora has received the Officer of the Year Award from Vicksburg Benevolent Homecoming Organization; Officer of the Year from the American Legion Hut and a certificate of Appreciation from the Mike Moore Drug & Alcohol Division for being steadfast and tenacious in her efforts to help children not abuse drugs and alcohol. She is the proud wife of Charles Smith, Sr., who she was joined in holy matrimony on April 14, 1968. Dora and Charles have 5 children, and two followed in her footsteps and chose law enforcement as a career. Dora is member of the King David M. B. Church No. 1, where she is committed to the women ministry and is the program coordinator. She is a member of the Vicksburg NAACP Chapter, Alcorn Alumni Association, and the Essence Social & Civic Club, where she is the founding member, mentor and event's organizer. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Dora Smith for her passion and dedication to serve others and the City of Vicksburg.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Senator Hiram Rhodes Revels. Senator Revels was the first Black person to serve in the United Sates Senate, and he was the first pastor of Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Natchez. Senator Revels was born a free man in Fayetteville, North Carolina on September 27, 1827. In 1845, Senator Revels was ordained a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church after attending the Beech Grove Quaker Seminary in Indiana and Darke Seminary for Blacks in Ohio. At the beginning of the Civil War, Senator Revels established two Colored Troop regiments from Maryland, and in 1862, he served as Chaplin for a U.S. Colored Troop regiment in Vicksburg, MS and Natchez, MS. In 1863 Senator Revels established a Freedman's school in St. Louis, MO. In 1866 after serving churches in Louisville, KY and New Orleans, LA, Senator Revels settled in Natchez, MS where he became pastor of Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1868, Senator Revels' first elected position was as a Natchez Alderman. In 1869, Senator Revels was elected to the Mississippi Legislature as a Senator. On January 20, 1870, the Mississippi Legislature voted to seat Senator Revels to fill one of two unexpired Mississippi U.S. Senate seats vacated by Senator Albert Brown and Senator Jefferson Davis, who vacated his Senate seat to serve as President of the Confederacy. During Reconstruction, as Mississippi was readmitted to the Union on February 23, 1870, Hiram Rhodes Revels took his seat on February 25, 1870 as the first Black person to serve in the United States Senate and served on the Education and Labor Committee. At the end of his Senate term on March 3, 1871, Senator Revels chose to return to Mississippi to become the first President of Alcorn State University, formally known as Oakland College. Alcorn is the first landgrant school in the United States for Black students. Alcorn is named for Senator Revels' political supporter, Governor James Alcorn. Briefly, in 1873, Senator Revels was chosen as Mississippi interim Secretary of State after the death of John Roy Lynch. He took a hiatus from Alcorn in 1874 and became the pastor of a church in Holly Springs, MS. In 1876 he returned as President of Alcorn and retired in 1882. Senator Revels returned to the ministry in Holly Springs where he died January 16, 1901. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Senator Hiram Rhodes Revels.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, violence shattered communities across the country this weekend, making it a very sad one for this Nation. First, on Friday night in Milwaukee, 21 people were injured in a mass shooting as the city hosted the NBA playoffs. Then, on Saturday, a gunman who posted a manifesto online espousing violent white supremacist viewpoints drove 2 hours to a grocery store in a predominantly Black area of Buffalo and opened fire on customers, killing 10 innocent people. Finally, yesterday, in Laguna Woods, California, an armed intruder burst into a predominantly Taiwanese Christian congregation meeting in a Presbyterian church, killing one congregant and critically wounding four others. Today, we mourn with these communities and families who were rocked by this violence, but we also must continue asking tough questions about what is fueling such racially motivated violent extremism. Just months ago, FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress domestic terrorism is metastasizing through this country and was not going away any time soon. The intelligence community has recently warned that racially motivated violent extremism poses the most lethal domestic terrorism threat. While Americans may not see eye-to-eye on what factors contribute to the current threat landscape, there seems to be general agreement that public spaces, in general, and houses of worship, in particular, need to be more secure. That is where the Nonprofit Security Grant Program comes in. This grant program is incredibly important to at-risk nonprofits that need to bolster their security against mass shootings and terrorism threats. In 2020, I was proud to author legislation that was enacted into law to authorize this program. Today, I am here in support of H.R. 6825, legislation I introduced in the wake of a terrorist attack on a synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, to expand the availability of crucial funding to more at-risk nonprofits and improve the program's operations. My legislation, Mr. Speaker, does so by increasing the authorization for funding to $500 million annually through fiscal year 2028 and by establishing a dedicated program office. This past February, the National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin stated: ``Threats directed at historically Black colleges and universities and other colleges and universities, Jewish facilities, and churches cause concern and may inspire extremist threat actors to mobilize to violence.'' With each passing day, the list of potential targets for mass violence seems to expand, and FEMA has already told us that even with funding for the program increasing roughly three-fold in just a few short years, the demand for funding is still outpacing available funding. The additional resources provided under my bill will help FEMA do more to help more at-risk nonprofits. Importantly, H.R. 6825 requires FEMA to provide outreach, engagement, and technical support to nonprofits, with particular attention to eligible at-risk nonprofits in underserved communities. As was mentioned before, in recent days, questions have arisen about how FEMA plans to bring new at-risk nonprofits into the program, a goal that many of us support. I strongly believe that with the enhanced funding that Congress provides in this year's appropriations, FEMA can expand the program's reach while preserving funding to existing grantees that continue to be at risk. To that end, together with my colleague, Mr. Pascrell, I am engaging FEMA about its approach, and I look forward to resolving it. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to my colleagues' support in passing this critical legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. Wexton).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I support these amendments en bloc consisting of amendments from my colleagues from Michigan, Virginia, Indiana, New Jersey, and New York. These amendments, like the entire bill, requires TSA to engage its workforce, hear employee concerns, and make improvements in the service of our homeland security. As we have heard today, morale and retention at TSA are alarmingly low. This is even more alarming when considering the fact that TSA is a majority-minority workforce, with more than half its workers identifying as people of color. It is important that TSA employees have a safe workplace, free of harassment, and that agency leadership reflects the diversity of its workforce as well. These amendments offer solutions to real problems faced by TSA employees, such as commuting challenges at airports, as they go about their critical mission to keep air travel secure for the American people. I thank my colleagues for offering these amendments, and I urge the House to join me in supporting them. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, for the Record, title 5 will prevent the misconduct we have seen at TSA, such as senior managers awarding each other over $90,000 in bonuses. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, for the Record, title 5 is not a union. It is a personnel system. It means that if you have rights as an employee of the Federal Government, you know what those rights are. That is not a union. Now, for TSOs who voted to have a bargaining unit, and they chose the American Federation of Government Employees to be their bargaining unit, that is all. In America, people have choices. Our TSOs decided that they wanted to have union representation, which in America, in a democracy, is their right. I respect that right, and they have done it. Now we have to treat them like all other Federal employees. That is just what this bill does. There is nothing else here. It just puts them under title 5 just like every other national security-related law enforcement agency, and we are in good shape, so they can pay their mortgages, they can pay their rent, they can do for their children like other Federal employees, plain and simple. Not a big deal. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa), a subcommittee chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, the policies with reference to flying on planes have remained consistent under successive administrations of both parties, including the Trump administration. These passengers have their identities verified through CBP and ICE and received enhanced screening. If the individuals are on the terrorist watch list and they are not U.S. citizens, they are transferred to ICE for title 8 processing and detention. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the robust debate we have had today for this legislation and amendments my colleagues will be offering that seek to improve the bill. But you can't spend thanks. If I told a TSO, ``Thank you for your service,'' almost to the person, they would say, ``Then give me a raise. Treat me like all other Federal employees.'' As our country emerges from what we hope is the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot forget about the TSOs, air marshals, and others within TSA who never paused their work in service of our national security. With estimates that the number of passengers who travel through airports in fiscal year 2023 will exceed prepandemic figures by 4.5 percent, we are again asking them to do more than ever and not pay them any additional money. Treat them like everybody else. Passage of this legislation will send a clear signal that we acknowledge their commitment and agree they deserve the compensation and workplace protection that reflects that. In this country, you pay for what you get. Pay our TSOs what they deserve and treat them like all other Federal employees. A 30 percent increase is what this bill would do for our TSOs, and they deserve it. They have earned it. I thank my colleagues for their support and urge passage of H.R. 903. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to section 3 of House Resolution 1097, I offer amendments en bloc.