Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Torres), the vice chair of the Committee on Homeland Security and the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4611) to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue guidance with respect to certain information and communications technology or services contracts, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I am prepared to close after the gentleman from Mississippi closes. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Madam Speaker, from the 2016 Bastille Day truck attack in France to the 2017 deadly car ramming in Charlottesville to the 2017 attack that took the lives of Darren Drake and seven others, we have seen the use of vehicles to carry out terrorist attacks become disturbingly common. Our Nation faces a complex and evolving threat landscape. But the threat of vehicle-ramming attacks is not going away. As long as would-be terrorists seek to use rental vehicles as weapons of terror, we must provide rental dealers with the ability to do their part. I urge my colleagues to support the Darren Drake Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. With sophisticated cybercriminals operating overseas launching ransomware attacks on our schools, it is essential that the Federal Government step up efforts to support the cybersecurity of our schools. Without more assistance, many of our Nation's school districts will continue to be vulnerable, as many lack the cyber expertise to defend against these incidents. Enactment of the K-12 Cybersecurity Act would enhance the technical support provided by CISA to schools to help better protect school IT networks. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 1917, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, while we are in the process of getting the sponsor of this legislation prepared to give his comments, let me say that we all have been involved in making sure that our schools are as safe as possible. Clearly, this legislation, as offered by Senator Peters and Representative Langevin and others, is integral to making sure that our schools are kept as safe as possible from cyberattacks. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin), the sponsor of the House version of this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4094) to conduct a pilot program at foreign last point of departure airports to permit passengers and their accessible property to continue on additional flights or flight segments originating in the United States without additional security re-screening, and for other purposes, as amended.

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. 4089, the Darren Drake Act. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, September 24, 2021. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4089, the Darren Drake Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Lindsay Wylie. Sincerely, Phillip L. Swagel, Director. Enclosure.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a remarkable individual, Ms. LaBrittany Nicole Knight. Ms. Knight is a native of Indianola, Mississippi. She graduated from Mississippi State University where she received her B.S. in Information Technology Services. After graduation, Knight took a job as Technical Support Representative at Cocolevio LLC. Although born with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, Knight said she views herself as very ambitious and conquers just about anything she sets her mind to. In her spare time, Knight spends time with her family and friends. She is also very passionate about helping others and spreading awareness throughout the disability community. On September 19, 2021, Ms. Knight was announced Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi 2022. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. LaBrittany Nicole Knight for her achievements and being a role model for her community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy and service of a remarkable leader, Mrs. Shirley Faye Edwards French. Shirley Faye Edwards was born on October 13, 1955 to the late Harold Edwards and Cora Burrell Walker. Born and raised in Marks, Mississippi, Shirley was a surprising addition to the family, coming 11 years after her mother's then youngest child. Throughout her educational journey, Shirley made lifelong connections. Her third-grade teacher, Hattie Causey Purdy, became her godmother, and mentored Shirley into adulthood. In 1973, Shirley graduated from Quitman County High School and matriculated to Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC). From NWCC, Shirley transferred to the University of Mississippi where she earned her Bachelor of Social Work in 1977. On May 21, 1983, Shirley united in Holy Matrimony to Willie French, Jr. They are the proud parents of one daughter, Whitney Sade' French. Valley Queen Missionary Baptist Church gave Shirley her spiritual foundation as well as a knack for community outreach. At Valley Queen, Shirley was active in Sunday School as the recording secretary, She served on the Board of Christian Education, which not only provided guidance and planning around Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, but also encouraged and awarded academic achievements. Shirley has been a lifelong member of Valley Queen with the exception of three years where she was a member of College Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. She currently serves as the church's announcing clerk. Shirley has always been known for her outgoing personality and her gift of gab. She will talk to anyone about almost anything. This would have been a perfect skillset for her original dream job, a television broadcast journalist. However, plans changed and Shirley became a social worker. Shirley has used her voice to initiate positive changes in the lives of her clients and the communities she has served over the past 44 years. Shirley has a legacy of ``firsts'' throughout her career. Shirley was the first Social Worker/Community Engagement Coordinator for Aaron E. Henry Community Health Services Center, Inc. She helped plan and implement Jackson Police Department's Domestic Violence Case Management Program. Shirley was the first Director of the Quitman County Development Organization daycare center, and she was the first Project Director for the original Delta Futures Healthy Start Initiative, now known as Delta HealthPartners. After serving as a ``first'' in many organizations, Shirley spent time in program administration during her tenure at Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. The program she is most known for during her time at Y.O.U. was M.A.D.A.M.E. Butterfly. While at Y.O.U., Shirley decided to further her education and earned her Master of Social Work, which she received in 2016. Currently, Shirley serves as a Social Work Case Manager for Delta HealthPartners Healthy Start Initiative under the auspices of Tougaloo College. In addition to giving back to the community through her church and career, Shirley shares her gifts and knowledge with others on a regular basis. Shirley is well known for serving as Mistress of Ceremony (program guide) for many church programs and funerals in the community. She has worked behind the scenes to help plan community programs, birthday parties, and retirement celebrations. She offers her skills in critiquing to give valuable feedback on documents and to help clarify and expand ideas. Her networking is unmatched and she is never afraid to make connections or requests that will help those around her reach their goals. Shirley makes sure those around her know that she is thinking about them and she cares. Shirley will stop her car and speak to those whom she once taught in Sunday School, former program participants, and former neighbors. She is also one to strike up a conversation in the grocery store or at the gas station. In addition to asking about how the person and their family and friends are doing, she will often give a history lesson on their family or the community. More importantly, Shirley reminds people of goals they have shared with her, positive attributes she's noticed about them, and offers words of encouragement. Much like her mother, she has a phone network of friends and family members she checks in with on a regular basis and she is very adamant about recognizing and celebrating birthdays, holidays, accomplishments, and other special occasions. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Shirley Faye Edwards French for her dedication in serving her community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy and service of a remarkable church, Greater Zion Travelers M.B. Church. Zion Traveler Church was organized on the 31st of July 1871 by Reverend Albert Young. Zion Travelers started out with just 30 members and since its founding has only had 13 Pastors: Rev. E.D. Jones, Rev. S.S. Butler, Rev. A.R. Tillman, Rev. J. West, Rev. Hue White, Rev. Henderson, Rev. Albert (Abe) Richie, Rev. C.J. Stevenson, Rev. U.E. Jones, Rev. C.H. Lowe, Rev. Willie Lewis, and Rev. Casey Fisher. Rev. Lewis was elected as pastor in February 1967. One year into his stewardship, the congregation built a brick building with central heat, central air, two restrooms, running water, and a baptismal pool. This new building symbolized new beginnings for the church and thus led to its renaming: Greater Zion Travelers M.B. Church. Officers who served under him were Bro. Eugene Snow, Bro. Ivory Smith, Brother Hubert Smith, Bro. Sylvester Fields, Bro. Eddie Cooper, Bro. Louis McGriggs, and Bro. Talmadge Ross. Later, he added, Bro. Excell Snow, Bro. Robert Marbra, Bro. Upson, Bro. Claude Smith, Bro. James Simon, and Bro. Demell McGriggs. Trustees: Sis. Willie M. Callahan and Bro. C.P. Lyons. The members were so dedicated that they paid the mortgage off in only 10 years. They continued to build upon that success by purchasing an organ, new pews with cushion seats, piano, bulletin board, desk, and chairs. Greater Zion was the only church at this time that had an asphalt parking lot. Rev. Lewis became Pastor Emeritus in May 2013. He died October 10, 2013, as the longest serving pastor of Greater Zion with 46 years. Rev. Fisher, the son of Sharkey and the Late Katie Fisher, was elected pastor of Greater Zion May 2013. Rev. Fisher was reared in this church and brought excitement with his selection. He has continued the legacy of Greater Zion through area beautification, (installing the embossed name on the church, added three crosses at the entrance of the church), building renovations (removed carpet and replaced with treated concrete flooring, replaced carpet in the choir loft, purchased new furniture for the quiet room, Pastor's office, business office, and fellowship hall) and modernization. In honor of Reverend Lewis, Pastor Fisher dedicated the rear church entrance as the Willie Lewis Lane. He instituted the Church's first and only motto: ``The Church on the Corner where Christ is the Center''. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Greater Zion has been a leader in providing much needed food and cleaning supplies to the community. In May 2020, Greater Zion partnered with local, county, and state elected officials to conduct Operation Give Back-Utica. Over 300 families were blessed. During the historic ice storm of 2021, Rev. Fisher and his members coordinated with State Representative Stephanie Foster for water distribution for the community. Six pallets (504 cases) of water were distributed. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the legacy, and service of Greater Zion Travelers M.B. Church.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant Mrs. Edna ``Mickey'' Jolley Cooper. Mrs. Cooper was born on December 11, 1944, one of the most wonderful of Angels entered into this world, born to Mr. Frank and Marie King Jolley. This Angel who walked, talked, and loved so sweetly was Edna Jolley, known affectionately to all as ``Mickey.'' Mrs. Cooper was raised in a Christian household and grew up among family in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, where she attended school until high school graduation. She would go on to enroll at Jackson State College, now known as Jackson State University, where she excelled completing three degrees: Bachelor of Science, Master of Education and Specialist. It was also at Jackson State that she met the love of her life, Myram E. Cooper whom she wed in 1965. They were joined at the hip living a complete and full life as they raised their sons, Keith and Montrel. Professionally, Mrs. Cooper was well respected among her peers and was a dedicated educator for more than fifty years. Her loving, kind spirit and commitment to education touched and influenced the lives of children throughout the state of Mississippi. She began her teaching career at Clarksdale Elementary. As her career progressed, she taught at Ridgeland Elementary School, Lee Elementary School and Wilkins Elementary where she eventually retired. Mrs. Cooper dedicated her life to Christ at an early age in her youth. She loved the Lord with all of her heart and was a devoted and active member of Lynch Street CME. She was also a member of many civic organizations including the National Council of Negro Women. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the late Edna Jolley Cooper for her dedication to serving her community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable community servant Ms. Minnie Pearl Campbell. Ms. Campbell was born in January 1967, in Doddsville, Mississippi, located in Sunflower County. Ms. Campbell currently resides in Indianola, MS. There she graduated from Gentry High School in 1985. In 2003, she attended Superior Health Care, in Cleveland, MS, for her Certified Nursing Assistant certification. Then, she went on to Mississippi Delta Community College (2004-2005) for coursework in Medical Billing. Ms. Campbell has worked in the health care industry since 2003. She said, ``After graduating from high school, I wasn't sure of my career path, but I knew I wanted to help others because of my disabled sister. My family worked hard to help her live a fulfilling life. Without my siblings and I making personal sacrifices I doubt if it would have been possible. We didn't have many options around us for a good-quality- level health care assisted facility for people with limited financial resources and family support in Indianola.'' So eventually, Minnie and her sister (Maple L. Campbell) decided to establish one. In 2003, after receiving her nursing assistant certification, Ms. Campbell began working for the North Sunflower County Hospital as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Ruleville, MS. This position required her to assist patients with daily living skills, monitor patient vitals, assist with physical therapy, and manage flow chart records of patients. After leaving the hospital and because of her skills, knowledge, and training, Ms. Campbell cared for patients in the privacy of their homes as their personal Adult Care Provider under direction and coordination of care with a medical provider. As an Adult Care Provider, she has worked for Southern Health Care (2004 to Present), Oxford Health Care (2010 to Present), and Private Care (2012 to 2015). In 2016, Ms. Campbell and her sister, Maple L. Campbell, started the Platinum Plus Care Assisted Living Facility at 617 Highway 82 West, Indianola, MS. Ms. Campbell is the COO and Administrator. The Campbell sisters made history, becoming the first Black/Black female owned and operated full-time assisted living facility in Indianola. Platinum Care Plus Assisted Living Facility is a twenty-seven-bed facility that offers 24-hours and 365 days a year of care to veterans and elderly adults. It provides care in the areas of administering and monitoring of medication, personal care (bathing and dressing), transportation and personal assistance at medical appointments, care coordination with medical providers, social and recreational activities, housekeeping and laundry, exercise, nutritious and health meals, a social and engaging environment, and more. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Minnie Pearl Campbell for her dedication to being a public servant in the health care industry.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy and service of a remarkable leader, Dr. Voletta Williams. Dr. Williams is happy to conclude her educational career on a high note. The outgoing chair and professor for the Department of Biological Sciences retired after a 32-year career. Dr. Williams' dedication has led her to promotions to chair in 2016, interim chair in 2015, professor in 2013, and associate professor in 2006. Before being granted tenure in 2007, Dr. Williams was an adjunct instructor. Forever grateful for such a milestone, Dr. Williams will miss teaching and preparing the next generation of scientist for success. She doesn't plan to slow down just yet. Her future includes assisting her beloved Alcorn State University, committing to church activities, and enjoying her family. She plans to continue to contribute to Alcorn as needed or requested. Her goal now is to explore avenues to serve our multicultural students better, improve STEM areas at Alcorn, spend quality time with family, expand church projects, and remain a mother figure to many students as well as her children and grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the legacy, and service of Dr. Voletta Williams as she celebrates retirement after 32 years from Alcorn State University's Department of Biological Sciences.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Ms. Barbara Brown. Ms. Brown was influenced by her history and government teacher to return to her hometown of Canton, Mississippi, to teach because he saw a spark of passion in her for educating youth. She retired from education after serving 47 years as a teacher at Canton High School. Ms. Brown attended Jackson State University and received a degree in Social Science. Three years later she returned back and received her master's degree in Social Science. Ms. Brown currently resides in Canton, Mississippi. She has two sons and one grandson. She attends Middleton Groves A.M.E. Zion Church in Canton, Mississippi. She enjoys working with students because she feels that she can make a difference in their lives. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Barbara Brown for her dedication to serve her community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of a remarkable individual, retired football coach Wilfret Lewis Anderson, Sr. Coach Anderson was born to the late Louise and Lewis Anderson, Jr. on January 5, 1937. He was called to his Heavenly Home on August 3, 2021, with his family by his side. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and was a faithful member of Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. As a young man at Jim Hill High School, Coach Anderson was a member of the School's choir, the first football team, and the track team. He received his B.S. Degree in Physical Education in 1962 and M.S. Degree in Physical Education in 1978 from Jackson State College. Throughout his childhood and college years, he excelled in sports, which served as a significant foundation for him as a successful coach for many years. Upon graduating from college, Coach Anderson accepted a teaching position at Jim Hill High School, where he was the first graduate to return for a teaching position. He spent over 25 years as a dedicated teacher, coach, mentor, and father figure to many students while teaching and coaching at the old Jim Hill High School (Blackburn Jr. High School), Whitten Jr. High School, Jim Hill High School, and Provine High School. Coach Anderson was a man with many talents, and he wore many hats. Known as a reasonable disciplinarian, he always maintained a very uplifting, encouraging, and humorous personality. He was by far an extended version of a people-person and always concerned about the well-being of his family, church members, co-workers, and students. He will never be forgotten but missed by many. Coach Anderson leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted wife of 25 years, Geneva Hunt-Anderson, and children--Cynthia (Travis, Sr.) Ricks of Detroit, MI, Lynette Myles of Chicago, IL, and Derrick Martin of Burbank, CA. Four sons were born to the matrimony of Coach Anderson and Shirley Anderson Spann--Wilfret (Cynthia) Anderson, Jr. of Hollywood, FL, Marcus J. Anderson, Kenneth Anderson, and Dr. Brian Anderson, of Jackson, MS. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life, legacy, and service of Coach Wilfret Lewis Anderson, Sr.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable community servant, Lula Windless Boyd. Lula was born on September 26, 1949, in Marks, MS. She is the fourth child of eleven children (8 girls and 3 boys) born to the late Matthew and Ruth Hodo Windless. She grew up in the Squirrel Lake community in Darling, MS. She has a host of nieces and nephews. This family sticks together like glue. It's never a dull moment during family gatherings. When one hurt, they all hurt. Trending technology has allowed this family to communicate with each other daily, literally all day. Her phone chimes all day because of the messages she receives from her family members. Lula is the mother of three lovely children, Tywonda Boyd, Lynette Moffett, and Marcus Boyd. She is a grandmother to 5 grandchildren, granny to 5 great-grandchildren, and granny to 7 extended grandchildren, she loves all of them very much. There's no limit to what she would do for her family. She has an endless list of individuals she calls her friend, family member, or church member. Lula is a faithful member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Darling, MS, under Gregory Coleman's leadership. She confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and has been a member of this church all her life under different pastors. She has been the Financial Secretary for over thirty-plus years, and she enjoys her position there. Lula graduated from Quitman County High School in May 1966. She also attended Coahoma Community College and graduated in May 1968 and Mississippi Valley State University from 1968 to 1969. Her first work experience was at Falcon Junior High School in Falcon, MS, as a Teacher Assistant. Her second work experience was at Delta Hills Head Start Central Office in Holly Springs, MS, as a payroll clerk from September 1970 to May 1977. Other jobs included Mississippi Department of Corrections Office Clerk from July 1977 to September 1978, Wilsew Manufacturing in Sledge, MS, as a payroll clerk, and lastly the Mississippi Department of Human Services as an Eligibility Worker, and she later became a Case Manager. She was a faithful employee at the Mississippi Department of Human Services from August 1981 to April 2014. She retired on April 16, 2014 and began living her best life. Currently, Lula is enjoying her retirement by giving back to the community. Before the pandemic, she often volunteered at the Quitman County nursing home. She is the type that seldom says no when asked to complete a task either in the community or at church. She enjoys helping individuals in the community, spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, traveling, and doing things she could not do while working an 8 to 5 job. She lived to see two significant milestones: her 50th year graduating from high school, May 2016, and her 50th year graduating from Coahoma Community College, May 2018. Our family is proud to call her mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Lula Windless Boyd for her dedication in serving her community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable community servant, Ms. Maple L. Campbell. Ms. Campbell was born in June 1963, in Doddsville, Mississippi, located in Sunflower County. She is currently a resident of Indianola, Mississippi. There she graduated from Gentry High School in 1981. Afterwards, she matriculated to Mississippi Valley State University, where she graduated, as a two-time honor scholar, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 2008. Ms. Campbell has dedicated her life to serving others. A fulfilling life according to Ms. Campbell, ``is not focused on financial wealth (although it helps) but rather on helping others who are in need. We all need help in life, and we are all servants in some capacity. My public service journey started as a teacher in the school system and then I moved over to health care. I have a sister that is disabled from birth, and finding the right facility and care for her has always been a challenge for my parents. My entire family help my parents take care of her.'' Ms. Campbell's life as an Educator began in 1998 as the Family Support Technical Specialist and Advocate Volunteer for Project Empower (Greenville, MS). In that position she worked with mental health officials and the Mississippi State Department of Education to improve services for students with special needs within the Indianola and Greenville Public School District. In 2005, Ms. Campbell was employed as the Tutor within Spencer's Learning Center. She provided on-site tutoring for students in grades Pre-K to First Grade in subject matter areas of reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies. From 2006 to 2008 and 2009 to 2011, she worked for the Indianola School District in different roles. First as the Career Center Manager for the Vocational Center, then in 2009 as the Family and Consumer Science Teacher for the Vocational Center. In 2010, Ms. Campbell taught Family and Consumer Science for the Tunica County School District in Tunica, MS. Ms. Campbell's life in Health Care began in 2016, when she and her sister, Minnie Pearl Campbell started the Platinum Plus Care Assisted Living Facility at 617 Highway 82 West, Indianola, MS. Ms. Maple Campbell is the CEO and Administrator. The Campbell sisters made history, becoming the first Black/Black female Women owned business of its kind and operates a full-time assisted living facility in Indianola. Platinum Plus Care Assisted Living Facility is a twenty- seven-bed facility that offers 24-hours and 365 days a year of care to disabled, mentally ill, veterans and elderly adults. They provide care in the areas of administering and monitoring of medication, personal care (bathing and dressing), transportation and personal assistance to medical appointments, care coordination with medical providers, social and recreational activities, housekeeping and laundry, exercise, nutritious and healthy meals, a social and engaging environment, and more. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Maple Campbell for her dedication to being a public servant.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and ambitious young lady, Ms. Cubdeerix ``DeeDee'' Robinson. DeeDee has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve. DeeDee, a Yazoo native, was awarded the Doctor of Optometry Degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was named to the Beta Sigma Kappa Honorary Scholastic Fraternity. She also earned the William Dickerson, Jr. O.D. Scholarship, which honors a student's commitment to pursuing private practice optometry and comes with a $1,000 monetary award. DeeDee is the daughter of Cubie Robinson and Dianne Willis. She is a graduate of Yazoo City High School and the University of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Cubdeerix ``DeeDee'' Robinson for her passion and desire to make a difference in the field of healthcare.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, while I agree with my colleagues about the importance of securing our Nation's energy infrastructure, I am concerned that--as currently written--H.R. 2931, H.R. 2928, and H.R. 3119 may weaken the core tenets of the U.S. Government's framework for protecting critical infrastructure. That framework is currently laid out in Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21) and has been reinforced in numerous Federal policies and statutes enacted since 9/11. It has been embraced by Republican and Democratic administrations alike and by Congress. Earlier this year, Congress strongly reaffirmed its commitment to the PPD-21 framework in the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act. PPD-21 designates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the lead Federal agency responsible for coordinating Federal efforts to secure critical infrastructure across all 16 sectors--while working hand-in-hand with Sector Risk Management Agencies (SRMAs). I support enhancing the Department of Energy (DOE)'s capacity, as the SRMA for the energy sector, to engage with the sector as a liaison, trusted partner, and valuable source of sector-specific expertise. That said, it is important that legislation authorizing such activity acknowledge the role that DHS, through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), plays as the Nation's risk advisor and Federal civilian interface for private sector engagement and collaboration. Congress has often reiterated that it expects CISA to use its authorities and cross-sector convening power to maintain a bird's eye view of threats across sectors--taking threat intelligence from one sector and integrating it into a broader threat context to help other owners and operators protect themselves. But CISA can only do this if its SRMA partners work with it in a collaborative way that complements--rather than duplicates--the tools, services, resources CISA brings in support of these broader efforts. Herein lies the issue with H.R. 2931, H.R. 2928, and H.R. 3119: the measures, as drafted, would authorize DOE to carry out responsibilities and develop capabilities that overlap with or duplicate those already housed within CISA, and there is no directive for DOE to do so in coordination with DHS. There are several problems that could arise from this lack of coordination. First, it runs the risk of creating a siloed, stovepiped approach to managing information about threats to the energy sector--a critically important, lifeline sector that has been under sustained attack for decades. Congress has worked to break down these siloes since 9/11, which is why DHS was tasked as a ``central hub'' for critical infrastructure in the first place. Second, having multiple Federal agencies carry out overlapping roles and responsibilities creates confusion among private sector stakeholders, who are not sure who to call during a crisis, or who to partner with during steady state. This duplication also means that the Federal Government is forced to spread an already thin supply of cybersecurity experts and resources even thinner. Finally, cybersecurity is rarely--if ever--a sector-specific problem. Critical infrastructure is interconnected, and technologies used in one sector are often deployed throughout others, as are the vulnerabilities embedded in those technologies. Adversaries can use the distributed nature of these vulnerabilities to exploit owners and operators across industry lines, at scale. Take, for instance, the recent SolarWinds campaign. Russian intelligence agencies were able to corrupt a software update deployed across the public and private sectors, then use it as a foothold to infiltrate an equally ubiquitous set of Microsoft tools and products to seize an untold amount of sensitive information. Hostile foreign nations like China and Russia do not organize cyber operations one sector at a time. They wage simultaneous, parallel campaigns designed to yield the highest possible reward at the lowest possible cost. It is not uncommon for attacks on the energy sector to coincide with, or foreshadow, similar attacks on other sectors. In 2018, DHS and the FBI warned about a ``multi-stage intrusion campaign'' by Russia that targeted ``U.S. government entities, as well as organizations in the energy, nuclear, commercial facilities, water, aviation, and critical manufacturing sectors.'' While cyberattacks against the energy sector have accelerated, the sector does not exist in a vacuum. Though I am concerned about the possibility that these challenges may arise, it is not a foregone conclusion that they will. If DOE collaborates with CISA to forge a more productive and effective partnership, I believe many of these challenges can be overcome. Last year, I came to the floor to ask the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee to confirm his intent that the activities authorized by this legislation be carried out in coordination with DHS. He responded it was ``absolutely'' his intent that these bills be carried out with DHS ``first and foremost.'' I also asked for clarification that these bills do not detract from, erode, or infringe upon any existing authorities or policies laid out in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Act of 2018, PPD-41, Executive Order 13636, or Executive Order 13691. He responded that ``nothing in these bills is intended to infringe, curtail, or otherwise affect authorities of [DHS] . . . in any way, shape, or form.'' I would like to reiterate these commitments from one year ago, and I look forward to working with the Committee on Energy and Commerce to conduct vigorous oversight to ensure that DOE is coordinating with DHS in a manner that reflects congressional intent.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Soraya Correa, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Chief Procurement Officer, upon her retirement from Federal service. Ms. Correa has been a dedicated public servant for more than four decades. She started her Federal career as a clerk typist for construction contracts in 1980 and rose through the ranks to serve in leadership positions at several different agencies, including the General Services Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Ms. Correa has been with DHS since its inception. She served as an executive within DHS's Office of Procurement Operations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before she was appointed Chief Procurement Officer of the Department in January 2015. Ms. Correa has been a driving force in maturing DHS's management functions and has forged a reputation as one of the Federal government's most innovative procurement leaders. She has led several initiatives at DHS focused on building a highly qualified acquisition workforce that is empowered to take smart risks to procure what the Department needs. For example, she created the Procurement Innovation Lab in March 2015 as a testbed for new acquisition techniques aimed at improving the Department's procurement process and saving taxpayer dollars. In 2016, Ms. Correa and her team were awarded the prestigious DHS Secretary's Award for Excellence for this effort. As Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, I have come to appreciate Ms. Correa's steadfast commitment to fostering an open dialogue with industry and promoting opportunities for small, disadvantaged, and minority-owned businesses that face barriers to entering the Federal marketplace. Under her leadership, DHS has continued to earn an ``A'' grade on the Small Business Administration's Small Business Procurement Scorecard; a grade it has earned for a total of 11 years in a row. Ms. Correa has received many accolades from both industry and government throughout her career, including the 2018 Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service. We thank Ms. Correa for her service to our country and wish her the very best in her retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Robert Parris Moses. Robert ``Bob'' Parris Moses was a civil rights leader, educational advocate, and pioneer in grassroots community organizing whose efforts played a key role in helping Mississippians gain basic rights. Moses, a New York native, was a field secretary for SNCC in Mississippi during the 1960s. He also served as co-director of the Council of Federated Organizations, which used community organizing as a tool to launch voter registration projects across the state. COFO served as an umbrella for an alliance between the SNC, the Congress of Racial Equality and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and helped focus civil rights efforts in the state. COFO was known for its young organizers' door-to-door canvassing, voter registration preparation and workshops, and actual registration attempts in Mississippi. In response to the state Democratic Party denying access to Black Mississippians, Moses, along with Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Baker and others created the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. The effort created national attention at the 1964 National Democratic Convention as conflict developed over whether to recognize the integrated party or the traditional party. New party members ultimately failed at being seated as voting members of the 1964 convention, but their efforts brought new attention to the plight of African Americans in Mississippi and other Southern states and ultimately led to a revolution in the national Democratic Party on racial issues. In 2000, Moses was honored by both the Mississippi House and Senate, whose members in past years had passed laws that he fought to overturn denying voting rights and other basic rights to African Americans. On July 25, 2021, Moses died at the tender age of 86. Bob Moses was quiet, meticulous, effective visionary, and leader. His contributions to the State of Mississippi should not be forgotten. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Robert Moses for his dedication to serving his community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Colonel Paul L. Willis from Edwards, Mississippi. Colonel Willis graduated from Utica Junior College in 1977 and from Alcorn State University, in Lorman, Mississippi, in May 1979, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. In May 1989, Colonel Willis received his Master of Science Degree in Education from Chicago State University. Colonel Willis was a Distinguished Military Graduate of the ROTC program at Alcorn, and in May 1979, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. He attended numerous military schools during his career, culminating with the Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. Colonel Willis retired from active duty on August 1, 2004 after serving over 25 years. He assumed his current position as Director of Army Instruction at Jackson Public Schools, on July 1, 2004. During his active duty career, Colonel Willis served in locations across the U.S. and overseas, including the 1st Persian Gulf War, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and he held a variety of command and staff positions. Most notably, he served as a commander of soldiers at every level in the Army from Platoon, Company, Battalion, Brigade and culminating as Commander, Eastern Region (ROTC), U.S. Army Cadet Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky. As Director of Army Instruction at Jackson Public Schools, Colonel Willis provides leadership and oversight for the largest JROTC program in the State of Mississippi, which has an average enrollment exceeding 1,800 cadets. The units achieve an average high school graduation rate of 95 percent and nearly 100 percent of graduates are formally accepted to post high school institutions of higher learning, with annual scholarship offerings averaging $3.5 million. Colonel Willis has received numerous military awards including the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Bronze Star Medal. He also received the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal for his selection as U.S. Army Cadet Command Director of Army Instruction of the Year for 2013, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross, was inducted into the inaugural class of U.S. Army Cadet Command ROTC Hall of Fame in June 2016, and the 2019 Andrew Jackson Council Boy Scouts of America Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award. In 2020, The Clarion Ledger Newspaper recognized him as a Community Hero and the U.S. Army Transportation Corps inducted him as a Distinguished Member of the Regiment. Colonel Willis is married to the former Dorothene Torry of Utica, Mississippi, and they have two adult sons and six grandchildren. The Willis' currently reside in Utica, MS and they are the Owners/Operators of Gazebo Lake Ranch. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Colonel Paul L. Willis for his passion and dedication for success and desire to make a difference in the community.

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. 3138, the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act. The cost estimate was not available at the time of the Committee report filing. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, June 8, 2021. Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 3138, the State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act. If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Aldo Prosperi. Sincerely, Phillip L. Swagel, Director. Enclosure. H.R. 3138, State and Local Cybersecurity Improvement Act--June 1, 2021 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ By fiscal year, millions of dollars--