Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Eddie J. Fair, Jr. who is a product of Ruleville, MS. At an early age Mr. Eddie J. Fair, Jr. learned the importance of education, while attending and graduating from Ruleville Central High School. He also learned the meaning of hard work, as he was the son of a sharecropper, who worked for $3.00 a day. With those principles embedded in his soul, Mr. Fair went on to become a proud graduate of Jackson State University. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's degree in Public Policy and Administration. He quickly learned that public service was his niche during the five years he spent working in the office of Student Affairs of his alma mater. Mr. Fair then went on to work some 20 plus years in the automobile business, which he mastered in and out. From selling cars to becoming a finance manager then the promotion to finance director, he knew he wanted to be a helping hand to his community. In 2003, Mr. Eddie Fair was the first elected African American Tax Collector in Hinds County (the largest county in the state of Mississippi). He is currently serving in his third term and looks forward to many more years of serving the citizens of Hinds County. This small-town country boy believes that ``No dreamer is ever too small and no dream is ever too big!'' This is the very reason that he continues his efforts to remain involved with community issues and educates the public with frequent informational sessions. As an active member in the community Mr. Eddie J. Fair stays involved with many organizations that included but are not limited to: 1. Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. 2. Member of the Sollie B. Norwood Lodge Number 699. 3. Life Member NAACP. 4. Member of Leadership of Jackson 2005-current. 5. Member of the Jackson Rotary Club. 6. Member of the National & Mississippi Tax Collector/Assessor Association. 7. Former President of the Jackson Pan Hellenic Council. 8. Former Basileus, Omega Psi Phi, Inc., Beta Alpha Chapter. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Eddie J. Fair, Jr. for his dedication to serving others.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a community servant and entrepreneur, the late Mr. Percy Strothers, who has shown what can be done through tenacity, dedication and a desire to serve his community. Mr. Percy Strothers was born on June 7, 1925 in Natchez, MS to the late Emanuel Strothers and Charity Piggs. In 1943, after finishing high school Percy joined the Army at the age of 17, where he served for 3 years. As a World War II Veteran, his tenure included the United States of America, England, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received the ATO- Medal, EAMETO-Medal, GOOD CONDUCT Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He married the former Carolyn Sue Webster on October 30, 1966 and to this union two wonderful children were born. Percy remained a faithful husband to Carolyn for 50 years. After returning from the Army, Mr. Strothers opened the first black owned Taxi Cab business in Vicksburg MS, which he operated for 27 years. He also worked for Shell Oil Co. for 11 years. Percy later worked for the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier for 27 years and Mail Supervisor for 1 year before retiring in 1990. Mr. Strothers served his community well. He enjoyed serving his community as a Local Historian and Legendary community activist. Percy was affiliated with the National Association of Letter Carriers, NAACP (National Association of Advancement of Colored People), American Legion Tyner-Ford Post 213 and the Esquire Club of Vicksburg. He served as past President of Vicksburg Letter Carriers Union Branch 94, past Chairman for the State of MS Letter Carriers Sons and Daughters Scholarship Committee. Percy received a Proclamation from Mayor Robert Walker designating November 30th as Percy Strothers Day. Percy was instrumental in the development of the 1st Black Subdivision (Melinda Robinson Subdivision) where he served as chairperson of the development. In honor of his hard work and dedication the street in the neighborhood bares his name. Percy joined Jackson Street Missionary Baptist Church in 1956 where he remained a faithful and dedicated member of the church. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Percy Strothers for his dedication and loyalty to Vicksburg, Mississippi and his desire to always strive for more.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary Black History honoree, Mr. Dwight A. Barfield. Dwight A. Barfield was born to a prominent Civil Rights Activist and Vice Mayor of Marks, MS, the Late James Figgs Barfield and Eloise Barfield of Marks, MS. As a child, he was determined to be a distinguished follower of his father. Webster's dictionary delineates success as ``the attainment of wealth, favor and eminence.'' It is an apt definition, but only a partial one. What is missing is the kind of success that can only be measured in terms of self-fulfillment. At the young age of twenty-one and with the collaboration of young and old supporters and influential African Americans, Dwight Anthony Barfield was successful in his bid of becoming the youngest Mayor of Marks, Mississippi and the youngest elected official in Quitman County on June 3, 1993. During his tenure as mayor (Three Consecutive Terms from June 1993 through June 2005), Dwight earned a reputation of being a coalition- builder, managing to keep the City of Marks Board of Alderman and the Quitman County Supervisors together. Under his signature leadership, the citizens and the business community thrived and flourished. He partnered with the Casino industry, (namely, Grand Casino) to provide city and county citizen's jobs. He brought business such as McDonald's, Family Dollar, BFI Waste Management to name a few. He has continued to exude unprecedented willingness to do whatever it takes to keep the community abreast of the positives and negatives. He is recognized amongst his family, his community, and his colleagues as a man of integrity, service, compassion, and outstanding spirit. He attended the historic church where Dr. Martin Luther King spoke on behalf of the ``Poor People Campaign that started in the 1968.'' He is a dedicated and devoted member of Silent Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Marks MS where he serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and as Deacon. He continues to be an activist in his community while ensuring that elected officials are held accountable for their actions to the citizens of Quitman County. He has served on various committees and is a member of numerous organizations to include, but not limited to the following: 1. Currently served as Vice President of Mid-State Opportunity, Inc. 2. Served as Male Mentor, After-School Peer Tutoring Program for Disadvantaged Youth 3. Past President of the Mississippi Conference of Black Mayors 4. Past Board Member of the National Conference of Black Mayors 5. Past Board Member and Director of the U.S. World Conference of Mayors 6. Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 7. Delegate and Traveled abroad to Africa (Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal) to promote Democracy and World Peace. 8. Members of Masonic Lodge Number 315 of Crowder, MS 9. Founder and Former Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop Number 306 Dwight A. Barfield's leadership, dedication, remarkable acts of courage, perseverance, tireless service to all mankind and passion to make a difference in his community, makes him an outstanding community activist. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Community Activist and Former Mayor, Dwight Anthony Barfield for his dedication to serving this City, County and State.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Earline Wright-Hart was born in Rural Holmes County, one of six (6) children, born to the union of Willie and Claudia Mae Wright. Married to James Zachary Hart, 4 children, 3 sons: James, Ryan, Lamont & 1 daughter: Jamie Wright-Hart and a new ``Grand Nana'' to Hailey Kimbrough Jordan. Ms. Earline Wright-Hart is a member of the Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church, Choir Member and a Trustee. She was also a graduate of Saint Academy, Holmes Junior College and MS State University and graduated on July 22, 2010 from Michigan State University--School of Criminal Justice/Judicial Administration Program. Ms. Earline Wright-Hart was elected Circuit Clerk of Holmes County in November, 1991 and she still serves Holmes County in this capacity as well as presently serving on the Statewide Election Management System Focus Group with Mississippi Secretary of State, Delbert Hoseman. Some of Ms. Wright-Hart's accomplishments are: 1. Served as Vice-Legislative Chair for the MS Circuit Clerk's Assoc., 1996 through 1997 2. Appointed Secretary of the MS Circuit Clerk's Association in July, 1999 3. Nominated Professional of the Year by Holmes County Chamber of Commerce in April, 2001 4. Served as President of the Mississippi Circuit Clerk's Association in 2002-2003 5. Named in Empire Who's Who Registry of Executives & Professionals in 2003-2004 6. Appointed by Secretary of State, Eric Clark, Pilot Circuit Clerk for State/Saber Project in January, 2005 for the Statewide Election Management System 7. Parent of the Year in 2004-2005 at Holmes County School District 8. Appointed Program Evaluator for the 21st Judicial District Adult Drug/DUI Court in January, 2006 9. Certified Level 1 firefighter--MS State Fire Academy in May, 2006 10. Named Who's Who Among Professional Female Executives in 2008-2009 11. Received the Dr. Arenia C. Mallory Women History Award at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Madison MS in March, 2009 12. Received Accountable Public Officials Award by Southern Echo, Inc. in December, 2010. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Earline Wright-Hart for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Black historical figures in the Second Congressional District of Mississippi. So today, I give honor to Ms. Gerline ``Panky Garvin'' Muhammad of the Blue Cane Community outside of Charleston, Mississippi located in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi. Ms. Muhammad was born November 9, 1953. She is the mother of six children, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She attended Allen Carver High School in Charleston and is a graduate of Amhurst Career Center, where she was honored with many awards and recognitions. Ms. Muhammad is a well-known champion of equal and civil rights. She was a member of the Tallahatchie County Redistricting Committee allowing for the first African American to be elected to the Tallahatchie County Board of Supervisors. Ms. Muhammad is the executive director of the Tallahatchie County Citizens of Change. The organization is established to stimulate and motivate change in thinking and behavior within African Americans in communities of Tallahatchie County. Their work is carried out through an intergenerational model approach that works on improving political awareness, community organizing, assisting veterans, legal redress, civic participation and more. Ms. Muhammad is also a member of the Tallahatchie County Branch of the NAACP where she served as the first vice-president, chairman of the education committee, and now as the chairman of the membership committee. Ms. Muhammad has been involved in many long-term community commitments in the county. She teaches at the summer tutoring program, hosts back to school rallies, organizes door to door community events, and helps veterans pursue their veteran benefits. She started the P16 Council for the East Tallahatchie School District and is a member of the Dropout Prevention Committee for the school district. To encourage reading among African Americans, she started a book club in the Brooksville community. She works with young entrepreneurs in the community to help improve the future presence of African American business in Black communities. Ms. Muhammad is a former member of the Jerusalem M.B. Church in Paynes, MS where she was the church secretary, Jr. Sunday School teacher, chairman of vocational bible school and church programs committee, and treasurer for the choir. In 1992, Ms. Muhammad joined the Nation of Islam under the local leadership of Minister James Muhammad and national leader, the most honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. She served as the LT Captain of the Meetings, and received LT Captain of the year at mosque Number 78 Tupelo, MS. Now she is the Chairman of 10,000 Fearless, which is a justice movement in Tallahatchie County. As you can see Ms. Muhammad has been active in and around Tallahatchie County working fearlessly and consistently for 46 years to foster change and equality. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Gerline ``Panky Garvin'' Muhammad of the Mississippi Second Congressional District.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Riley Rice. Mr. Rice has extensive experience in the field of education and municipal government. Mr. Rice was born on August 8, 1943, the fifth child of the late Robert Rice, a World War I Veteran and sharecropper, and Katie Rice, a housewife. Mr. Rice is a resident of Indianola, Mississippi, and was educated in the former Indianola Public School District. He is a 1963 graduate of Gentry High School; 1967 graduate of Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education; 1992 graduate of Delta State University with a Master's in High School Counseling; and further studies in Political Science at Mississippi State University. Along with Mr. Rice's background in education, he worked 35 years in the Sunflower County School District. He served 16 years on the Indianola Board of Aldermen and 8 years as Vice-Mayor. Mr. Rice participated in the Civil Rights Movement in 1965. He was jailed for attending the former Seymour Library and for a sit-in at the Traveler's Inn Restaurant. He participated in many marches throughout Sunflower County and he marched with Fannie Lou Hamer and Charles Scattergood. Presently, Mr. Rice serves as Supervisor of Sunflower County, District 2; is a member of the P16 Council; a member of the Cares Mentoring Program, and Vice President of the Sunflower County Branch 5333 of the NAACP. Lastly, Mr. Rice is a devoted Christian and an ordained Deacon at Traveler's Rest M.B. Church, where he serves as Chairman of the Deacon Board and Superintendent of the Sunday School. The Pastor of Traveler's Rest M.B. Church is Rev. T.L. Martin, Jr. of Cleveland, Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Riley Rice for his dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 666, the Department of Homeland Security Insider Threat and Mitigation Act of 2017. H.R. 666, the Department of Homeland Security Insider Threat and Mitigation Act of 2017, authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to address the homeland and national security risk posed by trusted insiders. Typically, trusted insiders are given unrestricted access to mission- critical assets such as personnel, facilities, and computer networks. While DHS, like other Federal agencies, conducts extensive vetting of prospective employees, there is a risk that someone with insider status exploits their position to damage the United States through espionage, terrorism, or the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive national security information. As the ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I am supportive of the Department of Homeland Security's current Insider Threat Program. It is targeted at preventing and detecting when a vetted DHS employee or contractor with access to U.S. Government resources, including personnel, facilities, information, equipment, networks, and systems, exploits such access for nefarious, terroristic, or criminal purposes. Though I support the DHS program, I do have some concerns about DHS and other Federal agencies deploying continuous evaluation programs without transparency and congressional oversight. I am concerned that Federal agencies, with the understandable urge to protect their IT systems and facilities, are racing to acquire the capability before knowing whether such costly systems are even effective. Therefore, I would like to reiterate to this Congress, as I did last Congress, that prior to establishing any such program, under which certain DHS employees would be subjected to ongoing automated credit, criminal, and social media monitoring, the Department engage Congress about not only the potential costs and benefits of such a program but what protections would be in place for workers subject to such a program. Mr. Speaker, we live at a time when the threats to our Nation are complex. When this bill was considered last Congress, the prospect that a foreign intelligence agency would carry out an espionage campaign to influence the outcome of our Presidential election was material for the movies or for a good spy thriller. Today, in light of the Russian Government's actions in the 2016 elections, we have a greater appreciation for the importance of counterintelligence efforts. As such, this bill is particularly timely. None of us wants to see someone exploit their access to DHS networks to carry out cybercrimes or other criminal activity. Even as DHS works to detect and prevent such threats, it is important that such activities be carried out in a transparent way so as not to compound the chronic morale challenges that exist within its workforce. Each time DHS considers making an adjustment to its insider threat program, thoughtful consideration must be paid to whether the operational drawbacks and costs for such an adjustment outweigh the benefits of such a change. That said, I commend General Taylor, the previous Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at DHS, for the attention he gave to the insider threat challenge. I look forward to continuing to work with the Department's successor to bolster security within the Department. I would also like to give Mr. King particular credit for his interest in this effort to make sure that problems don't come from the inside if we can help it. With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 666. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 642, the Fusion Center Enhancement Act of 2017. Mr. Speaker, last Congress, the House approved this measure to update the law to reflect the evolution of the Department of Homeland Security's National Network of Fusion Centers. H.R. 642 clarifies that fusion centers are State and locally owned and operated, and requires the Department's Office of Intelligence and Analysis to provide support to centers in its network by deploying personnel and providing access to timely information. Importantly, H.R. 642 also adds several new responsibilities to DHS' Under Secretary of Intelligence and Analysis with respect to the grant guidance, nationwide suspicious activity reports, and fusion centers' access to information. The bill makes several technical changes to existing law to help ensure more information sharing resources are made available to Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials at our National Network of Fusion Centers. If enacted, H.R. 642 will go a long way to provide States and localities that have invested significant resources in standing up fusion centers with the support they need to keep their communities, and ultimately the Nation, secure. I urge passage of H.R. 642. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to express my support for this bill. I urge passage of H.R. 642, the Fusion Center Enhancement Act of 2017, which, if enacted, would send the message that Congress values the investment that States and localities have made to address the challenges of a post-9/11 world and stand with DHS in supporting the National Network of Fusion Centers. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 642. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 697, the Department of Homeland Security Clearance Management and Administration Act. Mr. Speaker, I want to start off by thanking the chairman of the Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee, Mr. King, as well as Chairman McCaul for their support for my bill. I reintroduced H.R. 697, the Department of Homeland Security Clearance Management and Administration Act, to reform how the Department manages its security clearance processes. This measure, which the House approved by voice vote in November, 2015, specifically addresses how DHS carries out the complex and expensive tasks of, number one, identifying positions that warrant security clearances; number two, investigating candidates for clearances; and number three, administering its clearance adjudications, denials, suspensions, revocations, and appeals processes. Since September 11, there has been a massive proliferation of classified material across the Federal Government. Along with the enormous growth in classified material holdings has come a sizeable growth in the number of Federal positions requiring security clearances. H.R. 697 reflects regulations issued by the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to help ensure that national security positions are properly designated by Federal agencies. By doing so, agencies can avoid the costly exercise of recruiting, investigating, and hiring individuals at clearance levels and salaries well above what is necessary. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 697 seeks to put DHS on a path to right-sizing the number of classified positions in its workforce. Specifically, my bill directs DHS to ensure that the sensitivity levels of national security positions are designated appropriately across the Department and its components. It also requires the Department's chief security officer to audit national security positions periodically to ensure that such security designations are still appropriate. Additionally, the bill directs DHS to develop a plan to ensure that adjudications of eligibility for a security clearance are done accurately across the Department. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, in response to growing security threats from data breaches, my bill also provides safeguards for the protection of applicants' personal information. Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, passage of H.R. 697 will help ensure that the Department of Homeland Security takes targeted steps to improve critical aspects of its secured clearance program. If enacted, H.R. 697 would make DHS a leader among Federal agencies with respect to security clearance and position designation practices. With that, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues' support, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 526, the Counterterrorism Advisory Board Act of 2017. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 526 authorizes, within the Department of Homeland Security, the Counterterrorism Advisory Board, or CTAB, to coordinate and integrate the Department's intelligence policies and activities as related to counterterrorism. Since 2010, this internal body, comprised of top DHS officials, has helped to harmonize counterterrorism programs and activities across DHS. H.R. 526 directs the Board to meet on a regular basis to coordinate and integrate the Department's counterterrorism efforts and set forth the leadership and composition of the Board. H.R. 526 also requires DHS to report to Congress on the Board's status and activities. To ensure that the Board remains an integral part of counterterrorism policy recommendations and responses across the Department, H.R. 526 would codify it in law. At this time, when the Homeland Security challenges we face are, in many ways, more complex and diverse than ever before, it is essential that the new DHS Secretary and any successors have a mature, stable mechanism for counterterrorism decisionmaking just as his predecessors had. Mr. Speaker, again, H.R. 526 will authorize, within the Department of Homeland Security, the Counterterrorism Advisory Board to coordinate and integrate the Department's intelligence activities and policies as related to counterterrorism. This Board already plays a central and necessary role within DHS. Enactment of H.R. 526 will ensure that the Counterterrorism Advisory Board will remain in place for years and decades to come. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 526. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 240, the Leveraging Emerging Technologies Act of 2017, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am a cosponsor of this measure, as I was for its predecessor last Congress. Last June, the House approved this measure by a 347-8 vote. This bipartisan bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to engage small businesses, startup companies, and other developers of innovative and emerging technologies to tackle some of our most vexing, persistent homeland security challenges. It is no secret that navigating the Federal procurement process is difficult, especially for small startups. Meanwhile, small companies continue to develop some of the most innovative technological solutions in use today. They are a huge source of untapped potential, capable of bringing forward-thinking, groundbreaking ideas to the homeland security enterprise. To build these relationships, H.R. 240 allows DHS to establish personnel and office space in areas around the U.S. where technology innovators are concentrated. Having a physical presence in these tech hubs will make it easier for DHS to grow and maintain connections with local startups, innovators, and incubators. The Department has already taken action in this regard. In 2015, the DHS Science and Technology Directorate established a Silicon Valley office and announced its first-ever procurement focused on working with nontraditional contractors and tech startups. The DHS innovation ``other transaction'' solution sought technologies to address security challenges in aviation, border, and cybersecurity. To date, under this program, DHS has funded awards to 13 small businesses in California, Texas, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Washington State. Additionally, DHS has reached out to technology innovators at regional events in Boston, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, New Orleans, Chicago, Louisville and Austin, raising awareness with more than 1,500 startups, accelerators, and venture capitalists through industry days, panels, conferences, and startup meetups. The feedback has been very positive, but it has also validated the need to educate the community about who DHS is and what the challenges are. Mr. Speaker, for those reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation. H.R. 240 recognizes that DHS depends on technology to carry out its missions, and must nurture and maintain robust and direct relationships with talented technology developers, even those that do not fit the mold of the typical Federal contractor. DHS could improve the productivity and sustainability of these outreach efforts by developing a strategy to proactively engage with innovators in a way that supports long-term relationships. H.R. 240 calls for such a strategy to be delivered to Congress and implemented within 6 months. Two features of that strategy required under this bill that I would like to highlight are provisions that I sponsored. One requires the strategy to give attention to fostering engagement with developers that may be located outside a recognized regional technology hub. The other directs the strategy to include coordination with venture capital organizations, like the In-Q-Tel nonprofit, to help emerging technology developers, including small businesses and startup ventures, commercialize technologies that address a rapidly growing list of homeland security needs. Mr. Speaker, for all of the reasons discussed, I urge support of H.R. 240. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 239, the Support for Rapid Innovation Act. Mr. Speaker, this timely legislation authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to support cybersecurity research and development and to help innovators with promising cybersecurity technologies to help commercialize their products. Government and private sector networks are under constant attack by increasingly sophisticated cyber hackers. The cyber hacking campaign carried out by the Russian Government against U.S. political and business institutions, during the 2016 election, is a recent, high- profile example. Concern has also been growing about the threat of cybercriminals carrying out attacks by exploiting unprotected Internet-enabled consumer products. This threat was brought into sharp focus last October with the denial of service attack against Dyn. During that attack, malware was used to direct tens of thousands of Internet- connected cameras, DVRs, and other consumer products to carry out successive, highly sophisticated attacks. Our adversaries are constantly innovating. It is imperative that the Federal Government--and specifically DHS--innovate, too. To that end, H.R. 239 directs DHS to invest in innovative cybersecurity technologies and provide DHS with flexibility to overcome bureaucratic obstacles that sometimes discourage smaller companies, like tech startups, from working with the Federal Government. H.R. 239 directs DHS to pursue cybersecurity projects that will improve detection, mitigation, and recovery from attacks and bolster the security and resilience of our networks, particularly for critical infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation to ensure that DHS does its part to advance cybersecurity research and development. Cybersecurity threats to our Nation are growing in diversity and sophistication. We cannot afford to let promising technologies languish. The Department of Homeland Security should work with the private sector in support of innovative cybersecurity research, development, testing, and evaluation. We have seen that public-private collaboration can give these technologies the boost they need to enter the market. Just last month, DHS announced the commercialization of an eight cybersecurity product launched with the help of the Department's Transition to Practice program. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 239. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Veasey for helping organize this Special Order on a topic that is of great concern to me and many of my constituents. The Attorney General, as we know, serves as the United States' chief law enforcement official. He or she does not serve certain States, certain classes of people, nor is their service limited to a particular party. The Attorney General is there to serve all of us. With that in mind, I stand here on the floor of the House concerned with Senator Sessions' nomination to become the next Attorney General. Based on his record, there are a number of reasons why I believe that Senator Sessions is unfit to lead the Department of Justice. First, at his 1986 confirmation hearing to serve as a Federal judge for the Southern District of Alabama, it was revealed that Senator Sessions had called the NAACP and the ACLU un-American and communist inspired. I am a life member of the NAACP and a participating member in the ACLU. Neither one of those organizations are un-American or communist inspired. A Department of Justice attorney also testified that Sessions said he believed that the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Operation PUSH, and the NAACP taught anti-American values. Well, if being free, if being able to exercise your right to vote, being able to not determine one's color as a condition for participation, then I am not certain what Mr. Sessions was talking about; but I do know that he has called a Black attorney ``boy,'' and he also talked about a White civil rights attorney as a ``race traitor.'' Also, what I am more concerned about is, in the aftermath of the shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, he opposed taking down the Confederate battle flag. Now, if there is one symbol that we all understand that represents hate, it is the confederate battle flag. I am concerned that Senator Sessions continued to try to defend that symbol. I can't imagine someone being the Attorney General having that kind of attitude and that operation. Mr. Speaker, I join the chorus of other members of the Congressional Black Caucus who raise their voice in opposition to what would be a travesty to the Department of Justice if Senator Jeff Sessions is confirmed.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable person, Mrs. Irene L. Gary. Mrs. Irene L. Gary affectionately known as ``Julie'' was born on September 5, 1930 in Goodman, Mississippi to the late Ozzie Lloyd and Essie Long. She received her general education from the Georgeville Community. She served as a cook for Holmes Community College which she loved doing for many years. Throughout her career she served in the capacity for other businesses until retirement. Irene's spiritual life began when she joined Georgeville United Methodist Church in Goodman, Mississippi. She relocated to Lexington, Mississippi where she began to worship at St. John C.M.E. Church under the pastorage of the late Rev. Larry Blackmon. Later in life she joined the Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Edward Charles Pitchford where she served faithfully until her health began to decline. Because of her spirit of serving others, she was chosen by her pastor to be a part of the Mother's Board. She loved her church, her pastor and his family. Irene was a unique individual; you had to know her to understand her and to understand her was to love her. Irene departed her natural life on August 1, 2016. Her parents, Ozzie Lloyd and Essie Long, her loving sister, Eva Smart, and her niece, Carolyn Smart, all preceded her in death. Fond memories of her will forever remain with her children: Virginia Brown and George Gary; a grandson whom she reared as her own, Donald Gary, all of Lexington, MS; two very dedicated friends Gloria Remus and Ruthie Marshall of Lexington, MS; five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; a God granddaughter, Sade Melton; nieces, nephews, cousins, and neighbors whom she loved; family and friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Irene L. Gary, for her dedication to the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Westhaven Funeral Home, Utica Branch. Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. was birthed from a partnership between Audrey B. Wiley, Freddie L. and Anthony R. Davis on February 16, 1996. In April of 2002, the first of three additional branches came into fruition in Utica, MS. With much prayer and supplication, this branch has been opened for going on twelve years. This mix-use building has been an added asset for churches, community gatherings, family gatherings and much, much more. This location has been beneficial to Westhaven as well as their clientele, tax base and socially. They have maintained a relationship throughout the community and have been able to create jobs and bring about other attributes. Westhaven continues to serve Utica and the surrounding areas offering: Traditional and Personalized Funeral Services; Special Limousine and Transport Services; Funeral Program Design and Printing; Domestic and International Shipping; Pre-Plan Funeral Arrangements; Caskets; Vaults and Urns; Notary Public; Cremations and Obituaries. It is their prayer that they can continue to be a blessing to the town of Utica for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Utica Branch for its dedication to serving our great state of Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a thriving town in the Mississippi Delta, the Town of Crenshaw. Over the course of 20 years, men and women of the Armed Forces, law enforcement, Fire and Emergency Medical Services have been recognized for their service to our communities and country. Mayor Oscar Barlow and First Lady Heather Barlow have put in tireless hours to get the word out about paying tribute to these very special men and women. They have gone above and beyond their call to make each program special for these men and women. In addition, they not only get the administration involved in paying tribute, but also area churches, federal, state and county leaders all come together in unity to show support to those who put their lives on the line daily for our communities and country. Our men and women of Armed Forces, law enforcement, Fire and EMS come out to receive a thank you from people who truly care and appreciate the sacrifice they make for us all. The Town of Crenshaw and our country also owe a thank you to the Mayor and First Lady for putting together such a wonderful tribute program for 20 years and for the vision they have in making these programs. We owe these men and women a simple, yet huge ``THANK YOU!'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Town of Crenshaw, Mississippi for paying tribute to all Servicemen who serve and protect our communities and this great country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Gertrude R. Grenada who was born and educated in the Mt. Olive Community in Bolton, Mississippi. Mrs. Grenada was one of 10 children who knew too well how important it was to achieve an education. She furthered her education by attending Jackson State College (University). Mrs. Grenada holds a B.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education along with 23 hours of study toward her Master's Degree. She was first employed with the Hinds County Headstart Agency in 1966 as a Social Worker. Mrs. Grenada served 37 years of employment with the Hinds County Headstart Agency. She touched the lives of more than 4 thousand children in the Bolton, Edwards and Jackson communities. What she enjoyed the most was working closely with the children, being surrounded and respected by fellow co-workers and employers with the highest levels of intelligence. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Gertrude R. Grenada.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Constance Bland, who is an Educator, a Leader and Public Servant. Constance G. Bland, Ph.D. was appointed Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) in the spring of 2014. As VPAA, she is responsible for leadership, educational policy, academic programs, budgeting and resource allocation; supervision of staff development programs, federal grant program administration; monitoring of personnel actions and transactions, and participation in academic personnel policy development and negotiation. She is also responsible for relationships with the wider educational and occupational community, particularly the public schools, as well as additional responsibilities as assigned by the President. Before becoming VPAA, Dr. Bland was Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences. She developed computer science educational curriculum related to database management systems, software engineering and introduction to computer science. In an effort to impact retention of computer science majors, she was involved in a project to determine the impact of introducing the concepts of object oriented programming for first year computer science students using a visual animation tool known as Alice. Dr. Bland also acquired significant external funding for the department from sources including the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Eisenhower (state of Mississippi), SUN Microsystems and mini-grants from Jackson State University. Her last external funds secured for the department included an S-STEM scholarship grant and an HBCU-UP implementation grant. A major focus of the scholarship grants secured by Dr. Bland involved initiatives to increase the number of computer science and mathematics majors at MVSU. Funds secured were used to institute tutorial services, provide student development activities and support debt reduction though scholarships to decease external employment of students seeking degrees. The goal of the latest HBCU-UP grant is to encourage STEM graduates to pursue graduate education. Dr. Bland has devoted 23 years of service to MVSU, and has demonstrated her passion and commitment to the University, faculty, staff and students. Her involvement has been extensive, yet she finds time and energy to serve, work and lead, shouldering countless burdens with good humor and grace. She is a tower of strength and a strong force for progressive efficient public service. She always shows patience and tolerance, qualities of an experienced and committed leader. Dr. Bland is a visionary leader who inspires staff, students and the community. She is responsible for developing MVSU's first Women in Science and Technology Conference (WIST) designed to encourage young girls in grades 7th through 12th to consider majoring in STEM disciplines. The conference will celebrate its 20th anniversary in Spring 2016 and can boast of numerous female students who have gone on to become practicing women in science and technology. Dr. Bland holds an Associate's degree in Mathematics from Coahoma Junior College, a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics, Bachelor of Science in computer science, Master of Science degree in computer science and a Doctoral degree in computer engineering from the University of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Constance Bland, an Educator, a leader and Public Servant for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the African American community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a public servant, Charles Selmon. Mr. Selmon has shown what can be done through tenacity, dedication and a desire to serve Warren County. Mr. Selmon earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Mississippi College. He studied Economic Development at the University of Southern Mississippi. He furthered his studies in the Post Master's Degree program at Jackson State University. Mr. Selmon has received National Security Training from the U.S. Army War College located in Carlisle, PA. Mr. Selmon has served as a Psychology Instructor at both Alcorn State University and Hinds Community College. Mr. Selmon was elected to the Warren County Board of Supervisors position in 1996. He was elected to a fifth term with the Warren County Board of Supervisors. While serving on the Board of Supervisors Mr. Selmon has served as President and Vice-President. He has also served as President of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors (MAS) and as President of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors Minority Caucus. Mr. Selmon was chosen to represent the State of Mississippi with the National Association of Counties regarding Human Services. Mr. Selmon is a member of the Warren County Economic Development Committee, Back-To-School Committee (School Day Supplies), Warren County Community Development Committee (Senior Citizens Dinner), and serves on the Workforce Investment Board. He is the President of the Boys and Girls Club of Vicksburg which he established. Mr. Selmon was appointed Superintendent of Sunday School and selected to the Deacon Board of Travelers Rest Baptist Church. Mr. Selmon received the President Award for Distinguished Leadership in Government. Mr. Selmon is the father of twin daughters (Alyshia and Tericka). He is married to Fredia Selmon. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Supervisor Charles Selmon for his services to Warren County.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mrs. Mary Harrison Lee who was born on July 22, 1939 in Manila, Philippines to Ida Lloren. She was adopted at an early age by Reverend and Mrs. Ernest Harrison. Her adopted father was a chaplain in the army giving her the opportunity to live in many places, such as Captieux, France, Erlangen, Germany, Fort Riley, Kansas, and San Antonio, Texas. Mary graduated from Rochefort American High School in France. Upon returning to the United States, she visited Tougaloo College and immediately fell in love with its quaintness, intimacy, the hanging moss from the oak trees, and the family atmosphere. She was convinced that this was where she wanted to spend her next four years and enrolled in the upcoming semester. She became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on December 13, 1959. She felt the plight of the Civil Rights movement and volunteered to become a Freedom Rider. Mary helped lead a ``sit-in'' in the Trailways bus station in downtown Jackson, where she was arrested and jailed. She did not waiver from the overall mission to gain equality for African Americans. As a result, on June 23, 1961, Freedom Riders from Tougaloo College set a precedent and became the first residents of Mississippi to lead in the movement. While at Tougaloo College, Mary met and fell in love with Gene Lee. They were married in 1963. She and Gene were natural educators. Mary dedicated her working career educating youth. She began as a teacher in Picayune, Mississippi; later moving to Kansas City, Missouri. In 1973, she relocated with her family to Germany and taught within the Department of Defense American School system. In 1981, Mary and her family returned to the United States and settled in Jackson, Mississippi, where she retired in 2001 as Principal from Boyd Elementary School. Mary and Gene were blessed with three (3) beautiful children: Geno (Angie), Daryl (Cassie), and Angel (Chris), and eight (8) grandchildren: Jessica, Tori, Gabby, Nick, Bella, Alexa, McKenzie, and Malita. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Mary Harrison Lee for her dedication to serving.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable professional minority business Spirit Xplosion Home of CE All Stars of Cleveland, Mississippi. Mrs. Kimetria Parks, owner/coach is a native of Holly Springs, Mississippi. She moved to Cleveland, Mississippi in 1999 while attending Delta State University. She's married to Mr. Christopher Parks, Co-Owner/Coach and they have two beautiful daughters named Paris Kaitlyn Parks and Layken Parks. Mrs. Parks earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2003 and a Masters of Business Administration in 2013 from Delta State University. She is the Finance Officer of Mississippi United to End Homelessness and owner/coach of Spirit Xplosion Home of CE All Stars. Her fellowships with St. Peter MB Church in Sunflower, Mississippi. Mr. Parks graduated from Delta State University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in General Studies and Minor in Family Consumer Science and Criminal Justice and 2012 with a Masters in Physical Education with an Emphasis on Human Performance. She has a great love and compassion for young people. Her ministry is to inspire young people to excel in all things with God's leading and to encourage women. Everything she does is done with the spirit of excellency. Her motto is: ``If I can help somebody then her living is not in vain.'' She loves God whole-heartedly and thrives to live according to his will and his way; not just on Sunday, but every day. She's a genuine giver and does it cheerfully. Everything she has God gave it to her, everything she owns God has blessed her with it, and she has faith the size of a mustard seed and know that it's not over until God says it's over. Spirit Xplosion Home of CE All Stars was established in 2011 and kicked off their first season in February, 2012. Their competitive teams have won several UCA, Athletic Championship, Jam Fest, Deep South, WSA, and local competitions. They strongly believe that their success originates from the dedication and commitment of the athletes and parents. Furthermore, they realize the importance of hard work, discipline, a family atmosphere, and perhaps most importantly--fun. Each child is an individual and is treated as such to instill confidence and a sense of personal accomplishment. Their main focus is to prepare children for the challenges that lie ahead of them. Their ability to work as a team, striving toward a common goal, will prove to be a lifelong skill. The encouragement to reach that goal is CE All- Stars passion. Spirit Xplosion Home of CE All Stars competitive teams are not recreational. They train to compete at a high level of intensity, Two of their main goals are to create award winning routines and be an active group in the community. This type of goal requires commitment to attendance and structured workouts. Spirit Xplosion Home of CE All- Stars athletes commit twelve months to the program. CE All-Stars is a family and love building new relationships with everyone that walks through their doors. They are the ``Best of the South and We're In It To Win It''. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an outstanding minority business in the Mississippi Delta.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable person, an unsung hero, Ms. Verkilya Eleshia Hogan. Ms. Verkilya Eleshia Hogan was born on July 25, 1999 to her proud parents Vernon and Sheronda Jackson. She is an intelligent, obedient, and outgoing young lady. She is also very passionate and dedicated to every task that she takes on. Ms. Hogan very actively participates in many organizations and programs. She has been a cheerleader since the fifth-grade and currently serves as Captain of the Holmes County Central High Varsity Cheer-Squad. She has remarkable leadership skills and continues to be a positive influence to those around her. At an early age Ms. Hogan proudly experienced an amazing miracle of God which encouraged her to serve Him more daily. On May 18, 2016, she was involved in a detrimental UTV accident. A portion of her left forearm had to be amputated on May 24, 2016. As a teenager, this was disheartening because she didn't know how her future would be with her condition, but she knew God had already worked things out in her favor. She never lost faith through her circumstances, because she appreciated the simple fact that she could see and breathe each day. The Bible says, ``From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another'' John 1:16. This scripture, she believes, gives her good reason to give all glory and praises to God. She will finish her senior year in high school with honors and attend the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in Kinesiology and pursuing a career as a Physical Therapist. She is determined to go above and beyond to reach her goals and continue to walk in a positive direction. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Verkilya Eleshia Hogan, an unsung hero, for her dedication to the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable young lady, Ms. Ashley Wilson of Crystal Springs, Mississippi. Ashley Wilson is a proud native of Crystal Springs, MS. She is a recent graduate of Jackson State University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. Ashley is a Senior Intern who serves as the Financial/Events Planning Specialist at One Voice. She has been with the organization since 2011 and is set to serve as the Chair for the organization's 10th Year Anniversary Celebration. Making a difference in her home town, Ashley has served as an advocate for her community, where she has served as an Advisory Member to the Crystal Springs Mayoral Council and a member of the Citizens Making a Difference (CMADCS), an organization that acts as a voice for the people's concerns for the city of Crystal Springs. Furthermore, Ashley has also served on many other committees across the state, such as the 50th Anniversary Commemoration Committee, Mississippi Meeting of the Minds Planning Committee and many other various committees where she has played a vital role in being a voice for change not only in her community, but across the state of Mississippi. Ashley is currently an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). As a healthcare advocate for the Mississippi State Conference NAACP, she has worked with several healthcare related projects. The projects that have touched her heart the most include the NAACP's Childhood Obesity Project and the national GET HYPE Initiative, which focuses on healthy eating for today's youth. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Ashley Wilson for her dedication to serving throughout her community and throughout organizations around Mississippi.