Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student, Ms. Jalexis Evans. Jalexis is the daughter of Latoya Lee and Samuel Evans and the granddaughter of Shirley Evans and the late Glenda Nelson. She is a native of Mound Bayou, Mississippi where she attended John F. Kennedy Memorial High School before being accepted into the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus, Mississippi. While attending John F. Kennedy she was class president, the founder of the mentorship program, ``Girl Talk'', and a cheerleader. In her spare time, she volunteers in her community with organizations such as St. Gabriel's Mercy Center, New Life Church, and local nursing homes. One of the greatest impacts she believes she has made is with the mentoring program she initiated. Girl Talk was created solely to help empower, encourage, and equip young girls in the community. They've done things such as visit nursing homes, make Christmas with kindergartners, and host a tea party for young ladies in middle school to teach proper etiquette. Jalexis also spends time playing piano and guitar. During her tenure at John F. Kennedy she played the trumpet in the marching band. A passion of Jalexis is caring for the youth in her community. Though she believes involvement in the community is crucial, she also believes her education will take her far. She works diligently to ensure that her future goals are within her grasp. Attending the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science has granted her many more opportunities to do so. At this school, she receives the best education possible for high schoolers in the Magnolia state while enriching her knowledge on cultural diversity. Jalexis aspires to enroll into Tulane University where she desires to attend the Tulane Accelerated Physician-Training Program and earn her medical degree. She plans to become a pediatric oncologist after attending medical school. She has yearned to be a doctor since the young age of three. Her love for children pushed her towards the field of pediatrics and her grandmother's fight with cancer led to her interest and passion for oncology. It also instilled within her a strong determination to find a cure for cancer. She pursues success in her everyday life by continuing to be an example and role model to her sisters: SaMaria, Cilyse, and London, and to be helpful in anyway she can while still achieving her goals day by day. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Jalexis Evans for her educational achievements and dedication to other youths.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a resourceful and ambitious young man, Mr. Keith M. King. He has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to live a productive life. Keith M. King was born April 20, 1959 in New Orleans, LA. He lived there until age two then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada with his grandparents until he turned seven, then his move was to Chicago, IL with his parents. He lived there for another three years and decided to move to Mississippi because of the violence in Chicago. Mr. King was then ten years old and stayed in Mississippi with his parents until the age of twelve. He then returned back to Las Vegas, Nevada with his grandparents and resided with them for another four years. At the age of sixteen Mr. King moved back to Mississippi with his parents because of racial riots at his school in Las Vegas. Mr. King was half way through the 10th grade as he continued to live in Mississippi until he graduated from the Jefferson County High School in Fayette, Mississippi. Prior to graduating from high school he joined the Army on the delay entry program on December 16, 1976 and entered the service on August 8, 1977. He completed his basic training in Fort Jackson, SC and completed his advanced individual training in Fort Benning, GA. He was stationed at Scofield Barracks in Honolulu, HI. During Mr. King's tour, he was deployed throughout the Pacific. Some of his tours were: Guam, USA, Korea, The Philippines Islands, Australia, The Big Island of Hawaii, Japan and Samoa. On August 8, 1980 Mr. King ETS from regular service and joined the Army Reserves in December 1980. His first unit was the 386th Transportation Unit in Natchez, MS. Mr. King was still with this unit when they got activated on August 27, 1990 to go to Saudi Arabia to serve in the Desert Shield/Desert Storm War. They stayed in every state in the United States which included Panama, and overseas on numerous occasions. In 1999 Mr. King transferred to the 412th Eng. Battalion in Vicksburg, MS and in 2000 he was deployed and made his sixth and final deployment to Korea before his military career ended. In 2001 he transferred from the 412th Eng. Battalion to the 296th Trucking Company in Brookhaven, MS. On August 30, 2002 Mr. King retired from the military with over twenty-five years of military service for his country. He retired with the rank of E-7, Sergeant First Class. Mr. King is married to his lovely wife, Sandra Gamble-King for thirty-one years. They have three children. Their oldest daughter has one daughter, the middle son has a set of twins and their baby boy is only sixteen. They have two godchildren who they love very much. Mr. King has a total of twenty-three years of law enforcement experience. He started his law enforcement career in Fayette, MS with the Fayette Police Department and at Alcorn State University Police Department both at the same time. Three years later he left the Fayette Police Department and joined the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. After working with the Sheriffs Office for six years, Mr. King decided to go back to school in 2006 to expand his career and pursue a Criminal Justice Degree, which he obtained in 2010. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree having a GPA of 3.5 and he's still with the Alcorn State University Police Department as a Lieutenant. Mr. King is on the deacon's board at his church, he sings in the choir, and plays the piano for two different churches. He is an author of inspirational writings. His first published book is entitled ``Crying, Through GOD'S Eyes''. He has completed two more books that have not been published yet and is currently working on another one. He has a weekly column in the Fayette Chronicle, the Glory Journal and the GAD About Magazine in Fayette, MS; along with a column in the Bluff City Post in Natchez, MS. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Keith M. King for his dedication to the U.S. military, the 2nd Congressional District and serving his country and community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor Lynn Maurice Stinson, who is a chairman, leader, and educator. Lynn Maurice Stinson was born in Grenada, MS in 1947 to Minnie Louise Stinson and Sam Metcalf. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Willie B. and Susie Stinson. His early education was at Grenada Colored School and Willia Wilson Elementary in Grenada. Stinson graduated from Carrie Dotson High School in Grenada, MS in 1966. Stinson's desire to continue his education led him to enroll in Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, MS where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. Stinson then chose to attend Jackson State University in Jackson, MS where he earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Education. Stinson returned back to his home area and began his career in education at Stone Street Elementary in Greenwood, MS. His first position was teaching the integrated study of the Social Sciences and humanities to promote civic competence to 7th and 8th grade students. Stinson's passion was to help each student reach their full potential. He always reminded his students to dream big and work even harder. A few years later, Stinson transferred to Threadgill Elementary, also in Greenwood, MS where he taught Social Studies. He later transferred to Greenwood Middle School and eventually retired in 2003 with 30 years of service. Stinson has been a strong supporter of education and those committed to working in the field of education. He is a past president of the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE) in Greenwood, MS. Stinson also used his skills to help adults in his hometown, Grenada, by teaching GED night classes for several years. In Stinson's early years, he was a participant in the Civil Rights Movement as the community worked to secure equal rights for all citizens. The reality of past conditions and his firsthand knowledge of the effort to open doors to African Americans has driven Stinson to continue his service to the community after his retirement. Stinson presently holds the position of Election Commissioner for the City of Grenada. He has served in this position since 2005 with a top priority of assuring that the election process in Grenada is fair to all, and with the highest level of integrity. Stinson also serves on the Board of Trustees for Holmes Community College where he is the chairperson of the Insurance Committee. Stinson is a proud member of the 100 Black Men of Grenada, Inc., where he serves as the chairman of the Education Committee. Stinson is involved in supporting youth and young adults as they strive to prepare themselves for their future and the workforce. Stinson is a dedicated member of Belle Flower Missionary Baptist Church in Grenada, MS, and has served many years on the deacon board. He also serves as chairman of finance for the Grenada Baptist District Association Men's Department. When he is not volunteering and participating in church activities, he enjoys traveling and playing golf. He has been married to Queen Brooks Stinson for 43 years. They have one daughter, Monica Stinson, who resides in Brandon, MS. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Lynn M. Stinson, a Chairman, Leader and Educator 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 rise today to honor a remarkable student, Ms. Kasprina Moton. Ms. Moton is going to pharmacy school at Xavier University, and her plan is to come back to Mississippi to serve the under served and minorities that cannot afford their medical treatments and medications. She has participated in various activities throughout the state of Mississippi. She is a 2006 graduate from Gentry High School in the top 10 percent of her class. She graduated from Jackson State University with a 3.7 GPA with a Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry. She graduated from Ole Miss Medical Center Pharmacy Tech program in the top 5 percent of her class. She won Miss. NOBeChe of Jackson Mississippi and she also won the Leadership scholarship of the Boys and Girls club in Jackson, Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Kasprina Moton for her dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of women who has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to serve their community, Yazoo City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The Yazoo City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has served the Yazoo County community and the State of Mississippi through informational meetings, social and civic engagement. The Yazoo City Alumnae Chapter was granted their 30th chartering in the state of Mississippi on February 2, 1997. Francine Wallace and Edwina Fox, in 1995, had the idea to create a chapter in Yazoo and placed an article in the local newspaper. Other Delta's in the area quickly responded, desiring to continue the mission to which they had pledged themselves in their college years and together they worked with the state leadership, the southern Region Manager and the national Headquarters to achieve this objective. Not being swayed, it took several attempts to acquire the approvals to establish the Yazoo City Alumnae Chapter. The Yazoo City Deltas traveled to the State Cluster to share their desire to focus on the high rate of teenage pregnancies in Yazoo County as it was the highest rate in the state of Mississippi. Relating their dedication to fighting this devastating trend, the Southern Region Manager, on their second attempt approved the chartering of the Yazoo City Alumnae Chapter. On February 2, 1997 at the St. Stephen United Methodist Church 12 members, Mary Ann Brewer, Teresa Bonner, Diane Delaware, Zellee Delaware, Sandra Younger, Tamara Dodd, Edwina Gordon-Fox, Marilyn Hathorne, Gloria Elayne Owens, Francine Wallace, the late Juanita Scott-Washington and Mary Joshua Young stood and committed to carry out the public service mission of their beloved sisterhood throughout Yazoo County. Thus, this was the beginning of the Yazoo City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Yazoo City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for its dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, the late Ms. Jana Leigh Clanton. Jana was born January 24, 1996 in Flowood, Mississippi. Jana confessed Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Able Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Willie A. Travis, Sr., where she was a faithful steward, serving as a clerical volunteer to the church secretarial staff and a member of the Mt. Able Anointed Believers Praise Dance Ministry. Jana was a Presidential Scholar at Tougaloo College, where she majored in English with an emphasis in Pre-Law and was a student leader, serving as a member of the Student Government Association, a member of Alpha Lambda Delta honor society and member of the Tougaloo Ambassadors for Meritorious Scholars (T.A.M.S.), student recruitment association. Jana graduated with honors from Madison Central High School in May 2014, most recently became licensed as a Certified Pharmacy Technician, and accepted a position at CVS Pharmacy. Though she loved science, Jana's dream was to become the first African American Female U.S. Supreme Court Justice. To her family, Jana was affectionately known as ``Jana Pooh Pooh''. She will always be remembered for her willingness to help others and for her passion for reading. Jana always lived life on her own terms and never met a stranger. She leaves to mourn her death, her loving and devoted parents, Minister Johnny L. and Vicky L. Clanton, Sr.; her adoring and loving siblings, Waikinya J. S. and Johnny L. Clanton, Jr. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jana Leigh Clanton.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a resourceful and ambitious mother, Mrs. Louise Smith. Mrs. Smith has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to live a productive life. Louise Smith was born on February 21, 1925 in Laurel, Mississippi. Mrs. Smith married Samuel Smith on March 10, 1946 and together they had 11 children, 5 boys and 6 girls. They moved to Yazoo City, Mississippi in the 1950s. When the youngest child was enrolled in kindergarten, Mrs. Smith enrolled in beauty school and later received her license to become a hairstylist. She and her good friend, Dorothy Casey, co-owned a beauty salon in downtown Yazoo City which opened in early 1970s and remained open for over 30 years. When you stopped by to get your hair done, you not only received a great hair styling, but you also got many words of wisdom with a little gospel to lift up your spirits until the next time you came. Mrs. Smith was once a member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church on Brickyard Hill in Yazoo City with her husband and children. There she and several other women met and formed a gospel group known as the Gospel Carolettes. Her husband sang with them as well. The Gospel Carolettes not only sang in church but at various Christian events spreading the news of the gospel. They also sang on the radio station WAZF each Sunday morning. Mrs. Smith left Chapel Hill Baptist Church with her husband and children to become a member of New Zion Baptist Church where her son, Rev. Willie E. Smith, is the pastor. There she not only served as a Mother of the church, but also works with the Mission women. Mother Smith taught Sunday School and sang in the choir at New Zion. Mrs. Smith has been a mother and/or grandmother figure to many in the church and in her neighborhood; always welcoming others into her home, which has always displayed an array of beautiful flowers in the yard and many green plants indoors for comfort, decoration and fresh air. Louise enjoys gardening and preparing dinner with vegetables from her garden on Sundays for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and any other visitors from the community. Mrs. Smith has pushed to be a role model not only for her children and grandchildren, but to all in her community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Louise Smith for her dedication for change and serving her community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student, Ms. Brealand Pendleton. Brealand Pendleton is the daughter of Mr. Christopher and Aubrey Pendleton of Terry, MS. She is one of four siblings: Chris, Braydon and Aubrey Pendleton. Currently, Brealand is a Senior of Terry High School where she will be graduating 6th out of a class of 320. Brealand Pendleton is a very outgoing young lady that has served in several capacities in her school; showing great leadership skills and the qualities of a great team member. Brealand has been a member of the Band, Flag Team (Senior Captain), Tennis Team (Senior Captain), Beta Club (Senior Secretary), National Honor Society (Junior Treasury, Senior Vice-President), Interact Club (Senior Secretary) and the National Society of High School Scholars. Brealand has over 40 hours of community service which varies from local school participation, helping at the Food Network, serving at Stewpot, working with the school blood drive, contributor to the Angel Tree and other various community projects. Brealand will further her education at Xavier University of Louisiana, where she will major in Biochemistry. Brealand is a shining example for Terry High School and her community as she works to make it a better place. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a remarkable student, leader and community volunteer, Ms. Brealand Pendleton, for her hard work and dedication at Terry High School and throughout the communities of Mississippi.

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. 5338, the Checkpoint Optimization and Efficiency Act of 2016. Over the past few months, the Transportation Security Administration has been scrutinized and criticized regarding wait times. As the peak travel season began, there were several reports of wait times that exceeded 2 hours. Those lengthy waits caused anxiety and disappointment among travelers. At times, the prolonged wait times caused many passengers to miss their flights. In response to this crisis, the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration took a series of actions. The TSA deployed additional K-9 teams to screen passengers at checkpoints; it intensified its efforts to promote participation in the PreCheck program; it partnered more closely with airlines and airports; and it increased research and development efforts for technologies that will improve screening. This bill codifies many of those actions. However, it does not encompass the entirety of the Department's efforts to address the wait times crisis. DHS Secretary Johnson also requested that $34 million in appropriations be reprogrammed from other TSA accounts to help cover the costs for overtime, converting part-time workers to full-time, and expediting the hiring of new transportation security officers. DHS' request was approved. Just 2 weeks after the reprogramming, Secretary Johnson requested an additional infusion of cash to TSA operations of $28 million. That reprogramming request is pending. The infusion of $34 million in additional resources into TSA security operations has had a tremendous impact on wait times at the Nation's airports. In fact, during the Memorial Day weekend, most airports reported wait times of less than 30 minutes during peak time. If the TSA is to maintain the operational gains that have been realized in recent weeks and keep wait times down, it will require Congress' stepping up and providing resources. Even though the measures within this bill will codify much of what the TSA and the DHS are already doing to address the issue, the only way to achieve long-term, measurable success is by giving the TSA the resources it needs on an ongoing basis. The TSA's current staffing is out of step with its own projection for volumes in fiscal year 2016. As you can see from the poster, the TSA's staffing in fiscal year 2016 was 42,525 TSOs, which is nearly 2,500 fewer frontline staff than in fiscal year 2011. The TSA is expected to screen nearly 100 million more passengers in FY 2016, with about 2,500 fewer staff. That is why I joined with Representative DeFazio and Representative Dold in introducing H.R. 5340, the FASTER Act, which is bipartisan legislation that directs the money that is collected from the flying public through the September 11 Security Fee to actually be used to secure the Nation's commercial aviation system. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the funds collected, which has totaled $12.6 billion over 10 years, is being diverted to offset the Federal budget. I urge Members to support H.R. 5340, the FASTER Act. 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 the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, the measure under consideration will codify much of what the Department and TSA have been doing to address wait times at our Nation's airports. Thankfully, through bipartisan negotiations on this measure, we were able to ensure that when local airport working groups are stood up, the voices of the airport operators, air carriers, and those who represent the men and women on the front lines of aviation security would be heard. Also, I am pleased that the bill, as amended, takes a broader view on how behavior detection officers could be used at our airports. I have long been skeptical of TSA's investment in the Behavior Detection Officer program, given the risks of racial or ethnic profiling and the lack of science to back TSA's claim of this security effectiveness. I am pleased that Chairman Katko was receptive to repurposing this position, at the Federal Security Director's discretion, to any alternate position within TSA's checkpoint screening functions. I, once again, urge Members to support H.R. 5340, the FASTER Act, as it will ensure that TSA receives funding it needs to acquire and maintain staff and resources to efficiently carry out its mission without compromising security effectiveness. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation for the contributions of Ramzi Nemo to the work of the Committee on Homeland Security on the occasion of his return to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). Since March 2015, Mr. Nemo has shared his considerable expertise in acquisitions and sourcing management as a detailee on my Committee staff. In his time with the Committee, Ramzi helped staff 10 hearings on topics as diverse as the policy questions surrounding the closing of the prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to climate change to vehicle fleet management. Additionally, Mr. Ramzi provided specialized technical expertise with respect to oversight of the Department of Homeland Security's Management Directorate, particularly with respect to how it handles its information technology, personnel, and real property. Strengthening the effectiveness of the Department's acquisitions program has been a central focus of the Committee's work and, with Mr. Nemo's contributions, Committee Democrats successfully advanced a number of legislative proposals that were incorporated into H.R. 3572, the ``DHS Headquarters Reform and Improvement Act.'' Finally, I would like to acknowledge that, during his time with the Committee, Mr. Nemo provided consistent and positive contributions to the work of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency and helped advance the priorities of the Ranking Member, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). I appreciate his service to the Committee, the Congress, and the Nation and wish him every success, as he returns to the GAO.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1887 has broad bipartisan support. It will ensure that, before DHS disposes of Plum Island, there is a thorough vetting of all the options. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1887 and yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, since 1954, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York's Long Island Sound has served as the primary laboratory in the United States responsible for research on foreign animal diseases of livestock, such as foot-and-mouth disease and other animal diseases that could be accidentally or deliberately introduced into the United States. At Plum Island, the Department of Homeland Security works with the Agricultural Research Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to research and develop new vaccines and diagnostic tests to respond to animal disease outbreaks. On September 11, 2005, DHS announced plans to develop the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, or NBAF, as a state-of-the-art biocontainment laboratory to replace the Plum Island facility, an aging facility nearing the end of its lifecycle. After undertaking a multiyear site selection process, DHS selected a site in Manhattan, Kansas, for the NBAF. It is slated to begin operations in 2022. This brings us to H.R. 1887. The focus of this bill is to deal with the question of what to do with Plum Island once DHS no longer needs it. DHS is currently studying the range of options for disposition of the property, including transferring it to another Federal agency, a State or local government, or a nonprofit organization for the purposes of education, research, or conservation. In doing so, DHS is expected to assess the full implications of each option, including cost, cleanup, and hazard mitigation. H.R. 1887 requires the Government Accountability Office, or GAO, to assess whether DHS' forthcoming study is adequate to support its findings. In the event that the study is lacking in a key area, GAO would be required to conduct its own study on that issue or issues. Importantly, H.R. 1887 prohibits the sale of Plum Island operations until at least 180 days after the required reports in the bill have been submitted to Congress. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Again, H.R. 4407 will authorize within the Department of Homeland Security the counterterrorism advisory board to coordinate and integrate departmental intelligence activities and policies related to counterterrorism. The board already plays a central and necessary role within DHS. Enactment of H.R. 4407 will ensure that, no matter what happens in the upcoming election or who is the head of the Department, the counterterrorism advisory board will remain intact. I urge passage of H.R. 4407. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 4407, the Counterterrorism Advisory Board Act of 2016. H.R. 4407 authorizes, within the Department of Homeland Security, the Counterterrorism Advisory Board, or CTAB, to coordinate and integrate Departmental intelligence, activities, and policy related to counterterrorism. Since 2010, the internal body, which is comprised of top DHS officials, has helped to harmonize counterterrorism programs and activities across the DHS. H.R. 4407 directs the CTAB to meet on a regular basis to coordinate and integrate the Department's counterterrorism efforts, and it sets forth the leadership and composition of the Board. H.R. 4407 also requires the DHS to report to Congress on the Board's status and activities. This legislation is a product of the House Committee on Homeland Security's bipartisan Task Force on Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel, which learned that the CTAB, which has operated for 6 years, was never authorized in law. To ensure that the board remains an integral part of counterterrorism policy recommendations and responses across the Department, the task force recommended that the board be codified in law. Codification of the board is consistent with the task force's finding that information sharing is critical to preventing foreign fighter travel. I believe that the CTAB should be a permanent fixture in the Department to help inform the counterterrorism decisionmaking of future Department Secretaries. As such, I support this legislation, which tackles an important task force recommendation and finding, and commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko) for introducing it as well as making it here for the hearing of this bill today. I reserve 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. 4743, the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium Act of 2016. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4743 allows the Department of Homeland Security to utilize university-based consortia to help provide cybersecurity training and support to State, local, and tribal leaders, including first responders. There is strong bipartisan support for this legislation, as introduced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Castro). H.R. 4743 authorizes DHS to use consortia to provide State and local governments with university-developed cyber training and technical assistance, including for the development of cyber information sharing that jurisdictions in need can use. Recent studies reveal that organizations at the State and local level describe their cybersecurity programs as being in the early and middle stages of maturity, and 86 percent of State and local respondents identified managing cybersecurity risk as one of their most stressful jobs. By partnering with consortia, DHS can make a meaningful impact on raising the levels of cybersecurity on the State, local, and tribal levels. Importantly, H.R. 4743 requires DHS, when selecting a consortium for participation in its cyber efforts, to not only take into account the prior experience of the institutions that would be conducting cybersecurity training exercises, but also the geographic diversity of the institutions participating in the consortium. The inclusion of geographic diversity should help reach more States and localities. Moreover, I am pleased that the bill requires DHS to do outreach to colleges and universities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and other minority-serving institutions about opportunities to provide research-based cybersecurity-related training exercises and technical assistance. Mr. Speaker, States and localities need the ability to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber events as they would have any other disaster or emergency situation. For this reason, I support H.R. 4743 and urge passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Castro), the author of this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the inspiration for this bill was important work being done by the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium, a group of five universities led by the University of Texas at San Antonio that has helped to raise cyber preparedness at the State and local level by evaluating communities, cybersecurity postures, and providing them with a roadmap to correct deficiencies. While this consortium is making an important contribution to cybersecurity, there is an enormous need for training and technical assistance around the Nation. With the enactment of H.R. 4743, more institutions will be able to partner with DHS to provide such critical assistance. As such, I urge passage. 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. 4780, the Department of Homeland Security Strategy for International Programs Act. I introduced H.R. 4780 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a comprehensive strategy for the Department's international programs where personnel and resources are deployed abroad for vetting and screening persons who are seeking to enter the U.S. In recent years, the Department has expanded its international footprint through programs such as the Immigration Advisory Program, the Joint Security Program, and the Visa Security Program. In fact, presently, the Customs and Border Protection has, approximately, 800 employees who are posted in 43 countries, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement has almost 400 employees in 45 countries. DHS personnel who are at overseas locations perform vital vetting and passenger prescreening activities to ensure individuals who are traveling to the U.S. do not pose a threat to our Nation's security. Looking ahead, the DHS has announced plans to expand the Preclearance program to 10 new locations in the coming years, and ICE continues to expand its Visa Security Program to additional visa-issuing posts abroad. I strongly support these efforts to push out our borders through the expansion of these important homeland security programs. That said, to do it right, DHS needs a comprehensive strategy to bolster its presence and partnerships around the world. My bill requires just that. Specifically, it requires the DHS to have a 3- year strategy that includes risk-based goals, which is a process to ensure resource allocations align with overall Departmental strategic priorities, and a common reporting framework for personnel who are deployed abroad. My bill requires the DHS to not only take into account where it currently deploys resources for these overseas screening and vetting programs and the number of DHS personnel at each location, but also any impacts of these overseas activities on domestic operations, including with respect to staffing at U.S. ports of entry. After 9/11, the attempted Christmas Day attack in 2009, as well as other more recent cases, it is imperative for the DHS and its Federal partners to bolster the screening and vetting of travelers before they arrive at our borders. My bill will help ensure that the DHS has a sound strategy for its efforts to do so. Mr. Speaker, we face evolving terrorist threats, which include individuals who are attempting to use legitimate forms of travel to the U.S. to inflict harm. The DHS personnel who are posted abroad perform critical preemptive operations to make sure that travelers who are coming to our country are thoroughly screened and vetted. H.R. 4780 will help ensure that these important international DHS programs are utilized in a strategic and effective manner to further enhance the security of the U.S. Before I yield back, I would note that H.R. 4780 is a part of a larger legislative package that I am introducing today. Among other things, my package would authorize significant expansions of critical CBP and ICE overseas screening and vetting programs and significant new CBP staffing resources to support overseas program expansion and address domestic staffing shortages at U.S. international airports. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4780. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, over the past several years, terrorists have exploited legitimate channels of travel to the United States from countries around the globe with the intention of conducting attacks. To prevent terrorist travel, the Department of Homeland Security has ``pushed out our borders'' by expanding its presence and partnerships around the world to ensure vetting of passengers well in advance of their arrival in the United States. Today, I am introducing the ``Expanding DHS Overseas Passenger Security Screening and Vetting Operations Act'' to enhance DHS' overseas operations that vet and screen foreign travelers to the United States by, among other things: Requiring DHS to use a strategic, risk-based, and coordinated approach to expand overseas operations; Increasing U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) capacity to screen additional passengers and facilitate travel by authorizing an additional 2,000 CBP Officers and 600 Agriculture Specialists to address existing domestic staffing shortages, particularly at U.S. international airports, while expanding overseas operations; and Expanding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) visa vetting operations by directing ICE to stand up an additional 50 Visa Security Units at overseas visa-issuing posts abroad and authorizing the PATRIOT automated visa vetting program at 50 additional high-risk locations. My legislation, which I am introducing with Representatives Loretta Sanchez (CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX), William R. Keating (MA), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ), and Yvette D. Clarke (NY), would bolster the effectiveness of recent VWP reforms and strengthen DHS' capacity to prevent terrorists and other dangerous people from entering the U.S.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Ms. Pam Chatman. For as long as Pam Chatman can remember, she's been coming in first. She was the first of 3 children born to parents in the heart of the poverty-stricken Mississippi Delta. She was the first of her siblings to graduate from college. She was the first African American Woman to steer a course through the chaos of a broadcast news career to achieve the position of News Director at WABG. But little did Pam know in 2006, when she became News Director, she was achieving yet another first: Mississippi's first-ever female African-American News Director, an honor she wears proudly. Recently the Tru TV network chronicled Pam's seemingly unlikely journey from poverty to power, which is its hit new reality series ``Breaking Greenville''. Pam's starring role in that show underscores her passion, not just for her profession, but for the people who work for her as anchors, reporters and producers. Kids right out of college, who are hungry to learn the ropes of an often cut-throat career, find comfort in Pam's approach to leadership and management. Pam was raised up in Shaw, Mississippi in a small rural community outside of the city limits called ``Choctaw'' a dirt-poor town of about less than 2-thousand people that sits in the heart of Bolivar County. Her grandmother, Marie Fly, raised her, and while poverty pulled at every corner of their lives, Pam relishes her adolescent years, coming of age in the Deep South. From its rich farming heritage, to its lakes and rivers teeming with catfish, to its red-clay hillsides that give a hint of color to an otherwise difficult existence, the Mississippi Delta to this day holds Pam's heart. Pam graduated from Shaw high school in 1988 and enrolled in Rust College, one of Mississippi's oldest and most prestigious colleges for African-Americans. Pam pledged to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the first inter-collegiate Greek-letter sorority established for Black colleges. Pam graduated from Rust College in 1994 with a degree in Broadcasting Mass Communication, and returned to the Delta, degree in hand, with her heart set on making a difference close to home. She landed her first television job at Greenville's WXVT where she worked as a Production Assistant and then later moved to the Newsroom. She eventually went to work for WXVT's competitor, WABG, where she worked her way up from Assignment Manager to ultimately News Director, a position she's held for 10 years. Her notoriety as Mississippi's first female African-American News Director also convinced the state legislators to dedicate a portion of Highway 61 in her honor and to proclaim January 18th as Pam Chatman Day. In addition to leading a winning news team, Pam is a tireless community volunteer and advocate for teens and young women. She's also a motivational speaker, teaching women of all ages to accept and appreciate their uniqueness within the human race. She especially has a big heart for women who have come from small rural communities and are victims of abuse and drugs. Yes, Pam Chatman is indeed a woman of firsts: the first to volunteer when there's a need; the first to offer comfort when someone is hurting; a first-class example of what a little faith and a lot of love can accomplish. Pam also has a Mentoring, Consulting and Training Organization; the organization believes that every person you meet is a Diamond in the Rough. The organization provides workshops to educate and empower teens to get an education; strive for success; and to let no one define their dreams or destiny. The organization provides food and clothing to needy families. Once a month Pam herself does random acts of kindness where she pays for people's groceries or their utility bill. Yes, she is a servant determined to impact everyone she meets in life with a smile or an act of kindness. The organization has a doll called the PChat Doll that has a curriculum that comes along with it to teach young girls to love the skin they're in as well to deter bullying. The focus of the curriculum is Character Education, Literacy and Parental Involvement. Pam does consultant work for the Mississippi Department of Education Federal 21-Century Program's after school projects. In addition, Pam is also an entrepreneur. Pam has a cosmetics and spa line to enhance women of color and beauty called ``Boss Lady PChatman'' which was developed to assist in healing the totality of a woman from her inner beauty to her outer beauty. Pam loves to help women break the chain of hurt and pain. So, she wrote a monologue gospel play entitled ``Lord Show Me How to Heal My Scars''. The play allows women from all walks of life to share their story through testimonials and songs. Pam is the daughter of Louise Henry and the late Joseph Henry and has three siblings: Joseph, Jr., III; Evelyn and special niece Karris Henry, which she is assisting her family in raising. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing News Director, Actor, Motivational Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist who has been instrumental in magnifying strides of America's black history.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Mr. Donald Green. A Coahoma County native, Donald Green is a dedicated and seemingly tireless community leader and business owner who has committed his career to creating economic and educational opportunities for farmworkers and families in the Mississippi Delta. As Executive Director of Mississippi Delta Council for Farm Worker Opportunities, Inc., Mr. Green leads a staff of 22 providing job training and placement services to thousands of individuals every year. His organization also hosts a monthly food distribution and offers a civilian relief distribution staging area following weather emergencies and disasters. Currently, his team is transforming an existing warehouse and property into a farmers market, commercial kitchen, produce aggregation and food hub to raise incomes for dozens of limited-resource and beginning farmers. Prior to becoming the organization's chief executive, he was its Chief Financial Officer for 21 years. He served as one of three Associate Tax Commissioners for the State of Mississippi and is the second African American in the State of Mississippi to do so. An accountant, Mr. Green also owns and operates an independent accounting service business. Throughout his career, Mr. Green has been an ambassador between working people and local businesses. His board service includes: Clarksdale/Coahoma County Chamber of Commerce; member of National Exchange Club; member of Clarksdale Industrial Foundation; member of Coahoma Community Development Organization; and member of Clarksdale/ Coahoma County Airport Board. He has served as a State Treasurer of the Magnolia Council; Vice President of The Delta Council; member Delta State Alumni University Association; former President of National Alumni Association; Founder and former President for Mississippi Delta Strategic Compact; Treasurer for Mississippi Blues Foundation, former President of Friendship Community Federal Credit Union. He was recognized in 2004 as Delta Regional Minority Businessman of the Year, inducted into the Delta State University Alumni Hall of Fame in 2009, and received the Freedom Team Appreciation Certificate for Services to Members of the Armed Forces. He is a member of the Clarksdale Rotary Club. Committed to making higher education more accessible, Mr. Green became president of Delta State National Alumni Association in 1995 and led a five million dollar capital campaign. That funding has more than doubled in the years since and has a significant endowment. He has served on the university's foundation board. In 2001, he was appointed to a six-year term on the Mississippi State Board of Community and Junior Colleges. Co-Founder and President of the Ronald Hoss Bennett Foundation, which awards college scholarships to football players from local high schools. He is known to be a steady, hardworking leader in efforts to increase understanding and build relationships in social and economic diversity. Mr. Green helped negotiate the partnership between Delta State University and Coahoma Community College to purchase the Cutrer Mansion, which has evolved into a continuing education center for history, culture, and the arts. In 2014, he worked with the City of Clarksdale officials, business owners, and community activists to honor the life and work of civil rights leader Aaron Henry with a historical marker on the Mississippi Freedom Trail. He has served on the board of Clarksdale-Coahoma County Library and supports the Delta Blues Museum. The son of sharecroppers, Mr. Sylvester and Aree Green, Mr. Green grew up operating farm equipment in Coahoma County, Mississippi. A graduate of Coahoma Agriculture High School, he earned college degrees from Coahoma Community College and Delta State University. Mr. Green is the first African American to serve as President of Delta State University National Alumni Association. He and his wife, Nelia, have two sons: Donald, Jr., a biomedical engineer living in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Adam, a high school student, who participated in Youth Leadership Clarksdale and who is currently a freshman at Delta State University majoring in commercial design. Mr. Green is Chairman of the Deacon Board and Chairman of the Building Fund at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Jonestown, Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing Entrepreneur and Economic Developer that has been instrumental in magnifying strides of America's black history.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, in recent years, from Boston to Charleston, we have seen individuals operating within our communities and living among us plot to cause mass harm in the name of a violent extremist and hateful ideology. Today much has been made of the fact that the FBI has open investigations of ISIL-inspired activity in all 50 States. Far less attention has been given to the number of open investigations of anti- government and militia groups, a number that grew by one-third in 2015 alone. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the threats posed by any terrorist group or organization, as the bill before us today would do. Therefore, it is imperative that DHS use testimonials from violent extremists involved in all forms of violent extremism. Public testimonials can be a powerful tool to reach individuals who otherwise might be susceptible to terrorist propaganda. Given the diversity in the threat landscape that we face, it just makes sense that any such effort should be comprehensive. Unfortunately, the bill's sponsors have decided that this bill should turn away from the comprehensive approach. Mr. Speaker, again, let me indicate that the only real issue before us is the domestic aspect of terrorism. Domestic terrorist organizations have demonstrated time and time again, they have killed more Americans here on our soil than foreign terrorists have. The reason we are in opposition is we don't recognize that in this legislation. Our effort in markup, as well as here on the floor, is to make sure that all of the bad people get recognized, those international and foreign, but also those who are domestic. Some of us have lived in parts of the country where domestic terrorism was a way of life for a lot of us, and because of that, we are very passionate on that subject. The Charleston situation was very unfortunate. That was an act of domestic terrorism. There is no question about it. So why wouldn't we want to add those kind of extremist activities in this legislation so we can cover everyone? That is really the opposition that we have had. For that reason, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 4820. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.