Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Shawanda LaShell Allen. Shawanda LaShell Allen was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi to the proud parents of Glenda Johnson and Anthony Allen. Throughout her years in school, Shawanda remained dedicated to her academics and extracurricular activities. She received the highest academic average of her class for the 2011-2012 school year in advanced placement English Literature and Composition, Calculus, United States Government, and Accounting. In addition to this, Shawanda was inducted into the Crystal Springs High School Hall of Fame; received the Student Council Leadership Award; and the U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award. Ms. Allen was also awarded the following scholarships-- Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP, the United States Achievement Academy, Workforce Investment Area Transition, and University of Southern Mississippi Leadership Scholarships. Shawanda also participated in the Student Council, Beta Club, SADD Club, Mu Alpha Theta Club, Theater Club-Tigers Actin' Up, and played on the soccer, softball, and track/field teams. She is a faithful member of Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church where she is a part of the Feeding Ministry and Nursing Home Ministry. In 2012, Shawanda graduated from Crystal Springs High School with honors. In the fall, she plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi and pursue a degree in Accounting. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Shawanda LaShell Allen for her hard work, dedication and a strong desire to achieve.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Katherine Tankson. Katherine has shown what can be done through tenacity, dedication and a desire to serve others. Katherine Tankson is a native of Sharkey County and resides in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. She has served in the educational arena for a total of 42 years. This included 12 years in the South Delta School District as a classroom teacher and 19 years as an administrator, before her first retirement in December of 2000. The South Delta School District is located in the Mississippi Delta and serves the students of Sharkey and Issaquena Counties with a present enrollment of 988 students. Upon receiving her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Education from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS in 1969, her only desire was to return to her hometown to teach with the goal of helping to make a difference in the lives of children. Mrs. Tankson has received two master's degrees. She has a Master's Degree in English from Jackson State University, in Jackson, MS, and her second Master's Degree is in Education Administration and Supervision from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. During her tenure with South Delta School District, she served as the auditor in the district for the International Curriculum Management Audit Center, Inc., located in Huxley, Iowa. In that position she conducted curriculum management audits in school districts in the Bermuda territory of the United Kingdom, also on the United States in the States of Georgia and California. She was appointed by the Mississippi Department of Education to serve as auditor throughout the State in various schools selected by the State. In January 2001, she was employed with the Mississippi Department of Education as Project Director for the Technology Academy for School Leaders (TASL) until June 2004. As the director she worked with superintendents, principals, and other administrators across the State in the areas of technology and curriculum development. In July 2006, she returned to the South Delta School District where she currently serves as Superintendent. Under her leadership, significant progress has been made in changing the culture of the district and the schools. An increase in necessary resources critical to the success of being effective teachers, administrators, and instructional leaders has flourished in the district. As a result the district and schools have seen significant increases in student achievement, and improvements in classroom delivery and instruction through the use of 21st century technology. The district has also undergone $4 million dollars in renovation at the South Delta High School which has produced a by-product of improved parent and community involvement to say the least. Mrs. Tankson's career in education is long standing--after 31 years, retiring in 2000, she came out of retirement and gave 11 more years to educating and leading before retiring again June 30, 2012. Those 11 more years give her that grand total of 42 years in education, which is worthy of recognition. She is still an active member of numerous educational organizations. Although she has left her footprints through schools in various States in the U.S. including the Bermuda territory, her love for Mississippi is where she started and ended her career. Providing the students of the South Delta School District in Rolling Fork, MS with a quality education is her passion. Her contribution to education will be forever appreciated for the countless number of students she has touched guiding them to the path of success. She has not only had a positive impact on students but also parents, teachers, and even community members, and for that too she will be appreciated. She married her high school sweetheart, James Tankson, a retired educator of 40 years, and they have three beautiful daughters, Dr. Jeanetta Denise Tankson, Dr. Janice Valencia Tankson, and Ms. Jamie Alicia Tankson-Cunningham who is also aspiring to acquire her doctoral degree in education. Her son-in-law, Rev. Therman Cunningham, Jr. is currently working toward a doctoral degree in theology. Mrs. Tankson also has two precious, loving granddaughters--Trinity Alicia Cunningham and Taylor LeAnn Cunningham. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Katherine Tankson for her passion and dedication to the South Delta School District in Rolling Fork, MS.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. De'Una Wilson, the 2012 Valedictorian at Canton High School, in Canton, Mississippi. De'Una is the daughter of Mr. Derreco, Sr. and Ms. Regenia Wilson. She was born and raised in Canton and attends Canton United Methodist Church. De'Una's accomplishments can be greatly attributed to her desire to fulfill her grandmother's dying wish for her to graduate at the top of her class. To achieve this, De'Una dedicated herself to her academics and completed her senior year with an ``A'' average, earning her the merit of Class Valedictorian. In addition to her academics, De'Una has remained active in her community by volunteering at the Open Door Community Outreach Center at Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Canton, and working a part-time job. De'Una has been accepted into the Engineering Program at Jackson State University where she earned a full scholarship. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. De'Una Wilson in being Valedictorian of Canton High School's 2012 graduating class.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable young woman: Shundraria Roneisha Tribble. Shundraria is the only daughter of Michelle Tribble of Falcon, Mississippi. She graduated as an outstanding scholar of Madison Shannon Plamer High School. Throughout her high school career she has remained on the Principal and Superintendent Lists. She was a member of the Beta Club, the Student Council, and the United States Achievement Academy. Shundraria was also elected as Miss Madison Shannon Palmer High School 2011-2012. As a freshman, Shundraria set a goal to graduate in the top ten of her senior class, and through hard work and determination she was named class Salutatorian on May 12, 2012. Shundraria aspires to enter the medical field as a Registered Nurse to later venture on to become a physician. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Shundraria Roneisha Tribble, Salutatorian for Madison Shannon Palmer High School Class of 2012.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable educator, Lucille Holmes. Ms. Holmes is the second of four children born to the late Mr. Arthur D. Randle and Mrs. Josephine Randle of Starkville, Mississippi. Her maternal grandparents are the late Walter and her paternal grandparents are Earlene Franklin and the late Charlie and Lydia Randle She was born in a small community known as Rock Hill and was a member of Rock Hill United Methodist Church. After marrying her husband Clarence Holmes, she joined Bethel A.M.E. Church in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. Upon completing high school Lucille graduated from Mississippi State University in 1978 where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education. Upon graduation she obtained a position at Boswell Retardation Center, now known as Boswell Regional Center in Sanatorium, Mississippi, as a special adult education teacher. Her goal early in her youth was to become an educator due to her second grade teacher Ms. Viola Johnson. Ms. Johnson's teaching techniques and methods impacted her decision to become an educator. Mrs. Holmes educational philosophy is that all children can learn and they have the right to be taught the way they learn. As an educator she believes it is her responsibility to learn how each child learns and teach him or her accordingly. Furthermore, she is always willing to do the unthinkable to ensure that each and every life she touches is changed in a positive way. In 1981 she began employment with the Cleveland School District at East Side High School, as a special education teacher. In 1983 she went to Delta State University and completed her Master Degree in Guidance and Counseling. After completion of her degree she went to work in the Shaw School District as an elementary school counselor at McEvans. She left Shaw to work in the Shelby school system as an elementary, middle school and high school counselor. In 1997 Lucille returned to the Cleveland School District as a counselor at East Side High School. She has since received her certification in school administration. Mrs. Holmes is the mother of two children, Cristal Arlette and Clarence Anthony Holmes Jr. whom she has instilled the importance of getting an education, just as she has for the students in her classroom. Mr. Speaker, I ask that our colleagues join me in recognizing Mrs. Lucille Holmes for her commitment to education.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a young woman whose commitment to her academics has earned her this recognition. Ms. Cherry Mathis. Ms. Mathis is a straight-A honors graduate of Charleston High School in Charleston, Mississippi. She has been consistent in maintaining the highest average in nearly all of her courses throughout high school. Her grade point average is an astounding 4.1, which gives her the highest average among her peers in the twelfth grade. As a result of her studious feat, Ms. Mathis was designated as the Valedictorian of the Charleston High School Class of 2012. Receiving this honor implies that Ms. Mathis is incredibly hard working, and dedicated to her education. She has earned numerous awards and distinctions such as being inducted into the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. However, her proudest accomplishment was being named as a National Merit Scholar. In addition to her academic responsibilities, Ms. Mathis has also held leadership positions in several school organizations including the Yearbook Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Science Club, and Student Council. Ms. Mathis plans to attend the University of Mississippi where she will major in Integrated Marketing Communications. She believes that obtaining this degree will be a primary tool in achieving her future goals. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Cherry Mathis for her outstanding academic achievements.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a determined young man, Mr. Melvin Young, Jr. Melvin Savelle Young, Jr. was born June 28, 1994 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to the proud parents of Melvin Young, Sr. and Rhonda Morris Young. He is also the proud grandson of Bernice Profit of Hollandale, Mississippi and the late Emma Lee Dorsey of Rolling Fork, Mississippi. While in high school, Melvin was the runner up for Mr. South Delta High School, a member of the varsity football, baseball, and the track team. He also participated in the JROTC program. He is a faithful member of Salem Missionary Baptist Church where he is a devoted choir member. In conjunction with his hopes to positively impact his community, Melvin became a member of the Mayor Youth Council and has worked as a volunteer at the Sharkey County Tax Assessor and Collector Office. Melvin also volunteered in the emergency response efforts of the county to save public records during a flooding crisis; as a volunteer he worked to move official records to a secure location. In the fall Melvin plans to attend Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston, Mississippi where he will pursue a degree in Pre-Engineering. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Melvin Savelle Young, Jr. for his hard work and dedication in his efforts to achieve his goals.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable young woman, Ms. Ariel Kominique Taylor. Ariel was born in Indianola, Mississippi, to LaShunda King and Kamia Taylor. She is a dedicated member of Weeping Mary Baptist Church and proud member of the Humphreys County High School Class of 2012. Ariel's commitment to academic excellence earned her the title of Salutatorian for Humphreys County High School Class of 2012. At Humphreys County High School, Ariel was a charter member of Students Making a Change, SMAC, a participant in The Mayor's City Youth Council, and was a member of the Youth with a Vision Community Choir. She also served as a sports journalist for the school's newspaper, a member of the Varsity Cheerleader Squad, and the school's tennis team. After graduating, Ariel plans to attend Jackson State University and major in mathematics with an emphasis in accounting. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Ariel Kominique Taylor for her continued effort in achieving excellence in education and leadership.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable man, Gidarell Bryant, Jr., Valedictorian of Rosa Fort High School in Tunica, Mississippi Class of 2012. Gidarell was born on November 25, 1993 in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Ms. Tammie Turner and Gidarell Bryant, Sr. Gidarell has always had a competitive nature. Graduating as Valedictorian of his class was a goal that he set for himself in middle school and at the close of his senior year of high school was privileged to be bestowed the honor. To remain focused on his goals, Gidarell often recalled his mother's words, ``If you put in no effort you will get nothing in return. Whatever you want to achieve in life comes with hard work and hard work will pay off.'' In accordance with her advice, Gidarell took advanced coursework in high school such as: Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, and Trigonometry, achieving many academic and honorary awards throughout his secondary education and as an honor student throughout elementary, middle, and high school. Gidarell was inducted into both the National Junior Honor Society in middle school and National Honor Society in high school, where he served as Vice President. He was also chosen as a student ambassador for Lead America and People to People programs, and has served as a scholar in the Rotary Youth Leadership. Gidarell also received nominations for the United States Achievement Academy. Gidarell credits his mother for diligently working to keep him focused on his goals; his grandmother, Leola Turner, was always supportive of him; his two uncles, Chester and Corneilous Lambert, who are retired military personnel, who have not only served this country but also served as male role models. Gidarell will attend Mississippi State University and major in Business Administration. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he hopes to attend Harvard University to pursue a professional degree. Gidarell hopes to one day serve as Governor of Mississippi, in addition to owning a National Basketball Association franchise that he would relocate to Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Gidarell Bryant, Jr. as Valedictorian of Rosa Fort High School Class of 2012, in Tunica, Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a worthy member of our society Mrs. Lisa Ward. Lisa Ward and her husband, Darrel Ward, are the proud parents of two. Mrs. Ward is a dedicated and devoted mom, who works tirelessly in the Canton Public School District and in the community to make a difference in the lives of children. As an employee for the Canton Parks and Recreation Department in the city of Canton, she has helped to create various service-oriented activities for our youth. Some of those youth activities include indoor and outdoor sports, movies in the park, carnivals, health feasts and decreasing childhood obesity. Understanding the importance of community and parental involvement Mrs. Ward works diligently to garner support and sponsorships from vendors, merchants, and parents in the community to offer these and other activities to help provide recreational opportunities for children and to help them develop socially. In her desire to serve as a concerned and involved parent in the lives of children, she often goes above and beyond the call of duty. In honor of her dedication and contribution to her local community and children, Mrs. Ward has received the Parent of the Year award from the McNeal Elementary School and the District Parent of the Year award from the Canton Public School District. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Lisa Ward, for her commitment and contribution to helping improve the lives of children in the Canton Public School District, located in the Second Congressional District of Mississippi.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Kineu Donald, Salutatorian of Raymond High School; Class of 2012. Kineu was born to the proud mother of Sheillia Donald, on December 16, 1993, in Edwards, Mississippi. She attended Bolton-Edwards schools through middle school. While in middle school Kineu was consistent in her efforts to remain on the Honor Roll and Principal's List. She finished Bolton-Edwards Elementary Middle School, and was acknowledged as the Valedictorian of her eighth grade class. Throughout high school, Kineu has been recognized for her many achievements in both academics and extra-curricular activities. She was a member of the band, choir, Beta Club, Student Council, and Student Body. In addition to her extra-curricular activities, Kineu also participated in many community service projects sponsored by her school and church. As a high school graduate, Kineu plans to attend Alcorn State University and major in agricultural economics or nutrition and dietetics, to aid her in her pursuit to become a food science technologist or a dietician. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Kineu Donald the Salutatorian for Raymond High School Class of 2012.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable young woman, Ms. Wairterrica Galmore, the Valedictorian of Coahoma Agricultural High School Class of 2012. Wairterrica is the proud daughter of Latoya Reddick and Eric Galmore. She has six siblings and they reside in Friars Point, Mississippi. Wairterrica has always viewed learning as a priority. She was an honor student throughout school, remaining on either the Superintendent or Principal lists. Her performance in the classroom landed Ms. Galmore placement in ``Accelerated'' and ``Gifted'' classes. As a student in high school Wairterrica maintained her placement in high accelerated courses, while also participating in extracurricular activities. She was a member of the Olive Branch All Girls High School Senior Choir and the Olive Branch High School Co-Ed Choir. Wairterrica also received many awards while at Olive Branch High School such as the Positive Award, Highest Average in Math, and the Highest Average in Art. Her test scores on the Mississippi Curriculum and Subject Test ranked in the ``Advanced and Proficient'' categories. Wairterrica was also one of two students chosen to represent Coahoma Agricultural High School in a women's conference at Tougaloo College in the summer of 2011. Relocation caused Wairterrica to complete tenth through twelfth grade at Coahoma Agricultural High School, where despite the challenge she reigned victorious, gaining the honor of class Valedictorian. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms.Wairterrica Galmore, the Valedictorian for Coahoma Agricultural High School's Class of 2012.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor, Lemuel McWilliams. Mr. McWilliams is the third of five children born to Mrs. Eva McWilliams and the late Mr. Milton McWilliams of Ruleville, Mississippi. He was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Mr. McWilliams is a member of Merry Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he is a Sunday School Teacher, usher, and he is also active in other church auxiliaries. From the time Lemuel entered school he always worked to excel. While at Ruleville Middle School he received numerous academic awards and graduated Salutatorian of his class. When Lemuel entered high school he continued to make education his priority, and has received numerous awards. He received the highest average in English III, Algebra II, Advance Placement History, and Creative Writing; and Lemuel was also awarded the Sunflower County Chamber of Commerce scholarship, and both the Principal's and the Superintendent's Scholar Awards. As a member of the Leaders Envisioning a Future, he has also been involved in community service projects. Mr. McWilliams has been a mentor to fellow classmates by encouraging and helping them reach their educational goals. He wants to encourage younger students that they can accomplish any of their goals as long as they are committed to working hard to achieve it. Mr. Williams received full scholarships to Jackson State University and Alcorn State University. In the fall he plans to attend Jackson State University where he will major in PreMed and Biology. After obtaining his degree, Lemuel wants to become a Pediatrician. Mr. Lemuel McWilliams credits his parents for encouraging and supporting him to pursue his dreams of becoming a physician. His siblings Toni, Rahman, Ivan, and Ezra also encourage him to achieve his educational and career dreams, because they understand Lemuel's passion for achieving his goals and helping others. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Lemuel McWilliams as the 2012 Valedictorian at Ruleville Central High School Class.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor, Lemuel McWilliams. Mr. McWilliams is the third of five children born to Mrs. Eva McWilliams and the late Mr. Milton McWilliams of Ruleville, Mississippi. He was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Mr. McWilliams is a member of Merry Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he is a Sunday School Teacher, usher, and he is also active in other church auxiliaries. From the time Lemuel entered school he always worked to excel. While at Ruleville Middle School he received numerous academic awards and graduated Salutatorian of his class. When Lemuel entered high school he continued to make education his priority, and has received numerous awards. He received the highest average in English III, Algebra II, Advance Placement History, and Creative Writing; and Lemuel was also awarded the Sunflower County Chamber of Commerce scholarship, and both the Principal's and the Superintendent's Scholar Awards. As a member of the Leaders Envisioning a Future, he has also been involved in community service projects. Mr. McWilliams has been a mentor to fellow classmates by encouraging and helping them reach their educational goals. He wants to encourage younger students that they can accomplish any of their goals as long as they are committed to working hard to achieve it. Mr. Williams received full scholarships to Jackson State University and Alcorn State University. In the fall he plans to attend Jackson State University where he will major in PreMed and Biology. After obtaining his degree, Lemuel wants to become a Pediatrician. Mr. Lemuel McWilliams credits his parents for encouraging and supporting him to pursue his dreams of becoming a physician. His siblings Toni, Rahman, Ivan, and Ezra also encourage him to achieve his educational and career dreams, because they understand Lemuel's passion for achieving his goals and helping others. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Lemuel McWilliams as the 2012 Valedictorian at Ruleville Central High School Class.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a phenomenal young woman, Ms. McKenzie JoAnn Pollock, daughter of Philip and Cheryl Pollock. Throughout her time in high school, McKenzie has been extremely devoted to both her academics and extracurricular activities. McKenzie's motivation to excel prompted her to do anything she could to ensure that she would be successful academically. In accordance with this, she took Advanced Placement classes throughout high school and she maintained all ``A's'' throughout her high school career. As a result of McKenzie's work ethic, she was rewarded numerous scholarships to college. She received the Lucky Day Citizenship Scholarship and the Choral Service Award from the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as the Best Buy Scholarship Award, the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant, and the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant. Not only has McKenzie excelled academically, but she has also been heavily involved in numerous extra-curricular activities. She served as the Warren Central Hall of Fame Club President, Student Government Senior Class Secretary; was a member of the Mock Trial Attorney and Witness team, Mu Alpha Theta Society, Varsity Choir, the Band, Drama Club, School Musical, National Honors Society, Youth Advisory Council, and she worked with the Children of the American Revolution and Fundraising for the Children's Miracle Network. She also works for the U.S. Army Engineering Research and Development Center as a Civil Engineering Technician. McKenzie has competed in several competitions in addition to her other responsibilities. She was the Poetry Out Loud School winner in 2009, and she has received the Gold Medal at the Mississippi Music Teachers' Association Evaluations (MMTA) and Federated Music Clubs of America for her singing. In 2011, McKenzie was crowned Miss Vicksburg's Outstanding Teen, and she went on to finish in the top ten in the Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen Scholarship Pageant. Per her interest in the performing arts McKenzie is an active theatre participant. She has performed in many productions at the Vicksburg Theatre Guild and the Westside Theatre Foundation. McKenzie strongly believes that the performing arts should be an integral part of a child's education, and she enjoys every opportunity that allows her to introduce children to the arts. During summer of 2011, she was an assistant instructor in the Southern Cultural Center's Spectrum summer arts camp, which allows children the opportunity to explore the arts. To culminate her high school career, McKenzie is honored to be named Valedictorian of the Warren Central High School's senior class of 2012. In the fall, McKenzie plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, where she will major in Music-Vocal Performance with a minor in dance. Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in honoring the Valedictorian of Warren Central High School's senior class of 2012, Ms. McKenzie Joann Pollock an outstanding young woman.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, with more than 40 bipartisan cosponsors, passage of this measure will make a strong statement of support for reform of the TWIC issuance process and American workers. I compliment the gentleman from Louisiana for introducing this legislation. I encourage passage of H.R. 3173, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3173, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this measure directs the Department of Homeland Security to reform the process for the enrollment, activation, issuance, and renewal of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, or TWIC, to require not more than one in-person visit to an enrollment center to obtain a credential. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill. Since the inception of the TWIC program in 2007, mariners and other transportation workers have had to make at least two trips to a TWIC enrollment center to enroll and activate their cards. In contrast, other federally issued secure identity documents, such as passports and merchant mariner credentials, are mailed to the applicants. It is unreasonable to continue to require workers to take off from work to make a second trip to the nearest TWIC enrollment center, which in some cases is hundreds of miles away, to obtain their credential. The bill before us today would simply treat TWICs like those other federally issued identity documents. In response to this legislation and concern expressed by worker representatives and Members of Congress, including me, the Obama administration recently announced a new option for port and transportation security workers who, starting this fall, will need to renew their expiring TWIC cards. Under this new option, TWIC holders may renew their cards for 3 years at a reduced rate of $60 and go to the enrollment center just once. I'm pleased that the administration heard us on this issue because these changes should help lessen the burden of our Nation's 2.1 million port and transportation security workers, as DHS moves toward issuance of a final rule for biometric readers for the TWICs. Despite these improvements, H.R. 3173 is still very necessary, as the recently announced option only applies to renewals, not first-time applicants, and there are no guarantees that it will remain in effect for the duration of the program. Passage of H.R. 3173 will be an important step forward in reforming a cumbersome bureaucratic process and providing relief for the more than 2 million transportation workers. I urge my colleagues to give H.R. 3173 their support, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, we owe it to our Nation's first responders to ensure that they have the resources needed to perform their jobs and to get it right when we alter the allowable uses for those funds. Getting it right in this body requires deliberation and debate in the committee of jurisdiction. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the bill we are considering today failed to receive such deliberation or debate. Therefore, it is hard to say whether it is responsive to the needs of first responders. What I can say for a fact is reauthorizing key Homeland Security grant programs would bolster preparedness and be responsive to the needs of our first responders. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I'm prepared to close. I don't have any more speakers.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time. Since the gentleman from New York is prepared to close, I also am prepared to close. I would like to express my gratitude to all the members of the Committee on Homeland Security for their unanimous support of this legislation when it was considered by the committee last September. While the Committee on Homeland Security has not been as active on the legislative front as I had hoped it would be this Congress, I am pleased that several discrete bills introduced by both Democrats and Republicans have received bipartisan support on the House floor during the last month. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote ``aye'' on the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act, and I yield back the balance of my time. U.S. Travel Association, June 25, 2012. Hon. Peter King, Chairman, House Committee on Homeland Security, Washington,

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. I thank the gentleman from New York for his commitment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H.R. 1447, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act. Mr. Speaker, effective coordination between stakeholders and their regulators is critical to the implementation of policies that work. To that end, we have the responsibility to ensure that policy is informed by the realities on the ground. Arguably, nowhere is the need for policy coordination more important than at our Nation's airports. Given that the aviation sector remains an attractive target for terrorists, the difference between a security policy that works and one that does not can be all that stands between life and death. That is why I introduced H.R. 1447, the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act. This legislation will ensure that the voices of those subject to policies and protocols put in place by TSA are heard and their recommendations are considered. It does so by directing the TSA to establish an Aviation Security Advisory Committee. For years, such an advisory committee existed and worked effectively with TSA on matters such as aviation security methods, equipment, and procedures. For instance, in 2003, the ASAC's cargo working group, which included the Cargo Airline Association, made recommendations that formed the basis of TSA's program for 100 percent screening of air cargo. Unfortunately, during the last administration, the charter for this advisory committee was allowed to lapse, and the committee ceased operations. While I am pleased that in response to my bill, the Obama administration reestablished this committee on its own authority, I strongly believe that it is critical that the Aviation Security Advisory Committee be codified in law to ensure that TSA's aviation security policy continues to be informed by the private sector. That is why my bill would, for the first time, establish the Aviation Security Advisory Committee in statute and require representatives from up to 27 member organizations participate. I introduced H.R. 1447 in April of 2011, with the ranking member of the Transportation Security Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security, Representative Jackson Lee. It was favorably reported on a bipartisan basis in November 2011. TSA has the responsibility to secure the American public from threats posed to our transportation sector. However, it cannot do so in a vacuum. TSA must leverage technical and operational expertise from our Nation's airports to deliver a collaborative and robust security system across our aviation sector. Strong partnerships with aviation stakeholders are critical to informing aviation security policy. Just last month, the committee received testimony from the Airport Minority Advisory Council about arbitrary limitations set forth by TSA on the issuance of airport worker badges to airport-based small businesses, like newsstands, coffee, and souvenir shops. Since then, TSA has committed to reevaluate the policy and work with the private sector to address the concerns raised. This is just one example of how a TSA policy--developed without input from the advisory committee--was not informed by economic realities. Now TSA is in the position of having to revisit this and other ill- informed policies to ensure that they enhance security in a manner that does not unduly burden the private sector. My bill also directs the administrator of TSA to establish three targeted working groups to address the unique homeland security challenges related to air cargo security, general aviation security, and perimeter security. Mr. Speaker, all of us have a stake in ensuring the security of our Nation. Let us pass this bill so that stakeholders who are expected to comply with the policies and procedures developed by TSA have a seat at the table. That way, we can be confident that TSA's policies are both effective from the security standpoint and address the economic and commercial realities of our Nation's airports. Before reserving the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to engage in a brief colloquy with the gentleman from New York, the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Mr. King. Mr. Speaker, as this bill has made its way to the House floor, the chairman and I have been engaged in ongoing dialogue over how to strike the right balance on who should be represented on the Aviation Security Advisory Committee. I am dedicated to ensuring that the voices of passengers and small and minority-owned businesses impacted by TSA's policies, procedures, and regulations are heard. It is important persons representing those groups have a seat at the table when TSA makes decisions that affect both passengers' rights and businesses' bottom line. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York for his assurance that as this bill continues its movement through the legislative process, he will work with me to ensure these important populations are included in this Aviation Security Advisory Committee legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's ports are as diverse as the people they serve. The importance of this infrastructure to the global supply chain cannot be overstated. Enactment of H.R. 4005 will help ensure that our limited security resources can be targeted to those threats that put our ports at the greatest risk. With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of H.R. 4005, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California, a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and the original sponsor of H.R. 4005, Ms. Hahn.