Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Petty Officer 2nd Class Shakuryor Peoples, a proud native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, who serves aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan. Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft, including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers like the USS Ronald Reagan are among the largest warships in the world. Peoples graduated from Vicksburg High School in 2014 and joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, he serves as a boatswain's mate. Reflecting on his decision to join the Navy, Peoples stated, ``I joined the Navy because I wanted to experience life. It allowed me to improve myself and experience the world.'' Peoples' service in the Navy is a continuation of the values instilled in him growing up in Vicksburg. Peoples serves in a Navy that operates forward, around the world, and around the clock, promoting the Nation's prosperity and security. During his service, Peoples has had many opportunities to achieve his personal and professional goals. Serving in the Navy has given him the chance to grow as a person and to aspire for greatness. Aircraft carriers have been the centerpiece of America's naval forces for more than 100 years, projecting power, sustaining sea control, bolstering deterrence, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintaining enduring commitments worldwide. Petty Officer 2nd Class Shakuryor Peoples embodies the spirit of service, commitment, and leadership that our Navy stands for. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Petty Officer 2nd Class Shakuryor Peoples for his dedicated service to our Nation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired, tenacious, and self-motivated U.S. Army veteran, Sgt. Garnett T. Franklin. Sgt. Franklin enjoyed a long career in serving and teaching. Garnett T. Franklin was born and raised in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. He graduated from JFK High School in Mound Bayou in 1969. After high school, he enlisted in the Army, dedicated over two decades to serving in the U.S. Army Active Duty as a construction engineer. His military service offered many opportunities to serve at various Army bases and stations, such as Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Benning, Georgia for Jump School. He also traveled to Japan, Korea, Belvoir, Germany, and participated in the Return of Forces to Europe. He retired at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1993. After retiring, he relocated back to Mississippi and began teaching JROTC in Jackson Public Schools, Jackson, Mississippi, which included Murrah High and Lanier High School. Later, he returned to Belgium to join his family and worked with the Department of Defense in Washington State for 17 years as a fitness specialist at MWR. Upon returning home to Mound Bayou, Mississippi, he spends his time volunteering in the community and surrounding areas. He also volunteers with a male group of concerned citizens known as the Development Committee. This group started by cleaning up the grounds of a long- standing local service station, cutting grass, pulling vines, and refurbishing an old neighborhood house. They also maintain the facility building and the Taborian Hospital grounds. Now known as the unofficial ``beautification committee,'' this volunteer group takes pride in completing various projects around the city. As the holiday season approaches, they are preparing by putting up lights and decorations in the Milburn Crow Memorial Park and on the grounds of the Taborian Hospital for the entire city to visit and enjoy. Volunteering in his hometown allows him to give back to the community and enjoy the pleasures of retired life. Sgt. Franklin firmly believes that the military offers valuable pathways to personal and professional growth. His life's path has shown that the military is a great career starter. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sgt. Garnett T. Franklin for his passion for leadership, service and volunteerism to the United States of America.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a trailblazer, Ms. Sarah Jane Gordon Chambliss. She has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a strong desire for change. Born in Claiborne County, MS, on November 3, 1937, the first of eight children, Sarah Jane Gordon Chambliss became the only daughter of Elder Anthony M. Gordon and Mrs. Bennie Lee Hamilton Gordon. She graduated from Claiborne County Training School in May of 1955. From 1955 to 1959, she studied at Jarvis Christian College, in Hawkins, TX from which she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. The desire to teach English drew her back to Mississippi where she became teacher of English and Department Head at Quitman County High School in Marks and later at Delta Center High School in Walls. During the summer of 1968, while pregnant, she attended Auburn University in Auburn, AL. In 1973, she moved back to Port Gibson from Memphis, TN, where she had lived since 1961. She obtained employment with Port Gibson Bank (now River Hills Bank) for two years, becoming the first Afro-American female teller in Port Gibson. From 1974-1978, while working full time, she studied at Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS, where she earned her Master of Science degree with honors in 1978. Ms. Chambliss taught in the Claiborne County Public Schools from 1973 to 1992, when illness forced her to retire. During her tenure she founded COM BAAC, Inc., a behavior modification organization. Since retirement, she has also founded the local writers' guild. She married A.C. Chambliss on December 24, 1959. God graciously gave them two children, Steven Douglas Chambliss and Vanessa LaRose Chambliss Thomas. Her religious convictions are strong. She served as Pine Grove Christian Church's choir president from 1973 to 2014 where she also serves as a deaconess. She is an evangelist, a songstress, and a pianist--having served as musician for several local churches. Some of her work has been published in the following anthologies: Poetic Voices of America, The Space Between, Odyssey, and Best Poets. Her published books are In the Light of Darkness and Almighty Love, Almighty Light; and she is awaiting publication of the fourth--In Knowing, Know This. Her published play is ``A People Wandering in the Wilderness.'' Pertinent honors are as follows: Listed in Who's Who in America's Colleges and Universities, Who's Who Among America's Teachers, and STAR Teacher (1986). In August 1994, she was a recipient of The International Poet of Merit Award presented to her by the International Society of Poets in ceremonies held in Washington, D.C. In March 1996, she was inducted into the International Poetry Hall of Fame. She has travelled to many places reciting her inspirational and anointed poetry and sharing other God given knowledge and wisdom. She emphasizes that she has done nothing, completed no chores of her own volition but by God's will with the extension of His divine grace. Although a retiree, she seizes every opportunity to share her experiences and continues to educate anyone who will spend the time to listen. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an esteemed author, Ms. Sarah Jane Gordon Chambliss, for her hard work in the field of education and accomplishments in the arts.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated efforts of aviation student enthusiasts, Cason Brinkley. Cason, a 16-year-old resident of Cleveland, Mississippi, is the son of Carl Brinkley, a retired aviation and logistics instructor from Delta State University, and Markeita Brinkley, the Special Education Director for Cleveland Public Schools. Cason Brinkley, an 11th grader at Cleveland Central High School, recently attended the Saint Louis University Aviation Summer Academy June 9-14, 2024. This program invited promising students entering grades 11 and 12 to explore various areas of study and career paths in aviation. The program selected 20 students out of over 100 applicants for the six-day, five-night residential camp, and Cason was one of the top students to attend. While there, on June 10, 2024, Cason made the First Alert Live News, in Saint Louis, Missouri, in the story, ``Aviation Summer Academy returns to St. Louis Downtown Airport.'' On Monday, July 15, 2024, Cason Brinkley, who recently turned 16 and is now eligible to solo under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, undertook his maiden flight at KPMU (Panola County Airport) in Batesville, Mississippi. He was mentored by his Certified Flight Instructor (CPI), Ken Taylor, the owner of New Heights Aviation--one of the state's premier flight schools dedicated to nurturing aspiring aviation enthusiasts like Cason. In the week leading up to the flight, Taylor informed Cason's parents that he was ready for solo flight after successfully completing his final safety sessions, including controlled stalls that he had to master. Following this, he was cleared to take to the skies on his own. While not yet official, an investigation is underway to confirm that Cason Brinkley made history as the youngest African American to solo a plane at the age of 16 in Mississippi on Monday, July 15, 2024. During this flight, he completed his scheduled solo and earned his first pilot-in-command hour. Currently, Cason boasts an impressive 3.82 GPA on a 4.0 scale. He is actively involved in various extracurricular activities, including the Technology Student Association, National Student Beta Club, Student Council, and National Honor Society. Additionally, Cason is a mentee in the Kappa League program of the Cleveland (MS) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Outside of academics, Cason participates in football, bowling, and track at Cleveland Central. He finds time to volunteer, particularly with his mother's special needs students, and expresses his musical talents by playing the organ and singing at his church and other venues when invited. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Cason Brinkley for his dedication and hard work for his milestone moment in performing a solo flight on his 16th birthday.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Fire Chief Dquan Wilson. Here is to a first responder who would gladly give you the shirt off his back. Chief Wilson selfless acts of bravery recently got him recognized by the Washington County Mississippi Emergency Operations Center. He is passionate about saving lives and guiding children and citizens to take safety precautions while enjoying life. Whether it's through his leadership as a Fire Chief or as a DJ making people happy, Chief Wilson continues to motivate and have a positive influence on the citizens of Leland and the surrounding areas. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Chief Dquan Wilson for his dedication and tenacity to serving his community and desire to be an example for all.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Dr. Marie Davis. Dr. Marie Davis was born in Natchez, MS, 68 years ago and she currently resides in Chesapeake, Virginia. Her reflection of all the beautiful smiles of her hometown people prompt her to be a change in her hometown people lives. Dr. Davis presided over many community projects such as being a sponsor for the drive thru turkey and trimmings, donation of household supplies, hygiene products, and the ham and eggs Easter giveaways. During the year 2023, a storm swept through Natchez and Dr. Davis was informed that some homes were without electricity for days, homes had busted pipes, and inoperable hot water heaters. Dr. Davis sent a generous donation to the Salvation Army and AJFC agency. Dr. Davis' love for the seniors continues to radiate her heart so she connected with a longtime friend and ex coworker Alfredia Knight, together they made plans to take the elderly out to eat numerous times. Dr. Davis sponsored haircuts, shaves, and other requested needs. During a holiday visit to Natchez in December, she met with her friend Diane Good, the owner of a Performing Arts Center. During this visit, Dr. Davis purchased all the string and wind instruments, equipment, and decor for the center. Inspired by a vision, she connected with Jacqueline Marsaw and her group of grieving mothers and fathers, treating them to dinner and providing donations and gift cards to the members. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Marie Davis for her actions and achievements in the Natchez, MS community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Dr. Carolyn Myers. In recognition and appreciation of selfless leadership and service to the Natchez-Adams community. Dr. Carolyn Myers is the CEO and Founder of the Seeds of Change Resource Foundation. Dr. Myers has dedicated several years of her time and talents to helping others, and her impact on our community has been profound. During the Covid pandemic, Dr. Myers worked tirelessly to arrange food and supply giveaways for those in need. Everything from chicken to sanitizer arrived by truckloads, totaling thousands of pounds, and numerous volunteers helped ensure that this needed assistance made it safely into the hands of the Natchez community. Acting on her passion for the homeless and the mentally ill, Dr. Myers began work in December 2021 on a new group home to provide housing and assistance to individuals in need in the Miss-Lou area. Once completed, this beautiful home on Claiborne Street will serve as a ``safe haven'' for those with nowhere else to turn. Funding for the project has come from ``Bikers on the Bluff,'' an annual event started by Dr. Myers that has now become a popular draw for bike clubs from all over Mississippi and surrounding states. Additional funding has been derived from numerous tour excursions to historic places, from Jackson to Washington. Dr. Myers has also appeared on the silver screen as a cast member of the 2022 ABC miniseries ``Women of the Movement.'' Dr. Myers' slogan is a verse from Hebrews which says, ``Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.'' On the 16th day of June 2022, Dr. Myers was presented with a key to the city by Mayor Dan Gibson and the Board of Aldermen. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Carolyn Myers for her actions and achievements in the Natchez, MS community.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of David Peyton, a native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, whose dedication to public service and tireless efforts have positively impacted countless lives. David Peyton graduated from Yazoo City High School in 1984, laying the foundation for his journey of academic excellence and professional success. In 1988, he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Alcorn University, where his passion for science and community service flourished. Continuing his academic pursuits, Mr. Peyton earned a Master's degree in Public Health Policy and Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1994, solidifying his commitment to improving public health outcomes and advocating for effective policy solutions. Throughout his esteemed career, Mr. Peyton served with distinction at the Mississippi State Department of Health in Communicable Disease Prevention, from 1989 until 2019. In this role, he demonstrated exemplary leadership, managing grants with budgets exceeding $2 million and overseeing a workforce of over 60 employees. His dedication to public health and disease prevention has undoubtedly saved lives and strengthened communities across our state. In addition to his public service, Mr. Peyton is a visionary leader in the non-profit sector, serving as President and CEO of Gateway Solutions, Inc., an organization dedicated to addressing pressing community issues and promoting social change. Furthermore, he is the founder of Peyton Unlimited LLC, a consulting firm committed to providing innovative solutions to complex challenges facing our society. Most recently, Mr. Peyton was elected to serve as a member of the Board of Supervisors for Yazoo County, a testament to his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of his fellow citizens. One of his first acts of business was organizing Yazoo Day at the Capitol, in collaboration with Joseph Thomas Jr., highlighting the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Yazoo County to state officials and legislators. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring David Peyton for his exceptional achievements, steadfast leadership, and dedicated service to the people of Mississippi. His remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on our state, and he serves as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Mrs. Geraldine Grammer. Mrs. Grammer has been a champion of education and community service, and dedication to Bolivar County, surrounding counties and the State of Mississippi. Mrs. Grammer is a retired educator and had redirected her life to one of service in helping people everywhere. She is a resident of Shelby, Mississippi, and president of the Alcorn Bolivar County Alumni Chapter of Alcorn State University. She recently received the Frank Dobbins Chapter President of the Year award for 2024. Mrs. Grammer joined the Alcorn State University Bolivar County Alumni Chapter in 2016 and in 2019 she became the chapter's president. Since becoming president, she has devoted countless hours toward working with the various committees to involve parents and high school students in applying for scholarships. They have awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships and provided students with beginning college gifts, such as printers, laptops, hampers, luggage, towels and essentials to start college life. Mrs. Grammer's outlook and passion for education has had a profound impact on not only Shelby but the surrounding communities as well. Her continuous progress that as a community and state are making enforces the fact that she is focused on protecting the well-being of the community and that our local students are prepared for college life. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Geraldine Grammer for her outstanding dedication, compassion and advocacy in her community. Her selfless service to her community, surrounding areas in the MS Delta, and the Alcorn State University Bolivar County Alumni Chapter are commended.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the exceptional accomplishments of Sammia Allen-Thomas, a remarkable student from Yazoo City High School. Ranking fourth in her graduating class, Sammia's extensive list of achievements speaks volumes about her dedication, talent, and hard work. Her academic honors include the Highest Honor, Distinguished Academic Endorsement, Mississippi Delta Honor Graduate, ACT 20 Plus Club with a score of 24--the second highest ACT score in the district-- Miss ACT for both the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years; and memberships in the National Honor Society, National Technology Honor Society, and Beta Club. She also served as Vice President of both the Math and Science Club and the National Technical Honor Society. Balancing a demanding academic schedule, Sammia also excelled in athletics. She was the co-captain of the cheer team for three years, earning the title of UCA All American Cheerleader. Additionally, she served as the co-captain of the softball team, being named Softball MVP and All District Player. Her hard work has been recognized through numerous awards and scholarships, including the National JROTC Sojourners Award, Delta Honor Scholar, Gerald D. Peyton Scholarship, Yazoo Keeper Scholarship, 21 Club Pageant winner and Scholarship, Community Solutions of Mississippi Scholarship, the fourth Annual Shanda Allen-Smith Educational Scholarship, and the Yazoo City High School Class of 1992 Scholarship, Sammia has also been awarded a full academic scholarship to Mississippi Valley State University, where she plans to major in Early Childhood Education and join the cheer team. She aspires to open a preschool to provide young children with a strong educational foundation. Beyond her academic and athletic pursuits, Sammia has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic duty. She has volunteered at nursing homes, assisted fellow students with ACT preparation, and actively participated in church activities at New King Solomon M.B. Church. Through these efforts, she has made meaningful contributions to her community, fostering unity and compassion. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sammia Allen-Thomas for her outstanding achievements. Her story is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and community support. As she embarks on her journey at Mississippi Valley State University, we wish her continued success and look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make in the future.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor a pillar of the community, Mt. Horeb M.B. Church. Mt. Horeb M.B. Church was organized in 1864 by Rev. Moses B. Black, a missionary sent to the Mississippi Delta by the Baptist Home Missionary Society. This made Mount Horeb the first African American church in Greenville and Washington County, hence the oldest. He pulled together a small group of former slaves, Paul Woodruff, Jerry Bland, Riley Barnes, Jim Campbell, and Shep Hughes. They named the church Mt. Horeb. Horeb which is another name for Mt. Sinai which means ``Desolate Place.'' The church boasted a membership of around 310 members. During the early years, the organizers faced challenges in securing a building for worship, as much of Greenville had been destroyed by federal troops during the Civil War. The first building was located on Levee Street, but it was eventually lost to the Mississippi River and the construction of the current levee. Concerned about the river's encroachment, the congregation heeded the advice of the Church's Elders and relocated to the corner of Nelson and Broadway streets. Due to delays, nearly four years passed before a new building was constructed, leading to 1886 being mistakenly recognized as the church's founding year. Part of the land for the original church was purchased from B.L. Lee for $135.00, and in 1909, an impressive two-story structure with stained glass windows was completed. Shep Hughes, the longest surviving member of the original group, served as a vital link to future generations. When the late historian Leon C. Chapple completed the church's history, he asked Brother Hughes, ``Why the name Mount Horeb?'' noting that there were no mountains, hills, or elevated places within a 75-mile radius. It hadn't occurred to Brother Hughes why the church was named Mount Horeb. His response, though simple, was poignant and sentimental: the founders, barely three years removed from the harshness of slavery, felt like the children of Israel emerging from the valley of sin. They began to thirst, not for natural waters, but for the waters of righteousness. Thus, they named the church Mount Horeb, envisioning it as a place where the weary and repentant could come to freely drink from God's life-giving waters. From the founding pastor to their current pastor, Dr. Albert Calvin, Jr., Mt. Horeb has been served by 21 pastors, with Dr. Calvin serving the longest at 45 years. In 1993, a Historical Marker was erected by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which is in the front of the church. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mt. Horeb M.B. Church for its rich heritage and 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 the Mississippi Humanities Council. The organization has gone beyond the call of duty to ensure Mississippians' stories are told and their lives are enriched through civil conversations about their history and culture. The Mississippi Committee for the Humanities was founded in March of 1972 with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, which was working to create and support a new system of state humanities councils that could carry out and fund grassroots public humanities programs. Porter Fortune, Chancellor of the University of Mississippi, was the founding chairman of the organization, which later changed its name to the Mississippi Humanities Council. The Council's commitment to supporting grassroots public humanities programs has been unwavering since its inception. Founded amidst the turmoil of federally imposed integration, the MS Humanities Council played a crucial role in helping to bring about social change in Mississippi. It organized and supported interracial meetings and funded grants to communities for discussions on desegregation and other important issues. More important than the funding was the Council's ability to offer state-level legitimacy for such discussions and to serve as an impartial broker among differing points of view. The Council's commitment to fairness and impartiality was unwavering as it worked to bring the insights of humanities scholars to the critical contemporary issues the state faced. In 2013, Dr. Stuart Rockoff became the third executive director of the MS Humanities Council. Under Dr. Rockoff's leadership, the MS Humanities Council expanded its council programming, launching new initiatives like ``Ideas on Tap'' and prison education and increasing its grant-making throughout the state. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council distributed over $1 million in federal aid in support of cultural institutions in Mississippi. The MS Humanities Council also has a prison education and MS Freedom Trail program. The Mississippi Freedom Trail was created to commemorate the people and places in the state that played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement. Under the leadership of Visit Mississippi, the first Freedom Trail markers were unveiled in 2011 in conjunction with the 50th anniversary reunion of the Freedom Riders. In June 2024, the MS Humanities Council unveiled five new markers to the Mississippi Freedom Trail. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, each marker unveiled is connected to the pivotal work of Mississippi's Freedom Summer Project. MS Humanities Council unveiled the first Freedom Trail marker outside the state on August 20th in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This marker honored the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and its efforts in the 1964 Democratic Convention. This ongoing effort honors Mississippi's profound role in the Civil Rights Movement and underscores its national significance. Dr. Rockoff and his staff, John Spann, Carol Anderson, Kam Hoskins, Carla Faulkner, Sandra Johnson, and Katie Molpus have worked tirelessly to ensure Mississippians' stories are told. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Mississippi Humanities Council for their service in the field of Public History.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1516. While I support the spirit of Mr. Pfluger's bill, which seeks to help address the threat posed by the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, I cannot support this bill as it is presently written. H.R. 1516 is fatally flawed. This bill denies critical homeland security funding to U.S. universities, puts American students at risk, and harms our national security. H.R. 1516 would prohibit any DHS funding from going to any U.S. university that has any relationship with virtually any Chinese university. That means no FEMA funding, no disaster preparedness funding, and no terrorism prevention funding. In fact, this bill is totally divorced from the very real concerns we all have when it comes to Chinese espionage and national security. In all likelihood, universities across this country will have to shut down student exchange programs, deny students study-abroad opportunities, and stop hosting guest lectures, panel events, or sporting events with Chinese universities if this poorly written, overbroad bill becomes law. For example, under this bill, Colgate University, located in the district of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Williams), would be prohibited from receiving FEMA grants simply because Colgate has a program that gives students an opportunity to get firsthand experience abroad while being hosted by a university in Shanghai. The same goes for Cal State Fullerton, located in the district of the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Steel). Cal State Fullerton pioneered international partnerships with Chinese universities back in 1984 so that students could collaborate on educational and cultural exchanges. Because of these bilateral agreements with partner institutions in China, this bill would prohibit DHS from helping students or CSU Fullerton if an earthquake strikes Orange County. What about Niagara University, where Mr. Langworthy went to college? Niagara signed an exchange agreement for MBA students from a university in China, which is the world's second largest economy. Would Niagara University be prohibited from receiving FEMA grants if a major blizzard or flood sweeps through Niagara County? Under H.R. 1516, the answer is yes. SUNY Binghamton, located in the district of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Molinaro), has an exchange program with a Chinese university so that SUNY Binghamton students can learn the Chinese language, a critical foreign language for the military and for business leaders. Because of that exchange program, SUNY Binghamton would be denied funding and contracts for something as basic as DHS renting a room to host a hiring event or as serious as DHS providing help responding to a flood. The same goes for Valdosta State University, located in the district of the gentleman of Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott). Since Valdosta State has a Chinese exchange program in urban planning and land resource management, it would lose any shot at DHS funding for research, hurricane preparedness, or terrorism prevention. Supporting this bill also means that the University of Iowa, located in the district of the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks), would be cut off from DHS funding to help it prepare for a tornado or acts of violence just because Iowa has an informal requirement that its Chinese majors study abroad in China and because Iowa has programs housed at universities in China. It also means that Hofstra University, located in the district of the gentleman from New York (Mr. D'Esposito), would not be able to apply for FEMA grants because Hofstra has a dual-degree program with Dongbei University of Finance and Economics in China. I could go on listing how this bill, as it is written, could hurt universities and students in each of our districts. The bottom line is that this bill is not just absurd; it is cruel. H.R. 1516 is so poorly written that neither its author, Mr. Pfluger, nor Committee on Homeland Security's chairman, Mark Green, were able to answer even the most basic questions about the bill during our committee markup. Democratic Members pointed out at markup that the definition of ``relationship,'' which triggers the funding prohibition in this bill, would incorporate all sorts of agreements, including student exchange programs and other cultural programs that help American students. Mr. Pfluger, the bill's author, told members of our committee that the type of relationship is very important. You have rightly pointed that out. It is a monetary relationship. Well, that is not what the bill says. It says that any institution of higher education that ``has a relationship with a Confucius Institute or Chinese entity of concern is ineligible to receive any funds from the Department of Homeland Security.'' If the bill's sponsor meant monetary relationship, the word ``monetary'' would be in the definition. Then there is this overbroad term, ``Chinese entity of concern.'' During the markup, the bill's sponsor said something about DHS works with the university to deem an entity of concern. Well, DHS does not deem entities of concern, so I don't know where that idea came from. Chairman Green tried to clean up the definition by saying, as I understand it, by the definition, it would only be those with ties to the military. Once again, that is not what the bill says. Madam Chair, I cannot support a bill drafted so poorly that even its author and committee chairman do not know what it bans and do not know what it allows. I especially cannot support a bill that does all the damage I just described. It is not just that this bill was poorly drafted. This bill has been mismanaged from the start. The bill's sponsor rejected bipartisan language agreed to by the Homeland Security Committee last Congress and reverted to the same bad language the committee had to fix in 2022. Then the committee chairman reported the wrong text out of the committee, and not a single Republican noticed for 9 months. That is why the bill on the Union Calendar is not the same one in the Rules Committee print now under consideration. Madam Chair, if we were voting on the language the Republicans actually reported out of committee, the language all of our committee staff probably read when the committee went to congress.gov, we would be having a different conversation. I oppose H.R. 1516 because it is a poorly written and mismanaged bill that demonstrates a lack of seriousness among Republicans when it comes to the bipartisan desire to address the threat posed by the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Chair, this bill does not provide the Secretary of Homeland Security authority to issue a waiver from funding restrictions if it is in the interest of America's national security. Without this waiver, we just cannot get behind this bill. We need to allow the experts, those at DHS, to determine what is in the best interest of our national security. This waiver was part of this bill when it was reported out of committee last Congress and supported by Democrats. Its absence in this bill today is a fatal flaw. Madam Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Magaziner) to discuss better versions of this bill.

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

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Chair, this bill does not ban China from influencing our institutions of higher education. It just makes universities choose between relationships with Chinese universities and the Department of Homeland Security funding. This bill will not stop China's practice of exploiting the open and collaborative nature of American academia to conduct industrial and military espionage. I know that this is something that the sponsor of this bill, Mr. Pfluger, cares about because those are his words. Unfortunately, this bill does not get us there. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chair, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chair, we should not be on the floor today on this fatally flawed bill. Congressional Democrats recognize threats posed by China and the Chinese Communist Party. In fact, we worked with Republicans last Congress to craft a bipartisan bill on this very issue. Instead, today, House Republicans have decided to reject their own past work and try to make up for their do-nothing Congress with this absurd and extreme measure rammed through just ahead of an election, despite multiple procedural and policy errors. Governing by theme without any thought to very real negative outcomes in no way makes policy. This bill would deny all Department of Homeland Security funds to all U.S. colleges and universities with any relationship whatsoever to practically any Chinese university. This bill's author and my Homeland Security Republican colleagues did no factfinding. They could not answer questions about the bill during markup. They repeatedly said the bill does not do things that the bill says it does. If this bill's author doesn't know what the bill does, then how can he expect it to become law? This whole thing is a cruel disservice to American universities, academics, and students. It puts them and DHS in horrible positions. In addition to forcing American colleges and universities with any relationship with any Chinese university to choose between that relationship and DHS funds for disaster relief or terrorism prevention, this bill does not provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with any strategic flexibility to waive the funding prohibition when in the national security interests of the United States. This House previously granted the Secretary of Defense a similar waiver on a bipartisan basis, but congressional Republicans do not think the Homeland Security Secretary should be given the same authority. Mr. Chair, the Committee on Homeland Security has not produced a single law this Congress. In contrast to a proud record of bipartisan cooperation and legislating over the last 20 years, House Republicans have turned our committee, which I have served on from its beginning, into a partisan press release factory and done nothing to make the homeland more secure. I repeat: We have not passed or produced a single law this Congress. H.R. 1516 is another sad example of the extreme MAGA Republican failure to deliver for the American people. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject this flawed, extreme partisan messaging bill and vote ``no'' on H.R. 1516, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chair, I include in the Record President Biden's Statement of Administration Policy opposed to H.R. 1516. Statement of Administration Policy H.R. 1516--DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act--Rep. Pfluger, R-TX, and 18 cosponsors The Administration supports the intent of H.R. 1516, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act, which would prohibit institutions of higher education that have relationships with certain institutes funded by the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) or located in the PRC from receiving Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funds. The Administration appreciates Congress's efforts to ensure that DHS funding is made available only to partners that advance U.S. interests, homeland security, and democratic norms. However, there may be more appropriate ways to prevent DHS funding from being directed toward academic institutions that are vulnerable to the PRC's increasing monetary influence. The Administration looks forward to working with Congress to refine this bill as it moves through the legislative process.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to Mr. Cline's amendment. This amendment is impractical and infeasible, like the bill he is trying to amend. This amendment will require the Department of Homeland Security to identify and report on any U.S. college or university that has any relationship with a Chinese entity of concern. The Republican author of H.R. 1516 and the Homeland Security Committee Republicans who rammed this partisan bill through committee should have done a little factfinding before bringing this bill to the floor. Had they done so, then Mr. Cline would not be asking for this impractical amendment because his colleagues would have been able to tell him which universities in the United States have a relationship with a Confucius Institute or Chinese entity of concern. The problem at the heart of this amendment is the Republicans' made- up, overbroad definition of ``Chinese entity of concern.'' It requires a multipart test to identify Chinese universities that participate in military-civil fusion, the Chinese defense industrial base, and receiving funding from the Chinese Communist Party. I agree that those sorts of relationships between Chinese universities and the Chinese Communist Party are a problem, but the term ``Chinese entity of concern'' goes way past actual security risks and deems every Chinese university a threat without regard to actual national security concerns. For example, it encompasses any university in China that provides any support to the police. As a result, if a university in China were to provide support for a criminal investigation, such as a crime against a U.S. study-abroad student, suddenly the university in China would qualify as a Chinese entity of concern. Even American university campuses located in China would be deemed a Chinese entity of concern if they were to provide any sort of support to the police in China. If an American student at an American university's branch in China gets stabbed, that branch campus would become a Chinese entity of concern if it as much as provided translation services to the police to catch the perpetrator. This is absurd. This amendment would drain DHS resources and require DHS to dedicate teams of staff to gain considerable insight into internal Chinese Government functions in order to identify which of China's 3,000 universities are an entity of concern. DHS has acknowledged that this would be a struggle. If that wasn't enough, DHS would then have to figure out which universities it provides funds to have a relationship with the Chinese university that meets the entity of concern definition. Those relationships would include perfectly innocent and valuable agreements, including student exchange programs and other cultural programs that help American students get a well-rounded education. H.R. 1516 is already poorly drafted and fatally flawed, so it is not surprising we are adding impractical into the mix with this amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from California.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a July 23 article from CBS News stating that the ``border czar'' title is incorrect and the Vice President's work is often mischaracterized. Notably, the article includes the following quote: ``Harris was not asked to be the administration's `border czar' or to oversee immigration policy and enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border.'' [From CBS News, July 23, 2024] The Facts About Kamala Harris' Role on Immigration in the Biden Administration (By Camilo Montoya-Galvez) Following President Biden's decision to abandon his reelection campaign and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee for president, Harris' role on immigration has come under scrutiny. Soon after Mr. Biden's announcement, Republicans sought to blame Harris for the Biden administration's woes at the U.S.- Mexico border, where American officials have reported record levels of illegal crossings in the past three years. In a phone conversation with CBS News on Saturday, former President Donald Trump said Harris presided over the ``worst border ever'' as ``border czar,'' a title her Republican detractors often give her. Harris is all but certain to face even more criticism over the Biden administration's record on immigration, one of American voters' top concerns ahead of the election. And Harris does have an immigration-related role in the Biden White House, but her responsibilities on the issue are often mischaracterized. What exactly is Harris' immigration role? In March 2021, when the Biden administration faced the early stages of an influx in illega1 crossings at the U.S. southern border, Mr. Biden tasked Harris with leading the administration's diplomatic campaign to address the ``root causes'' of migration from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, including poverty, corruption and violence. The region, known as Central America's Northern Triangle, has been one of the main sources of migration to the U.S.- Mexico border over the past decade. Harris was not asked to be the administration's ``border czar'' or to oversee immigration policy and enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border. That has mainly been the responsibility of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and his department, which oversees the country's main three immigration agencies, including Customs and Border Protection. In reality, the only role close to that of a ``border czar'' under the Biden administration was held for only a few months by Roberta Jacobson, a longtime diplomat who served as coordinator for the Southwest border until April 2021. In her immigration role, Harris' main line of work has focused on convincing companies to invest in Central America and promoting democracy and development there through diplomacy. In March of this year, the White House announced Harris had secured a commitment from the private sector to invest over $5 billion to promote economic opportunities and reduce violence in the region. Efforts to reduce migration by improving conditions in migrants' home countries have always been viewed as a long- term strategy by U.S. officials. In its ``root causes'' framework, the Biden administration conceded the ``systemic change'' it envisions for Central America ``will take time to achieve.'' Questions about her work on immigration There are some legitimate questions about Harris' work on immigration. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, most non-Mexican migration to the U.S. southern border originated from the Northern Triangle. In 2021, it made sense for the administration to focus on the root cases of migration in those countries. But migration flows have changed dramatically in recent years. Record numbers of migrants have been coming from places outside of Central America, including from countries like Cuba, Colombia, China, Ecuador and Venezuela. In fiscal year 2023, for example, Border Patrol apprehensions of migrants from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador made up 22 percent of all crossings during that time period, down from 41 percent in fiscal year 2021, government statistics show. On the flip side, however, the administration could point to the fact that illegal crossings along the U.S. southern border by migrants from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador have decreased significantly every year since 2021. While most of her critics have been Republicans, Harris' work on immigration has also garnered some criticism from the left. During a visit to Guatemala in June 2021, Harris told those intending to migrate, ``Do not come,'' a statement that drew ire from some progressives and advocates for migrants. As the second-highest ranking member of the Biden administration, Harris will also likely face questions over the all-time levels of unlawful border crossings reported in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Those crossings, however, have plunged this year, reaching a three-year low in June, after Mr. Biden issued an executive order banning most migrants from asylum.