Bennie Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Hattie R. Jordan, the daughter of slaves who was reared on various plantations and the last one being owned by the late State of Mississippi Senator James O. Eastland. Her goal was not continue to chop and pick cotton for the rest of her life. Her goal was to get herself and her family off the plantation for a better way of life. Seven months after receiving her degree in Social Studies from Mississippi Valley State University she was able to build a house in Ruleville, Mississippi, and moved her surviving relatives, her father and sister from the plantation. Ms. Jordan's dedication to other blacks in the Mississippi Delta to have a better life propelled her to become the first black educator to work at Rosedale High School in Rosedale, Mississippi, and be involved in the Civil Rights Movement. She joined the NAACP where she still has membership. She entered political office in 1993 as an Alderwoman for the City of Ruleville and served four terms ending in 2009. She was and is instrumental in keeping the legacy of Ms. Fannie Lou Hamer alive. Ms. Jordan raised $115,000 to construct the Fannie Lou Hamer Memorial Garden. Her commitment to her community has developed into sponsoring the Ruleville Scholarship fundraiser, Ruleville Employees, and Senior Citizen's Dinner, organizing Annual Back-to- School Rallies, Annual Christmas give-away for the youth of Ruleville, sponsoring Student Council Debating Teams, Senior Class sponsor, and volunteering with numerous community organizations which enhance citizens' lives. Ms. Jordan lives by the motto: ``I can do all things through Christ, which strengthen me''. Mr. Speaker I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Hattie Jordan's dedication to education and the civil rights of others. Her life has touched the lives of people both young and old.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Annie Pearl Spears Nichols, a lifelong resident of Canton, Mississippi. Born November 20, 1944, Annie Pearl Spears Nichols attended school in the Canton area and later received her Licensed Practical Nursing Degree from Hinds Community College in 1972. Mrs. Nichols has spent a great majority of her lifetime actively participating in the Civil Rights struggle. She began her involvement in 1965 when she became an intricate voice in the Voter Education/Registration Movement in Canton. Many local mentors, such as the late Ms. Annie Devine, taught her pivotal information on organizing movements towards the integration of public facilities and schools. Her efforts were rewarded in the establishment of Freedom Schools and the successful organization of boycotts and civil rights demonstration in the area. In 1968, Annie married Attorney John Andrews Nichols, who was Canton's first Black attorney and first Black to run for Mayor for the City of Canton. Mrs. Nichols gave birth to four (4) children: Andrea, April; Alexis, and Adam. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols both pursued positions in public office; unfortunately, they were both defeated. Despite much opposition from the whites in the community, she and her husband continued their quest for equality and civil rights by participating in the March to Washington, DC and voicing concerns for continued funding of the Head Start Program. Through her struggles, she was afforded the opportunity to work alongside legendary figures of the Civil Rights Era, including James Meredith and Fannie Lou Hamer. Her community outreach expands to a number of civic organizations in which she is involved, such as Founder of the ``Let's Talk Cancer'' support group of Canton, commissioner of the Canton Housing Authority, President of the Eastside Neighborhood Watch Association, and a member of the Women for Progress. Mrs. Nichols has been honored with Excellence in Leadership Awards and continues to be a model for hard work and dedication in her community through volunteering with the Triple C and the Canton PTSA.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joan Richardson a long-time community activist in the Mississippi Delta, one of America's poorest regions, who has given tirelessly and selflessly to improving the lives of many who are in greatest need. She lifts up her community not only through her generous volunteerism but through her business. Her grant writing and small-business assistance company has raised hundreds of millions of dollars in grants and government contracts to benefit the Delta region. Her company, Richardson's Writing Service in Darling, Miss., has for 20 years helped community, faith-based and other nonprofit organizations obtain grants for programs that benefit children, the elderly and others in need. She knows economic development is essential to improving life in Quitman County, where she lives, and the rest of the Delta, and works with small businesses to develop business plans and win contracts to boost the region's economy. She is the publisher of By U Magazine, a magazine that highlights the good deeds of people in the Delta and calls on them to help their neighbors who are in need. She serves on the board of Delta Missions Outreach Ministries. She dismisses praise about her community service, saying she is only answering God's call and whatever contributions she makes is through Him. She lives in Sledge, Miss., with her husband, Victor a GED instructor at Northwest Community College and in the Quitman County School District. Her daughter, Latricia, teaches fifth grade in the school district. She has four grandchildren: Imani, Anaiah, Akeria, and India, a goddaughter, Monisha Wade and godson, Gerad Burt. Mrs. Richardson exemplifies how people in the Delta are building up their communities to improve life for everyone, especially those who need an extra lift up.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Jessie Polly Holloway Beverly. Mrs. Beverly was born on January 3, 1910 to the late Jesse and Minnie Rice Holloway on Spring Street in Fayette, Mississippi. She was the older of two children. Mrs. Beverly was married to her hometown sweetheart, Superintendent Mason R. Beverly, on June 26, 1936. To this marriage one daughter was added, the late Camille M. Beverly who was born on July 9, 1941. Mrs. Beverly is a long life educator. She knew at an early age that she had the desire to become a teacher. She began teaching at the age of 17. Mrs. Beverly's educational background included: Charles Summer School and Jackson State College. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education at Rust College in 1959 and a Master of Science Degree in Library Science from Atlanta University. She also furthered her studies at St. Louis University, Indiana State University, and Delta State University. Mrs. Beverly retired from the public school system after teaching 50 years. Her first job was in 1927 at Charles Summer School in Fayette, Mississippi. She was the first Black librarian in Jefferson County. She worked as a librarian in Jefferson County and Claiborne County School Districts. Mrs. Polly Beverly was also affiliated with Fayette Garden Club, Professional Teachers Association, Chamber of Commerce member, and the American Red Cross. Mrs. Beverly is presently a church mother at Mt. Zion Church of God In Christ but was reared in Adams Chapel Methodist Church. The city of Fayette named the Polly Beverly Apartments and Beverly St. in her honor.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a worthy member of our society Mrs. Elizabeth Sharkey Keglar. Her contributions to society are a great distance from Washington, in terms of miles but they are considered milestones back home in Tallahatchie County also known as the ``Free State of Tallahatchie''. She was married to Morgan Keglar in 1936 in which they had one son, Morgan, Jr., but one was just the start of her love to protect and teach children and allowed her and her husband to open their arms and home to four other boys. If you become familiar with her life and take into account the era in which she grew up along with where, the Mississippi Delta, then I am confident that you would join me in recognizing her this day. Mrs. Keglar was born November 12, 1914, in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, to James Sharkey and Roberta Wright Sharkey. ``The soul would not have a rainbow if the eyes didn't have tears.'' Her beginning was challenging and unsure. On the national scene she was born at the beginning of World War I (1914-November 1918) under the Woodrow Wilson Presidential administration. She lived through the Great Depression (1929-1940s) and a Second World War (1939-1945). She also lived through the Jim Crow laws of the dirty south. She along with other poor minorities and southerners in the south gained a sense of optimism with President Roosevelt's New Deal. On the local scene back home in Tallahatchie County, she was trying to live through two horrifying tragedies. One being the murder of her sister-in law in January 1966, Mrs. Birdia Keglar, longtime voting rights activist from Charleston, Mississippi, because of involvement in the civil rights. The other being the horrific murder of Emmett Till a fifteen-year-old, young black boy who was accused of whistling at a white woman in Money, Mississippi. However, in the midst of those and countless other events that helped to shape this country and Mrs. Keglar's life, she persevered. The way she dealt with them was through education. Education at that time was viewed as the only means of having a fighting chance of survival. Racism and murder were so rampant in the ``Free State of Tallahatchie'' that an education was vital. She told her high school principal, Professor Hopkins that she wanted to teach as her means of helping others. Professor Hopkins then took Elizabeth who was in eleventh grade at the time to the Tallahatchie County Courthouse to take a test to determine which grade levels she would be proficient enough in to teach. It was determined that her grade to teach would be the first grade. Afterwards, Elizabeth received her high school diploma in 1937. Teaching was a revered profession during that time because school houses for black, ``Negroes'' were done anywhere possible and often during certain times of the year (i.e., churches, outdoors, back rooms, after harvesting, etc.). In addition, she had to teach children of all ages in the same class. Mrs. Keglar taught at Mt. Levy Church School, which was a twelve mile walk from her home. She later transferred to Blue Cane Community School where she served as teacher and then principal. Her longest commute in the name of education was fifteen miles a day for eighteen years to and from Adams Quarter in the Town of Charleston. In 1960, Elizabeth graduated from Alcorn State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Elizabeth said her drive in life which has helped mold her young and now ninety-seven years old is, ``to live right and reach for the stars'' and that is how she has contributed to minorities, her people, and children throughout her home county of Tallahatchie. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Elizabeth Keglar and her commitment and contribution to this country.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rolling Fork Mississippi, native, Eldridge (Butch) Walker. Eldridge Walker was educated in the public schools of Sharkey County, Mississippi. He studied at Worshem College School of Mortuary Science. Early in his career, Eldridge exhibited the traits of a true leader and activist. He became an active participant in the fight for others and remained focused on improving the quality of life for all Sharkey County, Mississippi, residents, particularly the disenfranchised, poor and vulnerable. Butch was the first black president of the Sharkey County Board of Supervisors. As supervisor he was responsible for bringing the first Win Job Center to Rolling Fork, MS. Butch served as mayor of Rolling Fork from 2003 to 2007. While serving in the capacity of Mayor, Butch founded the Mayor's Youth Council in 2006 and hosted the Annual Christmas Dinner for Senior Citizens and after his term was over he continues this tradition with his own funds and community contributions. Eldridge owns and operates the Mitchell L. Walker Funeral Home in Rolling Fork. He is dedicated to helping families at such a delicate time in life. He is a member of 100 Black Men of the Mississippi Delta, a deacon and lifelong member of Mt. Lula Missionary Baptist Church and president of the Sharkey-Issaquena Mass Choir for 14 years. He is also team lead for Sharkey/Issaquena Place Matters, a program that brings awareness to communities about health issues such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Eldridge is married to Anne Marie Bailey. Together, the couple have six children, Nickolaus, Kimberly, Ashley, Wendi, Robert and Kiara and three grandchildren Dyamone, Elaysia and Jace.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Evelyn Gordon-Murray. Evelyn Gordon-Murray was born on June 22, 1964, the youngest of 10 children. She is a 1982 graduate from Leland High School in Leland, MS. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy from Alcorn State University in 1986. She also received her Masters degree in Agronomy from Alcorn State University in 1998. Evelyn is married to Darnell Murray. She has one daughter, Kenyatta Anderson. She belongs to Beulah Grove Baptist Church, where she serves as the secretary; a member of the Washington County Alumni; a member of New Organization of Women Social & Civic Club; a member of Eastern Star; the President of the Leland School Board; and also a band parent. Evelyn has worked for the federal government 23 years. She loves and enjoys helping others get assistance, especially in housing. She is currently the Area Specialist in Rural Development.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Rev. Eddie Walls, Jr., a native of Claiborne County. Dr. Rev. Eddie Walls was born March 24, 1928, to the late Eddie and Carrie Walls. His early education includes the Romola School, Old St. Mark School and the Claiborne County Training School. He furthered his education at Alcorn College located in Lorman, Mississippi. On August 15, 1944, he joined Greater St. Mark M B Church. On September 26, 1956 he was united in holy matrimony to the late Lessie Paris. To this union three (3) children were born: Linda, Eddie III, and Janice. He has five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Dr. Rev. Eddie Walls, Jr., serves as the Minister to two congregations. He was elected October 1976 at New Come & See M B Church, having now served 34 years; and the Jerusalem M B Church having served 25 years. As a citizen, he still finds the time to be involved in community activities. He was past president of the NAACP, where he led the charge during the Port Gibson Boycott for 12 years. The U.S. Supreme court rendered a decision in favor of the citizens of Port Gibson. He was also part of a group that filed a suit to stop At-Large elections in Port Gibson which was won by the citizens of Port Gibson. He was past president of the PTSA for nine years. He is currently serving on the City of Port Gibson's Board of Aldermen with a 22 year history. He was given an Honorary Doctorate in September 2010 by the Claiborne County Baptist Association. During his many years of dedicated service to this community, Dr. Rev. Eddie Walls, Jr., has proven himself to be a God-sent man.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Betty Crawford, a resident of Marks, MS, who has used her talent as a folk artist to teach and inspire many audiences. From summer art camps to craft workshops, children and adults alike have had countless opportunities to learn from her original style of art. Using textiles, paint, recycled and repurposed materials, she crafts one-of-a-kind treasures to preserve history and to document southern culture. Betty serves as a historian for the original Mule Train Journey of 1968, a part of the Poor People's Campaign. She has preserved the history of this event in the form of commemorative art pieces, which have been displayed at museums, schools, churches, community centers and at the Union Theology Seminary in New York. Betty Crawford, who was too young to participate in the first noble effort, has kept the legacy alive through her artistry and community service. Her depiction of the Mule Train has been nationally recognized as the only original commemoration of that event. Among other awards, she has received the 2002 Outstanding Achievement Award and the 2003 Humanized Education Award both from the Mississippi Association of Education. In 2004 and 2005 she was nominated for the National Education Association Award. In 2005 she was awarded the Tougaloo College Leadership Institute--Strategic Initiative Plan Award; Fannie Lou Hamer Award for Outstanding Community Service and and Peer Award for Excellence--Jackson, MS. Mrs. Crawford is presently working diligently with local governments, schools and community groups. She supports human rights projects including the Southern Rural Black Women Initiative in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia; Kensington Welfare Union Rights in Philadelphia, PA; Scholars Poverty Initiative at the Union Theology Seminary in New York, NY and other organizations that strive to empower people and rectify injustices. Mrs. Crawford's ultimate vision is to see a Southern Cultural Museum in Marks, MS, to house her Mule Train Quilt as well as other artists' work that would bring people from all around the world to experience a part of the Delta's Southern Heritage.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, this is a fundamental principle that we developed in the Homeland Security Committee, where we work with our stakeholders to protect this country. The notion of taking the resources away from the New York City Police Department, a major stakeholder in keeping this country safe, does not make sense. Representative King, the new chairman of the committee, outlined in a very passionate statement how this would devastate New York City. That partnership we've created has rendered results. All of the statistics that we have gleaned on this committee indicate that New York City is the number one terrorist target in the United States. This $100 million investment with the New York Police Department is an investment in security. What we have here is smoke and mirrors that ultimately will render the citizens of New York City vulnerable to any potential attack. So I call upon my colleagues to oppose this unfortunate cut in the name of getting paid back, and look at it in what ultimate damage it will cause. The New York City Police Department is known worldwide for its security investments and enhancements, but that's because of the partnership it's had with the Federal Government. We shouldn't punish the good people of New York for some ostensive reason with the United Nations. And let's talk a little bit about the United Nations. We're fortunate to have them on our shores here in the United States. That's worth a lot. We bring a lot of people to this country. Thousands of tourists visit that building every day. And so why all of a sudden do we want to limit the security of those individuals, among others who visit that building, just because we're trying to ``get some money back.'' Well, we are bigger than that. We have to lead by example. The best example we can do here today is to defeat this unwarranted, mean-spirited deal that does not provide any security for the good people of New York or the people who work in and around the United Nations building. That building was put here in 1951. It has been here a long time. We have been that beacon of hope for world order. And now, all of a sudden, we jeopardize it in a document that clearly we understand will not really cost any more money. So I ask for a vote in opposition to H.R. 519.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation to level the playing field in the Small Business Administration's, SBA, 8(a) small and disadvantaged business program by eliminating the preferences and special rules that exist for Alaska Native Corporations, ANCs. The 8(a) program was established to improve participation rates for small, minority-owned and operated, economically and socially disadvantaged businesses in the Federal marketplace. Under the program, eligible businesses receive training, technical assistance, and Federal contracting opportunities through set-asides and contract awards without competition. In the current economic climate, 8(a) contracting opportunities can sometimes be the difference between success and failure for small struggling businesses all across America. Yet, all too often, small businesses are crowded out of the Federal marketplace by ANCs who, since 1986, have benefited from a carve-out which allows these firms to receive contracts under the 8(a) program with ``special procurement advantages''--including the ability to win uncapped no-bid contracts. These benefits are not conferred to other 8(a) firms. As a result, ANCs, who only make up about 2 percent of eligible firms under the 8(a) program, actually receive more than a fourth of 8(a) contracts. Between FY2000 and FY2008, Federal contract dollars awarded to ANCs and their subsidiaries grew by 1,386 percent, and have more than tripled in recent years, from $1.1 billion in FY 2004 to $3.9 billion in FY 2008. The Washington Post, and more recently Pro Publica, have published exposes that reveal the inequities of the ANC carve-out and how it has contributed to government waste. My partner in the Senate in this effort is Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri has done extensive oversight of the ANC carve-out through her work on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ad-hoc Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight. I have been interested in the distorting effect of the ANC carve-out since 2005, when FEMA disproportionately awarded post-Katrina recovery contracts to ANC. At my request, the Government Accountability Office studied the program and, in 2006, reported that the SBA's oversight of ANCs has ``fallen short'' and as a result there is ``clearly the potential for unintended consequences or abuse.'' GAO further found that ``sizable 8(a) revenues do not guarantee a higher level of shareholder benefits'' to Alaska Natives. The evidence for whether these revenues have benefited Native Alaskans is anecdotal at best but, interestingly, the poverty rate in Alaska has actually gone up since 1986, from 8.8 percent to 9.4 percent. There are many glaring inconsistencies between the treatment of ANCs and all other 8(a) firms. For example: while awards to regular 8(a) firms are capped at $3.5 million for services contracts (or $5.5 million for goods), they are uncapped for ANCs and are often awarded through sole-source, no-bid contracts; while regular 8(a) firms may not participate in the program for more than nine years, ANCs can remain in the program indefinitely as long as they keep creating new subsidiaries; while regular 8(a) firms have to prove every year that they are socially and economically disadvantaged, ANCs are presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged; while regular 8(a) firms have to be run by an economically disadvantaged minority, ANCs do not have to be minority- owned and operated and are actually often run by wealthy non-Native managers. My legislation will: (1) standardize the eligibility requirements for all 8(a) firms; (2) require ANCs to show that they are actually economically and socially disadvantaged, as is required by other 8(a) firms; (3) require all 8(a) firms, including ANCs, to show, on an annual basis, that they are owned and operated by social and economical disadvantaged persons; (4) require the SBA to ensure that the size of ANCs participating in the 8(a) program meet the same ``small business'' definition as other 8(a) firms; (5) require ANCs to submit an annual report indicating 8(a) program-related payments, total revenue, and the total amount of benefits paid to ANC shareholders; (6) strike the provision that allow ANCs to receive sole-source contracts in excess of $3.5 million for services and $5.5 million for goods; and (7) remove the provision that allows ANCs to participate in the 8(a) program beyond 9 years, the limitation in place on other 8(a) firms. I urge Members to review my legislation and cosponsor this bill to ensure that eligible small businesses, in your community and mine, can reap the full benefit of the 8(a) program.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker now is the time to protect American families--uphold the Affordable Care Act and oppose H.R. 2, the Republican repeal of health care. A vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act will leave millions of Americans at risk of losing their health coverage; children will face discrimination because of pre- existing conditions and seniors will be left scrambling to pay full price for prescription drugs. In fact, there is a deep concern about the practicality of repealing the Affordable Care Act and the detrimental impact repeal will have on women, children and older Americans. When Republicans wrote a Medicare prescription plan that created a ``gap'' in their coverage, seniors across the country were forced to pay full price for their prescription drugs. The Affordable Care Act eliminated the ``donut hole'', allowing millions of seniors to buy life saving medications. Prior to the passage of the Affordable Care Act, many Americans families were uninsured and underinsured. Families were forced to choose between paying for coverage for children with pre-existing conditions or feeding them. Passage of the Affordable Care Act gave them back their dignity. Today, those children are guaranteed coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions and are allowed to remain covered under their parent's insurance plans until the age of 26. All 23 counties in the 2nd District are medically underserved and many of my constituents are unable to afford health coverage. Under the Affordable Care Act, 315,000, resident's health insurance coverage will improve; 95,000 uninsured residents in my district will be extended coverage; and 16,500 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage. We cannot and should not be considering repeal of a sound policy that millions of Americans are currently benefiting from and countless more stand to benefit when fully implemented. A vote in favor of this appeal would strip American families of their dignity and force them to go back to choosing between paying for health coverage or putting food on their tables. We must continue to build on our efforts to expand accessible and affordable health coverage for all Americans. Today, I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 2.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern about the failure of the Republican Majority's Rules package to fix jurisdiction over homeland security. In July 2004, the 9/11 Commission Report recommended that there be not more than one authorizing Committee in the House for the Department of Homeland Security. They argued that consolidated jurisdiction would provide the newly- established Department of Homeland Security with the same kind of strong Congressional partner that the Department of Defense has in the Committee on Armed Services. Upon establishment of the Committee on Homeland Security in 2005, Republican Leadership rebuffed this critical recommendation when it failed to designate the Committee on Homeland Security as the ``principal point of oversight and review for homeland security.'' I can tell you--from first-hand experience--that fractured jurisdiction results in absurd outcomes--with referrals of homeland security bills often bypassing the Committee on Homeland Security altogether. More than a few of you would probably be surprised to hear that the following three bills were not referred to the Committee on Homeland Security: a bill authorizing the protection of federal buildings from terrorist attacks and other threats--a Department of Homeland Security responsibility; a bill providing resources for DHS to prepare for and respond to acts of terrorism; and a bill to require airports to mitigate against the threat of a terrorist attack. The absurd and damaging effect of fractured jurisdiction has not gone unnoticed over the past six years. Every Secretary of Homeland Security--from Tom Ridge to Michael Chertoff to Janet Napolitano--has expressed concerns about fractured jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security. Indeed, in April 2010, Secretary Napolitano wrote that fractured jurisdiction has negatively impacted the Department's ability to fulfill its mission. Then, in May 2010, 9/11 Commission Chair Tom Kean testified that fractured jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security risks making the country less safe. The 111th Congress, under the leadership of Speaker Pelosi, approved a Rules package that included new language to underscore that the Committee on Homeland Security is the lead congressional committee for homeland security matters within the House. While this change represented progress, there was still a pressing need for legislative jurisdiction over homeland security to be consolidated. The Rules package under consideration today does nothing to end fractured jurisdiction over homeland security. Inexplicably, the package only changes the jurisdictional statement for the Committee on Armed Services--a committee that already has sweeping jurisdiction over the Defense Department. I am disappointed to see that the newly-minted House Leadership, despite assurances from the incoming Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security that Republican Leadership would do so, refuses to tackle what the 9/11 Commission said of all its recommendations was ``the most difficult and important.'' For this reason, I cannot support House Resolution Five (H. Res. 5) and urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this measure that knowingly turns a blind eye to a glaring deficiency in the House Rules that three Secretaries of Homeland Security, the 9/11 Commission and scores of homeland security experts have identified.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, as an original cosponsor of H.R. 4748, I urge passage of this important homeland security bill so that it can be sent to the President for signature. H.R. 4748, as amended by the Senate, would require the Director of National Drug Control Policy, ONDCP, to work with Federal, state, local, and international law enforcement to develop a comprehensive plan to prevent drug trafficking across the Northern Border. The bill requires the strategy to include clear recommendations for better coordination and assistance for tribal law enforcement agencies. More often than not, when I hear someone lament about our ``broken borders,'' they are talking about the Southern Border. While certainly the high-profile drug cartel violence and human smuggling activities warrant significant attention, we must not overlook the fact that there are significant border security challenges to the north, as well. In recent years, a diverse array of traffickers ranging from outlaw motorcycle gangs to Canadian drug rings have exploited the long, sparsely populated and very wooded border to traffic in large quantities of marijuana, ecstasy, and methamphetamines. Surveillance of the border is particularly challenging since smugglers have a wide range of delivery options--from helicopter and other small craft to boat and float plane to cattle trucks and even snowmobiles. Representative Owens, with his firsthand perspective of conditions on the Northern Border, is to be commended for authoring this bill to ensure that the Federal government has a unified approach to preventing the flow of drugs into the United States through this critical border-- which spans about 4,000 miles. The bill is not only integral to border security, but is vital for economic development in New York's North Country and other communities in the 13 states along our border with Canada. Thousands of jobs in these areas depend on the swift movement of lawful commerce across the Northern Border; illicit activity along the border risks undermining this critical trading relationship. I congratulate Representative Owens, a valuable member on the Homeland Security Community, for his work on Northern Border security issues and--especially--his efforts in introducing a strategic approach to stemming the flow of illicit drugs across the U.S.-Canadian border. I urge passage of H.R. 4748.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3243, the Anti-Border Corruption Act. The men and women of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are the guardians of our Nation's borders. They protect our ports of entry and areas in between against homeland security threats, including illicit trafficking and other criminal activity, while facilitating legitimate trade and travel. The vast majority of CBP personnel are committed to the border security mission. However, there have been instances in recent years of individuals seeking and securing employment with CBP for the express purpose of engaging in smuggling and other criminal activities. For example, last December, Border Patrol Agent Raquel Esquivel was sentenced to 15 years in prison for informing smugglers on the location of patrols. She reportedly joined the Border Patrol based on the recommendation of a high school friend and drug smuggler who convinced her it was a ``good career move'' for both of them. More recently, just last week, a Customs Officer based at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport was arrested in one of the largest ecstasy pill seizures in the country. The officer was charged with conspiring to launder drug money, bulk cash smuggling and attempting to bring weapons onto an aircraft. He allegedly used his badge to bypass security and avoid screening. H.R. 3243 would strengthen CBP by enhancing the agency's personnel integrity policies. Specifically, the bill would require CBP to: (1) require all applicants for CBP law enforcement positions to undergo polygraph examinations; and (2) commence background re-investigations of certain employees within six months of enactment. CBP deploys more than 57,000 employees each day. On a typical day, they process about one million passengers and pedestrians; execute more than two thousand apprehensions between ports and over one hundred criminal arrests at ports of entry. Given this high-threat environment, it is not surprising that drug trafficking organizations have turned their attention to infiltrating and compromising CBP. The dramatic increases in staffing have also contributed to personnel vulnerabilities. The Border Patrol has seen its agents double from approximately 10,000 agents in FY 2002 to more than 20,000 in FY 2009. This rate of growth has made it difficult for CBP to pace with periodic personnel re-investigations. I urge passage of S. 3243 which takes some important steps to help prevent the hiring of those who seek to infiltrate CBP for terrorist or criminal purposes and ensure that re-investigations are conducted on a regular basis to weed out any potential corruption.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I would like the following remarks to be inserted into the Congressional Record for H.R. 3082, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act 2011. The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act 2011 provides important protections to the United States food supply. However, it targets much of its focus on ``facilities'' as defined and registered under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the ``Bioterrorism Act''), codified in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act at Section 415 (21 U.S.C. Sec. 350d). That reference to ``facilities'' registered under the Bioterrorism Act has led to confusion. While some companies may have registered their operations as ``facilities'' under the Bioterrorism Act in an abundance of caution, those companies should not now become subject to the full range of FDA's jurisdiction as a result of this Bill. It was never the intent of this legislation to include seed production or storage establishments in the definition of ``facility'', for purposes of either FFDCA Sec. 415 or for the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act 2011. In many respects, these establishments are similar to farms, which are exempted from Sec. 415's definition of ``facility''. Nevertheless, earlier lack of clarity as to Congress's intent regarding this matter has led to confusion in an industry that has historically not been subject to regulation by FDA. These establishments provide necessary agricultural inputs to growers of food, feed, fiber and fuel stocks. In some instances, seed grown in Southern Hemisphere countries is imported to provide American farmers fresh, quality seed for spring planting. Seed intended for planting is not food or feed and should not be regulated as such, at the border or anywhere else. It is not the intent of this bill to do so.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, illegal penetrations or ``hacks'' of computer networks have become an increasingly serious homeland security issue. Not only do they threaten the personal fortunes and identities of our citizens but also the effective functioning of our government, our infrastructure, our economy, and our national security. As Americans at all levels of society--from their personal lives to their professional work--grow increasingly reliant on computers and those computers become ever more connected, the scope of this security vulnerability continues to expand at a dizzying rate. Over the past year or so, there has been an active Congressional debate about what should be done to address this significant homeland security vulnerability. The introduction of the ``Homeland Security Cyber and Physical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2010,'' is intended to refocus the debate away from Presidential Internet shut-down authority and other ``what ifs'' and back to the central Federal cybersecurity challenge--the mismatch between the Department of Homeland Security's, DHS, designation, since 2003, as the ``focal point for security of cyberspace,'' and the authorities conferred to DHS to fulfill its cybersecurity mission with respect to networks operated by Federal civilian agencies and critical infrastructure. The ``Homeland Security Cyber and Physical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2010,'' seeks to enhance DHS' cybersecurity capacity by authorizing the DHS Office of Cybersecurity and Communications and creating a new Cybersecurity Compliance Division to oversee the establishment of performance-based standards responsive to the particular risks to the (1) .gov domain and (2) critical infrastructure networks, respectively. This bill is designed to require DHS to work with network operators to develop tailored security plans that meet risk-based, performance-based standards, as is being done in DHS' Chemical Facility Anti-terrorism program. ``Homeland Security Cyber and Physical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2010,'' is focused on providing the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, with the resources and authority that it needs to fulfill its Federal responsibility as the protector of our Nation's cyberspace. Specifically, the bill seeks to give DHS the resource and authority needed to strengthen the cybersecurity of (1) Federal government networks--the ``.gov'' domain--and (2) critical infrastructure in the private sector. From a security and good-government standpoint, the way to deliver better cybersecurity is to leverage, modify, and enhance existing structures and efforts, rather than make wholesale bureaucratic changes. To that end, my bill authorizes a cybersecurity operation within the Department of Homeland Security that not only runs parallel to the Department's infrastructure protection work but also leverages, modifies, and enhances existing cybersecurity structures and programs. My bill specifically directs DHS to issue risk-based, performance-based cybersecurity standards for computer networks for systems in the .gov domain and those within the private sector that are within designated critical infrastructure. For DHS' efforts to succeed, there needs to be ``buy-in'' on the front end and compliance on the hack end. The bill fosters ``buy-in'' from the operators of the civilian Federal networks by establishing a working group comprised of Federal agencies, and chaired by the Secretary of Homeland Security, that is responsible for establishing risk-based, performance-based standards and corresponding remedies, including penalties, for non-compliance with these standards. Similarly, to foster ``buy-in'' for risk-based, performance-based standards for the critical infrastructure firms, DHS is directed to develop the standards in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders--from the Intelligence Community to the heads of sector- specific agencies to councils representing the interests of private sector companies--and subject the standards to the notice and comment regulatory process. With respect to compliance, my bill directs DHS to look at approaches to foster compliance--such as liability protection under the Safety Act--and grants DHS the authority to delegate enforcement to another Federal department that has an existing regulatory authority over that sector. In some cases, delegation will prevent private sector firms from being subjected to redundant and overlapping regulations. To ensure compliance, civilian Federal networks will be regularly monitored by DHS to ensure that each agency is in compliance with the standards adopted by the Federal agency working group. The bill requires DHS to report infractions and corresponding remedies to the Office of Management and Budget, who, in turn, is required to execute the corresponding penalty or remedy. My bill also includes a number of provisions to improve the reporting of cyber incidents, the sharing of information on cyber threats, the capacity of DHS to hire 500 additional cyber professionals and the level of cybersecurity research and development activities. Taken together, the ``Homeland Security Cyber and Physical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2010,'' will make our Nation more secure and better position DHS--the ``focal point for the security of cyberspace,'' under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7--to fulfill its critical homeland security mission. I urge Members to join me and cosponsor this important, common-sense homeland security legislation.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3619, a bill to authorize the activities of the United States Coast Guard. A version of this legislation passed the House in October of last year and was subsequently amended by the Senate in May. Action on the resolution before us today would send the bill back to the Senate for passage, clearing it for signature by the President. H.R. 3619 provides long-overdue resources to the Coast Guard--a multi-mission agency that has been without an authorization for many years. As Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, I am especially pleased that the bill strengthens Coast Guard's maritime security operations to meet the challenges of our post-9/11 world. Specifically, the bill: authorizes an end-of-year strength of 47,000 Service Members for FY 2011; enhances acquisition reform for essential Coast Guard assets, such as the National Security Cutter; strengthens the Coast Guard's Maritime Security Response Team-related activities; increases the number of Canine Detection Teams; expands a maritime biometrics verification system for individuals interdicted at sea; authorizes interagency operational centers for port security; improves port security training for facility security officers; enhances security measures for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other especially hazardous cargos; and authorizes a ``see it, say it'' type public awareness program for recreational boaters to report suspicious activities on the waters. The bill also includes provisions that I fought hard for to improve the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. My Committee has done extensive oversight over the implementation of the TWIC program and, through that work, we have identified a number of areas where the program should be improved to take into account the interests of affected workers. Specifically, H.R. 3619 includes provisions to: help workers who have applied for but are still waiting to receive their TWIC cards continue to work; improve TWIC application processing times; facilitate more convenient methods of applying for the credential; and require GAO to look at whether DHS could mail credentials to applicants' homes like the State Department does with passports. We received testimony on September 17, 2008, from a trucker who needlessly spent hours making multiple visits to an enrollment center to complete the TWIC process. Streamlining that process will save workers and their employers a significant amount of time that would otherwise be wasted. Though this bill does a great deal to take into account the challenges that workers have experienced with the implementation of the TWIC program, I am disappointed that language from the House-passed version--dealing with prohibiting redundant federal and state background checks--is not included in this version of the legislation. I was also dismayed that certain House provisions dealing with the Coast Guard Academy are not included in this version of the bill. When the bill was passed by the House last year, I worked with the Coast Guard Subcommittee Chairman, Mr. Cummings, to include a new process for Members of Congress to nominate candidates for the Coast Guard Academy--as we are able to do for other Military Service academies. It also included language specifically authorizing a Minority Service Institution Management Internship Program. Coast Guard lags behind the other Services in diversity and these measures were intended to help make the Coast Guard better reflect the American people. Unfortunately, the provisions were removed from the bill due to objections by certain Members of the other body. Nevertheless, what you have before you is a good and necessary bill. It authorizes the resources and programs necessary to ensure that the Coast Guard is able to live up to its motto--``Always Ready.'' This bill and the United States Coast Guard deserve our support. In closing, I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar and Chairman Cummings for working to bring this bill to the floor. I would also like to express my appreciation to Ranking Member King and his staff for working so cooperatively, particularly to ensure that the maritime security needs of the Coast Guard are met. It is my hope that our Senate colleagues will act expeditiously to clear the bill for the President.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, over-classification of homeland security information is a major barrier to Federal efforts at fostering greater information sharing within the Federal Government as well as with State, local, and tribal entities, and the private sector. H.R. 553, the Reducing Over-Classification Act, introduced by Congresswoman Jane Harman, tackles this practice in a comprehensive fashion. To that end, H.R. 553 establishes a Classified Information Advisory Officer within DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis to develop and disseminate educational materials for State, local, and tribal authorities and the private sector on how to challenge classification designations and, at the same time, assist with the security clearance process. This bill also tackles the practice of over-classification within the larger Intelligence Community (IC) by directing the Director of National Intelligence to: take new, proactive, steps to promote appropriate access of information by Federal, State, local, and tribal governments with a need to know; issue guidance to standardize, in appropriate cases, the formats for classified and unclassified products; establish policies and procedures requiring the increased use of so-called ``tear lines'' portion markings in intelligence products to foster broader distribution to State, local, and tribal law enforcement and others who need to access such information; and require annual training for each IC employee with the authority to classify material. I am pleased that H.R. 553 also directs originators of intelligence products to share information that could likely benefit first preventers on the beat with the IC's in-house team of first preventer analysts--the ``ITACG'' or ``Interagency Threat Assessment and Coordination Group.'' The ITACG analysts have the boots-on-the-ground perspective on what information lends itself to cops on the beat. Through this new process, we will have a new mechanism to tackle the stovepiping of information within the IC that we know cops need to keep their communities secure. Reducing the amount of unnecessary classification and increasing the amount of information shared throughout the public and private sectors will contribute to improving or ability to detect, deter, and prevent terrorist plots. Nine years after the attacks of September 11th, we must stand together and reject--once and for all--the practice of over- classification, an outgrowth of the outdated ``need to know'' paradigm. Finally, I would like to applaud the Chairwoman of my Committee's Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment Subcommittee--Representative Harman. She has worked on this problem for many years and is a true champion for all the ``first preventers'' out there that have been kept from accessing intelligence information that they need to protect the public and should be commended for her steadfast efforts on this government-wide challenge. I urge my colleagues to support this important homeland security bill so that we get it to the President's desk for his signature.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3980, the Redundancy Elimination and Enhanced Performance for Preparedness Grants Act. I would like to thank Representative Cuellar for introducing this legislation and my colleagues on the Committee on Homeland Security for helping to make this a truly bi-partisan effort. For years, FEMA has struggled to establish a system for determining the effectiveness of the billions of dollars it gives to State, local, and tribal governments to help them prepare for natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other man-made disasters. Such a system is essential to ensure that the taxpayers' money is being used wisely and effectively. The Senate Amendment to H.R. 3980 would address this problem by requiring the FEMA Administrator to submit a plan to Congress for developing performance measures for its preparedness grants and streamlining the grant process by eliminating duplicative reporting requirements for grant recipients. In October of 2009, the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response, then chaired by Mr. Cuellar of Texas, held an oversight hearing into whether FEMA had a plan in place for performance measures for the approximately $29 billion in homeland security grants it had provided the nation. At that hearing, it became evident that FEMA had not yet developed an effective system for measuring the effectiveness of its grants and that in administering them, it unnecessarily burdened State, local, and tribal governments by requiring grant recipients to submit duplicative information. On November 2, 2009, Mr. Cuellar translated the Committee's oversight findings into legislation--H.R. 3980. Under this bill, FEMA is required to work with State, local, tribal and territorial stakeholders to develop a plan to: Streamline homeland security grant reporting requirements, rules and regulations to eliminate redundant reporting; Develop a strategy that includes a set timeline to provide much needed performance metrics for grant programs and ensure that the funds are going to the areas where they will be the most beneficial; and Require an inventory of each homeland security grant program that incorporates the purpose, objectives and performance goals of each program. The Redundancy Elimination and Enhanced Performance for Preparedness Grants Act would require FEMA to provide the Committee on Homeland Security with the plan required by the bill not later than 90 days after enactment of the bill. This bill would also require biannual updates to maintain a careful and watchful eye on redundancies in the law that might hamper or confuse grant recipients. The House unanimously passed H.R. 3980 on Dec. 2, 2009, and the Senate passed an amendment in the nature of a substitute for H.R. 3980 on September 22, 2010. The Senate improved upon the House-passed bill by requiring FEMA to task the National Academy of Public Administration, NAPA, to study, develop and recommend performance measures for grants the Department of Homeland Security administers. As you know, Mr. Speaker, NAPA is a congressionally-chartered nonprofit organization that has extensive experience working on performance measurement and they will provide valuable expertise to FEMA. Mr. Speaker, this bill will ensure that FEMA takes steps to determine the Nation's overall preparedness and how homeland security grants have built the necessary capabilities to prepare for, protect against, and respond to an act of terrorism and other threats. I urge all my colleagues to support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3980.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, House Resolution 1618 supports the important goals and ideals of National Preparedness Month. I thank the ranking member and all my colleagues on the Committee on Homeland Security for coming together in a bipartisan manner to show support for this important resolution. I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution. 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 (Ms. Richardson).

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1618. I am pleased that House Resolution 1618 is being considered by the full House today during National Preparedness Month. I would like to thank Ranking Member King, as well as Representatives Richardson and Rogers, the chairwoman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response, for their support of this resolution and joining me as House congressional co-chairs for National Preparedness Month. House Resolution 1618 commends the public servants at the Department of Homeland Security for their outstanding dedication to securing our Nation and encourages the American public to participate in National Preparedness Month. National Preparedness Month is sponsored by DHS. Spearheaded by FEMA's Ready campaign and Citizen Corps program, National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. This year, the Ready Campaign has partnered with over 4,000 coalition members across the country to promote the message that preparedness is a shared responsibility. As a former volunteer firefighter, I know that lives are saved when the public takes steps to prepare for the worst. Individuals across the country can be more prepared for the next disaster by making a family emergency plan, assembling an emergency supply kit and learning about possible threats in their area. Businesses, both large and small, should also make every effort to plan for disasters by conducting a risk assessment, completing a business continuity plan, and preparing an evacuation plan that takes into account the needs of all their employees, including those with disabilities. We are up to our 12th named storm during this hurricane season, and according to the DHS, the number of attempted terrorist attacks against the U.S. over the last 9 months has surpassed the number of attempts during any other previous 1-year period. The good news is that today we are more prepared to respond to disasters than at any other time in our history, as we have a stronger FEMA and better equipped first responders standing ready across the country. Despite all the effort that has gone into building a more secure and resilient Nation, more work needs to be done. In a survey conducted in 2009, FEMA found that just 56 percent of respondents had disaster supply kits in their homes and only 38 percent knew where to find key public safety information. It is my great hope that National Preparedness Month will help improve these numbers. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1618 and also ask them to encourage their constituents to visit ready.gov where they can learn how to be vigilant, alert, and prepared for any emergency. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1517 and yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 1517 would allow the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to correct an employee classification error affecting a few CBP personnel currently serving overseas. Decades ago, the Immigration and Naturalization Service hired a few people, on a temporary, part- time basis, to work in pre-clearance operations at ports in Ireland, Aruba and the Bahamas. Over the past 20 years, their work evolved into full-time, permanent jobs. However, due to a technical issue, it turns out that their positions fell into a ``gray area.'' Though long-term CBP staff, they are ineligible for permanent U.S. civil service positions and, by extension, are not conferred the protections and immunities afforded to permanent CBP employees in the U.S. Additionally, this situation puts CBP in violation of a U.S. agreement with Ireland, ratified after these individuals were hired, which requires all pre-clearance employees to be permanent employees. CBP, the Office of Personnel Management, and the Department of State have tried to resolve this matter but congressional action is necessary. H.R. 1517 grants the CBP commissioner the authority to convert the positions of 24 overseas employees to full-time, permanent civil service positions. This action is not without precedent. It has been done before at the IRS and the Library of Congress. Without this legislation, these long-term CBP employees may face termination and CBP would lose the benefit of their expertise. Going forward, it is our hope that the commissioner will take the histories of these dedicated individuals into account when determining their futures. H.R. 1517 directs the commissioner to make conversion decisions based on CBP's operational needs and in a manner that, to the extent practicable, does not disrupt these workers. It was introduced by Representative Elliot Engel and the ranking member of my committee, Peter King. The House passed the bill last December and the Senate did so last month with minor changes. Passage today will clear the bill for the President's signature. I urge my colleagues to support this bill that remedies a discrete personnel issue that jeopardizes the continued employment of a cadre of U.S. citizens who provide a valuable border security service to our country. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.