Nikema Williams

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. John Laughter on his retirement from Delta Air Lines after more than three decades of distinguished service. Over the course of 32 years, John has built a remarkable record of leadership and service that has left a lasting mark on one of our Nation's leading airlines and on the thousands of employees he has guided and inspired. John began his career at Delta TechOps as an aircraft liaison engineer. From those early days, he steadily rose through the ranks, leading teams through some of the most challenging and exciting periods in the company's history. He helped rebuild the airline following Delta's emergence from Chapter 11, playing a critical role in restoring the strength and reliability of the airline's operations. He also steered the integration of Delta and Northwest Airlines that enabled a successful merger, significantly expanding Delta's domestic and international footprint. This strategic unification not only broadened Delta's route network across the United States but also strengthened its global reach--connecting more communities and offering enhanced travel options to customers worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, John led Delta's operational response at a moment of unprecedented uncertainty. Under enormous pressure, he helped maintain safe, secure, and reliable service, preserving an essential part of our national transportation infrastructure and supporting countless workers and communities that depend on air travel. Under John's leadership, Delta's TechOps Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul business has bolstered the airline's resilience and competitiveness. Today, the MRO business stands as a significant source of revenue for Delta, providing maintenance services to other airlines around the world and setting Delta apart from its peers through its scale, technical expertise, and industry-leading reliability. By leveraging its world-class MRO capabilities, Delta has not only strengthened its own operations but also established itself as a trusted partner in the global aviation community. John has also been a tireless champion of safety, helping establish Delta's safety management system and insisting on the accountability and culture necessary to keep employees and customers safe. Navigating an increasing changing threat environment and global events, he ensured Delta remains focused on the security of our people, our customers, and our operations. At the same time, he has leaned into innovation and the passenger experience, guaranteeing our customers the latest in security technology, as well as providing a seamless' and secure travel experience from curb to gate. In every role he has held, John championed operational excellence. He inspired Delta's people to take pride in delivering a safe, clean, and on-time operation that customers could trust to connect them to the people and places that matter most. But colleagues will tell you that his greatest legacy is not only the systems he built, but the people he supported. John has been known throughout his career as a servant leader and a steadfast advocate for Delta's people-focused culture. He has always understood that operational excellence flows from great people who are cared for, respected, and inspired to be at their best. His deep, personal connection with frontline teams has been central to his leadership and to the success of Delta Air Lines. Mr. Speaker, John Laughter's last day at Delta will be April 30. As he begins his next chapter, he looks forward to spending more time with his family, especially his first grandson. On behalf of my constituents and this body, I offer him our sincere gratitude for his decades of service, and our best wishes for a long, healthy, and fulfilling retirement. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. John Laughter on his well-earned retirement and in recognizing his vast contributions to the people and customers of Delta Air Lines and to the broader aviation community.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, the SAVE America Act is back before the House today, and right along with it is yet another attempt at voter suppression. It is no coincidence that this is happening right before the midterm elections. In January, the FBI raided the Fulton County election office, my home county, where I am a voter. That raid was a bold attempt to intimidate voters in the Fighting Fifth. The SAVE America Act is just another part of a scheme by House Republicans and the Trump administration to take over our elections. Atlanta's civil rights leaders, like my predecessor, the late Congressman John Lewis, faced one of the bloodiest battles over our right to vote. The SAVE America Act will make it harder for millions of Americans to get registered to vote by requiring in-person registration at election offices--government offices with government hours. This is a burden for caregivers and any hardworking American with a 9-to-5 job. The SAVE America Act is an unfunded mandate to silence voters. The goal of this bill is voter suppression, plain and simple. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this terrible bill.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on Thursday, December 18, 2025. If I were present for Roll Call votes, I would have voted Aye on: Roll Call No. 355, On Motion to Recommit H.R. 4776, SPEED Act; Roll Call No. 357, On Motion to Recommit H.R. 1366, Mining Regulatory Clarity Act; Roll Call No. 359, On Motion to Recommit H.R. 845, Pet and Livestock Protection Act; and Roll Call No. 361, On Motion to Recommit H.R. 498, Do No Harm in Medicaid Act. If I were present for Roll Call votes, I would have voted No on the Following Amendments to H.R. 4776, the SPEED Act: Roll Call No. 352, Clyde Amendment No. 1; Roll Call No. 353, Roy Amendment No. 5; Roll Call No. 354, Roy Amendment No. 6; Roll Call No. 356, On Passage of H.R. 4776, SPEED Act; Roll Call No. 358, On Passage of H.R. 1366, Mining Regulatory Clarity Act; Roll Call No. 360, On Passage of H.R. 845, Pet and Livestock Protection Act; and Roll Call No. 362, On Passage of H.R. 498, Do No Harm in Medicaid Act.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4423, the bipartisan No New Burma Funds Act. This bill, which I introduced with my colleague Young Kim, would mandate that the United States use its voice and vote to continue the World Bank's pause on disbursements and new financing commitments to the Government of Burma. This pause was initiated after a military coup overthrew the democratically elected Government of Burma in 2021. Mr. Speaker, 4 years ago, the democratically elected leaders in Burma's ruling party, the National League for Democracy, were overthrown by the Tatmadaw, Burma's military. Since the military regime's coup, we have seen families displaced. We have seen citizens detained without access to income, education, or healthcare. There has been brutal violence against the Burmese civilian population. I center my work on my constituents and fighting for those most marginalized. Mr. Speaker, while I hope we are going to have a robust conversation around making sure that everyone back home in my district is housed with affordable housing and lowering costs in this country, today, this bill is still central to my constituents. In my district alone, DeKalb County is home to over 2,000 Burmese refugees. In another life, prior to my congressional service, I was a public school teacher. I had a student who was a Burmese refugee. Htet-Yet and his family's story is empowering and a stark reminder that not only do we have an obligation to help those no matter their ZIP Code, but we have a duty to help those no matter where they are around the globe. This legislation gives our country yet another tool to put financial pressure on the Burmese Government. This bill will ensure that the U.S. executive director at the World Bank pushes the institution to continue its pause on the disbursement of funds and new financing commitments to the government, incentivizing the Burmese Government to give power back to the most important piece of any thriving free country: the people. I thank Congresswoman Young Kim for co-leading this important legislation with me. I also thank Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters for their support of this priority. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor Mr. Miles Jordan Alexander, an Atlanta legal giant whose life embodied the fight for justice and equality. From advocating for racial integration as a student at Emory University to mentoring generations of diverse attorneys to even infiltrating a Klan meeting under the name Miles Jordan as a spy, he broke barriers and built bridges, all while playing every game of tennis he possibly could. His commitment to civil rights, to civic engagement, and to the Jewish community created a ripple effect that helped shape a more inclusive and equitable Atlanta. A devoted father and husband, Miles Alexander shared more than 70 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Elaine, and raised four children with unwavering love and intention. He often spoke of his family as his proudest accomplishment. We are told throughout our lives to leave this world better than we found it. Miles Alexander did exactly that. It is one of the great pleasures of my life to have been a beneficiary of his commitment to justice and to have known him. As I mourn with the Alexander family, it is my honor to celebrate the legacy of courageous service of Mr. Miles Jordan Alexander in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. ``Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic.'' ``Ours is not the struggle of 1 day, 1 week, or 1 year . . . ours is the struggle of a lifetime. . . . `' When Congressman John Lewis spoke these words, he was reminding us that justice work is much longer than a moment. It is a commitment, a calling, and a lifelong fight. Mr. Speaker, 60 years after he put his body on the line for our freedom, our struggle continues. We are marching in our communities and fighting back in committee rooms. We do this to push back against cuts to Medicaid that will leave NICU babies without care, cuts to SNAP that will take food out of the mouths of children and seniors, and cuts to education that will tell our students to dream smaller. We bring our full selves to the struggle in many ways: through early mornings in community centers and late nights on the House floor; by standing up at the mike and showing up in the margins; through townhalls and negotiating in the Halls of Congress; and through sitting in, standing firm, and speaking out. Getting into good trouble was never a one-size-fits-all call to action, and we honor the legacy of Congressman Lewis when we all find always to get in the way. Mr. Speaker, this moment is not the last struggle that we will face, but we fight anyway with hope, with intention, and with determination to achieve the beloved community. This is the struggle of a lifetime, the struggle of our lifetime. With urgency, clarity, and intention, we march on.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the amendment at the desk that protects against any cuts to Medicaid and SNAP.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome my constituent George Glezmann home from more than 2 years of wrongful detention by the Taliban in Afghanistan. George is home with his family in Atlanta in large part because of the tireless efforts of his wife Aleksandra. A devoted Delta airplane mechanic, George has an infectious zeal for life, travel, and experience, and I know he is eager to return to a life of normalcy and autonomy. I also want to highlight the challenges that come from extended wrongful detention: George has numerous medical conditions that arose from lack of ongoing care, and his assets have been put in conservatorship. The financial instability that came from George's detention has resulted in him and Aleksandra losing access to stable housing, a challenge exacerbated by George's ongoing conservatorship. I am so pleased that George is back with his family, and words cannot fully celebrate the work Aleksandra put in to bring her husband home. I look forward to George's swift return to normalcy and autonomy with his loved ones, back in Atlanta where he belongs.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my constituent Monica. Monica has lupus, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. Constant hospital stays make it tough for her to make ends meet. Monica told me that her last hospital stay brought dialysis, blood transfusions, and one complication after another. It also brought a loss of her job. Monica was hospitalized, fighting for her life, when she learned that her $31 a week in SNAP benefits were being cut. Still, with the rising cost of food, she told me that just those $31 in benefits made it possible for her to eat the foods that were healthy to keep her thriving and manage her health. Monica wrote: ``Any cuts to these programs would be devastating for people like me. This isn't just about politics. This is about survival.'' I agree with Monica. This is about survival. This is about the millions of people who will lose access to food under the GOP tax scam. Mr. Speaker, we demand better. It is time for House Republicans to stand up and join us in protecting the basic needs of the people instead of prioritizing massive tax breaks for billionaires. I stand with Monica.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Georgia's Fifth Congressional District to honor Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Willis on a very special 99th birthday. Mr. Willis has lived a life of service, and I am proud to help him celebrate his 99 years of life and more than 75 years of uninterrupted service to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1926, Mr. Willis served in the Navy during World War II and was initiated into the Beta Mu Chapter at Kentucky State University in 1949. From there, Mr. Willis would go on to serve in many leadership roles in the fraternity, including district director of Georgia and southern regional vice president. Mr. Willis' unceasing fraternal dedication has earned him the Alpha Award of Merit from General President Darryl Matthews, the highest award that Alpha Phi Alpha can bestow on a member. Mr. Willis is an exemplification of Men of Distinction, his brotherhood's moniker. I congratulate him on his 99th birthday and for his life of service to his community. I hope that he is enjoying this day in Atlanta.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the Congresswoman for Georgia's Fifth District, the cradle of the civil rights movement and the home of Dr. King, Ambassador Andrew Young, and my predecessor, the late Congressman John Lewis. I carry their legacy with me every time I walk onto this floor. Mr. Speaker, the SAVE Act is everything our civil rights leaders fought against. Don't think that it won't impact you or folks that you know. If you got married and changed your name, your ID won't match your birth certificate. If you don't have a passport and your ID doesn't match your birth certificate, you can't prove your citizenship. According to the SAVE Act, you won't be able to vote. Right now, under Trump and Musk's disastrous economy, families like so many of those who I represent back home in Georgia are struggling to keep up with the cost of groceries, let alone adding $130 for a passport just to register to vote. In Georgia, over half of the population doesn't have a passport, and our driver's licenses, even the REAL ID, don't prove citizenship. This resolution could force Georgians to pay more than $700 million just to register to vote. Mr. Speaker, that is a poll tax, plain and simple, and it is blatant voter suppression.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, voter suppression by any other name is still voter suppression. This resolution violates the 14th Amendment, 19th Amendment, 24th Amendment, and every tenet of a free and inclusive democracy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this disgrace of a voter suppression resolution.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, as students return to school for the upcoming school year, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the opening of Booker T. Washington High School in Georgia's Fighting Fifth Congressional District. In September 1924, the opening of Booker T. Washington High School marked the first opportunity for Black students in the State of Georgia to attend a public high school. This momentous achievement was the culmination of tireless organizing and a direct result of Atlanta's Black Community's political power and determination. In fact, not until the NAACP and Black community leaders conducted a successful voter registration drive and new Black voters defeated a school bond referendum in 1919 did promises of a new Black high school bear fruit, with money from a 1921 school bond used to construct what would become Booker T. Washington High School. Black students came from across the state to study at Booker T. Washington High School, as it remained Georgia's only public high school for Black students until 1947. The school's origins in organizing and collective power are evident in the remarkable alumni it has produced, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., groundbreaking surgeon and educator Dr. Asa Yancy, State Representative ``Able'' Mable Thomas, trailblazing lawyer and judge Romae T. Powell, former United States Secretary for Health and Human Services Dr. Louis Sullivan, and educator Dr. Pearlie Craft Dove. From its inception, Booker T. Washington High School has been part of the fabric ot Atlanta and the State of Georgia and an integral part of its community. Students, neighbors, and alums continue to tout the skill and energy of the marching band and take every opportunity to enjoy school spirit and their music. Booker T. Washington High School deserves a place in history, not just in the history of Atlanta or Georgia, but of our country. I hope you will join me in both recognizing this historic day and in cosponsoring a resolution to be introduced later this month that will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Booker T. Washington High School.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate Balram Bheodari, a constituent of Georgia's Fighting Fifth Congressional District who was instrumental to the success and growth of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Known to everyone in Atlanta as ``B,'' he brought the sense of duty forged during his time as an Army aviator to his 22 years of service to the airport. As General Manager for Hartsfield-Jackson, he was pivotal in the airport's growth and its recognition as the world's busiest and most efficient airport. Under B's leadership the airport completed numerous major capital projects, making use of transformative investments totaling billions of dollars and positioning Hartsfield-Jackson as the model of success for all large airport hubs across the nation. B oversaw pivotal projects such as the creation of the airport's fifth runway, the Consolidated Rental Car Center, the Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal--the most extensive hold baggage screening system in the country, and countless other terminal renovation projects. B's expertise in the airport and aviation space has been invaluable as he and I worked closely to deliver future projects through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to continue to grow Atlanta's airport. But it's not just the billions of dollars he helped deliver to the airport that made B a great General Manager, it was B's leadership and the ability to reinforce his mission and vision to over 63,000 employees at Hansfield-Jackson and the 400,000 jobs supported by the airport. His mission was to bring all those directly or indirectly employed to see themselves as one team, delivering excellence while connecting our community to the world. During unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic, B's leadership and management were critical. He weathered the operational and commercial challenges that came with the pandemic through close coordination with airline partners and his team. B understood what made Hartsfield-Jackson the busiest and most efficient airport in the world was a commitment to an excellent customer experience. He delivered on that even through the challenges of a global pandemic. His philosophy centered around three P's: ``People, Purpose, and Performance.'' B's philosophy helped make Hartsfield-Jackson the largest employer in the state of Georgia and contributed to a regional economic impact of 66 billion dollars. Numbers can't tell the whole story of B's impact, and for the past two years, Hartsfield-Jackson has been awarded the ACI-Airport Service Quality award for the Best Airport in the world for arrivals. Today, I honor and celebrate B's service, commitment and contribution to the Fighting Fifth, and while I will miss our conversations and his physical presence in the airport, I want it to be known in the halls of Congress that our success in the district was made possible by my friend and Co-Conspirator for Justice, Balram ``B'' Bheodari. Please join me in recognizing B's outstanding career in service to Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Georgia's Fighting Fifth Congressional District.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Dr. Glenda Glover, Ph.D , JD, CPA, as President of Tennessee State University upon the celebration of her retirement following this academic year. After 11 years of service successfully leading her alma mater, Dr. Glover will turn her voice to a national platform, and all Americans will be better off for the privilege of Dr. Glover's voice playing a greater role in our country. Dr. Glover was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the daughter of a civil rights activist and raised in the Civil Rights Movement. She graduated from Tennessee State University, an illustrious Historically Black College and University, before getting her MBA at another incomparable HBCU, Clark Atlanta University, proving that, truly, Atlanta Influences Everything. Not yet satisfied, she moved to Washington, D.C. and obtained a Ph.D. in Economics from George Washington University and a law degree from Georgetown University. Professionally, Dr. Glover is a star. She spearheaded the creation of the country's first HBCU-based Ph.D program in business at Jackson State University, and chaired the Department of Accounting at Howard University's School of Business. She has been a leader in the private sector, and has served as the President of her beloved alma mater since 2013. Dr. Glover is not just the President either: she was the Thurgood Marshall College Fund's HBCU President of the Year in 2018, and HBCU Digest's 2019 Female President of the Year. During her time as President, Dr. Glover has elevated the brand, the reputation, and the legacy of TSU, put TSU on a national platform, and attracted a broader array of students than ever before, including the Fall 2022 largest freshman enrollment among HBCUs. She has more than doubled TSU's endowment and more than doubled research grant funding received. She has tripled the number of employers recruiting TSU students, and made TSU a more competitive place to work. She established new degree programs and raised TSU into the R2-high research category, one of only 11 HBCUs in that level, with a plan to move up to R1. TSU became the first HBCU to establish a national technology and innovation center, and the first student-operated physical therapy and occupational therapy clinic. They have the No. 1 HBCU forensic and debate champions three years running, and their marching band became the first collegiate marching band to win a Grammy. I am a proud third generation HBCU grad, and I know first-hand what HBCUs mean for economic mobility for the Black Community. And so does Dr. Glover She is the Vice-Chair of President Biden's HBCU Initiative, and has been out loud and on purpose demanding that our illustrious HBCUs get the funding they so deeply deserve, including playing a leading role in the record $2.7 billion investment in HBCUs in the American Rescue Plan and holding Tennessee accountable for long-term underpayment. Congratulations to Dr. Glover on her well-deserved retirement. The Tennessee State University community is so privileged to have had her at their helm for the last 11 years, as is the entire HBCU community. I know that Dr. Glover's next chapter will have her remaining as one of our country's foremost Conspirators for Justice. I look forward to joining her wherever that fight may be.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Bishop, dean of our Georgia delegation, for chairing today's Special Order hour remembering First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a truly remarkable public servant, a wife, a parent, a grandparent, a friend, a humanitarian, and an inspiration to countless people around the globe. Mrs. Carter's impact could be seen last week as thousands of people lined up to honor her in Plains where she lived with her beloved husband of 77 years, President Jimmy Carter; and then in Americus, where she attended college; and Atlanta, where she cofounded the Carter Center with President Carter. I was one of those people who paid their respects at The Carter Center as she laid in repose. I am honored to add to the tribute today on the floor of the House of Representatives. I am very fortunate to have met First Lady Carter on many occasions. Every time that I met her, I was struck by her grace and her kindness and genuineness. Mrs. Carter embodied service and never stopped working to uplift marginalized communities. I was especially fortunate to partner with Mrs. Carter in that work as we uplifted care workers and an increase in investments to the care economy which is so essential to everything in our lives. She founded the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers at Georgia's Southwestern State University, her alma mater, which today supports 40 million caregivers across the country and will be an enduring living legacy of the former First Lady. Uplifting care workers was only one of the many issues for which Mrs. Carter was an advocate. Mrs. Carter wasn't afraid to advocate for issues long before it was easy or popular to do so. She was a champion for women's rights and one of the leading supporters of the equal rights amendment. She spearheaded the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980 to end stigmas around mental illness. As First Lady and with The Carter Center, she strengthened democracy around the globe. Of course, who can forget the images of her and President Carter building homes with Habitat for Humanity for many, many decades. This spirit of service was genuine and a defining characteristic of Mrs. Carter's life. The spirit of service embodied by Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter inspired me and my husband, Leslie, to name our only son, Carter, in their honor. Every day we strive to ensure that Carter lives up to the spirit of his namesake. While delivering her eulogy, my friend, Jason Carter, Mrs. Carter's grandson, said his grandmother's life was a sermon. It is true, and all great sermons compel us to act. Mrs. Carter showed us the power of action while using every opportunity given to us. If the House of Representatives uses our opportunity to act every day to improve the lives of our constituents, we will truly have taken the sermon of Rosalynn Carter's life to heart while honoring her in the best way possible. Mr. Speaker, I thank the dean of our delegation for honoring Mrs. Carter today and hosting this Special Order hour.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I am proud to have introduced a bipartisan amendment to the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill to highlight the importance of protecting election workers with my friends, Congressmen Mike Levin, Juan Ciscomani, Sean Casten, and Chris DeLuzio. From the failed former President doxxing Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss to the Fulton County election director, registration chief, and their staff getting death threats and being called every racial slur imaginable, my state has become ground zero for harassment and attacks on election workers. Y'all, when I say Georgia is the center of the political universe, this is not what I usually have in mind. The Federal government needs to step up to protect election workers: the foot soldiers of our democracy. They ensure our constituents' voices are heard at the ballot box smoothly and efficiently, and ensure we all get election results quickly and reliably. But because of the constant attacks and harassment they face, election workers are leaving their jobs at a terrifying rate, depriving our constituents of their right to a well-functioning democratic system. That's why I'm so grateful for this bipartisan group of Members who have come together to advocate for anti-doxxing protections and data and physical security resources for election workers, so that we support them the way they support our democracy.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate America's longest living President and one of Georgia's finest, President Jimmy Carter, who is turning 99 years young. On Sunday October 1, I had plans to be home in Georgia for this birthday celebration, but the looming Republican government shutdown has me here in D.C. doing the work for the people. President Carter has led a distinguished life, winning a Nobel Peace Prize, eradicating diseases, and uplifting the lives of millions of marginalized people. He would probably say that his most important accomplishments are his Christian faith as a member of Maranatha Baptist Church; marrying his beloved wife, Rosalynn; raising a strong family; building houses with Habitat for Humanity; and being one of the best peanut farmers in the land. For me, President Carter is an inspiration. My husband, Leslie, and I even named our son Carter after this great President. I strive every day to make sure that my Carter Cakes has the same humility and commitment to service as his namesake. The best birthday gift that President Carter could receive from us would be us all working together to make the world a better place for the most marginalized, and we can do that by following President Carter's example and building on his legacy--starting with keeping the government open for the American people. Mr. Speaker, I wish President Carter a happy 99th birthday.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the coming 30th anniversary of So So Def Records and its founder, Jermaine Dupri. On October 12, 1993, So So Def released Hummin Comin' at `Cha by Xscape, officially debuting one of Hip Hop's greatest producers. As we know, Atlanta Influences Everything, especially music. Originally from Atlanta's southside, Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer Jermaine Dupri founded So So Def Records in 1993. Over the past 30 years, So So Def has welcomed people to Atlanta. and become one of the music industry's most successful and influential labels. Serving as the home for artists like Da Brat, Xscape, Bow Wow, Anthony Hamilton and Jagged Edge, So So Def Records have dominated the airways with a young and refreshing sound. Through his work at So So Def Records, Dupri has produced and shaped the sound of modern hip-hop and R&B music of the 2000's. His talent and dedication have earned him highly coveted awards and accolades, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018. The party continues with So So Defs successes beyond music. Dupri's infectious work ethic built a culture of innovation and creativity within the label and the city of Atlanta. His tireless work to develop, mentor, and introduce new talent pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the music industry. Dupri and So So Def's musicians led the charge behind a cultural shift in music, showing the country Atlanta's deep love and appreciation for Hip-Hop--and that the South has something to say. Beyond his work at So So Def, Dupri has also been a dedicated philanthropist, using his platform to support numerous charitable organizations and causes. He has been known for the use of his talent and resources to spread a wealth of knowledge to not only upcoming artists, but also his community and supporters at large. A longtime advocate for youth empowerment, Dupri has supported Boys and Girls Clubs of America and City of Hope, creating opportunities and providing resources to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter your race, bank account, or ZIP Code. He has also stood as a longtime advocate for social change in the Black community, working closely with the Social Change Fund, a charitable initiative aimed at providing support and solutions for problems that have continued to affect the Black community. Dupri's philosophy of bridging gaps of service has become his calling card far past his contributions to music. As a beloved figure in his hometown of College Park, he has been a cornerstone in shaping the foundation of the city's cultural landscape. He has been a leader and advocate for Atlanta's music scene and has helped to put the city on the map as a cultural mecca for hip-hop, R&B, and all things entertainment. Dupri has spearheaded the growth and development of modern Black entertainment and a generation of talented and influential musicians. His dedication and investment into our city and our people are a testament to his character and his commitment to raising a community up with him. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of So So Def Records, I would like to take a moment to recognize Jermaine Dupri for his contributions to the music industry and his commitment to Atlanta. His perseverance and imagination have shaped the last 30 years of hip hop, and we know there's at least 30 more years to keep building his legacy. On behalf of the people of Atlanta, we say . . . Thank You to Jermaine Dupri.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Dr. William H. Boone on his retirement from the illustrious Atlanta-based HBCU Clark Atlanta University, his appointment as Professor Emeritus, and thank him for his impact on the people of Georgia's Fighting Fifth District. Called the ``Dean of Atlanta City Politics,'' Dr. Boone has spent the last 40 years researching, advising, and commentating on Atlanta political life and Black political power across the South. He earned the respect of his peers and colleagues, serving as Assistant Provost, Dean of Graduate Studies, and the Chair of the Political Science Department at Clark Atlanta University as well as a president of the National Conference of Black Political Science. Dr. Boone's talent as an educator is evident by the students he has produced. The people of Atlanta, of Georgia, and of the South have greatly benefited from the thoughtful, critical, and thorough analysis and scholarship Dr. Boone and his students have produced and will continue to produce for decades. As we all know, Atlanta Influences Everything, especially Black political power. Dr. Boone's focus on Black politics has improved our understanding of our own community and America's understanding of the cultural and political factors that inform and shape our present. Dr. Boone takes his role as a leader in Black intellectual thought seriously. He always aims to be unapologetic when looking at the Black experience in this country, and to critically examine how the American experience affects Black people. And he always makes sure to connect training and education to activism; to fighting for our community. Congratulations to the Dean of Atlanta City Politics, Dr. William Boone. The people of Georgia's 5th Congressional District have learned so much from him for the last 40 years, and we will continue to learn from him and those lucky enough to learn from him, for decades more to come. I hope he enjoys his retirement.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Mr. Marvin Arrington, Sr., a giant in the Atlanta community, where he served as one of the city's longest running councilmembers, a father, a friend, and a judge. An Atlanta native, Judge Arrington graduated from Henry McNeal Turner High School and went on to graduate from what was at that time Clark College on a football scholarship. He began his legal studies at Howard University School of Law before returning home to Atlanta and integrating Emory University School of Law, where he was one of the first two Black students to graduate from the law school. At age 28, Judge Arrington was elected to the Atlanta Board of Aldermen and continued serving after the city charter amendment changed the board into a city council. In 1980, he became Atlanta City Council president, a position he held for nearly two decades. In 2002, he was appointed judge in the Fulton County Superior Court, where he sat on the bench until his retirement in 2012. During Judge Arrington's trailblazing tenure in public service, he helped build and shape Atlanta into the great city that it is today. He left his imprint on the city's public transportation system and expanded Zoo Atlanta into the award-winning attraction that it is today. In the early 1990s, Judge Arrington was one of the driving forces on the team who brought the 1996 Summer Olympic Games to the city of Atlanta. While he was at it, he used the lead up to the summer games to convert run-down public housing projects to quality, affordable housing. Mr. Speaker, we have a saying in Atlanta, ``Atlanta Influences Everything,'' and that is true in part because of Marvin Arrington, Sr.'s, great work to influence the growth of Atlanta. In fact, in 2019, the city council chambers were named after him to honor the tremendous impact that he had on our city. Judge Arrington was a member of Big Bethel AME Church, the Gate City Bar Association Hall of Fame, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. For 16 years, he was a member of the board of trustees for Emory University. He served in many roles--elected, appointed, and, yes, volunteer--but in all things he demonstrated a deep commitment to equity, justice, and empowering young people. Marvin Arrington, Sr.'s, life of service and sacrifice is a reminder for everyone of the rent we pay for living in this society. Atlanta is the city that I chose to call home, and it was the work of leaders like Marvin Arrington, Sr., that made it the city to choose. I send my deepest condolences to his daughter, Michelle Arrington; his son, Fulton County Commissioner, Marvin Arrington, Jr.; and his entire family. Marvin Arrington, Sr.'s, legacy will inspire future leaders for generations to come.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the children in Georgia's Fighting 5th Congressional District at risk of going hungry in the face of this cruel Republican default. Extreme MAGA Republicans are proposing cuts to 200,000 Head Start slots and 180,000 childcare slots nationwide. You all, that is more than 300,000 families who will be thrown into a devastating bind. When families don't have access to care, they can't get to work, making it harder to put food on the table every day. This is a real- life dilemma facing parents like Chelsea and Dorian in Clayton County, Georgia, two mamas who are looking for jobs, but facing one major roadblock: Childcare. Now, extreme MAGA Republicans are threatening to make their childcare search even harder. That, or risk a disastrous default on our debt. Republicans are headed home for barbecues and hanging out with their families making their priorities clear. A great speaker once said: ``Sometimes you have to take a punch and give a punch for the children.'' You all, I am ready to fight for a solution on behalf of our children, and I am waiting for my Republican colleagues who are brave enough to fight alongside me for the children putting people over politics.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to this cruel and discriminatory bill. If Republicans really meant to protect women and girls in sports, they would make it so more women and girls could play, not play politics with children's lives. I submitted an amendment to award federal grants to start new school sports teams for women and girls and to break down existing barriers to participation. My amendment invested in women's sports so more people could play, more people could participate, but Republicans chose politics over participation. There are real problems impacting women and girls in sports, including pay inequality, sexual harassment and assault, and unequal facilities and resources. This legislation addresses none of these issues. Instead, we will be voting on a horrific bill to nationalize the cruel bigotry Republicans are implementing in states around the country. This bill will harm our kids' mental health. make our schools less welcoming, and prevent trans students from living the full lives they deserve. I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, in the wake of our country's 129th mass shooting, Tennessee Legislators had the opportunity to set an example of what it means to respond and act on the needs of your constituents. After an attack that killed six people--including three 9-year-old children, Tennessee Representatives had the chance to do something, anything, to keep Tennesseans safe from gun violence. On April 6, 2023 the Tennessee Legislature set an example, but it sure wasn't the right one. Instead of actually working to keep children safe from gun violence, Republicans in the Tennessee Legislature chose to expel two Black lawmakers who chose to stand alongside families, students and teachers for gun safety reforms. The expulsions of Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were both unwarranted and undemocratic. Representatives Jones and Pearson were simply supporting student protestors and demanded that the Republican majority in the Legislature do more to protect communities from gun violence following the Covenant School Shooting. Now Representatives Jones and Pearson weren't the only legislators who joined the protestors, but they were the only two expelled which makes it clear that racism is at the root of these anti-democratic expulsions. It was an attempt to both silence Black leaders and undermine Black voters who sent Representatives Jones and Pearson to the State Capitol in the first place. Let's be clear: this is not an isolated incident. State legislatures in the South have a history of silencing Black lawmakers and unfortunately my home State is one of the main offenders. In 1966, the Georgia General Assembly voted to refuse to seat a newly elected Julian Bond after he used his constitutional right to free speech in protest of the United States' war in Vietnam. Mr. Bond was ultimately seated in the legislature and went on to serve for 20 years in the Georgia General Assembly. In 2017, I was elected to the same seat Julian Bond held in the Georgia State Senate. Nearly one year after being duly elected to serve, I was arrested inside the Georgia State Capitol while doing my job and standing with my constituents demanding that every vote be counted in November 2018. As I watched the events unfold in Tennessee, the parallels struck me and reminded me that free speech in this country doesn't always apply to Black voices like mine. Free speech is at the foundation of any healthy democracy and it is the very thing Republicans in Tennessee chose to shut down when they expelled Representatives Jones and Pearson. This should sound an alarm for every American because as history teaches us, actions that go unchecked only repeat themselves--again, and again, and again. Though Representatives Jones and Pearson were rightfully reappointed to their seats, we cannot ignore the fact that what happened in Tennessee was yet another blow in the continued assault on democracy. And on top of it, the expulsions were completely out of step with the voices of the people--an overwhelming majority of Americans agree that common-sense gun safety laws are necessary to save lives. We have a moral responsibility to reject any and all actions that threaten our democracy, particularly those targeted toward Black people and communities who have systemically been silenced for far too long. Tonight, I stand with my Congressional Black Caucus colleagues to say `no more.' That's why I've co-sponsored Representative Sydney Kamlager- Dove's resolution condemning the expulsions of Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson from the Tennessee Legislature, and I encourage all of my colleagues who claim to stand on the side of democracy to do the same.

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia

Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. John O'Connor on an outstanding career with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as he retires as Associate Director for Communication Science at CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. While he will be greatly missed, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence in his work and as a mentor to others. Over the past three decades Mr. O'Connor has been a leader in the health communications space and has developed a high-quality foundation that will continue to be built upon in the near future. After earning his undergraduate degree from the University of California Santa Barbara and a master's degree from the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communications, Mr. O'Connor began his career at a nonprofit organization that worked to improve health conditions for American Indians and Alaska Natives. In 1989, Mr. O'Connor joined the CDC and set the standard for communications regarding infectious diseases and public health emergencies. Over his more than 30 year tenure with CDC, Mr. O'Connor has served at the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID) Office of the Director, NCID's Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, the Influenza Coordination Unit within CDC's Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases (CCID), the Pandemic Influenza Task Force, National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases, CDC's National Center for Health Marketing, and various other CDC committees along the way. Throughout his career, Mr. O'Connor has been a reliable and knowledgeable leader in times of crisis, providing essential guidance and emergency response during outbreaks of Anthrax, Zika, Ebola, and most recently, COVID-19. His dedication, respect, and true professionalism have helped protect public health and earned him a lasting legacy and impact at CDC. Mr. O'Connor will be deeply missed. He is a true public servant and I am grateful for his service to Atlanta, CDC, and our country.