The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H1512-H1515 on Feb. 11, 2019.
The State Department is responsibly for international relations with a budget of more than $50 billion. Tenure at the State Dept. is increasingly tenuous and it's seen as an extension of the President's will, ambitions and flaws.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2019, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto) is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank the gentleman from North Carolina. We in Florida all express our condolences for the loss of Congressman Walter Jones. I thank the gentleman for bringing that up.
Mr. Speaker, we had the longest shutdown in history caused by the President of the United States claiming the mantel that government needed to be shut down for his border wall. Then, finally, government was reopened as every party came to their senses.
As we speak, Mr. Speaker, we have Senate Members and House Members diligently negotiating a bipartisan border deal, four Republicans in the Senate led by Senator Shelby and three Democrats led by Senator Leahy. In the House, we have Chairwoman Nita Lowey, subcommittee Chairwoman Roybal-Allard, Ranking Member Granger, and Ranking Member Fleischmann.
I believe a deal is imminent, where both sides will deliver concessions and have to compromise. Yet, tonight, I heard dozens of speeches by my friends across the aisle on the one hand pleading for a bipartisan deal and on the other hand condemning Democrats with every other breath.
Were they not aware that there is a bipartisan negotiation happening as we speak that their colleagues are involved in? Devoid of reality, perhaps, or maybe it was just political scare tactics.
Mr. Speaker, when bipartisan plans come up before this body this week, and we show that we will keep the government open and protect our Nation, I know one other thing is for sure: My colleagues across the aisle are going to need a new script, because these scare tactics aren't going to work anymore.
Black History Month
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Anna M. Pinellas. Anna M. Pinellas and her husband, Louis C. Pinellas, moved to Kissimmee, Florida, in 1981, after having worked in local government in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia.
Having knowledge in securing funds for various projects, she was hired by the city of Kissimmee and was able to secure grants for the infrastructure around Osceola Square Mall, the paving of Hill Street, and John Young Parkway, the first of those grants being $750,000.
{time} 2015
She was also hired by Osceola County government to secure Federal funds for projects, which include bringing Head Start back to Osceola County, refurbishing the old courthouse, and the establishment of a salary plan for Osceola County employees.
One of her primary goals was to pursue the establishment of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in the city of Kissimmee, city of St. Cloud, Osceola County, and the school board. Thirty-four years ago, Pinellas founded Osceola Visionaries, Inc., a nonprofit corporation devoted to honoring and celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. before the holiday was observed.
Today, Pinellas continues to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by hosting their annual banquet and holding programs for the central Florida community.
And for that, Mrs. Pinellas, we honor you.
Recognizing Beverlye Colson Neal
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Beverlye Colson Neal.
Beverlye Colson Neal is the president of the Orange County branch of the NAACP and the former executive director for the Florida State Conference of the NAACP. She has spent most of her life fighting for civil rights, beginning in her early childhood, as a member of the Jacksonville Youth Council of the NAACP.
She has a wealth of experience in the field of civil rights, community, and political organizing. Her involvement has been centered around safeguarding the Black community.
She coordinated the 1984 GOTV efforts for the Congressional District 3 for Reverend Jesse Jackson for President of the United States, getting the only elected Jesse Jackson delegate from Florida from that congressional district. In 2009, she was asked by Dr. C. Delores Tucker to start a chapter of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. in Florida. She has since organized five other chapters in the State. She has been instrumental in ensuring the programs under the NCBW-Orlando reflect the needs of Black women and their families in Orlando.
She is the mother of three adult sons--James, Odell, and Kenneth Neal--and the proud grandmother of five grandchildren. She has a committed passion for the work that she does in the State, and is always working for those who are ignored or overlooked. She feels that this is God's purpose for her life on Earth.
And for that, Mrs. Beverlye Colson Neal, we honor you.
Recognizing Johnnie Walker
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Johnnie Walker.
Johnnie Walker was born in Ethiopia in 1961, where his father was a technical advisor for the U.S. Department of State. He is now employed as a national representative for the American Federation of Government Employees, working for and with Federal employees performing the full range of employee and labor relations duties for Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For 32 years, he has been a labor activist, advocate, and trainer, with extensive experience representing unionized bargaining unit employee members, and others. His advocacy has obtained over $500,000 in back pay for D.C. government bargaining unit employees.
Walker received his undergraduate degrees in political science and liberal arts from the College of Central Florida and Howard University. He worked as the constituent liaison for the late Florida Congressman Bill Chappell, Jr. from 1983 to 1986. He has received numerous recognitions from the D.C. Committee on Political Education, D.C. Central Labor Council, and the AFGE.
Walker represents Federal Government employees and provides community support and outreach to thousands of union members he represents, the most recent example being the ongoing support for furloughed employees by holding collections and distribution drives, town halls, and roundtable discussions to discuss the effects and seek solutions.
And for that, Mr. Johnnie Walker, we honor you.
Recognizing Cynthia Downing
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Cynthia Downing.
Cynthia Downing is a native of Florida; mother of one daughter, Cyntoria; and a recent grandmother of grandson, JaMarcus. She is a graduate of Haines City Senior High. She received her Bachelor's degree in Management of Human Resources and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix.
Ms. Downing is a lifetime member of the Haines City NAACP, where she serves as president. Her love of advocating for people and seeking justice has afforded her the opportunity to serve on social and economic panels. She is most proud of instituting the Black History Program, Black History Essay Contest, quarterly mission projects, a scholarship program, and the Drum Major for Justice Award. Serving in this capacity allows her to bring awareness and new initiatives to her community.
She always had a passion for helping others reach their fullest potential, and her management skills allowed her to start her own business as a trainer and coach. She also assists with vocational rehabilitation with job placement.
Ms. Downing is also active in many ministries of her church, New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Haines City. She serves as a Sunday school teacher, newsletter editor, website administrator, and president of the Shepherd's Care Ministry.
She lives by the quote her dad often repeated: ``To whom much is given, much is required.''
And for that, Ms. Cynthia Downing, we honor you.
Recognizing Anthony Gordon
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Anthony Gordon.
Anthony Gordon was born and raised in Avon Park, Florida. After graduating from Avon Park High School, he attended Polk State College on a baseball scholarship, and soon began his professional baseball career with the Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers.
After retiring from professional baseball in 1996, he began working with Bill and Brian Jarrett to purchase and operate the Jarrett-Gordon Ford dealerships in central Florida.
Anthony serves as a board member for the Ford Motor Minority Dealers Association, as a Rotarian since 2002, and also served as a Haines City Chamber Board member, on the Board of Directors for Heart of Florida hospital, and was recognized as the Haines City Chamber of Commerce 2014 Citizen of the Year. He volunteers for the Great American Teach-In at Ridge High School, Bethune Academy and Horizon Elementary in recognition of Black History Month.
Mr. Anthony Gordon is a dedicated husband and father, as well as a longtime active member of New Zion Temple Holiness Church Association, where he currently serves as an ordained minister. He is a firm believer that his life's accomplishments are directly ordered by the mercy and grace of God.
And for that, Mr. Anthony Gordon, we honor you.
Recognizing Wayne Gandy
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Wayne Gandy.
In 1989, as a senior at Haines City High School, Wayne Gandy was recruited by Auburn University to play football. He was then drafted as a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams, where he played his first 5 years. Since then, he has played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, and the Atlanta Falcons, having never missed a game.
After the NFL, Gandy focused on his foundation, The Wayne Gandy Foundation, organized exclusively to support and promote the power of sports in developing the qualities of leadership, social responsibility, and excellence through the sponsorship of sports camps, team building events, and programs that build healthy spirits, bodies, and minds of at-risk teens.
In addition to this, he also hosts a daily 3-hour syndicated radio show, the Sports Joc Show with Wayne Gandy, and serves as a color analyst for ESPN. Gandy still returns to his hometown, Haines City, Florida, and offers help wherever it may be needed. For the past 3 years, he has sponsored the Wayne Gandy Christmas Tournament, a semi-
final high school basketball tournament in Haines City.
In 2017, Haines City High School dedicated the Wayne Gandy field to Mr. Gandy, thus showing how much his name is synonymous to the meaning of truly being a ``hometown hero.''
And for that, Mr. Wayne Gandy, we honor you.
Recognizing Lemuel Geathers
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Lemuel Geathers.
Mr. Lemuel Geathers, from the historic Pughsville neighborhood of Winter Haven, Florida, served as the city's first African American Commissioner and Mayor. He was also the special assistant to Congressman Andy Ireland. He is a World War II veteran, and served as an electrician in the Navy.
In 1954, he went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial arts and education from Florida A&M University. He spent 28 years as a teacher in Polk County, and one of his greatest accomplishments was serving on the committee to establish a junior college in Winter Haven, Florida, now known as Polk State College, because he knew the importance of receiving a good education.
He has served on the Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Winter Haven Hospital Board, Polk County Industrial Bonding Board, Polk County Master Planning Committee, and was chairman of the city's Human Relations Committee. Mr. Geathers was also the first African American chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee in Polk County. He has been affiliated with the National Education Association, American Legion, NAACP, Boys and Girls Club, and Optimist Club.
His wife, Juanita Geathers, is a retired educator and former secretary of the Florida Democratic Party. They have six children and nine grandchildren, all college educated.
And for that, Mr. Lemuel Geathers, we honor you.
Recognizing George Brooks
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize George Brooks.
Staff Sergeant George Brooks enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954; 7 years after the USAF had integrated its forces. He was stationed in Biloxi, less than 1 year before Emmett Till was murdered in Money, Mississippi. He was also one of the first African Americans to attend electronics school.
While stationed in Spokane, Washington, he worked on the B-36 aircraft, becoming one of the first Black bomb navigation technicians to fly the craft, flying three missions. He left Spokane in 1956 for Westover Air Force Base, in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he first started working on the B-52 bomber, also joining the first ranks of Black navigators on that plane.
He flew 47 missions in the B-52, and was awarded the Air Medal with two clusters. Over the course of his 20-year career, he flew over 100 missions, until retiring from the USAF in 1974.
Mr. Brooks went to work for the Department of Defense for 13 years after that as an electronics consultant, until his retirement in 1987. He traveled the world extensively, with stops in seven continents, including Antarctica, finally ending up in Nalcrest, just outside Lake Wales.
Staff Sergeant George Brooks, for that, we honor you.
Recognizing Orrett Davis
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize Orrett Davis.
Orrett Davis is a growth marketer, startup advocate, and technology enthusiast. While continuing to support Orlando's tech community, Mr. Davis currently serves as Director of Marketing at SightPlan, an Orlando-based technology company providing cutting-edge solutions for the Nation's growing multifamily industry.
Mr. Davis is a proud graduate of the University of Florida, and received a master's degree in business administration from Rollins College. Prior to SightPlan, Mr. Davis was head of growth for Abe AI, a financial technology company, recently acquired by Envestnet Yodlee, where he launched the largest virtual summit on artificial intelligence and banking.
Mr. Davis was the first executive director for the Orlando Tech Association, OTA, which helped cultivate the explosive growth of Orlando's startup and technology ecosystem.
{time} 2030
As head of OTA, Mr. Davis was invited to the inaugural Tech Meet Up at the White House by the Obama administration, where he presented on the growth of Orlando's startup community.
Mr. Davis has made a tremendous impact on the central Florida community, and in addition to his work in Orlando, he has helped foster entrepreneurial communities throughout the country.
For that, Mr. Orrett Davis, we honor you.
In Recognition of Deloris McMillon
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Deloris McMillon.
Ms. Deloris McMillon is a retired educator and administrator whose career spanned from 1965 to 2003. Her commitment to educating children and community service are among her greatest gifts and strengths.
Ms. McMillon moved to Kissimmee in 1966 after marrying her college sweetheart, the late Samuel Lawrence McMillon, Jr.
During a time when schools were still segregated, she helped pave the way for the integration of Black educators into the Osceola County School System.
After receiving her master's in administration and supervision in 1989, she was promoted to assistant principal at Osceola High School, and then principal of Parkway Middle School.
Ms. McMillon has received numerous awards for her outstanding contributions and leadership in education and community service. She is a recipient of the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award, the Rosa Parks Memorial Award, the OCTA Human and Civil Rights Award, and more.
Her involvements include Valencia Community College Board of Trustees; Osceola County Fire and Rescue Advisory Board; Osceola Visionaries, Inc.; and a member of the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce Leadership.
Deloris McMillon is currently the President of the Osceola County branch of the NAACP. She continues to advocate for equal rights and education. She encourages young people to seek higher educational opportunities by providing tutoring and financial assistance to college-bound students. She is a true role model for all women, not just women of color.
And for that, Ms. Deloris McMillon, we honor you.
In Recognition of Gail Paschall-Brown
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Black History Month, I want to recognize Gail Paschall-Brown. Gail Paschall-Brown started her life in Brooklyn, New York, but was raised by her grandparents in rural North Carolina.
Now a Floridian, Paschall-Brown is celebrating 21 years at WESH-2 News, where she has served as an anchor and is a general assignment reporter.
Starting in television while in high school, working in her hometown, Paschall-Brown did everything from shooting video for the city to doing commercials for advertisers.
Gail received a bachelor of arts in drama and speech, with a minor in broadcasting, from East Carolina University. While at ECU, she received the Broadcaster of the Year Award from her peers and worked at WITN-TV 7 in North Carolina. She served on ECU's first practicum program for journalists.
Paschall-Brown learned the business from all angles. Beginning as a tape jockey, she moved to reporter, then to anchor, and even did weather before Doppler radar was implemented.
In Florida, she has covered countless stories, including related to Trayvon Martin and Casey Anthony, and Polk County's Alejandra Juarez's deportation story to Mexico, that I am currently working on legislation for.
Some of Gail's most memorable stories include the first Gulf War, the Grenada Invasion, and Susan Smith, who drowned her two sons, tragically. She has interviewed notables, including Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, author Alex Haley, sportscaster Jayne Kennedy, and did stories ranging from Bob Hope, Phylicia Rashad, to Pope Air Force Base.
Gail has received numerous community awards, including: being inducted into the Central Florida Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame; Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs proclaimed Gail Paschall-
Brown Day on April 30, 2015, for being a committed and engaged reporter who has shown integrity and compassion for the community; and that same year, she also received the Spirit of Journalism Oprah Winfrey Journalism Award.
She is most proud of her two children: Jasmine, a senior at North Carolina A&T; and Joshua, a sophomore at Florida Gulf Coast University.
After nearly four decades as a journalist, Gail says she loves this business still and hopes to continue serving the central Florida community.
And for that, Ms. Gail Paschall-Brown, we honor you.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the remainder of my time
____________________
