E1552 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 23, 2013

Rep. ; Rep. ; Rep. federal actors to move forward on Everglades advantaged and oppressed peoples. Born to JOHN MICA; Rep. ; Rep. TOM ROO- ecosystem restoration, which in turn benefits immigrant parents in 1927, Ken learned com- NEY; Rep. ; Rep. our district. In addition to passing WRRDA, we passion and understanding through example. DANIEL WEBSTER; Rep. . also need to continue to pressure for the His father founded the first company to build Every Member who attended was provided Chief’s Report for the Central Everglades integrated housing in Saint Paul. Ken grew up a comprehensive information on this issue, as Planning Project (CEPP) so that these impor- in St. Paul’s most racially diverse neighbor- well as actions Congress can take to help ad- tant projects can move forward as well. While hood, and attended integrated Marshall High dress this problem. the CEPP Chief’s Report isn’t scheduled to be School. He studied Law at the University of While I was extremely pleased to have a complete until 2014, the timing of passing a Minnesota, graduating at the top of his class number of my colleagues attend this briefing final WRRDA bill will be crucial. in 1950. After practicing as a managing part- to hear directly from our community, we have Urging the Corps to safely reexamine the Lake ner at a major firm in the Twin Cities, Mr. a long and challenging fight ahead of us to get Okeechobee Release Schedule Tilsen left to begin his own private practice, so the message to 200 other Members of the Another issue that was discussed is the that he could represent anti-war, anti-draft, House to ensure that Congress continues to need for the Army Corps to reevaluate at what and civil rights cases. As his son described, fund and authorize projects and initiatives that level the lake can safely retain water by reas- ‘‘he wanted to define for himself a better kind will help clean the waters of our local rivers sessing the Lake Okeechobee Release of law practice and be a better kind of lawyer.’’ and estuaries. Schedule (LORS). I sent a letter to Army And that is exactly what he did. COMMON GOALS Corps officials just prior to the briefing but we Mr. Tilsen’s career traces a line through One of the goals of this briefing was to iso- must continue to urge them to take this action some of the most important social movements late common goals among the many parties to reduce these harmful discharges from the of our time. He defended the Minnesota 8, and stakeholders in the room. Some of the re- lake into the St. Lucie. who were accused of raiding Selective Service occurring points many stakeholders agree on Getting federal agencies more involved on the offices in protest of the draft; he represented that need work on the federal level are: ground the Southern Landowners Alliance of Min- Continue to advocate to Members of Congress the Unfortunately, due to a government shut- nesota in a long battle to protect wilderness importance of Everglades restoration funding down, our federal agency panelists were un- and farmland from unneeded power lines; he The shocking photos provided by local resi- able to attend. Although we were still able to fought as one of the major attorneys of the dents depicting this devastation to the eco- have a robust and important conversation, it is Wounded Knee Legal Defense/Offense Com- system were on full display to all Members, as vital that these federal agencies become more mittee against FBI and police misconduct, and well as the presence of so many concerned involved. They each have a role to play, and continued the fight against historical revi- citizens speaking personally about how these their engagement can be helpful to addressing sionism of that case for decades afterward. He discharges have impacted them and the com- the river issue. I will be working with my col- worked for the Venezuelan whistle-blower munity. This education aspect of the briefing leagues who attended the briefing to push for Rene Hurtado, the University of Minnesota’s was crucial. With the 22 Members who at- this involvement from agencies such as the Afro-American Action Committee, and the pro- tended, they now can help garner support for Army Corps, NOAA, and Fish and Wildlife, as testers from the 2008 Republican National important measures related to local environ- well as invite these officials to see the damage Convention in St. Paul. Many powerful individ- mental projects when they come up for a vote, firsthand so they see the urgent need to move uals disapproved of his work, and he paid for helping us advocate for the passage of the forward with these ongoing projects. his activism through years of harassment, and House Water Resources Reform and Develop- There was also unity on the state moving even questioning by the House Un-American ment Act (WRRDA) and including needed forward quickly and aggressively with their Activities Committee. funding in the Administration’s budget. But our water quality implementation plans. But Mr. Tilsen’s body of work did not go un- advocacy work isn’t done. We still must make MOVING FORWARD noticed, and he was recognized with awards the case that Everglades restoration funding is The briefing successfully brought this impor- such as the ACLU Earl Larson Award, the Na- an important goal that ALL Members of Con- tant issue into the national spotlight. Unfortu- tional Lawyers Guild Lifetime Contribution to gress should support. nately, we are dealing with a Congress that Social Justice Award, and being named one of Funding to complete Everglades restoration projects could not even come together to keep the ‘‘Minnesota’s 100 most influential lawyers of Everyone agreed that continuing to fight and government open, so a fight for funding to ad- all time.’’ urge for funding for existing Army Corps dress the pollution impacting our local water- Mr. Tilsen practiced law until 1993, turning projects is crucial. With the involvement of ways in the current ‘‘no spending’’ climate will then to teaching at the Hamline University Congress and federal agency officials, we can be a challenge, but is a challenge we must School of Law. ‘‘Ken loved the law,’’ his son work together to prioritize funding for ongoing take on. There is a difference between waste- wrote. ‘‘He was personally offended when it projects such as the C–44 Indian River La- ful spending, something I’ve been tackling in was twisted to serve the rich and powerful at goon Project, the Kissimmee River restoration the past 10 months, and smart investments the expense of normal people trying to live project, and other Everglades restoration such as these projects needed to help our their lives.’’ He used that passion to better the projects that once completed will provide relief local environment, that provide a three-to-one law—to better the state of Minnesota and to to our imperiled waterways. In order for the return on investments. While I can’t promise better the United States of America. The leg- entire system to function better, many key that this issue will be solved in the next year acy Mr. Tilsen leaves is a valuable lesson to components must be able to function. Com- or even the next several years, I do promise every citizen: that our government is only as pleting projects that are already under con- to do everything I can to move us towards this strong as those who are willing to fight for ‘‘the struction will help us most effectively clean the end. I remain focused on this issue of great little guy.’’ waterways of southern . concern to our community, our environment, f our economy, and our entire way of life. Continued funding to rehabilitate the Herbert Hoover THE PASSING OF BILLY Dike f THOMPSON HARDMAN One of the biggest problems affecting our HONORING MR. KENNETH TILSEN waterways is that Lake Okeechobee can only HON. DOUG COLLINS retain a specific amount of water safely. That OF GEORGIA is why the community agrees that the Army HON. KEITH ELLISON OF MINNESOTA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Corps must continue its work of rehabilitating the Herbert Hoover Dike to get it to a state IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, October 23, 2013 where it can contain more water safely. Hold- Wednesday, October 23, 2013 Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, ing more water in the lake is the most effec- Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Georgia lost a true champion and advocate for tive method of water retention in the area, and honor Kenneth Tilsen and recognize his con- our great State last week. Billy ‘‘Bill’’ Thomp- while this will be a long term project, Congress tributions to the expansion of liberty and jus- son Hardman spent much of his life working to must act to continue to fund the critical work tice inside and outside the courtroom. put Georgia on the map as a destination for of rehabilitating this vulnerable structure. Mr. Tilsen measured his success by the both domestic and international tourists. His Passing the House WRRDA bill number of people he helped, by the body of efforts, which spanned decades, helped draw There was also consensus that provisions in law he fought to uphold, and by the countless millions to enjoy the wonderful natural and the House WRRDA bill will allow state and hours he worked to amplify the voices of dis- manmade wonders Georgia has to offer.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:10 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A23OC8.010 E23OCPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS October 23, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1553 Bill was born in Colbert, Georgia on June 5, IN RECOGNITION OF DR. SHETAL I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 1926. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marines SHAH Judge Hughes for his service to Michigan and in World War II, after which he attended Pied- the Western District. mont College and Mercer University. HON. PETER T. KING f OF In 1959, Bill was appointed Georgia’s first HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tourism director, where he served for more OF REGINALD LAWSON, SR. than a decade. During his tenure, he built the Wednesday, October 23, 2013 state’s first eight welcome centers, launched a Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND tourism advertising program, conducted the today to recognize Dr. Shetal Shah and his ef- OF LOUISIANA nation’s first Governor’s Conference on Tour- forts to promote the well-being of our nation’s IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ism, and promoted Georgia throughout the most vulnerable population, our children. U.S., Canada, and Europe. Bill founded Hard- As a neonatologist and researcher, Dr. Wednesday, October 23, 2013 man Productions after leaving state govern- Shah has made many meaningful contribu- Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ment in 1970. His company conducted a vari- tions to the medical field, notably in the area to honor the life and legacy of Reginald ety of events, including travel and RV trade of vaccination rates. As legislative chairman of ‘‘Reggie’’ Lawson, Sr., a New Orleans resident shows. District II of the American Academy of Pediat- who exemplified the true value of citizenship During this time, Bill was hired to lobby on rics, Dr. Shah has been tireless in his advo- and worked every day to improve his commu- behalf of the Georgia World Congress Center. cacy efforts in pursuit of increased access to nity. Mr. Lawson recently passed away after a He met his goals of raising public support for health care for children and greater funding for battle with cancer. While today I am saddened the Center and ensuring that the Center would pediatric research. His breadth of knowledge by his passing, I wish to pay tribute to Mr. be built in Atlanta. has helped to inform policy decisions on both Lawson and the inspiration he provided to all Bill also served as chairman of the Travel the state and federal level. those who desire to improve their own corner Association of America, now the U.S. Travel I offer my gratitude to Dr. Shah on behalf of of the world. Association. He served more than 40 years on myself and on behalf of those who are un- Mr. Lawson grew up in a single-parent that association’s board, which gave him the doubtedly better off due to his efforts. household in public housing. He graduated distinction of having the longest tenure of any f from St. Augustine High School in New Orle- member. RECOGNIZING HONORABLE JEF- ans, where he played football and sang in the I have tremendous respect and admiration FREY R. HUGHES FOR 19 YEARS Glee Club, and was a proud Purple Knight for all Bill did to promote tourism in Georgia OF SERVICE AS A BANKRUPTCY alumnus. After studying at LSUNO and and grow that industry into such a meaningful JUDGE Straight Business School, he became a realtor part of our State’s economy. My family and I in 1963. He remained in that trade for the rest extend our prayers and thoughts to the large HON. BILL HUIZENGA of his life and developed a passion for helping those shut out of home ownership. family and extensive circle of friends Bill OF MICHIGAN In 1993, an important event for both Mr. leaves behind. Bill’s impact on Georgia will be IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Lawson and the St. Roch neighborhood oc- felt for generations to come, and we are grate- Wednesday, October 23, 2013 ful for his legacy. curred: Mr. Lawson moved to a house across Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I the street from St. Roch Park. His love for the f rise today to recognize the Honorable Judge neighborhood and his desire to improve it led Jeffrey R. Hughes and his commendable serv- him to found the Faubourg St. Roch Improve- IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ice to Michigan’s Western District as a Bank- ment Association in 1995. His hard work and BIRTHDAY OF BEATRICE MURPHY ruptcy Judge. determination made him a key figure and lead- Judge Hughes served Michigan’s Western ing force in the drive to improve St. Roch. District as a United States Bankruptcy Judge Mr. Lawson’s effect on the neighborhood HON. REID J. RIBBLE for over 13 years. Further, his service to the can be seen in a wide variety of areas, includ- state has been a long time commitment, as he ing the physical improvements to the park, the OF WISCONSIN has worked for Michigan communities for over development of youth sports teams, and the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 30 years. sponsorship of health and housing fairs by the Judge Hughes received his Bachelor’s in Wednesday, October 23, 2013 Faubourg St. Roch Improvement Association. Economics from the University of Michigan in However, the best evidence of the great and Mr. RIBBLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 1977 and his J.D. cum laude from the Univer- positive influence he had comes from the testi- recognize the birthday of Beatrice sity of Michigan in 1980 where he was an ac- mony of those whose lives he touched. He Schaumberg Murphy who is turning 100 years tive member of Phi Beta Kappa. From there was known throughout the city as ‘‘the face of old today. When Beatrice was born in 1913, he remained in his home state, practicing law St. Roch.’’ His hard work and dedication were Woodrow Wilson was President and her life for Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett LLP widely noted and he served as an example of has spanned sixteen presidencies. for 20 years specializing in bankruptcy law the good that a responsible member of a com- She married Frank Murphy on October 28, and litigation. Throughout this experience he munity can have on the lives of those around 1934, and I’m told they celebrated more than never forgot his local communities, partici- them. 60 wonderful years together. Their marriage pating in many community-based programs I want to join his family, the people of the produced four sons, Franklin, Marvin, Jerome coordinated through the firm. Also during this St. Roch neighborhood, and the city of New and David. Beatrice assumed the role of moth- time, Judge Hughes was annually recognized Orleans in celebrating the life of an excep- er, homemaker and involved herself with the in ‘‘The Best Lawyers in America’’ until his ap- tional citizen. family dairy farm. She is also proud of her role pointment to the bench in 2000. f After 13 years of service to the nation and as grandma having been blessed with 15 to West Michigan, he retired from Federal em- TRIBUTE TO COLONEL FRANKLIN grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. ployment in September of 2013. Judge E. CHALK, SR. Beatrice contributes her excellent quality of Hughes is a regular speaker at seminars, in- life at her age to ‘‘being positive, looking for- cluding those sponsored by the Institute for HON. GREGG HARPER ward to things, being satisfied with what I Continuing Legal Education and the American OF MISSISSIPPI have; which is good family and friends’’. Bea- Bankruptcy Institute. In addition, he appears IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES trice also says, ‘‘The ability to make friends is as a guest instructor each semester at Cooley pretty important when you’re my age. Many of Law School’s Grand Rapids campus and has Wednesday, October 23, 2013 my old friends aren’t around anymore, so I participated in the extern programs offered by Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to have to keep making new ones!’’ Cooley Law School’s Michigan campuses and pay tribute to Colonel Franklin E. Chalk, Com- That is an outlook on life I hope we can all Michigan State University Law School. While mander, 186th Air Refueling Wing, Key Field embrace. It is my honor to recognize this Judge Hughes will no longer be a Federal Air National Guard Base, in Meridian, Mis- amazing woman on her 100th birthday. Bea- judge, he continues to ardently serve those in sissippi, for his 35 years of faithful service to trice, Happy Birthday! Michigan. our country.

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