March 27, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E361 no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH made significant contributions to the American and character in all of her future accomplish- story: ments. HON. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan of Texas OF TEXAS was the first African American woman elected f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to the House of Representatives; Kathryn ‘‘Kathy’’ Whitmire was the first HONORING THE LIFE OF BELOVED Wednesday, March 27, 2019 woman elected to serve in Houston City gov- CAPITAL REGION EDUCATOR ER- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise ernment; and NEST D. STECK to commemorate Women’s History Month. Mae Carol Jemison, the first African Amer- I want to offer a special mention for the U.S. ican woman astronaut. HON. PAUL TONKO House of Representatives women firsts: These many accomplishments does not Congresswoman Jeanette Rankin of Mon- mean there is not more that needs to be done. OF tana who was the first elected woman member There is still a long way for women to go IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the House of Representatives; according the Shriver Report. Wednesday, March 27, 2019 Congresswoman Patsy Mink of Hawaii was Women are more than 50 percent of the the first woman of color and the first Asian population and more than 50 percent of the Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today American woman elected to Congress; votes. to honor the legacy of beloved community Congresswoman Shirley Anita Chisholm of A woman working full time, all year at a leader, veteran and educator Ernest D. Steck New York who was the first African-American minimum-wage job, or a job close to the min- who passed away in February. Congresswoman member of the House of imum wage, will not be able to bring her family Mr. Steck was a symbol of virtue and dis- Representatives; and above the poverty line. cipline to many in our Capital Region Our Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen whom Families need an income closer to 200 per- community owes him a debt of gratitude for we have the honor of working with is the first cent of the federal poverty threshold to escape his commitment to educating and shaping the Hispanic woman elected to serve in Congress. the brink. minds of the young men under his tutelage, National Women’s History Month’s roots go In the Shriver Report’s survey: both in his history classroom and on the foot- back to March 8, 1857, when women from 73 percent of Americans said that in order ball field. New York City factories staged a protest over to raise the incomes of working women and Ernest was born in Rock Island, Illinois and working conditions. their families, they strongly favor the govern- grew up in Chicago and Brooklyn during the International Women’s Day was first ob- ment ensuring that women get equal pay for Great Depression He enlisted and served in served in 1909. equal work; the U.S. Army during World War II and fought In 1981, Congress passed a law authorizing 79 percent of Americans said the govern- in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he went the President to proclaim March 7, 1982 as ment should expand access to high-quality, af- back to school to earn his undergraduate and ‘‘Women’s History Week.’’ It was a modest be- fordable childcare for working families; advanced degrees in physical education at the ginning, but very significant to women be- Almost 60 percent of Americans said University of Iowa. cause it started a societal and cultural change women raising children on their own face tre- After brief stints teaching in Bridgeport, Con- in how women—and especially young girls mendous challenges and should be helped fi- necticut and Providence, Rhode Island, Ernest saw themselves within the American story. nancially by government, employers, and com- moved to Albany and brought his love of In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a munities; and teaching to the Albany Academy, where he month. Every year since, Congress has If we are going to win the war on poverty taught from 1953 to 1991. He also coached passed a resolution for Women’s History we must wage and win the war of discrimina- football, basketball, track, and tennis Each dis- Month, and the President has issued a procla- tion of women in the workforce. cipline provided a welcome opportunity for Er- mation. Pay inequality is not just a women’s issue— nest to share the principles that guided his life: This month we recognize Women’s History it is a family income equality issue. the importance of hard work, discipline, and Month by noting the fundamental role women In 2012, Texas’ ranked second among the integrity. These earned him the respect of his have played in shaping America’s history. But 50 states among with workers earning at or colleagues and students. Classrooms were I say to you that a month is not enough to below the federal minimum wage. known to fall silent before he arrived while stu- make known the significant contributions of According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Sta- dents waited eagerly for him to speak. women to the success of the United States of tistics of the 6.1 million workers are paid hour- America. ly rates in Texas in 2012, Ernest’s legacy of service earned him a pro- We taught our girls about Rose the Riveter In Texas 282,000 earned exactly the pre- motion to athletic director and a spot in the who represented the millions of American vailing federal minimum wage of $7.25 per Capital Region Hall of Fame in August of women who went to work on assembly lines to hour, while 170,000 earned less. 2014. If not reminding his teams that ‘‘cool manufacture tanks, planes, and weapons for From 2011 to 2012, the number of Texas heads win games,’’ he could be found virtually the defense of this nation during World War II. workers who earned at or below the federal silent on the sidelines He believed in allowing We have many American Women heroes in minimum wage was 7.5 percent. The percent- the students to call their own plays, giving the STEM area like: Sally Kristen Ride, the age of workers earning less than the federal them a chance to develop team unity and first woman sent into space; Eileen Marie Col- minimum 2012 was 2.8 percent, while the trust. His creative approaches worked time lins, the first woman space shuttle pilot; and share earning exactly the minimum wage was and time again. In 1970, the Albany Academy Grace Murray Hopper an American computer 4.7 percent. football team won the State Championship for scientist and United States Navy rear admiral. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to small high schools. He led a record-achieving Admiral Hopper developed the first compiler help celebrate Women’s History month by be- championship streak until 1982. Students he for a computer programming language, which coming cosponsors of H.R. 863. coached referred to themselves as ‘‘Ernie’s made it possible to program computers with- f Boys,’’ a moniker that denoted their respect out using punch cards. and appreciation Even to people who never The Shriver Report, ‘‘A Woman’s Nation RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF BILLY stepped foot on a court or entered an arena, Pushes Back from the Brink:’’ Some Rec- MARTIN Ernest was legendary. ommended Steps for Government Businesses, Above all, Ernest was a proud family man and Women reported on the economic health HON. His legacy lives on in his sons David and Phil- of the average American woman. OF MISSISSIPPI lip and grandchildren Kaylee, James, Alex- Today, women make up half the U.S. work- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES andra, and Aaron He was laid to rest in late force, but the average full time working February alongside his wife Roselyn. To those woman earns only 77 percent of what the av- Wednesday, March 27, 2019 who knew him, loved him, and were made erage full time working man makes. Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, better by his presence, I offer my sincere con- And that is why the House must pass H.R. I rise today to celebrate the life of Billy Martin, dolences. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act, when it comes who passed away on Sunday, January 27th at May we all take inspiration from the incred- to the floor for debate and vote. the age of 52. ible service and courage of Ernest Steck and There are many women in the State of Billy, a native of Gulfport, Mississippi, grad- honor his legacy for years to come. Texas and in the city of Houston who have uated from Gulfport High School and attended

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:47 Mar 28, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K27MR8.010 E27MRPT1 E362 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 27, 2019 Gulf Coast Community College. He went on to THOMAS MILLS vestments support jobs and provide an eco- be an ice cream delivery driver for Blue Bell nomic boost for both of our economies. In Ice Cream for over ten years. It was during HON. partnership with American companies, this time that he began investing in the lives OF COLORADO Kazakhstan launched the Astana International of young adults at Resurrection Life Worship IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Financial Center (AIFC) in 2018, which serves Center in Picayune, Mississippi. After his time as a trading and financing platform for foreign at Blue Bell, he accepted a full-time position at Wednesday, March 27, 2019 and domestic investors, allowing Kazakhstan RLM serving as the administrator for over ten Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise to grow as a major financial hub in the region. years. It was in this role that Bill’s heart of today to recognize and applaud Thomas Mills Kazakhstan and the United States have also service out shined all those around him. for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service been constructive partners in promoting secu- In a world where everyone seems to be Ambassadors for Youth award. rity and stability around the world. Our two na- dead set on self-promotion and self-advance- Thomas Mills is a student at Three Creeks tions work together closely to support peace in ment, Billy found his joy in serving others. In K–8 and received this award because his de- Afghanistan and Central Asia through the a world where people are going to extreme termination and hard work have allowed him Strategic Partnership Dialogue, joint-military lengths to draw attention to themselves, Billy to overcome adversities. efforts, and the C5+1 multilateral meetings. went the extra mile to draw attention to others. The dedication demonstrated by Thomas Additionally, President Nazarbayev was instru- In a world where it’s common to see people Mills is exemplary of the type of achievement mental in Kazakhstan being the first Central broadcast their own accomplishments, Billy that can be attained with hard work and perse- Asian country to be elected to the United Na- was a megaphone for the achievements and verance. It is essential students at all levels tions National Security Council, providing a good qualities of others. In a time when every- strive to make the most of their education and voice for the people of the region on a global one wants to see their dreams fulfilled, Billy develop a work ethic which will guide them for stage. saw fit to spend his time helping fulfill the the rest of their lives. The United States welcomes this peaceful dreams of others. I extend my deepest congratulations to transition of power in Kazakhstan as it re- Billy’s life is one that should be celebrated Thomas Mills for winning the Arvada Wheat mains a reliable and trusted partner in Central and remembered. His legacy of obedience to Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Asia and I congratulate Mr. Kassym-Jomart God and selfless service to others lives on in I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedi- Tokayev on his new role. all the lives he touched. cation and character in all of his future accom- f Left to cherish his memory are his wife and plishments. best friend of 17 years, Jameye Hickman Mar- f STEFAN MOE tin of Picayune, his mother, Shirley Martin; his siblings, Randy (Karen) Martin and Terri CONGRATULATING KAZAKHSTAN HON. ED PERLMUTTER ON THEIR PRESIDENTIAL TRAN- (Tony) Zbysinski, of the Mississippi Gulf OF COLORADO SITION Coast; his brothers-in-law, Rev. Allen (Amy) IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Hickman of Picayune and Andrew (Karen) Wednesday, March 27, 2019 Hickman of Brookhaven, 17 nephews and HON. nieces and 9 great-nephews and great-nieces. OF OHIO Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES today to recognize and applaud Stefan Moe for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Wednesday, March 27, 2019 HONORING BELOVED ALBANY Ambassadors for Youth award. RESTAURANT LOMBARDO’S Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I rise today Stefan Moe is a student at Drake Middle to recognize the historic March 19 announce- School and received this award because his HON. PAUL TONKO ment by former Kazakhstan President, Mr. determination and hard work have allowed him OF NEW YORK Nursultan Nazarbayev, who voluntarily and to overcome adversities. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES peacefully resigned from his position as Presi- The dedication demonstrated by Stefan Moe dent and as the Head of State. is exemplary of the type of achievement that Wednesday, March 27, 2019 Kazakhstan’s Constitution was prepared for can be attained with hard work and persever- Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today such a scenario and calls for the Chairperson ance. It is essential students at all levels strive to bid a fond farewell to Lombardo’s, a historic of the Senate of the Parliament to step in and to make the most of their education and de- Albany, New York restaurant that was a be- take on the roles and responsibilities for the velop a work ethic which will guide them for loved community staple for nearly a century remainder of the President’s term. This transi- the rest of their lives. until its close earlier this year. tion process, which will usher in the Chairman I extend my deepest congratulations to Ste- Charley Salvatore Lombardo opened what of the Senate, Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, fan Moe for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge would become this legendary family restaurant as Head of State, is moving forward peacefully Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have in 1919 after making the journey to the United and with little to no disruption, as all parties in- no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication States from Southern Italy. For decades, volved remain committed to Kazakhstan’s fur- and character in all of his future accomplish- Lombardo’s weathered the changing land- ther development and prosperity, as well as ments. scape of the Albany area, generation after serving as a stabilizing force in the region. Ad- f generation, never wavering in its service to ditionally, I call on President Tokayev to carry neighbors and cherished ability to bring people out the reforms necessary to hold free and fair HONORING ROY BENAVIDEZ together. elections in 2020, so that the people of Whether looking for a bite to eat or a brief Kazakhstan can continue to strengthen their HON. respite from the demands of daily life, democratic institutions. OF TEXAS Lombardo’s provided a hub of connection and For almost 30 years, Kazakhstan and the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES familiarity for the surrounding area. Many Al- United States have worked diligently to build a bany residents chose this establishment as strategic partnership based on mutual trust Wednesday, March 27, 2019 the setting to celebrate their milestones, from and cooperation on important issues such as Mr. CLOUD. Madam Speaker, I rise today birthdays to anniversaries to reunions. Artists economic investment, security, and cultural to honor and recognize Master Sergeant Roy and authors found inspiration behind its doors. exchanges. Both Kazakhstan and the United Benavidez. Local entrepreneurs cite Lombardo’s as a States have made clear that this strategic My district is proud to claim as one of our model that guided their ventures. partnership and friendship will continue to own Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, a Medal Lombardo’s memorable Art Deco design grow and expand under a new Head of State. of Honor recipient who is among the most dis- and tiled floors saw their last public visitors in I applaud President Nazarbayev for his work tinguished heroes in American history. On the December of 2018, but the spirit of the estab- to create a strong and lasting relationship with occasion of the Roy P. Benavidez Memorial lishment lives on in the stories and memories the United States. In 2018, the U.S. and Highway Dedication, I would like to recognize of its owners, its many servers and staffs, pa- Kazakhstan signed numerous economic once more a man who exemplified courage, trons and friends. Thank you to everyone who agreements that have paved the way for more sacrifice, and unbreakable determination. made Lombardo’s such a special place for our than 700 American companies to invest over Sergeant Benavidez, of El Campo, Texas, community. $3.7 million in the last year alone. These in- was orphaned at a young age and dropped

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