November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9043 We must raise up their names and re- Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, hero for people all across this country. member those who have been lost to the NAACP has been at the forefront in Your brilliant mind and your leader- senseless violence and hate. We must the fight for equal educational, social, ship will always be here, and we say shine a light on the injustice that has economic, and legal rights for African thank you from the bottom of our affected this community. American communities. heart. May God bless you and your I am proud to have a transgender The Mainland-Pleasantville NAACP family as you go into this next chap- woman as part of my staff. branch, led by President Olivia ter. I would also like to recognize the Caldwell, has continuously fought for Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of . Shah family from my district. Priya those things, and they recently held Madam Speaker, today, my colleagues and Jaspret Shah are the parents of a their annual Freedom Fund Awards and I rise to honor the legislative leg- brave little transgender girl. Together, Luncheon. The luncheon honored the acy and the life of my good friend and they have advocated not only for their people who fought alongside the colleague and fellow Georgia Bulldog, daughter, but for the entire NAACP and their efforts for equal U.S. Senator . transgender community. Priya has rights. For more than 20 years, Senator come to the forefront of the Human President of Atlantic Cape Commu- ISAKSON has served the people of Geor- Rights Campaign’s national program to nity College, Dr. Barbara Gaba, re- gia in the Congress, tire- make schools safe spaces for ceived the education award for fur- lessly fighting for the people of Geor- transgender children. thering educational fulfillment in the gia. We must continue to stand in soli- African American community. During his tenure, Senator ISAKSON darity with the Shah family, their I would like to thank Dr. Gaba, has been a bellwether for many in our daughter, and the entire transgender President Caldwell, and the NAACP for delegation, both as a Member of this community and continue to work to- their resilience in the fight for equal- body and as a United States Senator. If ward equality and justice for all. ity that not only impacts the people of I have heard it once, I have heard it a south Jersey, but all Americans every- f thousand times: Where’s JOHNNY on where. We all have the same blood this? What does JOHNNY think about SECURE OUR NATION’S ECONOMY flowing through our veins. this? Have you spoken to JOHNNY on (Mr. STANTON asked and was given May God bless them. this? permission to address the House for 1 f He has offered counsel that has been minute and to revise and extend his re- HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE learned through his 40 years of public marks.) OF SENATOR JOHNNY ISAKSON service that is invaluable to me and Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under many of us in the Georgia delegation rise today in support of the ongoing ef- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- and throughout this Nation. forts to secure our Nation’s economy. uary 3, 2019, the gentleman from Geor- I have many personal stories about In Arizona, that means giving job cre- JOHNNY, some of them appropriate for gia (Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT) is recognized ators, large and small, access to mar- for 60 minutes as the designee of the the floor, some of them not. But my kets in Mexico and Canada. SAKSON minority leader. first recollection of Senator I Sadly, Arizona’s recent trade history was a call that I made as a young teen- GENERAL LEAVE was shaped by State leaders who dam- ager when we had a mutual friend and Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. aged our relationship with Mexico with I needed a little help getting him Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous con- divisive, self-defeating rhetoric and through the ballot process at the fra- sent that all Members may have 5 leg- policies, such as SB 1070. That hurt our ternity house. Senator ISAKSON picked islative days in which to revise and ex- economy and cost us jobs. up the phone and called and, a few min- tend their remarks and include extra- So, as Phoenix mayor, I worked over- utes later, the president of the frater- neous material on the topic of this Spe- time to rebuild those relationships, nity walked in and said: I am not quite cial Order. leading 18 trade missions to Mexico and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there sure who spoke to Senator ISAKSON, but Canada. Our business community objection to the request of the gen- this is the way the next vote’s going to helped me make the case for increasing tleman from Georgia? go. trade, and we saw results. There was no objection. And that was all it took. Since 2012, while the Nation’s exports Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. I can’t tell you, over the last 20, or, grew 0.1 percent, Phoenix’s exports Madam Speaker, I have a lot to say. I am sorry, I should say 30-plus years, grew 20 percent. In 2017, trade with My colleague, Mr. HICE, has a lot to do. how much you have meant to me and Mexico and Canada produced nearly $10 I am going to yield to Mr. HICE so that my family. And when I am back home, billion in exports statewide. he can speak briefly and go back to his I constantly tell the people the respect Simply put, trade with our North committee. our delegation and all the Members of American allies is essential to Arizo- Mr. HICE of Georgia. Madam Speak- the House and the Senate have for you. na’s economy. Now we have a real op- er, I thank my good friend for yielding You have brought forward a sense of bi- portunity to improve these relation- a quick moment. partisanship in working across the ships through the USMCA. A new trade There are few people in Washington, aisle for the good of all Georgians. agreement, with improved labor stand- D.C., and in America who have had the He has played a key role in building ards, can provide certainty for small impact of Senator JOHNNY ISAKSON. and maintaining his reputation, and I and medium-sized businesses. And when we think of Senator ISAKSON, look forward to that special tradition Trade with our North American al- no question, there are so many things continuing in the coming legislative lies provides paychecks to more than that come to our mind. sessions. 230,000 Arizona workers, and it is Con- Senator, you are and you have been Public service is much more than gress’ duty to reassert its role in U.S. an incredible statesman, a phenomenal just the service of the Member; it is trade policy. leader, in Georgia, here in the United also the service of the family. I thank Speaker PELOSI, Chairman States Senate, and in our country, and Senator ISAKSON, your children, your NEAL, and the working group for work- we just want to say thank you for all wonderful wife, Dianne, we extend our ing so hard on getting this agreement that you have done for us. thanks for their commitment to serve done. I continue to be encouraged by I think, personally, when I first came Georgia and their support of our dele- the progress being made on USMCA. to Congress, you were one of the first gation and fellow delegation members. f individuals to reach out to me and to Their impact cannot be understated, give advice and encouragement. And to and we look forward to you enjoying PLEASANTVILLE NAACP this day, every time I see you, you do more time with Dianne and your entire (Mr. VAN DREW asked and was given that, and you will never know how family as you enter your next chapter. permission to address the House for 1 much that means. For decades, Senator ISAKSON and his minute and to revise and extend his re- I just want to publicly state that family have faithfully served our marks.) JOHNNY ISAKSON, Senator ISAKSON, is a State. His character, godliness, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:25 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19NO7.042 H19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H9044 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 19, 2019 statesmanship will be greatly missed in mindful, a warm and welcoming gen- As Members, we get up each and Washington, D.C. tleman in the truest sense of the word. every day and we work hard to make His faithful service to the great State For two decades, you, Senator, led a sure our constituents have a great of Georgia is second only to our be- team that could cross the aisle without place to live and provide for their fami- loved mascot, Uga. He is a giant among compromising their values. Whenever a lies. And it is not often that we have men and dogs, dedicated and delib- constituent came over from a meeting the opportunity to share about the im- erate, and it has been an honor to work with you and your staff, they felt heard pact that a single person might have alongside him fighting for the good and respected. made on our very own lives. people of Georgia and the veterans of b 1545 Today is one of those rare occasions the United States of America. for me, and I get to do that today I hope you do not mind, but I would Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- through the recognition of one of Geor- like to share a moment that stands out tleman from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS). gia’s giants. And I am going to do this for me and will always stand out for Mr. LEWIS. Madam Speaker, I want today, Senator, take the opportunity me as long as I live, to this very day. to thank my beloved colleague and my to share of our first interaction, my friend for yielding. I would like to One morning, before I was scheduled to read the 13th Amendment on the first introduction, my introduction to thank our colleague, Mr. AUSTIN Senator ISAKSON. SCOTT, for organizing this Special House floor, Senator ISAKSON asked me to come and speak with his staff about It was November 6, 1990, and I was Order tribute to a great man, to a won- just your average 20-year-old college derful human being. service and my own experiences. We had an honest and thoughtful discus- student. I was apolitical. I was just Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize looking for a free meal that night. I Senator JOHNNY ISAKSON, a son of At- sion. It was one of the most meaning- ful, memorable experiences of my years was an idealist, very open-minded, and lanta, Georgia. Senator ISAKSON is a I was invited that night by my room- special man. He is a good man. I want in Congress. I carry it in my heart to mate to attend a political gathering. to thank him for his years of service in this very day, to this very moment, And my roommate just happened to be the Georgia State Legislature, in the what Senator ISAKSON said. I believe 20 the son of Freddie Stevenson, who is a United States House of Representa- years have passed since I stood on this very floor to introduce Senator ISAK- dear friend of ours, Senator. tives, and, now, in the United States And that was my very first political Senate. SON to Congress. event ever that I had attended, and it On February 25, 1999, I introduced As JOHNNY returns to private life happened to be the gubernatorial elec- JOHNNY as the newest member of the with his beloved wife, Dianne, of 51 Georgia congressional delegation to years and his wonderful, beautiful chil- tion night celebration, or that is at the House of Representatives. He came dren and grandchildren, I would like to least what I anticipated that night. I to Congress as a graduate of the Uni- thank JOHNNY for his years of service. can remember that evening as if it versity of Georgia and a successful I would like to thank JOHNNY for his were yesterday, and I know the Sen- businessman. service to our State, our Nation. I wish ator can, as well, as can so many oth- Before coming to Congress, he served JOHNNY health and happiness. ers. as a member of the Georgia Air Na- I hope the Senator takes some time As a country boy, I tional Guard, the State house minority to enjoy a beautiful and wonderful life didn’t grow up in wealth or politics. I leader, a State senator, and the chair in the State of Georgia. Senator ISAK- just worked hard every day just trying of the State board of education. SON has been very good to the people of to get through each and every day. On that day, I said he brought a the State of Georgia, and I am lucky But that night I was impacted. There wealth of knowledge with him. I ex- enough, and just blessed really, to call was a lot of energy. There was excite- plained to our colleagues that, in his him a friend and a brother. I thank him ment in the room. And that is infec- decades of public service in our home so much. tious, I know it is, but that is not what State, JOHNNY developed a great rep- Madam Speaker, it is almost difficult it was about that night. I was impacted utation as a bridge builder, a man who to yield back the time when I speak of more so than anything by a single per- has strong beliefs but was also willing this good and great leader from the son, a person I didn’t even know yet, a to work with others to get things done. State of Georgia. I thank JOHNNY for person that I would soon get to know Very quickly, Members of the House his service. I will come over and meet very well, though. and Senate discovered how true this you, brother. You might suggest that I was im- was. The Senator does not make a lot Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. pressed by the Senator’s resume, his of noise, but he has the ability and the Madam Speaker, I wish all of America history and what he had done. I mean, capacity to speak truth to power. could be here to see that, two icons after all, we glossed over what the Sen- When JOHNNY served in the House of from Georgia embracing. What a won- ator has accomplished, but he has Representatives, we always found a derful sight that I think is representa- served in the Georgia Air National way to come together, and we contin- tive of the days of the past and the Guard. The Senator has 14 years in the ued that tradition when he was elected days to come and how we should work Georgia House as a minority leader. to the Senate. Over the years, we together. Thank you both so much, not The Senator was co-chair of a Presi- worked together on many, many just for what you did, but for who you dential campaign, president of one of issues, like transportation, water, are. the largest real estate companies in housing, and veterans affairs. We al- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- the country, and, yes, as has been men- ways found a way to get along and to tleman from Georgia (Mr. GRAVES). tioned, he was a Georgia Bulldog. All of do the good work the people deserved. Mr. GRAVES of Georgia. Madam that by 1990. That is impressive, but Time and time again, he stood with Speaker, I thank Representative SCOTT that is not what captured me that us, he worked with us to uplift African for yielding and for coordinating this night. Americans in the State of Georgia, to hour of tribute to a dear, dear friend I was totally unaware of all those recognize individuals like Dr. Martin and how humbling it is to follow my things. Nor could it have been his fu- Luther King, Jr., and Jackie Robinson, good friend, Representative LEWIS, who ture, because none of us knew, none of native of Georgia. He did not just talk swore me in just the same, JOHNNY, us knew what might be yet. That was the talk, he literally walked the walk. just over 9 years ago, right here in this so many years ago. Senator, you not only supported the same spot. The fact that JOHNNY would one day reauthorization of the Voting Rights I know this would certainly take run and be elected to the State Senate, Act in 2006, but, a few years later, you more than an hour, and I know this is that he would be a candidate for U.S. even co-led the congressional pilgrim- a Georgia delegation moment, but, Senate in 1996, he would head the State age to Selma, Alabama. I want to say Senator, I am certain that if the House School Board, be elected to the U.S. thank you for all of your good and would allow that, Member after Mem- House in 1999, sworn in by the great great work. ber from State after State would come , and then 5 years later Those of us who know you will agree down here and pay you tribute, just the elected to the as that you are always thoughtful and same as we are today. our senior Senator.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:25 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19NO7.043 H19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9045 There was something so much more, JOHNNY ISAKSON has been a true has a personal attachment to many of JOHNNY. There was so much more than statesman in his remarkable career as us, whether he realizes it or not. For that, Senator, that we had yet to a public servant for Georgians. I first those of us who come forward in public know. I mean, it was more than the met JOHNNY in 1977 where we served to- service, you need role models and men- Senator’s resume. It was more than the gether in the Georgia General Assem- tors, and you hear about those who Senator’s title, and it was more than bly. We developed a friendship which succeeded and failed and succeeded and what the Senator was going to accom- has endured through our work together failed, which is something many of us plish that stirred me or that stirs any in the State House, the U.S. House of have to get used to, whether we want individual. Representatives, and during his service to or not. It was on that night in 1990 where a as our U.S. Senator from Georgia. For me it is watching the Senator in man I had never met with a name I cer- Throughout his career, he has not the times when probably he didn’t tainly couldn’t pronounce with a his- viewed issues from a partisan perspec- know he was being watched. There tory that I didn’t know or a future yet tive, but for the good of all Americans. were times when I watched the Sen- untold, he caught my attention. My JOHNNY served as a Republican in both ator, as a young person in the State first true interaction, my first impact chambers of Georgia’s State legisla- House in Georgia going to a meeting by a political figure in my life was that ture, but he was appointed by Georgia’s and they would recognize him and say, night in 1990. Democratic Governor to be you know, JOHNNY is here, would he The results were not what the Sen- the chairman of the Georgia State like to say a few words? ator had hoped for at the time or what Board of Education. His integrity, his And for most of us, it is struggling the Senator had worked for, and yet, kindness are invaluable qualities in a just to come up with a couple words he was in a room of friends and sup- legislator and have no doubt been a de- that actually sound good together, porters and had to address them that fining measure of his success. much less sentences, but JOHNNY ISAK- night. I am honored to call JOHNNY my SON would stand up and for the next 5 Now, if you were an onlooker like friend. We will miss him in the delega- minutes rattle off a speech that you me, a 20-year-old college student, what tion. His loss will be felt deeply, but we would have sworn had been honed for do you expect? You expect maybe there can all agree that he is very much de- years, and it touched the very soul of is going to be bitterness, there is going serving of a happy retirement spent everybody there. to be regret, there is going to be some with his wife, Dianne, their children, b 1600 and grandchildren, and we wish you the blaming, there is going to be some divi- I was in awe. And I watched him do it siveness. That certainly sounds famil- best, JOHNNY. The poet said: so many times. He listened. In this iar, certainly today. But it was dif- business, that is pretty impressive. Isn’t it strange how princes and kings, ferent. That is why he got stuff done. Instead, JOHNNY ISAKSON, he took the and clowns that caper in sawdust rings, and common people, like you and me, I remember, every time I would come stage with grace, with respect, with to him, there would be times when I dignity, with vision and with a con- are builders for eternity? Each is given a list of rules; would be asking a question, and I fidence that I never expected in a per- a shapeless mass; a bag of tools. would go along, and he would listen son. And whether the Senator knew it And each must make your life as flown, and answer the question. I went away that night at that time, he chose to a stumbling block, or a stepping stone. feeling better just by being with him. impact, and he chose to inspire. He The people of Georgia, the people of I remember when I talked to him chose to inspire me. our Nation, and, indeed, people all right after he announced to us that he I know the story is not unique to me. across the world are so blessed that was going to leave a big hole in our del- I know it is not. There are 45 years of you have used your life and your career egation. The first thing he said to me stories like that. I just happened to be not as a stumbling block but as a step- when I picked up the phone, as he did one. He was paying forward before it ping stone for a higher, better quality almost every time, was, ‘‘Doug, thank was even a thing to do. And now 29 of life for human kind. Thank you, and you. You are doing a great job,’’ even years later I can stand before each of God bless you. when I knew that probably wasn’t true. you, I stand before you as one who Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. When you understand, though, what served in the Georgia House for 71⁄2 Madam Speaker, I want to thank Sen- it takes to lift people up, you leave a years and now in my 10th year here in ator ISAKSON, as well, for his service to mark. You leave a special mark. Congress and a future still yet untold. our Nation’s veterans and his role as For those of us in politics who strug- I get to stand before the Senator and chairman of the Senate Committee on gled many times over the past few say, ‘‘thank you.’’ Veterans’ Affairs. He served our mili- years to go into groups that would call I thank Senator ISAKSON. I thank tary veterans faithfully for many, us names and not like us even when him for caring. I thank him for being many years. they supposedly were on our side, I an example of what is needed so much I yield to the gentleman from Geor- watched what he did. He would go into today. It is with deep gratitude that I gia (Mr. COLLINS), my friend and col- those groups and sneak in the back get to pay tribute in his farewell. To league, one of the men who serves us in after the meeting started. They would the one who might have lost an elec- multiple capacities, both in the Air see him there. They would recognize tion in 1990 but won the trust of a 20- Force and as a Member of Congress. him, and he stood and spoke. He never year-old college student that night, a Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Thank you, backed up. He never backed down. But true fighter for Georgia, a great states- Mr. SCOTT, for yielding. To be here, to he made a lot of converts simply by man, and a dear friend, thank you so hear just the accomplishments of Sen- being there. much, and may God bless the Senator ator ISAKSON. He’s one of the people For those of us in public service, if he in the days ahead. that as you go along you find in life showed me or showed anybody any- Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. I that you have to know him by title or thing, it is that being in the room, yield to the gentleman from Georgia you have to know him by last name, in being a participant, listening to people, (Mr. BISHOP), my friend and colleague. the State of Georgia when you say, and caring about them, even if we dis- Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam ‘‘JOHNNY,’’ everybody knows who you agree with them, is the largest step we Speaker, I thank the gentleman for are talking about, especially when it can take to make sure that we have a yielding, and I thank my colleagues for comes to our politics. union that matters. this Special Order giving tribute to a And for me to rattle off everything From me and my house, for a profes- good and great man. that has already been said, it is breath- sion that many have taken on that Winston Churchill once said, ‘‘You taking what you have done and what needs role models, we stand on his make your living by what you get. You you have accomplished from business shoulders. He is the giant in the room, make your life by what you give.’’ My to career, and those are the things that from our perspective of watching what friend, JOHNNY ISAKSON, has given so are worthy of the page in your life. happens and how it happens. much to so many for so long. He has But for many of us here, just as my When I got to Washington, DC, I truly made a life. friends were saying earlier, the Senator knew the one thing that I wanted to do

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:25 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19NO7.045 H19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H9046 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 19, 2019 was actually pass legislation because I Mr. WOODALL. Madam Speaker, I 1976 when he was trying to grow the had heard him say one time before: thank the gentleman for yielding. party across the State, maybe from Why do we come up here if we don’t get I am enjoying listening to the part- back when he was leading the State anything done? nership conversation. I want to come Board of Education, maybe from back Madam Speaker, Johnny is far be- from a different perspective, though. I in the Sixth District, maybe from his yond the policy. He went to the heart want to talk about the partisanship time as a United States Senator. He of people, and it will be missed in this conversation. has always put people first. place. But it is alive now, and we turn When I was 6 years old and Senator I see that in every speech he has to him and that vision more than any- ISAKSON was elected as a Georgia House given in Gwinnett and Forsyth Coun- thing. member, it was 23 out of 180 members ties. He will stand up and always thank Of course, as Senator ISAKSON knows, of the house, as I recall. I don’t know the staffers who are working for him. I still represent part of Athens and how many there were before he got It is his Academy Day that I enjoy Clarke County. He is a Georgia grad- there, but being a Republican in Geor- the most. That is my favorite time uate, and as we say around those parts, gia in 1976 was not a popular thing to that we spend together each year. ‘‘You are a damn good Dawg.’’ do. If people don’t know, Madam Speak- Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. I think about all the things that we er, the Isakson Academy Day is a Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. COLLINS want to do together in this body. I statewide event that brings all the for his comments. think about folks who say, ‘‘Oh, we young men and women who love an op- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- can’t do that. It is too hard. It is going portunity—they could do anything tlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. MCBATH), my colleague. to take too long. Let’s do something they want to with their life, but they Mrs. MCBATH. Madam Speaker, I today, but let’s not focus on those want to serve the United States of thank the gentleman for yielding. I am long-term goals.’’ America. They want to be the future so glad that we are gathered here today You might think that when Ronald generation of leaders. Even as young as to honor our colleague. Reagan was elected in 1980, that that seventh, eighth, and ninth grade, they It is an honor to represent Georgia’s was a big jump in Georgia. As I recall, come to this event that Senator ISAK- Sixth District here in Congress, and it there were still 23 members in the SON puts together. is truly an honor to hold the seat that Georgia House in 1980, 23 out of 180. Talk about all the lives that he has Senator ISAKSON once held. Somebody had to be the first one to changed here in this institution, don’t Senator ISAKSON has spent decades in stand up. even get started on the number of lives service to the State of Georgia and to We talk about partisanship in this in- he has changed as it relates to leader- our great Nation. His legacy has left an stitution, Madam Speaker, like it is a ship and opportunity to serve through unforgettable mark on Georgia and the bad thing. What I have always loved his Academy Day. United States Senate. about the Senator is that he has never I think about him being a Repub- He is known in our community for been embarrassed to be a Republican. lican’s Republican. I think about Reva being a friendly neighbor and for being He knew what he believed, and he knew Jennings in Forsyth County. Senator a truly good man, and I am honored to why he believed it. ISAKSON knows Reva. She is hard core. call him my friend. We share a passion, Now, the Senator might not like the For folks who don’t know, Madam a passion to make Georgia the best way someone else expresses their Re- Speaker, Forsyth County is one of the place to live and to start a family. We publican values, but he led with his most conservative counties in the share a dedication to making America heart. He can sit right beside a Demo- State of Georgia—a conservative State, a more perfect union. cratic hero like JOHN LEWIS, and I a conservative county. I know that I have not been in the can’t tell the difference when it comes Reva Jennings has been building that Georgia delegation very long, but I to Southern gentility, but he will never Republican Party up there for as long thank the gentleman for putting people be embarrassed to share who he is as a as anyone can remember. We lost her over party and for his commitment to Republican. in an untimely way. the best policy, which is not always That is what it takes to grow from 23 But while everybody loves us on our easy politics. members in a 180-member body into the way out the door, Senator ISAKSON We live in an age where loyalty to institution that had an might remember a tough primary sea- partisanship has too often come at the opportunity to serve and into the insti- son or two where folks might come and expense of the American people, and we tution that so many of our colleagues say: Johnny, why aren’t you more live in an age where ‘‘compromise’’ has had a chance to serve. angry about this? Why aren’t you doing become a dirty word. We live in an age We talk about bipartisanship as that this? where the American people have be- Holy Grail. It requires partisanship to As Republican primary seasons are, come disillusioned with the American get there, and but for the example that we tend to eat our own. Reva Jennings, Government. Senator ISAKSON set, we wouldn’t have the first time I met her, was fielding Senator ISAKSON has defied that age. the Republican Party in Georgia, and one of those questions. Somebody came Senator ISAKSON has always been open we wouldn’t have Isakson values in up and said: We have to get somebody to that tough conversation, and he has that party. to challenge that JOHNNY ISAKSON in always been open to finding common- I talked about partisanship, Madam the next primary. He is soft, for a Re- sense solutions to forge uncommon Speaker. I want to talk about people as publican. ground. That is why I am so proud to follow the second part of that. Now, we know Reva. She doesn’t have I have always imagined the roughest in his footsteps as the Representative any softness in her. She went right to from Georgia’s Sixth Congressional part about being a United States Sen- Senator ISAKSON’s steel backbone. She District. It is why I work so hard to ator is that one might lose that one- went right after it. She took it to that make sure that we are passing bipar- on-one contact that one has had. In a whole crowd of Republicans, saying: tisan bills, bills that will help protect congressional district, we can get to You can poor-mouth anybody you want the communities that we truly love. know people. We can be with them in to in this town, but you cannot poor- Madam Speaker, I thank Senator the community. mouth JOHNNY ISAKSON because he has ISAKSON. I thank him so much for his Senator ISAKSON’s entire career has done more for the Republican Party service to the people of Georgia and his been about people. I watch him when than anybody else in this State has, service to the freedom of our country. he walks into a room. Folks that I and let me tell you how. Godspeed to my friend. God bless. ought to know who they are because I It is not hard to find detractors out Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. have worked with them but I just can’t there these days. It is hard to build Madam Speaker, I thank the gentle- remember, I see him go up and greet those lifelong friendships that create woman for her remarks. them by name. Folks that have come that gift of relationship that Senator Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- into the room from all different con- ISAKSON has offered so many. tleman from Georgia (Mr. WOODALL), gressional districts, he has a relation- He has offered it to me. I am grateful my friend and colleague. ship with them, maybe from back in to him for it. I wouldn’t be standing

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:25 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19NO7.047 H19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9047 here today but for the work he has vancing policies for the betterment of tleman from Georgia (Mr. done over those years, and I thank Sen- the State of Georgia and for the United LOUDERMILK), my friend and colleague. ator ISAKSON for that. States of America. I think that is what Mr. LOUDERMILK. Madam Speaker, Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. SCOTT is so very important. Everywhere you I thank Representative SCOTT for his for yielding. have been, every step of the way, it has time here, and I thank him for orga- Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. always been for the people, always been nizing this. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- for the betterment of our State and of This is a moment that I am sure all tleman from Georgia (Mr. CARTER), my our Nation. of us are having mixed feelings. There good friend and colleague. During a time in our political history have been a lot of accolades given here Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam in which Americans seem to be increas- today to Senator ISAKSON, a lot of talk Speaker, I thank Representative SCOTT ingly divided, I have always looked to about his accomplishments, which are for putting this together. Indeed, it is you. One of the most important absolutely many. something well deserved. achievements I think that you have What a lot of people don’t understand I rise today to recognize a great made is to build bipartisanship, to about Georgia is we have legends. Georgian and a great Senator. reach across the aisle, to come to- There are legends from Georgia that, if I have been blessed in my life. I am gether. you go to any history book or you talk the grandson of a tobacco farmer and I hear my staff tell the story of you to anybody, they will recognize those the son of a paper mill worker, and don’t hear about Senator ISAKSON names as Georgia. here I am, walking the Halls of Con- being involved in a big fight over in the James Oglethorpe is one of those, the gress. Senate, but, in the background, he is in founder of Georgia. , Zell In the short period of time that I a knife fight and he is winning. Miller, JOHN LEWIS, Dr. Martin Luther have had to serve here, I have wit- That is what we all aspire to do. We King. Of course, everybody knows nessed many great things. I got to lis- all want to be known as statesmen. We Vince Dooley, the legendary coach of ten to the Pope, something I never all want to be successful and win our the . Others, like thought I would have the opportunity matches. But you are, and we don’t Tom Murphy, the longest serving to do, one of the great religious leaders even know about it most of the time. speaker of the house in the Nation, in the world, right here in this room. For example, you have always been a who served in the Georgia State House, But when I think of what I saw just staunch supporter of our Nation’s vet- that I know Senator ISAKSON served erans. I think that is extremely impor- a few minutes ago, when I saw not only with when he was in the State house. two great Georgians but two great tant for all of us to remember. You I believe that JOHNNY ISAKSON is one Americans, JOHN LEWIS and JOHNNY were chair of the Veterans’ Affairs of those legends, as well. As was men- ISAKSON, embrace, I pinch myself some- Committee for so many years. tioned, he is the only Georgian in the I have heard the stories of problems times. How did this happen to me? How history of our State, in the history of at the VA and of Senator ISAKSON pick- did I get to witness all of these great this Nation, to serve in both houses of ing up the phone and calling the family things in my life? the State legislature and both Houses Madam Speaker, I thank both of member and apologizing. Now, this is of the United States legislature, an ac- these gentlemen. the chair of the Senate Veterans’ Af- complishment no one else has ever Madam Speaker, I thank especially fairs Committee calling someone and achieved. Senator ISAKSON. I have been fortunate apologizing for them having a problem Now, the one thing I know about Sen- to call him a friend and a mentor for at the VA center. Can you imagine? ator ISAKSON is the character of the many years. I have had many political But that is what we admire. man, that he didn’t accomplish those mentors in my life: Tom Triplett, Tom The overhaul to the VA Veterans things because it was a personal goal; Coleman, just to name a few, and JOHN- Choice Program, modernizing VA hos- it was because of his heart of service. NY ISAKSON. pitals in the MISSION Act, all of these One thing that I have been able to I can remember hearing the story signed into law as a result of your ef- consistently and honestly say about from the then-minority leader of the forts. house of representatives in the Georgia Every year for over a decade, Senator Senator ISAKSON is that he is a states- man. That is something that seems to statehouse, when Senator ISAKSON ISAKSON has held a barbecue in the would tell the story of leading such a Russell Building to feed his colleagues be lost in the line of politics today, small group that General Custer had from both sides of the aisle. those who are true statesmen. There are some things about him and had better odds than he had at that Now at retirement at the end of this things about statesmen that are com- time. year, the State of Georgia, the United States of America, loses one of its mon across the board. One is truthful- b 1615 great political assets. I know you have ness. I can tell you that JOHNNY will I will never forget that. It taught me made the point that you are going to tell you , even if it is some- perseverance. It taught me to always sprint through the finish line, and that thing you don’t want to hear; but, yet, work hard and to continue on. I have is important. he will tell you in a way that you will always looked at that and admired I want to thank you, Senator, for appreciate, because he is doing it to up- that in you, and I appreciate it very your service to our State. I want to lift you and to make you better, not to much. thank you for your service to our Na- draw you down. Your dedication to our State and our tion. I want to thank you for the exam- Faithfulness, he has been faithful to Nation has truly been unmatched. It is ple that you have set for people like his faith, his God, his family, his polit- something that I have admired me. Thank you for always being a step ical beliefs, his party, but, more impor- throughout all my time in public serv- above the political infighting in order tantly, this country and the institu- ice. to do what you truly felt was best for tions that he has represented. Senator ISAKSON, you are one of the Georgians. Another is trust, that is something greatest Georgians to ever serve and As you continue to do what is best that is lacking in modern politics. But one of the only Georgians—in fact, the for your health, you and Dianne will I can tell you this: JOHNNY ISAKSON has only Georgian—to have ever served in always be in my thoughts and prayers. never ever told me something that I the Georgia State House, in the Geor- Thank you, Senator, for your service ever questioned after that. If he told gia State Senate, in the House of Rep- to our country. God bless you. you he was going to do something, it resentatives, and the United States Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. was going to happen. Senate. I got three out of four. I don’t Madam Speaker, may I inquire as to Loyalty is another area. He has al- know if I will ever make it across over how much time I have remaining. ways been loyal to those who are his here, but if I do, I am going to catch The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- friends, for those he represents, for his you because I have had the honor, as tleman from Georgia has 18 minutes re- nation, and for his State. well. maining. Commitment, he is a very committed At each of those levels that you have Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. person to those things which he be- served, you have been successful in ad- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- lieves in.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:00 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19NO7.048 H19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H9048 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 19, 2019 Civility is one of those that really is Succeeds Act, then passed the Senate is: That is maybe the nicest person lost today; but, as many have spoken 81–17 and went to a conference com- that I have ever heard from in my en- here today, he has not only reached mittee, all because of the influence of tire life. across the aisle, but he has reached this incredible man. When that version Secondly, I was pretty touched that across the State to try to bring civility then came back to the House, I am someone was looking out for my future back into politics. standing right there looking at our that didn’t even know me. And the last one, which I think is ranking member, and that bill passed most important to me, is friendship. in this House 359–64. Over the years as I watched you and The mark of a statesman is all of I had never seen anything like that, began to follow you, I saw that play those, but mostly friendship. JOHNNY, and it is all owed to you, and out firsthand. I saw how important the I was in another Member of Congress’ the impact on education is going to be State of Georgia was to you, and what office recently, and, Senator, there was felt throughout this Nation. It is quite made it important was the millions of a poster. It made me laugh. There was a difference, and it shows the depths of Georgians that you love and care a poster on their wall that said: ‘‘If you your influence in these Halls of Con- about; the ones that you don’t know; want a friend in Washington, get a gress. the ones that you do know; and the dog.’’ Well, I don’t think that Member And, of course, throughout your serv- ones that are yet to come. ever met JOHNNY ISAKSON, because he ice, you have demonstrated the true Your unwavering commitment to is a friend not only to me; he is a friend meaning of servant leadership by al- make our State and this Nation a bet- to Georgia. He is a friend to all of us. ways putting the needs and priorities ter place for all of us is something that He is a friend to the United States. of Georgia first. In fact, the greatest can never be forgotten. Senator, God bless you. Thank you servant leader in history said: There is for your service to our State. Thank no greater love than to give your life You have set a standard for being a you for your service to our Nation. You for a friend. You have given a big part gentleman and a statesman that we will be missed. your life to this country, and we are should all follow. It is pretty remark- I am so honored to be able to say I thankful for it. able that we, as the Georgia delega- am a friend of a legend from Georgia. As someone who came from the busi- tion, are getting to sit here today and God bless you. ness world but had not served in public not only speak to you, but our dear Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. office before, I am thankful for your colleague, JOHN LEWIS, as well. Because Madam Speaker, I would remind my leadership. Georgia has been named the many of those same things that we say friend and colleague that Senator ISAK- best State to do business in for the last about you, we have to say about our SON is a Dawg; he is a Georgia Bulldog. 7 years, and it is no coincidence that colleague, Mr. LEWIS. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- you had a lot to do with it. There is a genuine love for our Geor- tleman from Georgia (Mr. ALLEN). I know that I can always call on you Mr. ALLEN. Madam Speaker, I thank gians, a sense of decency, a sense of op- for sound advice and guidance. Even timism, the desire for a bright future. Mr. SCOTT for organizing this time to honor, as said here many times, a leg- though you are retiring this year, I All of those things come through, not end. Of course, I never thought I would hope you know that we will still be just in your words, but in your actions. be standing in front of two Georgia leg- reaching out to you for advice. We will I want to thank you for your 40 years ends as I speak specifically about one. deeply miss you and your impact, and of service to making our lives better. I But I do rise today to honor my great it will be missed for generations to am not exactly sure what piece of leg- come. mentor and friend, Senator JOHNNY islation you took up shortly after you There is no doubt that Georgia has ISAKSON, along with greetings to met me, and I had the chance to meet big shoes to fill, and I think our delega- Dianne and your wonderful family. you and heard from you on the steps of tion is up to the task, which is a testi- I was there last Saturday to witness a fraternity house in Athens, Georgia, mony to your leadership and an exam- your beloved Bulldogs beat my beloved but I feel confident that whatever it ple to me and my colleagues. Auburn Tigers. Congratulations on was, it made my life better many years JOHNNY, please know that we will do this. I just hope and pray that they will our best to make you proud and honor later. I thank the gentleman for that. go all the way for you. I think that your legacy. Robin and I wish you and We ask that God continue to bless would be a great tribute. Dianne all the best during this next you and Dianne and know that we owe JOHNNY has been a champion for the you a debt of gratitude that we will State of Georgia for decades, a reflec- chapter in your life. God bless you and your family. never be able to repay. Thank you and tion of his many years of service, as Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. God bless you. has been mentioned about all of the ac- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- complishments, a life of political serv- Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. tleman from Georgia (Mr. FERGUSON), ice. And, also, a mention about his in- Madam Speaker, in the last few min- my colleague, a fellow Bulldog and utes, I want to thank all of my col- fluence on education. Georgia Beta alumni. When I was first elected, I had not leagues who joined us this afternoon, Mr. FERGUSON. Senator ISAKSON— especially JOHN LEWIS, another icon been in politics before and I didn’t real- that feels a little formal saying it. ly know how to get things done up from Georgia. JOHNNY, as a constituent, is how I here. But I, in my service on the Edu- know you. I want to thank you so Certainly, America and the world are cation and Labor Committee, was at- much for your dedicated service to our better off because of both of these men. tracted to a bill called the Every Stu- State. I think the strong bipartisan presence dent Succeeds Act and worked fever- As others have talked about their here lends to the extraordinary impact ishly to get that bill passed in the first meeting with you, I remember that Senator ISAKSON has had on our House by a margin of a mere five votes, mine fondly. Not unlike my colleague, delegation and the great respect that 218–213. Mr. GRAVES, it was at the University of we have for his service to our State and Well, it just so happened that some- Georgia. I was a freshman, sitting on our Nation. time later, as we got together in Geor- the steps of a fraternity house, com- Senator ISAKSON, I have been told gia for lunch, JOHNNY was asking me pletely clueless about the world, not about that legislation. I told him, I that I can’t call you JOHNNY on the having an understanding, self-absorbed. floor, but if I could, I would say: JOHN- said we are going to return control to I remember sitting on the steps as the States; we are going to try to get NY, we love you. Thank you for your you came—I had no idea who you service to the great State of Georgia. the Federal Government out of the were—and you talked to us about a classroom so that our teachers can America and the world are better brighter future. You talked to us about places because of the service that you have more time to teach. He quickly what it meant to be a Georgian. became a champion in the Senate and have provided to our Nation and your helped garner bipartisan support. b 1630 fellow man. Now, this is the way things should I remember, when you left, thinking Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- work. That bill, the Every Student two things from that moment, the first ance of my time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:25 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19NO7.050 H19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9049 REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- I am the product of generations of Each of these sovereign nations has VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF people who planted and harvested since their own unique culture and tradition H.R. 1309, WORKPLACE VIOLENCE time immemorial. My ancestors cared and stories that add important threads PREVENTION FOR HEALTH CARE for the land, respected our air and our to the fabric of our Nation. AND SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS water, and passed down those respon- I think about some of the most ex- ACT; PROVIDING FOR PRO- sibilities to their future generations. traordinary moments that I have had CEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD It is because of my people and the as a Representative: FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2019, first people on this continent that we Visiting with the Quinault Indian THROUGH DECEMBER 2, 2019; AND stand here today on this floor. In fact, Nation along with the U.S. Commission PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION our Constitution was largely influ- on Civil Rights, and having conversa- OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE enced by the Iroquois Confederacy. tions about some of the civil rights RULES Tribes here on the East Coast had offi- challenges, not just facing the cial relationships with the crowned Mr. DESAULNIER (during the Spe- Quinault Nation, but Native peoples heads of Europe. cial Order of Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Geor- throughout this country. When we talk about Native American gia), from the Committee on Rules, Visiting the Makah Tribe during history, we must recognize that Native submitted a privileged report (Rept. Makah Days, and going on a hike with American history is American history, No. 116–302) on the resolution (H. Res. the then-chairman of the Tribe, going and throughout this history, our ances- 713) providing for consideration of the out to the northwestern tip of the con- tors held fast to a belief that our peo- bill (H.R. 1309) to direct the Secretary tinental United States. My daughter ple would endure. was with us and she asked the Tribal of Labor to issue an occupational safe- We are reminded of our resilience by ty and health standard that requires chair: ‘‘Is this the end of the world?’’ people like: Joy Harjo, from the And he said, ‘‘We consider it the be- covered employers within the health Muscogee Creek Nation, the first Na- care and social service industries to de- ginning of the world.’’ tive American poet laureate in our Visiting the Quileute Tribe and par- velop and implement a comprehensive country’s history, named just this workplace violence prevention plan, ticipating in their festival out in La year. Push, which is one of the most beau- and for other purposes; providing for Our colleague, SHARICE DAVIDS, my proceedings during the period from No- tiful places on the planet. sister, as one of the first Native Amer- Visiting with the Hoh Tribe and cele- vember 22, 2019, through December 2, ican women elected to Congress in our 2019; and providing for consideration of brating a water project that that Tribe country’s history. had led the way on and touring with motions to suspend the rules, which Ruth Anna Buffalo, is a citizen of the their Tribe and seeing some amazing was referred to the House Calendar and Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation assets and also seeing some of the real ordered to be printed. from North Dakota, a State legislator challenges that they have. who is fighting to end the crisis of f Just recently visiting the Chehalis missing and murdered indigenous NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE Tribe, seeing some of their enterprises women and to make her State more eq- MONTH and seeing the value of the work that uitable for its indigenous citizens. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Tommy Orange, a Cheyenne and they do, how much it contributes to the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- Arapaho award-winning writer from the local economy there, and how uary 3, 2019, the gentlewoman from Oakland. much it means to their ability to pro- New Mexico (Ms. HAALAND) is recog- Tatanka Means, a Navajo actor and vide services to their Tribal members. nized for 60 minutes as the designee of activist, and so many more. Visiting the Lower Elwha Klallam the majority leader. This month is set aside to celebrate Tribe and visiting their ancestral lands Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, I the contributions that Native Ameri- and seeing the dam removal project rise today in honor of Native American cans have made to our country and to that occurred there that is giving new Heritage Month. And as part of this ac- recognize that there is so much more birth to the environment there in that knowledgment, I wish to state that we that the Federal Government must do region. are on Indian land. The Nacotchtanks, to ensure that Native nations have Visiting with multiple generations of known for trading right here through- every opportunity afforded to every the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, vis- out the Chesapeake area, were the American, which includes healthcare, iting their leaders and hearing about original inhabitants of the land we are education, public safety, housing, and the important role that fishing and standing on right now. economic development. shellfish growing has meant for their I am a proud member of the Pueblo of Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- Tribe for generations and generations. Laguna in the great State of New Mex- tleman from Washington (Mr. KILMER). Visiting the Port Gamble S’Klallam ico. My mother raised me to be a Pueb- Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I Tribe just this past year and hearing lo woman, and as such, I have an obli- thank Representative HAALAND, not about some extraordinarily innovative gation to my people and the quest of just for giving me some time to speak, work that they are doing to try to re- all Native American communities to but for being such a terrific leader and duce recidivism in our criminal justice safeguard our cultures and traditions being such an important voice, both for system and give people a second and do all I can to ensure that our peo- her district, and for people all over this chance. ple have a government that lives up to country. Sitting down just this past year for its trust obligations. She, along with SHARICE DAVIDS, are lunch with the leaders of the Trust obligations were promises two superstars of the freshman class Skokomish Tribe in a beautiful Tribal made to all of our Tribes in exchange who have been just terrific in adding center and hearing about some of the for the tens of millions of acres of land their voices to this body. challenges that their Tribe faces and that became the United States of I also want to recognize GWEN MOORE some of the opportunities that they America. As a child, I was taught to who has just been a tremendous cham- have. value our open space, our land, our pion on behalf of Native Americans and Visiting with the Squaxin Island water, and animals. has been a real leader on issues like the Tribe, visiting their child development In spite of the tremendous hardships Violence Against Women Act and has center and seeing the investments that my grandparents faced through their made a tremendous amount of progress they are making in kids and in future experiences in living through the In- for Native Americans throughout this generations. dian boarding school era, the assimila- country. Developing a friendship with the tion era, and being at the forefront of As was mentioned, November marks Suquamish Tribe with their chairman, moving our people into the modern era, Native American Heritage Month, a Leonard Forsman, who has come into I am here to advocate for the issues time to honor the first Americans. I this Chamber for the State of the and policies that will offer a clean am proud to represent 11 Tribes that Union, who has beaten me in basket- planet and opportunities now and for have called my region home since time ball, and hearing him speak passion- future generations. immemorial. ately about treaty obligations.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:25 Nov 20, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19NO7.052 H19NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE