E64 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 13, 2017 PERSONAL EXPLANATION TRIBUTE TO THREE POWER munity and State, but on our entire country LINEMEN VOLUNTEERS and across the world. We all need to be more and do more for others and to promote unity HON. LOIS FRANKEL HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON and peace. This is of what Dr. King dreamed. OF OF MINNESOTA Because this day isn’t meant to be a ‘‘day off,’’ it is meant to be a ‘‘day on’’: a day on of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES service. Friday, January 13, 2017 Friday, January 13, 2017 In that spirit, as we celebrate the thirty-first Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today MLK Day of Service, I challenge all Americans Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on to recognize three of my constituents, Mr. An- to make a difference in their community. votes 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, thony Spaeth, Mr. Lucas Bakken, and Mr. Indeed, that is how we can best honor Dr. and 54, I was not present because of an ur- Troy Seter, who volunteered three weeks of King’s legacy and how we make his dream— gent family matter. Had I been present, I their time to build and upgrade power lines in where we are not judged by the color of our would have voted: on Roll Call Vote 46: AYE, Haiti. They work for Lake Region Electric Co- skin, but by the content of our character—a on Roll Call Vote 47: AYE, on Roll Call Vote operative in Pelican Rapids, MN. reality for all people. 48: AYE, on Roll Call Vote 49: AYE, on Roll These men decided to put their skills to Happy Birthday Dr. King. He should be Call Vote 50: AYE, on Roll Call Vote 51: NAY, work as power linemen in an area that des- pleased his legacy endures. on Roll Call Vote 52: NAY, on Roll Call Vote perately needs help. They were selected and f 53: AYE, on Roll Call Vote 54: NAY. sent to Haiti by the National Rural Electric Co- operative Association (NRECA) International, HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVER- f a non-profit development corporation which SARY OF THE BLACK PANTHER helps build energy distribution infrastructure in PARTY PERSONAL EXPLANATION regions of need. Mr. Spaeth, Mr. Bakken, and Mr. Seter HON. HON. worked side-by-side with NRECA International OF CALIFORNIA on the U.S. Agency for International Develop- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA ment-funded Pilot Project for Sustainable Elec- Friday, January 13, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tricity Distribution in Haiti. This project is com- mercializing power from the Caracol Industrial Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Friday, January 13, 2017 Park generation station that is currently serv- the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party. Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January ing more than 10,000 Haitians in Caracol, a Originally called The Black Panther Party for 12, 2017, I erroneously voted ‘‘yes’’ on roll call community in northern Haiti. These volunteers Self Defense, the Party was founded in 1966 vote 52, an amendment to H.R. 238 offered by provided their expertise to NRECA Inter- by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in re- Mr. Conaway of Texas. I intended to vote ‘‘no’’ national to eventually connect 20,000 Haitians sponse to the wide-spread poverty, lack of on the amendment. in the local area with electricity. Only thirteen percent of Haitians currently economic and educational opportunities, and police oppression experienced by the African f have access to electricity. This alarming sta- tistic provided an opportunity for these three American community in Oakland, California. HONORING RUFUS SAMES FOR HIS men to impact the lives of thousands of Hai- Promoting the idea of ‘‘All Power to the TIRELESS WORK TO BETTER THE tians who depend on reliable electricity for People’’, and unwilling to wait for the political LIVES OF MAINERS health care services, education, and economic and social leaders of the time to address the expansion. Today, I urge lawmakers to join needs of the African American community, the me in commending Mr. Anthony Spaeth, Mr. Panthers took action themselves to force HON. Lucas Bakken, and Mr. Troy Seter for their change and bring about liberation from all forms of human exploitation and oppression. OF MAINE service. The most immediate need that the Party ad- f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dressed was the rampant abuse of power by Friday, January 13, 2017 RECOGNIZING SIGNIFICANCE OF the police, and they soon began undertaking MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY patrols and holding rallies to highlight incidents Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to of police brutality throughout the East Bay. recognize a tireless advocate in my state who HON. The images of armed Panthers storming the is retiring after nearly two decades of working OF OHIO State House in Sacramento in 1967 in opposi- to improve the lives of his fellow Mainers. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion to the Mulford Act brought national atten- tion to these efforts, and highlighted the dire In 1997, Rufus Sames began his 19-year Friday, January 13, 2017 career with the Maine Department of Labor, circumstances that many African Americans starting as a Claims Taker and ending as a Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, experienced on a daily basis. Labor Program Specialist. Through it all, he January 16, 2017, our nation will signify the Beyond self-defense, the Panthers under- has lifted the burdens of claimants, employers, tremendous life and legacy of Dr. Martin Lu- took a wide assortment of social programs to and advocates with prompt help, good infor- ther King, Jr. Each year, on the third Monday help improve the quality of life for inner-city mation, and a deep understanding of the in January, we remember and celebrate a blacks, organized around the Party’s Ten- stresses individuals and families face navi- man who led a non-violent movement that Point Program. The Panthers started a free gating the maze of benefits following job loss urged our country to become more fair and breakfast program for children, medical clinics, and transition. more just and provide equal opportunity for all. drug and alcohol rehab programs, free gro- As our nation honors the life of Dr. King, I ceries and clothing giveaways, legal aid, edu- For years, whenever my staff has had a call to mind his statement, ‘‘Life’s most per- cation and a housing cooperative, among question about unemployment benefits in my sistent and urgent question is: what are you other initiatives. state, Rufus was there to respond, often with doing for others?’’ As the Panthers numbers and influence a message sent in the wee hours of the morn- This year, on what would have been his grew nationwide, federal authorities saw their ing when he arrived at his desk at the crack eighty-eighth birthday, countless people in my work as a threat to national security and un- of dawn. He has been tireless, good-hearted, home state of Ohio are answering his call to dertook operations to monitor, obstruct, and efficient, and effective, and will be missed im- serve by advocating for civil rights and greater undermine the party’s activities. FBI Director measurably. access and equal opportunity at the ballot box, Hoover even called the Party the ‘‘greatest Public servants like Rufus are unsung he- inspiring the next generation of community threat to the internal security of the country’’ in roes. He has touched many lives with his can- and national leaders, helping the sick, elderly, 1968, and directed the covert ‘‘COINTELPRO’’ do spirit and deep commitment to serving the and poor and many more profound acts of to neutralize the Party and its members. people of Maine. service. Despite this opposition by the authorities, I wish him all the best in his retirement and Like Dr. King, they understand the power throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s the Pan- thank him wholeheartedly. and impact of service—not just on our com- thers became a national force for social

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Dr. can Americans to seize political power, Post has provided an impressive amount of Martin Luther King, Jr. was, above all, a per- partnering with other disenfranchised commu- donations, grants, and assistance; including son who was always willing to speak truth to nities around the country, and demonstrating over eight thousand dollars to Veterans’ Pro- power. that the legacy of slavery and racial oppres- grams, three thousand dollars to college grant There is perhaps no better example of Dr. sion still prevented so many from experiencing foundations, and one thousand dollars to sum- King’s moral integrity and consistency than his the promise of prosperity and equality that is mer student leadership courses. criticism of the Vietnam War being waged by the foundation of the American dream. I would like to personally thank all of the the Johnson Administration, an administration I must also personally thank former Party members of Milton Post 4833 and specifically that was otherwise a friend and champion of Chairwoman Elaine Brown for her bold leader- recognize the Post’s Officers: Post Com- civil and human rights. ship, for being a strong role model for African mander Mike Messer, Senior Vice Com- Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, American women, and for her friendship. mander Bill Ross, Treasurer Chris Williams, Georgia on January 15, 1929. Since 1971 I have witnessed her ability to face and Chaplain Florencio ‘‘Cho’’ Ramirez. Under Martin’s youth was spent in our country’s challenges with ‘‘righteous indignation’’ and a the officers’ leadership, the Post has accom- Deep South, then run by Jim Crow and the Ku deep love for all people who lack power in our plished increased involvement with community Klux Klan. country. I was proud to work on her trail- programs and has demonstrated a laudable For young African-Americans, it was an en- blazing campaign for Oakland City Council, degree of service for veterans. vironment even more dangerous than the one and learned from her the importance of focus- On behalf of the , I they face today. ing on issues that have the ability to improve am honored to recognize VFW Post 4833 for A young Martin managed to find a dream, people’s daily lives. For that I am deeply their long history of unwavering service to vet- one that he pieced together from his read- grateful. erans and their community, and sincerely con- ings—in the Bible, and literature, and just As we see so apparently every time another gratulate them on celebrating their 50th Anni- about any other book he could get his hands young African American is shot by police, the versary. on. And not only did those books help him edu- work of the Panthers is far from done. On be- f half of California’s 13th Congressional District, cate himself, but they also allowed him to where the Panthers first came together and COMMEMORATING 31ST ANNIVER- work through the destructive and traumatic ex- where their efforts were headquartered, I ex- SARY OF REV. DR. MARTIN LU- periences of blatant discrimination, and the tend my sincerest congratulations to the Black THER KING, JR. HOLIDAY discriminatory abuse inflicted on himself, his Panther Party on the occasion of its 50th anni- family, and his people. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that we versary. Thank you to all who continue the HON. celebrate here today could have turned out to work to combat racial oppression, and work OF TEXAS be just another African-American who would for a world of true justice, peace, and equality. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES have had to learn to be happy with what he f Friday, January 13, 2017 had, and what he was allowed. But he learned to use his imagination and RECOGNIZING MILTON VFW POST Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, this Mon- his dreams to see right through those ‘‘White 483, JOHN O. CONNOR POST day, January 16, the nation observes for the Only’’ signs—to see the reality that all men, 31st time the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. and women, regardless of their place of origin, Each year this day is set aside for Ameri- HON. their gender, or their creed, are created equal. OF FLORIDA cans to celebrate the life and legacy of a man Through his studies, Dr. King learned that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES who brought hope and healing to America. training his mind and broadening his intellect Friday, January 13, 2017 The Martin Luther King Holiday reminds us effectively shielded him from the demoralizing that nothing is impossible when we are guided effects of segregation and discrimination. Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize by the better angels of our nature. the Milton VFW Post 4833, John O. Connor Dr. Martin Luther King was a dreamer. Dr. King’s inspiring words filled a great void His dreams were a tool through which he Post, in Northwest Florida. This month the in our nation, and answered our collective was able to lift his mind beyond the reality of Post will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary. longing to become a country that truly lived by his segregated society, and into a realm For five decades, this Post has been com- its noblest principles. where it was possible that white and black, mitted to serving our Nation’s veterans. In the Yet, Dr. King knew that it was not enough red and brown, and all others live and work past year alone, they have made seventeen just to talk the talk, that he had to walk the alongside each other and prosper. visits to area hospitals in support of ill or in- walk for his words to be credible. But Martin Luther King, Jr. was not an idle jured veterans, conducted funeral services for And so we commemorate on this holiday daydreamer. two combat veterans, and sponsored two the man of action, who put his life on the line He shared his visions through speeches that handicap ramps for veterans. for freedom and justice every day. motivated others to join in his nonviolent effort The Post’s commendable care for their com- We honor the courage of a man who en- to lift themselves from poverty and isolation by munity is exemplified by some of their service dured harassment, threats and beatings, and creating a new America where equal justice acts including conducting a cleanup and beau- even bombings. and institutions were facts of life. tification of Strickland Cemetery, prompting We commemorate the man who went to jail In the Declaration of Independence in 1776, other local organizations to follow suit, and 29 times to achieve freedom for others, and Thomas Jefferson wrote, ‘‘We hold these placing more than three hundred flags and who knew he would pay the ultimate price for truths to be self evident, that all Men are Cre- wreaths on gravesites of local veterans. his leadership, but kept on marching and pro- ated Equal.’’ The members of Post 4833 have proven testing and organizing anyway. At that time and for centuries to come, Afri- their enthusiasm for engaging the youth in our Dr. King once said that we all have to de- can-Americans were historically, culturally, and communities by participating in and funding a cide whether we ‘‘will walk in the light of cre- legally excluded from inclusion in that declara- local Eagle Scout project, overseeing local ative altruism or the darkness of destructive tion. submissions to the VFW’s Voice of Democ- selfishness. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s ‘‘I Have racy scholarship program, and by briefing the ‘‘Life’s most persistent and nagging ques- a Dream’’ Speech, delivered 53 years ago, on local Boy Scout pack on proper handling of tion,’’ he said, is ‘‘what are you doing for oth- August 28, 1963, was a clarion call to each the American flag. ers?’’ citizen of this great nation that we still hear Additionally, Post 4833 has demonstrated And when Dr. King talked about the end of today. impeccable generosity by organizing three his mortal life in one of his last sermons, on His request was simply and eloquently con- major fundraisers in support of veterans in February 4, 1968 in the pulpit of Ebenezer veyed—he asked America to allow of its citi- need, sponsored facilities that house the of- Baptist Church, even then he lifted up the zens to live out the words written in its Dec- fices for Disabled American Veterans serving value of service as the hallmark of a full life: laration of Independence and to have a place in the Pace and Milton area, provided funding I’d like somebody to mention on that day in this nation’s Bill of Rights. to the Veteran’s Dive Locker program, as- Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his life The 1960s were a time of great crisis and sisted two families by providing grant money serving others,’’ he said. ‘‘I want you to say conflict. for temporary lodging, and donated one thou- on that day, that I did try in my life . . . to The dreams of the people of this country sand two hundred dollars for transportation love and serve humanity. were filled with troubling images that arose

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