E210 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 8, 2021 SUMGAIT, KIROVABAD, AND BAKU REMEMBERING BOB SMITTCAMP posed an amendment dealing with election au- MASSACRES dits, which was rejected by Democrats on the HON. DEVIN NUNES House Rules Committee. f HON. BRAD SHERMAN OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MEM- OF CALIFORNIA Monday, March 8, 2021 BERSHIP ON CAPITOL POLICE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. NUNES. Madam Speaker, I rise today BOARD ACT to honor the life of a San Joaquin Valley leg- Monday, March 8, 2021 end, Robert Smittcamp, who passed away on HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Mr. SHERMAN. Madam Speaker, I stand in March 4, 2021, at the age of 79. I am deeply IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES solidarity with the Armenian American commu- saddened by Bob’s passing. nity in commemorating the pogroms against Bob was a one-man Valley institution. A Monday, March 8, 2021 businessman, philanthropist, and community Armenians in the cities of Sumgait (February Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, today, I in- activist, he headed both Lyons Magnus food 27–29, 1988), Kirovabad (November 21–27, troduce the District of Columbia Membership company and Wawona Packing. He had a 1988) and Baku (January 13–19, 1990). on Capitol Police Board Act, which would particular passion for expanding healthcare make the chief of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Thirty-three years ago, in the Azerbaijani access and improving education, donating mil- Department (MPD) an ex officio, non-voting town of Sumgait, peaceful Armenian residents lions of dollars to enhance both sectors member of the Capitol Police Board (Board). were brutally targeted on the basis of their throughout the Valley. The Board oversees the U.S. Capitol Police ethnicity and subjected to unspeakable crimes. I’m lucky to have had Bob as a close friend (USCP) and security for the U.S. Capitol com- The New York Times reported Armenians and mentor. I was among countless Valley plex and is comprised of three voting mem- residents who frequently turned to him for ad- being ‘‘hunted’’ down and an account of a bers (the House Sergeant at Arms, the Senate vice on Valley issues. His assistance was in- pregnant Armenian woman, who had been Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper and the Ar- valuable on critical issues such as the Valley disemboweled. The U.S. Senate passed an chitect of the Capitol) and one ex officio, non- water crisis and the 2008 recession. amendment in July of 1989, noting that even voting member (the USCP chief). My bill Bob and I also spent many hours discussing the Soviet government had termed the murder would give the MPD chief the same status on how to bring high-quality, affordable of Armenians in Sumgait a ‘‘pogrom.’’ the Board as the USCP chief. healthcare to every Valley family. I valued his The events and aftermath of the attack on The Sumgait Pogroms were the beginning insights on that question because he devel- the Capitol on January 6, 2021, demonstrate of an escalation of violence against the Arme- oped innovative ways to provide healthcare for the need for D.C. membership on the Board. nian minority, with a wave of anti-Armenian vi- his employees, who he always viewed as part Not only would the MPD chief’s membership olence spreading to Kirovabad in November of his own family. I’m convinced Bob’s ap- on the Board help improve coordination be- 1988 and to Baku in January 1990, which cul- proach provides a model for drastically im- tween USCP and MPD, which helped save the minated in the forcible expulsion of 390,000 proving healthcare for the entire country. Capitol and its occupants after USCP was Armenians from Azerbaijan and the 1991–94 Bob epitomized all the virtues of the San overrun during the attack, it would force the war over Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh). Joaquin Valley. He was always available to Board to consider the interests of D.C. resi- help those of us who sought his guidance. But In response to the Sumgait and Kirovabad dents in its decision-making. The Board’s deci- if you were looking for someone to sugarcoat pogroms, over 100 leading academics and sions affect D.C. residents more than any a tough situation, then Bob was not your best human rights advocates, including the Execu- other Americans, but no member of the Board option. He was an honest straight-shooter tive Director of the NAACP and Elie Wiesel, has any obligation to consider the perspective who’d give you candid answers whether you placed an advertisement in The New York and needs of D.C. residents. D.C. residents wanted them or not. That’s why I always con- Times titled: ‘‘An Open Letter to International continue to bear the brunt of the security deci- sulted him when I had especially tough prob- Public Opinion on Anti-Armenian Pogroms in sions the Board has made since the attack. lems that needed realistic solutions. the Soviet Union.’’ The letter appealed to the For example, the fencing around the Capitol Bob’s love for the Valley ran deep, and the international community to condemn the atroc- complex has forced D.C. emergency vehicles region is richer in countless ways thanks to his ities and prevent further violence by stating: and residents to take detours and has pre- contributions. He created jobs, ran companies ‘‘The international community of states . . . vented access to the Capitol grounds, which that fed millions of people, shared his wisdom must prove the authenticity of its commitment are used by neighborhood residents for recre- and experience with anyone who asked, gen- to human rights in order to ensure that, due to ation and relaxation. erously funded deserving community institu- indifference and silence bordering on com- I support the calls to evaluate whether the tions, and raised an exceptional family. Board is the right mechanism to oversee secu- plicity, another genocide does not occur.’’ Bob was simply irreplaceable. He’ll be deep- rity at the Capitol, but as long as the Board is (July 27, 1990, The New York Times) ly missed, but he leaves behind an incredible in existence, D.C. should have membership on Unfortunately, Azeri attacks against Arme- legacy of hard work, success, and it. nian civilians have only continued. In its latest unconcealed passion for the Valley and its I urge my colleagues to support this bill. bout of aggression against Armenia and people. I offer my deepest condolences to his f Artsakh in the fall of 2020, Azerbaijan carried wife Annette, his children Brent, Lisa, and out indiscriminate attacks against civilians. A Brandon, and the rest of his family. HONORING THE LIFE OF BOB report by Human Rights Watch found that f EGOLF Azeri forces used inherently indiscriminate FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021 cluster munitions and artillery rockets or other HON. JIM BANKS weapons that did not distinguish between mili- SPEECH OF OF INDIANA tary targets and civilian objects. Multiple HON. VICTORIA SPARTZ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES strikes hit residential homes in less than a Monday, March 8, 2021 minute, suggesting bombardment of civilian OF INDIANA areas. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Bob Egolf of Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Today, Armenians are still held captive in Churubusco, Indiana. Azerbaijan, with no planned date to be re- Mrs. SPARTZ. Madam Speaker, today I rise For 65 years, Egolf worked in the grocery turned to Armenia. Armenian prisoners of war in opposition to H.R. 1 on account of several business. He started his career at John have been subjected to physical beatings and major issues with the bill. First, this bill did not Shelton’s IGA, located on North Main Street in other inhumane treatment at the hand of Azer- go through committees and proper delibera- Churubusco in 1956 when he was 14 years baijan. The government of Azerbaijan must be tions. Second, this bill takes drastic steps to old. Seven years later, he purchased the gro- held accountable by the international commu- federalize our elections and infringe on States’ cery from Shelton in 1967, and in 1982 built nity, and I will continue to work in Congress to rights. Third, this bill increases opportunities a new store south of Churubusco on US 33. shed light on and learn the lessons of such for fraud without proper guardrails or internal Egolf’s IGA is known throughout the area for past and present atrocities. controls. To mitigate some fraud risks, I pro- its freshly cut meats and daily baked bakery

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:50 Mar 09, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A08MR8.011 E08MRPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with REMARKS March 8, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E211 items. Egolf opened the store early and closed ous sports, and as athletic director. Under his frontline workers in other key industries like late, operating from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven leadership as co-coach of the Mount Ayr foot- food and service & hospitality and leisure. days a week. He made it a point to talk with ball team, the program has seen continued And Ghanaian Americans have been con- his customers and would take special orders success with a recent playoff appearance. In tributing to the success and business con- of items that people wanted. fact, Delwyn and his co-coach Derek Lambert, tinuity of important industries during these dire Egolf was one of the longest continuous are the winningest coaches in program history times. Ghanaian Americans are included in 23 business owners in Churubusco’s history. In with 135 wins in 19 seasons. Even more im- percent of immigrants in the U.S. who work in addition to running his business, he frequently pressive, the pair has had only one losing the food and service industry, as well as 20 gave his time and money to local causes. But record. Delwyn’s coaching prowess doesn’t percent of immigrants in the U.S. who work in for Egolf’s partnership with the Churubusco end there, however, as he has also coached hospitality and leisure. News, the newspaper would not exist today. the basketball team to three conference cham- We recognize March 6, 2021 as the 64th He also contributed to the community through pionships. anniversary of Ghana’s independence, its various organizations, such as with the Beyond leading his teams to victories, thriving heritage and the rich contributions of Churubusco Area Jaycees, Churubusco Coach Showalter has also been a leader for its people who are important members of our Chamber of Commerce and as a longtime his student athletes. His friends and col- community. Smith Township trustee. leagues describe him as a caring and sup- f The story of Mr. Egolf is one that is uniquely portive man with an ability to lead young men. PERSONAL EXPLANATION American: defined by hard work, sacrifice, and His players talk about his work ethic and how service to others. Though Bob is no longer he’s a man you can look up to as a mentor. HON. TERRI A. SEWELL with us, his spirit of good will and generosity He sets high standards for his students yet OF ALABAMA to those in Churubusco and beyond endures. connects through humor and humility. We all IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f know that there is much more to high school athletics than simply winning, and Coach Monday, March 8, 2021 RECOGNIZING REVEREND FLOYD Showalter is an example to all on the positive Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, on Monday, L. WHITE, III influence a coach can have on young stu- March 8, 2021, I was unavoidably detained dent’s lives and their community. and missed the vote on the Motion on Order- HON. ANDY KIM For Delwyn, sports is also a family affair. ing the Previous Question on the Rule (H. OF NEW JERSEY His two sons, Daniel and David, followed in Res. 188). If present, I would have voted YEA. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES his footsteps. Daniel coaches with his father f on the Mount Ayr staff and David is a teacher Monday, March 8, 2021 SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS and coach in Ackley, Iowa. While I know his Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I players and community will miss Delwyn on Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, rise today to honor Reverend Floyd L. White, the sidelines, I am sure he’ll stay connected to agreed to by the Senate of February 4, III on his retirement. During his over twenty the sport through his family. After 36 years 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- years of service, Reverend White has been a with the Mount Ayr Raiders, Delwyn deserves tem for a computerized schedule of all stalwart of the community, always putting oth- this retirement and we all can be thankful for meetings and hearings of Senate com- er’s needs before his own. his service to his community. I am proud to mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- Since 1988, in his private capacity, Rev- recognize Coach Delwyn Showalter as my tees, and committees of conference. erend White has served as a Pastor for the Iowan of the week. This title requires all such committees to notify the Office of the Senate Daily Woodland Avenue Presbyterian Church, pro- f viding spiritual leadership to church members. Digest—designated by the Rules Com- In his public capacity, since 1988, Reverend GHANAIAN COMMUNITY IN mittee—of the time, place and purpose White has served America’s servicemen and AMERICA of the meetings, when scheduled and woman. Beginning as Battalion Chaplain, Rev- any cancellations or changes in the erend White administered to the spiritual and HON. DANNY K. DAVIS meetings as they occur. As an additional procedure along moral needs of approximately 150 soldiers OF ILLINOIS with the computerization of this infor- and their families. Eventually, from 2012 to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2019, Reverend White served as the Director mation, the Office of the Senate Daily Monday, March 8, 2021 of Camden County Veteran Affairs where he Digest will prepare this information for worked to better the lives of veterans and their Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam printing in the Extensions of Remarks families. After twenty years of service, Rev- Speaker, the United States of America is section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD erend Floyd L. White, III more than deserves home to hundreds and thousands of people of on Monday and Wednesday of each a peaceful retirement and I wish him the best. Ghanaian heritage including those who were week. Meetings scheduled for Tuesday, I commend Reverend Floyd L. White, III for born on this soil to those whose family emi- March 9, 2021 may be found in the Daily his dedication to serving the people of New grated here for education, job, or economic Digest of today’s RECORD. Jersey and I know the Woodland Avenue opportunities—for the American dream. Presbyterian Church will be sad to see him Ghanaian Americans are an important fabric go. in the tapestry of America from the cab driver MEETINGS SCHEDULED f to the medical doctor. You will find them in all MARCH 10 parts of the country from Chicago to New York Time to be announced HONORING DELWYN SHOWALTER to suburban Ohio and Massachusetts. The Committee on the Budget AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK culture is hard to ignore with rich food, the Business meeting to consider the nomi- iconic Kente cloth, storytelling, inventions, ar- nation of Shalanda D. Young, of Lou- chitecture, and music. isiana, to be Deputy Director of the Of- HON. CYNTHIA AXNE fice of Management and Budget. OF IOWA Today more than ever Ghanaians living in S–207 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the United States worry about racial injustice, 9:30 a.m. home ownership, access to education, access Committee on Appropriations Monday, March 8, 2021 to small business and immigration support. Subcommittee on Commerce, Jus- Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Like many Americans, the Ghanaian com- tice, Science, and Related Agencies honor Delwyn Showalter, a long-time coach, munity in America is not exempt from the To hold closed hearings to examine do- athletic director, and mentor to many students COVID–19 crisis. Ghanaian Americans are es- mestic and foreign threats and other in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Delwyn is set to retire sential workers and are very active in the challenges facing the Federal Bureau of from his roles this year, and I wish to recog- health care industry, especially as nurses, per- Investigation. SVC–217 nize him as my Iowan of the Week for his out- sonal care aides, and nursing assistants. Gha- 9:45 a.m. standing service to his community. naians are included in the 27.5 percent of all Committee on Foreign Relations Delwyn has been with the Mount Ayr Raid- Black immigrant workers in the U.S.—more Business meeting to consider pending ers since 1984, serving in a number of roles than 750,000—who work in the healthcare nominations. from teaching social studies, coaching numer- sector. Additionally, essential workers include SD–106

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