December 10, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1791 shared the great plans we had for our districts athlete. Maintaining commitments in the class- HONORING DAVE CUELLAR and this great nation. Herman and I were part room, with their families, and fitting in a social of the 1970 Congressional freshman class. life is not easy for a group of teenagers—but HON. BEN RAY LUJA´ N Herman was also the man who gave Percy these young men were able rise to the occa- OF NEW MEXICO Sutton, David Dinkins, Basil Paterson, and me sion. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, I’d like to once again congratu- the special label: the Gang of Four. He was Wednesday, December 10, 2014 always driven and persistent, called himself late the Eden Prairie Eagles for bringing home ´ ‘‘the first Puerto Rican everything,’’ and won the state title! Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. the respect for being a fighter. Congressman f Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dave Cuellar of Veterans Helping Veterans for his Herman Badillo will be truly missed. OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL My friend, Herman Badillo, will always be outstanding volunteer work with New Mexican DEBT remembered as America’s first Puerto Rican- veterans. born Congressman and a fixture in New York A Vietnam veteran himself, Mr. Cuellar had City politics for four decades, championing HON. MIKE COFFMAN a distinguished career as a Gallup police offi- civil rights, jobs, housing and educational re- OF COLORADO cer after serving his country in the Army. Be- forms. Born in Caguas, P.R., on Aug. 21, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fore retiring as a police lieutenant, he helped 1929, Herman was the only child of Francisco Wednesday, December 10, 2014 to protect and serve Gallup for over 22 years. In 2003, Mr. Cuellar was inspired to help start and Carmen Rivera Badillo. Upon moving to Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on January Veterans Helping Veterans, an organization the continental United States, he learned 20, 2009, the day President Obama took of- dedicated to providing informational and social English and was an excellent student at fice, the national debt was support for veterans in the Gallup area. The Haaren High School in Manhattan. Being a $10,626,877,048,913.08. hard worker since a young age, he labored as Today, it is $17,993,213,058,619.35. We’ve group provides critical help to veterans navi- a dishwasher, bowling pinsetter, and account- added $7,366,336,009,706.27 to our debt in 5 gating the Veteran Administration’s benefit and ant and graduated with high honors from City years. This is over $7.3 trillion in debt our na- healthcare systems. More importantly, Mr. College in 1951. Herman went on to graduate tion, our economy, and our children could Cuellar has created an open and welcoming from Brooklyn Law School as valedictorian in have avoided with a balanced budget amend- network run by veterans for veterans. His 1954, then settled into law practice in New ment. group is all inclusive, working with veterans young and old, from all backgrounds and all York. Badillo served his community as a public f servant on many fronts. Besides his election branches of the military to create a voice for to four terms in Congress, he was a city com- HONORING HEAVENLY ANGELS all veterans. missioner, the Bronx borough president, a DAYCARE CENTER Words alone cannot express our full appre- deputy to Mayor Edward I. Koch, a counsel to ciation and gratitude for the service of our vet- Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, a candidate for HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON erans, and the deeds of volunteers like Mr. state and city comptroller, and for many years OF MISSISSIPPI Cuellar help make a difference in the lives of a trustee and then board chairman of the City IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES our veterans who often face many challenges University of New York. Wednesday, December 10, 2014 when they return home from active duty. Vet- erans Helping Veterans is a great example of I was honored to serve with Herman during Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- his seven years in Congress in the 1970s, a remarkable volunteer organization that is er, I rise today to honor the Heavenly Angels having a positive impact in the community. I when he pushed urban renewal, antipoverty Daycare Center. programs, voting rights and bilingual edu- thank Dave Cuellar for both his service and for The Heavenly Angels Daycare Center his work with Veterans Helping Veterans. cation. Herman has been a treasure to the opened on August 8, 2006 with Mrs. Emma f people of our community as well as a true tes- Bell as owner and director, in Port Gibson, tament to the American Dream. Herman Claiborne County, Mississippi on Church St. HONORING CHAIRWOMAN FUDGE Badillo will forever remain in our hearts. Mrs. Bell loves children and started Heav- f enly Angels Daycare Center with 8 enrolled HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL from 6 months to 3 years old. She also had CONGRATULATIONS TO THE EDEN OF NEW YORK an After School Program with 6 children up to PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL FOOT- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 12 years old. BALL TEAM Through the years, the Heavenly Angels Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Daycare Center has grown and in 2008 a Pre- Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to HON. ERIK PAULSEN K Center was included to better equip children congratulate Congresswoman MARCIA FUDGE OF MINNESOTA who started in the center to be able to suc- on her extraordinary leadership as the Chair of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cessfully start 1st grade. the Congressional Black Caucus. Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Heavenly Angels Daycare Center has been With conviction and passion, she defended progressing for 8 years with a current full ca- the change we have all worked so diligently to Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pacity of 87 children, who are enjoying the achieve since the CBC was founded in 1971. commend the Eden Prairie High School Foot- process of learning and the After School Pro- Throughout her career in Congress, ball Team on winning the Minnesota State gram has 27 children. MARCIA’s passion for the advancement of the Championship. Mrs. Bell, because of her hard and diligent least among us, regardless of race, color or The Eagles capped off an undefeated 13–0 work at Heavenly Angels Daycare Center has creed, has served her constituents in Cleve- season with a hard-fought victory over Totino- received a trophy honoring her as Business- land well. This tireless advocacy made her an Grace in which they trailed at halftime by 14 woman of the Year. excellent choice for the CBC chair. points. Senior running back Will Rains led the Mrs. Bell has been married for 25 years to During her tenure, she was fearless in pro- way with 230 yards rushing and 3 Touch- a husband that loves and supports her. They moting the goals of the CBC and advancing downs, but the victory by Mike Grant’s unit have 5 children: 4 boys and 1 daughter, Jan- our fight to confront critical issues that are was a complete team effort. ice, who has worked with Heavenly Angels confronted by the communities we represent. With their backs against the wall, the Eagles Daycare Center since its opening and grad- Her staff certainly impressed us with their dug deep to claw their way back and win their uated from Jackson State University with a unparalleled work ethic, enthusiasm, responsi- fourth consecutive big school title. Business Degree. bility and flexibility to meet the needs of so Football is a unique sport in that every play Heavenly Angels Daycare Center’s slogan many Members. They demonstrated great ap- requires 11 teammates working in unison to is: To look, listen and learn and every child titude in communicating urgent matters to us be successful. It takes perfect execution com- succeeds. Mrs. Bell stated that ‘‘When they in a timely and effective manner. bined with skill and of course, a large amount come through our doors, we make sure that The Chairwoman was unwavering in her of toughness to make a deep play-off run and they get the learning that they need. They all strength as she gracefully tackled the harsh win a title. are smart children.’’ political battles we were confronted during this Eden Prairie’s commitment to excelling on Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me Congress. the gridiron is even more noteworthy when in recognizing the Heavenly Angels Daycare She has left a huge imprint in the CBC and combined with the requirements of a student- Center for caring and educating children. will be missed by all of us who have come to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:46 Dec 11, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10DE8.050 E10DEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1792 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 10, 2014 respect and appreciate her very much as our our State Department a Global Office of Afri- can take place. By encouraging children to leader. can Descent Affairs to establish global foreign learn and develop at their own level, they will I look forward to working with MARCIA and policy and assistance strategies for people of gain the confidence of self-importance. Rain- the rest of my Colleagues on the CBC in the African descent. Furthermore, it creates a bow offers children guidance and under- 114th Congress as we continue our efforts to ‘‘President Obama Fund’’ to support anti-dis- standing, so they will have the opportunity to put America back to work, cut our deficit re- crimination and empowerment efforts by Afri- explore their world in a safe and controlled en- sponsibly, tackle tax reform, and ensure that can descent-led civil society organizations, vironment. everyone has the opportunity to pursue the and requires annual State Department human Rainbow provides nutritional meals and American Dream. rights reports to include a section on discrimi- snacks. All meals meet the nutritional guide- f nation faced by people of African descent. lines set by the USDA. U.S. foreign policy strategies such as these Each caregiver receives on-going training RECOGNIZING POTH HIGH SCHOOL have improved the situation of vulnerable through staff meetings and during early child- WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM groups internationally and would greatly assist hood conferences and workshops that are in responding to increasing levels of prejudice held throughout the year. All Rainbow employ- HON. HENRY CUELLAR and discrimination faced by people of African ees are trained in Pediatric CPR and First Aid. OF TEXAS descent around the globe. Rainbow accepts all children regardless of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The International Decade reaffirms the im- race, color, creed, and sex, religious or ethnic Wednesday, December 10, 2014 portance of inclusion and the full and equal backgrounds. participation of people of African descent Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to around the world in all aspects of political, in recognizing the Rainbow Learning & recognize the Poth High School Women’s economic, social, and cultural life. I encourage Daycare Center for its dedication to serving Volleyball Team for their ninth state champion- my colleagues to join me in recognizing and others. ship win under the leadership of Coach Patti celebrating the collective history and achieve- f Zenner. ments made by people of African descent on On Saturday, November 22nd, the Poth the occasion of the launch of the Decade by PERSONAL EXPLANATION Pirettes emerged victorious over Brock High supporting the African Descent Affairs Act. School during the UIL Class 3A State Final. f HON. RON BARBER This was a defining match for the Pirettes, OF ARIZONA HONORING RAINBOW LEARNING & marking their fourteenth appearance at the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES state tournament and ninth state champion- DAYCARE CENTER ship win. With this recent victory, the Poth Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Pirettes are now tied for the second most HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I missed two re- championship wins in state history. Pirettes OF MISSISSIPPI corded votes on December 9. I would like to Volleyball Senior Alyssa Kruse was awarded IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES indicate at this point how I would have voted Most Valuable Player of the championship. had I been present for those votes. Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Mr. Speaker, this is a momentous occasion On Roll Call No. 552, on Motion to Recom- for Poth High School and I am honored to Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- mit the California Emergency Drought Relief have the opportunity to recognize the Pirettes er, I rise today to honor the remarkable Rain- Act 2014, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ Women’s Volleyball Team for its record-setting bow Learning & Daycare Center. On Roll Call No. 553, passage of the Cali- victory. I thank you for this time. Rainbow, opened in June 2007, is operated fornia Emergency Drought Relief Act 2014, I f by the owner/director, Mrs. Pernada Jackson. would have voted ‘‘nay.’’ The hours of operation are Monday through f INTRODUCING THE AFRICAN DE- Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rainbow’s SCENT AFFAIRS ACT IN REC- mission is to provide child care services and IN HONOR OF NEW MEXICO STATE OGNITION OF THE INTER- a safe learning environment that focuses on TREASURER JAMES B. LEWIS NATIONAL DECADE FOR PEOPLE the developmental needs of the children. The OF AFRICAN DESCENT center serves families in Leland, Mississippi, HON. BEN RAY LUJA´ N and the surrounding towns. OF NEW MEXICO HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS Rainbow strives to provide a quality early IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES childhood education program filled with love OF FLORIDA Wednesday, December 10, 2014 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and compassion for children. They believe that children are the most important resource and Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mexico. Mr. Wednesday, December 10, 2014 that the early childhood experiences are cru- Speaker, I rise today to recognize James B. Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I cial in the development of their future. Lewis, who is retiring after a career devoted to rise today to introduce a bill recognizing per- Rainbow’s belief is that the family is the public service. Most recently, Mr. Lewis served sons of African descent on the occasion of the strongest influence in the child’s growth and as New Mexico State Treasurer, a position he December 10, 2014 launch of the International development. They extend the child’s home held for the last 8 years. Decade for People of African Descent. experience and provide new and different ex- Mr. Lewis’ long and distinguished career in- As our country fights to realize justice for periences of value. Rainbow’s program is cludes serving our country in the Army and Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Aiyana Jones, John based on the knowledge that children learn serving New Mexico in many notable posi- Warner, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and best through play and active hands-on activi- tions, such as Chief of Staff to Governor many others, we must not forget the names— ties. Using developmental appropriate mate- Bruce King, Chief Clerk and Chief Executive Stephen Lawrence, Oury Jalloh, Mark rials to stimulate and explore their potential is Officer of the New Mexico State Corporation Duggan, Zyed Benna, Bouna Traore, and their goal. Commission, Director and Assistant Secretary many others—who are victims of similar injus- Growth occurs in developmental stages and of the U.S. Department of Energy, President tices in Europe and elsewhere in the world. each stage must be offered, encouraged and of the National Association of State Treas- The International Decade provides an op- supported. Rainbow’s classrooms are ar- urers, and immediate past President of the portunity to join efforts with countries around ranged in an environment that presents max- National Association of State Auditors, Con- the globe to, over the next 10 years, develop imum opportunities for cognitive development, trollers, and Treasurers. In 1986, Mr. Lewis and implement national strategies honoring discovery learning and an awareness of cul- became the first African American to be elect- the vast contributions of people of African De- tural diversity. They offer clean and spacious ed to a statewide office in New Mexico, and is scent and to combat continuing issues of prej- learning centers that offer a wide variety of also the first and only African American to be udice and discrimination such as those cur- daily activities to encourage and challenge appointed and then elected to office three rently gripping our nation. each child. times. To aid these efforts, I have introduced the Rainbow’s learning environment will em- His tenure in the Treasurer’s office will be African Descent Affairs Act. The Act seeks to power children and enhance self-esteem by remembered for his efforts to increase trans- improve the situation of people of African de- creating an atmosphere where social, emo- parency and raise public awareness and un- scent around the world by establishing within tional, physical, and cognitive development derstanding of this important office and the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:46 Dec 11, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A10DE8.054 E10DEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS