E6 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 5, 2021 and institutional barriers limiting the recruit- HONORING THE LIFE OF FIRST with 19 additional Republican women, and all ment, retention, and achievement of women, LIEUTENANT JAMES B. MILLER Republican House incumbents re-elected as minorities, rural students, and other underrep- 15 incumbent Democrats lost, and The Epoch resented groups in academic and government HON. TOM RICE Times, December 2nd by Pete Svab high- STEM research careers and in developing and OF SOUTH CAROLINA lighted Republican gains in the state legisla- implementing current best practices for reduc- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tures: ing such barriers. Finally, the legislation au- ‘‘Republicans expanded their control of thorizes NSF to award grants to universities to Tuesday, January 5, 2021 state legislatures in the 2020 election, flip- implement or expand research-based prac- Mr. RICE of South Carolina. Madam Speak- ping both chambers in one state while gain- tices targeted specifically at increasing the re- er, I rise today to honor the life of First Lieu- ing more than 160 seats overall.’’ cruitment and retention of minority students tenant James B. Miller of Marion, South Caro- ‘‘Their lead over Democrats thus increased and faculty. lina. to more than 700 seats (about 67 percent) from over 400.’’ First Lieutenant Miller honorably served his The STEM Opportunities Act has been a ‘‘The 2020 gains bring the GOP to a total of priority of mine for well over a decade. Every country in the Army during the Korean War. more than 4,000 seats.’’ Congress since 2007 I have worked to raise He was awarded the Purple Heart twice while ‘‘The balance of power has major con- awareness among my colleagues about the serving with the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th sequences. States decide much of the policy urgent challenges this bill addresses. While Infantry Division in Korea. He was seriously that affects people’s daily lives, in areas we were successful in passing this bill out of wounded by enemy fire in North Korea on such as education, law enforcement, health the House last year, we have yet to garner the March 6, 1953. First Lieutenant Miller returned care, housing, and infrastructure.’’ necessary support to advance this bill in the to duty only a week later. On July 26, 1953, I especially appreciate in South Carolina the Senate. I am hopeful that this year will be dif- First Lieutenant Miller was tragically killed in leadership of President Donald Trump has ferent. I am honored to be joined by my good action while fighting the enemy in North produced the largest Republican majorities in friend, Ranking Member LUCAS, again in this Korea. 140 years at all levels of government. effort and I look forward to working with my Madam Speaker, I join his family and In conclusion, God Bless our Troops and we colleagues in the Senate to get this bill to the friends in recognizing the life of First Lieuten- will never forget September 11th in the Global President’s desk. ant James B. Miller of Marion, South Carolina. War on Terrorism. I want to thank Ranking Member LUCAS for We honor him and thank him for his service his continued partnership in advancing and sacrifice for our nation. f thoughtful solutions to the challenges we face f HONORING REV. JAMES C. in maintaining our standing as the global lead- RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF BIRDSONG, JR. er in science and innovation. The STEM work- QUTHEL MCNATT force is the bedrock of this effort and, in the wake of the COVID–19 crisis, the need to act HON. DAVID SCOTT is more urgent than ever. I encourage the rest HON. TRENT KELLY OF GEORGIA OF MISSISSIPPI of our colleagues to join us and to help us IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES move this bill forward into law. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, January 5, 2021 Tuesday, January 5, 2021 f Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Madam Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary I rise today to celebrate the life of Quthel IN RECOGNITION OF DANIEL Georgian and a great American, Reverend McNatt of Tishomingo who passed away De- PALETKO James C. Birdsong, Jr. cember 14 at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. Rev. Birdsong is a multi-talented preacher, HON. RASHIDA TLAIB Mr. McNatt was a beacon of kindess and gospel musician, nationally published author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur. OF MICHIGAN generosity to all who had the opportunity to Through his faith-based outreach, Rev. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES know him. He served as a Deacon at Tishomingo Baptist Church. In his free time, Birdsong has reached thousands of Georgians Tuesday, January 5, 2021 Mr. McNatt enjoyed fishing, hunting, and with his message of perseverance and trust in God’s plan. Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today to spending time with family and friends. He was a member of IBEW Local 474. From 1989 to Rev. Birdsong was born into a family of tal- acknowledge the legacy of public service and ented artists in Richmond, California. From a commitment to our communities of the late 1993 Quthel McNatt served as the mayor of Tishomingo. young age, he knew that his mission in life Mayor of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, Daniel was to share the word of God with others. Paletko. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 67 years, Sara Haines McNatt; sons, Edward, Rev. Birdsong exhibited courage and resil- Dan Paletko served as mayor of Dearborn Wesley, and Joshua; and grandchildren, gage, ience in overcoming a developmental disability Heights from 2004 until his death in 2020. Brady, Belle, Karmen, and Maddyx. to pursue his goals and further his education, Paletko served one term as a Michigan State Quthel McNatt was a man of faith and a culminating in a degree in Biblical Education Representative and more than two decades as servant to family, state, and country. He was from Beulah Heights University in Atlanta. a Dearborn Heights City Councilman. He a blessing to those who knew him and an out- In recent years, Reverend Birdsong has prioritized making Dearborn Heights a wel- standing Mississippian. kept busy, conducting numerous media inter- coming place for all its residents to call home views, accepting awards across the country, f and was especially proud of the city’s rich cul- authoring a moving autobiography, and con- tural diversity and recreational resources. His DEDICATED PATRIOTS IN tinuing to preach the gospel. He remains pride in Dearborn Heights was evident in his WASHINGTON deeply involved in his community, founding the dedication. Birdsong Association of Broadcasting and Beyond his public service, Mr. Paletko vol- HON. JOE WILSON Arts, to provide young voices with the platform unteered his time to many community-based OF SOUTH CAROLINA and guidance to refine their talents and follow organizations. He was particularly involved their dreams. He has further helped young IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with his church community at St. Linus Georgians to find their path in life through his Church, where he served as an usher. He Tuesday, January 5, 2021 continued youth advocacy efforts, leaving a also proudly gave his time to Volunteer In- Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam positive impact on so many young people. come Tax Assistance (VITA) programs and to Speaker, thousands of dedicated patriots will Madam Speaker, I congratulate Reverend the American Legion. be in Washington tomorrow to Stop The Steal Birdsong on his impactful career, and extend Please join me as we recognize Mayor Dan- peacefully protesting the irregularities of the my sincerest wishes for his continued health iel Paletko’s many contributions to the families 2020 election. I will welcome the Stedmans of and success, as he inspires people across the of Dearborn Heights and the 13th Congres- New Jersey, the Durhams of South Carolina, United States. sional District as we give honor to his mem- and the Carons of Florida. They are already May God continue to bless Reverend James ory. winners with Republican gains in Congress C. Birdsong, Jr. VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:01 Jan 06, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A05JA8.004 E05JAPT1 sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS January 5, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E7 RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF NOLAN Mr. Mettetal was born on November 19, known by their community as ‘‘Mrs. Kay.’’ The METTETAL 1945 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Wayne two took daily walks around Sardis Lake and Georgia Mettetal. He began his career as where he enjoyed watching for hummingbirds HON. TRENT KELLY a registered pharmacist, but soon realized his and feeding the deer. OF MISSISSIPPI gift for public service when he ran for Mis- Nolan Mettetal is survived by his wife, Kay IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sissippi legislature. Mr. Mettetal served as Ford Mettetal; daughter, Kim; son, Carey; and Tuesday, January 5, 2021 Mississippi District 10’s representative, serving five grandchildren, gracie, Julien, Nolan, Ade- constituents across Panola, Lafayette and Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, laide and Sadie. I rise today to celebrate the life of Nolan Tallahatchie Counties. He handily won two Mettetal who passed away Monday, Decem- elections for this seat and enjoyed meaningful Nolan Mettetal was a light unto all who had ber 28, 2020 at the age of 75. As a fellow leg- relationships with members and staff at the the opportunity to know and love him, and he islator, I am grateful for Mr. Mettetal’s dedica- Mississippi Capitol. Mr. Mettetal also valued will be deeply missed. My deepest condo- tion to family, state, and country.