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E960 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 23, 2019 being used effectively and efficiently so Ameri- RECOGNIZING GERARDO BECERRA This highly competitive merit-based scholar- cans are getting the most out of their hard- FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE TO ship will give Nabila the opportunity to focus earned taxpayer dollars. THE INTERNATIONAL LONG- on civic education and leadership develop- SHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION ment projects during an exchange program to I have made it a priority to support legisla- the Caribbean and South America. During this tion that addresses our government’s spend- program, Nabila will develop her foreign lan- ing habits. As a member of the House Armed HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART OF FLORIDA guage skills, increase her cross-cultural under- Services Committee, I put forth a bipartisan standing, strengthening her leadership capac- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES amendment to the National Defense Author- ity and foster new academic insights and am- ization Act (NDAA) with fellow Oklahoman, Tuesday, July 23, 2019 bitions. Congressman TOM COLE, to allow the Depart- Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, on the On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congres- ment of Defense (DoD) to have better over- occasion of his retirement as President of two sional District of Texas, congratulations again sight of where and how government defense local International Longshoremen’s Associa- to Nabila Nazeer on earning this prestigious money is being spent. The amendment re- tion (ILA) chapters, I rise today to commemo- scholarship. quires the office of the Inspector General to rate the years of service my close friend, Mr. f audit all sole-source contracts with depot Gerardo Becerra, has given to the maritime in- IN RECOGNITION OF MR. MOHAM- maintenance centers. This audit, and other fi- dustry and the thousands of members he pas- MAD SIDDIQUE SHEIKH’S 50 nancial accounting tools, act as accountability sionately represented in South Florida. Gerry YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE measures to ensure the government is being is a remarkable individual whose legacy in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA a good steward of taxpayer money while port industry and the ILA will never be forgot- keeping our country safe. ten. Born in 1941 in Havana, Cuba, Gerry es- HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN As a member of the Government Efficiency caped the Castro dictatorship in 1960 and had OF VIRGINIA Caucus and the Blue Dog Coalition, I am con- to build a new life for himself in South Florida. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES stantly working with my colleagues to find Shortly after arriving to the states, Gerry en- Tuesday, July 23, 2019 ways to promote responsible government listed in the United States Army in 1962 and Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise spending. The bipartisan Government Effi- served our nation for a number of years. After today in recognition of Mr. Mohammad ciency Caucus works to find pragmatic solu- being honorably discharged from the army, Siddique Sheikh’s nearly five decades of serv- tions to government spending that increase Gerry began working at the ports and in 1965 ice to our great Commonwealth of Virginia. the efficiency and effectiveness of government he was one of the original charter members Mr. Sheikh was born and raised in programs. The Blue Dog Coalition’s Fiscal Re- for ILA’s Local 1922 chapter. Gujranwala, Pakistan, before moving to the sponsibility Task Force analyzes ways to Gerry’s retirement closes his chapter of over United States 50 years ago. He came with just strengthen our fiscal responsibility and close fifty-four years of service to the longshoremen $10 dollars in his pocket, and today he is a the cycle of widespread government spending. industry and the ILA. From 1965 to 1983, very successful businessman living the Amer- Gerry worked as a checker and plan clerk and ican dream. Since moving to this country, Mr. During the 116th Congress, the Government through his hard work and dedication, he was Sheikh has served our country as a successful Efficiency Caucus has identified three priorities appointed Vice President in 1984 for Local entrepreneur and advocate for the Pakistani to improve the government’s fiscal efficiency. 1922, Local 1922–1, and Local 2062. In this American community in the larger Washington, These priorities include focusing on ensuring role, he represented checkers, mechanics, D.C. metropolitan area. Mr. Sheikh has also government agencies adopt monetary best and truck drivers. In 2005, he became Presi- been on several academic boards and busi- practices to increase efficiency and effective- dent of Local 1922 and Local 1922–1 and ness institutions, including George Mason Uni- ness; supporting reasonable policy proposals served in this position until his retirement. Ad- versity, one of Virginia’s largest public re- that will improve the on-time, on-budget deliv- ditionally, he served as Vice President of the search institutions. He is also the Founder of ery of federal infrastructure investments; and ILA from 2006 until 2018. During this time, the Pakistan American Business Association modernizing the federal government workforce Gerry was integral in negotiating contracts, (PABA), a representative body of entre- to ensure government employees have the mediating grievances, and representing the in- preneurs of Pakistani-origin. In recognition of skills, knowledge, and technology, to be good terests of his colleagues. his service and commitment, he was ap- stewards of taxpayer money. Having had the privilege of working with pointed as the Chairman of the Council on Di- versity formed by the Police Chief of Fairfax The Blue Dog Coalition’s Fiscal Gerry for many years, his determination and County. He served in this position for more Responsivity Task Force has released a set of passion for bettering the longshoremen indus- try never wavered. While his retirement marks than five years. policy proposals that include financial stability the end of an era, I have no doubt that Gerry Mr. Sheikh is a selfless and dedicated lead- measures like creating a federal rainy-day looks forward to spending more time with his er in the Pakistani American community. He fund so Congress is less reliant on massive, wife of fifty-six years, Carmen, his two daugh- has been a torch-bearer in promoting Paki- unplanned emergency spending when disas- ters, nine grandchildren, and extended family. stan’s friendly image in the United States. Mr. ters strike. Another proposal emphasizes a re- Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay trib- Sheikh’s servant leadership can be witnessed turn to the regular process of creating and ute to the impressive career of my dear friend, in his work when he helped create the Muslim passing the federal budget on time every year. Mr. Gerry Becerra, and the strides he has Community Center in the state of Maryland This proposal outlines concepts like ‘‘No made for the hardworking men and women in and being a leading voice in the creation of Is- Budget, No Pay’’ and ‘‘No Budget, No Re- the port industry, and I ask my fellow col- lamic Circle of North America Sunday School cess,’’ which would increase the con- leagues to join me in recognizing this out- for Muslim communities residing in the DC sequences on Congress for not passing a fed- standing individual. metro area. In the education field, Mr. Sheikh eral budget on time. These and other pro- f has been a dominate force in promoting con- posals outlined by the Blue Dog Fiscal Re- nections between higher institutions in Paki- sponsibility Task Force should be given exten- NABILA NAZEER EARNS STATE stan and the United States. As a member of sive consideration by Congress, so our gov- DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIP the Board of Visitors at George Mason Univer- ernment can correct the bad fiscal habits it sity and Pakistan’s National University of has developed. HON. PETE OLSON Science of Technology, he led an effort to cre- OF TEXAS ate opportunities for National University of Future generations of Americans should not IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Science and Technology faculty and students have to pay for our irresponsible spending. It to study at George Mason University through Tuesday, July 23, 2019 is up to us to get America’s fiscal house in various programs. He also played an active order so we can prove to the world that we Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today role in promoting cooperation between GMU are a nation that keeps its fiscal promises. to recognize Nabila Nazeer of Travis High and University of Karachi. Today, the two insti- Doing so will not only improve our government School in Richmond, TX, who was selected for tutions are now working on various initiatives and its standing in the world, but also increase a scholarship from the U.S. Department of and programs. the faith that taxpayers have in the govern- State’s Youth Ambassadors study abroad ex- Madam Speaker, I have had the privilege to ment to spend their money wisely. change program. know Mr. Sheikh for many years and count VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Jul 24, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A23JY8.009 E23JYPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS July 23, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E961 him as a friend. I ask you to join me in rec- CONGRATULATING THE PEARLAND Church. Her work to contribute her consider- ognition of Mr. Mohammad Siddique Sheikh HIGH SCHOOL BAND FOR BEING able energies to these worthy causes rep- leadership, passion, and determination in serv- SELECTED TO PERFORM IN THE resent the best of Texas’ generous spirit. ice to our great nation. ROSE PARADE Dr. Edna Rehbein’s retirement is the richly- deserved beginning of an exciting journey.

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