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H8530 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 28, 2019 Again, these are collected taxes for which, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there joined voter registration drives in by law, only authorized Federal navigation objection to the request of the gentle- Selma, Alabama, in 1963, a year before maintenance work is eligible. That the woman from ? the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act unspent balance has been allowed to accumu- There was no objection. even became law. As a Congressman, he late and sit in the Federal Treasury as bal- Mrs. LAWRENCE: Mr. Speaker, I rise last against budget deficits is especially dis- led the drive to help make Martin Lu- turbing at a time when Congress and the today to pay tribute to Congressman ther King, Jr.’s birthday a national White House have rightly talked about the . He was one of the 13 holiday and succeeded through perse- importance of tending to the county’s essen- founding members of the Congressional verance and continued efforts to make tial infrastructure. In the case of port chan- Black Caucus. I stand here today join- that happen despite insurmountable nels, the money exists. That is an important ing the chair of the Congressional odds. He helped calm revolters in his consideration. No new revenue stream is re- Black Caucus, KAREN BASS, in recog- district during ’s racial strife of quired. nizing that he served for 53 years in the As a final note, and for clarity sake, this 1967. He was a vocal opponent of apart- issue is unrelated to the funding of the in- U.S. House of Representatives, making heid in South Africa, a political system land waterway system. There vessels, includ- him one of the longest-serving House of legal racial discrimination that he ing as tug and towboats, are charged an ex- Members in history and the first Afri- just—as many of us in this great Na- cise tax on fuel expenses. That revenue is ac- can American to hold the title of dean. tion—would not tolerate. He fought for counted for in the Inland Waterways Trust Congressman Conyers was born in restrictions on gun ownership to pre- Fund and is spent on construction work such Detroit on May 16, 1929, the eldest of vent violence, because he knew what it as lock and dam improvements. It is note- four sons of John and Lucille. He at- meant in so many of our communities worthy that unlike the case with the Harbor tended Detroit public schools and grad- to have these lax laws. Maintenance Trust Fund, the Inland Water- uated from Northwestern High School. ways Trust Fund resources are fully spent on At one point Mr. Conyers was called that system’s navigation projects. After graduating he served in the Na- the leading Black voice in Congress. He Please vote for the Full Utilization of the tional Guard and then joined the U.S. was also known as one of the best Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund legislation. Army. dressers on and a lover of Sincerely, He was inspired by his friend, Dr. . He even got the Congress to de- WILLIAM D. FRIEDMAN, Martin Luther King, to run for office clare jazz a national American treasure President & Chief Executive Officer. and was elected to the House of Rep- in 1987. f resentatives in 1964. His first hire was He was a dedicated public servant, an EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR civil rights hero, . honored veteran, a cham- As a human rights and civil rights FLORIDA’S SEASONAL GROWERS pion of racial equality, and a strong champion, Mr. Conyers opposed the figure in this House for half a century. (Mr. SPANO asked and was given per- death penalty and fought police bru- His legacy will be remembered long mission to address the House for 1 tality. He also co-led and was a cospon- after his passing. The work that he has minute.) sor for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. done on this floor and in these Halls is Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. Conyers also assisted in passing today to raise awareness about an issue second to none. He cared about this Na- the Help America Vote Act, the Vio- tion, he cared about his colleagues, and that is important to our Nation and es- lence Against Women Act, the motor he cared about his constituents in his sential to my district. Strawberry vehicle bill, the National Jazz Preser- district. growers in Plant City, Florida, are vation, Education and Promulgation We will miss him dearly. Mr. Conyers under attack. Act, and the Martin Luther King Fed- was one of a kind. We are saddened by For years Mexico has spent millions eral Holiday Commission Extension his loss, so we are here to honor him in subsidizing their strawberry produc- Act. the manner in which he should be as an tion. This has allowed them to export Today I am joined by a number of my esteemed former Member of this House. strawberries at a cost our local growers colleagues who will be giving remarks. Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, there cannot compete with. Consequently, Mr. Speaker, it is with honor that I are so many facts that we need to imports of Mexican strawberries have yield to the gentleman from New Jer- share about John Conyers, including increased by approximately 80 percent sey (Mr. PAYNE). My colleague and my the fact that in his 52 years in office he since 2010. Furthermore, current trade colleague’s father both served with represented Michigan’s First Congres- agreements don’t allow seasonal grow- John Conyers. sional District, Michigan’s 14th Con- ers to bring antidumping claims. This Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, let me gressional District, and Michigan’s means our growers are left with a right first thank the gentlewoman from De- 13th Congressional District. Also dur- against unlawful dumping but no troit for her leadership on this issue to- ing his time in Congress he chaired the means of enforcing it. night. We felt it was only fitting that House Oversight and Reform Com- Plant City, Florida, is known as the she lead us in this Special Order hour mittee and also the House Judiciary Winter Strawberry Capital of the for Mr. Conyers. Committee and served as dean of the World and produces more than 85 per- I rise to honor the former Congress- House. cent of all the winter strawberries man, John James Conyers, after his Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman grown here in our Nation. It is impera- passing on October 27, 2019. I would like from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS) who is my tive for Congress to correct the situa- to start by offering my thoughts and amazing colleague and who will have tion and pass legislation that gives our prayers to his wife, Monica, and his comments about the passing and hon- growers the protections that they need sons, John and Carl, during this time oring of our colleague whom we all are and deserve. of loss. mourning, John Conyers, who impacted f Mr. Conyers spent 53 years as a Con- so many of us in this country. gressman from Michigan, mostly from PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE Mr. LEWIS. Mr. Speaker, I want to districts in and around the Detroit HONORABLE JOHN CONYERS thank the young lady from Michigan— area. Mr. Conyers was the third long- Mrs. LAWRENCE. I love that. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under est-serving Congressman and the long- Mr. LEWIS. Well, you are still very the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- est-serving African American Con- young—for bringing us together to uary 3, 2019, the gentlewoman from gressman in history. honor John Conyers. Michigan (Mrs. LAWRENCE) is recog- He helped found the Congressional The former dean of the House of Rep- nized for 60 minutes as the designee of Black Caucus with some of our Na- resentatives and the cofounder of the the majority leader. tion’s most prominent civil rights lead- Congressional Black Caucus, John Con- GENERAL LEAVE ers and colleagues such as Shirley yers, was born at a time when we need- Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask Chisholm and William Lacy Clay, Sr., ed someone to stand up and to speak up unanimous consent that all Members the father of my esteemed colleague, and speak out and to get in the way of may have 5 legislative days in which to WILLIAM LACY CLAY, Jr., from Mis- getting what I call good trouble, nec- revise and extend their remarks and to souri’s First District. essary trouble. include extraneous material on the During his life he had several accom- As a matter of fact, John Conyers subject of my Special Order. plishments in and out of Congress. He and Martin Luther King, Jr. were born

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:19 Oct 29, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A28OC7.068 H28OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE October 28, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8531 the same year, so maybe history, faith, Special Order that gives all the rest of go by, men who are good, men who are and maybe God Almighty placed the us the opportunity to come to pay trib- bad, wise, foolish, but then so am I. two of them here to work together. ute to my hero. So why would I sit in the scorner’s Before being elected to Congress, Mr. As a matter of fact, I am old enough seat or hurl the cynic’s ban? Let me Conyers served in the Korean war and to remember in a very vivid way the live in my house by the side of the on the staff of Representative John late 1950s and early 1960s with people road, like John Conyers, and be a Dingell. When the people of Michigan like John Conyers, Martin Luther friend to man. elected Mr. Conyers in 1964, he brought King, , Whitney Young, and Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I Congress to the front lines of the civil other heroes of the period. thank the gentleman. That was beau- rights movement, and he took civil Although John was elected in Michi- tiful. rights, voting rights, labor rights, and gan, he was really all of our Congress- We continue in our effort to capture human rights to the United States man. He was the Representative for all the life of a great man who served in Congress. of us. We didn’t have 55 African Amer- this House. John Conyers, perhaps more than any ican or Black Members of Congress at Again, another fact: Since 1989, John other , made trips that time, but we had those voices that Conyers had introduced H.R. 40, the over and over and over again to the were strong and vibrant, those voices Commission to Study Reparation Pro- South to identify with the struggle that gave hope. posals for African Americans Act. This going on in the South. He came to Ala- There was so much hope and possi- bill would establish a commission to bama, to Georgia, Mississippi, and bility being expressed during that pe- examine the institution of slavery in other parts of the Deep South. riod that those of us who were emerg- the United States. The legislation has Mr. Speaker, Representative Conyers ing had no idea that there was any- now been taken up by our colleague was one of two Members of Congress, thing that we couldn’t accomplish, any from , Congresswoman SHEILA both from Michigan, who voted on the changes that we couldn’t bring about, JACKSON LEE. original and every single reauthoriza- any possibilities that did not exist. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman And that, to me, was the true essence tion of the Voting Rights Act. He could from Pennsylvania (Mr. EVANS), my of John Conyers. give us the backstory of every major colleague who has shown to be a voice I was tremendously impressed with of reason, hard work, and compassion law from the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to John because he was always for the un- the 20-year effort to establish a Na- in his service to Congress. derdog. He was always for the little Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my tional Day of Service honoring my guy, always for the little person, al- honorable friend, Congresswoman LAW- friend and leader, Dr. Martin Luther ways representing those who were left RENCE, for her leadership on someone King, Jr. out, those who were unheard, even When Rosa Parks, a person I got to who really set a tone, not just in De- those who were unheard of. troit and Michigan, but the entire Na- know so well, was forced to leave her I don’t think there was any place in tion. I thank her for her leadership. home State of Alabama after the Mont- America where action was going on Mr. Speaker, I knew Chairman Con- gomery bus boycott, Mr. Conyers more that John didn’t go. As a matter of yers, not as well as some of the Mem- than anyone else gave her a position on fact, at the time when we were electing bers who have spoken, but I did know his staff, and she was very proud and the first African American mayor in him. We each represented the largest pleased to work in the office of John the city of Chicago, John was there city in a large northern industrial Conyers. She served in his district of- every week. We thought he had moved State. Philadelphia and Detroit have fice for 23 years. to Chicago, that he didn’t live in De- many of the same problems, such as The record should be clear: John Con- troit. I mean, every week, from the poverty, gun violence, a loss of good yers loved music, but he loved jazz. He time, I guess, he left here, in churches manufacturing jobs, and access to loved jazz more than any other form of and churches and block parties and ev- music. healthcare. eryplace that you could possibly turn, I didn’t tell my colleague, Congress- b 2015 there was John Conyers. woman LAWRENCE, that when she men- John has given the very best that He loved this institution, and he tioned May 16, I was born on that same you can give. dedicated his life to realizing the To his wife and sons and other mem- day, so there is that connection there. dream of what our Nation could be. He bers of his family, we say thank you The chairman was one of the 12 was of the people, and he was for the for lending John to all of us. founders of the Congressional Black people. I guess the poet Walter Foss maybe Caucus. From Pennsylvania, the person On this difficult day, I offer my deep- had John in mind when he penned who was one of them was Robert N.C. est condolences to his beloved wife, these words that I end with. Nix, who was elected in 1958. sons, family, and the people of Michi- So 48 years ago, as a result of the There are hermit souls that live withdrawn gan who mourn his loss. in the peace of their self-content; chairman, we have built on the backs May he rest in peace and in power. There are souls, like stars, that dwell apart, of those founders. Today, there are 54 Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I in a fellowless firmament; of us in the caucus, including the thank Congressman LEWIS. There are pioneer souls that blaze their House majority whip, two Senators, Some other facts that people may paths where highways never ran; four chairs of House committees, and not know about John Conyers: He But let me live by the side of the road and be one of our former members who became worked for the Lincoln auto factory a friend to man. a two-term President of the United and was a member of the UAW. He be- Let me live in a house by the side of the States. road, where the race of men go by; came the director of education for The men who are good and the men who are The chairman helped to lay the UAW Local 900. He was the first Afri- bad, as good and as bad as I. groundwork for this progress. When he can American to chair the House Com- I would not sit in the scorner’s seat, or hurl cosponsored the Voting Rights Act of mittee on the Judiciary. He also spon- the cynic’s ban; 1965, I was 10 years of age. In 1965, the sored the Racial Justice Act and the Let me live in my house by the side of the Voting Rights Act banned discrimina- Police Accountability Act during that road and be a friend to man. tion at the ballot box. He was a fierce time. I see from my house by the side of the road, critic of the that led to a Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman by the side of the highway of life, clash with President Lyndon Johnson. The men who press with the ardor of hope, from Illinois (Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS), a the men who are faint with the strife. It even won him a spot on President Member of Congress who has fought But I turn not away from their smiles nor Nixon’s enemy list. many fights and has stood up and their tears, both parts of an infinite It is rather interesting to have this knows the story of justice in our coun- plan; conversation today because, as I recall, try. Let me live in my house by the side of the he played an important role in the im- Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. road and be a friend to man. peachment proceedings. Mr. Speaker, I Speaker, let me thank the gentle- So let me live in my house by the want my colleagues to know that I saw woman, first of all, for organizing this side of the road where the race of men that on my black-and-white TV.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:54 Oct 29, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K28OC7.093 H28OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE H8532 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 28, 2019 Once again, we are building on the ment, dedication, and service, not just So, we will use the privilege of serv- back of the work that he and other to the people of Detroit but to the peo- ing—I know I will as one of the new, Members did in 1973 and 1974. ple of this great Nation. younger Members—to continue to fight We should thank the chairman for b 2030 for equality and justice for all, just as his leading role in creating the Federal Congressman Conyers did during his 53 holiday that honors Martin Luther I join with my colleagues, not only in years here on Capitol Hill. King. He introduced a bill 4 days after the Congressional Black Caucus, but Tonight, we honor him with our Dr. King was murdered. When Con- this body of government as a whole, in words, but tomorrow we must honor mourning a giant in the legacy of Rep- gressman LEWIS talks about that, he him with our actions. knows what he is talking about. The resentative John Conyers. Congressman Conyers, we will con- Representative John Conyers was a fight took 15 years, but he succeeded. tinue the good work you started all force to be reckoned with, a leader of The chairman also played a leading those years ago. May you rest in power. the who stood role in another long fight, the struggle Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I tall in the House of Representatives for to end apartheid in South Africa, with would like to read a statement by the more than a half century, the longest a Congressman from Pennsylvania by Honorable EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON serving African American Congress- the name of William Gray. I recall, Mr. about the Congressman. man. She said: I pay tribute to the life and Speaker, meeting President Mandela. During his 53 years as the Represent- legacy of a distinguished public servant I say all of these things because there ative for the part of Michigan encom- and colleague, John James Conyers Jr., is a connection to all of us who are passing Detroit, Congressman Conyers who passed away this weekend, and she here today. I think that we should fought for the people of his State tooth honor the chairman for all that he has and nail. asked that her colleagues join her in contributed to this Nation. Congressman Conyers was known as extending sympathies to Congressman I want to close with how I recall the the dean of the House of Representa- Conyers’ wife, Monica; Conyers’ sons, chairman urging skeptical African tives, and he paved the way for all of us John Conyers III and Carl Edward Con- Americans to get involved in politics. who are here this evening. I really be- yers; and all whom he influenced over He used to say, ‘‘Register, vote, run for lieve that we stand on his shoulders. the course of his life. May he rest in office. It is power that counts.’’ Speaking to his legacy, he was a co- peace. He used to say, ‘‘Register, vote, run founder of the Congressional Black Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring for office. It is power that counts.’’ Caucus. So, the fact that we are now 54 forth my Michigan delegation col- There is an election, Mr. Speaker, 8 members in number representing more league. It is significant to note that days from now. An important way for than 84 million people across the coun- , Congresswoman TLAIB, all of us to honor the legacy of Chair- try, it was the vision of people like actually represents the seat from man Conyers, to honor everyone who Congressman Conyers and others that which John Conyers retired. has worked for civil rights, is to vote. allowed the Congressional Black Cau- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- I recall him loving music so much. I cus to come forward. woman from Michigan, RASHIDA TLAIB. heard him talk about John Coltrane. He also led the charge to declare, as Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise today I think it is important to recognize has been stated, a national holiday in with a heavy heart in joining my be- that the chairman did so much for all honor of the great Reverend Martin loved colleague, who also represents of us. I feel really a sincere obligation Luther King, Jr., a day Congressman the city of Detroit, in paying tribute to and a commitment to add my voice to Conyers fought for tirelessly that we our wonderful, late Congress Member the foundation that he has laid. now hold in our hearts as a day of re- John Conyers, the longest serving Afri- As a person who has been a Member membrance for the legacy of another can American in the United States of the Congress for only 3 years, be- fearless leader. Congress, a true civil rights icon and cause of the foundation he laid, I have He also served on two powerful com- visionary, and the man who will for- the opportunity to stand here today. mittees as chairman: the House Com- ever be our Congressman. So many of us not just in the Congres- mittee on Oversight and Reform—and The Honorable John Conyers Jr.’s sional Black Caucus but Members who we just mourned the passing of the mission to make sweeping changes in are in this House, he has contributed to chairman of that great committee, civil rights by fighting on behalf of the all of us. Chairman Cummings—and the House people started well before he ever I want you to use your voice and be Judiciary Committee, which has great stepped onto the United States House heard. As he would say, ‘‘Vote.’’ responsibility; and, in both, he never floor. One of the things that he said at Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I shied away from speaking truth to the passing of Rosa Parks, his dear thank my colleague for mentioning so power. friend, was: ‘‘We’ve got a tremendous many of the accomplishments that As has been stated by my good friend legacy to fulfill. You can’t maintain a John Conyers had. Congressman EVANS, one of his early democracy and an empire simulta- I want to add to that his legislative mottos was: Register, vote, run for of- neously.’’ And he said, ‘‘Rosa, you record extends to introducing the fice. It is power that counts. taught me that.’’ for All Act, legislation to es- So we will continue to harness this But, when he first was sworn in to tablish a government-sponsored single- power to promote the ideals that Con- the Congress in 1965 during a time of payer healthcare option to control gressman Conyers espoused during his great social unrest in our country’s costs. Additionally, he championed the career. history, he embarked on what would issues of reparations to establish a I want to note, and I don’t think I become a 50-year tenure of service to commission that I had mentioned ear- shared this with Congresswoman LAW- our people that would result in that lier. RENCE, but there is a group called the mission being accomplished, and then He fought for justice that also ex- Detroit Connection. Because so many some. tended to international issues. He was people tend to come to Las Vegas to re- Indeed, his more than 50 years of an early leader in the anti-Vietnam tire, we have a big contingency of De- service brought forth the vision of rep- war movement in addition to the anti- troit people, and they have an event arations for African Americans, the Iraq war movement. every year called the Detroit Connec- centering of voting rights, a continued Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman tion. They raise money. They provide push for universal healthcare, the cre- from Nevada (Mr. HORSFORD), my col- scholarships. ation of the Congressional Black Cau- league and a hardworking freshman. It I was so honored one year to have cus, and the inspiration of not just is hard to recognize that he is a fresh- Congressman Conyers come to Las those in Detroit for whom he worked man. Vegas and attend the event for the De- tirelessly, but he directly impacted Mr. HORSFORD. Mr. Speaker, I troit Connection, and it made that many, many countless Americans thank the chair and the anchor for this group feel so good to know that their across the country. Special Order hour, Congresswoman champion and their Representative was When I first was elected to succeed , for her commit- still there. Congressman Conyers, I knew that I

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:54 Oct 29, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K28OC7.095 H28OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE October 28, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8533 had a tremendous legacy to carry. It is legacy of fighting for transformative It has a rich history. It has a history that tremendous legacy that propels change that continues today. His five of struggle. It produced famous singing my work on behalf of Michigan’s 13th decades of service in Congress are groups like The Supremes, contem- Congressional District that I fight for marked by a core fundamental belief in poraneous with John’s adulthood, the every single day. equity and justice for all. Detroit Tigers, and lots of jazz. John I remember when I was in his pres- For many years, I worked with Con- loved jazz. ence of greatness, he never exhibited gressman Conyers on the Judiciary If you think about what he rep- anything less than grace and kindness. Committee, and most recently, we resented, Detroit is not really a tea He always paused and took time to worked together to address segregation and crumpets city. My apologies to all talk to the residents. He taught me in our public schools. We also fought those who enjoy tea and crumpets. It is that. together for equity in education, as really a heavy-duty town, a very plu- Sadly, the last time I spoke to him well as criminal justice reform, voting ralistic community where the fight for was at his 90th birthday celebration in rights, and breaking down barriers to organized labor was rooted and, some- Detroit. He was joyful and, yes, he still employment. thing that we know well in our region, had the presence of greatness, as Con- I want to send my condolences to his the strike at a place called River gresswoman BRENDA LAWRENCE saw for family, his loved ones, the entire De- Rouge that began the work in our herself as well. troit community, and all who are country to value labor through con- Detroit and our district will sorely mourning the loss of a lifelong cham- tract—not just happenstance, but by an miss him. pion for a better America. actual contract. May he rest in peace as we continue Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I And John Conyers was a part of the to fight for what he fought for for so thank the gentleman for those kind development of the law that allowed long with unwavering strength: for words and informative message. for the dignity of labor, but it was born Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would jobs, justice, and peace. out of the struggle in Detroit, a very like to bring forth a woman in our Con- I pray that his wife, , rough-and-tumble world. gress, the longest serving woman in and the family find strength during One of his early jobs was with the Congress, MARCY KAPTUR, who served this difficult time. United Auto Workers, in which our with the dean of Congress and would Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I family has had members for many gen- thank the gentlewoman as we share like to reflect. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- erations now, and he and I shared that the amazing honor of representing the woman from (Ms. KAPTUR). affinity. city of Detroit, a place that John Con- Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I thank b 2045 yers loved and gave his life to. Congresswoman BRENDA LAWRENCE for He was not an arrogant man, but he Mr. Speaker, I would like to also read inviting us to come to the floor this from a statement from our chair of the was rooted, again, in the fight for jus- evening to share our sorrow with the tice during the best years of his life. Congressional Black Caucus, KAREN Conyers family and the people of BASS. Her statement outlines his life When he arranged for the funeral in Greater Detroit that Congressman Con- Detroit of Rosa Parks—and the history and his history. yers represented here so forcefully It also talks about how he fought of the is throughout his entire career. written, I don’t think a lot of people apartheid and that he confronted Presi- I would like to extend sympathy to really know that he actually had hired dent Nixon about imposing sanctions his wife, Monica, and to his sons, John Rosa Parks in his office from 1965 to against South Africa; and, when it be- and Carl, that he used to come walk 1988. I can recall, in 2005, attending the came clear that the President wouldn’t through Congress, even when they were funeral of Rosa Parks—what a central act, he joined Congressman Dellums in small. He would take them on the train role John Conyers played in that mag- introducing legislation to that end and from one side of the Capitol to the nificent ceremony. But through it was was even arrested at a protest, in front, other. I can still see him doing that. of South Africa. As others have mentioned, he served the continuing education of the people He impacted so many people in his from 1965 to 2017. So, from the civil of the United States of America as to district and throughout the country. rights movement at its apex, that fer- what the civil rights struggle, and our America is a better country today be- vor came into this Chamber, and John struggle as a people, has actually been cause of the legislative and advocacy served over half a century in further- comprised of, a constant struggle. work of Representative John Conyers ance of America’s betterment. I have to say, on the humorous side, Jr. He was the 44th dean of the House. He he loved that drove fast. I hap- Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring became its most senior member and, pened to be in one of those cars one forth a chair of this amazing body—a certainly, the longest serving African time, 90 miles an hour on I–75. I don’t chair, a member of the Congressional American in the history of the United know how we ever didn’t get a ticket. Black Caucus, and an amazing leader, States of America. But he was always moving forward. I Congressman SCOTT. I think most Members would agree, would guess we shared thousands—I Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman he truly was a drum major for justice started adding it up today—thousands from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT). and also a drum major for jobs and fair of airplane flights between Washington Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, wages for all workers. and Michigan, as we went to our re- I thank the gentlewoman for holding His service was anchored by those spective hometowns. And I always this Special Order and recognizing the parallel visions, and I can still remem- found him to be very cordial, very legacy of Congressman John Conyers. I ber coming as a new Member to Con- friendly, full of good humor. want to join those who are honoring gress. There were three men who were He was a perpetual anchor for us on his legacy. serving at that time: John; another moving American forward, a leading He served in Congress longer than John, ; and a man named strategist in that endeavor. any other African American. He rep- William Ford. So I hope it is of some comfort to his resented Michigan and for The three of them together, in my loved ones and to the people that he over 50 years. He was a founding mem- mind, actually formed the northern represented that his being and his inde- ber of the Congressional Black Caucus, apex of the civil rights and labor rights fatigable spirit are now freed from and he served as dean of the House. movement in this country, and Amer- Earth’s binds; and that his soul may He was a giant in civil rights. He ica was bettered by all of their serv- rise high and shower our precious often bragged about being the only ices. They worked in tandem. world with peace and justice from sea candidate for elective office ever en- They had been forged by the same set to shining sea. dorsed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. of experiences and came to us from With heavy heart, golden memories, and Also, for many years Rosa Parks what we in the Midwest call Motown, abiding gratitude may I extend deepest sym- worked in his Detroit district office. Motor City. That is a place that is un- pathies on the passing of Congressman John As a legislator, he was a true cham- like any other in the United States of Conyers of Detroit, Michigan to his family, his pion of civil rights and leaves behind a America. loving wife Monica, sons John and Carl, his

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:54 Oct 29, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K28OC7.096 H28OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE H8534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 28, 2019 constituents and colleagues who honor his life essence of America, about justice, and Well, I was 10 feet high. I was going of service to our nation. freedom, and opportunity, and right, into a meeting with John Conyers of An accomplished lawyer and passionate and he espoused it at an early time, what was going to go on that next civil rights and labor leader, Rep. Conyers when a lot of people didn’t get it. Peo- week. They were tossing about ideas rose through the ranks of Congress to become ple get it now. about maybe bringing up an impeach- Chair of the powerful House Judiciary Com- Dr. King got a holiday. Dr. King was ment of George Bush and some other mittee. In 2015, he because Dean of the U.S. great, but people hated Dr. King for issues. And I decided to throw out kind House of Representatives. His contributions to years. of a Doug Flutie Hail Mary pass. I said: advancing the cause minority and labor rights People didn’t know about Rosa ‘‘Well how about if we have an apology as intertwined is legendary. He was a found- Parks, per se. He gave her a job, and he for Jim Crow and slavery?’’ ing member of the Black Caucus, along with put her on a pedestal, which she de- And without a blink, John Conyers Rep. Bill Clay of Missouri and Rep. Louis served to be. said: ‘‘That’s a great idea. Put it on for Stokes of Ohio now 54 members strong. I will tell you a story about John next week.’’ When Rep. Conyers arrived in Congress, and Conyers. When I was a freshman, and I That is how it got scheduled. We helped create The Congressional Black Cau- have an African American district, and came here, John Conyers managed the cus, there were only 13 African American some people weren’t so crazy about me time. It passed on a voice vote. I re- Members. He authored and passed legislation being up here. John Conyers took me gretted that because I wanted to have creating the Martin Luther King holiday in under his wing from day 1. everybody vote on it, but John Conyers I had a resolution to apologize for 1983, and by 2000—17 years later—all 50 said, and properly so, take your victory slavery and Jim Crow. I had that reso- states had adopted it. when you can get it. lution because I had suggested it to John Conyers served as a perpetual anchor We had a man on the other side, a in 1997 and wrote him a in the North for the burgeoning Civil Rights Republican, who brought up some in- letter when I was a State Senator and movement of the 1960’s and became a lead- sane babble about some Christians suggested he should sponsor such a ing strategist. His deep commitment accom- being thrown off a boat in the Medi- thing and have a dialogue about race in panied by an affable nature drew people to his terranean by some Moroccans or some- America. I got a response from Bill cause. A lover of jazz and the arts, Rep. Con- thing. What this had to with slavery Clinton, but it was gibberish and he yers never lost his joy of living despite the se- and Jim Crow was beyond any of us, didn’t act upon it. rious obstacles he confronted. Along with his But when I got elected to Congress and I wanted to respond to it. Mr. Conyers said: ‘‘Let him be. Let’s Michigan barrister colleagues Rep. William and I was going through my letters as just pass this and move on.’’ And he Ford and Rep. John Dingell, the three formed a State Senator in my office, I came a triumvirate that defined the value set and across that letter; and I said to myself, was right. My proudest accomplishment as a meaning of ‘‘Democrat’’ from the industrial, I am a Congressman now and I can do freshman, and one of my proudest ac- pluralistic cities of middle America. something about it. I don’t have to complishments in this Congress, was May it be of comfort to his loved ones that write Bill Clinton and get a meaning- his being and indefatigable spirit are now less response. the passage of that resolution. It would freed from earth’s binds, May his soul rise So I introduced that resolution, not have happened but for John Con- high and shower our precious world with heartfelt, and appropriate. Some peo- yers’ sponsorship and support. So I peace, and justice from sea to shining sea. ple didn’t want it to come to the floor. thank him for being a mentor, and Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I Some didn’t want a White person to teaching me so much, and giving me yield to the gentleman from Tennessee sponsor it. Some thought I was using it that opportunity. (Mr. COHEN) for his remarks. for politics to get re-elected. He did love jazz. We talked about jazz Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, when I was The fact is, my political consultant all the time. He played jazz in his of- a freshman, in 2007, I was the only told me not to do it. He said: ‘‘You’ve fice. He had jazz musicians come up to Member of the House who chose Judici- got this race won. Don’t do it. It can any proceedings he had in Washington ary as their first committee choice, at only hurt you.’’ and had them perform. And I learned least the only Democrat. That gave me I said: ‘‘You don’t get it. I’m doing about different jazz people that I had the opportunity to be on John Conyers’ this because it matters to me, to make previously not known about. committee, him being my chairman for it happen. It has mattered to me since He came to Memphis to support me 10-plus years, and that was a blessing 1997 when I was a State Senator.’’ in my first term as the first to me. So one day, I had my cell phone, low Congressperson to come there. He was He taught me much. I would consider on power; and I had a staffer bring honored with an April 4th Foundation him my mentor. He taught me about from Longworth, where my office was, award, which goes to great, courageous life; he taught me about Judiciary a charger, and I charged it up in the leaders in civil rights on the anniver- issues in the Congress. He taught me Judiciary Committee. sary of the assassination of Dr. King. about life. I went back to Longworth and I He was given that award. John Conyers was a spirit. I some- couldn’t find my cell phone. I had for- He came to Memphis also just to sup- times thought of him kind of as like a gotten where I had left it. I realized I port me. He was a proud Kappa, coming hippie because he had these ethereal left it charging in the Judiciary Com- in his red coat. And all the Kappas thoughts about the way people ought mittee, so I went over there at the end were there with him, and the Kappas to be, and about caring about people, of the day. That is the only time that loved him. He was a Kappa, and they and about justice, and about civil ever happened to me. It was about a loved it. rights that was unlike thoughts you week or 10 days before my election in I thanked him for his service. I think would hear from most people. August, just to put it in perspective. I about him almost every day up here. But he was ahead of the hippies. He went there, and John Conyers was hav- We used to sit here together on the was ahead of . He was ing a meeting with his staff on what to floor. ahead of so many people. do the next week. He would ride the escalators when he And we talk here today, so many peo- We were in the midst of interviewing would leave the Judiciary Committee. ple, about him being—which is all people on the Bush team, Alberto Sometimes I ride the escalators now, true—the longest serving African Gonzales, and some lady from Liberty and I think about John Conyers. It is American Member of Congress. But it University who had done some stuff not really the quickest way to go, but was more than that. He was a voice for that was questionable; and we were John Conyers did it, and I do it. truth on this floor before people real- taking on the Bush Justice Depart- So thank you, John Conyers, for ized the truth was the truth. He was a ment which had done some egregious teaching me so much, and for being a voice for truth when people just things. great leader, a man beyond his years in thought it was an African American I was a freshman, and pretty much in terms of his knowledge, and his spirit, guy talking about African American awe of John Conyers, and so I was in and ahead of his time with his ideas of issues. But it wasn’t African American the back room and he was in his office civil rights and justice and fairness for issues, it was human issues. It was the and he said: ‘‘Steve, come on in.’’ all people.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:54 Oct 29, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A28OC7.059 H28OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE October 28, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8535 God bless you. introduce a bill calling for the recognition of of 1968, Clean Air Act, , Help Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, as I Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as a national America Vote Act, , Dodd- wrap up now in our tribute to John holiday. At the time of his retirement from pub- Frank Act, Americans With Disabilities Act, As- Conyers, the dean, he was many things: lic office, he was the longest-serving African sault Weapons Ban, Immigration Reform and He was a UAW labor member; he was a American Member of Congress in our history. Control Act of 1982, Drug Kingpins Act, Fair military veteran; he was a fighter for Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join Chance Act. voters’ rights, for healthcare, for rep- me in extending sympathies to Congressman Elementary and Secondary Education Act, arations, for racial justice. He was a Conyers’ wife, Monica Conyers, sons John Social Security Amendments of 1965 (includ- lover and promoter of jazz. Conyers III and Carl Edward Conyers, and all ing Medicaid and Medicare), Voting Rights Act But most of all, I stand here today, whom he influenced over the course of his life. of 1965, Housing and Urban Development Act as a Member of Congress representing May he rest in peace. of 1965, National Foundation on the Arts and Michigan’s 14th District. He was De- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Humanities Act, Immigration and Nation- troit. He was Motown. He was a person the Congressional Black Caucus for convening ality Act of 1965, Heart Disease, Cancer, and whose thumbprint will remain anchoring this Special Order in remembrance Stroke Amendments, Freedom of Information throughout history as a political voice, of Chairman John Conyers, Jr., the tireless Act, Child Nutrition Act, National Historic Pres- a leader, and a beloved man in the his- fighter for justice and equality, Chairman of ervation Act, National Wildlife Refuge System tory of our city and of . House Committees on Oversight and on the Administration Act, Foreign Gifts and Decora- I want to say to the family, we send Judiciary, founding member of Congressional tions Act, Cuban Adjustment Act, Public Broad all the love and respect; and to say, in Black Caucus, Member of Congress, Member casting Act of 1967. closing, John Conyers, rest in power. of Congress from Michigan for 53 years, my Age Discrimination in Employment Act of Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance mentor, a beloved colleague, and dear friend 1967, Bilingual Education Act, Civil Rights Act of my time. who died on Sunday, October 27, 2019, at his of 1968, Consumer Credit Protection Act, Na- Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am home in Detroit, Michigan at the age of 90. tional Trails System Act, Act of very saddened to hear Congressman Conyers Mr. Speaker, John Conyers, Jr. was a 1968, National Environmental Policy Act, Or- passed away. He was a champion for racial statesman and strong and supporter of equal- ganized Crime Control Act, including the equality and changed Congress for the better ity, economic and social justice, civil rights, Racketeer, Influenced and Corrupt Organiza- by co-founding the Congressional Black Cau- and human dignity for all. tions Act (‘‘RICO’’), Urban Mass Transpor- John Conyers, Jr. was born May 16, 1929 cus. John was a powerful and effective legis- tation Act of 1970, National Cancer Act, Fed- in Highland Park, Michigan to Lucille Janice lator who never stopped fighting to improve eral Election Campaign Act, Equal Employ- and John Conyers, Sr., a union organizer in our nation, which he served longer than any ment Opportunity Act, War Powers Resolution, the automotive industry and an international other black Member of Congress to date. His Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act, District career helped pave the way for the thriving representative with the United Auto Workers. After graduation from Northwestern High of Columbia Home Rule Act, Endangered Black Caucus we now enjoy. School, John Conyers dutifully served his Species Act, Congressional Budget and Im- John lived through many pivotal moments in country in the Michigan National Guard from poundment Control Act of 1974, Legal Serv- our nation’s history. When Rosa Parks strug- 1948 to 1950, the U.S. Army from 1950 to ices Corporation Act, Employee Retirement In- gled to find a job after her historic protest, 1954, and the U.S. Army Reserves from 1954 come Security Act (ERISA), Juvenile Justice John rushed to hire her. She worked in his to 1957, serving during the Korean War and and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974. district office for 23 years until her retirement. as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engi- Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, National When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assas- neers where he was awarded combat and Mass Transportation Assistance Act, Safe sinated, John began to fight for a holiday to merit citations. Drinking Water Act, Privacy Act of 1974, Indi- honor him 4 days after Dr. King’s death. Following his military service, John Conyers viduals with Disabilities Education Act, Copy- It took him 15 long years, but John kept earned his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor right Act of 1976, Federal Land Policy and pushing to honor King’s memory and the bat- from and was admit- Management Act, Resource Conservation and tle for civil rights. ted to the Michigan State Bar. Recovery Act, Water Resources Development Vivian and I send our condolences to his Chairman Conyers began his legislative ca- Act of 1976, National Forest Management Act. wife, children, and all loved ones as we keep reer on the staff of the late Congressman The proposal to expand Medicare to all, a them in our prayers in this difficult time. John Dingell and during this time he also political idea gaining increasing popularity Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise served as counsel to several Detroit-area daily, was first introduced by John Conyers in today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of labor unions and was referee for Michigan’s 2003 as the United States National Health In- a distinguished public servant and colleague, workmen’s compensation department. surance Act. Congressman John James Conyers, Jr., who In 1964, John Conyers was first elected to John Conyers served on the Judiciary Com- passed away this weekend. represent the First Congressional District of mittee that investigated Watergate and voted Congressman Conyers was born and raised Michigan and was reelected to the succeeding articles of impeachment against President in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Lucille Janice 90th Congress and the following 15 Con- in August 1974. (Simpson) and John Conyers. He graduated gresses until he retired on December 5, 2017. John Conyers marched in the historic March from Northwestern High School before an- On the retirement of Congressman John from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, with Dr. swering his country’s call to service and join- Dingell at the end of the 113th Congress in Martin Luther King Jr., and later employed civil ing the military. Congressman Conyers served December 2015, John Conyers became the rights legend Rosa Parks in his congressional three stints in the military; in the Michigan Na- longest-serving Member of the United States office until her retirement in 1988. tional Guard from 1948 to 1950; in the U.S. Congress, serving as Dean of the House from John Conyers was loved by his constituents, Army from 1950 to 1954; and in the U.S. Army January 3, 2015 until December 2017. regularly winning reelection with 80 percent of Reserves from 1954 to 1957. Following his Mr. Speaker, John Conyers was also the the vote or more. military service, he attended Wayne State Uni- third longest-serving Member of the House in John Conyers is one of the 13 founding versity where he earned a Bachelor of Arts history and the sixth longest-serving Member members of the Congressional Black Caucus and Bachelor of Laws. of Congress in history; the second-longest in 1971, which has worked diligently to Congressman Conyers had the opportunity serving Member of either the House or Senate strengthen African-American lawmakers’ ability to represent three Congressional Districts in in Michigan history, trailing only his former to address the legislative concerns of African the U.S. House of Representatives during his boss, Congressman Dingell; and was the last American and minority citizens and has now 52 years in office; Michigan’s 1st Congres- member of the large Democratic freshman increased to 55 members in the House and sional District, 14th Congressional District, and class of 1964 to serve in the House of Rep- Senate, including myself. 13th Congressional District, respectively. Dur- resentatives. While in Congress, John Conyers chaired ing his time in Congress, he chaired the pow- In the more than half century he served in the prestigious House Judiciary Committee erful House Oversight and Judiciary Commit- Congress, John Conyers was at the forefront from 1989–1995 and Oversight from 2007– tees, served as Dean of the House, and nota- of most of the seminal moments in American 2011, the first African American to hold these bly hired Rosa Parks as a staffer in his district political history, such as working to enact into coveted positions. office. Additionally, Congressman Conyers is law this partial list of landmark legislation: Throughout his career, John Conyers used marked as an original co-founder of the Con- Voting Rights of 1965, Title XVIII of the So- his influence to push civil rights; in 1968, only gressional Black Caucus and was the first to cial Security Act (Medicare), Fair Housing Act days after the assassination of the Rev. Dr.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:54 Oct 29, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K28OC7.100 H28OCPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE H8536 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 28, 2019 Martin Luther King Jr., Chairman Conyers federal death benefits for police officers and port on the use of deepfake technology, and began a long and ultimately successful effort firefighters who died in the line of duty. for other purposes; to the Committee on En- to make Dr. King’s birthday a national holiday, Mr. Speaker, John Conyers dedicated his ergy and Commerce. which was enacted in 1983. life to serving his constituents and the citizens S. 2107. An act to increase the number of John Conyers also cosponsored and worked of the United States; his persistence for justice CBP Agriculture Specialists and support tirelessly to pass the Anti-Apartheid Act of and his fight for equal rights is a testament to staff in the Office of Field Operations of U.S. 1986, which help topple South Africa’s system his character. Customs and Border Protection, and for of apartheid and free Nelson Mandela from Chairman John Conyers will live forever in other purposes; to the Committee on Home- prison. the hearts of the people of Detroit, his State land Security; in addition, to the Committee on Agriculture for a period to be subse- In the 101st Congress, John Conyers intro- of Michigan, and the United States. quently determined by the Speaker, in each duced legislation to study the issue of repara- John Conyers was a legislative lion whose case for consideration of such provisions as tions for slavery and was the original sponsor presence will forever be missed, and we all fall within the jurisdiction of the committee of H.R. 40, the Commission to Study and De- mourn his loss and extend our deepest sym- concerned. velop Reparation Proposals for African-Ameri- pathies to his wife Monica, his children, and cans Act. family and friends who loved him so dearly, f I am proud to have assumed principal spon- my deepest sympathies go out to and I hope sorship of this piece of landmark legislative you find consolation in the certain knowledge proposal and continuing the fight for justice. that John is now resting peacefully. ADJOURNMENT John Conyers was dedicated to justice for f Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I all, he supported legislation to generate the move that the House do now adjourn. Justice Department’s national study on police SENATE BILLS REFERRED brutality. Bills of the Senate of the following The motion was agreed to; accord- John Conyers was opposed to the imposi- titles were taken from the Speaker’s ingly (at 8 o’clock and 56 minutes tion of the death penalty and began a series table and, under the rule, referred as p.m.), under its previous order, the of hearings on police brutality. follows: House adjourned until tomorrow, Tues- As Judiciary Committee Chairman, John S. 2065. An act to require the Secretary of day, October 29, 2019, at 10 a.m. for Conyers also worked to create andh enlarge Homeland Security to publish an annual re- morning-hour debate. BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF PAYGO LEGISLATION Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on passage, the attached estimate of the costs of H.R. 1865, the National Law Enforcement Museum Commemorative Coin Act, as amended, for printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD.

ESTIMATE OF PAY-AS-YOU-GO EFFECTS FOR H.R. 1865

By fiscal year, in millions of dollars— 2020– 2024– 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2024 2029

Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Impact ...... 0 ¥5 ¥2 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Components may not sum to totals because of rounding.

Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on passage, the attached estimate of the costs of H.R. 2423, the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act, as amended, for printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD.

ESTIMATE OF PAY-AS-YOU-GO EFFECTS FOR H.R. 2423

By fiscal year, in millions of dollars— 2020– 2024– 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2024 2029

Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Impact ...... ¥2 ¥1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Components may not sum to totals because of rounding.

Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on passage, the attached estimate of the costs of H.R. 2514, the COUNTER Act of 2019, as amended, for printing in the CON- GRESSIONAL RECORD.

ESTIMATE OF PAY-AS-YOU-GO EFFECTS FOR H.R. 2514

By fiscal year, in millions of dollars— 2020– 2024– 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2024 2029

Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Impact ...... 2 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 ¥24 13 0 Components may not sum to totals because of rounding.

Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on passage, for printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, that H.R. 3942, the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act, as amended, would have no significant effect on the deficit, and therefore, the budgetary effects of such bill are esti- mated as zero.

Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on passage, the attached estimate of the costs of H.R. 4067, the Financial Inclusion in Banking Act of 2019, as amended, for printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD.

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