December 11, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1783 global field research programs that help us un- tion, Mr. Bryant worked for historic North EXTENDING BIRTHDAY WISHES TO derstand and protect threatened marine life. Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company from HIS MAJESTY: KING BHUMIBOL I thank Ted for all he has done to help us the 1940’s until his retirement in 1981. His ADULYADEJ OF bring the amazing wildlife of Earth’s oceans to true passion, however, was documenting the Chicago. He has helped introduce millions of history of African American citizens in the City HON. DANA ROHRABACHER Chicagoans and visitors to the incredible crea- and County of Durham. OF CALIFORNIA tures living beneath the ocean’s waves. I am Mr. Bryant’s contribution to the Durham IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES especially grateful for all he has done to pro- Community is boundless. He worked tirelessly Friday, December 11, 2015 tect marine animals around the world. in many endeavors, including obtaining a his- f Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise toric marker at the site of the Royal Ice Cream today to join the people of Thailand in extend- FIRST RESPONDER IDENTIFICA- sit-in in 1957, saving Geer Cemetery (one of ing my warmest wishes to King Bhumibol TION OF EMERGENCY NEEDS IN Durham’s oldest African American burial Adulyadej on the occasion of his 88th birthday DISASTER SITUATIONS grounds) and the completion of a pedestrian on December 5, 2015. During his nearly 70 bridge over the Durham Freeway, in order to year reign so far, King SPEECH OF connect black neighborhoods that were sepa- has remained a steadfast leader through his HON. STENY H. HOYER rated by the highway. The bridge was later commitment to democracy, economic develop- OF MARYLAND named in honor of R. Kelly Bryant, Jr. ment, and Thai prosperity. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Bryant believed strongly in preserving I am grateful for his continued commitment to a strong and long-lasting relationship be- Thursday, December 10, 2015 Durham’s African American history. He col- lected over 2,500 funeral programs, obituaries, tween the and the Kingdom of Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to and birth announcements. His archive is so Thailand. Having had the distinct honor of rise in support of H.R. 2795, the First Re- valuable that the Durham County Library cur- meeting with King Bhumibol, I have admired sponders Identification of Emergency Needs in rently hosts the R. Kelly Bryant, Jr. Collection his efforts to bring peace, prosperity, and sta- Disaster Situations (FRIENDS) Act, which was as an online exhibit. bility for the Thai people. introduced by my friend Rep. SHEILA JACKSON It is my pleasure to join our Thai friends in LEE of Texas. That her bill is expected to be In addition to his work as the local historian, recognizing this special day and wishing King approved with overwhelming bipartisan sup- Kelly Bryant was a leader in his community, Bhumibol Adulyadej a long life of good health port, including from Chairman MIKE MCCAUL of serving the Durham Business and Profes- and happy 88th birthday. the Homeland Security Committee, ought to sional Chain for 49 years; charter member of f surprise no one, because Rep. JACKSON LEE the Durham Human Relations Commission, PERSONAL EXPLANATION has worked tirelessly on behalf of America’s served 37 years as a scoutmaster, and was a first responders to move this legislation member of the Durham chapter of the through the House. Her legislation would NAACP. One of his greatest passions was his HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN launch a study of best practices and state of membership and active participation with the OF MASSACHUSETTS preparedness of state and local response Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES agencies with the aim of improving safety and Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina Friday, December 11, 2015 access to lifesaving resources. and Jurisdictions, Inc. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I was un- This bill recognizes the important role first Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kelly Bryant also devoted avoidably absent on Thursday, December 10, responders play in communities throughout his life to historic White Rock Baptist Church 2015 as I was attending a funeral in my dis- our country. We must ensure that these men (founded in 1866) in Durham, North Carolina. trict. On Roll Call Vote Number 687, on the bill and women have the resources they need to He was very spiritual in all of his endeavors H.R. 3578, the DHS Science and Technology perform their jobs safely and effectively. We’ve and embraced the teachings of our Heavenly Reform and Improvement Act of 2015, had I witnessed the courage of first responders, Father. He served as a Church Trustee for 55 been present I would have voted yea. from the September 11 attacks to the Boston long years. On Roll Call Number 689, on H.R. 2795, the Marathon bombings and at last week’s deadly Mr. Bryant’s work did not go unnoticed, he FRIENDS Act, had I been present I would shooting in San Bernardino, California. We have voted yea. see it every day all over our nation. was recognized with many awards and hon- f I’ve been incredibly proud to support first re- ors, including certificate of acknowledgment sponders as Co-Chair of the Congressional and congratulations for his many activities TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE Fire Services Caucus, and I want to thank from the North Carolina House of Representa- TERRY BRANSTAD, GOVERNOR Rep. SHEILA JACKSON LEE for her work to tives, NAACP ‘‘Freedom Fund Dinner Award’’, OF IOWA bring the FRIENDS Act to the Floor. I also Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of want to thank my colleagues on both sides of America for ‘‘Distinguished Service to Boy- HON. DAVID YOUNG the aisle for their support for this legislation in hood’’, the first African American recipient of OF IOWA the Bartlett Durham Award, and an appoint- committee and in the full House. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f ment as the honorary grand master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Friday, December 11, 2015 TRIBUTE TO R. KELLY BRYANT, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise to JR. and Jurisdiction. recognize and congratulate Governor Terry Finally R. Kelly Bryant, Jr. is survived by his Branstad for his service to Iowa. On Decem- HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD son, R. Kelly Bryant, III; his daughter, Sandra ber 14, he will break a 200 year-old record, OF NORTH CAROLINA Artelia Bryant-Yubwannie, of Durham, North set by Revolutionary War General and New IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Carolina; a sister Maggie Bryant (age 100) York Governor, George Clinton, becoming the and five wonderful grandchildren, Keith Bryant, longest-serving Governor in American history. Friday, December 11, 2015 Born and raised in a small town in rural Korey Bryant, Mykel Bryant Moore, Yohanna Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise and Iowa, Governor Branstad’s roots in our state Yubwannie and Raevin Bryant. Mr. Bryant was ask my Colleagues to join me in paying tribute run deep. He has spent his life immersed in preceded in death by his spouse of 69 years, to R. Kelly Bryant, Jr., a friend and constituent Iowa politics and elected office. His storied po- Artelia Melba Tennessee Bryant, who was his who passed away on December 6, 2015 at litical career stretches back five decades. It co-worker at North Carolina Mutual Life Insur- the blessed age of 98 years old. It is worth began in 1973, when he was first elected to ance Company and was the matriarch of their noting that his date of death was the 150th the Iowa House of Representatives. Governor Anniversary of the Ratification of the 13th family. Mrs. Artelia Bryant was the descendant Branstad served in the Iowa House until 1979, Amendment to the U. S. Constitution which le- of the legendary Darden family of Wilson, and then a single term as Lieutenant Governor gally abolished slavery in America. North Carolina. before winning the gubernatorial election in Mr. Speaker, Kelly Bryant enjoyed a full life. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to pay tribute to 1982, at the age of 36. He graduated from Hampton University, with a such an outstanding American legend. His leg- Governor Branstad served four consecutive concentration in accounting. Following gradua- acy will live on for generations. terms and guided Iowa through one of the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:18 Dec 12, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A11DE8.033 E11DEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1784 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 11, 2015 toughest times in our state’s history—the $5 bonds culminating in a raffle where the first COMMENDING THE RADFORD HIGH 1980’s Farm Crisis. During this time, Governor prize was a pig, the fire department had SCHOOL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Branstad worked to diversify Iowa’s economy. enough funds to purchase a barn to act as TEAM Today, Iowa’s economic strengths include ag- headquarters. Unfortunately this barn caught riculture, advanced manufacturing, renewable fire and destroyed much of the fire depart- HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH energy, technology, and financial services, ment’s equipment. The volunteers rebuilt the OF VIRGINIA among other things. By the time he left office firehouse at its current location on Jackson IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in 1999, Iowa’s unemployment rate was at an impressive low of 2.2%. Avenue. Since its rebuilding, Engine Company Friday, December 11, 2015 No. 1 has been serving the town without After leaving office, Governor Branstad en- Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleas- tered the private sector, becoming President pause. ure to commend the Radford High School girls of the Des Moines University in 2003. In Octo- In 1938, Engine Company No. 1 responded volleyball team, which recently captured the ber 2009, displeased with the condition of the to a call at the First Reformed Church of Virginia High School League 1A state title. state, Governor Branstad felt called to serve Pompton Plains, one of the oldest churches in The Bobcats rallied from behind for the win, once more. He won the 2010 election, and got the nation and one where George Washington sweeping the last three games in order to beat to work balancing the state budget, lowering a valiant team from Auburn High School in the unemployment rate, improving Iowa prayed with his troops during the Revolu- tionary War. Even without fire hydrants and Montgomery County by one game. schools, increasing government transparency According to the Roanoke Times, this is water mains, Engine Company No. 1 was able and accountability, and enhancing opportuni- Radford’s first volleyball state championship ties for Iowans. to save the stone walls of the church. In 1957, since it won the AA title in 1984. I applaud the Governor Branstad has dedicated his life to Engine Company No.1 spent a week fighting hard work by all members of this year’s serving Iowans. He unapologetically promotes a fire at the factory complex of the Radford High School girls volleyball team, and Iowa and he is a true leader—willing to make Pequannock Hard Rubber Co. in Butler, NJ. congratulate the administrators, teachers, tough decisions and fighting for what he be- The fire company has transformed into one coaches, parents, students, and fans. In par- lieves is best for our state. He is a man of in- that is equipped to handle a multitude of dis- ticular, I would note the efforts of coach Rob- tegrity and keeps his promises to Iowans. asters. As the world has evolved, Engine ert Morris, who announced after the match Governor Branstad’s strong work ethic, down- Company No. 1 has kept pace. With that he is resigning with the completion of this to-earth demeanor, and accessibility are rea- Pequannock’s location in the flood plains, the season. Congratulations on a great end to this sons Iowans admire him. Since he was first season. elected Governor of Iowa, he has visited all 99 engine company is well prepared for flood res- counties in our state, every year, to hear di- cues and evacuations as well as heavy rescue f rectly from Iowans about their concerns. situations. Firefighters are also trained to han- IN REMEMBRANCE OF COUNCILOR Mr. Speaker, Governor Branstad has dedi- dle chemical and biohazard situations. SIDDHI SAVETSILA cated his life to improving the lives of Iowans. Along with training programs geared to- It is with great honor I recognize him for wards our 21st Century world, Pequannock reaching this historic milestone. I ask my col- HON. DANA ROHRABACHER Engine Company No.1 has recently acquired a leagues in the United States House of Rep- OF CALIFORNIA resentatives to join me in congratulating Gov- new 2015 Pierce Quint ladder truck and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ernor Branstad for this outstanding accom- pumper to replace a 20-year-old truck. This Friday, December 11, 2015 truck will provide much needed flexibility and plishment and in wishing him nothing but con- Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise will allow the engine company to better serve tinued success. today in remembrance of Siddhi Savetsila, a f the needs of the town in times when there are great steward for the Thai people and a long- a limited number of fire fighters available. En- CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNI- time friend of the United States. I am deeply VERSARY OF PEQUANNOCK EN- gine Company No. 1 has continued to rise to saddened to hear about his passing last week GINE COMPANY NO. 1 the occasion over the years, keeping up with at the age of 96. I extend my condolences to the latest training and necessary equipment. his family and the Thai people. Thailand has HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN Pequannock Engine Company No. 1 has lost an honorable public servant. His leadership as a of- OF NEW JERSEY been able to maintain a high standard with the ficer, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES help of the Pequannock residents. For its Minister, and member of King Bhumibol’s 100th Anniversary the engine company has Friday, December 11, 2015 Privy Council was a testament to his commit- Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise planned a ‘‘wet down’’ for the new truck, and ment for the betterment of the Thai people. today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of an open house for members of the public. Moreover, the honor of his appointment to the Pequannock Engine Company No. 1 located Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking and Privy Council by the king highlighted the re- in the Township of Pequannock, Morris Coun- recognizing the Pequannock Engine Company spect he has earned. ty, New Jersey. No. 1 and its firefighters for 100 years of dedi- On behalf of my wife Rhonda and me, and On April 2, 1915 at the Mandeville Inn, the cated service to the Township of Pequarmock. my colleagues who have had the privilege of de facto town hall, a formal fire department knowing Councilor Savetsila, I extend my most was proposed. A few weeks later, 13 men had sincere condolences to Councilor Siddhi’s signed up to form the organization. Through family and the people of Thailand. May you chowder parties, card games, the issuance of find comfort during this difficult time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:18 Dec 12, 2015 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A11DE8.038 E11DEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS