July 16, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6203 Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I yield ty executive in 1994. Running as the un- Mr. Curry was a graduate of Western Mary- myself such time as I may consume. derdog, he ultimately prevailed. He land College and of the University of Maryland Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my made history when he became the first Law School in Baltimore. He worked for many colleagues in consideration of H.R. 4890 African American to serve in the coun- years in commercial real estate and then to designate the facility of the United ty’s highest elected office. eventually led the Prince George’s Chamber States Postal Service located at 9801 He brought a renewed vitality to the of Commerce. Early in his career, he served Apollo Drive in Upper Marlboro, Mary- office and focused his administration as an aide to former County Executive Win- land, as the Wayne K. Curry Post Of- on the economic empowerment of his field M. Kelly. fice Building. constituents. Mr. Curry was elected the County Executive Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he The transformation of Prince of Prince George’s County in 1994—one of may consume to the gentleman from George’s County reflected Wayne Cur- the first African Americans to be elected to Maryland (Mr. BROWN) to tell us more ry’s own life from a sleepy southern lead a county in the nation—and was re-elect- about Mr. Curry. hollow that was rural and all White to ed in 1998. As County Executive, he was a Mr. BROWN of Maryland. Mr. Speak- a large African American majority and fierce advocate for Prince George’s County er, I thank my colleague from the Vir- increasingly cosmopolitan. and for its residents, and fought to increase gin Islands for yielding time. County Executive Curry presided funding for public schools, to ensure that eco- Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank over a period of unprecedented popu- nomic development in the county benefited all the committee for its consideration in lation growth, development, and mod- residents, and to ensure that minority contrac- support of H.R. 4890 as well as thank all ernization of Prince George’s County tors had a fair chance to compete for govern- the members of the Maryland delega- and making it the national standard of ment-funded contracts. tion for their steadfast support. African American success in local gov- The Washington Post wrote that Mr. Curry Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. ernance. Under Wayne’s leadership, was ‘‘A champion of black affluence’’ who ‘‘be- 4890, which designates the post office at Prince George’s County became the lieved that economic power was the last mile- first county in our history where edu- 9801 Apollo Drive in Upper Marlboro, stone of the civil rights struggle.’’ cation and income levels rose as it Maryland, in Maryland’s Fourth Con- We are blessed to have the memory and transitioned from majority White to gressional District the Wayne K. Curry example of Wayne Curry to help lead us as Post Office in honor of our late county majority African American. His business-friendly approach led we continue to fight to reach that last mile- executive. stone and achieve the equality of economic Wayne Keith Curry was born in Prince George’s County through a se- vere financial crisis, the end of court- opportunity that is essential to making the Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a American dream a reality for minorities across racially segregated neighborhood in mandated bussing, the construction of 26 new schools and a new stadium for this nation. Cheverly, Maryland. His family was I urge all Members to support H.R. 4890 among the first non-White families to the Washington Redskins. He saw the county go from a deficit and again thank Congressman BROWN for his integrate the community in the early of $108 million to enjoying a $120 mil- work on this measure. 1950s. He and his older brother were the lion surplus, protecting the county’s The SPEAKER pro tempore. The first African American students to in- AAA bond rating. question is on the motion offered by tegrate Cheverly Tuxedo Elementary County Executive Wayne K. Curry the gentleman from North Carolina School and then Bladensburg High passed away on July 2, 2014, at the age (Mr. WALKER) that the House suspend School. of 63 after losing his battle to lung can- the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4890. Wayne began his career in public cer. He is survived by his wife, Sheila The question was taken; and (two- service in the administration of Prince Curry; his son, Julian Curry; and thirds being in the affirmative) the George’s County Executive Winfield daughter, Taylor Curry. rules were suspended and the bill was Kelly, Jr., from 1975 to 1978. Through Wayne Curry never sought to make passed. his vision, devotion, and tireless work history, but simply to serve the com- A motion to reconsider was laid on ethic to make a better Prince George’s munity and the people and to better the table. County, he quickly rose through the their lives. He was always about the fu- f ranks of county government. ture and getting it right. He went on to serve in various roles, MAJOR ROBERT ODELL OWENS Wayne K. Curry will live on through POST OFFICE including community affairs assistant, his historical impact on the people administrative assistant to the coun- that I represent, and this bill will Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I move ty’s chief administrative officer, and honor the vision, contribution, and leg- to suspend the rules and pass the bill senior assistant to the executive. acy of the iconic Wayne K. Curry and (H.R. 5238) to designate the facility of Mr. Curry commuted nightly to Bal- will be a daily remainder in the heart the United States Postal Service lo- timore, eventually graduating with of the county he cared so deeply about. cated at 1234 Saint Johns Place in honors from the University of Mary- Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I have Brooklyn, New York, as the ‘‘Major land Law School, receiving his juris no further speakers at this time. Robert Odell Owens Post Office’’. doctorate in 1980. I urge passage of H.R. 4890, and I The Clerk read the title of the bill. From 1980 until 1983, Wayne worked yield back the balance of my time. The text of the bill is as follows: as counsel for a large real estate devel- Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I urge H.R. 5238 opment company in Prince George’s adoption of the bill, and I yield back Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- County, and later decided to start his the balance of my time. resentatives of the United States of America in own law practice in 1984. During this Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Congress assembled, time, he served as general counsel for in strong support of H.R. 4890, a bill to des- SECTION 1. MAJOR ROBERT ODELL OWENS POST Dimensions Health Corporation, among ignate the facility of the United States Postal OFFICE. other high-profile clients. Service located at 9801 Apollo Drive in Upper (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the Although he was a partner at a lucra- Marlboro, Maryland, as the ‘‘Wayne K. Curry United States Postal Service located at 1234 tive law firm, public service had a Post Office Building.’’ I thank my colleague Saint Johns Place in Brooklyn, New York, strong grasp on his heart. He served as shall be known and designated as the ‘‘Major from Maryland, Congressman ANTHONY Robert Odell Owens Post Office’’. chairman of the United Way Campaign BROWN, for his leadership in introducing this (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, of Prince George’s County, president of bill, which I am proud to co-sponsor. map, regulation, document, paper, or other the Prince George’s County Chamber of Wayne Curry was an exceptional leader record of the United States to the facility re- Commerce, chairman of the School Su- whose vision and commitment led to many of ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to perintendent’s Advisory Committee on the groundbreaking developments that have be a reference to the ‘‘Major Robert Odell Black Male Achievement, and chair- helped make Prince George’s County such a Owens Post Office’’. man of the Prince George’s County vibrant and dynamic county today. He was The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Substance Abuse Advisory Board. also a trailblazer committed to opening the ant to the rule, the gentleman from When the opportunity presented doors of opportunity for African Americans in North Carolina (Mr. WALKER) and the itself, he ran for Prince George’s Coun- business and government. gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:55 Jul 17, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16JY7.014 H16JYPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H6204 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 16, 2018 (Ms. PLASKETT) each will control 20 Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recogni- and Information Services, as well as a minutes. tion of a former colleague, a recipient of the American Library As- The Chair recognizes the gentleman groundbreaking legislator, who is cred- sociation’s highest honor: honorary from North Carolina. ited and lauded for being a forerunner membership. GENERAL LEAVE of the progressive political movement Fittingly nicknamed the Librarian in Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I ask in Brooklyn, New York, my prede- Congress, Mr. Owens was dedicated to unanimous consent that all Members cessor, the Honorable Major Robert helping communities of color receive may have 5 legislative days in which to Odell Owens. access to information resources revise and extend their remarks and in- Congressman Owens served in this through local public libraries. clude extraneous material on the bill body from 1983 to 2007, and he served in Mr. Owens was a pillar within the under consideration. both Brooklyn’s 12th and 11th Congres- United States Congress as an advocate The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there sional Districts of New York. Congress- for Americans with disabilities, social objection to the request of the gen- man Owens still brings to memory for justice reform, library funding, edu- tleman from North Carolina? many the fond recollections of his cation reform, as well as development There was no objection. groundbreaking legislative accomplish- in public schools and libraries to en- Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I yield ments as a senior, longstanding mem- sure that underserved communities did myself such time as I may consume. ber of the Education and the Workforce not lack access to information and edu- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support Committee, and a member of the Con- cation resources. of H.R. 5238, a bill to name the post of- gressional Black Caucus. As a young public servant myself, I fice at 1234 Saint Johns Place in Brook- Mr. Owens spent 8 years in the New was inspired by Mr. Owens’ work with lyn, New York, after Major Robert York State Senate before he was elect- the disabilities activists who often vis- Odell Owens. ed to serve in Brooklyn, New York’s ited his office and eventually provided Major Owens led a life of public serv- 12th Congressional District, a seat pre- testimony before Mr. Owens’ House ice, beginning as a librarian at the viously held by the Honorable Shirley Subcommittee on Select Education Brooklyn Public Library. At around Chisholm, his predecessor. where he fought to pass the Americans the same time, Owens became a mem- Mr. Owens then went on to serve his with Disabilities Act, the ADA. ber of the Brooklyn chapter of the Con- community for over two decades. Today, Brooklynites benefit from gress of Racial Equality, where he Through his committee work and work public library resource initiatives be- worked to fight racism and discrimina- with the Congressional Black Caucus’ cause of his advocacy for funding. The tion in New York City. Education Brain Trust, Major Owens ADA still stands as a law to prevent From 1975 to 1982, Owens served as became known as the Education Con- discrimination against Americans with New York State senator. In 1982, Owens gressman, but he was also deemed with disabilities, as it guarantees to create won election to the U.S. House of Rep- another moniker, the Rapping Rep, due equal opportunity for the special needs resentatives, where he went on to serve to his ability to intertwine his political community. To this day, my colleagues and I 24 years as a representative to the citi- perspective into rhythmic poetry. zens of New York City. Mr. Owens will always be remem- work to protect this law at all costs, In Congress, Owens fought passion- bered for the legislative victories he thanks to Congressman Owens’ dedica- ately for many causes, including edu- achieved on the Hill, and his spectac- tion to ensure that this law was en- cation policy. He was active in the ular fight, particularly for the Ameri- acted. I am so proud to be his suc- Congressional Black Caucus Education cans with Disabilities Act of 1990, for cessor. H.R. 5238 would designate the facility Brain Trust, promoting reading, which he is credited with its passage. of the United States Postal Service lo- science, and math education. His accomplishments in Congress are cated at 1234 Saint Johns Place in This bill would honor Congressman vast, and many are stemmed from his Brooklyn, New York, the Major Robert Owens’ service by naming a post office lifelong passion for education, commu- Odell Owens Post Office. in Brooklyn in his name. nity development, and equality. Mr. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Congressman Owens will always be Owens’ passion for education began remembered in the district that he rep- support this bill, and I reserve the bal- during his career in librarianship ance of my time. resented, and I am extremely pleased where he served as the community in- that the House will consider this bill in b 1530 formation librarian at the Brooklyn honor of his rich legacy and contribu- Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I yield Public Library for a decade. tions to our great Chamber. myself such time as I may consume. His friends and fellow activists in the As I continue the distinct honor of Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my Brooklyn community note that Mr. representing the Ninth Congressional colleagues in consideration of H.R. Owens was known to place collections District of New York, I look forward to 5238, to designate the facility of the from the Brooklyn Public Library in commemorating the life, memory, and United States Postal Service located at local stores, restaurants, laundromats, integrity of our former House col- 1234 Saint Johns Place in Brooklyn, and more because his passion lay with- league, Congressman Major Robert New York, as the Major Robert Odell in sharing knowledge and resources to Odell Owens, my trailblazing prede- Owens Post Office. those who may not have immediate ac- cessor. This is particularly important to me, cess to it. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentle- as Congressman Owens was my Con- Mr. Owens was one of the founders of woman for yielding me the time. gressman as a child growing up, and the New York Social Responsibilities Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I have Saint Johns Place was the street on Roundtable which was an organization no further speakers. I urge passage of which my mother lived when she came that is now a part of the New York Li- H.R. 5238, and I yield back the balance from the Virgin Islands to live in New brary Association. Their mission is to of my time. York City. create a central position for libraries Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I urge Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she and librarians in the battle for civil adoption of the bill, and I yield back may consume to the gentlewoman from rights, social justice, peace, and ever- the balance of my time. New York (Ms. CLARKE), and from that improved public access to education The SPEAKER pro tempore. The great place called Brooklyn, to tell us and information. question is on the motion offered by more about Congressman Owens. Congressman Owens’ dynamic pas- the gentleman from North Carolina Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. sions for public education, information (Mr. WALKER) that the House suspend Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman sharing, equality, and civil rights be- the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5238. from the U.S. Virgin Islands and quasi- came driving forces for him to run for The question was taken; and (two- Brooklynite for yielding me this time. Congress as a former head of the Con- thirds being in the affirmative) the Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my gress of Racial Equality. rules were suspended and the bill was colleagues’ support for H.R. 5238, the His legacy in Brooklyn led him to be- passed. Major Robert Odell Owens Post Office come a continued featured speaker at A motion to reconsider was laid on designation. the White House Conference on Library the table.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:55 Jul 17, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16JY7.017 H16JYPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE July 16, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6205 STANLEY MICHELS POST OFFICE ESPAILLAT), to tell us more about Stan- ing this post office after Stanley BUILDING ley E. Michels. Michels is a fitting tribute to honor his Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I move Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I memory and all of his contributions to to suspend the rules and pass the bill thank Congresswoman STACEY New York City. (S. 2692) to designate the facility of the PLASKETT for yielding me time as well Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have United States Postal Service located at as Ranking Member ELIJAH CUMMINGS sponsored this bill, and I look forward 4558 Broadway in New York, New York, and TREY GOWDY for their support in to celebrating Stanley Michels’ legacy as the ‘‘Stanley Michels Post Office bringing this bill to the floor. next month. Building’’. I have a special acknowledgement Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I have The Clerk read the title of the bill. and thank you to Senator KIRSTEN no further speakers at this time. I urge The text of the bill is as follows: GILLIBRAND, who introduced the Senate passage of S. 2692, and I yield back the S. 2692 version of my bill which is before us balance of my time. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- today. I rise in strong support of S. Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I urge resentatives of the United States of America in 2692, to designate the facility of the adoption of the bill, and I yield back Congress assembled, United States Postal Service located at the balance of my time. SECTION 1. STANLEY MICHELS POST OFFICE 4558 Broadway in Manhattan as the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The BUILDING. Stanley Michels Post Office Building. question is on the motion offered by (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the Stanley Michels was a great public United States Postal Service located at 4558 the gentleman from North Carolina Broadway in New York, New York, shall be servant. He was a loving family man (Mr. WALKER) that the House suspend known and designated as the ‘‘Stanley and he was from my neighborhood of the rules and pass the bill, S. 2692. Michels Post Office Building’’. Washington Heights. He served on the The question was taken; and (two- (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, New York City Council from 1978 to thirds being in the affirmative) the map, regulation, document, paper, or other 2001, representing Council District 6, rules were suspended and the bill was record of the United States to the facility re- and always did so with distinction and passed. ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to with integrity. A motion to reconsider was laid on be a reference to the ‘‘Stanley Michels Post As the chairman of the New York Office Building’’. the table. City Council’s Committee on Environ- f The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- mental Protection from 1992 through ant to the rule, the gentleman from 2001, Stanley was best known for his CORPORAL JEFFERY ALLEN North Carolina (Mr. WALKER) and the activism on environmental issues, par- WILLIAMS POST OFFICE BUILDING gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands ticularly water quality, and also he Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I move (Ms. PLASKETT) each will control 20 was a strong advocate of tenants’ to suspend the rules and pass the bill minutes. rights. The Chair recognizes the gentleman (H.R. 4407) to designate the facility of He was a very strong supporter of from North Carolina. the United States Postal Service lo- New York City parks. They called him cated at 3s101 Rockwell Street in GENERAL LEAVE the King of the Parks in New York City Warrenville, Illinois, as the ‘‘Corporal Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I ask and he injected millions of dollars into Jeffery Allen Williams Post Office unanimous consent that all Members the park system across the City of New Building.’’ have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- York, but, particularly, in northern The Clerk read the title of the bill. tend their remarks and include extra- Manhattan: Fort Tryon Park, Inwood The text of the bill is as follows: neous material on the bill under con- Hill Park, Highbridge Park, Bennett H.R. 4407 sideration. Park, and Isham Park. All of these The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- parks in the long, narrow neck of objection to the request of the gen- resentatives of the United States of America in northern Manhattan received tremen- tleman from North Carolina? Congress assembled, There was no objection. dous funding from Stanley Michels. SECTION 1. CORPORAL JEFFERY ALLEN WIL- Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I yield In many ways, Stanley was ahead of LIAMS POST OFFICE BUILDING. myself such time as I may consume. his time. In 1987, he was a prime spon- (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support sor of the Clean Indoor Air Act, which United States Postal Service located at 3s101 was New York City’s first law regu- Rockwell Street in Warrenville, Illinois, of S. 2692, a bill to name the post office shall be known and designated as the ‘‘Cor- at 4558 Broadway in New York, New lating smoking in public places. He was also the visionary behind the Child- poral Jeffery Allen Williams Post Office York, after Stanley E. Michels. Building’’. Stanley Michels was a lawyer and hood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act of (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, politician from Washington Heights 1982, legislation that is still relevant map, regulation, document, paper, or other who was a New York councilman from today in New York City and New York record of the United States to the facility re- 1978 to 2001. He was active in environ- State. ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to mental protection and public health, He played a significant role in ex- be a reference to the ‘‘Corporal Jeffery Allen having sponsored New York City’s first panding the city’s recycling program Williams Post Office Building’’. law regulating smoking in public and in advocating for a memorandum The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- places. of understanding among the city, the ant to the rule, the gentleman from Michels also sponsored one of the State, and upstate communities to pro- North Carolina (Mr. WALKER) and the first city laws to prevent childhood tect the city’s watershed in the Cats- gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands lead poisoning, and he played a signifi- kill Mountains. (Ms. PLASKETT) each will control 20 cant role in expanding the city’s recy- After years of public service and a minutes. cling program. Stanley Michels was a long fight against cancer, Stanley The Chair recognizes the gentleman dedicated public servant. passed away in 2008, but his legacy will from North Carolina. not be forgotten. It is my honor to see Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to b 1545 support this bill, and I reserve the bal- a post office named in his honor. ance of my time. Stanley Michels and his family GENERAL LEAVE Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I yield poured their hearts into making New Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I ask myself such time as I may consume. York City a better place for all of us to unanimous consent that all Members Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my live in. This included: his wife, Molly may have 5 legislative days in which to colleagues in consideration of S. 2692, Michels; his sister, Ellen Grant; his revise and extend their remarks and in- to designate the facility of the United son, Jeffrey; and his two daughters, clude extraneous material on the bill States Postal Service located at 4558 Karen and Shari Michels—who is now a under consideration. Broadway in New York as the Stanley New York City civil court judge—and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Michels Post Office Building. three grandchildren. objection to the request of the gen- I yield such time as he may consume Stanley Michels left a tremendous tleman from North Carolina? to the gentleman from New York (Mr. legacy and he made a difference. Nam- There was no objection.

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