E204 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 25, 2019 burden on local governments, which have their COMMEMORATING THE RETIRE- tain College in the Morongo Basin. I can say fair share of widespread budget deficits and MENT OF DR. JITENDRA J. SHAH from experience that Roger is an incredibly in- cuts to safety net programs and other essen- telligent and hard-working individual with a tial services to deal with as it is. HON. DARIN LaHOOD true passion for education, and I can guar- antee that he will be sorely missed at Victor Terminating benefits to inmates who are OF ILLINOIS Valley College. I congratulate Roger on receiv- awaiting trial undermines the presumption of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing this award, and wish him all the best as he innocence, which is a cornerstone principle of Monday, February 25, 2019 heads into retirement. our justice system. The current practice does Mr. LAHOOD. Madam Speaker, today I f not distinguish between persons who are would like to congratulate Dr. Jitendra Shah awaiting disposition of charges and persons on his retirement from the University of Illinois CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF who have been duly convicted and sentenced. College of Medicine at Peoria. JUDGE RUSSELL B. SUGARMON, Moreover, this reality disproportionately affects Originally from India, Dr. Shah decided to JR. low-income and minority populations who are dedicate his life to medicine at a young age. often unable to post bond, which would enable He studied Preparatory Science and Pre-Medi- HON. STEVE COHEN them to continue receiving benefits. cine at Maharaja Sayajirao University in OF TENNESSEE Madam Speaker, my legislation addresses Baroda, India, where he also attended Medical IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES this problem by prohibiting the federal govern- College. After his schooling, Dr. Shah made Monday, February 25, 2019 ment from stripping individuals of their Medi- his way to Philadelphia to complete his resi- dency at Philadelphia General Hospital. Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today care, Medicaid, and SSI benefits before the in- to celebrate the life of Russell B. Sugarmon— mate has been convicted of a crime. It pre- In his career, Dr. Shah has made Pediatrics a top priority. While teaching and in practice, a great American jurist, Civil Rights leader, po- serves the partnership between the federal litical pioneer and elder statesman from my and local governments and ensures that local Dr. Shah has made a lasting impact at every stop. He has held Directorships at the Pedi- hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Judge governments are not burdened with an unfair atric Cardiac Noninvasive Services, Regional Sugarmon died Monday after a long illness at share of meeting the constitutional mandate to Sleep Apnea Center and Pediatric Cardiac the age of 89 but will be remembered forever guarantee medical coverage. I encourage my Catherization Laboratory at the Children’s as a crusading legal scholar who worked to colleagues to join me in supporting this com- Hospital of Illinois at OSF St. Francis Medical end segregation in the Memphis public monsense bill that addresses a problem af- Center in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Shah has also schools and for being a political genius who fecting communities all across the nation. dedicated his life to research. He has received helped behind the scenes to elect the African approval for four Medical Grants through the American and progressive candidates who re- f American Heart Association. To recognize his shaped Memphis. In 1959, Sugarmon was one ability, in 1986 and 1992 the Pediatric Resi- of the first African Americans to run for city- MONICA MAJOR dent Physicians at St. Francis Medical Center wide office when he sought to be commis- and University of Illinois College of Medicine sioner for public works. In 1966, he was elect- ´ at Peoria presented Dr. Shah with awards for ed to become Tennessee’s second African HON. JOSE E. SERRANO his impressive teaching methods. American state representative since Recon- OF NEW YORK During his tenure, the medical community struction and was later elected a General Ses- has had no better champion than Dr. Shah. sions Court judge after serving as a partner in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES He has always been a fierce advocate for the Memphis’ and Tennessee’s first integrated law firm—Ratner, Sugarmon, Lucas and Willis. Monday, February 25, 2019 advancement of Pediatrics. Central Illinois will forever be grateful for Dr. Shah’s years of Other legendary attorneys such as Bill Mr. SERRANO. Madam Speaker, it is with service. Caldwell, Irvin Salky, Troy Henderson, Walter Bailey, Jr., Russell X. Thompson and Tom Ar- great pleasure that I rise today to honor Ms. f Monica Major for her many years of advocacy nold hung their hats and licenses there. From and public service in the Bronx. She is a great ROGER WAGNER RECEIVES THE 1976 to 1987, Judge Sugarmon was a referee example of the countless contributions that Af- PRESIDENTS’ AWARD in the Memphis Juvenile Court system, step- rican Americans make to our Nation every ping down in May 1987 when he was ap- day. HON. PAUL COOK pointed a General Sessions Court Judge. He was elected to the bench in 1988 and was re- Ms. Major previously served as the Bronx OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES elected in 1990 and 1998. Russell Bertram Representative on the Panel for Educational Sugarmon, Jr. graduated from the city’s Book- Policy of the New York City Department of Monday, February 25, 2019 er T. Washington High School in 1946 at the Education. In addition, she volunteered for Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to age of 15. Sugarmon spent a year at More- Bronx Community School District 11 for sev- recognize the service and commitment of house College—in the class a year behind Dr. eral years, and served as President of the Dis- Roger Wagner, who received the Presidents’ Martin Luther King, Jr.—and transferred to trict 11 Community Education Council. One of Award from the Victor Valley College Founda- Rutgers University, where he received his un- Ms. Major’s greatest accomplishments has tion on February 23, 2019. dergraduate degree in Political Science in been serving on the Citywide Parent Commis- Roger served as the Victor Valley College 1950. He received his J.D. from Harvard Uni- sion on School Governance as a parent advo- Superintendent and President for over four versity in 1953 and spent the following two cate to ensure that the voices of Bronx par- years and officially retired at the end of 2018. years in the U.S. Army based mainly in Japan. ents were heard in addressing school govern- Prior to his retirement, he was instrumental in After returning to the United States, he did fur- ance issues. She is still committed to address- Victor Valley College receiving full accredita- ther graduate studies at Boston University, ing quality of education throughout the Bronx. tion from the Accrediting Commission for then came back to Memphis in 1956 to estab- A tireless and dedicated public servant, Ms. Community and Junior Colleges. Roger has a lish a private legal practice. Judge Sugarmon Major currently serves as the Director of Edu- passion for education and understands the im- worked tirelessly even when victory wasn’t in cation and Youth Services for Bronx Borough portance of the college providing local stu- the cards and kept the faith, knowing that it would come in time. He was one of the most President Rube´n Dı´az, Jr. She is a graduate dents with an affordable and high quality edu- cation. Roger was responsible for a number of learned strategists on politics and history in of Baruch College and is a certified mediator. successes for the college, including hosting our community, avoiding the limelight but hold- Ms. Major is also a member of the National the 2017 Youth Poverty Symposium, opening ing sway as the influential wise man behind Council of Negro Women, North Bronx Sec- the Automotive and Welding Facility, and de- the scenes in collaboration with a biracial and tion. She is the mother of two and still remains veloping new programs including Industrial tolerant group of progressive leaders. Judge very active in her community. Maintenance and Manufacturing programs. He Sugarmon was a mentor, supporter and friend Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join is married to his wife Stacy and together they of mine my entire life and I am eternally grate- me in paying tribute to Ms. Monica Major for have two children. ful to have been so fortunate to have shared her strong commitment to students and for her Before my career in politics, I had the privi- time with this remarkably knowledgeable, judi- vigorous advocacy on education issues. lege of working with Roger at Copper Moun- cious and beloved man. Last year, Congress

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Feb 26, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A25FE8.019 E25FEPT1 February 25, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E205 passed and the President signed into law my REMEMBERING THE KHOJALY TRIBUTE TO THE 2018 ELLIS IS- bill designating the post office at 1325 Autumn TRAGEDY LAND MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPI- Avenue as the Russell B. Sugarmon Post Of- ENTS fice. I had hoped Judge Sugarmon would be on hand for its dedication later this year but its HON. VIRGINIA FOXX HON. DARIN LaHOOD existence will stand as a lasting physical OF NORTH CAROLINA OF ILLINOIS monument to his stature in our city, in our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES state and in our nation. No one is more de- Monday, February 25, 2019 serving. Supporting Russell Sugarmon’s great Monday, February 25, 2019 work and providing encouragement and Mr. LAHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise today strength was the Sugarmon family. Russell Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam to congratulate the 2018 recipients of the was a beloved husband and father of six chil- Speaker, I rise today to join with the Republic prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Presented annually, the Ellis Island Medals dren, sadly preceded in death by his dear of Azerbaijan in its commemoration of the of Honor pay tribute to our Nation’s immigrant daughter Tina Spence. I extend my sincere Khojaly Tragedy, also known as the Khojaly Massacre. heritage, as well as individual achievement. condolences to his devoted wife and com- The Medals are awarded to U.S. citizens from panion, Gina; his children Judge Tarik I ask my colleagues to join me in remem- diverse ethnic backgrounds who exemplify Sugarmon, Elena Williams, Erika Sugarmon, bering the town and people of Khojaly who outstanding qualities in both their personal and Monique Sugarmon and Carol Spence; his ex- died on those fateful days and in offering our professional lives, while continuing to preserve tended family and his many friends. deepest condolences to Azerbaijan on this the richness of their particular heritage and f tragic anniversary. culture. We honor these outstanding individ- JUSTICE ELIZABETH TAYLOR In doing so, we remember the 613 Azer- uals because the important work they do baijani men, women, and children killed in today, creates a better world for all of us to- ´ Khojaly on February 25 and 26, 1992. The morrow. This momentous occasion was cele- HON. JOSE E. SERRANO Government of Azerbaijan continues to act as brated with a patriotic ceremony on Ellis Island OF NEW YORK a valuable partner of the United States and and a recommitment by the leaders of the or- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES serves as a bulwark against America’s adver- ganization to their mission of honoring diver- Monday, February 25, 2019 saries in the region. We solemnly remember sity, fostering tolerance and promoting reli- Mr. SERRANO. Madam Speaker, it is with this anniversary and honor the lives lost. gious and racial unity across America. Since the Medals’ founding, more than great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute 2,500 American citizens have received the to Justice Elizabeth Audrey Taylor for her f Ellis Island Medal of Honor, including seven many years of compassionate service and tire- American Presidents, numerous United States less work to improve the lives of our Bronx ASSISTANT SHERIFF LANA Senators and Congressmen, two Nobel Laure- residents. Justice Taylor is a great example of TOMLIN RECEIVES THE ALUMNI ates, and many athletes, artists, clergy, and the countless contributions that African Ameri- HALL OF FAME AWARD military leaders. This Medal is not about mate- cans make every day to the Bronx and our rial success, nor is it about the politics of im- Nation. HON. PAUL COOK migration; it is about the people who have Justice Taylor was born and raised in the committed themselves to this nation, em- Highbridge Section of the Bronx and is a prod- OF CALIFORNIA braced the opportunities America offers, and uct of the public school system. She received IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES most importantly, who have used those oppor- a Bachelor of Arts in English from Binghamton Monday, February 25, 2019 tunities to not only better their own lives but University and her Juris Doctor from Ohio make a difference in our country and in the Northern University School of Law. She began Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to lives of its people. her career as a legislative aide in the New recognize the service and commitment of As- Citizens of the United States hail from every York City Council and then went to work in pri- sistant Sheriff Lana Tomlin, who received the nation known to man. The iconic metaphor of vate practice, where she specialized in land- Alumni Hall of Fame Award from the Victor this nation as a veritable melting pot of cul- lord and tenant issues. Thereafter, Justice Valley College foundation on February 23, tures continues to ring true, and it is this diver- Taylor returned to the public sector as the 2019. sity that adds to the unique richness of Amer- Senior Court Attorney to Justice Edgar G. Assistant Sheriff Tomlin is a dedicated pub- ican life. It is the key to why America is the Walker, who at the time was serving in the most innovative, progressive and forward Bronx Criminal Court. Until 2008, she contin- lic servant who has worked for the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department for thinking country in the world. The Ellis Island ued her commitment to public service by serv- Medals of Honor not only celebrate select indi- ing as Principal Law Clerk to New York Su- over twenty-nine years. Soon after her gradua- tion from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs viduals but also the pluralism and democracy preme Court Justice Kenneth L. Thompson, that enabled our forbearers to celebrate their Department Training Academy, Assistant Jr. , who is currently serving in the Civil Term cultural identities while still embracing the Sheriff Tomlin was assigned to the Barstow of Bronx County Supreme Court. American way of life. This award serves to re- Station as a patrol deputy where she quickly In addition, Justice Taylor was recently mind us all that with hard work and persever- excelled in her duties while simultaneously at- elected Justice of the Supreme Court of the ance anyone can still achieve the American tending Victor Valley College. She is the first State of New York. She was first elected in dream. In addition, by honoring these remark- woman in the history of San Bernardino Coun- 2008 to the Civil Court of the City of New York able Americans, we honor all who share their ty to be appointed to Assistant Sheriff and and has been honored as Judge of the Year origins and we acknowledge the contributions oversees several departments and operations. by the Bronx County Bar Association and the they have made to America. I commend Na- Locally, Assistant Sheriff Tomlin has served Bronx Advocates for Justice. tional Ethnic Coalition of Organizations and its Justice Taylor is also a member of the Mili- multiple assignments at different High Desert Board of Directors headed by Nasser J. tary Academy Review Committee for the 15th stations, including serving as Captain of the Kazeminy, for honoring these truly outstanding Congressional district. She has been a mem- Apple Valley Sheriffs Station. She has also individuals for their tireless efforts to foster ber of this committee since 2014 and has volunteered throughout the community, from dialogue and build bridges between different been instrumental in helping our office make coaching the women’s basketball team at Vic- ethnic groups, as well as to promote unity and military academy recommendations since tor Valley College to giving back to our next a sense of common purpose in our nation. then. This has allowed numerous students generation through the Police Activities Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join from the 15th Congressional District to attend League program. me in recognizing the good works of NECO these prestigious schools with full scholar- On behalf of the U.S. House of Representa- and in congratulating all of the 2018 recipients ships. tives, I would like to congratulate Assistant of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. I include in Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues join Sheriff Lana Tomlin on this award. Lana is an the RECORD the names of this year’s recipi- me in honoring Justice Elizabeth Audrey Tay- exemplary law enforcement officer and com- ents. lor for her consistently remarkable dedication munity leader. I thank her for her years of 2018 ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS to the law and commitment to serving her dedication and service to the people of San Ziauddin Ahmed, MD, Nancy Anschutz, Phil community. Bernardino County. Anschutz, Dr. Bahman Atefi, Maryam

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