August 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1115 It is the solemn duty of the President to ex- this President to remove Special Counsel Ramah while Erica was in college and Ephra- ercise his authority consistent with the Con- Mueller, impede his investigation, or pardon im had already graduated. They married and stitution and in a manner that supports and any person for offenses against the United moved to Riverdale in 2002, where they joined strengthens the rule of law. States arising out of Russia’s meddling in the CSAIR. The Constitution imposes on the Congress 2016 Presidential Election. The Edelmans’ involvement in CSAIR, sub- the responsibility to hold the Chief Executive U.S. Senator LINDSEY GRAHAM has stated stantial from the start, has grown over the accountable if he abuses his powers. his intention to introduce legislation in the years. Ephraim served on the Ritual Com- Such is the genius of the Framers who cre- Senate making the firing of a Special Counsel mittee and often volunteered to leyn or serve ated the system of separated powers and appointed to investigate a president or his as shomer; Erica led the Young Family Chil- checks and balances that are the hallmark of staff subject to judicial review. dren’s Program, creating and illustrating one our Constitution. The message to the President is clear and of her proudest accomplishments, the Congress, especially the House of Rep- unmistakable: if he takes any action to hinder ‘‘Siddur,’’ which is still used today. Erica resentatives, is the political branch of the gov- the Special Counsel’s investigation into Rus- teaches Kindergarten at SAR Academy, where ernment closest to the people; therefore, if the sian interference in the 2016 presidential elec- their three children, Avishai 13, Nadiv, 11, and President is called upon to answer for abuses tion, he will provoke a bipartisan backlash and Shefa, 8, attend. Ephraim joined the Board of of power, he answers to the Congress acting be met with a proportionate congressional re- Trustees, the Finance Committee, and has on behalf of the American people. sponse to uphold the Constitution and the rule served as CSAIR Treasurer for the last four As a senior member of Congress and the of law. years. House Committees on Judiciary and Home- Mr. Speaker, on January 20, 2017, Donald Few have done more or been more com- land Security, I am ever mindful of my respon- Trump took an oath—the first of his life—to mitted to CSAIR over the years than Erica and sibility to preserve and protect the pillars of preserve and protect the Constitution and to Ephraim. They are most deserving of this our democracy. take care that our nation’s laws are faithfully wonderful honor. I answer to my constituents directly and in- executed. f directly to all Americans, and my publics ac- We, the American people, must all do our tions are constrained by my fidelity to the rule part to hold him to his word. FRANK ROBINSON RETIRES AS APPLE VALLEY TOWN MANAGER of law. f , unfortunately, has yet to grasp this fact or accept these democratic PERSONAL EXPLANATION HON. PAUL COOK constraints. OF CALIFORNIA This President has repeatedly acted out his HON. RYAN A. COSTELLO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES selfish desire to discredit or eliminate an offi- OF PENNSYLVANIA Friday, August 4, 2017 cial investigation into Russian meddling in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2016 Presidential election—as evidenced by Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- his firing of former FBI Director Friday, August 4, 2017 ognize the exemplary career of Apple Valley and his contemplated dismissal of Attorney Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Town Manager Frank Robinson, who officially General Jeff Sessions and Special Counsel Speaker, unfortunately, on July 28, 2017, I retired from his position on July 30, 2017. . missed three recorded votes on the House Since his hiring by the Town of Apple Val- These actions illustrate a fundamental mis- floor due to family commitments. Had I been ley, California in 2008, Frank worked diligently understanding of, and brazen disregard for, present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call to make Apple Valley’s motto of ‘‘A Better the rule of law, checks and balances, and sep- 436, YEA on Roll Call 437, and YEA on Roll Way of Life’’ a reality for the citizens he aration of powers that define our democracy. Call 438. served. During his tenure, a number of crucial If Donald Trump fires Special Counsel f Town projects were completed, including a Mueller, he will set into motion a sequence of state-of-the-art animal shelter, Development events eerily reminiscent of one of the darkest HONORING ERICA AND EPHRAIM Services Building, and the installation of re- chapters in our nation’s history—the Water- EDELMAN newable energy sources to power municipal gate scandal of 1974. buildings. Perhaps Frank’s most important ac- In particular, Donald Trump will be re- HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL complishment, however, was construction of enacting the , when OF NEW YORK the Yucca Loma Bridge, which will significantly ’s order to fire special pros- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ease traffic congestion throughout the Victor ecutor led to the resignations of Friday, August 4, 2017 Valley. Attorney General Elliott Richardson and Dep- On a personal note, I would like to thank uty Attorney General William Ruckelshaus. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, Conservative Frank for allowing my district office staff to The public reaction and congressional re- Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale is fortu- work out of the Apple Valley Town Hall for the sponse to tile Saturday Night Massacre was nate to have two members, Ephraim and Erica past four years. He has been a gracious host swift: numerous resolutions of impeachment Edelman, who have displayed a deep commit- and I cannot thank him enough. While Frank’s were quickly introduced in Congress, and just ment and passion to the CSAIR community. It leadership and vision will be missed, perhaps nine months later, the House Judiciary Com- is no wonder why they are being honored with the greatest loss will be his penchant for al- mittee approved articles of impeachment the Chai Award at this year’s Spring Gala. ways having the perfect joke ready to go. On charging Nixon with obstruction of justice. Ephraim and Erica came to Judaism in dif- behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, As the Ranking Member of the House Judi- ferent ways, and to CSAIR almost acciden- I would like to wish Frank and his wife, Lisa, ciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, tally. As a youth, Erica led junior services, the happiest of retirements as they enter this Homeland Security, and Investigations, it is spent summers at Camp Ramah and worked new chapter of their lives. my job to take a proactive stance on presi- in the synagogue’s Hebrew School. After at- f dential abuses of power that violate the Con- tending public schools, Erica felt a need for stitution and threaten our democracy. more Jewish education, and therefore, she en- RECOGNIZING TROY FERGUSON I am not alone in my grave concern about rolled in List College where she received a de- this President’s attempts to circumvent the in- gree in Tanach from JTS and a degree in Re- HON. GREG WALDEN vestigation into the tacit or active involvement ligion from Columbia University, followed by OF OREGON of his campaign in activities of entities allied her Masters in Education from Hofstra Univer- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with the Russian Government to influence the sity. Ephraim also went to Camp Ramah and outcome of the 2016 presidential election. spent Shabbat at shul surrounded by a small Friday, August 4, 2017 With each passing day, the Special Coun- posse of friends, reading Torah and contrib- Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to sel, journalists, Members of Congress in both uting to the service from the time he was ten recognize Troy Ferguson, a veteran of the Chambers and on both sides of the aisle, and years old. He went to Binghamton University Marine Corps, a caring and ordinary Americans are coming closer to con- and found his way into the Business School compassionate servant to the people of Or- necting all the dots. and received an MBA from Columbia Univer- egon’s 2nd District, a leader amongst Team For this reason, I have introduced H. Res. sity. Indeed, Camp Ramah brought Erica and Walden, and a man that I am honored to call 474, a resolution condemning any action by Ephraim together. The two met on staff at a friend.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:23 Aug 05, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A04AU8.007 E04AUPT1 E1116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks August 4, 2017 Troy first served his country as a Marine, son County Veterans after he leaves my of- IN RECOGNITION OF MS. MARGE where he excelled in the high standards of the fice. PRESTON FOR HER DISTIN- GUISHED CAREER IN HIGHER Marine Corps and rose to the rank of Staff He is a family man in every sense of the Sergeant. Troy’s southern upbringing and EDUCATION word. He is a devoted husband and father, faithful Marine Corps service made him a gen- tleman, through and through. Troy always and most recently, a proud grandfather. HON. DEBBIE DINGELL demonstrated the bearing of a leader, and had Troy will be impossible to replace. Though OF MICHIGAN the character to back it up. he will never truly leave Team Walden, I will IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Troy joined my staff in 2001 as a part time miss his dedication to serve Oregonians. It Friday, August 4, 2017 worker manning the front desk. In a very short comes as no shock to anyone who knows period of time, it became apparent that he had Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Troy that his next endeavor will involve serv- recognize Ms. Marge Preston for her out- a natural talent for this business and helping ing his community—this time with the United constituents. standing career in higher education. Ms. Pres- Way. I have no doubt Troy will bring his sense In his 16 years he did just about all the jobs ton has served the State of Michigan and its that make up a district office: receptionist, con- of duty to helping others, his fine character, young people well through her work with Cen- stituent services representative, constituent and his leadership to his next career—just as tral Michigan University and Eastern Michigan services manager, constituent services direc- he did for my team for 16 years. University. tor, field representative, legislative advisor, Ms. Preston began her career with Central and regional director. Troy has been a jack-of- f Michigan University, where she spent 27 years all-trades on my team, acquiring expertise in a serving in a variety of positions, including Ad- wide array of issues, policy, and casework, NORTH BRONX SECTION OF THE ministrative Assistant to the Vice President for and he mastered each area quickly. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO Student Affairs and Coordinator of the Univer- In particular, Troy’s 11 years of service in WOMEN 50TH ANNIVERSARY sity’s Career Resource Center. In 2003, she the Marine Corps equipped him with an un- joined Eastern Michigan University and has matched ability to help veterans in need served the EMU community with distinction throughout my district. Troy played an integral HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL during her tenure. She began as the univer- sity’s Executive Secretary to the Vice Presi- role in our effort to save ‘‘The Dom’’—the local OF NEW YORK VA facility in Southern Oregon—when the VA dent for University Relations, and ultimately shortsightedly made an attempt to close that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES held several positions, including Executive As- sistant to the Vice President of Government facility. Now renamed as the Southern Oregon Friday, August 4, 2017 Rehabilitation Center and Clinics, this facility and Community Relations. In this capacity, continues to provide critical services to thou- Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a Ms. Preston managed all aspects of the GCR office, including assisting the University’s legal sands of veterans each year. very special community group that for 50 counsel with inquiries, serving as a liaison for Over the years, thousands of individual con- years has inspired and strengthened the com- stituents received personal guidance and as- state and federal officials and coordinating munity, the North Bronx Section of the Na- special events and projects on behalf of the sistance from Troy. He was the guru of con- tional Council of Negro Women. The North stituent services, not only on Team Walden EMU Vice President. Bronx Section’s legacy of outstanding leader- but also in the Oregon delegation. Whether it Ms. Preston has been a tireless advocate ship and advocacy for social justice and was casework involving the IRS, veterans and on behalf of EMU and the Ypsilanti community military service members, or Social Security change has had a transformative effect on at large through her service to the university. and Medicare, Troy became a recognized ex- countless lives, and I am truly fortunate to rep- As a result of her efforts, EMU has been an pert at identifying the problem and promptly resent such a fine organization in Congress. effective policy advocate whose work with the finding a solution. When the delegation con- In early 1967, six women under the leader- state and federal government has benefitted both students and educators. Ms. Preston also stituent services folks got together, Troy was ship of Daisy S. George met to see if it was looked to by all as the most knowledgeable received recognition throughout her career, in- feasible to form a section ofthe National Coun- cluding receiving the Central Michigan Univer- person in the room when it carne to taking cil of Negro Women. This small nucleus grew care of constituents and ensuring that the sity Staff Excellence Award. She was also a into a group of more than 50, the amount re- co-chair for EMU’s United Way Campus Wide agencies had the opportunity to make things quired to apply for a charter. By May of that right. Drive, helping raise over $100,000, and On top of that, when most people struggled year, with a charter drawn up and adopted served on the EMU Planning Committee for to master the skills of proficient writing re- with by-laws and a constitution, the North Michigan Women’s American Council on Edu- quired of congressional staffers, Troy stood Bronx Section became official members of the cation’s annual meeting. She has had a tre- out as a naturally gifted writer. He has that Council. mendous impact on the direction of higher rare ability of organizing complex concepts By 1968, the Section had initiated a Con- education in Michigan, and her hard work and expertise will be missed. and putting them on paper so that they can be sumer Education Program throughout the Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me easily understood by anyone. Troy was a born Bronx, and by 1970, operated a voter registra- communicator who could deliver bad news to in recognizing Ms. Marge Preston for her dis- tion storefront on 225th Street. Throughout the tinguished career in higher education. Ms. a constituent with compassion and good news 80’s and 90’s the Section was involved in all with enthusiasm. Preston has effectively served the State of kinds of civic minded activities, from spon- His ability to communicate, breadth of Michigan and its students through her work knowledge, and natural leadership made him soring day care and tutorial programs, to co- with the state’s public universities. a key part of welcoming new members to the hosting health fairs and educational forums. f They even began serving Thanksgiving Dinner team. Eager to show new staff the ropes and RECOGNIZING THE FIFTH ANNUAL in 1994, and still to this day serve over 100 make them feel at home, Troy became a re- TASTE OF ETHIOPIA spected mentor and trainer to those joining meals every year to seniors, the homeless, Team Walden. New staffers were often ad- and area residents. HON. MIKE COFFMAN vised to ‘‘Ask Troy. He’ll walk you through how All of this has been possible through strong OF COLORADO to get the job done and done right.’’ leadership, including 14 amazing Presidents: IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Outside of the office, Troy is a man of many Virdell Mills; Jayne Harris; Oneater Sinclair; gifts and talents. He is a gourmet cook—those Friday, August 4, 2017 Carmen Snaggs; Eva C. Daniels; Agnes Hay- who worked with Troy over the years have Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to fond memories of the incredible Italian lunches wood; Juanita Miner; Olia Barrett; Burmadine recognize the 5th Annual Taste of Ethiopia. he prepared for his fellow staffers. He co- Hind; Jessie Williams-Collins; Willie E.P. Bow- The Taste of Ethiopia promotes cultural im- founded the Jackson County Veterans Advi- man; Laura Rhodan; Jessie Davis Walls; and mersion and provides community services for sory Committee, and exhibits selfless service Patricia Kerr. These leaders have been instru- our extensive Ethiopian immigrant community even in his off hours. As a respected member mental in making the North Bronx Section the in Colorado. The event is a unique showcase of the local veterans community in southern success it has been for 50 years. I want to of Ethiopian music, food, art, crafts, culture, Oregon, Troy will continue to serve with Jack- congratulate them on this milestone. games, and dance.

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