December 4, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1533 f their people, assist the vulnerable, and im- MASTER SERGEANT JAMES prove well-being. Instead, the Trump Adminis- CHAMBERLAIN TRIBUTE IN SUPPORT OF HISTORICALLY tration has advanced a rule change to cut mil- BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVER- lions of low-income children, families, vet- SITIES erans, people with disabilities, and seniors off HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON their food stamp benefits, or Supplemental Nu- OF COLORADO SPEECH OF trition Assistance Program (SNAP). The HON. MARCIA L. FUDGE Trump Administration estimates that at least IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 3.1 million families would lose their SNAP OF OHIO Wednesday, December 4, 2019 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES benefits, including stopping free and reduced school meals for nearly one million children. Tuesday, December 3, 2019 Mr. TIPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today In 2017, almost 40 million people, including to recognize Master Sgt. James Chamberlain Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, more than more than 12.5 million children, experienced of La Veta, Colorado who is retiring from the one quarter of all undergraduate students in food insecurity. In my home state of Illinois, U.S. Air Force after nearly 30 years of service. the United States attend Historically Black Col- more than 63 percent of SNAP participants leges and Universities and other Minority are in families with children and almost 30 Master Sgt. Chamberlain began his active Serving Institutions. These schools play a crit- percent are in families with members who are duty service in 1992 shortly after graduating ical role in unlocking higher education opportu- elderly or disabled. This rule targets the most from Northeast Community College in Norfolk, nities for millions of degree-seekers, including vulnerable people in my state and across the Nebraska with an Associate’s Degree in Crimi- students of color and low-income students, of nation. Even the U.S. Department of Agri- nal Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforce- which many are the first in their family to at- culture admits that this Trump policy would ex- ment. Upon completion of his initial training, tend college. acerbate food insecurity for millions of Ameri- he went on to serve in numerous duty posi- To protect these essential institutions from cans. tions spanning from news broadcasting to mili- the threat of closure and financial despair, we This is unacceptable. Millions of low-income tary police security. The Air Force sent him to must continue to provide them with the re- Americans rely on SNAP as the first line of cities around the world such as Los Angeles, sources they need to prepare students for the defense against hunger and food insecurity. California, Azores, Portugal, and Keflavik, Ice- modern economy. By imposing this harmful rule, the Trump Ad- land. His courage and service were exempli- Title III, Part F of the Higher Education Act ministration actually increases hunger and fied during multiple voluntary deployments to authorizes important, mandatory funding for hardship by erecting additional barriers for the Middle East. During these deployments Historically Black Colleges and Universities, families and individuals who are trying to meet Master Sgt. Chamberlain earned dozens of Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Minority one of the most basic needs for survival. awards and recognitions including the Iraq Serving Institutions to educate and prepare I stand in strong opposition to this unneces- Campaign Medal with a Bronze Star, the Air students for professions in the Science, Tech- sary and spiteful rule. The Trump Administra- Force Commendation Medal, and the Global nology, Engineering, and Math, or STEM, tion is attempting to impose a policy that Con- War on Terrorism Service Medal. fields. gress has rejected twice in the last two Master Sgt. Chamberlain’s military career Unfortunately, this critical source of funding versions of the Farm Bill via bipartisan votes. was simultaneously complemented by his time expired on September 30, 2019. This lapse The policies of this Administration have advan- as a police officer. He left active duty service jeopardizes the viability of these institutions, taged the most secure and left working fami- in September 1996 and returned to his family as well as the STEM readiness of the students lies and our most vulnerable populations be- they serve. hind. As the Trump Administration prioritizes ranch near Walsenburg, Colorado. It was At a time when diverse representation is low giving trillions of dollars to the most privileged there that he put his GI bill to use and grad- in the STEM economy, Congress must imme- corporations and billionaires, it literally takes uated near the top of his class at the Southern diately restore mandatory funding to prevent food from hungry children. I reject this dis- Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy permanent and irreversible damage to STEM graceful rule and will continue to fight for the in Trinidad, Colorado. He was hired as a po- programs at these historic institutions that give people of Chicago and the nation to ensure lice officer for the city of La Junta, Colorado in students from underserved communities an they receive the food they need. I urge my August 1997. He continued his service in the opportunity to rise above their circumstances. colleagues to join me in opposing this pro- Air Force Reserve as part of the 310th Secu- On September 17, 2019, the House passed posed rule and demanding that the Trump Ad- rity Forces Squadron at the newly renamed the FUTURE Act, an extension of the $255 ministration rescind the rule immediately. Schriever Air Force Base outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado, an opportunity he was million in essential mandatory funding for f HBCUs and MSls. Despite receiving unani- eager to pursue. mous support in the House, the bill has yet to HONORING NATHAN FLETCHER In Walsenburg, the community he has most be considered by the Senate and was not in- recently been serving, Master Sgt. Chamber- cluded in the continuing resolution that passed HON. SAM GRAVES lain was named Distinguished Officer of the in November. OF MISSOURI Year for the Colorado Police Protective Asso- As Congress considers spending bills for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ciation and received the Distinguished Service next year, we must restore this vital source of Wednesday, December 4, 2019 Award by the city. Additionally, he earned the funding that expands opportunities for under- Police Medal of Honor and the Rescuer Award represented students. It is past time to uphold Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, for Valor by Southern Colorado Regional EMS our promise to support these historic institu- I proudly pause to recognize Nathan Fletcher. and Trauma Advisory Council. This past year, tions and the students they serve. Nathan is a very special young man who has he was even recognized by La Veta Schools exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship f on Veterans Day for his service as an Air and leadership by taking an active part in the Force veteran, a testament to what his sac- STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE Boy Scouts of America, Troop 412, and earn- rifices mean to his fellow community mem- TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S PRO- ing the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. bers. POSAL TO INCREASE HUNGER Nathan has been very active with his troop, AND FOOD INSECURITY participating in many scout activities. Over the Madam Speaker, Master Sgt. Chamberlain’s many years Nathan has been involved with service to his country and enduring work-ethic HON. DANNY K. DAVIS scouting, he has not only earned numerous will continue to have a positive impact on the OF ILLINOIS merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- community for years to come. It is my privilege to recognize him today, and express heartfelt IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ily, peers, and community. Most notably, Na- than has contributed to his community through gratitude for the important work he has done Wednesday, December 4, 2019 his Eagle Scout project. throughout his life. I wish him a happy retire- Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join ment from military service and sincerely hope Speaker, I am alarmed and outraged by the me in commending Nathan Fletcher for his ac- that he knows how proud his community, the Trump Administration’s decision to increase complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- state of Colorado, and the entire country is of hunger and food insecurity for millions of ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the his sacrifice and service both as an Airman Americans. Governments should strengthen highest distinction of Eagle Scout. and a police officer. 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