Congressional Record, House, November 18, 2020 — Religious Freedom During Pandemic, Motion to Recommit
Summary
House pages of the Congressional Record for November 18, 2020, beginning at page H5871. Mr. BYRNE rises to congratulate Terry Downey on his retirement and Jimmy Lyons on his retirement as director and CEO of the Alabama State Port Authority. Under the heading PROTECTING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DURING PANDEMIC, Mr. HILL of Arkansas speaks about a Federal appeals court ruling on drive-in church services in Kentucky. Mr. BUDD speaks under the heading DEFENDING MOTION TO RECOMMIT, and a later tribute mentions a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal.
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“Congressional Record, House, November 18, 2020 — Religious Freedom During Pandemic, Motion to Recommit.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-11-18-crec-2020-11-18-pt1-pgh5871-6317f3d874/
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November 18, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5871
I have every confidence Mayor Baker them to raise four wonderful children such as providing hand sanitizer, face
will remain involved in the commu- and Monty to have a long, successful masks, and social distancing.
nity, and I wish him and Alice the best career, culminating in his retirement In Kentucky, despite claiming that
in the days ahead. from the First National Bank of Mo- his order allowed congregants to at-
CONGRATULATING TERRY DOWNEY bile. tend drive-through services, Governor
Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise After his retirement, Monty served Andy Beshear had State police leave
today to congratulate Terry Downey as a field representative for my prede- notices to self-isolate on churchgoers’
upon his recent retirement. Since his cessor, Sonny Callahan, and served two windshields on Easter Sunday service
election in 2016, Mayor Downey has terms as a member of the Alabama at the Maryville Baptist Church out-
guided Bayou la Batre through a series House of Representatives. side of Louisville.
of significant challenges, including sev- Throughout their marriage, Monty In defiance of the Governor’s man-
eral severe hurricanes and the recent and Euber maintained a remarkable date, Pastor Jack Roberts, along with
pandemic. level of engagement and service to Mo- congregants, ripped up those notices
Bayou la Batre has a unique heritage bile. and filed a lawsuit.
as a diverse home with the fishing and Monty and Euber leave behind a leg- Mr. Speaker, a Federal appeals court
seafood processing industries, and acy of love for each other, their family, sided with the pastor and blocked part
Mayor Downey’s leadership helped and their community that will be dif- of Beshear’s order, allowing
Bayou la Batre weather the storms and ficult to match in its intensity and lon- congregants to attend drive-in services.
protect the livelihoods and culture of gevity. They will be deeply missed and In the ruling, the three-judge panel of
its residents. The city is well-prepared fondly remembered. the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
to continue handling whatever else My heartfelt condolences go out to expressed support for the church’s ar-
may come its way. their family. gument that it wasn’t being treated
I thank Mayor Downey for his serv- f fairly, noting ‘‘hundreds’’ of cars
ice, and I join the people of Bayou la parked in the lot of the nearby grocery
PROTECTING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Batre in wishing him all the best in the store on the same day the police in-
DURING PANDEMIC
next stage of his life. formed churchgoers that they were vio-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The lating the law.
b 1015 Chair recognizes the gentleman from ‘‘The breadth of the ban on religious
CONGRATULATING JIMMY LYONS ON HIS Arkansas (Mr. HILL) for 5 minutes. services, together with a haven for nu-
RETIREMENT Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, merous secular exceptions, should give
Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today, I rise to address a pressing prob- pause to anyone who prizes religious
congratulate Jimmy Lyons upon his lem that concerns Americans’ constitu- freedom.’’ That is what the judges
retirement as director and CEO of the tional rights. The liberties enshrined in wrote.
Alabama State Port Authority. the Constitution still apply to every They continued, ‘‘But it is not al-
Over more than two decades, Jim- American, even in the midst of a na- ways easy to decide what is Caesar’s
my’s creative, forward-thinking leader- tional emergency. and what is God’s, and that is as-
ship led to transformative growth at It is becoming clear to many Ameri- suredly true in the context of a pan-
one of Alabama’s premier assets. cans that our national life has slid to- demic.’’
Jimmy’s steady stewardship guided ward a double standard. For weeks, of- Mr. Speaker, I commend the judges
the port authority during economic ficials have asked the public to put life for standing up for the fundamental
highs and lows. Despite a range of chal- on hold and help fight this virus. The right of religious freedom, including
lenges, the port has thrived under his American people did their part and are the freedom of worship.
leadership. doing their part, have made sacrifices Americans have shown that they can
With him at the helm, the port is to help our Nation, and continue to do convene for religious services in a re-
now one of the fastest growing con- their part. sponsible way. The compassion and
tainer terminals in the country. It has But throughout this pandemic, we care for communities of faith through-
added a steel terminal and has vastly have seen a troubling trend of State out the pandemic are needed now more
expanded its ability to load and unload leaders leaning on religious institu- than ever.
automobiles, and those are just a few tions harder than any other group or Our first Chief Executive, President
examples. organization. Washington, prized our First Amend-
Jimmy also played a critical part in In 2018, Pope Francis, while address- ment to the Constitution, saying, ‘‘No
securing upgrades at the port and in ing ‘‘red martyrdom,’’ those who face one would be more zealous than myself
the channel that allow a higher num- death and persecution on account of to establish effectual barriers against
ber of increasingly large ships from their religious beliefs, also warned our the horrors of spiritual tyranny and
around the globe to use the port with nations about ‘‘white martyrdom,’’ every species of religious persecution.’’
growing ease. which occurs in democratic countries Let’s urge our colleagues in Con-
While he will be missed, the Alabama when freedom of religion is restricted. gress, our State legislatures, our Gov-
State Port Authority, and Alabama’s So far, lawsuits claiming that State ernors, and down at 1600 Pennsylvania
economy, are better positioned for fu- restrictions on religious gatherings in- Avenue to honor Washington’s passion
ture success than they have ever been fringe on freedom of religion have been for our enshrined right to religious lib-
because of Jimmy Lyons. I wish him filed in Kentucky, California, Lou- erty.
the best in his well-deserved retire- isiana, Virginia, and elsewhere. CALLING FOR TARGETED COVID RELIEF
ment. In Virginia, at Lighthouse Fellow- Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker,
HONORING THE LIVES OF WILLIAM AND EUBER ship Church’s Palm Sunday service, during this lame duck session, this
COLLINS there were only 16 people present, all House needs bipartisan leadership to
Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise properly socially distanced. Yet, the achieve critical, needed COVID relief
today to commemorate the lives of two pastor was subjected, Mr. Speaker, to a for central Arkansans.
dear friends who recently passed away, criminal citation. The majority of these issues are easy
William and Euber Collins. In Kansas, two churches settled with and have significant bipartisan sup-
William, known by most as Monty, Democratic Governor Laura Kelly after port.
passed away at 90 years old on Novem- they sued over her 10-person limit for We need to extend and expand the
ber 2, only 1 day before his wife, Euber, religious services. A Federal judge Paycheck Protection Program and ease
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
who was 88. They were married a re- ruled that the State appeared to have paycheck protection forgiveness.
markable 68 years. singled out religious activities for Pandemic unemployment payments
After meeting and falling in love at stricter treatment. Now, Kansas need to be addressed in a way to help
the University of Alabama, Monty and churches can hold those services as families but also encourage work.
Euber married and found their way to long as they abide by the protocols for Finally, States need flexibility on
Mobile. Their close partnership enabled businesses and other establishments, spending money from the CARES Act,
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H5872 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 18, 2020
and they need to change the deadline John’s loss. He was truly the epitome crats are considering a rule change
from the end of this year, 12/31, to a of a great American soldier, and his that would severely limit the rights of
time in 2021. sacrifices will not be forgotten. the minority party in the House for
We cannot let the perfect be the REMEMBERING SPECIALIST RYAN MICHAEL years to come.
enemy of the good. LUMLEY I am referring to the partisan push to
We call on Speaker PELOSI to call Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise water down or to eliminate the motion
targeted, focused relief to the House today to honor the service and legacy to recommit.
floor today. of Specialist Ryan Lumley, a devoted Mr. Speaker, the MTR, as it is called,
f husband and son who served this coun- is a critical procedural tool that gives
try in the Armed Forces and was killed the minority party one last oppor-
REMEMBERING MARINE CORPORAL
in combat in Wardak Province, Afghan- tunity to improve legislation before a
RONALD R. PAYNE, JR.
istan, on December 3, 2011. final vote on this House floor. An MTR
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ryan graduated from Cedar Key High not only increases transparency be-
Chair recognizes the gentleman from School in 2008, joined the U.S. Army in tween Members of Congress and their
Florida (Mr. SPANO) for 5 minutes. 2009, and soon thereafter reported to constituents, but it holds Members ac-
Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where he countable and forces them to go on
today to highlight the legacy of Marine excelled with the 2nd Battalion, 5th In- record for viewpoints that they hold.
Corporal Ronald R. Payne, Jr., a local fantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat
hero who proudly served our country in Weakening the MTR would only
Team. serve to shield Members from criti-
the U.S. Marine Corps and was killed in Unfortunately, at the young age of
combat on May 7, 2004. cism, suffocate debate on key policy
21, Ryan lost his life to an improvised issues, and overturn longstanding
Payne graduated from Mulberry High explosive device.
School as a star football and basketball House precedent. It would be a blatant
Due to his outstanding service and
player. power grab by the majority Democrat
dedication to our country, Ryan was
As a marine, Payne had been part of Party.
awarded the National Defense Service
the initial force that invaded Iraq and That is why my colleagues and I will
Medal, the Global War on Terrorism
entered Baghdad. He then volunteered be appealing to the Rules Committee
Service Medal, and several other
to return for a second overseas tour. He this week in writing, demanding that
badges and ribbons.
was initially sent to Afghanistan to Ryan is survived by his wife, Kimber, the MTR be preserved.
help with elections but was then sent a loving family, and many hometown CONFRONTING VOTER FRAUD
into combat. friends who remember him fondly for Mr. BUDD. Mr. Speaker, for the past
Corporal Payne will be remembered his strong character and patriotism. 2 weeks, I have heard from an over-
as the first marine killed serving in Af- While some time has passed since his whelming number of my constituents,
ghanistan. departure, may his legacy continue to and they do not have confidence in the
He will also be remembered as a man uplift his loved ones and encourage a integrity of November’s election.
of faith. A late journal entry reads, grateful Nation. They are outraged that media pun-
‘‘The fear is starting to turn into ex- REMEMBERING SERGEANT DANIEL MCKINNON dits and establishment Democrat poli-
citement. Besides, what do I have to be ANGUS ticians are sneering at the very con-
afraid of really? I have God on my side, Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise cept of taking the time to ensure that
and He said He will never leave us nor today in memory of Sergeant Daniel every legal vote is counted and that
forsake us. Having Him is better than McKinnon Angus, a local hero of Flor- every illegal vote is thrown out.
any type of support or weapon that ida’s 15th District who was killed in ac- Every citizen has a right to seek jus-
man can give.’’ tion in Afghanistan on January 24, tice in a court of law, and that includes
To his family, our district still 2010. the President of the United States. His
mourns Ron’s loss. I salute you for Daniel graduated from Armwood legal team needs to be given the time
raising such a hero who was also such High School in 2000 and, in 2003, joined to collect and present evidence of vot-
a servant. the U.S. Marine Corps, where he knew ing and tabulation irregularities.
REMEMBERING STAFF SERGEANT JOHN ALLEN he belonged and hoped to make a ca- Until the courts have played their
REINERS reer of serving his community and his constitutional role, we should be wary
Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise country. of declaring winners and losers.
today in memory of Staff Sergeant Daniel stood out among his peers and Look, if we could spend 2 years inves-
John Allen Reiners, a local hero from received a Combat Action Ribbon, two tigating conspiracy theories about
Florida’s 15th District who served our Good Conduct Medals, the Afghanistan Russian collusion, we should be able to
country in the Armed Forces and who and Iraq Campaign Medals, the Global take a few weeks to confirm the integ-
was sadly killed in combat in the Af- War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a rity of this election.
ghan theater. number of service decorations. I am glad that Attorney General Bill
After participating in Junior ROTC He loved spending time with his wife,
Barr authorized the Department of
for 4 years and graduating from Haines Bonnie, and his 1-year-old daughter,
Justice to investigate any and all alle-
City High School, he enlisted in the now 11 years old. May she always know
gations of illegal activity. He took this
U.S. Army and then began with the and treasure the knowledge of her fa-
necessary step after 38 of my House
Army Rangers. ther’s heroism.
He served at Fort Drum, New York, colleagues and I requested that the De-
You see, men and women like Daniel,
and Fort Carson, Colorado, and, during partment leave no stone unturned in
who are willing to lay down their lives
this time, also did two tours in Iraq, this effort.
in defense of our country and in sup-
where he received his first Purple port of others many miles away, are We will also be introducing legisla-
Heart. what makes our Nation the greatest on tion this very week that will require
In 2001, Staff Sergeant Reiners died Earth. the DOJ to create a national strategy
of wounds sustained when enemy forces Let us never take their sacrifice or to identify and combat voter intimida-
attacked his unit with an improvised that of their surviving families in vain. tion, fraud, ballot system glitches, sab-
explosive device in Afghanistan’s Zhari otage, and hacking.
f
Province. Mr. Speaker, voting is the most sa-
He was awarded his second Purple DEFENDING MOTION TO cred civic duty in our Nation. In an
Heart and the Bronze Star Medal post- RECOMMIT election for our Nation’s highest office,
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
humously for his valiant service and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The involving unprecedented levels of mail-
dedication to his team. Chair recognizes the gentleman from in voting, we must take the time to en-
At home, Reiners was also a devoted North Carolina (Mr. BUDD) for 5 min- sure that every legal vote is counted
husband to Casey and father to Lex. utes. and every illegal vote is not counted.
To the entire Reiners family, our dis- Mr. BUDD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Nothing is more important than the
trict and community still mourn to sound the alarm that House Demo- integrity of our ballots.
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