Congressional Record, Extensions of Remarks — August 10, 2021, E883
Summary
This is E883 and E884 of the Congressional Record, Extensions of Remarks, August 10, 2021. Ms. Jackson Lee pays tribute to President Barack Obama on his 60th birthday, listing accomplishments she attributes to his administration, including the Recovery Act, the health care law, and the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Other remarks honor Kern County Deputy Sheriff Phillip Campas, a New Mexico high school track and football coach, and Bill Hager as the 2021 U.P. Veteran of the Year. Mr. Hill submits a personal explanation of his vote on Roll Call No. 249, with the views attributed to the Members.
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“Congressional Record, Extensions of Remarks — August 10, 2021, E883.”
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August 10, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E883
EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS
HONORING PRESIDENT BARACK which created 3.7 million jobs and saved the pacity of VA mental-health programs by hiring
OBAMA ON HIS 60TH BIRTHDAY jobs of millions of teachers, firefighters, police 1,600 more mental-health professionals and
officers, and social service providers. The Re- expanding the capacity of the Veterans Crisis
HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE covery Act also cut taxes for working families, Line. President Obama provided nearly $60
OF TEXAS extended unemployment insurance, and ex- billion in benefit payments under the Post–9/
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
panded the Earned Income and Child tax 11 G.I. Bill to over 1.5 million individuals and
credits, which disproportionately benefit Afri- relaxed the evidence requirements for vet-
Tuesday, August 10, 2021 can American families. The verdict is in on the erans seeking disability pay for post-traumatic
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise economic plan put in place by President stress disorder with the Department of Vet-
today to pay tribute to one of the nation’s Obama and the Democratic Congress and it is erans Affairs.
greatest presidents, Barack Obama, who turns undeniable. President Obama acted to reduce gun vio-
60 years old. It is fitting and proper that we The Recovery Act ended the Great Reces- lence by issuing executive orders requiring
take a moment to recount and appreciate the sion, transformed the economy from one hem- background checks for people trying to buy
extraordinary accomplishments of President orrhaging jobs to one that created over 16 mil- some of the most dangerous weapons and
Barack Obama, the 44th president and one of lion new jobs over a record 71 consecutive other items through a trust or corporation and
the singular figures in American history. months. The national unemployment rate an overhaul of the background check system
Madam Speaker, I remember that cold morn- dipped under 5 percent for the first time since to make it more efficient and effective. Presi-
ing of January 20, 2009, one of the coldest President Clinton left office, the deficit was cut dent Obama signed into law the Affordable
days on record in Washington, D.C. But it was by 71 percent, and the Dow Jones stock mar- Care Act passed by the Democratic Congress
nothing compared to the chill wind blowing ket index set 118 record closing highs and which has provided access to quality, afford-
through the American economy and body poli- stood at 19,732 on January 20, 2017, a three- able health insurance to nearly 20 million pre-
tic. fold over its nadir of 6,547 at the depths of the viously uninsured Americans.
The nation was facing economic challenges Great Recession. And, as an added benefit, President Obama launched the ‘‘My Broth-
unseen since the Great Depression: Ameri- the average price of gasoline fell from more er’s Keeper’’ Initiative in 2014 to address per-
cans were losing their jobs at a frightening than $4.11 per gallon to $1.80, the lowest sistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and
rate of 800,000 per month; the national unem- price since before the tragedy of September young men of color and ensure that all young
ployment rate had risen to 7.8 percent and 11. people can reach their full potential. In Octo-
would continue to climb until reaching its peak The Obama years also effected policy ber 2009, Congress passed, and President
of 10.0 percent in October 2009. For African changes in the areas of criminal justice re- Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and
Americans, the numbers were much grimmer, form, health and education, national security, James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act,
a jobless rate of 13.5 percent in January 2009 and foreign affairs. A partial listing of these historic legislation extending coverage of fed-
which would grow to 16.5 percent by the end achievements is substantial, impressive, and eral hate-crime law to include attacks based
of the year. And on top of this, tens of thou- varied. President Obama signed the Fair Sen- on the victim’s race, religion, nationality, or ac-
sands of American families each month were tencing Act in August 2010, which reduces the tual or perceived sexual orientation or gender
losing their health insurance and their homes disparity in the amounts of powder cocaine identity.
to foreclosure. and crack cocaine required for the imposition President Obama established the new De-
The United States was still bogged down in of mandatory minimum sentences and elimi- ferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
the quagmire that was the Iraq War and young nates the mandatory minimum sentence for policy for young undocumented people who
people by the thousands were being forced to simple possession of crack cocaine. In July came to the U.S. as children in an effort to
defer or drop out of college because of lack of 2015, President Obama became the first better focus enforcement resources. President
financial aid. And the average price of gas ex- president ever to tour a federal prison when Obama expanded opportunity for America’s
ceeded $4 per gallon. It was against this back- he visited the El Reno Federal Correctional In- children by strengthening Head Start. Presi-
drop that I watched from the inaugural plat- stitution outside of Oklahoma City. President dent Obama made college more affordable by
form as Barack Obama, surrounded by his ra- Obama launched the Smart on Crime initiative increasing Pell grants, keeping interest rates
diant and beautiful wife, Michelle, and their through which the Department of Justice modi- on student loans low, and helping students
two adorable daughters, rose to take the oath fied its charging policies certain federal low- manageably repay their loans. President
of office. After being sworn in as the nation’s level drug-related offenses, improved diversion Obama signed the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids
44th President of the United States, President and re-entry policies, and strengthened protec- Act, which made historic investments: in im-
Obama reassured an anxious but hopeful na- tions for the most vulnerable. proved child nutrition and health for the 31 mil-
tion, saying: President Obama established Smart on Ju- lion children who rely on school meals and up-
‘‘Today I say to you that the challenges we venile Justice grant program to expand the dated science-based school meal standards to
face are real. They are serious and they are use of effective community-based alternatives increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean
many. They will not be met easily or in a short to youth detention and launched the Second protein and low-fat dairy, while reducing fats
span of time. But know this America: They will Chance Pell Pilot Program for Incarcerated In- and sodium.
be met.’’ dividuals to test new models to allow incarcer- In December 2010, the Congress passed,
Watching Barack Obama address the nation ated Americans to receive Pell Grants and and President Obama signed the Don’t Ask,
that day, spectators in attendance and viewers pursue the postsecondary education with the Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 into law, allow-
across the country and around the world un- goal of helping them get jobs, support their ing gay men and women to serve openly and
derstood they were witnessing a historic presi- families, and turn their lives around. with integrity in the U.S. military. President
dent, the first African American ever to hold President Obama directed the Office of Per- Obama also made history by appointing two
the nation’s highest office. sonnel Management to act where it can to women to the U.S. Supreme Court, including
But more than being a historic president, ‘‘ban the box’’ by modifying its rules to delay the first Hispanic American to serve on the
Barack Obama’s actions and leadership over inquiries into criminal history until later in the Court. President Obama appointed the first Af-
the ensuing eight years would demonstrate his hiring process and called on Congress. to rican American man and woman to serve as
would be a consequential presidency that enact legislation ’’banning the box’’ on job ap- Attorney General and the first woman to Chair
changed America for the better. His first and plications in the private sector. President the Federal Reserve Board. In the area of for-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with REMARKS
most pressing task was to rescue an economy Obama increased the use of body-worn cam- eign affairs and national security, President
on the brink of collapse. Working with the eras through $20 million in grants to state and Obama ended the Iraq War, assembled and
Democratic-controlled Congress, the American local law enforcement. President Obama led an international coalition to impose sanc-
Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed, issued an Executive Order to increase the ca- tions so crippling on Iran that it was forced to
∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.
Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
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E884 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks August 10, 2021
the negotiating table that yielded the Iran Nu- limited to the Meritorious Service Medal, Com- into the Alamogordo Tiger Hall of Fame in
clear Agreement that prevents Iran from ever bat Action Ribbon, and Vietnam Campaign 1988. He also served on the Board of Direc-
attaining a nuclear weapon. And of course, as Medal. His service to his fellow veterans has tors for the New Mexico Track and Field and
the world knows, because of President not waivered as he continues to be a life Cross-Country Association and was the Presi-
Obama’s leadership, General Motors is alive, member of the DAV, American Legion, VFW, dent of the Association from 1991 through
and Osama Bin Laden is dead. Vietnam Veterans of America, and AM Vets 1992.
President Barack Obama represented our where he continues to advocate. The impact In a fitting act of recognition for his lifelong
country with grace, integrity, honor, and dis- of his service on his fellow Michiganders can- dedication and achievements, the Board of
tinction. He provided consolation, hope, and not be overstated. Education of the Alamogordo Public School
healing in the face of unspeakable tragedies Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratu- District voted to name the Alamogordo High
such as the massacre of innocent children at late Bill Hager for his decades of service to School Tiger Stadium Track in honor of Bob
Sandy Hook, worshippers at Mother Emanuel fellow Michigan veterans and for being named Sepulveda. A public celebration and official
AME Church in Charleston, spectators at the the 2021 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the public christening will take place on Sep-
Boston Marathon, and mass shootings in Au- Year. Michiganders can take great pride in tember 3, 2021.
rora, Colorado and Tucson, Arizona. He ex- knowing the First District is home to such a
pressed and symbolized our joy and pride in selfless and devoted individual. On behalf of f
the progress made over the last half century— my constituents, I wish Bill all the best in his
and the distance we still have to travel—when future endeavors. IN RECOGNITION OF DEPUTY PHIL-
he marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge f LIP CAMPAS OF THE KERN
and addressed the multitude from the spot on COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPART-
the steps where Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. RECOGNIZING COACH BOB MENT
shared his dream for America’s future. SEPULVEDA
It is clear beyond doubt that President
Obama kept the promise he made to the na- HON. YVETTE HERRELL HON. DAVID G. VALADAO
tion seven years ago on that cold day in Janu- OF NEW MEXICO OF CALIFORNIA
ary when he said: IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘‘Today I say to you that the challenges we Tuesday, August 10, 2021
face are real . . . . But know this America: Tuesday, August 10, 2021
They will be met.’’ Ms. HERRELL. Madam Speaker, today I
They were more than just met; under his rise to acknowledge Coach Bob Sepulveda. Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise
leadership they were overcome with amazing Bob is a 1954 graduate of Goodwell High today to honor the life of the Deputy Phillip
grace. And because of President Barack School in Goodwell, Oklahoma, where he let- Campas who passed away in the line of duty
Obama, when he left office the United States tered in football, basketball, and baseball. He on July 25, 2021.
was stronger, more prosperous, and better po- then attended Oklahoma Panhandle State Uni- Deputy Campas began serving the Kern
sitioned than ever to win the future. As a pres- versity, earning his B.A. degree in History in County Sheriff’s Department in February of
idential candidate in 2008, then Senator 1958, while also lettering in football and track. 2016. He held a variety of positions within the
Obama promised the America people ‘‘change Bob’s coaching career began in 1960 in Tel- department including patrol deputy, recruit
you can believe in.’’ luride, Colorado, where he served as head training officer, and SWAT team member. He
In office, President Obama made good on basketball and track coach and assistant provided firearms training and mentoring for all
that promise, delivering positive change that baseball coach. His 1964 basketball team won armed staff. In addition, Deputy Campas
the American people can see and feel. And the Mountain League District Class A Cham- served the United States Marine Corps and
that is what makes his one of the most con- pionship and placed second at the Western was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008. His
sequential presidencies in American history. I Colorado Regional Class A tournament. He commitment to protecting the Kern County
wish President Obama a happy birthday, and also helped coach the 1964 Telluride High community and the citizens of the United
thank him for all he did in leading our country School baseball team that won the Class A States was unwavering and a true sign of her-
to a new era of greatness. State Championship. oism.
f
Taking his coaching career on the road, Bob Deputy Campas demonstrated great cour-
moved to Alamogordo, New Mexico, in 1964, age and bravery while protecting the residents
CONGRATULATING BILL HAGER where he coached both track and football for of Kern County. During his final mission, Dep-
FOR BEING NAMED 2021 U.P. VET- 32 years. In 1969 he was named head track uty Campas lived up to his reputation of fear-
ERAN OF THE YEAR coach and then head football coach in 1971. lessness in his rescue efforts and leaves be-
During his 27 years as head track coach his hind a legacy of incredible dedication and self-
HON. JACK BERGMAN teams won more medals for Alamogordo than lessness. The Kern County Sheriff’s Depart-
OF MICHIGAN any coach in its history. ment and his entire community mourns this
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
19 District Championships, 5 State Cham- great loss.
pionships, 1 second place finish, 5 third place
Tuesday, August 10, 2021 Deputy Campas is survived by his wife
finishes, 170 Invitational Track meet wins, and
Christina, his two daughters, and his stepson.
Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my 102 first place medals at the State Track Meet
He is remembered as a hero of Kern County,
honor to recognize retired Master Sergeant C. showcase Bob’s dedication to the team and
a true public servant, and a beloved member
William ‘‘Bill’’ Hager as the 2021 Upper Penin- the athletes.
of his community.
sula Veteran of the Year. His continued serv- Under Bob’s coaching, several student ath-
ice on and off the battlefield, his dedication to letes went on to become NCAA Champions, Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the
fellow veterans, and his devotion to our local some establishing records that still stand House of Representatives to join me in hon-
Michigan communities make him a well-de- today. Three of his athletes even went on to oring the life of Deputy Sheriff Phillip Campas.
serving recipient of this distinguished award. the Olympic trials.
The U.P. Veteran of the Year is chosen an- If his record alone wasn’t a testament to f
nually by a selection committee consisting of Bob’s coaching abilities, he has also received
past commanders of various service organiza- numerous awards during his tenure at PERSONAL EXPLANATION
tions throughout the Upper Peninsula. It rec- Alamogordo High School. He was selected as
ognizes Yooper veterans who go above and New Mexico Coach of the Year for boys track HON. J. FRENCH HILL
beyond in their service to their local commu- in 1982, 1991, and 1996 and received the
OF ARKANSAS
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with REMARKS
nities and fellow veterans. NHSACA Region 8 Coach of the Year in
A native Yooper, Bill was born and raised in 1982, 1991, and 1996. He was also named IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Iron River and has stayed a longtime resident the NFSHSA Section 6 Coach of the Year in
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
of the U.P. During his military career, Bill 1991 and 1996 and was also awarded, along
served in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Na- with his wife Marilyn, the New Mexico High Mr. HILL. Madam Speaker, had I been
tional Guard, where he was decorated with School Coaches Association Level IV Coach- present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call
numerous awards which include but are not ing Milestone ring in 1989 and was inducted No. 249.
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