[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 214 (Thursday, December 17, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H7236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMEMORATING THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, as this year draws to a close, I 
rise to commemorate the historic Abraham Accords.
  After years of foreign policy experts saying it could not be done, 
President Trump and his team have now brokered peace between Israel and 
the Kingdom of Morocco, the fourth such agreement in just 4 months.
  Because of these remarkable diplomatic accomplishments, we will seek 
continued cultural, diplomatic, and economic visits and exchanges 
between Israel and Bahrain, Israel and the Emirates, Israel and Sudan, 
and, now, Israel and Morocco.
  I believe that this represents a historic paradigm shift in the 
region and gives momentum to ultimate peace between Israel and the 
Palestinians.
  Mr. Speaker, it has been more than 20 years since Israel signed peace 
with the Kingdom of Jordan and more than 40 years since the historic 
Camp David Accords and peace between Egypt and Israel.
  Since those historic agreements, the United States' efforts to 
further peace in the Middle East have stumbled and faltered, with 
little to no significant progress shown. In fact, the situation for 
Israelis has been more dangerous in recent years, with terrorist 
attacks and rocket bombardments becoming a near regular occurrence.
  Expanding diplomatic relations between Israel and these other nations 
will be beneficial to pushing back against the Iranian mullahs, 
Hezbollah, and other extremists in the region.
  I look forward to the United States working together with Israel and 
these new partners at the table to solve the crisis in Syria and to 
counter the mullahs in Iran.
  Mr. Speaker, many of us in Congress encourage the incoming Biden 
administration to build on these historic positive developments and not 
fall back into the failed Middle East policies of the past.

                              {time}  1245


               Honoring the Life of Thomas Albert Parris

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
a great American, Thomas Albert Parris. He was 87 years old.
  After joining the Air Force in 1948, at age 14, Mr. Parris was 
stationed in Germany for 2 years, where he drove an ambulance and 
became a medic. Mr. Parris continued to serve in that capacity at 
various Air Force bases in the U.S. and abroad.
  While stationed in the Azores, Mr. Parris assisted in delivering 395 
babies. After retiring from military service, Mr. Parris owned several 
gas stations, worked on nuclear submarines, became a private pilot, and 
trained racehorses.
  Most recently, he was recognized by the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma 
and awarded the Cherokee Warrior Medal of Patriotism by Chief Chuck 
Hoskin, Jr., and the Tribal council members.
  I join Arkansans, Oklahomans, and all Americans in recognizing Mr. 
Parris' years of service and honoring his remarkable life. I pray he 
rests in peace.


              Honoring the Life and Legacy of Nicole Inman

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Nicole 
Inman and her great memory, who, over the past many months, was 
recognized by her friends, family, and colleagues as a warrior of hope. 
Nicole recently lost her courageous battle with cancer. Many across 
Arkansas are mourning her passing.
  Nicole was the Bryant High School girls' soccer coach, who led the 
program to its second Class 6A state championship in May 2019, the same 
year she was awarded Coach of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches. 
She was more than a coach and a teacher; she was an inspiration on and 
off the field.
  Nicole's faith was a cornerstone throughout her fight. With her 
strong faith in God, she used her illness as an opportunity to minister 
and inspire her players and students.
  Nicole was also an incredible wife and mother. Her legacy will live 
on through her team and her husband, Scott, and their four children: 
Garrett, Ashton, Abbey, and Nathan.
  She will be missed by her community. I offer prayers for comfort to 
her family and condolences. Thank you for sharing her with our 
community.

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