[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 225 (Sunday, January 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            FAREWELL REMARKS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KWANZA HALL

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Sunday, January 3, 2021

  Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I rise today for my final remarks for the 
116th Congress.
  The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. Many late-night votes and 
short cat naps before hopping on a plane.
  As I pack up my office and say goodbye to new staff and colleagues, I 
am filled with mixed emotions. Although by most accounts we 
accomplished far more than anyone expected, there is still much to do, 
and I wish I had more time to work.
  I want to thank the voters of the 5th Congressional District for 
putting their trust and faith in me to represent the best interests of 
our district.
  It was an absolute honor to be the late and Honorable John Lewis' 
successor and continue his 30+ years of work.
  I extend a special thank you to Speaker Pelosi, Leader Hoyer, 
Congressman Clyburn, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters for extending 
their friendship and taking me under their wing.
  I also want to thank the Georgia delegation of Republicans and 
Democrats for extending me a warm welcome.
  With their help, I was able to introduce multiple pieces of 
legislation and effectively advocate for our district while in D.C.
  Additionally I want to express my deep gratitude to the Clerk of the 
House, the Parliamentarian and the Sergeant at Arms for their support.
  And we certainly were effective.
  The expectation many people had was for a few days in active session 
to simply vote on a basic budget bill.
  Instead, we passed significant financial relief for our residents, 
including direct $600 stimulus checks, rental assistance, expansion of 
the PPP for small and minority-owned businesses, additional SNAP and 
unemployment funding, eviction and foreclosure moratorium extensions 
and more.
  I was also able to introduce six pieces of legislation, cosponsor 
fourteen bills, and I was able to shine a spotlight on much needed 
infrastructure projects for the south side of the district.
  And in the local district office, we fielded close to 190 inquiries 
and helped over 140 constituents with issues they were having with 
federal agencies.
  I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate and welcome my 
successor Congresswoman-elect Nikema Williams.
  My team and I have been working throughout the holiday to ensure a 
smooth transition.
  Our residents will continue to be in good hands when she is sworn in 
on January 3rd and begins serving the district.
  May God bless the 5th Congressional District of Georgia.
  It has been my greatest honor to serve in Congress and our nation.

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