[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 17 (Tuesday, January 30, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE OF GERALENE ``JERRI'' MILLS SUTTON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Murphy) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the extraordinary 
life of my good friend Geralene ``Jerri'' Mills Sutton. Jerri was born 
and raised in Greenville, North Carolina, and described herself as a 
daughter of eastern North Carolina.
  A passionate educator, Jerri started her career with the Virginia 
State Department of Education. Following her tenure, she traveled the 
world working with the United Nations and advocating for the 
improvement of educational systems in developing countries. As someone 
who has done so much medical work in these developing countries, I have 
seen firsthand how desperately needed good educational systems are. 
Jerri saw this and put her words into action.
  She returned to eastern North Carolina with an unwavering commitment 
to better her community and spearheaded the restoration of the Red 
Banks Primitive Baptist Church in Greenville, North Carolina.
  After settling in Beaufort, North Carolina, a beautiful eastern 
coastal town, Jerri immersed herself in the vibrant, rich, and 
welcoming community there. She found solace in the beauty of the 
coastal environment and enjoyed gazing out at the sunset from the porch 
of her home.

  In 2017, she took the role of founding trustee and president of the 
Maritime Heritage Foundation of Beaufort, where I served as an honorary 
trustee and was honored to work with her also. Her leadership played a 
pivotal role in establishing the Foundation's ``Gallants Channel'' 
Campaign Cabinet, which advanced fundraising for expanding the North 
Carolina Maritime Museum.
  Under her leadership, they raised $1.5 million for the Foundation, 
and campaigning our legislators in Raleigh, received $3 million funded 
by the North Carolina General Assembly.
  Jerri peacefully passed away on January 3, surrounded by her loved 
ones in Durham.
  Her enduring legacy of stewardship and compassion and humanitarian 
spirit continues to touch the lives of all those she encountered. 
Today, we honor Jerri for her inspiring life and the tremendous legacy 
of love and commitment she had.


           Recognizing Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Marine 
Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, North Carolina, which has 
been named the 2024 Marine Corps Air Station of the year.
  Cherry Point is home to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the 2D 
Logistics Group, and to the Marine Corps Fleet Readiness Center, FRC 
East.
  Cherry Point provides a steady flow of trained aviators, which is so 
critical in this very tumultuous time in the world today.
  Established in 1942, Cherry Point has grown to become the United 
States' largest Marine Corps Air Station. This prestigious award is 
testament to the strong performance of our marines in various 
operational aspects, high-profile asset and project management, 
community engagement, innovation, administrative discipline, and 
unwavering teamwork.
  I commend the leadership of Colonel Brendan Burks, as well as former 
XO Colonel Mike Huber, as well as the fine men and women stationed 
there who justifiably earned this distinguished recognition.
  I am grateful for our brave servicemembers, as well as their 
families, who have sacrificed so much to protect us and this great 
Nation. It is my honor to represent Marine Corps Air Station Cherry 
Point and its proud community, which strongly supports our troops. Its 
unwavering support has played a pivotal role in the base's growth. At 
present time, there is close to $1 billion in Marine Corps construction 
going on at Cherry Point.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate our marines and the Marine Corps Air 
Station Cherry Point on a well-deserved recognition. May God bless all 
of the airmen and servicemembers serving there.
  Semper Fi.


                          Crisis at our Border

  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk a little bit about our 
border.
  On the first day of the Presidency of Joe Biden, he did what no other 
Nation's leader has ever done. He invited an invasion of our own 
country.
  In that decision, there has been close to 10 million illegal 
individuals coming in this country. More than 200 individuals have been 
caught on the terrorist watch list. No legislation is needed to fix 
this absolute disaster.
  Kamala Harris, the ``border czar,'' has done absolutely nothing. We 
are now facing a calamity of unrecognized proportion in this Nation's 
history.
  Today, the President could end this disaster by doing just a few 
things: end catch and release; cease the exploitation of parole 
authority; reinstate Remain in Mexico; expand expedited removal 
authority; and renew building the wall.
  The President has the authority today to stop this. He doesn't 
require legislation. He is shirking on his duty as President of the 
United States to end this crisis.

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