[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 15, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H153-H154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING ROMULUS COUNCILWOMAN VIRGINIA WILLIAMS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Michigan (Ms. Tlaib) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I honor the incredible life and legacy of 
Romulus Councilwoman Virginia Williams, who unexpectedly passed away. 
She has left a void in our community and in our hearts.
  Councilwoman Williams was a relentless advocate for our families, 
ensuring that no one in our community lacked basic necessities. Her 
work with organizations like Forgotten Harvest and her creating her own 
organization because of her passion for organizing food drives, holiday 
giveaways, and joyful community events embodied her unwavering love for 
the city of Romulus and our families.
  She was committed to always lifting up her neighbors, often going 
above and beyond to bring hope and resources to those in need. Her 
dedication reminds us all that even the smallest acts of kindness can 
build stronger, more connected communities.
  Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she has touched. We are 
forever grateful for her service. I thank her family for sharing her 
with all of us and allowing us to honor her. My deepest condolences go 
out to them and all her loved ones during this difficult time.
  Rest in peace, Councilwoman Williams.


               Honoring Dearborn Mayor Jack O'Reilly, Jr.

  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I honor the life of former Dearborn Mayor 
Jack O'Reilly, Jr. Our community lost an extraordinary leader whose 
dedication to public service shaped the city of Dearborn and our 
communities in Michigan forever.
  Mayor O'Reilly served as the president of Dearborn City Council for 
nearly two decades and served a 15-year tenure as Dearborn's sixth 
mayor.
  I still remember my first meeting with him when he was a council 
president during the time I was a young law student. Mayor O'Reilly was 
so patient in teaching me about how some community programs were 
successful while others struggled. He was a champion for workforce 
development. His patience and his depth of knowledge and willingness to 
teach me and so many others left a lasting impression, I know, on me.
  I would have never thought that I would have the honor to be able to 
represent him here in the United States Congress. Mayor O'Reilly's 
kindness and thoughtful approach to leadership embodied what it truly 
means to be a public servant.
  I thank Mayor O'Reilly, Jr.'s family for sharing him with all of us. 
I know it wasn't easy. My thoughts are with his family, his loved ones, 
and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
  His legacy will continue to inspire future generations not only in 
Dearborn but throughout southeastern Michigan and beyond.


         Congratulating Abdul ``Al'' Haidous on His Retirement

  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I recognize Wayne County Commissioner Abdul 
``Al'' Haidous for his more than 40 years of public service to the city 
of Wayne and Wayne County and congratulate him on his retirement.
  We lovingly call him Al. He was born in Lebanon and came to the city 
of Wayne five decades ago. He made a name for himself in the community, 
running Al's Friendly Market with the help of his wife, Mary, who I 
love dearly, for 35 years.
  As the first Arab-American mayor in Wayne County, his leadership 
paved the way for future leaders and was an inspiration to so many of 
us. In 2014, he was elected to the Wayne County Commission. For 14 
years, he served our residents with dedication and resilience, always 
focusing on bringing people together.
  I thank Commissioner Haidous for his decades of public service. His 
legacy will continue to inspire our community in years to come. Please 
join

[[Page H154]]

me in recognizing Commissioner Al Haidous as we wish him well in his 
retirement.

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