[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 154 (Friday, September 19, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    WELCOMING REV. ELLIOTT J. POWELL

  The SPEAKER. Without objection, Mr. Arrington of Texas was recognized 
for 1 minute.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor and delight to hear 
the familiar voice of my pastor, Elliott Powell, opening up the 
people's House with prayer, a tradition that began at the very first 
Congress in 1789.
  Reverend Powell is the pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in 
Lubbock, Texas, USA. He is joined today in the Chamber gallery by his 
wife, Shannon Aycock Powell, and their three children: Lila, Karissa,


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  On September 19, 2025, page H4459, in the second column, the 
following appeared: their three children: Lila, Charyssa,
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: their three 
children: Lila, Karissa,


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 


  and Adam; and his niece, Chloe.My wife, Anne, and I have been blessed 
beyond measure to be a part of the Westminster community, and we are 
exceedingly grateful for the prayers, support, and friendship of our 
fellow parishioners.
  Mr. Speaker, the 19-century French philosopher, Alexis de 
Tocqueville, traveled across the United States in the early 1800s in 
search of what he said was ``America's genius and greatness.'' He said 
that it wasn't in the commodious harbors or the fertile fields, not the 
public schools or institutions of higher learning, not the democratic 
Congress even, or our matchless Constitution, believe it or not.

  He said that it wasn't until I entered into the churches of America 
and with their pulpits aflame with the Gospel of Jesus that I 
understood ``the secret of her genius and power.''
  That is when he coined that famous phrase: ``America is great because 
America is good.''
  Mr. Speaker, may God continue to bless America through the goodness 
of His church and His many faithful under-shepherds like my dear 
friend, Elliott Powell.

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