[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CARL J. STEWART, JR.

  (Mr. Moore of North Carolina was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life and service of Carl J. Stewart, Jr., a proud son of Gaston County, 
North Carolina, and a former speaker of the North Carolina House of 
Representatives, who passed away on December 23 at the age of 89.
  Carl grew up in a working-class family as the son of two Firestone 
Mill employees. He earned a scholarship that helped him attend Duke 
University and Duke University Law School. He then went on to serve in 
the North Carolina House for 13 years and made history as the first 
speaker elected to serve two consecutive terms.

                              {time}  1115

  Throughout his life, Carl was a very well-respected attorney in our 
area with an absolutely great law practice. He combined his legal work 
with public service, along with serving in the legislature. He held 
leadership roles on the North Carolina Board of Transportation, the 
North Carolina Economic Development Board, the North Carolina Ports 
Authority, as well as the North Carolina Ethics Commission.
  His legacy lives on in the infrastructure and educational access that 
he helped build, especially at Gaston College. For six decades, Carl 
Stewart served the community college, first as a business law 
instructor, then as legal counsel, forming a partnership with college 
presidents and board members rooted in innovation, integrity, and 
unwavering commitment to student success. In every role, he focused on 
building a stronger North Carolina, and he really put in so much time 
to improve the lives of folks in Gaston County. Whether it was 
education or other things, you name it, he was always there.
  I will tell you one thing about Carl. He never lost sight of where he 
came from, and he spent his life helping. I got to know Carl even 
before I was speaker of our statehouse, and I can tell you, he was a 
great mentor. He was somebody who loved nurturing folks who were coming 
up in public service and getting involved and folks who really wanted 
to try to make our State a better place. I am going to tell you, North 
Carolina is a better place because of Carl Stewart's work and his 
example.
  I join our community in mourning this tremendous loss. I ask that you 
keep his family in your thoughts and prayers in appreciation for all 
that he has done for so many in our great State.


           Honoring Life and Service of Officer Michael Miles

  Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 
life and service of Officer Michael Miles, who passed away unexpectedly 
earlier this week.
  He was a proud marine, a loving father, and a dedicated police 
officer serving the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for more 
than 13 years. He spent much of that time protecting and mentoring 
others in the Freedom Division.
  Before wearing the badge, he wore the uniform of the United States 
Marine Corps and served his country with honor. That same spirit of 
service guided him every day on the job and at home.
  His sudden passing is a heartbreaking loss for his loved ones, his 
fellow officers, and our entire community. Officer Miles leaves behind 
his partner, Hannah, and four children. I ask my colleagues to join me 
in lifting up his family in prayer.

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