[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E88-E89]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE SERVICE OF JANITA R. STEWART TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. MICHAEL GUEST

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 2, 2026

  Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of the U.S. 
Small Business Administration Mississippi District's Director Janita R. 
Stewart. Janita is retiring after 51 years of federal government 
service and 41 years with the U.S. Small Business Administration. With 
years of knowledge, experience, positive leadership, and devotion to 
the small business community, Janita will be greatly missed across 
Mississippi and the Small Business Administration. She was primarily 
responsible for supervising the activities of team members in the 
Mississippi District and Gulfport Branch Offices. In addition, since 
March 2025, Janita has served as the Acting District Director for the 
SBA Alabama District Office, overseeing the activities of the team 
members

[[Page E89]]

in Birmingham. Under her leadership, Janita led the SBA Mississippi 
District Office and the Gulfport Branch Office during disasters such as 
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Janita has a keen 
understanding of working with people and building relationships and her 
passion will be missed. I am proud to have an opportunity to honor 
Janita's service to the state of Mississippi and our country, and I 
wish her the best in retirement.

                          ____________________