John R. Lewis Post Office Building

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of the great John Lewis.

I am honored to have called Congressman Lewis a colleague and, more importantly, a friend. Mr. Speaker, I have many fond memories of serving in Congress, but some of my fondest memories are walking from the Cannon Building over here to the Capitol with John Lewis. Here I am, this kid from south Georgia, walking with an icon over here to the Capitol. And we did it on many occasions. His office was a floor below mine when I was in the Cannon Building.

I also cherish the time that he invited Members of the Georgia delegation to his home, and we had dinner that night. He sat and told us stories, stories of his experiences with Dr. King. I was proud to call John Lewis my friend.

Like all of us in these Halls, we can say that his wisdom, his spirit, and his friendship are deeply missed.

But what can you say about John Lewis that hasn't already been said? He was a giant among men. He fiercely dedicated his life to fighting for equality and for justice for all.

From his early days fighting segregation in Nashville, to the Freedom Rides, and to his service in the Halls of Congress, John Lewis dedicated his life to a more perfect Union.

John Lewis never stopped. And now more than ever, it is encouraging to be reminded of John's unyielding optimism and faith in the American Dream.

My hope is that today's bill would, in a small way, continue his legacy. The bill we are considering today would name Atlanta's central postal facility after this American hero. It is only appropriate to do so for a city shaped so much by Mr. Lewis.

What is more, Mr. Speaker, I am not sure if you have looked at the number of cosponsors on this bill. If you count, this bill has an incredible 341 cosponsors as of this morning. By my estimates, that makes it the most bipartisan bill that Congress has considered. And that is telling of John Lewis' legacy.

I should note that this legislation has the support of Congressman Lewis' family, the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, as well as local Atlanta officials.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Nikema Williams, who now represents Mr. Lewis' old district in Atlanta, for sponsoring this effort.

As a Georgian, as a colleague, and as a friend, I am especially honored to support this legislation and urge all of my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ.

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