In Memory of Chief Luther Reynolds of Charleston, South Carolina

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. MACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Luther Reynolds, the city of Charleston's police chief who died recently to cancer. He was an exceptional leader and dedicated public servant who served the Charleston community and beyond.

His legacy will leave a testament of courage, service, and love, and I offer my deepest condolences to Chief Reynolds' family, his wife, his children, his friends, and the Charleston Police Department. We mourn his untimely passing and honor his unyielding spirit.

I have very fond memories of Chief Reynolds. In fact, he was the guy that called me when my house got spray-painted at 7:30 in the morning, making sure that I was aware and that it was safe and sound and would be protected.

There are so many instances of threats that I have had on my life and my family's life where Chief Reynolds was there for us each and every day. He was a neighbor, he was a friend, and he was a protector of the city of Charleston.

We remember his dedicated service and his commitment to our community. Remembering the Victims of Emanuel AME Church Massacre

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. MACE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize some of the comments made by my colleagues today.

Four days from now will be the anniversary of Mother Emanuel, a day that was a very dark day in South Carolina's history where nine Black church members of Mother Emanuel were murdered in cold blood by a white supremacist, by a young man who wanted to commit evil atrocities on our State and our Nation.

I recognize those individuals: Clementa Pinckney, who was a pastor and State senator; Cynthia Graham Hurd; Susie Jackson; Ethel Lee Lance; DePayne Middleton-Doctor; Tywanza Sanders; Daniel Simmons; Sharonda Coleman-Singleton; and Myra Thompson.

As a State lawmaker, I believe that we need to strengthen our background checks, because in the State of South Carolina, the reason that the killer was able to purchase that gun, though he was ineligible, was because of our weakened background systems. We have dozens of databases across the State that don't talk to one other about the criminal information of bad guys who are trying to purchase a gun. It is an issue that I worked on as a State lawmaker, and it is something I am advocating for today in Congress.

I hope that we can find a way to strengthen our background checks so that bad guys who are breaking the law and shouldn't be able to buy a gun, don't have the ability to commit such atrocities as those committed at Mother Emanuel.

We stand South Carolina strong and Charleston strong, and I recognize our heroes from that day. Recognizing Berkeley County Adult Education Graduates

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. MACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Berkeley County Adult Education graduates.

As a high school dropout, as someone who understands how challenging it can be to finish education, I congratulate the adult education graduates.

From my home county and Berkeley County, I offer a heartfelt congratulations to this graduating class. They have demonstrated exceptional persistence and have overcome so many hurdles that life has thrown their way.

They are an aspiring example of learning at any age and under any circumstances. Their perseverance prevails, their determination reaps rewards, and their learning is lifelong--something that everyone can commend today.

Madam Speaker, I extend my best wishes for their future endeavors in everything that they do. South Carolina's Aquarium Turtle Releases

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. MACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize South Carolina's aquarium releases of their turtles. We are celebrating the release of two loggerhead turtles, named Bea and Pluto, by South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Care Center in Charleston.

The turtles were found in distress, each missing a flipper, and underwent extensive rehabilitation to recover.

Despite their physical challenges, the turtles displayed remarkable resilience and this is something that the Coast of South Carolina certainly is proud of.

Madam Speaker, I offer gratitude to the Sea Turtle Care Center team led by Melissa Ranly. New Summerville Fire Chief

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. MACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the new Deputy Chief Brent Melcher taking over the fire chief for Summerville from Richard Waring on June 23.

We thank Chief Waring for his 30 years of service to Summerville and Dorchester County. We also recognize that Chief Melcher wants to continue the strong family atmosphere in the department and expansion into Nexton.

Melcher has served Summerville since the year 2000. I recently was able to connect and meet with him and was very proud of his achievements of Summerville's new fire chief. Special Bond Formed at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. MACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the special bond formed at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital.

A story of resilience and friendship among three young boys: Bennett, Jackson, and Marcelino formed a strong bond at Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital as they awaited their heart transplants.

Despite their medical challenges, they have supported and comforted one another. Their friendship demonstrates the power of human connection during difficult times.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source