Donald M. Payne: “Last month, 12 people died in a raging inferno that tore through an apartment building in the Bronx. I rise today to…”

“Last month, 12 people died in a raging inferno that tore through an apartment building in the Bronx. I rise today to honor the life of Army Private First Class Emmanuel Mensah, a 28-year-old man who repeatedly ran into that burning building to rescue his neighbors. This decorated young American soldier lived by the Army's values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Private Mensah lived and died by these values in selfless service to his community. Madam Speaker, Private Mensah's life exemplifies the best of our Nation. His tragic death teaches us that every life has value, every life has meaning, and every life is worth protecting. Madam Speaker, Private First Class Emmanuel Mensah was not only a brave and courageous American soldier, he was also an immigrant from the African nation of Ghana. Let us honor his life by keeping the gates of liberty open to immigrants like him. ____________________”