Joe Crowley: “I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan for yielding me this time. Before I begin, I want to thank my colleague, Ranking…”

“I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan for yielding me this time. Before I begin, I want to thank my colleague, Ranking Member Lawrence, for her support on the Interior Subcommittee as well as the full committee, Ranking Member Cummings and Chairman Chaffetz of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee for working with us to bring this bill to the floor. I am so pleased to have this chance to honor Jeanne and Jules Manford and their history of community engagement by naming the Jackson Heights Post Office, which is situated in Queens, New York, which is squarely in the middle of my congressional district. I also want to thank Suzanne Swan, Jeanne and Jules' daughter, and PFLAG for collaborating with me on this legislation as well. Mr. Speaker, the timing of this bill, as my colleague from Michigan just said, could not be a more opportune moment. It comes in the wake of last Sunday's terrible attack on the LGBT community in Orlando, an attack that was motivated by hate. We stand here today to honor two individuals who, when faced with a hateful act of violence themselves against their son, were inspired to start a movement couched in acceptance and support. Jeanne and Jules Manford were your typical middle class Queens, New Yorkers, who worked hard to make a better life for themselves, their families, and for their community. Jeanne was a public schoolteacher in Flushing, Queens. Jules was a dentist.…”