Cleo Fields

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Application of Regulation Z's Ability-To-Repay Rule to Certain Situations Involving Successors-In-Interest".

in committee

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Equal Credit Opportunity (Regulation B); Revocations or Unfavorable Changes to the Terms of Existing Credit Arrangements".

in committee

DPA Advanced Procurement Act of 2026

in committee

“Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and sincere respect that Reverend Dr. D. Edward Chaney is commended and celebrated on his installation as Pastor of Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dr. Chaney brings to this historic congregation a distinguished record of service, leadership, and commitment to faith, family, and community. Dr. Chaney's journey of service began long before his entrance into ministry. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, he honorably served his country for four years. Following his military service, he pursued and achieved academic excellence, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Limestone College, a Master of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. These accomplishments reflect both his intellectual rigor and his dedication to spiritual and professional growth. Throughout his ministry, Dr. Chaney has embraced diverse roles from church musician to pastor's assistant, youth pastor, and ultimately senior pastoral leadership. Each experience molded his ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. His broad experience has equipped him with a unique pastoral vision and a profound understanding of how to nurture, develop, and expand thriving congregations. Beyond the walls of the church, Dr. Chaney has demonstrated exemplary civic engagement. He has served on the Nevada State Board of Funeral & Cemetery Services and on the Board of Directors for the Nevada Health Center. Nationally, he has given his time and talents to the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., where he served as an Executive Board Member and Assistant Parliamentarian. Dr. Chaney's commitment to service is further reflected in his active membership in several distinguished organizations. He is a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, a Silver Life Member of the NAACP, and an engaged member of the Las Vegas Urban League. His affiliations speak to his lifelong dedication to leadership, equity, and community empowerment. As Dr. Chaney assumes the pastorship of Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, he does so with the support and partnership of his wife, Dr. Avis C. O'Bryant- Chaney, and their three children. Together, they bring to Baton Rouge a spirit of warmth, commitment, and faith that will surely enrich the congregation and the community at large. Therefore, it is with great pride that Reverend Dr. D. Edward Chaney is honored on his installation as Pastor of Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church for his outstanding record of service to his country, his community, and the ministry. A warm and heartfelt welcome is extended to him and his family as they join the Baton Rouge community. May his leadership be marked by continued growth, inspiration, and lasting impact. ____________________”

2025-11-21 · Government Reform

“Mr. FIELDS. Mr. Speaker, the state of Louisiana recently lost a visionary leader and titan of industry whose impact was profound, far- reaching, and enduring. James M. ``Jim'' Bernhard dedicated his life to advancing opportunity, strengthening communities, and demonstrating what determined, principled leadership can achieve. Though his accomplishments in business and public service were vast, his most meaningful legacy is found in the countless lives he improved and the deep affection he held for the people of Louisiana. Jim Bernhard was born on April 9, 1954, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. From an early age he showed the traits that would define his lifelong service to his home state: energy, intellect, and a steadfast commitment to community. A proud graduate of Louisiana State University, Jim combined his entrepreneurial drive with a disciplined work ethic to build one of the most successful industrial enterprises in the Nation. He founded The Shaw Group and guided it from a small pipe-fabrication business in Baton Rouge into a Fortune 500 global industrial services firm. Under his leadership, the company grew to employ thousands and to serve major sectors including energy, engineering, and construction. Jim's deft vision transformed The Shaw Group into a major economic engine for Louisiana, creating jobs, attracting investment, and elevating the state's prominence in national and international markets. After the sale of The Shaw Group, Jim continued to innovate and lead. He co-founded Bernhard Capital Partners, an internationally recognized private-equity firm managing billions of dollars in assets with investments in energy services, industrial operations, and utility infrastructure. Through this transformative work, he continued to strengthen critical industries, support innovation, and expand economic opportunities across Louisiana and beyond. Jim's extraordinary professional achievements were matched only by his deep commitment to civic life. He was a trusted mentor to many young leaders and a steadfast supporter of numerous charitable, cultural, and educational causes. His philanthropy played a defining role in the revitalization of downtown Baton Rouge through his pivotal support of the Shaw Center for the Arts, a landmark institution that continues to enrich the region's cultural landscape. He was a champion for education at every level, frequently advocating for stronger investment in both K-12 schools and higher education. Jim's generosity made significant financial support possible for schools and students throughout the Baton Rouge area, and his advocacy helped strengthen public understanding of the critical link between education, workforce development, and long-term state prosperity. Jim's compassion reached far beyond Louisiana's borders. He provided vital assistance to communities recovering from hurricanes in North Carolina, supported a nonprofit organization in California dedicated to assisting people experiencing homelessness, and contributed to relief efforts throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and other regions across the globe. His philanthropy was often quiet and unpublicized, guided by a belief that those blessed with success have a duty to help those in need. At the center of Jim's life was his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Dana, and a proud father to his five children: Benjamin Bernhard, Michael Bernhard, Patrick Bernhard, Kathryn Gerry, and Tres Bernhard. He was equally proud to be the grandfather of eight grandchildren, each of whom brought him tremendous joy and inspiration. Jim Bernhard's unwavering love for Louisiana, his commitment to public service, and his conviction that the state's potential is limitless will continue to shape the region for generations to come. His legacy is one of leadership, generosity, innovation, and hope--a legacy that will forever enrich the state he cherished and the people for whom he worked tirelessly. Louisiana deeply mourns the loss of Jim Bernhard, honors his remarkable life, and celebrates the enduring impact he leaves behind. ____________________”

2025-11-21 · Government Reform