MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2005 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Thomas, Jordan, Harden, Walls, Simmons, Horhn, Frazier, Jackson (11th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING CONGRESSMAN BENNIE THOMPSON (D-MS) UPON HIS RECENT APPOINTMENT AS THE RANKING MEMBER OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY BY THE HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS.
WHEREAS, on January 5, 2005, Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) was named by the House Democratic Caucus as the Ranking Member of the now-permanent House Homeland Security Committee for the 109th Congress; and
WHEREAS, as the top Democrat on the Committee, Congressman Thompson is responsible for solving the most important issues affecting homeland security and aggressively pursuing the Committee's oversight responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, Congressman Thompson is uniquely qualified to understand the preparedness and equipment needs of the nation's first responders because he has served as a fire fighter himself. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness and Response during the last Congressional Session, he oversaw the passage of landmark legislation that distributes first responder funds based on the nation's greatest threats and vulnerabilities. The legislation also streamlined the process for getting funds to the front lines of the war on terror; and
WHEREAS, a native of Bolton, Mississippi, Bennie Thompson represents Mississippi's Second Congressional District. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Tougaloo College, and a Masters of Science Degree from Jackson State University. He was elected Alderman in Bolton in 1969, at the age of 21, and was elected Mayor four years later. He helped Bolton get its first fire engine. In 1980, he became Hinds County Supervisor. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1993; and
WHEREAS, even in the busy, high-profile, political atmosphere of Capital Hill, the Congressman has remained down-to-earth, steadfast to his principles and close to his roots. In fact, he lives in the small town in which he was born. He is a founding member of the Mississippi Association of Black Mayors and the Mississippi Association of Black Supervisors. Congressman Thompson is a lifelong member of the Ashbury United Methodist Church in Bolton and has been continuously active in numerous civic, community and professional organizations. In all his work, he has strived to remember and empower those who gave him an opportunity to represent the Second Congressional District of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the Second Congressional District of Mississippi is one of the largest in the country. It is approximately 275 miles long, 180 miles wide and borders the Mississippi River. With a population of 711,164 people, the district is a unique blend of the most urban and the most rural regions of the state. The Mississippi Delta still comprises the vast majority of the district. These counties are not only some of the most agriculturally productive, but the people who live here are part of a culture unique to itself; and
WHEREAS, Congressman Thompson has been married to his college sweetheart, London Johnson of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, for 35 years. The couple has one daughter, BendaLonne, and one granddaughter, Jenna; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this veteran lawmaker, whose new responsibility will ensure that Americans get the security they have been promised, and who remains committed to improving the quality of life for all Mississippians and thereby brings honor to his community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) upon his recent appointment as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security by the House Democratic Caucus, and extend to him and his family our warmest appreciation and support for his continued success as he leads his colleagues and serves the people of Mississippi and the United States.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Congressman Bennie Thompson, forwarded to members of Mississippi's Congressional delegation and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.