Cspan is your unfiltered view of government, funded by these Television Companies and more including comcast. You think its just a Community Center . Its more than that. Comcast is partnering with a thousand Community Centers to create wifi enabled listings so students from lowincome families can get the tools they need to be ready for anything. Comcast support cspan as a Public Service along with these other Television Providers giving you a front reat to democracy. Up next, House Speaker mike johnson taking part in a ceremony unveiling a statue of the late reverend billy graham at the us capitol. The speaker is joined by Billy Grahams son, reveling Franklin Graham and the North Carolina congressional delegation. Billy graham was a wellknown evangelical christian figure from North Carolina. He died in 2018. This is about 50 minutes. Ladies and gentlemen, the honorable mike johnson, speaker of the United States house of representatives. [applause] good morning, every one. It is an honor to have you with us and the peoples house and as speaker of the house it is my pleasure to welcome you as we honor one of americas greatest citizens and enduring heroes which are capital is filled with monuments to our history, they teach us about where we were and where we are and where we are going and as a nation. The statue of the oldest man in the capital is john winthrop, an english lawyer, one of the leading founders of the Massachusetts Bay colony in 1630. He symbolizes how our country began marked by the belief as he said in his own words that with gods help we could be a shining city on a hill for the people. Of course making the reference from scripture. Our newest statute is of a man who shares the same vision, who shares the same gospel, looked back at where we were and prayed and served endlessly but we could become again that shining city on a hill. This is truly a historic moment. There are only four people in the history of our country received its three highest honors here, congressional goldmedal, upon their passing, having a statue here in the capital. Two of them are president s, ford and reagan. One is rosa parks. The other, as of today, will be reverend billy graham. [applause] i have done a few of these ceremonial events, i dont ever get nervous for public speaking but im nervous today because billy graham is such a towering figure in my life and all of our lives and a singular figure, the leading ambassador of the kingdom of our lifetimes admin means so much to me. It is always a long journey to get a statue here in the capital but a lot of things today, many who helped to bring this day about and make this possible. Billy graham takes his rightful place on these hallowed grounds of american democracy. Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the presentation of the colors by the United StatesArmy Color Guard for the United States infantry regiment, the old guard, the performance of our National Anthem by the United States army band, pershing zone Brass Quintet and the retiring of the colors. Present arms oh say can you see by the dawns early light o say can you see by the dawns early light what so proudly we hailed at the twilights last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight oer the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming and the rockets red glare the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there o say does that star spangled banner yet wave oer the land of the free and the home of the brave ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing for the invocation by doctor barry black, chaplain of the United States senate. Let us pray. Spirit of holiness before whom none can stand in his or her own righteousness, come into the statute dedication ceremony and dwell within our hearts. We thank you for this opportunity to honor the life and legacy of your servant, the reverend William Franklin billy graham junior, by placing his statue in the United States capitol building. We praise you for his life, which was like the light of morning at sunrise. Lord, we celebrate his laudable example of blameless living of obedience to your commands and of telling your good news about salvation around the world. Inspired by his great and sacrificial life, may we in the late his commitments by refusing to deviate from integrity. From living above reproach and striving to transform dark yesterdays into right tomorrow spirit and all of our tomorrows, low mighty god, keep our eyes from tears, our feet from stumbling and our hearts from despair. We pray in the name of the one doctor billy graham passionately loved and served jesus christ the king of kings and lord of lords. Amen. And amen. Please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, the honorable mike johnson speaker of the United States house of representatives. The members of the North Carolina congressional delegation, the grand family and it is a big family. Doctor bruce, mr. Fagan and the statuary of hall committee. If you would join me here and we will do this together. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, the honorable roy cooper governor of North Carolina. [applause] well, mr. Speaker, elected officials, distinguished guests, family and loved ones of the reverend billy graham, i bring greetings from the state of North Carolina. It is such an honor to be with you on this special day. As im sure many of you here already know that it is always an honor every day to be from the great state of North Carolina. [applause] our state has given this nation it first flight, its first public university, its rich farm land, its best College Basketball [laughter] even its first declaration of freedom with the halifax results today, North Carolina gives the nation a simple representing one of our dearest treasures. The reverend billy graham. A man of faith, a man of North Carolina. The reverend graham was known as a minister to millions, a pastor two president s, a selfless man of god who lived out his calling by preaching and teaching across the world. Always returning to his beloved home in the blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for respite. Then to return again to his world wide ministry. I will never forget as a child hearing him preach and rally. He brought together people of different faiths and different races. Today we acknowledge that he is a better representation of our state than the statue it replaces which brought memories of racism. He realized that he and all of us here together have feet of clay. We are imperfect. We have been found wanting. But he believed, as many of us do, that there is redemption. He dedicated his life to delivering that message. The reverend really graham also recognized the responsibility of Public Servants such as us and especially that of the president of the United States was so that whoever was in that office deserved a presumption of good faith. The power of prayer. The gift of his wisdom, friendship and advice. He did not seek to bludgeon or deify any political candidate or party. Instead, he would use his magnetic, loving and persuasive gifts to counsel and lift in prayer political leaders of both parties. He did not seek to attack other religions and he treated all with dignity and respect. In fact, he once said racial prejudice and antisemitism or hatred of anyone with different beliefs has no place in the human mind or heart. We have often strayed from that example. But, as we stand together today as public officials, we can honor his legacy, not just by unveiling the statue, but by being humble. Humble enough to know that our Public Service is not to honor ourselves, but to serve our country and strengthen our democracy and humble enough to put aside personal to do better for our country not for personal gain. As we gaze upon North Carolinas newest statue here in the capital, let us reflect on the realization that the reverend Billy Grahams work to share counsel and guidance, to seek grace and peace and live a life of faith, service and humility is needed now more than ever. The work to bring people to gather for a higher calling. That work is unfinished and that work must continue. Thank you. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, the honorable ted bud, United States senator from North Carolina. [applause] good morning. It is absolutely my honor to be here. This day is a decade in the making. It would not have been possible without the teamwork of fellow members of the North Carolina delegation, so, thank you. I want to thank them for the commitment to honor one of North Carolinas favorite sons. The legacy of reverend billy graham is based on a simple message. Creation, fall, redemption and our ultimate hope set forth in scripture. Taking this message of hope in christ to more than 185 nations to more than 200 Million People in person and more than 2 billion people through radio and television broadcasts. I was one of those 2 billion that would watch him on tv as a young kid. When i was young, i remembered loving to watch billy graham and for two reasons. One, it was the good news of jesus christ. And, two, if he was on tv, my parents would let me stay up late. [laughter] you know, to this day, anytime i hear the him just as i am i want to get up and walk forward. More people have heard the good news of jesus from billy graham than any man in our history. That incredible legacy, you know , it did not start with him. As with many things it started in the prayers of prior generations. His parents, his inlaws, enriched by the love of his wonderful wife ruth. This legacy continues on through his children, through his grandchildren and four the north carolinians here today calling our state. Raised on a small farm in what has now grown into a big city. He and ruth will live anywhere in the world but they chose to make North Carolina home. They raised a family there and it put our state at the heart of a global ministry. So, as we honor his memory in the u. S. Capital today, let us never forget the bible that he preached, the souls that were saved in the lives that were transformed. Enough lives to affect the course of nations. It is our hope that we as all lawmakers as we come and go a visitors pass by the statue of billy graham that we are reminded of his ministry and what he preached so often emphasizing two verses in the gospel of john etched on either side of this beautiful statue. The first, as we know, from the book of john Chapter Three verse 16, for as god loved the world he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. And in john 146 when jesus declares i am the way and the truth and the life and no one comes to the father but by me. His point was this and i quoted and his words and his final crusade in 2005 he said i have one message that jesus christ came, he died on the cross and he asked us to repent of our sins and receive him by faith as lord and savior and if we do we have forgiveness of all of our sins. Friends, gods grace is undeserved. But, through christ it is freely given and it is by trusting in christ sacrifice that we are saved. If you have not made that decision for your self, i hope, i pray, that you will. Friends, it is by the power of christ spirit in a transformed life we have the power to love one another and the power to make america and the world a better place. May god bless life and legacy of reverend william Franklin Graham junior and may god forever bless the United States of america. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, United States senator from North Carolina. Being that thank you all and welcome to our great capital. Mr. Speaker, i think you agree you are hardpressed on what color the sky is on a cloudless day. But, i believe we can all agree here and have great consensus that billy graham was a trailblazer. During the 1950s where leaders in the south openly embraced segregation, it was billy graham who spoke out against it. He insisted and assortments that they be integrated. He shared his platform of black ministers including one named Martin Luther king jr. Reverend graham was blessed with the gift that brought differences and brought us all together. I remember vividly to things that were a staple in my family. Walter crime kite and billy graham. [laughter] reverend graham was blessed with a gift that brings us all together. Bridged the differences between us. You can remembered in the crusades, we all came together. He united american spirit he lifted them up. He understood how gods word could change hearts. And inspired us to live up to our highest ideals. I hope when members of congress walk by his statue they reflect on the standards of faith, ethics and decency. That he exemplified throughout his extraordinary life. I believe that is presently on the capital can help us find opportunities to unite around what makes our nation great. There is no north carolinian more deserving of this honor. I want to thank the many people who play a role in getting a statue here. I see one of those people, my friend, former colleague Charlie Jeter in the audience. He led the charge to get the state law passed in 2015. That started the whole process. Chase fagan, charlotte artis, what a wonderful job you did with this statue. [applause] i also have to think the graham family. Franklin and all of you. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful treasure with the rest of this world. Our nations place as North Carolina honor to be able to call him our native son. Thank you all for being here today and thank you for gracing this beautiful capital with billy graham. God bless you all. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, the reverend william Franklin Graham the third son of William Franklin billy graham junior and president and ceo Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and samaritans purse. [applause] thank you. Vice president pence, members of the senate, members of the house , reverend cooper. Distinguished guests, friends and lots of family. My father would be a little uncomfortable with this being here. Because he would want the focus to be on the one that he preached. He would want the focus to be on the Lord Jesus Christ, the son of god. [applause] on the base, john 316 john 146 are inscribed and of course john 316 gives the gospel that god so loved this world that he sent his son on a rescue mission. To save sinners. He did not come to condemn, he came to save. If we would confess our sins and repent and believe in the name Lord Jesus Christ we can be saved. This was his message that he preached. He never got off track. And, of course, jesus said, i am the way and the truth and the life no man comes to the father but by me. My father believed it. He believed the bible cover to cover. He did not understand it all, but he certainly believed it. Every word of it. My family is honored that our earthly father will be here in this capital pointing to the future generations. To our heavenly father and his son the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, Michael W Smith performing i surrender all. It is an honor to be here. I cannot help but reflect on the many times that we were able to minister together all across america for so many years. I especially remember the last few years of his life on this earth, especially the last few months when i would set up my piano beside him in his wheelchair and he would want to hear some hymns. That is what he wanted to hear. I would play all of his hymns. His favorite hymns. He would try to sing along as best as he could. But this is one that i remember probably for the rest of my life that we had the treasure of experiencing together. I think maybe, just maybe that billy would want this to be our theme song today and in the days ahead. I surrender all to jesus all to him i freely give i will ever love and trust him and his presence daily live i surrender all i surrender all all to the my blessed savior i surrender all all to jesus i surrender humbly at his feet i bow worldly pleasures all forsaken take me, jesus, take me now i surrender all i surrender all all to the my blessed savior i surrender all i surrender all i surrender all all to the my blessed savior i surrender all [applause] ladies and gentlemen, the honorable Patrick Mchenry mchenry from the 10th district of North Carolina. Please forgive me, i did not organize the program. Had i organize the program i would not follow Franklin Graham or Michael W Smith. So forgive me. This will pass quickly. The greatest moment of my service in congress was in 2012. It had just occurred in North Carolina which was traditional, seasonal and i was just getting to know new parts of my district when i got a call from reverend grahams office. Said that he would welcome an opportunity to me as a congressman. My new district had taken in a little town, a Little College town of western North Carolina. It was in this small town that reverend graham was married. Made their home, raised a family he was just as comfortable chatting with locals at the coach house restaurant as he was on the world stage. It was in that little train stop that he would take the overnight train in the 1950s in the 1960 s to come here to washington. That overnight train he would get off and he would go meet with folks here in this county. Both parties. He would go to the white house. No matter the presence they wanted him as their counselor. No matter the party, they wanted him as their counselor. Be able to speak with reverend graham they raise their amazing family. To pray with him. To feel the warmth that so many had felt. Broadly and oneonone. This experience and this memory that i will always, always treasure. Today, it is a true honor to be part of the lasting tribute. Counseling 13 president s who personally evangelized 215 Million People and 185 countries. A man who squarely was in the public eye but you transcended politics. This humble servant of god who is raised on his fathers daily farm in charlotte. From those modest roots he went on to be the finest north carolinian. Without a doubt the finest North Carolina has ever produced. Altogether fitting that he should take his place among the greatest americans here in the statuary hall. Thank you so much. God bless. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, the honorable virginia fox United States representative from the Fifth District of North Carolina [applause] so patrick said he had a tough position in the program, so what about me . I have to follow him. Good morning, everyone. Especially the members of the graham family that are with here and those that traveled all the way from the beloved mountains of North Carolina. Welcome. The building that i love and admire deeply should represent the very best of america. That is why it is such a proud moment for me to see reverend grahams statute take its place here. Four many years ive advocated for reverend graham to have a place within these halls. And to know that millions of people who visit the capital every year, will be able to look upon his statue, read those verses and be encouraged. The North Carolina delegation general assembly, the Design Committee worked with expediency to bring this suggestion to fruition. Everyone understood the impact within our country and across the world. He deserves to be recognized in a very tangible way here in the capital. During his lifetime he counseled foreign dignitaries. Numerous president s, members of the royal family and public figures. However, his lifes work was dedicated to the millions of people around the world to found jesus christ as their lord and savior through his preaching as well as to being patriarch of a family that is continuing his work. He wants described being a christian as more than just an instantaneous conversion. It is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like christ. How well we hear in congress understand what a challenge that is. And, others have alluded to it. Seeing this statue here every day will encourage us to strive to be more like reverend graham and like christ. We are blessed that the lord allowed him to be with us for 99 years. With this statue, his memory and example will live on as long as our country exists. It is an honor to be here on this momentous day. May god continue to bless all of you and our great country. Thank you. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, the honorable mike johnson, speaker of the United States house of representatives. [applause] what an exciting day this is been and what a fitting ceremony youve heard of motion, youve heard authenticity, youve heard humility and tm body that for so much of us. He was a model in so many ways. We want to thank you for being here. I have a thought i want to share just briefly. First of all, scripture advises us to give honor to where honor is due. The statue committee. Governor cooper, of course, the North Carolina delegation, you guys have sent an Awesome Group to congress. Led by the delegation virginia fox. She is amazing. Of course the Billy Graham Evangelical Association was has a massive untold impact. A measurable impact around the world. I have also, i note here with us lots of dignitaries and many of my personal heroes from North Carolina is with us. Another person that i know personally impacted by billy graham. [applause] he was mentioned earlier just briefly. Chance fagan is the sculptor of this magnificat statue. I mentioned earlier only for americans who have achieved the three highest honors here. I mentioned it earlier president ronald reagan. What you may not know is mr. Fagan also created that statue and that is pretty awesome. I actually love this placement. Im not sure if you all realize the significance of this. This is the main corridor through the congress and through the capital. Literally millions of people will walk by and read john 146 right there. Then they will walk around the other side and see john 316. They will see him pointing to the open block. This will be a great conversation piece for us as we give tours in the capital late night. And the school kids. University school students. I think it is a perfect placement. While i stand before you as a speaker of the house i more importantly here today as so many of us are as a believer, a christian, a follower of christ. One that is been deeply impacted by the ministry of the reverend billy graham. 1951 that he came to my hometown for one of his early crusades. He came at the invitation of doctor me dad and reverend grand graham started preaching at our auditorium. You know the phrase elvis has left the building. Right there Municipal Auditorium it is a famous place. But the problem was that reverend graham was too popular and the message was too impactful and the crowds were so large they had to move to the football field at the state fairgrounds in shreveport. Those meetings became reverend grahams very first outdoor crusades. Yes, you are right. At least that is what we claim. Over the course of three weeks he preached to approximately 200,000 people which is greater than the population of the whole northwest corner of the state. So they came in from all over the place. One of the men present at those meeting seven decades ago led by own father to christ. And other people who are present at those meetings where my childhood pastors in mice sunday School Teachers who all had a massive influence, of course, on me. The gospel that they preached to me and my siblings and everyone in my sphere of influence. That is a message that changed my life for eternity and reverend graham knew would change every persons life. The good news of salvation and redemption and hope as you heard articulated here today. Our creator loved us so much, every one of us that he gave his only son so every Single Person that believes in him can have that same gift of eternal life. Even as he preached to hundreds of millions administered to and walk to president s and kings, what we love about billy graham as he exemplified christs humility, as amplified here today. He was buried, many people do not remember, and apply would casket that was fashioned by prisoners in louisiana. He humbled himself to care for the poor and prisoners, they are forgotten the law stand least of these. Exactly what the scripture tells us to do. And, because he believed, he really did believe that even the poorest sinner could be a co heir with christ for eternity that is what motivated him. And, those men that made his casket had come to believe that message, too. They believed that through the influence. Because river graham never pursued earthly riches as said he would probably be uncomfortable with this today. That humility is exactly why god exalted him and chose him and raised his platform to such great heights. Billy graham was known as americas great pastor. He had a personal relationship with and a unique influence upon every president since harry truman. As his body late here in the rotunda in february 2018, throngs of people came through to pay their last respects and all the members of congress and everybody, dignitaries from all around, tributes poured in. They included all of the living former president s. Here is a quick sample of some of the things they said. Billys acceptance of jesus christ around his 17th birthday not only changed his wife, it changed our country in the world one of the figures of the last 100 years. An American Hero whose life and leadership truly earned him the title gods ambassador. Barack obama tweeted this. Billy graham was a humble servant who prayed for so many and two, with wisdom and grace gave hope and guidance to generations. George w. Bush said those that are blessed to know billy graham benefited from his deep convictions and personal example his wisdom and humility, his grace and purity of heart. We knew his life was a gift from the almighty. I rejoice that he is now in the company of god that we love so much and serve so well. Bill clinton, he said billy graham was one of the most the powerful words touched countless. They were very close. His faith in christ and is totally honest evangelical spirit inspired people across the country and around the world , i think billy touched the hearts of not only christians, but people of all faith because he was such a good man. The reverend billy graham tirelessly spread the message of fellowship and hope and shape the lives of tens of millions of people worldwide. Broadminded, forgiving and humble in his treatment of others. He exemplified the life of jesus christ by constantly reaching out to serve. What a model for us. What a story to tell as we bring schoolkids and University Students and constituents to bring right here. At the foundation of the statue mentioned, they will be shared broadly now and in his left hand just a couple of things. He held an open bible, as you can see. He is inviting all of those to view and reflect upon the word of god. His bible is open specifically. Youd have to climb on a ladder to see. Later i will click take a picture to all of you. One of the reasons im nervous as they handed me Billy Grahams study bible. It is priceless. Im about to shake just holding it right now. It has his notes inside. I know. I know. I need secret service to come and handed off to him. It is opened as i said in galatians 614. He has it underlined in red. But god forbid that i should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified on to me and i into the world. That is a fitting verse we open to. As you can see the page is well marked. It is pretty awesome. He put this in his final years and to close using one of his own marked up bibles. Thank you all for coming here today. We invite you to stick around as long as you like and take photos as we all celebrate together the great legacy. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the benediction delivered by the reverend doctor there bruce former executive assistant to William Franklin billy graham junior. What a marvelous day. As we conclude our service on behalf of the graham family and the grateful citizens of the state of North Carolina, thanks to the congressional leadership for this honor. Mr. Graham simply wanted to be remembered as a preacher of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and so he shall always be. Let us pray. Our father and our god, we thank you for this day of remembrance and honor. For this your servant, billy graham and his ministry that encompassed the world. We are also grateful for this place in which mr. Graham is being honored. A special and beautiful building with its majestic dome that reflects a beacon of freedom and democracy. Dreams and possibilities. This, the United States of america. We pause for those in authority over us and governmental offices and statehouses in the judiciary system for the military and First Responders and all who work to keep us safe and preside over the leadership of this country. We pray for each leader that they would act justly, love mercifully and walk humbly with you our god. We also pray this day with thankfulness for the life of william Franklin Graham junior and the Extraordinary Ministry provided to him. The clear enunciation of good moves. The way of salvation. Preach from your holy bible and all punctuated with that remarkable North Carolina accent so beloved by all who heard him preach. For his life and his times, his family and the spiritual calling that he lived so faithfully, for this statue and its remembrance for generations to come of the message he preached in the savior he reflected in life, heart and word. Thank you, lord, for billy graham. A preacher of your gospel. A bearer of the good news to those outlaws. As we conclude this event, as believers of this place, we pray that in the midst of a weary world, with sin and evil that seems so prevalent, we rejoice in the profound hope of the good news of the gospel and its power to change human hearts. Just as billy graham preached through a life well lived and a ministry completed i his day. For this life a message we pray in the strong wonrful and autiful name of jesus christ our lord amen ladies and gentlem, this concludes todays ceremony. Thank you for attending and enjoy the rest of your day. Earlier today the chair of the fdics Martin Grunberg federal vice chair Michael Barton acting comptroller of the currency michael sue. Before the senate to testify on an independent investigation that found continued Sexual Harassment and discrimination at the agency. What the Senate BankingCommittee Hearing tonight at 9 00 oclock eastern on cspan. Cspan now our free mobile video app or online at cspan. Org. Now they have ripped their country so they want to come here and collect our instead. Most people come here to make a better life if not for them, but their kids. My italian grandparents never spoke english. They made america great. This friday author ann coulter and columnist debate the young turks over the question should the u. S. Shut it orders. The debate is moderated by journalist barry rice. Watch it friday at 9 00 p. M. Eastern on cspan and online cspan. Org. American history tv. Saturdays on cspan2 exploring the people and events that tell the american story. At 7 00 p. M. Eastern hour american tv series congress investigates look at historic congressional investigations that led to changes in policy and law. This week House Committee in 1993 and 1995 examined events carried out by the federal government and other Law Enforcement agencies at the branch compound near waco, texas at 8 00 p. M. Eastern, lectures in history texas a m mollify crawford talks about the evolution of civil rights while in effort to dismantle jim crow and racial segregation including the 1954 brown versus board of Education Supreme Court decision which required Public Education segregation to be unconstitutional. At 930 on the presidency. White house correspondent peter baker on the evolution of the american vice presidency. He has observed the tenure of al gore, dick cheney, joe biden, mike pence and kamala harris. Exploring the american story. Watch American History tv saturdays on cspan2 and find a full schedule on your Program Guide or watch online anytime at cspan. Org history. Cspan has been delivering unfiltered congressional coverage for 45 years. Here is a highlight from a key moment. Stay with you, ladies and gentlemen. This flag is a symbol. We stand, we fight and we will win because we are united. Ukraine, america and the entire free world. [applause]