HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CARL J. STEWART, JR.

On 2026-01-08, Representative Tim Moore (R-NC-14) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CARL J. STEWART, JR." in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, infrastructure.

HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CARL J. STEWART, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [House] [Page H144] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CARL J. STEWART, JR. (Mr. Moore of North Carolina was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Carl J. Stewart, Jr., a proud son of Gaston County, North Carolina, and a former speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, who passed away on December 23 at the age of 89. Carl grew up in a working-class family as the son of two Firestone Mill employees. He earned a scholarship that helped him attend Duke University and Duke University Law School. He then went on to serve in the North Carolina House for 13 years and made history as the first speaker elected to serve two consecutive terms. {time} 1115 Throughout his life, Carl was a very well-respected attorney in our area with an absolutely great law practice. He combined his legal work with public service, along with serving in the legislature. He held leadership roles on the North Carolina Board of Transportation, the North Carolina Economic Development Board, the North Carolina Ports Authority, as well as the North Carolina Ethics Commission. His legacy lives on in the infrastructure and educational access that he helped build, especially at Gaston College. For six decades, Carl Stewart served the community college, first as a business law instructor, then as legal counsel, forming a partnership with college presidents and board members rooted in innovation, integrity, and unwavering commitment to student success. In every role, he focused on building a stronger North Carolina, and he really put in so much time to improve the lives of folks in Gaston County. Whether it was education or other things, you name it, he was always there. I will tell you one thing about Carl. He never lost sight of where he came from, and he spent his life helping. I got to know Carl even before I was speaker of our statehouse, and I can tell you, he was a great mentor. He was somebody who loved nurturing folks who were coming up in public service and getting involved and folks who really wanted to try to make our State a better place. I am going to tell you, North Carolina is a better place because of Carl Stewart's work and his example. I join our community in mourning this tremendous loss. I ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers in appreciation for all that he has done for so many in our great State. Honoring Life and Service of Officer Michael Miles Mr. MOORE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and service of Officer Michael Miles, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this week. He was a proud marine, a loving father, and a dedicated police officer serving the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for more than 13 years. He spent much of that time protecting and mentoring others in the Freedom Division. Before wearing the badge, he wore the uniform of the United States Marine Corps and served his country with honor. That same spirit of service guided him every day on the job and at home. His sudden passing is a heartbreaking loss for his loved ones, his fellow officers, and our entire community. Officer Miles leaves behind his partner, Hannah, and four children. I ask my colleagues to join me in lifting up his family in prayer. ____________________