WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will speak on the floor of the United States House of Representatives to honor the life and impact of Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church of Harlem.

Watch live on CSPAN.org. The following are remarks by Rep. Espaillat as prepared for delivery.

"Madame Speaker,

Today I rise to honor the life and legacy of the indelible Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III.

The pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church for 50 years, Reverend Butts understood that his role as a leader went beyond the faith community.

Witnessing the racial strife of the late 1960s, Reverend Butts became an ardent protector of the Harlem community, particularly the Black community, and often pushed for projects and policies that would increase access to necessities like housing and education.

Reverend Butts led projects that included raising and investing one billion dollars in housing and commercial development in Harlem through the Abyssinian Development Corporation and creating the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change.

Reverend Butts preached a message of faith and education, and he motivated each of us through his teachings to be an active and exemplary member of Harlem, uplifting communities while giving back through service, engagement, and social reform.

A dear friend and icon of Harlem, may he rest in peace and may his legacy be cherished and never forgotten.

Thank you and I yield back."