Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Commissioning of the Naval Vessel, the USS New Jersey on September 14, 2024.

The third naval vessel named after the great State of New Jersey, this Virginia class submarine is a nuclear-powered cruise missile fast- attack vessel that will prove invaluable to the efficacy of our great Navy. After rigorous tests and trials at sea, this ship has proved its capability to perform her designed mission and join America's strong Naval fleet.

Upon being commissioned. the USS New Jersey will welcome our brave sailors from the Commanding Officer to the crew who are entrusted with maintaining and operating the submarine during peacetime and time of war. Not just a phrase but a guiding light through high seas and troubled times, the submarine's motto--Firepower for Freedom--inspires all of its crew members to preserve our Nation's values in fighting for valor and freedom across the globe.

With many Americans coming together in Monmouth County to celebrate the commissioning of the USS New Jersey, we also celebrate the long legacy of tenacity and bravery that the Navy has proved time and time again. The brave sailors on all three USS New Jersey vessels, and vessels across the globe, exemplify the honor, courage, and commitment stated in the Navy's core values.

As the crew begins their service aboard this exceptional naval vessel, I am grateful for the devotion each and every one of them has to serving their country. I look forward to continuing to support the USS New Jersey and its' servicemembers in achieving their many missions to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and retirement of Channell Wilkins, President and CEO of O.C.E.A.N., Inc., and his commitment to bettering the lives of communities across New Jersey throughout his years of service.

A public servant most of his life, Channell has worked at the Municipal, County and State levels before serving in the Federal government as the Associate Commissioner of the Office of Head Start at the Department of Health and Human Services. His principled work has always been driven by his innate goal to improve the communities in which he served. His desire to serve has also been borne out in finding new and innovative ways to solve problems--bettering communities here across the state.

While at O.C.E.A.N., Inc. Channell was also active in many organizations like Planned Parenthood of North, Central and Southern New Jersey and Jobs for America's Graduates New Jersey. Throughout all of his leadership positions he worked to foster an environment where public service is seen as a way to better one's community.

As President and CEO, Channell provided direction to frontline staff that interfaced with the public on a daily basis and reflected the mission and nature of the organization throughout New Jersey. His leadership led to many programs that improved the lives of so many people living in Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May Counties, including Head Start and Early Head Start, Home Energy, Affordable Housing, Housing Counseling, and Intensive Case Management Services programs--all of which are designed to assist low income people and families across the state.

Channell embodies the spirit of service that makes me proud to represent people like him in New Jersey. We are lucky to have him as a member of our community and I wish him the best of luck as he endeavors on the next chapter of his life.

Mr. Chair, the bipartisan bill that passed out of committee includes some incredible support for our servicemembers and their families.

The bill includes a 19.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other servicemembers and reverses a 5 percent reduction in basic allowance for housing. These provisions mean more money in servicemembers' pocketbooks and more food on the table.

The bill also fully funds childcare fee assistance programs to eliminate wait lists and expand on the ongoing success of spouse employment programs by making permanent the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot, which provides employment support to military spouses through a paid fellowship with employers across various industries.

It is no secret our Armed Forces are facing an unprecedented recruiting crisis, so we are asking the Department to take a second look at how medical treatments, conditions, and medications are evaluated.

Finally, the bill addresses the ongoing healthcare needs of servicemembers and their families by waiving fees and copays on the TRICARE Dental Program for all members of the Selected Reserve.

We bring this bill to the floor to show, in a bipartisan way, that our country is determined to support our servicemembers and their families, that we support readiness and recruitment efforts that are proven to work, and that we support servicemembers no matter who they are.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject poison pill policy riders that could destabilize this important work and not put partisan politics over the well-being of our servicemembers.

Promoting a strong national defense and taking care of our servicemembers are bipartisan issues.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and retirement of Dr. Robert `Bob' Prud'homme, a Senior Scholar and Professor at Princeton University who's work pioneering key facets of COVID-19 vaccination distribution helped save millions of lives across the globe.

A Mercer County resident, Bob is a retired Captain of the United States Army who proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. After his bravery in Vietnam, Bob was an environmental engineer in the U.S. Army Armaments Command where he received the Bronze Star and an Army Commendations Medal.

Bob excelled in his studies, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University, a Masters Degree in Environmental Science and Public Policy from Harvard University, and finally a Doctoral Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin--Madison. After this illustrious academic career, he began his tenure at Princeton University in 1978 as an adjunct professor in chemical engineering.

Bob has spent these last 46 years educating the next generation of engineers in New Jersey, and dedicating his own research to developing technologies that help make cost effective medicines and vaccinations. His work proved invaluable at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The technology he developed allowed for quick dissemination of COVID-19 vaccinations that helped save millions of lives across the globe. This technology is just one of many achievements Bob has pioneered throughout his long career. His research has been published over 400 times in national and international publications and his work has received support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He has also received many accolades and honors throughout his career, including recently being elected to the National Academy of Engineering.

Not only is Bob an exceptional engineer and researcher, he has been an active member at Princeton Community Church for over two decades. It was here that he met his wife, Dottie. The couple now continues to bring the community together through twice-monthly bible study sessions at their home. Husband, father to six, and grandfather to eleven, Bob is always available to read a story, take a kid fishing, or perform a scientific experiment with his family. Students, colleagues, and neighbors all know Bob's passion for fly fishing through the many trips with friends he has planned to fishing locations across the country.

Bob embodies the spirit of service that makes me proud to represent people like him in New Jersey's Third Congressional District. We are lucky to have him as a member of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my colleague and my friend, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.

It is difficult standing in this Chamber knowing that we will never see Donald walk in here and sit with us again. I remember the first time that I sat with him here in these chairs, I was a brand-new Member of Congress, and he was willing to share a quiet moment with me as I was unsure of myself in this extraordinary yet overwhelming place.

When I sought his advice, he told me there is no single way to be a Member of Congress, but he suggested that all of us focus on being ourselves and delivering for our State and our constituents. In some ways, with so much going on, it helped give some clarity and elegant simplicity to this intimidating yet complicated work that we do.

I will remember Donald for his kindness, as many have talked about today. I will remember Donald for the pride he took in his community and his State, and I will remember Donald for his incredible dedication. These are the things we would all be proud to be remembered by, the things we carry with us as we pick up his work to move it forward.

He loved his job. It was an honor he never took for granted, and you could see it in everything he did. My thoughts are with his family and his community. Donald, we will miss you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 116th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Reserve.

For over a century, generations of Americans have served their country in the reserve, leveraging a wide array of skills, educational backgrounds, and expertise to respond to crises across the country, and the globe. In cities and towns across the country, the Army Reserve has always been composed of brave, strong, purposeful men and women with great passions, talents, and abilities.

Since the creation of the Federal Reserve Force in 1908, the Reserve Corps has been ready to serve at a moment's notice, mobilizing more than one million Army Reserve servicemembers in defense of our country. Through two World Wars, the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terror, our brave reserve soldiers have served through crises, emergencies, and natural disasters, making positive impacts on people's lives around the globe.

Year after year, the Army Reserve continues to prove critical to our nation's national security apparatus by harnessing civilian expertise across professions like artificial intelligence, medicine, and engineering, among so many others. There are more than 190,000 Army Reserve Soldiers and 11,000 civilians are currently stationed across all 50 States and 23 countries across the globe. Right here in New Jersey we are proud to have 4,000 soldiers and 68 units contributing to their forward-positioned force. Their service to our country and our great state is invaluable to the readiness and capability of our Joint Forces, and the safety of our communities.

This force begins their next 116 years of service as one of the most experienced outfits in American history, and I am grateful for the service of each and every one of them. I look forward to continuing to support Army Reserve servicemembers in achieving their mission of-- ready now, shaping tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the selfless service and incredible accomplishments of Francis `Frank' Hummel, Jr., a United States Army Veteran, who passed earlier this month.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Frank spent his adult life in southern New Jersey. In December 1950, he joined the United States Army where he completed his basic training on Joint Base McGuire-Dix- Lakehurst, right in his own backyard. Frank was then transferred to a small town in Germany where he went through military intelligence training and served in the Army Security Agency. During this time, Frank enjoyed boxing, playing center and linebacker for the Seventh Army Special Troops Ramblers football team, and being a member of the 97th Signal Satans basketball team. Today, we all remember him for his brave service, and love for sports with his fellow soldiers.

After the Army, Frank opened his own mechanical engineering firm, Hummel Engineering Corporation, which served New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware. Frank also served as the Executive Vice President and then President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern Pennsylvania, and was the Secretary of the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau of Philadelphia. Beyond that he was a member of the Christian Business Men's Association, where he helped mentor young men to succeed in their faith, business, and life's endeavors. Frank also taught project management at the Pennsylvania State University, Media campus.

A man of faith, Frank was an active member of his congregations and served on many church boards throughout the years. Formerly a member of Cherry Hill Baptist Church, he most recently was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Mount Laurel. Frank was active in supporting Christian mission work around the world and was an author in the Wiley Mission Community Newspaper.

Frank was not only a veteran, entrepreneur, and man of faith, he was a family man who loved spending time with his large family. He was known to spend his time visiting historical societies, libraries, and cemeteries across the United States and Europe where he listened to and learned about histories from ancestors and distant family members. He enjoyed recording family genealogy by hand, writing stories about his life experiences, and photography.

Frank married Lorraine Miller in 1951 and in their over 70 years of marriage, they had three children, eleven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

While many community members locally know Frank and his positive impact in our community, today I'm proud to honor his tenure as a veteran of the United States Army, and husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. We are lucky to have his inspiration in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the selfless service and incredible accomplishments of Dr. Sandra Ortega, a United States Air Force Veteran and retired Chief Master Sergeant. She was the first African-American woman to join the Air Force in 1958.

Under the direct commission of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Dr. Ortega dedicated her military career and life after serving to improving the lives of countless military families and communities. It was in the Air Force where she challenged and broke down racial and gender stereotypes and barriers. During her service, Dr. Ortega worked as the Chief of Social Actions where she implemented programs to help servicemembers and their families remain as constructive members of their military community and educate them on drug and alcohol addiction prevention. Her service has had ripple effects across New Jersey and the Nation.

Not only did Dr. Ortega dedicate her life to serving our country, she has worked to improve the lives of communities around the world. She worked to improve education and health infrastructures across Africa, rebuild and stabilize communities in the former Soviet Union after its dissolution, and other emergency management and relief efforts in disaster-stricken communities.

Dr. Ortega earned a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University, an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Morgan State University, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from La Salle University. Today, she spreads her love for, and the importance of, education through her role as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

The scope of Dr. Ortega's work has touched so many lives, including some in my home of Burlington County. A resident of Marlton, she has been elected three times as the Democratic Committeewoman representing Evesham Township, New Jersey in the Burlington County Democratic Committee.

Dr. Ortega not only excelled at serving her country and community, but she is a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was married to her late husband, Julio Ortega, for over 60 years and has four daughters and nine grandchildren.

While many community members locally know Dr. Sandra Ortega and her positive impact in our community, today I'm proud to honor her tenure as a public servant and veteran of the United States Air Force. We are lucky to have her inspiration in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible accomplishments of Dr. Cleophus A. Robinson of the Willingboro Fort Dix/McGuire Air Force Base Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.

Serving as a Tuskegee Airman in the United States Air Force during World War II, Dr. Robinson dedicated almost 40 years of his life to serving our country. It was in the Air Force when he joined the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, of which he has been a member for 74 years. In 1975, Dr. Robinson became a Grand Chapter Life Member of the fraternity and went on to become a founding member of the Willingboro Fort Dix/ McGuire Air Force Base Alumni Chapter which aims to inspire interest in public service. Dr. Robinson's dedication to the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and service has had ripple effects across our communities in Burlington County, New Jersey, and across the Garden State.

Not only has Dr. Robinson dedicated his life to serving his community and bettering the lives of those around him, he also received his Masters of Public Administration from the City University of New York, and later went on to earn his Doctorates in Education from Rutgers University.

The scope of Dr. Robinson's work has touched innumerable lives. He was one of the founding members of the Southern Burlington County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and served 15 years as a member of the Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Conference of NAACP. Through his work with this organization, Dr. Robinson uplifted the voices of his community and empowered underrepresented families across the state to stand up for what is right and just.

Dr. Robinson not only excelled at serving his country and community, but he is a family man, married to his wife, Leonia McCelland, for over 60 years with three adult children.

While many community members locally know Dr. Cleophus Robinson and his positive impact in our community, today I'm proud to honor his tenure as a public servant and veteran of the United States Air Force. We are lucky to have his inspiration in our community.

I rise today to honor the achievements and outstanding athletic career of Crystal Langhorne, a resident of Willingboro, New Jersey and a trailblazer on the basketball court.

A former member of the Willingboro High School's girls basketball team. Crystal became the all-time highest scorer with over 2,000 points in her high school career. Not only did she possess athletic prowess on the court, she continuously showed sportsmanship and camaraderie to her teammates, coaches, and opponents.

Crystal continued her basketball career at the University of Maryland, where she led the team to an historic national championship in 2006 as a key starter for the Terrapins. A fierce athlete, she became Maryland's all-time highest scorer and record holder with 2,247 career points. Upon graduating Crystal started her tenure as a professional basketball player in the WNBA, playing for the Washington Mystics and, later, the Seattle Storm. She continued to demonstrate her love for the game and unparalleled talent racking up more remarkable accolades, including Most Improved Player and All-WNBA honors.

Crystal's talents don't end within the 94 feet of hardwood. Since her retirement from the WNBA she has been a force for social justice across our country. As the Director at Forece4Change, a social justice platform for the Seattle Storm, Crystal helps amplify the voices of black women, fights for voting rights for all Americans, and supports BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities through a wide variety of initiatives. Recently, she had the opportunity to speak about racial and social justice platforms at the White House.

The scope of her work has touched the lives of thousands across the country, including many in New Jersey's Third District. This month, Crystal's alma mater, Willingboro Township School District, dedicated the high school gymnasium in her honor. Crystal was able to celebrate the special night and notable achievement with the Willingboro community, former coaches and teammates in what is now the Crystal Langhorne Gymnasium.

Crystal Langhorne embodies the tenacity and spirit of Willingboro Township that makes me proud to represent this community. We are lucky to have her as one of our own as an inspiration to young basketball players and community leaders throughout our district.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this effort to pass the National Defense Authorization Act. It is a strong bipartisan, bicameral compromise to address many of the quality-of-life needs of our servicemembers and their families.

The conference report that I signed reiterates America's commitment to supporting a diverse force that reflects our Nation and protects the reproductive rights of servicemembers by keeping DoD's travel policy for noncovered medical care intact.

The bill includes a well-deserved pay raise for our servicemembers and expands eligibility for the basic needs allowance program so our military families can have more money in their pockets. These and several other provisions, like improvements to barracks and housing facilities and other issues, will address recruitment and retention of our military, which is vital.

Our servicemembers and their families make incredible sacrifices for us. By passing this bill, we are reinforcing our commitment to them.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues in both parties to support and pass this important piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and retirement of Christopher Burnett, Chief of the Mount Laurel Fire Department who selflessly served his community for over thirty years.

A lifelong Burlington County resident, Chief Burnett first started with the Mount Laurel Fire Department in 1992 when he joined as a volunteer firefighter in high school and later became an Emergency Medical Technician. In 1997, Chief Burnett began his tenure as a career firefighter. During this time he climbed through the ranks, always focused on protecting his community and neighbors. After 10 years as Deputy Chief, Chief Burnett was appointed as Chief of Department in 2021 and Chief of Emergency Medical Services in 2022.

During his tenure at the Mount Laurel Fire Department, Chief Burnett received several notable recognitions from various universities and from the State of New Jersey. These include the Certified Public Management designation from Rutgers University and the Class 6 Merit Award Citation for his bravery during an apartment fire in 1992 in which he rescued a trapped elderly female. Chief Burnett's dedication to his community knew no bounds, as throughout his tenure he served in various roles on the Burlington County Fire Chiefs Association, Eastern Division of the international Association of Fire Chiefs, and the New Jersey Fire and EMS Institute.

In addition to his tireless commitment to the Fire Department, Chief Burnett is a friendly face in our community who dedicates his time to the betterment of his neighbors. He is the creator of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program in Mount Laurel, in addition to the `Get Fired Up for Literacy' program in the Mount Laurel School District and Library. Through these programs, Chief Burnett connected and uplifted his community, dedicating every aspect of his life to public service.

A father, husband, and neighbor, Chief Christopher Burnett believes in servant leadership and organization above oneself. His work ethic and dedication to the Fire Department will leave a lasting legacy of service and leadership for decades to come. Outside of his family, he believes his service to the Fire Department and community is his greatest achievement.

Chief Burnett embodies the spirit of service that makes me proud to represent people like him in New Jersey's Third Congressional District. We are lucky to have him as a member of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Captain James McFarland American Legion Post 79 in Burlington City as

they celebrate the 100th anniversary of the construction of the Post's building this Veterans Day.

After starting operations in 1919, both veterans and community members of Burlington City came together to erect the building that currently stands today. Originally constructed to honor those who bravely served our nation in World War I and completed in 1923, this weekend marks the Post's 100 years of service to our community and continued mission of honoring the service of our veterans. Named after Captain James McFarland, a resident of Burlington, who served as a medical doctor in the 113th Infantry during the first World War, his legacy lives on today in Post 79 and the veteran community that continues service to others by following in his footsteps.

While many community members locally know Post 79 for their success in maintaining a Drum and Bugle Corps and attending many local events and parades, the Post has also coordinated many efforts to connect our neighbors with crucial resources. From blood drives to their annual Thomas Ryan Scholarship for students, they have made an indelible impact on those around them. Now as an organization consisting of 55 members, Post 79 is undoubtedly an integral pan of what makes our community thrive.

Beyond these first 100 years of service to our community, Post 79 is taking even more steps to honor our veterans' stories through establishing their Memorial Walkway. This will provide all families of veterans with a place to reflect and honor our servicemembers' sacrifice for many years to come.

This weekend as we honor both the 100th anniversary of Post 79 and Veterans Day, I wish our veteran community all the best in honoring this momentous occasion. I look forward to continuing to work to honor our veterans' memories for many more years to come.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in concern over implications and consequences of what is before us with this bill. I rise in opposition to proposed cuts to Amtrak that will diminish the funding it needs to provide the service Americans rely on every day.

I know how important Amtrak is because I am one of those Americans who rely on its service. I am one of 9.3 million Americans who used the Northeast Corridor in 2022 to get home, see family, or conduct business. In fact, I just rode the Amtrak train down today to be here at the Capitol to do the work of this country. I am one of nearly 23 million Americans nationwide who have used Amtrak last year to bring our communities closer together and help create economic opportunities for working people.

For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee and will insert this as text into the Record. If the House rules permit, I would have offered the motion with an important amendment to this bill.

My amendment would increase the level of grants for the Northeast Corridor and National Network to match the fiscal year 2023 enacted level. In short, it would help make sure a critical program that millions rely on has the funding it needs to continue operating at the level the American people expect.

Unfortunately, delivering for the American people is not a priority in this Republican budget. This budget guts Amtrak funding by 64 percent. It guts funding for the Northeast Corridor by 92 percent, and it eliminates critical programs for rail safety at a time when we should be prioritizing safety for our workers and our communities.

This Republican budget impacts my home State of New Jersey particularly hard. At a time when train derailments are costing lives, this budget would result in nearly 200 fewer safety inspections in my State of New Jersey alone. At a time when we should be investing in our infrastructure, New Jersey stands to lose nearly $173 million in funding for our transit and highway projects.

New Jersey deserves better, and America deserves better. We can start to make this right for them by passing this MTR to provide the funding we need for programs that millions of Americans depend on.

Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the text of this amendment.

Mr. Kim of New Jersey moves to recommit the bill H.R. 4820

to the committee on Appropriations with the following

amendments.

Page 55, line 7, after the dollar amount, insert

``(increased by $1,160,769,000)''.

Page 55, line 23, after the dollar amount, insert

``(increased by $416,624,000)''

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor the life and selfless service of Kenneth A. Mills, a U.S. Army veteran who bravely served during the Korean War and passed earlier in October.

A beloved member of our Evesham community, many knew Ken as a person that was deeply committed to family, his community,

and our country. After graduating high school, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was later stationed in Korea and served there for 3 years. After his honorable discharge in 1955, Ken's service was highly honored, as he earned two Bronze Stars, the Korean War Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.

Beyond his service to our country, Ken went above and beyond in his personal and professional life to care for those around him. While starting a family of his own in Rockwood, Michigan, with his wife, Betty, Ken also started his career as a union representative, before eventually transitioning into a long, accomplished tenure in Human Resources. Eventually stepping up as the Director of Human Resources for Allied Signal, Ken became a strong leader of their department, working on behalf of the people, and traveling across the country before eventually settling in Marlton, New Jersey.

It was in Marlton that Ken became a dedicated member of the St. Joan of Arc parish, our local government, and the town watch. Through his involvement across multiple organizations, he took every opportunity to facilitate projects to make our community a better, safer place. Most recently, he focused his vision on the Evesham Township Veterans Wall of Honor in the Evesham Township Municipal Building. Ken played a vital role in the `Coffee with a Vet' program as well as the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter.

No matter the task--big or small--Ken proved every day that he was a deep believer that it was always possible for each person to create positive change in their community. Even beyond Evesham's borders, he dedicated his time as the President of the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia, uplifting kids and young adults across the area. I know Ken will have the lasting memory of being a friendly face around town, often riding his lawn mower through the neighborhood with a warm smile and helping hand for whomever may need one.

We were lucky to have Ken as a member of our community. He was a beloved husband, father, and neighbor. My heart goes out to his entire family, his friends, and for anyone who knew him and grieving his loss. Though he will be deeply missed, I am sure his legacy will live on for years to come through his positive impacts on all our lives.