Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Police Chief Richard Calabrese who is being honored by Temple Sinai in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, for his unwavering commitment to community safety and combating antisemitism.

Richard has been the epitome of service both in his professional and personal life. After serving our country in the United States Marine Corps, he began his long career in law enforcement with the Camden County Park Police before eventually joining the Cinnaminson Township Police Department in 2004. For eight years, Richard took the time to enhance his skills within the computer forensic

investigation field, and soon after was promoted to Sergeant within the Department. Richard's leadership did not end there, and he continued to rise through the ranks as Lieutenant, Internal Affairs Commander, and eventually, Chief of Police in 2019.

No matter the role, our community has seen Richard be there to ensure each and every person feels safe and respected. His work with Temple Sinai specifically goes to show that, for him, his work is more than a job--it is about public service, and building a community we can continue to be proud of. Not only has he served his neighbors in times of emergency, but he took extra time to ensure the synagogue had proper security systems in place, and train community members on how they can stay safe in a crisis. While fulfilling all the day-to-day duties of his job, it is certainly also true that Richard has become a pillar of trust and leadership to those around him.

As we see a rise of antisemitic incidents across the country, we are collectively reminded that it is on us to continue pushing back against harmful bigotry that seeks to divide us and incite violence. I hope more people will follow in Richard's footsteps and work together to make sure everyone feels safe and welcome in our communities.

We are grateful to Richard for his dedication to public safety and for working to create a society that looks out for one another, regardless of our differences. I wish him all the best as he is deservedly honored by Temple Sinai for his outstanding contributions to New Jersey's 3rd District.

Mr. Speaker, everyone should have the ability to work in safe conditions, receive competitive pay and benefits, and at the end of the day, be able to put food on the table.

America's hardworking families keep our country running, but right now a lot of families are finding they don't have the support they need. Autoworkers made concessions in 2008 to save the auto industry and new contracts have not been reinstated to help them recover from those cuts and keep up with the economic demands.

Meanwhile, auto company profits at Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis have skyrocketed 92 percent over the last 10 years, totaling $250 billion. In 2023 alone, they are expected to profit more than $32 billion. Despite their efforts, worker pay has only gone up 6 percent over the last 10 years.

Companies can and should do better because Americans deserve better. Workers deserve a fair deal. They aren't asking for the moon; they are asking for fairness and dignity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional member of the Army National Guard, Major Miranda Summers Lowe and her distinguished service and dedication to my office and her work to connect me and my office better with the National Guard.

A native of Muncie, Indiana, Major Summers Lowe enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard and was later commissioned as an intelligence officer. She has served 21 years in Indiana, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C. National Guards in a broad range of drill status and Active-Duty assignments, including deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and to Djibouti in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Currently, she is excelling as a military personnel liaison for the National Guard Bureau Office of Legislative Liaison, where she is working on ways to improve the quality of life for our National Guard Servicemembers and Airmen.

This work builds off of her years of experience in the Legislative Liaison Division as the Congressional Activities Branch Chief and an Army Congressional Fellow in my office. Major Summers Lowe has served Active-Duty tours in the Chief of Staff of the Army's Operation Enduring Study Group and the Office of the Director, Army National Guard. Her attention to detail and responsiveness strengthened the relationship between my office and the National Guard immeasurably. It's my understanding that Major Summers Lowe formulated the congressional engagement plan and prepared National Guard leadership for over 130 meetings and hearings, as well as playing a pivotal role in informing congressional members about the National Guard Bureau's legislative priorities. Her efforts played a pivotal role in developing National Guard healthcare access improvements.

In my office, Major Summers Lowe answered hundreds of congressional inquiries and was an integral part of my office's process in reviewing and making amendments to the

National Defense Authorization Act. After concluding her current assignment in August, Major Summers Lowe will take on another challenging role as the deputy director of the National Guard History Office.

She embodies the qualities that our country expects from our officer corps. It's clear she has a promising career ahead in continued service to our Nation. I want to express my gratitude and appreciation to Major Summers Lowe for her work with my office and her steadfast dedication to National Guard missions. I want to thank her for the work she's done for me, my office, and wish her all the best in her next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent and a true friend to veterans across my district and throughout New Jersey, Ronald F. Dash. Ronald served his country with honor and valor as a member of the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. After his service in Vietnam, he served in the Army Reserves and later transitioned to the Army National Guard attaining a final military rank of Staff Sergeant.

Ronald's dedication to service did not end with his military career. He continues to give his time generously as an adviser to the Willingboro Township Veterans Advisory Committee which is active within area VFW organizations and American Legions. Most notably, Ron serves as Commander in the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 26 right here in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District. Ron can also be found at many community events in Willingboro--providing those in need to a hot meal or connecting a fellow veteran to benefits they have earned.

August 7th is Purple Heart Day, and as we prepare to honor and remember the brave men and women who were wounded during their service or paid the ultimate sacrifice. Today, I want to say thank you to Ronald F. Dash for all that he has done to uphold the solemn commitment we have to veterans and their families. The Willingboro community, my district, and the State of New Jersey are all better off thanks to his tireless efforts.

Mr. Chair, I want to respond to what was just said.

It is absolutely important that we set straight that diversity does not mean we are talking about people who are less qualified. We are not talking about reducing standards. We are talking about recognizing one part of the decision as one part of many.

This is not a situation where it is the overriding factor. I agree with what Chairman Banks said, which is that we want the best and brightest, but what we recognize when it comes to our service academies, in particular, is that this is a situation where we are trying to also build a force.

This is not just about an individual. Yes, we want the best and brightest, but we also want the most cohesive and effective fighting force for our country.

We recognize we are building an entity where our servicemembers are part of something bigger than all of them.

I think about this brief that was put forward to the Supreme Court that was written by former military officials that said: ``The importance of maintaining a diverse, highly qualified officer corps has been beyond legitimate dispute for decades. History has shown that placing a diverse Armed Forces under the command of homogenous leadership is a recipe for internal resentment, discord, and violence.''

This is written by former military leaders who are advising us to make sure that we let the military be able to control and be able to have the tools they need to build a force that our country needs.

Mr. Chairman, I believe you can tell a lot about the values of a nation based on how

they treat and care for those who step up and are entrusted with defending the nation. If we are honest with ourselves, we don't always keep our promises, and we don't always do enough for them.

We have servicemembers who are struggling with food insecurity and mental health challenges. We have military families struggling with rising costs and prices, issues that we can better deal with, whether childcare or others.

To have the best and strongest military, we need to be the best and strongest employer. This NDAA is our chance to do better.

So far, this NDAA takes some important steps to improve the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families. It gives a needed pay raise, and it takes action to address suicide and childcare needs. There is more that we need to do, but these are important steps forward.

I have also seen and heard of provisions and amendments, though, that would make it harder for servicemembers to get access to the care that they need or to know and feel that they are welcome and supported by our military and our country.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose efforts that would do that and that would jeopardize some of the gains for our military families that are in this NDAA and make it harder for us to recruit for our all-volunteer force, a force that is the most diverse fighting force on this planet.

As mentioned, I do believe that the last place that partisan politics belongs is in our national security. That is something that we should fiercely protect when we are talking about this NDAA. Our military families deserve better, and this is our opportunity to show them that they are our top priority.

This is our chance to pay tribute to the anniversary of our all- volunteer force by creating support for our servicemembers that can be sustained for the next 50 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Manalapan Township as they celebrate the 175th anniversary of the township's incorporation this week.

Previously a part of Freehold Township, in February of 1848, the New Jersey State Legislature founded Manalapan Township as a separate town, which is now part of New Jersey's 3rd District. The town received its name from Lenape Indian words ``manel'' for drinking and ``paune'' for bread, which meant good land to settle upon for Indigenous peoples. Manalapan originated as a rural farm town within our state, and over many years, held a major role within the agricultural industry, growing grains and a wide variety of vegetables.

During the American Revolution, Manalapan served as a crossroad for one of the sites of the Battle of Monmouth, which occurred on June 28, 1778 and involved 30,000 British and Continental troops. On the 200th anniversary of the Battle, in 1978, the State of New Jersey opened the 1,520 acre Monmouth Battlefield State Park, a majority of which is in Manalapan Township. Every year to commemorate the occasion, the town also holds a reenactment of the Battle, which was a notable part of the Revolution.

Throughout these major events, the town has grown past its original humble beginnings. With only 1,910 people calling it home at the time of its incorporation, Manalapan quickly rose to have the population of over 39,000 residents that exists today. Known by many as a safe community with many local draws like excellent schools and convenient access to metropolitan areas, the town has become a destination for many families to build their lives and have a place to call home.

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Manalapan Township over the course of their 175-year history. I look forward to all they will continue to accomplish and many more years of notable milestones.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I join my colleague, Mr. Bergman, and rise in support of the CADETS Act.

This bipartisan bill raises the age requirement for MARAD's Student Incentive Payment Program, which provides financial support to cadets who attend one of six State maritime academies and commit to a post- graduation service obligation.

Current age requirements for the Student Incentive Payment Program limit participation to people between 17 and 25 years of age. This proposal would expand eligibility to people up to age 42. This bill would widen the pool of potential candidates and aligns the age requirements with that of the Navy Reserve.

Many military veterans attend these State academies, but many applicants are too old to qualify for aid or the program.

Graduates from the State maritime academies become licensed officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine and are part of the Navy's Strategic Sealift Officer Force. Currently, our merchant mariner force is around 1,800 officers short of wartime needs. Because the average age of a merchant mariner is 47, we need to increase the number of eligible individuals for this program.

This bill would open up additional opportunities to our best and brightest and bolster our national security.

State maritime academies provide our veterans unique opportunities to transition to well-paying jobs and continue to serve in support of our Nation.

For those reasons, Madam Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Terry Dearden, Director of Government Relations for the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, and all her years of service to our community. Terry will be retiring from her distinguished 18-year career of advocating and supporting New Jersey veterans, National Guard, Reserve, and active servicemembers.

Terry has been an invaluable resource to me and my office staff as we navigate complex military issues on the Armed Services Committee. Her support has been crucial to my constituent services team for any number of requests we receive every single day. From answering questions on state benefits to ensuring a veteran can lay with dignity in their final resting place, she has always dedicated her work to helping those around her.

Throughout my time working with leadership at Joint Base McGuire-Dix- Lakehurst, Terry was always there to act as an instrumental person in arranging tours and visits for myself and our team. At any available opportunity, she would include my office in exciting advancements on our base like the refueling flight exercises of the 108th Air Wing, tours of New Jersey National Guard facilities, and medal ceremonies honoring those who served, so we could also be more involved in helping our servicemembers and veterans. Through her leadership, Terry worked to show our constituents and servicemembers across the State the commitment and dedication of those who answer the call of serving our country as well as the legacy of our veterans.

I thank her for her years of dedicated service to New Jersey servicemembers, their families, and our veterans. I wish Terry many happy years in retirement with her husband Ed and four daughters.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fred Hartman, a U.S. Army veteran who bravely served during World War II, as he celebrates his 99th birthday this Memorial Day.

One of Medford VFW Post's last surviving members of the ``Greatest Generation,'' Fred proudly answered the call to serve our country in 1943. Originally born in Philadelphia and starting work as an apprentice tool maker, Fred put everything on hold to serve during World War II. Through his work and service, he exemplified integrity and resilience even as his regiment landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and suffered grave losses. In treacherous circumstances they persevered, and Fred continued to serve in various other capacities like Operation COBRA. Even after being wounded by grenade fragments, Fred rejoined his unit in time for the breakthrough of Seigfried Line. Toward the end of his service, Fred was an integral part of helping Allied Forces during the Battle of the Bulge, and later joined the offensive effort during Operation PLUNDER.

Upon his return home as a Sergeant, Fred became a deservedly decorated veteran. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the European Service Medal, and received five stars. At home, he continued his career as a tool maker, and began involvement with local organizations. Most notably, he joined the Medford VFW Post, and served in numerous leadership positions. Eventually, he became the Post Quartermaster, and dedicated his time to managing the financial affairs of the organization. Much like his service to our country, Fred went above and beyond as a leader, and achieved the distinction of All State Quartermaster.

It is clear that no matter the field, Fred has made an indelible impact on our lives. We are proud to have Fred call New Jersey's 3rd District home, and to have been fortunate enough to benefit from his contributions. We thank him for all the ways he has served our community and country as a whole. As Fred continues to enjoy serving others and time with his family, we wish him many more years of good health and continued happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the celebration of Jewish

American Heritage Month, as well as the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.

Throughout a multitude of sectors in fields like government and military service, science and innovation, business, medicine, and the arts and humanities, Jewish Americans have made a mark on the course of history and have created a strong foundation for future generations to come. On this occasion, we have the unique opportunity to recognize the impact that Jewish American people, organizations, businesses, and more have made, all while connecting people to their heritage.

During Jewish American Heritage Month, we are also reminded that the vibrant culture of the Jewish people has not always been embraced, but it has certainly been a part of enriching our communities' history, values, and culture. In a country where diversity should be cherished and protected, Jewish communities continue to endure hostility, hatred, and narrow-mindedness. Anti-Semitism in any form, by anyone, is simply unacceptable, and it is our job to ensure Jewish Americans can proudly and safely express their faith and identity. Despite experiencing discrimination and adversity, this community has undoubtedly played a central role in the growth and prosperity of our country.

We are proud to celebrate Jewish Americans' legacies and accomplishments during this Jewish American Heritage Month. I look forward to celebrating more notable milestones with Jewish American communities for decades to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of James Turcich, an active public servant in New Jersey's 3rd District who has dedicated his career to the Delran Fire Department for 50 years.

James began his work with Station 232 in March of 1973. In serving our community since, he has translated his passion for helping others into five decades of impressive service across multiple sectors of the Delran Fire Department. While serving the Department, James also devoted 20 years of additional service, specifically to the Delran Emergency Squad for emergency medical services. Having served on multiple committees during his time with Station 232, as well as serving as Chief of the Department from 1982 to 1983, James applied his expertise and leadership to ensure our firefighters had the institutional knowledge they needed to assist our communities in times of crisis. His work extended beyond Delran for over 30 years serving on the Board of Fire Commissioners as Treasurer.

In his personal life--like his professional life, James has been committed to maintaining involvement with local sports teams, coaching his son's youth soccer team as well as assisting with his local ice hockey team. Known by many as the team medic, he has undoubtedly made an impact both during the games and off the field. Beyond local athletics, James was also integral in connecting his daughter's Girl Scout Troop to Station 232 to create a larger local presence within the town. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for more local Girl Scout Cookie options.

It's easy to see through these remarkable milestones and achievements, James has undoubtedly made a difference for his family, friends, and colleagues as well as so many others across our district. Throughout his career and volunteerism, he made our community feel safe. New Jersey is grateful for the work that James has done, and I know I speak for everyone in the 3rd District in wishing him many more years of success in his service to Delran.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 115th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Reserve.

For generations, our servicemembers have leveraged a wide array of professional skills, educational backgrounds, and expertise all while serving in uniform. In cities and towns across America, the U.S. Army Reserve has always been comprised of brave, strong, purposeful men and women with great passions, talents, and abilities.

Throughout our history whether it was the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East, Afghanistan, or the Global War on Terror, the Army Reserve has been ready to serve at a moment's notice. Through crises, operations, emergencies, and natural disasters, their service has made impacts on so many people.

Since the activation of the Medical Reserve 115 years ago, the United States has mobilized more than one million Army Reserve soldiers in defense of the country. On any given day, more than 20,000 Citizen Soldiers are assigned across the Department of Defense or mobilized in support of Combatant Commands around the globe. Thousands more participate in overseas deployment training or annual joint exercises that strengthen our alliances and partnerships around the world.

As we navigate ever-evolving challenges, the steadfastness of the Army Reserve is critical to our national security apparatus. Harnessing broad civilian expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, cyber, and logistics is vital in providing every advantage possible.

These servicemembers begin their next 115 years of service as one of the most experienced forces in our Nation's 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,'' and ``Shaping Tomorrow!''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National Infertility Awareness Week. Commemorated annually since 1989, this week serves as a salute to the patients, doctors, researchers, parents, children, families, and all of those who love, support and have been touched by infertility. It also serves to recognize the extraordinary progress we have made over the last four decades toward destigmatizing infertility and bringing awareness to the many barriers people face when trying to start and build their families.

Approximately one-in-five Americans are impacted by infertility. It affects both men and women of all races, religious backgrounds, and economic status, and has an impact spanning millions of Americans across the country. Through research and considerable medical advancements, fertility treatments have vastly improved since the first successful IVF pregnancy and live birth in 1978. Organizations across the country have devoted their mission to achieving continued research and advancement, and I commend them for their dedication to helping families.

I'm grateful to have met with women from my district in South and Central New Jersey through the help of organizations like RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, which advocates for millions of people who need medical assistance to have a family. We discussed the pain and isolation that too frequently goes hand-in-hand with infertility and the importance of lowering the barriers to infertility care including cost and coverage. That's why I'm also proud to represent one of just 16 states that has laws requiring health insurance companies to provide coverage for infertility treatment.

But we cannot rely on state legislatures alone. I'm proud to have cosponsored pieces of legislation like the Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act and the Expanding Access to Fertility Care for Servicemembers and Dependents Act to address this issue on a national scale. In the absence of comprehensive and reliable fertility preservation and family building healthcare coverage, the option of having children may not otherwise be available for millions of Americans without the financial assistance and support of organizations like RESOLVE, the Alliance for Fertility Preservation, the Military Family Building Coalition, and many others.

For more than 30 years, millions of Americans have been able to receive care that resulted in safe and successful treatment for moms and babies. While medical advancements have been a substantial step forward for family planning and building, we also understand that significant medical, financial, and health equity barriers still exist for people that want to start a family.

During National Infertility Awareness Week, I hope we can recommit ourselves to removing the barriers that currently exist for people experiencing infertility challenges. I am honored to recognize the millions of infertility advocates throughout the country, who champion the rights of everyone to build a family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an integral company within New Jersey's Third District, Inductotherm, and the legacy of their founder, Henry Rowan, as part of their 70th anniversary celebration taking place this year.

In his life Henry was guided by a deep sense of determination and an entrepreneurial spirit. He began his first business at age nine, raising chickens and selling eggs. Even at that young age he was passionate about his work. He carried this same passion for hard work throughout his career including serving as a trained bomber pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II before returning home and founding Inductotherm, wanting the opportunity to apply his own new ideas to induction furnace design. He was also dedicated to using the profits of Inductotherm to give back to others, most notably to southern New Jersey's own Rowan University, and the very communities in which Inductotherm's network operates.

Since their original founding in 1958, the Inductotherm Group has expanded, ensuring their customers can obtain a broad range of products and services to meet the needs of every industry, and in over 20 countries around the world. While Inductotherm began simply, with its first order being built in Henry Rowan's garage, the company has become a staple of New Jersey's Third District over the past 70 years as well as a global leader in thermal processing technologies.

We are proud to celebrate the legacy of Henry Rowan and the accomplishments of Inductotherm throughout their 70-year history. I look forward to all they will continue to accomplish and wish them many more years of notable milestones and success.