Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marlboro 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 Marlboro Township as a separate town, which is now part of New Jersey's 3rd District. Receiving its name from local farmers utilizing marl beds to cultivate their crops, the town originated as a rural farm town within our state. They held a major role within the agricultural industry, exporting marl to other regions of the state and country that did not have this naturally occurring fertilizer.

While the town had humble beginnings at the time of its incorporation, with only 1,500 people calling it home, Marlboro quickly rose to have the population of over 41,000 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.

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Marlboro 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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Karen Reiner, who is being honored as the 2023 Citizen of the Year for Moorestown, New Jersey. This year's award recognizes a Moorestown resident who has positively impacted the quality of life for everyone in our community.

Karen's family raised her to have a deep sense of service and to look out for her surrounding community. This upbringing spurred her desire to always emulate the values she learned growing up--involvement, kindness, and service. She has dedicated her life to partnering with those in the community to create programs and environments where people know they can feel safe and respected.

Karen both co-founded and served as President of MooreUnity, a non- profit civic group centered on promoting inclusion within the community. Through her work building bridges across divides, MooreUnity has continued to support local efforts to root out prejudice and discrimination. Hosting about ten programs every year, MooreUnity provides discussion panels and workshops to learn about the damaging impact of discrimination as well as to teach people about how understanding and acceptance can bring people together in the face of injustice and hate. Karen has even helped children learn to interact with their peers as well and how to stand up to bullying and prejudice they experience or see thrust at others.

In addition to MooreUnity, Karen is also working to heal political divides within our community. Through the Moorestown Braver Angel Alliance, she has hosted multiple workshops with Republicans and Democrats to learn and implement techniques to communicate effectively and civilly despite different political beliefs. As a co-founder and active member of the Moorestown Directory Group, Karen also works to bring people together from different walks of service including non- profits, people interested and active in civic engagement, and religious groups to name a few.

Beyond this work and these organizations, Karen also finds time to for local community service. She has served as a Girl Scout Troop leader and previously led an effort to place five kindness benches at each of the local elementary schools in Moorestown as well as the Jeff Young Park. Karen also works with numerous organizations centered on gun violence prevention including Sandy Hook Promise and Moms Demand Action.

For years across multiple sectors, Karen has made Moorestown a better place and has been an example for so many in the volunteer community. Described as an inspiration, I am proud to congratulate Karen for winning the 2023 Citizen of the Year for Moorestown, New Jersey and thank her for her continued service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of James Anderson, a public servant in New Jersey's 3rd District who dedicated his career to the Willingboro Fire Department for four decades.

James began his work with the fire department as a volunteer firefighter in May of 1982, serving our community day in and day out in times of crisis. Since that starting point of his career, he grew into a professional many in our district consider one of the most recognizable firefighters throughout Burlington County. After his first six years as a volunteer firefighter, James helped to establish the Willingboro Fire Department Underwater Search and Rescue Team, one of the first in the county. Following its development, he applied his expertise and leadership as the Dive Team Coordinator for the program.

Only a year after his work as Dive Team Coordinator, James earned the title of a career firefighter for the Naval Warfare Center right on our Joint Base in Lakehurst. It was there where he continued his work as an Aircraft Crash Rescue Firefighter. Even throughout his time on the Joint Base, James still held service in the highest regard and continued his volunteerism at the Willingboro Township Fire Department.

In 1991, James gained the title of Provisional Career Firefighter at the Willingboro Firehouse he started in, with which he served an additional eight years before transitioning to the Willingboro Township Bureau of Inspections applying his investigative and interpretative skills to fire investigations. In May of 2008 James returned to the Firehouse as a senior firefighter, where in his final professional role, he took the most pride in being a ``senior man'' and mentoring aspiring firefighters, who eventually graduated to become supervisors and officers themselves.

James' contributions to our Burlington County community have earned him numerous awards and accolades over the years. He earned life memberships within the Willingboro Fire Department and eventually the New Jersey State Fireman's Association. He was also recognized as Firefighter of the Year in 2014. His respective units and teams were recognized time and time again for their courageous actions--twice with Unit Citations for multiple rescues--as well as most recently in 2022, with the Valor Award.

Through these remarkable milestones and achievements, James culminated his career with founding the Sean Anderson Foundation to give back to his fellow firefighters. Through this organization, they provide assistance and support to firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and the overall community relief efforts of Burlington County. It is because of his dedication both in his career and personal life, that many people can continue to feel safe every day as well as have the resources they need to succeed.

New Jersey is grateful for the work that James has done, and I hope that his career can inspire others to carry on his legacy as a champion for service. I know I speak for the 3rd District in wishing James a happy retirement filled with spending quality time with his family.

Mr. Speaker, during the last Congress, Mr. Burchett and I introduced this important bill as part of a two-bill microloan major impact package.

Together, these bills would increase the number of microloan lenders in our communities, increase access to capital, and ensure greater transparency around how taxpayer dollars are being spent by the SBA.

I look forward to continuing to work with the chairman and the ranking member, as well as Congressman Burchett to again advance these pieces of legislation.

Today, I rise in support of the Microloan Transparency and Accountability Act, and I look forward to working with them to advance the Microloan Improvement Act in the 118th Congress, as well.

I have heard from a diverse range of businessowners across New Jersey's Third District about how just small increases in access to capital could make an enormous impact for them.

These businessowners aren't asking for the moon. Many of them are in communities that are underserved and may not have a credit history, extensive past business experience, or the luxury of coming from wealth, but they have a dream. They are entrepreneurial, and with a small investment, a microloan to get started in some cases, they can launch their business, chase their dreams, create jobs, and transform communities.

By passing this bill, we can help enhance microloans in rural areas and provide greater transparency to ensure we are using taxpayer dollars efficiently and effectively.

This bill will help make sure the SBA's microloan program is reaching those most in need, best serving America's small businessowners, and giving them a fair shot at success.

I thank Congressman Burchett for leading this effort and for the support of the Small Business Committee. I urge all of my colleagues to support small businesses across this country and vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor George Pukenas, a U.S. Navy veteran who bravely served during World War II, as he celebrates his 100th birthday.

Petty Officer First Class, George Pukenas, proudly answered the call to protect his country on Landing Ship Tank (LST) 991 assigned to the Pacific Theater for over 3 years until his honorable discharge in 1946. George exemplified integrity and resilience even as his unit suffered heavy trials and losses. In grave circumstances they persevered, enduring numerous attacks and even surviving a typhoon in the South China Sea.

Earning 5 battle stars while aboard the LST 991, it was through their unwavering dedication that they successfully completed multiple operations. These efforts were later recognized as George earned honors for his commitment to our nation including the Pacific Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

Not only through his service, but also through the life he built in Roebling, New Jersey, people know George for his commitment to family and community. Starting his career at the John A. Roebling & Sons steel mill, he worked, making submarine nets utilized in WWII amongst other vital materials. Additionally, George used his skills as an accomplished carpenter, to build a home he and his family. He accomplished a great deal through service and work and was still a supportive family man, father of 6 and husband to his beloved late wife of 45 years,

We are proud to have George call New Jersey's 3rd District home, and to have benefitted from his brave contributions to our country. It is undoubtedly true that George Pukenas is a distinguished member of our community whose actions at home and abroad have had a positive ripple effect that will continue to benefit generations to come. As George continues to enjoy hand-carving, and spending time with his family, we wish him many more years of good health and continued happiness.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kristi Howell, a champion for small businesses who has dedicated her career to empowering business owners that shape New Jersey's economy every day.

As we celebrate her 20th anniversary of joining the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce (BCRCC) as President and CEO, it's important to note how her work has transformed the Chamber's impact on our district and across the state. Kristi has been at the forefront of leading rebranding efforts, strengthening key partnerships, including with Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst, and expanding programming from 20 annual networking and educational events to 60. Through Lunch N' Learns, Women's Business Conferences, Workforce Development Conferences, and more, Kristi has created a welcoming space for businesses and their employees to find success.

Beyond her service through the Chamber of Commerce, Kristi has also been an active member of our community. From advising lawmakers in Trenton before deciding to apply her government background and communication skills to the business world, she has had an impact on multiple sectors of service. Kristi continues to give back as a board member and advisor for numerous organizations including the Military Support Alliance of NJ, the YMCA of the Pines, the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey, Visit South Jersey, and the Burlington County Institute of Technology.

Kristi's passion for service has also been recognized through a number of prestigious awards and honors over the years. More recently, Kristi was recognized by South Jersey Biz Magazine as Executive of the Year, by SJ Magazine's Women of Excellence for her Leadership, and by Gloucester County's Chamber of Commerce Foundation for her commitment to small businesses.

Having worked with Kristi on the Small Business Advisory Council in 2019, I am humbled to know firsthand the value of her leadership and expertise. We are grateful for the work that Kristi has done. I know I speak for the 3rd District in congratulating her for a remarkable milestone of 20-years leading the BCRCC.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Mary Ann Boccolini, a healthcare leader in New Jersey's 3rd District who dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of people throughout South Jersey for nearly 5 decades.

Mary Ann worked in multiple settings devoted to helping our most vulnerable community members and their families. She began her career as a staff nurse for a multitude of health facilities like the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the National Institute of Health, and the Philadelphia Veterans Hospital. After developing a robust background of healthcare operations, Mary Ann became a manager for the oncology inpatient service line at Virtual Memorial Hospital. She later joined Samaritan as Director of Clinical Operations in 1997, where she served South Jersey communities for 25 years.

Since becoming President and CEO in 2000, Mary Ann established Samaritan as one of the state's largest, most respected providers of palliative medicine and end-of-life care. During her time, Mary Ann grew Samaritan's comprehensive services to include primary care at home, palliative medicine, hospice care, grief support, education, and advocacy. As a four-star provider in the We Honor Veterans program, Mary Ann's leadership has also made Samaritan a nationally recognized care provider for those who have served our country.

Mary Ann's contributions to our South Jersey communities and in the healthcare field have earned her numerous awards and accolades over the years. Most recently, Mary Ann was recognized by NJBIZ Magazine as one of its Best 50 Women in Business, by South Jersey Biz as a Power 50 in the South Jersey Business World, and by SJ Magazine's Women in Healthcare of Influence and Impact.

Through these remarkable milestones and achievements, Mary Ann's humble servant leadership inspired staff, volunteers, and colleagues. It is because of Mary Ann's dedication to providing extraordinary compassion and expertise, that many patients, and those who care about them, can live their best life every day. New Jersey is grateful for the work that Mary Ann has done, and I hope that her career can inspire others to carry on her legacy as a champion for high-quality service in healthcare. I know I speak for the 3rd District in wishing Mary Ann a happy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Moorestown Relief Engine Company 312's oldest fire truck, affectionately known by our district as ``Bertha.''

Since its acquisition by the Relief Engine Company in 1922, the predominantly Ahrens-Fox engine-powered fire truck has been an integral part of Moorestown's history and community safety. Throughout its nearly 50 years of active service to the Moorestown community, the volunteers of Relief Engine Company 312 counted on Bertha when responding to major fires, car accidents, and various incidents in between.

Its presence in the community cannot be understated either. The engine was so large that the floor of the company's building was found to be sagging from its weight. Today, while not in use, the fire truck is an attraction for visitors of Moorestown's Relief Engine Company, and it holds a place in our history.

Not only has the Bertha gained recognition by residents in the Moorestown area, but the truck has also been recognized throughout the region. In the 1980s, Bertha received three first place awards at a New York Fire Truck Muster.

Our volunteer firefighter corps are essential in maintaining our safe, secure, and connected community. Bertha remains a symbol of their rich history of dedication to us and our families, and it's my honor to represent them, this symbol of rich history, and this community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Riverton Peace Pole Coalition as they celebrate the United Nations' International Day of Peace.

Since 1981, people and organizations across the world commemorate this day in the hope of strengthening the prospect of peace. For New Jersey's 3rd District and beyond, this day of non-violence and cease- fire serves as a reminder for us to continuously strive for equality and justice. Now more than ever, our role on the world stage is magnified and our leadership in promoting international peace will be a positive influence in countries and cultures across the globe.

This year's International Day of Peace theme, ``End Racism. Build Peace,'' is a reminder for us of how dismantling racism both in our own homes and overseas can positively impact people of color and other minority communities. We are at a pivotal point in history where internal divisions resulting from discrimination and racism have become more common and violent than in recent years. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise

of numerous social movements fighting for change, we have seen how conflicts around the world can affect some racial minorities harder than others. In keeping with the United Nations' values on this day, we recognize each of us can contribute to a future built on the premises and promises of human rights, everywhere.

I am incredibly humbled by what the coalition members in New Jersey's 3rd District are doing today to honor our commitment to build stronger communities and extend hope for empathy internationally. As they prepare to honor the United Nation's call for peace, I extend my best wishes to everyone in this district for doing their part to spread positivity and peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lenola Volunteer Fire Company on their 100-year anniversary of service to the Moorestown community, and New Jersey's 3rd District.

Since its informal founding in 1922 out of one of the first volunteers' houses to its firehouse location today, the Lenola Volunteer Fire Company has been dedicated to protecting the Moorestown area and saving countless lives in our community. As a fully volunteer- led fire company, with some being the 2nd or 3rd generations of fire fighters in their families, each member has devoted their time and service to the safety of our neighbors. Whether it be major fires, car accidents, or various incidents in between, members of the Lenola Volunteer Fire Company have consistently answered the call to service in people's times of need.

Over the years, the Lenola Volunteer Fire Company has been recognized by many as a pillar of community building in our district.

While they have been there to help in times of emergency, they have also provided numerous programs and events for community outreach for people to enjoy. From their 69-year-old Easter egg hunt to various other Moorestown traditions, you can often find Lenola Volunteer Fire Company supporting other local activities.

Not only have volunteers gained recognition by residents in the Moorestown area, but they have also been recognized throughout the state of New Jersey for their skills in the field and years of service. Across all of New Jersey, Lenola Volunteer Fire Company is well-known for their outstanding accomplishments in fire truck musters and competing with various fire departments across the state. Awarded the Presidents Trophy four times, with 3 of those being in consecutive years, Lenola Volunteer Fire Company has showcased the success and expertise of their firefighters year after year.

Our volunteer firefighters are integral to building and maintaining the safer, more secure, and more connected communities we wish to live in. On the centennial anniversary of the Lenola Volunteer Fire Company, I thank each of their volunteers over the years for their service to our communities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late William ``Bill'' Vichko, a beloved member of our community who passed away on June 29, 2022. He is survived by Katie, his wife of 48 years, his children Kara and Timothy, and his grandchildren Zoey and Edward. He also leaves behind his siblings Bob, Bev, Kathy, and Jay.

A resident of Burlington County for most of his life, Bill was born in Riverside, NJ and graduated from Burlington High School and Burlington County College. He built a wonderful life for his family from the first moment he bought a house with his wife until his passing. Bill cherished every moment with his family and treasured his weekend trips taking the kids fishing and coaching their little league baseball teams.

For years, Bill worked as an expeditor for Stone and Webster Engineering, United Engineers, and Shaw Group. Bill was the epitome of what it meant to be a hard worker and was able to see the country through work travel throughout his illustrious career. Beyond his work, Bill was devoted to serving our community, fellow servicemembers, and veterans. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was a lifelong Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) member at Scully Bozarth Post 1817, where he spent time as a Trustee. Even beyond his service, for 47 years Bill was known for wearing a silver bracelet with Colonel Roy A. Knight Jr's name on it after purchasing it from a fundraiser for servicemembers who were declared prisoners of war or missing in action. Bill was as committed to his fellow Vietnam veterans as anyone and sought out opportunities to honor their memory and service in any way possible.

After his honorable discharge, Bill volunteered as a docent on the USS Battleship New Jersey in Camden for nine years, where he could be found greeting visitors in the Captain's Cabin. He would often take extra time to speak with fellow veterans who served on the ship and brightened the days of their children and grandchildren. It was evident that his care for his family, his job, and his country were sources of great pride and passion to all who knew him.

Bill was a kind soul who inspired kindness and service in those he touched. We were lucky to live with Bill as part of our community. My heart goes out to Bill's entire family and for those that knew him, even for the most fleeting moments; he will be missed.

Madam Speaker, in 2018, I was at a home in a retirement community along the Jersey Shore. A gentleman pulled me aside and, in a whispered voice, shared with me that he pays over $500 a month for prescription drugs and couldn't keep up. He resorted to halving his pills.

He told me he was a proud man, but I could hear a quiver in his voice because he felt bad that he couldn't provide for himself and his wife. He said he worked hard for his entire life, but he can't do this on his own.

I told him that it was not his fault, that prices had been skyrocketing, that Medicare had not been able to negotiate prices, and that here in the richest, most powerful Nation in the world, those who worked hard over the course of their lives are left to fend for themselves, halving their medication. How sad is that?

I come to the floor of the House today to say that this stops here.

Medicare will be able to negotiate, and because of that gentleman and many others I heard from, I decided to help author the provision to cap the out-of-pocket costs for seniors at $2,000 a year, which is about $166 a month. Seniors have been waiting too long, and it is time now to get this done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to welcome Paul E. Dillard, National Commander of The American Legion, as he visits American Legion posts in New Jersey's Third Congressional District. The Commander has a busy schedule across New Jersey, but I am proud that he will be visiting posts in Toms River, Brick, and Seaside Heights.

Commander Dillard honorably served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam through four campaigns, including the Tet Offensive. He later received an honorable discharge as a radarman second-class petty officer from the Navy Reserve before attending Grayson County Junior College and East Texas State University.

As we hope for all of our veterans, Commander Dillard was able to resettle back in his home State of Texas and started a family with his wife, Donna, and a successful insurance business practice focused on employee benefits.

As a paid-up-for-life member of American Legion Post 265 in Lake Kiowa, Texas, Dillard served as post commander, vice commander, adjutant, and judge advocate. He coached American Legion Baseball for more than 10 years and served as his post's Boys State chairman. Commander Dillard was elected in 2021 and has set a theme of ``No Veteran Left Behind.''

Representing a district that has one of the largest concentrations of veterans in the country, serving them and honoring their sacrifice is one of my highest priorities in Congress. The simple promise we make is that if someone steps up to protect us, our families, and our Nation's security, we will have their backs for the rest of their lives. Our country has not always kept this promise, but I look forward to working with Commander Dillard and The American Legion to work for a better future for our veterans and their families so they receive the benefits they have earned. I have no doubt Commander Dillard will enjoy his time visiting with his American Legion family in New Jersey and wish him continued success in his term as National Commander.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Nelson L. Grovatt Jr., a beloved member of our community who passed away on May 24, 2022 at the age of 93. Husband to the late Thelma and the father of the late Alan, Nelson is survived by his brother Clarence, his sons, Larry and Wayne, and his grandchildren, Travis, Kaitlin, Tyler, and Trever.

A true gentleman farmer, anyone who knew Nelson could speak to his heart and passion both for farming and giving back to his community. A lifelong resident of Rancocas in Westampton Township, and part of the third generation to farm on his family's land, he worked hard until he was 82, and was particularly known for his soybeans. Nelson always made time for people no matter how long the workday kept him out. He would often share his knowledge of farming with anyone eager to learn about the tractors, farming equipment, and what it takes to be successful. He loved his work and even after stepping out of the tractor for the last time, kept a small garden growing fruits and vegetables.

Nelson was also devoted to public service and was recognized as a Founding Father of Westampton Township. Extremely active in both is community and church, Nelson was dedicated to the growth of his hometown. A man of unwavering faith, Nelson served as a Deacon at various local churches while also taking on numerous roles within the community. From the beginnings of Westampton Township, he was a leader of the committee to develop its first police force and eventually served as the town's first Police Commissioner. He went on to serve on the Township Committee for 11 years and was elected Mayor for two years.

Outside his work, Nelson proudly worked to preserve the history of the township as it grew, often sharing his collection of Native American artifacts from the Ancocas Natives that had settled near the Rancocas Creek. He also loved recalling and sharing family stories alongside the robust history and knowledge of the Rancocas community.

Nelson was a kind soul that lived out his faith in all he did and never sought praise. We were lucky to live with Nelson as part of our community. My heart goes out to Nelson's entire family and for those that knew him, even for the most fleeting moments; he will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my amendment that will help small businesses and highly skilled workers in the building trades access new opportunities and unlock the local economic potential of military bases across the country.

This amendment is not new. We passed it through the House before on a bipartisan basis, and I hope we will do it again today.

My amendment would incentivize the use of local workers for military construction projects by asking the Secretary of Defense to provide preference for businesses that commit to hire qualified skilled workers from within the same State or within a 60-mile radius of the project.

I represent Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which for decades has been an economic engine in my community with thousands of jobs tied to operations on the base. However, too often construction contracts at the base don't go to these local businesses and local workers and instead go out of State.

I introduced the Put Our Neighbors to Work Act and offer it as an amendment here for those skilled and qualified construction workers, electricians, painters, and other local contractors in my district who are looking for that next opportunity and who are ready and able to do this work and build DOD infrastructure right in their own community; a community they are proud to live in and work that they want to do for our country.

I am proud that another key provision of my bill was adopted in the Armed Services Committee markup which would require more transparency to provide small businesses a fair chance to compete for subcontracting opportunities under military construction contracts.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Pfluger, Congressman Norcross, and Congressman Garamendi for cosponsoring this bipartisan bill. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up for local workers and local economies by passing this amendment which has passed the House, as I have said, on a bipartisan basis the past 2 years.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Norcross).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I just want to say on this front that I have had the great opportunity to go around my State, to go around a lot of

other States, to visit different military installations. Every single place I have been to, in every State, including mine, New Jersey, we are so proud to host these military bases, these military installations. It is a duty of ours and something that we consider very sacred, to be able to support and contribute to our national security in that kind of way.

Oftentimes, that requires our States and our communities to step up in different ways, to take on different actions to be able to be accommodating and to support these bases.

We are proud, though, to be able to host, and we hope that these bases are proud of their relationship with us, of being able to be part of our community. That is all we are asking about here.

This isn't about trying to have unskilled workers be able to take jobs of skilled workers. It is exactly the opposite of that. This is something that is only to require DOD to give preference to firms that will hire locally, and it is to the extent practical. If that is not practical, there are, as was said, waivers and other reasons why we can push this forward. I don't want this to be something that pushes in that direction.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.