Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Gerard J. ``Jerry'' Jonas, Jr., of Levittown, Pennsylvania, who passed away on July 11, 2026, at the age of 95.

Jerry Jonas was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran who served with distinction during the Korean War, earning a battlefield promotion to Sergeant. Following his military service, he built a remarkable career as a technical writer supporting the early U.S. space program, an advertising executive, sports promoter, and award-winning newspaper columnist whose writing enriched the Bucks County community for more than three decades.

A devoted husband, father, parish volunteer, and community leader, Jerry dedicated countless hours to coaching youth sports, supporting his church, and advocating for fellow veterans.

Jerry's legacy is one of patriotism, faith, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. He is survived by his six children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, who carry forward the values he exemplified throughout his extraordinary life.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I extend my deepest condolences to the Jonas family and join them in celebrating the life of a man who served his Nation and community with honor and distinction. May his memory continue to inspire all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of an absolute legend, Gerard ``Jerry'' Jonas of Levittown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, whose passing on July 11 marks the loss of a remarkable American story from the battlefields of Korea to the neighborhoods of Lower Bucks County.

As a young man, Jerry answered the call to serve in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean war. Like so many in his generation, he came home, took off his uniform, and quietly went to work, building a better future for his family and our surrounding community.

In 1956, Jerry and his beloved late wife, Elizabeth, bought their home in Cobalt Ridge in Middletown Township and helped lay the foundation of Queen of the Universe Parish as original parishioners. Their home became a gathering place for their parish and a spiritual anchor, reflecting the values of love, integrity, and responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, Jerry was a gifted and versatile writer. He contributed to America's early space and missile programs as a technical writer and editor for General Electric, helping communicate the work of our scientists and engineers at a pivotal moment in the Cold War. He later led advertising at Ballantine beer, and he spent decades in journalism and sports media.

In each chapter of his career, he brought the same curiosity, craftsmanship, and work ethic that defined his heroic military service.

Even in retirement, Jerry did not stop serving. For more than a decade, he volunteered with Operation Stand Down, working to support homeless veterans in our community. At an age when many would have withdrawn from public life, Jerry leaned in, using his time and experience to lift up those who were struggling at home.

Mr. Speaker, Jerry Jonas' life offers us a clear example of what it means to be a good citizen, a good neighbor, and a good, decent, and honorable human being. He loved his family. He loved our country. He loved Bucks County. He lived his faith, and he worked to leave his corner of the world better than he found it.

Jerry Jonas' story is the story of Levittown. It is the story of Bucks County, of men and women who answered the call to serve, came home, built strong families and communities, and never stopped giving back.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire U.S. House of Representatives and the people of the First Congressional District of Pennsylvania, we extend our deepest condolences to Jerry's family,

Jerry's friends, and all who loved Jerry, myself included.

May God bless the memory of Jerry Jonas, a devoted husband, a devoted father, a proud marine, and a lifelong servant to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his work in this regard.

I am proud to co-lead this critical legislation, Mr. Speaker, to reauthorize the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young, or EARLY Act, a proven lifesaving initiative that promotes early detection and education for young and high-risk women.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women, with over 300,000 new cases and 42,000 projected deaths in 2025.

I have seen the power of early detection up close, Mr. Speaker. Both my mom and my sister are breast cancer survivors. This is a very, very personal issue. It shows how early detection is the most effective tool there is to improve outcomes.

Also included in this legislation is the SCREENS for Cancer Act, which I am proud to co-lead. This legislation reauthorizes the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, expanding services to ensure more Americans, especially those who are low income or underinsured, can receive early lifesaving care.

Mr. Speaker, passing H.R. 4541 is a critical step in ensuring that more Americans have access to early detection services and education. We can prevent needless suffering and needless loss of life.

I thank my co-chair of the House Cancer Caucus, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, for leading the EARLY Act, and Representative Morelle for his work in leading the SCREENS for Cancer Act.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of our legislation, H.R. 6238, the NIH IMPROVE Act.

Mr. Speaker, this critical legislation will ensure consistent funding for research on maternal care and mortality. So many maternal deaths in America are preventable. Addressing that reality demands research that is stable, long term, and grounded in measurable outcomes.

The NIH IMPROVE Act locks in the dedicated funding that NIH's maternal health portfolio so desperately needs to track outcomes over time, evaluate what works in high-risk settings, and direct resources to the communities facing the greatest challenges.

This bipartisan legislation strengthens a proven NIH initiative and ensures that mothers across our Nation will benefit from research that saves lives and improves care through the entire pregnancy journey.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague Representative Underwood for her leadership on this critical piece of legislation to ensure that improvements to maternal health across our Nation continue and are strengthened.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation,

Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Helen DiGirolamo of Bensalem, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, who we sadly lost on July 10, 2026, at the age of 98.

Born in Philadelphia in 1928, Helen was a cherished member of the St. Ephrem Church in Bensalem for 55 years, where she rooted her life in faith, in service, and in her community.

In her younger years, she loved bowling. Throughout her life, she was known for her exceptional cooking, especially during the holiday gatherings with her family surrounding her at the table.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Eugene, and their daughter, Janice. She is survived by her children, Gene and Joanne; her son-in-law, Michael; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, her son, Gene, was so good to her in all of her years, particularly her later years, when every single Sunday he dedicated to spending time with her.

Helen DiGirolamo will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the family and the community she so dearly loved.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of a very special and very amazing person, a Bucks County resident, Pearline Compton, whose 94 years were defined by faith, family, hard work, and a remarkable commitment to serving others.

Born in Kelly, Louisiana, Pearline grew up with the values of humility, perseverance, and deep devotion to those whom she loved. As a young woman, she moved to Pennsylvania, carrying those values with her and planting new roots in her own community.

Though she began her life in the South, she became a proud Pennsylvanian, building strong and unbreakable ties to her new adopted home.

Pearline worked for more than 33 years as a skilled press operator for Falls Manufacturing in Fairless Hills in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, never missing a day of work. However, Pearline's greatest legacy was not only in what she did at work. It was how she loved and cared for her family.

In 1986, after the passing of her beloved niece, Eula Mae Hamilton, Pearline opened her heart and her home to Eula's daughters, Chrissandra and Valerie. She raised them as her own, believing that family is not defined solely by blood, but rather by love, compassion, and commitment. Through her quiet strength and steady presence, she gave those girls the foundation they needed to learn, to grow, and to thrive. That is what they did.

Even in her retirement, Pearline did not stop serving others. She continued to pour into her community through Children of God Educational Services in historic Bristol Borough in Bucks County. There, she shared her wisdom and her kindness with children and with families, offering support and a powerful example of what it means to live a life rooted in service. Whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or a simple act of generosity, Pearline made sure that people felt seen, valued, and cared for.

Pearline inspired so many people and supported countless organizations throughout her life, without fanfare and without recognition. She did not seek the spotlight. She simply did what needed to be done day after day, year after year. That quiet, consistent faithfulness is one of the highest forms of public service, and it speaks to her character.

Mr. Speaker, while Pearline began her journey in Louisiana, she became an irreplaceable part of the fabric of Lower Bucks County. Her story is the story of so many who came to Pennsylvania seeking opportunities and helped build stronger, more caring communities for all of us.

Today, we honor Pearline Compton's life and legacy, her legacy of love, her resilience, and her service. She reminds us that one person's kindness, lived out over a lifetime, can transform not only a family, but can transform generations, especially that of our young people.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District, Mr. Speaker, we extend our deepest gratitude for her example and our heartfelt sympathies to all whom she loved and all who loved her so dearly.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my legislation, H.R. 3535, the Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act.

Madam Speaker, this legislation is built on a simple principle: American elections should be decided by the American people, not by the influence of foreign actors.

The Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act closes a dangerous and longstanding loophole in our current election system. While current Federal law already prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to candidates running for office, there remains gaps when it comes to State and local ballot measures.

Ballot initiatives, referendum, and recall elections often determine major public policy questions that directly affect American communities, yet existing law does not clearly prohibit foreign money from being used to influence these outcomes. This bill closes that loophole.

Madam Speaker, this is not a partisan issue. Whether the issue on the ballot is one you support or oppose, every American should agree that the outcome should reflect the will of the American voters, not the financial influence of foreign interests.

Our elections and ballot measures exist to give the American people a voice, not outside actors with agendas that may conflict with our national interests.

The Stop Foreign Funds in Elections Act simply extends an existing safeguard to ensure that all taxpayer-funded elections receive the same protection from foreign influence.

I thank Congressman Golden for his partnership on this legislation as well as Chairman Steil and Ranking Member Morelle for their engagement on this legislation.

I urge all my colleagues to support this commonsense bill to strengthen the integrity of our electoral system and ensure that our democratic process remains accountable to the citizens that it serves.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the historic Bristol Borough Post Office in Bristol, Pennsylvania, one of the original post offices established at the founding of our Nation's postal system, and to honor its enduring legacy of public service spanning more than two and a half centuries.

Established in 1775 under the authority of the Second Continental Congress, the Bristol Post Office traces its origins to the creation of the United States Postal Service by our Nation's Founders. With Benjamin Franklin serving as the first Postmaster General, Bristol was selected as one of the original post offices because of its strategic location along the vital postal route connecting Philadelphia and New York. At a time when reliable communication was essential to the cause of American independence, Bristol played an important role in carrying correspondence, military intelligence, and news that helped unite the Colonies during the Revolutionary era.

For more than 250 years the Bristol Post Office has continuously served the people of Bucks County through every chapter of our Nation's history. While its physical location has changed over the centuries, its mission has remained constant: delivering communication, fostering commerce, and serving the American people with dedication and reliability.

The story of the Bristol Post Office is inseparable from the story of Bristol Borough itself. As one of Pennsylvania's oldest riverfront communities and a thriving center of commerce along the Delaware River, Bristol has long embodied the industrious spirit that helped build our Commonwealth and our Nation. The continued operation of this historic post office reflects the resilience, patriotism, and civic pride that have defined generations of Bristol residents.

Today, as we recognize the extraordinary history of the Bristol Borough Post Office, we also pay tribute to the generations of postal workers whose commitment to public service has strengthened our communities and upheld one of the federal government's most trusted institutions. Their dedication has ensured that, for more than two centuries, the promise of connection has reached every doorstep.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I proudly recognize the Bristol Borough Post Office for its remarkable place in American history and its enduring service to the people of Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District. May its legacy continue to remind us of the enduring values of service, community, and the unity that has bound our Nation together since its earliest days.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Stephenson, a proud member of the Greatest Generation, as he celebrated his 101st birthday on June 14th, 2026.

Born in Chicago in 1925, Robert came of age during the Great Depression, developing the values of hard work and perseverance that would guide his life.

At 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II, where he helped manage personnel and aerial mapping records.

Following his military service, Robert studied accounting at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1964, he founded R.L. Stephenson, Incorporated.

He shared 75 years of marriage with his wife, Helene. He remains as active today, at 101 years old, as he ever has been.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Robert Stephenson a very happy 101st birthday and in honoring his century plus of service to the American spirit that he embodies.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 231.

Motion to Reconsider

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 101st birthday of Mr. Robert Stephenson, a proud member of the Greatest Generation, whose life of military service, entrepreneurial achievement, family devotion, and community leadership stands as an example for all Americans.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 14, 1925, Robert Stephenson came of age during the Great Depression. Through hardship and sacrifice, he developed the values of hard work, honesty, and perseverance that would guide him throughout his remarkable century of life. After graduating from high school in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17 and answered his Nation's call during World War II. Serving as a Yeoman, Mr. Stephenson managed personnel and aerial mapping records for Photographic Squadron VD-2 aboard naval vessels supporting operations in the Pacific Theater. His work contributed to the planning and execution of military operations during one of the most consequential periods in world history. He completed his service honorably in 1946.

Following his military service, Mr. Stephenson continued to embody the spirit of determination and service. He pursued studies in accounting through night classes at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania before embarking on a successful business career. In 1964, he founded RL Stephenson Incorporated, building a company that grew into a respected enterprise and creating opportunities for future generations of his family.

Equally impressive is Mr. Stephenson's devotion to family. He shared 75 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Helene, and together they raised three children while building a legacy that now includes grandchildren and great grandchildren. Even as he celebrated his 101st birthday, Mr. Stephenson remained active in both his business and daily life, continuing to exemplify the values that have defined his extraordinary journey.

Throughout his life, Mr. Stephenson has emphasized the importance of honesty, fairness, and treating others with respect. Those principles, learned in childhood and strengthened through military service, have guided his actions for over a century and continue to inspire those around him.

As we recognize Robert Stephenson's 101st birthday, we also celebrate a life well lived. One marked by service to country, commitment to family, professional accomplishment, and unwavering integrity. On behalf of the United States Congress, I extend sincere gratitude for his service and offer my best wishes for continued health and happiness. May his example continue to inspire future generations of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man whose life reflects the very best of America, a member of the Greatest Generation, a United States Marine, a devoted husband and father, and a proud centenarian and United States Marine Corps veteran, Private First Class Michael Grieco, Sr.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 26, 1926, and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Michael came of age during some of the most difficult years in our Nation's history. At just sixteen years old, while many young men were still deciding what they wanted from life, Michael knew what he wanted to give. In 1943, he left school and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, determined to serve his country during its hour of need.

What followed was a journey that carried him across the Pacific, and into some of the fiercest battles of World War II. He would later fight at Tinian, landing in the first wave with the 2nd Marine Division, and he would go on to serve in the Battle of Okinawa, where so many Americans paid the ultimate sacrifice.

For Michael and so many of his generation, service was never about recognition. It was about duty. It was about standing beside those who depended on you. It was about carrying burdens that others would never see and asking for nothing in return.

After the war ended, Michael set out to build a life for himself. Michael became a tailor, dedicating more than four decades to his craft. In 1950, he married the love of his life, Eleanor. Together they built a family grounded in love and devotion, raising two sons, Michael Jr. and Gary, and sharing thirty-four years of marriage before Eleanor's passing in 1984.

Yet what makes Michael's story so remarkable is not only what he accomplished in war or work, it is the way he embraced life itself. He discovered a love for skiing in 1950 and continued to ski in his nineties. At age fifty-eight, he took up cycling and never looked back. In many ways, that determination and spirit reflected the Marine he had always been, always moving forward, always embracing the next challenge.

Today, as Michael Grieco celebrates a century of life, he is surrounded by the family that stands as his greatest achievement: two sons, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Through them, his legacy continues.

Mr. Speaker, men like Michael Grieco helped save the world from tyranny and then returned home to build lives defined by service, humility, and love. Their generation asked for little, gave much, and left our Nation stronger than they found it. The example he has set is now ours to honor and ours to carry forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of Molly Murphy Quinn, a devoted wife, mother, and educator from our community, who passed away on June 7, 2026. Though her life was far too short, the impact she leaves behind is immeasurable, felt in the lives of every student she guided, every teacher she mentored, and every family she welcomed into her school community.

Molly was born on July 25, 1979, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and she carried that city's spirit of hard work and loyalty throughout her entire life. She was the beloved wife of Matthew Quinn and the devoted mother of Moira Quinn, roles she cherished above all else. She is also survived by her parents, William and Geraldine Murphy; her sister Betsy and brother-in-law Joe McMonagle; and her nephews Sean and Matthew McMonagle. They each carry with them the warmth of the countless memories she created, including visits to Newfoundland, where Molly cherished her family ties and roots.

Molly dedicated her professional life to education, earning three master's degrees in education, a reflection of her relentless commitment to excellence and her belief that great teaching begins with great learning. She served as Principal of St. Charles Borromeo School, where she was far more than an administrator. She was a builder of community, and a champion of the students. Under her leadership, St. Charles Borromeo was a place where kindness and excellence were held as equal measures of success.

Those who worked alongside Molly describe a leader who led with both rigor and grace. She inspired confidence in the uncertain, and ambition in the capable. The classrooms of St. Charles Borromeo School are forever shaped by her vision and her heart, and every student whose life she touched is richer for having known her.

Molly Murphy Quinn was taken from us far too soon, and the void she leaves in her family, her school, and her community cannot be overstated. Yet the legacy she built, in the character of her students, in the culture of her school, and in the hearts of all who knew her, will go on.

I ask my colleague to join me in honoring her memory, celebrating her contributions, and extending our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those whose lives she's touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Ukraine Support Act.

This vote transcends politics. This vote is about freedom. Just days ago, Russia launched over 650 drones and 73 missiles at Ukrainian cities. Families were murdered in their homes, and children were forced into shelters.

Once again, Vladimir Putin showed the world that he has no interest in peace. He is only interested in terror.

Five years into this illegal war, the Ukrainian people are defending their country against Russia's brutal aggression. Against all odds, they have transformed and modernized their military into one of the strongest and most capable fighting forces in Europe. They have pioneered technologies that are changing warfare itself, from advanced drone operations to battlefield innovation that militaries around the world are now studying.

Mr. Speaker, I have stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines during this conflict. I have heard the artillery fire. I have watched young men and women defend their country with extraordinary courage. They remind me of another generation of fighters: the Americans who defended democracy abroad during World War II, our Greatest Generation. They are fighting for their freedom. They are fighting for democracy. They are fighting for global peace and global security.

Mr. Speaker, the Ukrainian people are not asking for Americans to fight this war. They are asking for the tools to defend themselves and for the partnership of a nation that has always stood for liberty.

The Ukraine Support Act strengthens Ukraine's ability to protect civilians; extends lend-lease authority; provides critical military assistance; sanctions Russia's war machine, its shadow fleet, and those responsible for kidnapping innocent Ukrainian children by the tens of thousands; and makes clear that aggression on this planet has consequences.

We must send a clear message not only to Russia but to every dictator watching us tonight around the world: America will not stand by while free nations are attacked.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of accountants in my district and across the Nation in recognition of National Accounting Day. This day, recognized by organizations throughout the country, honors the hundreds of thousands of accounting professionals whose work strengthens the foundation of our economy.

CPAs promote accuracy, transparency, and integrity in financial reporting. From the local CPA advising families and small businesses to those serving large and multinational organizations, CPAs play an important role in every community--supporting American entrepreneurship and job creation, compliance and understanding an increasingly complex financial landscape.

The accounting profession is defined by rigorous education, examination, and licensing requirements, adherence to high professional standards, and a strong commitment to ethics and competence. These safeguards help protect investors and taxpayers and uphold confidence in financial markets.

As technology and financial systems continue to evolve, CPAs apply advanced skills in mathematics, data analysis, and technology to measure performance, manage risk, and build trust. Their work reflects the growing connection between accounting and STEM disciplines-- combining technical expertise with professional judgement to support innovation and economic growth.

I applaud the dedication and service of CPAs in my district of Pennsylvania and throughout the country, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing May 19th as National Accounting Day.