Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the phenomenal young men and women in my district who attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 2021. Our community is proud of their achievement and grateful for their commitment to service.

Aaron Michael, Troop 153; Adam L. Cameron, Troop 79; A. J. Hirsch, Troop 10; Alex Borzillo, Troop 137; Alex Freeman, Troop 145; Alex Wood, Troop 6; Andrew Dreyzin, Troop 6; Aryan Patil, Troop 137; Benjamin Gromer, Troop 30; Benjamin Parks Stanell, Troop 34; Bennett Drakas, Troop 172; Bennett Smith, Troop 10; Bobby Evans, Troop 71; Brendan Bolte, Troop 547; Bryce Pannone, Troop 102.

Caleb Reese Gilbert, Troop 461; Cameron Walsh, Troop 229; Chris Strickland, Troop 6; Christian Gary van der Kleut, Troop 461; Christian Kruse, Troop 34; Christopher Richard Hogan, Troop 10; C.J. Frisbie, Troop 6; Collin McGuire, Troop 229; Connor Blaise Harkiewicz, Troop 10; Connor V. Wilson, Troop 61; Dalton Bell, Troop 133; Dan Goldberg, Troop 137; Daniel Allan Kitchen, Troop 11; David Slavtcheff, Troop 99; Dean Richard DiDomenico, Troop 147.

Derek Lee Graver, Troop 16; Erik Ulmer, Troop 187; Ethan J. Ford, Troop 547; Ethan Wight, Troop 36; Evan Gerdy, Troop 30; Greg Kraynak, Troop 229; Gregory Andrew Sanborn, Troop 113; Hope Evanko, Troop 99G; Jack Flaherty, Troop 24; Jack Mannarino, Troop 10; Jack Reed, Troop 51; Jack Weldon, Troop 6; Jackson Rugarber, Troop 11; Jacob Rea, Troop 10; Jacob Webb, Troop 456.

James Sholly, Jr., Troop 137; Jared Daniel, Troop 36; Jason Hemminger, Troop 27; Jayden Morris, Troop 48; Jesse Caimi, Troop 137; Jesse Hirowski, Troop 137; Jodi Decker, Troop 30G; John Hutchins, Troop 10; John P. Daley, Troop 16; John Saveriano, Troop 67; Joseph Benincasa, Troop 145; Joseph Cook, Troop 153; Joseph P. Deitzel, Troop 547; Joshua Rowlands, Troop 145; Justin Kruse, Troop 34.

Kamren DeJesus, Troop 102; Larson Hunt, Troop 316; Logan McHenry, Troop 51; Marcus Milkowich, Troop 87; Matthew Aber, Troop 16; Matthew Grindle, Troop 67; Matthew Hanly, Troop 34; Matthew Miok, Troop 36; Michael Krajci, Troop 10; Michael Scott Lorenz, Troop 461; Michael Socci, Troop 6; Nathan Trilling, Troop 870; Nicholas Phillipps, Troop 27; Nick Fuchs, Troop 229; Owen Webster, Troop 36.

Pawan Chivukula, Troop 10; Preston Ziegenfuss, Troop 14; Quinn Keller, Troop 67; Reed Stoltz, Troop 147; Robert M. Blum, Troop 10; Roman Berretta, Troop 36; Ryan Killenbeck, Troop 137; Ryan Swope, Troop 145; Sam Dessino, Troop 137; Sarah Elizabeth Hogan, Troop 99G; Sean M. Gutekunst, Troop 82; Stephen Nothum, Troop 24; Thomas Clifford Warren, Troop 64; Tim Goldberg, Troop 137; Timothy Grindle, Troop 167.

Tristin Kilgore, Troop 99; Tyler Kennedy, Troop 6; Tyler Rugarber, Troop 10; Will Cusick, Troop 10; William Callum, Troop 36; William Holzel, Troop 141; William Isaac Leyland, Troop 461; Zachary Charles Lincoln, Troop 1.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Enes Kanter Freedom.

Since being drafted third overall in the 2011 NBA draft, Mr. Freedom, a newly minted American citizen, has made our country incredibly proud.

Growing up in Turkey, Enes says he did not know what freedom was until he moved to the United States. And since then, he has used his platform to speak out against human rights atrocities in China, Turkey, and beyond. Enes uses his voice for the people around the world who are voiceless.

And because of his outspoken criticism of Turkey's authoritarian regime and inhumane treatment of political prisoners, the Turkish Government revoked Enes' passport and issued multiple warrants for his arrest, leaving

him stateless for many years. And in China, broadcasts of Enes' basketball games were banned after he criticized the Chinese Communist Party's repressive regime and their human rights abuses against the Uighurs and Tibetans.

Since facing backlash, Enes has made it his life's mission to push the boundaries of what is possible on and off the court. He understands and recognizes using his voice and the importance of it.

After waiting six long years, Mr. Speaker, last week Enes finally became a U.S. citizen, and at his citizenship ceremony, he recited the oath using his newly minted last name, Freedom. And I cannot think of a more appropriate new last name for Enes, as he embodies all that freedom means. And by changing his last name, Enes can now carry that word with him wherever he goes.

Mr. Speaker, I salute the brave work of Enes Kanter Freedom. At a time when others remain silent, he has spoken up.

I congratulate Enes on his citizenship, and this United States Congress and all of us welcome him to our American family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 100th birthday of Miriam Keller Siefken. Born on December 2, 1921, Mrs. Siefken grew up in Abington, Pennsylvania and was a graduate of Abington High School. She then raised her three children, Barbara, Edward and Larry with her late husband, Edward A. Siefken. Edward was a United States Army Veteran and served in the 9th Armored Division and the 52nd Armored Infantry Battalion. He also served at the Battle of the Bulge and Remagen Bridge and attained the rank of Sergeant. Together they raised a wonderful family. She is a proud grandmother of four as well as a great grandmother of three.

Today, our community is celebrating Mrs. Siefken's birthday at Neshaminy Manor. We wish her well in the upcoming year and for many years to come. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing a Happy Birthday to Mrs. Siefken and a profound thank you for her contributions to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstand constituent from my district, Ms. Carolyn Riemer. Ms. Riemer obtained her bachelor's degree in journalism from Temple University in 1983, and her law degree from the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law in 1986. Shortly after graduating law school, Ms. Riemer entered government service with the Department of the Navy. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to support our nation's warfighters through her work as an attorney for the Department of the Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency. After more than 35 years of dedicated public service and professional leadership in the Department of Defense, Ms.

Riemer is entering retirement. I am proud to recognize and celebrate Ms. Riemer as an exceptional attorney who has provided outstanding legal support to the benefit of our nation's armed forces. Ms. Riemer retires as the Counsel for NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, where she is widely respected for her accurate, strategic, and creative legal advice. She is recognized and respected as an expert in all areas of federal acquisition, whether it be competitive contracting or performance based logistics contracting. She has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to overcome complex challenges, including those innumerable legal challenges that have arisen because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Riemer's expert guidance and creative leadership have helped her clients face challenges and overcome adversity. Her dedicated and diligent work has contributed to keeping our fleet mission-ready.

We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact Ms. Riemer has had through her long career of public service, and we wish Ms. Riemer countless blessings during her retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a notable resident within my district, Thomas J. Gari. Mr. Gari obtained a bachelor's degree in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from my alma mater, the Pennsylvania State University in 1970, and later went on to achieve a master's degree in Business Administration from Villanova University in 1986. Following his education, Tom left his private sector career to join the Internal Revenue Service in 1999. In every stage of his career, Tom always worked to support and empower others, leveraging his extensive experience to identify complex case issues. find viable solutions, and produce consistent, quality results. In his final years at the IRS, Tom served as Engineering Team Manager, in which he managed all operational aspects executed by his team. Now, after more than twenty-two impressive years of dedicated government service and professional leadership, Tom is entering retirement. I am proud to recognize Thomas J. Gari as an exceptional man of character, guided by a sense to better his community and country. He has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to overcome complex challenges throughout the years as well as a steadfast dedication to supporting his colleagues. We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact that Tom has had on our community, and we wish him well in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, on November 5th, I proudly recognized dozens of Chinese-American Veterans from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who served gallantly in our United States military during World War II.

Today, I rise once again to further acknowledge additional service members who committed themselves to defending our national ideals and values in the gravest hours of that war.

Ging G. Ju, Hoi Yook Wong, Ging T. Chin, Harvey C. Young, George W. Jung, Leong Q. Yee, Poy Quon Fong, Jan Lim, William Lee Sr., Mun H. Wong, Yook Been Eng, Frank Wong Leung.

In 2018, Congress passed and the President signed into law S. 1050-- The Chinese-American World War II Veteran Congressional Gold Medal Act, which authorized the Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to these individuals in recognition for both their service to our Nation during a time at war and to our Nation's Chinese American community. Not only did they help in defeating our Nation's enemies, but they overcame the many challenges they and their families had due to the existence of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. As a matter of fact, 40 percent, of the Chinese who served were not even citizens of the United States at the time. It was not that they did not want to become citizens, but that they were denied that right under the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. However, due to their service and sacrifices for our Nation during WWII, Congress finally repealed this unjust law in 1943. This laid the groundwork for many of our Veterans to return home after the war and to attain the opportunities that they rightfully earned in their military service to our Nation.

I would again respectfully like our Congress today to show our appreciation and gratitude to these great Americans. We will always remember and treasure their personal sacrifices and contributions to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the following Chinese American Veterans from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who served gallantly in our United States military during

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual I recently had the pleasure of having a conversation with, a singer- songwriter who, more importantly, is a tremendous supporter of our troops, John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting.

John started Five for Fighting in 1995, and shortly thereafter rose to

fame after releasing the Grammy-nominated ballad ``Superman''. While written and released well before 9/11, ``Superman'' became something of an anthem during the tough days following 9/11.

As our Nation came together as one, ``Superman'' struck a chord with the survivors and families of those we lost on that terrible day, as well as our troops serving around the world. And its lyrics resonated with people and comforted those who needed it the most.

Mr. Speaker, since then, John has been deeply involved with our troops. He has performed at dozens of USO shows for our servicemembers overseas and also works with several veteran-oriented charities. John has spent the past two decades writing deeply personal songs that include social messages that make an emotional connection and invoke the human spirit.

Some of these songs are included on the ``CD for the Troops'' project which is a collection of 13 songs from top artists, including John's, that was compiled specially for U.S. military members.

Since 2007, John has distributed over 1 million copies of ``CD for the Troops'' to servicemembers and their families around the world as a way of thanking them for the sacrifices that they have made and continue to make.

John's support of the U.S. Armed Forces is unwavering and, like many of us, when he saw the devastating images coming out of Afghanistan during the onset of the U.S. withdrawal in August, he was horrified. Terrified mothers were throwing their babies over barbed wire fences and men were clinging on to military aircraft as they lifted off, all in an attempt to flee the Taliban. How could this be happening?

John then did what many musicians in pain do. He sat at his piano and he wrote a song. He penned ``Blood on My Hands'' which is a song that mourns the Americans who died and the ones who were left behind in Afghanistan due to the failures of the administration. ``Blood on My Hands'' encapsulates the emotions that I and many Americans felt following the terrorist attacks in Kabul that killed 13 U.S. servicemembers and dozens of Afghani allies. Similar to ``Superman's'' effect on people post-9/11, ``Blood on My Hands'' went viral and quickly became an anthem for veterans and servicemembers in the wake of the deadly attacks in Kabul.

Mr. Speaker, many people cautioned John not to release the song. Still, he kept coming back to the idea that this song sent an important moral message about the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. John says of ``Blood on My Hands'': ``It's not a political song. It is a moral message about promises that we made to people there, that we promised to protect, that we left there. We broke our promise. It's about accountability and admitting when you make mistakes because that's how you can rectify them and learn not to do them again.''

Mr. Speaker, I could not agree more with this sentiment. What happened to no person left behind? We put American citizens, SIV holders, and Afghan allies' lives at risk. The United States of America and this administration broke that promise to these people. The administration's decisions surrounding the withdrawal will go down, I believe, as one of the worst foreign policy decisions in American history. As a result, American lives were needlessly lost.

It is time our leaders reflect on the mistakes that were made and take accountability for failures so that we can do better for the American people and our allies in the future.

Mr. Speaker, John's work is evidence of the power that music holds. It brings people from different corners of the world together. It transcends time, and I am confident that John's song, ``Blood on My Hands'', will do just that.

We will never forget 9/11 and, in the same vein, we can never forget the heroes who fought in the subsequent 20-year war in Afghanistan. Thanks to brave storytellers like John Ondrasik, we won't forget these heroes.

Mr. Speaker, John is a true patriot, and I applaud and admire his courage to stand up for what he believes in, and even more so, demand accountability from our Nation's leaders.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Delaware River Basin Commission. Founded in 1961, this collaborative partnership between the federal government and the four states which share the

Delaware River has successfully managed interstate water sources without regard to political boundaries. For nearly six million Pennsylvanians living in the Delaware River Basin, including those in Bucks and Montgomery counties, the Commission has reduced water loss, improved water quality, mitigated floods, and conducted stewardship and education efforts, all while saving the taxpayers millions of dollars. The Delaware River Basin Commission's efficient and beneficial public service is admirable, and this year, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary, we express our appreciation for the impact that it has had on our environment and natural habitats, our region, and our local communities.

Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to recognize Maxim Skripnik and the Gostomel Animal Shelter, an amazing individual and an amazing organization.

The Gostomel Animal Shelter, located just outside of Kiev, Ukraine, is serving homeless animals in Ukraine, both in Kiev and outside.

As the co-chair of the Ukraine Caucus here in Congress, Madam Speaker, I recently visited that country, and one of my many stops was at the Gostomel Shelter. This was originally established by the Kyiv Society for the Protection of Animals. For the past 20 years, the Gostomel Shelter has rescued abandoned animals off the streets of Ukraine, nursed them back to health, and gave them a second chance at life.

The shelter is operated by Maxim, who graciously gave me a tour of the facility during my visit to Ukraine. Maxim has devoted his entire life to providing care for these vulnerable animals.

Madam Speaker, there are an estimated 50,000 stray animals on the streets of Ukraine. This poses a considerable risk to the welfare of the animals and the overall public health of the community. The future for the majority of these vulnerable and abandoned and animals is bleak, but the Gostomel Shelter provides them with the opportunity to find a loving forever home.

Since its inception, the Gostomel Shelter has advocated for their animals and promoted humane methods of controlling the ever-growing population of stray animals. Each victory, no matter how small, creates an environment more accepting of these vulnerable animals and proves that they can be rehabilitated and adopted into loving families.

The shelter, which is housed in a former cowshed, provides safekeeping for up to 700 stray and abandoned dogs and cats. In 2006, the shelter established a veterinary hospital and rehabilitation center, which is now one of the largest in all of Ukraine. Here, homeless animals are sterilized, after which they undergo compulsory rehabilitation in a hospital and return to the shelter where they await their forever homes.

Madam Speaker, the Gostomel Shelter, Maxim, and KSPA do not have reliable sources of funding and permanent employees. They often rely on public donations and volunteers to provide food and medicine to the animals.

During my visit, I witnessed firsthand how Maxim and these volunteers work tirelessly, literally around the clock, to ensure these innocent animals have a second chance.

Madam Speaker, I applaud the incredible work being done by Maxim and all the volunteers of the shelter. I paid a visit to the mayor of Kiev to relay all of my experiences and the positive impact that Maxim and those volunteers are making, and I wanted to formally recognize them here in this Chamber.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the following individuals for receiving the Girl Scouts of the United States of America Gold Award, the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn. To receive this distinguished accolade, a Girl Scout must demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in the areas of leadership, community service, career planning, and personal development.

On behalf of all residents of the First Congressional District, I congratulate these emerging leaders on their achievement. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to service and the lasting impact they will have on our community.

Name and Troop No.:

Amylynn F. Garner, 7656.

Anne P. Johnson, 2670.

Anusha Sindia, 7271.

Catherine J. Smith, 2974.

Caylee Elizabeth Jumbelic, 229.

Corinne E. Carlson, 2044.

Georgia J. Moon, 2670.

Julia K. Trainer, 2135.

Kathryn Myer, 2401.

Mary C. Gordon, 21267.

Megan L. Swirsding, 2056.

Rebekah Atkins, 2056.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the following individuals for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of scouts achieve this rank after a lengthy review process.

On behalf of all residents of the First Congressional District, I congratulate these emerging leaders on their achievement. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to service and the positive impact they have on our community.

Name: Troop No.

Aaryan Goel, 36

Alexander Danchak, 36

Andrew John Blemings, 230

Anthony Gambescia, Jr., 99

Augustine James Covelens, 610

Christian D. Allemang, 542

Christian Wolf, 64

Christopher Farese, 99

Christopher James Quinlan, 153

Christopher Kingsley, 30

Christopher Lee Myers, 10

Christopher S. Pullen, Jr., 53

Christopher Stockburger, 99

Cole Sheppeck, 99

Colin Chaar, 99

Connor W. Bautz, 10

Dakota Mihelcic, 461

Daniel Forsythe, 380

Daniel Haschets, 71

Douglas James Lang, 153

Erik H. Kleinfelder, Jr., 130

Erik William Fisher, 153

Evan Grant Storms, 277

Grant Rokuskie, 139

Henry Adams Polli, 99

Jacob Outcalt, 10

Jaiesh Madaka, 10

Jared Loeper, 147

John Wyatt Keating, 10

Lars N. Knudsen, 542

Matthew Allen Dohalick, 168

Matthew Barthelmes, 547

Matthew C. Small, 82

Maxwell Steven Quinn, 71

Michael Bahner, 71

Michael Joseph Elia, 145

Nico Valerio, 10

Pranav Chivukula, 10

Rajan Patel, 380

Robert Louis Lucot, 200

Robert P. Oleynick, 10

Ryan Henry, 130

Samuel Ryan Barndt, 13

Sean M. Gutekunst, 82

Stephen F. Jayne, 99

Thomas H. Stacherski, 36

Travis Fazio, 79

Victor Sorace, 168

Viet N. Tran, 542

Wesley J. Dearolf, 30

William Renson, 34

Zachary Danchak, 36

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of amendment No. 15.

This important bipartisan amendment bans the transportation of equines for the purpose of being slaughtered for human consumption.

Madam Speaker, currently, horses, donkeys, and others can be transported inhumanely across our country and borders only to be slaughtered for human consumption in Mexico and in Canada.

Moreover, this heinous practice is responsible for over 3,500 horses being slaughtered in 2020 alone. These horses are not old or sickly. More than 92 percent of these horses sent to slaughter are in good condition, according to the USDA.

Madam Speaker, these innocent horses deserve better, and we must lend a voice to the voiceless to help end the practice of American horses being needlessly slaughtered. This amendment has the overwhelming support of the equestrian community, including the Humane Society, the SPCA, and Horses for Homes Coalition.

I thank Representative Carter for leading this amendment, along with the other bipartisan cosponsors of this amendment, and I urge all my colleagues across the aisle to support it and vote ``yes'' on this bipartisan en bloc.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a notable resident within my district, Victor Sorace of Boy Scouts of America Troop 168. Victor earned the rank of Eagle Scout in January of 2020, and I had the distinct pleasure of attending his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Victor's Eagle Scout Service Project consisted of building a memorial in honor of our community's armed forces service members, police officers, firefighters, and first responders. The memorial was built in Falls Township Park and stands as a constant reminder of the sacrifices those in our community and throughout our nation make every single day.

Recently, Victor was recognized as the American Legion's Eagle Scout of the Year for the entire state of Pennsylvania. As an Eagle Scout myself, I can attest to the fact that this is no light achievement. To be the Eagle Scout of the Year requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and community service. Victor excelled in all of these aspects as he truly is an individual who is guided by a sense to better his community and has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to overcome complex challenges and situations throughout the years. We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact that he has on our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Police Week.

Each May, our Nation comes together to recognize the service and profound commitment of our police officers, to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to recommit ourselves to the ideals and laws of our Nation that these fine men and women in uniform are tasked to uphold.

But the dedication and sacrifices of our brave officers deserves to be respected and honored, not just in one week out of the year, but every single day, both in this Chamber and across our country.

Time and time again, officers across our Nation are met with the greatest threats of danger, and they face them with the greatest displays of courage, honor, and dignity.

Mr. Speaker, my great-uncle, Philip Fitzpatrick, was a proud patrolman with the NYPD. He was also a poet, often writing about the world he knew as--what he referred to--a soldier of peace.

As I have taken time to reflect during this police week, I found myself thinking of him and a line from one of his poems: ``When he kisses his wife and children good-bye, there's a chance he will see them no more.''

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, these words were true for my family and for so many families in our Nation.

This month marks 74 years since my great-uncle Phil was shot while attempting to disarm a robber at a Manhattan bar, a fatal injury he succumbed to days later.

While the times have changed, the dangers faced by our law enforcement community remain present every time they go to work.

Bucks County and my community is home to some of the finest law enforcement officers in our great Nation. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, we have lost too many.

I would like to take a moment to honor our valiant fallen officers: Police Officer James K. Armstrong; Deputy Sheriff Thomas A. Bateman; Ranger Thomas Booz; Ranger Stanley E. Flynn; Police Officer Brian S. Gregg; Police Officer Joseph E. Hanusey, III; Detective Christopher C. Jones; Constable Henry A. Kolbe; Sheriff Abraham Kulp; Police Chief Eli M. Myers; Police Sergeant George M. Stuckey; Deputy Sheriff George M. Warta, Jr.; and Police Officer Robert Yezzi.

Mr. Speaker, these 13 individuals laid their lives on the line to protect our community, the community that I grew up in, the community that I love, and they paid the ultimate price. We will never forget them and their extraordinary service to our community. We owe them and their families and all of the honorable police officers and public servants who have given their lives in the line of duty a debt of gratitude and appreciation, one that can only be paid back through our love and support for them here on this floor and across our Nation.

Our Nation, indeed, our world, is in the midst of unprecedented times. Now, more than ever, our courageous and honorable law enforcement officers need our support. I encourage everyone to take a minute this week to thank a police officer and reflect on the sacrifices so many of them have made.

To our hero law enforcement officers in every town, in every city, and in every State across America: We thank you, we are grateful for you, and we love you.