Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sylvio Dupuis and his life-long service to the city of Manchester, where he was born and raised. A proud alumnus of Manchester schools and Saint Anselm College, Syl became an optometrist and built a successful private practice while also serving in the Air National Guard. This spirit of service was best embodied by Syl's two terms as Mayor of Manchester and his emphasis on finding community-based solutions for the Queen City's most pressing issues.

Syl's steadfast leadership and expertise led to a major revitalization effort in Central Manchester, which saw funding secured from HUD used to purchase the former Sacred Heart Hospital. Today, this facility is home to ninety-five subsidized rental apartments operated by the Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Syl's involvement in the community extended well past his two terms as Mayor, including his roles as a founding President of Catholic Medical Center, Commissioner of Health and Human Services, and later Commissioner of Insurance.

Syl's leadership on housing issues also benefited NeighborWorks in their formative years, resulting in the organization converting the Straw Mansion at the former Notre Dame College into affordable rental apartments for Manchester's workforce. It is both fitting and proper that Syl's service to the community be recognized with the David P. Goodwin Outstanding Neighbor Award, and I can think of no one more deserving of the title ``outstanding neighbor.''

Syl's vision for a safer, cleaner Manchester has made the Queen City one of the largest metropolitan centers in New Hampshire, and we owe him and his wife, Cecile, a debt of gratitude for their dedication to our state. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Sylvio Dupuis for his tireless commitment to Manchester and thank him for his outstanding contributions to the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Chase, a World War II veteran who passed away in early July at the age of 95. Born in 1926 in Lynn, Massachusetts and later residing in Rollinsford, Robert was a veteran, active member of his community, and a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

As a young patriot, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 to fight in World War II, where he bravely fought with the 102nd Infantry Division in Europe. Robert was awarded a bronze star for bravery early in his career. He continued to serve his country in the years after the war as an officer and combat engineer in the 101st Engineers Division and as an officer in the Air Defense Command.

Following the conclusion of his service in 1969, Robert worked diligently in business for different companies before he founded the NH Clinic for Hypnosis in 1980. There he helped the people of New Hampshire with a variety of treatments, including helping Granite Staters quit smoking. He especially loved performing his hypnosis for local schools. He was also an avid woodworker, restored antiques, and loved hosting his annual yard sale for his entire neighborhood.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I wish to share my condolences with Bob's family, including his late wife Dorothy, their three sons and daughter-in-laws, two daughters and son-in-laws, eight grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. As we recognize Mr. Chase, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring his rich life and legacy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100 Anniversary Reunion of Waukeela Camp for Girls, located in Eaton, New Hampshire. Established in 1922, Waukeela Camp for Girls has been a home away from home for campers and staff alike for over 100 years.

Waukeela has enshrined its sense of community with treasured traditions and open arms to all, which has built a life-long community that endures even years after leaving camp. It is no easy feat to keep a small business running for 100 years, and I congratulate Waukeela's current and former owners and staff on this accomplishment. Waukeela is also remarkable for the ways in which they give back to our larger Mount Washington Valley community, and we are grateful for their work.

I also wish to extend my condolences to the entire Waukeela community for the losses of Edith ``Edie'' Middleton, Ralph Mead, Kendall Chun, Louise Stevenson Thomas, and Nancy Evans Burns, the latter two of whom were better known around camp as ``Stevie Ma'am'' and ``Nan EB'' respectively. This centennial celebration is not complete without their presence, and I hope this weekend brought you a chance to honor their memory and share stories of the good times you enjoyed with them.

Finally, I recognize the `Mid Pines Foundation for organizing this reunion celebration, and for the work they do to provide for those who could not otherwise afford to attend Waukeela Camp for Girls.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, congratulations once again to the entire Waukeela Camp for Girls community on this incredible milestone.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Joel Sherburne and his 65 years of service to Calef's Famous Country Store. Since age 17, Joel has served the Town of Barrington as Calef's ``Cheese Man,'' sharing advice on how to care for your cheese and secret recipes using Calef's famous ``Snappy Cheddar.'' He has devoted himself to the safety, community and connectedness of his neighbors. Joel has been instrumental over the last six decades in bringing the people of Barrington together.

Joel's dedication to New Hampshire spans beyond his cheese expertise. He has taken on

an active role in serving his community, designing the town sign and serving as Fair Ambassador to the Rochester Fair. Joel founded the Barrington Ambulance Service and taught EMT classes, which has saved countless lives and ensured that his neighbors have help should they need it. Joel even helped restore the nearby Rochester Opera House, inviting music and art into the lives of his neighbors. Joel's commitment to Granite Staters was commemorated in 2017 with a United States Postal Service postmark.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate Joel for 65 years of service and thank him for his outstanding contributions to the community of Barrington.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Philip Bryce of the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation who is retiring after 25 years of service to the community. Prior to his most recent service as the Director of the Division of Parks and Recreation for the past 11 years, Philip served his community as the Director of the Division of Forest and Lands.

Philip has dedicated his distinguished career to preserving our state's public lands. His love of nature began when he spent summers with his grandparents in Ontario and continued to grow as he studied forestry at the University of Maine. During his tenure as Director of the Division of Parks and Recreation Philip managed nearly 100 parks, including lakes, beaches, trails, and forests, and oversaw a $30 million operating budget that is entirely self-funded.

New Hampshire's state parks provide Granite Staters with outstanding educational and inspirational experiences. They provide vital services in the conservation of our natural lands and are special places of cultural and natural significance. Philip's leadership and dedication has been integral to the continued success of these parks.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Philip for his continued dedication to the Granite State. I congratulate him again on his incredible career and wish him the best in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 20 years of operation of the Raymond Coalition for Youth (RCFY), one of my state's leaders in youth substance use prevention. Since 2002, RCFY has promoted positive youth development to reduce the risk of substance abuse and other risky behaviors. For the past 20 years, they have increased available substance use prevention resources and created impactful partnerships from the federal level on down. Today RCFY continues to address the urgent needs impacting the wellbeing for our children in the Granite State. By educating and nurturing our youth, they are ensuring our next generation grows up with the support and mentorship needed to live healthy fulfilling lives.

The Raymond Coalition for Youth was founded in response to the higher-than-state-average levels of substance misuse in the Town of Raymond. The University of New Hampshire kickstarted the data collection, community planning, and information sharing that culminated in this non-profit's eventual formation. Now, for the first time in 20 years, the Town of Raymond reported lower substance misuse than the State of New Hampshire average. In response to New Hampshire's addiction crisis, RCFY has proved an adamant reminder on the power of community in mitigating the harms of substance abuse and empowering our youth to lead healthy lives. Through student engagement, education, and advocacy RCFY has become a respected leader in the prevention space.

The Raymond Coalition for Youth is representative of the community's multi-pronged approach that must encompass all levels of government in keeping our neighborhoods safe. I am honored to issue sincere congratulations for the efforts of the dedicated staff and students involved in this prevention work. I am proud to represent the Raymond Coalition for Youth as today's changemakers in New Hampshire's First Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief William Hart of the Londonderry

Police Department. He is retiring after three decades of service to the community to become a United States Marshal for New Hampshire. Chief Hart served in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining the Londonderry community in 1992. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Hart has served as Londonderry's prosecutor, Rockingham County's attorney, a Captain with the Londonderry Police Department, acting town manager, and most recently as the Chief of Police since 2009.

Chief Hart has dedicated his life to his community and guided the Londonderry Police Department through tremendous growth. He led the department through a new station and building transition, and grew the department to 68 sworn police officers. Bill exemplifies the department's way of building trust: to treat people with kindness, dignity, and respect, no matter what.

As Chief of Police Bill has continuously shown dedication to bettering the community and the Granite State. He has always gone above and beyond to ensure the safety of the people in Londonderry, and all Granite Staters. I have no doubt that his commitment and leadership will continue as he joins the oldest law enforcement agency.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Chief Hart on his accomplished law enforcement career. I thank him and his family for their decades of dedication to our community and wish him all the best as he embarks on his new journey as a U.S. Marshal.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Raymond Town Fair. As the summer months heat up and the nights grow later, town fairs and festivals take on special importance not only as opportunities to gather with friends but meet new members of the community and celebrate the history of this town. Raymond encapsulates some of the Granite State's best qualities, and tonight's celebration serves as a shining example of what this town has to offer the state of New Hampshire.

From the fireman's parade and morning pancake breakfast to the annual pageants that kick off the fair, Raymond has enshrined its sense of community with timeless traditions and open arms to all who are joining for the first time. For decades, this fair served as an opportunity for local businesses and craftspeople to establish themselves in Raymond. Now in the present day, vendors from across New England are bringing their goods and services to Raymond because of its reputation for friendliness and community-building. This legacy of excellence will only continue into the future, and I can't wait to see the success of this fair in the years to come.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Town of Raymond for hosting such an excellent fair. I also want to give my special thanks to Phil Merrill, his wife Tracy, and the Raymond Town Fair Committee for their work making this year's fair possible. I look forward to a continued partnership with Raymond and its residents who I am proud to represent in Congress.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the 50th anniversary of the Pell Grant Program.

Programs like Pell help break down longstanding, often systemic barriers to education so that everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.

In my district, over 65,000 students are receiving over $165 million to pursue their higher education goals at our local colleges. The Pell grant is further leveraged by the University of New Hampshire Granite Guarantee program, which allows students who are Pell-eligible to attend UNH, Keene State, or Plymouth State tuition-free by leveraging Pell, Federal aid, and institutional support to ensure access to high- quality public education in New Hampshire.

Putting higher education within reach for more people has been a strong priority of mine since taking office, and we have worked to increase funding for Pell grants and provide the kind of resources that our students deserve.

The education these students receive will help them fulfill their dreams and develop their greatest abilities. I look forward to Congress continuing to support access to college through the Pell grant for another 50 years.

Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Cicilline for organizing this Special Order hour.

I rise to mark Pride Month. Pride is an important opportunity for all of us, regardless of our orientation, to come together and celebrate our Nation's diversity and to keep striving to perfect this Union, to make sure that there is truly freedom and equality for all.

As a gay person growing up in New Hampshire, it wasn't always easy for me to see a path forward and to know that there would be a place for me in my community. But I am really fortunate that my family and my community welcomed me for who I am. I couldn't be more proud today to be able to serve them in Congress and to continue this fight for equality.

All people deserve to live their lives as their true selves, without fear of harassment, discrimination, violence, or imprisonment. But we know many LGBTQ+ Americans don't have the same legal protections that are guaranteed to others. No one should be a second-class citizen in this country, and they shouldn't be a second-class citizen anywhere in the world just for being LGBTQ+. Unfortunately, we know that far too many people face violence and persecution just for being who they are.

In Afghanistan today, LGBTQ+ people have been harassed, attacked, and sexually assaulted due to their sexual orientation and gender identity.

I called for the State Department to allow LGBTQ+ Afghans to access the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to

help them ensure that they could find safety because of Taliban rule, which we know now threatens LGBTQ+ individuals with the prospect of a violent death.

Russia, which has banned same-sex marriage, recently shutdown the country's main LGBTQ+ organization, and there are reports that Russia plans to target the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine during its invasion.

As we speak, we know Brittney Griner, who is an openly gay WNBA player, remains wrongfully detained by Russian authorities.

It should concern us all that an American has been wrongfully detained abroad in any circumstance, but that is made even more troubling by the fact that Russia's laws don't accommodate and protect the community. We have seen a recent uptick in vigilante violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in that country.

In our own country, we still haven't yet banned the use of the so- called ``gay panic'' or ``trans panic'' defenses in Federal court that can be used to actually blame victims of violence for the violence that is committed against them. I have introduced legislation in Congress to ban these so-called defenses, and it is time to get it done. They legitimize homophobia and transphobia that leads to violence against LGBTQ+ people, and we must end their use.

We see too much homophobia and transphobia that has no place in America today. Last year, in my home State of New Hampshire, a man was punched in the face in downtown Manchester just for holding hands with his boyfriend walking downtown. His assailant later told investigators that he didn't approve of homosexuality. This happened in my community in 2021.

Just last year, we saw transphobic attacks in the neighboring town of Derry that caused a community event to have to be moved to a different venue for safety reasons.

This is just not the New Hampshire way, it is not the American way, and it shows that we have work to do at all levels to combat this.

I hope that people out there who fear for their safety know that there are LGBTQ+ individuals who are fighting for them in the U.S. House of Representatives and lots of policymakers who are allies working to ensure that you can live your lives free of harassment, discrimination, and violence.

We have got to pass the Equality Act to ensure that all Americans can live free from discrimination and to send the unequivocal message that every LGBTQ+ American and their families matter. Doing so will give full legal protection to all Americans, regardless of who they are or whom they love.

This legislation is crucial, and it is especially crucial as we see what the Supreme Court is poised to do, on the verge of overturning landmark precedent, and rolling back the fundamental right to privacy in this country.

I know these challenges can seem daunting. We do feel that there is an uneven march toward progress, where sometimes we take a couple steps forward and then we see a step backward.

I remember my first speech on the floor of the New Hampshire House of Representatives in my early twenties. We were fighting against a bill that would have prevented New Hampshire from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in Massachusetts. We were fighting against that legislation. We lost the fight. We came up short.

But in just a matter of a few years, we saw civil unions and then same-sex marriage approved legislatively, signed by our Governor into law in New Hampshire, because those elected officials were reflecting the will of the people and recognizing that the country is changing and moving forward and that our laws need to catch up.

So Pride Month is a time to rededicate ourselves to a fight that we still need to win. We move forward by promoting equality because it is important to lift each other up. It is important to ensure that everyone can live openly as their true self.

To everyone out there, no matter your sexual orientation, your gender identity, your profession, or where you call home, you should be proud of who you are. This is how we are going to continue to change this country for the better and move forward and ensure that everyone is included.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of the establishment of the Town of Hooksett, New Hampshire. First known as ``Chester Woods'' and ``Rowe's Corner'' upon its founding in 1822, the name was later changed to Hooksett. This town's long and rich history has culminated in the vibrant and caring community we see today.

With a population of just 880, the earliest residents of Hooksett lived in the Martin's Ferry Settlement near what is now Southern New Hampshire University. From the beautiful Head's Pond Trail to the iconic Robie's Country Store, the Town of Hooksett encapsulates the best of New Hampshire.

In 2005, Hooksett was honored as a Preserve America Community, the first community in New Hampshire to receive this prestigious recognition. Hooksett has been at the forefront of the White House's initiative to preserve America's cultural and natural heritage. If the past two centuries are any indication of the future, the Town of Hooksett will remain a wonderful and important part of New Hampshire for generations to come.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Town of Hooksett on this incredible milestone. I look forward to a continued partnership with Hooksett and its residents who I am proud to represent in Congress.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sage Ladieu, who is being honored for his retirement from the military. Sage first answered the call to service in 1992, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an aviation firefighter in California. Over the next 29 years, he moved up the ranks and most recently served as Command Sergeant Major for the 54th troop Command Brigade, providing guidance on the training, development, standards, traditions, discipline and welfare of the enlisted soldiers. Throughout his various roles in New Hampshire, across the country, and overseas, Sage had a profound impact on the lives of countless others.

Prior to his work as Command Sergeant Major for the 54th troop, Sage served as a Senior Enlisted Leader for both the 195th Regiment and the New Hampshire Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion. His responsibilities included supervising and mentoring staff, instructors, and recruiters in the implementation of focused and effective programs.

Despite being deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1993 and Iraq in 2004, Sage never wavered in his commitment to bettering Granite State communities. He worked to connect with younger generations as a Noncommissioned Recruiting Officer and a Professor of Military Science at the University of New Hampshire ROTC. He has continuously served as a supervisor, recruiter, mentor, and friend to so many in the community. Sage has worked tirelessly for his state and country and has rightfully earned numerous service medals and commendations.,

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Sage for his dedication and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement. I congratulate him again on his incredible career, and I thank him for all that he has done to keep our country safe.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to David LeBlanc of Nottingham, New Hampshire, who passed away on this day 6 years ago.

A lifelong New Hampshire resident, David was born and raised in Manchester and worked in the line department at Public Service of New Hampshire for over 30 years.

He was an avid runner, whose legacy lives on through the Greater Manchester Running Club, which he founded with his wife, Cheryl, in 1980.

David honorably served the State and his country as a member of the New Hampshire Army National Guard. Today, he will be reinterred at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, something that is only possible because we changed the law this year.

I was proud to sponsor this legislation that ensures all of our veterans, including members of the National Guard and Reserves, can be laid to rest in State veterans cemeteries.

The National Guard and Reserves are a critical component of our military and sacrifice so much to keep us safe.

As we honor the memory of David LeBlanc, let us honor the service of all of our veterans and ensure they are not forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Nancy Cassidy, who is being honored for her retirement from the Department of Safety after more than twenty-two years of service. Throughout her time as a government employee, Nancy has worked in a wide range of departments and roles. Nancy has served the state of New Hampshire with distinction and is revered by her peers for her expertise.

Prior to her time in the Commissioner's Office, Nancy worked in the Bureau of Financial Responsibility with the Division of Motor Vehicles. She quickly moved up in the ranks and was promoted to Executive Secretary in the Forensic Lab for the Division of State Police, where she worked closely with state agencies, local officials, and the Attorney General's Office for nearly seven years. After being further promoted to the Commissioner's Office, Nancy continued to work tirelessly for her community.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire, I want to thank Nancy for her continued

dedication to the Granite State. I congratulate her again on her incredible career and wish her the best in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I thank the Representative for her leadership in organizing this bipartisan Special Order hour.

It is important for us to be together here to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 340B program. We know that it has helped to ensure that rural communities and low-income individuals in districts like mine and across the country have access to the lifesaving healthcare and prescription drugs that they need.

I am also here in strong opposition to what these drug companies are doing. They are undermining the 340B discounts. I believe it is a violation of the law, and it is hurting families in my district.

There are at least 13 pharmaceutical companies right now that are unlawfully withholding or limiting discounts under the 340B program, and it impacts providers and patients in New Hampshire, including our hospitals, our community health centers, and other providers who serve our most vulnerable neighbors.

I have heard about this from my constituents who have talked about the importance of this program, and I think their words tell a pretty powerful story.

In Rockingham County in my district, one of my constituents requires daily medication. Without 340B, not only would she not be able to afford her medication, but she would also be forced to choose between affording her home or affording her own health.

In Strafford County, in my district, there is another New Hampshire resident who uses the 340B program for insulin for their diabetes. They pay just $45 a month for three vials of insulin instead of $400 a month for just one vial. According to them, ``Everything would get turned upside down for me if the program ended.''

And because of the 340B program, staff at a community health center in my district have been able to reduce the cost of treatments significantly. Specifically, for one patient who has lived with a condition since they were 12 years old, costs were reduced from $400 to just about $100. They shared this with me: ``I can't imagine what I would do if it weren't for the 340B program helping with the price of my medication. Please do everything you can to protect this.''

Last year, I signed a letter with over 220 House Members to protect the 340B program and oppose the actions of these drug companies. We called on HHS to take action to stop these companies from denying these 340B discounts.

In February, I was very proud to join so many of my colleagues in cosponsoring the PROTECT 340B Act. This would stop health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers from discriminating against 340B providers, and it would protect the health and well-being of my constituents and so many others across this country that depend on this program.

At a time when pharmaceutical companies are reaping record profits, when the cost of prescription drugs continues to skyrocket, it is just unconscionable that there are corporate actors who continue to ignore the law and stick it to our consumers, our constituents, the patients across this country and hand them an astronomical bill.

We have all got to join together and commit ourselves to fighting to lower the cost of prescription drugs. This is one area where I think Republicans and Democrats can come together and pass something meaningful. I hope our colleagues will heed the stories they have heard here tonight. I thank Representative Spanberger for her leadership.