Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Hannaford Supermarkets in producing zero pounds of food waste in 2020. Hannaford Supermarkets has 183 stores located across New England and New York, making it the first large-scale supermarket to achieve this landmark in sustainability. Throughout 2020, Hannaford Supermarkets successfully diverted 65 million pounds of food waste out of landfills.

Instrumental in Hannaford' s success in this endeavor is that each of its 183 stores has a team of hardworking individuals dedicated to rigidly following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Food Recovery Hierarchy. After reducing surplus at the source of production, the Food Recovery Hierarchy advises that to create a more sustainable food system, we donate surplus product to food insecure individuals, followed by donations to local farmers for animal feed.

Food recovery and donation have long been staples of Hannaford operations. However, when donations are not feasible, Hannaford Supermarkets partners with Agri-Cycle to engage in the hierarchy's fourth tier, industrial repurposing. Based in Scarborough, Maine, Agri- Cycle is a food waste recycling company that turns food into energy. Through this partnership, Hannaford has been able to fully realize their zero-food waste goal.

Achieving zero waste is an accomplishment on its own, but I would like to highlight the added difficulty to this task caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As the coronavirus waged on with no clear end in sight, our agriculture and food system industries were disrupted to an unprecedented degree. While shoppers began to decrease their number of supermarket visits to limit their exposure to the disease, they simultaneously began spending more per trip. Hannaford Supermarkets were able to not only weather this supply and demand shock, but also to divert all unsold food away from landfills.

New Hampshire's way of life is rooted in our natural surroundings and keeping our landfills as empty as possible is imperative to preserving the environment and our natural resources. Hannaford's pioneering curiosity has led to a landmark achievement in supermarket sustainability. Hannaford Supermarkets' continuing dedication to sustainability and service are immeasurable.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Hannaford Supermarkets on the success of its sustainability initiative. I look forward to the continuation of their sustainability initiative and am hopeful about the example this can set for supermarkets across the Nation. Once again, I thank Hannaford Supermarkets for all that it does to protect our environment while also aiding food insecurity.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of David and Dorothy Winegar, residents of Manchester, New Hampshire.

The Winegars have shared decades of life and love together, meeting in the Biology department at Hofstra University in the late 1960's and marrying on April 12, 1971. Since that date, their family has grown to include two loving daughters and several beloved pets.

Together, they've enjoyed many adventures, celebrated great achievements, and persevered through life's challenges. Avid explorers, the Winegars have embraced the arts and the world around them as they've traveled domestically and internationally and have seen over 25 Broadway productions. They instilled a love for the arts and a sense of curiosity in their daughters, sharing an admirable love for both culture and nature.

After raising their family on Long Island, New York, the Winegars chose to retire to Manchester, New Hampshire, where they have enthusiastically joined the community and made a home for themselves. Mr. Winegar retired from a career in international sales and marketing and now serves on the Manchester Palace Theater Advisory Board, while Mrs. Winegar retired from an illustrious career in education, teaching biology at both the high school and college levels. May their 50 years of love and commitment continue to serve as an inspiration to us all.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to wish Mr. and Mrs. Winegar a very happy 50th anniversary. I truly hope they enjoy a wonderful celebration with their family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Francine Gregory, who is being honored for her efforts as the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) New Hampshire State President over the past year. VFW works to ensure that all veterans are congratulated and recognized for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation. Despite serving under precedented circumstances, President Gregory ensured VFW could continue fulfilling its mission of supporting New Hampshire's veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Born and raised in Jaffrey, President Gregory currently lives in Rindge, where she is a devoted mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother who is deeply committed to supporting veterans in her community. Her father, Sylvio Edward, served in the United States Army during World War II. Her father's service informed President Gregory's own passion for giving back to veterans and their families.

Since 1999, President Gregory has been involved with VFW Auxiliary Post 5613 in Jaffrey. Over the years, she has served in leadership roles at Post 5613 and District 5 before taking on a statewide leadership as Department Guard in 2015. Since then, she has risen through the ranks of VFW-NH, culminating with her service as State President this past year.

In addition to her service as State President, President Gregory remains the Secretary for Auxiliary Post 5613. Beyond her involvement with VFW, she has had a long career across several sectors--in 1992, she also became an LNA and began serving her community as a provider of home health care and community services.

Devoted to her community and her family, President Gregory also served as a Girl Scout leader for 12 years and today, as she embarks on semi-retired life, she finds no greater joy than spending with, and celebrating the accomplishments of, her beautiful family.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Francine Gregory for her longstanding devotion to our state and our Veterans. I congratulate her on a successful term as State President and thank her for all that she has done, and will continue to do, to support Granite State veterans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Darwin Beeman, who is being honored for his work as the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) New Hampshire State Commander over the past year. VFW works to ensure that all veterans are recognized for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation. Despite facing unprecedented circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Commander Beeman worked tirelessly to ensure that our state's veterans remained supported and connected to the community during these challenging times.

Raised in Barrington, Commander Beeman graduated from Spaulding High School in 1976, before attending New Hampshire Vocational Technical College, where he gained an associate degree in Industrial Electricity in 1978.

In 1991, Commander Beeman joined the U.S. Navy Reserve Seabee's, serving honorably for nearly 22 years. During his service, he deployed to Iraq in 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and again from 2008 to 2009 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Commander Beeman earned many accolades during his decades of service, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (x3), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (x5), National Defense Service Medal (x2), Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star & Eagle, Globe & Anchor, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze Hour Glass and ``M'' Device, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (x2), Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (x2), Expert Rifleman Medal, and Expert Pistol Shoot Medal.

While deployed to Iraq in 2005, Commander Beeman joined the VFW and, upon his return, joined Post 8497 in Charlestown, NH in 2006. He later served as District 2 Commander for a decade before serving in leadership roles at the state level, culminating in his current role over the past year.

Commander Beeman and his wife, Terry, currently live in Claremont, and are the proud parents of three and grandparents of six.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Commander Beeman for his service to our country and his dedication to his fellow veterans. I congratulate him on his successful term as State Commander, and I thank him for all he does to make sure that veterans in our state are remembered and valued.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor James ``Jim'' E. Alty, Sr., a Vietnam hero and active member of the seacoast community, who passed in late January at the age of 86. Through both his military service and his subsequent community engagement, he is remembered as a shining example of American fortitude, ingenuity, and empathy.

While Jim worked at General Electric for 15 years, he also served his country for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, which included two tours in Vietnam as part of the crash and rescue team, before retiring in 1973. In Vietnam, Jim's bases were frequently targeted by rocket and mortar attacks, which included the October 2, 1968 attack that left four airmen dead. Jim never forgot those he served with and honored them with a list of their names in his wallet

In his retirement, he engaged heavily in community service. His involvement included membership on the Dover HUB Family Resource Board, an organization that provides family education services, as well as volunteered with local police and correctional departments on reentry projects.

Jim also advocated for veterans' health services as he was also familiar with the realities and struggles many face when returning from war and readjusting to life outside of combat. One of his proudest accomplishments was aiding in the opening of the new Somersworth VA Clinic in 2019. Jim also created the Dover veterans support group, Bets for Vets, and frequently transported fellow veterans from Manchester to Boston to ensure they received necessary counseling and medical treatment.

On behalf of all of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I share my condolences to Jim's sister and brothers, three children, five grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. As we recognize Mr. Alty, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring his rich life and legacy. May his memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Equality Act. This landmark legislation will bring our Nation closer to the promise of its founding and will change the lives of generations of LGBTQ Americans for the better. This should be one of the easiest and most-affirming votes we ever take. Equality is, after all, a self- evident truth. It is part of the bedrock of this Nation.

Throughout our history, the march toward full equality has brought more Americans of diverse backgrounds into the heart and soul of this country. Today's vote is another important milestone along that path.

Americans in 29 States can be denied housing, education, credit, or other services, simply because of who they are. That this can happen in our country in 2021 is a grave injustice that

must be corrected with this vote. And by passing this bill, we can also send an unequivocal message to every LGBTQ American and their families: ``You matter. You have dignity. Your country sees you and has your back.''

Growing up in New Hampshire, I never thought I could live as my authentic self. Thankfully, I have a loving family and a welcoming community who embraced me as a young person, and I am fortunate to live in a State that has already added sexual orientation and gender identity to its civil rights statutes.

But too many other LGBTQ Americans live in fear of sharing their truth, and millions live in fear that the law won't protect them from discrimination when they need it.

Look, we are not asking for anything any other American doesn't already enjoy. We just want to be treated the same. We just want politicians in Washington to catch up with the times and the Constitution. No one deserves to be treated as a second-class citizen in this country just for being themselves.

Mr. Speaker, let's pass the Equality Act. Let's achieve full equality under the law, and let's pass this bill with a strong, affirming vote today.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from Michigan for yielding and for his work on this critical bipartisan piece of legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the National Apprenticeship Act and I urge swift passage of this legislation, which will help open the doors of economic opportunity to more Americans.

We must work to strengthen and expand apprenticeships to align the skills of our workers with the needs of our employers and economy. Too often, however, employers and workers are simply unaware of what is out there.

I am pleased this legislation includes a provision I introduced that would create a centralized, one-stop shop where interested parties would be able

to access information on apprenticeship opportunities so we can best meet the needs of individuals, employers, educators, and trainers.

I am offering another amendment today that promotes real demonstration projects to explore new models of programs and that can result in innovation, including how to adjust programs through the COVID-19 pandemic for safety reasons.

As we come back from this crisis, new ideas and approaches are so crucial to our success. Apprenticeships offer an important ladder into good-paying jobs and lifelong careers, and this legislation will make them more available and accessible.

Americans are ready, willing, and able to get to work to rebuild our country, revitalize major trades and industries, and light a path for the future. It is time we made it a little easier for the American worker to build their American Dream, and we can do that by passing the National Apprenticeship Act.

Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will support the amendments in the underlying bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Raymond ``Red'' Goulet, who is celebrating his 98th birthday this Thursday, January 14, 2021. A World War II veteran and longtime resident of Portsmouth, Mr. Goulet is beloved among many members of the community. Due to COVID-19 precautions, however, Mr. Goulet cannot celebrate his birthday with friends and loved ones.

During World War II, Mr. Goulet and his two brothers enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as an Army technical sergeant. He landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, and to this day, still carries the same wallet he had that day as an enduring reminder of the bravery and patriotism of so many Americans during those trying times.

Mr. Goulet has served as a Pease Greeter for many years, doing so to make sure that our servicemembers know how much they are appreciated. Mr. Goulet has also forged a strong relationship with the Portsmouth Police Department, and in 2017, was honored by them with a special luncheon. Outgoing and affable, Mr. Goulet makes an impact wherever he goes, and all those who know him recount on his knack for making everyone around him feel valued.

Because of how much Mr. Goulet means to the community, friends and even strangers across New Hampshire have mobilized to make sure that Mr. Goulet receives many cards and notes of support on his birthday. And while cards cannot fully replace spending time with loved ones and friends, I hope all of these notes will show Mr. Goulet that so many people are thinking about him even as we all cannot be physically together.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to wish Mr. Goulet a very happy birthday. I hope that he will be able to celebrate many more milestones in the coming years, and I want to thank him for his service to our country and his dedication to our community.

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

Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chair, I offer this amendment on behalf of all the children and families across our Nation who have been impacted by the harmful effects of PFAS contamination.

As of August 2017, the Department of Defense identified over 400 Active and BRAC installations in the United States where there ``is a known or suspected release of PFOS/PFOA.''

The Environmental Working Group estimates that 475 industrial facilities may be discharging PFAS directly into bodies of water, some of which are used as a drinking water source. It also estimates that more than 100 million Americans may be drinking PFAS-tainted water.

This should be concerning to all of us because science has linked PFAS with developmental delays for children and serious health conditions, including cancer, immune system disorders, and thyroid problems.

To date, however, the EPA has yet to act to set standards under the Clean Water Act. That is why this amendment is needed.

In my home district in New Hampshire, we are grappling with this issue in a number of communities. In the town of Merrimack, industrial pollution from a manufacturer has contaminated drinking water that thousands relied on. At Pease Air Force Base on the seacoast, PFAS chemicals have been used by the military for decades and have been detected in the surrounding environment as well as private and municipal wells.

My constituents have become far too familiar with the impacts of living in communities where these toxic chemicals are present. This is more than just a matter of tests, data sets, and parts per trillion in the abstract. The burdens of these chemicals are carried by real people. I hear their stories firsthand.

A woman who has taken an active role on the front lines of this fight and who contacted my office recently

worked at Pease Air Force Base for almost 10 years. Her son was exposed to PFAS prenatally and for 5 years while attending preschool and kindergarten by drinking water from an affected well. He was sick often as a child, and his mother has ongoing concerns about his health and immune system stemming from that early exposure. Not only is her family dealing with these physical impacts, they are dealing with the uncertainty and lingering questions about the facts and difficulty with testing and diagnosis, and they are left to wonder if and when things may get worse.

It is for reasons like this that I have been committed to advocating for families like these in my district and why I have joined the bipartisan PFAS task force to help come up with solutions.

While there are countless questions we must answer, due to the relentless work of advocates, community leaders, and concerned citizens, the all too pervasive issue of PFAS contamination has been brought to light.

The dedicated work of family, friends, and neighbors banding together to ask questions and demand answers has been critical, but it is time for much more than just that. It is time for us in Congress to take long-overdue action. It is time for us to push for stronger standards, invest in cleanup, and improve protections for those who have suffered from the effects of contamination.

Today, with the support of my colleagues, we can do just that. This amendment takes a critical step in holding polluters accountable and establishing proactive limits for PFAS discharge as we work to curtail contamination and support families who have been exposed.

By adding PFAS to the Clean Water Act's list of toxic pollutants and requiring EPA to set standards for discharges into our Nation's waters, we are providing the EPA with the additional tools it needs to tackle these toxic chemicals.

There is nothing more important than safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote for the adoption of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, to close, I think it is critical that we give EPA the ability to set standards that are reasonable for PFAS that would protect public health.

In passing this amendment, we can ensure that our government can meet its most basic guaranty: that everyone--servicemembers, their families, and civilians, alike--can have confidence that the water we drink, the natural environment all around us, is clean and safe. This amendment will ensure EPA sets standards for these toxic pollutants to protect public health and the safety of all Americans. It is beyond time for us and Congress to act to take serious action on PFAS, and I urge adoption of this amendment.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my high school U.S. history teacher, Kathleen Mirabile, who retired last week after serving the Manchester School District for 49 years, 42 of those at my alma mater of Central High School.

Mrs. Mirabile is a Central High institution, and her passion for her subject matter and dedication to her profession made her an exemplary teacher. She was a longtime leader of the social studies department and the National Honor Society.

She gave back to her community in many ways, including leading efforts locally to preserve and share the history of Manchester.

Mrs. Mirabile knows that history is not simply a collection of dates, facts and figures; it is about people. We must understand it or be bound to repeat it.

I think of her lessons on a regular basis, and so do thousands of New Hampshire students who have walked through her classroom doors.

On behalf of the people of New Hampshire's First District, I thank Mrs. Mirabile for incredible service and wish her the best in her well- deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Doris Irene Proulx, who is being honored as the Franco-American of the year by the Franco-American Centre of New Hampshire. The Franco-American Centre of New Hampshire is a non-profit working to preserve the rich heritage of French communities in New Hampshire by promoting history, culture, and education of their historic, cultural, and artistic contributions. A proud member of the Franco-American community, Doris has served our state with unbridled distinction, as a school guidance counselor, through constant community service, and active involvement in her faith community.

Doris Irene Proulx was born and raised in Manchester, growing up in a bilingual French/English household. She served the community in a professional capacity for 38 years as a guidance counselor at Manchester High School West, including 21 years as Director of Guidance. During this time, she earned the NH Excellence in Education Award for Guidance and was named Counselor of the Year.

Throughout her life, she has been a committed public servant, serving as a former president of both the Manchester Women's Club and the Richelieu Club of Manchester. She is also a Goodwill Ambassador and is an active Member of the Franco-American Centre.

Doris continued to serve her faith community as a former president of the Missionary Rosebushes, Cardinal Lacroix Academy Advisory Board, Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, and currently serves as a section representative for the Diocese of Manchester. Additionally, she has been a lector in both English and French at St. Ann-St. Augustin and St. Anthony Churches for over 18 years.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Doris for her decades of dedication to our community. I congratulate her again on this well-deserved honor, and I thank her for all that she does to make our state such a wonderful place to learn, live, and grow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of thousands of American heroes who may be unjustly denied the opportunity to serve the country they love.

Last month, the administration's discriminatory ban on transgender military service took effect, telling 15,000 Active-Duty servicemembers they don't belong in uniform. That is completely unacceptable.

And now these brave patriots are worried not just about the loss of a career that they love, but also about the loss of healthcare benefits they have earned through years of service and sacrifice.

That is why, yesterday, I was proud to introduce the SERVE Act. My legislation will enshrine into law a simple pledge to every veteran that they will receive the benefits they deserve no matter how they identify or whom they love.

Americans willing to lay down their lives for our country are entitled to honor and dignity. That is a basic promise we make to everyone who puts on the uniform, and we can never go back on that promise.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Penny Chauvette, who is being honored as the Greater Manchester/Nashua Board of Realtors (GMNBR) Realtor of the Year for 2019. A valued member of GMNBR for 31 years, Penny has served her community with distinction, treating both her colleagues and clients with the utmost respect, professionalism, and positivity.

The Greater Manchester/Nashua Board of Realtors (GMNBR) is a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the real estate profession by supporting its members through education, community involvement, civic duty, pride of professionalism and advocacy. Over the past 31 years, she has been instrumental in helping the board achieve its critical goal. She has served as a leader at the Board in several ways, sitting on the Budget and Finance Committee and serving as the Chair of the Education Committee. During 2018 alone, Penny made sure that her Committee provided over 46 free continuing education credits for the GMNBR membership. She takes immense pride in serving her community with dignity and respect while inspiring others to do the same. Penny is proud to always wear her realtor pin and highlight her most valuable characteristic: her unwavering and steadfast commitment to ethical behavior.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Penny for her decades of dedication to our community. I congratulate her again on this well-deserved honor, and I thank her for all that she does to make our state such a wonderful place to learn, live, and grow.

Mr. Speaker, thank you to my colleague, Representative Hill from California, my fellow co-chair of the Equality Caucus, as she rightfully notes nothing--nothing--in the Equality Act infringes upon women's rights. If it did, we wouldn't be supporting it so vociferously today.

This MTR is an army of words marching in search of an issue that doesn't exist. For those of us who have been involved in the fight for equality, this tactic isn't new or surprising. We have seen it before. We have seen the deliberate distractions, the unfounded fears, the faulty arguments on our way toward progress.

This legislation simply gives LGBTQ individuals full equality-- nothing more and nothing less.

When we end legal discrimination in housing, employment, and public services, we will steer our Nation closer to the full realization of its founding principles and the notion that we are all created equal.

As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, I can attest that attitudes in this country have changed for the better, and it is time that our laws catch up. Congress can send a message to LGBTQ Americans everywhere that we see you, that we celebrate you for who you are.

This vote will change laws, and it will save lives.

In passing the Equality Act today, we can say, unequivocally, that everyone matters, that everyone can be themselves, that no one should live in fear or be treated as a second-class citizen in the United States of America, not today and not ever--full equality under the law, nothing less and nothing more.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this motion to recommit. I welcome you to become a part of history. Join us on the right side of history. Do the right thing today. Vote ``no'' on this MTR, and stand for full equality for the LGBTQ community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Howard Brodsky, who is receiving the Global Leadership Award from the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire on May 19, 2019. A Manchester native and a pioneer of the cooperative business model, Mr. Brodsky has dedicated his life to helping entrepreneurs and small business compete in the global marketplace.

As the Chairman, Co-founder, and Co-Chief Executive Officer of CCA Global Partners, Mr. Brodsky created the second largest private company in the state of New Hampshire, comprised of 13 affiliated companies with total sales of over $10 billion. Mr. Brodsky has dedicated his career to building a model for small businesses to succeed in an unpredictable international economy. With a commitment to global cooperation and a focus on giving small businesses the tools and connections needed to compete at scale, Mr. Brodsky and his colleagues at CCA are helping foster a more equal society and economy.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Howard Brodsky on this well-deserved award. I also thank the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire for continuing to recognize Granite Staters in their work to connect the world to New Hampshire and New Hampshire to the world. I thank Mr. Brodsky

and the World Affairs Council for all that they do to make the Granite State such a wonderful place to work, live, and foster global connections.