Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Takano for yielding. I rise today in support of this bipartisan legislation, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act.

As ranking member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, I am honored to be able to partner with the subcommittee chair, Mr. Luttrell, on this legislation. I thank him for working in a bipartisan fashion to ensure that our veterans can access the benefits and services that they are owed.

We all have a solemn obligation to ensure that the needs of veterans are met. We know that too many of our heroes encounter red tape, delays, and backlogs when trying to access benefits. My office has spoken with countless veterans across New Hampshire who have had trouble completing and filing disability benefits questionnaires due to a lack of clear and timely communication.

Often, our office will step in when things go awry along the way and advocate on their behalf with VA, but veterans shouldn't have to reach out to yet another office just to navigate these processes, which are all too complicated.

By improving transparency and accessibility for those filing a disability claim, as well as communications between veterans, their accredited representatives, and contractors, we can make sure that veterans receive the support that they have earned.

As we see more veterans file claims as a result of the PACT Act, it is so crucial that we have steps in place that are going to improve these processes as soon as possible.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation, which will help reduce the VA claims backlog and minimize delays that too many of our veterans are facing today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Indonesian Community Connect in New Hampshire as they celebrate a decade of promoting Indonesian culture. This also marks the sixth anniversary of ICC's initiatives as a non-profit organization and the second year of the momentum of the Little Indonesia Project. The Little Indonesia Project, the first of its kind in our Nation, embodies art, culture, and opportunity, forging connections between Indonesian culture and New Hampshire, directly contributing to the revitalization of the Downtown Somersworth business district.

ICC, a non-profit organization headquartered in New Hampshire, has dedicated itself to showcasing the rich diversity of Indonesian culture while fostering mutual understanding among various cultures and values. Operating from Somersworth, NH, the ICC team has diligently linked the Indonesian community with the Granite State and its support services. They have gone the extra mile in assisting the Indonesian community with accessing local resources, including healthcare, education, food, festivals, and much more.

This team serves as a bridge that connects Indonesian culture with neighboring communities, offering a wide array of resources. They have established a food pantry to address food insecurity within the Indonesian Community and provide support for career building, particularly for those affected by the pandemic, thereby promoting economic mobility in New Hampshire. Additionally, they offer document translation services to help community members navigate in-person, virtual, and phone interactions, enhancing English language proficiency. The ICC is not only committed to sharing its culture externally but also nurturing cultural enrichment for children and serving as a hub of resources for stakeholders, including the local government and valued collaborators in Indonesia.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District I extend my warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks to the passionate volunteers at ICC, both in New Hampshire and Indonesia for a decade of work that embodies the spirit of collaboration and teamwork that we deeply value in New Hampshire. I wholeheartedly appreciate the heartfelt work of this team in fostering the rich tapestry of Indonesian culture over the past 10 years. As the representative privileged to serve the home base of the Indonesian Community Connect in Congress, I eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued success of this celebration in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate William ``Bill'' R. Davis on his promotion to Brigadier General of the New Hampshire Air National Guard. With nearly 3 decades of dedicated service, William has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to keeping our country safe and secure.

His current work as the Chief of Staff--Air at the Joint Force Headquarters in New Hampshire speaks to his exceptional leadership skills. He has displayed substantial strategic planning abilities as he implements crucial policies in this role. He is also an advisor to New Hampshire's Joint Legislative Liaison team, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the effectiveness of our national security efforts.

Bill attended Boston University where he earned a degree in Business Administration in 1989. From there he attended basic training as well as U.S. Army Airborne School and RIARNG Officer Candidate School. In December 1996, he received his commission from the Rhode Island Army National Guard and joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard in 1998. He has since been a longstanding resident of New Hampshire, giving back to his community and residents of the Granite State. His dedication to public service and New Hampshire is evident through his previous roles, including Director of Staff--Air at the Joint Force Headquarters in New Hampshire.

In addition to his extensive service, Bill possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience, having successfully completed rigorous training programs such as Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. His exemplary service has been recognized through his award of the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

Bill's remarkable career also includes leadership roles as the Vice Commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing, squadron command, deputy group command, and tours at the National Guard Bureau and U.S. Embassy in El Salvador. He has also served in leadership for the Director of Staff Advisory Council and the Regional Economic Development Center. While we can never fully repay the debt of gratitude we owe him for his honorable contributions, we recognize his decades of dedicated service and the profound impact he has had on our Nation.

On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate Bill on his promotion to Brigadier General and commend him for his tireless service to our Nation and the great state of New Hampshire. This promotion marks a significant milestone, and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his distinguished career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dale Hamilton on his retirement from the North Conway Fire Department after an impressive 60-year tenure as a firefighter. His position as the longest-serving member of the department speaks to his tireless dedication to maintaining the safety of the North Conway community, and his love for his work is an inspiration to those he serves with and those he strives to protect. His distinguished lifetime commitment to public safety is vital to keeping New Hampshire safe, and I commend his years of service to North Conway and the Granite State.

A longtime resident of North Conway, Dale joined the North Conway Fire Department in 1963, and has remained a fixture in the department ever since. Dale's experience in all positions, including operator of Engine 3, the ladder truck, and dispatcher, has made him an integral member of the North Conway Fire Department. Through his kind demeanor, dedicated work ethic, and his love of his craft, Dale has become a beloved and renowned member of the North Conway community. While we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to Dale, we recognize his decades of service and immeasurable impact.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate Dale Hamilton on his well-deserved retirement and the work he has done to protect and serve the North Conway community. He will serve as a shining example for future North Conway firefighters, and I look forward to seeing what his next chapter holds. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the town of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire for hosting the first ever Lake Winnipesaukee Day celebration. Lake Winnipesaukee is 1 of the treasures of our state, a recreation and tourism hub, and an economic driver for the entire region. Above all, it is a precious natural resource and habitat that we must continue to protect and preserve for generations to come. With proceeds benefiting advocacy groups fighting to preserve the quality of the lake, Lake Winnipesaukee Day is a shining example of Wolfeboro's commitment to keeping Lake Winnipesaukee clean and healthy for years to come.

The Lake Winnipesaukee Day celebration brings together 8 different non-profit climate advocacy organizations to educate visitors and highlight the importance of climate action and preservation in the Lake Winnipesaukee region. The celebration's live laser shows, food, drinks, games, and music have worked to create an engaging local space that will serve as both an opportunity and prominent platform for climate groups to advocate and educate. New Hampshire's way of life is rooted in our natural surroundings, and it is the responsibility of each and every 1 of us to ensure that future generations can enjoy the benefits and beauty of our natural environment. I sincerely commend Wolfeboro's work to raise awareness and forge an impassioned, strong community of well-informed citizens, and I look forward to many more Lake Winnipesaukee Day celebrations in the future.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Town of Wolfeboro for its dedication to the protection of Lake Winnipesaukee, and the work it has done to educate and advocate for climate change action. I am proud to represent residents of Wolfeboro in Congress, and I can't wait to see the success of this celebration in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Headrest, New Hampshire's 9-8-8 Lifeline Center operator, and their dedication for undertaking this mental health initiative. The 9-8-8 Lifeline Centers in New Hampshire offer free, confidential, and professional support to those in crisis. I applaud the operators fielding these challenging calls, working to save lives, and bettering the wellbeing of our communities. We are grateful to Headrest and their staff who demonstrate sincere passion for their work in mental health care and suicide prevention.

Over five decades, Headrest has expanded to provide crisis intervention services by telephone, online chat, and text to several states including New Hampshire. Through the height of COVID-19, when isolation and quarantine took its toll on our mental health, Headrest was there to support those in crisis. Through the power of community care, Headrest strives to establish a supportive community and further a vision where there are no barriers to getting the help you need. Headrest's 9-8-8 Veterans Crisis Line provides our Nation's heroes with 24/7 counseling informed in military culture. No matter the issue, there is always a kind voice to assist you; and it is through that ethos Headrest achieves their mission to never turn anyone away.

On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I commend Headrest for its devotion to our community and applaud the staff who pick up the phone each day to shoulder the emotional burden with callers. Their great work fosters immeasurable impact and is of high value to the Granite State.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Ray-Fre Senior Citizens Club in Raymond, New Hampshire, for the 50th anniversary of their location on Main Street and the 55th anniversary of the club's founding. Ray-Fre was established in 1968 when the Raymond and Fremont senior centers chose to combine. By 1973, they had a permanent location, elected officers, and by-laws. Ray-Fre offers a variety of games, activities, and volunteer opportunities open to those 55+ including line dancing, cribbage, Meals-on-Wheels, and knitting. Their continuous community-building, festivities, and engagement opportunities help our seniors age gracefully and with dignity, connecting them with friends and family in a lively atmosphere.

Aside from games and festivities, Ray-Fre offers our seniors the opportunity to maintain a healthy lifestyle, learn about new technology, and participate in local community service. Each week, members may take part in walking groups or video exercises, participate in computer classes to remain fluent in technology and learn new skills, or volunteer for Meals-on-Wheels. Additionally, the knitting group meets Mondays to make hats for cancer survivors, infants, and the homeless and provided over 1,900 articles in 2021. Ray-Fre's impact extends far beyond their seniors and strives to make a difference in the community.

On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I commend Ray-Fre for their devotion to community-building, service, and engagement. Their 55 years as a club complements their immeasurable positive impact on the community. I greatly appreciate the work they do for our seniors and the opportunities provided to them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life and legacy of Timothy J. ``Ted'' Connors. Ted was a strong community leader, husband, father, and grandfather who dedicated his life to serving New Hampshire and the communities of Portsmouth and Newington. During this difficult time, my thoughts and condolences are with the Connors family, including Ted's loving wife, Elisabeth, and his children, Captain Timothy J. Connors II, Thomas Connors, and Annelise Hartley.

Ted's persistent and positive work to uplift his community began in local politics. He found his passion in serving the community, becoming the city's first popularly elected Mayor at 26 years old. His work as Mayor to expand housing for low-income and elderly residents resulted in him continuing his public service at the Portsmouth Housing Authority. Ted's kind demeanor and infectious laugh facilitated his rare ability to work with almost anyone. He brought numerous important and historic projects to fruition like the Strawbery Banke Museum and the initial plans for Prescott Park.

A lifelong member of St. Catherine's and Immaculate Conception parishes. Ted's passion for the community extended beyond the political sphere and saw him engage with numerous projects including the renovations of his Alma Mater, St. Patrick's School. His work supporting affordable health care with Seacoast Mental Health, and the Foundation for Seacoast Health, benefited countless families across the state while ensuring that those with severe mental illness had access to the care they deserved. Ted continued his service to the State of New Hampshire by serving decades as the Chairman of the NH Racing Commission, and then as Chair of the Newington Select Board. While we can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to Ted, today we recognize his sincere generosity and immeasurable impact on the Seacoast community.

Ted will be fondly remembered by the communities he touched and those he loved for years to come. His legacy of service and commitment to Portsmouth, Newington, and the Granite State will live on. The compassion and purpose for which he served, to better the lives of those less fortunate, is an inspiration to those who come after him. I would like to once more extend my condolences to the Connors family and wish them all the very best in this time of grieving.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 1118, a bill originally introduced by Representative Cicilline of Rhode Island, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Manchester Lions Club for their centennial of service, devotion, and benevolence. As New Hampshire's first chapter, all members strive to uphold the centenary tradition of service not for oneself. The Manchester Lions Club supports and empowers underserved Granite Staters, and ensures our veterans receive the proper care and respect they deserve. It is through their generosity and altruism that we may grow as a community, and as the Granite State.

The Lions Clubs International began as a 1917 experiment by founder Melvin Jones in testing the benefaction of citizens in improving their communities. The result is an organization with more than 1.4 million members across 48,000 global clubs. The admirable mission of Lions Clubs International extends far beyond the borders of local communities. They acknowledge and employ the power of community service as a force to change the world. There is no task too small or too inconsequential for Lions Clubs International, and it is through that ethos that they affect and uplift our communities. As the local chapter of this organization, the Manchester Lions Club holds close the importance of service, and the global mission of Lions Clubs International.

The Manchester Lions Club's unfettered dedication to service over self is a valuable contribution to our community, and the epitome of their distinguished motto, ``We serve!'' From health-related services such as fighting hunger and providing accessibility devices, to protecting our environment and honoring our veterans, you represent the very best and brightest that our community has to offer. Your service is of the highest quality and maintains a high standard for all of us to strive for. Your continued investment into the Queen City of Manchester will yield unprecedented results and growth for generations to come.

On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I commend the Manchester Lions Club for 100 years of service and dedication to our communities. We are fortunate to call them trusted investors and protectors of our community and our success. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Jac Cuddy on his retirement from the New Hampshire Housing Board of Directors after a dedicated 10 years of service. In the last decade, Jac has worked tirelessly to improve housing conditions throughout the Granite State. I commend his dedication to the state of housing in New Hampshire, and the role he plays as a vital, valued member of not only the Conway community, but the entirety of Mount Washington Valley.

Throughout his time with the NH Housing Board of Directors, Jac has served as a shining example of what it means to be a public servant. Jac's prior positions as a member of the Executive Committee, Vice Chair, and Acting Chair have allowed him to provide accessible, equitable housing solutions for the people of New Hampshire. His extensive expertise and continuous involvement in bettering the Granite State speak to Jac's commitment to the values of the NH Housing Board of Directors. The passion he holds for this community demonstrates the highest levels of leadership, integrity, and equity necessary to provide Granite Staters with the resources and opportunities they deserve.

I commend Jac once more for his time with the NH Housing Board of Directors. His decade of tireless work for the people of New Hampshire will serve as a shining example for future board members. I look forward to seeing what his next chapter holds, and on behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark Pride Month and to tell members of the LGBTQ community that they are seen, that they are supported, and that they deserve the same rights, responsibilities, and protections as every other American.

That shouldn't be a controversial statement but we know that many LGBTQ Americans face discrimination and are targets of an intensifying effort to deny their right to simply live as their authentic selves.

Pride is a time to celebrate our differences and the diversity that helps make our country great. It is a time to mark the progress that we have made, and it is a time to rededicate ourselves to the unfinished work to achieve freedom and equality for all.

As co-chair of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus, I am continuing to work to pass legislation that will protect benefits for veterans, that will ban the use of so-called panic defenses in Federal court, and will protect Americans from discrimination by passing the Equality Act.

No one chooses to be LGBTQ, but America can choose to continue to have an open mind and an open heart and a commitment to a future that includes everyone, regardless of who we are or whom we love.

I wish everyone a happy Pride Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Mount Washington Valley Adult Day Center for their 100,000 hours of service to New Hampshire's elderly. The MWV Adult Day Center continues to serve as a shining example of the compassion and companionship that care communities strive to provide for residents. This organization understands the importance of treating New Hampshire seniors with the respect and care they deserve, and the struggles they face as they age.

The MWV Adult Day Center holds close the importance of dignity. and the ability to provide joy in kind care, friendly faces, and an understanding of the loss and discomfort that comes with age. Their work honors the vital contributions of the elderly during their working lives, and the prominent, long-standing roles they play in their communities. They ensure New Hampshire seniors are treated with the respect and care they deserve, and emphasize the importance of developing social connections in retired life.

Through therapeutic services that provide guests with support groups and socialization, and a wide array of creative, personalized activities, MWV Adult Day Center maintains the mental, physical, and social well-being of its seniors. It fosters vital connections among New Hampshire's senior population that are necessary to form systems of support and comfortably engage with a new community. As the importance of senior connections and care options grows in rural centers, the Adult Day Center remains integral in providing inclusive care, affordable pricing, and consistent ease of access to Granite Staters. The MWV Adult Day Center's upcoming Evening to Remember celebration of 100,000 hours of service is a crucial milestone in a continued mission to further committed care for New Hampshire seniors.

On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I commend them all for their dedication to providing our seniors with the resources they need to live comfortably and happily, and the tireless compassion that drives their service. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. John Mainella, a dedicated educator and committed member of the Timberlane Community Music Association. As one of the esteemed conductors of the Timberlane Community Band and as Director of the Pollard Elementary and Sandown Central School Bands, John's love of music has inspired countless students to begin playing instruments and encouraged fellow music lovers in the community to continue following their passion.

Since receiving his Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in 1976, John has remained a fixture of the Plaistow community through both his teaching and his involvement around town. John has had the unique opportunity to watch his own students that he first taught in school become members of the local community band, and he continues to foster this intergenerational love of music in the students he interacts with every day.

Passionate educators like John remind us of the importance of the arts and the critical role they play in shaping our students into well- rounded individuals. After 44 years of selfless service to the students and music lovers of Plaistow, John embodies all that the arts can do to enrich our personal lives and uplift the quietest voices in our communities.

On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I congratulate John on a well-deserved retirement and look forward to seeing what his next chapter has in store. I wish John and his loved ones all the best in the years to come and hope that they continue to inspire the next generation of musicians here in the Granite State.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Jazmin Sanchez Torrez for being honored as the Winner of New Hampshire's First District Congressional Art Competition. As we celebrate the competition's 42nd year, we continue to uplift young talent while recognizing and celebrating how important arts education is to our young people. This year we received outstanding submissions from talented young artists from across the First District. Jazmin's artwork titled In Full Bloom was chosen by our Advisory Board as an excellent piece of art with an impactful meaning.

Jazmin's intent with her artwork was to capture the presence of insecurities. The flowers in the image mark where the person is least confident in their appearance. While taking the reference photos for this project, she simply handed her subject a bouquet of flowers and asked, ``What would you cover up?'' Jazmin wanted to highlight that what may be insecurities to some, can be seen as beautiful by others. Her work exemplified creativity and thoughtfulness, and it will be an honor to display this piece in the United States Capitol for all to see.

New Hampshire is filled with talented student-artists with bright futures ahead, and Jazmin proudly represents the best of the best here in the Granite State. On behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I commend Jazmin for embodying all the creativity that our state has to offer, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.