Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank my bipartisan co-lead, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Norcross) for his partnership on this act.

Building codes regulate new construction and major renovations, setting minimum standards for homes and commercial structures to withstand natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or, in the case of western North Carolina communities, flooding.

In 2018, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act brought consistency to the home building industry by establishing the definition of building codes as they relate to hazard mitigation to include the latest two published editions of relevant codes, specifications, and standards. This definition, however, will sunset in October. Left unresolved, FEMA can revert the definition to the single latest edition of codes.

My bill, the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act of 2023, will codify the

definition to mean the two latest published editions of building codes, which is expected to prevent significant administrative burdens on States and local municipalities responsible for producing hazard mitigation plans, reduce burdensome regulations on trade industries responsible for adapting their techniques to meet new building standards and codes, and to support stabilized building costs that would otherwise be interrupted by frequently changing building codes and rising construction costs.

Using the latest two editions of building codes does not jeopardize home resilience and will continue to ensure our communities are prepared for disaster if it ever strikes.

Additionally, the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act, as amended, establishes a pilot program to fund individual resilient home retrofits with FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, program.

In order to increase disaster mitigation among States, it is imperative we expand program flexibility. This expansion includes providing opportunities for individual homeowners to access prehazard mitigation funding to minimize the impact of natural disasters. I thank the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus) for her amendment, as reported by the committee, to provide this important flexibility.

Ultimately, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues support this bill, which is important to homebuilders and community members through NC-11 and across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Brevard High School boys' cross country team for winning the 2A State championship. This is the second 2A State championship title that this team has won in the last 3 years.

The Brevard Blue Devils dominated the championship race with a score of 45 points, scoring well ahead of the runner-up team. The Blue Devils also had three runners finish in the top 10.

I congratulate the Blue Devils. Their recent success is a testament to the countless hours of training, hard work, and a genuine passion for athletics and a quest for knowledge.

They have each made western North Carolina proud. May the future bring many more years of success as we continue to celebrate the legacy of their exceptional cross country program.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Polk County High School volleyball team for winning the 1-A volleyball State championship for the first time in the school's history.

The Polk County Wolverines won last Saturday's championship game in a 3-0 win against Falls Lake Academy.

Outside hitter Sophia Overholt, who averaged nearly three kills per set, was named MVP of the State finals.

While the Wolverines have no shortage of impressive individual players, their strong bond as a team led them to this historic victory.

As Michael Jordan, another great North Carolinian, once said: ``Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.''

Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Wolverines. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors, and I encourage them to continue to strive for excellence on and off the court.

They have made western North Carolina proud.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Brevard High School volleyball team for winning the 2A volleyball State championship for North Carolina for the first time in their school's history.

The Brevard Blue Devils dominated Saturday's championship game in a 3-0 win against Camden County High School.

As a former high school athlete myself, I recognize the sacrifices and dedication that go into making this type of victory happen.

Senior and star middle hitter Meleah Foster, with her numerous kills and blocks, was named MVP of the State finals.

The Blue Devils have outstanding individual players, but what sets them apart is their unity as a team. Each and every member contributed to this historic victory.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Blue Devils. I wish all of them the very best in their future endeavors and encourage them to continue to strive for excellence on and off the court. They have made western North Carolina proud.

Mr. Speaker, the United States of America has always been a symbol of peace and freedom and has achieved this stature throughout the world because of the selfless service of our veterans. From those who fought in the Revolutionary War to those serving in harm's way now, our country's armed forces have given up the comforts of home, the company of loved ones, and--for some--even their own lives to secure the blessings of liberty for many in our world.

Today, we honor those who served our country as peacekeepers in Lebanon between 1982 and 1984, with courage, honor and valor.

It has been just over 40 years, on October 23, 1983, since the deadly bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, where 241 United States Marines, Navy and Army personnel lost their lives to a deadly terrorist bomb. Many consider that horrific episode to be the beginning of America's war on terror and set the precedent for how our country's military approaches conflict in the Middle East. Almost three dozen more lost their lives as part of this mission.

We will always remember them.

This terrorist attack took the most lives of U.S. military servicemen since the Tet offensive in the Vietnam War and more lives of United States Marines since the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.

This act has now faded into the obscurity of textbooks, university lectures and most Americans' memories. The Beirut Veterans of America have a motto: ``The First Duty is to Remember,'' to memorialize those brothers who lost their lives and the families who have endured the last 40 years of sacrifice, separation, anguish and loneliness to keep our world free from the tyranny of bullies, thugs and terrorists.

These men ``Came in Peace'' and gave the ultimate price of freedom: their lives.

Be it proclaimed that this past October 23 and each one to come is dedicated to honoring and recognizing the memory of these souls who shall never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker pro tempore, I rise today to honor Ms. Kristen Bennett for her invaluable work as a Congressional Intern serving in my Hendersonville office. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her hard work and recognize the meaningful contributions she made at the office this year.

Interns work with staff to serve constituents in North Carolina's 11th Congressional district. Kristen was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants and exceeded every expectation.

It was a pleasure to work with Kristen, and I am proud to have such an intelligent and ambitious intern representing my office. Kristen exemplified the spirit of public service and represents the best that Western North Carolina has to offer. I congratulate her on the successful completion of her internship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary K. Clark as she celebrated her 102nd birthday on August 9, 2023.

Ms. Clark proudly served our country as a World War II Navy Lieutenant. During the war, she worked on a triage group as an operating room nurse stationed in the Pacific Theater.

While serving in the Navy she met her loving husband, Edward L. Clark. The couple was married for 65 wonderful years. Ms. Clark now resides in Candler, North Carolina.

It is my honor to recognize her today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Trooper Jeffrey Dunlap, a devoted public servant, for his heroic actions on the evening of Monday, July 3. For more than 13 years, Trooper Dunlap has served in the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, risking his life every day to protect and serve the people of Buncombe County.

On the evening of July 3rd, Trooper Dunlap stopped his vehicle to assist a stranded motorist on I-26 West. In a horrific turn of events, the motorist pulled out a gun and shot Trooper Dunlap in the chest. Thankfully, the round was stopped by Trooper Dunlap's bulletproof vest, and he was able to swifty return fire. In the face of imminent danger, Trooper Dunlap neutralized the threat, saving his own life and protecting the lives of innocent bystanders. Following the shooting, Trooper Dunlap was taken to a local hospital and has since been discharged.

The true essence of heroism is the willingness to sacrifice one's own personal safety for the protection of others. Trooper Dunlap has and will continue to show up to work every day willing to place himself in danger for the greater good. I thank Trooper Dunlap, for exemplifying what it means to protect and serve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. James (Tre) Williams, for his work as an intern in my D.C. office. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his hard work and recognize the meaningful contributions he has made to the office this summer.

Tre is from St Louis, Missouri, and is a rising sophomore at Loyola Marymount University where he is studying business marketing. Tre enjoys playing intramural basketball and making music during his free time.

Interns work with staff to serve constituents in North Carolina's 11th congressional district. Tre was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants and exceeded every expectation with his positive attitude and impressive work ethic.

It was a pleasure to work with Tre, and I am so proud to have such an intelligent and ambitious intern representing my office. Tre exemplified the spirit of public service and represents the best that our Nation has to offer. I congratulate Tre on this successful completion of his internship, and on behalf of the people of Western North Carolina, I thank him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Wesley (Bob) Bessell for being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his service and bravery in the U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II.

Bob began his maritime career at the age of 15, as a member of the crew of the Corsair, an impressive private yacht owned by the J.P. Morgan family. Shortly afterward, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, and it was during his training that America entered World War II. Upon the completion of his training, Bob joined the U.S. Merchant Marines as an Able-Bodied Seaman.

He served as a merchant mariner for more than 4\1/2\ years, which included a deployment on the SS West Hardaway when it was sunk by a torpedo from a German U-boat in 1942. After the U-boat attack, Bob and his fellow sailors took refuge in the small town of Porlamar on Isla de Margarita in Venezuela. The island's inhabitants, though facing their own challenges, extended a warm welcome to the stranded crew, offering them shelter, sustenance and a renewed sense of hope. Bob forged bonds of friendship with the local community, transcending language barriers and cultural differences, and he recalls walking around the island like a rockstar, always surrounded by 10 or 20 smiling faces.

In 1943, Bob completed Officer Candidate School and rose to the rank of a lieutenant commander. It was in the same year, on a mission to deliver documents in Liverpool, England, that Bob met Susan, the British love

of his life. Bob still describes their chance encounter in a rainstorm great detail. Amid heavy rain, Susan stood illuminated by single a beam of sunlight. For 3 years, the couple communicated through letters, finding peace in each other's presence amid the chaos of war. Immediately after the war, Bob called Susan and proposed marriage. They were married in a Nissen hut outside the ruins of a bombed English church in 1946. They spent 72 wonderful years together and had three children. They now have 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Bob selflessly put his life on the on the line to defend America's freedom during one of its most challenging periods. President Roosevelt famously referred to the Merchant Mariners' mission during World War II as ``the most difficult and dangerous transportation job ever undertaken.

It is my humble privilege to present Bob with the highest honor bestowed by Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal. This award is 1 of numerous honors that Bob has received for his service, including the Atlantic War Zone Medal, the Merchant Marine Combat Bar with Silver Star device, and the World War II Victory Medal.

I congratulate Lieutenant Commander Bessell, on this well-deserved recognition. A grateful Nation thanks him for his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate two of my constituents, Alfredo and Jane Calvo, who will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on June 30 this year.

They will be spending this milestone anniversary with their family: Al, Michael, Kari, Leigh, and their young grandson, Tucker.

Jane served in the Henderson County PTA, the North Carolina General Federation of Women's Clubs, and spent 16 years of her career as a staffer for one of my predecessors, the Honorable Congressman Charles Taylor. Jane has also worked for the Social Security Administration.

Alfredo was a volunteer soccer coach at Flat Rock Middle School and East Henderson High School and served in the Social Security Administration for more than a decade.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Alfredo and Jane Calvo on their 50th wedding anniversary. Here is to many more.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Robert Womble for his invaluable work as a Congressional Intern serving in my D.C. office. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his hard work and recognize the meaningful contributions he made at the office this summer.

Robert Womble is from Bryson City, North Carolina. Robert is a rising senior at High Point University majoring in International Relations. He will graduate from High Point University in 2024. Robert has experience working for the High Point Office of Student life as a Resident Assistant and is extensively involved in volunteer work with his local church and public library.

Interns work with staff to serve constituents in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District. Robert was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants and exceeded every expectation.

It was a pleasure to work with Robert, and I am proud to have such an intelligent and ambitious intern representing my office. Robert exemplified the spirit of public service and represents the best that Western North Carolina has to offer. Congratulations to Robert on the successful completion of his internship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Rachel Lepine for her invaluable work as a Congressional Intern serving in my D.C. office. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her hard work and recognize the meaningful contributions she made at the office this summer.

Rachel Lepine is from Hendersonville, North Carolina. Rachel graduated from the Honors College at Western Carolina University in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and minor in Journalism. Rachel previously completed a successful internship for the City of Hendersonville in communications and was an Undergraduate Research Associate at Western Carolina University.

Interns work with staff to serve constituents in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District. Rachel was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants and exceeded every expectation.

It was a pleasure to work with Rachel. and I am proud to have such an intelligent and ambitious intern representing my office. Rachel exemplified the spirit of public service and represents the best that Western North Carolina has to offer. Congratulations to Rachel on the successful completion of her internship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the West Henderson High School baseball team for winning the North Carolina High School Athletic Association's 3A State championship.

This is West Henderson's first State championship baseball victory since 1992. It stands as a testament to the team's unwavering commitment, exceptional skill, and remarkable self-discipline and teamwork.

Led by their esteemed coach, Jackie Corn, the West Henderson High School baseball team's dedication and passion for the great American pastime has inspired everyone in western North Carolina.

I thank Coach Corn, along with Assistant Coaches Ryan Anderson, Anthony Lindsey, Jimmy Gash, and Chip Koontz, for leading West Henderson High to this exciting victory.

In recognizing this achievement, we also honor the parents and families who have helped these talented athletes to bring this prideful moment to western North Carolina.

As a proud graduate of West Henderson High School myself, I rise to say: Go Falcons.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 43) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H. Con. Res. 43.

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

Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 43 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby later this month.

Every year, we authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for this event.

The national All-American Soap Box Derby has been running since 1934 and provides opportunities for young people to demonstrate their innovation and ingenuity through a family-friendly competition-- something we need much more of this day and age.

The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby is one of many local races that will qualify winning competitors for participation in the national Soap Box Derby .

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.