Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Jacob Carter, a dearly beloved husband, brother, son, and co- owner of Howdy Bagel in Tacoma, Washington.

Jacob was tragically and senselessly killed while vacationing in New Orleans with his husband, Daniel, just after the new year.

Jacob and Daniel opened their bagel shop, Howdy Bagel, in May 2023, a milestone accomplishment that began with at-home experimentation during the pandemic lockdowns. Howdy opened to immediate and sustained success in Tacoma, with lines week after week, stretching far past the front door.

With Howdy, though, Jacob brought so much more than good food to Tacoma. The store, proudly queer-owned and -operated, has provided a warm, inclusive gathering spot to the LGBTQ+ community, yes, but also to anyone willing to make new friends with their neighbors while waiting in line for lox.

Jacob was a light in Tacoma and cultivated this community intentionally. As Howdy's motto goes, ``Y'all Means All.'' The saying is a tip to his Texas

roots and a reflection of his efforts to always ensure everyone had a seat at the table.

Whether it was his work selling bagels, helping resettle asylees and refugees, or aiding community development in the Middle East, Jacob never faltered in spreading kindness and inclusivity.

He was the kind of Good Samaritan we all strive to be.

Madam Speaker, I join our Pacific Northwest community in grieving the loss of a burgeoning leader.

Like far too many others in our Nation, Jacob was the victim of the epidemic of gun violence, a uniquely American scourge that cannot be accepted as a fact of life.

I join Jacob's husband, Daniel, and the rest of his family in grieving the loss of a uniquely generous and loving soul.

Madam Speaker, I stand here on the House floor to recognize that the city of Tacoma will forever be better because Jacob made it his home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my dear friend Pastor Gregory Christopher and to recognize his decades of service to Tacoma's Shiloh Baptist Church and the greater Pierce County community.

Pastor Christopher was called to the Ministry in 1989 and studied under the Pastoral leadership of Pastor Lonnie Brown at The Body of Christ Christian Church in Tacoma, Washington. He began his tenure with Shiloh Baptist Church in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood in 1993. where he is the Senior Pastor, and will be retiring this February 2024.

In his 23 years on the pulpit, Pastor Christopher has created a legacy that puts him on hallowed ground. His dedication to his community and his faith places him in the same breath as the legendary Black faith leaders of Tacoma, including the late Rev. Earnest Brazill, who was Pastor Christopher's mentor at Shiloh Baptist Church. In addition to his congregational leadership, Pastor Christopher also serves on the Tacoma Ministerial Alliance, and is an At-Large Board Member of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

Pastor Christopher has been a fierce and tireless leader outside the Church as well. He is a compassionate advocate for folks experiencing homelessness, a champion for racial representation, and a catalyst for policy solutions to improve the lives of African Americans in Tacoma and throughout the greater Puget Sound region. His work has been demonstrated through his service as the President of the Tacoma branch of the NAACP, his membership in the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, and his past service on the board of the Tacoma Urban League.

Pastor Christopher has been at the center of efforts to promote racial justice and religious social services for decades, working to boost inclusivity through expanding partnerships with marginalized communities within Pierce County. His leadership and his mission to empower the community have shaped our community for the better.

Mr. Speaker, beyond detailing all his many accomplishments, I'd also like to express my gratitude for the partner that Pastor Christopher has been to my office and to me personally. I'm proud to call Pastor Christopher a friend and have appreciated his sage advice throughout my career. While we will miss him at Shiloh, I am happy that he will have more time with his family, including his wife, Evelyn, who also is a leader in the community, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Pastor Gregory Christopher in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lynnette R. Buffington for her years of public service to our community. As the CEO of Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. Ms. Buffington has demonstrated unparalleled leadership and advocacy for the Grays Harbor community.

Ms, Buffington started at Greater Grays Harbor, Inc., the regional economic development council and chamber of commerce, at a tumultuous time: the summer of 2020. Even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Buffington rose to the occasion and led Grays Harbor County to greater economic prosperity.

Since taking the helm, Ms. Buffington and Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. have secured millions in grants and investments into rural communities and projects across Grays Harbor,

with nearly $800,000 of that being directly allocated to support small businesses and business development programming.

Ms. Buffington has been a staunch advocate for public funding of major infrastructure projects, increased access to childcare facilities, and overall economic growth in a county that desperately needs it. And this advocacy has led to record levels of public investment, including over $100 million in federal support for the Aberdeen-Hoquiam Flood Protection Project.

The impact of Ms. Buffington's work has been profound and will have lasting impacts. In fact, work is underway for Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. to join a larger, regional EDA-recognized Economic Development District, and her legislative organizing at both the state and federal level has better positioned Grays Harbor County communities to address their needs.

Ms. Buffington was also critical in securing $500,000 in strategy development grant funds as part of the Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program. These funds are designed to better position both Grays Harbor and Pacific counties to create and connect people to good jobs and renew economic opportunity in rural communities that have too long been forgotten. These funds will significantly increase local coordination and planning activities and serve as an investment in readiness and local capacity-building.

Mr. Speaker, I have been encouraged by Ms. Buffington's community leadership and I applaud her for her successes in our district. Ms. Buffington's leadership and passion for revitalizing rural Grays Harbor County has forever impacted the future of the communities she served. Her advocacy and energy will be sorely missed.

For these reasons, I am pleased to recognize Ms. Lynnette R. Buffington in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the distinguished career of Andy Flick, who spent 14 years in service to the United States House of Representatives, before departing recently to serve as Legislative Director to the Vice President at the White House.

Andy's career in the House pre-dates my own. He started in 2009 in former Congressman Ike Skelton's office before serving in senior roles with Representatives Costa, Moulton, and Trone. As the Vice Chair for Policy of the New Democrat Coalition (New Dems), I feel especially fortunate that Andy led the New Dems during the 117th Congress and through much of the 118th Congress. Throughout my time working with him, I have observed that Andy is an incredibly dedicated, thoughtful, and creative staffer and leader.

Under Andy's leadership, the New Dems fully leveraged Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, and control of the White House to pass historic legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act to lower health care and energy costs and the Chips and Science Act to bolster American competitiveness in a globalized world. I am particularly indebted to Andy for the role that he and the New Dems played in helping me realize the RECOMPETE Act, which passed as a provision of the Chips and Science Act. The RECOMPETE Pilot Program aims to create renewed economic opportunity in communities that have faced persistent economic distress. I grew up in one of these communities, and it inspired me to run for Congress. I can leave Congress more easily after my current term ends, knowing the RECOMPETE Act was brought to life, in large part because of Andy and the New Dems' tireless work and skill.

During the 118th Congress, where Democrats have been in the minority, Andy embraced the Coalition's unique ability to bridge the partisan divide and make progress on the most pressing challenges facing our country. This includes the role New Dems played in helping avert a fiscal crisis by securing the votes needed to raise the debt ceiling and orienting policy task forces around critical legislation. Countless New Dems have Andy to thank for seeing their policy priorities move forward despite tough odds.

Throughout his time in working in the legislative branch, Andy left his fingerprints on policies that have improved the lives of the American people. Even more importantly, he has recruited, mentored, and helped develop countless staffers who want to be like him--with serious legislative acumen and a steadfast commitment to public service. Andy's sharp wit, humor, and unique ability to think of and then pass sound policy ideas are already sorely missed. On behalf of my office and the New Dems, I thank Andy for the legacy he has left on the Hill and for all the remarkable public service he has delivered and will continue to deliver at the White House.

We are so proud of him and will be rooting for him, always.

Mr. Speaker, my region just lost an extraordinary woman, Xinh Dwelley, after her lengthy battle with cancer.

Xinh was so many things to so many people. She was an outstanding chef who treated so many people to amazing meals, who published cookbooks and took immense joy in feeding people.

She was an inspiration, someone with a powerful immigrant story who loved America mightily. In fact, one of my favorite moments in this job was gifting her a flag that was flown over the United States Capitol in her honor, and she was just so proud.

She was a community icon who supported local people and local causes with a generous heart and a warm smile. Perhaps most importantly, she was a friend to so many.

She was kind and caring. She treated me and others like family. She would give you a long, loving smile and say, I want to cook for you. I last saw Xinh in August and feel lucky to have been able to celebrate and appreciate her.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in offering condolences to Xinh's family and to all who loved her. She will be missed by so many.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, 49 years ago in Port Angeles, Washington, I was born in what was then called Olympic Memorial Hospital. Over the years, members of my family and I received good, quality care from what is now known as Olympic Medical Center and its well-trained physicians and nurses, and from a staff that genuinely cares about the community.

The future of healthcare in rural communities faces extraordinary challenges that threaten the ability of folks to access the care that they need and that they deserve.

Unfortunately, the reality for many Americans in rural areas when it comes to healthcare is a story of gaps and barriers.

This isn't just a problem for the Olympic Peninsula. Rural populations often bear the brunt of healthcare disparities. They are usually older, have less income, and often have complex health issues.

These factors burden rural hospitals, many of which are already buckling under pressure. In fact, today the rural hospital closure crisis threatens more than 400 rural hospitals nationwide with imminent closure.

For folks on the Olympic Peninsula, quality care should be readily accessible, not a service only available in the shadow of the Space Needle.

No matter who you are or where you are from, you ought to be able to find quality, affordable medical care close to home.

This rural-urban healthcare divide is a crisis that demands attention from Congress. An important piece of the puzzle is addressing the site neutral payment policy, which has significantly impacted rural hospitals like Olympic Medical Center.

This policy, originally intended to equalize payment rates between hospitals and outpatient clinics, often disadvantages rural hospitals, which rely on higher reimbursement rates to maintain operations and provide essential services.

By advocating for an exemption for rural Sole Community Hospitals from this policy, we can ensure these vital institutions receive adequate funding.

In addition, in July I introduced a bipartisan bill known as the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program. This bipartisan effort would provide targeted, in-depth technical assistance to vulnerable hospitals and communities struggling to maintain healthcare services.

That means helping to prevent closures, strengthening essential healthcare services in rural communities, and improving financial and operational performance.

Our bill seeks to alleviate the strain felt by many rural providers by authorizing new Federal funding to support improvements to these crucial facilities, aiming to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, can stay just as healthy as someone living in a big city.

Consider the hypothetical, but very real situation, of an older patient in Port Townsend who receives chemotherapy multiple times a week at Jefferson Healthcare or the pregnant mother in Elma receiving prenatal and obstetric care at Summit Pacific Medical Center.

Without strong rural hospitals, these patients and others may face a long and burdensome commute to an urban hospital or go without care entirely.

The Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program aims to mitigate these very real scenarios and keep facilities open and thriving, ensuring that everyone can access medical care near home.

Our bill is important in bridging the gap of healthcare disparities that we see every day. It aims to prevent the unfortunate and unnecessary closure of rural hospitals and to ensure that folks in rural communities receive the care that they need and that they deserve without the necessity of long-distance travel or facing financial ruin.

It isn't just about keeping open facilities like Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles and Peninsula Community Health Services in rural Kitsap, Mason, and Pierce Counties.

It is about keeping people healthy, employed with good-paying jobs, and improving care in rural areas where the need is most critical.

The Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program is a commitment to equity, a promise of access, and a crucial step toward ensuring that going forward, quality healthcare isn't a privilege confined to big cities.

We deserve a future where care is not constrained by geography but is easily affordable and accessible for all. Again, I thank my colleague for organizing this Special Order.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of my friend's amendment.

According to Up For Growth's recent 2023 report, we have underproduced housing by millions of missing homes across our country. That reality pushes homeownership out of reach for too many Americans, and we have to fix that.

While there is no silver bullet solution to this problem, several studies have indicated that restrictive zoning laws remain among the largest barriers preventing construction of additional housing supply, and that drives up prices.

As a result, Representative Flood and I introduced a bill called the Yes in My Backyard Act. Our bill is designed to eliminate some of these discriminatory land use policies and remove some of those barriers that prevent new housing construction across our country.

That bill is consistent with this amendment. My friend and colleague from Delaware and I have championed funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing grant program. This isn't about forcing any community to do anything. It is about trying to encourage communities to make decisions that allow for more housing construction.

Madam Chair, I am disappointed that this year's bill cuts funding for that program because that hurts our ability to solve this crisis.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I would like to take a moment to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Brown & Haley's invention of their flagship candy, Almond Roca, on October 10, 2023.

My district is home to vibrant towns and thriving small businesses-- but none so sweet as Brown & Haley, a confectionary company founded by two friends, Harry Brown and JC Haley, in 1912 in the City of Tacoma, Washington.

In 1923, they invented their signature candy: the Almond Roca, an iconic, log-shaped crunchy toffee covered in chocolate and crushed almonds. Almond Roca traveled with our troops in World War II, was carried by Sir Edmund Hilary during his Everest expeditions, and today is sold in over 60 countries.

One hundred years later, Brown & Haley produces Almond Roca using the same recipe, the same ingredients, and even in the same plant in Tacoma--a converted shoe factory purchased in 1919. Brown & Haley remains a family business with over 200 employees and today produces over three million pieces of Almond Roca.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I am thrilled to acknowledge Brown & Haley's enduring legacy in Tacoma and the 100 years of joy that

Almond Roca has brought not just to our neck of the woods, but across the world.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, in my region, you will find the Investing in America agenda in full swing.

Since Congress delivered the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to President Biden's desk, infrastructure investments totaling nearly $6 billion have been announced in my State of Washington alone: roads and bridges and

ports and water systems, and even some investments that haven't been leading on cable news.

Just last month in my district, we celebrated nearly $20 million to support healthy salmon populations which are vital to our culture and to our way of life and to jobs, for hatcheries, for habitat, and for culverts.

When the founders of my State built our roads, they often did so over rivers and streams. We have culverts intended for fish passage that, simply put, don't work.

You don't hear a lot about that piece of the infrastructure law, but it is a big deal. Whether you are a sportsman or a citizen of one of the 12 Tribes that I represent, or just someone who appreciates nature, these investments matter.

To the north of my district, the Representative from Washington's Second District, Rick Larsen, who is the ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, recently hosted a bipartisan forum focusing on showcasing the benefits the Infrastructure Law is bringing to ports. As Leader Hoyer has said time and again: ``Let's make it in America.'' These investments in ports make sure that the things we make in America can get sold all over the world.

In my own district, the Port of Grays Harbor has been awarded a $25.5 million grant for an export terminal. To be clear, that will help export American products all over the Pacific Rim.

In downtown Seattle, our colleague from Washington's Seventh District, Pramila Jayapal, organized an event at the Salmon Bay Bridge. This bridge is on track to receive $25 million for the rehabilitation of its movable span, ensuring it can accommodate shipping boats efficiently.

Washington isn't the only State whose residents are benefiting from these investments. In Colorado, Diana DeGette, our colleague from the First District of Colorado, celebrated the noteworthy replacement of the 112-year-old Alameda bridge in Denver. Spanning Interstate 25 and the South Platte River, that bridge holds the distinction of being the oldest highway bridge in the State.

Mr. Speaker, it is no exaggeration that we are seeing historic investments made possible through President Biden's agenda working with our caucus.

At its core, it is about critical infrastructure investments happening throughout our Nation every day. Why? Because infrastructure is fundamental for a thriving economy and community.

I have seen it firsthand. I worked in economic development before I got to Congress. These investments are not just about the roads under our feet, the bridges we cross, it is not just about pipelines for clean water to our homes or trains delivering us to our hometowns, it is about technology, too.

A while back, I visited a Tribe in my district on the coast of Washington. It is as rural as people in this Chamber could possibly imagine.

We stopped at their library. I asked, is this where your students study?

They said, we don't have internet in this library.

That is just unacceptable.

And the fact is the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is going to connect people to broadband in a big way. So if you are an entrepreneur or a senior or a student in a rural classroom, you can get online so that you can connect your business or have a telehealth visit or take an online class.

We are seeing the benefits of this Investing in America agenda and the commitment to reenergizing and strengthening our communities, including rural communities that I represent. We are helping people make it in America. We are seeing that in the region that I come from on the West, and I couldn't be more excited about what is ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the leader for pulling us together and for his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Ed Brewster for his many years of public service to our community. As the President of Grays Harbor College for a combined 16 years, Dr. Brewster demonstrated unparalleled leadership and advocacy for the Grays Harbor community.

Dr. Brewster assumed the presidency of Grays Harbor College in 2004 and spent the next 12 years fostering a culture of innovation and demonstrating a deep commitment to serving the needs of students, staff, and the broader Grays Harbor County community before first retiring in 2016.

One does not have to search long to find the positive results of Dr. Brewster's tireless work. His leadership was integral to the successful implementation of Bachelor of Science degree programs in K-8 Teacher Education, Forest Resource Management, and Organizational Management. In accomplishing this, Dr. Brewster made it possible for Grays Harbor College to provide opportunities for students to earn associate degrees, enter the workforce, and continue their education.

During his tenure at Grays Harbor College, Dr. Brewster utilized his expertise in correctional facility education and made significant contributions to the College's program at Stafford Creek Correctional Center. His diligent work left a lasting impact on 1 of the largest correctional facility education programs in the state of Washington.

In a testament to Dr. Brewster's commitment to Grays Harbor County, Dr. Brewster came out of retirement in 2020 to resume his role as President and guide the College through the challenges of a global pandemic. A 1-year contract quickly turned into nearly 3, and Dr. Brewster re-entered a much-deserved retirement on June 30, 2023.

Mr. Speaker, I have been encouraged by Dr. Brewster's community leadership and I applaud him for his celebrated tenure. Dr. Brewster's passionate and caring stewardship of the only post-secondary institution in rural Grays Harbor County has forever impacted the future of the community he served. I am pleased to recognize Dr. Ed Brewster in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an outstanding individual in my district, Bremerton City Councilmember, Michael Goodnow. This year marks a significant milestone as he helps organize the 27th Kitsap Pride Festival, his 25th year assisting, a momentous occasion that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and equality in our community.

Councilmember Goodnow has been an unwavering champion for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community in Bremerton and beyond. Through his tireless efforts and dedication, he has fostered a spirit of unity and acceptance, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Beyond his role in organizing the Kitsap Pride Festival, Councilmember Goodnow has been a strong advocate for social justice issues throughout his tenure in public service. His commitment to equality extends far beyond this event, as he actively works to promote equal rights, combat discrimination, and improve the lives of marginalized communities.

Some of the roles he's had in the community include the Executive Director of the Roxy Theatre, Director of the Kitsap County AIDS Foundation, Project Coordinator at the Pride Foundation of Seattle, and Coordinator at the Kitsap Health District, working on HIV prevention in the late 1990s. Michael is also Bremerton's first openly gay elected City Councilman and first openly gay City Council President.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join my constituents in congratulating Councilmember Michael Goodnow on this remarkable milestone. His unwavering commitment to equality and inclusivity serves as an inspiration to us all. May we continue to support and uplift individuals like Councilmember Goodnow, who work tirelessly to build a more just and equitable community for everyone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man of profound courage and vision: Jeromy Sullivan, the late chairman of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe.

From his early years, Jeromy was molded by his surroundings, nurturing a love of the land and the water and their gifts.

His early experiences digging for clams or catching crab and salmon imbued him with a deep connection to his culture and to his environment. Besides being an experienced leader, he was still a relatively young man when we lost him last month.

I loved to see Jeromy's pride and enthusiasm for the progress being made by his Tribe. Once, he gave me a tour of the Tribe's new health facility, and it mattered to him that Tribal members could get care in a quality environment, that they had the respect and the dignity that all Americans deserve.

He was proud that not only was the facility first class, but rather that the care that people would receive would be first class as well.

Jeromy was also a passionate advocate for Tribal treaty rights. Jeromy saw his role as Tribal chairman to be one of not only advocating for today's fishermen or geoduck harvesters, he was a champion for the rights of future generations of Port Gamble's S'Klallam Tribal members.

I can't tell you how many conversations I had over the last 10 years about discussions with the Navy in which Jeromy was unbending in his belief that he had a responsibility to ensure that his people could enjoy the rights promised to them in their treaty.

Last year, I visited a new housing development the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe was undertaking, and Jeromy beamed as he explained that these weren't just investments in shelters; they were investments in families. He said: Think of what this will mean to our Tribal members.

Jeromy often told me that he prayed for the leaders of his Tribe and for the leaders of our country, that he asked for strength and wisdom, and Jeromy showed those every day.

To those who loved him most, Jeromy was a loving family man, survived by his wife, Toni; their children, Samantha and Jacob; and his brothers, Chad and Corey.

In the musical ``Hamilton,'' they asked the question: What is a legacy? Answering: It is planting seeds in a garden you will never get to see.

Well, I am saddened that Jeromy won't get to see the fruit of some of his projects. They will nourish the Tribe's members for generations. Indeed, Jeromy's legacy will live on, reminding us to protect what we love and to stand tall for our beliefs.

Jeromy Sullivan's memory will continue to guide his people and his spirit will endure in the lands and the waters that he loved, the waters that he healed, and the community he served so faithfully.

Mr. Speaker, the last thing Jeromy texted me were the words: ``I miss you, my friend, and I hope we will connect soon.'' I miss him, too, and I will always treasure our friendship.

Honoring Rick Tift

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Rick Tift, executive director of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, who has dedicated his life to public service.

Rick is retiring after 45 years of service at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, 19 of those as executive director, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard's top civilian management position.

The executive director oversees internal processes and administrative processes and is the overall coordinator outside of direct maintenance issues.

Rick has acted as a constant for 19 years when commanding officers came and went, always advocating for the workforce, and acting as a liaison to the community.

Rick has lived in Bremerton since 1962, a graduate of Central Kitsap High, Olympic College, the University of Washington, and the University of Puget Sound.

He serves as a member of the city of Bremerton's Planning Commission, he was a former board member of St. Michael Medical Center, he was a board member and past president of Leadership Kitsap, and sits on the

Chancellor's advisory board at the University of Washington Tacoma.

There are not enough words to express my gratitude to Rick for everything he has done for our community and the tremendous help he has been to me during my time in this office.

Rick is a fair, considerate, compassionate, and kind person who really cares about the community he lives and serves in. Rick has been instrumental in working with the community to find pathways for employment at the shipyard. He has been a fierce advocate for the shipyard, making sure elected officials, educational institutions, and the greater community understand the opportunities for employment within its workforce.

With the Federal Government being the largest employer in my district, I appreciate his efforts as we are all invested in making sure we have the next generation of workers and future leaders at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and IMF.

Those efforts really can't be understated. He has been a staunch advocate for infrastructure and needed improvements to the shipyard inside and outside of its gates, helping to bring elected officials at every level and Navy leadership together to find ways to make needed improvements.

That is only the tip of the iceberg as far as the positive impact Rick has made with his time.

You will never find a more dedicated, loyal, considerate man than Rick, and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with him.

Mr. Speaker, he will be dearly missed, and I wish him all the best in his next chapter as he moves off into retirement. We wish him well, and thank him for his friendship and partnership.

Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency, unfortunately I missed votes on June 20 and June 21. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 272; YEA on Roll Call No. 273; NAY on Roll Call No. 274; NAY on Roll Call No. 275; YEA on Roll Call No. 276; NAY on Roll Call No. 277; YEA on Roll Call No. 278; NAY on Roll Call No. 279; NAY on Roll Call No. 280; YEA on Roll Call No. 281; NAY on Roll Call No. 282; and NAY on Roll Call No. 283.

Madam Speaker, this is why the American people get frustrated with Congress. They get frustrated when folks here play politics. They get frustrated when there are unnecessary crises created.

Rather than vote to pay our bills, as was done three times under the last President, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have us on a path to a disastrous default. That is, unless this body agrees to gut programs that working families in my State depend on.

The American people get frustrated when these issues are treated like a game and when our constituents are the ones who lose. There will be 4,800 kids who will lose access to preschool and childcare; 37,000 women, infants, and kids who will lose help with food; 89,000 college students who will see their costs go up.

I don't say this in a partisan way. These are just facts. The cuts proposed by my Republican colleagues would cut law enforcement, food safety, and vital support to families across our State.

That is not a good idea. We can do better. We should do better.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and to wish a hearty farewell to one of my constituents and friends, Rob Gelder. Rob is leaving his post as Kitsap County Commissioner to work as assistant county manager for Thurston County.

After receiving a degree in political science from the University of Rochester in 1988, Rob relocated to the Pacific Northwest in January of 1990. Commissioner Gelder worked for Group Health Cooperative for over eight years, before joining Hopelink and then the Washington Health Foundation. With over a decade in senior leadership and executive management, he moved to Poulsbo to become part of the leadership team of Martha & Mary.

Rob was first appointed to Kitsap County's Board of Commissioners in 2011 and just celebrated 12 years of service to the residents of Kitsap County.

Commissioner Gelder has been an active member of the Kitsap community and has been involved with the Poulsbo Historical Society, Jewelbox Theatre, Poulsbo Rotary Club, and Hospice of Kitsap County. Rob is also a member of the State Council on Aging as well as the board of the Washington State Association of Counties.

He has been integral in creating a positive culture of collaboration between the various jurisdictions, elected officials, and staff for which our region has benefited.

Some of the Commissioner's accomplishments over his time in office include making the Kingston Village Green community center a reality, partnering with Coffee Oasis to expand into the Kingston community, adding over 4,000 acres of public open space for community enjoyment, and partnering with the Suquamish Tribe to create the Port Madison Dialogues.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor today to recognize Rob's dedication and service to Kitsap County. He has been a great friend and partner to me. His leadership and commitment to the community have never wavered. He has made a tremendous difference in Kitsap County and throughout the state of Washington. His service to our community is greatly appreciated and will be long remembered. We wish him all the best on his next endeavor.