Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today at a time of historical concern: Last week, on this very House floor, an attack on democracy, that symbol. But it was an attack from within on this very floor.

Let's be clear. Cause and effect: rally at the White House, march down Pennsylvania Avenue--a parade in reverse--and an attack on this Chamber.

A police officer was killed, and what I hear is, ``Time to heal.'' He is not even buried yet.

It is clear and present danger. No one is above the law--not the President, if he has 4 years or 4 days. We must do the right thing for all Americans because he must be held accountable.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Navy Veteran, Hospital Corpsman Marcus Allen Kennedy of Clementon in Camden County located in New Jersey's First Congressional District.

On February 22, 2011, Corpsman Kennedy began basic training at Great Lakes, Chicago. He then traveled to San Antonio, Texas where he trained and served as a medical assistant and EMT. Afterwards, he trained for an additional three months at Camp Johnson, North Carolina.

His first station took place at Fort Smith Navy Hospital in Virginia where he worked in the medical and surgery ward where he assisted nurses, administered medicine, and transported patients. After his station in Virginia, Corpsman Kennedy was nominated to sail on the USS George H.W. Bush.

In 2013, he was transferred to Camp Pendleton in California where he provided the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine regime with medical care. Corpsman Kennedy was deployed on the 11th Marine Expedition Unit and was on call for the Western Pacific. During his sailing he furthered his training in the military in Malaysia and Kuwait.

Following his deployment, Corpsman Kennedy returned to California for his certification in phlebotomy and medical assistance. In 2016, he moved to Pennsylvania to work for the American Red Cross, followed by Cooper Hospital. He went on to enroll in school at Camden County College where he graduated with an Associate's Degree in Human Services and Addiction Counseling.

Currently, Corpsman Kennedy works for the Center for Family Services as a recovery specialist and will be attending Rutgers University- Camden in the fall where he will study social work.

Corpsman Kennedy has been awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, 1st Navy Good Conduct Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National

Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Corpsman Marcus Allen Kennedy's valiant service to his country.

Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding and certainly for the work that we have all done, particularly under his leadership, to bring this to the floor.

Mr. Chair, this bill continues that long tradition of transparent and bipartisan work by the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee to support the development and delivery of capabilities that make America's land forces the best in the world.

Mr. Chair, I would like to thank our subcommittee ranking member, Mrs. Hartzler, for her collaboration and contribution to the bill. Both she and her staff have been helpful during this entire process. It is certainly what works well here in Congress. And I appreciate her commitment to the bipartisan tradition we proudly uphold on our subcommittee.

The subcommittee mark was adopted by unanimous voice vote, which is indicative of how important it was to both Democrats and Republicans, but most importantly, Americans.

This cooperation helped us focus on what is important: that we deliver a defense authorization act that meets the modernization and readiness requirements of our Nation's air and land forces.

The committee used the $733 billion as a top line based on sworn testimony from military officials, and the $733 billion is the amount that would give our forces a competitive advantage, based on the capabilities of Russia and China, by 2025.

In fact, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dunford, said that $733 billion:

Is completely informed by the analysis conducted by the

military, for the path of capability development.

This goes to the heart of the conversation that we are having here: Are we doing what is right? Certainly the military spelled that out in the number that they provided for the research, development, and acquisition of modern defense systems recommended by our military leaders.

At the same time, this bill includes bipartisan provisions that increase our oversight of the Department's largest, most complex, and expensive programs to protect the taxpayers, support our troops, and boost American industry.

Overall, this is a thoughtful, carefully constructed bill that emphasizes aggressive, effective oversight for the development of our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW), a member organization of the North American Building Trades Union (NABTU), to honor Sonia Ramirez, who has dedicated six years to the NABTU and millions of working men and women across America.

Sonia Ramirez is native of California's 26th Congressional District and a graduate of Occidental University in Los Angeles.

From 1995 to 1996, Sonia participated in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institution's graduate program and worked for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in the Office of Latino Outreach in Washington, D.C. Afterward, she served on the DNC's Board of Directors.

Sonia began serving working families directly as a legislative representative for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). In this position, Sonia fought passionately for economic and social justice.

In 2012, Sonia was named the Director of Government Affairs of NABTU after serving as Deputy Director for two years prior. In this position, Sonia Ramirez advocated for more jobs and better working conditions for her fellow Americans day in and day out.

Now, Sonia will be moving on to serve as the Wage and Hour Division Administrator for Oregon's Bureau of Labor and Industries. She will be the first woman and person of color to hold this esteemed position, and it is no surprise to those of us that know Sonia that she will be breaking barriers.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebrating Sonia Ramirez's exceptional career, as well as her dedication to the national labor movement. On behalf of my union brothers and sisters across the country, I recognize the tremendous work accomplished by Sonia Ramirez.

Madam Chair, on June 18, 2019, I was unavoidably detained during the vote on the Lesko Amendment number 78 to H.R. 2740. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 324.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army Veteran, Sergeant First Class Edward I. Brown of Winslow Township in New Jersey's First Congressional District.

On February 1, 1954, Sergeant Brown began basic training at Fort Dix, currently Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Sergeant Brown left Fort Dix for Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he went through Airborne Training to learn how to be a paratrooper.

While serving as a paratrooper from 1954 to 1968, Sergeant Brown attended Jump Master School where he became a Jump Master. After Jump Master School, Sergeant Brown received a Compassionate Reassignment to Fort Dix where he became a Drill Sergeant for ten years.

In 1968, Sergeant Brown received orders to report to Panama for jungle training in preparation for Vietnam. Upon returning home for seven days, Sergeant Brown was flown out to Oakland, California.

It was in Oakland where Sergeant Brown changed from his military gear to his jungle fatigue gear in preparation for Vietnam.

From 1968 to 1969, Sergeant Brown's service in Vietnam consisted of twenty-nine-day patrols followed by three days in base. Sergeant Brown continued this cycle for eleven months. For his combat bravery in Vietnam, Sergeant Brown received the Air Medal, the Bronze Star, the Commendation Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Following his service in the Vietnam, Sergeant Brown returned home and began working at the NCO Academy at Fort Campbell until his retirement at Fort Dix on January 31, 1979. Commendably, Sergeant Brown's military career spanned a total of twenty-five years.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebrating and recognizing the valiant service Sergeant First Class Edward I. Brown dedicated to his country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Rodney S. Sadler of the City of Camden, located in the First Congressional District of the great State of New Jersey.

Mr. Rodney S. Sadler, an accomplished mariner and personal collector of antique boats, served as harbormaster at the Wiggins Park Marina in the City of Camden, New Jersey.

Mr. Rodney S. Sadler owned Pyne Poynt Marine Services, had been a teacher, served on the City's Economic Recovery Board and Planning Board, North Camden Neighborhood Development Corporation, Camden Greenways Working Group, the Board of Trustees for the Battleship New Jersey and Save Our Waterfront.

Subsequently, the well-being of the City of Camden benefitted from Mr. Rodney S. Sadler's commitment to the demolition of Riverfront State Prison, creating one of the most stable neighborhoods in the City of Camden, and oversaw the creation of Cooper's Poynt Waterfront Park from its conception to its opening.

Mr. Rodney S. Sadler committed his life to improving the quality of life for the residents of the City of Camden, educating himself and those around him on how to enact change in their community, while prioritizing kindness and being a true champion for the City.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, neighbors, community members, and colleagues in public service.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Rodney S. Sadler, was an exceptional community leader, compassionate about the City of Camden and dedicated to his family. I invite you to join me in honoring the memory of the late Mr. Rodney S. Sadler.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Monsignor Robert T. McDermott of the City of Camden, Camden County, located in the First Congressional District of the Great State of New Jersey, for his decades of public service.

Monsignor McDermott was born July 19, 1942 in the City of Camden and attended Saint Joseph's Pro-Cathedral School and later attended Camden Catholic High School.

In 1969, Monsignor McDermott was ordained into the priesthood. He then became the pastor at Saint Joseph Pro-Cathedral for thirty years and went on to serve as Vicar General for the Diocese of Camden.

While ministering to the poor and diverse immigrant community, Monsignor McDermott recognized the needs of the community and assisted in the facilitation of opening several nonprofits including the Joseph Fund.

The Joseph Fund assists other nonprofits with fundraising and obtaining resources, such as; Saint Joseph Carpenter Society, which improves affordable housing, Saint Joseph Child Development Center, LUCY Outreach, supporting youth through after-school tutoring, mentoring and trauma-informed care, Joseph's House of Camden, aids the homeless, offering emergency shelter, supportive housing and social services, as well as the Romero Center, committed to ending poverty and discrimination throughout the world.

In the community he both loved and called home, Monsignor McDermott served with compassion and distinction. The Monsignor was a role model, extraordinary public servant, a tireless advocate for others and will be deeply missed.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join with me in mourning the loss and honoring the legacy of the late Monsignor Robert T. McDermott.

Madam Speaker, I am here to tell a story about gun violence that spans multiple generations, and it started in my hometown of Camden, a city in New Jersey.

A tragic event happened in Camden in 1949. Howard Unruh shot and killed 13 people. This event is now considered the first modern mass shooting in our country's history.

During those horrific events that unfolded, a 12-year-old boy hid in the closet as his mother and father were slaughtered. His name was Charles Cohen, and nearly 70 years later in a school in Parkland, Florida, his own granddaughter, Carly Novell, hid in a closet, just like her grandfather did. Carly is with us today to see how true democracy works.

I will end with Carly's words. She said: ``This pain shouldn't be generational.''

She is right. It shouldn't have happened, and we must do more for our children, for our grandchildren, and for everyone in our communities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Navy Veteran, Petty Officer Third Class Charles Warren Pope of Somerdale in New Jersey's First Congressional District.

PO3 Pope was born in Hope Mills, North Carolina on August 22, 1946. He joined the Navy in 1966 and during the Vietnam War he was stationed on the USS Saratoga, an aircraft carrier. During this time, he worked as a Yeoman to the Chaplain and earned the rank of Petty Officer Third Class.

Upon his return to the United States he was stationed in the Philadelphia Naval Yard for maintenance and repairs. In 1972, PO3 Pope made the decision to serve his community as a law enforcement officer with the Somerdale Police Department. After thirty years of protecting the lives and property of citizens, PO3 Pope retired as Chief of Police in 2002.

Afterwards, PO3 Pope continued his lifelong public service career with the New Jersey State Assembly, Sergeant at Arms. Meanwhile, for more than a decade and a half he was a substitute teacher, primarily in the special education classroom at Sterling High School.

After his service to the United States Armed Force concluded, PO3 Pope's contributions to our country continued through his service to the community, as a volunteer with the Somerdale Fire Department, serving on the Somerdale Planning & Zoning Board and presently he serves as the President of the Somerdale Fire Department.

Petty Officer Charles Warren Pope has four daughters, Dawn, Amy, Meredith and Carrie, and three grandsons Robert, Joshua and Elijah.

PO3 Charles Pope is an honorable American, having served our great nation in a time of war, the State of New Jersey, his community and his service to the public for over a half century merits our collective appreciation.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Petty Officer Third Class Charles Warren Pope for his contributions and dedication to the safety of our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud and lifelong IBEW member to honor the life and legacy of IBEW International President Emeritus Edwin D. Hill. I join with President Hill's family and friends in mourning his loss. Mr. Hill dedicated his life to the labor movement and spent nearly six decades in service to working families through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. It is fitting that we recognize the late Edwin D. Hill, on the floor of the House of Representatives, as someone who was a true leader in the organized labor movement.

Mr. Hill was originally from Center Township, Pennsylvania. He was a Journeyman Wireman by trade, and from a young age he made the IBEW his calling. He was a second-generation member and began his labor career in 1956 as a construction wireman, and he later became the Business Manager of Beaver County's International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 712.

Mr. Hill continued his career serving as the International Vice President for the union's 3rd District, covering Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. In 1997, Hill became the International Secretary and shortly after became International Secretary-Treasurer when the two positions were combined. He then became President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 2001, a position which he held until 2015.

During his tenure as President of the IBEW, Hill implemented and pioneered new programs such as the Code of Excellence, as well as an alternate job classification program to help contractors successfully bid on projects. Furthermore, he pioneered business development initiatives and oversaw an expanded investment in membership development, which ensured that the IBEW could not only survive through the toughest of times but expand and grow.

Mr. Hill's dedication and hard work affirmed the legacy of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and now the dreams of its founders are being realized by new generations of electrical workers. Through his leadership, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is one of the strongest and most influential unions in North America.

Mr. Speaker, the late Mr. Edwin D. Hill dedicated his life to the organized labor movement and he ably led the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers with vision and integrity. I hope that you will all join me in honoring his life and legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, legacy and service of United States Army Veteran Mr. Alfred Clifton Fisher, of Voorhees, New Jersey in the First Congressional District.

Mr. Alfred Clifton Fisher was born in Lawnside, New Jersey on July 1, 1936. He attended Lawnside public schools, then graduated from Haddon Heights High School. He continued his education at the Morgan State University where he majored in Economics and Military Science, was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate as a Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. student and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.

As a member of the United States Army, Mr. Fisher traveled to attend numerous advanced Army training schools and was promoted several times to higher grades and assignments, which resulted in higher level Command and Staff positions in the United States, Asia and Germany. As a dedicated public servant, he served our nation during the Vietnam Initiative. While on assignment in New York, he attended Adelphi University where he obtained his Master of Business Administration degree.

For his brave service to his country Mr. Fisher was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Joint Service Commendation Medals and two awards of the Army Commendation Medal. He also received numerous other commendations, service medals, awards, citations and letters. In 1979, after twenty-one years of service, he honorably retired from the United States Army.

Upon retirement, he worked for the United States Defense Department, where he was selected by the Pentagon to attend the United States Army's renowned Command and General Staff College. Additionally, Mr. Fisher received a Post Graduate Certificate in Organizational Development from Temple University Graduate School of Business.

As a lifetime member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Lindenwold, New Jersey, he served as the Co-Chairperson of Finance and Chairman of the Annual Men's Day Committee for eighteen years. In addition, he also served as a member of the Camden County Veterans Affairs, a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lawnside Post 8003 and was the Vice President of the Camden County Technical School Board of Education.

In later years, he was inducted into the Voorhees Township Wall of Honor and received the Camden County Freedom Medal.

Mr. Fisher most importantly cherished his family and is survived by his beloved wife Stephanie of almost fifty years of marriage, their three children; Stephen (Sarah), Renee and Allyson along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, beloved family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebrating the life, legacy and service of Mr. Alfred Clifton Fisher.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sargent Edmund A. Walens, Jr., of Gloucester City, New Jersey for his service to our nation.

Edmund A. Walens, Jr. was a graduate of Gloucester High School. He then, entered the United States Air Force in June, l952. He was unable to finish the basic training due to the Korean War, the Airforce needed Aircraft Mechanics and he was immediately transferred to the Shepard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas.

He served at Savannah Georgia refueling planes, then the 307 Bomb Wing, Okinawa Island, in Japan. In 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, this ended the Korean War.

After ending the war Mr. Walens was assigned to the 98th Bomb Wing and shipped statewide though his time he served in New York, Texas, and then he received an honorable discharge in 1960 in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Mr. Walens has been married for sixty years and has four children. Additionally, he served as a volunteer firefighter for nine and a half years and was in the New Jersey National Guard for fourteen years, receiving an honorable discharge in 1991.

Mr. Walens also was the overseer in designing the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3620, Donald ``Doc'' Doherty Veterans Museum. The museum has artifacts that date back to the 1600's, and has been around for the community's enjoyment for fourteen years.

Mr. Speaker, Edmund A. Walens, Jr. is the living embodiment of the ``Greatest Generation.'' I ask you to join me in saluting and thanking him for his service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of Carr & Duff, Inc, its founders Edward Duff and Harold Carr, and the tireless lineman they employ, as the company celebrates the 60th anniversary of the company.

I have a special connection to this company--as a young man, Edward Duff and Harold Carr were gracious enough to hire me. I worked in a variety of roles for the company, including journeyman, foreman and high voltage lead splicer. I can tell you firsthand that Carr & Duff is a company that truly sets the industry standard in hard work and dedication. And as I moved on to other positions in my life, the skills I acquired in my time with Carr & Duff stayed with me--shaping me as a leader and providing me with an invaluable foundation and experience.

The story of Carr & Duff is one not only of business success, but also unsurpassed excellence in the field of community service. The men and women employed at this company have shown us time and time again that they are willing to go above and beyond in the name of excellent customer service, and they have been a lifeline to both of our districts, as well as the Tri-state Area, throughout the company's history.

The company is renowned for going the extra mile in times of emergency. During storms, floods, and severe snow, the incredibly skilled electricians at Carr & Duff have proven themselves invaluable-- working long hours to restore power to impacted communities. Carr & Duff has such a large supply of transformers and generators that they are often able to loan out their stock to local utility companies in times of need. The people of Carr & Duff think nothing of it--it's just another opportunity for them to help their neighbors any way they can.

I ask you to join me in celebrating the impact that Carr & Duff Incorporated has made during its sixty-year history, and honoring the transformative legacy of a company that has truly shaped the Camden and Philadelphia area for more than half a century.

Mr. Speaker, I am here to speak about the need to protect Social Security.

Last year, the Republicans passed an expensive tax scam that gave 83 percent of the benefits to the top 1 percent. This and the new tax scam 2.0 will add trillions to our deficit.

Now they are trying to use this massive deficit that they created to justify cutting and dismantling Social Security, all while a retirement security crisis is looming to wreak havoc on those who are going to retire over the next decade.

One in three Americans have less than $5,000--one in three have less than $5,000--saved. Fewer have pensions. For so many families who have worked hard, played by the rules, Social Security is all they will have. And Republicans, they want to take it away.

Mr. Speaker, let's build up Social Security, not dismantle it.