Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Siler for his service in the U.S. Air Force and Army, his leadership with the Gloucester Township Council and as a community leader in many other areas.

Sam Siler passed away a week ago at the age of 84. He will be remembered by not only his wife Joyce, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren but also by many people across this country. From Southern New Jersey to the Pentagon and beyond, Sam made a profound impression on the lives of many.

Lt. Col. Siler joined the armed forces and served with distinction in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He served with the United States Air Force for three years and with the United States Army for seventeen more.

Sam retired from the armed services in 1974 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and his honorable services with the armed forces earned him many medals, achievements and accolades that are a testament to the pride taken in him by his nation.

An active member of his community, Sam served on the Gloucester Township Council for over a decade including a year as President of Council.

Never forgetting his fellow veterans, Lt. Col. Siler never stopped volunteering for and leading efforts to support those less fortunate than himself. Additionally, the Blackwood Rotary Club benefited from years of his volunteering and fundraising efforts.

Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Siler, was a great American whose dedication to serving our country and our community is an inspiration to us all. I join with his family, friends, and a grateful nation in honoring the selfless service of this extraordinary man.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Brendan--Representative Boyle--and Marc for putting together a Blue Collar Caucus just to remind ourselves what we should be doing here is focusing on jobs. Jobs, which is the best social program I have ever been with.

I entered my professional life as an electrician, as an electrical apprentice. I went through the other 4 years of school. It was called an apprenticeship. I worked on bridges, refineries, pipelines throughout the Delaware Valley. I understood how tough it is sometimes for people to make it. When work got slow, we got laid off. We collected unemployment. Those are the struggles that men and women in our great country are going through each and every day. If anything, this last election cycle reminded us of that, that sometimes the dignity of being able to take care of your family, send your kids to school, and retire with dignity is the most important thing we can do.

I have seen firsthand what happens with minimum wage. They tend to think it is all a bunch of kids flipping hamburgers. Well, it is much more than that. It is a woman I spoke to, who had a child 8 years old, who had to work two jobs just to make sure that in the winter, when her daughter needed a coat for winter, that she could take care of her. And she recalled to us how badly she felt that her daughter's teacher for PTA wanted her to come in and help. She had to decide whether or not to keep food on her table or participate in her child's school. That is a tough decision when we both want to help.

When we look at what we have done as a country, as compared to elsewhere in the world, it is very different when we look at the blue collar, particularly in the building trades where I came from. Throughout Europe, particularly in Switzerland and Germany, they look at working with your hands with just the same dignity as going through college. This country doesn't always do that. Guidance counselors tend to push them into college as the only measurement.

College isn't for everybody. I have three brothers. They went the traditional college route. I decided I really enjoyed working with my hands. I went and became an electrician. Those jobs, we are on over 20 years ago, I still talk to my kids about it today--the dignity of working with your hands.

This country is starting to change, particularly when you need an electrician. When Mr. Boyle's lights in his house go out, who does he call? That electrician is worth his weight in gold, isn't he?

And I know Mr. Boyle's story. His parents came over here as first generation and are living the American Dream. They have to be so proud of him.

And in Mr. Veasey's district, those refineries are important for jobs, as they are in mine. I think we absolutely have to keep the focus on making sure that we have renewables, that we have clean energy. But we also understand with each of those decisions comes whether or not somebody is going to be able to go home and say: Honey, I lost my job today.

Today was a remarkable day--the first withdrawal of a nominee for the Department of Labor. And I guess this is where, during the election cycle, I see the difference.

It is very clear that the President wanted to talk about jobs, good jobs, putting America back to work. And then we have the secretary nominee put up--who talks about minimum wage is a bad thing, talks about robots are things you don't have argument with. He wants to outsource. That is not the way to rebuild the economy.

Mr. Boyle talked about the discrepancy between those who work for a living, the average worker on the line, and those who are the CEOs. When I grew up, there was an implied partnership with so many of those companies. Those who went to work in a first-generation company, that CEO knew every employee's name. But time after time, when that company gets sold, that disconnect comes in. They forget about that. And that is where those relationships, that partnership that is so important, starts to break down.

We had a conversation in our Education and the Workforce Committee the other day about the NLRB, which is the group from the Department of Labor that judges whether or not elections with unions are done fairly. There was a suggestion somehow that they are not being treated fairly. It couldn't be any further from the truth. If workers want to have a voice, they should have that voice and choose whether or not they want to join with the union. That is the American way--that democracy. Yet, the nominee for Labor wanted to do away with the NLRB. In fact, when we look at the total case history, it is like putting the fox in charge of the henhouse, unless, of course, you own the henhouse, and then it is okay.

I want to finish up by saying to Mr. Veasey and Mr. Boyle how appreciative I am of keeping this focus on the forefront of what we do here in Congress. I created a Building Trades Caucus, along with a colleague, Mr. McKinley, out of West Virginia. We could try to move this forward, create an infrastructure package that puts America back to work and keeps our roads, our bridges, and our grid safe.

Let's remember one thing: a fair day's pay for a fair day's work and the dignity of a job. I appreciate what you have done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Liz Thomas, a smart and savvy businessperson, a wonderful friend and someone who always supports organizations and causes near and dear to her heart.

On Saturday, February 11, 2017, Liz's friends, family and colleagues will gather together to celebrate at the Hearts of Gold Samaritan Gala and to honor her as she receives the Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice Circle of Excellence Award.

Ms. Thomas began her communications career in the press office of New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean. Then, she moved on to serve as Deputy Director of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism. In 1989, she opened her first public relations firm and she has been working hard in that field ever since.

In her professional capacity as co-founder and CEO of Thomas/Boyd, Ms. Thomas is frequently called upon to use her extensive knowledge of communications, government relations and event management to ensure that businesses, non-profit organizations, professional societies and service companies have successful events and communication campaigns throughout the area.

Ms. Thomas has received numerous honors and recognitions throughout her professional career. She was named a Person to Watch by SJ Magazine and was a member of NJBiz's inaugural class of Best 50 Women in Business.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Thomas is proud to lend her name, time and talents to a variety of organizations throughout the area and is the Vice Chair of New Jersey Public Media, the Chair of the Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice's Board of Trustees, and Vice Chair of the New Jersey Governor's Women's Conference. She is also a member of many great organizations, such as the Salvation Army Kroc Community Center Capital Campaign and the New Jersey Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

It is all altogether fitting that we congratulate Liz Thomas on receiving the Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice Circle of Excellence Award and thank her for her contributions to the State of New Jersey and the many organizations that she devotes so much of her time and talent. Ms. Thomas continues to give back to her community both personally and professionally and I wish her continued success in all her endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Monsignor Michael J. Doyle on the occasion of the City of Camden, New Jersey naming a street in his honor on Monday, February 6, 2017. This street is in proximity to Sacred Heart Church, which Father Doyle has shepherded since 1974.

Monsignor Doyle is a man of conviction who was born in Ireland in 1934 and came to the United States of America by boat. He chose the Catholic Diocese of Camden for his priestly vocation in the late 1950s and started serving the City of Camden in 1967. Before taking the helm at Sacred Heart, he taught students in Diocesan schools.

Always willing to fight for what he believed was right, Monsignor Doyle helped plant crosses memorializing Camden City's murder victims in front of Camden City Hall when he felt more could be done to stem rampant violence. In the 1970s, he was a staunch opponent of the Vietnam War. He's known to those in his parish as someone who is not afraid to fight for peace.

Monsignor Doyle is also known for his service to the poor, as well as his poetry. Actor Martin Sheen narrated a documentary entitled ``Poet of Poverty'' which focused on Monsignor Doyle's poetry and letters to his congregation.

While the City of Camden has its challenges, Monsignor Doyle chooses to focus on the beauty of the community he calls home. His congregation consists of people from the City, but also a large number of individuals visit Sacred Heart from surrounding suburbs.

Monsignor Doyle has been a champion of the arts and community gardens. He has been a longtime advocate for improved housing, better medical care, community beautification and better educational opportunities for his neighborhood. He believes his two greatest achievements are keeping his parish school open, and opening a community gym called the Doyle Fieldhouse, where all are welcome.

For these reasons and countless more, it is fitting that we honor this man for his great works and contributions. His dedication to God, the City of Camden, his parishioners and his community are unrivaled. I am fortunate to know him. And as a resident of the City of Camden, I can say our City is grateful to have him as a faithful steward. Thank you, Monsignor Doyle for what you continue to do for us all

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record two letters from organizations that have long led the fight for workers' rights: the AFL-CIO and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Mr. Speaker, before entering public office, I was an electrician. I used to work on top of bridges doing very dangerous work. Imagine climbing 150 feet up over

water. But over the course of that career, three times, there were gentlemen I worked with who never went home, never clocked out, never went home to see their wife or their children.

Every day, 13 Americans are killed on the job; they didn't go home to see their wife, their children, their husband. Sometimes accidents are unavoidable, but many, many times they aren't, and that is what we are talking about here.

The rule doesn't talk about hurting companies. We are talking about basic information, the same information that everybody in this room would ask if they were building an addition on their house. You would want to know, if you were spending $10,000, whether or not that contractor had any violations, did he finish the job, were people killed on the job. But when we are spending $81 billion of the American taxpayer, somehow we don't want to know that. If you go for a loan, they want to know what your background is, even if you had given it ten times before. If you are going to college, they certainly want to know your background.

So what we are talking about here is simple transparency. It is not just about workplace safety. It is about giving a free pass for something that they did wrong. Let me repeat that. Something that contractors did wrong. If they did nothing wrong, they have nothing to fear. That is why I stand in opposition to this rule.

When I vote against this legislation, I want everybody in this room to think about 13 men and women who aren't going home tonight, who wouldn't have to tell anybody that they were killed on their jobs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Army Specialist 4 Anthony Joseph Dixon of Lindenwold, New Jersey who died at the young age of twenty on August 1, 2004 in Samarra, Iraq in a roadside bombing.

Mr. Dixon is remembered by his family and friends as an adventurous young man who loved to race his car around town, once climbed a tall cell phone tower on a dare and went to Florida after his high school graduation with no firm plans and only $20 in his pocket.

As a student, Mr. Dixon was involved in athletics, including soccer, baseball and wrestling. After his high school graduation, and bouncing around from job to job for a while, he enlisted in the United States Army and was proud to serve his country.

His family recalls him being excited to share his battle stories with them. He enjoyed his time defending our country because it was adventurous and the right thing to do.

Mr. Dixon was the youngest of five children. He left behind his parents, Alexander and Jacquelyn, his brother Alexander, Jr., sisters Kim (Derek), Celesta (Gerald), Mary (Michael), his grandmother Sara, his fiancee Elis Deniz and countless nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Joining the United States Army provided the focus and drive that Mr. Dixon needed to move forward with his life. We appreciate his service and commitment to our country and honor him for the ultimate sacrifice he made to keep us safe. I also am honored to thank his family for their sacrifices as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kyle Dixon III of Cherry Hill, New Jersey for his personal growth and achievements as a successful author at the age of thirteen.

As a fourth grade student, Kyle could not write a full sentence. He was a special needs student who struggled with most of his classes, in particular, writing. Due to his struggle, Kyle was homeschooled until the sixth grade. It was at that time that his mother encouraged him to start a journal to improve his writing skills. The support and encouragement he received from his family propelled young Kyle to start writing his book titled ``Jay Bumblebee''.

``Jay Bumblebee'' is about a young bee that does not have wings. Unable to provide for his family, Jay becomes an entrepreneur and goes on to take over his father's shoe business and provide for his family. Many of the themes in ``Jay Bumblebee'' go hand in hand with the challenges Kyle has overcome in his own life, and his book has provided inspiration for many young students to never give up on their dreams.

Kyle is a wonderful example of what New Jersey Students are capable of. To date, he has travelled throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania promoting his book. He plans on visiting fifty more schools by April. With over 8,000 copies already sold, Kyle's future success looks promising, and he hopes to continue motivating students by sharing his own story of hard work and success.

Mr. Speaker, Kyle Dixon is a great student who exemplifies the American spirit. I join the Cherry Hill community and all of New Jersey in honoring the achievements of this exceptional young man.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tassos Efstratiades, Esq. of Cherry Hill, New Jersey for his achievements, contributions, and service to the people of New Jersey and its Hellenic community.

Born in Athens, Greece, Mr. Efstratiades' life has been an inspiration to the citizens of South Jersey. After coming to the United States, he graduated from Villanova University with a law degree and a Master's degree in International Relations. Over his more than three decades practicing law, Mr. Efstratiades has published numerous law articles and now serves as the co-chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association's Banking Committee.

Mr. Efstratiades also served the people of New Jersey in a number of civic posts. He was a close advisor to Governor James Florio, served as a board member of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and as chairman of the Governor's Commission on International Trade among several other positions. Currently, he is serving as a member of the New Jersey Health Care Administration Board.

Mr. Efstratiades is a pillar of New Jersey's Hellenic community. He was one of the founders of the Greek American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, and served not only as the first chairman of its board, but later as its president as well. He was instrumental in the the creation of the Hellenic Federation of New Jersey and, after being elected its first president, he worked tirelessly to promote the interests of the Greek Orthodox Church and the Hellenic community in New Jersey. In recognition of his efforts, Mr. Efstratiades was made an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.

Mr. Speaker, Tassos Efstratiades, Esq. is a great man who exemplifies the American spirit. I join the Hellenic Federation and all of New Jersey in honoring the achievements of this exceptional man.

Mr. Speaker, it is ironic that we are having this discussion today.

First, I want to thank the ranking member for yielding me time.

I was sworn in just a few weeks ago. Prior to that, my entire career has been working in a system that supported a multiemployer plan.

I went home last night and opened my mail. I received my first pension check which happens to be from a multiemployer plan. I understand how it works, and I understand how it doesn't work, and that is what we are here to discuss today.

The fact of the matter is the multiemployer is a very different animal than what most people traditionally think of as a pension plan. Multiemployer is the employee groups, the unions working together with management to make these decisions.

In a perfect world--which I have been blessed with, with my plan-- that check arrives on time, and it will be there, but there are other plans that are certainly not in that condition and have not been that way for a very long time.

We can continue to bury our heads in the sand and wait for that implosion--because it is going to happen--or we can do the right thing and give people their voice back.

Let those plans have the ability to ask their memberships what they want to do. They got there through that cooperation. It might not be their own fault that the plan is failing. There are many conditions that cause that.

But the way the rules are now, they have no voice. They are silent. I am just here to make sure that we have an absolute and clear understanding that this is about giving the employers and the employees their voice back.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present for rollcall No. 555 on passage of the Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014 under suspension of this rules, I would have voted ''yes.''

Mr. Speaker, Leader Pelosi, Congressman Pallone, and certainly Congressman LoBiondo and my colleagues from New Jersey. The young man who is standing next to me is my grandson, Donald III, who did an excellent job; and a special person in my life who allows me and keeps my life in order, my lovely wife, Andrea.

She is up there with my daughter, Corey; my son, Gregory; my son, Donald, Jr.; his wife, Jeanette; and my granddaughter, Natalie. It is great to have you here. And the one person who is truly the leader of my house is my mother, Carol. Hey, Ma.

And many friends, family, and supporters from New Jersey, including my three brothers, George, John, and Phil; and my extended brother, Robert--it is good to have you here.

To my extended family in labor who I have worked closely with over the past 25 years and certainly the supporters and volunteers who have worked with us over the past 10 months, many thanks.

Life always brings us so many twists and turns. You never know where you are going to be. I grew up in the profession as an electrician, and look where we are now, a Member of the House.

This is truly the American Dream, and I am proud to be a part of it, and I look forward to working with all of my colleagues on behalf of this great Nation and the people who live in it. Thank you very much.