Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today, I rise in solidarity with south Jersey's Sikh community.

This week marks the 40th anniversary of a brutal attack by the Indian Army on the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism in which thousands of innocent Sikh pilgrims were killed.

Since this senseless violence, many Sikhs have sought refuge in the United States, including south Jersey. They built their lives here, made countless contributions to the educational, economic, religious, and cultural richness of our region. They also keep the names and memories of those who were killed in 1984 alive.

Today, I join with the Sikh community in remembering those lost in this horrific attack and to honor those who carry on their legacy today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues, Representatives Mark Pocan, Steven Horsford and Debbie Dingell, to honor and commend William Samuel on his retirement.

On April 30, 2024, William Samuel retired as the Director of Government Affairs at the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), and from his position as Chair of the AFL-CIO's Legislative Committee.

Mr. Samuel has dedicated his life to fighting for America's workers. He started his career as a legislative representative for the National Treasury Employees Union and the American Federation of Government Employees. Later, Mr. Samuel worked as the chief lobbyist at the United Mine Workers of America for 11 years, where he led the successful campaign to win passage of federal legislation guaranteeing lifetime health benefits to more than two hundred thousand retired miners and their dependents.

Mr. Samuel continued his career fighting to improve the lives of America's working class in the Clinton Administration, serving as Associate Deputy Secretary of Labor, then as a

Senior Advisor to Vice President Al Gore, serving as the Vice President's principal advisor on labor policy.

Finally, Mr. Samuel ended his career after 23 years at the AFL-CIO, advocating for its twelve million, five hundred thousand members.

On behalf of the Congressional Labor Caucus, I would like to thank Mr. Samuel for his partnership in fighting to raise standards for all workers, congratulate him on his accomplished career in the labor movement, and extend great appreciation for outstanding service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Bill Samuel on his career of service and in wishing him a happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Specialist Justin Medina, Clementon Town Hall Hometown Hero.

Born and raised in Blackwood, New Jersey, Specialist Justin Medina has shown dedication and commitment throughout his life. During his time at Highland Regional High School, he was involved in sports. Immediately after graduating from Highland Regional High School Specialist Justin Medina enlisted in the United States Army.

Specialist Justin Medina enlisted in February of 2021 and served for two years achieving the rank of PSE E-4 before he was honorably discharged in 2023. Specialist Medina served as a paratrooper during his enlistment, and he was stationed at Fort Bragg, now known as Fort Liberty.

During his tenure in the United States Armed Forces, he served with distinction. Specialist Justin Medina was the recipient of multiple Army Commendation Medals which are granted for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.

Following his military service, Specialist Justin Medina began working as a security officer and is presently employed at a local smoke shop. Throughout his career he has shown a willingness to learn in different environments.

Today, Specialist Justin Medina is determined to further his education and pursue a college degree and he desires to earn a Real Estate License. Specialist Justin Medina has a strong work ethic, and there is no doubt that he will continue to make significant contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Specialist Justin Medina for his service to his community, the United States Army, and to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Petty Officer Art Schneider, Cherry Hill Hometown Hero.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Art Schneider was born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Following in the footstep of both of his grandfathers and two of his uncles, Petty Officer Schneider enlisted into the United States Navy on September 5, 1990.

After joining the United States Navy, Petty Officer Schneider became a Nuclear Machinist Mate and throughout his service was stationed in Orlando, Idaho Falls, Alameda, Puget Sound, Naval Shipyard, Ballston Spa Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit, and was deployed during Operation Desert Storm. Throughout his tenure in the armed services, he earned several military commendations including but not limited to the Navy Achievement Medal, two Good Conduct Awards, a Letter of Commendation, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with a Bronze Star, the Battle Effectiveness Award, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Following his active-duty service, Art pursued a career in Cryogenic Field Service, became a Mechanical Instructor, and went on to become a Welding Equipment Repair Technician. Today, Art Schneider is a member of the Cherry Hill American Legion Post 372, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8051, American Veterans Post 101, and Disabled American Veterans E J Newton Memorial Chapter 4. Petty Officer Schneider continues to serve his community assisting veterans throughout the region and specifically in his role as the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Aide-de-Camp from 2016 to 2017, and Senior Vice Commander of the Philadelphia Veterans of Foreign Wars District 1 from 2016 to 2020.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Petty Officer 3rd Class Art Schneider of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a resident dedicated to his family, community, and country, who has intrepidly served each to the best of his ability.

Mr. Speaker, born and raised in Blackwood, New Jersey, Specialist Justin Medina has shown dedication and commitment throughout his life. During his time at Highland Regional High School, he was involved in sports. Immediately after graduating from Highland Regional High School, Specialist Justin Medina enlisted in the United States Army.

Specialist Justin Medina enlisted in February of 2021 and served for two years, achieving the rank of PSE E-4, before he was honorably discharged in 2023. Specialist Justin Medina served as a paratrooper during his enlistment, and he was stationed at Fort Bragg, now known as Fort Liberty.

During his tenure in the United States Armed Forces, he served with distinction. Specialist Justin Medina was the recipient of multiple Army Commendation Medals which are granted for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service.

Following his military service, Specialist Justin Medina began working as a security officer and is presently employed at a local smoke shop. Throughout his career he has shown a willingness to learn in different environments.

Today, Specialist Justin Medina is determined to further his education and pursue a college degree and he desires to earn a Real Estate License. Specialist Justin Medina has a strong work ethic, and there is no doubt that he will continue to make significant contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Specialist Justin Medina for his service to his community, the United States Army, and to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 363; NAY on Roll Call No. 637; NAY on Roll Call No. 636; and NAY on Roll Call No. 648.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the Life and Legacy of Edward Gant.

Born in Pleasantville, New Jersey and raised in Absecon, New Jersey, Edward Gant spent much of his childhood along the beautiful shores of New Jersey, being considered by those close to him a ``Bay Rat''. Edward Gant enjoyed the shore so much that it became a way of life for him. He was a fisherman among many other things, and passing those traits onto his children, most notably Gabriel and Matthew Gant. While spending many of his days enjoying New Jersey's magnificent waters, in the spring of 1974 Edward Gant began an apprenticeship, that would become a staple in who he was.

Edward Gant was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 351, and during his career he became IBEW's business manager and, was an advocate and instrumental voice involved in many individuals' careers as well as local organized labor. During his time as a IBEW member, he became a close friend and mentor to me. Edward Gant and I worked closely together not only in IBEW related matters but matters that were paramount to all working families.

Returning to his roots in Pleasantville, New Jersey, Edward Gant spent time as a board member on the New Jersey Casino Redevelopment Authority (CRDA). It was evident that his love for the area in which he grew up and developed so many fond memories held a special place in his heart. Edward Gant wanted to give back, making positive and everlasting change.

Today, Edward Gant is survived by his wife Susen; his son and daughter in law, Gabriel and Kiersten; his son and daughter Matthew and Andrea; and his two grandchildren, Lyla and Jaxson.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Edward Gant of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, a resident dedicated to his community and who has thoroughly served them to the best of his ability.

Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend the vote on January 12, 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 10.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend The Honorable Josh Keenan, on his retirement.

Born in the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1937, The Honorable Mayor Josh Keenan attended and graduated from Northeast Catholic High School as a member of their Philadelphia Inter League Commission Championship Basketball Team in 1956. After graduating from High School, Mayor Josh Keenan matriculated to Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina, graduating with a bachelor's degree in science. His desire to continue his education led him to earn a master's degree in science and physical education at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York as well as earn a Certificate in Educational Administration from Glassboro College in Glassboro, New Jersey.

The Honorable Josh Keenan has been heavily involved within his community. He is a member of several organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Stratford's Joint Land Use Board, and the Free Public Library Board of Trustees, as well as the Stratford Ambulance Association Inc. He formerly served as president of the Stratford Board of Education, which he was a part of for 22 years before 10 years as Treasurer for the Sterling Regional High School Board of Education. Mayor Keenan paid close attention to the development of the borough as a committeeman concerning Stratford's Economic Development. He is also a member of the Holy Family Council & Bishop Eustace General Assembly, St. Luke R.C. Church, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

The Honorable Mayor Keenan served as Edgewood Regional High School's Athletic Director for 30 years. Throughout his career, Mayor Keenan served on the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association's Executive Committee, National Council of Secondary School Athletic Directors Executive Committee, and formerly led as President of the South Jersey Coaches Association. For his commitment to Athletics Mayor Josh Keenan was inducted into the Philadelphia Basketball Association and the South Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame.

Today, in his retirement, Mayor Keenan will have more time with his family. A resident of the Borough of Stratford for 59 years, Mayor Keenan shared 57 years with the late Medge Keenan, whom together, they had three sons John, Mike and Matt who are all residents of Stratford. He is the proud grandfather of three and great-grandfather of two.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending The Honorable Mayor Josh Keenan of the Borough of Stratford, New Jersey, a resident dedicated to his community who has thoroughly served them to the best of his ability.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Robert Edmund on his retirement.

On June 24, 2022, Robert Edmund retired from Edmund Optics as its Chief Executive Officer. Over the years Robert Edmund has made a substantial impact during his tenure and fulfilled many achievements that advanced the growth of the small family company into a successful and accredited industry.

Prior to his accomplishments in the optics world, Robert Edmund graduated from the University of Buffalo's Organizational Development Program. He also received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Georgetown University's School of Business. Not only was Robert Edmund a vital part of Edmund Optics, Inc., he was in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and was a former instructor officer, and vice- captain. He was also the past president of the Barrington Lions Club, as well as a SPIE Fellow in 2021, founding chair of the Advisory Board at the University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences,

former president and board member of the Direct Marketing Association, and past chair and board member of the Optical Society of America.

Over the span of fifty years, Robert Edmund applied many different approaches that carried the business to where it is today. When he first began at Edmund Optics, Inc., he created an innovative telescope, while also creating processes in direct marketing known by all industries, beyond optics. Robert Edmund was recognized for all his work by being named Direct Marketer of the Year in 1983 by the Philadelphia Direct Marketing Association.

Today, Edmund Optics has become the world leader in optics, thanks to Robert Edmund's metamorphic strategies. Edmund Optics is now a leading global supplier of optics, imaging, and photonics technology that has served a variety of markets including Life Sciences, Biomedical, Industrial Inspection, Semiconductor, R and D, and Defense since 1942.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Robert Edmund, a Barrington resident dedicated to his community and who is a true leader of his industry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Fern S. Billet on her retirement.

Fern S. Billet is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where she earned the status of cum laude, graduating with a Bachelor of the Arts in Anthropology before she continued her education at Rutgers University-Camden School of Law. Her illustrious career began as a Law Clerk for Kelly, Harrington, McLaughlin & Foster in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and for three years she was an Associate Attorney, drafting pleadings and preparing written correspondence with courts, witnesses, and clients.

Fern S. Billet would go onto work in the office of Congressman Joesph M. Hoeffel of Pennsylvania's 13th District as a part-time District Representative until 2003 when she stepped into the role full-time for one year. She held many roles in the representative's office including assisting in planning events, attending events on behalf of the Congressman, and working as a constituent service caseworker. In February of 2005, Fern S. Billet joined the staff at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center as a Correspondence Analyst and Congressional Liaison, a role that she has held to the present day. She has also headed several other roles during her time at the Medical Center, such as a one-year tenure as the Interim Vice-President of External Affairs Product Line, three years effectively as the Center's Public Affairs Officer as well as the Community Relations Coordinator and Interim Privacy/FOIA Officer.

Across her several roles throughout her career, Fern S. Billet held responsibility for several staff members in Medical Media and Voluntary Service, helped implement and manage the facility's Privacy and Freedom of Information Act programs, manage, and track oral and written correspondence as well as provide Congressional briefings, visits, and tours as she worked to support Veterans. She also oversaw media interaction, community relations, and all communication with internal and external stakeholders. She worked diligently to promote attention to veteran's affairs as well as, planned, coordinated, and supervised special events to raise spirits and moral of both staff and patients of the center.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Fern S. Billet of Phliadephia, Pennsylvania, a public servant dedicated to the veteran community, upon her retirement from the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Larson for being the voice of Social Security and the voice of the future.

I rise today for almost 150,000 recipients in my district in southern New Jersey, the First District, for those American families who have worked hard, played by the rules, and paid their taxes, as we all do.

For so many Americans, Social Security is all they have at the end of their career. Since 1935, Social Security has provided stability, security, and protection for America's seniors. That protection and stability is needed as we stare down that looming retirement security crisis in 2035, literally 100 years since Social Security started.

One in three Americans have less than $5,000 saved. Fewer workers have access to a pension. Stagnant wages make it harder for people to save. Rarely do I say there is a good side or a bad side because it is usually in the middle. Well, there is no gray here. Social Security is clear. We need to protect it and expand the system that saves seniors or soon-to-be seniors.

Americans expect a future, and they earned a future where they can retire with dignity, and we need to work hard for them. The GOP once again is threatening to cut Social Security for people who don't have anywhere else to go. The fear that our seniors are going through when you hear about that fiscal commission is nothing short of cruelty. That is why I am proud to be a sponsor of John's Social Security 2100 Act. I will always fight for those seniors.

Madam Speaker, Congress has a really proud tradition of passing our annual NDAA. Passing this bill is as important as ever. The NDAA is the result of hard work on both sides to support our military and provide our warfighters with the tools and the resources they need.

This bill includes my enhanced Buy American legislation to support American jobs by ensuring the reliability, stability, and security of our defense industrial base, strengthening relationships with our trusted allies. A strong military begins with a U.S. defense industrial base built with domestic components by an American workforce.

The fiscal year 2024 NDAA is a testament to compromise. I am grateful to the chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, Mr. Wittman, and the professional staff for what they have done to get this across the finish line for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Debbie and all my colleagues for being here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of Aviv Atzili. I was supposed to be here speaking about him being held hostage by Hamas and the need to bring him home safely and without delay.

Instead, I am sadly here to speak about the memory of Aviv. Aviv was a dedicated family man, who just hours ago it was confirmed that he was killed by Hamas.

According to his father-in-law, a New Jerseyan, Aviv bravely fought back against terrorists, but they had not heard anything since that day in October. The news of his death comes hours after his wife, Liat, an American, was released from captivity after 54 days.

While we are grateful for her release, we mourn the loss of Aviv as he leaves behind Liat and her three children.

We are keeping friends, family, and certainly his community in our prayers, but, unfortunately, Aviv's story is one of thousands, many that you will hear tonight about American citizens, many who have been killed or taken hostage by Hamas terrorists.

When I traveled with Debbie in a bipartisan group just 2 days after the attack when we were in Israel, we heard the stories from the families. We listened as two children talked about how their mother and father hid in that shelter until they broke through and took her father away while she hid, and we are still waiting to hear what happened there. It is impossible to try to fathom exactly the pain that they are going through, to watch and to hear what happened as they are hiding.

Many Israelis continue to live that dark day and they are waiting to hear about those who have been taken away. It is time to bring them all home. The images, the videos of the reuniting children and families bring that joy to our heart in such time of pain. It is a reminder that we must bring all the remaining hostages home without delay.

I am proud to join with my colleagues here today to highlight our commitment to bring every single one of them home. We cannot and we will not be silent until all those held by that terrorist organization are reunited with their families.

As a father and grandfather, it breaks my heart to listen to the pain of those families and what they are going through, and I cannot fathom what the Atzili family across Israel had to live through since its brutal attack.

Mr. Speaker, Aviv and Liat's story is a reminder that every single hostage and Israeli loss is a son, daughter, mother, father, brother, or sister. May Aviv's memory be a blessing to his family and to all of us.

Mr. Chair, I thank the ranking member for recognizing me.

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the Republican Labor-HHS appropriations bill, which, among other cuts, would slash funding for DOL's Wage and Hour Division by nearly 30 percent.

Among other functions of the Wage and Hour Division, it enforces the Davis-Bacon Act, which ensures that workers are fairly compensated. It has been around since 1931.

Davis-Bacon requires that workers on Federal construction projects are paid a prevailing wage, which prevents workers from being undercut, not being paid the correct amount of money for their work.

For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee. If the House rules permitted, I would have offered the motion with an amendment to increase funding for the Wage and Hour Division to improve the full force of Davis-Bacon.

Mr. Chair, I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for this motion to recommit.

Mr. Chair, I include in the Record the text of my amendment.

Mr. Norcross moves to recommit the bill H.R. 5894 to the

Committee on Appropriations with the following amendment:

Page 18, line 12, after the dollar amount, insert

``(increased by $155,953,000)''.