Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as an electrician and proud union member to congratulate Lonnie Stephenson, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) International President, on his retirement and commend him on his lifelong leadership advocating for workers.

The son of two factory workers from Illinois, Lonnie chose to join an apprenticeship program with Rock Island Local 145. Starting his career as an electrician in 1975, he had a front row seat to the challenges facing workers in the industrial Midwest. Through his advocacy for hardworking people, Lonnie's leadership potential was quickly recognized, and he rose through the ranks of the local's leadership, winning election as vice president in 1984 and serving as president and assistant business manager before taking over as business manager in 1991.

In 2002, Lonnie was appointed international representative assigned to the Sixth District, and in 2010 he became Sixth District International Vice President. During his tenure, Lonnie led the fight against the passage of right-to-work laws across the Midwest, making sure workers' voices were heard.

In 2015, Lonnie was elected international president of the IBEW. He led the union through unprecedented challenges, including a Supreme Court imposed right-to-work laws on the entire public sector workforce in 2018. And in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered construction sites, offices, factories, schools, and more. Despite it all, IBEW continued to grow steadily under Lonnie's outstanding leadership.

As Lonnie steps down, the IBEW counts more ``A'' members than at any time in its history. The IBEW Strong Program has established a membership that looks more and more like the communities its members serve. He built the closest and most productive relationship between a union and the White House in more than half a century. And he worked alongside congressional leadership to pass and then implement laws to improve worker safety, increase wages, create millions of jobs and make more things here in America.

After nearly 50 years, Lonnie Stephenson leaves a stronger, more diverse, more powerful, and more optimistic IBEW. I wish him the best as he begins this new chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Borough of Lawnside resident Mayor Mary Ann Wardlow.

Mayor Mary Ann Wardlow is the first woman to be elected Mayor in the Borough of Lawnside and has served the people of the Borough of Lawnside for more than 25 years. She was taught to protect and care for her community as if they were family. A virtue passed down through generations of her family that planted the seeds of service within her life at a young age. Some of her earliest forms of service began during her time in the Girl Scouts where she volunteered as a child.

Over the span of the last 46 years, Mayor Wardlow has resided in the Borough of Lawnside with her husband Earl Wardlow where they raised a family. During her 27 years of service to the Borough of Lawnside as a member of the Borough Council, Mayor Wardlow sat on several council committees as well as the board of the Mount Peace Cemetery.

Mayor Wardlow's history is written with examples of collaboration with her fellow council members and the integral role she played in securing funding for community projects such as the borough's Wayne R. Bryant Senior Citizens Recreational building and public works. Under her leadership, the Borough of Lawnside has successfully enlarged their Department of Public Works, built-upon their Police Department and obtained voter support of the community's children. In the face of food insecurity, Mayor Mary Anne Wardlow was able to court ShopRite following the closing of supermarket company Pathmark's location in the borough.

Today, Mayor Mary Ann Wardlow tries diligently to live up to the image that her mother had planted into her heart as a child. Throughout her career, she has played an integral role in registration of thousands of voters and continues to serve those around her in a way she herself would wish to be represented. Her strong advocacy and work to promote the access and right for people to vote will surely be acknowledged and referenced for the future generations of public servants in Camden County.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Mayor Mary Anne Wardlow of the Borough of Lawnside, New Jersey, a resident dedicated to her community and who has thoroughly served them to the best of her ability.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Winslow Township resident The Honorable Master Sergeant George D. Cathie Winslow Town Hall Honoree.

Originally born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Master Sergeant George D. Cathie has resided in Sicklerville, New Jersey for more than forty years. A veteran of the United States Army, he served 24 years total; 6 years of active duty from 1961 to 1967 followed by 18 years of active reserve. Over the span of 27 years Master Sergeant George D. Cathie worked for Philadelphia Gas Works stepping into different roles such as a Gas Maker, Foreman Worker, Forman Gas Supply, and Shift Superintendent.

Master Sergeant George D. Cathie served in Vietnam for 6 years and was in the first unit to encounter combat in Vietnam, known as the Big Red One. He served as a First Sergeant of the Intelligence and Surveillance Company of the Military Intelligence Battalion. He was honorably discharged after reaching the rank of Master Sergeant or E-8 and during his active duty service he was stationed at Fort Riley Kansas, Fort Bragg and Fort Dix. During his final 18 years of active reserve, he was stationed at Camp Pedricktown Army Air Defense Command Post.

Master Sergeant George D. Cathie was a recipient of fifteen medals and ribbons during his time in the Army, including the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Ribbon and many more throughout his years of service.

During his time in the service Master Sergeant George D. Cathie received specialized training as a Licensed Radio Telephone Operator, Second Class. In 1995 he began the Electronics Service Technician Certification program at Lincoln Technical Institute in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey from and completed in 1996. Master Sergeant George D. Cathie also earned an Associates Degree of Science at the University of New York, as well as Camden County College.

Today, Master Sergeant George D. Cathie is an active member of Sergeant Ron Stewart VFW Post No. 303 and resides in Winslow Township, New Jersey with his wife Cassandra Cathie. He is the father of 3 children, Kimberly Cathie-Williamson who served 7 years in the United States Army; George D. Cathie Jr. who served 4 years in United States Marine Corps; and Tracy Land. He has been heavily impacted by his brother Gerald who served 4 years in the United States Navy as well as his grandchildren Jarrel, Brandy, Danielle, Chantel and Marcel; Jarrel also having served in the United States Army for 2 years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Master Sergeant George D. Cathie of Winslow Township, New Jersey, a resident dedicated to his family, community, country, and those who have bravely served and protected the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I, along with Congressman Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District and Congressman Dwight Evans of Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District, rise today to celebrate the retirement of Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO President, Patrick Eiding.

Over the course 21 years, Patrick Eiding has served the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO to the best of his ability. First elected in January 2002, Patrick served a total of 5 full terms as the organization's President of the Council.

Prior to his tenure leading the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, Patrick Eiding served for over 25 years as the Business Manager and Financial Secretary of the Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local 14 where he oversaw both Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Southern New Jersey.

Throughout his career, Patrick Eiding successfully moved up through the leadership structure within the organization. Beyond his service to the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, Eiding serves as the Secretary- Treasurer of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council; a member of the Executive Council of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; and sits on the General Board of the National AFL-CIO where he represents the Central Labor Councils located in the northeast region of the United States.

He has been a strong advocate for the interest and concerns of working-class families while serving as a member of the union, board, and commissions for several organizations. Some of which include the Philadelphia Area Labor Management Committee, the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and several more.

Today, Patrick Eiding continues to serve as the newly appointed member of the Philadelphia Works Incorporated and actively participates as a commissioner on the city planning commission of Philadelphia.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join Congressman Boyle, Congressman Evans, and me, in honoring and commending Patrick Eiding of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, as we celebrate his retirement and dedication to serving the organization and their many working families throughout his career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Pennsauken Township resident Master Sergeant Micheal H. Scully.

Originally born in Jamaica, Master Sergeant Micheal H. Scully emigrated to the United States, living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania until 1997, when he moved briefly to Collingswood, New Jersey. Not long after his arrival in Collingswood, Master Sergeant Micheal H. Scully purchased a home in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey in the neighborhood of Del-Air, where he has resided for more than 20 years. Master Sergeant Micheal H. Scully joined the United States Air Force in 1994 where he served for twenty-seven years before being honorably discharged in 2021.

During his 27 years of service, Master Sergeant Micheal H. Scully served in the Aircraft Maintenance group as an Electrical and Environmental systems Craftsman or Master Technician. He was stationed at Willow Grove Joint Air Base in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for 15 years. He spent his final 12 years in the service stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Throughout his time in the armed services Master Sergeant Micheal H. Scully was able to see places such as Australia, Japan, Guam, Hawaii, and Poland, as well as operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, which between the two he has been 8 times.

Master Sergeant Micheal H. Scully is the recipient of 37 medals and ribbons, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Naval Commendation Medal, Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medal, as well as the Global War on Terrorism Medal and several more.

Master Sergeant Micheal H. Scully has been a brother of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Incorporated since 1996 and is a proud member and commander of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 1270 in Pennsauken Township. Through his membership to both organizations, he has helped to promote, educate, clothe, and shelter the youth as well as dedicate time to serve the veterans of Pennsauken Township.

Today, Master Sergeant Micheal H. Scully works for the Department of Defense as an ISO inspector with the Defense Contract Management Agency. He lives with his wife Uraina Scully and is the father of his son Micheal and daughter Raven, who also served in the United States Army.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Master Sergeant Micheal H. Scully of Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, a resident dedicated to his community, country, and those who have bravely served and defended the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of marriage equality.

The bills we write and pass regularly affect millions of lives. Rarely is the legislation we vote on so personal as the bill we are voting on today, the Respect for Marriage Act.

My daughter and her wife are two of the estimated 26 million Americans whose freedom to marry will be protected by this bill. Their son, my 1-year-old grandson, Reza, can now grow up without risk to his family. Love is a precious thing.

Madam Speaker, I know my daughters will now know our Nation respects their marriage. You cannot legislate love, but you can give love the protection of our laws. I thank the gentleman and I urge my colleagues to vote for this.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers for what they have done in ushering this through.

The Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee portion of this year's NDAA manages our Nation's security risk and keeps America's land and air forces the best in the world.

I especially thank our ranking member, Mrs. Hartzler--this will be her last NDAA--for her partnership and always putting America above all others.

Certainly, this is an issue before us. It is a bipartisan bill, and we have the oversight of many programs, including the F-35, while reducing risks to the industrial base, particularly when it comes to munitions.

I can't adequately express my frustrations once again that the buy American provisions that would have strengthened our industrial base have been left out.

Finally, I thank the professional staff who made it possible for what we do here each and every day, and I thank the men and women who built and maintain this great industrial base, the finest military in the world.

Certainly, without my professional staff--Bill, Liz, Heath, Carla, Mike, and Payson--and my personal staff of Katie and Kevin, it wouldn't be possible.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote for this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Major Craig A. Overholt as he retires from the United States Army. For over two decades, Major Overholt's commitment to service has enabled him to excel in numerous leadership positions throughout the Army, including most recently as an Army Legislative Liaison.

Major Overholt's career began when he enlisted in the United States Army in 2002. He received his commission as a Quartermaster Officer in 2011 after graduating as the Distinguished Military Graduate from the Georgia Southern University ROTC program. Since then, he developed a reputation as a tactical and technical expert, who has served in the most demanding assignments in the Army, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

I had the distinct honor of hosting Major Overholt as a Defense Fellow in my office. While serving as my Defense Fellow and as a Legislative Liaison, Craig's interpersonal skills and character enabled him to clearly communicate priorities, ensuring members were educated on Army combat systems, modernization programs, and policy initiatives. Due to his exceptional work on military childcare, the Military Officers Association of America awarded him the Colonel Paul W. Arcari Meritorious Service Award, an award that honors congressional staffers who have made significant contributions to the military community. Craig also led multiple Congressional Delegations to various locations around the globe, distinguishing himself by continuously going above and beyond the call of duty to serve the needs of Congress.

This Chamber will feel Major Overholt's absence. On behalf of a grateful nation, I thank Major Craig Overholt for his outstanding leadership and remarkable sacrifices during his time in the Army Legislative Liaison Office and United States Army. I truly appreciate Craig and his family for their unwavering support to our Army, our Soldiers, and our Nation, and I wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of those struggling with the disease of addiction.

The last few years have been brutal on Americans suffering from opioid use disorder. 100,000 dead of drug overdoses in 12 months.

This relentless disease has left heartbroken families across the country asking why there isn't more support for loved ones gripped by addiction.

Today, Leigh Ann Caldwell at the Washington Post reported that a cartel of clinics is trying to block legislation that would help address the opioid epidemic. Her article quotes a special interest leader saying he ``doesn't trust doctors.''

77 million Americans lack easy access to a clinic, but he doesn't want patients to get treatment because he doesn't ``trust'' doctors? Maybe he wants to protect the monopoly these for-profit clinics enjoy.

It is time for us to decide what is more important: Ending the opioid epidemic or the entrenched interests of the methadone clinic cartel.

It is time for the Senate to help us get the bipartisan Opioid Treatment Access Act over the finish line.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of those struggling with the disease of addiction. Over the last few years, it has been brutal on Americans suffering from opioid use disorder-- 100,000 dead within 12 months. These overdoses are horrible.

This relentless disease has left heartbroken families across this country asking why there isn't more support for our loved ones in the grip of addiction.

In today's paper, Leigh Ann Caldwell of The Washington Post reported that a cartel of clinics is trying to block legislation that would help address the opioid epidemic. Her article quotes a special interest leader saying he doesn't trust doctors.

Seventy-seven million people lack easy access to a clinic, but he doesn't want his patients to be treated by doctors he doesn't trust. Maybe he wants to protect the monopoly of these for-profit clinics.

It is time for us to decide that what is more important is ending the opioid epidemic. These cartels must stop.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise in solidarity with the south Jersey Sikh community. This month marks 38 years since anti-Sikh rioters in India massacred Sikhs over 3 days.

The massacre was retaliation for the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. There were mass rapes and lynchings. Sikhs' homes and their businesses were destroyed, senselessly slaughtered for nothing more than their beliefs and their religion.

Following the slaughter, some of the Sikhs chose to flee India. Today, many of them call south Jersey home. They built lives for themselves, contributing to the education, economic, religious, and cultural richness of our region.

They also carry the knowledge of those dark days. They keep the names and the memories of those who were lost in those days very much alive.

In memory of those Sikhs lost to this senseless violence between November 1 and 3 of 1984, and with respect to those who carry on their legacy in south Jersey today, I stand here in solidarity with my Sikh brothers and sisters.

Madam Speaker, Monsignor Michael Doyle was originally born in County Longford, Ireland and raised on a farm in Rossduff. He immigrated to the United States of America in 1959 after becoming ordained into the priesthood in Wexford, Ireland and dedicated his life to the pursuit of helping others and embodied the principals of transformational love.

Upon his arrival as a member of the Diocese of Camden, Monsignor Doyle taught within the high school and had a hand in the success of fellow Camden city parishes such as St. Joseph's, St. George, and St. Joan of Arc. A graduate of Villanova University, Monsignor Doyle earned a master's degree in Education in 1962 and received an honorary doctorate in Humanities from his alma mater in 2007. He was installed as a priest in 1974 and was chosen and appointed as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish where he continued to serve for over fifty years.

Monsignor Michael Doyle was also a celebrated poet, pacifist, and provocateur. In 1971, he was a member of the Camden 28, a group of anti-Vietnam War activists who plotted to raid the Camden draft board office until the plan was revealed to the authorities. Doyle and three other Catholic priests were eventually acquitted of their charges. In addition, 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. His activism extends beyond nonviolence, Monsignor Michael Doyle is a champion of education, improved medical care, community beautification, and affordable housing.

Monsignor Doyle has been profiled by media outlets and documentaries for his work in the southern part of the City of Camden throughout the decades. As a literary force, Monsignor Doyle inspired residents both in and outside of the City of Camden through his sermons, poetry, and desire to improve the social justice landscape until retiring from active ministry in 2020.

Following his service through Sacred Heart Parish and the Camden Diocese, Monsignor Michael Doyle remained steadfast in his efforts to better the lives of those around him. He could be found actively writing letters to parishioners in efforts to fundraise for local school children.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Monsignor Michael Doyle and his lifelong commitment as a dedicated humanitarian and advocate for peace within the community.

Madam Speaker, on November 9, 2022, family, friends, and colleagues gathered at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, New Jersey to celebrate and recognize the retirement of Raymond M. Pocino from the Laborers' International Union of North America.

In 1956, Raymond M. Pocino began his sixty-eight-year career as a general laborer. He has been steadfast in support of workers by developing innovative programs that support both members and their employers. Raymond M. Pocino has become a vital resource

to industry leaders, elected officials and the business community by utilizing his rich experience and knowledge of issues involving economic development to create opportunities that benefit all.

He has received several honors including the Philip Randolph Institute's Labor Award, the Alliance for Action's coveted Eagle Award for Leadership, Construction Man of the Year by the Building Contractors Association of New Jersey, Labor Leader of the Year by American ORT, New York City Chapter, as well as Labor Leader Honoree by the Newark Catholic Archdiocese.

Throughout his career Mr. Pocino served as a member of several boards including Choose New Jersey, where he consistently advocated for New Jersey as an investment location, while also serving as a member of the board for both the New York Building Congress, the New Jersey Alliance for Action, and Commissioner to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. As well, he's served as a trustee of the Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, and the Laborers Health and Safety Trust.

We honor Mr. Raymond M. Pocino's commitment to workers and his service of five terms as Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager of the Laborers' International Union of North America.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebrating the career of Raymond M. Pocino and extend the greatest appreciation for his lifetime of service to organized labor.

Madam Speaker, originally born in Pennsauken, New Jersey, Command Master Chief Joseph McMahon has been a resident of the Borough of Mt. Ephraim, New Jersey for thirty-one years. Deployed nine times in total, Joseph McMahon joined the United States Navy in 1976 where he served for twenty-one years before being honorably discharged in 1997.

During his twenty-one years of service, he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston, South Carolina; San Diego, California; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He served on the USS Ponce, USS Barney DDG6, USS Conolly 979, USS Beagle Grove LSD 32, YTB 802 an ocean tugboat, Conningham and USS Forrestal. He was involved in two major military campaigns, the Persian Gulf War and the war in Bosnia.

Command Master Chief Joseph McMahon is the recipient of eighteen campaign medals and ribbons, many of which he received on more than one occasion. He has been honored with the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 times), Navy Achievement Award (5 times), Navy Expeditionary Services Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, NATO Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, as well as several others.

Following his retirement from the United States Navy, Joseph McMahon continued his dedication to public service, joining the Camden County Sheriff's Office as a police officer for fifteen years. In 2015, he returned to the Navy once more, working at the Foundry, an old navy shipyard.

Command Master Chief Joseph McMahon celebrated forty years of marriage with his wife Diane McMahon on October 16, 2022 and continues to serve his community as a member of the Knights of Columbus and as the Deputy Post Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 262.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Command Master Chief Joseph McMahon of Mt. Ephraim, New Jersey, a resident dedicated to his community, country, and those who have bravely served and defended the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my late friend and former governor, Jim Florio--a dedicated public servant who cared deeply for those in New Jersey and the Nation.

Governor James J. Florio was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 29, 1937. He was raised by his mother, a homemaker, and his father, an Italian American shipyard painter. Before completing high school, James Florio enlisted in the United States Navy and served for three years before his discharge in 1958. He continued to serve as a naval reservist for eighteen years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Following his service, Governor Florio earned his high school equivalency degree from the State of New Jersey. He went on to complete an undergraduate degree from Trenton State College before earning a J.D. from Rutgers University in 1967. Prior to being elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1969, Governor Florio was the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Camden, New Jersey. He would serve in the General Assembly for four years, and in 1974 was elected to the House of Representatives for fifteen years before being elected Governor of New Jersey in 1989.

Governor Florio was an environmentalist long before it was popular. In Congress, Governor Florio was the prime sponsor of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, known as the Superfund Act, which was one of the most remarkable pieces of legislation which cleaned up hazardous sites across the country. It was an initiative that aimed to reduce the number of toxic dumping sites across the United States and especially in the State of New Jersey.

On January 16, 1990, Governor James Florio was inaugurated as the 49th Governor of New Jersey, becoming the first Italian American to hold the position. Governor Florio helped to craft legislation that led to the creation of the Pinelands National Reserve and signed the Clean Water Act, one of the strictest in the Nation at the time. He also oversaw legislation restricting semi-automatic assault weapons in the State of New Jersey and received the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award for his efforts in championing gun control.

After his term as Governor, he was appointed as a Professor of Public Policy and Administration at the Edward J. Blaustein School at Rutgers University, and was also a founding partner of Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt, Cappelli, Tipton & Taylor, LLC. In 2002, he was appointed Chair of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission by former Governor James McGreevey, a role he proudly held for three years before serving as Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York's Board of Directors.

Governor James J. Florio was the beloved husband of 42 years to Lucinda (Coleman) and loving father of Christopher, Gregory, Catherine (Pipas) as well as stepfather to Mark Rowe. He also was a brother, grandfather of ten and great grandfather of two.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of myself, the State of New Jersey, and the Nation, we are grateful for his service to our state. We lost one of our greatest champions, and he will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. My deepest sympathies to his family and his loved ones.