Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers for their leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. This is our opportunity to pass the Defense Authorization Act for the 61st straight year. That is important.

Madam Speaker, this bill continues the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee's long tradition of bipartisan work to make America's Armed Forces continue to be the best in the world.

I commend the hard work by our members, certainly our staff, and everyone else in this rather unusual, complicated, and demanding year.

I especially want to thank Ranking Member Hartzler for her leadership and commitment to this bill. Our bipartisan cooperation in the House, once again, paid dividends in delivering a defense bill that meets the modernization and readiness needs of our Nation's air and land forces.

Madam Speaker, this bill carefully manages our military resources while increasing our congressional oversight of DOD's large, complex, and expensive programs. Certainly, this is something that demands our attention and it certainly has.

This billing includes significant compromises, many of which I personally do not agree with. This is a good bill, and it furthers America's national security needs.

Madam Speaker, I urge everyone to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

This is National Apprenticeship Week, and what better time for the passage of H.R. 147, the BRAVE Act.

I am a product of a registered apprenticeship program and the father of a veteran.

The Bringing Registered Apprenticeships to Veterans Education Act, or the BRAVE Act, would help those returning veterans find good-paying jobs and careers.

When we send our servicemembers to war, we train them and equip them, and we give them the skills they need to protect and defend the United States. We do this because we want them to succeed wherever they are needed, be it on the battlefield or rendering humanitarian assistance around the world. They deserve the same level of support when they leave the service and transition back to civilian life.

One of the best ways to help our vets transition is by providing them meaningful work opportunities or careers. Registered apprenticeships are one of the best ways, if not the best way, in the history of the United States for people to gain those skills. Registered apprenticeships allow the returning soldier to earn while they learn in-demand skills that are so desperately needed for family-sustaining careers.

Ninety-two percent of those who complete a registered apprenticeship program stay employed, and the average salary for graduates is $72,000. That is nearly $20,000 more than the average college graduate, with no student debt.

The BRAVE Act will connect veterans to these resources, helping them to transition to fulfilling civilian careers.

It is fitting that the vote for the BRAVE Act takes place during National Apprenticeship Week.

I urge all of my colleagues to support our veterans in their pursuit of a good career and a good-paying job by voting for the BRAVE Act.

Madam Speaker, after years of demonstrated dedication and commitment to his community and country, we celebrate the life and achievements of Martin F. McKernan, Jr. Devoted to his family, faith, and the law, Martin McKernan, Jr. had an immeasurable impact on all who knew him. A devout Roman Catholic, Martin F. McKernan, Jr. was named a knight of St. Gregory by Pope John Paul II and carried his faith and values with him in all his endeavors. He was a beloved uncle, brother, son, friend, and colleague.

Born and raised in South Jersey, he completed his undergraduate education at St. Joseph's University and earned his JD from Georgetown University before serving his country in the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion of the U.S. Army Reserves in Trenton, NJ. Upon his discharge, he returned to Camden City to serve as the City Attorney and went on to hold numerous prestigious positions to the benefit of his community.

Martin McKernan, Jr. served in numerous roles and capacities, some of which include legal counsel to the Diocese of Camden, a member of the bar of the U.S. District Court of New Jersey, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court; an original trustee of the Camden Center for Law and Justice, trustee of Rowan University and the Cooper Medical School of Rowan, along with the attorney of record for the Camden County Board of Social Services among many, many more.

Madam Speaker, Gwendolyn A. Faison was a Clinton, North Carolina native, but has called Camden home for most of her life. A loving mother and grandmother, Faison dedicated her life to her family, city and her country.

Mayor Gwendolyn A. Faison retired with 27 years devoted to public service. Faison was first elected to the Camden City Council in 1983. Two years later she became a member of the Camden County Board of Commissioners, and in 1997 she would become the first female African- American Camden City Council President.

Mayor Faison's commitment to serving her city and country did not stop there. She would be elected as the first female African-American Mayor of Camden, New Jersey in the December of 2000. Her term began on July 1, 2001. She won reelection in 2005 and served until 2010.

Madam Speaker, after 40 years of culinary experience, Chef Jonathan W. Jernigan will be remembered fondly as a true pillar of his community. Jonathan Jernigan began his career in cooking with a job at McDonalds, going on to then graduate from The Restaurant School of Philadelphia, work at Cherry Hill's Greenbrier Restaurant and Camden's Harbor League Club before arriving at Cathedral Kitchen.

Jonathan W. Jernigan's impact as the Executive Chef at Cathedral Kitchen has been immeasurable--from launching a culinary arts training program that has prepared over 400 graduates for careers, to dedicating his efforts to support and feed people who suffered from food insecurity. He played an integral role and was present for all 23 graduating classes of the 17-week culinary arts training program, aimed at those who are unemployed or at risk of homelessness.

Chef Jernigan remained a key contributor to the Cathedral Kitchen until July 2020, when he chose to pursue owning a food truck. His generous presence was felt regardless of his location, as he was remembered to have loaned money, extra meals, and advice to those who needed it. His character followed him wherever he went and left an irreplaceable impression on those he met.

Madam Speaker, today I pay tribute to my late friend, Rich Trumka.

Rich was a labor giant who dedicated his life to fighting for workers and giving them a voice.

His death was a huge and sudden loss for all of us, especially the working people of this country--even those who never knew him.

Rich was a friend to all, and many of us were lucky enough to know him personally.

I first met Rich at an AFL meeting in Cherry Hill, NJ, when I was a labor leader in South Jersey, and he was raising money for coalminers on strike back in the 80s.

From there, I was lucky to work with Rich for three decades, from his time with the Mineworkers to his leadership at AFL-CIO.

Rich improved the lives of workers by leading winning battles across the nation to secure better benefits, higher wages, and safer working conditions.

His memory will live on as he has set the stage for workers to lead the way in the economic recovery.

Specifically, Rich was a big proponent of the PRO Act, and now we will work to honor his legacy and ensure this critical piece of legislation becomes law. Because of Rich Trumka, the labor movement will forever be changed for the better.

We will continue to push forward and follow the path he paved for so many.

His steadfast leadership and powerful voice will be missed by all who had the honor to work with him.

My condolences go to his family, loved ones, and all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for yielding, and I appreciate her bringing this important bill to the floor in such a timely manner.

I rise today in speaking of the importance of defending innocent lives from indiscriminate attacks, because that is exactly what Iron Dome does. It is a purely defensive system that safeguards lives and thousands of civilians living in Israel, many of whom have friends and family right in my south Jersey district.

This shouldn't be a partisan issue, and I hear that right before they start blaming the other side. My God, the reason why it didn't come up before is because they wouldn't vote for it. We couldn't count on them. Just like we can't count on them on so many issues.

This saves lives. 300,000 of them are American citizens living in Israel. You heard the number, 4,000 shots. Very few people lost their lives. Still too many. Imagine how many would have died if this system were not in place.

This is just so important for our relationship with Israel. If we fail to stand by our closest allies what message are we sending to others?

So protecting civilian lives through this defensive system is a nonpartisan issue, and we must support it. I urge all my colleagues to support this measure.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for his work and commitment to this country's security.

Madam Speaker, this bill continues the long, proud tradition of bipartisan work for the Tactical Air and Land Subcommittee; our commitment to securing our Nation and willingness to work through and share responsibility for the tough choices resulting in this bill, a bill that keeps America's land and air forces the best in the world.

I particularly want to thank our ranking member, Mrs. Hartzler, for her input, her steadfast support in building this strong, bipartisan bill. Certainly, though we may disagree at times, we put the safety and security of our Nation and servicemen first and work together to pass this vital piece of legislation.

I also want to thank our vice chair, Representative Sherrill of New Jersey, for her help.

Madam Speaker, this bill equips and modernizes our Armed Forces by carefully and thoughtfully managing resources. At the same time, this bill continues the necessary oversight to ensure responsibility of the execution by the DOD. This bill enacts: Vigorous oversight of our most complex and expensive program, the F-35, certainly an ambitious modernization strategy by the Army and a host of others; and of particular importance to me and Mrs. Hartzler, strong support for risk reduction in our defense industrial base.

To this point, this bill also includes my Buy American provision, which brings back jobs to the U.S. and can ensure that we get what we need when we need it, securing our fragile supply chain.

I do want to take a moment in closing to thank the subcommittee staff, those who serve on this committee, certainly, led by Bill Sutey, Heath Bope, Carla Zeppieri, Liz Griffin, and Kelly Repair, and the last day of our clerk, Caroline, who has done a wonderful job; and to my personal staff, Katie Lee, Chris Macleish, and Mark Moses.

This is a bill that America can support and, certainly, we are encouraging all our Members to support this NDAA for fiscal year `22.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Representative Obernolte's name be withdrawn as a cosponsor of H. Res. 289.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on Rollcall No. 185.

Stated against:

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Cherry Hill, New Jersey Police Chief William ``Bud'' Monaghan, Cherry Hill Police Department.

After 26 years of service, Chief of Police William ``Bud'' Monaghan is set to retire in October 2021. Chief Monaghan joined the police department in 1995 as a patrolman. He has led the police force since January 2014. During his years as Chief of Police, he worked to strengthen the community by creating close ties with the public. Chief Monaghan built relationships with cultural, religious, youth and civic groups to connect the Police Department with its area.

Chief Monaghan regularly attended community meetings to participate in the discussions about Cherry Hill's neighborhoods. He is devoted to keeping the area protected and safe. He also focuses on police transparency and up to date technology to continue to provide aid and comfort to the residents.

The Cherry Hill Police Department is committed to protecting both life and property. Cherry Hill, New Jersey is home to over seventy- thousand residents and the police department averages one-hundred twenty thousand calls for service per year. Chief Monaghan and his police department provide the highest level of police service while also enhancing the quality of life in the area.

Chief Monaghan's dedication to the police department and its 136 full-time sworn officers has resulted in a safe and thankful community that fosters growth and acceptance. Chief Monaghan describes his time and service at the Cherry Hill police department as ``the honor of a lifetime.'' His successor will be chosen in the coming months, but it is evident that Chief Monaghan's impact on the Cherry Hill Police Department will be appreciated for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Police Chief William Monaghan in his retirement and recognizing his more than two and a half decades of service to the Township of Cherry Hill and their Police Department.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of William ``Billy'' J. Krautwald.

Bill was born in Philadelphia, PA but lived out 30 years of his life in Franklinville, NJ before moving to Ellabell, GA. He then made his home in Richmond Hill, where he settled for the next 4 years.

My union brother, Billy Krautwald, believed, with his heart and soul, the basic principles and core values of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He was a devoted member of the union who will be dearly missed.

Billy's career with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers spanned almost five decades holding positions ranging from the executive board to president of the union. When Billy decided to retire, he would go on to train the next generation of union activists and become involved in politics to campaign for Habitat for Humanity.

Billy was a devoted father to his two sons, Jeff Krautwald and Billy Krautwald. He was loving husband to Peggy Krautwald of 47 years, and supportive family member and friend to those around him. He is remembered for all the help, guidance, and direction he offered to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, blessing my fellow brothers and sisters with the skills of a master electrician and the heart of a lion to make our union one of the greatest in the country.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the late Mr. William ``Billy'' J. Krautwald of Philadelphia, PA, the ``old guard'' union worker, a leader, a friend, and a celebrated member of the New Jersey community.

Madam Speaker, during the vote on final passage of H.R. 1620--the Violence Against Women Act, I was detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 86

Madam Speaker, the ``thugs.'' Are those the friends of the folks who attacked this Capitol? Is that who you are talking about? Those are thugs.

Madam Speaker, for 44 years, I have been a member of the IBEW. My brothers went to college. I did the other thing. I went to the other 4- year school, an apprenticeship. My entire life has been about speaking for those voices, those workers who didn't have a voice.

Listen to this: Employers shouldn't make the decision, and unions shouldn't make the decision. Employees make the decision whether or not they want to enter into a collective bargaining agreement.

That is one of the reasons why I and five others formed the Labor Caucus, because their voices are not being heard.

Unlimited money, the total control of the workplace--OSHA injuries are much higher on nonunion jobs than union jobs. Why? Because workers have a voice. They have better health benefits; they have better pensions; they have dignity in retiring.

Madam Speaker, I have spent 44 years and have been involved with 30 organizing campaigns. I know what it is like to go out and get those cards signed. I know what it is like to have a fair election, and that is what we need.

Fairness in America still counts, and workers have been on the wrong end of that deal for so long.

Madam Speaker, I am asking my colleagues to do what is right for America. Pass the PRO Act. We are all in this together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the importance of the bipartisan National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.

First, I would like to thank former Congresswoman Susan Davis for the work that she and Brett Guthrie put in this bill and how important it was. We had traveled the world looking at different models to see how other countries have done it, but the answer was right here in our backyard, the gold standard, what the national building trades have done over the past 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, as a child growing up, you hear from teachers and counselors that you have to go to college in order to make it in America. Well, I was one of four boys. My three brothers went to college. I like to say I went to the other 4-year school, a registered IBEW apprenticeship program for electricians.

It allowed me to earn while I was going to school, to take what I learned in the books at night and apply it the next day; how important that was to help raise my young family and literally paved the way for me to go from the construction site to the floor of Congress; remarkable.

But we know, one size does not fit all. I like to say, some people want to go to college, some people want to build the college, some people want to defend the college. We need everyone to come together, and this registered apprenticeship is the most successful training program in the history of the United States. You heard, 94 percent of the people who complete it go right to work and are fully employed.

And the building trades have a graduation rate of approaching 90 percent, something unheard of, and coming out making $70,000, with little or no debt. Little or no debt. That paycheck that goes along with it is that dignity that if you can work with your hands you also work with your heart and your head, and how important that is.

Whether you work in a shipyard, medical technology, or you have your Ph.D., we are all the same, adding value to this great country, and we need all of them to succeed.

This apprenticeship act builds off of what we have done in the past.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to make sure, the standards are so important. When there is a hurricane that hits the Gulf Coast, literally, linemen and workers from around the country come together. And why is that important? Because they all train on the same standards.

Could you imagine if everybody came in learning a different way? That is how people die. That is why standards are critically important and proven over time.

So I encourage everybody to come together to work on and vote for the most impressive and successful program in the history of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the North America's Building Trades Unions letter of support.

North America's

Building Trades Unions,

Washington, DC, February 3, 2021.

Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of the over 3 million

skilled craft professionals that comprise North America's

Building Trades Unions (NABTU), I write in support of H.R.

447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021.

I first would like to commend the work of Chairman Scott

and the bipartisan cosponsors of this legislation for their

diligent efforts to maintain the integrity of the Registered

Apprenticeship system, and their continued engagement with us

on this bill, which reauthorizes the foundational law on

which our apprenticeship programs are built. In the eight

decades since the Registered Apprenticeship system was

created, our nation, the economy, our industry, and

technology have drastically changed. What has not

changed is the need to forever protect and enshrine the

rights of those individuals who enter an apprenticeship

program, and H.R. 447 continues to protect the safety, well

being, and economic trajectory of the apprentice.

More than two-thirds of all civilian registered apprentices

in the United States are trained in the construction

industry. Among these construction apprentices, seventy-five

percent receive their training at one of the 1,900 privately

funded training centers in North America which are jointly

administered by construction contractors and building trades

unions. Investing almost $2 billion in private capital

annually in our Registered Apprenticeship programs, our joint

labor-management programs have long been considered the gold

standard of the Registered Apprenticeship system.

The affiliated unions of NABTU provide a debt-free ladder

of opportunity to those who seek a career in the construction

industry through Registered Apprenticeship. From day one,

apprentices earn while they learn on a progressively

increasing wage scale, with the added security of healthcare

and retirement benefits, and upon completion of the program

earn, on average, $60,000 annually. Furthermore, through our

ever-expanding pre-apprenticeship programs, we continue to

work with our industry partners to increase the diversity of

apprenticeship candidates by recruiting women, people of

color and veterans.

While there are other avenues one may take to be trained in

the construction crafts, for generations, the safest, most

highly skilled and productive construction craft workers in

the world have received their training through the Registered

Apprenticeship system. H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship

Act of 2021, will ensure the Registered Apprenticeship system

not only remains the gold standard in workforce training in

the construction industry, but that it is accessible for all

industries that seek a productive and highly skilled

workforce. I urge swift passage of this bill and look forward

to working with you to strengthen economic opportunities in

every community, both large and small, across our great

nation.

Sincerely,

Sean McGarvey,

President.