Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the subject of tonight's Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, December 14, marks the 5-year anniversary of the horrific school shooting in the home community of Sandy Hook Elementary School.

That day shocked the Nation. Twenty schoolchildren and six educators--20 6-year-olds and 7-year-olds--were ripped from the community of Newtown and from the United States.

I remember that day. I was a newly elected Member of Congress learning about what it means to serve in this

august body. I was with about 40 or 50 of my colleagues learning about our duties when I started to get emails and text messages that something terrible had happened at home. By noon, I learned the worst. Dozens of children had been gunned down, in cold blood, along with their teachers.

I threw my things in the back of the car and I drove from Boston. I called my mother, I called my minister, and I prayed for wisdom and I prayed for guidance and the courage to face those families.

I arrived in Newtown while families were being notified that their children who they had put on the bus that morning, thinking about Hanukkah or Christmas or thinking about the snow that was already on the ground, would never come home.

It is sad. It is sad and it is inexcusable that I stand here 5 years later. In that time, this Chamber, the people's House, has not taken up the people's business.

As of this fall, in fact, over 90 percent of Americans still support having universal background checks on all gun sales to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. Over 90 percent of American households that have guns also support that commonsense legislation. Yet, in this House, we have not been given the opportunity to vote on that legislation. In those 5 years, 170,000 Americans have lost their lives to gun violence. Think about that: 170,000.

Newtown, like my hometown of Cheshire, is about 30,000 people. That is multiple Newtowns all day, every single one. Every single one of those Americans was a son or a daughter of someone and had friends and neighbors and loved ones. Again, in that time, this body has not acted.

Two weeks ago, I was in church in Danbury, Connecticut. I was at services with a congregation I try to get to every 6 months or so. I saw a couple of people I didn't expect to see. I saw the mother of one of the little girls who was killed 5 years ago. I saw the daughter of the principal. They were there for guidance, for wisdom, for courage to fight the battle that the American people are waging for this House to take action on.

The American people know the right thing to do. Our law enforcement know the right thing to do. The vast majority of responsible gun owners know the right thing to do. Yet, somehow, this body has failed to act.

But it is never too late. Now is the time for us to step up. Now is the time for us to shoulder our responsibilities so that no other community has to go through what Newtown has gone through. Although, in that time, we have now seen Las Vegas, we have seen Charleston, we have seen Orlando. There are killing fields now in America. That is not right. It doesn't need to be.

I am joined tonight by several of my colleagues who are passionate advocates for gun sense and gun safety in America.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson), my friend and the leader in our effort, who is an expert in guns. He has experienced more than his share of gun violence as a decorated servicemember fighting our Nation's battles, and he has now led us for the last 5 years in our efforts for a safer, better society and a better world as the head of our Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations of the House Judiciary Committee and vice chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

Mr. Speaker, as we have heard so eloquently from my colleagues, everyone agrees that we should keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. But, in fact, this House and this administration have been moving in the opposite direction.

Just last week, hundreds of Americans whose loved ones had been killed by guns in the last few years came to Washington for a long- planned memorial vigil, a national vigil, to honor those whose lives had been taken from us from gun violence. On that very day, this House decided to call up an offensive dangerous piece of legislation on concealed carry permits.

This bill will make it easier for domestic violence abusers to pursue their victims across State lines carrying loaded concealed weapons into States that do not allow that, overriding the choices of States like mine in Connecticut that have strict laws to protect domestic violence victims, who are five times more likely to be killed if there is a gun in the household.

That is why my State has taken action to protect women and children from death by gun from domestic abusers. But now my State--if this law gets passed by the Senate and signed by the President--my State's choices will be overridden. The law enforcement in my State will be at greater risk.

That is not protecting the American people. That is putting them at risk.

Recently, the administration decided to take the names of all fugitives. One of the categories of those who are not permitted legally to own weapons are people who are fugitives from justice. It seems like a fairly sensible rule, just like it is a sensible rule to not have those who are believed to be terrorists to legally purchase guns.

Yet, this administration recently took tens of thousands of names of people who have been on the National Instant Criminal Background Check System as prohibited from purchasing a gun legally. Because of their criminal history, the fact that they are fugitives from justice, tens of thousands of those names have been taken out of the records. They have been sent back to the States, saying they should look at them again.

In so doing, how long is it going to be before one of those dangerous people buys a gun because the name is no longer in the system?

And who knows if it is going to be your child or your child or your loved

one or your neighbor. That is not what we are sent here to do.

The families of Newtown have persevered. Despite all odds, they have found the courage to get up every day. Some are pursuing brain research to figure out how to encourage empathy. Some have written beautiful music, composed poetry. Some have started programs in schools to teach children how to be kind to each other. Some have stepped forward as extraordinary citizen activists and come to Washington and pound the halls, the marbled halls of State capitols around the country. They are true American heroes fighting for what they believe in and a better society.

And some, in some ways I think the bravest among them, have chosen to bring new children into this world--the sort of optimism and courage that I can't fathom if my child at 6 or 7 years old had been gunned down in those classrooms in the Sandy Hook Elementary School. But if they can have that resolve and that courage and that faith in this country, so can we.

A good and a great nation takes care of its citizens. A good and a great nation responds to the cries of the people. A good and a great nation, above all, protects its children.

Madam Speaker, we have the opportunity to do that. Thoughts and prayers and moments of silence are not enough. The American people deserve action. When I get on a plane tomorrow to fly back to Connecticut to attend memorial services on the 5-year anniversary of those tragic and shocking murders of children in Sandy Hook Elementary School, I would like to be able to tell them that we are doing our job and our duty in this House by taking action and honoring their memories with truly taking action to protect them.

I want to thank my colleagues for joining me here tonight.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from the State of Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), my colleague.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Connecticut for her stirring words. Abbey Clements is an extraordinary woman, and her daughter, Sarah, is now a college student here in Washington and is helping take up that charge of being one of the citizen activists and one of the citizen leaders who understands that democracies empower and charge us to correct that which is wrong.

What is happening in this country is wrong. These are not tragedies from above. These are not natural disasters. These are man-made tragedies and man-made deaths, and it is up to us to do better.

Again, I want to thank my colleagues for joining me here this evening. I will take their wishes, their words, their energy, their passion, and their commitment to action back with me to Newtown tomorrow evening.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Kelly for yielding. Ms. Kelly has been such a stalwart voice for all who are all too often forgotten in what we are seeing happen in this country, a voice for those who are not lost, because sometimes we say ``lost to gun violence.'' These are not lives that are lost. These are lives that are ripped from us, taken from us, brutally ended.

In the 5 years since the horrific shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, in my district, 170,000 Americans have been taken from us, sons and daughters of this great country, 170,000 souls.

We should just reflect on that, what that means, what each and every one of those people might have done if they had lived.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Kelly for being a tireless voice, which we need in these challenging times.

Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago tonight, it was cold and snowy in Connecticut. The families of Newtown had picked up their children from school. They were getting ready for the holidays. It was already snowy and cold, no one having any thought on December 12 that, in 2 days, their lives--and America's lives--would be changed by the reality of what gun violence has done and is doing to this country.

So, tonight, I want to read the names of the 20 children and six educators who were brutally gunned down and murdered in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut:

Charlotte Bacon, Daniel Barden, Rachel D'Avino, Olivia Engel, Josephine Gay, Ana Marquez-Greene, Dylan Hockley, Dawn Hochsprung, Madeleine Hsu, Catherine Hubbard, Chase Kowalski, Jesse Lewis, James Mattioli, Grace McDonnell, Anne Marie Murphy, Emilie Parker, Jack Pinto, Noah Pozner, Caroline Previdi, Jessica Rekos, Avielle Richman, Lauren Rousseau, Mary Sherlach, Victoria Soto, Benjamin Wheeler, and Allison Wyatt.

Mr. Speaker, we can and we must do better in this great country. We must do better for all those who have been taken from us. We must do better by taking action in this, the people's House.

The people are watching, the people are waiting, and they deserve that we do our best--and not to honor only with words and silence and prayers, important as those are, but to honor, even more importantly, by taking action to save future lives.

Again, my thanks and my admiration to Representative Kelly for her extraordinary leadership and persistence.

Mr. Speaker, I, along with my colleagues, Congressman John Larson, Congressman Joe Courtney, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and Congressman Jim Himes, rise today to honor Ron Pinciaro upon his retirement after serving as Executive Director of CT Against Gun Violence for 16 years. Ron's leadership has been instrumental in advancing common sense policies that save lives and have made Connecticut one of the leading states in the fight to stop the tragedy of gun violence.

During his years of leadership, Ron has been a tireless advocate for ensuring all people have the right to live free from violence. Thanks in no small part to his work, Connecticut is a leader in gun violence prevention policy, and our state is recognized as having the second strongest gun safety laws. In fact, gun deaths in Connecticut have declined by 28 percent since 2010, and leading academic researchers on violence have attributed Connecticut's decline in violence to smart policies. For instance, Ron's work with the Connecticut General Assembly helped ensure the passage of our state's prohibition on those under restraining orders for domestic violence from possessing firearms, reporting requirement for lost or stolen firearms, and long gun permit requirement. The organization has also ensured that policy discussions incorporate the problems faced by all Connecticut communities, rural, suburban, and urban, because all people have the right to live free from violence.

What's more, under Ron's leadership, CT Against Gun Violence has ensured gun violence prevention activists address gun suicides. Guns are used in nearly half of suicides

in America, and CT Against Gun Violence has worked with policy makers to dispel misconceptions, such as the claim that there are no policy tools to protect people who attempt suicide. The lethality of firearms makes them a uniquely dangerous tool in the hands of people who would harm themselves, and CT Against Gun Violence has started important conversations about how to keep people from harm and save lives.

Following the tragedy at Sandy Hook School in 2012, Ron grieved with and rallied our community to build the strong public support we needed to pass tough new laws that expanded background checks for private firearms sales, created a permitting system for purchasing ammunition, and limited high capacity ammunition magazines. No community should face the horror Newtown families did in 2012, and thanks in large part to Ron's work with CT Against Gun Violence, our state has the means to prevent such future tragedies. Members of our military and veterans are at particular risk of gun suicide death, as more than 20 veterans or service members die by suicide each day. Ron's efforts are helping policy makers find ways to help those who have served us stay safe and address their mental health needs.

Mr. Speaker, Ron Pinciaro has been a dedicated advocate for Connecticut communities, law enforcement, and families. He is an example to all citizens and public servants who has shown that we can affect true change when we take action to improve our state and nation. We are fortunate to count Ron as a friend and an ally in the effort to address gun violence in our country. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the so-called Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. It is outrageous that today, of all days, 1 week before the 5-year anniversary of the horrific murder of 20 schoolchildren and 6 educators in my district of Newtown, 2 months after the slaughter of 50 Americans watching a concert, that we are about to act on a bill to put more guns in the hands of more dangerous people.

Rather than helping raise the standards nationally for gun safety, this bill would override and lower most States' concealed carry laws, making it easier for domestic violence abusers, stalkers, and violent criminals to carry across State lines loaded hidden guns. This bill should be called the ``Act to Carry Any Gun Anywhere Anytime by Anyone.''

The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act is an outrage and an insult to the families in Newtown and to the hundreds of families who have lost loved ones to gun violence who are gathered here today at the Capitol for the fifth annual Vigil to End Gun Violence.

In the 5 years since Sandy Hook, this is the very first bill we have been allowed to vote on in this Chamber, and it is a reckless giveaway to the moneyed gun interests.

Mr. Speaker, since 2012, gun violence has killed over 170,000 Americans. It is time for this House to truly honor the victims of gun violence and their families with action instead of caving in to the gun lobby yet again.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to oppose this dangerous bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Paula Van Ness upon her retirement as the President and CEO of the Connecticut Community Foundation after six tremendous years of leading and growing the organization. During her tenure, Paula oversaw the organization's growth into a more supporting group.

Prior to joining the Connecticut Community Foundation in 2012, Paula had worked with nonprofits for more than four decades, including Make- A-Wish America, the Starlight Children's Foundation, and as the founding president of the National AIDS Fund, which has grown into AIDS United. The Connecticut Community Foundation, founded in 1923, serves twenty-one towns across the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region. The Foundation supports local nonprofits with grants, administrative resources, and strategic guidance that ensures those organizations can maximize their impact on the community. In 2016, the Foundation awarded 471 grants totaling $2.4 million.

Over the course of her leadership, Paula has been instrumental in the Foundation's growing role in our community, especially by developing key relationships with local and state government officials. She has also managed to ensure the Foundation meets the needs of the broad range of nonprofits it serves, from essential human services to arts and culture.

Mr. Speaker, Paula Van Ness has been a visionary leader of the Connecticut Community Foundation for the past six years, and her work has strengthened the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills communities. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act of 2017.

I want to thank my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman McKinley and Congressman Pallone, for their bipartisan work to advance a brownfields reauthorization bill to the floor today.

I also want to thank my friend and colleague, Congressman Katko, for his partnership in working with me to drive the momentum behind the brownfields remediation authorization in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Mr. Speaker, we are here today to pass a bill that is a win-win for our cities and towns all across America. The bill before us today increases the funding and makes important changes to the EPA's brownfields program, changes that are 15 years in the making.

Since 2002, the EPA's brownfields program has been an engine for job creation and economic growth in every single congressional district across this country. We have cleaned up local eyesores and contaminated sites, putting these properties back onto the tax rolls. That is good for the economy and it is good for the environment.

In essence, brownfields grants help us do the ultimate recycling, the recycling of land. This bill makes important changes to make the brownfields program work even better. It allows grants to be used for assessments. It allows grants to be used by nonprofits, and for multipurpose grants, and it increases the grant limits from $200,000 to $500,000 per project.

In Waterbury, Connecticut, they will now be able to use grants previously that they could not use to put valuable land back into productive use.

In the cities of New Britain and Meriden, they will now be able to use Federal funding for multipurpose grants. Previously they have had to rely on State and local money to do these important transformative projects in our former industrial powerhouses across the northeast.

My district alone has 66 EPA-identified brownfields sites. And with over 450,000 remaining brownfields sites across the country, the need for more brownfields funding and for greater flexibility is manifest and important to every Member of this Chamber.

For every acre of brownfields that is redeveloped, approximately 10 jobs are created. Let me repeat that: 10 jobs.

Our voters send us here to get things done. They want us to make our towns more beautiful and safer, and they want us to create jobs, and this bill does both. So I am very proud of the bipartisan work and dual committee work to bring this important bill to the floor after 15 years.

It is an opportunity for us to show to the American people that bipartisanship works and committees work when we are allowed to do our work together. So, again, I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and both committees for their wonderful work here today. It is a win for America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and life of the late Deputy Chief Christopher Pepler, who passed away on November 1, 2017 after a long battle with cancer. Pepler was a member of the Torrington Fire Department since 1999 and had served as Deputy Fire Chief. He was a beloved member of the Torrington community and a model public servant.

Deputy Chief Pepler was a Torrington native, and he dreamed of becoming a firefighter from a young age. He began volunteering with Torringford Fire Department when he was only 15, and he was hired by the Torrington Fire Department in 1999. The Department recognized his leadership and commitment to keeping the community safe, and Pepler was appointed Deputy Fire Chief in 2013.

He was an active member of the department and worked hard to support his fellow firefighters. He served as the Assistant Director of Training for the Wolcott Regional Fire School, sharing his expertise with young and aspiring firefighters. Pepler also worked on behalf of his fellow firefighters as the president of the IAFF Local 1567 prior to his appointment as Deputy Chief.

Mr. Speaker, Deputy Chief Christopher Pepler brought a passion for serving his community and helping others to the Torrington Fire Department, and his work leaves a legacy of service that will inspire future generations of firefighters in our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor his life here today. I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Lori, and all those who knew and loved Christopher.

Mr. Speaker, for weeks we have heard that the partisan tax plan crafted behind closed doors might include the elimination of the deduction for families' State and local income taxes. Today the rumors became reality. The tax plan announced today would drastically reduce the State and local tax deduction.

Let me be as clear as I can be. This proposal is a tax increase on middle class families, and I oppose it. Working people in my State already send more dollars to the Federal Government in taxes than they receive back in support. For every dollar we send to Washington from Connecticut, we receive back just 83 cents. By attacking the State and local deduction, this tax plan would make life even harder for real people in my district.

A senior citizen in Simsbury, Connecticut, called me to say that she might lose her home if this tax deduction is taken away from her. Seniors who live on a fixed income shouldn't have to risk losing a roof over their head just so that Congress can cut the corporate tax rate.

Families who are already struggling to pay their bills, put their kids through college, and buy their first home shouldn't have to suffer in order to cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans.

The President promised that tax reform would help our middle class and would bring jobs back. It is doing neither.

I urge my colleagues to support keeping the State and local deduction.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Deputy Fire Chief David Hardt upon his retirement from the Watertown Fire Department in Watertown, Connecticut after 32 years of service. Deputy Chief Hardt has been an instrumental leader in our state's firefighting community, and his legacy will contribute to the work of future generations of firefighters.

Deputy Chief Hardt first volunteered for the department in 1985, and in 1997, he became the Deputy Chief. Throughout his long tenure, his leadership skills and experience have been tremendous assets to the town. Deputy Chief Hardt has been willing to take on additional duties when necessary and to step up to oversee the department's work in the Chief's absence.

The Watertown Fire Department and surrounding communities have benefitted greatly from Deputy Chief Hardt's work over the past decades. His work was critical to the opening of the Cheshire Fire School to train future generations of firefighters. Never one to shy away from helping out his neighbors, Deputy Chief Hardt also served as a dispatcher for Naugatuck firefighters and as a fire marshal in Bethlehem and Morris. His dedication to helping others is an inspiration to all of us and

show us how we can look for ways to serve our community and country.

Mr. Speaker, Deputy Chief Hardt has been a true community servant in our Watertown for over three impressive decades of service. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today, and I wish him a restful retirement with plenty of time to spend with his family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sandy Breslin, who passed away on May 31, 2017. Sandy was a longtime environmental and civic activist in Connecticut, and her work to protect the Long Island Sound and to conserve our state's natural wonders will benefit future generations.

A native of New Haven, Connecticut, Sandy was an exceptional leader in Connecticut's environmental community for decades, and worked with a number of organizations to achieve conservation goals and stronger environmental laws. A trailblazing activist for the protection and restoration of Long Island Sound, Sandy's work helped secure passage of the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act as well as tens of millions of dollars in federal conservation funding.

Sandy also worked with groups including the Connecticut Land Conservation Council and the Connecticut Fund for the Environment to improve the state's wildlife protections, preserve more than 18,000 acres of land, and strengthen Connecticut's Environmental Policy Act. Her activism and achievements drew national recognition, and Sandy was awarded the Department of the Interior's Environmental Achievement Award, a Teaming with Wildlife Member Achievement Award, and a Coastal America Award.

Sandy was committed to public service in Connecticut, and leaders of both political parties held her opinion and work in high regard. In addition to her environmental policy work, she was active in local Democratic politics and served as the Chairwoman of the Bethany Democratic Town Committee for many years. She cherished working with young environmental activists and public servants, and leaders across our state have benefitted from her guidance and wisdom. I count myself lucky to have known Sandy as a friend as well as an environmental leader. She was a great woman with knowledge, heart, and a big warm laugh.

Mr. Speaker, Sandy Breslin spent her life working to protect our environment and improve our world. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today, and I extend my deepest condolences to her wonderful mother and to all who knew and loved Sandy. Sandy, we will miss you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Clinton Parker, who was recently named a 2017 Hero of the Year by the National Association of Letter Carriers. Mr. Parker has proudly served as a mail carrier in Waterbury, Connecticut, but he has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help others in his community.

Mr. Parker has a long history of service to our country, and is a 30- year Army veteran. He takes his commitment to protecting others seriously, and on December 6, 2014, Mr. Parker helped first responders during a dangerous situation. A fellow veteran experiencing post- traumatic stress was in a standoff with police; and, at the request of the man's father, the police contacted Mr. Parker to ask for his assistance in diffusing the situation. While on his mail route, Mr. Parker accepted the call and bravely assisted police in a seven-hour standoff, which ended peacefully.

His friends and coworkers know Mr. Parker as a humble man who quietly serves his community, but his brave actions in Watertown, along with his decades of military service, speak volumes about his character and deep care for others. He stays in contact with the veteran he helped in 2014 as much as possible to ensure that he is getting the treatment and attention that he deserves.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Clinton Parker has served our country throughout his career, and he willingly steps up to help others at moments of crisis. His leadership, bravery, and selflessness are inspiring, and it is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Don Strait, a champion for Connecticut's environment, who recently retired after 25 years as the President of Connecticut Fund for the Environment. As President, Don has played a crucial role in numerous achievements in environmental protection and conservation in our state, and his work will benefit generations to come.

Since 1992, Don has been Executive Director and President of Connecticut Fund for the Environment, which later merged with Save the Sound. His tireless work in our state with local, state, and federal leaders has led to substantial victories for protection and conservation of our air, land, and water. The organization helped protect thousands of acres of land in western Connecticut vital to recreation and wildlife, and has ensured enactment of landmark climate policies, clean car laws, and environmental regulations vital for our public health.

Don facilitated the organization's merger with Save the Sound in 2004 and brought his track record of success to the group's expanded focus on both Connecticut's and the Long Island Sound's environmental quality. Connecticut Fund for the Environment/Save the Sound has been instrumental in reforming sewage management around the Sound, water quality monitoring, and the successful fight against the planned Broadwater gas plant.

What's more, Don has generously shared his time and expertise to support the crucial work of other leading groups in our state. He cofounded the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters to mobilize environmentally conscious citizens and has served on boards of Restore America's Estuaries and the State Environmental Leadership Program.

Mr. Speaker, Don Strait has been a dedicated and visionary leader for Connecticut. Present and future generations in our state owe him a great deal for protecting our world, and I am lucky to call him a friend. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank Monteiro, the Chief Operating Officer of MacDermid Performance Solutions and a true leader in the Waterbury, Connecticut community. Today, the Waterbury Regional Chamber is honoring Frank with the 2017 Malcolm Baldrige Community Award for his success at MacDermid and his commitment to the City of Waterbury.

A Waterbury native, Frank has been with MacDermid for nearly two decades. During Frank's time with MacDermid, he has helped guide the company through substantial transitions for the business and the local economy. Frank has been a champion for expanding the company's presence in Waterbury, working to protect 200 jobs at the research and development center and encouraging the company to expand its workforce in our town. He has served as COO of Performance Solutions since 2015.

In addition to his leadership in local business, Frank has dedicated his time and expertise to support important causes in his community. He works with the Waterbury Regional Chamber's professional development program and is an active supporter of Multiple Sclerosis research and the Greater Waterbury Campership Fund. Frank also serves on the boards of a number of local groups including the Waterbury Sportsmen's Club, the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, the Naugatuck Valley Community College, and the United Way of Greater Waterbury.

Mr. Speaker, Frank Monteiro has been an instrumental leader in our Waterbury community, both as a leader of MacDermid Performance Solutions and a champion for our local economy. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today and congratulate him on this well-deserved award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor First Selectman Patricia Mechare, a tireless public servant for the town of Falls Village, Connecticut. First Selectman Mechare is retiring after 12 years as First Selectman, but her service to the town will continue, and her contributions to the community will be felt for years to come.

Pat comes from a long line of public service Her father, Rolland, served on the Boards of Finance, Education, and Selectmen for the Town of Canaan. Pat followed his example and began her career in public service, joining Falls Village's Planning and Zoning Commission in 1977. As a public school teacher and a member of numerous town departments, including the Board of Education and the Day Care Building Committee, Pat quickly made her mark on the community.

In 2005, Pat was elected First Selectman of Falls Village. Her commitment to the role led to substantial community development for one of Connecticut's smallest towns. By working with all levels of government, Pat was a strong advocate for Falls Village, securing public grants to develop Main Street and kick start public works throughout the town. Even in her retirement, Pat plans to remain heavily involved in her community.

Mr. Speaker, First Selectman Pat Mechare is an exemplary role model for our community and for public servants everywhere. Falls Village and the entire State of Connecticut are better places because of her efforts. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Joe Picard for his service in the 65th Infantry Regiment, the ``Borinqueneers.'' The 65th Infantry Regiment was the largest and longest-standing segregated Latino military unit in our country's history, and the Borinqueneers service in the face of discrimination led Congress to award these veterans the well-deserved Congressional Gold Medal in 2014.

The Borinqueneers trace their history to 1898, when Congress authorized the creation of a military unit in Puerto Rico. For more than a century, members of the 65th Infantry Regiment served honorably in our Armed Services, displaying valor and distinction in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. In fact, the Borinqueneers are credited with firing the first American shots in the First World War after stopping a German supply ship from leaving San Juan Bay in 1915.

Throughout both World Wars, the Borinqueneers defended the Panama Canal Zone, and some members of the regiment served in North Africa and Central Europe during World War II. The regiment became a key force during the Korean War after distinguishing itself during the Operation PORTREX military exercise. Over 2,700 Borinqueneers earned Purple Hearts during the Korean War, and some Borinqueneers led the last regimental bayonet assault in U.S. military history.

Despite their honorable service by thousands, the Borinqueneers faced segregation and regular discrimination in the Armed Forces. Our country owes these veterans our thanks, and we must remember the story of the Borinqueneers as role models for national service.

Mr. Speaker, Joe Picard served our country in the 65th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War despite the danger and discrimination that the Borinqueneers faced. It is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today.