Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Celestino Cordova 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 Forces, 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, Celestino Cordova 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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Meriden Record-Journal on the 150th Anniversary of its inaugural publication. This paper has been a staple of the Meriden community for the past century and a half, and its leaders have played a crucial role in informing the town.

The Record-Journal traces its history to The Weekly Visitor newspaper first published in 1867. In 1892, E.E. Smith, along with Thomas Warnock, acquired the paper and began a family legacy of running the local publication for four generations. Smith's son, Wayne, succeeded his father as publisher, and following Wayne's death in 1966, his stepson Carter White served as publisher until his retirement in 1988. What's more, various members of the family worked as writers, editors, and managers for the paper, contributing to the paper's success.

Though the Record-Journal has a long history in Meriden, its leaders have not been afraid to innovate and develop new practices to modernize the publication. RJ Media Group, which now publishes the paper, has been a leader in online, social media, and multimedia news in Connecticut. In fact, Editor & Publisher trade magazine named the Record-Journal as one of the ``10 Newspapers That Do It Right'' in March 2016, recognizing the hard work of the publication's leadership to keep the paper relevant for today's readers.

Mr. Speaker, the Meriden Record-Journal has been an important community institution for a century and a half, connecting and informing the town of Meriden. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor it, and all the leaders who have ensured its success here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 150th Anniversary of the YMCA in Meriden, Connecticut. For the past century and a half, this community institution and its dedicated leaders have brought together our neighbors to help those in need and create a shared space for our town to learn, play, and healthy lives.

Today, the Meriden YMCA is one of the most active organizations in the City of Meriden. It sponsors community events, for important causes from promoting physical fitness to raising awareness about issues affecting Meriden. The YMCA also brings together seniors in our community to offer them resources to lead active lives and share community space.

The YMCA is critical to helping and educating children in Meriden. It offers them a safe place to be active, learn, and form friendships, often with opportunities such as summer camps or trips in New England that broaden children's educational experience.

Mr. Speaker, the Meriden YMCA has been serving our community and addressing the needs of some of our most vulnerable neighbors for a century and a half. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the Meriden YMCA, and all the community leaders who have contributed to its success, here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert ``Bob'' Fishman for his decades of leadership at the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut. Bob recently retired as the Executive Director of JFACT after 23 years with the organization, leaving a legacy of strong relationships between Connecticut's civic and faith leaders.

Bob has been a leading advocate for Connecticut's Jewish community. Through JFACT, he maintained close ties with the Jewish communities across Connecticut and ensured all their voices were represented in the organization's work. Those who have worked with Bob know him for his tireless dedication to strengthening our community.

As Executive Director, Bob worked closely with leaders in state government and our federal delegation on a number of issues critical to the Jewish community and Connecticut as a whole. He was instrumental in the creation of the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day at the State Capitol, which ensures that we remember the horror of hatred and genocide and that we educate future generations about its impact on our world. Through the 80s and 90s, Bob worked tirelessly to support the resettlement of refugees from the former Soviet Union and ensured they could begin their American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, Bob Fishman has been a dedicated civic and spiritual leader within our state, and it is therefore fitting and proper that we honor him here today. He serves as a role model for everyone in public service as someone who puts his faith into action to improve our state and our country. I am proud to call him a friend.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment to increase funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the MEP program. This amendment would restore $5 million to MEP, which has helped U.S. manufacturers create and retain good jobs in Connecticut and in every State in the country over nearly 30 years.

Connecticut's MEP, the Connecticut State Technical Extension Program, or CONNSTEP, works with facilities in Connecticut advising them on ways to grow their businesses. And thanks to partnerships with CONNSTEP, in my district alone, Metallon in Thomaston has increased new sales by nearly a half a million dollars, Metallurgical Processing in New Britain increased production by 20 percent, and RTR Technologies in Canaan increased sales by $6 million.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to restore funding to MEP by $5 million, because passing a budget that grows the economy and retains and brings good jobs to our communities is exactly what we were sent to Washington, D.C., to do.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support Representative Torres' amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Lee Paulsen, the Honorary Grand Marshal for the 56th Annual Labor Day Parade in Newtown, Connecticut. Since 1962, this annual celebration has brought together the people of Newtown and western Connecticut, and this year's organizers invited Lee to head the parade in recognition of her decades of selfless work to help those most in need in our community.

Lee moved to Newtown in 1972 with her family, and she quickly became known among her neighbors for her generosity. She has worked at the FAITH Food Pantry since its inception in 1983, and her efforts have been instrumental in keeping its doors open to those in need through economic downturns, the relocation of the food pantry, and other challenges facing the organization.

Her neighbors in Newtown know Lee for her kindness, humility, and sincere commitment to helping others. Those who work with Lee note that she does not seek recognition or attention, but nonetheless, everyone knows Lee as an inspiring and altruistic person. The Labor Day Parade's fitting theme, Labor of Love, this year recognizes Lee's decades of work and encourages all of us to reflect on how we can contribute to our community. Lee sets a remarkable example as a caring citizen, and she has made Newtown a more generous and welcoming place through her years of work at FAITH.

Mr. Speaker, Lee Paulsen has been a leading member of our community who shares her time and knowledge to help those in need in Newtown. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today, and thank her for inspiring others to engage in a Labor of Love.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Edward Bergin, Jr., who passed away on August 12, 2017 at the age of 74. Mr. Bergin served an impressive five terms as mayor of Waterbury, Connecticut, and his strong and dedicated leadership guided the city through substantial economic change. Those of us in Connecticut will remember Mayor Bergin as a devoted public servant who exemplified what an elected official strives to be. He wanted to improve his community and help every person he represented.

Mayor Bergin was a fierce advocate for Waterbury, and his roots in a blue-collar Irish family made him keenly conscious of the challenges facing the city. He grew up with a strong appreciation for public service, as his father, Edward Bergin, Sr., was elected to four terms as mayor of the city. The community knew Mayor Bergin for his commitment to Waterbury and his willingness to meet with and listen to people from all political perspectives.

As mayor, Bergin led a number of critical initiatives to preserve important parts of Waterbury's history, while also championing the city's revitalization. Mayor Bergin successfully fought to stop the demolition of the Palace Theater, which would later be restored, preserving an important part of the city's past. He also launched a large economic development project to tear down the Scovill manufacturing plant in the core of Waterbury to make room for the Brass Mill Center Mall. Mayor Bergin has a well-deserved reputation for astute management and organization of the government.

Mr. Speaker, Mayor Edward Bergin was a dedicated public servant who spent his career making Waterbury a better city. It is fitting and proper that we honor his legacy here today. All those who knew him will cherish his memory, and the citizens of Waterbury will long remember his contributions to the city

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ms. Nellie Crowston and her tireless work on behalf of students, teachers, and our entire community in Torrington, Connecticut. Nellie passed away on July 30, 2017, at the age of 79, but her contributions and legacy will live on in Torrington for many years to come.

Many in Torrington know Nellie for her decades of work as a public school teacher. She represented the best of what it means to be an educator. Nellie's students remember her for her caring and encouraging nature. Nellie also possessed an astounding memory and regularly recognized her students around town years after they had left her classroom. Even after retiring, Nellie loved to return to the classroom as a substitute teacher and work with children. She was an inspiration to both her students and her fellow teachers.

Outside of her teaching career, Nellie was an active member of our community and contributed to a number of causes close to her heart. Her work was crucial in saving and expanding the Torrington Alpha Delta Kappa chapter, a society for women educators. She boosted the group's membership and organized fundraisers and events that expanded its presence in our city. Her work allowed Alpha Delta Kappa to provide grants to local teachers and scholarships to high school students.

Nellie was also engaged in local and state politics and served on the Torrington Democratic Town Committee. She was instrumental in recruiting local candidates to run for office, organizing the Picnic Committee, and supporting voter outreach. What's more, Nellie possessed an extensive knowledge of the issues facing Connecticut and her local community. Her enthusiasm for service inspired many of her fellow educators to become politically engaged and work to improve Connecticut's schools. Nellie's dedication to service should be a model for public servants everywhere.

Mr. Speaker, Nellie Crowston was a dedicated teacher and community leader who inspired countless students and made Torrington a better place to live. It is fitting and proper that we honor her legacy here today. All those who knew her will cherish her memory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ms. Nellie Crowston and her tireless work on behalf of students, teachers, and our entire community in Torrington, Connecticut. Nellie passed away on July 30, 2017, at the age of 79, but her contributions and legacy will live on in Torrington for many years to come.

Many in Torrington knew Nellie for her decades of work as a public school teacher. She represented the best of what it means to be an educator. Nellie's students remember her for her caring and encouraging nature. Nellie also possessed an astounding memory and regularly recognized her students around town years after they had left her classroom. Even after retiring, Nellie loved to return to the classroom as a substitute teacher and work with children. She was an inspiration to both her students and her fellow teachers.

Outside of her teaching career, Nellie was an active member of our community and contributed to a number of causes close to her heart. Her work was instrumental in saving and expanding the Torrington Alpha Delta Kappa chapter, a society for women educators. She boosted the group's membership and organized fundraisers and events that expanded its presence in our city. Her work allowed Alpha Delta Kappa to provide grants to local teachers and scholarships to high school students. Nellie's dedication to service should be a model for public servants everywhere.

Mr. Speaker, Nellie Crowston was a dedicated teacher and community leader who inspired countless students and made Torrington a better place to live. It is fitting and proper that we honor her legacy here today. All those who knew her will cherish her memory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Meriden Puerto Rican Festival in Meriden, Connecticut. This cultural festival is a highlight of summer in Connecticut, and it brings us together to learn about and enjoy the food, music, dance, and history of the Puerto Rican community.

Each year, the Puerto Rican Festival attracts thousands of people to Meriden from across New England and the Northeast. Visitors can enjoy delicious Puerto Rican food from an array of vendors and enjoy performances from musicians and dancers.

The first festival was planned by Francisco Velez, who was born in Puerto Rico and came to Meriden in 1947. Inspired by the Puerto Rican cultural events in New York, Francisco wanted to share his culture and heritage with his community in Connecticut. Following the first festival in 1967, Francisco led it for more than four decades, and his vision has evolved into a signature event that brings together Meriden residents and thousands of visitors to celebrate Puerto Rican culture and the Puerto Rican community's contributions to the city and state. I also want to recognize the many volunteers who have generously given their time and skills to make this festival such a success over the past 50 years.

Mr. Speaker, the Puerto Rican Festival has brought our community together to celebrate the culture of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican community in our state. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the festival, and all those who have contributed to its success for the past five decades, here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Joseph Erardi, Jr. upon his retirement as the Superintendent of Schools in Newtown, Connecticut. Dr. Erardi is a distinguished educator and administrator, and his legacy of fighting for Connecticut's students will inspire the next generation of public servants.

Dr. Erardi has long been active in education in our state. He completed his undergraduate and Master's degrees at Central Connecticut State University before earning his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford. Before joining the Newtown Public Schools, Joe worked in school administration at Rockville High, Killingly High, and Manchester Public Schools. He then worked as Superintendent at the Southington, Watertown, and Bolton school districts in Connecticut before joining Newtown as Superintendent in 2014.

Joe's leadership has been vital to support our local schools during a challenging time for our state and local governments. In November 2016, the Connecticut Boards of Education and Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents named Dr. Erardi as the Superintendent of the Year for 2017 in recognition of his dedication to students, teachers, and his district. What's more, in spite of his demanding work at Newtown Public Schools, Joe found the time to teach at Central Connecticut State University and to share his experience with the next generation of educators.

On a personal note, I want to honor my friend Joe. He is a true educator, mentor, and citizen servant. Joe, we'll miss you--but know that your service stands as a benchmark for all of us who care about education and about our communities. I extend him my best wishes for an enjoyable retirement with his wife, Sue, and children, Joe and Chelsea.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Joseph Erardi dedicated his career in public service to improving our public schools and ensuring Connecticut's students receive a quality education. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the annual New Milford Village Fair Days, sponsored and organized by the New Milford Chamber of Commerce. Village Fair Days is the highlight of the summer in New Milford, and the festival brings thousands of people together for two days of shopping, eating, and playing on the town's village green.

Since its inception in 1967, New Milford Village Fair Days has grown to be the largest annual event in New Milford. Bob Hanna, the Chair of the Fair, planned a special way for the community to commemorate five decades of the festival. This year, fairgoers can make a wish and donate to a local nonprofit of their choice at the Wishing New Milford Well.

Village Fair Days brings together our community to enjoy live entertainment and games, as well as to connect with local businesses and nonprofit groups. The Kids Fun Run is a fun part of the fair that helps children join in the fun and get active. The New Milford Farmers Market also participates in the fair and helps local farmers meet with thousands of neighbors. I would like to recognize the volunteers who have made Village Fair Days possible for the past five decades. Volunteers' love for their town and willingness to dedicate their time to make this event possible show the strength of our community in New Milford.

Mr. Speaker, New Milford Village Fair Days has brought together our neighbors each summer for five decades. Thanks to the event's sponsors, organizers, and volunteers, we can look forward to the annual event for many years to come. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor New Milford Village Fair Days here today.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to increase funding for the Advanced Manufacturing Office by $20 million.

I want to thank my colleagues, Representative Tom Reed, John Katko, and Jacky Rosen for their partnership in this bipartisan amendment.

Our amendment is about protecting and creating millions of good- paying

jobs in Connecticut and across the country. Our amendment will help us ensure that the technologically advanced products of the future will be manufactured, not in China, not in India, but right here in the United States of America.

The Department of Energy's Advanced Manufacturing Office is the only technology development office within the Federal Government that is dedicated to enhancing American manufacturing competitiveness. The Advanced Manufacturing Office works to help manufacturers improve energy and material efficiency, technology, and productivity.

Unfortunately, the appropriations bill before us today cuts funding to the Advanced Manufacturing Office by $155.5 million from fiscal year 2017 enacted levels, and that is a mistake.

Manufacturing is one of the most important sectors of the U.S. economy. In 2016, manufacturing contributed $2.18 trillion to our economy and employed 12.3 million workers. In my home State of Connecticut, manufacturing has long been our economic backbone.

Connecticut is home to nearly 5,000 manufacturing companies that provide good-paying jobs for 76,000 Connecticut residents. This amendment helps American manufacturers all across the country to be more competitive by reducing energy costs.

Manufacturing is very energy intensive. In fact, according to the National Association of Manufacturers, manufacturers consume more than 30 percent of our Nation's energy. That translates to $130 billion in costs to U.S. manufacturers every year.

Adequately funding the Advanced Manufacturing Office, will help reduce energy costs to manufacturers, freeing up their budgets to invest in research and development, expand their facilities, and, most importantly, hire more people.

Our amendment also helps American manufacturers become more competitive by addressing critical workforce needs in energy efficiency.

Last year, I visited Forum Plastics, a plastic molding company based in Waterbury, Connecticut. I met with employees to discuss the expectations and challenges facing manufacturers in America today, and one of the topics that came up was how businesses struggle to hire workers with the right skills. Yet, that same year, Forum Plastics partnered with the Advanced Manufacturing Office to carry out an industrial assessment project.

The Industrial Assessment Centers program is a tool for employers to recruit individuals with hands-on experience in energy efficiency.

Mr. Chairman, now is not the time to roll back investments in American manufacturing. It is the time to increase our support for U.S. manufacturing. I know all of us in this Chamber are committed to promoting good-paying jobs in the communities we represent, but it is not enough to say we are committed.

We need to make job creation a priority, and that means making American manufacturing a priority. I urge my colleagues to support our amendment which increases funding to the Department of Energy's Advanced Manufacturing Office by $20 million, fully paid for by a reduction in the more than $350 million plus-up to funding for the Office of Fossil Energy Research & Development.

This bipartisan amendment is a win for American manufacturing and a win for our economy. I urge my colleagues to support our bipartisan amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. Chair, again, I urge my colleagues to support this. If we can help our manufacturers be more efficient in their use of energy, we can help them be more competitive, hire more people, and develop that clean energy technology for coal.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise in enthusiastic support of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, or the new GI Bill.

I thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for leading the charge so that we can bring this important legislation to the House floor today.

I have the great honor of serving on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, a committee on which Democrats and Republicans work together and work closely with our partners, the veterans service organizations.

The GI Bill we bring forward today is no exception. This strong bipartisan legislation represents the biggest expansion of veterans' educational benefits in a decade. It is a huge win for our Nation's veterans.

The men and women of our military deserve the security of knowing that, upon completion of their service to our country, they will be able to embark on a fulfilling career and continue providing for their families.

I want to highlight several of the veterans who represent why we need this bill today. The first is a young man from my hometown of Cheshire. He was a classmate of my middle son in high school, and who, at age 19, lost his left leg and seriously injured his right leg when his unit was hit by an IED in Afghanistan. He had been in the country 3 months. It was the third IED.

He has been awarded a Purple Heart, but this young man and many others would not, under the current GI Bill, be entitled to receive educational benefits. That seems crazy, and it is. But this bill will correct that injustice and ensure that all our Purple Heart heroes, our American heroes are entitled to use those benefits because, regardless of those months, they have served this country.

The second one I think of is a 90-plus-year-old, who doesn't like to disclose his age, a Navy veteran from New Britain, Connecticut. He has just earned his second master's degree. That is the point of the lifelong benefits. We need educational benefits for life.

Again, this bill corrects the injustice for Guard and reservists, lifelong benefits. It is a win for America. The military is changing. The GI Bill needs to change with it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. David Smith for his nearly 50 years of service as a Professor of Music at Western Connecticut State University and for his community leadership in Danbury, Connecticut. Mr. Smith retired this year from his role at WCSU, and I thank him for his long commitment to encouraging students and their passion for music.

Percussion has been David's life work. As a student of music, David excelled in both his undergraduate and master's degree studies. He then began working as a Professor of Music at WCSU in 1970, and David demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with and inspire thousands of students. His excellence in teaching and dedication to helping students was widely recognized, and he received Connecticut's Higher Education Music Educator of the Year Award in 1995 and WCSU's Teacher Excellence Awards in 2010. David touched the lives of countless students, and his legacy in musical education at WCSU and in our state will be remembered for generations.

In addition to his career as a professor, David also worked as a percussionist in several orchestras, including the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, the Ives Symphony Orchestra, the Bridgeport Symphony, and the Ridgefield Orchestra.

Mr. Speaker, David Smith committed his career to teaching and public service, and his devotion to his students, his work, and his community will have lasting impacts. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Mr. David Smith here today. I offer my best wishes for a well- deserved and restful retirement.