Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 284.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Reva Foster on her retirement from Willingboro Township, where she served as director of the senior citizen center, as well as executive director of the Department of Aging and Veterans Affairs, and community affairs.

After joining Willingboro Township in 1993, she became a fierce advocate for seniors and veterans in the region. Under her leadership, the town's senior services program grew into a highly respected, State- recognized resource that provided a welcoming community for generations of residents.

Her responsibility expanded to include the township's community affairs and Veterans affairs departments where she continued to champion programs that have improved the quality of life for Willingboro residents.

As a reflection of her achievements, in 2020, the senior citizen center was renamed the Reva Foster Senior Center, and in 2024 she was inducted into New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Reva and thank her for her career of tireless advocacy and service.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6007, to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, after Anthony ``Tony'' Gallopo. I am pleased to have co-led this effort with my colleague from New Jersey, Representative Gottheimer, and pleased to speak in support of this bill today.

Mr. Gallopo was a keystone in the northern New Jersey community. Born in 1961, he grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey, and led a life dedicated to service. Mr. Gallopo was active in his local fire department before enlisting in the Navy.

After serving as a seaman, Mr. Gallopo returned home to become a leader locally in Sussex County, serving as vice commander of the New Jersey Department of The American Legion and commander at American Legion Post 86.

Mr. Gallopo was a tireless advocate, and his dedication to caring for his fellow veterans was unparalleled. Mr. Gallopo hosted roundtables for both students and returning veterans to help them succeed in seeking better job opportunities. His leadership in evaluating student applicants to our Nation's service academies on his congressional district's Service Academy Nomination Selection Committee helped to cultivate the next generation of servicemembers.

Mr. Gallopo was instrumental in the expansion of healthcare for veterans in his community. His advocacy helped lead to the opening of a Sussex County VA community-based outpatient clinic.

Mr. Gallopo's critical role in opening this clinic will continue to benefit veterans in northern New Jersey for generations.

Mr. Gallopo passed away in 2020, but his memory lives on in the countless veterans who have access to healthcare within their local community because of his work. There is no better way to express our gratitude for Mr. Gallopo's lifetime of service to his fellow veterans than to rename the clinic he tirelessly fought to open in his honor.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer), who is the author of this legislation. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6007 to honor this very deserving veteran, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5362 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs multispecialty clinic in Marietta, Georgia, after Colonel Michael H. Boyce, a dedicated Marine Corps veteran, public servant, and community leader.

Colonel Boyce was born in Brawley, California, in September 1949 and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. With this degree in hand, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. After attending The Basic School and Army Field Artillery School, he was assigned to the First Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, California.

He continued to wear the uniform for the next 30 years, reaching the rank of colonel with assignments in Hawaii, Japan, Turkiye, Bahrain, and Oman, where he supported operations including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Desert Fox. Colonel Boyce also deployed to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope during his time with the Marine Air Group 16.

In 2001, Colonel Boyce retired from the Marine Corps, but that did not mark the end of his service to country and community. He moved to Marietta, Georgia, and became a dedicated member of his local church, alongside several charities and veterans service organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the VFW, and The American Legion.

In 2016, Colonel Boyce was elected as chairman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. During his time in office, he led the efforts to make Veterans Day a paid holiday for county employees, established a veterans service office in the county, and opened a VA clinic to expand access to care for local veterans.

Colonel Boyce passed away in January of 2022 and was laid to rest with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.

Colonel Boyce's unwavering commitment to service and stewardship is a model to which we should all aspire. Naming the VA clinic that he helped bring to Marietta in his honor is a perfect way to demonstrate our appreciation for Colonel Boyce's life of service.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5362, to honor this very deserving veteran. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6963 to designate the community-based outpatient clinic in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the Rodney C. Hamilton Sr. VA Clinic.

Rodney Hamilton was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 24, 1932. In 1948, his family moved to Lafayette, Louisiana, where he resided for over 70 years until his passing. At just 17 years old, Hamilton joined the Marine Reserve as a member of the Marine Reserve Rifle Corps. He received orders to serve in the Seventh Marine Regiment during the Korean war.

While stationed on the front lines in September 1951, he was wounded by mortar shells and received the Purple Heart for his service. He was reassigned to the First Marine Division's service battalion and was honorably discharged in 1952 with the rank of sergeant.

Back home in Lafayette, Hamilton married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Barbara Webb. The couple have 5 children and 12 grandchildren and were together for nearly seven decades.

Sergeant Hamilton became a leading advocate for his fellow Marines and veterans in the following years. He founded the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Action Coalition, and he was an active member of the Marine Corps League, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and The American Legion.

Sergeant Hamilton's advocacy and leadership were instrumental in establishing the VA community-based outpatient clinic in Lafayette, which opened in 2016 and expanded access to medical care for veterans throughout the region. The road that leads to the facility already bears his name in honor of the tireless work that he put into bringing this clinic into fruition.

Sergeant Hamilton's long record of giving back extended even further through his tireless dedication to his community. He was active in his church and several local organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Beaver Club. From 1968 until 1972, he also served in local government as a trustee for public property.

Rodney Hamilton passed away in 2020 and was buried with full military honors. His legacy is one of advocacy, leadership, compassion, and sacrifice. It is only fitting that we honor his contributions by designating the Lafayette VA clinic in his honor.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support H.R. 6963, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 6963 to honor this very deserving veteran, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4647 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Haven, Connecticut, the ``Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center.''

I thank my colleagues from Connecticut Senator Blumenthal and Representative DeLauro for their leadership to honor Captain Bucha's legacy.

Captain Bucha's dedication to his country exemplifies service. As a young man, he turned down multiple athletic and academic scholarships, choosing, instead, to enroll in the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was a two-time All-American and captain of the swim team. He graduated in the top 5 percent of his class and number two in the Order of Military Merit.

In 1967, Captain Bucha deployed to Vietnam as part of Operation Eagle Thrust. As commander of Company D, Third Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, he oversaw a motley crew that he lovingly referred to as ``clerks and jerks.'' They went on to become one of the most decorated units by war's end.

As part of the Tet Offensive, in March 1968, Captain Bucha and his men were dropped by helicopter to repel attacks by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong. They found themselves outnumbered by 1,500 enemy troops, and Captain Bucha crawled 40 yards through a hail of gunfire and singlehandedly destroyed a machine-gun bunker with grenades.

He then spearheaded an overnight offensive, spreading his men out to throw grenades to convince the enemy that they were the ones who were outnumbered.

He was also instrumental in enabling the medical evacuation of three air ambulance loads of his personnel.

For these heroic efforts, Captain Bucha was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1970. He considered turning it down, feeling undeserving. Ultimately, he accepted, saying that the medal belongs to his men.

After his service, Captain Bucha taught at West Point to help shape the next generation of servicemembers. He also worked with several veterans organizations to advocate for mental health support, job training, and housing for veterans.

Captain Bucha's connection to the West Haven VA Medical Center is deeply personal. He battled post-traumatic stress disorder for 42 years before courageously seeking help at West Haven, where he received compassionate and skilled care in the final years of his life. He passed away at the medical center in 2024 from complications of Alzheimer's disease.

I understand that our colleagues in the Senate passed the companion to this bill in their Chamber last August and have been waiting for the House to take it up for almost a year. I am disappointed that we are not considering the already-passed Senate bill today. This House should have passed that Senate bill long ago.

A well-deserving veteran such as Captain Bucha should have been honored as swiftly as possible. I am concerned that by not taking up the Senate version of this bill today, it will only further delay this bill from getting to the President's desk for signature. Captain Bucha's friends and loved ones should not have to wait so long to see his legacy honored.

Nevertheless, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I hope that it will become law without delay. I can think of no better way to express gratitude for Captain Bucha's lifelong commitment to service of his community and his country than to name this VA medical center in his honor. I urge all Members to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee and the author of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 4647 to honor this very deserving veteran.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am really moved by the chairman's comments about Mr. Tillman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4288 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, after Corporal Patrick ``Pat'' Daniel Tillman.

I thank my colleague, Representative Panetta, for honoring the legacy of this American hero.

Pat Tillman was born in San Jose, California, in 1976. From 1990 to 1994, Pat attended Leland High School in San Jose, California, where he helped lead his team to a Central Coast Division I football championship.

Mr. Tillman was offered a scholarship to play football for Arizona State University. While there, he led Arizona State to the 1997 Rose Bowl after an undefeated season. He earned three consecutive selections to the Pac-10 All-Academic Football Team, a first team Academic All- American honor, and received the NCAA post-graduate scholarship for academic and athletic excellence.

After graduating ASU summa cum laude in 1998 with a bachelor of science, he was drafted to play for the Arizona Cardinals, where he played until July 2002.

Less than 1 year after 9/11, Tillman felt a call to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Army.

Mr. Tillman, with his brother Kevin, who joined the Army at the same time, were both assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington.

As an Army Ranger, Pat Tillman deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004. On April 22, 2004, Pat Tillman was tragically killed by friendly fire while on patrol in the rugged area of eastern Afghanistan.

Pat Tillman was undeniably known as a national hero, and his service reflects that. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals, and he was posthumously promoted to corporal.

Following his death, his widow, Marie, and his family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation, which awards academic scholarships to military servicemembers, veterans, and their spouses.

I can think of no better way to honor Mr. Tillman's legacy and demonstrate our Nation's continued gratitude for his service than to name this VA clinic in his honor.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Panetta), my good friend and author of this legislation, who serves on the House Budget Committee and the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close.

I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 4288 to honor this very deserving veteran, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize General Robert Dutko, whose impressive career of service in the Air National Guard spanned over four decades.

General Dutko's military career began in 1954 when he enlisted in the New Jersey Air National Guard at the McGuire Air Force Base where he served with the 141st Fighter Bomber Squadron.

After returning from Active Duty during the Berlin crisis, he held assignments at the Pentagon and was later appointed assistant adjutant general of the New Jersey Air National Guard.

General Dutko was instrumental in the success of the Armed Services Heritage Museum, helping to secure the museum's mobile unit and sharing the history of the military with countless community members.

He also shaped how his hometown honored service and sacrifice with his role in programs like Hometown Heroes, ensuring that the service of Ewing residents would be recognized in a meaningful way.

Though, we mourn the loss of the general last month, we will be celebrating his inspiring legacy and service for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize General Robert Dutko, whose impressive career of service in the Air National Guard spanned over four decades.

General Dutko's military career began in 1954 when he enlisted in the New Jersey Air National Guard at McGuire Air Force base, where he first served as the 141st Fighter Bomber Squadron.

After returning from Active Duty during the Berlin crisis, he held assignments at the Pentagon and was later appointed Assistant Adjutant General of New Jersey Air National Guard.

General Dutko was instrumental in the success of the Armed Forces Heritage Museum, helping to secure the museum's mobile unit and sharing the history of military with countless community members.

He also shaped how his hometown honored service and sacrifice with his role in programs like Hometown Heroes, ensuring that the service of Ewing residents would be recognized in a meaningful way.

Though, we mourned his lost last month, we will be celebrating his inspiring legacy and service for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague (Ms. Morrison) for coordinating this Special Order hour.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, better known as

Mr. Speaker, on January 21, 2026, I was unable to cast my vote. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 38.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Vivian Comeau, a young woman from Trenton, New Jersey. I also recognize her as a recipient of the Girl Scout Bronze Cross, one of the highest honors bestowed by Girl Scouts of the USA.

The Girl Scout Bronze Cross is a national lifesaving decoration bestowed by Girl Scouts in extraordinary circumstances. It recognizes acts of exceptional heroism in which a Girl Scout demonstrates uncommon courage, sound judgment, and selflessness while saving another person's life.

Vivian Comeau embodied courage, confidence and character throughout her life and certainly during her fourteen-years as a Girl Scout with Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey. She was a dedicated member of Troop 30575, a committed sister to her fellow Girl Scouts, and a young woman whose life reflected service, kindness, and quiet strength. Her participation in Girl Scouting was not defined by accolades or badges, but by her commitment to the Girl Scout promise. She consistently showed up for her troop, her community, and the values she carried with her every day.

Vivian's heroism was demonstrated through her decision to be an organ donor, truly a profound choice that gave others renewed hope and life. Her generosity continues to inspire and comfort many beyond her family and community. Following a national review, Girl Scouts of the USA honored Vivian's selfless spirit with the Bronze Cross, affirming the exceptional courage and compassion of her final act of service.

Vivian Comeau's life reminds us that heroism often lies in thoughtful decisions made with generosity and concern for others. Through her actions, she showed that leadership is measured by the lives touched through courage and care, not only by titles or recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I join the residents of New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District, the Girl Scout community, and all who are inspired by Vivian's life, in honoring Vivian Comeau, Girl Scout Bronze Cross recipient. Her legacy of service, courage, and character will endure, and she will be remembered for the difference she made in others' lives.

Mr. Speaker, I was not present for the first vote series on February 24, 2026. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 74; NAY on Roll Call No. 73; YEA on Roll Call No. 72; and YEA on Roll Call No. 71.

Mr. Speaker, on May 1, 2025, I was unable to cast my vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 113.

I strongly oppose H.J. Res. 78, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to ``Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt''. If enacted this resolution would threaten the recovery of the Longfin Smelt which was listed as endangered in 2024 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is imperative that we allow scientific experts to manage and determine which species are able to be delisted or enlisted.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate my constituent, Isabeau Levito, who officially qualified for the U.S. Olympic figure skating team where she will represent Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, next month.

Isabeau Levito grew up in south Jersey, training for years at the Igloo Ice Center in Mount Laurel.

Long before the spotlight, she was on the ice before sunrise, balancing schoolwork, family time, and relentless practice with remarkable discipline and grace.

This month, Isabeau achieved a lifelong dream. After earning a bronze medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis, she officially qualified for Team USA and will represent our country at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

Isabeau joins what experts are already calling the strongest U.S. women's Olympic skating team in decades, and she stands proudly among the best.

We are incredibly proud of her. On behalf of south Jersey, we wish Isabeau Levito the very best as she skates for the gold and for Team