Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I extend my congratulations to Fire Official and Firefighter William Cripps on his retirement this year after 25 years of service. Beginning his career in 1996, inspired by his father, he started at the City of Wildwood Fire Department as a part-time Firefighter and EMT. In 2000 he began working full time and in 2018 he took on the role of Fire Official in Wildwood, overseeing the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Throughout his service, William held many roles, including Cape May County Fire Coordinator, an instructor at the Cape May County Fire Academy, and a member of the Cape May County Urban Search & Rescue Team. He earned numerous awards, including the 9/11 Commendation for his response to the 2001 World Trade Center attacks and he also received Disaster Commendations for his work during Hurricane Sandy, Winter Storm Jonas, and Tropical Cyclone Ida. William's dedication shone through in the creation of the very successful Summer Cadet Firefighter youth program and the initiation of the City of Wildwood Fire Department's Fire Investigation Unit. This legacy runs in the family, with his brother Charles Cripps, Jr. and son Nick Cripps also embracing the noble path of firefighting. William Cripps is a symbol of dedication, and he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations of firefighters to come. I thank Firefighter Cripps for keeping South Jersey safe and I wish him well in his retirement. God Bless Fire Official and Firefighter William Cripps and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and honor the life of a beloved South Jersey native, James ``Jim'' M. Hemingway, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who passed away peacefully on November 30, 2023, at the age of 77. Jim's kindness, dedication, and love made our community and our world a better place. In his early life, Jim honorably served our country in the U.S. Army. When he returned, he founded Garden State Dredging Inc., a company which was a culmination of his different passions. Jim was a pillar of his community, committing a big portion of his time to giving back through the Lower Township planning board, the lower township Chamber of Commerce and the West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company. Jim's enduring partnership with his wife, Shirley A. Hemingway, spanned 58 beautiful years and together they created a life filled with love and cherished memories. As a loving father to James and Sheri, and adored grandfather and great-grandfather, Jim's wisdom and love will continue to inspire his family. Jim enjoyed family time more than anything as well as constructing model trains and airplanes, creating special moments with his grandchildren. Jim's generosity and selflessness left a profound impact on others, shaping the paths of those he loved. As we celebrate Jim's life, we remember a man who embodied the best in all of us, leaving an indelible mark that will continue to inspire us. God Bless Jim and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this past December, I had the honor of celebrating a remarkable young man, Benjamin Fairfield, who has achieved the prestigious Rank of Eagle Scout. His journey is a true testament to his dedication, leadership, and community service. Throughout his scouting journey, Benjamin has learned the importance of being prepared for anything and has made lifelong friends along the way. Benjamin's Eagle Project involved upgrading the Climbing Area at Camp Edge in Ranch Hope, South Jersey. He built a double-sided climbing wall, landscaped the area, and even pressure washed and painted benches, making it a safer and more enjoyable space for all. Benjamin is not only dedicated to scouting but also passionate about hunting and fishing, reflecting his love for the outdoors and adventure. Beyond scouting, Benjamin plans to continue working at Hidden Creek Farm and eventually open up his own farm. I am proud of this young man, and I wish him the best. God Bless Benjamin and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this past November, I had the pleasure of attending Clayton Skrobanek's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Clayton has been involved in the Eagle Scouts for over a decade, starting in first grade as a Tiger Scout. Over the years, he has been very involved in his troop by holding four different leadership positions, contributing over 100 hours to community service, and participating in countless outdoor adventures all while earning 37 merit badges. Outside of the scouts, he dedicates his time to helping those in need by volunteering at the ``Your Place at the Table'' Food Pantry. This upcoming year, he is expected to graduate from Clearview Regional High School and hopes to pursue a career in nursing. I am honored to congratulate this young man on his remarkable achievements, and I wish him the best. God Bless Clayton and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this past December, we gathered to celebrate Colin Finney, a bright young man who worked his way up to the rank of Eagle Scout. To achieve this rank, Colin undertook an Eagle Scout Project involving the restoration of generators and fans at Fort Mott State Park in Pennsville, South Jersey. Fort Mott holds a significant historical importance to our nation, serving as an Army Base during World War II. In 1942, three Diesel Generators were installed to provide essential electric services. Colin dedicated his time to the meticulous restoration work of these generators that involved cleaning, priming, and painting, as well as the restoration of the three fans and the gate door, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Looking ahead, Colin has ambitious plans. He plans to graduate from Salem Vo-Tech's Electrical program and continue his journey in the Electrical Field as a Lineman. Beyond scouting and his career aspirations, Colin enjoys hunting, spending time with friends, and has a commendable interest in firefighting. This remarkable young man has a bright future ahead of him and I can't wait to see what he accomplishes. God Bless Colin and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this December, I had the pleasure of attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor of Jack Fowler, a young man who has accomplished a significant milestone in the world of scouting. Jack's hard work is a testament to his commitment to making a positive impact on the South Jersey community and his unwavering dedication to the values of scouting. For his eagle scout project, he took on the task of building fences and cleaning up the grounds of the Mount Zion AME Cemetery in Woodstown, South Jersey. The cemetery had become overgrown, and its boundaries were unkempt. With great care and effort, Jack built fences, created a defined entrance, and trimmed bushes and trees to beautify the area. His hard work not only restored the cemetery to its rightful dignity but also honored the memory of those laid to rest there. In this upcoming year, Jack plans to graduate from Salem County Vocational Technical Schools with an associate's degree in Biochemistry from Salem Community College. Outside of scouting and school,

he has a passion for music, playing the drums and guitar in his free time. Jack has already accomplished so much at such a young age, and it was my honor to celebrate him. God Bless Jack and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, a nation without borders is not a nation at all.

Currently, we have an administration that prioritizes illegal immigrants over American citizens, over our own constituents.

Since President Biden took office, more than 8 million illegal immigrants have entered our country without consequence; 300,000 since December alone. Within months, there will be more illegal immigrants than the population of my home State of New Jersey, a State that would rank tenth in population made up of illegals.

Yet, this President, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and my Democratic colleagues continue to deny that the crisis even exists, allowing millions of illegal immigrants, many from countries that hate America, threatens our national security, and it is wrong.

Using taxpayer dollars to give illegal immigrants free healthcare and making Americans pay for it is wrong.

Sacrificing the education of our American children to turn their schools into shelters for illegal immigrants is wrong.

Cutting public safety funding to pay for services like free housing, free legal aid, and welfare for illegal immigrants that many Americans struggle to afford themselves is wrong.

College education subsidies for illegal immigrants is wrong.

Those on the terror watch list slipping through our borders is wrong.

Sanctuary State status, sanctuary city status is wrong.

Standing idly by while tens of thousands of Americans, American young people, die at the hands of illicit fentanyl that is flowing freely across our border is wrong.

President Biden and this administration have had the power to stop it, but they refuse. Our Democratic colleagues had a chance to stop it by voting for H.R. 2, but they refused.

Four years ago this didn't exist, and now our Senate colleagues have refused to take up H.R. 2 and are working to increase incentives for illegal immigrants to come into our country.

We need to get serious. Those responsible must be held accountable, and once again I demand that this administration, for once, put American people first.

I hope and I pray that everyone will vote for this good resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3250) to provide remote access to court proceedings for victims of the 1988 Bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous materials on S. 3250.

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

Mr. Speaker, on December 21, 1988, a bomb planted by Libyan terrorists detonated on Pan Am Flight 103 while it was flying over Lockerbie, Scotland; 270 people, including 190 Americans, 34 of which were from my home State, the State of New Jersey, lost their lives in this tragic attack.

Over 30 years later, the Department of Justice announced the arrest and indictment of the alleged bomb maker. His trial is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., with pretrial hearings that are already underway.

However, given the time that has passed and the attack's international impact, surviving families are generally older, and some of them are physically unable to attend these hearings. Others live scattered across the United States of America and the world, making it difficult to travel and to attend.

In light of this fact, the government filed an unopposed motion with the court to provide remote access to the proceedings for the victims of this bombing. Unfortunately, the court denied the motion, finding that no statute or case law authorized such an accommodation.

This bill, fortunately and importantly, provides that authorization. S. 3250 provides the court with a limited, one-time only authorization to accommodate the victims of the Pan Am 103 bombing by making remote video and telephonic access available to these victims and their families.

Additionally, there is precedent for this type of measure. Congress passed similar laws authorizing access to trials for victims of September 11 and again during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This bill is supported by Victims of Pan Am Flight 103, which is an organization comprised of family members whose loved ones were killed on the flight. Their unyielding resolve in holding those responsible for the murder of their loved ones is the embodiment of American tenacity and American spirit.

I am proud to have spearheaded the House version of this important legislation, which will ensure that the victims of these attacks can witness as the architect of this atrocity faces the full weight of the American justice system.

Let this case serve as an unwavering warning to our enemies around the world: If you harm Americans, if you dare to strike at the heart of America, know this--there will be no refuge and no corner of the Earth where you can hide. You will find no peace.

I urge all Members to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 remains one of the deadliest terrorist attacks on American civilians in America's history. Now, 35 years later, we are on the verge of finally--finally--holding those responsible individuals accountable.

Let that be a symbol of America's unending pursuit of justice against those who would choose to do our country and our citizens harm.

I thank the families of the victims of this attack for their involvement with this bill and their tireless work in achieving justice for their loved ones.

I thank the bipartisan coalition both in the Senate and here in the House that helped this bill move rapidly to the President's desk.

I thank my good friend from Georgia for his support, and I thank Ranking Member Nadler. He is an important guy, and I certainly should thank him, as well. We appreciate his support and appreciate Ranking Member Nadler as well as, of course, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, soulless, disgusting, sickening, reprehensible, and repulsive--these are not my words but the words of my Democratic colleagues when asked about the decision of 15 Members who refused to condemn Hamas' brutal terror attacks on innocent Israelis.

Some of those 15 didn't stop there. Several of these Members have gone on to use their massive platforms to accuse Israel of apartheid, genocide, and war crimes. This rhetoric by Members of Congress is not only careless, it is dangerous.

American cities and the cities around the world have been flooded with anti-Israeli protests. Protestors scream for an intifada. They demand a cleansing of Jews from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, the destruction of Israel, and the destruction of the United States of America.

They ripped down the pictures of Jewish children and Jewish babies being held hostage in Gaza. It is reprehensible. It is unacceptable.

Hamas is a terrorist organization that does not care about the Palestinian people. Their goal is to wipe Israel from the face of the Earth. Babies were burned alive. Babies were beheaded. Women were raped, beaten, displayed, and then murdered. Children, mothers, grandmothers, fathers, grandfathers, they were all killed.

Anyone who supports this or refuses to condemn it has no place in the United States Congress. I don't like censure--I hate censure--but we have to draw a line in the sand somewhere. We do not entertain hate in this Congress. We confront it, and we must do it with absolute conviction.

This is not a freedom of speech issue. This is an issue of the Congress of the United States having the right to say this is wrong.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this.

Mr. Speaker, last month, I had the honor of attending Trevor Waddington's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Trevor is a sophomore at Pennsville Memorial High School, who at the age of 15 has already made significant contributions to our South Jersey community. He is a dedicated member of Boy Scout Troop No. 7015, where he currently serves as the Senior Patrol Leader, showcasing his exemplary leadership abilities. He has earned an impressive 41 Merit Badges, which underscores his commitment to personal growth and skill development. For his Eagle Scout project, Trevor built a Gaga Ball Pit at Riverview Beach Park in Pennsville, South Jersey. This project encourages outdoor play and recreation for our local children. Trevor's dedication extends beyond scouting. He actively participates in community service, including organizing food collections for the Visiting Nurse Association and assisting with Toys for Tots during the holidays. Furthermore, Trevor excels in sports, playing football with both the Junior Varsity and Varsity Pennsville Eagles Football Team, participating in the Pennsville Varsity Wrestling Team, and representing the Pennsville Weightlifting Team as their spokesperson. Trevor's values, shaped by his experiences in Scouts and sports, make him a role model for his peers. I am so proud of his accomplishments, and I know he has a bright future ahead of him. God Bless Trevor and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to celebrate an act of exceptional sportsmanship witnessed at the Cape Atlantic Cross-Country Championships, highlighting the true

spirit of unity and compassion within our community. During the race, Cam Koryga, a star-runner from Egg Harbor Township High School encountered difficulties, stumbling and falling as he neared the finish line. In an inspiring act, Jamar Mack, a freshman on the Middle Township High School cross country team, came to his aid and guided him down the course, even though they were rival runners. Jamar's support for Cam continued throughout the race, and in a touching moment, Jamar allowed Cam to cross the finish line ahead of him. This act of sportsmanship is a shining example of the values we hold dear in our community--compassion, selflessness, and unity. It reminds us of the positive impact of sports beyond competition. It is my privilege to recognize and celebrate Jamar Mack's outstanding sportsmanship and I wish this exemplary young man all the best in his future. God Bless Jamar and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize the outstanding achievements of a remarkable young man, Jordan M. Werner. Jordan's scouting journey began in Troop 416 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. After relocating to Pittsgrove, South Jersey in 2019, he continued his Scouting efforts as a member of Scout Crew 58. It is within this crew that he diligently fulfilled the requirements necessary to achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. His Eagle Scout project involved the transformation of a storage shed at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Elmer, South Jersey, into a Disaster Warehouse for The North American Lutheran Church. This warehouse serves as a vital resource, storing essential items required by individuals and families who find themselves facing the aftermath of a disaster. These items include health kits, school kits, blankets, flood buckets, and Bibles, providing critical support to those in dire need. Jordan's dedication to service and his selfless commitment to helping others in times of crisis exemplify the highest ideals of the Scouting movement. I congratulate him on this important milestone and wish him all the best in his future. God Bless Jordan and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor the life and remarkable contributions of a South Jersey native, who has dedicated himself to his community and the local industry, Mr. Joseph Arena, Jr. The roots of his family's business run deep in the community. In 1920, his grandfather had the vision to establish the enterprise of Arena Automotive, and it quickly became a local institution. As time passed, the torch of responsibility was passed down to the next generation. When his grandfather and uncle chose to retire, it was in 1978 that he and his father assumed the mantle of sole ownership of the business, solidifying their commitment to its enduring legacy. In 1992, he embarked on another significant journey when he married his wife, Rose. Together, they have been blessed with two sons, Andrew and Nicholas, who have undoubtedly inherited his values and sense of community. Throughout his entire adult career, he has remained steadfastly dedicated to Arena Automotive. This unwavering commitment has not only enriched the local industry in South Jersey but has also fostered deep connections within the community. Mr. Arena's contributions to the community of Hammonton were so outstanding that he was honored by the New Jersey Sons of Italy at this year's Christopher Columbus celebration. His remarkable dedication and commitment have made him a pillar of the local industry, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers. It is essential to acknowledge and honor individuals like him who have made a lasting impact on their community, and I thank Mr. Arena for his dedication. God Bless Joseph and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that we celebrate AtlantiCare, an institution deeply ingrained in the fabric of the State of New Jersey, as it marks its 125th Anniversary on November 30, 2023. Sharing the same name as the city it was founded in, AtlantiCare's journey began in 1898 as Atlantic City Hospital, known for its compassionate care of its first patient, eleven-year-old Gussie John. From those humble beginnings, AtlantiCare has blossomed into a cornerstone of healthcare excellence, serving South Jersey with an unwavering commitment to exemplary service. Today, AtlantiCare stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability required of healthcare institutions over time. With more than 6,500 dedicated employees spread across more than one hundred locations in South Jersey, AtlantiCare continues to evolve to meet the dynamic needs of its community and patients. The numerous accolades bestowed upon AtlantiCare, including designations from The Baldridge Foundation, The

Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, the Joint Commission, and Magnet underscore the institution's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. We extend our heartfelt congratulations, paying tribute to its respected history, and acknowledging the profound impact it has had on the people of New Jersey, especially in Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean County. God Bless AtlantiCare and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Thomas Poulton for his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. Thomas is a senior at Kingsway Regional High School, and he has future plans to pursue a degree in business management. Thomas's academic journey has been marked by excellence, with a particular passion for history, earning college credits through AP History classes. Outside the classroom, Thomas has been an active participant in sports, contributing to his school's cross country, winter track, and tennis teams for three years. Thomas's impressive 12-year scouting journey culminated in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. His scouting journey is marked with countless hours of community service, numerous leadership positions, and endless outdoor adventures. For his Eagle Scout Project, he built a gaga pit for a local park, a project which he planned and executed himself from beginning to end. His scouting experience has shaped him into a fine young man, emphasizing leadership, a strong moral compass, and a dedication to positive societal influence. Thomas's achievements are a source of pride for his family and his community, and I congratulate him on everything he has accomplished. God Bless Thomas and God Bless the United States of America.