Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Noah Sarnoff, an exceptional student-athlete from my district who has been awarded the Olympiad Student Athlete by the Jewish War Veterans. Established in 1972, this award honors the memory of the 11 Israeli athletes tragically killed during the Munich Olympics and celebrates the academic and athletic excellence of remarkable high school students. Noah exemplifies those values. A proud representative of Vineland High School, he has consistently excelled both in the classroom and in athletics, balancing a demanding academic schedule with a standout athletic career. On the soccer field, Noah is a four-year varsity player and two-year team captain. He leads with talent, integrity, and a spirit of sportsmanship that sets him apart. He treats teammates and opponents with respect, leads by example, and represents his school and community with pride. His lasting impact comes not only from his performance, but from the way he uplifts and inspires those around him. Noah truly embodies the spirit and values that the Olympiad Award was created to honor. I congratulate Noah, and thank him for making South Jersey proud. God bless Noah and God bless our United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. Speaker, one of the most commendable milestones a young man can reach is earning the rank of Eagle Scout. This past weekend, I had the distinct honor of congratulating Robert Corcoran on achieving this prestigious award. Robert's journey began in 2012 when he earned his first Cub Scout rank of Bobcat. Over the past decade, through dedication, perseverance, and strong character, he climbed the ranks and ultimately attained the highest honor of Eagle Scout. Along the way, Robert earned 34 merit badges, including the Light of Christ Award, a testament to his deep and abiding faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For his Eagle Scout project, Robert demonstrated compassion and creativity by upcycling 31 insulated coolers into feral cat shelters. These shelters were distributed through the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center, providing warmth and protection to South Jersey's stray cat population during the harsh winter months. I congratulate Robert on this remarkable achievement. With his unwavering faith, tireless work ethic, and heart for service, there is no doubt in my mind, he will thrive in all his future endeavors. God bless Robert and God bless our United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Daniel McClave, whose extraordinary commitment and character have earned him the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle Scout. Daniel began his Scouting journey twelve years ago, steadily advancing through the Cub Scout ranks, achieving the rank of Scout in 2019, before his resilience, dedication, and selfless service led to the achievement of Eagle Scout this past December. Throughout his time in Scouting, Daniel earned an impressive 41 merit badges and was awarded four Eagle Palms-- a clear reflection of his extraordinary determination to exceed expectations and lead by example. For his Eagle Scout project, Daniel transformed a storage room at Clayton High School into a fully functional and accessible food bank, ensuring that students and families in need had a reliable source of support and nourishment. Even after achieving the rank of Eagle, Daniel's service did not stop. He has continued to give back by serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Merit Badge Counselor, guiding and mentoring the next generation of Scouts with the same wisdom, integrity, and leadership that defined his own journey. I congratulate Daniel on this outstanding achievement. His leadership, generosity, and commitment to his community are inspiring. My district and the Boy Scouts of America are better because of young men like him. God bless Daniel and God bless our United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the accomplishments of Michael L. Testa, Sr., a respected attorney and leader from South Jersey, who was recently awarded the

CEO Group's Lifetime Achievement Award. Michael is a Managing Partner at Testa Heck Testa & White, P.A., and has spent more than five decades building a legacy of legal excellence and public service. A certified civil and criminal trial attorney, he has been named to the lists of New Jersey Super Lawyers and Top Ten Lawyers more than ten times each-- an extraordinary testament to his professional reputation and courtroom skill. But Michael's impact goes far beyond the courtroom. He has dedicated his life to serving the people of South Jersey through various municipal and educational roles, including as solicitor for Buena Municipal Authorities Association, Deerfield Township, and Rowan College of South Jersey. His service on the boards of the Rehabilitation Hospital of South Jersey, Sun National Bank, and the Landis Theatre Foundation reflects a deep commitment to strengthening local institutions and opportunities. Michael's legacy is not only defined by his distinguished legal career but also by his selfless dedication to civic leadership, education, and charitable causes throughout Cumberland County. I congratulate Michael on this well- earned Lifetime Achievement Award, and thank him for his decades of service and commitment to South Jersey. May God bless Michael Testa, Sr., and may God bless the United States of America, the greatest country on the face of the Earth.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 481) condemning the rise in ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals in the United States, including the recent violent assault in Boulder, Colorado, and reaffirming the House of Representatives commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 481.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong condemnation of a sickness and disease that is growing stronger, more dangerous, and more violent in our own country of the United States of America. It is called anti- Semitism.

On June 1, in Boulder, Colorado, a peaceful rally called Run for Their Lives, which was just held to raise

awareness about hostages taken by Hamas, was violently attacked with Molotov cocktails and a homemade flamethrower. The suspect, who was shouting, ``Free Palestine,'' injured 15 people, and many of them were elderly.

Think about this, Mr. Speaker: One of them was an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.

This terrorist, who was here illegally on an expired visa, targeted Jews on purpose, on American soil--on American soil. Let everybody let that sink in.

This was a terrorist attack in broad daylight, and it wasn't even an isolated event.

On May 21, two Israeli Embassy staff, a beautiful couple, were gunned down outside of the Capital Jewish Museum right here in Washington, D.C., about 1\1/2\ blocks away from my apartment.

On April 13, an arsonist lit the home of Governor Josh Shapiro on fire while he and his family celebrated Passover inside, hoping to kill them all. The suspect admitted he acted out of hatred for the Governor's support of Israel.

Despite the barbarity of the October 7 Hamas attacks, anti-Semitism has, unfortunately, surged around the world and right here in our United States of America. According to the American Jewish Committee, 77 percent of American Jews say that they feel less safe in the United States because of October 7. More than half say that they changed their behavior in 2024 because of anti-Semitism.

Mr. Speaker, I think of a young lady who we heard from in our Committee on the Judiciary. She was a smart college student, a beautiful young woman, who spoke about how her mother begged her to take off her Star of David when she went out in public.

That is a sad day for America. These aren't just statistics. That is fear, fear to wear a yarmulke in public, fear of attending a local synagogue, fear of simply living openly as a Jew in this great country.

There have been 9,300 documented anti-Semitic incidents last year alone. The FBI reported 1,989 hate crimes, almost 2,000 hate crimes, targeting Jewish Americans in 2023 alone. It is the highest number ever recorded. Nearly 7 out of every 10 religiously motivated hate crimes are crimes against Jews.

This needs to be clear to all who are listening now and in the future: Jewish Americans make up just 2.4 percent of the United States' population but account for 68 percent of religious hate crimes. That isn't just a spike. That is a national crisis.

After the Holocaust, the words collectively promised ``Never again,'' but never again is happening right now. It is happening in our streets. It is happening on our campuses. It is happening in our communities.

We need to protect America from anti-Semitism with the same ferocity as we should protect the right of Americans' free speech because if Jewish Americans can't walk freely in Boulder, work safely in D.C., or celebrate Passover in their own homes without fear, then we, indeed, have failed as a nation.

This resolution says what must be said: These are acts of terror, pure and simple, and this hate must be condemned regardless of how many times it takes--over and over again, it must be condemned--that the lives of Jewish Americans matter; and that their safety is nonnegotiable.

Mr. Speaker, I urge every single Member of this body to support it loudly, proudly, and unambiguously because it is simply the right thing to do and because anti-Semitism has no home in the United States of America.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Goldman) for his comments.

Mr. Speaker, I will say that, of course, money matters. In difficult budget times--and we are having a challenging and difficult budget--let me say that it is important that we do have that money there.

Perhaps, as we move forward with not spending money on sanctuary cities and sanctuary States; as we move forward and are not spending money on transportation for illegals, for housing illegals, for educating illegals, or for giving illegals debit cards; and as we move forward and stop wasting some of the money that has been wasted at so many levels and so many places in this great country, that those who deserve to get more money, whether it be folks who are dependent upon it for their healthcare or those who deserve to get more money because they need protection, are able to do so.

That is the problem when you misplace your funding. When funding is not done correctly, as it has not been done over a number of years, then the money doesn't always go where it should.

It has been a focus of this administration. Those hundreds of millions, a third of $1 billion, are there, and if something more is needed, I am sure we will respond to that, as well.

Mr. Speaker, that being said, I am proud to have with me a good friend, a good man, the coach of our Republican baseball team--and if this wasn't such a solemn resolution, I would speak about that a little bit, but I won't. I won't say that we are going to win again, but we are.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Williams).

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado for his kindness and kind words, and yes, it was a pleasure to work with him. He has always consistently, even when we disagree profoundly at times, been a gentleman and always represents the values and attitude that I believe a Member of Congress should have.

To my friend, the gentleman from New York, I will attribute that to him, as well. We sometimes differ even more profoundly on some of these issues.

Let me say one thing in passing. The commitment of Republicans is unquestionable when it comes to Israel and Jewish Americans. I know to a degree, because of a fiscal note, the gentleman questions that. I am not going to go through the history of many events and many pieces of legislation that went through this House that didn't have all the support they needed, quite frankly, from the other side of the aisle.

I am not going to go through that some folks from the other side of the aisle have said things that have been pretty blatantly anti-Israel and anti-Jewish.

The problem here--if we have a problem, and we do have problems within the body--when it comes to the Jewish state and Israel, has not been the Republican Party. The Republican Party and the Members of Congress here and the majority at this time have been very supportive, whether it has been in armaments, whether it has been in words, whether it has been in deeds, have been supportive of the Jewish State of Israel and of Jewish Americans.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank both gentlemen from the other side of the aisle that we were able to do this together. Wherever we can, whenever we can, I look forward to that participation.

I guess the only words I have to say now are just: Let's do it. Let's everybody vote together. I am hoping this is one of those rare pieces of legislation that has every Member on each side of the House of Representatives voting in

favor. I ask all the Members to vote for this together in unison.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H. Res. 488) denouncing the antisemitic

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 488.

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

Mr. Speaker, it has been nearly 2 years since the October 7 attack on Israel, the deadliest terrorist attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Yet, still today, we are in a moment in time where our Jewish neighbors are being increasingly threatened. Anti-Semitic protests are more and more often turning physically violent and deadly, and they are inspiring additional violent acts.

Jewish students around the country are fearful as they watch spineless college administrators fail time and again to stand up to anti-Semitic harassment taking place on all of our beautiful college campuses. Right here in Washington, D.C., just 2 weeks ago, we saw a coldblooded murder take the lives of a beautiful, young couple as they exited the Jewish museum.

The young Israeli Embassy staffers were set to be engaged just 1 week later and their lives were snuffed out. Their families will never get to experience that beautiful ceremony and other cherished milestones of their life with them. They are gone because of a terrorist's hateful action. There are no words that can ever be articulated that truly represent what has happened to that family.

Just 1 week ago, thousands of miles away in the community of Boulder, Colorado, an unhinged anti-Semite carried out yet another terrorist attack. Peaceful marches called for hostages held by Hamas to be set free. They were attacked by a terrorist who shouted ``free Palestine'' as he lobbed homemade Molotov cocktails at them. Worst still, the act of terrorism was entirely preventable.

Mohamed Soliman is not an American but an Egyptian national who traveled to the United States purporting to be a tourist.

Let's think about what I am going to say here.

Years before Mohamed Soliman ever tried to come to the United States, he had posted on his social media his support for the Muslim Brotherhood, a radical Islamist organization that has been deemed a terrorist group by governments across the world, including in Europe and in the Arab world.

Despite this, the last administration issued Mohamed Sabry Soliman a tourist visa, which admitted him into the United States of America. Once inside, Soliman took advantage of our immigration system, applying for asylum within 1 month of arriving in the country as a supposed tourist.

This action was in violation of the spirit of his tourist visa, which required that he not intend to stay in this country permanently. Indeed, the case of Mohamed Soliman reminds us

all that the integrity of our immigration system is vital to our very national security.

While we all should have learned this lesson after 9/11, it is clear that the last administration did not. Fortunately, this administration, the Trump administration, has taken a strong stance, once again prioritizing the integrity of our immigration system, and thus the security of all Americans, including Jewish communities.

This administration has shut down the open border, aggressively enforced the immigration laws, blocked the entry of aliens who are detrimental to the United States of America's interests, and taken a tough, tough stance against cowardly universities.

I am calling it as it is. They are cowardly universities that should represent what is right and good in America, and many of them are not. They fail to protect the Jewish students, vigorously vet aliens who wish to come to our country, and much more.

Legal immigrants who love America hate what was going on. We are so grateful that sanity is being restored to our America. At the same time, we do pray for the victims of these senseless acts.

Today, I call on my colleagues to support this resolution to honor the victims of the Boulder terrorist attack. We must all stand with our Jewish friends, colleagues, and neighbors. They are not alone. They are not alone, and we will not tolerate this scourge of anti-Semitic hatred in the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, just a few words first. I want to speak a little bit about Mr. Evans because he may not say it himself. He has served in our military, served proudly in our Army, and he has served in Colorado as a police officer. He has done more, not only served in one or the other, but served both, and did so with honor, decency, and respect. I think the benefit of having him here, he brings a lot to the table about this issue because I know that he has served and worked in Mr. Neguse's actual district, in his territory, as well. I hope maybe he will speak about that, although I know he didn't necessarily plan to do so. He is my friend and a good man. I know he cares deeply about this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Evans).

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

Mr. Speaker, let me just address a couple of things before we move on. Let me say that, first of all, as we all know, it was referenced over there something about Mr. Evans and what bills get to the floor. As a freshman Member of Congress, I can guarantee you that he is not determining what bills get to the floor in the United States House of Representatives.

Secondly, sometimes the simple truth is something, most especially in Washington, D.C., that we here in Congress just avoid or don't see with clarity. Here is the simple truth, and this is what Mr. Evans was trying to get at: His resolution, yes, it is different than mine. Mine focused purely on anti-Semitism here in the world, but he brings up a valid point, not only for Jews but for many innocent victims, whether it was Laken Riley or whether it was the women who were raped, the women and men who were killed, those who were beaten, or those who were hurt who were in law enforcement.

Illegal immigration is not a good thing. Yes, there are a few illegal immigrants who came to this country who are illegal but just trying to make their way but doing it the wrong way, but there are also real bad folks who got in.

The simple truth is--let's get back to what happened--the man, the individual human being, who did this atrocious act, who made these Molotov cocktails, and who fashioned a flamethrower was an illegal immigrant with a bad history.

There would be people who are good human beings in this country who would be alive if we didn't have an open-door border policy. That is the simple truth. It is not complicated.

That is not using Jews. It happened to be Jews that got hurt this time. It is not using women when it was women who got raped. It is not using children when children were beaten and raped by these illegals. It is not using them. It is stating the facts of how awful and terrible what it is that we have been doing in this country by allowing known murderers to exist and to stay in the country and not detaining them, giving them due process, and then, at the very least, deporting them.

That is Mr. Evans' point here. That is what he is trying to say. That is what he is trying to bring forth. It is a simple but important truth that somehow we are trying to avoid.

Finally, again, I will address it because my friend, and he is my friend, my friend from New York addressed what is going on in California. Here is the other rule in the United States of America. In the United States of America, you can rally, demonstrate, and express your viewpoint. You have freedom of speech. It doesn't mean you beat people. It doesn't mean you put cars on fire. It doesn't mean you destroy buildings. It doesn't mean that you are allowed to hurt other people.

We are a nation of the rule of law. There is a simple truth.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from the great State of Colorado (Mr. Crank).

Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, I would say that had the Biden administration adequately screened this individual, this murderer, if they had screened him the way they should have, if our borders had been operating correctly, if they looked at his social media, they would have known that he consistently posted anti-Semitic videos. He consistently posted violence. He would have been denied, and all this wouldn't have happened.

How simple is that? Is this too complex for us in Washington? Maybe it is just too much simple truth.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I simply ask our Members on both sides of the aisle--I believe there will be Members on the other side of the aisle--to vote for both of these resolutions.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to welcome Giani Singh as our guest chaplain.

Giani Singh has served as Head Granthi at the Gurdwara in Vineland, New Jersey, since 2012.

Day after day, year after year, he leads not just with words but with example, with peace, with humility, and with service toward all.

These are not just Sikh values. They are American values. They truly are human values. We have seen that shared spirit in action.

Today is the 81st anniversary of D-day. On the beaches of Normandy, Sikh soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder with Allied forces. That same spirit and that same bravery lives on today, as Sikh Americans continue to serve our great communities in the great Nation of the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all my colleagues for coming here today.

Mr. Speaker, I recently had the honor of joining the General Lafayette Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution as they placed an America 250 marker at Zion Methodist Church, paying tribute to the American Revolution patriots who are buried there. The General Lafayette Chapter is a part of the New Jersey State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, an incredible organization whose members all share a unique and special bond--each can trace their ancestry to a hero of the American Revolutionary War. They are passionate about preserving the legacy of their ancestors who put everything on the line to establish our free country in the new world. The members of General Lafayette honor this sacrifice by volunteering their time through service, historic preservation, and unwavering patriotism. Their work even goes beyond remembering the past. They support our veterans and active-duty military through volunteer service and financial support, and they even craft award-winning quilts as a gesture of gratitude. These women ensure that the legacy of our country's first veterans lives on by preserving historic documents, maintaining the Isaac Watson State House, and placing markers at sites of historical meaning. I thank these incredible women, for all the work they have done for New Jersey veterans and veterans everywhere. God bless the General Lafayette Daughters of the American Revolution and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, recently, I had the honor of attending Devin Soffy's Eagle Scout Court of Honor after his 10 great years of service through the Boy Scouts. Devin started his journey when he was in the second grade and since that time he has achieved an impressive 47 merit badges. His badges are in a variety of different areas including first aid, search and rescue, personal fitness, and lifesaving, showing how well-rounded of a young man he is. He has dreamed of being a doctor since he was a little boy, and many of the skills he has learned through scouting will help him on that journey. Devin has already taken the next step toward that dream by being accepted into the prestigious pre-medicine program at Baylor University where he will pursue a degree in Biology.

Beyond scouting and academics, Devin gives back to his community by volunteering at the local EMS station and as a swim instructor for young children. I congratulate Devin on this incredible achievement. I know he has a bright future ahead, and I look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish. God bless Devin and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to congratulate Jordyn Storck for passing her review board and attaining the coveted rank of Eagle Scout after years of hard work. Jordyn began her journey in Troop 452 five years ago and through the years, she has persevered through the struggles to achieve the required 22 merit badges to become an Eagle Scout. But she didn't stop there--she went above and beyond, earning five additional merit badges to receive the Bronze Palm award, an honor rarely given to Eagle Scouts. Her success extends far beyond scouting. Jordyn is a disciplined martial artist, earning her Black Belt at The Growth Dojo in South Jersey. She is also a talented singer, performing as a member of the All-Star Treble Choir, where she specializes in high-frequency vocal tones. Jordyn plans to continue her education at Rowan University to pursue a degree in Inclusive education, and I am certain that she will achieve anything she puts her mind to. God bless Jordyn and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to a true patriot and beloved member of our South Jersey community, John ``Ghost'' Carman. John recently passed away after an incredibly courageous fight with cancer that began November of last year. John fought until the very end with incredible strength and grace. At the age of 18, John married the love of his life, JoAnn. They shared 47 beautiful years together and raised two children, Cherie and John the third. He was a hardworking man who made his mark in Atlantic City's construction industry, contributing to many of the city's major casino projects. John showed his love for the community by serving in public office, including positions on Egg Harbor Township Committee and Town Board for Municipal Authority. He was devoted to our country, serving most recently as the Treasurer of the American Legion Post in Somers Point, South Jersey. As John's friends and family would say, ``to know John was to love him,'' and he will be greatly missed, but we are eternally grateful for his lasting legacy and love he left behind. God bless John and God bless our United States of America. The greatest country in the world.

Mr. Speaker, today, I honor Eagle Scout Breanna Grace Ehrlich after her years of service to the Scouts of America including being a founding member of the first female Scouts Troop in South Jersey. Throughout the years, she held several leadership positions starting with Patrol Leader before climbing her way to Senior Patrol Leader, the highest youth leadership rank. Breanna showed her dedication to the scouts by achieving 36 merit badges and putting together a two-fold for the Hamilton Township Rescue Squad for her Eagle Scout project. She has been awarded a high-level scholarship to Juniata College, where she has continued her dedication to success focusing in the challenging major of Biochemistry. Breanna has also continued her passion for singing by auditioning and being chosen for the Select Choir, and she also participates in theater programs as the Stage Manager. I congratulate Breanna on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and I look forward to hearing what great things she will accomplish in college. God bless Breanna and God bless our United States of America. The greatest country in the world.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to honor new Eagle Scout Nathaniel Mignano, who during his time with the scouts, earned an impressive 30 Merit badges, achieved a high number of awards, and completed an outstanding Eagle Scout project. Nathan started eleven years ago as a Cub Scout and now has accumulated merit badges across a multitude of categories, including Citizenship in the Nation and the Community showing just how patriotic Nathan is. He also earned badges in personal fitness and hiking, and earned the National Outdoor Achievement Award by obtaining the Camping Award and two gold pins by completing additional tasks. Throughout his time as a Scout, Nathan hiked over 250 miles, kayaked 13 miles, and spent 70 nights camping in the wild. For his Eagle Scout project, he made major improvements to the Elephant Swamp Trail by installing a larger flower bed, and adding plants to the entrance sign as well as put in new mile markers and birdhouses every quarter mile. Nathan is homeschooled, so he is exercising his high school option as a student at Rowan College of South Jersey, where he is on the President's List and a member of the Honor Society. He has expressed interest in following in his family's footsteps and becoming an attorney, or possibly a National Park Ranger. I have no doubt Nathan will be successful in any endeavor he decides to pursue. God bless Nathan and God bless our United States of America. The greatest country in the world.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize a great American servant and one of my good friends, Curtis Bashaw. Curtis grew up in Camden County, New Jersey before earning his bachelor's degree and then going to the Ivy League to earn his Master's from the University of Pennsylvania. He has devoted his life to creating jobs and building opportunities in New Jersey and the United States, working in the real estate and hospitalities industry. As its Founder and Managing Partner, Curtis has done great work for Cape Resorts which is famous for focusing on restoration and operation of the classic American

resort properties in the Northeast United States. Throughout his life, he has dedicated himself to strengthening communities and bringing people together to work for a common good. He is widely recognized for his leadership in the major restorations of the historic Congress Hall established in 1816 as well as the Virginia Hotel in Cape May, South Jersey. He has also helped to launch new creative programs to dramatically extend Cape May's tourism season, which has been a major catalyst for the economic rebirth of one of the Jersey Shore's most beautiful communities. God bless Curtis and God bless our United States of America. The greatest country in the world.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize a servicemember that went above and beyond the call of duty not once, not twice, but five times this man took a bullet for this country. Marco Polo Smigliani, a proud resident of South Jersey, served in the world's most tenacious fighting-force, the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Marco started off in the Merchant Marines before enlisting in the Marine Corps and deployed to Vietnam in January of 1969. He volunteered for the front lines of service as a Machine-gunner and served less than two months before being wounded five times over an eleven-day stretch. The battle began after the Marines made one of the biggest discoveries of the war when they occupied a North Vietnamese Army's arsenal with thousands of rifles, machine guns, and high-level intelligence. The North Vietnamese then ambushed the Marines, resulting in over 100 deaths before the Marines pushed the enemy away. Even after suffering shrapnel to the head, being shot, and later struck again by RPG fire, Marco refused to leave the battle, saving lives and showing extraordinary courage. Two weeks later, he continued to show his strength and bravery after being shot, patching himself up, then nearly lost an arm saving a fellow Marine's life, and then rested for a day, and went back into combat the next. After returning from the war a hero, Marco became a Deputy Sheriff before working in the casino business in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Marco has dedicated his life to helping other Veterans by contributing to organizations like the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. I thank Marco for all he has done, and I am proud to have a great American like him in my district. God bless Marco and God bless our United States of America. The greatest country in the world.