Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Clark joined the Boy Scouts in March of 2019 and quickly achieved the rank of Tenderfoot before climbing the ranks to Star Scout, Life Scout, and finally, Eagle Scout. He has held a number of leadership positions including Assistant Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, and most recently, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. He earned an extraordinary 40 Merit badges, showing his strong passion to the Scout Oath and Law. His marksmanship skills were especially outstanding, earning him high honors in both Rifle Shooting and Shotgun Shooting. For his Eagle Scout project, Clark created a beautiful garden area on the grounds of Saint Gianna Parish, giving church members and visitors a peaceful place for reflection. His parents, Chris and Paige, are very proud of him, just as I am, and we all look forward to the great things Clark will do in college and the years after. God bless Clark and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of visiting Zion United Methodist Church in historic Bargaintown, South Jersey, as they were awarded an America 250 marker to honor the American Revolution patriots buried on their grounds. This church has a rich history, dating back to 1764, when it was built by Presbyterian residents and American Revolution patriot, John Brainerd. In 1814, the Methodists purchased the building before constructing the brick church that still stands today. This Church serves as the final resting place for many brave American soldiers from both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Walking through its grounds is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for our freedom. But the Church isn't just about preserving history--it's about serving the community. Through missions like their Free Food and Walk-In Pantry Distribution, online Bible study, and summer concert series, they continue their mission of faith and service. I thank Zion Methodist Church, for the great things they do through the love of Jesus and for their incredible commitment to remembering the first heroes to our great Nation. God bless Zion Methodist Church and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 788. It is a good and innovative bill.

I also today wanted to speak in support of H.R. 832, the Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2025.

I am proud to join my good friend and a great colleague and chairman, Roger Williams, in introducing this bill, which will ensure that American small businesses have a strong voice in trade and on the discussions that take place on the global stage.

My home and my district of southern New Jersey represents--as so much of the United States of America--a small business community that is the backbone of our economy; driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening communities.

In today's world, small businesses face competition not just from their neighbors and other States, but from businesses and corporations around the globe. These businesses face challenges that larger corporations are often better equipped to navigate.

This bill will clarify the authority of the Small Business Administration's august Office of Advocacy to examine international economic data and represent small business interests in trade negotiations, ensuring that our small business people are not left behind.

America, as we know it, can't exist without small businesses, and this bill will give them a leg up to make the American economy even stronger.

I urge my colleagues to support both of these bills, H.R. 788 and H.R. 832, and stand with America's small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, these are not prepared notes, but I wanted to address a few of the things that the ranking member, Congressman Raskin, mentioned. It seems to me that from what I hear on the other side is everything but really dealing with and focusing on what this bill says and what it does.

I want to talk about inflation which, by the way, was created on that other side, food prices and energy and utilities, all of it. I want to talk about all that.

I want to talk about gun violence. I am willing to debate gun violence for hours and discuss the issue, but definitely even on that issue, we don't want to speak about the liberal policies that exist in so many urban areas where we let out violent criminals over and over and over again and change very often felonies to misdemeanors.

Mr. Speaker, if you want to know about gun violence, that is what gun violence does. That is what gun violence is created by, so much that is happening there. Their answer would be to put more gun laws in place that inflict more regulation upon honest, good gun owners who don't ever do anything to anybody. It would be to impinge on Second Amendment rights. Nevertheless, I don't want to talk about that.

I want to talk about this act because I know we are on the right side of this. Laken Riley was killed while going for a jog. That is the issue. An innocent woman who never did anything harmful to anybody in her life, who wanted to be a nurse, who wanted to help other people, and who couldn't even get the last damn telephone call from her mother, was murdered.

Then I hear from the ranking member: Well, the vast majority of illegals don't commit crimes.

My God, I hope not, because we have got close to 10 million of them, as best as we can tell. There are hundreds who are on the terror watch list and thousands who have committed crimes. That is where the problems really do exist, and that is unacceptable.

The previous administration has recklessly abused the mass parole policies. It has flooded our Nation with illegal immigrants. It never should have happened, and it impinges and hurts the security of the American people. I am here to represent, and we are here to represent the American people.

Across the country, we heard about the woman that was set on fire in New York City. What was the first thing that the city of New York did with its liberal policies? They refused to honor ICE's detainer request for the man responsible for setting another human being on fire.

Our immigration laws have to be upheld. Failure to do so is why Laken Riley is not alive today. It is why Washington State Trooper Christopher Gadd's family will never see him. His children and his wife will never know him anymore. He is gone.

It is why, when Laken Riley struggled for almost a half hour, when she was beaten, when she was disfigured, when her head and skull was crushed, that we can't bring her back. We can't bring her life back.

I don't want to hear about all this other political stuff. I don't think the American people do. They want an answer.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see that the Senate adopted the amendment that we wanted, which was to put into the bill the legislation that we had to detain and deport illegal aliens who assault cops. They have broken the law once, and now we are saying: My God, if you do it again, no, you are going to be detained, and you are going to be deported. A lot of Democrats are going to vote for it.

Madam Speaker, I want to address one thing before we start. It was again mentioned about the bipartisan bill. The bipartisan bill was a bad bill. It didn't stop catch and release. It didn't expedite immediately to the country of origin. It didn't rebuild the wall. It didn't have a stay in Mexico policy. It was words. It wasn't actions. It wasn't good. That is why people didn't vote for it. That is why it wasn't successful.

Speaking about words, though, when I came here today, I thought about a lot of words. I hear a lot of words, a lot of debate, a lot of discussion. To the family of Laken Riley and to so many others across the United States of America, words don't matter. Condolences don't count. Speeches don't do it. Words will never replace her life.

In life, we have all gone through tragedies sometimes, so we often say: My God, why did this happen? Why did this car accident happen? Why did this person get cancer? Whatever it is.

This is different. We know why it happened. It happened because of the administration allowing illegals, some of whom--not all of whom but some of whom--were criminals into our country, feeding them, clothing them, transporting them, housing them, paying for them. Men and women are breaking their backs in this country to make a living, but we are paying for it.

We know how it happened. We know how it happened to the New York City woman who was set on fire. We know how it happened to State Trooper Christopher Gadd in Washington State when he died because of an illegal alien. We know how it happened to Lizbeth Medina from the great State of Texas. She was 16 years old, and her life was snuffed out. That is never okay.

Laken Riley fought for her life. You hear about her last 20 minutes on this Earth. She fought, and she fought with everything she had. She didn't want to be raped. She didn't want to be brutalized.

I don't want to curse here.

Madam Speaker, this individual then took a rock and bashed her head in until she was unrecognizable.

Do you know what? Condolences aren't going to do it. I say it to my friend on the other side of the aisle, the ranking member. Feeling bad, feeling sorry, is not going to do it. It doesn't make the difference.

All of us here, most of us have been mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters, or sons. You can't imagine how her family feels. People say, ``I know how you feel.'' No, I don't know. I don't know. You don't know.

There is something we can do. All this bill does is detain people who have done something wrong, who have broken the law already, and who have the potential to do even worse. All of these cases that I mentioned and many more would not have occurred if we had this law in place.

Don't give condolences. Vote for the bill.

Mr. Speaker, today, I celebrate Anthony Barone for reaching the coveted rank of Eagle Scout after many outstanding years of achievement. Anthony's journey began six years ago, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the Boy Scouts. He earned his way through each of the respected positions, demonstrating his commitment and earning 21 merit badges in the areas of citizenship, personal fitness, and family life. While working on his photography merit badge, he discovered a passion for photography--a hobby which has only added to his well-roundedness. Anthony's love for the community shone through as he acquired over 250 volunteer hours, feeding people experiencing homelessness, and mentoring the younger Cub Scouts in town. For his Eagle Scout project, he honored our men and women in uniform by installing six flagpoles to the town Veteran Memorial, to house each of America's branches of service, complete with a granite marker to honor our troops. Anthony is currently a senior at Kingsway Regional High School in the Woolwich Township of South Jersey, where he is taking three college-level courses, which led to his induction into the National Honor Society. He has many plans for his future and greatly enjoys public speaking and speechwriting. He plans to utilize these skills by writing a book that will inspire others to follow in his footsteps. First, he plans to attend Rowan University and pursue a degree in Business Administration. I have complete faith that whatever Anthony puts his mind to, he will accomplish, and I look forward to seeing the great things he will achieve in the future. God Bless Anthony and God Bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to offer my heartfelt congratulations to The Tia Maria Foundation on the momentous occasion of its First Annual Scholarship Gala. Tonight is a special moment--not only because it marks a significant milestone for the foundation but because it celebrates the presentation of its inaugural scholarship to a well-deserving student. This organization has been built on the outstanding legacy Maria M. Luis left behind after a remarkable life that began in Terceira, Portugal, over 100 years ago. Maria endured countless hardships that began at the beginning of her life when she lost her mother during childbirth, causing her to step into the role of caregiver to her eight younger brothers and sisters. She valiantly took on this job and ensured that her siblings received the care and love that every child deserves. Maria didn't get a chance to pursue higher education due to her responsibilities tending to her family and other obstacles from her health, but this did not stop her from chasing a better life for herself and family. She migrated to the United States in 1970 and ensured that her children and grandchildren could have an excellent education. Now, The Tia Maria Foundation, under the leadership of Chairman Gavin Szilvasi, is continuing Maria's mission by empowering the youth of Elizabeth, New Jersey. By awarding scholarships, this foundation is making a tangible difference in the lives of students, ensuring they have the resources they need to pursue the higher education that Maria so greatly valued. Your foundation is not just awarding scholarships, but it is also about making a way for students to reach their highest academic potential and achieve their greatest dreams. This mission is something we can all be proud of, and I want to take a moment to thank them for the difference they are making in so many lives. Congratulations on a great year. I understand that the journey to this point has not been easy, and I commend their resilience and dedication. I hope they have a great time tonight and take tonight to celebrate the real difference their work in the community has had. God Bless The Tia Maria Foundation and God Bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate Sean Annuzzi on his exemplary achievement of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. This distinguished honor represents the culmination of his dedication, having earned nearly 40 merit badges across a wide array of skill sets. From Automotive Maintenance to American Business to Archaeology, Sean has shown a deep commitment to becoming a well- rounded young man, always eager to learn. To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, he completed 14 additional merit badges, including Citizenship in the Nation, Personal Fitness, and Lifesaving. These accomplishments not only signify his dedication to personal growth but also his unwavering commitment to serving his community. Outside of his studies, he is already making a meaningful impact by mentoring children and teenagers with disabilities, exemplifying the spirit of compassion and service that the Scouting program seeks to instill. In his free time, Sean trains youth and teenagers in karate, equipping them with skills that foster both confidence and resilience. His efforts in this regard are highly commendable and are a testament to his character and leadership. Sean's family takes immense pride in his accomplishments, and I am honored to share in this sentiment. I have no doubt he will continue to do amazing things in the future. May God bless Sean and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this afternoon, I have the privilege of recognizing and celebrating Matthew Gleason for achieving the great rank of Eagle Scout after 13 years of steadfast commitment to the Scout Oath and Law. Matthew's scouting career began as a Cub Scout in the fall of 2011, where he rapidly ascended to leadership roles, including Assistant Patrol Leader and Patrol Leader. Early on, he earned the prestigious Arrow of Light award, a testament to his dedication and hard work. Matthew's commitment to community service has been nothing short of exemplary. He logged nearly 200 hours helping neighbors, friends, and strangers alike, demonstrating an inspiring dedication to those around him. In addition to his service, he has shown impressive physical fitness by completing a challenging 33-mile hike through rigorous terrain, successfully reaching every mission-required destination. For his Eagle Scout project, he dedicated over 160 hours to the Aura Volunteer Fire Company, where he built a shed for their antique fire truck, preserving

and honoring the department's rich history. Beyond his scouting achievements, Matthew is a remarkable student. He has consistently made the honor roll ten times and has been recognized on the Superintendent's List five times. As a standout soccer player, he has lettered three times at Delsea Regional High School and has earned a spot on the All-County team for all three years. Looking ahead, Matthew has clear and ambitious goals: he plans to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering and eventually establish his own engineering firm. In a beautiful full circle moment, inspired by the tremendous support he received from firefighters during his project, Matthew is determined to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter. I am confident that Matthew will excel in any path he chooses, and I eagerly anticipate the significant impact he will make in our world. May God bless Matthew and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to AJ and Dorian Elmore and all the dedicated anglers of New Jersey SAT FEST for their unwavering support. This year, 13,000 of them will compete for the largest cash prize in New Jersey's history, and I wish each of them the very best of luck. The remarkable efforts of the event organizers have brought this incredible competition back for a third straight year, and this year, each one of them stands a chance to win the prize. When this event began three years ago, it not only gained national attention, but also inspired countless individuals when one winner, Miguel Rios, used his cash prize to send his daughter to college. This outstanding event has made a huge impact, generating 38 million video impressions across the country and igniting a spirit of ambition and pursuit of dreams in Americans everywhere. As they prepare for the competition, I wish each of them good luck. Be safe, and take pride in being part of one of the premier fishing events on the East Coast. God bless New Jersey SAT FEST, and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, today, I want to honor Dr. Eugene Carroccia, a Quilt of Valor recipient and Vietnam War veteran, for his exceptional service as a Battalion Surgeon in the late '60s. Eugene had just completed medical school at the New Jersey College of Medicine and was about to begin his residency when the United States Army called him to serve his country. He was assigned to the Ninth Infantry Division, where he became the sole physician, with the responsibility for the medical well-being of all the soldiers entirely on his shoulders. Dr. Eugene participated in the Medical Civic Action Program, during which he and his medics provided medical care to local Vietnamese citizens, including children at Saigon orphanages, ensuring they received the best care possible. After his time in Vietnam, he was stationed at Fort Ord in California, where he was first introduced to plastic surgery by performing reconstructive surgery for service members. Following his service in the Army, he attended St. Louis University, where he completed his surgical residency and then a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Medical College of Ohio. Eugene returned to South Jersey, where he dedicated over 40 years to medical treatment and surgery until his retirement in 2020. I thank Eugene for the outstanding care he provided to his fellow soldiers and to the residents of Southern Jersey. God bless Dr. Eugene, and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, it was my pleasure to visit the Maryville Addiction Treatment Center in Vineland, South Jersey, and to congratulate them on 75 years of service in New Jersey. Founded in Williamstown, Maryville has been serving the community since 1949 when Father Bennett Conway established the institute to help alcoholic men achieve sobriety. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive organization with four separate campuses across New Jersey, providing assistance to individuals and families struggling with addiction. Maryville opened its first outpatient clinic in 1979, followed by the Vineland office. Just recently, they also acquired the Burlington County 54-bed residential facility, now known as the Post House at Maryville. They offer a variety of services, including withdrawal management, residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and outpatient care. Maryville also has a treatment continuum for individuals dealing with multiple mental health conditions, provided by licensed counselors and Advanced Practice Nurses. Maryville's commitment to healing is a true asset to South Jersey, and I am proud to support their work. God bless Maryville Integrated Care, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor retiring Vineland Fire Chief Lou A. Tramontana, Jr. Lou is a city official, local businessman, and dedicated volunteer who has served as the Chief of the Vineland Fire Department since 2017. He has had a passion for firefighting for many years, beginning his service 37 years ago when he joined the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service, where he is still the District Warden. In 1992, Lou joined the City of Vineland Fire Department, becoming a career firefighter two years later and achieving the rank of Captain in 2006. He earned countless New Jersey fire certifications, including Fire Official, Officer, and Investigator, as well as becoming a Level 2 Instructor with an FAA Drone Pilot License. Lou was also recognized as Fireman of the Year, served as president of the Vineland Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, and raised over $200,000 for burn victims. In addition to his firefighting duties, Lou serves as the president of the board of the Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA, a position he has held for 11 years. Lou credits his wife, Lisa, and his two stepchildren, D.J. and Carli, along with his longtime friend Brandon, as the people who have made his life complete. I thank Lou for his many years of dedicated service to Vineland. God bless Lou, and God bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Boys and Girls Club of Cumberland County on 20 years of outstanding

service to children and teenagers in Vineland. Their mission is to empower disadvantaged youth to reach their full potential as successful, kind, and respectful adults and the Vineland chapter serves nearly 260 young people through its various programs. They are committed to providing a world class experience that ensures every child who walks through their doors can achieve success. With their mentorship, they expect every member to graduate from high school with a solid plan, good character, exceptional citizenship, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. The Boys & Girls Club recognizes that helping kids succeed requires more than just a single approach. It takes compassionate mentors, a safe environment, and quality programs that encourage youth to excel academically and lead productive lives, ensuring that every child has a bright and promising future. For two decades, the Vineland Boys and Girls Club has gone above and beyond to guarantee that all kids have a fantastic future, and I thank them for their efforts. God bless the Vineland Boys and Girls Club, and God Bless our United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to honor Jack Mazzeo from Hammonton, who owns and operates Mazzeo Studio, the oldest photography studio in New Jersey. Since 1946, this family business has built a legacy of excellence in photography. Jack has continued on his father's tradition, creating beautiful portraits, while also training his daughter, Deanna, to carry on the tradition. He has taught his daughter well, as she specializes in capturing images of babies and children. Jack's work has been recognized worldwide, competing with other professionals from around the globe, and earning him the prestigious title of Master of Photography. Many of his award-winning photographs have been showcased at Professional Photographers Conventions in New York, Chicago, New Orleans, and even as far away as South Korea. Jack is one of the world's finest photographers, and I am proud to say he is from my district. God bless Jack, and God bless our United States of America.