Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, last month, I had the honor of celebrating Jayson Cagle, a remarkable young man from Pittsgrove, South Jersey, who has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America Troop 1058. Jayson's journey to Eagle Scout is not just a personal triumph but a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in his surroundings. His Eagle Scout project, improving his high school's music room, reflects his dedication to both his community and his passion for music. As a graduating high school senior this year, Jayson has been accepted into Seton Hall University's School of Diplomacy and International Relations, where he hopes to learn how to serve his country on the global stage. Jayson's commitment to service and leadership is an inspiration to us all. I'm proud to congratulate him for his achievements and I wish him all the best. God Bless Jayson and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this February, I had the pleasure of attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Ian Crowley, a young man who is a model of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to community service. During his time in the Scouts, Ian has learned the importance of preserving and celebrating our history, a lesson which inspired his

Eagle Scout project. He undertook a major task and installed QR codes at the Lifesaving Station, a local historical site in South Jersey. These codes provide access to videos that detail each of the artifacts' histories, preserving the knowledge for generations to come. Beyond his time spent with the Scouts, Ian excels academically and demonstrates a remarkable work ethic. He always keeps busy, whether that's his pursuit of his pilot's license or his participation in the Ocean City High School golf team. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Ian has been honored with the Order of the Arrow, an award which celebrates his dedication to community service, leadership, and the preservation of history. I congratulate Ian on all accomplishments. He makes us all proud. God Bless Ian and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Laken Riley is dead because of Joe Biden's policies. There are no words that I can say that will bring her back to life. There are no words that will bring back State Trooper Christopher Gadd. There are no words that will bring back 16-year-old Lizbeth Medina. There are no words that will bring back all those who have been brutally beaten, murdered, and damaged by illegals who were let out on parole.

However, for God's sake, pass the Laken Riley Act.

Also, President Biden, stop paroling illegals over and over again. Stop killing our Americans. Stop hurting our Americans.

Mr. Speaker, on October 7, 2023, Hamas infiltrated Israel and brutally attacked and murdered thousands of men, women, children, and babies, taking 240 hostages, including those that were so unbelievably innocent.

Women were beaten. Women were raped. They were paraded around covered in blood. Some were so brutally raped that their pelvises were broken. They begged for mercy, but none was given. They begged to die, but Hamas would not allow that until they were first dehumanized, beaten, and raped.

Hamas celebrated. They celebrated, and they took photos and videos of these horrific crimes. Families were forced to watch videos of their loved ones, their daughters, their babies, their wives, their mothers being brutalized, raped, and killed. Babies were decapitated. They were put in ovens.

This was not a military operation. Hamas is not a military group. They are not freedom fighters. They are not fighting against oppression. They are nothing more than the face of evil.

This vote is not complicated. You can vote to stand against rape, torture, and murder of women. You can vote to stop the innocent from being harmed. You can vote to stand alongside those who committed these horrific, evil crimes, or you can vote to say that it is awful.

It is up to the men and women in this Chamber. It is a simple choice. Every single Member of Congress should acknowledge that these actions are despicable, barbaric, disgusting, and evil. Every single Member of Congress should stand on this House floor and vote to condemn these violent acts and show your support for the innocent victims of these terrorists. Every single Member of Congress must stand on the right side of history.

I stand with Israel. I stand with these women, with these babies, and with these mothers. I hope that we all do.

Mr. Speaker, this past January, it was my honor to attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for an incredible young man, Hayden Thom. Hayden has been involved with the Scouts since the second grade and has been a very active member in the years since. Throughout his journey, he has held several leadership positions, earned thirty merit badges, and completed almost 200 hours of community service. His trail to Eagle Scout culminated with his Eagle Scout project where he helped design and install a new display for a World War II Anti-Tank Gun for American Legion Post 452 in Mullica Hill, South Jersey. This display included a new concrete pad, lighting, new flag poles, protective bollards for the gun, and decorative stone. He hopes to stay involved with the troops and give back by volunteering with his scout troop as an adult leader. In June of 2026, Hayden will graduate from Gloucester County Institute of Technology and plans to attend the Universal Technical Institute to further study the automotive industry. I know this young man will do big things, and I am incredibly proud of him for this accomplishment. God bless Hayden and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this past January it was my pleasure to attend the Middle Township Ambulance Corps Installation of Officers Dinner in Cape May Court House, South Jersey. During this dinner we recognized members for their outstanding achievements, honored those who displayed exceptional bravery during the pandemic, and celebrated the installation of these officers. It was my honor to celebrate the following new officers as they took their oath of office: Deborah A. Rue as President, Theodore Bohn as Vice President, Deborah Brannon as Treasurer, Julie Mounts as Secretary, Joseph F. Eagan, IV as Chief, Gary Seabridge, Jr. as Assistant Chief, Brian Mounts as Captain, Zachary Lex as First Lieutenant, Andrew Raniszewski as Second Lieutenant, and Charles Roach Third Lieutenant. Middle Township Ambulance Corps, Inc. is the sole volunteer ambulance corps in Middle Township, covering over 89 square miles. Our South Jersey community feels safer knowing this group of amazing people will always be there to answer their call. I want to thank them for their unwavering dedication and their invaluable contributions to our community. God Bless Middle Township Ambulance Corps and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this past December, I had the honor of celebrating Harvey and Madalyn Rovinsky and their retirement after almost 60 years in the jewelry business. Through their hard work and dedication over the years, Harvey and Madalyn have cemented their names in the luxury jewelry industry. Harvey joined the jewelry business at a young age, working with his father as a watchmaker. In 1966, he joined Bernie Robbins Jewelers, working for his future parents-in-law. He learned vital business lessons from Bernie, emphasizing credibility and customer relationships. In 1992, Harvey and Madalyn transformed the company, creating an exquisite jewelry destination that now has three locations spread over Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Under their leadership, Bernie Robbins has become a highly decorated business, receiving countless recognitions and awards. In 2022, they received the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame Award and Bernie Robbins Jewelers was recognized as a New Jersey Top Workplace for employee engagement. Because of their hard work, Bernie Robbins has become synonymous with expertise and exceptional customer experiences in a welcoming atmosphere. I hope Harvey and Madalyn enjoy their retirement, and I know their legacy will continue to shine brightly for years to come. God Bless Harvey and Madalyn and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this past January, I had the honor of celebrating Ryan Simpkins and his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America. During his time in the Scouts, Ryan has learned valuable lessons in leadership, friendship, and service and will carry these lessons with him for the rest of his life. For Ryan's Eagle Scout project, he assembled ``Little Libraries'', which are a free book exchange where people can take a book or share a book. His noble goal was to encourage literacy in his home area of Hopewell South Jersey and Bridgeton South Jersey. The Scouting experience has left an indelible mark on Ryan, and he will continue his scouting experience as an adult leader in scouting later in life. Congratulations to Ryan on achieving this milestone, and I wish him all the best. God Bless Ryan and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, we come together with heavy hearts to honor the life and legacy of former Mayor Aldo Palombo, a passionate and caring man who dedicated his life to service. Mayor Palombo served as the 15th Mayor of North Wildwood from 1994 to 2005 and in his capacity as mayor, completely turned the city around. What was once a run-down city was transformed into a desirable family destination under his leadership. Mayor Palombo was a beacon of optimism and boundless energy during these trying times. His leadership breathed new life into the city of North Wildwood at the time it needed it most. He was a tireless ambassador for North Wildwood, always eager to promote the community and his efforts and commitment left an indelible mark on the city. As we bid farewell to Mayor Aldo Palombo, I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Palombo Family. His memory will live on for generations to come in the city that he cared for so deeply and helped shape. We are forever grateful for his dedication, optimism, and enduring impact on North Wildwood. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, this past January, I had the pleasure of attending Jason Fetrow's Eagle Scout Court of Honor to celebrate his achievement of the highest honor in the scouting world. Jason started his journey with the scouts at just six years old when he joined Cub Scout Pack twelve. At age eleven, he moved up to the Boy Scouts who have allowed him incredible experiences such as the opportunity to attend the World Jamboree in 2019. For his Eagle Scout Project, Jason decided to give back to the fields where he played baseball for eleven years by expanding the trophy case at Gabriel Memorial Baseball Fields by three feet so it can better accommodate the growing number of trophies on display. Just last year, Jason graduated from Cedar Creek High School and he now studies Exercise Science at Stockton University. It was my honor to celebrate this milestone with Jason and wish him all the best in his future. God Bless Jason and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week across the Nation, we come together to recognize and honor the profound impact of Catholic education. On January 31st, we marked National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools, a day that acknowledges the enduring commitment of these institutions to educate not only the mind but also the soul. Catholic Schools, like St. Ann's in Wilmington, Delaware where my grandchildren attend, instill faith, academic excellence, and service in their students. Together, we are not just celebrating a week; we are celebrating the noble mission of Catholic education, to educate the whole child and transcend the boundaries of traditional learning. God bless our Catholic Schools and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this past December, I had the honor of celebrating Nicholas Grusemeyer on his achievement of the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Throughout his scouting journey, Nicholas has gained invaluable life skills, and as he puts it, ``there was never a dull moment.'' For his Eagle Scout Project, he undertook the task of constructing a Memorial Wall inside the engine bay of the Quinton Fire Company in Quinton, South Jersey. This wall holds profound symbolism, featuring the original bell from one of the first fire engines, stars from an old hose used by Quinton, and a list of the names of past members of the fire company. It stands as a lasting tribute to the bravery and dedication of those who have served their community. Looking ahead, Nicholas has plans to graduate from high school and pursue a career in the Fire Service, a path that reflects his deep commitment to public safety and his desire to give back to the community that he has served as a scout. This outstanding young scout has set a high standard for us all to aspire to and it was an honor to celebrate him. God Bless Nicholas and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this past December, it was my pleasure to attend Raymond Ridgway's Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Throughout his scouting experience, Raymond has gained invaluable life skills, particularly in survival skills and how to be a great leader. To achieve the rank of eagle scout, he chose to freshen up the Education Wing at Quinton Baptist Church in Quinton, South Jersey. Recognizing the importance of their church in the community, he took on the task of painting the walls and installing storage cubbies in the Education Wing. His efforts have not only improved the physical environment, but he has also created a more welcoming and functional space for education and community gatherings. Beyond scouting and his commitment to service, Raymond enjoys bowling, music, and working at his job. It was a pleasure to attend his Eagle Scout Court of Honor and I wish this young man all the best. God Bless Raymond and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this past December, I had the honor of attending the dedication of the Avalon Public Safety Complex to a longtime friend of mine, Mayor Martin Pagliughi, or as I know him, Marty. Marty's commitment to the fire department and his lifelong dedication to public service to Avalon have been truly commendable. Marty has been a guiding force for the community and his tireless efforts have proven great results. In 2020, Avalon benefited substantially from his leadership, saving $1.6 million on flood insurance--a testament to his commitment to the town's well-being. Furthermore, since 2012, he has served as the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to safety and preparedness. In honoring Mayor Pagliughi and his legacy, we celebrate a man whose tireless service has enriched the lives of Avalon residents and set a shining example for us all. The Avalon Public Safety Complex now proudly bears the name of Avalon's former Mayor Martin Pagliughi, and it was my pleasure to attend the event. It was an honor to work with Mayor Pagliughi over these past few decades and this momentous event serves as a fitting conclusion to his remarkable 36-year career in public service.

God Bless Marty and God Bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, this past November I had the pleasure of attending the send-off party for two exceptional individuals, Miss New Jersey 2023 Victoria Mozitis and Miss Teen New Jersey Ashley Greco. In this upcoming year, these two will go off to compete in the prestigious 2024 Miss America Pageant. Our Miss New Jersey 2023, Victoria Mozitis, is a resident of Northfield, South Jersey and recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rider University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Her Community Service Initiative, ``LEAP: Literacy Enhancement, Artistry, and Performance,'' focuses on improving literacy worldwide through her partnership with The African Library Project and advocating for arts education. Victoria's talent in musical theatre has already earned her scholarships and recognition and she will carry these incredible talents with her to the 2024 pageant. Ashley Greco, our Miss New Jersey Teen 2023, is a recent high school graduate from Waldwick, New Jersey, and started at University of Massachusetts Amherst in the Fall 2023, majoring in Public Health with aspirations of becoming a Physician Assistant. Ashley's Community Service Initiative, ``Be an A.L.L.Y.--Advocating for People with Disabilities,'' aims to educate and raise awareness about working with individuals with disabilities, breaking the stigma that surrounds them. Her hard work and dedication have brought her far, and I know she will shine on stage next year. As Victoria and Ashley embark on this exciting journey, I wish them all the success in the world. I am proud to have them represent New Jersey, and it was an honor to celebrate them last month as part of the road to Miss America 2024. Good luck, God Bless Victoria and Ashley, and God Bless the United States of America.