Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and career of nurse Joyce Grayson of Brooklyn, Connecticut. Joyce was killed while serving in her capacity as a visiting nurse, creating a chasm in the life of all who knew her that will never be filled. Despite the tragedy of her death, Joyce's life is remembered for her warmth and unbridled vitality--traits that served her well in her nearly 40 years of distinguished health service across Connecticut. The shocking news of her loss has been felt across particularly in Connecticut and by also health professionals across the nation.

Growing up on a Sterling, Connecticut dairy farm with her 13 siblings and parents Robert and Edna Jordan, Joyce is a true daughter of eastern Connecticut. From an early age, Joyce recognized her life's calling lay in the care of her fellows. Immediately after graduating from Killingly High School, Joyce enrolled in Windham Tech's nursing school where she became a Licensed Practical Nurse, beginning the journey which would define the rest of her life.

Joyce started her professional career in service to the State of Connecticut, working for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DHMAS). Joyce's time was well spent at DHMAS given her specialty was in behavioral health. During her tenure with DHMAS, she worked at a variety of institutions--from the old Norwich State Hospital to the Southeastern Mental Health Authority. After working for the State for over a quarter century, Joyce continued her service- oriented work by becoming a visiting nurse for the Elara Caring company

Ever committed to providing for others, Joyce also served Connecticut's next generations by acting as a foster parent. Joyce's parenthood, whether for her six biological children or those she fostered, was defined by her infectious love for each child. In 2017, Joyce was recognized for her consummate care and named Foster Parent of the year alongside her husband, Ronald, by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

Mr. Speaker, the profound loss experienced by the Grayson family in the wake of Joyce's death is unimaginable. Despite the overwhelming tragedy of this situation however, our state and Nation can take solace in the knowledge that the legacy Joyce has left behind will continue to imbue the world with her kindness and care. And hopefully the circumstances of her passing will spur meaningful change in our nations workplace rules to protect ``the caring professions'' that she so nobly personified. Joyce touched thousands of people throughout her life, whether as a nurse working for Connecticut or Elara Caring, or in her capacity as a foster mother. Her works have inspired two of her children to follow in her footsteps and serve in healthcare. We mourn with Joyce's family, including her husband Ronald; children Elliot, Kyle, Kaitlyn, Evan, Audrey, Shawn, and their spouses; her four grandchildren; and her eleven siblings. To these ends, I ask my colleagues to join me in etching the life and legacy of Joyce Grayson further into stone, and enact legislation to better protect health care providers like Joyce from the violence they all too often face.

Mr. Speaker, in a few minutes, the House is going to vote on the National Defense Authorization Act, which I strongly support.

It is the product of bipartisan, bicameral compromise, which is exactly what the American people crave, and I congratulate Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith for their outstanding work.

Among its many positive provisions, this bill in particular will execute the new AUKUS agreement between the U.S., U.K., and Australia. For the first time since 1958, the U.S. will share nuclear propulsion technology with another nation, our great ally, Australia. It also allows for the first time ever the sale to Australia of U.S.-built nuclear submarines--three, to be exact.

This effort will rebalance the strategic environment in the Indo- Pacific in favor of free, democratic nations that today are being constantly pressurized by the aggressive actions of the world's largest navy, namely, the Chinese PLAN.

To be clear, the intent of AUKUS is to guarantee deterrence, peace, and freedom of navigation that has prevailed across the globe for the last 78 years.

Mr. Speaker, this year's NDAA will be long remembered for this effort, and I strongly urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' for this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Commander Christian Woodside, United States Navy, during his service as a legislative fellow in my Washington, D.C. office this year. Throughout 2023, Christian has played a critical role in supporting my work on the House Armed Services Committee and representing the proud Navy community in eastern Connecticut.

As Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, which has the solemn, critical duty of overseeing much of our nation's Navy, Marine Corps, and various Air Force programs and policies, his perspective was essential to me and my office. Year in, and year out, the Department of Defense's legislative fellowship program brings highly talented officers to Capitol Hill who provide invaluable benefits to Members of the House and Senate and the defense committees. Officers, like Christian, bring real-world experience from their time in the classroom at the various academies and experiences from their time serving on active duty. This year, as our subcommittee actively worked to shape our nation's critical shipbuilding programs, shipbuilding industrial base development, and Navy and Marine Corps readiness through the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, Christian provided exquisite judgement in navigating the landscape of crafting such a large and critical piece of legislation.

Christian has also seized initiative in a variety of areas beyond naval affairs that benefit eastern Connecticut. He worked tirelessly to provide insight into our Navy's planned shipbuilding programs, visited with leadership at Naval Submarine New London to discuss ongoing installation operations, and focused on submarine industrial base issues crucial to sustaining the Navy's fleet. He also used his recent shore assignment as a resource sponsor at the Surface Directorates as the SSDS and Enterprise Test and Evaluation Officer for N96 to provide invaluable insight on the Navy's budget process throughout this calendar year. Lastly, he engaged in persistent communication with the embassies of Australia and the United Kingdom to facilitate various engagements in my office and around Capitol Hill and, most importantly, leveraged those relationships as the Congress considered legislative proposals to execute the trilateral AUKUS security agreement.

Christian's work ethic, diligence, intelligence, and first-hand experience as a Surface Warfare Officer made an immediate benefit and memorable impact on my office and subcommittee staff. He was also an energetic, affable colleague to my entire congressional staff, willing to help in small ways and big ways to serve the constituents of Connecticut's 2nd Congressional District. His sense of humor and thoughtful comments on issues outside of his Navy portfolio were much appreciated by the whole team, and they will be friends for life.

After traveling across the world with tenures on the USS Doyle (FFG 39) and USS Stout (DDG 55), and numerous shore assignments including Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) qualification at Whibdey Island in the state of Washington, I am thankful for his family's tremendous sacrifice to our nation and for landing in the District of Columbia for the current phase of their life. Though Christian's presence will be deeply missed by both my personal staff and Seapower staff, I know full-well that he will make his presence known as he heads to Naval Education and Training Command to serve as Executive Officer aboard USS Mahan (DDG 72).

Mr. Speaker, as has also been the case for each of his predecessors that my office has had the opportunity to host, I have benefitted greatly from Christian's training and background. This recurring process that the fellowship program fosters, strengthens civilian- military understanding for future leaders of the greatest military in the world, which I believe is a necessary component of a strong democracy. Our Nation is best served at sea and here onshore by officers and leaders of the highest caliber, like Christian. He embodies such qualities and has a promising career ahead in continued service to our nation, and we owe him such gratitude. I ask that the House join me in wishing CDR Christian Woodside, his spouse Leigh Anne, and their two daughters, Hannah and Charlotte, the best of luck in their next life chapter.

Mr. Speaker, today I missed rollcall No. 679 on the Rule (H. Res. 891 ) for three bills under consideration on the floor this week:

H.R. 5283, ``Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act; H.R. 5961, ``No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act''; and S.J. Res. 32, ``Providing for congressional disapproval, relating to ``Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act''.

Had I recorded my vote, I would have voted ``no'' on the Rule, H. Res. 891.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Richard Baron of Woodstock, Connecticut who retires from his work with the Woodstock Fire Marshal's office on November 30, 2023. Richard's retirement concludes 50 years of exemplary service to the Town of Woodstock, the last 27 of which were as Fire Marshal. His outstanding dedication to his community and expertise will be sorely missed.

From his earliest days in northeastern Connecticut, Richard was destined to be an exceptional member of the Woodstock community. He attended the Woodstock Academy and Ellis Technical School in Woodstock and Danielson respectively and was drawn to helping others by following a special calling to the challenging work of public safety. At a very young age, Richard began his journey at the Muddy Brook Fire Department as a volunteer, which gave him a chance to apply his technical knowledge and caring disposition to the tasks of a firefighter.

Richard's professional career has also been defined by his service to the community--in the halls of Connecticut's state government, where he worked with the Connecticut Department of Transportation for over 31 years. His talented work and leadership skills were rewarded over the years with a series of promotions. At the time of his retirement, he had risen to the position of Fleet Manager for the entire state of Connecticut, which is a huge responsibility, requiring tremendous logistical and organizational skills.

In November of 1973, when Richard joined the Muddy Brook Fire Department, one of three volunteer departments serving Woodstock and the surrounding community, he started on the training squad. He has since remained a dutiful protector of his neighbors, serving 50 years in fire safety through many different capacities. He has always been guided by a principle to contribute wherever he felt he was needed by the town. Richard spent 45 of those years as an EMT. Given his diligence, Richard was promoted several times within the Muddy Brook Fire Department. His valuable contributions to the community were recognized and he achieved the rank of Captain by the early 1980s. During his time as Captain, Richard committed himself to advancing fire safety in Woodstock and took on the role of Deputy Fire Marshal for the town in 1984.

In 1990, Richard was promoted to Deputy Chief of the Muddy Brook Fire Department. Only two years later he was promoted again to Chief of the Department, a position he would hold until 1995. It was not just his extensive experience and impressive ethic that prompted these promotions, but also his obvious leadership qualities. Richard has always been willing to share his abundance of knowledge by mentoring and recruiting new members of the fire department.

Richard was appointed Fire Marshal by the Town of Woodstock in 1996, the position from which, after nearly another 30 years, he retires this month. Richard has been essential in presenting fire safety and prevention techniques. As Fire Marshal, he has been responsible for assisting all three Woodstock Fire Departments with fire suppression and hazardous materials activities. Richard's impact has reached far beyond administering the basic duties of a Fire Marshal. He has used his plentiful experience to create poster contests for children, scholarships, and more to help publicize and educate the public on Woodstock's fire safety activities. During this time, Richard has also served as the Safety Officer for the Muddy Brook Fire Department, demonstrating how deeply he cares about protecting those within his community.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent such committed constituents like Richard Baron. Richard is an institution unto himself whose retirement leaves shoes that will not easily be filled. However, we can take solace in the knowledge that Richard's legacy lives on in the countless firefighters he mentored and, despite his retirement, that he will remain close to the Woodstock firefighting community. Having positioned the town of Woodstock for greater success, Richard has earned this retirement and will appreciate time with his wife of 30 years, Beth, and their family. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing Richard Baron's community-oriented contributions to the town of Woodstock and congratulating him on his well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a local civic champion and trailblazer, Spencer Lancaster, also known as ``Uncle Buddy,'' of New London, Connecticut, Spencer was a true leader for the New London community. A role model and a mentor, Spencer always wanted to make a difference and he did, playing an active role in the civil rights movement throughout his life. Aged 95, Mr. Lancaster sadly but peacefully passed away on October 24th lovingly surrounded by his family.

Born in March 1928 to Richard and Dorothy Conover Lancaster in New London, Connecticut, Spencer purposed his life toward strengthening his community. While still in high school, Spencer was recruited to build submarines by Electric Boat during World War II. After graduation, Spencer heeded our nation's call to action and served in the United States Army 98th Battalion Field Artillery, 82nd Airborne in Fort Bragg, NC. Spencer's time in the army served as a catalyst for his advocacy in civil rights as he found himself disconcerted when soldiers in identical uniform were separated into groups based on race.

Upon the conclusion of the War, Spencer went back to school and attended Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina where he met his wife and the love of his life, Pearlestine Williams. After marrying Pearlestine in September 1952, Spencer and his wife returned to his home in eastern Connecticut, starting a legacy which would mold generations to come.

Once returned to New London after the war, Spencer wasted no time in picking up where he left off pursuing his passion to make an impact in the city, successfully championing conversations for the integration of formerly all-white public housing in New London. Spencer became active in local politics and, in 1960, became the first Black elected official in the city of New London where he served on the Board of Selectmen. Here, Spencer's devotion to bringing about positive change flourished. He served as an example for others in his community and continued to combat housing discrimination and create an atmosphere where New Londoners could function as equal citizens regardless of their race, ethnicity, or economic standing.

In New London, a Black Heritage Trail plaque stands on Rodgers Street to mark where Spencer and Pearlestine bought their house in 1963, becoming the first Black homeowners on their street. Although a neighborhood petition was created to force them off the street, the Chief of Police, a neighbor to Spencer and Pearlestine, immediately rejected the petition. Spencer was rightfully recognized by the city of New London as a living legend on the city's Black Heritage Trail for his persistent advocacy on behalf of New London residents.

As if his impressive works in local government were not enough, Spencer also served as the first Black Deputy Sheriff of New London and devoted his time to helping secure appointments for other Black men and women. Spencer's impressive dedication to public service was further reflected in his organization of protests to combat racial discrimination throughout Eastern Connecticut as Vice President of the New London Chapter of the NAACP. Spencer's wisdom was not limited to his advocacy work. He also had legendary sales skills that he showcased in his 60 years of work for Linder Dodge and Jeep where he became the top-ranked Dodge seller in New England and the fifth nationwide.

Spencer was also a devout member of the Walls Clarke AME Zion Church in New London, the second oldest historically Black church in the city. Here, he served as Chairman of the Trustee Board and enjoyed singing in the Senior Choir.

Mr. Speaker, the loss of Spencer leaves a deep void in Connecticut. Spencer was simply awe inspiring and will be an inspiring addition to eastern Connecticut's pantheon of revolutionaly change-makers. An advocate for making a difference where you can, Spencer's work has positively impacted and will continue to benefit members of our community and their families. Though we mourn this incredible loss, we can appreciate that Spencer's legacy and memory will live on through his family and the countless individuals who were influenced by him. Spencer is survived by his brother, Albert Lancaster, his sons Spencer Lancaster, Jr. and Robert Lancaster, his daughters Gilda Butler, Margaret Lancaster, and Tricia Lee, nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and a large extended family. As we memorialize his service to our region, I ask my colleagues and this Chamber to join me in expressing our deepest respect for Spencer Lancaster's work and life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of William ``Bill'' Czmyr, Jr., who passed peacefully at the age of ninety-one. Bill has been a longtime friend of my office and is affectionately remembered by all who knew him. Through his life, Bill has been a true patriot and model citizen, serving in the United States Navy during the Korean War and dedicating himself to veteran's advocacy back home. His presence will be sorely missed in the Eastern Connecticut community.

Born in 1932 to William and Viola Czmyr, Bill learned early on the value of volunteering and sacrifice for causes greater than oneself. Transitioning away from his work as a maintenance foreman, Bill enlisted in 1955 to serve in the Navy aboard the YAGR-1 Guardian. On this ship, Bill helped ensure that the airspace of the United States remained safe from enemy aircraft through its radar monitoring technology.

Shortly after his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1957, Bill continued his service to his country--this time by building the boats which keep our shores safe. He joined General Dynamics, Electric Boat in Groton and worked for an impressive 37 years as an outside machinist, retiring in 1994.

Bill did not squander his newfound time in retirement, dedicating his life to stewarding former servicemembers of all creeds. `No' was not a word in Bill's vocabulary, and he garnered a well-earned reputation for his tenacious advocacy for veterans who needed it the most. His championing the needs of his fellow veterans starts with American Legion Post 15 in Jewett City, Connecticut. In 1993, a year before Bill's retirement, the post was forced to close. Immediately recognizing the need for a new, rejuvenated Post, Bill got to work raising money to erase the old Post's debt and repaint the headquarters from top to bottom. By 1995, Post 15 was back in working order.

Remaining active in Post 15, Bill embarked on his next big project to support former servicemembers: the rehousing of 18 homeless veterans. Bill was able to help facilitate the construction of two-room, furnished apartments in a building attached to the Post's headquarters, providing much needed access to medical care, shopping facilities, and a public library. Some of the residents of this new community were homeless for over a decade, and thanks to Bill's tireless efforts, they had a safe place under a roof to call their own.

Bill worked with my office to make this dream a reality where he helped foster a multi-level partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority to secure funding for the project. For his monumental efforts, Bill was rightly named the Veteran of the Year in 2012.

Mr. Speaker, I count myself incredibly fortunate to represent constituents like Bill Czmyr. Bill's patriotism and dedication to those who sacrificed the most in defense of liberty is an example all citizens should aspire to. The hole left by his passing will not soon be filled, though the Eastern Connecticut community can take solace in the fact that his legacy lives on through the lives of the countless people he has touched. We mourn with Bill's family, including his three sons Mark, Luke, and John, his six grandchildren, and all of their respective spouses.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about a recent event in my district, which I think is good for the local economy but also good for our Nation.

I have the privilege of representing Electric Boat shipyard, which for 120 years has been the primary general contractor for submarine construction for the U.S. Navy.

On October 6, the Metal Trades Council, which is the confederation of metal trades workers that have individual unions--the boilermakers, electricians, plumbers, and pipefitters, all the folks that bend steel and do the amazing work every day in terms of protecting our Nation-- reached a 5-year labor contract with General Dynamics, which I think is a real testament in terms of showing the value that our country and Congress actually place on their work, because ultimately they have one customer, and that is the U.S. Navy, which is funded by the United States Congress under Article I, Section 8, Clause 13 of the Constitution which states very clearly that Congress shall provide and maintain a Navy.

This contract, which was ratified by a 2-1 margin, starting next year basically takes the starting wage for a semiskilled worker, someone who has done preapprenticeship training but is kind of entry level, from roughly $21 an hour, and over the course of the 5-year term, that is going to grow to $43 an hour. There is a package of health benefits and retirement that are included in this.

It couldn't happen at a better time right now, because the demand signal, in terms of submarine construction, has grown by leaps and bounds, given the challenges that are happening all

across the world, particularly in the Indo-Pacific with China's increase in its navy.

I have a picture next to me which shows the next submarine that is in the queue. That is the USS Iowa SSN 797, which went through a christening recently and is going to be commissioned and deployed in the near future. There are about 13 more Virginia-class submarines that are in the production queue, again, to meet this demand signal.

That has actually been even more amplified with the AUKUS agreement, the new security agreement between Australia and the United Kingdom, which is going to allow us to help Australia recapitalize its own submarine fleet, which is diesel-electric today, into nuclear-powered submarines.

Australian shipyard workers and policymakers are going to be coming to my district in terms of what I think is going to be one of the smartest strategic moves our country has made in recent years, bringing in a great ally that has been with us in every conflict going back to World War I, is part of Five Eyes, and can definitely be trusted in terms of critical information like nuclear propulsion technology. This is something which we have not shared with another country since 1958 when we did it with the British Navy.

I congratulate Peter Baker, who is the head of the Metal Trades Council, who led the way in terms of negotiating this agreement, as well as Shawn Coyne from the H.R. department at Electric Boat. This is going to create an attractive signal to young people, who are being hiring by leaps and bounds. Just this year alone they have hired 4,400. In terms of coming into the yard, they are not entering just a job but actually a career with a very strong, secure economic future for themselves and their families.

That is good news not only for them and for the region, but also for our Nation because of the incredibly important work that they do every day for which we are so grateful.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to commend and honor Deborah ``Deb'' Monahan, of Norwich, Connecticut, on her retirement as the Executive Director of Thames Valley Community Council for Community Action. At the helm of TVCCA, Deb has led a crusade of over half-century, a personal mission to uplift the lives of those most vulnerable in southeast Connecticut. The impact of her tenure is of titanic proportions. Whether you go neighborhood by neighborhood or town-by-town, it is impossible to traverse New London County without finding some person or organization that has not been touched by Deb's kind and giving spirit. Her stewardship as Executive Director and CEO will be sorely missed and impossible to replace.

In 1973, Deb graduated with a bachelor's degree in childhood and family relations, setting the stage for her future of community service. Deb's degree was quickly put to use when, upon graduating, she was approached by TVCCA to serve as a case aid for early childhood issues. Little did she know at the time, she would transform and personify TVCCA's mission from the start of her career to finish. Soon thereafter, Deb found herself working in the agency's grants office where she continued a bottom-up journey of understanding the organization's innerworkings, a rare perspective that caused Deb to become such an effective, respected and well-rounded leader.

By 1976, Deb found herself in a leadership position as TVCCA's Women, Infants, and Children Program Director, where she worked with various external partners to provide effective support for those in need. In 1977, she became the assistant to then-Executive Director Gunderman and was named associate director in 1986. Her competence and dedication to the mission were properly recognized

when she was subsequently named TVCCA's Executive Director and CEO in 1998, a promotion which has bettered the lives of untold thousands.

Deb's career, and by direct extension the growth of TVCCA, has been defined by her eye for establishing partnerships, only to form them but to nurture them into long-term relationships. She has worked in conjunction with community institutions like Backus Hospital, United Community & Family Services, and municipalities throughout the southeastern region. Through these active relationships, Deb has crafted a robust social services network to care for residents of all creeds. She has served as a key member of the Southeast Connecticut Council of Governments, the Southeastern Connecticut Housing Alliance, and too many other boards to count.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, Deb's legacy of good works is broad and wide, touching people of all ages and walks of life. Although there is no question that Deb's advocacy for her clients is undying, the population she most passionately helped were infants, toddlers and preschool kids. It is a testament to her dedication to our state and nation's future generations that even in her last few months as Executive Director and CEO, Deb has worked tirelessly to increase access to quality and affordable childcare services in our region by expanding TVCCA's childcare center in Groton, Connecticut. TVCCA's childcare and school readiness centers have blossomed during her tenure--now serving around 900 children with Deb's eyes on increasing services still.

On her long watch, Deb oversaw an unprecedented expansion of services offered by TVCCA. Leading with empathy and love, Deb solidified TVCCA's reputation as a real one-stop-shop for social services. She kept individuals housed through the agency's homeless prevention programs, warmed families through the winter with the energy assistance program, fought against food insecurity with the operation of the food and nutrition program, assisted the unemployed and underemployed find gainful careers--and that is just the beginning.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I count myself incredibly fortunate to work with civic leaders like Deb, who has worked so hard to create and grow social assistance programs I have sought to fund through my seat in Congress. As someone who counts himself as a friend, I can say she walks through her life with a rare authenticity. Her pure, passionate, empathetic presence in public service will be sorely missed. Although we are saddened by her departure, we can take solace in the knowledge that her legacy will continue through the institution which she has poured her life into. Words cannot do justice to the permanency of her life purpose. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask that my colleagues in this chamber join me in rightfully adding a layer to her already permanent cast.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor Neil McKiernan, an outstanding public servant who just recently announced his retirement from the House of Representatives where he has worked for over 20 years; 17 of those years in my office and 7 of those years as chief of staff.

Neil is a native of the State of Connecticut and began his journey over 20 years ago on the Hill as a young assistant working in Congresswoman Linda Sanchez' office. He then worked for a short period of time for my colleague, John Larson. Then when I was first elected in 2006, Neil joined my office.

Neil worked on a variety of issues during his time there. I see my friend Mr. Kelly from Pennsylvania here. We worked together to repeal the Cadillac tax in 2019, and Neil was part of that really massive bipartisan effort to protect and stabilize the health benefits of union and nonunion workers all across the country, which passed by a margin of 419-6 on the floor.

Mike and I were here that day, and Neil--actually, one of his rare visits to the House floor--was there to join us.

The centerpiece of Neil's work was the fact that I have the honor of representing the submarine capital of the world. It is the home of the oldest submarine base, the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, where there are 16 attack submarines tied up and doing great work for our Nation every single day, as well as General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard, a 120-year-old company that is building submarines for the Navy to this day.

This is a picture in 2014 of myself and some staff from the House Committee on Armed Services. Neil is the gentleman on my far right with the glasses and the cup of coffee. It is before dawn at the naval port facility in Cape Canaveral, Florida. We were about to embark on the USS Missouri, the submarine right behind us, which was built in Groton and commissioned back in 2011. It is over in the Indo-Pacific region doing great work for our Nation.

Again, when I first came into office, the shipyard was in a dangerous downward spiral. After the Cold War, procurement for submarines had totally collapsed. The shipyard, which once had 28,000-plus workers, was down to roughly 6- or 7,000.

Beginning that year, we got a plus-up, working again with Neil's incredible work, Ike Skelton, and Jack Murtha, and others to turn around that spiral.

Today, the shipyard employs over 21,000 workers. We now again have a build rate of two attack submarines and now the Columbia-class ballistic submarine program is beginning its work. They just laid the keel for the second of those vessels.

It is a great legacy that Neil leaves behind him in terms of really reversing what really would have been a tragic loss of an industrial base with unique talents, but also making sure that our Navy has an undersea fleet, which today, with the threats from China and Russia, is still our strongest card in terms of rebutting and creating real deterrence to keep the world safe.

Admiral Gary Roughead once said our submarine fleet is the queen on the chessboard in terms of being able to go anywhere undetected with stealth and

with the might and potency to make sure our enemies and our competitors abide by international rule of law.

Again, as Neil begins the next chapter in his life, let me express my deep gratitude personally, but also take a moment on the floor of this Chamber to remind people that people like Neil are great staff people and are so essential in terms of doing great things that benefit our country.

Neil, best wishes to you and your family and your future.

Mr. Speaker, today, September 26, is now 5 days and counting for the start of the next fiscal year which, if Congress does not act within this next 5 days, the U.S. Government will shut down.

I have been around Congress for a while. I was here in 2013 when the government shut down for 17 days. In 2019, all the agencies under the Department of Homeland Security were shut down for 35 days. This is a disaster for the American people and for our standing in the world if, God forbid, this does not come together in the next 5 days.

Mr. Speaker, I represent a district that is a strong defense district. We have the largest military installation in New England, the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. We have about 16 attack submarines that are located there, tied up there that are deploying at a heel-to-toe pace constantly. There are about 2,000 civilian employees that make that base operations function as they should.

I also have a district which is the home of the Coast Guard Academy. That institution is building the future leaders, young men and young women, for the Coast Guard, who are doing important work not just in the littoral areas of our Nation and the rivers, but also overseas in terms of providing critical assistance to allies who again are really struggling with gross violations of the international convention for law, the sea treaty. Again, the Coast Guard is looked at around the world as really the gold standard in terms of providing quality training and examples for that critical function to take place.

In the past, when we had shutdowns, despite some of the ridiculous comments that are made by some of my colleagues in this Chamber that, oh, there is nothing to worry about, Active-Duty people still have to report, they are going to get paid retroactively, the concerns about that are overblown.

I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, that that is, in my opinion, some of the most irresponsible, dangerous rhetoric that can be uttered at a time like this. The fact of the matter is, there is a hardship for people who are wearing the uniform. Many of them go literally from paycheck to paycheck. In 2019 when the Coast Guard was shut down along with the Department of Homeland Security in New London, we had pop-up food banks to help Coast Guard families put food on the table for themselves and their family members.

In terms of the 17-day shutdown, the submarine base, again, all of the civilian support staff, DOD employees who were told they were not essential, they didn't have to come to work. We didn't have crane operators doing their job on the base, we didn't have all the support and maintenance staff in terms of making sure the operations of that base functioned.

This is a totally unnecessary, unforced error which will cause havoc in every other military installation and every other DOD facility around the country.

Mr. Speaker, there is a pathway here. There is a roadmap, and we know that because at the end of May when we passed the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which avoided a default on the full faith and credit of this country, Democrats and Republicans came together, a center-left, center-right coalition that passed those measures. The final vote on May 31, when we passed the Fiscal Responsibility Act, passed 314-117. There were 165 Democrats and 149 Republicans that came together to avoid that catastrophic consequence of a default, something that hasn't happened since the War of 1812.

On the rule vote that led up to the Fiscal Responsibility Act, again it was a center-left, center-right coalition that got that measure to the floor. Fifty-two Democrats voted for the rule, which is unheard of in this town to have the minority party vote to support the majority party for a rule, but 52 of us did that. Honestly, I have been here a while, I consider that one of my proudest votes to make sure that we were going to look beyond party and do what is right for our country, in terms of making sure that critical functions at a time like this, when both domestically and overseas there was so much at stake in terms of having a stable, functioning government so that we can do the work for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, there is a military saying which I think Members should be thinking about today as we approach this critical week, and it says ``Lead, follow, or get out of the way.'' There is clearly going to be a bipartisan measure that is going to get put together in the Senate. It is happening right now as we speak. It is a 45-day extension to keep the government open, allow the Appropriations Committee to finish its work. We need to pass that. We need to lead, follow, or get out of the way.

Madam Speaker, Friday, September 15, will mark the second anniversary of AUKUS, a historic new security agreement between the Governments of the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom that will integrate the most sophisticated technologies amongst the three countries, including quantum computing, undersea warfare, hypersonics, and cyber, to name just a few, in order

to create a new level of joint deterrence by these longtime allies to address a security environment that has been deteriorating for the last two decades in the Indo-Pacific region.

Its goal is simple: to preserve an open and free Indo-Pacific and a rules-based order at sea, in the air, and in the cyber domain. It is not a policy of aggression. It is, rather, one of maintaining the integrity and sovereignty of all nations in the region to achieve peace and prosperity.

Madam Speaker, this is a big undertaking for the country of Australia. The centerpiece is recapitalizing their submarine fleet, which today are diesel, electric submarines that have to surface to recharge their batteries and replace them with conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines.

Over the last 2 years, our three Navies' leadership have been meeting to try to come up with a plan to execute this undertaking. Last March, in San Diego, California, at Naval Base Point Loma, the three heads of government--President Biden, Prime Minister Albanese from Australia, and Prime Minister Sunak--came together and stacked hands to make a commitment, and particularly our country, to do something that we have not done since 1958, which is to share the crown jewels of our national security technology; namely, nuclear propulsion.

This program, which again was announced last March, calls for the U.S. to sell three Virginia-class attack submarines in the early 2030s, again, as a way of allowing Australia to replace their fleet with a more capable set of vessels that have longer reach and more capacity in terms of executing deterrence. For the U.S. Navy and for our industrial base here in the U.S., it will call for a much greater capacity for submarine construction than exists today.

Madam Speaker, I represent Groton, Connecticut, which is the home of General Dynamics Electric Boat, the general contractor for the Virginia-class submarine program and also for the Columbia-class program, which today are both working hard to address our own Navy's needs. With AUKUS, this is going to add another level of production targets that again will strain and call for more capacity.

The Biden administration last year saw this coming. They have laid out a $2.4 billion plan over the next 5 years to increase the workforce, supply chain, and facility to achieve this goal. We saw it happening in real time during my break in August.

If you go back 3 years ago, the shipyard's workforce was about 17,000 people. As of last Friday, it is 21,700 strong. The investments in supply chains that are going all over the country to 48 different States is standing up to meet this demand signal so that this alliance, which, again, is about preserving peace and protecting freedom, will succeed.

The development of the workforce is very exciting to see. This last spring, trade school graduates and comprehensive high school graduates were going right into the shipyard. The U.S. Department of Labor workforce investment training program, the manufacturing pipeline, reached 4,000 graduates in the metal trades, electricians, welders, machinists.

This is a level of job training and investment that we have not seen for a long time. The 2023 hiring goal for Electric Boat is the largest in the 120-year history of the company--5,750 people. As I said, last week they hit the 21,700 mark, and they will be on target to complete that goal by the end of December.

It is going to require more commitment. We now have people in the Senate who are talking about increasing the Biden budget for investment in the industrial base. Again, this will provide benefit not just for southeastern Connecticut or southern New England, but for States all across the country: manufacturers and small businesses that provide the parts and pieces that go into these amazing vessels, the amazing technology that makes these vessels go.

For the three countries of Australia, the U.K., and the U.S., this Friday will be a proud moment in terms of advancing a goal which all of the neighbors in the region--smaller countries and larger countries-- are supporting, which, again, is to push back against some of the encroachment and coercive behavior that now exists in the Indo-Pacific region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Neil McKiernan, an outstanding, diligent public servant who just passed the milestone of 20 years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Second District of Connecticut, which I have the privilege to represent, is the office where Neil worked for 17 of those years, the last 7 as Chief of Staff. Neil recently announced that at the end of September 2023, he is going to begin a new chapter of his life in the private sector and depart this institution where he has done so much good, for so many people, for so many years.

A native of Connecticut, Neil began his journey on Capitol Hill at a young age. Immediately upon earning his college degree from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island in 2003, he moved to Washington, D.C., and joined the Office of Representative Linda Sanchez of California, a new member in the House, and immediately demonstrated an aptitude for the complexity of policy work in the Legislative Branch. In 2004, he took a legislative assistant position in the Office of Congressman John Larson of the First District of Connecticut. Congressman Larson was a member of the House Armed Services Committee at the time and Neil was given that portfolio, which, given the strong presence of defense contractors in the State of Connecticut, was a huge responsibility. Even at that young age, Neil's work ethic impressed stakeholders in both Washington and back home, showing that he understood the issues and the process of John's committee work. He performed that job for Congressman Larson for 3 years before taking a leave of absence in 2006, from the office to head back to Connecticut to help me in my own journey to the U.S. House.

It was in that summer of 2006, I first crossed paths with Neil when I hired him to be 1 of my field organizers during my 2006 House campaign as a challenger for the Second District. He took the risk of leaving Washington, D.C., to support the effort to flip this seat which was recognized by both major political parties as a ``toss-up'' race. He again continued to prove himself, successfully managing 1 of the most contested precincts in this very contested district. His efforts, along with an army of grass roots supporters from across Eastern Connecticut, delivered a razor-thin victory margin of 83 votes out of 241,000 cast. It was the closest House race by far in 2006, and Neil's efforts, along with countless other staff and volunteers, made the difference between victory and defeat.

After being elected to represent the Second District of Connecticut, I brought Neil onto my congressional staff. As a freshman, I secured a seat on the House Armed Services Committee and the Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittee. When Neil accepted my offer of employment, he returned to his passion for the extensive portfolio of defense issues of Connecticut as my Military Legislative Assistant, this time with a particular focus on the navy and its submarine fleet.

Mr. Speaker, there are still a few members who remerber that in 2007, when I took office, our Navy's submarine program was limping along at a 1 submarine-per-year build rate that was slowly but surely starving our submarine industrial base and the size of the fleet. In 2007, the Navy, for the first time in 50 years, had zero plans underway to advance the next class of submarines. In my first year on Armed Services, the budget from the Bush Administration continued this death spiral, proposing neither an increase in the build rate nor new design work. It was clear to Neil and me that reversing this trend would be hard-- particularly as a freshman member of the Committee. But for the sake of our Nation's industrial base and the Navy, we had to use every effort to achieve that change.

So, in my first year on the Armed Services Committee, we boosted Virginia-class submarine production funding through the annual National Defense Authorization Act. The following year, we secured an initial pot of funding to begin design on the next generation of submarines-- the Columbia class. Now, more than 15 years later, we have completely reversed the downward course. We are sustaining a 2-per-year build rate of Virginia-class submarines and are now well underway with the construction of the Nation's first Columbia-class submarines.

Of course, much of this national security sustainment centers out of the Second District of Connecticut in the submarine capital of the world, Groton. There, General Dynamics Electric Boat alone has grown to a regional workforce of 21,000--14,400 in Connecticut and 6,600 in Rhode Island--and is projected to hire tens of thousands more over the next decade. That doesn't even take into account the vibrant ecosystem of workforce development pipelines and submarine construction suppliers that have arisen throughout the state. The change in priority in 2023 versus 2007 is astonishing. Submarine construction is now half of the Navy's overall shipbuilding budget compared to less than a quarter 15 years ago. Just in this year's budget alone, $18.2 billion is allocated for subs--a bigger number than the entire Navy shipbuilding account 5 years ago. Again, Neil has been a central actor in this entire effort. Neil's leadership has helped change the course of U.S.

submarine construction programs and provided a vital long-term pillar of economic development for our region. He is a true friend of Connecticut. Now, we have set our sights on evolving the global security net by meeting the pillars envisioned through the AUKUS alliance. That work continues to this day.

Neil has also shepherded endless other projects from idea to reality throughout his tenure in my office--from essential infrastructure work to build a new train station in Enfield, to dredging in the Long Island Sound, to being instrumental in the development of an off shore wind facility at the Port of New London. Lastly, Neil, as Chief of Staff, has been a great leader of my office's team, both in Washington and Connecticut. He is a good listener. He has kept every person feeling respected and engaged, particularly during challenging events for the Hill's workforce, including the pandemic and the insurrection on January 6. The high retention rate of staff in my office is a true compliment to Neil's intelligent, empathetic engagement with a talented, hardworking group that is always focused on a wonderful part of Connecticut.

Mr. Speaker, Neil has been a force for good in the House of Representatives over these past 20 years. His institutional knowledge of Congress, his legislative skills, and his tenacity to serve the people of our district are things I hold closely. I am proud to have watched him grow several generations of our team into the self- sustaining institution that it is today. We owe a great deal of gratitude to the staff who dedicate themselves and put in the legwork to advance our district and national priorities, particularly those who have remained in service to the House for decades like Neil and contribute to the brain power of this body's critical work.

We specifically owe thanks to Neil and his family for their sacrifice to better our country, namely his wife Kristen, whom he met through his career on the Hill, and their children, Caroline and Ellie. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing Neil McKiernan's storied service and contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Edward Daly, Sr. of Vernon, Connecticut. Ed turns 90 this August 15th, and as he reaches this milestone, it is fitting that we take this opportunity to honor and recognize his contributions as a model citizen and passionate advocate for workers' rights.

Born 1933 to Michael and Catherine Daly, Ed was raised in Hartford, Connecticut. He was instilled with the values of service from a young age. Brought up by a politically active family, he also learned early on that one must proactively fight for effective representation, to improve the lives of working families. There is much to cite about Ed's 90 years of activity. However, it is important to emphasize that organizing--advocating for effective representation--within local, state, and federal communities became a defining mission within Ed's life.

Mr. Speaker, there were several benchmarks from Ed's life which influenced his outlook and community involvement. From 1953 to 1955, he bravely served his country in the Korean War as a radio operator. Upon his return from the Korean peninsula, he pursued an education in and achieved a degree in Animal Science from UConn's esteemed College of Agriculture. In 1969, he and his family moved to Vernon, where they have remained pillars of the community ever since.

Armed with his education, Ed continued his life of public service as a Dairy Inspector for Connecticut's Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Afterwards, he transitioned to the Department of Environmental Protection as a founding employee in the Soil Conservation Division. There, as a Land Agent, he helped establish the Open Spaces and Tidal Wetland Programs. The Department of Environmental Protection would eventually morph into the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Ed's early contributions helped nurture the Department into becoming the lynchpin of statewide conservation practices that it is today.

While Ed's trailblazing career with the State's civil service is a living piece of Connecticut history in and of itself, a more prominent aspect of his still incomplete legacy has been his penchant for advocacy. Given his upbringing, Ed viewed a workforce as a community where it was their responsibility to collectively better their own condition. He personally felt the carveouts of the federal government's 1935 Labor Relations Act which notably excluded workers protections for state public employees. Ed spurred to action and laid the foundations for a new era of organized labor in Connecticut. He championed the formation of Connecticut State Employee Association, formally franchised by Generally Assembly statute in 1975, to represent workers in disputes. Before the arrival of collective bargaining agreements for state employees, civil servants like Ed saw their hours, working conditions and livelihoods at the whims of Connecticut's annual budgetary process. Unsurprisingly, Ed has a history of leadership within the CSEA, including serving as its president in 1986.

As a union leader, Ed was instrumental in uplifting surrogate advocates for the Connecticut State Employee Association. A story that reflects his unyielding organizing efforts was his work to help elect Connecticut Governor Ella Grasso--the very person who, in their first year in office, signed the 1975 statutory recognition of the Connecticut State Employee Association into law. Convinced of her candidacy during the union endorsement convention before the general election, Ed instructed then-candidate Ella Grasso not to leave upon finishing her speech. In a sort of old fashion gamesmanship, he jumped to the stage upon the departure of the other candidate, took control of the microphone and provided a riveting endorsement of Ella Grasso before the audience. As the story goes, Grasso was elected one of the first female governors in U.S. history later that year.

Ed has existed as a backbone in Connecticut Democratic politics. He served as Campaign Manager and Treasurer for several successful local candidates and further served as the Chair of the Vernon Democratic Town Committee from 2001 to 2003, where he helped deliver majorities on the Board of Education and Town Council. I have lived in the same town as Ed for quite some time. I can personally attest that he has been there thick and thin to uplift solid candidates in and out of Vernon, Connecticut.

Mr. Speaker, as Ed initiates his 90th year, where he continues in his retirement as a serious model railroad maker and avid Red Sox fan, I find it appropriate that we take a moment to recognize this father of organizing. I count myself incredibly fortunate to represent constituents as civically minded and progress-oriented as Ed Daly. I urge my colleagues to pay a testament to his 90 well-lived years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of one of northeastern Connecticut's greatest community advocates, Elizabeth ``Betti'' Kuszaj of Brooklyn, Connecticut. Betti is retiring after over four decades of service as the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Cornmerce's Executive Director. In this role, Betti has earned a reputation as an institution unto herself, working tirelessly during good economic times and bad to keep Connecticut's northeastern region growing, while at the same time maintaining its unique rural appeal as, ``the Quiet Corner''. Betty's business expertise, knowledge of the people in the region, and well-deserved reputation as an ethical, trustworthy person, will not soon be replaced.

Betti has tackled her professional and personal life with an unmatched vigor--even before her career at the Chamber. Prior to the start of her leadership through the Chamber in 1982, Betti served within the Brooklyn, Connecticut school system having graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in speech pathology. In addition to her service to the students of Brooklyn, Betti worked part- time as a waitress, demonstrating an incredible work ethic that would be a hallmark of her time with the Chamber.

Betti's transition from advocating for the growth of students to the growth of her local business community would completely transform the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber's founding roots originate with the once-Brooklyn-Killingly Chamber of Commerce, which then served 70 businesses. Today, it is a regional bulwark in business development. The towns incorporated within its mission have ballooned from two towns to twenty-three. It now supports a community of more than 530 member businesses. By 1991, less than 10 years into Betti's visionary leadership, the change was made official, and the Northeastern Chamber was formally organized out of its predecessor chambers.

After the reorganization, Betti settled very comfortably into the role that many business and government leaders have known and appreciated her for--a tenacious fighter and dependable resource. Cooperation and collaboration have been hallmarks of Betti's time, as she built partnerships across the state and region, always putting the needs of her clientele first. She has served on multiple boards and commissions across northeast Connecticut--from Day Kimball Hospital to Putnam's Rotary Club. There are few places in the Quiet Corner that do not bear the mark of Betti's influence and assistance.

On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, my interactions with Betti began shortly after my election in 2006 when she invited my office to a Chamber Breakfast in Danielson. From my perspective, it was in difficult times that Betti really distinguished herself as a calm, competent and consistent leader. For example, when the U.S. economy was shaken in the wake of the great financial collapse of 2009, or more recently during the shock of the global pandemic which disrupted every sector, private and public in the region. Under Betti's leadership, the Northeastern Chamber became a hub for businesses small and large who needed help obtaining PPE, SBA loans and or information on Employee Retention Tax Credits. There is no question in my mind that due to Betti's efforts, she saved many businesses and countless jobs. In some ways, the pandemic was Betti's ``finest hour.''

Mr. Speaker, the likes of Betti's long career of consummate service to Northeast Connecticut's business sector will not be witnessed again for a long time. She has passionately sacrificed her time and energy for the betterment of our community. I am deeply thankful for her efforts over these four decades. In her retirement, Betti will spend some much-deserved time with her family, specifically her granddaughter who Betti will be happily babysitting. Although the Quiet Corner is losing a titan through Betti's retirement, we can take solace in the knowledge that she has left the chamber in a position to further flourish under the leadership of her successors. I ask my colleagues to please join me in further etching Betti's legacy.