Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the diligent and honorable service of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday. On August 14, Admiral Gilday is slated to retire from his four-year term as the U.S. Navy's 32nd Chief of Naval Operations, and it is more than fitting that this chamber take a moment to recognize his extraordinary record leading our Nation's Navy.

A New England native hailing from Massachusetts, Mike Gilday was raised in a family with a strong Navy tradition. His innate intelligence, his patriotism and his leadership qualities stood out at an early age, foreshadowing a promising career as a naval officer. Upon graduating high school, he received a congressional nomination to the U.S. Naval Academy, and after graduation was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer in 1985. During his career he continued his passion for learning and obtained an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School and an MS from the National War College.

Admiral Gilday's record at sea is impressive. He commanded the Destroyers USS Higgins and USS Benfold, was Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7, and Commander of Carrier Strike Group 8. As Vice Admiral, he was the fourth commander of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command developing and enhancing the Navy's information network operations, offensive and defensive cyberspace operations, space operations and signals intelligence. In the 21st century, proficiency in cyber command-- something which didn't exist until recently, provides an immense benefit to naval readiness. Admiral Gilday is the first to bring skill to the CNO position.

Ashore he served our Nation with distinction during a remarkable career. He completed several tours as a staff officer working for the Chief of Naval Operations and the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. He served as the executive assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and naval aide to the President.

His commitment to our allies and partners were not only reflected during his work as the Chief of Naval Operations, but during his distinguished service as the director of operations for NATO's Joint Force Command Lisbon and as Chief of Staff for Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO.

Appointed to the role of Chief of Naval Operations in August 2019, Admiral Gilday has, in conjunction with the Congress's constitutional mandate in Article One, Section 8 ``To provide and maintain a Navy'', done outstanding work to keep our fleet relevant and oriented to challenges across the globe. Equipped with his striking educational background, as well as his history of deployments and command, his competent service as the head of naval operations has come to no surprise. It speaks volumes that he was the first three-star admiral to be appointed, to the position of Chief of Naval Operations in nearly half a century.

Each of his prior missions have influenced a modernized national security perspective within him, and by extension from the top of the U.S. Navy down. As our Nation has shifted emphasis of our security strategy toward the Indo-Pacific region over the last decade-plus, Admiral Gilday has been a pioneer in adapting cyber preparedness and how best to prepare for and respond to competition or challenges to our collective freedom of the seas. He has been a steady presence in touring our Nation's industrial base capabilities, testifying to the U.S. Navy's needs before the House Armed Services Committee and a particular spokesperson in successfully advancing the cutting-edge vision of the AUKUS alliance.

Mr. Speaker, as both Ranking Member and Chair of the House Armed Services' Seapower Projection Forces Subcommittee, I have had a front row seat to view his tenure. It was not an easy time, contending with an unstable budget environment, historic turnover in the Office of Secretary of the Navy from 2017 until 2020, and a global pandemic. Through it all, he maintained a steady hand on the helm of our fleet and the marine corps. Overcoming adversity is I believe the sternest test of leadership, and in my opinion, Admiral Gilday passed that test with flying colors. The weightiness of his sea legs will be incredibly difficult to replace, but we will welcome the new perspective brought on by the next Chief of Naval Operations. As Admiral Mike Gilday enters this new era of retirement with his wife, Linda, I ask that my colleagues in the House, and particularly those who serve on the House Armed Services Committee, to join me in recognizing his life of service to the Navy and the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of an exemplary first responder and citizen, Jeffrey Post of Gales Ferry, Connecticut. Jeffrey served nobly in his role as Assistant Fire Chief for the Submarine Base New London Fire Department. He very sadly passed August 2nd lovingly surrounded by his family and colleagues.

Born to Steven and Cynthia Post in July 1979, it became apparent at an early age that Jeffrey's destiny lay in service to his fellow citizens. By the age of 14, he joined the Old Mystic Fire Department's junior cadet program, beginning a journey in fire and rescue which would define his life. This cadet program additionally ingrained the spirit of volunteerism in Jeffrey, and he would happily dedicate his personal time to fire departments across the southeast Connecticut region. For example, he volunteered with the Mystic Fire Department Hook and Ladder Company, Gales Ferry Fire Company, and acted as the Chief of Center Groton Fire Department.

Jeffrey's actual professional firefighting journey began in 1999 when he joined the Mohegan Tribal Fire Department. Soon after, he would continue his emergency response services by joining the SUBASE Fire Department in 2001. In this position, Jeffrey would help maintain the United States' national defense by ensuring the safety of those stationed in SUBASE through his knowledge of EMT and HAZMAT rescue practices. It is in SUBASE where Asst. Chief Post would become the fixture of southeast Connecticut's firefighting community that he is known as today. By 2009, Jeffrey was promoted to Captain in the SBFD. In 2015, he found himself the role of Assistant Chief. Throughout his distinguished career, Jeffrey cultivated a reputation for bravery, intelligence, and team-oriented leadership, qualities which distinguished his already impressive firefighting knowledge base.

Jeffrey didn't hoard his incredible knowledge to himself. Instead, he served as a fire instructor for a large portion of his career, ensuring that the fantastic amount of institutional knowledge he amassed throughout his career would inform the next generation of firefighters. Jeffrey served as adjunct faculty for both the Eastern Connecticut Fire School and Connecticut Fire Academy, two institutions which provide critical EMT and fire training. In 2014, Jeffrey took his teaching one step further by opening a training company with some of his colleagues named All Hands Operating.

In one anecdote that typifies the incredible reach of Asst. Chief Post's fire fighting abilities, Jeffrey organized and led the SBFD's response team to aid in suppressing a blazing inferno that ultimately destroyed the USS Miami, a Los Angeles class submarine at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. That fire lasted an astonishing 12 hours that local firefighters were unable to contain. The chief and his team drove through the night to provide their unique training to extinguish the blaze. Temperatures from the fire exceeded 1,000 degrees, melting the innards of Miami, yet because of the expertise of the SUBASE Fire Department no lives were lost. More recently, Jeffrey used his knowledge and experience to rescue a man who fell down a 30 foot well in Ledyard, Connecticut. It was due to Jeffrey's technical ability and expertise in confined space rescue that allowed for a swift resolution to what could have amounted to a dire circumstance for the man who fell.

Mr. Speaker, although we mourn the profound loss our region has experienced in the passing of Asst. Chief Post, we can take solace in his inspiring legacy of the lives he saved, and the countless colleagues he has positively impacted throughout his life--whether as a rescuer or mentor. It is during this time that we pay special attention to Jeffrey's family, his wife Chrissy; two children, Olivia and John; brothers Scott and Daniel; parents Steven and Cynthia; and extended family. To this end, I ask that my colleagues in this chamber join me in honoring the example left by Asst. Chief Post.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the loss of a quiet force for good in Eastern Connecticut, Dr. Warren Zahner of Ellington. Aged 72, Mr. Zahner passed away sadly but peacefully on June 30, 2023.

Born April, 1951 to Emanuel and Clara Zahner in Hartford, Connecticut, Warren was raised with a strong work ethic and a caring heart. Upon graduating high school, he chose the healing profession of dentistry as his career path, which is a demanding course that required both hard work and empathy for others. A diligent student at the University of Connecticut, he graduated in 1976 and completed a residency at the prestigious Hartford Hospital the following year.

Dentistry was not just his life bread and butter, but his passion as a medium to serve the broader community. For 43 years, until 2019, the quality of his work was admired and appreciated by thousands of his patients, and all of his peers in health care in Ellington and northeast Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, The Town of Ellington is situated midway between the University of Connecticut and his hometown of Hartford, the perfect spot for Warren to settle in and grow his practice and his family. Over time, he decided to give back to his profession that provided him so much in life by joining the faculty at UConn as a clinical instructor.

Throughout his years, Warren always prioritized the relationships he met along the way--between his family, his clientele and staff, in his volunteer capacities and as a leader within his community of faith. He was also known to export his caring skills abroad by regularly volunteering in a Haitian dental clinic. After his retirement, Warren continued serving his community by joining the ranks of the Midwest Food Bank, working as a coordinator for the organization.

Mr. Speaker, often it is those who don't seek the limelight who are the most willing to really dedicate their time toward helping others. Doctor Zahner was one of those good people. Speaking personally, it was an honor to know Warren as a neighbor and patient. We mourn his loss but have faith that the large family which both he and his wife Bonnie have raised, including their four children Michael Shawn Jonathan and Elisa and 14 grandchildren, will greatly extend the length of his memory. Now that he has left this world, we can also find solace in that he has been met by one of his greatest longings, to reunion with his young, late son David Aaron Zahner.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Warren Zahner.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to enthusiastically honor and congratulate a true pillar of public service in municipal governance, John Elsesser of Coventry, Connecticut. John is retiring this year from his role as Town Manager for the Town of Coventry--a position he has held since 1988. His almost 4 decades of selfless advocacy for his community and all municipalities has been felt from the halls of local government all the way to the chambers of Connecticut's General Assembly in Hartford and the U.S. Capitol. John's expertise and ability will be sorely missed.

John began his journey in public service when he started as an administrative assistant in Wethersfield soon after his graduation from the University of Hartford with a master's in public administration in 1982. John's competency and skill navigating the complexities of town government were quickly recognized. Not long after his initial employment with the Town of Wethersfield, he transitioned over to the nearby government of Avon, Connecticut as its Assistant Town Manager.

In May of 1988, John rose to the pinnacle of his profession when he began his tenure fully in charge as Coventry's Town Manager. Once there, he quickly established himself as an indispensable advocate for the municipality, while simultaneously he brought an enlightened form of town administration for all the departments under his control. John successfully operationalized his vision for Coventry and has been responsible for countless, necessary upgrades to the town's functioning. He secured funding to update the town's administrative software and oversaw a bond rating upgrade by Moody's in a time of great fiscal instability for Connecticut. John has been wildly successful in securing grant money for Coventry, garnering over $57 million in state and federal funding the past year and a half alone for the town--money which has been used to spearhead infrastructure upgrades and create more pedestrian-friendly roads.

Collaboration has been a cornerstone of John's leadership style, holding a great respect for Coventry's Town Council and working within the legislative framework they provided. He formed partnerships with organizations like the University of Connecticut and Connecticut Department of Agriculture to improve the quality of life for residents in Coventry. Most importantly, John was paramount in the creation of a positive culture of staff and volunteers. As a municipal leader of a small, eastern Connecticut town, John knew the importance volunteers and administrators play in rural civic ecosystems. It stands as a testament to John's community-centric mindset that he laments being unable to construct a community center during his time.

John's expertise and excellence has been recognized both statewide and nationally. He has served as President of the CT Town & City Management Association, the Council of Small Towns, and the Tolland County Chamber of Commerce. These local initiatives band town leaders together to coordinate resources, fund improvements and boost the economy for participating towns. John's leading role in all these groups indicates how widely he has been recognized for his accomplishments. Governor Ned Lamont appointed John to the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations in 2019, an advisory organization dedicated to studying issues and recommend solutions in and for state and local government. In 2021, he was recognized for his remarkable 40 years of municipal service--a reflection of his successful work with local government. As a former state legislator from a ``next door'' district in the Town of Vernon in the late 1980's and early 1990's, I saw firsthand his activist work to remind the General Assembly of the importance of small, rural communities to our state's quality of life. As the Congressman representing Coventry for the last 17 years, it has been a pleasure to work with John on securing funding for from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program, the American Rescue Plan, the new infrastructure law, and the green energy initiatives in the Inflation Reduction Act. John's understanding of the nuances of formula grant funding and competitive grants was extraordinary. I was constantly struck by the realization of how blessed his town was to have such a talented, caring person at the helm.

Mr. Speaker, John Elsesser has been an exceptional public servant throughout his life. He is deserving of a happy and relaxing retirement in this next stage of his life, along with his wife, Holly. Eastern Connecticut's roots are in local leadership. As the longest-known- serving Town Manager at the time of his retirement--throughout our entire state of 169 towns--John has inherently reflected those roots through his loyalty to public service and his neighbors. John leaves behind an immeasurable legacy of stalwart advocacy and stewardship, and his retirement will leave a large gap in northeast Connecticut's civic fauna. We can take solace, though, in the knowledge that John's tireless work will be felt in Coventry, the northeast region, and state, for decades to come.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the chamber on July 20, 2023 due to official travel with President Biden to the Philadelphia Shipyard. Had I recorded my vote, I would have voted:

``Yes'' on Roll Call No. 361, on the question of agreeing to the Amendments En Bloc No. 4 offered by Mr. Graves (OH);

``No'' on Roll Call No. 362, on the question of agreeing to amendment No. 76 offered by Mr. Perry; ``No'' on Roll Call No. 363, on the question of agreeing to amendment No. 77 offered by Mr. Perry; and

``Yes'' on Roll Call No. 364, on the question of passage of H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. This bipartisan bill will improve safety, travel experience, and consumer protections for passengers and contribute to our economic recovery by addressing workforce shortages in the aviation sector.

Mr. Speaker, almost exactly a year ago, on August 10, 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the Honoring our PACT Act, which has been correctly described as the largest healthcare and benefits expansion in the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

This was the result of a 5-year effort by veterans service organizations, from The American Legion to the Iraq and Afghan Veterans of America, and many others, to bring external pressure on Congress to pass a measure which will knock down barriers so that people who are suffering the ill effects of toxic exposure will actually have the care they earned by wearing the uniform of this country and serving in some of the most difficult parts of the world.

After that measure was signed and had to overcome a last-minute filibuster by Senate Republicans, which resulted in a 5-day sleep-in on the steps of the Capitol when they finally relented and allowed a bipartisan vote to move forward and the bill to the President's desk, there was a lot of concern as to whether or not the VA would actually move quickly to enact and implement these measures.

A year into the law, I am happy to report that over 300,000 PACT Act claims have been approved; over 100,000 new veterans have been enrolled in VA healthcare from the PACT Act planning population; and over 4 million toxic exposure screenings have been provided.

The toxic exposure screening is a quick 10- to 15-minute review to find people who may be eligible for PACT Act benefits. It is open to all veterans, if anyone is listening, not just veterans who are enrolled in the VA. All veterans are entitled to have a toxic exposure screening.

The questions asked are whether or not you were exposed to open burn pits in the Middle East, Gulf war-related exposures, Agent Orange during the Vietnam war, radiation, contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, or other exposures.

In my district, the Second Congressional District, over 1,000 veterans have filed PACT Act claims, and many have been successful in terms of getting their claims approved.

One gentleman who served during the Vietnam war was in Thailand and had Agent Orange illnesses, but because the law prior to the Honoring our PACT Act only covered people who were actually in-country in Vietnam, he was denied coverage. He was successful in getting a 100 percent disability approved.

Another gentleman who served in Guam, another new country that was added to the law because of the Honoring our PACT Act, was also able to get a 100 percent disability with a backpay award.

This is real. It is happening in real time. Ten days ago, we held a PACT Act claims clinic where staff from the local veterans department showed up to screen and also present claims. It was supposed to be only 3 hours. It went way over time. Two hundred veterans were screened, and 75 claims were submitted right there on the spot.

I will end, Mr. Speaker, by saying people should be aware of the fact that, on August 9, which is just days away, if someone files an intent for a claim or a claim, you are going to be entitled to a backpay award to the date that President Biden signed this measure into law. Any claims filed after August 9 will not be entitled to that backpay award.

Claims will still be open and can be approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but in terms of getting that backpay award from the date of enactment, it is critical that people file either an intent to file a claim or a claim itself to be eligible for those benefits.

If people have questions, they can go to VA.gov/PACT to answer any of those questions.

This was a great effort that was the result of a grassroots push by veterans all across our country. We must make sure that every single veteran gets the benefits that the law opened the door to.

Madam Chair, looking at this amendment, if you just boil it down, what it is doing is degrading the scope of coverage for military servicemembers covered by TRICARE for themselves and their dependents.

What we are doing is we are basically saying if you wear the uniform of this country, your level of insurance is going to be less than Americans in the civilian sector or in other forms of employment-based insurance.

We have been fighting on the Armed Services Committee to raise the level of coverage and to create parity with the civilian sector as a way of recruiting people in the military. This goes backward.

This will be a first for the NDAA to degrade the TRICARE health insurance coverage for military members, people who wear the uniform of this country.

Oppose this amendment.

Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to this amendment.

Madam Chair, I will begin by injecting some facts into this discussion.

We debated this measure in the Armed Services Committee. The amendment was adopted to extend the feasibility study from the U.S. Center of Excellence at Walter Reed Hospital, which was created by the NDAA in 2009, to help maybe advise the Ukrainians in terms of setting up their own center of excellence within their own country to treat victims of traumatic brain injury and also other horrible injuries that are happening in real time.

There were drone attacks on Kyiv last night where four Ukrainians were injured severely, and when committee members had a chance to actually vote on this, the amendment was adopted 49-10, which was actually the largest bipartisan vote of the entire markup for this year's NDAA.

I want to be clear: This does not establish a center of excellence in Ukraine. It basically talks about the feasibility of advising healthcare officials within Ukraine in terms of best practices from the over decade of experience that we have at Walter Reed, which has helped thousands of U.S. veterans who suffered TBI in the Middle East.

I applaud the gentlewoman's constituent, who is doing great work. Some of those individuals do it on their own, in terms of setting up their own services, but there is no question that this center has provided great direct healthcare for people suffering from this wound of war. It has also helped create best practices as we have learned more about this type of injury because of the hard experience that took place in Iraq and Afghanistan.

There are probably, as calculated now, well over 100,000 Ukrainians who are wounded and suffering injuries, civilians in most cases, from indiscriminate bombing by Russia, who is conducting an illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. This is the ultimate, in terms of humanitarian assistance to victims of war, to victims of aggression, using, again, the well-honed skills and healthcare expertise of our country to help an ally who is fighting the fight in terms of protecting their democratic self-rule from an invasion by Russia.

We had very strong bipartisan support to support this effort. I hope that we will vote in a resounding fashion for political reasons, for military reasons, and for just simple decency to help people who have suffered injuries.

Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Kamlager-Dove).

Madam Chair, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Madam Chair, again, really quickly, I would just note that this builds on an amendment which was adopted in last year's NDAA to establish a partnership between the DOD and Ukraine. Again, that is still sort of working its way through the system.

Again, this is really about trying to explore the value of the Center of Excellence for TBI, which, again, I think, is something that all of us should support just for simple decency reasons.

Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the bipartisan efforts of Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith to pass this year's NDAA. The base bill before us today represents a strong bipartisan accomplishment that was crafted and passed out of committee with a 58-1 vote. I commend Mr. Rogers and Mr. Smith for their skillful, balanced approach, ensuring a bipartisan outcome from committee markup.

Today, that is the clear path forward for this bill, and I urge my colleagues to focus on germane amendments that expand our national defense capabilities and readiness, not divisive, partisan poison pills that distract from the mission of the NDAA, which is to provide a common defense.

Mr. Chairman, Article I Section 8 of the Constitution mandates that Congress shall provide and maintain a Navy. The Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee's work clearly meets that mandate. Our mark makes clear that our maritime nation will maintain its role as the most formidable sea power in the world.

It authorizes procurement of 10 battle force ships, building on the steady investment in shipbuilding that this subcommittee has consistently authorized in prior years and places a strong emphasis on maintaining superiority of our undersea fleet. Specifically, our mark authorizes $16.5 billion for submarine procurement, fully funding the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs, with an additional $743 million investment in the workforce and supply chain of our national submarine industrial base which, by the way, is growing day by day, picking up the pace of production since the depths of COVID.

We also included multiyear procurement authority for the next block of Virginia-class submarines, totaling 13 submarines in the next 5-year contract. This sends a clear signal to U.S. industry to increase our production cadence above two submarines per year to bolster our Navy's inventory, as well as supporting the trilateral AUKUS agreement. That historic centerpiece calls for the U.S. to assist the recapitalization of Australia's undersea fleet with conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, including the sale of three Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s.

Adopting this measure is a healthy, serious signal of commitment to AUKUS as other committees in Congress begin their work to act on the legislative framework necessary to execute that program.

This bill also requires the Navy to complete the design for a new- build sealift vessel program of 10 ships which will be modeled after a cost-effective commercial practice now happening in real time at the Philly Shipyard to boost domestic shipbuilding right here in the United States.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues on the subcommittee, particularly Chairman Trent Kelly, who has been an outstanding leader of this panel and a great friend. I commend him for his bipartisan approach in his first year as chair that all members have appreciated.

I also thank the outstanding staff--Phil MacNaughton, Ian Bennitt, Kyle Noyes, Kelly Goggin, and Ethan Pelissier--who have all worked so hard on this bill and getting us here today.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in working to keep this bill true to the bipartisan spirit that the House Armed Services Committee showed in passing a strong defense authorization bill and reject extreme amendments that will threaten its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the sudden loss of a true champion for those in need, Bryan Flint, of Ellington, Connecticut. Bryan departed this world at the age of 64, as a result of a car accident this past May.

Born in 1959 to Wayne and Emily Flint, Bryan was quickly instilled with the values of selfless service and community care. Early in his life, Bryan attained the rank of Eagle Scout, starting a lifelong journey of lending kindness and a helping hand unto others. Bryan's infectiously kind demeanor served him well in his first major life's endeavor--family entertainment.

In 1986, Bryan founded Showtime Productions, setting a stage for his earned status as a lynchpin of Connecticut's children's entertainment industry. His career as a business owner, where he missioned to put smiles on the faces of children and their parents, spanned 30 years. Motivated in a manner which perfectly exemplifies his caring nature, Bryan felt continuously inspired in this career through Showtime Productions' impact upon local youth. A favorite anecdote of Bryan's was from one day in 1991, when he happened by children playing on garbage cans in the Town of Rockville. He was discouraged by the lack of opportunity reflected by the scene but encouraged by the children's enthusiasm. He took action and organized a music and magic show to provide a safe, joyful recreational space in the town. Moments like these were just the beginning of his truly special kind of advocacy which defined Bryan's life.

In the early 2010's, Bryan sought a life-path that would be of even greater service to others. He became actively involved in the School- Family-Community Partnership as the program coordinator. Through the Partnership, Bryan had boundless opportunities to support the youth who were the most in need, launching a Maple Street Community School and the Bookmobile program, the latter of which supported student literacy during summertime periods. In 2013, Bryan transitioned careers again, becoming the Deputy Director of the Cornerstone Foundation, a local, faith-based nonprofit which provides food and shelter for the homeless and impoverished. Bryan truly put the lives of others before his own. He would frequently give out his personal phone number, get up late at night to open the shelter, or even head to the store to buy medicine from his own personal pocket--all for those in need. The day before his untimely passing, Bryan was seen at the Rockville Walgreens buying medicine for residents at Cornerstone--a testament to his compassion for others.

As amazing as his work with the foundation was, it was far from the capstone to his life's work. He was also a member of the Rockville Community Association, the Vernon Community Network, the Rockville Development Association, and the Greater Rockville Clergy Council. Bryan's generous spirit was known to all in town, whether from his work in the community, magic shows, or his portrayal of Uncle Sam on stilts during Vernon's annual Independence Day celebration. Through it all, he was motivated by an unwavering faith. The breadth of his impact can be seen by the tens of hundreds mourning his loss.

Mr. Speaker, over the years, as Bryan's neighbor in Vernon, I had a chance to see up close the profound positive impact he had on our community. It was always apparent to me his activism was motivated by a sincere, authentic desire to help people in need. His infectious smile came right from a generous heart and soul. His premature passing leaves a massive tear in our northeastern Connecticut community fabric, particularly for his wife of 27 years, Kim, and their children including Melissa, Alexis, Mystica, Jesse, Alex, Cassi, their respective partners, and his 13 grandchildren. In the wake of his loss, we can only hope to find solace in committing his servant's heart to our collective memory. The lives he has touched throughout these past several decades will no doubt go on to further Bryan's ideals and memory, leaving an unsought but completely earned legacy of a community caretaker. I ask that my colleagues join me and the citizens of Vernon in honoring Bryan's life and work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Frank G. Taylor of Stafford, Connecticut, known affectionately as Doc. Doc passed away on May 28, 2023, at the peaceful age of 88. He was a giant in the neighboring community of Enfield, touching countless lives through more than a half-century of service as an educator.

Born in Concord, New Hampshire on July 4, 1934, to Hazel and Frank Taylor Sr., Doc's birthdate would prove prophetic as he would quickly dedicate his life to advancing the story of a nation as a prolific social studies teacher. After a brief stint in the Army as a company clerk, Doc graduated from Keene Teachers College in 1958 and commenced a career path which would positively change the trajectory of thousands.

While at Keene, Doc met the love of his life, Eveline Binmore, whom he married in the same year as his graduation. Together, they would go on to have two sons, Andrew and Jeffrey, who meant the world to them. In 1976, the family settled permanently in Suffield, Connecticut. Doc dutifully cared for Eveline until her passing in 2009 due to complications from Alzheimer's.

Turning the page back to 1958, the origin of Doc's long education career, Doc first set out from college with a brief stint of teaching in the Stafford school district. From there, he and Eveline travelled to Germany so that he could serve in the military yet again, this time as a teacher for the children of personnel stationed abroad. In 1963, the Taylor family returned to Connecticut where Doc began his legendary career at Enfield High School. Teaching at Enfield until his retirement in 2012, Doc made it his mission to engage students, reinforce and promote those who were gifted and challenge those who may have otherwise seemed disinterested to another educator. Through frequent field trips to historic locations and landmarks, he developed in his students a keen awareness of how history is a living narrative around us, setting examples and guiding decisions. Through it all, his kindness and dedication never wavered, and to this day countless students, many who are now teachers themselves, regard him as the best teacher they ever had.

Doc Taylor was such a stalwart in the education industry because he, himself, was a sponge for knowledge. In the 1970s, Taylor received his Doctorate in Education from the University of Connecticut, an accomplishment from which his nickname of ``Doc'' was derived. His thesis was focused on Shaker Education. Completing such a feat involved him interviewing every living descendent of the ``shaking Quaker,'' better known as Shaker, community. This experience quenched an intense thirst of local history, and he would mission onto new Enfield archeological projects for much of his remaining life. Doc was an invaluable curator of all aspects of north-central Connecticut's heritage, particularly through his famous, self-made courses on Enfield and Connecticut history. Were it not for his life's work, this region comprised of smaller communities could have seen their knowledge of stories like the Shakers--who had Enfield roots dating back to the 18th century--otherwise forgotten. In one anecdote that typifies the value of his work, Doc recalled preparing to take a picture of a Shaker building before it was demolished only to look up and see a wrecking ball smash through the home.

For years, Doc went above and beyond not just to preserve, but also craft a more self-sustaining community eco-system. He helped coach the ``As Schools Match Wits'' team, an experience which helped cause some participants to go onto become teachers themselves. In 1970, he and his student coordinated the clean-up for the Scantic River, which had once been heavily polluted. So inspirational were their efforts that the Scantic River Park was developed as a result. He continued with his global travels after serving in the Army, posting photographs from his trips around the school as a small yet impactful opportunity to broaden any students' perspectives. In recognition of his excellence, he was honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution as the Connecticut Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 1982, and as Enfield's Teacher of the Year in 1985. The students were always his primary motivation, though; one of his greatest delights was teaching the children (and even grandchildren) of past students.

Mr. Speaker, Doc Taylor's life was an institution in itself. He had this industrious, infectious love for history. He guided a town with a soft yet impactful touch, sewing seeds along the way, for three generations. He was a recruiter of several decades' worth of public servants--literally mentoring some from student to teacher and colleague. No one could ever hope to duplicate the impact of Doc's generous spirit. However, there are thousands out there, both in Enfield and beyond, who are unknowingly working as a collective to fill his shoes and extend that same spirit. His mission to education saw no horizon and will therefore see no end. He is also survived by his sons, Andrew at Jeffrey Taylor, his sisters Donna and Frances, his stepmother Lillian and all their respective partners. I humbly request that my colleagues join me in honoring Doc's storied service, as he joins his wife Eveline in this next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give special recognition to Dhruv Suryadevara of Ellington, Connecticut on his receiving The Congressional Award Gold Medal. This is a truly remarkable, once-in-a- lifetime achievement, and one that he worked incredibly hard for.

Those who receive Congressional Award Gold Medals have undertaken a rigorous course of community service and self-improvement. This involves four components: 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 hours of Personal Development, 200 hours of Physical Fitness, and a five-day, four-night Expedition/Exploration. By completing this process, participants learn new skills which they will utilize to make the world a better place. I would like to outline Dhruv's activities to show my colleagues the remarkable kind of young man he is.

For his public service, Dhruv worked with the New Hartford Voluntary Ambulance, where he took vitals, managed medical equipment, and documented calls. He exhibited personal development by enrolling in Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development's Psychology course, which he passed with flying colors, as well as obtaining his EMT certification.

Dhruv's physical fitness was demonstrated through his membership of the Founders League's JV baseball team, as well as being wide receiver and cornerback on the Kingswood Oxford varsity football team. Lastly, he backpacked through Olympic National Park in Washington state for his expedition, inspired by his family's tradition of visiting different national parks across the Nation.

Clearly, Dhruv has shown himself to be exceptional, as well as fully deserving of The Congressional Award Gold Medal. I urge my colleagues to pay tribute to his accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, 4 months ago, the news came from Plains, Georgia, that former President Jimmy Carter, along with his family, had made the decision to enter hospice care as he approaches the end of his amazing 90-year-old life.

Interestingly, in the wake of that announcement, accolades came from all over the world, again reminding us all of the work that President Carter did during his time in the White House.

He led the way to the Camp David peace accords, which demilitarized the Sinai Peninsula.

He was a prophet and leader, a visionary in terms of renewable energy. Under President Carter's leadership, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory was founded, which to this day still operates in Colorado, utilizing cutting-edge technology and innovation in terms of development of renewable energy.

After President Carter left the White House, he founded The Carter Center in Georgia, which has done amazing work in terms of eradicating disease in different parts of the world, such as river blindness, amongst many others.

Mr. Speaker, I represent eastern Connecticut, which, again, has a special and unique appreciation for former President Jimmy Carter. After he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1946 and following two tours as an ensign on surface ships, President Carter volunteered for the submarine force and was stationed at Naval Submarine Base New London located in Groton, Connecticut. There, President Carter received officer training from Groton's Submarine School and was promoted to lieutenant. This picture shows President Carter onboard one of those submarines.

In 1952, Carter became part of the legendary Hyman Rickover's new Office of Naval Reactors, an elite unit which introduced nuclear propulsion to America's submarine force and revolutionized the reach and stealth of our fleet.

At that point of his career, Carter was assured a virtually guaranteed path of promotion and success. However, in October 1953, Carter's 58-year-old father succumbed to pancreatic cancer. Jimmy Carter left Active Duty with an honorable discharge after 7 years and 4 months of service, returning to his childhood home in Plains, Georgia, to run the family farm.

Mr. Speaker, President Carter left Connecticut in 1953, but he never forgot our State. He proved that in 2005, when the Navy, as part of the BRAC process, sought to close the Groton Naval Submarine Base and transfer its fleet of submarines to Kings Bay, Georgia. Despite the fact that this would help his native State of Georgia, he shocked his home State and the Navy by publicly opposing this plan. As Anthony Principi, the Chairman of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, stated at the time: Carter's letter citing the value of SUBASE New London's ``proud submarine heritage'' was a ``key factor'' when he and the Commission voted 7-1 to reject the Navy's plan.

Eighteen years later, with 16 attack submarines in Groton that are in active heel-to-toe deployments, the wisdom of that position that he took certainly has paid off in terms of blindingly obvious facts.

Also, eastern Connecticut is the place where the USS Jimmy Carter, which was one of the Seawolf-class submarines, was built. Today, it still operates, doing amazing work as part of that unique three- submarine class that has farther stealth, is able to operate at deeper depths, travels at higher speeds, and does great work.

Recently, the executive officer of the USS Jimmy Carter, Lieutenant Commander Jacob Cates, stated: ``As our sailors walk through the ship, they are met by images representing the Carters' service to our submarine force, our Navy, and to our country. President Carter has always been an advocate for those in need. By helping to eliminate disease, feed the hungry, teach Sunday school, and prevent war, President Carter has positively impacted countless lives. . . . We are honored by the fact that we are on the USS Jimmy Carter, and we strive to prepare for and execute our mission in a manner worthy of President Carter's legacy.''

Well said, Lieutenant Commander Cates.

Again, as we pass the 4-month mark of President Carter's hospice, I want him and his family to know that certainly, in eastern Connecticut, our prayers are with him, as well as our deepest admiration and feelings, just like Lieutenant Cates whose words were reported just a few days ago.

Again, we honor his record of service in terms of our Navy, our country, and his service after the time he spent in the White House where he did not monetize his service but, again, continued to do great things to help people in need around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay further tribute to James ``Jim'' Connolly of Ellington, Connecticut. A permanent fund bearing his name is being set up by the Ellington Community Scholarship Association, of which he was president for nearly 20 years. We recognize Jim as the Ellington Community Scholarship Association prepares to award the scholarship in his name to a prestigious student for the first time on June 6, 2023.

Born in Queens, New York, Jim early on learned the value of a high- quality education as a graduate of Fairfield University. In November of 1983, he married Carol, the love of his life, and they settled in Ellington. There, they raised 3 beautiful children together, who have since gone on to provide them with an additional 3 grandchildren. He has long felt welcomed at home in the Ellington community, which clearly prompted him to search for greater opportunities to give back.

About 20 years ago, Jim Connolly joined on as president of Ellington Community Scholarship Association. Founded in 1959, the Ellington Community Scholarship Association was established to help connect youth from the area to college careers. Every year, the Association commits thousands of dollars in scholarships for students to continue their education and kickstart the next stage of their lives. Under Jim's leadership, the Association innovated new ways to raise money, including wine tastings and Phone-a-thons. Having grown out a network of volunteers to facilitate these events, the Association's assets grew from $80,000 to $900,000, and the amount of permanent funds they managed grew from 10 to 15 under his tenure. Altogether, they have handed out $1,400,000 to over a thousand students.

Jim's service through the Association is far from his only contribution to Ellington's youth. He has served as a coach, umpire, and board member for the Ellington Little League. He also was a long- time employee at Northeast Utilities, where he served as a Senior Labor Consultant. His primary focus, though, has always been in support of students. It is no surprise that, in 2014, he was presented with the Friends of Ellington Education Award.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to the Connolly family for this well-deserved honor. Countless students have been able to better access a path to college because of his efforts. It is both fitting and proper that a permanent fund has been created in his name, however, we ought to do more to commit his service to the Second District of Connecticut to memory. To that end, I ask that my colleagues join me in further memorializing his name and legacy.

Madam Speaker, we stand here today, 7 days away from the X-date, the date that our Nation will default on the full faith and credit of our Nation's financial debt for the first time since the War of 1812.

Madam Speaker, it is not too late for us to stop such a catastrophe by passing a clean debt limit bill just as Congress has done 78 times since 1960.

Interestingly, the President who signed the most debt limit extension bills was Speaker McCarthy's hero, Ronald Reagan; 18 times in 8 years.

I ask Speaker McCarthy to heed Reagan's words that he said in 1987 when he signed one of those bills at the height of the Cold War.

He said, ``The United States has a special responsibility to itself and the world to meet its obligations. It means we have a well-earned reputation for reliability and credibility--two things that set us apart from much of the world.''

In 2023, we have adversaries, China and Russia, who are watching with glee as we as a Nation are about to, for no good reason, not maintain our financial debt.

They are waiting and want to pounce in terms of de-dollarizing world currencies that rely on international trade. Pass a clean debt limit bill for the sake of our Nation and free democracies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a national leader in the global effort to protect the world's oceans, Mystic Aquarium. Mystic Aquarium celebrates a major milestone this year--its 50th anniversary, and it is fitting that this chamber recognizes the institution for its service to and advocacy on behalf of our natural world.

Since its opening in 1973, Mystic Aquarium's mission and capabilities have evolved impressively over the decades. From education, exhibition, conservation, to research, the team at the Aquarium has grown yet remained ever so dedicated toward advancing our respect for and understanding of marine wildlife.

As we celebrate what Mystic Aquarium has become after all these years, it would be impossible to recap all of the nonprofit's achievements. It has expanded interactive educational opportunities to accommodate roughly 800,000 visitors annually, a number which will only grow as it opens a new exhibit this year. The Aquarium is also engaging the local community through other means, including strengthening a volunteer conservationist network under its newer Ocean Ambassadors Program. Through its Animal Rescue Program and multiple freshly constructed veterinary facilities, Mystic Aquarium has also directly supported the rehabilitation of Long Island Sound area populations. The Aquarium even takes on cases from other rescue facilities, reducing pressure on our nation's veterinary system for marine wildlife

The Mystic Aquarium has taken on greater efforts to become an advocate of conservation on the national stage. The organization actively studies opportunities to protect endangered species such as the African Penguins, Coral Reefs, Sea Turtles, Sharks and Rays. Its expert researchers have also notably been central in laying the groundwork for the establishment of the first federally protected monument in US Atlantic waters, the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. This monument is a hotbed of biodiversity that is now better protected from human activity because of the Aquarium's advocacy apparatus.

Over the years, Mystic Aquarium has grown into a major employer which significantly contributes to the Second District of Connecticut's economy and culture. I know countless success stories of youth who have taken up summertime, annual employment or internships, and have forged those early formative experiences into full-on careers.

Mr. Speaker, the work Mystic Aquarium takes on is community driven, compassionate, and highly technical. They have been tremendously valuable to both our region and nation which is why they continue to earn federal support. To that end, as Mystic Aquarium celebrates a half-century of outstanding service, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the legacy of their mission and its future relevance, and wishing them many more milestones to come.