Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 55th anniversary of the tragic loss of the USS Scorpion and its crew of 99. On this solemn occasion, we remember the valiant submariners who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our great Nation.

The USS Scorpion, a distinguished vessel within the Skipjack-class of nuclear-powered submarines, disappeared on May 22, 1968, during a deployment in the Atlantic Ocean. It took several months to locate its remains, and despite multiple investigations from the Department of Defense, we may never know what truly resulted in this steep loss to our Nation's fighting force. This somber event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks and sacrifices associated with submarine operations, and the bravery of Americans who step up to serve underseas in the Silent Service.

The USS Scorpion was a vessel that symbolized American strength, technological prowess, and the courageous spirit of our servicemen. It was manned by a highly skilled and dedicated crew who embarked on perilous missions in defense of our Nation. As we honor the 55th anniversary of the USS Scorpion's disappearance, let us reaffirm our commitment to the safety, readiness, and well-being of our submariners. We must ensure that those who choose to serve are equipped with the resources, training, and support necessary to carry out their vital missions.

Mr. Speaker, the USS Scorpion crew's unwavering dedication to duty and defending our Nation overseas deserves our eternal gratitude. We must continue to remember their legacy. To that end, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the 55th anniversary of the loss of the USS Scorpion and etching the sacrifice of its 99 servicemembers into our collective memory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor three exceptional residents of Connecticut's Second Congressional District: Brandon Bylo of Groton, off duty Police Lieutenant Cornelius Rodgers of the New London police department, and a third, an anonymous Good Samaritan. Each of these individuals acted swiftly and decisively to save the lives of two strangers in dire distress.

On the morning of April 21, 2023, a horrific collision occurred when an oil tanker collided with a stranded car, causing both to be engulfed in flames on the southbound lane of the State of Connecticut's largest bridge, the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. This bridge, which was built in the 1940's spans the Thames River between the City of New London and the City of Groton and accommodates thousands of trucks and cars every day. In the moments following the collision, three commuters traveling from behind the impacted vehicles, Mr. Brandon Bylo, Lt. Cornelius Rodgers, and the anonymous individual saw an inferno unfolding before their eyes and instinctually sprang into action. They sprinted over to the collapsed car, supported one passenger fleeing the scene before dragging and carrying the driver out from their seat--all as the flames from the

tanker careened toward the car. Moments after the extraction, the car in question was overtaken by the flames of the crash.

This was a shocking incident in the region that received national news coverage. The selfless behavior displayed by these three individuals reduced the sense of tragedy Connecticut residents continue to feel. These three constituents truly embody the spirit of heroism, risking life and limb in perilous circumstances to save another life without hesitation. It was Mr. Bylo's unwavering conviction to live out his life as ``your brother's keeper'' which prompted his actions that fateful day. Lt. Rodgers similarly went above and beyond, rushing into action despite being off-duty at the time of the collision. Each had their own reasons to put themselves first that day--Mr. Bylo was on an errand with his two-year-old daughter--and yet, clearly, their unyielding sense of compassion and duty took over.

Mr. Speaker, we must also observe the tragic loss of Mr. Wallace ``Wally'' Fauquet III, the oil tanker driver, who lost his life in the crash. He leaves behind a loving family and many friends and coworkers who viewed him as a hardworking, friendly person who was diligently doing his job on the day of this tragic conflagration. We mourn the void that is left in his wake. We also find solace through the selfless actions of those in the eastern Connecticut community. These three individuals, who have sought no praise in their lifesaving response, are a continuing example of the good-natured people that uplift the Second District of Connecticut. They were honored by the New London Police Department on May 8 at a well-attended community event at the New London Garde Theater, and it is most appropriate that we extend this recognition. To that end, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Brandon Bylo, Lt. Cornelius Rodgers, and their Good Samaritan cohort, committing their deeds into our national memory.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished business community leader and true Titan of central Connecticut, Larry McHugh. For nearly 40 years, Larry has been a catalyst of economic partnership and growth in our region. On May 10, 2023, the region will gather to celebrate him and his retirement as President of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Larry attended Notre Dame High School and Southern Connecticut State University, respectively out of West Haven and New Haven. During high school and college Larry was a star athlete particularly on the football gridiron. After earning his Bachelor of Science, Larry did a brief stint with the New York Titans- the original AFL team from New York City that later was renamed the New York Jets. Side-lined by injury, Larry returned to Connecticut with a new purpose.

Energized and on a new path forward, Larry focused on a career in Connecticut's education system--first as a teacher with Durham High School. In 1963, he transferred over to Xavier High--a school based in Middletown, Connecticut, coveted for its athletic programs--as football coach. For 21 years, as made evident by Xavier's 160-38-7 football record under Larry's helm and his unprecedented designation as the two- time Connecticut Football Coach of the Year and 1973 National Coach of the Year, Larry inspired generations of athletes to grow as both individuals and teammates. It is worth noting, however, that Larry was quite the jack-of-trades during his tenure at Xavier, having also acted as a certified teacher across five different courses and the Executive Director of Xavier's fundraising branch.

In 1983, Larry departed from his career in education to serve his community in a significantly different manner, setting off as the President of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership, the Chamber grew from 260 members to over 2,100 members and has received many state and national awards, including recognition from the White House and the U.S. Department of Labor. Behind these impressive data points, however, sits a powerful narrative as to why the organization has been so successful. Mr. Speaker, Larry brought the spirit of coaching to his role as principal of the business community. He was a mentor to business owners-fostering a culture and community structured by positive relationships. This was all purposed towards thinking of businesses--the Chamber's members--as a team purposed toward advocating for economic growth in the region. The relationships and strength of the Middlesex County business community became a self- nurturing force, attracting national employers and investments alike to direct their resources to the region. He has literally helped build the Main Streets of cities like Middletown from the ground up. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of speaking at a number of Middlesex Chamber breakfasts and can attest to the large enthusiastic membership he fostered during his time at the helm.

As one of the central conduits within Connecticut, he has served on countless boards and commissions, including President of the CT Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Goodspeed Opera House Board of Trustees, Director of Liberty Bank, Lyman Orchards board member, Corporator of Middlesex Hospital and Vice Chairman of the CT Tourism Council. By way of his appointment by five governors to various positions on both the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University Boards of Trustees, Larry also remained connected to the state's education system throughout his tenure as President.

Mr. Speaker, Larry is a coach for all time. For the entirety of his career, he has led by example and given a powerful drive to various forms of community development. Larry is the embodiment of what it means to build out a team for the effective pursuit of a mission. Though we, unfortunately, say goodbye to his competent leadership with his retirement, we have faith in the history of legwork he has put in for the development of the Middlesex County economy and business community. There are already numerous fields, buildings and halls of fame in which his name is imprinted upon. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Larry McHugh, thanking him for his life's work, and wishing him well on his continued retirement with his wife, Patty, and family, as they celebrate this May.

Mr. Speaker, as the Congressman from eastern Connecticut, it is a proud moment for me to congratulate the UConn men's basketball team for winning this year's NCAA national championship on April 4, just a couple weeks ago.

Mr. Speaker, the UConn men starting out in this season back in November were not even ranked in any of the leading polls. Yet, despite that negativity, they tuned it out and really came together as a team led by a great coach, Danny Hurley.

By the time they got to the NCAA playoffs, their average margin of victory was over 15 points per game. It is a record in terms of NCAA championships in the past, and a great testament to a group of young men who are now going to go on and do greater things, whether it is in the NBA or next year's college basketball season.

It is a great program. This is their fifth title since 1999. The women's team has won 11 titles. It is truly easy, I think without exaggeration, to say that I represent the basketball capital of the world for college basketball: Storrs, Connecticut.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the impactful life and legacy of Mr. Kevin Hesch of Groton, Connecticut. Kevin tragically passed away at the heartbreaking young age of 39 on April 4, 2023, as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Mr. Speaker, as someone who knows his family, I can attest that they are good people, who are beloved by friends and coworkers. His passing is a tremendous loss for all who came into contact with the Hesch clan.

Kevin was a true blue southern New England success story. Born to loving parents Lori and Kurt Hesch of Groton, Kevin grew up in southeastern Connecticut. He attended Groton schools and graduated from Fitch High School in town before attending the UConn School of Business. After getting his degree, he followed his father's footsteps and began his stellar career at General Dynamics Electric Boat's Finance Department based in Groton, joining the ranks of our state's elite submarine shipyard and largest private employer. His contribution to Electric Boat's mission, to protect our Nation with unmatched undersea based deterrence, was unrivaled. The quality of his work was recognized with promotion after promotion, most recently with his designation as Manager of Finance.

It is worth sharing, Mr. Speaker, that Kevin had an even greater degree of loyalty to the roots he and his family had sewn together in their local community. Kevin met the love of his life, Heather, who he married in 2012. Together, they had brought into this world five children--Alexander, Mackenzie, William, Emilia and Abigail. Kevin's ability to be his own unique and loving character has already passed onto each of them. Though this is an arduous battle for the surviving family, we can find solace in his strength and dedication, which will ultimately pass the test of time through each and every one of them.

Mr. Speaker, Kevin was an outstanding individual. These tragedies are so harsh on a community, particularly considering all those that knew him from Fitch, UConn, Electric Boat, and his local community. We cannot hope to fill the void that is left in Kevin's place, which is why we are all the more thankful of how purposeful he was with his time and presence. His story and good-natured personality will surely live on through others. To further reflect the source of strength that he was before the local community, I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing our deepest condolences to his parents Lori and Kurt, his wife Heather, and his beautiful children at this time of sorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Mr. John Mordasky of Stafford, Connecticut. The Town of Stafford, State of Connecticut and our nation lost a giant whose example of public service citizenship will leave a gigantic footprint with his passing at age 97 on April 1, 2023. John's amazing life could be the script of a Hollywood movie, given his courageous service as a decorated World War II combat veteran, Connecticut state representative, his lifelong vocation as an iconic New England dairy farmer, and his deep devotion to his beautiful family. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor to know John as a friend for 36 years and to serve with him in the Connecticut General Assembly for eight years. He will always stand out to me as the quintessential model of public servant who always put the public interest and the public good above petty, political or personal gain.

Born 1925 to Francis and Sophia Mordasky in Stafford, John, like many who have woven themselves into the American story, formed the strongest of roots out of his identity as a first generation American and eastern Connecticut native. The loyalty he discovered through this identity and from his parents' upbringing formed a ferocity within John not to be matched by many. He was tough as nails. At age 17, following the United States entry into World War II, John did not hesitate to enlist in the war effort and was at the forefront of the Allied effort to defend democracy. He was assigned to the US Army Air Corps and became a B29 tail gunner--one the most dangerous, high-risk duties in the bomber fleet. John experienced intense combat defending his aircraft and crew in more than 22 frontline missions from direct enemy fire. John's planes crash landed twice during individual missions, fortunately on the reclaimed island of Iwo Jima in the final months of the Pacific campaign.

Upon the conclusion of the War, John returned home to eastern Connecticut from half a world away. His devotion to serving his community did not end however when he hung up his uniform for the last time. In his immediate post-war life, he went back to school on the GI Bill and attained a bachelor's in animal sciences from the University of Connecticut's flagship College of Agriculture, where he also met the love of his life, Louise Rosemary ``Rosie'' Rossiter.

Equipped with an education, John and Rosie found property back in Stafford and started Pinerise Dairy Farm. Together, their life in agriculture existed as a platform to launch broader involvement in the community. For John, he became an active member in the Connecticut agricultural community: from 4H, to the Connecticut Milk Producers Association, to his honorary membership in Future Farmers for America. John also notably served on Stafford's Board of Selectman and Zoning Board of Appeals. Each of these involvements were pursued as the two raised six children: Rose, Frances, David, Bill, John, and Maureen; and housed, at one point, more than 600 dairy cows.

As if his impressive family-owned farm, an economic driver within the region, and local involvement were not enough, John still felt a higher calling to serving the public. In 1979, John successfully ran for a bid to represent the 52nd District in the Connecticut General Assembly as state representative. Maintaining his permanent job as the head of a full-scale dairy operation, John's pulse reflected that of the area. He performed this additional role with a herculean level of energy, literally commuting to and from Connecticut's State Capitol to make sure the farm's animals were attended to, for 22 years. During his tenure in the Capitol, he came to be a bipartisan leader on several committees including the Assembly's Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, as well as a well-respected colleague as the House chamber's Assistant Majority Leader. In 1996, John was recognized by the Connecticut Council of Small Towns as Legislator of the Year. Mr. Speaker, as a fellow recipient of this award in a separate year, who also had the privilege of working with State Representative Mordasky, I can attest that this recognition was not only well-placed, but also well deserved.

Mr. Speaker, John was simply an amazing person and the brightest reflection of what eastern Connecticut has to offer to our country. A child of immigrants, John lived the American Dream and worked hard to serve the land from which he was born and raised. He will be remembered and missed dearly by his wife of 74 years, Rose, six children, the entire sprawling Mordasky Clan, as well as the entire northeastern Connecticut region. He should also be remembered by the nation. To that end, Mr. Speaker, now that this one farmer's worries are over, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring John Mordasky and thank him for his honorable and distinguished life and contribution to his Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a Connecticut hero, Ms. Debbie Kievits of Norwich. As the founder of Norwich Bully Busters, Debbie has been relentless in her leadership behind a local anti-bullying campaign for more than two decades. Debbie will be honored this weekend in Norwich following her recognition in USA Today as Connecticut's 2023 Woman of the Year.

Debbie Kievits has long stood firm in her faith of youth empowerment. In 2000, following a string of unfortunate bullying incidents that also impacted her own family, Debbie envisioned an opportunity to improve her community. She took charge and began to engage with fellow parents. In doing so, Debbie came to understand that reducing bullying amongst youth is a constant battle that requires town-wide buy-in. She obviously continues to courageously pursue this fight today.

Following the incidents in 2000, Debbie felt inspired to implement her own vision after engaging with parents and groups like Youth Against Bullying. She created Norwich Bully Busters, a volunteer-based organization missioned toward sharing a simple message: ``Kindness is magical.''

At the time this group might have been viewed as benign but peripheral to school development. In 2023, we now understand how the problems Debbie identified are the central challenge to public education today, mainly fostering safe and healthy learning environments. The push to strengthen the behavioral

health services in 2023 is honestly a follow-on to Debbie's visionary leadership.

Over the years, Norwich Bully Busters has perfected utilizing cost- effective strategies to engineer the spread of positivity within a community. When she became inspired with the idea of ``Buddy Benches,'' as a platform for students to meet new friends on the playground, Debbie activated her network of volunteers to help construct and then paint welcoming backdrops on benches. By way of her positive, purposeful engagement, there are now more than 80 Buddy Benches placed throughout Norwich schools. By way of another example, Debbie has remained a constant presence in the Norwich school system, hosting conversations with students and teachers in the classroom.

There are countless more cases of Debbie acting as a source of light for Norwich youth. Norwich Bully Busters eventually evolved to establish summer programming, led by Debbie, which combines community service, activities, and ideas for future careers. As a matter of fact, Norwich's newly elected State Representative Derell Wilson grew up participating in this summer program. When another student felt their passion to pursue arts over summer vacation was turned down, Debbie's response was, ``What do you need?'' And so, she provided that student with a space to develop and ultimately lead an arts program amongst other peers. Their production was performed at Norwich's local theatre, and that student now has a history of working on Broadway. Clearly, Debbie and her organization have had a lasting impact upon those who have grown up in Norwich.

Debbie has also used her position through Norwich Bully Busters to stir anti-bullying conversations well outside Norwich. She again activated her network to push the envelope at the Connecticut legislature, which has since enacted laws including An Act Concerning School Learning Environments and An Act Concerning Behavior in Schools. The latter of those two laws specifically requires boards of education to develop policies on bullying, and I can assure you Debbie played a part in the establishment of Norwich public schools' policy for bullying behavior.

Mr. Speaker, Debbie continues to build upon the altruistic energy that stands behind Norwich Bully Busters. She has created a self- nurturing support system, comprised of individuals who have been socialized to understand that actions matter, the infectious power that exists through positive engagement, and are now pursuing their own visions of community development. Debbie is the definition of what it means to be a first generation American. We are forever indebted to her service. To that end, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Debbie's legacy of leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to enthusiastically support H.R. 1093, a bill that will identify key parts of our Nation's system of export controls that should be amended and expedited to achieve the goals of the new Australia-U.K.-U.S. trilateral security agreement which, as the bill states, will ``contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.''

Mr. Speaker, I salute and thank Chairman McCaul, Ranking Member Meeks, and the members and staff of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for moving swiftly in the wake of last week's extraordinary joint appearance of President Biden, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, publicly revealing our three nations' commitment to a specific, executable pathway to bolster much-needed deterrence in support of an international rules-based order, which today is increasingly under stress.

Mr. Speaker, I had the honor to join these leaders on March 13 at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego for this historic announcement. As was noted repeatedly, it marked the first time since 1958 that the U.S. and the U.K. pledged to share critical technologies with another country.

In addition to sharing nuclear propulsion technology to recapitalize Australia's submarine fleet, the three governments also committed to sharing other security capabilities, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and hypersonics.

Pooling these advanced capabilities will enhance our three nations' capability to protect maritime freedom of navigation and aviation, which have been the pillars of peaceful coexistence in the commons of the seas and the skies since the end of World War II.

To achieve the goals of the AUKUS plan, it will require all three countries to use laser-like focus to remove any barriers that might occur from our system of export controls that are not aligned with this new enhanced alliance.

Admiral Harry Harris, former commander of Indo-Pacific Command and former Ambassador to South Korea, said it best at a recent House Armed Services Committee hearing on the contested environment in the Indo- Pacific: ``I can't emphasize enough how important it is to get through this export control issue with Australia. We could have every good intention in the world, but it will falter if we become bound up by our own regulation and our own regulatory policy.''

Mr. Speaker, this bill heeds that call by directing the State Department to inventory any and all administrative and statutory barriers to AUKUS implementation and report that back to Congress within 60 days. This is exactly what Congress needs to do.

Mr. Speaker, I will end by foot stomping the extraordinary bipartisan support that AUKUS enjoys in all three governments and was on full display last week in San Diego. Both the majority and opposition parties in the U.K. and Australia are rock solid in support of this agreement, and tonight's bill is a strong signal of bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress.

Indeed, in the last Congress, we overwhelmingly passed the first-ever congressional action related to AUKUS by authorizing Australian submariners to begin joint training at the moored training ship facility in Charleston, South Carolina, and those sailors are here today. Building on that effort, it is of utmost importance that we continue our efforts in Congress and identify opportunities to smoothly implement AUKUS.

Mr. Speaker, as the Australian Prime Minister very well described a week ago last Monday:

A new chapter in the relationship between Australia, the

United States, and the United Kingdom is about to begin; a

friendship built on our shared values, our commitment to

democracy, and our common vision for a peaceful and

prosperous future.

Mr. Speaker, that is a vision worth pursuing, and that is why I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a lifelong friend and fellow public servant, Brien P. Horan, who has just been promoted to Brigadier General on the military retired list of the state of Connecticut. On March 20, 2023, Brigadier General Horan invited me to join Major General Francis Evon, Commanding General of the Connecticut National Guard and Adjutant General of Connecticut, in pinning on his new rank at the promotion ceremony. This milestone event occurred at the William O'Neill State Armory, the headquarters of the Connecticut National Guard in Hartford, Connecticut, just adjacent to the State Capitol. Becoming a general officer represents not just a promotion, but recognition of his lifetime of service to our nation, at home and overseas, and to our state, which I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating.

Born in 1953 to Arthur and Eileen Horan, Brien was raised in the Hartford area where he was infused with a family tradition of public service. His father, a World War II veteran, was also an officer on the military retired list of Connecticut, as was his grandfather, a veteran of the Spanish-American War who was commissioned an infantry officer of the Connecticut National Guard back in 1899. Brien's father was a longtime aide to Abraham Ribicoff, Connecticut's Governor and U.S. Senator, and for several years ran the latter's Connecticut Senate office, where he was in charge of constituent services. His mother Eileen was for more than 20 years the registrar of voters in the Town of West Hartford, re-elected many times and recognized across the state for her expertise in election law. I first befriended General Horan as fellow altar boys at St. Timothy's Church in West Hartford in 1965 and as classmates at Northwest Catholic High School. Our long friendship gave me an opportunity to witness how deeply ingrained his parents' work as public servants affected his future desire to serve our nation. After high school, he earned a bachelor's degree from Amherst College, spending a year of college at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, where he honed his fluency in the French language. After college, our educational paths crossed again, at the University of Connecticut's School of Law, where we both received our law degrees, mine in 1978 and his in 1979.

After law school, Brien was commissioned as a reserve officer in the Army JAG Corps. In 1981, Captain Horan transitioned to active duty and served in West Germany for two years as a military prosecutor. Then from 1983 to 1985, he was in charge of the legal section of the U.S. Defense Attache Office at the American Embassy in Paris. After completing 4 years of active duty in Europe, he would remain in the Army Reserve as a judge advocate officer for another 26 years, including 10 years as a Colonel.

As a Colonel, he was for several years the senior Army Reserve judge advocate assigned to U.S. Army Europe. Before that, from 2000 to 2004, he was the commander of the Army Reserve's JAGC unit for the six New England states, the 3rd Legal Support Organization in Boston. He directed the 3d LSO's provision of legal services to thousands of New England reservists mobilized after the 9/11 attacks. During Brien's command tenure, General Eric Shinseki, the Army Chief of Staff, chose the 3d LSO as one of only two Army Reserve units to receive the prestigious 2002 Army Chief of Staff Award for Legal Assistance. Before his promotion to Colonel, Brien also served as an international law faculty member at the JAG School in Charlottesville and as a judge advocate in the Army's Criminal Law Division at the Pentagon. He was awarded numerous decorations, including the Legion of Merit and four Meritorious Service Medals.

In addition, Brigadier General Horan had a long association with the Connecticut Military Department, including attachment to the Connecticut National Guard, service in the state military, and appointment as a Colonel Aide-de-Camp to the Governor.

In civilian life, Brien managed to alternate his private law practice with public service. He was long a partner in the Hartford law firm of Robinson & Cole and also was a vice president in the law department of The Hartford, one of the state's leading insurance carriers. But in the late 1980s, he worked as a Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. State Department, with diplomatic assignments at our embassies in Kingston, Jamaica and in Paris. And at the end of his legal career, he returned to public service, as a U.S. Administrative Law Judge sitting in New Haven, Connecticut. He retired as a judge in November 2020.

Mr. Speaker, heartfelt congratulations are in order to Brigadier General Horan and to his sons, Nick and Doug, on his promotion to this high state rank and for his long military service. To that end, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing Brigadier General Brien Horan's long and distinguished service to our Nation and to my State.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard Johnson, who retires this March from 42 years of consummate service to the Town of Glastonbury--nearly 30 of which have been as Town Manager. Richard's leadership has helped Glastonbury maintain its standing as a highly successful community in Connecticut, which I am proud to say has a large footprint in the Second District of Connecticut as a result of redistricting under the 2020 census. I have had the pleasure of knowing of Town Manager Johnson's work over the years as a Member of Congress, a state legislator and a town attorney from the neighboring town of Vernon and can personally attest to his dedication to the Town of Glastonbury.

Born in Avon, Richard has always been a true-blue, central Connecticut native and was destined to serve one of that region's many thriving communities. Armed with a Connecticut education--a bachelor's from Southern Connecticut State University and an MBA from the University of Connecticut--Richard was uniquely equipped to ensure Glastonbury's upward trajectory. Richard's career with the Town of Glastonbury began in 1980, first as Glastonbury's Parks and Recreation Director and then as Assistant Town Manger. With nearly 13 years of experience, he was appointed to the permanent position of Town Manager in 1993. Since becoming Town Manager, he has become an institution of knowledge in service of the town's interests.

As Town Manager, Richard has worked with 15 town councils, including some 50 community leaders. Richard brokered more than 60 land acquisitions and preservation projects, totaling more than 2,500 acres, that in his words, ``helps shape the community, preserves our farms, open spaces, and riverfront land''. Under his visionary leadership, the town acquired and converted brownfields into what is now the iconic Riverfront Park and Riverfront Community Center and Boathouse, the very location where his retirement celebration is to be held. His persistence and tenacity over the years also must not go unappreciated. For example, he recently helped the town achieve a multigenerational goal by way of the acquisition of a roughly 540-acre property, previously owned by the Metropolitan District Commission. Town Manager Johnson's leadership in this land acquisition demonstrates the strength of Glastonbury's officials and process, setting an example that ought to be emulated across the state and nation.

Richard has also famously worked to strengthen the town's capital improvement program, which led to its receiving of an AAA bond rating from both Standard and Poor's and Moody's Investors Service. These ratings have and will continue to bolster Glastonbury's ability to attract capital for municipal projects well beyond his retirement. As Glastonbury's steward for more than a generation, countless projects under Richard have rightfully been recognized on the national and local level.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Johnson's unwavering loyalty to and love for the Town of Glastonbury public has made him a fearless leader and honorable civil servant. Throughout his tenure, the town has been recognized with accolades including the Engineering Excellence Award, the National Recreation and Park Association's Innovation in Park Design Award, Climate Leader Designation, Nationally Accredited Police Department, and countless others. Richard's conscientious approach to leadership has forged him into the epitome of a good public servant. Though Glastonbury is

losing an institution of 42 years, we know that his contributions and mindful leadership have set Glastonbury forward for a new era of uncontented success. To that end, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating Richard Johnson on a well-earned retirement, thanking him and his family for his life of service.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I rise today to honor the life and career of Karen Hobert Flynn of Middletown, Connecticut. Karen, a trailblazer in strengthening democracy in Connecticut and nationwide, tragically passed away at the age of 60 on March 3, 2023, after complications from her courageous fight against cancer. Karen's trailblazing work to enact and implement meaningful campaign finance reform in Connecticut has and will continue to have a healthy, positive and direct impact on Connecticut's electoral democracy which is a legacy that will live on for ages. Our state is forever in her debt.

Born in 1962 in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania to Susan Forrest and Peter Hobert, Karen moved at an early age with her family to Medford, New Jersey where she graduated high school. From there, Karen attended St. Mary's College in Maryland to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. Immediately after graduating, in 1985, she started what would transition into a lifelong career at Common Cause as the director of the Campaign Finance Monitoring Project. Over the course of the next decade, Karen also helped organize and direct several other public interest campaigns, which included work for Public Citizen and the Center for Science in Public Interest.

Over time, Karen's passion for good governance itself lead her to embrace the need for robust campaign finance reform. It was that mission that brought her to Connecticut. In 1996, she took on the job of Executive Director of the state chapter of Common Cause. She continued to lead the Connecticut Chapter into the early 2000s and became the organization's state chair in 2001. I first got to know Karen when I joined Connecticut Secretary of State Miles Rapaport's office as Special Counsel on Campaign Finance, and worked with Karen in her quest for reform. As the State Chair of Common Cause, Karen was the go-to expert responding on the front lines to a political and ethical firestorm, which led to the 2004 resignation and criminal conviction of a former Connecticut governor. With the public revulsion in the wake of that event fresh in the voter's minds, Karen organized the successful push with Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell and Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz to enact a sweeping Connecticut campaign finance law built around the structure of public financing of elections. The final law created the landmark, nationally renowned Connecticut Citizens Election Program, that today is still the law of the land in Connecticut.

Karen's democratic activism did not end with this milestone. She went on to lead common cause nationally, providing help and assistance to other reform efforts in other states, as well as lobbying Congress for federal campaign finance reform. Though she kept focus on growing the mission of Common Cause, doubling its membership and reach to 30 states, she also maintained a watchful eye on the electoral safeguards her organization effectuated. She repeatedly stepped in to thwart partisan efforts to undermine the Election Program. By 2016, Karen was rightfully named President of Common Cause at a time when national attacks on our democratic norms and institutions began to spin out of control. Needless to say, Karen was a tireless defender of our system of government, a fierce advocate for legislative efforts which have passed this body in previous sessions--the For the People Act--and a tenacious fighter of corruption at all levels of our political system.

Mr. Speaker, the life of Karen Hobert Flynn has greatly improved accountability standards within the State of Connecticut, as well as what Americans expect across the country. In her passing, Karen joins the ranks of many likeminded and fierce advocates who dedicated themselves to creating a stronger Union and community. I offer my sincere condolences to her friends and family, specifically her husband, Robert Flynn and four sons, John, Peter, Daniel and Michael, siblings, as well as everyone at Common Cause. We cannot soon hope to replace the void of her loss, and her principled vision for an inclusive democracy. To that end, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in remembrance of Karen Hobert Flynn and preserve her life and works.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the occasion of the departure of a true friend to the United States, the Honorable

Australian Ambassador Arthur Sinodinos. On March 18, 2023, Mr. Sinodinos is to step down as Australian Ambassador to the United States after more than three years of service in this role. He has been an extraordinary public servant who has strengthened the bridge between the United States and our Indo-Pacific ally through 2 U.S. administrations and a global pandemic.

Mr. Sinodinos history in public service extends far beyond his time as Australian Ambassador. Upon his graduation from the University of New Castle in 1979, he immediately picked up work in the federal civil service of the Albanese government, transitioning between rising roles in both the Department of Finance and Treasury. Throughout these years, Mr. Sinodinos had proven his skill in both policy and process, and he ultimately joined the Howard Administration as Chief of Staff upon Prime Minister John Howard's election in 1996. Notably, Mr. Sinodinos worked as the senior advisor to the leader of Australia's Liberal Party near through to the conclusion of Prime Minister Howard's tenure, leaving the government in 2006.

After a brief stint in the private sector, Mr. Sinodinos joined the Australian Senate in 2011, representing his home state of New South Wales. He earned reelection to the Senate in 2013, and worked in several cabinet positions throughout this tenure of public service including Minister of Industry, Innovation and Science. Though he was one of the stronger voices in the Liberal Party, Mr. Sinodinos maintained a respected reputation across both sides of the aisle until his time in the Senate ended in 2019.

That brings us to 2020, Mr. Speaker, when Mr. Sinodinos was appointed to the position of Australian Ambassador. With more than 4 decades of experience advancing the interests of the Australian people, a more suitable person could not have been chosen to strengthen the already immense partnership formed between our 2 democratic nations.

As co-chair of the Friends of Australia Caucus, Chairman and more recently Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Ambassador Sinodinos on a number of bilateral priorities, including leading a bipartisan group of members to advocate for closer digital trade partnerships between the United States and Australia.

Our degree of coordination exploded into a new era in 2021, with the joint announcement of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) alliance, geared toward ensuring security and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region. Upon the formation of this alliance, here in Congress we also established the bipartisan AUKUS Working Group to highlight legislative opportunities that will prioritize the efficacy of the alignment. Ambassador Sinodinos has been a tenacious advocate throughout each of our endeavors together, and was tremendous in supporting our legislative priorities on AUKUS including the first ever legislative action to allow Australian submariners to attend Nuclear Power School in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, Ambassador Sinodinos' presence in the United States has been a testament to the unique bond between our nation and Australia. It will be absolutely critical that those who follow in his footsteps engage with the same degree of sincerity and hard work. As Mr. Sinodinos, his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children embark on the next chapter of their lives, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in thanking them for their long line of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an incredible milestone reached by Sophie Graczewski Pabis of Enfield, Connecticut, who turns 100 on March 13, 2023. A lifelong resident of Enfield, Sophie has lived out what it means to be a first-generation American, purposing her time on this earth with patriotic-, service- and community-oriented acts. She is a model citizen who we all ought to honor.

Born 1923, to Polish immigrants John and Helen Graczewski, Sophie learned early on the value of humble living and hard work. Growing up on a farm with two sisters and four brothers, Sophie worked on the fields to support her family throughout the Great Depression. She began her education in a one room schoolhouse and eventually moved on to Hazardville Grammar School and later Enfield High School, where she graduated in 1940.

Her first two jobs, in 1941, were at an ice cream parlor and a company that made electric switches, beginning the latter in September of that year. Her life trajectory changed, however, with the attack on Pearl Harbor and our nation's entry into the Second World War. Sophie felt an immediate calling to join the global effort. She rolled up her sleeves

and by March 1942 applied for training at Pratt and Whitney, enlisting as one of the iconic, ``Rosie the Riveters.''

Beginning at age 19, Sophie picked up 6 shifts a week as a drill press operator and then turret lathe through to the end of the war. Equipped with the symbolism of the all-too-known uniform--the blue overalls, head turban, and her own toolbox--Sophie was one of the Homefront heroes our nation relied upon during the war. Many of us in this chamber know that Allied Forces won the war due to the United States' ability to outproduce the Axis Powers. That is in thanks to citizens like Sophie.

The importance of Sophie's service at Pratt and Whitney cannot be overstated. That is why a part of her story is already archived in the World War II Home Front National Park Museum. However, we also ought to recognize Sophie's diligence in her profession, which instilled even further within her a value for hard work and an ability to address challenging situations. By 1946, the year following the conclusion of the war, Sophie returned to Pratt's engineering office to fill out those values. She, like many after the war, also began to settle into a new post-war life and met her would-be-husband, Mitchell L. Pabis, who also served overseas in Germany. They married in 1948. It was only when they began expecting their children that Sophie took time off from Pratt & Whitney. Together, they raised their two sons, Mitchell and Richard, and remained happily married until Mitchell Senior's unfortunate passing in 2001.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to bring attention to Sophie's immense community presence throughout her life. For example, she has volunteered at Saint Adelbert's School library and served as a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Adelbert's Church, worked with the Little Sisters of the Poor, and has been a member of the American Legion John Maciolek Unit 154 Auxiliary for 75 years.

On March 13, 2023, Sophie will celebrate her 100th birthday. Sophie truly does belong to the Greatest Generation, and we can all take from her example. I am beyond honored to represent constituents of such quality. To that end, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating her incredible, continuing life by recognizing this milestone of hers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing and honor the wonderful life of Waterford, Connecticut Selectwoman Jody Nazarchyk. Jody was a tireless public servant and community activist who showed unrivaled dedication to the well-being of her family and her town. The outpouring of praise and love for her from all corners of Waterford after news of her loss was a powerful statement of the impact she made on generations of town residents, young and old.

Born on January 15, 1952, to Josephine and John DeAngelis, Jody grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut. She attended St. Timothy's grade school and Mount St. Joseph's Academy who imbued in her a deep religious faith and spirituality. I was her classmate at St. Timothy's and she stood out, even at a young age, as a caring, kind person who put others ahead of herself. Beginning with her time supporting the Hartford Catholic Youth Organization alongside her father, the spirit of volunteerism was instilled within Jody throughout her family upbringing. From coaching both boys' baseball and girls' cheerleading, to running the school newspaper and serving as president of her class and captain of the cheer team, her record of volunteer service started early and continued unabated until the end of her life.

Early in her 20s, Jody moved to Waterford upon the completion of her education. There, she was closer to her extended family and, as fate would have it, her life soulmate, Rich Nazarchyk whom she married and raised four wonderful children. This move was not only a pivotal event for her personally, but also it turned out a decisive boon for the Town of Waterford.

Jody, who came to be known as both the ``conscience of Waterford'' and ``Waterford's mom,'' always stood up for her community. This first became apparent in 1991 when she helped found the town's youth service bureau. In fact, advocating for the town's children was a central tenant to her work. In 2012, for example, when funding for freshman high school sports were threatened, Jody stood for her community, protected those programs from being cut, and ensured her town's youth had early access to athletic development. As a result, it was Jody who had sown seeds of town pride and indirectly supported Waterford gaining eight state championships since that year. It is no wonder that she is honored in the Waterford Sports Hall of Fame.

Outside of youth athletics, Jody also recognized the importance of a formational education and made sure to support students in the classroom. For 25 years, she served as a member of the Waterford Board of Education, where she was a tireless advocate for the wellbeing of students, teachers, and parents. Her service culminated in her election to the position of Chair of the Board, where she was able to more effectively bridge the interests of students and parents alike. As a testament to her work, she was recognized as a Champion for Children by the town in 2014.

Jody's advocacy stretched beyond Waterford's borders and was felt across the entire region. She was especially dedicated to serving those who risked the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country. With this in mind, Jody positioned herself into an instrumental role in ensuring Southeast Connecticut veterans were recognized and cared for. A founding member of the Waterford coffee house. Jody would take care of local veterans--from Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners to ensuring they receive the appreciation they deserve.

Jody was instrumental in shaping Waterford into the haven for families that it is today. She taught CCD at St. Paul's, served on the Southwest Elementary and Clark Lane Parent Teacher Organizations, and was a Little League Coach. She also helped inspire the founding of Camp Dash, a full day summer camp for children who have working parents. She was most recently elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2019, where she fought for the interests of her neighbors through to her final days.

Mr. Speaker, after losing contact with Jody for decades after we went separate paths from St. Timothy's, it was a great joy for me to reconnect with her in the public affairs and events in Waterford. I enjoyed seeing her more recently during the veteran's coffee houses in town, where she, of course, helped serve breakfast, organize the room and schedule of activities. At its latest coffee house gathering a few days ago, the packed room of veterans had a solemn moment of silence in her honor.

Mr. Speaker, Jody Nazarchyk will be remembered as a positive, irrepressible force for the Town of Waterford. Although the void left by her sudden passing will be impossible to fill, we can find solace in the fact that her legacy of compassionate, selfless service will now be carried on by the thousands she touched throughout her life. She is specifically survived by her husband of 43 years, Rick Nazarchyk; children, Richard, Jodie, Justin, Jamie; and their children; as well as her brother and sister-in-law, Jordy and Patty DeAngelis. We should all look to Jody's example to ensure her torch of exemplary citizenship does not extinguish. To this end, I ask my colleagues to join me and the citizens of Waterford in honoring Jody's life and work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a dedicated patriot, Clarence Thornton, of Hampton, Connecticut. Mr. Thornton, a devoted veteran, husband, and father, passed away at the age of 101 on February 6, 2023.

Born in 1921, in Pomfret, Connecticut, to George Howard and Frances Thornton, Clarence was a beloved native of Eastern Connecticut. Through the nurturing of his family, Clarence's capacity for devotion to his community and country was endless. One of the most prominent and early examples of Clarence's devotion was by way of his service in the Army during World War II. Aged 21, Clarence heeded our Nation's call to action and began his service as a Heavy Truck Driver in 1942. Throughout his military career, Private First Class Thornton joined Allied forces in the campaign to liberate Europe and preserve world order, serving in the offences of Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. Clarence was presented with several ribbons and medals for his honorable service.

Upon his honorable discharge in December 1945, Clarence returned to his native state of Connecticut, settling in Hampton, where he found new ways to give back to his community. Due to his striking resemblance to Abraham Lincoln, Clarence frequently portrayed the President during the town's Memorial Day Parades. He was also a hard worker who contributed to the local economy by way of several trades, including his precise touch for furniture making and painting homes in the surrounding region.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent patriots who are as humble, dutiful, and service-oriented as Clarence Thornton. Clarence will be forever remembered for his devotion to his large family and is specifically survived by his children: Keith and Michelle Thornton, Patricia Goodwin, Robert Thornton, Sandra and ``Stretch'' Thornton, Sharron and James Dickson, Sharlene Thornton; sister, Elsie May Johnson, and an even greater extended family. He was a beloved figure in town and his loss will continue to be felt throughout the region. To that end, I ask that my colleagues join me in observing the loss of Clarence Thornton.