Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished military career of Sergeant First Class Trevor Brittell in the Connecticut Army National Guard which recently ended after 25 years of valorous service. Sergeant Brittell officially discharged on September 8, 2021, which is being publicly celebrated post-COVID on its one-year anniversary this month. Throughout his years of distinguished service, Trevor has been a shining pillar of duty, compassion, and professionalism. His retirement has been well-deserved.

Trevor's Connecticut roots have taken hold since a young age, when he and his family moved to Simsbury, Connecticut from their home state of California at age six. Upon his graduation from Simsbury High School, Trevor followed in the steps of his late grandfather and voluntarily enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1997, where he was assigned to the 102nd Infantry. During this time, Trevor enrolled at Western Connecticut State University where he studied Justice and Law Administration, a curriculum he later applied to his work at the guard and local law enforcement.

Madam Speaker, Trevor's enlistment in the Army National Guard altered his life's trajectory forever, particularly with the 9-11 terrorist attack on U.S. soil. As every guard member and reservist knows, the demands on the reserve forces changed dramatically in the wake of 9-11. Every mission overseas by the U.S. military, whether in the Middle East or other hot spots required the robust and highly skilled men and women of our Nation's reserve forces. Sergeant Brittell's deployments after 9-11 are a perfect example of that pattern. A week after 9-11, he was deployed as an infantryman to Bosnia under Operation Joint Forge. Upon his return to the States, he was stationed at West Point under Operation Noble Eagle, supporting security efforts on U.S. military installations which were dramatically hardened after 9-11, requiring more personnel. That assignment rekindled a strong interest in a career as a Military Policeman. He also made another positive life decision during this point in his life, meeting and marrying his wife, Kateri.

Like all military families, the call to duty resulted in inevitable separations, which he and his wife steadfastly endured. In 2006, with the rank of Corporal, he successfully completed an 18-month deployment to Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon return he made the decision to commit his skill and training to military policing. Almost immediately upon his graduation as a Military Policeman, then- promoted Sergeant Brittell was deployed in 2009 on a second, 12-month tour in the Middle East under Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Upon his return to Connecticut, Trevor was promoted to Staff Sergeant and transferred to the Regional Training Center in Camp Niantic, passing on the most impactful lessons and training which he had experienced over the years to new trainees. In 2014, he transferred closer to home with an eye set on continued operational leadership, serving as squad leader of the 143rd Military Police Company in West Hartford, Connecticut. Though Brittell transferred again and was promoted to Sergeant First Class in the interim, he ultimately returned to the 143rd, serving with the Company through to retirement, even being deployed once more to support safety procedures during the 2021 presidential inauguration and further operating as Team Commander of the 143rd Military Police team for the 2021 SWAT Challenge.

Despite Trevor's demanding schedule within the Connecticut National Guard, he found time to serve through many additional roles, including his most important as a father to his two children, Cara and Jack. In 2014, Trevor also began a second career with the Simsbury Police Department, purposing his valuable skills as a Military Policeman toward the safety of his hometown. During 2013 and 2014, Trevor also served in the Honor Guard for the Hartford Judicial Marshalls and is currently in the Honor Guard for the Simsbury Police Department. He is also, of note, the School Resource Officer for Simsbury High School. In that challenging job, he is entrusted with the safety and health of our state's most precious treasure, our children. With his commitment to creating bonds of trust in law enforcement with young people, Trevor volunteered to act as the director of the Simsbury Police Cadets.

Madam Speaker, it is hard to capture the entirety of SFC Brittell's passion for his community and nation which has been present throughout his life and career. He has and continues to live a life that is defined by patriotism and compassion. Although his career with the military has come to a conclusion, we will forever appreciate his sharp sense of dedication, which has undoubtedly been further instilled within the countless trainees under his watch. I hope that his example of selfless dedication to his fellow citizens is carried on, and that he is able to enjoy a fruitful retirement with his family, while still serving the town of Simsbury. To that end, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring and congratulating Trevor Brittell for his dedication to our Nation through the Army National Guard.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss Gerard ``Rod'' Gaynor Jr, of New London, Connecticut who passed away on August 29. 2022, at age 80. Rod was a well-respected, virtuous man, whose positive, lifelong contributions to the City of New London were honored by an overwhelming turnout from the community at his wake and funeral on September 2nd and 3rd.

Born in 1942 to Gerard and Gemma Gaynor, Rod was raised within, grew through, and empowered by the City of New London. His family upbringing and his deep religious faith, drove his passion to serve those around him. He gained impactful learning experiences from New London's schools, attending both public schools and Saint Joseph's parochial school before earning a college degree from Mitchell College, located right in the center of the city.

Upon graduating college, Rod embarked on a full-time career within the New London Police Department, eventually gaining a promotion in his service from officer to detective for the force. He had a penchant for purposing his sharp sense of loyalty toward creating a more effective and safer town, particularly through community policing. For example, he helped found several programs within the Department, including both the first crime prevention program and scuba diving unit for a town that borders the Thames River and Long Island Sound. A level-headed, diligent professional, Officer Gaynor became the first member of the New London Police Department to earn the VFW Police Officer of the Year award early on in his tenure, one of the innumerable commendations he received throughout his 37-year-long career for committing both his heart and mind to the Department.

Upon his retirement from the force, Rod became all the more active within the City and its local institutions. It was no small footnote within his life of service that he ran for and was elected to the position of city councilor before becoming mayor of the City of New London. He was an active member of New London politics, and as a candidate who has been on the ballot in New London a number of times, I personally benefitted from his stalwart support and advice.

If you were to ask him, however, one of the accomplishments he prided himself in most was performing the role of the first full-time, permanent Deacon of St. Joseph's Church. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Rod eventually made the difficult decision to move from New London to live closer to his family in the neighboring town of Waterford. He of course remained active within the local communities, maintaining strong ties to the city while also becoming elected to Waterford's Representative Town Meeting.

Madam Speaker, it is nothing short of inspiring when constituents, like Rod, remain as loyal and dedicated to giving back to the very communities that were so formational in their own upbringing. It is a kind of mission that speaks a thousand words about one's character. Rod dedicated his life in service to the People of New London and was known to be gentle in every relationship. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and we remain forever grateful that there are so many community members to carry on his name and memory. This includes his wife, Carole, of more than 58 years, his four children, Maureen, Teresa, Christine, and ``Rod'' III, grandchildren and great- grandchildren as well as the greater family. To that end, Madam Speaker, it is fitting that my colleagues in the House join me in uplifting the memory of Gerard ``Rod'' Gaynor, Jr.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stanley Gwudz, who retires from his work with General Dynamics Electric Boat, on August 24, 2022, following a career with the organization that spans almost half a century and 13 different roles in the trades and shipyard leadership. Mr. Gwudz's tenure with Electric Boat has been one defined by impact within and loyalty to the organization, and he leaves the company as the Director of the Virginia Class Submarine Program and Ships Management.

A native resident of Uncasville in Montville, Connecticut--a stone's throw away from Electric Boat's Connecticut base of operations in Groton, Connecticut--Stanely was destined to support the strength of our nation by contributing to the success of our region's industrial productivity. Having earned his BS in Business Administration from the University of New Haven--and later an MA in Organizational and Industrial Psychology from his alma mater--Stanley began his career with Electric Boat in 1973 as a shipfitter. Given his first-hand, on- the-ground knowledge, Stanley transitioned quite smoothly into and outperformed within leadership roles at Electric Boat, empowering the institution's long-term growth over the last several decades. Year after year, he has excelled under high-pressure positions, contributing in major ways to the construction of several eras of US submarines, including the Los Angeles, Ohio, Seawolf, and most recently, Virginia Class programs. Clearly, Stanley has been a history-maker in terms of advancing sea-based defense systems, a foundation of US national security.

Madam Speaker, since my first arrival to Congress through to my chairmanship of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Sea power and Projection Forces, Stan has been a constant presence throughout my office's engagement with the shipyard in Groton. I have come to learn over the years of Stanley Gwudz's established reputation as a standard- setter, mentor, and someone who can deliver both ahead of schedule and under budget. Our nation, and the history of growth Eastern Connecticut has experienced, are forever indebted to his service. I can personally attest, that despite all of his amazing success he has retained a very down-to-earth manner. As the Irish often say, Stan ``never put on airs'' dealing with young, brand-new hires or the highest corporate executives.

Stan has not only provided for our common defense through private industry, but also prioritized public service through leadership in municipal government for the Town of Montville. With his retirement, Madam Speaker, we are losing a giant. We will remain forever grateful, however, of the legacy left in his place, and the permanent brand of efficiency we can trust General Dynamics Electric Boat to deliver upon in part because of him. To that end, Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating Stanley Gwudz on a well-earned retirement, thanking him and his family for his life of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true hometown hero of Eastern Connecticut, attorney Joseph Paradiso, of Stafford Springs, Connecticut, who passed away sadly but peacefully at his home on Monday, August 8, 2022, at the age of 87.

Born a Stafford Springs native to Joseph Sr. and Rachele Paradiso, Joe was always destined to serve as a steward of his community. Having graduated from Cheshire Academy, he was educated and trained in the Jesuit tradition at the College of Holy Cross and Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C. That tradition which infuses the highest standards of learning with a deep ethical core, clearly molded Joe's thoughtful, caring approach to the practice of law and his interaction with people from all walks of life.

A gentleman who was captivated by opportunities to serve in any form, Joe joined the U.S. Army after earning his law degree. Upon his discharge, the pull of his roots in his home state of Connecticut brought him back to Stafford Springs to begin his career in law. Joe in many ways was a Stafford Springs version of the iconic small-town lawyer, Atticus Finch from ``To Kill a Mockingbird.'' Joe wore the badge of his alma mater with a sense of duty, gaining a reputation as a balanced, fair-minded prosecutor with a deep fidelity to the law. Madam Speaker, as a lawyer practicing in the same Tolland County community as Joe, I spent a lot of time in the courtrooms with him, working on cases that are a staple to small town America. I was fortunate enough over many years of working side by side, to earn Joe's friendship and get a close-up view of exactly who Joe was during his 37-year-long career as a prosecutor in the Rockville Superior Court system. I can attest, Madam Speaker, to the vibrant spirit that was Joe's heart--his fierce stance for taking the moral path regardless of the forces in opposition, and his respect for both people and clients regardless of their identity or background. Joe was both highly competent and fair, causing residents from all over the surrounding region to seek out his help in their moments of need. His big heart was willing to help them all.

A beloved pillar of the community in Stafford, Joe wore many hats outside of his own practice. Even as I left the court room to run for public office, it is worth noting that I, too, continued to have dealings with him under his various roles within the community. Reflective of his lifelong passion to lift the voices of those around him, he was a staunch advocate for individuals with disabilities. Joe in fact co-founded Journey Found, a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance disability support services for individuals. Journey Found was organized in 2013 to fill the void left by a facility closure, which would have resulted in the disruption of the lives of more than 250 clients and staff, had Joe and the team at Journey Found not stepped in. Outside of his elective roles of advocacy, Joe remained involved and a known constant in Stafford through several other roles, including, for example, his regular commitment to community outings, involvement in numerous benefit societies, membership within the Stafford Rotary Club and tenure on the Stafford Public Schools Board of Education.

Madam Speaker, it has been an honor to know and represent constituents of Eastern Connecticut like Joe Paradiso. He has been an inspiration and guiding light for countless members of our surrounding community, and his altruistic presence will be sorely missed. Predeceased by his wife Donna, Joe is survived by his three children, Joseph Paradiso III, Christopher Paradiso, and Rachel Paradiso as well as their respective families. Though we will mourn the enormous void left in his wake, it is an honor to join with his family and community in carrying his memory forward, purposing it as an example for others. To that end, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in saying farewell to an old friend and mentor, Joe Paradiso.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the premature, tragic loss of an American patriot, devoted husband and parent, Master Sergeant Michael Clark of Bolton, Connecticut, age 41. MSG Clark tragically lost his life on July 20, 2022, from a lightning strike while on army reserve training exercises with his unit at Fort Gordon, Georgia.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Michael was brought up in a family with a deep sense of duty to our nation. Like his father David Clark, Michael 22 years ago volunteered to wear the uniform of his country in the U.S. Army. During that time, he deployed on four occasions to Iraq and Afghanistan. As a striking example of the Clark family's devotion to military service, he and his father were simultaneously deployed overseas on two occasions. MSG Clark was an operating room specialist with the U.S. Army Reserves, assisting with lifesaving, emergency surgeries in dangerous environments. Madam Speaker, sometimes the essential role of our military's Reserve Force is not that well understood or appreciated. MSG Clark's life and public service is a powerful reminder of how critical all of our reserve forces are in providing key support for active-duty soldiers, sailors, marines and coast guard as part of the mission to defend our nation and our way of life.

At home, David applied his skills to another center of excellence, the Bone and Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital, facilitating high quality orthopedic and healing care to the Connecticut community at large. His work in that cutting-edge hospital system, enhanced the skills he applied to the work he performed in the Army Reserve. His double faceted work in the civilian and military sector highlights that he was the quintessential ``citizen soldier'' which forms the backbone of our guard and reserve system.

A family man at heart, Michael's passing is heartbreaking for his wife, Rachel, and two children, Logan and Hailey. He was very involved in his children's sports and active in the town of Bolton, which has been mourning his loss since the news of his passing was made public. The Bolton Fire Department immediately displayed a prominent memorial to MSG Clark at its fire station which as another volunteer force is fitting. Though he never left for deployment without leaving a love letter at Rachel's bedside, he still kept involved with his family, and made sure to prioritize his children's upbringing. The void left behind him has already exerted a strong influence upon the relatively young Clark family and children especially, and we can only find solace in coming to cherish--with time--the lessons and positive force that he spread during his short time on this earth. Carrying those memories onward is paramount as we simultaneously appreciate the unmatched level of dedication he purposed towards nurturing his family.

Madam Speaker, MSG Clark's legacy of commitment toward those around him remains infinite. He was a doer and as part of the ``caring profession'', a highly talented healer. We bear the standard of his memory not just to honor his service to his family and our Nation, but also to put him forth as an example of how every one of us to carry our own lives, trying help and heal others. To that end, Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in this moment to honor the name and character of MSG Michael Clark, so that we may preserve for austerity his life's story.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a mother to her community, Dr. Louise Berry of Danielson, Connecticut. Throughout her long life, Louise trail blazed a new standard of what it means to be a model citizen. Her impact on Eastern Connecticut is outsized and her legacy has been woven into the very fabric of our region.

Born in November 1927, to Frances and Jacob Spaulding, Louise was raised within a family with a centuries-long history and just as deep roots tied to Northeastern Connecticut. Also raised among six brothers, she of course from a young age was instilled with the strength of self- advocacy. In 1945, Louise graduated from Killingly High School and attended school at Adelphi University, earning her Nursing degree in 1948. Louise continued her education at the University of Connecticut, earning a bachelor's degree in Zoology in 1952 and a Master's in Guidance and Counseling in 1961. Ever a hard worker with a penchant for learning, Louise returned to school in the late 1970's, and by 1980 she had earned her Juris Doctor from the UConn School of Law.

Returning to 1952, however, Louise then picked up work within her community, serving as a school nurse at Killingly Memorial School until 1955. After bringing the first two of five children into the world, she returned to school nursing at Brooklyn School in 1958, sparking a career which would forever reshape the trajectory of Brooklyn, Eastern Connecticut and our Nation as a whole. With her characteristic can-do attitude and determination, Louise set out on a path to become the most diversified and experienced staff in the Brooklyn school system, serving as a Guidance Counselor, Director of Instruction, and finally as Superintendent. Louise would serve as Superintendent for 36 years, the longest serving Superintendent in Connecticut history.

Though it is of course difficult to encapsulate the entirety of her tenure as superintendent, Louise used her position to pioneer programs and mold the field of education to her vision, for the better. Specific examples include her creating the first rural Head-Start program in the country and initiating one of the first preschool-for-all programs before it became the national norm. Such is why the Louise S. Berry Early Childhood Center at the Brooklyn School was dedicated in her name. Even the road leading into the schools of Brooklyn is named after her legacy, a reminder of just how important a community-based education was to Louise.

As if the impact of her leadership within Brooklyn schools was not impressive enough in its own right, Louise was of course also very active in her town's community up to the very end. Her long record of civic involvement existed as a dual track next to her career in public education, beginning with her election to the Town of Killingly Board of Education in 1966. Just a few short years later, her capacity for leadership earned her the position of chairwoman of the local board of education in the 1970s. She served on countless additional boards impacting the community in Northeastern Connecticut, including Day Kimball Hospital, Eastern Connecticut Development Council, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, and the UConn Board of Trustees, to name a few.

Louise also played a crucial role in the establishment of Quinebaug Valley Community College, lobbying with her husband Richard to bring the college into existence in 1971--just more than 50 years ago today. Over the past half-century, Quinebaug has grown to exist as an epicenter of education in the Northeastern part of the state, having accredited thousands of students in higher education, regardless of age. With this well-developed record of advocacy on behalf of her community, Louise unknowing put herself on a path to serving the region in a higher official capacity, particularly after volunteering on the discovery committee to recruit a 29th State Senate District candidate for the 1972 election. Little did Louise know at that moment that the exact same committee would end up choosing her as their recruit, ultimately causing her to run, win, and serve as one of three women in the Connecticut General Assembly's 36-seat State Senate. Madam Speaker, having chaired and sat as a member on several Connecticut General Assembly Committees including the Public Health and Safety Committee and the Education Committee, State Senator Berry at that moment was once again operating as a trailblazer--a successful woman in leadership--breaking some of the glass in the ceiling so that others could follow in her footsteps to leave their community better than they found it.

Louise's excellence came from her being able to tackle multiple projects at once. Between all her many professional commitments, she made certain to stay dedicated to her family. A world traveler, Louise loved to vacation with her family in New Hampshire, Asia and everywhere in between. Though her legacy clearly would do fine on its own, we have her five surviving children including Donald, Pamela, Robin, Christopher and Robin to extend her memory and example of community service into future Spaulding-Berry generations.

Madam Speaker, Louise remains a towering figure in the history of Eastern Connecticut. It is for that very reason that, just like her children, we in Congress also have a responsibility to solidify the power of her life record. Though we are saddened by the void left by her passing, we know the region will continue to honor her as countless new leaders of both current and future generations continue to step into positions of action in her name. Those positions will exist in boundless form; from new state senators to new teachers, or even to those who base a life, career and family in Eastern Connecticut after gaining their foundations from the region--regardless, they will all contribute to their community in part because of Louise's life work. To these ends, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Dr. Louise Berry, a steward to her community and model citizen, setting her name further into stone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. This measure fulfills our duty to strengthen our national security and to serve those who serve us.

That is particularly true of the efforts of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee which, pursuant to Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, has responsibility to provide and maintain the Navy.

Our subcommittee has a record $32.6 billion for shipbuilding, authorizes procurement of 13 battle force ships, and fully funds the Navy's number one priority, the Columbia Submarine Program. It funds high-end warfighting capabilities, including three destroyers, two Virginia-class subs, and two fast frigates that will fill a critical need to conduct antisubmarine warfare. This bill also blocks the early termination of the LPD production line and sets a statutory floor on amphibious warships.

The bill invests a record $750 million in our submarine industrial base to grow its workforce and manufacturing supply chains across the country, which is critical to maintain production cadence. It fully funds the Maritime and Tanker Security Programs and designates the Maritime Administration as the lead agency to design and construct up to 10 sealift vessels, built by American workers, for use in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.

It also takes an important step in furthering the Australia, U.K., and U.S., AUKUS, security agreement. It authorizes entry of Australian submariners into our naval nuclear training programs to provide them with the experience necessary to command their own nuclear-powered, undersea fleet of the future.

For aviation projection forces, it authorizes procurement of five additional tactical airlifters, two Osprey tiltrotors, and two early warning aircraft. It also authorizes full funding for the B-21 Raider and sets statutory floors for the C-130 and aerial refueling tanker fleets.

Mr. Speaker, this bill, which passed out of our committee with strong bipartisan support--and I particularly salute my ranking member, Rob Wittman--provides our Nation with the capability to assure allies, deter conflict, and defend our homeland.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of a longtime public servant, Steven Mattson of Lyme, Connecticut. Steven officially retired from his role as First Selectman of Lyme on July 5, 2022, given the end of the town's fiscal year. Initially appointed in 2017, Steven has dutifully filled the role of Lyme's highest official for three elected terms.

Steven has served the town of Lyme in multiple capacities for 27 years since he first moved with his family to Connecticut in 1996. This not only includes his tenure as First Selectman, but also an additional 17 years on the Board of Selectmen as well as positions on just about every other board and commission available in town. A small enclave of Connecticut and the larger New England region, with a local population hovering around 2,300, municipalities like Lyme rely on the leadership example set by Steven, who has acted as a knowledgeful public steward who could be trusted to advocate for the town's long-standing interests. He and the small but effective team at Lyme townhall have kept the municipal government operating like a well-oiled machine, working sharply to keep the community in strong financial shape without having to ask more of its constituents, and enhancing the locality's capacity for financial planning.

A bipartisan figure in the town of Lyme, Steven's impact has reached beyond administering the basic duties of a municipal government. Under his tenure as both Selectman and First Selectman, Lyme has been led by a watchful eye and bolstered by extensive financial planning, undergone a successful referendum toward the reconstruction of its school system, enhanced communications between the townhall and the public at large and experienced invaluable infrastructure improvements. Within the community, there is also a weighted value toward expanding the conservation of the town's small, historic, and environmental culture through its own public trusts and open spaces which Steven has undoubtedly continuously supported. In June 2022, Sustainable CT, a Statewide organization that uplifts inclusive, resilient and efficient municipal governance, recognized the leadership of Lyme and bestowed the town with its bronze certification. Clearly, the town of Lyme has benefitted from Steven's leadership.

Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure and an honor to represent constituents like Steven and his wife Maddy, who have committed a significant portion of their lives to the underappreciated necessity that is responsible governance. I had a chance to see his devotion to his family back in 2014, when his daughter Carly worked on one of my election campaigns. She, like her parents, is a personable, public- spirited citizen who did fantastic work interacting with coworkers and voters. Her parents were extremely proud of her efforts, which were a great reflection of their values and empathy for people. As Steven retires to appreciate more time with his family, his longstanding presence in the public eye of the Lyme community will be sorely missed. And though the void left behind by his departure will be difficult to fill, it is worth emphasizing the impact of his legacy and great standing in which he leaves the town of Lyme. To that end, Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Steven Mattson's personal contributions to the town's future and congratulating him on his well-earned retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary career of a dedicated and highly impactful public servant in the State of Connecticut and the U.S. Coast Guard, Information Technology Specialist, Mr. Lee Luft. After nearly 43 years of diligent service in the U.S. Coast Guard, Lee retired on March 1, 2022. His retirement is to be honored at the United States Coast Guard Academy Officer's Club on August 12, 2022.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Lee graduated from Wilcox Regional Vocational Technical High School in 1976, certified as an electrician. Lee continued his studies in that trade at Hartford State Technical College in 1979, graduating with an Associate in Science Degree in Electronics and Technology. That same year, Lee changed career paths and pursued a new vocation, joining the U.S. Coast Guard's Research and Development Center (RDC) as a Digital Computer Maintenance Worker. For those who are not familiar with the center, it is the hub of Coast Guard operational analysis and mission execution solutions, located in the Fort Trumbull section of New London, Connecticut. The center is responsible for testing and evaluation in all the mission areas of the Coast Guard, including maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and national defense preparedness, to name a few. During Lee's tenure, the work of the R and D Center was constantly evolving, as the mission requirements of the Coast Guard changed. The 9-11 attack on our homeland, the rising challenges of climate change, the increase in human trafficking and drug smuggling at sea all occurred on Lee's watch. Like the entire team at the center, Lee was deeply involved in the Coast Guard's need to competently respond to new roles which hinged on highly functional information systems--his area of expertise. He remained at the RDC for a total of more than 39 years, advancing all the way to the role of Information Technology Specialist by the early 2000s. As a reflection of his ambitious nature and desire to improve his skill, it is also worth noting that Lee completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of New Haven in 1999.

Lee's service extended to several other sections of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). From RDC he transitioned to USCG Command Control, Communications, Computers, and Information Technology (C4IT) Service Center Business Operations Division. He was later reassigned to C5ISC and specialized in Architecture and Engineering Standards. Lee was known to not back down from a challenge while at the Coast Guard, including the several opportunities he took up to represent both the Coast Guard and our Nation as Technical Delegate for the United States National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission in many places in and out of the country over his career.

As someone who began their career with an electrician apprenticeship, Lee has moved up the ranks to become a nationally and internationally recognized presence, representing the United States on shipboard network standardization and communication protocols used by all types of Marine Electronic Equipment. Lee has been a significant player in the development of the USCG Nationwide Differential GPS (NDGPS), as well as a principal in the design and development of the USCG Nationwide AIS Client/Server architecture, and all AIS interface and network protocols. He has been bestowed several awards for his innovative research, including the Hammer Award from former Vice President Gore for his role in the development of the Differential Global Positioning System and a Civilian Service Commendation Medal for his work at the Coast Guard RDC between 1979 and 2018.

Madam Speaker, Lee's contributions to the U.S. Coast Guard and the effectiveness of our Nation's strategic communications are immeasurable. His life's work is clearly deserving of an equal amount of gratitude. His life and career, dedicated to public service, exist as an inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps. Although his retirement from the U.S. Coast Guard undoubtedly leaves large shoes to fill, we are grateful that the U.S. Coast Guard will continue to receive his support in retirement. To these ends, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring, thanking, and commending Lee Luft for his successful commitment to the public well-being and safety by immortalizing his career through the Congressional Record.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the loss of a dedicated patriot, Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Joseph Francis Sheltry of Gales Ferry, Connecticut. A patriot at heart, LCDR Sheltry struck everyone he met with his sincere, personable and enthusiastic character. He led a distinguished career and fulfilling life prior to his untimely death on August 7th, 2020--a week before his 58th birthday. He is to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery this August, bearing us with a new opportunity to honor his memory.

Born in 1962 to Claire and Joseph Sheltry, Joseph was raised in Boston. From an early age, his parents instilled in him the value of service to one's community and Nation. Immediately upon graduating Dominic Savio Catholic High School in 1980, it was with those ideals in mind that Joseph enlisted in the Navy. It would just so happen that in that same inaugural year of service with the Navy that Joseph met his life partner and wife of 37 years--Lorraine--while working as a hospital corpsman for the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

It wasn't long until Joseph and Lorraine married in 1983. Soon after that, in 1985, Joseph was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry as the Honor Graduate from the University of Idaho. From there, he was selected for the Nuclear Propulsion Program and served on the USS Lafayette and the USS Kamehameha. Understanding the value of continuing education, Joseph returned to school following these deployments and received his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in California in 1994, followed by a second master's degree just a few years later.

Armed with such an extensive background, Joseph was assigned as the Navigator on the USS Grayling, where he deployed out of Groton, Connecticut. At this point in time, Joseph and Lorraine were ready to establish more permanent roots with what was by then a growing family. Just a day before his deployment, they moved into their first home in the neighboring village of Gales Ferry, Connecticut, with their two children, Jaclyn and Erica. It was within those few short years that LCDR was attached to Commander Submarine Group 4 Norfolk. Madam Speaker, it is worth emphasizing, however, that the nature of Joseph's life story was an interwoven, dutiful balance between family and service to one's country, as the naval officer could not help but return home to stand by his wife's side as their third child, Leah, came into the world.

Their family full, these central, dual tenets of service for LCDR Sheltry reverberated through the remainder of Joseph's vibrant life. After 21 years of service with the Navy, LCDR Sheltry officially retired in August 2001. Just about a month into retirement though, he was stirred back to action following the September 11th attacks and heeded the call of our Nation in mourning, stationing at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Bahrain. He remained dedicated to the strength of our Navy following his tour in Bahrain, returning to his family in Gales Ferry while picking up work at Electric Boat in the neighboring town of Groton, Connecticut. From there, LCDR Sheltry transitioned to the Naval Undersea Warfare Division Newport as the Sensors and SONAR Systems Department Head until his passing nearly two years ago.

Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to represent constituents, who, exemplified by Joseph Sheltry, are constituted by such selfless devotion. Joseph's work had a direct impact on the betterment of our Nation's security, and, despite such an early passing, his contagious bright personality continues to live on through all those who knew him--particularly his family: surviving him are his wife Lorraine, three daughters, mother, siblings and extended family. He had such a genuine attitude and motivation to his aura, which he always purposed toward uplifting those around him. His positive force will not soon leave us. To these ends, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring LCDR Joseph Francis Sheltry, a committed servicemember, father, husband and shipmate, whose resolute loyalty acts as an example to us all, setting his name into the Congressional Record as his final place of rest at Arlington National Cememtery is prepared for him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of dedicated community leader, Bruce MacDonald of New London, Connecticut. Mr. MacDonald, a devoted husband and father, passed away at the age of 78 on June 1, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born just down the road from New London in Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1943 to Lemuel and Margaret MacDonald, Bruce was raised in a household that placed value on community service. Eager to understand and experience the larger world and serve his country, he enlisted in the Army before even graduating high school.

Upon the conclusion of his service, Bruce returned home to Rhode Island and enrolled at Johnson Wales College earning an associates degree. An easygoing, curious man at heart, he found his true calling as a news reporter. As someone who was never known to take the larger picture for granted, Bruce had a passion for advocating for the most disadvantaged. As a newsman, this meant that he became quickly known for disseminating a broader perspective and a sense of empathy amongst the public, crafting thoughtful, enlightening stories about groups of people living through hardship. A powerful, friendly voice for the powerless, Bruce took on career roles at several radio stations in Westerly, Rhode Island; Norwich, Connecticut; and Hartford, Connecticut before becoming an influential voice in newspapers, including The Norwich Bulletin, Groton News, The Day of New London and USA Today. His prodigious work and ubiquitous presence, made him a well-known, trusted media personality in much of Southeastern New England.

A man of adventure, Bruce still had a strong appreciation for the fundamentals of life. While reporting for The Day newspaper, Bruce met a colleague who would become the love of his life, Gail Braccidiferro. They married in Gail's getaway state, Vermont, in 1986, and soon after were grateful to bring a daughter, Cara, into the world. Family in hand, multiple worlds of opportunity collided for Bruce at that point in his life, as they then traveled to and lived outside of Washington, D.C., for a short stint while he worked on the World Wise Schools project for the US Peace Corps. While an exciting opportunity for Bruce, this was of course just one of many worldly-travel experiences for the family. Upon their return to Connecticut, Bruce transitioned to a new career in public media relations for community stakeholders within the region, first the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and then the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce.

Through both the nurturing of his family and informing the public, the capacity of Bruce's devoted nature was seemingly endless. There are further examples of Bruce's dedication, however, which existed through service to his community. From an early age, this included volunteering for the ambulance corps and Civil Air Patrol and running for local offices in his hometown. This penchant for community service followed him for the entirety of his life and throughout much of southeastern Connecticut--in both the coastal towns of Stonington and New London in which he lived, he was known for his active involvement in both communities and the region as a whole. In New London, his longtime adopted home, he was locally known to have volunteered at the Homeless Hospitality Center, served as a board member of the Thames River Heritage Park Foundation, a representative on the Eastern Connecticut Tourism Board, an organizer of the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival and an active member of the New London Rotary Club. The list goes on and on. Even into his final years as he charged into a battle with cancer, he served his hometown of New London undeterred as Secretary to the local Town Committee.

Madam Speaker, though we mourn his loss, the brightness that Bruce emulated into our lives will not part from us easily. Hardships were never able to defeat his unyielding optimism or his dedication to his community. And so, in an equal amount of respect toward Bruce and what his life meant for the town, we will not be overcome by the hardship that is his loss. His lasting impact will be remembered by thousands-- particularly his surviving family, namely, his wife Gail and daughter, Cara, of Middletown, Connecticut, who lovingly stayed by his side during his illness. I had the honor and privilege to hire Cara in my congressional office for a number of years, and through her, got a chance to know Bruce in his role as a parent and a keen advisor on issues of the day. He was beloved by my entire staff over the 16 years I have served in congress. While his legacy will not soon be forgotten, it is most proper that we extend his memory as a prime example of service to one's community and country. To that end, I ask that this chamber joins me in observing the passing of Bruce MacDonald, further setting his name and character into the permanence of the Congressional Record.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Richard Tariff of Longmeadow, Massachusetts who is bringing a close to a long and impactful career as an educator who made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of middle school students, as well as adult students in eastern Connecticut. In a few short weeks, he is set to retire in August as Director of Adult and Community Programs at EASTCONN after more than four decades of specializing in the field of adult education. Today, however, he will participate in his final graduation ceremony at Parish Hill High School in Chaplin, Connecticut. This graduation like the dozens and dozens that preceded it, is the moment where all his hard work-done in tandem with his colleagues-- culminates in a successful degree for their students that will transform their lives for the better.

A New England native, Rich began his journey in education teaching elementary and middle school students in Stafford Springs, which lit the fire of a life-time calling to elevate public schools' students to their highest potential. Understanding the intrinsic value of life-long education for students of all ages, Rich became a part-time director for Stafford Springs' Adult Education programs in 1979. As part-time director, he witnessed first-hand the lack of options for adults seeking certification outside of a high school diploma, which for him was a glaring opportunity for our district.

Vision in hand, Rich became the Adult Education Director for Adult Basic Education for the 12-town Tolland County region a few short years later. Under his leadership, the regional program underwent monumental evolutions. By establishing and engaging with partnerships, Vernon Regional Adult Education not only witnessed major expansions in enrichment program participation but also the planning, creation, and implementation of the formalized Vernon Regional Adult High School. By upgrading and centralizing the educational resources available through the programs under his watch, Rich, in just a couple of years of tenure as Director, began what has become a permanent legacy in the region and has resulted in thousands of adults graduating to date.

In 1984, Rich returned to youth education as the Assistant Principal at Vernon Center Middle School. He remained in this role for 16 years, where his value for and experience in administrating learning programs only continued to grow. He could not keep away from Vernon Regional Adult Education, however, and took on a new role as Regional Supervisor and Coordinator with the organization which he remained at for another eight years. Through both roles, Rich's expertise in grant writing and implementation helped maintain Vernon and the surrounding area's competitive edge in terms of better preparing our community for not just their future but the demands of a changing workforce. For example, at Vernon Center, he helped write a National 21st Century Grant request that had brought unprecedented grant funding to the district. Meanwhile, at Vernon Regional Adult Education, Rich expanded coordination with state partners to offer Work Place Education and both received and protected a grant for College Transition resources.

Though Vernon Regional was foundational to his experience in Adult Education, Rich's history of pioneering in the field earned him his latest role as Director of Adult and Community Programs for EASTCONN, one of Connecticut's six public, non-profit Regional Educational Service Centers. At EASTCONN, Rich has been bestowed the rightfully placed privilege to manage adult education services for what is now a 21-town region sprawling throughout northeastern Connecticut. The scope and size of EASTCONN's adult education programs were not achieved by mistake--it was Rich who helped charge the effectiveness of the organization. He understood that in districts comprised of smaller communities such as ours it does not just take a village, but rather several. With his guiding philosophy of centralizing resources in mind, Rich has brought about major achievements in terms of adequately preparing our district's

workforce. Two of such achievements are the integration of adult programs with the two American Job Centers in northeastern Connecticut, and ensuring the strength of virtual educational adult and youth programs throughout the pandemic.

Madam Speaker, I have known Rich as a friend and community leader for almost forty years. I have seen firsthand his intelligent empathetic and kind interaction with people from all walks of life. He is down-to- earth and funny. Madame Speaker, it is an honor to represent constituents as community-oriented as Rich Tariff. A lifelong educator with a penchant for innovation, Rich has understood from an early age the opportunities that can arise for communities who hone their skills and keep themselves adaptable. As a reflection of his abilities, it is worth finally noting that Rich was the first President of the Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education to serve for 5 consecutive years from 2011 to 2016, leading advocacy efforts within and beyond Connecticut on behalf of adult learners. For decades, Rich has spurred job growth imparting the educational foundation necessary for any occupation and our state and region has benefitted in ways that most fellow citizens will never know. His shoes will be hard to fill. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in recognizing and thanking Rich Tariff for his life's work, setting his legacy further into stone.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6087) to amend chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, to cover, for purposes of workers' compensation under such chapter, services by physician assistants and nurse practitioners provided to injured Federal workers, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 6087, the Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, today, we are considering a straightforward bipartisan bill that will alleviate some of the barriers Federal workers face seeking treatment and care after they have been injured on the job.

Right now, whether we represent urban districts or rural districts, we are all hearing about the very real shortage of physicians, whether it is in general practice or specialty practices. That is why it is important for Congress to surgically and intelligently reform outdated, antiquated policies in place that prevent qualified providers from treating patients who need their care.

This bill achieves that goal for Federal employees who need treatment for workplace injuries or illness and will allow qualified, licensed nurse practitioners and physician assistants to treat these patients safely and competently and be reimbursed under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act.

The bill explicitly states, in section 2, that such treatment must adhere to the scope of practice for nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as defined by State law. I repeat: The bill was carefully crafted so that it does not encroach on the authority of State health licensing boards to determine the scope of practice. That is one of the reasons why the Committee on Education and Labor came together on a bipartisan basis to unanimously endorse passage of this bill.

Right now, injured Federal workers who serve our Nation at agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Postal Service, and our National Parks, to name a few, can only receive the care they are entitled to under the Federal workers' compensation law if it is provided by a physician, and only a physician can certify a claim regardless of whether the State the worker resides in allows nurse practitioners and PAs to practice independently.

As any healthcare patient in America knows, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are a growing portion of primary care and healthcare workforce nationwide, especially in rural areas. Patients are ably and safely treated by NPs and PAs in these settings every day and having the capability to be treated by a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant increases access to more timely treatment, particularly in parts of the country experiencing physician shortages.

The benefit of increased access was confirmed by the Congressional Budget Office in their analysis of this bill, which found that it would have no impact on direct spending by the government.

Given the challenges some Federal workers have in accessing their Federal workers' comp benefits, allowing these providers to be reimbursed for the care they provide within the scope of their practice is an extremely commonsense improvement. CBO has even stated that this legislation would help injured Federal workers return to the job faster. In this labor market, anything we can do to improve workers' healthy recovery and job retention is worthwhile.

This bill has been endorsed by the National Rural Health Association, the American Nursing Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, as well as a diverse coalition of unions representing Federal employees, such as the National Treasury Employees Union and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union.

Further, the Department of Labor's Office of the Workers' Compensation Programs which administers the Federal Employees' Compensation Act for Federal workers in agencies as diverse as the Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security, Interior, and Veterans Affairs, has confirmed this legislation will help alleviate barriers that create delays for FECA claimants and would expand injured workers access to medical treatment.

Madam Speaker, I have the honor to represent the largest military installation in New England, Naval Submarine Base New London, which employs over 1,000 civilian Federal workers who perform outstanding work to support 16 attack submarines that deploy from that base.

Some of that work is physically demanding, such as firefighters, police, and crane operators, and injuries do happen. This bill will create healthcare parity for those patriots by ensuring that they will have their claims handled and treated the same as any other workers who reside in Connecticut and Rhode Island. This is an overdue and important, but commonsense, way to bring this program in line with the reality of 21st century healthcare delivery.

Madam Speaker, I thank my Republican counterpart, Mr. Walberg, for his great support and work to bring this issue forward. I also thank Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Foxx for their bipartisan work supporting this bill and getting it through committee.

Madam Speaker, I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote on this bipartisan and commonsense measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I again applaud Mr. Walberg for his leadership on this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from the great Commonwealth of Virginia (Mr. Scott), chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Just briefly, I agree with the gentleman from Maryland that the goal here should be what is best for Federal employees, who do critical work for our country, but I think also what we want is what is best for people who are protected by Social Security Disability Insurance, by the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, which are programs in which independent practice of nurse practitioners and physician assistants has been well established and, again, subject to scope of practice in the State where the patient resides.

Again, this is just simply conforming Federal workers' compensation law with existing practice and a whole host of other Federal programs involving really important populations that all of us have a duty to protect.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams), a member of the Education and Labor Committee who does outstanding work on the Workforce Protections Subcommittee as its chair.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Just briefly, again, I thank the ranking member, Congresswoman Foxx, for her remarks and Mr. Walberg, who I think very effectively and specifically addressed some of the issues that we have heard in this brief debate regarding whether or not this is opening the door to practitioners who really aren't qualified to engage in the handling of workers' compensation claims.

Right now, today, there are 27 States that actually allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to handle workers' compensation claims under State law, including, by the way, North Carolina and Maryland. Just going down the list, it is from all different regions of the country, and, again, I think it has demonstrated that the system functions smoothly. As the Congressional Budget Office indicated, it allows for quicker care because you have more access when you have a broader, larger pool of qualified practitioners.

That is really what this bill is aimed at. It is just to make sure that Federal workers will have that same opportunity to access care, particularly when they are in underserved parts of the country.

To sort of frame it, I mentioned earlier the New London sub base where they have a really sizable firefighters contingent there. Again, fires on submarines and Navy ships is a demanding, highly specialized area of practice. If they get injured on the job, they do not have the same rights as a firefighter who works for the city of New London who gets injured on the job, in terms of having access to a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant to handle that individual's treatment and care and their disability claim.

That is really what this bill is doing. It is just simply establishing parity for Federal workers who reside in those 28 States that recognize independent practice by physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

I have some letters of support, Madam Speaker, which I include in the Record: one from the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, one from the National Treasury Employees Union, one from the National Rural Health Association, one from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and one from the American Association of Physician Assistants.

National Postal Mail

Handlers Union,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Joe Courtney,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Congressman Courtney: On behalf of the National Postal

Mail Handlers Union, which represents over 50,000 mail

handlers across the country, I write in support of H.R. 6087,

the Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for injured

Federal Workers Act.

Your legislation is a commonsense solution to amend the

Federal Employees' Compensation Act to grant injured postal

and federal workers wider access medical care from eligible

providers. This will ensure they are able to claim workers'

compensation and receive necessary care in a timely manner.

As it can be difficult to expeditiously schedule

appointments with physicians for work-related injuries, H.R.

6087 extends eligible providers to include physician

assistants and nurse practitioners. It is an unfortunate fact

that postal employees are the largest group of beneficiaries

under current FECA regulations. Your legislation will ensure

those injured on the job will have access to medical care and

can see their preferred primary care provider.

I look forward to seeing H.R. 6087 gain support within the

House Education and Labor Committee, and its advancement

through the House.

In solidarity,

Paul V. Hogrogian,

National President,

National Postal Mail Handlers Union.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the Nursing Community Coalition, which represents 63 national nursing organizations all across America.

Nursing Community Coalition,

June 7, 2022.

Hon. Joe Courtney,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Tim Walberg,

Washington, DC.

Dear Representatives Courtney and Walberg: On behalf of the

Steering Committee of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC),

which represents 63 national nursing organizations, we are

pleased to support H.R. 6087, the Improving Access to

Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act, which

would retire outdated barriers in the Federal Employees'

Compensation Act (FECA) that limit the ability of Nurse

Practitioners (NPs) to provide care and treatment for injured

or ill federal employees. The NCC is a cross section of

education, practice, research, and regulation within the

nursing profession representing Registered Nurses (RNs),

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), nurse leaders,

students, faculty, and researchers. We appreciate your

continued efforts to improve the health care system for our

nation's federal employees and strongly support passage of

Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Walberg's eloquence, and comprehensive closing statement I think really said it all. I tip my hat to him, Ranking Member Foxx, Mr. Davis from the minority side of the aisle, and the speakers on this side that really represent a bipartisan message that we are prepared to get our Federal Employee Workers' Compensation Act modernized so that the hard work of nurse practitioners and physician assistants and the work that they do every single day around the country is now extended to a critical part of our healthcare system and also our Federal disability benefits system.

This is really about giving patients a choice. There is nothing in this bill that mandates that they can't go to a physician or that they don't have that option. In some areas people just don't have that choice. If you are in a place where the only real access is to a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner, sometimes for even a life- threatening injury, we need to open the door to give people that opportunity. That is precisely what this bill does.

It came out of committee with a unanimous vote. I strongly urge all of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to follow the lead of the Education and Labor Committee and pass this bill with an overwhelming majority.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which will modernize America's job training program at precisely the time that we need it the most.

Today in America, for every one unemployed person, there are two job openings. Again, I don't care what sector you are talking about, whether it is manufacturing, whether it is healthcare, whether it is information technology, whether you are from a red State or a blue State, the hue and cry from employers who are desperate to find workers is one of the most powerful challenges that we face in this economy. It is a good challenge. It is about connecting people to opportunities and to jobs or careers, which this bill is precisely designed to do.

Again, if you want to talk about the problems that we are having with inflation and gas prices, well, listen to the oil and gas industry. They are 100,000 workers short today, so they cannot increase supply because they don't have the workforce to do the drilling that is necessary.

In my district, where I have Electric Boat's shipyard, which has used the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in the past, there are 725 job openings this morning in the metal trades, in design and engineering work. The existing Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which, again, uses the collaboration of employers and unions to design a curriculum that matches the work that happens in that shipyard, in the metal trades and other areas, has been extremely successful. They graduated their 2,000th graduate, who immediately was employed and is working in that shipyard. Again, that is going to be a career for that individual to support themselves and their family.

The challenge we have before us is we need to size up that preapprenticeship critical link that this program addresses by passing this legislation.

If you read the bill, it doubles the number of slots that workforce boards like mine in eastern Connecticut, and the 500 workforce boards that exist around the country will again then be able to address that critical need that exists right now today. It does it in a way that has been on the books since the Clinton administration passed the Workforce Investment Act back in the 1990s.

Again, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle were part of the bill signing with President Obama in 2014 when we authorized it the last time. This bill is very much aligned with the structure, but it enlarges it, and it reaches out to underserved populations and other individuals who can take advantage of and succeed with the tools that this bill will provide.

Again, now is the time. We need to vote on this measure today. We need to get it through the Senate, and our economy will benefit. Our Nation will benefit. Vote in favor of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the distinguished service of Chief Darren Stewart of Pawcatuck, Connecticut. As the Chief of Police in Stonington, Stewart led an esteemed career that spanned over 38 years since he joined the force at the age of 19. In leading the division for the last 14 years, Chief Stewart has embodied the spirit of a perfect role model and leader--one that I am sure that future chiefs, not just in Stonington but also across the entire district, will look to in praise and admiration.

ln addition to serving in the police department, Stewart also pursued a passion for learning and teaching. In 2000, he earned a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Connecticut in Storrs and continued his studies at Salve Regina University of Rhode Island to earn his Master of Business Administration in Management. Armed with these degrees and a passion for helping others grow, Darren began a secondary career as a professor for his alma maters and the Connecticut State Police Academy in 2004. Since his first day as a professor, Stewart has proved a patient and wise teacher committed to educating future community members.

Chief Stewart's dual-path as an educator and community leader proved to make him a natural, steady-handed Chief of the Stonington Police Department. Passionate about the protection of his local community, Stewart's dedication and impressive work ethic earned him the promotion of Chief of Police in 2008. As someone whose career originated with the force, he came into the role with a clear understanding of the greatest opportunities for improvement. It was with this background in mind that prioritizing an efficient and resource-rich workforce became the first, second and third priority.

One-by-one, Chief Stewart marked off his checklist of goals for the force, equipping his officers with the tools that they needed to succeed. This included updating mechanical systems and computer technology, acquiring a new police boat, and creating a chaplain program to assist his officers with the toughest part of the job-- notifying immediate family of the tragic loss of one of their colleagues. Notably, it was also with much thanks to Chief Stewart's efforts that Stonington led the movement to invest in local communications infrastructure and tie the agency into the state's superior radio system. As a result of Chief Stewart's initiative and the town's major upgrade in terms of safe and efficient communication, Stonington earned the 2018 Municipal Excellence Award from the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. With Chief Stewart at the helm, the Stonington Police Department also entered a parentship with Safe Futures, a social services agency based in nearby New London, Connecticut, which now supports the town in assisting victims of domestic violence. My office has worked with the Stonington Police Department to obtain federal competitive grant funding in the past and I can personally attest that the department would not be nearly as well equipped and successful as it is today without Chief Stewart's hard work and advocacy for his fellow officers.

Madam Speaker, I am so proud to represent such selfless and committed constituents as Darren Stewart in the second district of Connecticut. Inspired by his wife, Beth, three daughters, and the difference made by his own colleagues, Chief Stewart set out to ensure the Stonington Police Department worked for their partners: the People of Stonington. Though his transition into his new role undoubtedly leaves large shoes to fill, we find gratitude in the fact that he has left the department in incredible standing, in capable hands, and that Chief Stewart will remain an active member of the local community. To that end, as he embarks on this next chapter with his family, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring Chief J. Darren Stewart, an inspiring leader and impeccable role model, for his huge successes in the police department and impact on the countless lives of others, extending the legacy of his career.