Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, which occurred on Friday, June 25, 2021. Located at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, the research center has served Connecticut's second district, the region, and the nation as a hub of excellence, ensuring the readiness and primacy of the United States' undersea deterrence efforts by way of cutting edge health and performance research.

Although Friday's date marks the official date of the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory's 75th anniversary, the Research Laboratory's origins date back to as early as 1942 when it was created as an arm of the Naval Submarine Base New London Dispensary. During the earliest stages of America's direct involvement in the Second World War, when our nation's submarine force was put to one of its greatest tests, the center was created to provide answers to problems in communications, vision, personnel, selection, and environmental medicine resulting from wartime demands. The success of the Research Laboratory was evident from its earliest beginnings when in March 1944 it separated from the dispensary and became the independent Medical Research Department of the Submarine Base. Throughout the remainder of World War II, this department became responsible for the organization, development and operation of numerous training programs, including the school for Pharmacist Mates entering the submarine service, the Lookout Training School, the Voice Communication School, and the school for Second Class Divers.

By June 1946, with the full conclusion of the War, the Research Laboratory formally gained

command status as the Medical Research Laboratory, under the direction of the Navy's Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. From there, its mission grew to the selection of all officers and enlisted for training at the Naval Submarine School, specialized training in submarine medicine for hospital corpsmen and medical officers and research into the medical aspects of submarines and diving. As our maritime national security policy evolved to meet the demands of the Cold War Era and new age of nuclear deterrence, so too did the Research Laboratory's avenues of focus and innovation, including its innovative work in submarine rescue experiments.

The Research Laboratory has worked tirelessly to push the field of underwater safety forward in the decades since. For example, it has developed countless reliable products including the International Orange high-visibility color enhancing rescue at sea, the Farnsworth Lantern color vision test, the improved Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment suit, the enhanced Disabled Submarine Survival Guide as well as numerous generations of the Navy's diving and decompression tables which are still in use today. In fact, the Research Laboratory's work has also been instrumental in evolving our nation's submarines to become more healthy, productive and disciplined places of work. This includes its adoption of smoke-free submarine environments, production of studies that supported women serving aboard and studies that have produced a better understanding of effective shifts of duty as a result of changes to an individual's natural circadian sleep cycle while aboard a submarine. The sleep research resulted in a healthy change in submarine work and sleep schedules that has since been embraced by the modem U.S. submarine force. In the wake of tragic ship collisions in 2017 that resulted in devastating loss of lives, the New London based- research is now being applied to our nation's surf ace fleet.

Madam Speaker, as the Congressman who has the honor to represent Submarine Base New London, and has visited the lab, I can attest to the talent and passionate commitment of the workforce at that facility, whose unique mission is truly a national treasure. Employing sophisticated, one-of-a-kind equipment, the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory and its dedicated staff of scientists remain experts in many highly specialized areas to this day. They serve the fleet and support our Nation's undersea troops by conducting studies that ensures the readiness and effectiveness of submariners and divers operating aboard submarines, those operating in the undersea battle space, and warfighters fighting from the sea. To that end, on this 75th Anniversary of its founding, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring all those who have served, currently serve, or will serve at the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of a distinguished public servant in my district, Chief Robert Tardif. On June 12, 2021, Chief Tardif celebrates an incredible milestone of 50 years in service to the Baltic Fire Engine Company, No. 1. While it is an honor to reflect upon and commemorate graceful and dedicated tenure of Chief Tardif, it should be emphasized that his service as an essential community leader will only continue from here.

Born in the Taftville section of Norwich in 1956, Robert was inspired at an early age to public safety from his Father who also served as a firefighter--in both Norwich and Sprague, Connecticut--for an entire 66 years. An instrumental figure in his life, Robert's father served until his passing. Five years after his family moved to Sprague, Robert began his career of public service at the age of 15 as a Firefighter Cadet for the Baltic Fire Engine Company No. 1. After three years as a cadet, he was accepted by a unanimous vote to become a full-time firefighter. The rest is history. Robert climbed the ranks of the department as he braved years of danger on the front lines fighting fires and assisting in an array of other public safety missions including the 1994 ice flood, which resulted in significant damage to the downtown area of Sprague. Chief Tardif was crucial in the ensuing rescue missions in that disaster and helped get rescue boats to residents in danger of drowning from the incredible floods.

As a firefighter, it has always been ingrained in Chief Tardif to put others before himself. As a member of the local and essential workforce community, however, there was no one in better standing to become Chief of the fire department than him when he took the reins in 1999. Chief Tardif has not only fought for his department against fire and calamity but has worked to ensure that his team and department are best equipped to serve the public to the best of their ability. I know this to be true as he has personally worked with my office on numerous occasions to attain FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grants to ensure his units are equipped and prepared for safety with the most up-to-date protective and emergency gear.

When not serving Sprague, Robert serves the common good through his work as a union carpenter with United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 1302.

Through his work as a union carpenter, Robert has worked at Electric Boat, a submarine manufacturer and economic powerhouse in our region, for more than 46 years, serving in numerous leadership roles for his union including President and Vice-President. Robert currently leads Local 1302 under the position of Business Agent/Chief Steward--a position he has held since 2003. To this day, Chief Tardif works to ensure that carpenters at Electric Boat are well equipped and versed in the most modern safety procedures and go home just as they came in. He has made a significant difference during his time at Electric Boat, working hand in hand with the company to prioritize safety on the job site.

We are truly fortunate to have a leader in public safety in our midst who serves the public good in so many different forms. Chief Tardif is not only my colleague in public service but a friend, and one who has even come to my own personal aid when I was left with a flat tire on the road one hot summer day with no wrench. He never hesitates to help those in need.

Madam Speaker, it is a great honor to ask the chamber to join me in celebrating Chief Tardif's 50 years of service to the town of Sprague. Chief Tardif's inspirational and as piling career are perfectly encompassed in his own mantra on why he chose a life of public service which is that, ``My Father had done it forever--and he inspired me to work to make a difference--no matter big or small--as long as it was helping someone.'' To that end, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating Chief Tardif for his 50 years of service with the fire department and Electric boat and wishing him thanks for the many more milestones to come in a truly decorated career. I wish him and his son Robert Tardif II continued success and happiness.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the esteemed career of Blair Decker, who retires from General Dynamics Electric Boat as Vice President of Supply Chain on July 6, 2021. Mr. Decker retires from a long, dedicated career that spans more than 40 years with Electric Boat. With his service to the company in mind, Blair's leadership has been central in maintaining the quality and rate of production at Electric Boat. In leading the company's supply and by extension output capabilities, Blair's role has directly resulted in tangible benefits for our country, including the creation of thousands of jobs for Connecticut and Rhode Island's local economies and the maintenance of our national security.

Madam Speaker, by way of origin, Blair's background is a model example for contributing to one's own community after receiving an in- state education. After graduating from Fairfield University with a bachelor's degree in Economics, Blair went on to receive a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of New Haven. Although he went on to gain additional educational experience from Penn State University and Bryant College, Blair quickly transitioned the application of the skills and knowledge he gained toward a career at Electric Boat right here in Connecticut.

During his loyal tenure at Electric Boat, Blair continuously sought to increase his role in leadership positions and level of responsibility, taking the mission of this essential company to heart. He further developed the skills from his earlier education through these new roles of responsibility--including his expert oversight of Material Acquisitions and Warehousing, Inventory Management, Material Services, Information, Document and Configuration Management as well as Supplier and Shipyard Quality Assurance.

As Vice President of Supply Chain, Blair has been responsible for cultivating the vision for organizing General Dynamic's entire Material and Acquisition Value Stream--an undoubtedly heavy influx order for the ever-increasing national security demands placed upon Electric Boat. At this crowning position, Blair has been specifically responsible for the execution of design and engineering, construction, material conveyance, supply chain development, strategic sourcing, supplier development and product life cycle support, Overall, Blair has been instrumental in the progression of General Dynamic Electric Boat's acquisitions abilities, transforming the company's reputation as a national leader in shipbuilding.

It is worth noting that Mr. Decker also sought to contribute toward the local community outside of his impressive leadership record at Electric Boat. For example, Blair previously donated his time as an active member of the Board of Directors and Trustee for the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors of the DNA-EPI Science Center and the Board of Trustees for the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts of the University of New Haven. Considering the nature of his demanding position at Electric Boat, Blair also notably served as chair of the General Dynamics Supply Chain Management Council reporting directly to the Corporation's Chief Executive Officer.

Madam Speaker, Blair's competence as an advocate for Electric Boat's mission has been incomparable. With his departure, our region and Electric Boat can find comfort in the sound supply chain infrastructure that he directly brought about. This bright future for Electric Boat will continue to mean incredible things for the second district's local economy and even more for the stability of our national security for generations to come. To that end, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating Blair Decker on his well-earned retirement, where he now goes on to spend more time with his family: his daughters Alyssa and Robyn, and his sister Beth.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the esteemed career and public service of John V. Leonard, Jr, who retires from General Dynamics Electric Boat as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on July 6, 2021. While John retires from a career in the private sector, his outstanding leadership and dedication as a senior employee at Electric Boat holds merits for maintaining the public interest as he has helped oversee an economic boon at Electric Boat, creating thousands of jobs for the hard working residents of eastern Connecticut while simultaneously advancing our national security priorities.

Having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the nearby University of Rhode Island, John was always meant to apply his expertise toward the betterment of our local community. Before dedicating his career to Electric Boat, however, John first went on to serve in the Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Captain, then going on to attend Columbia University where he earned an MBA in numerous areas of concentration. From there, John joined Electric Boat in 1980--first as a Financial Analyst--where he ultimately carried out the company's mission for more than 40 years.

John's track at Electric Boat has been defined by loyalty and an ever-increasing degree of responsibility. Receiving one of his first major promotions in 1995 to Vice President of Finance, John seized upon the opportunity to prove his leadership capabilities. In 1998, when Electric Boat was experiencing an era of downsizing and uncertain financial sustainability, John envisioned a path where others had not and earned the company the Block I contract with the Navy fortwo Virginia-Class attack submarines. His mastery of unconventional problem solving and deep understanding of the engineering thought processes led John and Electric Boat to lay the groundwork that has allowed the company to meet today's high demands from the Navy.

John's success and contractually-focused perspective most recently earned him the appointment of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2019, which has come after his promotion to the Chief Financial Office in 2003. As Senior Vice President, John has been responsible for a wide range of functions at Electric Boat, including finances, contracts, tax, strategic planning, IT management, oversight of the facility master plan, Applied Physical Sciences and the Washington Engineering Office.

Madam Speaker, John's presence and expertise at Electric Boat will be sorely missed. Our region and Electric Boat, however, can at least find solace in what his leadership has helped create: a healthy backlog of submarine construction and the highly sought after Columbia Build I contract, meaning that Electric Boat will be responsible for building out the nation's first ever, next generation sea-based strategic deterrent. This bright future for Electric Boat means great things for the second district's local economy and even more for the security of our national defense. We owe a lot of thanks to John Leonard's leadership abilities. To that end, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating John on his well-earned retirement, where he now goes on to spend more time with his wife Julia and adult sons Adam, Jack, Mason and Max.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the esteemed career in public service of Colonel Gerald ``Jerry'' Lukowski, Junior. Colonel Lukowski retires on June 5, 2021, from the apex of his service as Chief of Staff to the Joint Staff for the Connecticut Army National Guard. Having dedicated a 36-year long career toward securing the common defense through a distinguished vocation in the military, Jerry will move on and continue to benefit the State of Connecticut with his skill and expertise within the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Jerry's sense of duty catalyzed his service to the public through a military-oriented career. This was exemplified from the earliest days of his education, when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant through the University of Connecticut's ROTC program in 1989, before graduating from the University of New Haven in 1991. Armed with a Bachelors in Civil Engineering, Second Lieutenant Lukowski set his sights on a path to leadership within the State's civil defense unit, the Connecticut Army National Guard. He put himself forward on this path, engaging with various career-related roles whilst simultaneously advancing a civilian and military education, obtaining his Master's in Environmental Engineering from his alma mater in 1997, completing countless military instruction courses and acquiring numerous licenses within the State's engineering apparatus as recent as 2019.

Colonel Lukowski applied his affinity for knowledge throughout the ranks of his distinguished profession. His education prepared him for 17 years of service at several stations of duty with the Combat Engineers and most prominently catalyzed his ability to excel in the latter half of his career as the Construction and Facility Management Officer (CFMO) for 13 years, and then Chief of Staff to the Joint Staff since 2016. As Chief of Staff, Colonel Lukowski greatly enhanced the operations of the Connecticut Army National Guard, pushing the troops to work with their respective units on their pre-deployment and redeployment requirements. During his tenure as CFMO, Colonel Lukowski's leadership and expertise in facilities management, fiscal policy and federal contracting enabled the state to obtain nearly $975 million in Military Construction Project and Sustainment Restoration and Modernization funding, resulting in the planning and implementation of 17 total projects. His tenacity as an advocate for boosting Connecticut's emergency response infrastructure has well positioned our state's readiness capabilities for generations to come and has truly kept the safety of our public at heart.

Madam Speaker, Colonel Lukowski has spent his life developing Connecticut's emergency response infrastructure. His example of selfless service now extends throughout his family--his wife Mary Beth and children John, Sarah, Megan and Emily--the last of whom has gone on to attend the US Air Force Academy after receiving a nomination from my office. While the Connecticut Army National

Guard is losing an incredibly influential proponent, we can at least find comfort knowing that he will continue to serve the State and the maintenance of its essential infrastructure in the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Having risen through the ranks from Second Lieutenant in 1989, all the way to Colonel in just 18 years, Colonel Lukowski's impressive line of service to Connecticut has been displayed by his rapid rate of promotion and further by his list of numerous accolades. To that end, I ask my colleagues in the House join me in honoring and thanking Colonel Jerry Lukowski for his extensive history of service and wishing him and his family all the best in this new chapter of their lives.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to honor the life of the late Dorothy Ann Mrowka, of Colchester, Connecticut, who passed away at her home on April 29, 2021 at the age of 78. Known by everyone as Dot, her involvement in the civic and cultural communities of eastern Connecticut made her beloved by many.

Born in New London, CT on October 13, 1942, Dot spent her entire life in eastern Connecticut. Committed to education, she earned a Masters degree in Business Administration which lead to a successful career as a computer programmer at AETNA insurance. She moved to Colchester in 1973 and then married her beloved husband Lucien Mrowka a short time later. They were married for 38 years before he sadly predeceased her in 2012.

Truly, there is not an organization in Colchester that has not been touched by Dot. She was a devout parishioner at St. Andrews Church serving on the Ladies Guild and the First Friday Rosary Guild. Dot was an active member of both the St. Joseph's Polish Society and Colchester Grange No. 78. She was very involved with the Colchester Democratic Town Committee, and the Federation of Democratic Women. She was the recipient of the Ella Grasso award by Connecticut Democrats not once, but twice and selected to serve on the Democratic State Central Committee. Her service to the community did not stop there. Dot was a fierce defender of a free and fair election and served Colchester residents as the Registrar of Voter for 25 years. Many happy marriages began with her proclamation of ``I now pronounce you husband and wife'' as she served as a Justice of the Peace. Her selfless service to her community is unparalleled.

I met Dot early in my career in Congress, and her friendship over the years has been invaluable. There are few in this district that knew their community as well as Dot did. She was a tireless campaign volunteer who never shied away from all the ``nuts and bolts'' of organizing a headquarters, leading phone banks, lit drops or election day logistics. The election eve ``get out the vote'' spaghetti supper at the Colchester Polish Club was a must stop for Democratic candidates at every level--including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2006. The void her passing leaves is unmeasurable. I know her memory will continue through her family--her son Jeffrey Watson; her daughter, Tammy and her husband Ricky Keller; her brother Joseph Ploszaj; her sisters Peggy Fedus and Mary Lou Johnson, and her two beloved grandchildren Tyler Kelly and Taylor Watson.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to represent constituents as honorable and impactful as Dot. While we all mourn her loss, we can at least find solace that her story, memory, and purpose lives on in through countless others. I find it fitting that we, the People's House, add her name and character into the Congressional Record and ask that the entire House join me in recognizing the life of Dorothy Ann Mrowka, never forgetting the importance of building our connections with others.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the distinguished career in public service of Vernon Police Chief James Kenny. Having pursued a 36-year long career toward the betterment of the local policing community, the latter 15 within my hometown of Vernon, Chief Kenny announced his decision to retire on July 9, 2021. As a resident of Vernon who directly benefited from Chief Kenny's commitment to ``Preserve and Protect'' and as a public official who has a front row seat to observe him in action, I can attest to his stellar record of public service.

Born and educated in the nearby town of Rocky Hill, James was destined to deepen his roots within the region help and build upon the community ties that raised him. Connected to his commitment to the conununity was his passion for service: immediately upon his graduation from Rocky Hill High School in 1978, James enlisted into the United States Army. He trained as a military police officer and served oversees, ultimately receiving an honorable discharge. After returning home he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Bryant University with Honors, all the while working as a part time constable in Old Lyme, Connecticut.

James Kenny initially joined the force as a patrol officer with the Glastonbury Police Department, a stone's throw away from his hometown, Rocky Hill. During his tenure at Glastonbury, his forward-thinking embracement of community policing and diligent work habits accelerated him through the ranks, rising in leadership to field training officer, sergeant, and then captain in the year 2000. He stayed on with the Glastonbury Department, serving as a supervisor in both the patrol and detective divisions until he transferred to the Vernon Police Department as a captain in 2006. It is worth noting that whilst serving within the Glastonbury Police Department, James pursued additional opportunities to serve the region such as when he became a founding member and then team leader to the Capital Region Emergency Services Team.

Upon his retirement from Glastonbury's Police Department, James Kenny joined Vernon's Police Department in 2006 as a captain, becoming responsible for the entire operations of the local department. Of course, in transitioning to the Vernon Police Department, Captain James Kenny continued his advocacy of community policing in Vernon's neighborhoods, particularly the Rockville section of town. This proactive initiative did not go unnoticed, and it was not long before Captain Kenny became Police Chief Kenny in 2007. During his term, I had the opportunity to do some ``ride-alongs'' and witness the engagement with town residents that the chief himself and his officers practiced as part the ``Kenny Plan''.

Presence was a major tenet of Vernon Police Chief Kenny's tenure as a leader in policing--not just for the region within the second district of Connecticut, but the entire state. He utilized this presence to grow the mission of and advocate for community policing. Shortly after becoming head of the Vernon Police Department, Chief Kenny was selected to sit on Governor Jodi Rell's Sentencing and Parole Review Task Force in order to thoroughly review policies involved in arresting, charging, sentencing and releasing those convicted of crimes in Connecticut. Around this same time, Chief Kenny also joined the Criminal Justice Policy Advisory Commission, for which he has remained on through to retirement. Even as our nation has brought to the forefront tough discussions on police reform, Police Chief Kenny and the Vernon Police Department remained a source of inspiration to the importance of a community-oriented and integrated local police force. It is worth noting that the Vernon Police Department, under the forward-thinking perspective of Chief Kenny, has long been a leader in this regard with the unit already having implemented policies to build trust within the town, such as through early utilization of body cameras and revisions to their authorized use of force.

Madam Speaker, Chief Kenny has spent his life and career toward the betterment of his community. Chief Kenny has been a leader and a mentor to many people within and outside of the aforementioned policing departments. The town of Vernon owes him an endless amount of gratitude for his leadership in evolving an essential community service, particularly amidst the pandemic. He now retires to dedicate more time to his primary job as a devoted husband to his wife Theresa and a loving father of three daughters Lexie, Jacqueline and Jamie--the last of whom did an outstanding stint as an intern in my D.C. office. I cannot think of a gentleman more deserving of a fruitful retirement, the people of Vernon will truly miss his talented, caring service. To that end, I ask my colleagues in the House join me in honoring and thanking Vernon Police Chief James Kenny for his exemplary lifetime of service and wishing him and his family all the best in their life's new chapter.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding 34-year career in public safety of the City of Groton Police Chief Michael Spellman. Chief Spellman recently announced his retirement, after serving the public as a member of law enforcement in various capacities including resident state trooper for 25 years, followed by a stint as a detective in the statewide narcotics squad, and culminating in his appointment to the Chief of the Groton force. Throughout that long tenure he upheld the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and compassion, never losing focus on his mission ``to protect and serve.''

A lifelong proud resident of the Pawcatuck section of Stonington, Michael is a proud alumnus of Stonington High School where he was involved in student government, a multi-sport Varsity letterman, and an honorable mention as an Offensive Guard on the 1980 New Haven Register All State Team. Michael demonstrated his leadership skills early in life and took his talents to Central Connecticut State University where he would earn his B.A. in political science and public administration.

After earning his degree, Michael decided to dedicate himself to working on the front lines to protect the public as a law enforcement officer. In 1987, Michael graduated from the 96th Training Troop of The Connecticut State Police--the rest, they say, is history. Starting his career as a state trooper at Troop E in Montville, Michael served the community as a state police officer in East Lyme, Danielson, and Meriden. While simultaneously working as

a state trooper--Michael was also active in several community coalitions including the Quality-of-Life Task Force, The Women's Center of Northeast Connecticut Community Partnership Team, the statewide Casino Unit, among many other organizations. His hard work and dedication was rewarded when he was named State Police Troop Commander in Colchester, where he took command over 100 sworn and civilian employees providing primary law enforcement for 11 municipalities and a population of over 100,000. Between 2010 and 2014, Michael briefly departed the realm of public service to join the private sector as a security consultant. Heeding the call back to public service, however, Michael joined Groton's local force as a patrol officer in 2014. As was expected with his extensive background--he climbed the ranks to Chief in 2017, going on to work as a critical asset in furthering Groton City Police Department's mission to ensure the safety and protection of our citizens.

In his time as Chief of Groton Police Michael transformed the impact and culture of the local police force. His community policing style connected the department and members of the public in a way that allowed officers to work in tandem with citizens to tackle issues together. Under Michael's leadership the department also underwent an era of modernization, including joining the state radio system, implementing body cameras, de-escalation training, and hiring the first ALEC (Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition) certified instructor in Connecticut. These milestones exemplify only a small degree of what has been accomplished under Michael's leadership. For further example, in 2016 Michael made national headlines when he led the rescue mission to save a woman who accidently drove her car into the Thames River. This act garnered Michael and two fellow officers the department's Lifesaving Award. One of my most memorable experiences as a Congressman was joining Chief Spellman for a ride along in the city a couple of years ago. He showed me parts of the community that were experiencing difficulty with the opioid crisis, and I saw him in action personally checking for the health and safety of some the more vulnerable citizens who clearly regarded him as a friend and neighbor, not a threatening outsider. Police work is a difficult balancing act for even the most talented experienced officers, and he showed me his almost effortless skill in mastering that balance.

Michael amassed a multitude of accolades and awards throughout his career including MADD awards for DWI enforcement and education, the Women's Center of NECT Connecticut Crisis Center Distinguished Professional Award, five Outstanding Service Medals, three Unit Citations, and many other recognitions. A heavily decorated career such as Chief Spellman's represents his true commitment to keeping the community safe. One final comment I would like to share is that Chief Spellman comes from a family in which public service is an honored tradition. His late father James, Senior was a longtime first selectman of Stonington who made a huge positive difference in southeastern Connecticut. His brothers also have been pillars in the community in various local and state offices and endeavors. I truly believe that his dad would be immensely proud of them all and applaud Michael's departure on his own terms with a sterling reputation that upholds the family's legacy.

Madam Speaker, now, in May 2021, we sadly say goodbye to Michael's conscientious leadership. As he steps down from his post as Chief, we can only go on to hope that the example of his leadership will pass down to future generations within the Groton Police Department. I want to congratulate Michael on a civic service career spanning thirty-four years, and with this congratulations I ask the Chamber join me in appreciating Groton Police Chief Michael Spellman and his dedication to serving the public. We thank Michael for everything he has done as a first responder. Best wishes to him for a joyful retirement and I wish his wife Heather Buffinton and two children, Michael and Hannah, continued happiness, and success.

Madam Speaker, as the designee of the chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, pursuant to House Resolution 303, I call up the bill (H.R. 1195) to direct the Secretary of Labor to issue an occupational safety and health standard that requires covered employers within the health care and social service industries to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1195, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act.

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

Madam Speaker, if there is one lesson that all Americans have learned in the last year from the shared experience of the COVID pandemic, it is that our Nation's healthcare workers have truly been heroic, putting their lives and health at risk, treating and caring for millions of patients suffering from a scary deadly disease. I am sure that every Member in this Chamber at some point has tweeted, issued statements, held up signs thanking nurses, EMTs, doctors, and many other caregivers for their amazing work.

But as all those brave workers can attest, there is a second colliding epidemic that they continue to face, namely, frightening levels of violence at rates that far exceed those faced by any other sector in our economy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, which has studied this alarming phenomenon, found that 73 percent of all violent incidents that happen in American workplaces happen to healthcare and social assistance employees. Year after year, BLS tallies tens of thousands of violent incidents which could be prevented by the standard required by today's legislation.

Today, we have the power right here in this Chamber to prevent this wave of violence by passing H.R. 1195, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act.

The primary source of this violence comes in the form of assaults: kicking, hitting, spitting, even the use of firearms and other weapons from patients and those who accompany them.

H.R. 1195 would require an enforceable workplace violence prevention standard within 42 months after enactment at about 200,000 healthcare centers, not small doctors' offices or clinics. The standard would require that covered employers develop a workplace violence prevention plan that is tailored to the specific conditions and hazards present at each workplace, not a one-size-fits-all mandate.

Since 1996, OSHA has published voluntary guidelines that recommended many commonsense measures that employers can take to reduce the risk and severity of violent incidents. These guidelines are an excellent resource, but the fact that we continue to see an alarming growth in violence means that relying on ad hoc, voluntary adoption is failing to protect our healthcare heroes. We need an enforceable standard.

Over the last 5 years, in the last two administrations, despite verbal support for an enforceable OSHA rule, nothing has moved in the rulemaking process. History shows that with no deadlines in statute, OSHA takes 15 to 20 years to issue a standard.

Indeed, in the last administration, despite giving lip service for 3 years that they were creating a new rule, not one administrative step was actually taken to protect healthcare and social assistance workers.

I want to be very clear. Right now, over at that agency, this issue is dead in the water.

Every year we fail to address this situation, we are condemning thousands of nurses, doctors, aides, EMTs, and social workers to suffer preventable injuries, sometimes fatal, on the job.

That is why a huge coalition of healthcare workers from the American College of Emergency Physicians, National Nurses United, American Nurses Association, EMTs, and many more have come together, begging Congress to enact this bill.

No more delays. It is time that Congress puts a clock on this issue so that we can get the preventative measures in place nationwide that we know will save lives.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the chair of the committee, Mr. Scott, for his great support on this measure, as well as Chair Adams, the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections chair, as well as my Republican colleagues, because there actually is some agreement on the basics on this issue.

Lastly, I want to thank our outstanding, stellar staff: Richard Miller; Jordan Barab, who is leaving us shortly, at the end of the month, for his incredible institutional knowledge and work; and Maria Costigan, from my office.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of

Representatives,

Washington, DC, March 26, 2021.

Hon. Bobby Scott,

Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Scott: I write concerning H.R. 1195, the

``Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social

Service Workers Act,'' which was additionally referred to the

Committee on Energy and Commerce.

In recognition of the desire to expedite consideration of

H.R. 1195, the Committee on Energy and Commerce agrees to

waive formal consideration of the bill as to provisions that

fall within the rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on

Energy and Commerce. The Committee takes this action with the

mutual understanding that we do not waive any jurisdiction

over the subject matter contained in this or similar

legislation, and that the Committee will be appropriately

consulted and involved as this bill or similar legislation

moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues

within our jurisdiction. I also request that you support my

request to name members of the Committee on Energy and

Commerce to any conference committee to consider such

provisions.

Finally, I would appreciate the inclusion of this letter in

the report on the bill and into the Congressional Record

during floor consideration of H.R. 1195.

Sincerely,

Frank Pallone, Jr.,

Chairman.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Very briefly, again, I appreciate that Ms. Foxx acknowledges the severity of this issue, and I think that is important. But I would note, if anyone checks with the House Clerk's office, we actually have a solid number of Republican cosponsors on this bill. I want to make that clear, for the record, and I appreciate their support as well.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), the chair of the Committee on Education and Labor and an outstanding staunch supporter of this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Virginia.

Madam Speaker, I would just note that the bill language explicitly protects a comment period for all stakeholders, including hospitals and every other institution affected by it.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams), who is the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections and a staunch advocate for this bill.

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentlewoman from North Carolina.

Just to be clear, Madam Speaker, that CBO score is not per facility. That score is spread out over 200,000 healthcare centers. If you do the math, it is actually $9,000 per year per facility.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici), who is the chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Mrvan), an outstanding new member of the Committee on Education and Labor.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Stevens), an outstanding member of the Committee on Education and Labor who worked very diligently to protect the comment process called for in this bill.

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

First of all, I just want to compliment Ms. Foxx about her very thoughtful remarks about what is driving this crisis out there for healthcare workers. There is no question that behavioral health and the heroin and opioid addiction--and we heard this from witnesses who testified before our committee.

But I would respectfully suggest that the people who are actually out there on the front lines, the EMTs--their association has endorsed this bill--and the American College of Emergency Room Physicians--they are the ones right there taking in these very sort of high-risk, intense cases--have issued a letter of support for H.R. 1195 because they realize that what this bill will, in fact, create, is a safer system for better communication, better lighting, not leaving people alone with patients, who have been identified as high-risk.

Really, all you have to do is talk to any ER doc. They will tell you it is tough out there, and we need to change. We need to have systems in place to better protect them.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a letter of support from the American College of Emergency Physicians.

American College of

Emergency Physicians,

March 23, 2021.

Hon. Joe Courtney,

Washington, DC.

Dear Representative Courtney: On behalf of the American

College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and our 40,000

members, thank you for introducing for H.R. 1195, the

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social

Service Workers Act. ACEP appreciates your leadership to help

establish procedures to ensure that emergency physicians,

health care workers, social workers, and patients, are

protected from violence in the workplace, and we urge

Congress to swiftly consider and pass this important

legislation.

Violence in the emergency department is a serious and

growing concern, causing significant stress to emergency

department staff and to patients who seek treatment in the

emergency department (ED). According to a survey conducted by

ACEP in 2018, nearly half of emergency physicians polled

reported being physically assaulted, with more than 60

percent of those occurring within the past year. Nearly 7 in

10 emergency physicians say ED violence has increased within

the past 5 years. Beyond the immediate physical impacts, the

risk of violence increases the difficulty of recruiting and

retaining qualified health care professionals and contributes

to greater levels of physician burnout. Most importantly,

patients with medical emergencies deserve high-quality care

in a place free of physical dangers from other patients or

individuals, and care from staff that is not distracted by

individuals with behavioral or substance-induced violent

behavior.

There are many factors contributing to the increase in ED

and hospital violence, and like you, we recognize there is no

one-size-fits-all solution. Employers and hospitals should

develop workplace violence prevention and response procedures

that address the needs of their particular facilities, staff,

contractors, and communities, as those needs and resources

may vary significantly.

To this end, ACEP asks that Congress also take into

consideration how emergency departments are staffed to ensure

that the important provisions of this legislation are

implemented in the most appropriate manner. As you are aware,

emergency physicians may be employed in an ED in a variety of

ways, whether directly employed through the hospital in an

academic setting, or contracted as a member of a small

democratic practice or a larger, national physician group.

Given that emergency physicians and these groups do not

control the resources of an individual facility that they

staff, it would be neither practical nor effective to require

contracted groups themselves to be responsible for

implementing, tracking and reporting of violent incidents.

ACEP believes that emergency physicians that contract with

hospitals or facilities should not be held responsible for

situations or hazards outside of their direct control;

however, they can and should serve an integral role in

developing effective violence prevention strategies. We

appreciate your efforts to date to provide additional clarity

on what a ``covered employer'' is ultimately responsible for,

and ask Congress to ensure that any new federal requirements

do not create any unintentional or undue burdens for entities

that do not control the health care workplace.

Once again, thank you for your leadership on this important

issue. ACEP looks forward to working with you to ensure

patients, health care workers, and all others in the

emergency department (ED) are prepared for and protected

against violent acts occurring in the department.

Sincerely,

Mark Rosenberg, DO, MBA, FACEP,

ACEP President.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green), another outstanding supporter of this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a letter of support from AFT, which is a union that represents hundreds of thousands of frontline workers, including nurses, across the country in support of H.R. 1195.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), my neighbor and good friend.

Madam Speaker, really quick, on page 11 of the bill it specifically states that the plans proposed to be adopted by OSHA would ``be tailored and specific to conditions and hazards for the covered facility or the covered service, including patient-specific risk factors and risk factors specific to each work area or unit.'' That is not one size fits all.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Garcia), a Member who can really bring a very powerful personal experience to this issue.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. Craig).

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentlewoman from Minnesota.

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

Madam Speaker, just to clarify, the April 9 CBO report that came out, which, again, cited the numbers which were cited accurately by the opposition, is a number that is spread out over 200,000 facilities across the country.

If you do the math, we are talking about $9,000 per facility per year. Ask yourself whether or not that figure, weighing the balance of what we are trying to protect here, which is people's health and lives, is worth it.

I think most people would apply common sense to that and realize that it is not going to drive healthcare costs through the roof. In fact, it is going to protect workers and protect them from absenteeism. It is going to protect these institutions from high workers' compensation costs. It is just common sense.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Tlaib).

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from Michigan.

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

Here is the good news. When we started this journey on this legislation back in 2013, a number of us requested a GAO report because we had heard anecdotal evidence about the fact that healthcare workers were experiencing this really disturbing level of violence that was something that people had really never seen before.

GAO took 3 years, very methodically, as only they do. They are the gold standard, in terms of research. They brought in all the studies and all the evaluations. They verified, sadly, all the statistics that we have talked about here on the floor today. Seventy-three percent of incidents happen in these two sectors. The fact is that they not only verified that, but they showed that those numbers are actually underreported.

What is happening out there is because we don't have any system that people can turn to when they are experiencing this kind of unacceptable behavior. They basically are in a situation where, most of the time, they just are saying suck it up, shake it off, that is part of the job, just move on, don't spend any time on that.

In fact, what GAO told us is that the numbers that we are seeing in other sorts of reports underreport what is going on out there.

We took that report, and we crafted legislation. We really did accommodate some of the issues that we have heard talked about on the floor here today, about ensuring that there is going to be an adequate comment period for all stakeholders. We want that. We understand that the hospital association, just like the emergency room doctors, just like the nurses, should all have their opportunity to weigh in, in terms of what is a viable, workable standard.

But what we don't need is to have OSHA just sort of lapse into its notorious dysfunctional delays in terms of developing a workforce standard.

Mr. Scott ticked off, again, some of the most recent examples: 2017 beryllium took 18 years, silica dust took 17 years.

Again, when the last administration came to the committee, they said, ``We are going to start the process. We are going to begin a docket in terms of getting a rulemaking.''

And then the first scheduled date was delayed, and then the second scheduled date was delayed again, and on and on and on. Right now, today, as we stand here in this Chamber, there is nothing scheduled.

When you really boil it down, where I think the disagreement exists-- and I am happy to acknowledge that, but I think it is a meaningful distinction--is that we are going to put this agency on the clock. We are telling them that, you know, you can follow the procedures, take the comment, but we are not going to sit back and allow this unacceptable trend to continue unaddressed.

That agency was created back in the Nixon administration to protect America's workers, and as the branch of government that created them, we want them to develop a standard in a reasonable amount of time.

Madam Speaker, this is not unprecedented. Congresses, in the past, have done this. During the last pandemic, during AIDS, we saw a blood- borne pathogen that was just totally sweeping hospitals and healthcare institutions all across the country, and we intervened and put a clock on OSHA to develop a blood-borne pathogen workforce standard.

That is why, today, when you go to the hospitals, people are wearing gloves and using disposable needles. All that stuff that we take for granted now, that was OSHA. Actually, it was Congress who told OSHA to develop that standard. So we are in a situation here today in 2021 where, again, we are seeing something out there.

I thank Ms. Foxx because she is not in denial, that is for sure. She really thoughtfully talked about what is driving some of this, but the fact is now it is time to act. I thank some of the Republican Members who came forward because it is hard right now, but they came forward and cosponsored this bill.

I hope, Madam Speaker, that the shared experience of the last year that this country went through is something people will think about when they vote later today and support this legislation.

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

Madam Speaker, as the designee of the chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, and pursuant to section 6 of House Resolution 303, I rise to offer amendments en bloc.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the amendments en bloc.

These five amendments will: one, direct OSHA to prioritize providing technical assistance and advice to employers to promote compliance during the first year; two, clarify that nothing in this act will limit existing protections against domestic violence, stalking, or sexual violence; three, clarify that employers can consult experts when developing their workplace violence prevention plans; four, provide additional training to workers who interact with survivors of torture, trafficking, and domestic violence; and, five, adds Alzheimer's and memory care facilities as facilities covered by this legislation.

These amendments make meaningful improvements to the bill, and I urge a ``yes'' vote on the amendments en bloc.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jones).

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from New York.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen).

Madam Speaker, again, I support the en bloc as stated earlier, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Madam Speaker, I again want to clarify for the record that Congress in the past has required interim standards in situations where there have been real acute problems in America's workforce. We did it for workers who were working in hazardous waste and hazardous disposal sites, and we did it for workers who were exposed to lead.

So, again, there is precedent for this. This is not having an interim standard where there is an urgent need to have some action for just a program standard for workers out there. We have done it in the past. And I think we have certainly heard enough from the other side that they acknowledge the severity of the problem and the incredible people that would benefit from having a standard out there that we should apply the interim rule in this case, which would take place a year from enactment and then the final standard 3\1/2\ years from enactment.

I want to be clear. When we drafted the bill, we put in language that requires a notice and comment section for both the interim standard and the final standard. Nobody is being foreclosed in terms of having an opportunity to weigh in.

Since 1996, OSHA has had voluntary recommendations and guidelines for workplace safety in healthcare settings. This thing has been knocking around for 25 years, and that is no secret here. We are not starting from a blank sheet of paper.

So, again, all the stakeholders know what some of the strategies are that could be employed to protect workers better, and what we are doing in the baseline of the bill is basically saying we are not going to sit back and let the dysfunctional history of OSHA dominate and really expose people needlessly to workplace violence.

Again, Mr. Scott went through the sad history over OSHA: 18 years for beryllium; 17 years for silica dust; 16 or 17 years for working in enclosed construction site spaces. OSHA is just notorious in terms of going slow, and, in fact, the last administration, which did try to convene the Small Business panel, postponed it five separate times, and today there is nothing scheduled. I mean, zero.

So, again, I appreciate the fact that the other side acknowledges the seriousness of the problem. Again, I think the bill acts on that by actually putting a clock on OSHA to move forward.

I will close by saying that the administration has weighed in, who actually is the executive branch that has control of OSHA, and, again, they submitted a letter titled: ``Statement of

Administration Policy'' on April 13 supporting this bill, and specifically the 1-year interim standard and the 42-month final standard timeline that is in the bill. I include that letter in the Record, Madam Speaker.

Statement of Administration Policy

H.R. 1195--Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social

Service Workers Act--Rep. Courtney, D-CT, and 145 cosponsors

The Administration strongly supports passage of H.R. 1195,

the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social

Service Workers Act. This bipartisan legislation will lead to

the development of Federal standards to ensure that health

care and social service employers develop and implement plans

to protect their staff, prevent and improve the response to

workplace violence, and address existing barriers to

reporting.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of violence

against health care and social service workers have been on

the rise. A 2016 Government Accountability Office study

reported that rates of violence against health care workers

are up to 12 times higher than rates for the overall

workforce. In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported

that health care and social service workers were nearly five

times as likely to suffer a serious workplace violence injury

than workers in other sectors, and that healthcare workers

accounted for 73 percent of such injuries. In 2017, state

government health care and social service workers were almost

nine times more likely to be injured by an assault than

private-sector health care workers. Front line employees in

these settings interact with a range of patients, clients,

and their families, often with little training or direction

for how to handle interactions that may become violent.

Workplace violence often causes both physical and emotional

harm. Victims of these incidents often suffer post-traumatic

stress that undermines their ability to continue their

employment in that sector. This burdens a stretched health

care workforce that has been severely impacted by the COVID-

19 pandemic. There is currently no Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA) standard that requires employers

to implement violence prevention plans that would help reduce

workplace violence injuries among health care and social

service workers.

Under the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and

Social Service Workers Act, OSHA must issue an interim final

standard in one year and a final standard within 42 months

requiring employers in the health care and social service

sectors to develop and implement a workplace violence

prevention plan. Under such a standard, employers would need

to ensure that health care and social service workers are

directly involved in the development, implementation, and

assessment of these plans. This will include identifying

risks, specifying solutions, and requiring training,

reporting, and incident investigations. It would also provide

protections from retaliation for reporting violent incidents.

Additionally, this legislation will protect health care and

social service workers in the public sector in 24 states

where those employees are not covered by OSHA protections.

The Administration commends the bipartisan support for the

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social

Service Workers Act and urges swift passage of this

legislation.

Madam Speaker, respectfully I rise in opposition and recommend a ``no'' vote on Mr. Keller's amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the distinguished career in public service of former U.S. Attorney John Durham. As is typical of presidential transitions, John Durham officially retired from his role as the leader of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut on February 28, 2021. A resident of eastern Connecticut, he invested 40 years of his life to this form of public service, and as an attorney in practice for 27 years prior to coming to Congress and as the brother of a former Assistant U.S. Attorney who worked with John, I can attest to the sterling reputation and record he amassed on his long and eventful journey.

Born in Boston, John graduated from Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. From there, he began his legal career securing his juris doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1975. Armed with his degree, John had many options in the legal profession. Rather than pursuing more lucrative areas of practice, he began his career instead in the criminal courts as a Deputy Assistant State's Attorney with the Office of the Chief State's Attorney in 1978. He moved up a year later to New Haven State's Attorney's Office, where he worked until 1982. During these formative years, John marked major notches on his belt with the successful prosecution of those such as the Curcio brothers, notorious Bridgeport mobsters whose conviction made it all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Ultimately, it was during this formative time period that John carved out his unique specialty in the field of law: combatting organized crime.

As successful as he was in the Connecticut state courts, the federal courts offered a much greater capacity to exercise his skills. It was no surprise then that Mr. Durham joined the federal government at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut. Also located in New Haven, John stayed on with the District Office for another 35 years until he became the U.S. Attorney for that very office in 2018. Throughout these years, John expanded his prosecutorial belt even further to continue his crusade against organized crime, later expanding his specializations to addressing public corruption. Needless to say, as indicated by his constant presence in New Haven, John's leadership in the field has always been partially attributed to his fierce and inspiring loyalty.

There are, of course, other attributes that have led to his defining success in the New England area as a federal prosecutor. Durham's major contribution to combating the drug violence epidemic was to create a structure that federalized investigations. In doing so, he formed a more effective, broad, and resourceful law enforcement approach by encouraging multi-agency task forces to coordinate on unique investigative efforts. His architectural ability found him leading assignments that involved a bigger picture than maintaining the law within Connecticut, such as when he brought down New England's most powerful criminal outfit, the Patiarca family, in the late 1980's. This major win for public safety in the region is also due to his federalized efforts, as the syndicate collapsed at John's hand when inner circle members were persuaded to cooperate with federal resources such as the FBI's witness protection program.

John's highly ethical commitment to cleaning up corruption earned him a bipartisan and distinguished reputation as a protector of the people. A stalwart of government oversight, he led efforts to remove and charge government officials--even those at the highest levels such as Connecticut's ex-Governor John Rowland. With his impeccable reputation for deft handling of the tools of federal law enforcement, he was also assigned by Justice Department officials of numerous administrations to investigate and prosecute those working for organized crime from within law enforcement, including those formerly connected to the infamous gangster James ``Whitey'' Bulger. As a signal to his integrity and public trust, John's career over the past couple decades has steered toward the investigation of scandalous claims of abuse from the highest levels of the federal government, including but not limited to the CIA's post-911 interrogation tactics. With his reputation as one of the most consequential federal prosecutors in mind, the former President nominated John Durham in November of 2017 to become the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut which received universal, bipartisan support in both Connecticut and Washington.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Durham has led and won against some of the most complicated criminal and political scandals in Connecticut and elsewhere. For nearly 40 years, he has built an accomplished record that has kept the people safe from violence and government abuse. He often attributed his inspiration to the dedicated public service of the colleagues that surrounded him, which was reflected by the fact that nearly 300 judges, prosecutors and members of law enforcement came to acknowledge his career on his final day in office. While we now find ourselves wondering what the future will hold with his departure, we can at least find comfort in the competent and effective U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut that he leaves behind. To that end, I ask my colleagues in the House join me in honoring and thanking U.S. Attorney John Durham for upholding the highest standards of his profession in a lifetime of public service of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to observe and mourn the passing of a talented businessman, veteran, husband, father, and a patriotic Nutmegger through and through--Norbert ``Bud'' Fay, of Groton, Connecticut. A pillar of southeastern CT, Bud passed away at the age of 94 at his residence on January 9, 2021.

While Bud has moved on--we now cherish his life and the positive impact he had on the lives of others and his hometown of Groton. Born in 1927, Bud was civic minded early in life and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Bud's commitment to his

community and country translated into his enlistment in the United States NAVY, serving with the greatest generation in World War II as a member of a Gun Crew on Merchant Tankers. During the war, Bud flew for two companies that rebuilt war surplus aircraft. His heroism and iron will during World War II will always be remembered by us here in eastern Connecticut and we cannot thank and appreciate Bud enough for his commitment and sacrifice to our nation.

Upon his retirement from the military, Bud set his sights on doing business in eastern Connecticut--and the rest is history. With the same vigor and passion he used to serve his country--Bud quickly developed an entrepreneurial flare and started his first business, a car dealership in Waterford. A natural businessman--Bud develop a rapport with the local business community and even helped initiate the Groton Business Association which exists to this day. With his ever-expanding business acumen, Bud found his way into working for Davis Standard in Pawcatuck and joined the team that pioneered the early development of plastic product machinery. Bud hit the ground running as soon as he retired from the NAVY. As testament to his energy and hard work, he was once named National Association of Independent Businessmen's New England's Small Businessman of the Year. Later in life, Bud would go on to open a restaurant, laundromat, and other businesses which he operated on Route 12 in Groton for 22 years. His restaurant ``Pop and Mum's'' was a place where members of the NAVY could grab a bite to eat and have a warm conversation with Bud where he would regale of his experiences in the military and offer a friendly ear. Bud was always there for the local NAVY sailors when they needed him.

But to his core, Bud was a fighter for his community. This was demonstrated in his fight to save the century old Naval Submarine Base New London, which the Pentagon under the Bush administration added to a list of bases recommended for permanent closure in 2005. A eastern Connecticut with no sub-base would have spelt economic disaster for so many in the Second District, not to mention the thousands of NAVY personnel who were stationed at the base and who's children made up a significant portion of the area's schools. Bud fought like hell to ensure that this would not happen and through his voice and the collective voice of all of eastern Connecticut--the base was taken off the list and flourishes to this day. Bud was never asked or obligated to do his part in saving the livelihoods of so many here in Connecticut but did so out of his own sheer will and we will never forget his commitment to save the base.

Many in Groton and the surrounding also knew Bud as ``Pop'' because he was a beacon of wisdom and was someone who would always be there if you needed him. Bud was a humble man and was as down to earth as they came. He understood that life required positivity and he always said, ``life's a learning experience--enjoy every minute.'' When Bud wasn't running his businesses or leading a community initiative--he enjoyed visiting folks at the Fairview retirement community, using his flying simulator, or reading.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues and this Chamber join me in expressing our deepest respect for Bud's life and that we send our deepest condolences to his Family. Bud was predeceased by his first wife Muriel Fay. He remarried Barbara Nelson who he leaves behind alongside two daughters, Sharlene Aspinwall and Daurene Graf, two stepdaughters Cheryl Elci and Laura Nelson, eight grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Bud will forever remain a symbol of love and patriotism in southeastern Connecticut and we will use his life as an inspiration to do good for our community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the Budget Committee for his and his committee staff's steady hand over the last couple of months to make sure that the American Rescue Plan was enacted last week.

Mr. Speaker, in that week's time up to today, the American people have had a chance to listen to the debate and evaluate for themselves what they think of the American Rescue Plan. A Morning Consult poll that came out yesterday showed 72 percent support for the plan, 44 percent among Republicans across the country.

Why not? Ninety million Americans on Wednesday received $1,400 checks totaling $242 billion. For those Americans who are not connected digitally to the IRS, they are going to get their checks through the mail.

For those Americans who are filing their 2020 tax returns, whose income now qualifies them for the economic impact payments, they are going to receive their checks.

On Monday, people who were on unemployment got an extension because of the American Rescue Plan. These are working people in the service sectors, in the commercial real estate sector, in most parts of the economy that are still hurting out there.

Every ``no'' vote was a ``no'' vote in terms of people getting that critical economic help.

Another vote of confidence happened on Wednesday, which is, the Federal Reserve Board met and voted to keep their key benchmark rate at zero, not just for a couple of weeks or a couple of months, but for the balance of 2021, for all of 2022, and into 2023.

So for all of the historical arguments that we are overheating the economy and inflation is going to go up, Jerome Powell, Donald Trump's nominee as chair of the Federal Reserve, took questions for over an hour on this inflation issue, argued, accurately, with a battalion of economists that they have at the Federal Reserve that there is still slack in this economy and 10 million folks on unemployment need to get this type of fiscal relief that the American Rescue Plan responsibly targeted, which is going to make sure that this country recovers as soon as possible.

This is a routine bill today. We have done it over and over again in the last 10 years. Vote ``yes'' and make sure that this economy, as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve advised us, gets the help it needs.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I rise today to mourn and recognize the passing of a bastion of the town of Old Lyme, Connecticut and a devoted family man, Mr. Dave Woolley. After living a rich life not with material possessions, but rather with friendship and compassion for all, Dave passed away peacefully on January 30, 2021.

Born and raised in Longmeadow, Massachusetts to Doris and Harry Woolley, he moved on from the state shortly after graduating from University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a bachelor's in business administration in 1955.

After enlisting in the Navy and honorably serving his nation, we in Connecticut became blessed with his giving nature when he began a new chapter in his life in Hartford, Connecticut. Employing his degree from UMass Amherst, David first started as a bank officer with Hartford National Bank & Trust Co. His intelligence and judgment made him a success administering business loans within the community first in Hartford and then to a new position at the Plainfield Bank & Trust Co. in eastern Connecticut and then Washington Trust in Westerly, Rhode Island. He retired in 2009.

While he was rightfully proud of his work--as demonstrated by more than 52 years of dedication to his profession--it was never meant to be his full purpose in life. Always the delightful extrovert, he employed his time outside of the job to establish the strongest of ties in his local community--which to Dave also meant expanding family ties. He moved permanently to his Old Lyme home in 1989 where he formed a loving connection to his constant friend and companion, Beverly Curry. The two of them together in this idyllic shoreline town were a constant presence in civic, political and charitable events. As a candidate for Congress, I was lucky enough to benefit from their popularity and community connections when they tirelessly supported my candidacy year in and year out.

Throughout and prior to his permanent residence in Old Lyme, David was heavily involved in numerous organizations throughout the region and state. Most notably, he served 11 years as a board member to the Connecticut Police Academy; 20 years as an affiliate of then State Chairman for the American Heart Association of Connecticut; and more than 45 years as a member across five different chapters in the Rotary Club. Ending his tenure as a member of the Niantic Rotary, it should not go without mentioning his service as President of two of the Clubs, partially leading him to earn the Paul Harris Award--the highest accolade presented by the Rotary Club.

Always a force of altruism, Dave's commitment to creating a stronger community truly took off once he connected his financial aptitude with the township of Old Lyme. Beginning in 1994, Dave joined a local party organization and was elected shortly thereafter to the Board of Finance in 1995. He served in the capacity as a finance specialist, helping to run the budgets for the town's essential services. His leadership in the town was clear and long lasting as he was also elected Chairman to the same local party in 2002. Dave led and constructed a strong party infrastructure that would become this fundamental part of the community, establishing hallmark fundraisers and further devoting his tenure to expanding the locality's electorate. He served in these roles until his latest days, staying active even after fully stepping down from leadership positions in 2019.

Having dedicated a life of spreading faith in the most local ties, the strength of Dave's interest in family and friends could not be emphasized enough. Dave was an incredible listener and always made time for people, making him destined from the start to bring a brand of dignity to his community and by extension, his family. His memory continues on through a long list of individuals: his partner Beverly; son and daughter-in-law Michael and Patricia Woolley and grandchildren Katherine and Alexander; stepchildren Laurie, James, David, Steven and their families; as well as his sister and brother-in-law Patricia and Michael Cronin.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to represent constituents as honorable and impactful as David. While we all mourn his loss, we can at least find solace that his story, memory and purpose lives on through countless others. I ask that the entire House join me in recognizing the life of David Bronson Woolley, also never forgetting the importance of building our connections with others.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to observe and mourn the passing of a talented scientist, college professor, and most notably a ``citizen of the world'' who passionately advocated for world peace and justice, Mr. Charlie Prewitt, of Mansfield Hollow, Connecticut. My friend Charlie passed at the extraordinary age of 102 on January 7, 2021, sadly due to complications related to the coronavirus.

My statement today could not begin to encapsulate all that Charlie had accomplished during his industrious life. Born in Indiana in 1918, he showed such academic aptitude from an early age when he entered the second grade by age five. A prolific musician, playing both piano and violin, he received a scholarship to play in the Transylvania University orchestra where he would then go onto earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Charlie also met the love of his life, Virginia Stewart, at his alma mater--a love that would last 65 years.

Charlie went on to continue his education at Louisiana State University when his graduate work was interrupted by World War II. Due to his background in chemistry, he was conscripted to work at Dupont Chemical on extending the burn rate of gunpowder. That work led him to the Manhattan Project where he collected samples from reactors and ran titrations on plutonium. His involvement in the creation of nuclear weapons and intimate knowledge of their terrifying power was a driving motivation for his determined commitment to nuclear nonproliferation.

When the war ended, Charlie completed his graduate work, obtaining a Master's in Education at University of Kentucky, followed by a Doctorate in Science Education at Columbia University. In 1952, he and Virginia finally landed in Willimantic, Connecticut when he moved to take a professorship at the then named Willimantic State Teachers College, now Eastern Connecticut State University. His commitment to his students and his passion for educating educators was unmatched. His leadership led to the establishment of a minor degree in Peace and Human Rights at the University and the development of a scholarship program for students pursuing this degree.

While he remained in Connecticut for the rest of his life and career, Charlie never lost sight of foreign affairs. He accepted a Fulbright Scholarship to Myanmar, a U.S. AID position in Afghanistan and finally joined a Ford Foundation project in Pakistan. His commitment to war resistance, social justice, peace, and advancement of human rights never wavered.

Charlie and I crossed paths many times during my time in public service, and while we would engage in healthy debate, our conversations always left me with a deeper understanding of the issues and an even deeper respect for his commitment to them. Charlie's loss leaves a deep void in the activist community in Eastern Connecticut and around the world. He now goes on to join his loving wife Virginia, who regretfully predeceased him in 2007. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues and this Chamber to join me in expressing our deepest respect for Charlie's work and life and send our deepest condolences to the Prewitt Family. Charlie is survived by his children Charlies Walker Jr., (John) David Prewitt and Mary Stewart Prewitt and their families who carry the indelible memory of Charlie and Virginia in their hearts so that their example of compassion and kindness will carry on.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of a humble, loyal, and dedicated public servant, Russell Mason Gray of Sterling, Connecticut, who passed unexpectedly, at age 76, on January 12, 2021.

A resident and the First Selectman of the town of Sterling, Connecticut for 16 years, Russell prioritized the wellbeing of Sterling and its citizens above all else. Before being called to public service, Russell and his wife Sue dedicated themselves to their family dairy farm, and Russell, at his core was a farmer, with strong ties to his land. These ties created a natural transition to his election as First Selectman in 2005.

Russell's steadfast leadership helped Sterling, a small community of less than 4,000 people, navigate the challenges of being a rural municipality. From building four new bridges in town and constantly inspecting roads--to facilitating the construction of the new Sterling Community School and moving the town offices and Library to the former Sterling Memorial School in Oneco--Russell was proactive in securing an efficient but accessible municipal infrastructure for the town of Sterling. Alongside his commitment to Sterling, Russell was Chairman of the Windham County Soil and Water Conservation District, President of the Windham County Farm Bureau, Advisor to Killingly High School Vo-Ag, Director of Patrons Mutual Insurance Company, President of the CT State Grange, County and Ekonk Community Granges, and Chairman of the Northeast Council of Governments. These commitments reflect only a portion of Russell's legacy and display not only Russell's dedication to Sterling but to all the towns in Windham County.

Russell's love for his town and the people in his community is known to all he encountered. His fellow selectman Lincoln Cooper once said, ``He was stubborn and loyal--he loved this town. He was a self-made man whose stubbornness led him to make good decisions for Sterling.'' His former administrative assistant, Joyce Gustavson, emphasized that for Russell--``it was family first, then Sterling.'' Everyone who worked close with Russell saw the passion in his daily work at the town hall and his willingness to go above and beyond for every resident. Losing Russell leaves a deep void in eastern Connecticut.

Madam Speaker, knowing of Russell's devotion to the people of eastern Connecticut and Sterling and how diligently he served until his last breath, I can attest that his career represents the best of public service. I hope the chamber will join me in expressing the deepest condolences on behalf of the House of Representatives to the Gray family--his wife Sue; His children Rebecca, Mason, Deborah: and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. I hope this testament to Russell's life serves as an acknowledgement of the immeasurable debt of gratitude owed to him by the American people.