Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dave Kozlowski for his service to the students of Ellington, Connecticut. For the past 35 years, Dave has played an influential role in the lives of thousands of young people. As he winds down his career, he is now leading the children of former students and has become an example of stability in his community.

Dave has demonstrated his leadership skills in his math classroom as well as outside of it. He has successfully coached the Ellington Middle School cross country team, as well as the girls' and boys' basketball teams for countless years. He continues to build athletic teams where all students feel welcome and valued for their participation. The students always developed a strong sense of camaraderie and pulled together against larger schools to give all opponents a run for their money.

Dave's most memorable contribution to the students is his annual trip to Washington, DC. After Dave's countless hours of preparation, the students are rewarded with an unforgettable experience. He manages to give the students an accurate sample of the history of our country, while letting them enjoy their learning every step of the way. As for the rare instance where something went awry, Dave handled it with his typical good humor. No roadblock stopped him from providing the students of Ellington with the memory of a lifetime. The thousands of eighth graders who have accompanied Dave on this trip over the last 35 years truly appreciate all of the sacrifices he has made for them. These young people are completely engaged throughout the experience. That engagement and appreciation of learning is the truest mark of a great educator.

Mr. Speaker, this year residents of Connecticut's 29th district will bid a fond farewell to a man who has served them for 22 years. While serving in Hartford, State Senator Donald E. Williams never stopped personally helping those living in his district.

Prior to being elected to the Senate, Don served as First Selectman for the town of Thompson, Connecticut, overseeing the first mandatory town recycling program in Connecticut. During his time as First Selectman, he also served as Chairman of the Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments and as Chairman of the Northeast Economic Alliance. He previously worked as an attorney focusing on municipal law at the law firm of Boland, St. Onge & Brouillard in Putnam.

When Don arrived in Hartford as a State Senator in 1993, he quickly earned the respect of his peers. He became an influential member of the Senate and was elected as the Senate President Pro Tempore in 2004. He is now Connecticut's longest serving President Pro Tem.

Among his numerous duties as President, he has managed the schedule and policy agenda for his fellow senators. Among his legislative triumphs, Don helped spearhead the campaign finance law of 2005 and he pushed for cleaning up the ``Sooty Six'' power plants in 2002. In chairing the Judiciary Committee, Senator Williams authored and spearheaded legislation to create the Office of the Child Advocate and the Office of the Victim Advocate. He led the fight to improve nutrition in Connecticut schools and helped position our State as a national leader in combating childhood obesity.

In the wake of the terrible violence in Newtown, Connecticut, Senator Williams partnered with Governor Malloy to steer important, sensible gun laws to passage. Among his final accomplishments, Don led passage of Connecticut's Smart Start, a competitive grant program that moves Connecticut closer to universal pre-K education.

He served on the Board of Directors for the New England Board of Higher Education. He has championed the UCONN 2000 and UCONN 2020 initiatives to revitalize the University of Connecticut. In addition to his legislative work, Don is also publishing a biography on the life of Prudence Crandall, which includes a significant amount of abolitionist history. His writing has received rave reviews from book critics and accolades from local historians, who appreciate the telling of this important story in Connecticut's history.

I am proud of working with Don on a number of different projects in eastem Connecticut, including the continuation of support for the Storrs Center, a mixed-use residential and commercial center, as well as ensuring Federal support for rail line revitalization.

As Senator Williams finishes up his final term, I wish him the best of luck. Although he is retiring from public office, I have no doubt that he will remain an active member of his community. I ask my colleagues to join with

me in congratulating Senator Donald E. Williams on his retirement and recognizing his remarkable career.

Mr. Speaker, this year the people of Connecticut's 20th Senate district fondly say goodbye to longtime State Senator Andrea Stillman, who is retiring from office after almost 22 years of service to her community. Known both as a champion of education and a mentor to her peers, her role in influencing both young minds and fellow legislators has left a legacy to Connecticut for years to come.

Andrea's career has been marked by determination and an ability to defy expectations. First elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 38th district in 1992, she faced the daunting task of replacing another long-time public servant in Janet Polinsky, yet never backed down from the challenge. This past winter, despite health concerns that many of her colleagues expected to sideline her, Andrea persevered and continued serving her constituents in the State Senate.

In 2012, Andrea designed numerous public education reforms which will help close the achievement gap in our state, and vastly improve education from the pre-k through elementary years. Senator Stillman was also appointed by the commissioner of the State Department of Education to represent Connecticut on the New England Secondary School Consortium. Just recently, Andrea helped secure a grant for New London's Garde Arts Center that will help grow the theatre to include the New London Magnet School of Visual and Performing Arts--a critical component of New London's school system. For these efforts and countless others over the course of her career, Andrea was honored by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents with their 2014 Legislator Award.

Beyond education, Andrea championed local initiatives large and small to improve her community. In 2004, Andrea stood by residents of East Lyme to help preserve the Oswegatchie Hills from development, and in 2007 she co-chaired a panel of legislators that helped block a proposal to build a floating liquid natural gas platform in Long Island Sound. For years, she has been vocal in seeking to improve the transportation infrastructure of Southeastern Connecticut, pursuing the continued construction of Route 11, and holding Amtrak and Shoreline East officials accountable for the quality of services provided on local rails.

Andrea's colleagues in the state legislature will remember her leadership, her collegiality, and her deep dedication to her constituents. Sporting nicknames like the ``Iron Lady of Southeastern Connecticut,'' the ``Matriarch'' and the ``Den Mother'' of the State Senate, it is obvious how highly regarded she is by all those whom she works with. In an era of negative politics, her colleagues have lauded her as a role model for respectful dialogue on the Senate floor.

I want to wish Andrea the most sincere of congratulations on a singular career of public service, and the best of luck in everything the future holds for her. I know she will find many more ways to contribute to the lives of residents throughout Connecticut. I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing Andrea's efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with Representatives Howard Coble, Frank LoBiondo, and Rick Larsen on behalf of the Congressional Coast Guard Caucus to recognize the dedication and unwavering leadership of Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr, who will complete his tour as the 24th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard on May 30, 2014. Serving our nation faithfully and selflessly for over 40 years, Admiral Papp has led the nearly 90,000 active duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary members of the Coast Guard through an extraordinary period in the Coast Guard's history. Both as Commandant and Commander of the Coast Guard's Atlantic Area, Admiral Papp remained focused and resolute in directing the massive response and recovery operations for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. He served as the Operational Commander responsible for the Coast Guard response in the wake of the Haiti earthquake disaster, where Coast Guard cutters were the first U.S. assets on scene to provide humanitarian assistance to the devastated country.

Admiral Papp was instrumental in raising the national awareness of the continuously evolving challenges in the Arctic, including developing the Coast Guard's first Arctic Strategy and expanding Coast Guard operations and capabilities in the Region. He has also been integral to U.S. efforts to engage with other Arctic Nations to establish international governance protocols essential to protecting U.S. sovereignty, security and economic interests as access and activity in the Arctic continues to expand.

Through his leadership and staunch support of the Coast Guard men and women who place their lives on the line every day to serve the American people, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to recapitalize the Coast Guard's rapidly aging fleet of cutters, aircraft and small boats. Often overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles in an incredibly challenging fiscal environment, he has achieved extraordinary success in building out the fleet of National Security Cutters, Fast Response Cutters, Response Boats and Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Furthermore, he has laid the foundation for the acquisition of the Offshore Patrol Cutter, which will ensure the Coast Guard continues to remain ``Semper Paratus'' or Always Ready, to complete its maritime safety, security and stewardship missions in our ports and waterways as well as the over 4 millions square miles of U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone around the world.

Finally, for those of us who have had the privilege to know Admiral Papp personally, it does not take long to see and understand how passionate he is about the health and welfare of every member of the Coast Guard family--his ``shipmates.'' His focus on professionalism and proficiency and his efforts to improve access to critical family support services such as childcare and family housing have been instrumental in improving the lives of all ``Coasties.'' His decision to protect the civilian workforce and not implement furloughs despite the devastating impacts of sequestration reflects his commitment to the concept that every member of the Coast Guard--active duty, reserve, civilian or auxiliary--is an indispensable partner in the success of the Service.

As the Co-Chairs of the Coast Guard Caucus, we are honored to join with our distinguished colleagues in recognizing the incredible service, dedication and leadership of Admiral Papp as the 24th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. As we honor Admiral Papp, we also honor the service of the thousands of shipmates he has led as they rescue those in distress, protect our environment, secure our borders and keep dangerous drugs off our streets. To paraphrase Admiral Papp himself. ``They are Coastguardsmen. This is their chosen profession. This is their way.'' We thank Admiral Papp, his wife Linda and his entire family for their service and sacrifice, and wish them all fair winds and following seas.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to announce that this Thursday Mystic Aquarium of Mystic, Connecticut, will be awarded the 2014 Institute for Museum and Library Service's 2014 National Medal. This prestigious award is only given to 10 institutions each year, and it is the highest honor bestowed upon museums and libraries for exceptional service to their communities. The award will be presented by First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the medals program.

Mystic Aquarium is a crown jewel of eastern Connecticut. Founded in 1973, it has more than 4,000 animals and over 300 species, including New England's only beluga whale. It has played an important role for Connecticut residents and visitors alike, with numerous education, research, and cultural exchange programs for students from around the country.

Dr. Stephen Coan, CEO and president of Sea Research Foundation, the parent of Mystic Aquarium, will accept the award on behalf of the aquarium. It has pioneered ocean exploration, including extensive undersea research in the submersible, the Nautilus, skippered by Dr. Robert Ballard, best known for his discovery of the Titanic.

Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate Mystic Aquarium and Dr. Coan as they receive the 2014 IMLS National Medal. I thank them for their monumental dedication and contribution to the Mystic community.

Mr. Speaker, last evening the U.S. Navy and two shipyards, the electric boat shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, and Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Newport News, Virginia, entered into an $18 billion contract to build 10 submarines over the next 5 years.

This event did not happen by itself. It was the result of exhaustive national security reviews that started under Secretary Gates, continued with the Nuclear Posture Review, and continued with the Quadrennial Defense Review. In every instance, the findings were that we needed to bolster our undersea fleet, which has declined from 100 ships at the end of the cold war to 53 today.

With rising maritime challenges in the Asia Pacific, with the decision by Vladimir Putin to recapitalize his military to the tune of $700 billion, we must bolster our undersea fleet, which is the one area where the United States still has undisputed domination of that domain.

I want to congratulate the shipyard workers who have shown the Virginia class program is ahead of schedule and under budget, whether it was the USS California, the Hawaii, or, most recently, the North Dakota. Again, they have set, in my opinion, an example for Navy shipbuilding across the board and commercial shipbuilding, which the U.S. has got to step up its game and become part of.

Again, congratulations to the hardworking shipyard workers in Groton and Newport News, Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a small-town hero. After 20 years of exceptional service, Theodore Day has earned his Life Membership to the Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Company.

Ted became a volunteer fire fighter with the department in 1994. Since then he has logged in 21,000 hours serving the residents of the village of Gales Ferry and the town of Ledyard, Connecticut. Ted has responded to over 1,700 emergencies, including fires, motor vehicle crashes and hazardous materials releases. His skills and sharp instincts have been an asset to the department, enabling Ted to save lives and minimize damage to property. His courage and dedication earned him the title of Fire Fighter of the Year for 2002 and 2003.

In 2007, Ted was named Deputy Fire Chief. A strong advocate for the Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Company, Ted has applied for grants and relentlessly pursued all avenues to save the department money. In tight budget years, Ted was able to keep the fire company running smoothly without sacrificing public safety.

In addition to his work with the Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Company, Ted Day is a dedicated husband to this wife Tiffany and father to their children, Mason and Lia. I ask that my colleagues join with me in honoring Theodore Day for his dedication and outstanding service to the Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Company and the community it serves.

Madam Speaker, the State of Connecticut is bursting with Huskie pride this morning as the UConn men and the UConn women basketball teams did what was, I think, almost unimaginable: they both won a national championship.

It would be great to stand here today and talk about how the women accomplished a perfect season and beat a team that was undefeated until last night, or the men, who defied every pundit, every odds-maker, every NCAA know-it-all and again won the national championship against all odds.

But I want to really focus for a second on the fact that Geno Auriemma, his women's program over the years has almost a perfect graduation rate in terms of the women who have played in that program.

And Kevin Ollie has three dean's list players on the starting five. His all-star, Shabazz Napier, is going to graduate with a full degree. He is an amazing person, and I am glad the country got a chance to see him.

I want to conclude by reading his final comment that he said to the press the other night:

Basketball is second to me. I want them to be better people

once they leave Storrs campus. If I did that, forget about

the wins and losses, national championships, all that stuff,

I think I've done my job.

Coach Ollie, Coach Auriemma, you have done your job. We are so proud of you.

Go, Huskies.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, these are heady days in the State of Connecticut where both the UConn men and women are in the Final Four, shocking the world.

Mr. Speaker, there has also been another team working hard in the State of Connecticut. That is the assisters, navigators, insurance agents, community health centers, faith-based groups, and call center employees who have been enrolling Connecticut citizens in the Affordable Care Act at a frantic pace.

As of Monday night, they had enrolled 197,000 Connecticut citizens. Even though the target that HHS gave last summer was only 100,000, they doubled the target that was given to the State of Connecticut. Why? Because these assisters, like Marianne Martinez, said:

I heard a lot of stories from people who hadn't had

insurance or seen a doctor in years. Some people came in

expecting insurance would cost them $500 a month, and it

turned out to be only $40 or $100. It was a breath of fresh

air.

Congratulations to all those individuals who are helping, helping people in this country get access to health care.

And go, Huskies.

Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to follow up on a point that Leader Pelosi just made regarding the OCO account, the Overseas Contingency Operations account, which, at Armed Services, we are dealing with actually right now.

The President came over with his OCO request for this year of $80 billion. This funds the troops over in Afghanistan, the 34,000 that are still fighting courageously to defend our country.

At the end of this year, the projection is that that troop level will be brought down to, at the highest level of 10,000, possibly even lower, and combat missions, for all intents and purposes, are going to come to an end.

As the Congressional Budget Office has demonstrated over and over again, they will score savings with the OCO drawdown that is going to happen at the end of this year. Indeed, the Ryan budget has used those OCO savings to help balance its own priorities, so this is not funny money. This is not hypothetical.

Anyone who has been on a CODEL over to Afghanistan knows we are spending money over there, and starting next year, we are going to spend a lot less money because of the change in our deployments over in Afghanistan.

The cost of the permanent fix to SGR is $135 billion over the next 10 years. You only need a portion of the OCO account to permanently fix SGR, and everybody who has even come close to discussing this issue knows that in this building.

Hopefully, the Senate, when they take this up next week, are going to move forward with a permanent fix using totally valid, verified savings by the Congressional Budget Office in the OCO account.

It is a peace dividend, in terms of drawing down from Afghanistan, that we can finally stabilize the Medicare system by making sure that fees are not going to be subjected to this annual cliff that, again, denies access in far too many cases in doctors' offices all across the country.

So, again, I just want to emphasize the point that it is not like we are powerless here to come up with an SGR fix for which there is bipartisan support, using verifiable, valid savings by the Congressional Budget Office in the OCO account.

Our brave soldiers are going to be drawing down closer to the end of this year to zero. We can use those savings to fix America's health care system.

Mr. Speaker, on March 13 and 14, 2014 I joined Admiral Mike Connor, Commander of US Submarine Forces, on a visit to the USS Missouri to see firsthand the operations of a Virginia Class Submarine and missed several recorded votes. Had I been present, I would have voted:

``Yes'' on rollcall No. 129, on the motion to recommit H.R. 3973 with instructions;

``Yes'' on rollcall No. 130, on agreeing to the Polis of Colorado Part A Amendment No. 3 to H.R. 3973;

``Yes'' on rollcall No. 131, on the motion to recommit H.R. 3189 with instructions; ``No'' on rollcall No. 132, on passage of H.R. 3189;

``No'' on rollcall No. 133, on the motion to table H. Res. 517;

``Yes'' on rollcall No. 134, on the motion to recommit H.R. 4015 with instructions;

``No'' on rollcall No. 135, on passage of H.R. 4015.

Mr. Speaker, I regret that I cannot be present for today's session, as I am joining Admiral Mike Connor, Commander of our nation's submarine forces, on a visit to an in-service Virginia class submarine to see firsthand the skill of our submariners and the vital role they play in our nation's defense. It will also give me a chance to review and discuss the Navy's FY 15 request for Virginia class submarine construction and the Ohio Class Replacement Program, critical issues for the Second District of Connecticut. Had I been present, however, I would have voted ``no'' on the SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act (H.R. 4015).

For too long, the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula has created a weight of uncertainty not only for Medicare beneficiaries and veterans, but more broadly throughout our health care system. For the past decade, health care providers from around the country have had to leave their practices to travel to Washington and ask for relief from SGR's automatic rescission. This is not right. It is counterproductive and wasteful. And, a permanent fix--which I strongly support and have worked on a bipartisan basis to achieve--is long overdue.

Committee efforts in the House and Senate to repeal the SGR formula permanently have been a bipartisan, bicameral bright spot in the 113th Congress. Unfortunately, the injection of a partisan fiscal offset into H.R. 4015 has decimated previous, widespread endorsements of the proposal, now generating opposition from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Association of Retired People (AARP). The White House has also announced that if President Obama were presented with this measure, he would veto it. As amended, I too cannot support H.R. 4015 and had I been present for the vote on the legislation, I would have voted ``no.''

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3633.