Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the formation of the Congressional Payer State Caucus.

I join my colleague, Congressman Bill Foster from Illinois, in leading this bipartisan caucus that will examine the disparity States like New Jersey and Illinois experience by paying more in Federal taxes than we receive in Federal spending. In fact, New Jersey is dead last, with a rate of return of just 77 cents for every Federal tax dollar sent to Washington.

The caucus seeks to recommend legislation to ensure that donor States keep more of their hard-earned funds. For example, working to maintain the State and local tax deduction when this body considers an overhaul of our Nation's Tax Code. Eliminating that deduction would further increase the disparity that already exists.

Alexander Hamilton wrote in the Federalist Papers about his fear that the Federal Government might monopolize taxation to the ``entire exclusion and destruction of State governments.''

The caucus will work to address this problem and for a greater return on the tremendous Federal revenue stream from economic activity and innovation in New Jersey and other States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Drs. John Gorman, Vincent Freda and William Pollack for their creation of the Rh Vaccine. May 29, 2018, will mark the 50th Anniversary of the availability of this important and innovative medical therapeutic.

Prior to May 29, 1968, Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN), which is caused by a blood incompatibility between the mother and the fetus or newborn baby, had afflicted women over the ages. In the United States alone it was affecting thousands of Rh negative women and was responsible for nearly 9,000 fetal or newborn deaths annually. To address this crisis, Drs. John Gorman and Vincent Freda, practicing physicians at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York, and Dr. William Pollack, of the Ortho Research Foundation at Johnson & Johnson in New Jersey, created a new vaccine that would prevent HDN and rapidly become the standard, world-wide, in the care and management of every Rh negative pregnancy.

The Rh Vaccine has nearly eliminated Rh hemolytic disease in the United States. This development has produced savings in human and financial costs that are estimated to exceed $750 million dollars annually. The Rh Vaccine has a track record of being one of the most effective and safest products in the history of vaccines.

Drs. Gorman, Freda and Pollack were recognized for their work by the American Association of Blood Banks in 1969. In 1980, they were again recognized for this accomplishment by sharing the Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award, which honors those whose contributions have improved the clinical treatment of patients.

The Rh Vaccine is just one example why New Jersey is known as the medicine chest of the world. All the research and development for the vaccine was done in Raritan, New Jersey, which is part of the district that I serve. The product continues to be manufactured there today.

Mr. Speaker, the accomplishments of Drs. Gorman, Freda and Pollack should inspire all of us. They should remind us the important role Congress has in encouraging research and development. Together, we can continue to work in a bipartisan fashion to ensure that the next group of great doctors and scientists in this country has the support they need to bring innovative medicines and products to market.

Mr. Speaker, on September 7, 2017, the Philhower family will have its 100th annual family reunion. I am proud to join my fellow family members in celebrating this very special occasion. My great- grandmother was Elizabeth Philhower Lance.

The Philhowers were some of the earliest settlers of Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The patriarch of the Philhower family was Philip Wulhauer, who emigrated from Germany on the ship the Patience, landing in the port of Philadelphia on September 16, 1738, at the age of 24. He met his wife, Anna Maria, on their voyage to the Colonies. Together they traveled to Hunterdon County, New Jersey, to start a new life.

Philip went on to lease 14 acres in what is now Tewksbury Township in 1758 and established the Philhower homestead, which was first a log cabin that included one room and a loft. Shortly after, he built the house that still stands on the property. It was constructed of mortar, lime, sand, and clay, and its walls are 18 inches thick.

The Philhower homestead had grown to 100 acres when the house was completed. The Philhowers have occupied the land since then and have spread their roots all over Hunterdon County, all over the State of New Jersey, and, indeed, all over the rest of the country.

Among the family names entwined in the Philhowers are Apgar, Sutton, Fleming, Hoffman, and Lance. Philhowers have represented Hunterdon County in many of the military conflicts that have faced our Nation. They have also been farmers, millers, physicians, ministers, merchants, bankers, and educators.

In 1917, the Philhowers held their first family reunion at their homestead, attended by nearly 400 descendants of Philip and Anna Maria. This fine tradition has continued over the last century, usually marked by a turkey dinner, finance meeting, and exchanging of family mementos at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Hunterdon County. This year, however, family members will travel back to the

original Philhower homestead to be together.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to be a descendant of the Philhower family. This is but one example of the strong immigrant tradition in this country that continues to be one of our greatest strengths as a nation, as much a strength today as in the middle of the 18th century.

I am honored to share this milestone with colleagues in the United States House of Representatives and with the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the chairman, the ranking member of the full committee, and the chairman and the ranking member of the subcommittee for this important work.

I rise in strong support of the Food and Drug Administration Reauthorization Act. We need a strong FDA to make sure lifesaving medicines reach the market and that patients have the peace of mind of a safe regulatory process. This bill ensures the wheels of creation keep turning, and in no part of our Nation is this more important than New Jersey, one of the medicine chests of the world.

It means that patients here in the United States and hundreds of millions around the world have benefited from the genius of our biopharmaceutical and life science industries. Patient safety is always the critical priority, and I am pleased this legislation includes language I authored to crack down on counterfeit drugs that are flooding into the United States. Too many Americans are falling victim to knockoffs that have infiltrated the U.S. supply chain, and this legislation significantly changes that.

Disease knows no bounds and, one way or another, each of us is affected by disease. This work makes a difference in patients' lives and makes sure the system from idea to pharmacy is working.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to support this product.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Walberg for his invitation to join him on the floor today to discuss combating human trafficking and in support of the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act.

When people hear the term ``human trafficking,'' they often think of faraway places, or perhaps even movie

plots. But, unfortunately, human trafficking is a horrible 21st century problem here in the United States.

We have to do all we can to help combat the scourge of human trafficking, and this measure is a strong addition to the actions already taken here in the House, and I commend the chairman, Ranking Member Sablan, and also the full committee chair, Ms. Foxx, and Ranking Member Scott for their leadership on this issue.

Making sure Department of Labor employees can identify these practices will be another tool to work against these terrible crimes. We need workforce law violation investigators to be on the lookout for patterns of human trafficking and labor exploitation, and this bill will make it happen.

Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has received nearly 150,000 reports of trafficking here in the United States. The majority of these victims are women and children forced into heinous situations. They need our help. I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure and to continue to do all we can to combat human trafficking.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Henry J. Nykamp of Milford, New Jersey. This July, Sergeant Nykamp will be awarded the French Legion of Honour, normally reserved for French nationals. However, other nationals who have aided France or promoted its ideals can receive the recognition as well.

Due to Sergeant Nykamp's tremendous dedication to the allied cause in World War II, from June of 1943 to October of 1945, there is no one more deserving of the honor.

During World War II, Sergeant Nykamp was stationed in Hardwick, England, where he flew 35 missions as a B-25 nose gunner. Some of Sergeant Nykamp's most important operations involved low-level flying in support of ground forces during the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded four Bronze Stars and five Air Medals.

Sergeant Nykamp's is a story of great sacrifice and courage. Mission after mission, flight after flight, he answered the call of duty. He entered World War II at one of the world's darkest hours and did not rest until the struggle was over and the forces of right had prevailed.

I am pleased that France is recognizing Sergeant Nykamp for his role in its liberation, and I also thank him for his tremendous service not only to the United States but to the allied cause.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the tireless dedication of one of New Jersey's greatest Alzheimer's awareness advocates, Jeannie Castells of Lambertville, Hunterdon County.

Jeannie has served as a congressional ambassador for the Alzheimer's Association since 2014, meeting with Members of Congress here on Capitol Hill, holding educational events in which I have participated in Congressional District Seven, and organizing fundraisers like the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Unfortunately, Jeannie's advocacy does not come without tragedy because the disease has claimed the lives of both her mother and her husband.

And Jeannie's family is not alone, Mr. Speaker. Alzheimer's is the Nation's sixth leading cause of death. More than 5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's, and as many as 16 million Americans are estimated to have Alzheimer's by 2050.

That is why in June, Alzheimer's Awareness Month, I urge advocates around the country, like Jeannie, to continue to fight for Alzheimer's research funding. We are on the verge of a breakthrough, and with your help, we will certainly find one.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the Financial CHOICE Act. In response to the Great Recession, Congress passed the Dodd-Frank law. While well intentioned, various Dodd-Frank provisions and regulations are actually encouraging some of the behavior that led to the financial crisis.

The law permits Wall Street to receive bailouts and has constricted credit lending for consumers and small

businesses. It has drastically hurt community banks throughout this country, and they had absolutely nothing to do with the financial crisis. Two thousand community banks have closed nationwide since Dodd- Frank, including 42 in New Jersey.

Dodd-Frank has institutionalized too big to fail for Wall Street, while telling community banks on Main Street that they are too small to succeed.

Congress agrees on the need for strong regulation of our financial system. The Financial CHOICE Act will bring balanced reform to our Nation's financial institutions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the veterans from Rolling Thunder to Washington for their Memorial Day events. Veterans like Gus Dante of Branchburg, New Jersey, serve on Rolling Thunder's national board, and every year he and others help organize events here in Washington to commemorate those brave Americans lost in war.

For 30 years, Rolling Thunder's voices and motorcycles have been roaring in Washington, and lawmakers and the new administration are listening. Veterans' issues are front and center in the Halls of Congress, and Secretary Shulkin is reforming the Veterans Administration to restore the trust Rolling Thunder and all veterans demand.

We must keep up the fight for the rights and benefits veterans have earned in the service to the Nation. I am proud to join with Rolling Thunder in introducing two important measures: legislation to end the 40-mile rule for private care through the VA and legislation to display the POW/MIA flag on Federal properties.

Mr. Speaker, on this commemorative Memorial Day weekend, let us all recall those who answered the call of service, especially those who did not return home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of New Jersey's most distinguished community and business leaders, Gary Pruden. Gary has dedicated the last thirty-three years of his life as a leader at Johnson & Johnson, creating a healthy, innovative world for patients everywhere.

Gary joined Johnson & Johnson in 1984 to serve in sales and marketing for Janssen Pharmaceuticals. He led Janssen commercial efforts in Canada and after returning to the US in 2006, Gary joined the Ethicon franchise located in Somerville, New Jersey as Worldwide President of Ethicon Products. Gary's leadership and commitment to improving standards of care for patients helped to develop not only exceptional life-saving products but also better hospital conditions, education for surgeons and healthcare professionals'. He also supported many community and charitable programs to improve healthcare and patients' lives globally.

As Johnson & Johnson's medical device footprint grew around the world, Gary's portfolio also continued to expand and he soon become the global Company Group Chairman in 2012 and the Worldwide Chairman of Medical Devices and a member of the Johnson & Johnson Management and Executive Committees respectively in 2015 and 2016.

Gary has also become involved in the federal advocacy and legislative policy-making process with local, state and federal law makers. He has committed himself to advocating for sound, science-based public policy. He has been successful because of his commitment to building bi- cameral, bi-partisan relationships that support access to medical innovation and improve the U.S. healthcare system. Gary's leadership at national trade associations, community organizations and with elected and appointed government officials has made a lasting positive effect on patient care.

Of all the professional accolades Gary has received during his impressive career, however, I believe he is most proud of his devotion to his family as a committed husband and father. Gary's wife Georgeane and their two children Kyle and Chelsea are his highest priorities.

I wish Gary well in his personal and professional endeavors as he retires from Johnson & Johnson. I thank him for his exceptional service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, on June 10, 2017, the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church will celebrate its 300th Anniversary. I am proud to join the more than 760 members of the congregation, the clergy and church leaders in celebrating this very special occasion.

The Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church was founded in 1717 by a small group of Scotch-Irish farmers. At 1 East Oak Street, the same location where services are still held today, those settlers erected a log house of worship that became the cornerstone of the community in Basking Ridge, New Jersey for generations. Until 1837 the church was the only organization that promoted religious life in the area.

The Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church's theme for its 300th Anniversary year is ``Sharing God's Love for 300 years'' and the members of this great faith community are certainly living out that mission. Locally, the Church works with organizations like God's Co-op Pantry, Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, the Interfaith Hospitality Network and Community in Crisis. Internationally, Basking Ridge Presbyterian supports missionaries in the Ukraine, Haiti and Indonesia as well as relief organizations Hogar de Cristo in Ecuador and Peaceworks in Nicaragua. These charitable efforts are shining examples of the great deal of good that comes from faith based organizations throughout all of the United States.

As the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church celebrates this important milestone, I congratulate Pastor Reverend Dennis Jones and Associate Pastor Dr. Maureen Paterson for their dedicated efforts.

As the Church continues to carry on the traditions of the Gospels and spread the good news, I wish it the best in celebrating the next 300 years.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church in Basking Ridge, New Jersey in celebrating 300 years of service to the community. I am proud to share this important milestone with my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives and with the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the backbone of the American economy: small business.

Whether I meet with an owner of a family restaurant that has been on the same street corner for 50 years or a programmer for a startup tech company trying to land its first big break, I am always inspired by the amount of dedication and ingenuity that goes into running a small business. These men and women work hard, and their passion can always be seen in the products and services that they produce.

The district I serve is home to so many thriving small businesses, and each one has a great story behind it. Such is the case with M.J. Neill, Incorporated, a family-owned heating company located in Bernardsville, New Jersey. This is M.J. Neill's 100th anniversary.

Business has not always been easy for M.J. Neill. The company has been overcoming obstacles since David W. Neill started it in 1917. It has had to navigate through the Great Depression, the OPEC oil crisis, and the 2008 financial crisis. It has had to make the move from coal to more efficient fuels. But through four generations, M.J. Neill has always been able to adapt and expand its business.

M.J. Neill continues to be a household name in heating in the Bernardsville area. It caters to other local small businesses and families all around Somerset and Morris Counties, and it is known for its 24/7 service and family-oriented approach. Some of its customers even date back to when the company first began, testament to the value of the honest service that M.J. Neill provides.

Today I congratulate current owner David Neill on the centennial of the company. The entrepreneurial spirit and innovation the Neill family has exhibited over the past 100 years is truly exemplary and serves as an example to all of us.

The stories we hear about successful small businesses are not the only evidence we have that they are pivotal to our economy. The statistics also prove that point.

We have over 29 million small businesses in the United States, and nearly two-thirds of the jobs created in this country come from those businesses. It is undeniable that a thriving small business sector is critical to bolstering employment in this country.

The same is true in New Jersey, which is home to 843,000 small businesses, accounting for over 99 percent of the total businesses in the State. These same small businesses employ 1.8 million people in New Jersey, more than half of our total workforce.

With so many people relying on work from our small business community, it only makes sense that Congress does everything possible to support them. That is why we must use this week, National Small Business Week, to continue to talk about the ways we can help rid small businesses of harmful regulations and equip them with the tools they need to grow and to prosper.

Last year we made great strides in the House by passing legislation such as the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act and the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, but we need to do more. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together to support pro-small business legislation. Families like the Neills work hard their entire lives to serve their communities. It is imperative that those of us in Congress work to serve them as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the public service of Carolann Garafola, mayor of Warren Township, New Jersey, as she is honored by the Somerset County Federation of Republican Women as the recipient of the Millicent Fenwick Award for Outstanding Public Service.

Carolann's service as a public official began on the Warren Township planning board 30 years ago. She then became the township committeewoman for that township, a post she has held for 20 consecutive years, 6 as mayor.

Carolann began her professional career working with special needs children in Glen Rock, New Jersey public schools, and is currently in her fifth year as executive director of Mt. Bethel Village in Warren, an apartment community for adults with autism, developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries.

The Millicent Fenwick Award for Outstanding Public Service is awarded to a woman who serves in the tradition of the late Congresswoman Fenwick, one with a strong work ethic, high integrity, and a willingness to assist those in need.

I congratulate Mayor Garafola on this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I certainly commend the chairman of the committee, Dr. Roe, for his leadership on this issue, as well as the ranking member for his leadership.

I rise in strong support of S. 544, which will extend the Veterans Access, Choice, Accountability and Transparency Act. This is an important bill. I have heard from constituents in the congressional district I serve that the Choice Program is working and Congress should extend its authorization and its funding.

The Choice Program was the first step in a long road to true transformation of the Veterans Administration. Veterans should get to choose the care and the facility serving them best. No veteran should ever been forced into waiting lines and other limitations.

Many Veterans Administration healthcare facilities do tremendous work, like the Lyons VA Hospital in Bernards Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, in the district I serve. But care through the VA should not be limited to VA facilities.

The extension of the Choice Program should be a down payment on other reforms. We should be expanding choice and eliminating geographic limitations, and I hope to work with Chairman Roe and his committee to do so.

Too many of our Nation's heroes have lost confidence in a desperately broken bureaucracy, and we have begun to reform that in 2014, and we continue today. Legislation like this bill is another step in restoring that trust and faith.

The brave men and women who have stepped forward to serve our Nation deserve our continued dedication to fixing the VA and ensuring they receive the services they have earned in our defense.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support S.J. Res. 34, which seeks to halt agency overreach of the Federal Communications Commission concerning the way broadband internet service providers handle their customers' personal information.

The FCC's broadband privacy rule, a midnight regulation adopted by executive order in the waning days of the Obama administration, unnecessarily targets internet service providers and does very little to protect consumer privacy.

The rule adds costly and unnecessary innovation-stifling regulations to the internet and is another example of the Federal Government's picking winners and losers.

When passed, the FCC claimed that the rule would provide broadband customers meaningful choice, greater transparency, and strong security protections for their personal information collected by internet service providers.

In reality, the FCC's rules arbitrarily treat ISPs differently from the rest of the internet, creating a false sense of privacy.

Consumer data privacy is of significant concern to every American. The proper parties should address the issue. In this area, the Federal Trade Commission has historically held authority on the establishment and enforcement of general online privacy rules.

Repealing the FCC's privacy action is a critical step toward restoring a single, uniform set of privacy rules for the internet. This legislation puts all segments of the internet on equal footing and provides American consumers with a consistent set of privacy rules to permit the FCC and the FTC to continue to work to ensure consumer privacy through enforcement.

The FTC, the premier agency in this regard, has the experience to protect the privacy of the American people regarding the internet--at least 20 years of experience. Bifurcation between the FTC and the FCC is not productive. A good question to ask the FTC: Why did it wait until the last minute of the

Obama administration to promulgate its regulation?

Mr. Speaker, I believe it is important that we pass S.J. Res. 34, and I rise to ask all of my colleagues to support it.