Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a milestone occasion in the life and history of one Northwest Ohio family. On June 29, 2024 the Hirzel Family will come together for the 100th time in reunion. I am pleased to include in the Record the family's history as told to me:

``In 1871, Alexander Hirzel of Diessbach in the canton of

Bern, Switzerland married Elisabeth Studer. They had five

sons and two daughters. After Elisabeth died, Alexander

married her sister, Marie Studer, in 1886. Alexander and

Marie had six sons and three daughters. The descendants will

gather on June 30, 2024 for the 100th Annual Reunion of the

Descendants of Alexander Hirzel and Elisabeth and Marie

Studer-Hirzel. Descendants have included 16 children, 33

grandchildren, 70 great grandchildren, 146 great-great

grandchildren, 208 great-great-great grandchildren--and still

growing with 45 great-great-great-great-grandchildren plus

hundreds of spouses.

``In the 1890s, the Hirzel-Studer family settled in the

Toledo area. The descendants have had a significant impact on

Northwest Ohio. In 1924, the family was involved in founding

the Swiss Hall on South St. Clair Street in Toledo. The Swiss

Hall served as a gathering spot for Swiss immigrants and

their descendants and also housed the Toledo United Swiss

Society. In 1974, the Toledo United Swiss Society sold the

Swiss Hall and joined six German societies in founding Oak

Shade Grove in Oregon, Ohio which is the location of the

100th Annual Family Reunion.

``Originally, many family members worked in the alcohol

business as bar owners and blew masters. Yet the family's

trajectory changed when Prohibition put them out of these

businesses. Beginning in 1920, the family started other

businesses. Alexander's son, Alfred, founded Alfred Hirzel

and Sons Greenhouses in what is now Northwood, Ohio. Alfred's

brother Carl bought a farm in Northwood and in 1923

established Hirzel Canning Company & Farms. Brother Ernest

started Hirzel Coal and Builder's Supply in Toledo. In 1924,

brothers Otto and Eugene started Hirzel Brothers Florist in

Toledo. Hirzel Canning Company & Farms and Hirzel Brothers

Florist still exist today.

``The reunion began as elders became concerned that the

family was growing and moving beyond the Toledo area, and

they wanted to establish an annual event that would bring the

entire extended family together. So in 1924, family members

organized the first Reunion of the Descendants of Alexander

Hirzel and Elisabeth and Marie Studer-Hirzel at the Hirzel

Canning Company on Lemoyne Road in Northwood. ``On June 30,

2024, for the 100th time in 100 years, the descendants will

gather to honor their Swiss and American Heritage and to

blend the generations and the branches of the Hirzel-Studer

family. Since inception, aside from a social gathering, the

family reunion has included a formal business meeting run by

Robert's Rules of Order with minutes recorded by a Secretary.

During this meeting, family members raise issues of concern

to the extended family, vote on resolutions and elect

officers. This business meeting has been an integral part of

the annual family reunion for a century.''

The Hirzel family has been a cornerstone of business and

community leadership for more than 150 years. It is

astounding that they have been able to come together as a

family for 100 consecutive years. Yet, as successful and

noted as Hirzel Family businesses--now in operation through

the fourth generation--this annual family reunion

demonstrates the Hirzel family lives by a credo of Walt

Disney: ``A man should never neglect his family for

business.''

We wish the members of the Hirzel family, descendants of Alexander Hirzel and Elisabeth and Marie Studer-Hirzel who came to this corner of Ohio so many generations ago, a reunion filled with love and laughter, joy and inspiration, reflection and memory. May they continue forward with full hearts as an intergenerational family that has distinguished itself personally and professionally for a century of American progress.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Ohio, the Honorable Michael A. Rulli, be permitted to take the oath of office today.

His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to his election.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to welcome a new chapter for Ohio's Sixth Congressional District and all of us from the delegation on both sides of the aisle gather to extend a warm welcome to Congressman Michael Rulli, who steps into the shoes of our former colleague, the esteemed Bill Johnson.

For 13 years, Bill served Ohio's Sixth District with dedication and commitment. Congressman Rulli prepares to continue this legacy of service to the people of Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Jefferson,

Mahoning, Monroe, Noble, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Washington Counties.

As the dean of Ohio's delegation and a fellow Ohioan who understands the profound responsibility that comes with representing the hardworking people of our State, I welcome Congressman Rulli to Congress. His background as the director of operations for Rulli Brothers Markets, a century-old family-owned grocery store in Youngstown brings a refreshing perspective to our delegation.

Having grown up in a family business myself that also operated our family's grocery called Supreme Market in Rossford, Ohio, I already feel a special kinship with Michael.

I hold high hope that his experience in business and community service, coupled with his time in the Ohio State Senate will help our delegation craft policies that foster economic growth and community well-being for our Buckeye State.

Mr. Speaker, I welcome Michael. May he never lose sight of what brought him here. May he be guided by his faith to serve and make a difference in the lives of others.

As members of the Ohio delegation, we are middle America and we know the importance of bipartisanship as we work together, across party lines, to tackle the challenges that face our State and Nation. The people of Ohio and our Nation deserve no less.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to embracing a spirit of collaboration with him and all of our colleagues with a shared commitment to the common good.

Together, let us commit to working side by side, not as partisans, but as partners in progress for Ohio and America. We welcome his new ideas and energy that he will bring to our discussions and legislative discourse.

Once again, I welcome Congressman Rulli. May his tenure in Congress be marked by success, fulfillment, good health, and a legacy of service.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Turner), our diligent friend and chair of the House Intelligence Committee.

Mr. Speaker, it is now my distinct honor to yield to the newest Member of our body and delegation, the Honorable Michael Rulli.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and gratefully share the news that the U.S. Department of Transportation's RAISE grant program has awarded over $19 million for Toledo, Ohio's Glass City Riverwalk.

This new support, coupled with $23.6 million received from the U.S. Department of Transportation's BUILD program in 2020, signifies a transformative investment of over $42 million in the heart of the city of Toledo for infrastructure modernization and environmental restoration.

The Glass City Riverwalk spans 5 miles along both sides of the Maumee River, the largest river that flows into the Great Lakes by drainage area. It truly embodies our commitment to sustainable development, equitable access to green spaces, and enhancement of local quality of life. The riverwalk was conceived and built by our Metroparks system and has won national top awards for its design and innovation.

As community redevelopment occurs, now is the moment to imagine new possibilities showcasing our freshwater bounty, creating new energy conservation and production in the heart of Toledo, and growing and processing fresh vegetables and foods in the heart of our city on both sides of our magnificent river, our life source.

Toledo, it is time to celebrate building forward.

Mr. Speaker, Ukraine is fighting valiantly to regain its freedom, but today I wish to highlight the sheroes of Ukraine, its women.

These Ukrainian women work hard in the fields and farmsteads to feed their families, neighbors, and nation during war and during peace. These women labor day after day in the hot sun. By hand--you should see their hands--they plant precious seeds they carefully saved from last year using worn, simple implements, and small handheld shovels.

They harvest with scythes and use simple pushcarts to pull their harvest by hand back to their small villages. Underequipped, they toil year after year as best they can against the forces of nature of the season of the hardscrabble circumstances of their dear lives.

Along Ukraine's eastern front where Russia has brutally invaded and is systematically destroying villagers and villages, these courageous women are planting. They are planting between land mines. Who can even fathom their heroism?

They feed their children, their families, their neighbors, their countrymen and -women. Let us celebrate these inspirational women of Ukraine, women of hope. Their extraordinary sheroism is perseverance. Their grace under pressure is defined by what U.S. President John F. Kennedy called ``pure raw courage.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor and remember Mr. Morgan Williams, a remarkable red, white, and blue patriot who loved freeholder agriculture and its connection to liberty.

An experienced agriculturalist with a deep passion for farming, Morgan was a friend and tireless advocate for U.S.-Ukraine relations. For the last four decades of his life, he devoted himself halfway around our world to developing the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation and Business Council, profoundly influencing the growth and strength of business ties between our two nations.

He understood the precious potential of Ukraine to our world. He also compassionately assembled the largest collection of artworks about Stalin's forced famine in Ukraine in the last century, the Holodomor, in which millions upon millions upon millions of innocents perished.

He was a fervent supporter of Ukrainian culture and history. He was one of a kind.

Morgan's efforts and love for Ukraine have left an indelible mark, and his absence leaves a great void in many hearts. We honor his memory and commitment to liberty and his understanding of the land freely held or not

freely held, and when not freely held, how permanent serfdom locks down.

May his legacy inspire us all to strive for a free and prosperous Ukraine.

Rest in peace, Morgan. Your life has made a difference on planet Earth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to champion the American solar industry and its dedicated workers.

Northwest Ohio, the glass capital, is home to thousands of jobs in solar manufacturing, proving American ingenuity and hard work can drive our Nation's clean energy future.

Yet, these jobs and this critical industry are under severe threat. China's state-subsidized solar companies are flooding our markets with illegally dumped products, routing their operation through Cambodia, Malaysia,

Thailand, and Vietnam to dodge U.S. tariffs. This blatant circumvention not only undermines our domestic manufacturers but also jeopardizes our energy security.

Both I and Senator Sherrod Brown, with our House and Senate colleagues, have sent a letter urging the U.S. International Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce to thoroughly investigate these unfair practices.

Thankfully, the ITC has heard our call and announced an investigation last Friday into these illegal practices. By enforcing strong trade policies, our Nation can foster a diverse, competitive, and secure solar manufacturing base inside the boundaries of the United States of America. Only then will our Nation create middle-class jobs that deliver economic value but also pave the way for our Nation's path to energy independence in perpetuity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life and legacy of Richard Neller, affectionately known as Rico, who passed away recently.

Rico's life was a living testament to dedication, passion, and community service. After choosing Toledo, Ohio, as his home, his commitment to education shown through.

He began his career as a high school teacher in Toledo Public Schools, but his journey didn't stop there. He then pursued a law degree from the University of Toledo and became a highly respected criminal defense attorney, but his true passion was journalism, pursuing truth.

That passion led him to found LaPrensa Newspaper in 1989, and he became the vital voice for Toledo, Ohio's Latino community. He also established numerous scholarship funds and awards, enriching our cultural landscape and providing opportunities for so many. His contributions extended far beyond his professional life.

Richard's love for his family was paramount, and he is survived by his children and numerous grandchildren, who carry forward his legacy of learning, seeking truth, and generous philanthropy.

Today, we celebrate Richard's life as a true beacon of America's creative spirit and generosity. Rico's life inspires us all.

Madam Speaker, more than 1 year ago, the people of East Palestine, Ohio, faced a crisis that shook their community to its core, caused by a train derailment. The Norfolk Southern train derailment unleashed a torrent of toxic chemicals, leaving a trail of uncertainty and toxic clouds of environmental fear in its wake.

Today, we stand here not just to acknowledge the pain of the past, but to act for the future. Alongside my Ohio colleague, David Joyce, we recently introduced the bipartisan East Palestine Health Impact Monitoring Act of 2024. It is about ensuring that the voices of the affected communities are heard and that their concerns are addressed.

By authorizing funding for a comprehensive study of the long-term health impacts, we commit to understanding the full extent of the damage caused and providing necessary support for recovery.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join us in this crucial bipartisan and bicameral endeavor. Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to the well-being of all Americans, and let us ensure that no community is left behind.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following speech I gave commemorating the 20th anniversary of The World War II Memorial on the National Mall.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a matter of profound importance: the implementation of the bipartisan and bicameral REPO Act.

This legislation, signed into law on April 24, grants the President the authority to seize Russian sovereign assets frozen in the United States and transfer them to Ukraine for its reconstruction.

As co-chair and cofounder of the Ukraine Caucus, I cannot overstate the urgency of this action.

Russia's illegal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine demands a decisive response from the international community. By swiftly implementing the REPO Act, we can provide crucial support to Ukraine. REPO proceeds will demonstrate our unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and efforts to rebuild once the war is over.

Let me commend the administration's efforts to collaborate with our G7 and European allies in this endeavor.

Together, we can establish an international compensation mechanism that leverages frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit.

The time to act is now. Let us show the world America's resolve and stand resolute with Ukraine against Putin's aggression and tyranny.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the inspiring story of Antrone ``Juice'' Williams, a remarkable individual from Lucas County, Ohio.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Williams 2 years ago, and since then, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Antrone is not just a dedicated athlete with the Special Olympics Lucas County Lightning, but also a relentless advocate for his community.

As the former president of the Central Resident Advisory Board, he tirelessly represented over 11,000 residents in Lucas Metropolitan Housing.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him to Ivy Entrepreneurs business school where he rose to new heights, becoming the CEO and founder of the H.O.W. Inc. Foundation, Helping Others Win.

Antrone's achievements are vast, but perhaps most notable is his pioneering accomplishment as the first physically challenged man to become an independent provider.

Antrone's story is a beacon of hope for those living with physical challenges. His story is a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not define us, our spirit and determination do. To Antrone I say: Onward. We are so proud of you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to applaud a convening that took place yesterday at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library in northwestern Ohio.

We gathered community leaders from across our region with representatives from the Departments of Energy and Treasury, local organizations, businesses, and municipalities and focused on ways our enterprising region can think big.

The Inflation Reduction Act, which passed Congress in 2022, is paying huge dividends. IRA tax incentives and related infrastructure support, especially the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are helping to achieve private and public sector cooperation and investment to fix our roads, produce more affordable energy, and improve old water and wastewater systems across our vast region.

Domestic energy independence begins right here in northwestern Ohio. When we think big, together we can transform our local economy, attract major investments from industry and agriculture, and create good- paying, union jobs.

I thank all those who visited our region. We are prepared for a modernized future. We want to use all the tools this Congress passed to help to make America sustainable. We begin that right in northwestern Ohio. Congratulations and onward to all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to advocate for the brave men and women who serve our Nation's defense selflessly, often at great personal sacrifice.

Congresswoman Jennifer Kiggans of Virginia and I recently introduced the bipartisan Care for Military Kids Act. Our legislation aims to ensure servicemembers can maintain critical healthcare coverage and medical services for their children and families no matter where their service assigns them.

Our servicemembers relocate frequently and uproot their families in service to our Nation wherever their orders lead them. Yet, despite their sacrifices, healthcare coverage for some of their children remains uncertain due to Medicaid and CHIP coverage being administered at the State level.

We cannot allow military families to face this added burden of healthcare insecurity. By establishing a streamlined Medicaid plan, we provide clarity and consistency to ensure no child of a servicemember goes without essential medical services.

Let's stand together in full support of our military families. Over 3 million children are involved. With the Care for Military Kids Act, we have the opportunity to fulfill our duty to those who serve and nobly protect our Nation and us.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to sign on to this bipartisan bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advocate for the designation of May 15 as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day.

This bipartisan resolution we are introducing aims to draw attention to the alarming increase in fraudulent schemes targeting seniors across the United States.

In 2023 alone, individuals over 60 reported losses totaling nearly $2 billion from various forms of fraud spanning all 50 States.

Senior fraud is not merely a regional concern. It is a pervasive national challenge that demands our collective attention. We must collaborate to implement effective policies and measures aimed at preventing these scams to protect our seniors from financial exploitation.

One of the major obstacles to combating senior fraud is the significant underreporting of incidents. Many victims hesitate to come forward due to feelings of shame, stigma, and a lack of awareness regarding where to report such crimes.

By designating May 15 as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, we can raise public awareness, empower seniors with knowledge, and provide them with the resources they need to report fraud effectively.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in our bipartisan effort to end fraud against seniors.