Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight something President Biden and I agree on for once: U.S. Steel must remain an American company.

Steel is the backbone of our economy and is crucial to America's national and economic security. American bridges, railways, highways, and buildings are all built with, you guessed it, steel.

U.S. Steel is American steel at its core, and it was once the largest steel producer in the world, a symbol of our global competitiveness.

United States Steel should be owned by Americans. United States Steel should provide jobs to American workers. United States Steel should be here to forge America forward.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I want to be clear. This is not about being anti- Japan or any other nation for that matter. Instead, this is about being pro-America and protecting our economic future and our national security.

A strong steel industry means a strong middle class with good-paying jobs that support American families. We shouldn't sell out our workers or our future to foreign corporations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Melody and Rachel Steiner, the Sunbow 57 Girls who sell cotton candy and homemade cookies at farmers markets across our district and northeast Ohio.

I met Melody at the Downtown Wooster Farmers Market, where she is using her business proceeds to save up for aviation school.

One of my biggest priorities in Congress has been career and technical education. I know how badly we need more pilots and aviation workers. I am proud to have young leaders in my district pursuing their dreams and securing the future of the American workforce.

Small businesses are the foundation of our economy, as over 99 percent of United States businesses are small businesses. Whether you run a cotton candy stand or a local factory, the United States is rightfully called the land of opportunity, and the American Dream is alive and well.

I am grateful for the hard work, ingenuity, and dedication of entrepreneurs like Melody and Rachel in northeast Ohio who make our communities great places to live.

Mr. Speaker, this summer, northeast Ohio native Katie Moon will compete in her second Olympic Games.

Four years ago, she won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in the pole vault. In her career, she has won golds at the Olympics, the World Athletics Championships, the Diamond League, and the NCAA Championships.

An alumna of Olmsted Falls High School in Cuyahoga County, she is a shining example of what our district has to offer. Her hard work and desire to give back to the community exemplify what it means to be an American.

From 2018 to 2023, Katie has won gold medals every year in various competitions. This summer, Katie, along with hundreds of other American athletes, will head to the Paris Olympic Games to represent our country and to once again bring home the gold.

I thank her for bringing inspiration to young people across the district and the country. I look forward to seeing her on the highest podium. Go Team USA.

Mr. Speaker, as tensions boil in the Middle East, I rise today to bring attention in this Chamber to the alarming situation in Lebanon.

Lebanon is strategically significant to the United States, given its central location in the Middle East and its border with Israel. Ensuring stability in Lebanon and neutralizing Hezbollah will bolster regional security, creating a conducive environment for Israel to negotiate peaceful treaties.

U.N. resolutions already on the books should be enforced, like Resolution 1559 for the disarmament of militias in Lebanon and Resolution 1680 to protect the Lebanese borders and prevent smuggling by Iran's proxies in the Middle East. This need is underscored by a recent incident on May 20 when a Syrian truck loaded with weapons was intercepted in northern Lebanon.

The people of Lebanon are hurt the most by Hezbollah and the Iranian proxies, and what is happening there is an absolute disgrace. We must empower the people of Lebanon and continue to push for a presidential election that is free and fair of interference from the Iranian regime.

Mr. Speaker, recently 21 students from schools across Medina County, in the heart of my district in Ohio, raised their right hands at Brunswick High School and solemnly swore to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic.

They took the oath of enlistment in the military. It is the same oath I proudly took over 11 years ago in the United States Marine Corps.

Few people ever serve in the military. These days even fewer do. The American culture used to revere those who joined to put their lives on the line for this country. While that sentiment may have dwindled in recent years, students from my district promised to serve.

These young men and women will gain leadership experience at 18 years old that most people will never have. They will gain the confidence to move through this world and the discipline to know the difference between right and wrong, and that will last a lifetime.

They are brave. They are noble. They are the future leaders of our country. It is honorable what they did, and I am honored that they are my constituents. I thank them for their future service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to recognize the service of Officer Jacob Derbin and to celebrate his life.

While responding to a disturbance, Officer Derbin gave the ultimate sacrifice when he was ambushed and killed in the line of duty last Sunday.

Mr. Speaker, from Brooklyn Heights, Jacob had joined the Euclid Police Department less than a year ago after serving in the Army National Guard. He protected his family, his country, his community.

Officer Derbin's fellow officers will remember him as an incredible person with a great heart and an incredible smile.

I echo Ohio Attorney General Yost in saying: ``It is a cruel irony that a mother lost her son on Mother's Day and that this murder happened just as we prepare to solemnize our fallen during Police Memorial Week.''

I am grateful for the service of our law enforcement officers, who have put their lives on the line every single day to protect us. My deepest condolences go to the family, friends, and fiancee of Officer Derbin and to the Euclid Police Department.

God bless Euclid. God bless Ohio.

Madam Speaker, what is really sad for me is that, on both sides of the aisle, we have issues. I think some of my colleagues on my side of the aisle have Russian disinformation, and on the other side of the aisle, it seems that there is a lot of Hamas disinformation. I truly do not understand why it is so hard to just call it out. I digress.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Antisemitism Awareness Act.

Requiring the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of anti-Semitism when enforcing Federal anti-discrimination laws will help to protect Jewish students across the country from violence and hate as we see it exploding every single day within our country.

Anti-Semitism has spread like wildfire on college campuses, and it is rearing its ugly head in the wake of Hamas' ruthless attack on Israel.

College students celebrate terrorists who brutally murder innocent civilians as martyrs, and faculty members call Hamas' assault exhilarating.

When I saw a sign at the Columbia protest--if you want to call it a protest--the sign said: ``Free Palestine,'' and right next to it, it said: final solution.

What does the ``final solution'' mean, I ask my colleagues across the aisle? I understand it is rhetorical, but you all know what final solution means.

Me being just one of two Jewish Republicans in the House and in the Senate, that means the end of Israel and the Jewish people. That is why that is in the definition of the IHRA, to be abundantly clear.

The abhorrent behavior underscores the clear need for Federal policy to protect Jewish students on these unfriendly campuses.

Usage of the IHRA definition in this context is a key step in calling out anti-Semitism where it is and ensuring anti-Semitic hate crimes on college campuses are properly investigated and prosecuted. College campuses should be safe havens for learning, not nests of hatred.

I urge my colleagues to say enough is enough and to support the Antisemitism Awareness Act.

I will ask my other colleagues on the other side of the aisle just one more time. When you see a sign--and you are Jewish in this country--on a college campus, and you say that being an anti-Zionist is not being an anti-Semite--which being an anti-Zionist is being an anti- Semite, to be very clear--but when you see ``final solution,'' I think you have a hard time accepting, especially when my family, almost two- thirds of them, were annihilated at Auschwitz.

We came to this country, and now my daughter is going to grow up in this world and look at a sign that says, ``final solution?''

I speak for myself. I speak for no one else. It is abhorrent, and you all need to condemn this type of behavior and rhetoric that has consumed our country.

Enough is enough. Please. Just be a human and put your politics and political affiliation aside for a second.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a patriot and true American hero, Mike Zaderecky, of Parma, Ohio, who just celebrated his 106th birthday.

A 1937 graduate of the now-closed Slavic Village South High School, Mike attended Kent State University before being drafted into the Army.

As a private first class in the 8th Infantry Division, 45th Field Artillery Battalion, Mike served in World War II's European theater, patrolling beaches at Normandy shortly after the landings.

In 1945, Mike returned home to Ohio.

Mike continued to selflessly serve his community as a Parma city councilman and a city heating inspector. After retiring, Mike couldn't help but continue his service, working another 28 years as a bailiff. Known as Uncle Mikey in court, he ran a tight ship, keeping both unruly lawyers and equally unruly youngsters in check.

At a time when membership in veterans organizations is in decline, Mike is a faithful member of American Legion Post 572. He is a true inspiration for young servicemembers returning to civilian life.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Zaderecky for his selfless service and wish him a very happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Secretary Marcia Fudge for her outstanding career and significant achievements as she prepares to retire from the President's Cabinet as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Secretary Fudge's steadfast career in public service, beginning as mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, is an example for all of us who work to serve our communities and our Nation.

Before becoming HUD Secretary, Ms. Fudge served as part of the Ohio congressional delegation in the House for 12 years. Serving on the House Agriculture Committee, she championed food and nutrition policies that are valued in Ohio and throughout the Nation.

I thank and congratulate Secretary Fudge on her accomplishments and contributions that have led to a more prosperous Ohio and stronger America and wish her a happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and acknowledge National Agriculture Week. This week we take the opportunity to recognize the central role that agriculture plays in the economy across the country and my home in the State of Ohio.

Agriculture is one of Ohio's largest industries, supplying one out of every seven jobs. However, our Nation is experiencing a mounting agricultural trade deficit which has nearly doubled in the last year, according to the Department of Agriculture. This deficit has had a large impact on Ohio farm economies and American leadership in international agricultural trade.

We should be committed to delivering an updated farm bill that ensures long-term growth and addresses the unique needs of America's farmers, ranchers, and consumers.

As we celebrate National Agriculture Week, let's work together to create new markets for American agricultural products, drive rural economic development, and strengthen domestic energy resources.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Julia Sabin for her outstanding career and significant achievements for over more than 40 years.

Ms. Sabin's exemplary leadership has supported meaningful progress at The J.M. Smucker Company, a leading manufacturer of iconic brands, including its namesake fruit spreads, Jif peanut butter, and Uncrustables sandwiches.

Known for frequently using the popular refrain, ``What doesn't kill you makes you stronger,'' she has always led with a spirit of perseverance.

In addition to her work at Smucker, Ms. Sabin consistently served those around her. While living in Ohio, she supported her local community as a board member for In Council with Women in Cleveland and the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron.

Ms. Sabin also served on the board of Ventrac, a family company providing tractor equipment in Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I thank and congratulate Ms. Sabin on her accomplishments and the contributions that have led to a more prosperous Ohio. I wish her a happy and well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and acknowledge Career and Technical Education Month.

Throughout February, we take the opportunity to recognize the pivotal role that career and technical education plays in shaping our Nation's workforce and helping great American companies prosper.

Career and technical education empowers students to explore various career options, discover their passions, and develop real-world skills that are in high demand.

Collaboration between educators and industry professionals ensures that our students graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with the practical expertise needed to excel in their chosen fields.

As we celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, let us commit to supporting programs that provide students with the opportunities to build a strong foundation for their future careers.

Together, we can create a workforce that is not only highly skilled but also adaptable to the ever-changing demands of our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Keith Samuel Siegel.

Keith was born in the United States and has worked and lived alongside both Jews and Arabs and treasures them all equally. He lives and loves coexistence. His family says he is a man of an innate faith in the goodness of humankind.

Like all of us, he has a family that loves him dearly and friends whose lives are richer because of him.

On October 7, Keith was one of more than 240 who were kidnapped by Hamas. He is one of more than 100 hostages still being held captive in Gaza, enduring unthinkable torture and trauma.

I stand here today to demand that Hamas release Keith immediately, along with all of the remaining hostages. Israel has proven its willingness to pause the fighting for hostages to be returned home. Nonetheless, Hamas continues to hold more than 100 hostages taken during its despicable acts on October 7; 8 of them believed to be Americans.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to bring Keith home. It is time to bring all of them home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Roger Baker for his many years of service to the Ohio Farm Bureau.

This tireless advocate served 12 years as the District 8 State trustee on the Ohio Farm Bureau, representing the counties of Wayne, Medina, Ashland, and Summit.

Mr. Baker is a wealth of knowledge and a champion for agriculture. I can personally attest that he has been invaluable as I carry out my role on the House Agriculture Committee to reflect challenges of Ohio agriculture. Those lucky enough to know him can attest to his passion and dedication to his field.

Even though Mr. Baker's tenure on the Ohio Farm Bureau Board of Trustees has come to an end, I do not doubt that he will continue advocating for Ohio agriculture, and I am thankful for his service on our Ohio 7 agricultural advisory council.

There is no question that the farm community in Ohio has benefited from the farm efforts of Roger Baker.

Mr. Baker's years of dedicated work have helped Ohio's farmers feed the world. I thank Mr. Baker for his dedication to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Parma Municipal Court Judge Kenneth Spanagel. Judge Spanagel served his community with distinction for 36 years as a municipal court judge.

After graduating from Northwestern University and Case Western Reserve School of Law, Judge Spanagel ran his own law office until 1988, when he was first elected as Parma's municipal court judge.

Over his three decades of service, Judge Spanagel has distinguished himself with his kind heart and community outreach, and he has received multiple awards and honors. He leaves a legacy of fairness and justice in northeast Ohio.

On behalf of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I thank Judge Spanagel for his dedication to our community. We all wish him a happy retirement.