Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, almost 4 years ago, a determined handful of friends decided that we could help change the world. One would be the candidate, the other the wise problem-solver, and the other would bring clarity to the new forms of campaigning.

Through it all, we all agreed that one man would keep us together and make sure that we could one day be here in our Nation's Capital, and that was our campaign manager, Blaine Kelly.

After we won, Blaine took on the monumental task of being the communications director for someone who had never served in elected office. He quickly showed how we could inform our constituents of Ohio's 15th Congressional District of the work that we were doing on their behalf.

Shortly thereafter, Blaine took on the most important role for any Member who prides themselves on being in touch with all the issues back home, the role of district director.

After working in and around each other for nearly a decade, and every day for the last 4 years, Blaine will now move to a new position. I wish him and Mollie and their three children all the best.

Blaine has given me that singular honor of being able to call him my friend, and I hope that that friendship will last for many years.

Mr. Chair, today's vote marks an essential step towards fulfilling our promise to the American people--to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, secure funding for border protection, and move toward American energy independence.

After enduring significant inflation, American families and small businesses urgently need tax relief to make ends meet.

We must pass our budget resolution today to start the budget reconciliation process and advance the policies our American families expect and desperately need.

It includes much-needed deficit reduction, for which our children and grandchildren will be grateful. It will allow us to extend the successful tax cuts from 2017 that produced unprecedented job growth and higher wages for American workers.

This is only the first step in a process where everyone will have a voice. But it's a significant step toward American success and security, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Athanasios Pappas, or as he is lovingly known to the people of Columbus as Tommy of Tommy's Diner in Franklinton.

Tommy made a simple meal really feel just like a celebration. Since 1989, his warm hospitality, larger-than-life presence, as you can see from this picture, made Tommy's Diner a neighborhood institution.

Today, we honor Tommy's hard work and service to the city of Columbus and all of central Ohio. Our thoughts are with his wife, Kathy; his sons, Michael and Louie; and the entire Pappas family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

Last month, my home team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, played their season opener against the Florida Panthers. Each player wore a patch on their jersey bearing number 13, the number previously worn by their teammate Johnny.

Johnny, or ``Johnny Hockey'' to his friends, played 10 full seasons for the NHL and was about to begin his third season with the Blue Jackets. His brother, Matthew, was an up-and-coming hockey coach following a professional career as a player in the AHL, ECHL, and Sweden.

In August, Johnny and his brother, Matthew, were killed when they were struck by a drunk driver while out on a bike ride. It was the day before their sister's wedding.

Johnny and Matthew were beloved by their family and their community. Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their two children, Noa and Johnny Jr. Matthew is survived by his wife, Madeline. Both Meredith and Madeline are expecting children.

The Columbus community will never forget Johnny and Matthew. While their athletic talents were extraordinary, we can still learn from their example. We can emulate their strong work ethic, their love for their family, and their spirit.

To all who loved them, may their memory be a blessing.

Recognizing the London, Ohio, Police Department

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the police department of London, Ohio. Last week, officers Dylan Fout and Denise Dye brought a missing autistic 5-year-old home to his family.

Last Tuesday, the officers were on patrol when they spotted a young boy walking alone. However, when they turned their cruiser around to check on him, he had disappeared. The officers continued their pursuit on foot, where they found the boy floating in a creek. He was conscious and breathing, but the 40-degree water could have quickly become a life-threatening issue.

Thanks to these officers and their quick action, the boy was rescued and the London Fire Department medics were able to provide the emergency care that he needed.

We commend Officer Fout and Officer Dye for their service to our community and share our gratitude that this boy could come home safe to his family.

Recognizing National Caregiver Month

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Caregiver Month.

Forty-eight million Americans are family caregivers. The care they provide allows their loved ones to age independently at home. From preparing meals, helping with bathing, feeding, and dressing, to assisting with financial and legal matters, the work done by family caregivers is essential.

In my home State of Ohio, family caregivers provide nearly 1.4 billion hours of care every year. That adds up to $21 billion in unpaid labor per year, saving taxpayers billions.

We know that families want to support their loved ones through illness, disability, and aging in place, but many of them can't do so without our help.

We are proud to introduce the Credit for Caring Act, which would create a Federal tax credit for family caregivers who use their own money to take care of their loved ones.

This National Caregiver Month, I encourage my colleagues to stand with me and support family caregivers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Congressman Bill Pascrell, who passed away last month after serving nearly three decades in Congress.

It was a privilege to serve alongside Bill on the Ways & Means Committee. Though we sat on different sides of the aisle, Bill's warmth, humor and dedication to his constituents can be a source of inspiration for all of us.

Bill was born in Paterson, New Jersey. America's first industrial city. Through the years he saw his community grow and change, but like the city's great falls, he remained a steadfast engine for progress.

I got to know Bill during events with the Italian American caucus, where we could talk about our shared heritage over glasses of Primitivo and Montepulciano. In the spirit of those days, I would like to share a message in memory of this great man and his legacy:

``My friend, you will not be forgotten. (Amico mio, non sarai dimenticato).''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill, H.R. 6513, the Confirmation of Congressional Observer Access Act, or COCOA Act of 2023. It will provide a statutory citation for the long-running, nonpartisan Election Observer Program.

This program has trained and equipped congressional staff to serve as election observers during close election contests.

As we have seen or just heard, election contests can come down to just six votes.

This critical program adds the added layer of accountability for the American people during those close contests.

Ensuring our elections are fair, factual, and accurate is of utmost importance.

I have been proud to work with my colleagues on the Committee on House Administration this Congress to strengthen our Nation's elections.

This program is a strong election integrity measure, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 281.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge Senate action on a bill that will prevent deadly chemicals from falling into the hands of our children.

Our Youth Poisoning Protection Act passed the House last night with overwhelmingly bipartisan support, Democrats and Republicans working together on what we need to be doing. This must become law.

It is a parent's worst nightmare, this faceless stranger over the internet teaching your children how to take their own lives, and your child, in a moment of vulnerability, listens to them.

That is exactly what happened to Kristine Jonsson, a very vibrant 16- year-old from Hilliard, Ohio, in my district. She was very open with her parents as it related to her mental health struggles, but it was behind closed doors on some ridiculous internet forum that she found sodium nitrate.

With the coaching of these online predators, Kristine was able to purchase sodium nitrate through an online service and actually have it shipped to her front door without the knowledge of her parents.

Sodium nitrate is a chemical that is used in the preservation of meat and fish, but it is, in fact, a chemical, when it is highly concentrated, that can be over 100 times more powerful--one spoonful-- more powerful and deadly than any chemical.

Thanks to these online forums like the one that Kristine saw, the number of suicide deaths using sodium nitrate is steadily increasing. In recent years, the share of sodium nitrite usage as a method of self- poisoning has grown nine times over.

By passing this bill, what we did bipartisanly with the Democrats and the Republicans in the House, we need to have it passed in the Senate. The Youth Poisoning Prevention Act would prevent commercial sales of highly concentrated sodium nitrite so it can never fall into the hands of these vulnerable youth.

I want to thank my colleagues, Representative Trahan of Massachusetts, as well as my Senator from Ohio, J.D. Vance, and Tammy Duckworth from Illinois for partnering in this important effort.

Again, this is the stuff that we as Members of Congress need to be doing. With their support and all of yours we are one step closer to preventing these senseless tragedies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a bill that will prevent deadly chemicals from falling into the hands of children, our Youth Poisoning Protection Act.

It's a parent's worst nightmare: a faceless stranger over the internet teaching your child how to take their own life, and your child, in a moment of vulnerability, listening to them.

That's exactly what happened to Kristine Jonsson, a vibrant sixteen- year-old from Hilliard, Ohio whose life was cut tragically short in September 2020 Kristine was open with her parents about her mental health struggles, but it was behind closed doors on an internet forum that she learned about sodium nitrite.

With the coaching of strangers online, Kristine was able to purchase sodium nitrite on Amazon.com and get it shipped to her front door, all without the knowledge of her parents.

Sodium nitrite is a chemical used in the preservation of meat and fish, which in high concentrations is deadly if ingested. In fact, one spoonful of the chemical is one hundred times more lethal than other poisons. High concentrations of some chemicals can be harmful if used improperly, which is why they are usually highly regulated or banned for sale to consumers.

Thanks to online forums like the one Kristine saw, the number of suicide deaths using sodium nitrite is steadily rising. In recent years, the share of sodium nitrite usage as a method of self-poisoning has grown nine times over.

By passing this bill, we can save lives.

The Youth Poisoning Protection Act would prevent the commercial sale of highly-concentrated sodium nitrite, so it can never fall into the hands of a vulnerable young person.

I want to thank my colleague, Rep. Trahan of Massachusetts, as well as Senators J.D. Vance of Ohio and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois for partnering with us in this important effort.

With their support and yours, we are one step closer to preventing these senseless tragedies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a bill that will lead America toward an all-of-the-above energy future, H.R. 1069, the Clean Energy Demonstration Transparency Act.

First, I thank Chairman Lucas, Ranking Member Lofgren, and Energy Subcommittee Chairman Williams for their work on bringing this bill to the floor. I also thank the Science, Space, and Technology Committee staff for their bipartisan efforts in moving this legislation forward.

Strengthening the energy category of domestic energy production, including renewables, oil, gas, coal, and nuclear, will safeguard our supply chains, defend our national security, and, in fact, boost our economy.

H.R. 1069 is a commonsense bill that will increase transparency and oversight of the investments in homegrown, clean energy, including the billions of taxpayer dollars entrusted to the newly established Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations.

Specifically, the bill requires the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to submit semiannual reports to Congress regarding the budget, schedule, and participating entities of their demonstration projects.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, which will give Americans confidence that their taxpayer dollars are being used wisely in our pursuit of energy independence.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor a bright young man from Ohio's 15th Congressional District.

Nathaniel Palaia, who attends South-Western Career Academy, was recently named a 2024 nominee for the U.S. Department of Education Presidential Scholars Program.

This is one of the highest honors in the nation for a high school student. Nathaniel is a dedicated student in the Career Technical Education field and serves as a member of Ohio State University's Eco- Car Electric Vehicle Challenge Team.

He also serves as student council president, president of the Engineering and Robotics Program, team captain of the Autonomous Vehicle Challenge, and has founded a peer mentoring program.

Nathaniel is also a member of the National Technical Honor Society and has played varsity football for Grove City High School. He spends his summers volunteering with children with special needs.

He manages to excel at all of these things while earning above a 4.0 GPA and challenging himself in new ways academically.

Nathaniel represents the true Buckeye spirit of Ohio. Among his many accomplishments, it has been made clear that he is also a caring, compassionate, and intelligent individual.

He works hard for what he wants, and I have no doubt this will carry him far in his future career and in life.

I am proud to represent a congressional district where students like Nathaniel give their time and abilities to make it a better place for everyone. It is with great pride that I honor Nathaniel in this great recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of two brave firefighters in my district who recently perished in a tragic accident.

Fire Chief Ralph Stegbauer and Captain Jeff Skaggs were longtime members of the Concord-Green Township Fire Department and proud sons of Fayette County.

Each man put their lives on the line daily for their community, whether it was responding to house fires at 3 a.m. or serving as first responders to roadway accidents, Chief Stegbauer and Captain Skaggs served selflessly.

Chief Stegbauer, a retired health department worker and teacher, left his mark on all those he encountered. A loving husband and proud father of two children, Chief Stegbauer always sought to build up those who were around him.

Captain Skaggs also had a long history of not only serving Fayette County, but the country as a whole. He served in the United States military as a Ranger, and later was given the rank of E5 sergeant.

Friends and family remember him as the first person to offer help to anyone who was in need. His community regarded him in the same way: never too busy to lend a helping hand.

These two men exemplified what it meant to be an Ohioan. They worked hard to support their families, but still found time to give back to their communities.

They put their lives on the line as volunteer firefighters and first responders, never asking for anything in return. Their tragic passing has left a hole in our community, and they will be missed dearly.

Their selfless public service also inspires all of us to work harder to make our communities just a little better. At Christmastime, please keep their families in your prayers.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of my amendment and the underlying bill, the DETERRENT Act.

Foreign influence on our universities and colleges is a serious threat, and I am concerned foreign adversaries are targeting our Nation's students.

The DETERRENT Act ensures that we have transparency, accountability, and clarity in how foreign actors are involved with our universities and colleges.

My amendment will improve this important bill by revising a provision in the underlying legislation that creates a public, searchable database of staff or faculty who have disclosed gifts or contracts from foreign entities.

While I support transparency and accountability for our university faculty and staff to ensure foreign entities do not have undue influence over university research, policies, or instruction practices, it is important we balance that with the need to protect the privacy of an individual faculty or staff member at our institutions of higher education.

This commonsense amendment simply changes the underlying bill's public database by removing the personally identifiable information of faculty and staff who are listed in the database as a result of reporting gifts or contracts with foreign entities.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Kellie Ruetsch, a constituent from Plain City, Ohio.

Kellie is a regional operations manager for Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Ohio Inc. She was recently recognized as one of Superior Ambulance's ``Stars of Life.'' Every year, Superior Ambulance recognizes a handful of its EMTs for their exceptional leadership skills. An EMT since 1997, Kellie has devoted her life to helping others.

Apart from being an EMT, Kellie is also a paramedic and a firefighter. Despite volunteering countless hours to her community and raising two children, Kellie has also found time to advance her skills and professional growth.

In 2016, Kellie was offered a leadership position in which she immediately excelled. In 2017, Kellie obtained her EMS instructor license and completed Ambulance Service Manager training in 2022. Kellie's colleagues and superiors say, that she's someone who leads by example, never seeing a task as below her station.

Plain City and central Ohio are better places to live because of people like Kellie Ruetsch. I salute her service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 340.

Stated against: