Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, my flight arriving in D.C. was delayed so I was unable to participate in rollcall Nos. 329 and 330. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 329 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 330.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Village of Harrison on the celebration of its 10-year anniversary.

The residents of the Village of Harrison are celebrating 10 years since their incorporation as a Village. Harrison covers nearly 32 square miles throughout in Northeast Wisconsin, stretching into parts of both Calumet County and Outagamie County. The Village is home to around 14,000 great Wisconsinites, and it is truly a great place to call home.

Harrison is located on the beautiful northeast shores of Lake Winnebago and is a combination of both rural and urban areas. The location was originally chartered as the Town of Lima in 1853 and later became the Town of Harrison in 1858. In 2013, a referendum passed to incorporate the entire area into a Village.

Throughout the last ten years, the Village of Harrison has taken many actions to improve the community, especially when it comes to the improvement of local parks. The Village recently installed new volleyball and tennis courts and created new pickleball courts for community members and families to enjoy. The Village is constantly working to improve trails and update playground equipment--all these actions make the Village of Harrison a great place to live and raise a family.

Each year since 2019, the Village of Harrison hosts the Fox Cities Festival of Lights located at Darboy Community Park. The festival is a free family event that works to create a holiday light display and each year it raises tens of thousands of dollars for area nonprofits.

The Village celebrated their 10-year incorporation by holding a community event on July 19th that featured a parade, a brat fry, food trucks, sports & games, live music, fireworks, and more. The whole community has come together in celebration of this outstanding accomplishment.

I would like to acknowledge this noteworthy milestone in the Village's history, and I wish the Village prosperity and success in its future.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from California for his work, in a bipartisan fashion, on the CITI Subcommittee. His bipartisan spirit is always a pleasure, and the innovative mindset that my friend has brought to our work together, I very much enjoyed.

My staff prepared a beautiful speech. I will, instead, be blunt and, hopefully, be brief.

The way I see it is that we are in the early stages of a strategic competition or a new cold war with the Chinese Communist Party, and we are not winning in part because we haven't grasped the fundamental insight that in order to prevent war, which is a goal we all share, one must move and one must wage peace with the same alacrity, urgency, and creativity that one wages war.

Despite the horrors on display in Eastern Europe on the battlefields of Ukraine, we have not yet improved our deterrent posture in the Indo- Pacific west of the International Date Line such that we can persuade Xi Jinping that his attempt to take Taiwan by force will fail. That is where this bill comes in.

This makes extraordinary improvements in terms of our deterrent posture, which is a testament to the collaboration between Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith.

To the Members of this body who are skeptical and who feel as if they didn't get enough wins in the bill, I get it. We are in divided government. This bill would look different if there was unified government one way or the other. What we have here is a serious bipartisan compromise. It is not perfect, but it is a good bill.

The Armed Services Committee is the last remaining functional body in Congress. It works because everyone is brought into the process. None of us gets 100 percent of what we want, but we all get a chance to influence the outcome.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this critical piece of legislation. I believe it promotes the cause of peace, and I believe it promotes the cause of defending American sovereignty.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise today to recognize Bethany Nursing Home in Waupaca for the celebration of their 125th anniversary.

Bethany Nursing Home boasts a rich history of care and service dating back to the 1890s. The organization began under the name Bethania Bornerjem, Danish for ``Bethany Children's Home'', and specialized in providing a home to orphans. In 1954, the organization changed their mission and became a retirement home starting out with 18 residents.

Since then, Bethany Nursing Home has seen impressive growth with the constant additions of staff, as well as consistent improvements and expansions. The home now features 100 skilled nursing home beds, 49 assisted living rooms, 40 assisted living apartments, 41 independent living units, and even a retreat house for family and friends. The nursing home offers a variety of care options including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. In 2013 the home opened the state of the art ``Springs Wellness Center'' that features many amenities including computerized strength training machines, an aerobic and dance studio, a walking trail along the beautiful Crystal River, and more.

Bethany Nursing Home works hard to offer numerous services to their residents including cooking demonstrations, support groups, guest speakers, educational and fitness classes, and volunteer opportunities--the engagement and services provided are remarkable and truly provide a great all-around experience. Bethany Nursing Home provides unique care by bringing all the area churches together to work closely to provide expert care for all residents of different faiths and backgrounds.

I want to thank all staff involved for providing such excellent service to the residents and I want to congratulate Bethany Nursing Home on reaching this impressive milestone. I wish them prosperity and continued success for many more years to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to the Naval Research Laboratory's contributions to our Naval Services, the Nation, and the pursuit of scientific discovery and innovation. On July 2, 2023 the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) reached a momentous milestone--its 100th anniversary. Throughout its century of service to the Navy and our Nation, this renowned Laboratory has had a powerful impact on U.S. naval power and national defense.

With scientific and engineering expertise, informed by its understanding of naval and national needs, NRL works in league with industry, academia, and other government organizations as it helps build sea power through mission-related research and development. In this, NRL has been enormously successful and has contributed substantially to the development of game-changing military technologies that secured the United States global technological and military leadership throughout key moments in history. NRL was pivotal in the invention of the first U.S. radar, deployed in time for the Pacific naval battles of World War II. NRL led the way with the launch of the world's first intelligence satellite, GRAB-I, a technology that helped keep the Cold War cold. And finally, NRL developed the original concept, prototypes, and first operational satellite of the Global Positioning System, which transformed America's military, economy, society, and the world itself.

NRL's more recent achievements include its scientific role in developing the historic first operational ship-defense laser weapon, a technology that will be vital to defeating hypersonic missiles and asymmetric threats. Another is an instantaneous emergency assessment system for airborne contaminants and weapons of mass destruction that has supported security for Super Bowls, State of the Union events, and the last four presidential inaugurations. To protect U.S. intelligence communications, NRL invented Tor (The onion router) as a way to ``peel off'' and separate identification from routing for internet connections. Tor's many users include the military, journalists, whistle-blowers, victims of domestic abuse, and dissidents suffering within authoritarian regimes.

These accomplishments are only representative of thousands of technologies and innovations, many of them still classified, that this remarkable Laboratory has produced since opening its gates 100 years ago. Together, they demonstrate the broad and powerful influence NRL has on our Navy and Republic through the work of dedicated Government scientists, engineers, and support personnel who serve the national interest.

The U.S. Congress congratulates NRL on its centennial anniversary and wishes the Laboratory continued success in its mission to strengthen American naval power and develop vital technologies and capabilities for defending the United States, and democracy around the world.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable life of Angeline Allard. Angie was a great Wisconsinite, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and community servant. Her life is a demonstration of what it truly means to care and what it means to passionately serve one's community.

Angie was born in 1942 and grew up in Detroit, Michigan. For four years, she lived in The Guardian Angel Home, an orphanage that became her home after the passing of her father. While there, she learned many life lessons and developed her caring spirit.

Angie was known throughout the community as the ``Angel of Paul's Pantry.'' She volunteered for the first time with the Green Bay pantry in 1985, and one year later she became the first employee. She dedicated 38 years to the pantry and took incredible pride in the service that she provided to the community. She was the go-to person at the pantry and took on many different roles including overseeing all visitors, managing daily food distribution, and much more. She dedicated her life to the pantry and was constantly present.

Angie was known for her no-nonsense leadership and tough as nails exterior that made her devotion and service to Paul's Pantry truly remarkable. She was a tough woman that possessed a heart of gold and a remarkable sense of generosity. In 2003 she received an Apostolic blessing by Pope John Paul II from the Vatican in recognition of her dedication to her community. She even made an appearance on The Glenn Beck radio show in 2013 to recognize her incredible efforts to Paul's Pantry.

Aside from her service to the pantry, she gave back to the community in any way she could--she loved to give away fresh vegetables from her garden and would not take no

for an answer. Her devotion to others was relentless and she especially loved to take care of children.

Angie is survived by her children Marie and William, her siblings Beverly, Carolyn, Elaine, and Michael, her four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Angie will be remembered and missed by many throughout the community. Her service, dedication, and lifelong commitment to Paul's Pantry have created a legacy that will not be soon forgotten. My prayers and condolences go out to her family and to all the people she impacted.

Mr. Speaker, my flight arriving in D.C. was delayed so I was unable to participate in roll call number 273. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 273.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy and service of a truly remarkable man, Mr. Armin Barth. A proud Wisconsinite, husband, father, grandfather, and veteran who has dedicated his life to service.

In the spring of 1944, World War II was raging in both the European and Pacific theaters, as the United States military and allied forces beat back the advance of the Axis powers. Against the backdrop of global conflict, a young man by the name of Armin Barth, from Appleton, Wisconsin, raised his right hand to serve his country. On June 24, 1944, at just 16 years of age, Armin chose to postpone his high school education and serve as a Merchant Mariner.

This was not a decision that young Armin would have made lightly--the United States Merchant Marine suffered a higher proportion of casualties during the war than any other branch of the United States military. German and Japanese naval forces understood that the maritime logistics enterprise was the lifeblood of the allied war effort; therefore, the U.S. merchant fleet became a favorite target of Nazi submarines in the Atlantic and Japanese kamikaze planes in the Pacific.

Putting the potential dangers out of his mind, young Armin knew that he had a vital job to do. Merchant ships sailing under U.S. and allied flags transported military personnel, hardware, ammunition, food, petroleum, and medical supplies in support of troops in contact all over the globe, providing a critical link between the American wartime industrial base and the front lines. From June 24 to August 15, 1944, Armin Barth served as a messman aboard the SS Canada Victory, a supply vessel which had been constructed as part of the World War II Emergency Shipbuilding Program. Following this assignment, he once again took to sea as a utilityman aboard the troopship Alcoa Patriot from September 9 to December 14, 1944.

Young Americans who answer the call to serve in the Armed Forces, especially during wartime, are deserving of the praise and admiration of a grateful nation. As a testament to his character and courage, Armin Barth answered this call not once, but twice, before his 18th birthday. On June 9, 1945, Barth enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He achieved the rank of Private First Class and served honorably as a Motor Transport Operator and Dispatcher until his discharge from the United States Marine Corps Reserve on April 14, 1950.

Upon his discharge from the United States Marine Corps, Armin and the love of his life, Lois, built their home in Appleton and proudly raised five children: Jean, Joan, Gary, Keith, and Kevin. Following Armin's service in the military, he applied the leadership skills he gained to his civilian career as a truck driver for Consolidated Freightways operating out of Menasha, WI, which he did for 55 years. Furthermore, Armin has continued to support and serve his local community by transporting fellow veterans from the Appleton VA Clinic to the VA in Milwaukee for appointments.

Armin has many accomplishments throughout his career to be proud of, but one of the most important has been his family. Armin shared many valuable life lessons with his children as they grew up and placed a special emphasis on education, as he was never able to graduate high school. The lessons Armin instilled in his children resulted in several college degrees or other advanced certifications. Today, I extend my sincere congratulations to Armin for receiving his high school diploma from Appleton West High School.

Mr. Speaker, I once again thank Armin Barth for his unwavering service and dedication to the United States. Our nation is safer, and Northeast Wisconsin is better, because of his service. I urge members of this body to join me in honoring Mr. Armin Barth for his selfless commitment and service. Mr. Armin Barth is deserving of the highest degree of recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable career of Mike Grimm and to celebrate his retirement from The Nature Conservancy. Mr. Grimm has dedicated his life to conservation and ecological studies throughout Northeast Wisconsin, and he has been instrumental with my ``Save the Bay'' initiative since its inception.

Mr. Grimm began his career in the field of ecology and conservation with his studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and later a Master of Science in Natural Resource Planning. He joined The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in 1991, and later moved to Door County in 1994 to create the ``Door Peninsula Project.'' Since then, he has served as a conservation ecologist throughout the region and has taken part in planning, researching, and restoring different land management projects on behalf of TNC.

Mr. Grimm has been a leader when it comes to TNC's philanthropic missions and has played a pivotal role with land acquisition projects throughout the region as well. He has extensive knowledge of the diverse ecological and biological landscapes of northeast Wisconsin, and he has conducted a significant number of ecological assessments throughout the region. His research and conservancy efforts have been profound, and he has worked hard to preserve and protect our unique northeastern Wisconsin landscapes and wildlife.

Furthermore, Mr. Grimm has been a key component of the Save the Bay initiative since its inception in November of 2015. He led the first Lower Fox Watershed Workgroup meeting for the program in 2016 and has facilitated meetings throughout the region for the past eight years. Mr. Grimm has invested many hours towards this collaborative program and has significantly contributed to its success. He has been instrumental with the formulation of goals and priorities for the initiative, and has played a substantial role with planning, preparation and idea generation.

Mr. Grimm's work throughout Northeast Wisconsin has been nothing short of incredible. His presence at The Nature Conservancy will be missed, as well as his thoughtful leadership at Save the Bay meetings, but the work he has done and projects he started will continue forward and will preserve his legacy. Mr. Grimm's impact on the community will not soon be forgotten and I would like to urge everyone to join me in thanking Mr. Grimm for his great career and his many years of service to Northeast Wisconsin.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career of retiring Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) President, Dr. Jeffrey Rafn. An exemplary member of the Northeast Wisconsin community who has had an incredible impact on higher education.

Dr. Rafn has held many roles during his 42-year career in education and is now retiring from his 26-year role as the president of NWTC. After earning his Ph.D. in sociology from Boston University, Dr. Rafn served as an educator and administrator throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Dr. Rafn set an incredible bar as an educator and administrator, eventually becoming the State Commissioner of the New Hampshire Community Technical College System before moving to Northeast Wisconsin in 1997 to begin his career at NWTC.

Dr. Rafn's time at NWTC has resulted in many major accomplishments from passing a $46.6 million building referendum in 2001 to a $66.5 million building referendum in 2015. During his career, NWTC also became the first college in Wisconsin to utilize e-textbooks and saw significant expansion by creating campus locations beyond just the original Green Bay campus--in Sturgeon Bay and Vlarinette. Dr. Rafn is an innovative leader who spearheaded meaningful advancements that drastically improved the NWTC learning experience for all students

During his 26 years at NWTC, Dr. Rafn was an inspirational leader who garnered an impressive list of accomplishments and led the institution to new heights. Under Dr. Rafn's leadership, NWTC was recognized by Community College Weekly in 2003 as the fastest growing large community college in the nation and more recently, in 2021 was recognized as a Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream. Dr. Rafn won the Wisconsin Technical College System Eagle Management Award in 2019 and won the Lifetime Achievement Award from Vistage in the same year. Dr. Rafn's accomplishments throughout his career did not go unnoticed and his lengthy list of awards is demonstrative of that fact. I commend Dr. Rafn for his dedication and commitment to NWTC and to Northeast Wisconsin.

Outside of his responsibilities as president of NWTC, Dr. Rafn has been an active member of the community and has been committed to advancing education in all ways possible. He currently serves or has served on several commissions and boards such as: the Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis Council at UW Madison, the Brown County United Way Board of Directors, the Advisory Board of Community College Research Council at Teachers College at Columbia University, the Executive Committee on Advance Business Development, and many more. Dr. Rafn has truly applied his leadership skills and utilized his profound experience to better his community and higher education.

Dr. Rafn served close to 1 million students and created a legacy that will be admired by educators for years to come. Dr. Rafn's presence as President of NWTC will be missed and his distinguished career deserves the highest degree of recognition. I wish him and his family all the best in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize one of my Legislative Assistants, Grace Paul, for her service to Wisconsin's Eighth Congressional District.

Following her graduation from UW-Madison with a degree in International and Global Studies in 2020, Grace began her career in my Washington, D.C. office. She has served in more positions than anyone else on my staff. She has been a Staff Assistant, Press Assistant, Legislative Correspondent, and Legislative Assistant. Through her long tenure, Grace has become an expert on Northeast Wisconsin. She has visited every county in my district, captured photos of Luxemburg farm fields, Big Smokey Falls, and Door County Forgeworks, and most importantly, despite her Chicago ties, Grace has cheered on the Packers at Lambeau Field.

Through her many roles, she exemplified the true meaning of hard work while overseeing interns, corresponding with constituents, supporting my communications team,

and drafting legislation. As a Press Assistant, she was integral in producing my podcast, the NEW Look, and helped grow my audience far beyond the tens of listeners we had when the podcast first started. And she helped create the NEWsflash, our monthly newsletter that's become a staple of my constituent correspondence. As a Legislative Assistant, Grace handled my committee work on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as Postal, Trade, Immigration, Small Business, and Law Enforcement issues. In this role, Grace built relationships with hundreds of constituents across the district and served them all incredibly well. Using her experience, Grace has helped move along legislation that will make a lasting impact on Northeast Wisconsin. For example, just this week the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act moved through committee markup for the first time with her help. Grace has been a valuable member of my team and an asset to Northeast Wisconsin.

I wish Grace the best of luck as she pursues her law degree. I am sure she will continue to excel in her future endeavors, and I thank her for her years of hard work and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Emergency Rescue Squad on its 75th Anniversary.

As the Rescue Squad celebrates this milestone, we look back on the outstanding history that has shaped the organization. On April 5, 1947, the Ansul Rescue Squad was established after founding member Joe Banich conducted a survey at the Ansul Company about employees who understood first aid procedures. Following the survey, Mr. Banich was given permission to facilitate a sign-up for individuals interested in first aid training. Eight men signed up to take an extensive 21-week first aid training course and the first rescue squad was formed. The group of men, referred to as the ''Great Eight,'' began a legacy of service that would live on for generations.

Throughout the years, the Great Eight expanded their knowledge and skill while providing services to the sick and injured. The men continued to play a critical role in the community and therefore, were provided with a Rescue Squad vehicle and first aid equipment. By 1949, the group had grown to eighteen members who answered more than 1,300 calls from community members in need. Then in 1959, the Ansul Rescue Squad was turned over to the Marinette and Menominee community management and became the Emergency Rescue Squad as it is still referred to today. Today, the Rescue Squad receives up to 20 calls in a 24-hour period demonstrating the clear need and service they provide to northern Wisconsin.

I commend the numerous members of the Rescue Squad, past and present, for their years of selfless service and dedication to the community over the years. Over the last 75 years, the Emergency Rescue Squad has played a critical role in the success and safety of communities throughout Marinette County, including the cities of Marinette, Peshtigo, Menominee, and the towns of Peshtigo, Porterfield and Grover. I extend my sincere appreciation to past and present members of the Emergency Rescue Squad for their years of exceptional service to Northeast Wisconsin.

It is my honor to commemorate this historic milestone for the Emergency Rescue Squad. I invite all members of this body to join me in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Emergency Rescue Squad. The Rescue Squad is a true credit to Northeast Wisconsin and is deserving of the highest degree of recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Brillion Boys Basketball Team for winning the WIAA Division III State Boys Basketball Championship.

Following an impressive and hard-fought season, the Brillion Boys Basketball Team traveled to the Kohl Center in Madison to compete in the 2023 WIAA Boys State Basketball Tournament. After a hard fought 57- 55 semi-final victory against Lakeside Lutheran, the team advanced to the championship game where they defeated a strong West Salem team with a final score of 61-55. I applaud the entire team and coaching staff for their hard work and determination during the tournament and ultimately bringing the gold ball back to Brillion.

Congratulations to Coach Shimek on a remarkable season and for securing the state title. A special congratulations to the seniors on the team, Parker Braun, Caeden Holly, Bennett Olson, Derek Fischer, and Jeremy Lorenz. I wish them all the best in the next steps in their careers and congratulations on a remarkable season.

A state title is an impressive achievement and one that requires a season filled with hard work and commitment. By finishing the season with a record of 29-1, it is quite evident that every member of the team worked tirelessly to achieve this success. This is a team that will be remembered by the Brillion community for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I extend my sincere congratulations to Head Coach Chad Shimek and the entire Brillion Boys Basketball team for their outstanding accomplishment. It is my honor to recognize the Brillion Boys Basketball team and I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding their remarkable season.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and honor the life of an outstanding public servant, Corrections Officer Kevin Nikolai.

Officer Kevin Nikolai was born in Wausau to Joanne Carol (Baars) and Terrence Nikolai on January 26, 1982. He was raised in Kronenwetter, WI with his two older siblings, Kim and Scott. After graduating from Mosinee High School in 2000, Officer Nikolai attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. After graduation he began his employment with the Outagamie County Jail serving as a Collections Officer. Serving with the Outagamie County Sheriffs Office, Officer Nikolai dedicated his life to serving the people of Outagamie County and Northeast Wisconsin and I thank him for his years of unwavering service.

Throughout Officer Nikolai's career with the Outagamie County Sheriff's Office, he was known by his fellow officers as the one who was always willing to lend a helping hand and for his ability to communicate with those around him. Serving as an instructor, Officer Nikolai positively impacted his coworkers and endeavored to leave a positive impact on the world. Officer Nikolai's legacy will live on and be remembered by everyone who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, today the people of Northeast Wisconsin thank Officer Kevin Nikolai for his extraordinary service and devotion to his community. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, including his son Logan, and to all of the people who were touched by his life.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Neville Public Museum of Brown County for once again receiving accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the Nation's museums.

Starting from humble beginnings in 1915, nine members of the Green Bay Art Club came together and held a one-week exhibit in the basement of the local library to showcase objects from the Greater Green Bay Area. Following increased interest, the library soon ran out of space and in 1923, Mr. and Mrs. George Mason of New York City donated $60,000 to build a permanent museum. In return for their donation, the Mason family asked that the museum be named after Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Neville in honor of their dedication to the Green Bay community. On 1927, the Neville Public Museum opened to the public.

Throughout the years, the Neville Museum has continued to showcase the happenings of the world to the people of Northeast Wisconsin. As their mission states, the Neville Public Museum has continued to bridge the multi-generational communities through exceptional exhibits and innovative programming. In recognition of the continued work and dedication, the Museum received accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. Receiving this award represents the difference the museum has made in education, the local economy, and on the diverse cultures and heritage within our communities by displaying history science, and art. The Neville Public Museum is now one of the twenty-one museums in the State of Wisconsin with accreditation.

The Neville Public Museum joins just over 1,100 currently accredited museums. Accreditation is a rigorous process that consists of a year self-study, an independent body of museum professionals, and a visitor committee report. Museums seeking accreditation must undergo this process every 10 years and this is an incredible feat for the Neville Museum. Of the over 33,000 museums nationwide, the Neville Museum once again joins an elite group of museums in the country.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Neville Public Museum of Brown County for receiving accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums. I extend my sincerest congratulations to the museum's Executive Director, Beth Kowalski-Lemke and to the entire Neville Museum staff on this outstanding honor.