Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, many of my colleagues across the aisle are not content with delaying necessary aid to Ukraine for months at the cost of countless innocent lives, but are once again playing right into Putin's hands and attempting to block all American assistance to Ukraine.

The rest of the world, literally all of our allies, understand that a Ukrainian victory is necessary to prevent further Russian aggression, deter an invasion of Taiwan, and preserve the global democratic order. Republican national security leaders, including the chairs of the Armed Services, Intelligence, and Defense Appropriations Committees understand that this funding is critical to our own defense industrial base. However, instead of working to strengthen our national security, we are once again having an argument that my colleague across the aisle has lost over and over and over again.

My colleague is comfortable handing over Ukraine and the rest of Europe to Putin. The rest of this House, the rest of Congress, and the rest of the world reject it. Enough. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to this amendment. It is just the latest in a long series of attempts by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to drum women out of combat roles in which they are currently serving.

It is dressed up as protecting women, as a step aimed at preserving military readiness, but make no mistake, it is about a deeply held belief that women shouldn't fight.

When I served in the Navy, I was part of the first class of women eligible for most combat roles, and I know firsthand what women bring to the table in combat roles.

This fight is to ensure that women can serve in combat roles. It is one that I have already fought and has impacted my entire career in the Navy. It has also impacted the careers of our first female commanding officer of an aircraft carrier, our first woman Chief of Naval Operations, our first female superintendent of the Naval Academy.

Make no mistake, I had to pass numerous physical tests during my time in the Navy. Some, such as the physical readiness test, were simply basic measures of fitness based on my age and gender. Some, such as the helicopter dunker, the platform dive, and SERE/POW training school, were gender- and age-neutral and based on the ability I needed to have to serve in a certain role--namely, a Navy helicopter pilot who flew over water, often at night.

The military determined this, not Congress. Congress should not be telling the military what standards they should be implementing for physical fitness standards. The services have long had the ability to make these decisions based on their expert knowledge on what is actually needed for servicemembers.

Congress should not intervene, especially when it could lead to the prevention of qualified women in combat

roles and especially not as a cheap political ploy to score points in a culture war.

By all means, we don't need to take my word for it. Let's see what the Army has to say. It is redundant. Per Secretary Wormuth, the Army already has sex-neutral fitness standards that apply to every single combat arms military occupational specialty.

It is duplicative. Per Secretary Warmoth, the Army is already pursuing increased standards to close combat force MOSes to comply with last year's bill.

It is counterproductive. Under this amendment, the Army would lack empirically defensible data to set the standards. Instead, per Secretary Warmoth, the Army would be forced to rely on this amendment's conclusion that sex-neutral minimum standards are scientifically justifiable without the science.

Mr. Chair, once again, this body is considering amendments that serve one goal: cheap shots at women as part of a MAGA culture war.

Our military readiness is an incredibly important thing that should be treated with careful deliberation. It should not be subject to the whims of a single Member of this House who has willfully disregarded the input of experts from the Army and of the House Armed Services Committee which rejected this very amendment.

I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Houlahan), my friend and partner in this fight and the ranking member of the House Armed Services Quality of Life Panel.

Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 30 seconds to my colleague.

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

Mr. Chair, I am vehemently opposed to this amendment. I wish I could say that I am surprised by the situation in which we find ourselves where, once again, House Republicans are trying to take rights away from servicewomen and military families, but I am not.

I am not surprised because it is their third attempt to get this policy repealed in the last year alone. They tried in last year's NDAA. They tried via Senator Tuberville as he waged his culture war with no concern for how he was impacting military readiness and setting back the careers of many talented officers.

This year, instead of having an actual debate about the best policies regarding vital reproductive healthcare for servicewomen and military families, they are once again hiding behind the Rules Committee and only putting forward their standard regressive, backward policies that continue to fail.

Preventing military women from traveling for care when they are stationed in States with draconian abortion laws isn't pro-life. It is not pro-life to force women to risk their lives and their careers with nonviable pregnancies. It is not pro-life to make it harder for women to access basic healthcare. It is not pro-life to do it at the expense of women who already risk their lives in service of their country.

I wish we could treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves. I wish we could have a real debate about reproductive healthcare for servicemembers, but we can't. Why? Because this majority would rather score cheap points in their MAGA culture wars than have a serious discussion about their antiwomen policies.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Mr. Chair, amendments like this cheapen the National Defense Authorization Act. They make America look weak. They demean this body. This isn't the only one.

Once again, this majority has chosen not to treat matters of national security with the seriousness they deserve to be treated, and they are choosing to use the National Defense Authorization Act to shove their extremist culture war agenda down the throats of the American people.

Homophobia? Check. Racism? Check. Misogyny? Check. Serious policy amendments that will strengthen our national security? Far less important to this majority.

These ludicrous amendments are why, later today, I will be offering a motion to recommit, not to start the process all over but to give our servicemembers and our Nation the serious, policy-focused National Defense Authorization Act that we passed out of the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment and support a clean, policy-centered National Defense Authorization Act.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I have the right to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, in the advent of the overturning of Roe, we have seen a race to the bottom in reproductive healthcare in too many States in the Nation and attempts again and again to implement a nationwide abortion ban by Republicans.

This is really dangerous to our servicewomen, who are given orders to go to certain places. They can't say that they prefer not to serve in Texas, for example, which is now the 49th worst State in the Nation when it comes to women's reproductive healthcare, a very fast drop because of the horrible, draconian anti-choice laws that have been implemented.

Our servicewomen are ordered to States like this and don't have access to basic reproductive healthcare. We see again and again how this culture war agenda has threatened women across the country and certainly servicewomen.

We have over 140,000 servicemembers in Texas right now, and that doesn't

even include their families. That is why these are dangerous pieces of legislation. That is why we have worked so incredibly hard to find fixes to make sure our servicewomen are protected.

Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 75th anniversary of The Arc of New Jersey, an organization in New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District, and its outstanding commitment to supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Since its founding in 1949, the Arc of New Jersey has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), protect their human rights, and enhance their and their families' lives. The Arc continues to achieve these goals through their advocacy and direct assistance efforts.

The Arc of New Jersey advocates for individuals with IDD at both the state and federal levels. Their thorough evaluation of legislation affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, or care providing agencies, has benefited countless families in New Jersey and throughout the country. I am grateful for their close partnership with the New Jersey delegation as they keep us informed of the critical issues for the IDD community on Capitol Hill.

Beyond legislative advocacy, the Arc of New Jersey provides resources and programs that have a huge impact on the lives of individuals with IDD and their families to support them in reaching their goals. Programs like The Criminal Justice Advocacy Program, a one of a kind program in New Jersey to provide individuals with IDDs with alternatives to incarceration, and Project HIRE, a program to provide post-graduate plans for students in special education programs provide invaluable support to our community.

This year is the 75th anniversary of The Arc of New Jersey, and their decades of service to our community are an inspiration. I am grateful for all they have done to support New Jersey families and look forward to seeing their continued impact.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Alexander D. Burgos for his selfless service and dedication to the service members, families, and civilians of Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. It is my privilege to honor a leader that has served and supported New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, the State of New Jersey, and our country. I look forward to his continued success and contributions to our Nation.

Lieutenant Colonel Burgos graduated from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), commissioned into the U.S. Army Infantry, and entered active duty in May 2005. He held a variety of leadership positions as an Infantry Officer prior to entering the Military Intelligence Corps at the rank of Captain. As a Military Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Burgos served in a variety of assignments from Company Command to the Joint Chiefs of Staff level.

Lieutenant Colonel Burgos has led with tenacity as the Garrison Commander of Picatinny Arsenal since June 2022. The installation employs more than 6,000 employees, all of whom he cares for as his own family. His leadership has prioritized the quality of life of the soldiers, civilians, and families of Picatinny Arsenal. Lieutenant Colonel Burgos has shaped Picatinny Arsenal into a world class workplace, home, and mainstay of the New Jersey economy.

During his time at Picatinny, Lieutenant Colonel Burgos has also been a valued partner to me and to my team. His expertise, openness, and willingness to think outside the box have strengthened my work in Congress and made me a better, more effective advocate for our service members and their families. I also especially appreciate his service on my Academy Nomination Board to help recognize our next generation of military leaders as they look to attend the military service academies.

I extend my most heartfelt thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Burgos, and his family, for their 19 years of service and sacrifice. I congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Burgos on his next assignment at the Army War College and look forward to his continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 250th anniversary of Newark Academy, an exemplary school in New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District.

Founded in 1774 by a group of civic leaders, Newark Academy has been at the forefront of education in our community for centuries. The school's initial leadership included Alexander MacWhorter, an advisor to George Washington. Newark Academy's support for the American Revolution eventually made it a target for the British Army who burned the original building to the ground. Determined to continue serving our community, Newark Academy rebuilt and continued to grow.

Newark Academy moved from Newark to its current location in Livingston, New Jersey in 1964. While much has changed in the 250 years since its founding, Newark Academy remains steadfast in its mission to ``contribute to the world engaged individuals instilled with a passion for learning, a standard of excellence, and a generosity of spirit.'' Graduates from Newark Academy receive a rigorous education in academics, athletics, and the arts and are encouraged to stay on the path of lifelong learning.

I am honored to join our community in celebrating this incredible milestone and the school's rich history and commitment to New Jersey students.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember our dear friend and colleague, Donald Payne, Jr.

He was a model public servant, a man who represented the best our State had to offer. From a very young age, he strove to make New Jersey a better place for everyone.

He brought his personal experiences to the Halls of Congress, fighting to expand access to healthcare, which no question changed people's lives. He was an expert when it came to modernizing our Nation's infrastructure, and a partner I turned to as we fought together to make the Gateway Tunnel a reality.

As you have heard, Donald was so much more than just an expert policymaker or a thoughtful legislator. He was a kind, kind man. I remember when he said to me one day: ``You know, Congress can be a lonely place.''

If you knew Donald Payne, it was never a lonely place because he was always looking out for you. He was always bringing a smile to so many faces, even though he was going through such difficult health struggles. He always made time to ask how you were doing.

He always had his bow tie, his sharp suits on, and he would always take a minute to smile when you complimented him and to say how great it was to see you.

He is going to be missed. He was a presence here that will be sorely missed by all of us. It was an honor to call him a friend. It was an honor for many years to call him my Congressman, and it is an honor to speak today of him. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. Robert Bunger Zufall, a beloved community healthcare leader from New Jersey. Dr. Zufall dedicated his life to serving others and leaves an incredible legacy in New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District and beyond.

Dr. Zufall was born in Middleton, New York and raised in Irvington, New Jersey. He graduated from Princeton University and served our country in the Navy during World War II before continuing his education at Harvard Medical School. From his leadership in the military as U.S. Army First Lieutenant and Captain in the medical corps, to his service as a physician at Bellevue Hospital and Dover General Hospital, Dr. Zufall dedicated his life to caring for others.

Dr. Zufall's most well-known achievement is the creation of Zufall Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center serving communities across Northern New Jersey. After several medical service trips to Peru, he and his wife Kay committed themselves to providing healthcare to those in need closer to home. Initially a once-a-week, one-room clinic, Zufall has since expanded to seven counties and two mobile sites that serve 48,000 New Jerseyians annually. The clinic has received many accolades, including the Jefferson Award given to Dr. Zufall and Kay in 2009. Dr. Zufall, known lovingly by many as ``Dr. Bob,'' worked tirelessly to make sure that all New Jersey residents regardless of means have affordable access to healthcare.

Dr. Zufall deeply cherished his family and enjoyed spending time with his wife Kay, children Kathryn, Margaret, Ellen, Nancy, and David, his three siblings, nine grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.

On March 5, 2024, Dr. Robert Zufall peacefully passed away at the age of 99. The selfless manner in which Dr. Zufall served his community is an inspiration to us all. He will not be forgotten and his impact will continue to be felt in New Jersey for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Professor Marielaine Mammon as she is honored as a recipient of the 2024 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award. This national award recognizes exemplary faculty members from America's community colleges. Through her decades of service to the County College of Morris (CCM) in New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District, Professor Mammon continues to inspire classes of students.

Professor Mammon dedicated her education and career to the performing arts. Of her 51 years of teaching experience, she dedicated 47 years to CCM and has made a lasting impact on our community. Professor Mammon is a tremendous mentor and she inspires her students to see their full potential while honing the skills needed to reach their goals. Through her extraordinary career in the performing arts, including performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, Professor Mammon leads her students by example.

Outside of the classroom, Professor Mammon is deeply involved on campus, whether she is chairing Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, leading choir performances at local senior living facilities, or creating interdisciplinary opportunities for students. She has served on numerous committees, including the Pandemic Response Team, Academic Standards Committee, and Curriculum Committee. Through these extracurricular efforts, Professor Mammon hears directly from both students and faculty on their needs on campus and she brings this understanding to her work.

I am honored to recognize Professor Mammon for her exemplary career and congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the courageous defensive efforts of the Ukrainian people since February 24, 2022, fighting to protect their homeland.

During my two trips to Ukraine, once right before the war and another during, I saw firsthand the grit and determination of the Ukrainian people. Many thought Russia's military was the second best in the world; two years later we've come to find it is actually only the second best in Ukraine. Since 2022, the Ukrainian people have fought bravely--defying the odds by holding onto their Capital, Kyiv, keeping the Port of Odessa open for the world food supply, and strengthening their eastern manufacturing sector.

As Congresswoman for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, I represent one of the largest Ukrainian American populations in the United States. Throughout this conflict, this vibrant community has organized many inspiring efforts to send medical and other needed supplies to Ukraine--collecting and sending over $4 million of aid through just one local cultural center. Each time I have the honor of meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, including earlier this week at the Munich Security Conference, I tell him about the Ukrainian American community in New Jersey and the vast support he and the Ukrainian people have in our state.

New Jersey's 11th Congressional District is also proud to support Ukraine with ammunition and the M-777 Howitzers that are ensuring Ukrainians can keep up the fight against Russia developed by our military base, Picatinny Arsenal.

For New Jerseyans--supporting Ukraine is not a matter of partisan politics. Democratic or Republican, New Jersey leaders, from the very beginning, have stood up for Ukraine. We understand the existential threat this poses on global democracy and the damage that would incur if we leave Russian aggression unchecked. America has stood by our ally since the beginning of this war and we must not turn our back on them now.

Slava Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. David Castellano, who retired this month after 42 years of faithful and dedicated service as a civilian employee of the U.S. Army and in the Senior Executive Service.

After graduating from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Mr. Castellano chose to apply his knowledge and experience to the U.S. military's armaments enterprise, including at Picatinny Arsenal located in NJ-11. The contributions he has made to our national defense, and to our allies' defense, are enormous, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude.

In 2003, Mr. Castellano was appointed to the Senior Executive Service. He later became the first Executive Director of the Weapons and Software Engineering Center, where he was in charge of over 1,400 employees between Picatinny Arsenal and other installations in New York and Maryland. The Center provides software support for critical combat and weapons systems.

In 2016, Mr. Castellano tackled a new challenge in innovation and modernization efforts as the Executive Director of the Munitions Engineering and Technology Center at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center. There, he led a top team of engineers and researchers in the development and implementation of over 1,200 munitions and armaments systems for the Army, the Marine Corps, and Special Forces combat teams. Thanks to his efforts, the Armaments Center has continued to develop and sustain combat systems that both our warfighters and our allies depend on and will continue to into the future.

In gratitude for his outstanding service, Mr. Castellano has been awarded the Presidential Rank Award, the Secretary of Defense Medal, and the NATO Certificate of Recognition. In addition, he also received several prestigious awards from the National Defense Industrial Association including: the Lt. Gen. Thomas R. Ferguson, Jr. Systems Engineering Excellence Award, the Firepower Development Award, and the John A. Ulrich Lifetime Achievement Award.

I want to thank Mr. Castellano for the critical engineering and systems work that he and his team have done over his career to support our national defense, and I wish him the best for a well-earned and restful retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Washington Association of New Jersey based in New Jersey's Eleventh Congressional District, and their longstanding commitment to preserving our nation's early history.

During the harshest winter of the Revolutionary War from 1779 to 1780, Jacob Ford Jr.'s mansion in Morristown, New Jersey served as the military headquarters for George Washington as the Continental Army encamped nearby. Recognizing the importance of this site, the Washington Association of New Jersey was founded on March 30, 1874 with the goal of preserving and maintaining the Ford Mansion.

In 1933, the Washington Association was instrumental in advocating for the establishment of our country's first National Historical Park, as they shared the important history of the Ford Mansion, Jockey Hollow, and Fort Nonsense with the 65th Congress. I am grateful to the Washington Association for its dedication to preserving this important history for both the State of New Jersey and the United States.

Today, visitors can appreciate the beauty and historical importance of Washington's Headquarters and the Morristown Historical Park thanks to the efforts and foresight of the Washington Association of New Jersey. New Jersey is the Crossroads of the American Revolution and I especially look forward to welcoming people from all over America and the world to these sites in 2026 as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation.

For the past 150 years, the Washington Association has shared New Jersey's Revolutionary War history with all of us and that is why I am honored to recognize them on this important anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the promotion of Brigadier General Lisa J. Hou to the rank of Major General. Major General Lisa J. Hou has served as the Adjutant General of the New Jersey National Guard and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs since June 2021. As a daughter of immigrants raised in New Jersey, General Hou's journey is a prime example of the American Dream and of our nation's spirit. It is my privilege to honor a true patriot that has served and supported New Jersey and our country.

Major General Hou has commanded the more than 8,400 Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard with steadfast determination. The wide range of missions the New Jersey National Guard responds to presents a challenge Major General Hou has risen to accomplish. Whether through state-to-state partnership with the Republic of Albania, supporting the Global War on Terror, or providing assistance during natural disasters, the Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard have executed their missions with the utmost professionalism and success under Major General Hou's command.

In addition to her role as Adjutant General of the National Guard, Major General Hou also serves in the New Jersey Governor's cabinet as Commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA), Major General Hou leads, directs, and manages all state veterans' programs, commissions, and facilities in the Garden State, providing services and benefits to over 300,000 veterans statewide. I extend my most heartfelt thanks to Major General Hou for her service and sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joe Griffies. Mr. Griffies served our country with distinction in the 4th Division Infantry during the Vietnam War. His time in the Army was just the beginning of his lifetime of service to our nation. After moving with his wife Colleen to Cape May County in 2010, Mr. Griffies began his present career at South Jersey radio station, WIBG Studios. As the host of ``Welcome Home Vets,'' Mr. Griffies brings thoughtful attention to the particular challenges our veterans face and how our community can support them. Over the past thirteen years, Mr. Griffies has been a tireless advocate for veterans in New Jersey, whether helping them through complicated VA claims issues or supporting them through mental health crises. Some of his efforts include advocating for veterans on Medicare, freeing up office space in the VA to speed up appointment times, and aiding the introduction of a bill to allow New Jersey veterans honorably discharged to receive a free EZPASS. He is also a leading advocate for the Military Basketball Association, which helps our servicemembers and veterans experiencing PTSD, and has been a booster for the USS New Jersey (SSN 796) as it is set to be commissioned this year, the third U.S. Navy ship to be named for our great state. These are just some of the many ways Mr. Griffies has worked to ensure that veterans receive the care and respect they deserve when they arrive home, I am always grateful for Mr. Griffies's advocacy and am honored to recognize him today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the promotion of Brigadier General John T. Reim to the rank of Major General. Major General Reim has served as the Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments & Ammunition and the Commanding General, Picatinny Arsenal since June 2022. It is my privilege to honor a New Jersey native that has served and supported New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, the State of New Jersey, and our country. I look forward to his continued success and contributions to our nation.

Throughout his time as the Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments & Ammunition, now-Major General Reim has been a fearless leader in the Army's innovation enterprise. The projects he has overseen have provided our warfighters with the systems. munitions, and capabilities necessary to defeat our enemies and maintain overmatch of our adversaries. General Reim's hard work has also revitalized our production of munitions, leading the charge to overhaul our outdated production systems and ensuring that our national stockpile is backfilled in the wake of conflict throughout the world. Major General Reim's support to the Department of Defense's munitions enterprise has been vital to our national defense priorities.

General Reim has led with tenacity as the Commanding General of Picatinny Arsenal. The installation employs more than 6,000 employees; all of whom he cares for as his own family. His leadership has prioritized the morale, health, and welfare of the Soldiers, Civilians, and Families of Picatinny Arsenal. Major General Reim has shaped Picatinny Arsenal into a pillar of national defense and a mainstay of the New Jersey Economy.

In this time at Picatinny, General Reim has also been a valued partner to me and to my team. His expertise, openness, and willingness to think outside the box have strengthened my work in Congress and made me a better, more effective advocate for our military's future.

General Reim graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY and commissioned into the Quartermaster Corps in 1990. He held a variety of leadership and staff positions as a Logistics Officer prior to entering the Acquisition Corps in December of 1998. I extend my most heartfelt thanks to Major General Reim, his wife Patty, and four children for their 33 years of service and sacrifice. I congratulate Major General Reim on his well-earned promotion and look forward to his continued success.

Madam Chair, yesterday President Biden announced significant new funding for passenger rail projects across New Jersey and the Northeast region, first and foremost for the Gateway Program that is the Nation's most critical infrastructure project.

It is a critical win for New Jersey families, and it comes as a result of funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law to get these important projects completed.

By making this investment in Gateway, we will prevent a shutdown of the Hudson River tunnel that could cost the United States economy $16 billion over 4 years and reduce property values by $22 billion in New Jersey alone. In fact, every dollar we invest in Gateway will create almost $4 of benefits for the residents of our region, whether through lower travel costs, faster travel times, improved safety, or reduced highway congestion.

Unfortunately, the Republican majority's appropriations bill is a severe threat to the bipartisan work we have done to revitalize America's infrastructure, especially for passenger rail. The bill guts the main funding source for rail projects--the Capital Investment Grants program--by 85 percent and cuts Amtrak's Northeast Corridor funding by 92 percent. Not only that, but Republican amendments now propose cutting all Capital Investment Grants and Amtrak National Network funding.

These provisions are unacceptable and completely out of touch with the needs of the American people. They put all of our work on Gateway at risk and could eliminate over $19 billion in economic activity for New Jerseyans and cost tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.

House Republicans' extreme agenda will make it harder for families to get to work or to their kids' soccer games. It will increase their travel costs and will worsen pollution and congestion in New Jersey.

Last Congress, I was proud to work across the aisle to enact historic legislation to revitalize rail in the Northeast region and more broadly to invest in New Jersey's infrastructure. Today, I urge my colleagues to not forsake all that work and to instead reach across the aisle and finish Gateway, strengthen Amtrak and the Northeast Corridor, and improve travel access and reliability for all of our constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to fight for the fundamental rights of servicewomen and military families as they come under attack by the extreme Members of this legislative body.

When our servicemen and -women joined the Armed Forces prior to the Dobbs decision last June, they did so with the understanding that they and their families would receive comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services regardless of where they were stationed. That includes, what was a constitutionally guaranteed right at the time most joined, abortion care, no matter the State in which their base was located.

There are now 16 States that restrict access to abortion care at 16 weeks or less. Just this week, Iowa passed a 6-week ban. The servicewomen and military families serving in every one of those States are now facing a completely different healthcare landscape than when they signed up to serve.

According to one study, women in States with abortion bans are nearly three times more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth, or soon after giving birth. These are the conditions our servicewomen and military families are facing when they are assigned to serve on military bases across this country.

In fact, since the Dobbs decision last year, 46 percent of servicemembers no longer have access to abortion care.

We can state fact after fact about the disturbing health outcomes for women in certain States or the scope of this issue after Roe v. Wade was overturned.

Today, I want to go beyond the numbers and share the personal and human impact of these anti-abortion laws.

In Texas, Amanda Zurawski was 18 weeks pregnant when her water broke, putting her at high risk for developing a life-threatening infection. Doctors told Amanda that her life was in danger and the fetus was going to die. The doctors could not provide the medical care she needed because their hands were tied by Texas law.

Because she was denied an abortion, Amanda eventually developed sepsis and nearly died. Her ability to get pregnant in the future may be damaged. Amanda survived and testified before the United States Senate in April about this harrowing experience where the laws of her home State of Texas nearly killed her.

Around 120,000 servicemembers are currently serving in Texas alone. On top of that number, think of the number of family members living there with them. Our servicemembers sign up to serve our country with the understanding that one day they may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. No servicemember should have to accept a reality where they could die as a result of the State laws where they are stationed.

In the wake of the Dobbs decision, the Department of Defense recognized that abortion is a time-sensitive procedure and access should not be delayed for members or military families. They moved swiftly to put in place policies that ensure servicewomen living in highly restrictive States could travel to another State to receive the healthcare they need. This is the bare minimum our government can do to support and protect the women who signed up to serve our Nation.

That is why I offered an amendment to this year's NDAA to codify this basic policy. My amendment was rejected, and instead, the majority in this House is moving forward with Representative Ronny Jackson's amendment that does the exact opposite.

This extremist, anti-healthcare, anti-servicemember amendment is dangerous and must be defeated.

Throughout the entire NDAA process, from the markup to the current consideration by the House, far right Members of this legislative body have tried to use the defense budget--a historically bipartisan, must- pass piece of legislation--to force their extreme agenda on our servicemembers and our country.

They are attacking servicewomen, LGBTQ+ servicemembers, immigrant servicemembers, and more. Why are they using the defense budget for this?

Because they know they can't get these highly unpopular policies passed otherwise. America is not on their side.

We cannot let them play politics with our national security. As I stand here before you, every flag officer promotion is being held up by Senator Tuberville to promote his extreme rightwing assault on women. A gentleman who was voted into office by less than 1.5 percent of the Nation is now holding our national security hostage.

As Members of Congress, it is our duty and responsibility to stand up and support our military and to ensure they have the resources and healthcare they need to do their job and defend our Nation. I will never back down from that duty, and I know my colleagues speaking here today won't either.