Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, for far too long, my constituents who live in Flanders, Riverside, and Northampton have faced unnecessary challenges caused by shared ZIP Codes. Misdelivered mail, delays in receiving essential medications, and confusion over geographic identity have disrupted their daily lives for decades.

Last week, we took meaningful steps to address these persistent issues by ensuring that each of these communities has access to reliable mail delivery and U.S. postal services.

H.R. 8753, which I proudly supported, directs the United States Postal Service to designate single, unique ZIP Codes for these communities. This simple, commonsense fix will go a long way in improving the quality of life for my constituents in Flanders, Riverside, and Northampton.

By taking this step, we sent a clear message that every community, no matter how large or small, deserves accurate and dependable services from their government.

I thank the residents of Northampton, Riverside, and Flanders for their unwavering determination to bring this issue to our attention. This is a battle these communities have been fighting for more than a decade. I am proud to see it finally coming to fruition here in the House.

Importance of Strong Federal Investment in Research and Education

Madam Speaker, I rise today to underscore the importance of strong Federal investments in research and education, which are critical to maintaining America's position as a global leader in innovation and progress.

Stony Brook University, located in my district, is a prime example of the extraordinary advancements that come from such support. As one of the Nation's leading public research institutions, Stony Brook excels in quantum physics, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. Their groundbreaking work drives economic growth on Long Island, throughout New York State, and across the Nation while pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.

Stony Brook's role as a quantum internet testbed and its status as a hub of transformative research demonstrates the immense potential of continued Federal investment in higher education.

Institutions like Stony Brook don't just shape our present. They are laying the groundwork to become the next premier research institution, setting the standard for excellence in education, research, and innovation. I am committed to ensuring that institutions like Stony Brook have the resources needed to thrive, securing our Nation's leadership in education, research, and innovation. Let's go.

Governor Hochul's Commuter Tax

Madam Speaker, Governor Hochul's so-called congestion pricing is just a commuter tax that unfairly targets hardworking Long Islanders. With families already struggling under New York's crushing tax burden, this plan adds insult to injury, forcing suburban communities to subsidize the wasteful and mismanaged MTA.

The MTA loses nearly $700 million annually to fare evasion--over $300 million on buses alone--and doles out six-figure overtime to hundreds of employees.

Instead of addressing these failures, Hochul and her New York City allies want suburban New Yorkers like my constituents to fill a $15 billion budget funding gap without any reforms or accountability.

Hochul suspended this ill-conceived commuter tax before the election but shamelessly brought it back afterward, breaking the trust of so many New Yorkers.

Long Island deserves better--real accountability, fairness, and policies that reflect our priorities, not another slap in the face from Albany's one-party, antisuburban agenda.

Welcoming Kai Li Home

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an extraordinary moment of triumph and resilience.

After 8 long years of wrongful detention in China, my constituent and Huntington resident Kai Li is finally back on American soil and has been reunited with his family. This long-awaited news brings immense relief and joy to his family and every Long Islander who has followed his adversity.

Kai's release ends an unimaginable ordeal and highlights the unwavering strength of his family, especially his son, Harrison, who tirelessly advocated for his father's return. I was honored to bring Harrison as my guest to this year's State of the Union to amplify his family's story. Kai's release is not only a victory for the Li family but for all of America.

The United States must remain steadfast in our commitment to bring home every wrongfully detained American. Kai Li's return reminds us of the power of persistence and the importance of standing firm against injustice.

Welcome home to Kai, whose courage and determination inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I regret to have missed this vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 499.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in honor of Police Officer Thomas Joy from the Suffolk County Police Department to recognize his achievement in receiving the 7th Annual U.S. Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. This achievement is not only a testament to Officer Joy's incredible exceptional skills and bravery but also to his relentless dedication to making Suffolk County a safer place for all of us to live, work, and raise our families.

Officer Joy has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges facing

our community and a remarkable ability to address them through proactive and community-oriented policing. His work embodies the principle that public safety is not just about enforcement but also about building trust and fostering collaboration between law enforcement and the residents they serve. Suffolk County could not be prouder to have Officer Joy amongst its ranks.

In New York and on Long Island, we know the value of a strong and dedicated police force. Officer Joy's efforts to combat crime, protect vulnerable individuals, and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods have left an indelible impact on our community. We owe him a debt that we could never repay.

On behalf of the people of Suffolk County and the 1st Congressional District of New York, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to Officer Thomas Joy for his outstanding service and his unwavering commitment to justice and public safety. His contributions to Suffolk County serve as an inspiration to us all, and I am proud to honor his remarkable achievements here today.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to celebrate Detective Edwin Hugh of the Suffolk County Police Department, who has been honored with the 7th Annual U.S. Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. This prestigious recognition highlights Detective Hugh's outstanding contributions to community safety and his unwavering commitment to making Suffolk County a better place to live. His achievements exemplify the core values of law enforcement: integrity, dedication, and an unrelenting drive to protect and serve.

Detective Hugh has proven himself to be a leader in law enforcement, building trust with residents and strengthening public safety across Suffolk County. Whether pursuing justice for victims of crime or engaging directly with the community to foster partnerships, Detective Hugh consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. Suffolk County is a safer place because of Detective Hugh's hard work and steadfast dedication to better our communities.

His efforts to combat crime, reduce harm, and improve the lives of residents reflect his dedication not only to the badge he wears but also to the people he serves. He understands that effective policing is not just about enforcing laws--it is about creating an environment where families feel secure, businesses can thrive, and communities can flourish.

On behalf of the people of Suffolk County and the 1st Congressional District of New York, I extend my sincere congratulations to Detective Edwin Hugh and my heartfelt gratitude for his exceptional service. His work serves as a model for law enforcement professionals across the country, and his contributions to Suffolk County are a source of pride for us all.

Mr. Speaker, I regret to have missed this vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 492.

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

Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for his leadership.

Mr. Chairman, the southern pine beetle, a pest no larger than a grain of rice, has emerged as one of the most significant threats to our forests in the eastern United States. Nowhere is this issue more evident than in my home district on Long Island, where Suffolk County has been hit especially hard.

Since the pine beetle first appeared on Long Island in 2014, it has destroyed approximately 5,000 acres of forest, including an estimated 800 acres this year alone.

The pine barrens region in Suffolk County is suffering devastation, as countless once-green trees have turned yellow and orange, clear evidence that they are dying. This damage doesn't just affect the trees. It threatens an ecosystem that is home to dozens of animals and plants, including endangered species.

These forests are crucial for preserving clean drinking water, and if we don't take action now, we risk irreparable harm to this vital resource. State officials have been working tirelessly to manage the spread of the beetle through surveillance and the removal of dead and infested trees. However, this problem is growing exponentially due to warmer winters and drought conditions, and we need a more comprehensive approach to understand and combat this threat.

That is why my amendment here today is so important.

Mr. Chairman, my commonsense amendment would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of beetle infestations in the northeastern region of the United States.

The detailed study will investigate the causes, effects, and potential solutions to this growing problem, with a particular focus on our forests in the northeast.

This amendment is about more than just studying a pest. It is about protecting the natural heritage of the northeast, securing clean water, and ensuring the health and resiliency of our forests for future generations.

A comprehensive study will help us understand why these beetles have moved north and how we can mitigate their impact. It will provide the scientific foundation needed to implement effective management strategies, preserve our forests, and maintain the ecological balance that is so vital to the region.

Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Westerman for his support on this amendment and his leadership on the Fix Our Forests Act, and I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment.

Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman).

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

Mr. Speaker, I regret to have missed the following votes. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 426; YEA on Roll Call No. 427; YEA on Roll Call No. 428; YEA on Roll Call No. 429; NAY on Roll Call No. 430; and YEA on Roll Call No. 431.

Mr. Speaker, hate has no place on Long Island.

Recently, we Long Islanders witnessed a disturbing act of vandalism and hate targeting the BAPS Temple in Melville, a sacred place for countless peaceful, family, and faith-focused Hindus who proudly call Long Island home.

In response, I joined more than a dozen elected officials and religious and community leaders who stood together to send a clear message: Acts of

hate and intolerance will never be tolerated in our communities.

America's strength comes from our foundation of religious and political freedom, and when these core values are attacked, then we unite as one.

I am proud of the bipartisan and united effort shown in standing with the BAPS community of Long Island in this difficult moment.

Together we will always rise to defend the principles that bind us as Americans and reject hate in all its forms.

Mr. Chair, you break it, you bought it. That is not a Republican saying. That is not a Democrat saying. That is just a widely accepted premise in our culture: You break it, you bought it.

Let me tell you, Mr. Chair, nobody broke the border like President Biden and Vice President and border czar Kamala Harris, along with the mayors and Governors of sanctuary cities and States.

President Biden broke the border when he repealed 64 very effective Trump-era policies. Biden repealed remain in Mexico. Biden applied lower asylum standards. Biden stopped border wall construction. Biden even repositioned border agents away from the border to be in migrant processing centers behind desks just to process more and more migrants into the country.

By reversing Trump's very effective policies, President Biden and border czar and Vice President Kamala Harris have created a wide-open border for illegal immigration and asylum abuse.

The immediate consequence of these actions was a surge in illegal border crossings, reaching levels we have never seen before. Now, every State, including New York, nearly 2,000 miles away from the southwest border, has become a border State.

While the Biden-Harris administration has done its damage, sanctuary city jurisdictions are only exacerbating this crisis even further. When cities like New York adopt sanctuary policies and forbid local law enforcement from coordinating with Federal officials on enforcing immigration law, they send a huge signal to those who are in our country illegally or those who would break our asylum laws.

The message is: Come to New York. Come because we will not enforce Federal immigration law here.

The migrants sure got the message. Mr. Chair, 100,000 migrants have passed through New York City since the spring of 2022. At the height of the crisis, there were over 64,000 migrants in the city's care, all at the taxpayers' expense.

New York's Governor recently proposed $5 billion more to address New York's migrant crisis at the same time she proposed cutting from our kids' public schools. Yet, New York State officials did absolutely nothing to change New York City's and New York State's sanctuary policies. Despite the uncontrolled crisis across the five boroughs, New York City has refused to change its sanctuary policies, the very policies incentivizing illegal immigration.

Those illegally crossing the border or who feign asylum to be paroled into the interior of our country know that if they make it to New York, they will be given taxpayer-funded food, shelter, healthcare, transportation, and social services. Hardworking American taxpayers will be the ones footing the bill, Mr. Chair.

If we do not put an end to these sanctuary city policies, that number will continue to balloon, costing families even more, all during a time of significant financial hardship and record inflation. New Yorkers, and indeed all

taxpayers, should not have to bear this burden.

Schools are at capacity. Our cities are overrun. Our law enforcement is stretched to the limit. Our social services are being overwhelmed. Our hospitals are overburdened. Local budgets are strained to the breaking point. Homeless Americans are having trouble accessing shelter services. Migrant children, many unaccompanied, are being exploited by smugglers, traffickers, and violent gangs, and they are being put to work illegally or, worse, abused and trafficked.

Instead of changing course, cities like New York have the audacity to turn around and demand more money from taxpayers from nonsanctuary jurisdictions to fund their failed sanctuary policies.

Today, Mr. Chair, enough is enough. My No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act is about accountability. It is about ensuring that cities and States that refuse to enforce Federal laws are not rewarded with Federal dollars related to their defiance.

Let the policymakers from sanctuary jurisdictions hear us loud and clear: If you incentivize illegal immigration in your city, knowing full well the migrants will come, don't come to the Federal Government for a bailout.

Let me make something also abundantly clear: This legislation will prohibit Federal funding from going toward fueling the root causes of the migrant crisis. In no way, Mr. Chair, can this legislation be construed to harm school systems, law enforcement, and other benefits for American citizens. Those entities will remain eligible for Federal funding under this legislation.

Mr. Chair, America is like a ship taking on water. My colleagues from the other side of the aisle, their solution is to merely build a bigger boat. My solution, Mr. Chair, is to plug the hole causing the crisis in the first place by cutting off Federal funds that would only exacerbate the crisis.

Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for his support of my legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman, a Marine Corps veteran, for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, there is an obvious link between liver fluke disease and our Vietnam veterans' service in that war, but the VA won't cover their care. My bill would help fix that and do right by our Vietnam veterans.

Data from multiple studies clearly demonstrate Vietnam veterans have a much greater chance of contracting, suffering from, and dying from the liver fluke parasite, yet the VA does not help veterans who are fighting liver fluke disease. That is wrong, Mr. Speaker.

The correlation between the liver fluke parasite and service in Vietnam is obvious. In 2018, the Northport VA Medical Center conducted a first-of-its-kind study using a 50-veteran sample size. The initial results of that study highlighted three things: a substantial need for greater study of this issue; two, the development of standardized treatment options; and three, broader accessibility of care for veterans at VA facilities across the country.

That study was 6 years ago and could have been justification enough for the VA to start covering affected Vietnam veterans, but the VA insisted on another study. A second study was ordered. After years of delays, supposedly due to the pandemic, a more recent study finally concluded in 2024. The 2024 study affirmed what so many Vietnam veterans have been saying for years, that there is indeed a link between the liver fluke disease and service in Vietnam.

Specifically, the study in which Marine Corps veterans participated demonstrate that there is a 30 percent greater risk of mortality from this liver fluke disease for marines who served in the Vietnam war theater as compared to marines who served elsewhere.

Mr. Speaker, you would think these findings, coupled with the 2018 findings, would be justification enough for the VA to start covering affected Vietnam veterans. Yet, after multiple in-depth studies which corroborate the link between our veterans' service in Vietnam and the rare liver fluke disease, the VA still says these studies still are not enough.

To fight the VA's ambivalence towards these Vietnam veterans, I am urging all of my colleagues to support my bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4424, the Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act.

This act would require the VA, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to conduct a third study to determine the prevalence of liver fluke amongst the Vietnam veteran population.

If the VA won't take action, then we will continue to force them to confront the facts until they come to the same conclusion as the rest of us.

Our Vietnam veterans are dying every day, and we do not have the luxury of time. Too much time has passed already. We went through a similar and terrible situation with our blue water Navy veterans and Agent Orange. Let us not make the same mistake with liver fluke.

I thank Chairman Bost and Ranking Member Takano for their leadership and support of this critical legislation. Together, we can make sure that our Vietnam veterans get the care, recognition, and support they so rightfully deserve.

Mr. Speaker, the United States of America, the greatest nation the world has ever known, is facing an unprecedented crisis as deadly drugs like fentanyl and xylazine devastate our communities. It is imperative that our leaders here in Congress work together to confront this epidemic and save lives.

Last year, there were over 107,000 drug overdose deaths. Of those deaths, over 81,000 involved opioids. Based on prior years' statistics, we estimate that fentanyl was responsible for nearly 90 percent of all synthetic opioid-related deaths. That is almost 73,000 fentanyl deaths in just 1 year.

These staggering statistics are not just numbers. They represent real lives lost, real families shattered, and real communities that are forever changed for the worse. It is the biggest cause of death of Americans ages 18-45, and it does not discriminate based on race or economic class. It kills in each of our districts--170 fentanyl deaths per congressional district per year on average.

Even more troubling is xylazine. Known on the streets as tranq, it is now being mixed with fentanyl, making the drug even more deadly and more difficult to detect.

We must do more, more to get these dangerous substances off our streets and ensure our law enforcement officers have every tool and resource necessary to combat this crisis effectively, which is why I was proud to introduce the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act, a bipartisan bill that will do just that.

This legislation is not just a response to the ever-growing threat of illicit narcotics like fentanyl and xylazine. It is a critical step in our fight to protect our communities and to save lives.

Too many Americans have experienced the devastation caused by illicit drugs like fentanyl and xylazine. These substances have infiltrated our neighborhoods, torn families apart, and claimed countless lives across our great Nation. From Long Island to Los Angeles, no community has been spared, and for far too long, illegal drug smugglers have made it their mission to poison our streets with these illicit substances.

Every day, our law enforcement officers, those on the front lines of this battle, are forced to confront these threats with often outdated and inadequate tools. That is why this legislation is so important.

The act will authorize the Department of Homeland Security to conduct critical research and development, testing, and evaluation of state-of- the-art detection equipment. This legislation will also empower Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies with the best technology available to detect and intercept even the smallest amounts of these dangerous substances.

This legislation will also create an important new statutory responsibility for the Science and Technology Directorate at DHS to focus on three key areas: one, developing portable detection equipment; two, improving technologies to separate complex mixtures; and, three, leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Let me be clear. This is not just about equipment and technology. This is about the lives that we have a duty to protect. It is about ensuring that a child does not lose a parent to a lethal dose of fentanyl. It is about preventing the next wave of overdose deaths that leaves yet another community in mourning. It is about making sure that every law enforcement officer has the tools they need to safely and effectively do their job.

I thank my friend from the other side of the aisle and fellow Homeland Security Committee member, Congressman Lou Correa, for partnering with me in introducing this critical bipartisan legislation and Senators Cornyn, Ossoff, and Sinema for their partnership in the Senate in this vital legislation.

I also thank the coalitions of organizations representing law enforcement professionals, public health advocates, and local governments across the Nation that have endorsed this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act. Let's give our law enforcement the resources they need, let's protect our communities, and let's save lives.

Mr. Speaker, for so many communities across Suffolk County and beyond, the Long Island Sound is so much more than a body of water. It is a way of life that has sustained and provided for our communities for generations. The Long Island Sound is a cornerstone of our environmental makeup, a driver of our local economy, and a hub of recreational and cultural activities for millions of people, Mr. Speaker.

For decades, the sound has faced numerous environmental challenges, including pollution, habitat loss, and the impacts of a changing world. These challenges have threatened the health of the sound and the well- being of the communities that rely on it.

That is why it is incredibly important that, later today, we will be voting on and hopefully passing my legislation, the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2023. This critical piece of legislation seeks to reauthorize vital programs that have been essential in preserving and restoring one of our Nation's most treasured natural resources, the Long Island Sound.

My legislation addresses these challenges head-on by authorizing robust funding and strategic initiatives to improve water quality, restore habitats, and enhance the resilience of the

sound's ecosystems. This bill also reauthorizes crucial programs that have already made significant strides in reducing nitrogen pollution, protecting wetlands, and promoting sustainable development along the shoreline.

This legislation is not only about environmental protection but investing in the future of our communities and the people who rely on the sound. By continuing to safeguard the sound, we are supporting the local economies that depend on tourism, fishing, and other maritime industries. We are also ensuring that future generations can enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that the sound offers.

I thank my colleague from across the aisle and the sound, Congressman

Joe Courtney of Connecticut, members of the bipartisan Long Island Sound Caucus who have worked tirelessly on this legislation for more than a year, including my good friends Representatives D'Esposito and Garbarino, and Chairman Graves and Chairman Westerman, whose leadership was instrumental in getting this legislation to the floor. Our collective efforts reflect a shared commitment to the health and prosperity of the entire region.

I also thank the various stakeholders, environmental organizations, and community leaders who all pitched in and who have tirelessly advocated for the protection and restoration of the sound, especially my friends at Save the Sound and Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

Mr. Speaker, the Long Island Sound is an irreplaceable natural asset, and we have to protect it. This legislation provides the tools and resources necessary to continue the important work of restoring and preserving this vital ecosystem. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and reaffirming our commitment to the Long Island Sound.

Madam Chair, I regret that I missed this vote. Had I been present, I would have voted Aye on Roll Call No. 296.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the need to end antisemitism in this generation. I strongly condemn antisemitism in all its forms and I will continue to stand firmly and proudly to end discrimination against, and persecution of, the Jewish community.

Three years ago on Yom Hashoah, Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day, members of the Jewish community in New York and New Jersey came together to form the End Jew Hatred National Campaign, aimed at creating a day of empowerment leading into Jewish American Heritage Month and recognizing the Jewish community's contributions to American history. I am proud of the work they have accomplished so far.

For millennia, the Jewish people have sustained their shared religious, cultural, and ethnic identity and traditions in the face of enslavement, persecution, genocide, segregation, and discrimination, and all manner of adversity. Despite their adversities, Jewish Americans have made indelible contributions to New York and the United States' culture, history, and social fabric, strengthening the country and helping shape all areas of American life.

While we have made significant strides to end the discrimination of Jews, the Jewish community has continued to be subjected to antisemitism and hate, including discrimination in the workplace, at school, and in public spaces. The horrific tragedy of October 7th, and the war that has carried on since has led to a massive uptick of antisemitism. This antisemitism and hate has manifested itself as both discrimination and violence targeting Jews for their identity and seeking to deny their shared identity, including their connection to their ancestral homeland.

This can go on no more. We must stand as a unified front and combat antisemitism wherever it rears its ugly head. As long as I am serving in Congress, I will always support our Jewish community and work in a bipartisan manner to end antisemitism once and for all. On behalf of the First Congressional District of New York, I thank the End Jew Hatred National Campaign for their work and reaffirm my commitment to ending antisemitism and honoring our Jewish community.

Mr. Speaker, without the uniformed volunteers of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, our Nation's borders and waters would be less safe than they are today.

As the grandson of a coastguardsman and the stepson of a Coast Guard auxiliarist, I rise today to recognize the Coast Guard's selfless service to our Nation's waters by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and to celebrate the 85th anniversary of their valiant service.

In 1939, as our Nation approached the Second World War, Congress established a U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, composed of unpaid, volunteer U.S. citizens who owned motorboats and yachts. In 1941, 2 years later, Congress created a military reserve and renamed the original volunteer reserve to the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Since that historic era, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has played an ever-increasing role in supporting the growing and evolving missions of the Coast Guard, missions that protect the Nation, our waterways, and all who operate on them. For 85 years, Coast Guard auxiliarists have notably offered their time, efforts, and personal resources to support Coast Guard missions, whenever and wherever needed.

Coast Guard auxiliarists have earned our Nation's profound gratitude and admiration by demonstrating extraordinary dedication to advancing the National Recreational Boating Safety Program, the welfare of the entire Coast Guard family, and in securing the public trust.

The Auxiliary has also demonstrated unparalleled resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging stronger, ready to accomplish new tasks, and determined to achieve new heights.

In recent years, they have expanded their support activities, delivering critical medical and cyber support to Coast Guard operations alongside their standard of work of promoting recreational boating safety, increasing public education in safe and responsible boating practices, and helping to reduce overall boating accidents and fatality rates.

Our Nation has witnessed the Auxiliary's extraordinary dedication when its uniformed volunteers provided disaster response and recovery support following Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022, along with their unprecedented contributions to humanitarian missions at our Nation's southwest border in Operation Vigilant Sentry.

I am proud to represent a district full of Coast Guard installations, including Eatons Neck, Shinnecock, and Montauk. The dedication of the sailors at these stations is crucial for maintaining the safety and security of our waters, for which our community is profoundly grateful.

I am proud to represent our Coasties and their families in Congress and serve on the Homeland Security Committee, where I can best serve their interests and promote their well-being.

Mr. Speaker, we can never thank these brave men and women enough for all they do to help keep our communities safe. Please join me in paying tribute and honoring the Coast Guard Auxiliary, whose 85th anniversary is on June 23.