Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the work of the Presidential Service Badge

Foundation, a new organization seeking to raise awareness about the importance of public service by empowering servicemembers and their families.

Through philanthropic efforts, including a newly launched scholarship fund, the Foundation seeks to raise awareness of the connection between family and our military. Additionally, the Foundation seeks to showcase the honored men and women who earn the Presidential Service Badge through non-partisan support to the Office of the President.

As the Dean of the Massachusetts and New England Delegations, I would like to join Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey in recognizing this organization and commending them for their support of those who have served our democracy. I am proud of the fact that New England is home to more Presidential Service Badge recipients than any other region in the country, with over 2,000 in Massachusetts alone. I thank them for their hard work, and I wish them many more years of success and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge the decision today by the British Government to reopen the inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane, who was brutally murdered in his home in front of his family in February of 1989.

This high-profile murder of a human rights solicitor by loyalist gunmen connected to the British security forces was one of the most controversial and shocking events of the Troubles in the north of Ireland.

Throughout my 35 years in Congress, I have been a steadfast supporter of the Finucane family and their tireless effort to get truth and justice. After years of public apologies, we are acknowledging today a state of collusion and numerous roadblocks that were set up.

I welcome the British Secretary of State Hilary Benn's comments and his intention to proceed with reopening this case. Pat's wife, Geraldine, and their family are entitled to the truth in hopes that this decades-long ordeal can finally be put to rest.

As co-chairman of the bipartisan Friends of Ireland Caucus, I will continue to advocate for the Finucane family as this process moves forward in our hopes that it is one more step toward peace, justice, and reconciliation on the island of Ireland.

Madam Speaker, let me thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly) for doing this and helping bring us along this evening.

There is nobody that went at it with Mr. Kelly more vigorously in the Ways and Means Committee than Bill Pascrell. After the battle, the ensuing argument, we would be out to dinner that night, and Bill would have a drink and would say: Kelly is all right. I like Kelly.

I think that is the way he saw the Ways and Means Committee and, in fact, the way he saw the world.

This Special Order is in honor of our very important colleague, so we rise tonight in honor of Bill. By the way, Mike, calling him Bill Paterson, that is appropriate. Anybody that has ever been to Paterson, they were just like him. Nobody talked softly. I was there two or three times. Everybody yelled. I thought that is the order of the day; that is the way they discuss issues there.

He was from Paterson. I remember when he jumped out of his seat when the Secretary General of NATO mentioned Paterson, New Jersey. That is exactly who he was. If you came to Paterson, you had to visit the sites where Alexander Hamilton had been. Even though we were doubtful that he had been to all those sites, Bill said he was, so we went to visit.

There were humorous moments. After he came back with a pretty bad diagnosis a couple years ago from a doctor, he said: They told me to stop smoking cigars.

A couple nights later, I saw him smoking a cigar. I said: ``Billy, I thought the doctor told you to stop smoking cigars.'' To which he said: ``He did. He died.''

You can't make it up here with these people that come to Congress, and that is the joy of being here in a representative democracy.

I worked with him for 16 years on the committee and for 25 years in this House. He was, in so many ways, a reflection of the heart of this committee and this institution that we revere.

In the end, he was beloved by all. He was a regular American, Army veteran, graduate of Fordham University, who represented the good people of Paterson, New Jersey.

He spoke their language, and he fought day after day to better their lives. He said to me once: ``I am in the toughest political race of my life.''

A couple of days after the election, I said: ``What was your vote total?'' He said: ``I only got 82 percent.''

That was him. I admired very much how he leaned into difficult conversations and complicated issues, and you could depend on him for saying what was on his mind every day.

As I said in The Washington Post obituary, nobody ever walked away from Bill Pascrell and said: I think he is undecided.

He brought a fierce advocacy to what he did. He was fueled by what he believed was his God-given purpose. He was a man of great faith. The righteous fight of doing right for loved ones, constituents, country, and family was part of his DNA. He always fought for fairness. He had the back of the little guy in America.

When he set his eye on something, he was relentless, as difficult with Democrats as he could be with Republicans. People quaked when he took over as Democratic leader of the Subcommittee on Oversight because you knew you could be in for a difficult day. He took that responsibility quite earnestly. He called balls and strikes, and as I said, never once undecided.

When I had the privilege of visiting him in Paterson, I got the full Pascrell special: Police escorts, firefighters lining up to share a drink with him, and a lot of characters along the way.

He certainly was, as we often say, one-of-a-kind, but beloved as only he could be.

We send our deepest condolences to Elsie, his sons, their families, his constituents, and his staff, who are among the most dedicated I have ever noted on Capitol Hill.

Many of his staff are with us this evening, and I notice that his chief, Ben Rich, is here. You have been assured a place in Heaven after working for him for 25 years, I can tell you that. I know there are others in the gallery, as well, but your service to your boss should warrant the same standing that he offered to all of you.

Thanks for sharing this treasure with the Congress and the Nation, and I hope that he will rest peacefully because I am sure he is watching and listening to every word saying: Well, Neal could have said this or Neal could have said that, because he was pretty good at not only critiquing, as I said, Republicans, but he reserved time for Democrats, too.

Billy, we miss you. We are going to see you along the way. Paterson lost a great man, and America lost a great friend.

Madam Speaker, the public doesn't oftentimes get to see this part of Congress where Republicans and Democrats come together to honor a true friend on days on which we agreed and disagreed, but I think Jan Schakowsky summed up the earnestness of our pal and Tom Suozzi, as well,

in describing the sincerity of Bill Pascrell.

As we close out this memoriam to him tonight, my memories of him will always be with his Frank Sinatra coat on that sparkled. He loved the Sinatra song, ``The Summer Wind,'' a glass of red wine, and a good cigar. Nobody could say al dente the way that he did with food.

If you were out with him in a restaurant, he would share with the waiter the quality of the food and sometimes go back into his favorite restaurant, La Perla, to give them advice on how the pasta should be made.

He was really proud of being Italian. He spoke parts of the language, and as noted here, poetry. He was well-read, he read everything. Sometimes you would not have thought of that as he eviscerated somebody he didn't like and then call them a friend 15 minutes later.

I call attention because I do think that during my time here in the Congress there are fewer people like Bill Pascrell, and I think we can lament that as a fact. I think that there was nothing about him that was performative, there was nothing about him that was theater, and he never thought that for 1 minute his job was to entertain the American people. He thought his job was to inform them and from time to time criticize them if they didn't see things the way that he saw them.

Again, to those who might be watching, thanks to Mike Kelly for helping us to organize this event with the understanding that the public doesn't often see this part of Congress where we honor a cherished friend who every single day came to work to do what he thought was in the best interests of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the incredible life and legacy of Phillip D. Moseley, former Staff Director of the Committee on Ways and Means. Phil dedicated his life to service, built a beautiful family, and garnered so many friends along the way. A son of Hawaii, Phil landed in a career in politics, serving Chairman Bill Archer for 23 years. He was the first Republican Staff Director for the Committee in decades, and the career that followed would be beyond his wildest dreams.

Phil was set apart by his steadfast belief in our Committee. Regardless of the control of power, he revered the Committee and always believed in our ability to do right by the American people. After an illustrious career, he lived out his days devoted to his family and developing his hobbies in coastal Carolina. To his wife, Norah, his daughter Kendall, and son, Clay, as well as his cadre of grandsons, Phil will be remembered for all that he was, and all he gave to the Congress and his country. His memory and legacy lives in all of us, and I thank him, his family, and loved ones for the impact to the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Rose M. Schwartz, an exceptional woman whose contributions during World War II exemplify the resilience and dedication of the Greatest Generation. Rose was born on April 13, 1923, in Italy, and although she made her home in Philadelphia, her frequent visits to Pittsfield to see her children have connected her indelibly to our community.

During the war, while her husband, Adam James Schwartz, served bravely as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, earning a Purple Heart, Rose contributed to the war effort on the home front. She worked at the Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia, one of the key facilities producing munitions for the Allies. The Arsenal was instrumental in manufacturing critical supplies, and the women who worked there played a vital role in ensuring our military had the resources needed to fight and win the war.

Rose's commitment to supporting her family and her country during one of the most challenging periods in our history is a testament to her strength and patriotism. Women like Rose, who took on roles in factories and other essential industries, were the backbone of the wartime workforce. Their efforts not only supported the immediate needs of the military but also paved the way for future generations of women in the workforce.

Rose and Adam raised three children: Lorraine Rayca, James Schwartz, and Deborah Miller. Deborah, who resides in Pittsfield, carries on her mother's legacy of strength and dedication. Rose's life is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices mad by so many on the home front and the enduring impact of their contributions.

Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on Rose's life, let us also remember the countless others who, like her, answered the call of duty in their own unique ways. Their stories are woven into the fabric of our Nation's history, and it is our duty to honor and preserve their legacies.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to Rose's family and express my deepest gratitude for her service and sacrifice. Rose M. Schwartz's life is a beacon of courage and commitment, and her memory will continue to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michelle O'Neill on her election to serve as First Minister of Northern Ireland, the first Irish nationalist leader in history to hold the seat, and also for the tone she set by pledging to be a leader for all the people of Northern Ireland.

After 2 years of delays and two successive elections in which the people made their voices heard, parties will once again sit in government and resume the difficult work of legislating.

The democratic institutions established by the Good Friday Agreement have been critical in sustaining peace and prosperity on the island of Ireland. As a guarantor of that agreement, the United States has the indispensable role of continuing to uphold these principles of self- government, ensuring that progress made over the last years will continue into the future.

I have no doubt that the people of Ireland should be proud of these institutions, and I look forward to the realization of renewed stability with the return of a power-sharing government.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the political parties at Stormont in Belfast as they near an agreement that will restore the executive government. After nearly 2 years of delay, Stormont is one step closer to resuming the people's business. This is a victory for democracy and for the people of Northern Ireland.

The Good Friday Agreement marked the end of the longest period of conflict in Irish history. It happened because everyone involved acted together in good faith. Almost 26 years later, the parties in Northern Ireland are doing precisely that: acting in good faith to restore government and resume the difficult work, indeed, of legislating.

When the United States helped broker the Good Friday Agreement, cementing its place as a guarantor of the agreement, it did so with one primary objective: ensuring every tradition in Northern Ireland had a voice in pursuit of peace and prosperity. With that restoration of power sharing on the horizon, people today in Northern Ireland are winners. Their voices will be heard once again.

Mr. Speaker, I am not opposed to the legislation, no. I am not claiming time in opposition. That is the point.

Mr. Speaker, this is not the bill I would have written, but this is sensible policy. There is no denying the fact that, despite what the two previous speakers have said, 16 million children will benefit immediately from the expansion of the child tax credit.

This is not welfare. Addressing childhood poverty in America ought to be a priority for us every single day. Low-income housing tax credit is sound policy. Our economy grew 3.1 percent last year thanks, in some measure, to Joe Biden's economic policies.

I can't believe that we would sit here tonight and hear that addressing childhood poverty is welfare. The number of children in America who live outside of the mainstream because of concerns that they did not create tells much of the whole story.

This is a bipartisan piece of legislation. It is not perfection. It is not what I would have written, but this is a decent tax package to go forward.

Mr. Speaker, we have heard the arguments here. This is what is possible. Despite what some have said here, this does expand the child tax credit. It is clear.

No legislation that comes to this floor is perfect. We tried very hard, and we succeeded on the Democratic side in improving this legislation.

What is in front of us tonight is pretty simple: 16 million children will benefit from the improvement to the child tax credit. That is a fact.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in shock and frustration at our Republican colleagues' do-nothing Congress. Seinfeld would have called this the impeachment about nothing. They are leading the most unproductive session since the Great Depression, and after manufacturing crisis after crisis, weeks of trying to choose a Speaker, and putting their record-breaking economic recovery, which is nonexistent, under the spotlight, they think that formalizing a fishing expedition will dress it up enough for the American people to believe them.

This is not the work of the Ways and Means Committee. The greatness of this committee has nothing to do with an impeachment proceeding, and how the Ways and Means got involved in this baffles Republican and Democratic members of the committee.

The truth is, it has been nearly a year and not a shred of evidence has shown any wrongdoing or interference by Joe Biden.

Their recycled conspiracy theories continue to be debunked. They continue to mistake Congress, a legislative body, for a law enforcement body. In their only public hearing, their own witnesses conceded that there isn't evidence to warrant moving forward.

The gentleman from South Carolina said we are trying to hide something. I moved in the Ways and Means Committee to have the whistleblowers' testimony done in full public for observation. They turned it down.

Meanwhile, we are staring at another Republican government shutdown at the beginning of tax filing season. Enough with this obsession with one person, Joe Biden. The Ways and Means Democrats are concerned about all members of the American family and for the taxpayer that is about to be impeded because of the work that is being done on impeachment instead of on tax reform.

This is where we find ourselves--nothing here, no evidence, no wrongdoing after a year--a waste of time for the American people, a waste of time for a Congress that should be addressing the real problems of the American family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran, an esteemed member of our community in western Massachusetts, and a national hero. Born and raised in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Harry L. Chandler is one of the few remaining members of the Greatest Generation. Now 102 years old, Harry will be returning to Pearl Harbor to commemorate the day that will live in infamy.

Harry's military service began when he chose to enlist in the United States Navy in 1939, right before completing his high school education. Enlisting as a hospital corpsman, his service in the Navy during World War II showcases his courage and commitment to our country, bravely facing the perils of war. His experiences during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, are etched in our nation's history. Harry's actions that day, rescuing fellow sailors amidst chaos and witnessing the tragic fate of the USS Arizona and USS Utah, are a stark reminder of the price of freedom and the valor of those who defend it.

This week, as Harry returns to Pearl Harbor, he is not just revisiting a site of historical significance; he is returning as a living testament to the bravery of those who served alongside him. Accompanied by his granddaughter, Kelli Fahey, and her husband, Ron Mahaffee, Harry will partake in numerous commemorative ceremonies, including the profound honor of saluting a battleship during the USS Arizona memorial service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Harry L. Chandler, not only as a veteran of World War II, but as a pillar of strength, resilience, and humility. His legacy is

an inspiration to us all and will undoubtedly continue to influence our community for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an individual whose unwavering dedication to providing exceptional care to the most vulnerable in our society, Frank Romano.

For over four decades, Frank Romano has been creating and nurturing several successful enterprises that provide essential services to elderly and disabled individuals. His notable portfolio includes skilled nursing, assisted living residencies, adult day health programs, as well as home care services and senior transportation.

A graduate of Merrimack College and the Harvard Business School Program in Entrepreneurship, Frank embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at IBM in Boston where he worked for six years, interspersed with a two-year leave of absence to honorably serve our nation in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he channeled his passion and expertise into establishing his first healthcare facility in 1972, laying the foundation for what has been a long career synonymous with dignity, care, and deep-rooted respect for the care of our elders.

Frank has served on the Board of Governor's for the American Health Care Association, the largest association in the United States representing long term and post-acute care providers. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he was honored with the Joe Warner Patient Advocacy Award, acknowledging his unparalleled commitment to senior care.

On Thursday, November 16th the Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation will honor Frank at its annual breakfast. Today, Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the many years of service Frank has dedicated to his profession, which will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift our community for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commemorate a milestone of profound significance--the 150th anniversary of the charitable endeavors of the Sisters of Providence.

For a century and a half, this venerable institution has been a bedrock of our community, demonstrating unwavering resilience and fostering a culture of compassion and service.

In Holyoke's industrial infancy, the Sisters began their mission, filling a void by providing essential care to the underprivileged, setting a firm foundation of charity that resonates deeply with the principles of the American Dream.

Their presence in our community has led to a myriad of invaluable initiatives; from establishing hospitals and nursing homes to spearheading programs that cater to the needs of the homeless, the Sisters have acted as an embodiment of selfless service and as a symbol of hope and healing in the Holyoke community since 1873.

As they celebrate this significant milestone with the symbol of the ``Tree of Hope,'' I am reminded of the spirit of togetherness that has been a cornerstone in the journey of the Sisters of Providence. This celebration is not just a reflection of a rich history, but a beacon lighting the way for future generations, illustrating unity, healing, and boundless possibilities.

Mr. Speaker, it is with heartfelt pride and admiration that I extend my congratulations to the Sisters of Providence as they mark 150 years of selfless service. As we honor their past, let us also embrace the future with a spirit of optimism and a commitment to nurturing a society grounded in their principles of love, empathy, and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a significant milestone in the illustrious history of our district--the 150th anniversary of Holyoke's incorporation. Such a special occasion necessitates pausing and reflecting upon our shared heritage, the indomitable spirit of our forebears, and the bright future that lies ahead.

Since its incorporation in 1872, the City of Holyoke has stood as a beacon of progress, resilience, and community. Pioneers, innovators, and everyday heroes have walked its streets, contributing to its tapestry of stories that resonates with the promise of the American Dream. It was here that the Connecticut River powered the Paper City, symbolizing not just an industrial triumph but also the ceaseless flow of ideas, culture, and determination that defines Holyoke.

Throughout these 150 years, we have seen the city transform, adapt, and grow. From the humming mills to the thriving arts and cultural institutions, Holyoke has always been a place where dreams are realized, and challenges are surmounted. It is the dedication, hard work, and vision of countless individuals, families, and institutions that have carried Holyoke forward, making it a cherished gem in Massachusetts' First District.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Holyoke on this sesquicentennial celebration. May we continue to appreciate our shared history and look ahead with optimism, passion, and a commitment to making Holyoke's future even brighter than its storied past.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge a landmark moment for the people of Springfield and the broader western Massachusetts community: the reopening of the Italian Consulate in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The reestablishment of a consulate in our district is more than just a diplomatic gesture; it is a tangible commitment by the Italian government to enhance their services and accessibility throughout the U.S. For years, residents with ties to Italy--ties that span generations--have often had to embark on lengthy journeys to receive consular services. This investment ensures they no longer bear this burden, bringing critical services right to their doorstep.

This consulate is a living testament to the rich tapestry of cultural and historical ties that bind the Greater Springfield Community with the Italian diaspora. The collaboration between the consulate and local schools to offer Italian-language programs exemplifies this deep connection, going back to the beginning of Springfield's relationship with its sister city, Bracigliano, Italy. Furthermore, this consulate reinforces the essence of our shared stories, and serves as a beacon for younger generations to explore, understand, and appreciate the contributions and shared legacies of Italian-Americans in our district.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my appreciation for the reopening of this consulate in Springfield. It stands as a testament to the shared heritage and enduring bonds forever connecting our two nations. The consulate is a welcome addition to the First District, and I anticipate many fruitful years of collaboration and growth ahead.

Madam Speaker, I wish to call attention to the passing of the former speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, David Bartley.

Speaker Bartley was one of the most talented and gifted legislators I have known. His legislative prowess brought about Chapter 766, so that the mentally and physically challenged might be guaranteed a sound public education. His measured approach to public life meant that he led through developing consensus and forging historic legislation.

Speaker Bartley went on to serve as president of Holyoke Community College, where he brought the college to new heights of widely acknowledged academic achievement. He was also a very successful secretary of administration and finance who oversaw the State's finances.

Born to a very modest background, Dave Bartley brought acclaim to the city of Holyoke that he loved, and it returned its highest regards to him.

Well-read and well-rounded, Speaker Bartley was a Renaissance man and a really good guy. To his wife, Bette, and children, Myles, Susan, and David, our best during this difficult time.

The United States of America thanks Speaker Bartley.