Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Michael Bartch, Lieutenant Kenneth Tatum, Firefighter James Strickland, Firefighter Thomas Farrell, and Firefighter Chiara Furlanetto-Duehning for receiving the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce's Public Safety Valor Award as part of the Fayetteville Fire Department A-Shift Rescue 1.

We are all too familiar with the heroic work our firefighters do in our communities. Whether it is keeping us safe or saving the lives of others, the men and women who put on these uniforms are unsung heroes in towns and cities all across our nation. They work long hours, day and night, to ensure that we can feel safe as we go about our lives.

The Valor Award is presented to those who execute extreme acts of heroism in order to save the lives of others in our community. The Fayetteville Fire Department A-Shift 1 exemplified this when they saved an individual who was stuck in a grain silo with temperatures well over one hundred degrees. They were able to extract the individual and get him to the hospital where he made a full recovery. It is lifesaving acts such as this which humble me and make me appreciate the selflessness of our firefighters that put their lives in danger to help others.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating these heroic men and women of the Fayetteville Fire Department A-Shift Rescue 1 on receiving the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce's Public Safety Valor Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Master Trooper James Toon for receiving the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce's Public Safety Valor Award.

A native of Whiteville, North Carolina, Master Trooper Toon moved to Fayetteville in 1989 where he was stationed at Fort Bragg while serving in the Army. After serving our country as a Demolition Sergeant, Master Trooper Toon joined the Fayetteville Police Department for three years before joining the North Carolina State Highway Patrol where he has served faithfully ever since.

While Master Trooper Toon was off-duty traveling to downtown Fayetteville, he came across a car on fire. After pulling over to investigate, he noticed individuals trapped inside the burning vehicle. He was able to free one woman from the car, and because of his heroism, she made a full recovery. I want to thank Master Trooper Toon for his courage and valor in this heroic act.

Master Trooper Toon is married to his wife Kimberly, and they have two wonderful children. I am extremely grateful for Master Trooper Toon's service to our community and I wish him continued success. The Valor Award is presented to those who execute extreme acts of heroism in order to save the lives of others in our community, and I can think of no more deserving recipient than Master Trooper Toon.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Master Trooper James Toon on receiving the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce's Public Safety Valor Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Assistant Chief Robert Brinson, Captain Michael Reep and Captain Jonathan Ferguson, along with Firefighters Stacy Ritchie, Corey Sasser, Albert Lockamy, Zachary Wages and Stanton James for receiving the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce's Public Safety Valor Award for their work with the Fayetteville Fire Department Engine 3, Engine 14 and Rescue 1 teams.

We are all familiar with the heroic work our firefighters do protecting our communities. Whether it is giving us peace of mind or saving the lives of others when a crisis strikes, the men and women who put on these uniforms are unsung heroes in towns and cities all across our nation. They work long hours, day and night, to ensure that we feel safe as we go about our daily lives.

The Valor Award is presented by the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce to those who execute extreme acts of heroism in order to save the lives of others in our community. The members of Fayetteville Fire Department Engine 3, Engine 14 and Rescue 1 teams were put to the test when a vehicle struck a gas line and a life-threating fire rapidly progressed towards the car while a man laid unconscious inside. Because of the quick action and smart decisions made by the team, the victim was saved and taken to the hospital where he made a complete recovery. I'm absolutely awed by the selflessness and courage displayed by these men and women who put their lives in danger to help others on a daily basis.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the Fayetteville Fire Department Engine 3, Engine 14 and Rescue 1 on receiving the Public Safety Valor Award for their courageous service to our community.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which would increase funding for USSOCOM to provide for additional training of Special Operations Forces. Simply put, I never want our men and women in uniform to be in a fair fight. My amendment would allow for an increase in the training budget to ensure, whenever our forces are deployed, they have been fully prepared and are ready to fight, win, and return home safely.

Mr. Chairman, one of the greatest honors of my life is representing Fort Bragg, the epicenter of the universe, and home of the airborne and of the Army Special Operations Command. The units stationed here represent the best of the best and have a vast footprint across our Nation.

As our Nation continues to fight terrorism around the world, while simultaneously preparing for the threats of near-peer adversaries, our training requirements increase and diversify.

As a result, we must ensure that we are ready for any situation at a moment's notice. Readiness cannot be built overnight. A Green Beret cannot be built overnight. In order to conduct their mission set effectively, we must provide them with a steady stream of predictable resources to enable them to train and prepare for the dangerous tasks our Nation asks them to perform.

We must never underestimate the most important asset our military has: the individual. My amendment would ensure that we continue to take care of that asset by providing them every edge, every bit of preparation, and, yes, every bit of training that they require.

Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairwoman Granger for her excellent work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the UNC Charlotte 49ers Men's Rugby Team and congratulate them on their National Men's DII 7s Championship. The 49ers defeated the University of Wisconsin Whitewater on May 20, 2018.

Led by Coach Brent ``Bo'' Pasko, UNC Charlotte capped off an impressive undefeated 2018 season and won its third straight Southern Rugby Conference championship. In the quarterfinals, the team defeated Principia College and moved on to eliminate Bloomsburg University in the semifinals. In the championship game, the Niners bested the University of Wisconsin Whitewater (38-10) to secure a perfect record during the tournament.

The 49ers jumpstarted the championship game with fly half and MVP Michael Basnett scoring the first two tries in rapid succession. Wisconsin Whitewater responded by drawing the game within two points before Basnett crossed once more--advancing the score to 19-10. In the second half, the 49ers opened the flood gates and tries were scored swiftly. Basnett dominated the second half, scoring at will and orchestrating the 49ers' offense to perfection.

It was an immense victory for UNC Charlotte. In defeating the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, the 49ers upset the reigning Division II Rugby 15s and 7s champions. As a proud UNC Charlotte Rugby Alumnus, it brings me great pride to recognize these extraordinary young men as well as all of the coaches and support staff that made this Championship possible. The hard work and dedication exhibited by each member of the team during the season will continue to serve them well in life. They are a source of pride to both UNC Charlotte as well as the surrounding community. I already can't wait to see what 2019 has in store for the 49ers.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating the UNC Charlotte 49ers Men's Rugby Team on their national title. Go mean green.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Concord Deputy Chief of Police Betty Miller Stocks for receiving the Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award. Deputy Chief Stocks has now become the first African American recipient of this award.

A native of Concord, North Carolina, Deputy Chief Stocks has served with the Concord Police Department in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District for 27 years. Education was of the utmost importance to Deputy Chief Stocks--graduating from Concord High School before earning an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Rowan- Cabarrus Community College, a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Barber-Scotia College and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Throughout her career, Deputy Chief Stocks has served as a Patrol Officer, Sergeant, Captain, and now Deputy Chief of Police. Deputy Chief Stock's outstanding leadership and commitment in these roles for the Concord Police Department made her stand out in our community.

The Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award is presented in memory of Robert Jackson Eury, a man who lost his life in the line of duty while serving as a Cabarrus County law enforcement officer. This award keeps Mr. Eury's legacy alive through officers who share his same admirable and commendable spirit in Cabarrus County. Based on her career of service, I would say Deputy Chief Stocks fits the mold of esteemed law enforcement officers in our community set by Robert Eury.

There is no doubt in my mind that Deputy Chief Stocks will continue her outstanding leadership and maintain her unwavering values while protecting the people of Cabarrus County; I am excited to see what the future holds for such a dedicated law enforcement professional.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Deputy Chief of Police Betty Miller Stocks for receiving the Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award. We all wish her well as she continues to make a positive impact on our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Major General Michael D. Healy who passed away on April 15, 2018 at the age of 91. During his 35 years of dedicated service, Maj. Gen. Healy served valiantly, made history and showed us all how to be a family man.

After enlisting in the United States Army in 1945, Maj. Gen. Healy began an illustrious career with deployments in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After evading enemy machine gun fire in the Korean War, Maj. Gen. Healy was given the nickname ``Iron Mike'' and it has stuck with him throughout his entire life. His nerves of steel and unparalleled courage led him to become one of the first Green Berets to achieve the rank of General.

Deployed on numerous operational assignments all over the globe and through some of our nation's toughest times, Maj. Gen. Healy stood ready to answer the call to serve our nation. Throughout these operations, he delivered on the promise to keep America safe and confront our enemies under the most difficult conditions. Maj. Gen. Healy received numerous medals and recognitions for his service, including the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Silver Star, four awards of the Legion of Merit, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was truly a man of humility, bravery, and dignity.

While fighting our nation's battles overseas, Maj. Gen. Healy most important commitment remained to his family back home. He was married to his lovely wife, Jacklyn, for 69 years, and they raised six sons, ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. This country cannot repay the debt we owe to Maj. Gen. Healy and his family--the Healys are true American heroes.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the career of the Major General Michael D. Healy.

Mr. Speaker, in 2018, more than 2 million Americans will suffer from addiction to prescription opioids.

As I have traveled across my district, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects these drugs can have on families, friends, and loved ones. There is no barrier for these drugs. They strike at every level of society and across every geographic region. It touches all of us.

In North Carolina, we have 4 of the top 25 worst cities for opioid abuse in the country. This truly is the crisis next door, and I am proud of the collective effort the House of Representatives has undertaken in a bipartisan way to address this epidemic.

One important piece of this effort is a bipartisan bill I worked on with my colleague G.K. Butterfield, the SOUND Disposal and Packaging Act, which will direct the FDA to work with manufacturers to help reduce diversion, overprescribing, and abuse of schedule II or III opioids.

I focused on packaging and disposal because it seemed everyone I talked to had sort of a lightbulb go off. So many of us have unused opioids in our medicine cabinets from surgeries, accidents, or hospital visits.

With 70 percent of heroin addictions beginning in the medicine cabinet, attacking this oversupply with packaging on the front end and disposal on the back end was a logical place to start. We need to reduce the supply of opioids that find their way out of the medicine cabinet, and this legislation is the first step.

I appreciate the leadership of my friend, G.K. Butterfield, for working with me in a bipartisan manner in authoring this bill. I want to thank the leadership of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Health Subcommittee, Chairman Walden and Chairman Burgess, and Ranking Members Pallone and Green for their partnership and help to ensure this could be a reality today.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from DisposeRx in support of H.R. 5687, the SOUND Disposal and Packaging Act.

DisposeRx,

June 18, 2018.

Hon. Richard Hudson,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Representative Hudson: As our country continues to

combat the opioid epidemic, we commend the United States

House of Representative for voting on your legislation, H.R.

5687, the ``the ``SOUND'` Disposal and Packaging Act.''

Opioid overdoses kill tens of thousands of people each year,

and this landmark legislation is pivotal to saving lives and

overcoming the opioid crisis.

Our mission at DisposeRx is to empower the consumer to

safely and permanently dispose of unused medications,

including opioids and drugs with abuse liabilities, with at-

home solutions that render drugs non-retrievable. Research

has shown that take-back and kiosk strategies are

inconvenient and encourage diversion, whereas at-home

solutions that empower consumers to destroy their drugs in an

environmentally friendly manner are a better solution to

preventing opioid abuse, overdoses and deaths that begin in

the medicine cabinet.

For years, the federal government has recommended

substandard methods of disposal for controlled substances,

such as placing them in coffee grounds or kitty litter, and

even flushing them down the toilet for eventual transport to

our nation's waterways. With the passage of H.R. 5687,

Congress will be taking a crucial leap to change how we deal

with drug disposal. In particular, section 2(f) of H.R. 5687

will require the General Accounting Office (GAO) to provide

an independent report to Congress on the benefits of in-home

disposal of controlled substances. We believe that the bill

represents a clear recognition that immediate disposal of

prescription medications within the home will reduce the

number of new addictions and deaths.

We are grateful for your leadership, and that of your

cosponsors, including Representative G.K. Butterfield, in

this critical area and we congratulate you on this pioneering

legislation. We thank your staff and that of the House Energy

and Commerce Committee, especially Preston Bell, who has

tirelessly championed deterrent solutions to prevent abuse

before it begins.

We are passionate about providing a solution to our

country's epidemic of overdose and death brought about by the

misuse and abuse of opioids. Thank you for your

consideration, and we look forward to working with you and

your colleagues to confront and reverse this crisis.

Sincerely,

Wm. Simpson,

President.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to please support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary career of Lieutenant General Kenneth E. Tovo, the retiring Commanding General of the United States Army Special Operations Command located at Fort Bragg in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District.

Raised in Saint James, New York, LTG Tovo began his military career while attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. After graduation, he was stationed at Fort Bragg as a Rifle Platoon Leader in the 82d Airborne Division. Serving in combat all over the world allowed LTG Tovo to gain invaluable experience that helped shape his distinguished career.

Deployed on numerous operational assignments around the globe and through some of our nation's toughest times, LTG Tovo always answered the call to serve our great nation. Some of his most notable engagements took place during his assignments with the 10th Special Forces Group. These deployments sent him to Iraq, Bosnia-Herzegovina and several countries in Europe supporting Operation Desert Storm, Joint Guard and Iraqi Freedom. Throughout these operations, he delivered on the promise to keep America safe and directly confront our enemies under the most difficult of conditions.

While defending our nation overseas, LTG Tovo's most important commitment remained to his family back home. He and his wife, Suzanne, raised two wonderful children during LTG Tovo's illustrious career. This country cannot repay the debt we owe to LTG Tovo and his family-- the Tovos are true American heroes. I wish him well in what is sure to be an active retirement.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the career of Lieutenant General Kenneth E. Tovo.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Judy Rose and her service as the Director of Athletics for UNC Charlotte.

I've known Judy for many years, and watched her succeed at every opportunity she was given. As only the third female Division I Athletic Director in NCAA history, a role she has held for 28 years, Judy has made a tremendous impact on my alma mater and the entire Charlotte community. She helped build an athletic program that empowers student- athletes with tools to be successful and provides our community teams to be proud of.

Over the years, she has taken our athletic department higher than anyone ever envisioned. And most importantly, she did so with the highest ethical standards. I am proud we have not had one hint of scandal during Judy Rose's tenure. In my opinion, she is one of the most influential figures in UNC Charlotte history.

I still remember back in the 90's when I was Student Body President-- there were plenty of people who didn't share her vision for putting the basketball arena in the middle of campus, or didn't believe a Division I football team would ever be a reality. Nevertheless, Judy always saw the big picture and always knew what a powerhouse UNC Charlotte athletics could become. She saw the potential, and she's a huge reason why UNC Charlotte now has thriving alumni engagement and why the student population has boomed the last 20 years.

I am proud, on behalf of the UNC Charlotte family that is Niner Nation, to say thank you, Judy Rose. Your extraordinary leadership will be missed. We wish you and Ken all the best in this next chapter of your lives.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the outstanding career of Judy Rose.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of All American Week, the annual celebration of the 82nd Airborne Division's mission and the paratroopers who serve to uphold it.

Based in my district at Fort Bragg--the epicenter of the universe-- the 82nd Airborne Division is our Nation's Global Response Force. These rapid reaction forces can mobilize, load, and deploy at a moment's notice. It is truly incredible.

There is ready, and then there is Airborne ready. As the old saying goes: When the President dials 911, the phone rings at Fort Bragg.

Since its inception, the 82nd Airborne has, time and again, answered the call of duty when our Nation needs it most.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fort Bragg, I am so proud of the 82nd Airborne's legacy, of our paratroopers, and especially their families.

As the Airborne spirit takes flight this week, I ask my fellow Americans to join me in praying for our servicemembers who are currently deployed and for their families. These heroes put country before self, and we are so grateful. God bless you. Airborne, all the way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Concord Deputy Chief of Police Betty Miller Stocks for receiving the Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award. Deputy Chief Stocks has now become the first African American recipient of this award.

A native of Concord, North Carolina, Deputy Chief Stocks has served with the Concord Police Department in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District for 27 years. Education was of the utmost importance to Deputy Chief Stocks, graduating from Concord High School before earning an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Rowan- Cabarrus Community College, a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Barber-Scotia College and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Throughout her career, Deputy Chief Stocks has served as a Patrol Officer, Sergeant, Captain, and now Deputy Chief of Police. Deputy Chief Stock's outstanding leadership and commitment in these roles for the Concord Police Department made her stand out in our community.

The Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award is presented in memory of Robert Jackson Eury, a man who lost his life in the line of duty while serving as a Cabarrus County law enforcement officer. This award keeps Mr. Eury's legacy alive through officers who share his same admirable and commendable spirit in Cabarrus County. Based on her career of service, I would say Deputy Chief Stocks fits the mold of esteemed law enforcement officers in our community set by Robert Eury.

There is no doubt in my mind that Deputy Chief Stocks will continue her outstanding leadership and maintain her unwavering values while protecting the people of Cabarrus County; I am excited to see what the future holds for such a dedicated law enforcement professional.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Deputy Chief of Police Betty Miller Stocks for receiving the Robert Jackson Eury Memorial Award. We all wish her well as she continues to make a positive impact on our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Command Sergeant Major Kenneth J. ``Rock'' Merritt. During his 35 years of dedicated service, CSM Merritt served valiantly, made history and showed us all how to be a family man.

After enlisting in the United States Army in 1942, CSM Merritt began his military career as a Private to Technical Sergeant in the HQ1 Light Machine Gun Platoon. Serving in combat all over the world allowed CSM Merritt to gain valuable experience that would shape his distinguished career. Completing over 200 parachute jumps, he was awarded a Gold Century Parachute Badge by the Original Airborne Association. While stationed at Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District, CSM Merritt made history for serving two tours as CSM of the XVIII Airborne Corps. In 1973, he was selected as one of the five Command Sergeant Majors in the Army allowed to serve five years beyond the mandatory 30 years service prescribed by Army Regulations. Additionally, CSM Merritt served five terms as President of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association, three terms as Vice President of the Association and many years as Association Parliamentarian.

Deployed on numerous operational assignments all over the globe and through some of our nation's toughest times, CSM Merritt stood ready to answer the call to serve our nation. Throughout these operations, he delivered on the promise to keep America safe and confront our enemies under the most difficult conditions.

During these deployments, CSM Merritt received numerous medals and recognitions for his service, including the Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal with two oak/leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with two clusters, Army Commendation Medal with three clusters, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, Masters Parachutists Badge with two combat jump stars, National Defense Medal, European Theater of Operations Medal with Invasion Arrowhead and four battle stars, European Victory Medal, and the Occupation Medal with Germany Bar.

While fighting our nation's battles overseas, CSM Merritt's most important commitment remained to his family back home. He was married to his lovely wife, Sally, for more than 60 years before she passed away, and they raised three wonderful children during CMS Merritt's illustrious career. This country cannot repay the debt we owe to CSM Merritt and his family--the Merritts are true American heroes.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the career of the Command Sergeant Major Kenneth J. ``Rock'' Merritt.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote.

Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 134.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Concord City Manager W. Brian Hiatt on nearly two decades of service to the City of Concord, North Carolina.

I've known Brian for many years, and throughout this time I have considered him a good friend. A lifelong North Carolina resident, Brian attended Appalachian State University for his Bachelor of Science in History and Government Service and went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to receive his Master of Public Administration. After his education, Brian spent almost 20 years working for both Guilford County and the City of Hickory where he gained valuable experience that enabled him as City Manager to help shape the City of Concord into the wonderful place it is today.

Over the years, Brian has been very active in our community serving on the boards of Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation and the Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County, NC League of Municipalities, Hospice of Cabarrus County and Cabarrus County United Way. He is a Past-President of the Concord Rotary Club, where he was named Rotarian of the Year in 2012, Lake Hickory Rotary Club and the North Carolina City, County Management Association and Academic Learning Center.

Residing in Concord, Brian is married to Julie, and they have two grown children, Andrew and Erin. I am extremely grateful for Brian's service to our community and I wish him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring my friend City Manager W. Brian Hiatt for his unwavering commitment to public service.