Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Reverend Emmitt Theophilus Caviness and his new exhibit at the Harrison County Historical Museum. For sixty years, Reverend Caviness has dedicated his life toward change. Born a year before the Great Depression, Reverend Caviness has led a life that has made a resounding impact on the state of Ohio.

Reverend Caviness' has made extraordinary accomplishments that can be felt across our nation, even in the face of poverty and racial division. After seeing a racial caricature in Marshall's City Hall, he vowed to dedicate his life to fighting for racial justice. His belief in love's ability to heal racial wounds was exemplified in his support of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His actions during the Civil Rights Movement led to his induction to the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, where his imprint is housed at Dr. King's National Historic Site in Atlanta, Georgia.

To name his accolades would be to speak endlessly, however, I would be remiss if I did not emphasize several of his most noteworthy achievements. The Reverend's belief in public service led to him serving six years on Cleveland City Council. This belief bloomed further by sharing stages with those at the forefront of leadership and policy, including Presidents Carter, W. Bush, and Obama, as well as Civil Rights dignitaries Coretta Scott King and Al Sharpton. He would also receive the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Award for his lifelong membership and recognition from The National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum. His undying hope in ``the power of a conversation'' is shown through a willingness to engage those of every demographic, regardless of their differences.

The Harrison County Historical Museum will honor Reverend Caviness with the Journey Stories exhibit. The exhibit will showcase memorable photos through his journey, including a photograph of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. visiting his Cleveland church. The exhibit also displays awards for his service towards change and shines a spotlight on his extended family.

So, Madam Speaker, I rise again in honoring Reverend Emmitt Caviness for his work toward creating change not only for his fellow Ohioans but for all Americans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Sarah Young Glackin on her long and distinguished career as a member of staff on the House Appropriations Committee as she prepares to leave us for new endeavors.

Myself and my fellow colleagues--on both sides of the aisle--have relied extensively on Sarah's expertise in many appropriations matters, most notably in the areas of defense and military construction.

Sarah's career began on the Subcommittee on Defense, with a portfolio that included Tricare and Defense Health Programs.

Four years later, she moved to the Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and then Subcommittee on Interior and Environment. She soon returned to Defense, where she worked on Counterdrug and Narcotics, Missile Defense, Defense Health Programs, Military Medical Research, and TRICARE. For the last decade, Sarah has served on the Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.

She was responsible for military construction across all components and services, the improvement of housing for our servicemembers and their Families, and the NATO security investment program. Oftentimes congressional staffers are not appropriately recognized for their service. However, they are the Americans from all over our nation that represent the fabric of our country. Sarah has served in more ways than one.

Madam Speaker, Sarah has been an institution on the Appropriations Committee since the moment I arrived there. My Colleagues and myself will miss her dedication, her patience, and her deep reservoir of knowledge. I want to wish Sarah all the best as she pursues new adventures.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Arthur M. Newell, of Struthers, Ohio, on the awarding to him of the French Legion d'honneur.

The government of the French Republic, since the end of the Second World War, honors those liberators, who restored those liberties with determination, sacrifice, duty, and honor, with the presentation of the Ordre national de la Legion d'honneur.

Conceived over two centuries ago by Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of the First Republic of France, his Order was devised to reward eminent military and civil merits in the service of France. The award is still the highest distinction that can be bestowed upon a citizen of France or a foreigner who has done great deeds for France.

Of his service, then Private First Class Newell recalls, ``After arriving in Metz, France, our regiment joined others from Patton's 3rd Army in an attempt to breach the Siegfried Line. Just to the east of Metz, we approached our first enemy pillbox. It appeared to be out of action until we were within about 100 feet from it. At that moment the Germans opened fire. A few of our men got hit and a few more stepped on mines or set off booby traps. We took cover. Our heavy weapons platoon came up to the front and with their machine guns and bazookas they took direct aim at the bunkers slotted openings and opened fire. As the battle progressed my buddies and I got close enough to lob grenades towards the fortification. The enemy within the pillbox fell silent.''

There is no doubt that Mr. Newell is a true American hero, emblematic of the service that characterizes the Veterans of Ohio's 13th Congressional District, the state of Ohio, and the United States of America.

I want to personally congratulate Arthur on this milestone and offer my sincerest gratitude for his unwavering dedication to our country. It is members of his generation upon which our nation is built.

Madam Speaker, we see our Republican friends are very upset. They said: This is embarrassing. What are we doing? What have we done?

What you are mad about is that we are delivering for the American people. We saved pensions; we cut taxes for working-class people; we invested in the communities, and we invested in the schools. Now, universal preschool; everyone can go to community college; vision, dental, hearing for Medicare recipients; and paid family leave.

If you think for one second I am going to apologize for what we are doing, you are wrong.

Once again, we should have done this 30 or 40 years ago. And, obviously, once again, the Republican Party is MIA.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Marsha Miller Burdman, of Vienna, Ohio, who passed away peacefully on Monday, August 9, 2021 at the age of 83.

Marsha was born September 7, 1937, to Sally and Frank Miller in Toronto, Ohio. She grew up in Pittsburgh and, although she was an only child, she was blessed by the presence of 32 loving aunts and uncles and numerous cousins.

Marsha graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in Squirrel Hill in 1955 and the University of Pittsburgh in 1959, where she received her degree in education. She became a first-grade teacher at Forrest Hills Elementary School in Pittsburgh upon her graduation from Pitt.

In 1960, after being fixed up on a blind date through a mutual friend, she met the love of her life, Kenneth Burdman of Youngstown. Following a short courtship, they were married November 13 of the same year.

Marsha continued teaching first-graders in the Youngstown area in both the Hubbard and Austintown school districts for several years until she and Ken started their family in 1963. They raised four children and remained happily married for 34 years until Kenny's passing in 1995.

A voracious reader, Marsha also enjoyed traveling the world with her closest friends, cousins and other family members, as well as playing canasta, knitting and needlepointing; however, her most treasured moments were the countless memories from the regular family visits and vacations with her four loving children, their spouses and 12 grandchildren who affectionately called her Mimi.

A true woman of valor, Marsha had a tremendous character and a calming presence, and was loved and admired by all who knew her. Her close circle of friends was endless and she was also an aunt and Mimi to many children and grandchildren of good friends who were like family.

Marsha is survived by her son, Lee (Bonnie) of Canfield; daughters, Heidi (Robert) Bardach of Cincinnati, Stacey (Richard) Eastern of Seattle, Wash., and Janie Cowell of San Diego; and her 12 grandchildren, Korey, Taylor and Lexi Burdman, Ryan, Alyssa (fiance Max Fader) and Kelsey Bardach, Joshua, Emily and Zachary Eastern, and Samantha, Dillon and Brandon Cowell.

I am so very lucky to have developed profound relationships with Marsha's son, Lee, and daughter-in-law, Bonnie. Both were instrumental leaders on so many important issues facing my Congressional District and the Jewish community of the Mahoning Valley. My deepest condolences go out to Marsha's family and to all whose lives she so deeply touched.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Colonel Andrew J. ``Coby'' Short, who is relinquishing his command of the Pittsburgh District of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he has served since 2018. Colonel Short came to the Pittsburgh District of the Army Corps, following an assignment at the U.S. Army War College. Colonel Short is a native of Bedford, Indiana. Following his graduation from the U.S. Army Military Academy with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Systems Engineering, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1997.

He also holds a Master of Science Degree in Engineering Management from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia, a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. He is also a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College, Combined Arms Service Staff School, Engineer Captain's Career Course, and the Engineer Officer Basic Course.

His first duty station was Fort Campbell, KY where he served as a Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer and Assistant Operations Officer in 326th Engineer Battalion, 101st Airborne Division. While there, he deployed to Kosovo with 1-187 Infantry Battalion. Colonel Short was then assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY as the Assistant Operations Officer for 41st Engineer Battalion and then commanded Alpha Company, 41st Engineer Battalion; later Alpha Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion. During his time in command, he deployed to Afghanistan with 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. After command, Colonel Short served as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General, 10th Mountain Division. He next served as a Project Engineer at Langley Air Force Base, VA with the Norfolk District, United States Army Corps of Engineers. He was subsequently assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg where he deployed to Afghanistan as part of CJTF-82 and served as the Deputy Division Engineer. He then served consecutively as Operations Officer of 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Operations Officer of the 20th Engineer Brigade, and Executive Officer of the 20th Engineer Brigade. Colonel Short then served as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Commanding General of FORSCOM. Most recently, he commanded the 91st Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood for 31 months where he deployed to both Eastern Europe as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve and to the Republic of Korea.

Colonel Short has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and other awards and decorations. He has earned the Ranger Tab, Sapper Tab, Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and been awarded the Bronze Order of the deFleury Medal.

I would like to thank Colonel Short for his dedication to public service. Not only was he a great help to me and my staff, but he was also committed to helping the constituents in my district. I applaud him for his distinguished career of service as a dedicated member of the Army Corps of Engineers and wish him well in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Charlene Ryan Clopp, formerly of Warren, who passed away in her home on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at the age of 65.

Charlene leaves behind her husband, Daniel Clopp.

Charlene was a true light in this world. She was kind, loving, generous, and always there with a helping hand. Her spirit was infectious, and she enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and dog named Prince.

She will be deeply missed by her three brothers, Allen (Marcy) Ryan of Ashtabula, Dennis (Janice) Ryan of Cortland, James Ryan of Warren; one sister, Kathleen (Larry) Nash of Alpharetta, Georgia; along with her nieces and nephews.

Charlene was my aunt on my father's side. I know my father and all his siblings will deeply miss her. My condolences go out to all whose lives she so deeply touched.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Broadhead and Wydell Memorial Team--a dedicated group of volunteers committed to honoring and recognizing veterans of Ohio's 13th district by identifying their gravesites.

Two years ago, the Broadhead and Wydell Memorial Team began research of burial plots at Oak Hill Cemetery. Their goal was to replace the headstones and markers of veterans dating back to the beginning of our nation and the War for Independence. Unfortunately, many of the headstones were either in disrepair or completely missing, something that the Team was able to correct.

Although they were sidelined temporarily by the COVID-19 pandemic, today their research has expanded to other cemeteries throughout my district. Their work continues to ensure that veterans receive the recognition they deserve for their service to our Nation.

The work is both daunting and detailed. Members of the team count every headstone in a cemetery that is not marked as a military gravesite and creates a list of names. They then go about the work of determining whether or not the deceased served. Once a veteran has been identified, they work with the local Veterans Commission to provide flag holders for the grave.

Steffon Jones, a co-founder of the group, is especially passionate about recognizing Civil War veterans and members of the U.S. Colored Troops. His efforts, along with veteran Tony Seldes and Tom Anderson, were instrumental in ensuring that the name of Private Jacob Nixon Robinson, who served in the 5th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops, was added to the Youngstown Civil War memorial monument.

I commend Mr. Jones and the rest of the Broadhead and Wydell Memorial Team for their selfless and dedicated service to ensure veterans are recognized and honored appropriately.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Marilynn Janine Denholm, originally of Niles, Ohio, who passed away on Thursday, June 24 at the age of 71.

She was born in 1950, the daughter of Fred and Mary (Colla) Guerra. Marilynn was married to her husband Dave for nearly 45 years. She had 3 children, 5 grandchildren, and extended family and friends with whom she cherished spending time.

Marilynn grew up in Niles, Ohio, and graduated from Niles McKinley High School in 1968. She earned her BA in Elementary Education from Youngstown State University (YSU) in 1972 where she was also a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) sorority. She earned her MA in Guidance and Counseling from YSU in 1978. Marilynn spent 13 years in education in Ohio and 30 years in education in Gaston County, NC. Mrs. Denholm loved being a Guidance Counselor at Gardner Park Elementary where she was able to help thousands of children.

Marilynn was an active member of the ZTA Alumni group and recently received her 50-year alumni pin. She also volunteered with the Blumenthal Performing Arts for 20 years.

Survivors include her husband, David; children Kristine (Seth Thompson) of Phoenix, AZ; David (Nichole) of Merritt Island, FL; and Victoria of Madrid, Spain; grandchildren David, Hannah, William and Henry Denholm, and Nora Thompson; and brother Fred (Gretchen) Guerra of Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Her parents Fred and Mary Guerra preceded her in death.

I am honored to have called Marilynn my Godmother. She was an incredible woman that dedicated her life to helping others, and I was lucky enough to have personally known how truly kind her spirit was. Throughout her life as an educator, she touched countless lives of the children that she taught. My condolences go out to her family and friends. She will be dearly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John Klein, who passed on June 20, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 72.

John was a passionate family man who treasured his time coaching his two boys in basketball. He was the assistant basketball coach for Belpre High School from 1996 through 2002. Throughout, he also coached all kinds of teams from junior high school to AAU. John would readily admit that his sons' trips to the Ohio High School Athletic Association basketball state tournament were the highlights of his coaching career.

Mr. Klein is a graduate of Aurora High School and Indiana State University. He retired from AEP in 2019 having worked at Zimmer Power Plant, Muskingum River Power Plant, Pickaway Power Plant and the Darby Gas Plant.

John was one of the most caring men you could ever meet with a quirky sense of humor that would have people in stitches. He loved going to the track and playing poker at the casinos. There wasn't a Hallmark movie that John didn't like. He was the ultimate Cincinnati Reds and Bengals fan. Always anticipating the upcoming season.

He was predeceased by his parents, Gene and Lucille Klein, and his sister, Emily Klein.

John is survived by his wife, Theresa, sons, Zach (Jennie) and Patrick (Whitney); grandchildren, Stella and Rocco; and brothers, Dave (Marcia) and Mike (Jill). John also had a myriad of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

John's love and dedication for his family and for life was something special. Not only did John serve as a devoted coach of basketball, but as a role model for all those he knew, touching many lives along the way. My deepest condolences go out to his dear family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jane Sanchez, Deputy Librarian for Library Collections and Services and the 25th Law Librarian of Congress, who passed away on March 26, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Appointed as Law Librarian of Congress on February 6, 2017, Jane managed the operation and policy administration for the Law Library of Congress, the world's largest collection of legal materials. Then, in June 2019, Ms. Sanchez was also appointed Deputy Librarian for the newly formed Library Collections and Services Group (LCSG). Here, Jane was instrumental in helping to bring together the three units responsible for acquiring, stewarding, describing and serving library collections.

Prior to the Law Library, Jane had been Chief of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) since October 2014. HSS provided research service in the Library's Main Reading Room, the Local History and Genealogy section, the Digital Reference Team and the Microform and Electronic Resources Center. Under her leadership, services to researchers expanded which led to a more robust use of the collections and services.

Ms. Sanchez had also served as a business unit Managing Director at the U.S. Government Publishing Office; as an associate director of Justice Libraries, Justice Management Division, U.S. Department of Justice; as departmental head of History & Culture Libraries at the Smithsonian Institution Libraries; and as an acquisitions manager for electronic databases at BNA, Inc.

Jane had been the recipient of numerous awards over the course of her career, including from the U.S. Department of Energy for sustained superior service and from the Justice Management Division and the Smithsonian Institution for workflow improvements. Jane Sanchez held a Juris Doctorate from American University's Washington College of Law, a Master's of Library Science from Simmons College in Boston and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

As chairman of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, I had the pleasure of working with Jane during the appropriations process for the Library. Anyone who has worked with Jane would describe her as a strong leader who will be remembered for her calming presence. Her passing is a great loss for not only her family and friends, but also for the Library of Congress. I thank Jane for her great service to Congress, the Library, and the American people. My deepest sympathies go out to Jane's colleagues, and especially her husband, Christopher, and her three children, Adam, Andrew, and Alyson.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Christine Terlesky, a beloved mother, wife, teacher, coach, daughter, sister and friend who passed away after a long battle with ALS.

While Christine played many roles, I first came to know her as an advocate. Soon after being diagnosed, she came to Capitol Hill as a passionate voice for families living with ALS to champion additional funding, research, and legislation that would benefit those afflicted with this debilitating disease.

That's just who Christine was; a person who immediately was spurred into action on behalf of others despite being confronted with a disease that impacted all aspects of her and her family's lives.

Forever the teacher, she continued to tell her story to teach others about the realities of ALS. Forever the Coach, she used that platform to fight for ALS funding and affordable, universal healthcare for all.

I saw firsthand how Christine passionately gave her time and energy-- even as it was in increasingly limited supply--to what she believed in. And for Christine, that meant community. It meant family. It meant Youngstown. We had that in common.

I have fond memories of a dinner we had in D.C. with her sisters, swapping stories of our days as Youngstown State University athletes, our big Italian families, our love of sports, and her 19 years teaching history and government and coaching at Boardman High School. The evening went on for hours.

That dinner was also when I learned of Christine's deep admiration for Hillary Clinton. In 2016, during one of Secretary Clinton's campaign stops in Youngstown, I was able to connect Christine to Secretary Clinton. I will never forget the joy in Christine's face when she first met the Secretary. And in that moment, Christine did what she always did, put others first. She used her short time with the Secretary to advocate for those suffering with ALS.

In her final months, Christine continued to use her online presence to educate and advocate. She never lost her faith in government, advocacy, and enacting policies to improve the lives of Americans.

Christine Terlesky is survived by her parents, Ronald and Judy Moschella of Boardman; her husband, Brian Terlesky; their three children, Brian (21), Tyler (16) and Emma (12); two younger sisters, Nadine (Nick) Colla and Jolene (Donald) Ross; her in-laws, Mary Lou and Ted Terlesky and nieces and nephews, Jenna and Jimmy Vivo, Lia and Nicholas Colla and Tessa, Gianna and Lena Ross.

Christine was one of the most caring, brave, and passionate people I have ever met. She gave her life to helping others and never backed down from a fight. I'm honored to have known her.

She will be sorely missed, but her community--our community--will continue to work together to carry out her mission. My prayers are with her family.

Madam Speaker, ``we the people,'' ``a more perfect Union,'' ``the common defense,'' ``general welfare,'' ``common good,'' ``these United States''--the words and phrases of our founding documents were about unity, were about us coming together against the political and economic concentration of power.

Division is the enemy in the United States today. We are unraveling before the very eyes of the American people. And I believe that this President, that the White House does not want to talk about the issues facing the American people today.

Madam Speaker, 75 percent of the American people are living paycheck to paycheck; seniors are paying $1,000 a month for prescription drugs; students are drowning in student loans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Bernard ``Gene'' Helmick, 78, who passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at Mercy Health St. Joseph's Warren Hospital.

Gene was born on November 4, 1940 in Cowen, West Virginia, and was a 1960 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, where he played football under Coach Tony Mason, whom he greatly admired. Gene then went on to attend and play football at Arizona State University.

He later returned to the Valley where he was employed at the General Motors Lordstown plant as a waste water treatment technician for 41 years, retiring in December of 2006. Gene was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles, where he was a pizza sale and festival volunteer. He was also a member of the Niles Jaycees, Niles Rebounders and Frontliners.

Gene was known to enjoy yard work, home repairs, and attending his grandchildren's sporting events and theatrical performances. He was also a dedicated Ohio State and Duke basketball fan.

Memories of Gene will be carried on by his wife, Jennie Nardo Helmick, whom he married Oct. 26, 1963; his son, Kevin T. Helmick and his wife, Regina of Niles; his daughter, Gina Price of Girard; his brother, David L. Helmick and his wife, Joan of Cleveland; and his three grandchildren, Makenzie and Matthew Price, and Kasen Helmick.

Gene was a quiet, gentle man who loved his family with peaceful and unwavering devotion. We were raised in the same small-town community of Niles, Ohio, and he and his family are lifelong friends of mine. We were all very lucky to have him in our lives and, as much as he will be missed by us all, Gene will remain with us every day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael ``Mikey'' Thomas George, 16, who passed away surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, June 23, 2019.

Mikey was a proud student of St. Edward High School in Lakewood and a dedicated Michael Buble and Roman Reigns fan. His friends and family knew Michael for his contagious smile, laughter, and quick wit.

His favorite summers were spent on Kelley's Island, enjoying the sun and island lifestyle. Mikey was known to entertain all with his singing, dancing, and with the creative nicknames he gave to people.

Mikey loved his family dearly. He is survived by his loving parents, Kristine and Tony George, his triplet siblings, David and Julia, his older siblings, Joseph George, Justin Rose (Lisa), Robert George, Krystle George-Kearns (Christian) and Jonathon Rose (Amber); grandmother Glenna Botkins, along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

My deepest condolences go out to the George Family, and all whose lives were touched by Mikey. He will most certainly live

on in the hearts and minds of all that knew him.