Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Marcelina ``Marci'' Pina-Christian and her years of service to New Bedford community.

After earning a degree in business administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Marci first began her career in Rhode Island as an insurance adjuster before returning to New Bedford, where she discovered an appreciation for community engagement at the YWCA. For many years, Marci went on to excel in the private sector, becoming the first woman of color to lead the customer service department at Main Street Textiles. She later followed her passion for education, teaching English at Keith Middle School for five years.

In 2007, Marci joined the City of New Bedford's Department of Community Services as a human services coordinator, later rising to the role of program director. For nearly two decades, Marci led initiatives advancing human rights, health awareness, education, neighborhood engagement, cultural programming, and community outreach. She played a pivotal role in transforming the city's Human Relations Commission into the Human Rights Commission, establishing Human Rights Day, implementing New Bedford's official Juneteenth commemoration, and was a driving force behind the city's annual Martin Luther King Jr., Day program.

As a certified mediator, Marci led the Face to Face Mediation Program, offering free services to court litigants and community members. She also used these skills to moderate community meetings and public forums, helping residents find common ground and move difficult conversations forward. As host of ``Neighborhood Update,'' New Bedford's longest-running local cable program. Marci uplifted community voices and connected residents with local services and reliable information, which proved especially helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of Marci's leadership can be felt throughout the Commonwealth. She previously served on Attorney General Maura Healey's Advisory Council on Race and Equity and currently serves on Governor Healey's Advisory

Council on Black Empowerment. In honor of her late husband, musician and educator Armsted Christian, Marci established a committee that raised $50,000 to create the Armsted Christian Endowed Scholarship at Berklee College of Music, which has awarded six scholarships to date.

Marci believes that the greatest measure of leadership is not the positions held or the programs created, but rather one's ability to prepare others to carry the work forward. After 19 years of service, Marci retired from the New Bedford Department of Community Services earlier this summer, leaving a legacy defined by her commitment to strengthening civic institutions, connecting neighbors to vital resources, and mentoring and inspiring the next generation to lead.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Marci Pina-Christian, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing her enduring service and the opportunities she has created for the people of New Bedford and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ostomy Awareness Day.

An ostomy can be a challenging and deeply personal journey, but for many, it is also a life-saving and life-restoring procedure. Whether facing colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, traumatic injuries, or other serious health challenges, ostomy surgery offers a path forward, restoring hope and enabling people to return to their families, workplaces, and communities.

In Massachusetts, approximately 17,500 people have an ostomy. They are our neighbors, friends, family members, coworkers, veterans, students, caregivers, and community leaders. Their journeys reflect remarkable strength and resilience, overcoming adversity and significant medical challenges to lead full and meaningful lives.

Too often, people living with an ostomy face stigma, misunderstanding, and unnecessary barriers. Ostomy Awareness Day provides an important opportunity to educate the public, dispel misconceptions, remind us that an ostomy does not define a person or diminish their quality of life, and recognize the families, caregivers, clinicians, certified ostomy nurse specialists, and other health care professionals who provide essential care and support. Their compassion and expertise are pivotal in helping people adjust to life after surgery and thrive.

This year, Ostomy Awareness Day will be observed on October 3, 2026. We celebrate the resilience of the ostomy community and honor the dedicated professionals and medical advancements that make these lifesaving surgeries possible. Most importantly, we recognize that an ostomy is not the end of a person's story; it can mark the beginning of a healthier and more hopeful chapter. This year's theme, ``One Community--Stronger Together,'' reminds us that no one should have to navigate life with an ostomy alone. Awareness, education, peer support, and access to quality care are essential to ensure that every person with an ostomy can live with confidence and dignity.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the ostomy community, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing October 3, 2026, as Ostomy Awareness Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marjorie P. McGraw as she celebrates her 95th birthday.

Born on September 7, 1931, Marjorie has devoted her life to philanthropy, compassion, and community service. Alongside her late husband, John McGraw, Marjorie has demonstrated extraordinary generosity and civic leadership through the Elizabeth B. McGraw Foundation, supporting organizations that strengthen the health, welfare, and future of the Cape Cod community

Marjorie first met John, the love of her life, in 1951. They married in December later that year in Jacksonville, Florida. Together, they raised their six children, John, Lee, Mark. Scott, Lynne, and Brian in New Jersey, while also spending significant time in Osterville, Massachusetts; Gulf Stream, Florida; and New York City. As avid antique collectors, Marjorie and John welcomed many tours of their Osterville home over the years.

Through her ongoing philanthropy, Marjorie has served as a transformational benefactor to the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Cod, helping to provide safe spaces, mentorship, and educational opportunities for generations of young people. Her extraordinary support for Cape Cod Healthcare has improved access to quality care and the well-being of countless community members across the region. As an animal activist, Marjorie has rescued and raised many Bichons Frise, and with her daughter Lynne, their volunteer work and enduring commitment to the MSPCA Cape Cod reflect a deep passion for animal welfare.

On September 7, 2026, Marjorie will celebrate her 95th birthday surrounded by family and loved ones. Through her compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others, Marjorie has established a legacy of kindness and service that will enhance the lives of families throughout the Cape Cod community for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Marjorie McGraw, and I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating this momentous occasion and wishing Marjorie many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Christopher Doyle Matthews, a friend and longtime member of my staff. We were devastated to have learned just a few weeks ago of his passing.

Chris was born in Boston on December 15, 1989, to Richard and Mary- Ellen Matthews and was proudly raised in Scituate, Massachusetts. He grew up loving boats and the water, his parents' classic rock and roll music, and politics.

When columnist Mary McGrory famously observed that ``every baby born in Massachusetts is born with a campaign manager's gene,'' she could have very well been inspired by Chris.

With political instincts that were second to none, Chris was a go-to organizer in Massachusetts politics. He was, without question, one of the Commonwealth's sharpest political minds, a true generational talent.

Even at a young age, there are not many candidates from the South Shore of Massachusetts who did not seek out Chris' help or his opinion. He served as the chair of the South Shore Democratic Caucus, and as a Democratic leader with the Massachusetts State Committee, the Plymouth County League, and several South Shore town committees in Massachusetts. Candidates and voters alike trusted Chris because of his belief that government can change people's lives for the better.

Chris' untimely and sudden death has sent shock waves through our congressional family. He served in various positions with us for a decade and a half. He started as a 20-year-old volunteer on my first campaign for Congress and, over time, moved to be my district outreach and communications director when he passed away suddenly and untimely at the age of 36.

At a time in America when some have doubts and when hope can seem remote, remember Chris Matthews if you ever begin to lose faith in this country.

Remember that Chris was more than a congressional aide. He took the belief that through our actions, we can all bring forth needed change, and he brought it with him through many interstate bus rides to canvass distant pivotal States and to the doors of the families he inspired.

Remember through his example that public service is a genuinely noble vocation. As a trusted member of our office, he helped countless veterans, families, and those who could not advocate for themselves.

Remember his laugh and his wry, often biting, humor, insightfully contrasting the way things are to the way things should be. Remember his authentic belief that in this country, people can bring about progress and meaningful change. It was real to him, and his sincerity shone through.

I imagine if Chris wanted us to remember anything, it would be that he was a loving partner and father figure to Molly and Eli, that he was a compassionate and reliable son and brother, and that he was the most steadfast of loyal friends.

Though we wish we had more time with him, his memory will continue to give us faith that one person can significantly make better the lives of all those around him, and all of us in our office certainly know this to be true.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have known Chris Matthews and to honor his life. I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing his commitment to this institution and to the people of Massachusetts. May his memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Town of Yarmouth as it celebrates its 250th Independence Day.

Throughout the Revolutionary War, patriots from Yarmouth played an important role in our country's fight for independence. In 1775, as tensions rose between the colonies and the British government, Yarmouth's militia rode to assist in the Battles of Lexington and Concord before receiving word of a British retreat, marking the start of the American Revolution. In the spring of 1776, patriots from Yarmouth served under George Washington at Dorchester Heights, fortifying the city and forcing British troops to evacuate Boston. Then on June 20, 1776, weeks before the United States of America formally declared independence from Britain on July 4, 1776, Yarmouth residents came together and took the brave step to declare their independence.

Ahead of the upcoming Semiquincentennial historians from the Towns of Yarmouth and Dennis led extensive research into Yarmouth's role in the Revolutionary War. Their research found that 447 men from Yarmouth fought for our country's independence, 53 of whom are buried in the Yarmouth Ancient Cemetery. To honor these patriots' bravery and dedication to our country, the town commissioned a monument to be built by the renowned Robert Shure and for official Sons of the American Revolution granite markers to be placed at each of the 53 graves.

On June 20, 2026, the Town of Yarmouth and nearby communities will gather for the unveiling and dedication of the Revolutionary War Monument in Thatcher Park, followed by a wreath-laying and grave marker dedication ceremony at the Yarmouth Ancient Cemetery.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate the Town of Yarmouth's 250th Anniversary of Independence, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the bravery of Yarmouth's patriots and their dedication to freedom, democracy, and our republic during the Revolutionary War.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Janet Winter as she celebrates her 100th birthday.

Born on June 20, 1926, Janet spent her early years in Larchmont, New York, and South Chatham, Massachusetts. With a passion for art, Janet earned both her bachelor's degree from Smith College and master's degree from Ohio State University in art history. It was this talent that brought her to General Electric, where she worked in advertising and met the love of her life, Robert ``Bob'' Asa Winter. They married in 1954 and had two children.

The family later moved to East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where Janet continued her studies at the Rhode Island School of Design, before she and Bob moved to Orleans, Massachusetts, 1985. They became active volunteers at the Church of the Holy Spirit, where Janet especially enjoyed her work with the Sunday school and bell choir. Together, Janet and Bob rediscovered their love for travel and took many trips overseas.

A lifelong artist, Janet has excelled in many mediums over the years, progressing from Crayolas to oils, watercolors, ink, and colored pencils. She found early success in painting watercolor landscapes and later in commercial work, creating cards, coloring books, jigsaw puzzles, calendars, and novelty items for several greeting card companies. Janet has won many awards for her work and has been highlighted in several one-woman museum shows. She has also written and published three Christmas books for children. Although retired from commercial work, Janet continues to create colored pencils illustrations for cards and prints, including ``grin and bear it'' cards featuring teddy bears with masks during the pandemic.

On June 20, 2026, Janet will celebrate her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family. Although Bob and her children are no longer with us, Janet enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren, extended family, and many good friends with whom she is grateful to share her ``golden years.''

Mr. Speaker. I am proud to honor Janet Winter, and I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating a century well lived and wishing Janet many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize as we stand here today in the midst of a war with Iran, as the President is trying to secure an agreement that would require them not to pursue nuclear weapons, that the United States already has a commitment in an agreement with the then-third largest nuclear power, Ukraine.

In the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine agreed to relinquish all of their nuclear assets and move away from their nuclear ambition in exchange for an agreement with the United States that we would be there, be there to defend them in the case of aggression and actions by another country.

That day has come, and we are going to honor our future agreements. If we do that, we must certainly honor this agreement. We have to look at the agreements we are already committed to.

Russia's illegal aggression has been accompanied by mass killings, kidnapping and displacement of thousands of Ukrainian children, serial rapes by Russian soldiers, and the targeting of innocent civilians.

These are war crimes, and the war crimes alone command our full support for Ukraine's defense. At the same time, Russia's illegal aggression represents a direct threat to our NATO allies, particularly the Baltic States.

Before the full-scale invasion, Russia made their ambitions crystal clear that the Baltic States were a target and that NATO sovereignty was at stake, as well.

It is important to realize that, in Ukraine, we don't share that commitment alone. Europe as a whole has given $226 billion in assistance. That is 25 percent more than the $174 billion that the United States has appropriated.

European countries continue to increase support, while the Trump administration lessens American support. However, we know that the future cost of NATO conflicts is far greater in dollars and in lives, and we know we have to support Ukraine to make sure that we are not falling into that greater cost.

Our commitment to Ukraine remains our best defense economically and in terms of our national security as well as for our shared democratic values.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Konstantinos ``Kosti'' Kostibas.

Born on October 24, 1978, Kosti was a proud Texan who graduated with a bachelor of arts in international studies from Baylor University and a master of arts in international relationships from St. Mary's University.

After graduating from Baylor University in 2002 with the rank of second lieutenant, Kosti served in the United States Air Force as an intelligence officer until 2006. Kosti continued to serve our country throughout his career, working in cyber operations at the Department of Defense.

During his time with the U.S. Cyber Command, where he played a critical role in advancing our Nation's cybersecurity interests, Kosti was selected to serve as a legislative defense fellow for the 2023 Department of Air Force fellowship program.

My colleagues and I will forever be grateful for the years that he spent with our office. Never failing to be the first person in the office every morning, Kosti not only brought his expertise in cybersecurity and intelligence matters but also his steadfast work ethic.

He also incorporated a wry wit and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all of those around him. He had the unique ability to easily connect with anyone he crossed paths with and make them instantly feel as though they were speaking to an old friend for life.

Sadly, we lost Kosti too soon at the age of 47 on April 22, 2026, after a hard-fought battle against glioblastoma.

Above all, Kosti was a devoted husband to his wife, Megan, and a proud father to his children, John and Samantha.

From his service in the United States Air Force and his years working for U.S. Cyber Command, to his time spent in Nebraska, Texas, and Maryland, Kosti will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune of working with him and spending time with him over the years.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Kosti Kostibas, and I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing his commitment to advancing the safety and security of our country, as well as the positive light he was in the lives of so many.

May his memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Stephen ``Steve'' Greeley. Born on December 30, 1952, in Boston, Massachusetts, to parents Tom and Dolly Greeley, Steve was raised as the third of six children in a lively and loving Irish-Catholic home on Westwood Road in Somerville. Steve often spoke fondly of his childhood and the Sisters of St. Catherine's who educated him, especially Sister Anacleta, whose name he chose at confirmation, a choice that brought laughter to his family for many years.

Steve attended Matignon High School, where he made many lifelong friends, and spent his summers caddying at Belmont Country Club, which he viewed as one of his greatest learning experiences. Taking the advice to pursue a post-graduate year before college, Steve attended Phillips Exeter Academy, an experience he described as being one right out of a movie that also broadened his worldview and led him to the University of Pennsylvania.

Wherever Steve went, he was able to make meaningful friendships and connect with people from all different backgrounds. This was no different at Penn, where Steve was elected President of the Class of 1975, just as he was at St. Catherine's and Matignon High School. Steve went on to attend Harvard Law School, where he could bike to class from his childhood home. During his time at Harvard, Steve met the love of his life and wife of nearly five decades, Jan Reilly, at the Casablanca in Harvard Square.

Steve and Jan would later move to Scituate, where they raised their five kids, Steve Jr., Jack, Mike, Tommy, and Megan. Steve taught them to swim, sail, play tennis, and golf along the ``Irish Riviera'' at Hatherly Country Club and the Scituate Harbor Yacht Club. Known as Coach Greeley to many, Steve dedicated himself to coaching his kids as well as thousands of young hockey players and served as a mentor far beyond the rink and field.

Steve's professional career included more than 25 years practicing law with his partners on Franklin Street before leading the American Ireland Fund in Boston, where he revitalized the organization and strengthened ties to Ireland. In retirement, Steve faced Parkinson's disease with courage and unwavering support from Jan and his children. Above all, Steve enjoyed spending time with his growing family, including his 10 grandchildren, Reilly, Sloane, Nina, Caroline, Matthew, George, Seamus, Tommy, Harper, and Whit.

Sadly, we lost Steve too soon at the age of 73 on March 24, 2026. Steve leaves behind a legacy defined by his commitment to his faith, service, leadership, and family.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Stephen Greeley, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his remarkable life and the enduring impact he had on his community and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life of Cynthia Ann Rodrigues of Westport, Massachusetts.

Born to parents, Joseph and Laurine Botelho, Cynthia was raised in Fall River, Massachusetts, where she gained a passion for protecting workers' rights from a young age. At 16, Cynthia began working in the garment industry as a machine operator and became an active organizer with her union, the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union, which eventually became UNITE-HERE, AFL-CIO.

Cynthia's people skills and competence helped her to efficiently resolve disagreements on the shop floor, which quickly gained her recognition among her colleagues. Over the years, she continued to move through the ranks of the union, starting as a steward and eventually becoming a business agent, notably one of the first female business agents on the New England Joint Board. Throughout her decades with UNITE-HERE, AFL-CIO, Cynthia established English classes in union shops across New England and was responsible for managing and overseeing the collective bargaining agreements of over 1,500 members across the New England region. After working as a business agent for 22 years, Cynthia retired from UNITE-HERE, AFL-CIO in 2005, but she never fully retired from her work as a labor activist and organizer.

For 30 years, Cynthia served as the President of the Greater Southeastern Massachusetts Labor Council and was elected Secretary- Treasurer of the New Bedford/Cape Cod Labor Council prior to her role as president. Additionally, she was Vice President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, representing Southeastern Massachusetts until 2017, and served on the Steering Committee and Advisory Board of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Labor Education Center.

Sadly, we lost Cynthia too soon at the age of 81 on January 1, 2026. In addition to her impactful work as a union organizer, Cynthia enjoyed spending time with her friends and loved ones, camping, playing Bingo, and supporting the Wish Come True organization and was the beloved wife of the late John Rodrigues.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Cynthia Rodrigues, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing her commitment to supporting and advancing workers' rights and bettering the lives of those around her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Celeste Madden as she celebrates her 100th birthday.

The daughter of Vincenzo and Elena Cicora, Celeste was raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, alongside her siblings Anthony and Anne. After graduating from Brockton High School in 1944, Celeste worked in a dress shop and as a teacher's aide, and a few years later married Timothy Madden. Together, they raised their four daughters, Elena, Marie, Teresa, and Cathy, and retired to Falmouth in 1986. Over the years, Celeste enjoyed gardening, doing yardwork, and travelling the country with her husband in their camper.

Today, Celeste enjoys doing crossword puzzles, reading, watching historical programs, for which she is grateful for the closed captioning on her tv, and spending time with her 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. On January 17, 2026. Celeste will celebrate her 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Celeste Madden, and I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating a century well lived and wishing Celeste many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, the House and now our Senate have finally acted to release the files and all the information regarding the criminal activities of Jeffrey Epstein and all who enabled, all who knew and did nothing, and all who participated in some of the worst sexual abuse and trafficking crimes our country has experienced.

This will expose the rich, the powerful, and the self-entitled who were involved in these crimes and who did it for the worst possible reason, because they thought they could.

This necessary legislation should not have been necessary because this White House, this administration, this President could have merely released these files. Instead, they withheld, dismissed, and covered up. They even had their Justice Department's two highest officials try to coerce a House Member to take their name off the discharge petition that finally triggered the approval of this legislation.

It was only because of the actions of courageous survivors coming forward, coming to the Capitol, and speaking truth to power that we are able to advance this legislation.

As a Massachusetts district attorney, I oversaw specialized sexual assault police units, specialized sexual assault prosecutors, and specialized sexual assault victim-witness assistance units. I founded a child advocacy center to treat and reduce trauma for child victims of sexual assault.

I know from this one thing. The survivors want one thing and one thing only: that no child, no young girl, will ever have to go through the trauma that they went through, a trauma so great that one survivor took her own life.

Now, a warning to this White House, this administration, and this President. Never again say these crimes did not occur. Never call them a hoax, and don't attempt to abuse and pervert what this legislation does by invoking a sham active investigation as a disingenuous excuse to withhold a complete release of the Epstein files. Don't do this because the brave survivors will not stand for it, and they will not stand alone. The majority of this House will stand with them. The majority of our Senate will stand with them. Most importantly, the American people will stand with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Freeman Johnson, a resident of Centerville, Massachusetts and the oldest survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Born on March 11, 1920, Johnson was raised in Waltham, Massachusetts. After graduating high school, Johnson attended Massachusetts Nautical School in Boston, presently Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay. He then went on to enlist in the United States Navy in December 1939. After completing training in Newport, Rhode Island, Johnson was assigned to serve aboard the USS St. Louis as a Machinist First Class.

On the morning of December 7, 1941, the USS St. Louis was docked at Pearl Harbor awaiting repairs to its boiler. Johnson was working at the bottom of the ship in the boiler room when the attacks began. Although he could not see the strikes, he could feel and hear the vibrations as the USS Arizona and USS Oklahoma were struck. Understanding the urgency of the situation, Johnson and his fellow shipmates quickly got to work to repair the boiler. In less than 40 minutes the USS St. Louis was up and underway, earning the nickname ``the Lucky Lou.''

After Pearl Harbor, Johnson was transferred to the USS Iowa to help commission the ship that would bring President Franklin D. Roosevelt across the Atlantic Ocean for the Tehran Conference with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin in November 1943. It was also on the USS Iowa in Tokyo Bay, where Johnson would watch the Japanese sign the Instrument of Surrender on the USS Missouri.

After the war, Johnson returned home to Waltham and married Ruth Hills. Together they raised three daughters, Diane, Edie, and Cindy. For many years, Johnson worked as a machinist at W.H. Nichols. Known for his steadfast work ethic, he retired at age 90 from Meals on Wheels.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Freeman Johnson, and I ask that my colleagues join me this Veterans Day in thanking him and the millions of veterans and service members who have bravely dedicated their lives to protecting our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of His All-Holiness Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, as he visits the United States to receive the Templeton Prize.

Born Demetrios Arhondonis on the island of Imvros, known today as Gokceada, Turkey, Patriarch Bartholomew was elected the 270th Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch in October 1991. Today he leads a community of 300 million Orthodox Christians and is the longest serving archbishop in the church's 2,000-year history. Patriarch Bartholomew pursued theological studies in Istanbul, Rome, Switzerland, Germany, and Greece, earning a doctorate in Canon law. Recognized for his scholarship and global perspective, he has received honorary doctorates from leading institutions across the world.

Throughout his time as Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew has worked to build unity among the Christian churches and foster meaningful dialogue between world religions. He has convened many international conferences, bringing together religious leaders from across the globe to promote coexistence and tolerance. Known as the ``Green Patriarch,'' Patriarch Bartholomew has brought significant attention to ecological concerns, organizing global, interfaith symposia on climate change and ecological responsibility. For his environmental leadership, he has received numerous awards and international recognition.

Patriarch Bartholomew has addressed the United Nations, the European Parliament, and the World Economic Forum, earning accolades from around the world. In recognition of his global contributions, he received the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997. In September 2025, Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to the U.S. to receive the Templeton Prize, one the most prestigious awards recognizing those who use the power of science to explore the deepest questions of the universe and humankind's place and purpose within it. Previous recipients include St. Teresa of Kolkata and the Dalai Lama.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate the work of His All-Holiness Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, and I ask that my colleagues join me in welcoming him to Washington, D.C. and thanking him for his ongoing commitment to advancing peace and religious freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Raymond ``Ray'' Duffy as he celebrates his 100th birthday.

Born on August 16, 1925, to parents R. Francis and Marie Duffy, Ray was raised in Boston, Massachusetts, alongside his brother, Bob. Ray and his family spent their summers in Rocky Nook, a neighborhood in the coastal Town of Kingston, where Ray enjoyed digging clams. When he was 12, Ray started rowing his dingy down the Jones River to work with George Shiverick and help George build his award-winning ships.

At the age of only 16, Ray graduated at the top of his class from the Boston Latin School in 1941. Ray then began studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to pursue his dream of becoming a naval architect. He paid for his first year by digging clams at Rocky Nook over the summer.

In the spring of 1942, Ray enlisted in the United States Navy after being assured that he could finish the school year at MIT. However, he received a telegram two days later with instructions to report for training. During his years of service, Ray received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Cornell University as part of the Navy's V12 program and served as an ensign on the USS Randall in San Francisco.

Following his service in the Navy, Ray returned home to Boston, where he met his wife Martina ``Marty'' at a dance. The couple was married on June 26, 1948, and in 1952, they purchased a plot of land in South Weymouth where they would build a home and raise their five children. Over the years, Ray built a successful career as a sales engineer and later as Vice President of Sales for the Tubular Rivet and Stud Company, before he founded his own company, RF Duffy Associates Inc. Duffy Associates grew into a larger and diverse business that included Duffy International, an electronics distribution company.

Known affectionately as the ``Admiral'' by his family, Ray continued to spend his summers in Rocky Nook after he and Marty purchased his parents' home. Throughout the years, Ray took his family on legendary sailing and boating trips and became an avid lobsterman, He continued lobstering well into his late eighties.

Beyond his professional success and passion for the sea, Ray remained deeply involved in the community. He served as a lector at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church and St. Francis Xavier Parish, where he was President of the Knights of Columbus. Ray was also a member Weymouth Rotary Club, before moving and joining the Braintree Rotary Club, where he served as President for many years. Additionally, Ray was elected as a town meeting member for the Town of Braintree and greatly enjoyed participating in town governance and supporting the community.

Sadly, Ray's wife, Marty, passed away in 2008, but Ray continued to be active with the Braintree Rotary Club and throughout the South Shore community. Today, Ray enjoys spending time with his grandchildren in Rocky Nook as well as Naples during the winter. On August 16, 2025, Ray will celebrate his 100th birthday with his family in Rocky Nook.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Ray Duffy, and I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating a century well lived and wishing Ray many more years of health and happiness.