Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Carol Jackman, who turns 80 years young on December 4th.

Carol's dedication to our veterans stretches back to her childhood. Growing up on army bases, she developed a keen awareness of the important work our servicemembers do every single day. Not only is she the daughter of a U.S. veteran, but she is the sister, wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, and aunt of U.S. veterans.

Volunteerism has been an important theme in Carol's life. For over 50 years, Carol has been a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She has served as unit president, district director, state president, and the chair of many different programs. During the 1970s Carol worked to ensure no veteran was forgotten. She created and delivered homemade Easter baskets for sick and homebound veterans. Carol has also spent decades volunteering at the West Roxbury and Brockton VA hospitals.

Honoring veterans is her passion. To this day she plants flowers in the Highland Cemetery, a tradition she has kept up longer than she can remember. She also serves on the Memorial Day committee in Dover, working to ensure each year's celebration properly honors our servicemembers.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Carol Jackman on this joyous occasion of her 80th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 425, the Foreign Terrorist Organization Passport Revocation Act.

Mr. Speaker, I can't speak to the subject of terrorism without condemning the senseless and heinous attack that took place yesterday in New York City. My prayers are with all the individuals and families that were affected. My utmost respect goes to the New York City community that, once again, stands strong, stands together, unintimidated.

Mr. Speaker, I introduced this important piece of legislation, H.R. 425, together with Chairman Poe of the Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

As we have discussed, this legislation works to strengthen the tools we have at our disposal for combating terrorism. Put simply, the Secretary of State can refuse to issue or revoke the passport to any individual the Secretary determines is affiliated with or has aided, assisted, or abetted a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The terrorist treats that we face today are complex. Our Federal, State, and local agencies are fighting terrorism at a time when ISIS and other terrorist organizations are able to use new technologies and means of communication to connect with individuals around the globe to fund, to direct, and inspire acts of terror.

Modes of international travel are more accessible and affordable than ever, and cross-border flows of people and goods have increased as we have become more connected in the global world. While these are very positive developments for exchange, competitiveness, and quality of life, we also have to be sure we are managing the risks that go along with this increased connectivity.

We have to make it harder for anyone supporting terrorism to benefit from the increased ease of global movement. That is why our legislation is important. We must ensure that the Secretary of State has the clear authority to refuse a passport to anyone affiliated with or supporting a designated foreign terrorist organization.

This legislation provides that specific statutory authority, as well as improved congressional oversight, are in place. It is also important that there are safeguards in place in order for any law to be successful. That is why I am pleased that H.R. 425 also includes a right of review for anyone whose passport has been refused or revoked.

It is absolutely possible to fight terrorism while still upholding protections for individuals' rights and the rule of law, and it is critical that we do both. In fighting to protect our communities and our democracy, we cannot compromise these very things we are fighting to protect.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Poe for joining me in introducing H.R. 425, the Foreign Terrorist Organization Passport Revocation Act. I would like to also thank Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel for their support with this bill as well within the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge that all of our colleagues join together in support of this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Honorable George N. Leighton, who turns 105 years young on October 22nd.

George was born in New Bedford to Anna Silva Garcia and Antonio Neves Leitao, who emigrated from the Cape Verde Islands. During his childhood, George and his siblings helped their parents who worked as agricultural laborers, and they only attended school for a few months a year. It was while working as a cranberry bog weeder that George first decided to pursue a career in law.

George finished school after the 7th grade and, while working in restaurant kitchens, started taking night classes. He then pursued a degree at Howard University, after he was able to prove he could complete college level work. This was the first time he would use English as his primary language. In 1940, George graduated magna cum laude from Howard University and held a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves Officer Training Corps.

An aspiring lawyer, George would stop at nothing and entered Harvard Law School with a scholarship later that year. As the United States entered World War II, George served in the Pacific Theater for almost three years and was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Bronze Star. Discharged as a Captain in 1945, George reentered Harvard Law School. He then passed the Massachusetts bar in 1946 and established his law practice in Chicago.

George faced heavy racial discrimination and was not allowed to join the American Bar Association or the Chicago Bar Association. Despite this atmosphere, he became one of the most prominent and respected criminal defense lawyers in Illinois. George often worked as the court- appointed defense counsel for crimes of violence and with the NAACP and ACLU on cases of racial segregation. During this time he worked closely with Thurgood Marshall, among others, and was asked to represent Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. George fought tirelessly for equal voting rights, desegregation in schools, open housing, the right to sit on juries, abolishing the death penalty; and fairness in the criminal justice system.

In 1964, George was elected to the Circuit Court of Cook County, where he gained recognition as one of the finest criminal court judges. Later, in 1969, he was appointed to the First District Appellate Court of Illinois. After gaining a reputation as one of the most thoughtful and fair jurists, President Gerald Ford appointed George to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 1976. After retiring in 1987 at the age of 75, George returned to the private practice of law to work on civil and criminal litigation, and to continue to teach at John Marshall Law School.

A member of the bar for over 70 years, George exemplifies service to his community. He led his life fighting for a fair criminal justice system and, in 2011, George played a key role in successfully abolishing the death penalty in Illinois. In addition to the many honors George has received throughout his years fighting for equality, the U.S. Postal Service in New Bedford was also renamed after him, as the ``Honorable Judge George N. Leighton Post Office Building.''

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Honorable George N. Leighton on this joyous occasion of his 105th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing him many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Anne Seeley for her commendable years of service to her community and her country.

Anne spent her college years encouraging debate on international issues and current events. She helped create and also led organizations that addressed preserving civil liberties and women's rights, among other important topics.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Anne was recruited for a secret training program in cryptography sponsored by the U.S. Navy. As a senior in college, she attended these trainings at night after class, along with twenty other students. She graduated from Smith College in 1942 and answered the call to join the Navy. As part of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) program, she was an invaluable asset working around the clock to decipher the principal Japanese naval codes.

After the war, Anne went on to receive her Master's degree from Columbia University. She dedicated her career to teaching history, English, and Latin. Not one to rest on her laurels, Anne and her husband would spend their free time tutoring students who did not have access to the educational opportunities that every child deserves. Their hard work paid off and the initiative became known as the Reading is Fundamental project in Newark, New Jersey, which continues to serve students to this day.

Anne remains an active member of her community on Cape Cod. She has served on several town committees and has never missed a town meeting or election. Anne continues to work tirelessly to encourage others to join the conversation, get involved, and vote.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Anne Seeley for her dedication to her community and country. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking her for her work and wishing her all the best as she continues her efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Thelma G. Goldstein, a resident of Falmouth, Massachusetts, who would have turned 100 years young on October 12th.

Thelma was born in Manhattan. Her family persevered through the Great Depression supported by her father's ice cream factory. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's government interventions during that period served as an inspiration that led her to discovering a passion for public service. Her other great passion was her family and no matter how busy she got, she always made time for family and she raised four children with her husband, a career military doctor.

Thelma was a devoted Democrat since she cast her first ballot in 1940. Her belief in community engagement followed her through life and led her to becoming the co-chairman of the Falmouth Democratic Town Committee.

A local legend in Falmouth, Thelma is remembered for her tireless efforts to improve the Democratic Party and as a strong advocate for women in politics. In her nineties, she was organizing trips to New Hampshire to campaign for Hillary Clinton and led local efforts to make phone calls, knock on doors, and hold signs. Unfortunately Thelma passed away on June 9, 2016. She had attended a Democratic Convention just one week earlier. Her commitment to public service continues with the Thelma Goldstein Award for Civic Involvement and with the legacy she left behind in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Thelma G. Goldstein on this occasion of her 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing her many years of dedication to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sincere recognition of Peter Scarafile on the occasion of his retirement from Cape Cod Healthcare. Peter is retiring as the Director of Pharmacy after more than 44 years as an integral part of the Cape Cod Healthcare family.

Peter was born in Union City, New Jersey and raised in Newburgh, New York by his first-generation Italian American father, Danny, and his Italian mother, Maria. His parents met when his father was stationed as a military policeman in Italy right after World War II. Peter is one of three brothers and learned to speak Italian before he spoke English at home.

Peter's incredible work ethic began at a young age when stocked shelves at the dairy department of a local grocery store in high school. Though originally recruited by Brown University, he decided to attend Northeastern University's School of Pharmacy to participate in Northeastern University's renowned Co-Op program. It was during his work at Karas Pharmacy during his Co-Op program in 1972 that Peter met the love of his life, Judy. They were married in 1974 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Barnstable, MA.

After graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy, Peter enrolled immediately to complete his Master's in Hospital Administration. Peter and Judy then moved to Cape Cod to begin their careers.

In 1975 Peter began his first job at a hospital when was hired as a Staff Pharmacist at Cape Cod Hospital. He quickly rose the ranks to become the Manager of Pharmacy Operations for the parent organization, Cape Cod Healthcare, before being appointed the Director of Pharmacy in 2009. In this role he oversaw eight pharmacies and 40 pharmacists who assist thousands of sick patients to get the attention and care they need.

They quickly became very involved in local organizations, including the Cape Cod Baseball League. As friends and family joke, when Peter married Judy, he also married the Cape Cod League. Peter joined the then-Hyannis

Mets and became an active member in the baseball community. Additionally, he has served as President of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, President of the Greater Hyannis Chamber of Commerce, President of the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum Foundation, a board member of the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod, a board member of the Baybridge Clubhouse, and a board member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church.

Even in his free time, Peter has devoted countless hours volunteering and helping those in need. He and Judy have deployed on several volunteer disaster assignments including to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, to Haiti after the earthquake, and New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy. Never one to rest, he is now training to become a Red Cross disaster volunteer as well. Further, Peter is the Warden of St. Mary's Episcopal Church and a Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE) Counselor, where he helps seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare and health insurance.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Peter Scarafile for his dedication to the healthcare industry and the wellbeing of so many residents of Cape Cod. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking him for his work and wishing him all the best as he enjoys his deserved retirement.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman from California, and I also want to thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle for their support of an amendment that really is relevant right now. In Barnstable County, Massachusetts, a single coordinator for the FEMA community rating system program is helping 11 of the 15 towns invest in a regional level mitigation to bring down flood insurance premiums for the people of Cape Cod.

That coordinator is working to include all 15 towns in the program and help residents achieve flood insurance discounts of up to 15 percent in year 1 alone.

My amendment in this package would fund grants to help towns in other parts of the country partner together and hire their own regional CRS coordinators. More local governments would be able to mitigate flood risk and lower the cost of premiums for residents in their areas.

Nobody loses under this scenario. We make flood insurance more affordable, we encourage investment in flood mitigation, and because of the cost-saving use of Federal dollars, the CBO reports this amendment will reduce the deficit by $5 million in 2018. It is such a really important time in our country when we face challenges of major storms and floods.

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased the amendment was included in the en bloc, and I urge my colleagues to support this package.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sincere recognition of Anthony Colacchio and his commendable dedication in starting a wheelchair curling program at the Cape Cod Curling Club, as well as his dedication to serving wheelchair athletes.

Anthony has always been passionate about volunteering his time, money, and efforts to helping those who are differently-abled. He is a nationally-certified wheelchair trainer, has convinced the Grand National Curling Committee to set aside money to assist wheelchair curlers, accompanied the United States Paralympic Team to the Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia in 2014, and will be accompanying the team again during the 2018 Games in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. Anthony and his wife, Mary, have also been invaluable in the ongoing expansion to make the Cape Cod Curling Club in Falmouth, Massachusetts handicap accessible.

Anthony's renowned work with the wheelchair curling community has roots much closer to home. After seeing his brother, who was in a wheelchair, sidelined from sport, Anthony saw curling as a golden opportunity to bring together all athletes in a common arena as equals. Anthony's work has come with sacrifice--dedicating so much of his time to the sport, he has missed special occasions with family but they have remained supportive throughout his tireless work.

Anthony's volunteerism does not end at the edge of the ice. He is involved in Neighborhood Falmouth, a local chapter of a national movement that promotes community residence for older Americans. Anthony regularly takes seniors to their doctors' appointments, providing vital transportation so they can access the health services they need. Additionally, he is on the board of directors for USS Donner Reunion, an organization that provides information and holds reunions for former shipmates of the USS Donner, a dock landing ship that served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1970.

Anthony and Mary host an annual banquet in July known as the International Bonspiel. This year marks the 48th year of the banquet, and attendees will include veterans of the wheelchair curling community from South Korea, Slovakia, Canada, and the United States. Anthony's selfless commitment to both wheelchair athletes and the sport of curling has touched innumerable lives in the United States and around the world. For these efforts he is being recognized this year at the Bonspiel dinner.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Anthony Colacchio for his dedication to the sport of curling and creating an equal playing field for people of all abilities. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking him for his work and wishing him all the best as he continues his important efforts.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment that would authorize the Secretary of Defense to make existing funds available from the Defense Health Program for collaboration with medical researchers and universities to address the growing number of tick- borne diseases through research and testing.

The Army Public Health Center has operated a basic tick testing program for nearly 30 years. Through this program, military personnel can assess tick identification services through military healthcare facilities at no charge.

However, the tests provided by this program are limited to only six tick-borne diseases, whereas the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Defense have now identified 16 of these tick-borne diseases, some of which can be fatal.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, around 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported each year. However, additional CDC research reveals the actual number of diagnoses could be as high as 300,000. And, alarmingly, nearly 20 percent of the people surveyed in areas with high incidence of Lyme disease were unaware that the disease was even a risk.

This issue is of particular concern in my region. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, my district includes the counties with the five highest rates of Lyme disease in the Commonwealth, including Barnstable County, home of Joint Base Cape Cod.

However, my region is not alone on this issue. Ticks carrying dangerous diseases can be found in all corners of the continental United States, from Massachusetts in the north to Texas in the south, from Pennsylvania in the east to California in the west. Our servicemembers are especially vulnerable as they frequently are exposed to heavily tick-infested areas.

For example, Powassan. The Powassan virus is a serious tick-borne illness known to cause encephalitis, meningitis, and even death. Multiple cases of Powassan have already been reported in Massachusetts this year, yet the DOD tick testing program does not even include a test for Powassan in their regimen.

Mr. Chair, I realize there is a concern that amendments to this legislation might lead to a Defense Health Program pushed beyond its capacity. That is not the case here. The military tick testing program already exists. This amendment would necessarily help the Department of Defense modernize the existing program to meet new challenges in the field of tick-borne diseases.

Indeed, the DOD's own website informs us that emerging tick-borne diseases are being discovered all the time and that yearly cases of known tick-borne diseases have been increasing steadily for years. We are fortunate to have experts already working to combat the rise in tick-borne disease.

My amendment would facilitate collaboration among these experts in DOD to test more tick samples for more diseases, meet the growing needs of our military, and ultimately lead to better healthcare outcomes.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania, Mr. Thompson, for joining me as a cosponsor in this amendment. Pennsylvania is among the States in the mid-Atlantic region experiencing drastic increases in the incidence of tick-borne illnesses.

And the hope is our efforts today on the floor and by the Secretary of Defense in the next fiscal year will help save lives.

Also, I thank Chairman Thornberry for his work on this important legislation as well.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, in my earlier remarks, I did associate myself with the chairman's concern that the Department of Defense, the Defense Health Program could be pushed beyond its capacity. It is very important to recognize what he recognized, because if it gets pushed too far, it can't accomplish the things that it is working to really address.

In this instance, as he mentioned, I believe I did distinguish the fact that this is nearly a three-decade program, and what we are doing here is making sure its mission is modernized so it is dealing with what is happening in the healthcare field within that area of tick- borne illnesses.

So I do appreciate the comments of the chairman, and I think it is wise to point that out. I do hope my colleague supports this amendment, because I have been able to distinguish that from this trend.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dawn Wright on the occasion of her retirement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after 36 years of honorable service.

Born to Robert and Nancy Warren, Dawn is the oldest of four children. Robert, a Marine officer for much of his life, served in multiple locations across the U.S. This gave Dawn and her siblings the opportunity to grow up in California, Virginia, North Carolina, and Hawaii.

Growing up in a military family, Dawn joined the United States Navy in July 1974 with the goal of becoming an air traffic controller. She quickly became a ground-controlled approach (GCA) controller at Naval Air Station Kingsville before transferring to Rota, Spain where she gained experience working in a control tower alongside Spanish controllers.

After leaving the Navy in 1979, Dawn was hired to work for the FAA in August 1981. Her first assignment was Bridgeport Tower in Stratford, Connecticut where she became a full-fledged air traffic controller for the FAA. There, she received a number of `on the spot' awards and recognition for her outstanding work.

In 1986, Dawn moved to Massachusetts and worked at both Cape Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) and Hyannis Air Traffic Control (ATCT), quickly climbing the ranks to a supervisory role by 1991. In 1994 Dawn decided to become an automations specialist where she learned computer programming, software, networking and operating systems. It was during this time that she received recognition for building a computer for Cape TRACON out of scrapped, non-working computers. She has since become a staff specialist and her responsibilities have included air traffic controller testing on Nantucket, teaching the Automated Radar Terminal Systems (ARTS) course to new air traffic controllers, ensuring quality assurance at the facility, and evaluations for multiple facilities including Boston ATCT and Providence ATCT.

Outside of work, Dawn is an accomplished rower, having been part of a crew team from 2001 to 2012 as a Masters rower. In her spare time she is an avid amateur ballroom dancer, rides motorcycles and pursues recording her family's genealogy. While her childhood was not spent in Massachusetts, she has since learned that she has historic ties to the Commonwealth. She is a descendent of Thomas

Mayhew, the first governor of Martha's Vineyard, and John Swain, one of the original proprietors of Nantucket Island.

Dawn will be celebrating her retirement on June 30th and will be dearly missed by all at Cape TRACON. With her retirement she plans to spend more time with her family, including her boyfriend, her parents, and her son Brian and his family.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Dawn Wright for her many years of steadfast service to public safety, the aviation industry, and our country. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her a happy retirement and many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the people of Saint Parize-le-Chatel, France as they commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the arrival of American troops during World War I.

During the Great War, Saint Parize-le-Chatel was the location of the Mars-sur-Allier Army Hospital which housed more than 40,000 wounded soldiers while it was in operation. Thus a deep and abiding relationship was established and continues to embody the close bond that the United States and France have maintained since the American Revolution.

This year, on the 100th Anniversary of the arrival of American troops to their town, the people of Saint Parize-le-Chatel are coming together to inaugurate a memorial that is dedicated to American servicemen and women who cared for their wounded comrades in arms at Mars-sur-Allier. The commitment of the Saint Parize-le-Chatel community to preserving and celebrating this history is a testament to the deeply held values of liberty, equality, and fraternity by both French and Americans alike. It is at times like this when we should all take a moment to remember and thank those who have risen, time and again, to defend these shared values throughout history.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Saint Parize-le-Chatel on this joyous occasion. I ask

that my colleagues join me in thanking Mayor Andre Garcia and the Council of Saint Parize-le-Chatel for their efforts in organizing this historic commemoration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th Anniversary of the Congregational Church of South Dennis in Massachusetts.

Founded in 1817 by a collection of sea captains, the Congregational Church of South Dennis today remains widely renowned as the Sea Captains' Church. Prior to its foundation, since 1795, a house of worship was built at the very location upon which the current building stands. From 1795 to 1817 the people of South Dennis shared ministers with North Dennis and Harwich. In 1817, the church received its first full-time minister, Reverend John Sanford, and was formally organized into the Congregational Church of South Dennis. Construction of the current building used by the church was completed in 1837.

The Congregational Church is further recognized for its unique feature--the oldest working organ in the United States. Built in 1762 by Swiss organ builder John Snetzler in London, England, very little is known regarding its journey to the United States. Historians confirm that it was acquired by the Congregational Church of South Dennis on September 22, 1854 for $600--where it has remained for over 160 years and delights and moves listeners through its chords and music every Sunday.

Today, the Congregational Church is made up of an intimate, dedicated community of loving, caring, and welcoming neighbors. Part of the United Church of Christ, the church is led by Rev. Dr. Paul R Adkins. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Congregational Church has organized a concert and guided tours of the meetinghouse and cemetery, which will showcase the church's fascinating history and ties to seafaring.

Mr. Speaker, the 200th Anniversary of the Congregational Church of South Dennis is testament to the culture of acceptance and grace

exhibited by this community. I ask that you join me in recognizing this historic anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 291 on H.R. 10, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``yea'' when I should have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the birth of President John F. Kennedy and the exceptional work of the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum in preserving his legacy.

President Kennedy, one of Massachusetts' most celebrated sons and the youngest president to be elected to office, had a deep and abiding love for his family's home in Hyannis Port. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is devoted to preserving the legacy of President Kennedy and his deep and lasting bond with the marshes, beaches, sea breeze, and way of life on Cape Cod.

Since the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum first opened its doors in 1992, it has hosted and designed numerous exhibits that highlight the life of President Kennedy and the legacy of his family. The Museum's multimedia displays give the visiting public a glimpse into the life of one of the most influential and recognizable leaders in the world. In addition to the well-known role of the Kennedys in American history, the Museum annotates the personal side of the unforgettable President-- providing visitors with a deeper perspective on and edification of John F. Kennedy: the father, son, brother, husband, and friend. Lining the walls of the galleries are images of the Kennedys relaxing on the beach, enjoying evenings with friends, and recreating on the compound lawns.

Though President Kennedy was tragically taken from the American people on November 22, 1963, his legacy and impact on the country lives on--thanks in no small part to the efforts of the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. To this day, it remains a renowned destination in downtown Hyannis. In celebration of the anniversary of his birthday, the museum is hosting numerous events including a commemoration concert in collaboration with the Cape Symphony.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the birth of President Kennedy. I ask that my colleagues join

me in recognizing the Museum on its many years of devotion to preserving the legacy and connection of the Kennedy family to Cape Cod.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Therese Ledoux on the occasion of her 100th birthday this month.

Born on May 5, 1917 to George Ethier and Albina Chevalier, Mrs. Ledoux attended boarding school in Canada before leaving to work for her father's insurance business in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Starting in 1958 she became the Town of Acushnet's first kindergarten teacher at the St. Francis Xavier Elementary School--where she remained for more than 30 years as a beloved kindergarten teacher. To this day, Mrs. Ledoux continues to volunteer each week at the school, where she is considered a local celebrity and is held in the highest esteem by staff, students, and the Acushnet community alike.

Active both in mind and soul, Mrs. Ledoux's hobbies include doing puzzles and knitting. Her knitting projects include blankets for newly baptized children at the St. Francis Xavier Church in Acushnet. Additionally, she has made it a tradition to bake meat pies for New Year's Day--a practice she has passed onto to her daughters and grandchildren.

Over the more than seventy years she has lived in Acushnet, Mrs. Ledoux has been honored for her outstanding services by being awarded the Marian Medal by the Fall River Diocese and being named the Acushnet Woman of the Year by the Standard Times newspaper.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Therese Ledoux on this joyous occasion. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of health and happiness surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.