Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I will now yield to the nominal representative of Mr. Sullivan, who will be joining countless people, as we have already seen from representatives from Maryland, representatives we will hear from from Vermont and New York and California and New Jersey, all envious of being associated with Massachusetts officials and Mr. Sullivan.

We understand their humility, and in that humility I would like to yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Connolly).

Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce now for comments about Mr. Sullivan a person who shared the same mentor in many respects, a person that we all admire so greatly, that is the late Congressman Joseph Moakley, I would like to yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern).

I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts.

Mr. Sullivan has had this position as manager of the Cloakroom on the Democratic side since 1987, and he has served different leaders in that capacity. I am sure one of the highlights of his career has been having that position when history was changed and we had our first woman who was Speaker of the House.

I would like to yield to our esteemed leader from California (Ms. Pelosi).

Thank you, Madam Leader.

We all know that it is no secret that in this House there are often great divisions, and probably the most profound schism that exists in this House is between Red Sox fans and Yankee fans. But to show you the esteem that Mr. Sullivan has held with our Members, I have the privilege of yielding whatever time he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano).

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the subject of this Special Order.

Mr. Speaker, after the kind words of the gentleman from New York, I just want to say, after hearing him pay tribute to Mr. Sullivan, I just will tell you that I do hope that the Yankees sign Robinson Cano, and I hope they go way over the luxury tax threshold to do it.

Mr. Speaker, just briefly, I want to tell you, when I came to this House not knowing much, I asked for advice from a lot of people, and I can't tell you how many people told me, Just seek out Barry Sullivan for whatever you need, whether it is a personal need, whether it is the knowledge of the city, whether it is the knowledge of legislative practice, whether it is the knowledge of what to do in the formal or informal structure. They all told me to seek out Barry Sullivan. I will tell you that no better advice was ever given to me.

I want to congratulate him on his 33 years, and I want to say that it has been an amazing career because, as the leadership has changed over his 87 years, he has maintained that position despite who was in the Democratic leadership, and that is a tribute to the job that he does.

I also have felt a kinship with him as I began to know a little bit about him. I saw that we have a lot in common. He comes from a police family. His father was police commissioner. My father was a police officer. My brother was a police officer. His father was a State senator, and I served in the State senate for part of that time, representing the city of Boston as well.

We both shared the great privilege of having a mentor. Joe Moakley was the Congressman in my district in my days when I was in the State legislature, and I called upon him time and time again for advice. I realize that both Barry Sullivan and I profited greatly from that knowledge, not only of the institutional knowledge that he had but the good character and type of person that Joe Moakley was.

Barry and I both had an early interest in politics. We both studied and majored in political science when we were in college. Even our own sons went to the same college of St. Joe's, and we both paid those tuition figures to have that occur.

A lot of people will be saying good-bye to Barry, and they will be saying that they are sorry they won't be seeing him as much. I think I am probably in the minority, where I will be able to say, I probably will see you more because I am sure that as he has more time to spend on his own to recreate, to be with his family, I am going to see him on the beaches in Falmouth Heights. I am going to see him fishing. I am going to see him watching the Falmouth Commodores in the Cape Cod league, enjoying probably one of the best places in the world to retire to.

I just want to wish him well. I wish Barbara well. Good health. Enjoy those years. And thank you, Mr. Sullivan, for a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the accomplishments of veteran James Collins of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, the Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year.

James Collins, born in Kentucky, served in the Air Force as a staff sergeant in Korea and Japan, as well as at the Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod. In 1965, Mr. Collins moved to Dartmouth, Massachusetts and has selflessly served veterans in his community, primarily as a Dartmouth Veterans Service Officer from 1996 to 2003. In his retirement, Mr. Collins has continued his service to the veteran community providing needed assistance and securing benefits for veterans and their families. In addition, Mr. Collins is a member of the Dartmouth Veterans Advisory Board which he helped establish in 1997. He is the current Adjutant and Services Officer for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9059 and is a member of the American Legion Post #307. In all of these organizations, he has worked tirelessly to increase membership and raise funds for projects such as local Veterans Memorials and the annual Dartmouth Memorial Day Parade. Mr. Collins has given so much to his community, and serves as an example of what it means to serve one's country.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize James Collins for his service in the Air Force and his community. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the work of Officer James Collins, the Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the completion of the Flaherty Drive Project in New Bedford.

Greater New Bedford is a working city, constantly progressing and growing. The New Bedford Business Park allows local businesses to set up shop and participate in our community's--and nation's--economy. Of course, with emerging businesses, space is limited. When two million dollars were allocated to extend the park by 45 acres, an opportunity was given to new businesses, and existing businesses were given the opportunity to expand. The Flaherty Drive Extension has been completed by the Bourne Financial Development Corporation, and currently offers water, sewer, gas, electric, and telecommunication services to the New Bedford businesses looking to operate in the new section of the Business Park.

This project would not be possible without Bill Flaherty, the longtime Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Greater New Bedford Industrial Foundation's Executive Committee. He served on the Committee from 1987 until 2002. Mr. Flaherty passed away in 2003 at the age of 57 after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Joan, and his daughters, Megan and Mary. At the Celebration of the Flaherty Drive Project, a memento of dedication to Mr. Flaherty will be presented to his family. It's essential to highlight the progression of local businesses, especially in the current economy. It is the hard work and dedication, as exhibited by Bill Flaherty, that allows for our country to advance and thrive economically.

Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to recognize the completion of the Flaherty Drive Project in New Bedford. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the importance of this newly expanded business park, the insurmountable role it will play in the lives of local business owners, and the devotion of Bill Flaherty in his work to better the City of New Bedford.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, and to honor the men and women who proudly served in the United States Armed Forces during this turbulent period in history.

Our nation will never be able to fully express the heartfelt gratitude we have for our veterans. The debt that we owe them is immeasurable. Time and again, our servicemen and women have stepped forward to defend the freedoms we enjoy today.

American veterans are a cornerstone of society. Past generations helped build up this great country and did not hesitate to answer the call of duty. As we remember their selfless actions, it is my hope that citizens everywhere take time to speak with the veterans in their family and community. Thank them for their service, and ask them about their role in defending our country. Helping veterans pass on their priceless wisdom and memories to future generations is one of the best ways we can honor them today.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating this 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. [ask that my colleagues rise and join me in thanking our veterans, past and present, for the sacrifices they have made in service to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, as Ranking Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, I rise along with the co-chairs of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, Representatives Kaptur, Levin, and Gerlach, to voice my support for Ukraine's European aspirations.

As long-time advocates for the democratization and economic liberalization of Ukraine, we welcome the progress that has been made to date and encourage Ukraine's continued efforts in the coming weeks to realize the final steps necessary to enter into an Association Agreement with the European Union (EU) at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius this November.

By strengthening Ukraine's bilateral relationship with the EU, we are confident that through greater economic integration and political cooperation, Ukraine will be able to achieve a stronger relationship with current EU Member States, as well as transatlantic partners, such as the United States, through a shared respect for democratic principles, rule of law, good governance, human rights, and essential freedoms. As such, we believe that the signing of an Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU will continue to serve as a catalyst for democratic and human rights reforms, enhanced economic development, and improved welfare for all Ukrainians.

Over the last year, we have observed with interest Ukraine's efforts to meet the EU's conditions for this agreement, and as the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius draws near, we wish to encourage all parties to continue to cooperate and work swiftly to complete all remaining reforms, in law and in practice.

Recognizing that key progress has been made in certain areas, including the enactment of a new criminal procedure code, we support further tangible action by Ukraine to address critical issues and incorporate the reforms necessary to improve its electoral system, governing institutions, and its system of justice. In particular, we believe that a crucial step towards such reform would be the pardon and release of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko under mutually acceptable terms.

The signing of an Association Agreement with the EU marks a significant opportunity for Ukraine to fulfill its commitments to democracy and human rights and is in the strategic interests of Ukraine, the EU, and the United States. We offer our support and encouragement to Ukraine in the coming weeks as it takes the final steps towards a stronger and enhanced relationship with the EU.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Tadeusz Mazowiecki, who passed away today at the age of 86.

Tadeusz Mazowiecki played a pivotal role in the Round Table talks that paved the way for Poland's peaceful democratic transition. He was an architect of the agreement that led to Poland's first partially free elections in June 1989 and went on to serve as Poland's first post- communist prime minister.

Throughout his life, Mazowiecki was a courageous advocate for workers' rights and human dignity. He was the leader of a small group of Polish intellectuals who traveled to Gdansk in 1980 to show their solidarity with striking shipyard workers. He was one of the first to be arrested when communist authorities declared martial law in December 1981 and one of the last to be released a year later. Throughout the 1980s, Mazowiecki served as an advisor to Lech Walesa and played a leading role in Solidarity movement. As prime minister, Mazowiecki sped political reforms, enacted civil and political rights, and laid the groundwork for Poland's successful transition to a free market economy. Poland's peaceful revolution sparked a chain reaction throughout Central Europe, culminating in Czechoslovakia's Velvet Revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989.

Mr. Speaker, the people of the United States and Europe owe Tadeusz Mazowiecki an immeasurable debt of gratitude. The world today is safer and more free because of him and Polish patriots like him. His memory serves as an inspiration to those who fight--often against all odds-- for rule of law and human dignity in their own countries, and as a reminder to all that the blessings of liberty and democracy should not be taken for granted.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Georgia on the conduct of the October 27 presidential election. International observers, including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, characterized the election as ``positive and transparent,'' noting that freedom of expression, movement and assembly were respected, and that candidates were able to campaign without restriction.

The election's successful conduct--and the pending peaceful transfer of power--demonstrate the growing maturity of Georgia's democracy. This is an important indication that Georgia is indeed ready to initial an Association Agreement with the European Union at the November 28-29 Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. The Association Agreement, which includes deep and comprehensive free trade provisions, will give the Georgian people new tools and new incentives to strengthen their democratic institutions, fight corruption, and uphold the rule of law.

Mr. Speaker, I also congratulate Giorgi Margvelashvili on his electoral victory. I call on all political parties to work together to advance Georgia's interests and the interests of the Georgian people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Yvonne Wright, who celebrates her 100th birthday on October 23, 2013.

Yvonne Angelle Vigeant was born on October 23, 1913 in Brookline, Massachusetts. Growing up with twin sister Helene, she graduated from Brookline High School and was working at Boston State Hospital when she met Lewis Wright, who she married in 1935. A twin himself, Lewis and his brother were local entrepreneurs, purchasing English's Dairy and establishing Wright Brothers' Sports Center, the popular Holbrook bowling center and golf driving range. Together, Yvonne and Lewis raised four children, and went on to welcome nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Wright has expressed a lifelong passion for art, having become an accomplished

oil painter. She is also well-known in her community as being passionate about the environment, often advocating for greater environmental protections and voicing her opinion in local newspapers. Yvonne loves to spend time with her large family, and is often be found at her grandchildren's soccer games and school events.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Yvonne Wright on her 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Malala Yosafzai, who today was awarded the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

I join our European counterparts in honoring Malala's tremendous bravery in the face of repeated and unconscionable threats, including an assassination attempt last year, when she was shot by Taliban gunmen while returning home from school.

Malala's courageous advocacy for the rights of girls to have the same education as boys inspires us all.

Throughout our history, Americans have understood the importance of education. Put simply, we are a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous nation because we have made quality primary and secondary education available to all our children.

The same is not true in other parts of the world, especially in societies torn apart by conflict, violent extremism, and poverty. There are tens of millions of girls out of school around the world, and women make up nearly two thirds--almost 500 million--of the world's illiterate adults. In her address to the United Nations, Malala reminded the world of the power of education to combat ignorance, intolerance, and violent extremism by promoting human dignity and creating undreamed-of opportunity.

Mr. Speaker, I join Malala in her call on the world's leaders to ensure that all children--girls and boys alike--have access to a quality education. By working with our international partners to achieve this goal, we can help families around the world lift themselves out of dire poverty and, in so doing, make the world a safer and more prosperous place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief George Baker upon his retirement from the Mashpee Fire Department.

Chief Baker has spent the past thirty years serving the town of Mashpee through his invaluable service to the Mashpee Fire Department, filling the role of Fire Chief for the past two decades. His many friends and colleagues describe him as a man truly dedicated to his service, always putting his fellow firemen and the Mashpee community first. Even on his last day at the Department, Chief Baker chose to wear a blue firefighter's uniform instead of his usual white chief's uniform to remember his earlier years of service, and he spent the day responding to emergency calls throughout the community. His dedication to helping others sets an example for us all to follow, and I know I speak for many when I say that his accomplishments have been invaluable to the town of Mashpee.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Chief George Baker upon his retirement from the Mashpee Fire Department. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Chief Baker for his many years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of Fire Chief Glenn Olson upon the occasion of his retirement from the Eastham Fire Department.

Chief Olson has given over 3 decades of invaluable service to his community. I know I speak for many when I say that his outstanding achievements are evident in his distinguished career as a Firefighter and Paramedic in both the Hyannis and Eastham Fire Departments. The Eastham department recognized his skill and value when they appointed him to Shift Lieutenant in 1987. Chief Olson continued to honorably protect the people of both Hyannis and Eastham for 13 years until he was chosen as Fire Chief of the Eastham Department. On November 1st of this year, Chief Olson will retire having spent thirteen years as Fire Chief.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Fire Chief Glenn Olson upon his retirement from Eastham Fire Department after thirty-three years and eleven months of invaluable service. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating him on this important occasion and in thanking him for all that he has done for his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ambassador Victoria Nuland, who was sworn in this afternoon as the State Department's Assistant Secretary for Europe and Eurasia. Assistant Secretary Nuland, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, has served with distinction under Democratic and Republican Presidents, most recently as State Department Spokesperson, as U.S. Ambassador to NATO, and as the former Vice President's Principal Deputy National Security Advisor. Throughout her career, Ambassador Nuland has demonstrated a fervent commitment to strengthening the transatlantic partnership, a relationship based on shared devotion to democratic principles and values. As Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, I look forward to working with Assistant Secretary Nuland to strengthen America's ties with Europe, as we work together to advance our mutual interests around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the people of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. These six countries are members of the European Union's Eastern Partnership, an initiative that aims to promote democratic values, rule of law, and economic opportunity in Eastern Europe.

Participation in the Eastern Partnership is strictly voluntary, in line with the long-standing international principle that sovereign states have the right to make their own decisions and choose their own alliances.

Each of these six countries, to one degree or another, has made clear their interest in closer relations with the European Union and has chosen--again voluntarily--to participate in the Eastern Partnership.

Three of the Eastern Partnership countries--Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine--are poised to make historic strides in their relations with the European Union by initialing or signing Association Agreements at this November's Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. These Association Agreements, which include deep and comprehensive free trade provisions, will accelerate the process of political reform in each country and create conditions for extraordinary economic growth.

These Association Agreements pose no threat to other countries. Indeed, I believe that the greater geographic neighborhood and peoples of the Eastern Partnership countries would benefit from these countries' integration into the European economy. For this reason, I cannot understand nor do I condone threats of trade embargoes, energy price hikes, gas supply cutoffs, and other forms of intimidation that might dissuade Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine from a path they have voluntarily chosen.

Mr. Speaker, I call on any government engaged in such coercive practices to respect each country's right under international law to define and conduct its own relations.

I call on the Administration to stand with the people of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine at this important moment in Europe's history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding civic contributions of Mr. Louis Cataldo and Mrs. Alice George on the occasion of their retirement from the Mercy Otis Warren Woman of the Year Selection Committee.

Mr. Cataldo first conceived the Mercy Otis Warren Award as a way of recognizing the contributions of Cape Cod's women, past and present. The honor has been bestowed upon twelve women since 2002 for their exceptional leadership, involvement in local institutions, and community enrichment. Mr. Cataldo's love of history and the Cape Cod community are evident in the award's namesake, as Mercy Otis Warren was a citizen of Barnstable County and a vocal advocate for civil liberties in the midst of the American Revolution. Mr. Cataldo's initiative has helped preserve the memory of an often-overlooked American patriot while praising the distinguished women who continue Warren's legacy today.

A charter member of the Mercy Otis Warren Woman of the Year Selection Committee, Mrs. Alice George has presided as its chair from the beginning. In partnership with Mr. Cataldo and the Barnstable County Commissioners, Mrs. George has led the charge to bring Cape Cod's most inspiring women to the forefront. She has long been a central figure in Barnstable and actively serves in many charitable and community organizations. Mrs. George also worked with Mr. Cataldo in bringing the Mercy Otis Warren statue to the grounds of the county courthouse.

Following eleven wonderful years at the helm, Mr. Cataldo and and Mrs. George will step down from their positions on the selection committee. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Mr. Louis Cataldo and Mrs. Alice George for over a decade of service to southeastern Massachusetts. I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding them for their selfless advocacy efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bob DuBois as he prepares to step down from his role as Executive Director of the Yarmouth Area Chamber of Commerce.

A longtime fixture on Cape Cod, Mr. DuBois has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Chamber of Commerce, the thriving business community it represents, and the entire Yarmouth community. For the past twenty- three years, Mr. DuBois has served as the Chamber's Executive Director, and he has touched many lives in this role. Many of his colleagues and friends recall the many early mornings and late nights he spent in the Chamber's office, seeing him at countless events and meetings around town, and his diligence in promoting Yarmouth's thriving businesses. His many years of hard work have been invaluable to the town's success, and he will certainly be missed by those who work and live in the community.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to recognize Mr. Bob DuBois for the service that he has given to the Town of Yarmouth. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking him for all that he has done for the town, and in wishing him well in his future endeavors.