Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, and to honor the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces during this tumultuous 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 service members have stepped forward to defend the freedoms we enjoy today. Without the selfless actions of the soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and coast guardsmen in the Korean Peninsula, the nation of South Korea would never have blossomed into the model democracy and vital partner it is today. I sincerely thank every veteran of the Korean War for the essential role they played in ensuring democracy could take root in East Asia and for safeguarding America's allies.

American veterans are a cornerstone of society. Past generations helped build up this great country and did not hesitate to come to its aid when asked. As we remember their brave 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 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 60th anniversary of the Korean War. I ask that my colleagues rise and join me in thanking our veterans, past and present, for the sacrifices they've made in service to the United States of America.

I'd like to thank my colleague for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank so many of our colleagues that we work with day in and day out. When we came here back into session, so many of them gave their heartfelt feelings for all those that were hurt during the terrible marathon bombing that occurred in Boston on April 15.

We first remember those that lost their lives during this terrible, terrible tragedy. And there's never words that are adequate to deal with these issues. That type of loss to family, to friends, to loved ones can't really be put into words.

I can only convey my own, as well as our colleagues', sympathy for those families. Four young people's lives were taken too quickly from us all--four people who had so much to give. They were four people who we had a glimpse of with the accounts of their lives as the public mourned and joined with their families at their loss. It was just a glimpse. But what a glimpse:

A young boy, Martin Richard, had a profound message, as his poster revealed to all: ``No more hurting people. Peace.''

Lu Lingzi, who came here from another country to study and to better herself; an accomplished student, pianist, a young woman who had developed tremendous friendships in the short time she was here, who came to this country to learn more, to become more, and to offer more.

Sean Collier, a young police officer who dedicated himself to helping people. To protect and to serve, that was his goal. He gave his life doing just that.

Krystle Campbell, a young, vibrant woman; a person who, despite a busy life, busy schedule, put much of her life on hold--over a year--to help her grandmother when she was ill.

There were the first responders and the people that were injured, over 280, including Richard Donohue, an MBT police officer who participated with Watertown police in slowing down these perpetrators before they could harm more people. He was seriously injured. We pray for him in the process.

There were first responders on the scene, including civilians who just risked everything they had to provide emergency aid and help to those runners and those bystanders who were there. They were first responders that had been trained for years for terrible moments like this, who sacrificed their safety moving forward--EMTs, police officers, firefighters.

The incredible medical community in the Boston area, some of whom ran to work knowing what happened and were there, ready, emergency room doors opened, everything in place, saving lives.

We honor the citizens in our area who all gave up a small part of their freedom listening to their leaders who displayed good judgment, common sense, and moving forward to put their safety first.

Those lives of those four young people that aren't with us now, as well as the lives of those people that are recovering from the injuries and those first responders that helped us, will not be defined by a depraved act of violence of two individuals. These people are the definers themselves: givers, people that care. That's who we are. They define the best in us, the selfless side in us. They define the best of what's Boston. They define the best of what's in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They define the best of us as Americans. And they are all to be remembered today. It's a time to put politics aside and remember what a great country we have because of individuals like this.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Tommy Leonard on receiving the esteemed Heritage Award from the Falmouth Historical Society. The award commemorates Mr. Leonard's 40 years as a community leader through his athletic and charitable endeavors.

Falmouth's famous Great American Road Race was born from Mr. Leonard's love of running and community. The original idea for Falmouth's marquee event came to Mr. Leonard in 1972 when he was working as a bartender. As a long-time runner and unabashed fan of the sport, Mr. Leonard was enthralled by the efforts of Frank Shorter, the first American to win the Olympic Marathon in over 60 years. On that day in 1972, Mr. Shorter's historic effort in the Munich Olympics inspired Mr. Leonard to create a new tradition on Cape Cod. With assistance from Falmouth's track coach, John Carroll, and its recreation director, Rich Sherman, Mr. Leonard organized the town's first summer road race in 1973. Interest in the race grew, attracting such stars as ``Boston'' Billy Rodgers in 1974 and Frank Shorter himself in 1975. Today, Falmouth is considered one of the top races in the country and featured over 10,000 runners in 2011.

Mr. Leonard continued to organize Falmouth's annual race, while shepherding kindred events in Nantucket, Holyoke, and Westfield, Massachusetts. The 20-time Boston Marathon participant is renowned for his generous

spirit, tirelessly working to bring joy or aid to others. As a bartender at the beloved Eliot Lounge in Boston, Mr. Leonard maintained an emergency fund to assist members of the community in need. In 1991, he co-founded the annual Falmouth Walk, which raised $28,000 for local charities in 2011 alone. Each November, Mr. Leonard has sought to honor his fellow veterans by commemorating the Marine Corps' birthday with a reception at his restaurant. Over the years, Mr. Leonard has dedicated himself to countless charitable causes.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Tommy Leonard for his outstanding contributions to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. His passion has made a lasting impact on the Falmouth community, forging bonds between residents and attracting visitors from across the globe. I ask that you join me in thanking Mr. Leonard for a lifetime of service and advocacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in my capacity as the Ranking Member of the Europe, Eurasia and Emerging Threats subcommittee to recognize the decision of Ukrainian President Yanukovych to pardon former Interior Minister Lutsenko and former Environment Minister Filipchuk. This is a notable step

toward bringing Ukraine closer to a path that espouses the democratic values that the Ukrainian people have fought so long and hard to receive and maintain. The path toward democracy is not an easy one, and my hope is that we will be hearing more bright news from Ukraine in the near future. Of particular concern is the continued imprisonment of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. I hope that Ukraine will fulfill its commitment to a democratic future for its people and secure her release, as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Divina Grossman on her appointment as the Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

Dr. Grossman grew up in a family of teachers and has proudly carried that legacy to the pinnacle of her profession. Her dual career in nursing and education provides a window into her character: compassionate, dedicated, and eager to apply her skills to the benefit of others. After earning her degree in Nursing from the University of Santo Tomas, Dr. Grossman departed her home country of the Philippines to continue to hone her academic prowess. She would go on to earn her Masters in Nursing at the University of Miami and a Doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania.

An outstanding tenure at Florida International University led to her appointment as Director of the School of Nursing, followed by promotion to Dean. She subsequently served as Dean for the University's College of Nursing and Health Sciences. As Dean, Dr. Grossman further developed the nursing program, strengthened partnerships with public and private institutions, raised funds for scholarships and lab facilities, and greatly expanded the College's endowment. She also oversaw the opening of Florida International's College of Medicine and pioneered a program to deploy medical students into local neighborhoods. As the founding Vice President of Engagement at Florida International, Dr. Grossman worked tirelessly to better connect the University to local communities and global issues. She is an ideal fit for UMass Dartmouth, and I am certain that the University's many years of academic excellence will only continue under her guidance and leadership.

Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to recognize Dr. Divina Grossman as the seventh Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. I have no doubt that her decades of experience and robust record of leadership will make a positive, lasting impact on the UMass Dartmouth community. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Dr. Grossman and thank her for her outstanding contributions to both medicine and academia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Nam Vets Association upon its thirtieth anniversary.

Nam Vets has been providing vital assistance to veterans since the association was founded in 1983. Originally serving veterans of the Vietnam War exclusively, Nam Vets has since expanded and now serves veterans from all eras. Over the years, it has become known as a local gateway to veterans' services for Cape Cod and the Islands, assisting veterans with important tasks such as finding employment and housing, receiving medical care, and obtaining employment.

Coinciding with the thirtieth anniversary of Nam Vets is the opening of its new Veterans' Outreach Grace Center (VOCG) in New Seabury. The VOCG will be a general wellness center through which veterans will receive a variety of services. Such support will include physical, psychological, educational, financial, or vocational assistance aimed at helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life. This Center will play a vital role on Cape Cod once it opens its doors to our local veterans, and I commend Nam Vets for working to achieve this important goal. I am certain that the organization's next thirty years will be bright.

Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pleasure to recognize Nam Vets upon its thirtieth anniversary. The many years of service that the organization has provided have been invaluable to the veterans and families that have been affected by its work. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Nam Vets for all that the association has given to its community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of Fire Chief Daniel R. Silverman on the occasion of his retirement.

Chief Silverman dedicated his professional life to the Town of Wellfleet and its fire department. He will retire after thirty years and three months of honorable service, including nearly seven years as a full-time Fire Chief. Chief Silverman's outstanding achievements as a first responder are evident in his rise through the ranks. After beginning his career as a Call Firefighter and EMT, he was subsequently awarded the role of Call Lieutenant, Call Deputy Chief, and Fire Chief. Firefighters are a pillar of strength in our society, and they routinely risk their lives to protect our neighborhoods, safeguard our families, and provide urgent aid to those who need it most. Over the course of his impressive career, Chief Silverman has demonstrated an unwavering devotion to those ideals.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Fire Chief Daniel R. Silverman for over three decades of distinguished public service. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring all that Chief Silverman has given to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Donald Hussey upon his retirement from the Rockland Fire Department.

Lieutenant Hussey has given four decades of dedicated service to the people of Rockland, and I know I speak for many when I say that his many accomplishments have been invaluable to the town. The Department recognized his skill early on when they appointed Lieutenant Hussey to the position of Permanent Firefighter just one year after he first entered the Rockland Fire Call Department. Lieutenant Hussey was again promoted to Permanent Lieutenant in October 1995, the same month in which he was bestowed with a Medal of Valor for saving an elderly person from a burning home. He officially retired from the Rockland Fire Department this past January, and I know that his service will be sorely missed in his community.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Lieutenant Donald Hussey upon his retirement from the Rockland Fire Department after forty years 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 the Town of Rockland.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tenth anniversary since the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to remember the men and women of our armed services who have defended the United States in the war on terror.

Starting on March 20, 2003, and for nearly nine years thereafter, members of our Armed Forces fought to protect both their loved ones back home and Iraqi citizens from the many threats that lingered in the region. It was a long and difficult journey for us as a nation but none more so than the journey traveled and sacrifices made by our service men and women and their families. The United States lost 4,475 members of our armed services by the time we left Iraq in December 2011, and an additional 32,220 were wounded. I know that I speak for many when I say that these men and women, who gave so much for their country, are true American heroes whose names will be forever honored.

Our involvement in Iraq may be officially over, but we still face many threats as a nation, and there is much work ahead of us in the war on terror. We still have many members of our Armed Forces who continue this fight, both at home and abroad. On this important anniversary in the war on terror, I ask that we take a moment to honor and recognize the many troops we have lost, the sacrifices made by those who stayed at home, and the men and women of our Armed Forces who remain on the front lines in the name of freedom.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the tenth anniversary of the war in Iraq. I thank my colleagues for joining me in honoring of the service men and women who have defended the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize WHTB Radio. For the past twenty five years, WHTB has provided a vibrant forum for the Portuguese-speaking community in Southeastern Massachusetts.

WHTB has its roots in a weekend radio program on Portuguese topics, and has been broadcast from sister station WSAR in Fall River. Mr. Frank Baptista was at the microphone for that first broadcast on March 17, 1988. Mr. Baptista's program allowed residents of Portuguese heritage to connect with one another and discuss politics, culture, and neighborhood matters. He has guided the station through the years and still provides a lively voice as WHTB works to expand its programming. One of WHTB's programs, Radio Voz Do Emigrante (or ``Voice of the Immigrant'') is widely recognized as a premier ambassador of Portuguese culture in the region. WHTB's efforts truly enrich the lives of its listeners and provide a link home for Fall River's latest residents hailing from Brazil, the Azores, Cape Verde, Madeira, and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to congratulate WHTB's dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and gracious community supporters for a quarter century of broadcasting excellence. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this greatly admired radio station.

Madam Speaker, I was a DA for 12 years. I solicited and actually used these funds.

We talk about issues. As people see issues, I see faces. I see the faces of innocent women who are victims, and I see the faces of the perpetrators, themselves--the rapists, the batterers, the abusers--who sought to isolate these victims, to strip them away from their friends, their families, social service agencies, law enforcement.

I used these funds to create a lifeline for these victims, breaking down walls that exist in terms of people who spoke a different language, had a different culture, had a different nationality. This amendment creates walls, creates these barriers, that make the victims more vulnerable, and it strengthens the hands of the perpetrators.

Please, all of you, join me in voting against this amendment, and then let's all join together with a piece of legislation that does not punish the victim but that puts perpetrators where they belong--behind bars.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Alba Thompson, who passed away on January 2, 2013.

Alba experienced a great deal throughout her ninety-four years. Born in Plymouth, August 13, 1918, Alba was a truly distinguished woman, graduating from college at a time when higher education was not an option for many women. In her lifetime, Alba went on to receive five advanced degrees.

Education was not Alba's only pursuit, and she embarked on a distinguished military career at the onset of World War II. In 1942, Alba was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. By the time she separated from active duty, she had achieved the rank of Major and had been awarded seven ribbons for her dedicated service.

Alba's studies and military service brought her to countless places throughout the world, but she returned home to serve her local community, being elected to the Plymouth Board of Selectmen. She was the beloved wife of Loren Thompson, and together they raised two sons.

I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Alba Thompson for her many years of service to her country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeffrey LeFleur as he retires from the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association.

The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, known as the CCCGA to its members, is one of the oldest farmer associations in the United States. Since 1888, this organization has been working diligently to enhance the economic viability of local Massachusetts cranberry farmers. Jeffrey has been this organization's Executive Director for the past twenty years, and he has led the association through many years of growth and prosperity. In particular, Jeffrey has spearheaded CCCGA's popular ``Be the Grower'' program, which gives interested people the opportunity to wade into Plympton's cranberry bogs and to assist with the yearly harvest. This program attracts visitors from around the world, and it has been extremely beneficial to the local Massachusetts tourism industry. Its popularity was recently highlighted in The Boston Globe as a unique activity that all can enjoy.

Mr. Speaker, as the cofounder of the Congressional Cranberry Caucus, it brings me great pride to recognize Jeffrey LeFleur upon his retirement from the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association. His many years of work and dedication to the association were crucial in leading it to become the successful organization that it is today. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Jeffrey for all that he has given to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Ranking Member Smith and Chairman McKeon in reaching an agreement on the proposed Air Force structure changes for FY13 in the conference report on H.R. 4310. Since the Air Force's original proposal in February, I, along with a number of my colleagues in the Massachusetts delegation, have been concerned over the future of the 102nd Air Operation Group within my district. The work of these Guardsmen at the historic Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod is critical in supporting active duty Air Force members in a joint 24/7/365 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission. The work that is completed at Otis has the direct impact of saving the lives of Americans overseas, and it is all done locally, in a cost-effective manner. Not many Guard bases have the training or infrastructure to support such concentrated day to day activities, but the men and women of Otis greatly contribute to Massachusetts' widely understood reputation as the ``brain state'' through their education and specialized training. Their work is further supported by an extensive network of communications infrastructure and technology. Otis is also a part of the larger Massachusetts Military Reservation, which employs an efficient State and Federal base model to share responsibilities, labor, and costs associated with the base among the

Air Force, Air Guard, Army Guard, Coast Guard, and the Department of Homeland Security. It would have been a sad turn of events and complete waste of national resources and defense assets if this unit were to be eliminated. For this reason, I was pleased to learn that after numerous letters and meetings with both Air Force and Air National Guard officials, the Air Force came to the same conclusion in regard to the loss of these men and women. Following a careful review of its original proposal, the Air Force updated its recommendations in November and included the restoration of 141 positions within the 102nd Air Operations Group. This conference report will now bring this recommendation to life and grant not only the heroes at Otis with the job security that they deserve, but our Nation with the adequate defense that it has been promised.

I would also like to take a moment to thank the conferees for their work in regard to a small provision that will have a big impact on the descendants of the over 5,000 African-American patriots who fought for independence and freedom during the Revolutionary War. This provision will authorize the National Mall Liberty Fund to establish a memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor the service and sacrifice of these brave men and their families. Massachusetts alone was home to 31 percent of the 5,000 known African American soldiers. Only 1,174 of the 1,550 are connected by birth, enlistment, or residence to a municipality, including 60 patriots from 10 towns in Barnstable County in my district. Sandwich (17), Falmouth (12), Barnstable (9), and Harwich (6) had the highest numbers. Many more could be unaccounted for and are awaiting discovery. I am confident that through the establishment of this fully-funded memorial many more heroic tales surrounding the African-American Revolutionary War heroes honored will come to light and further contribute to our Nation's history and legacy.

Finally, the conference report includes the reauthorization of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program, which is composed of the FIRE and SAFER grant programs. As the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Comittee's Oversight, Investigations and Management subcommittee I have witnessed firsthand the impact of these grants in improving the equipment and training of career, volunteer, and combination fire departments. Many fire departments throughout the Commonwealth, particularly in Fall River and New Bedford, where aging, industrial infrastructure remains particularly prone to fires, rely on these funds. Just this summer, I was able to work with my delegation to help secure a SAFER grant for Fall River Fire Department, which reinstated the jobs of 79 firefighters. A number of fire houses across the country are now waiting for a new round of funding to keep their doors open to the communities that they protect. This reauthorization is the first step in helping to do this, but I urge this body to act swiftly in setting aside the appropriate funding for the AFG program to keep the firefighters who risk their lives each day, employed and ready to assist.

I thank my colleague for yielding.

I had the privilege of serving with these two gentlemen, not only in Congress but in the Massachusetts Legislature. I remember being elected and serving at the age of 24, and my seat was right in front of Barney Frank's seat in the legislature at the time. Now, at that time, we had 240 legislators. Very few people had legislative aides. Truly, you were on your own: you were your own speechwriter; you were your own researcher; you did your own negotiations. So to have Barney Frank behind me in the give and take of everything when there were issues on the floor and when we were talking was amazing. I can't even tell you what I learned about being a lawmaker and a legislator, of putting deals together and negotiating.

We also worked in the legislative study group at the time, and I learned an important lesson that is, sadly, not utilized at the State or Federal level these days, that of how to work in coalitions effectively, because a lot of us were real progressives, and the legislature at the time wasn't particularly noted for that. I learned from people like Barney that, if you work together, they're going to need your vote sometime, and we could work together as a group and be effective. I learned at that stage that you can be effective at any level of the legislature if you become skilled and if you become tenacious. He inherited this.

I had the good fortune of also getting to know his mother, Elsie. Now, she was very active with the Mass Association of Older Americans, and she was terrific. She was passionate, knowledgeable, effective, and I can see where he got a lot of his skills.

But one of the things that impressed me also was the fact that in his time working as the chief executive for the late mayor Kevin White in Boston, he had the opportunity to really be there at the executive level. And I could see that reflect in his legislating, and I could see it today because he knew from the legislative side how important it was to do things to empower people on the executive side and how they could work in tandem. I know he took from that experience the fact that there are no sacred cows. When you're in that position in a big city and you're doing things you have to do, you're not always taking the most popular stands, but you're taking tough stands against different groups. And he had no sacred cows and he was willing to speak up when necessary.

I think people in this Chamber know as well that when he took the floor then, just like when he takes the floor now, you don't want to be the other person on the other side of that debating. But even in the din of a noisy House, something that's similar to both branches, when he would get up, everyone would get quiet. They wanted to listen. They were really interested in the intellectual and the humorous sides of the debate that they were about to see.

During that time as well, we would have our votes up on the board. I can tell you this: at a time when you were in the distinct minority on the issue of gender rights, discrimination, discrimination against some sexual orientation, on issues of basic fairness and progressive, those lights were always on the right side, whether in the majority, the winning side or the losing side. Times have changed things. Decades have changed how the public feels about many of these positions, and now they're popular. But at that time they weren't, but he was resolute.

You know, I also look back at some of the differences during that period of time. Back then Barney would have no time to shine his shoes. Or he would have holes in his shoes, and maybe his suit looked like it hadn't seen the cleaners--ever. But I remember his campaign slogans at the time. They said: Neatness isn't everything, vote for Barney Frank.

And I've seen an amazing transformation now that I'm going to have the privilege, as he has had, to represent the city of New Bedford, of Barney around in Joseph Abboud suits, tailor-made, American-made, by the way, and I've seen that transformation as well.

But I've got some big shoes to fill down there. He is beloved in that area. As much as he is dealing with the intricacies of something like Dodd-Frank, many of the other things he's done representing city issues, he is by far the most popular elected official that the fishermen in the New Bedford area in the southeastern Massachusetts area have ever seen. His loyalty to them is probably only eclipsed by their loyalty to him. He knows so much about fish that I don't know if I'll ever catch up or ever have the opportunity, but it's amazing how complex that issue is as well.

But I will say this. Of all of the actions he's taken during his time in public life, I might dare to say what I think one of his most proudest actions would be, not just what people would think, working with fishing or Dodd-Frank, but I think it was really his marriage to Jim. He has told me how important that was to do while he was a Member of Congress, again showing leadership by action on an issue. And I was just so happy to be at that wedding and to see that union, that marriage, and I was very pleased to see the happiness and the love that was there at that time. My only regret is that his mother wasn't there to see it as well because she would have been so proud.

One thing you'll never say about Barney Frank or John Olver, I don't

think there was ever a TV ad, an attack ad, that had one of those weather vane issues. You know, where you changed your position on this and you changed your position on something else, on an important issue. They were both resolute. And I had the opportunity to serve with John briefly in the Senate in Massachusetts. Interestingly enough, when he was chairman of taxation in the Senate, I was his successor as chairman of taxation in the Massachusetts Senate. When I had that position, I started going through the reports and the research documents, and I knew that they just weren't done by researchers, that they had his thumb prints and his intellectual abilities all over them. I must tell you, if I started going back through those things a few decades ago, I probably wouldn't be through them now.

I remember on the floor of the House when John would be carrying a bill to the floor, how people didn't really question anything he had to say. But it's interesting enough, when you go for questions, I seldom saw people go up to John with questions on that legislation because all of us didn't want to know that much about whatever he was talking about. But John had that same sense, strong sense of fairness, a protector of civil rights, a protector of equality, and one of the leaders of our time in understanding about the importance of the environment and the way we treat it.

He was a champion for western Massachusetts, not just with the infrastructure that's there, but when you thought of our colleges out there and the kind of infrastructure that gives people the opportunity for a good life and to advance in life, John Olver's fingerprints were all over that. He took that same attention to detail he had in the Massachusetts legislature and used it in Appropriations to great effect.

So with John and Barney, I wish them both well. They deserve it, and they will continue to be productive, helping our State and helping the people in our State in other capacities.