March 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E353 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

TRIBUTES HONORING FORMER As a veteran, whose long-term health suf- O le lagia lava lea o le Tafatolu o lau CONGRESSMAN FALEOMAVAEGA fered due to his service in Vietnam, Eni dedi- faigamalo Amerika Samoa, tulou, tulou, tulou, ENI FA’AUA’A HUNKIN, JR. cated his life to improving the conditions for tulouna lava. our veterans in American Samoa, and took Taluai o lea ua ou tula’i mai i le tofi Faipule HON. AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN great pride in securing funds to build the local i le Konekeresi i le Laumua i Uosigitone, o lea VA Clinic, which has served our veterans well. ou te fa’apea atu ai i le Faletua ia Hinanui ma RADEWAGEN Although I myself am not a veteran, I come OF AMERICAN SAMOA le nofo a Alo loto fa’avauvau aemaise le tagi from a family with a strong military tradition. mai ala o le paia i Aiga ma Paolo ma Gafa sili IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES My grandfather, father, several brothers and i lagi tainane le Malo o Amerika Samoa ma le Tuesday, March 21, 2017 three nephews are, so I appreciate the needs tapuaiga I le Malo Tuto’atasi i le Usoga Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise of our veterans and am as devoted to them as Tumua ma Pule: today to honor my friend and former Member Eni was. As a member of the House Veterans Affairs ‘‘Amuia e fa’anoanoa, aua e of Congress Faleomavaega Eni Fa’aua’a fa’amafanafanaina i latou.’’ Hunkin who served honorably as the rep- Committee, I was in a position to offer legisla- resentative for American Samoa for 26 years. tion to name our local VA clinic in his honor. f I want to thank everyone for being here and He was primarily responsible for the establish- particularly want to acknowledge my friend ment of this clinic, so I could think of no more appropriate way to permanently honor his CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF Hinanui Hunkin, who came all the way from ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA Utah with her children to be at this service. memory and legacy than by dedicating the Because he spent over 30 years of his career clinic to him. Because of his long service in in the nation’s capital, it is only fitting to have the House, he is remembered by many Mem- HON. COLLEEN HANABUSA a memorial service for Eni here. He would be bers on both sides of the aisle who helped gratified to see how he touched so many peo- smooth the path for this tribute. As much as OF HAWAII ple who would come out to pay tribute to him. people complain about the slowness of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congressman Faleomavaega was a soldier legislative process, my bill passed the House Tuesday, March 21, 2017 and a statesman who dedicated his entire life in less than a week, the Senate passed it a to serving the United States and the people of week later and in short order it was on the Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I remember president’s desk for signature. American Samoa. Indeed, his entire career the first time I met Eni. It was in the Supreme After enactment of this legislation, I made was devoted to public service and social jus- Court of the State of Hawaii. As the Judiciary arrangements for Members to speak of their tice. He was a champion of Native Americans, and Hawaiian Affairs Chair for the Hawaii colleague Eni on the floor of the House and Native Hawaiians and the Melanesian natives State Senate, I was speaking on behalf of a am pleased to say that those tributes were de- of West Papua. His causes were many. He Circuit Court Judge, the first of American Sa- livered for the record, in addition to press strenuously fought against nuclear weaponry, moan ancestry who was confirmed by the statements made and remarks by several from confronting France in French Polynesia Senate and there to receive his oath of office. members on the Floor when we debated the over nuclear testing to pressing for nuclear Eni was there, the Delegate to the Congress VA clinic bill. In most of the stories written cleanup in Central Asia. He took up the cause of the United States from American Samoa, to about Eni’s passing, he was described as the of Korean comfort women, expressed concern show his support for the Judge. Eni was so longest serving Member of Congress in Amer- about disputes in the South China Sea and proud, as if he was being sworn in. I do know even helped solve land disputes in Rapa Nui. ican Samoa’s history. That is a title I expect will be his alone for many, many years to that American Samoans in Hawaii looked up Even as his health began to deteriorate, he re- to Eni as if he was their ultimate role model. fused to cut back his workload or give up any come, perhaps forever. of his important causes. Goodbye My friend. Farewell and God- I was fortunate to serve four years in the Although we had our political differences, it speed. House of Representatives with Eni. I learned never affected our personal friendship or de- (The Samoan version is as follows): from him how we each represent a constitu- votion to the people of American Samoa. E muamua ona ou Fa’atulou Le Pa’ia o le ency that deserves our advocacy, albeit that There was very little on which we disagreed Maota Namu Asi, i le Paia O le lagi, ma le we may come from islands in the vast Pacific when it came to the territory and, in fact, when lagi, ma le lagi tulou, tulouna ia, tulouna lava. Ocean. I learned that our voices are equal to I came into office, I picked up right where he O Paia o le aufaigaluega totofi a le Atua i ona our colleagues and it is up to us to ensure that left off in a lawsuit before the U.S. Supreme Tafa’i Va’aia, ou to fa’atulou atu. we are heard. Court involving Samoan citizenship and voting E le vaea fo’i le fala fofola loa o Samoa mai My favorite memory of Eni comes from 2012 rights. We both believed American Samoa’s Saua e o’o atu i Salafai nu’unu’u atu fa’atini o when he performed the formal Samoan dance political should not be decided in a federal tausala. O lo’o mamalu fo’i le aofia i le Afio with his niece to honor the retirement of our courtroom thousands of miles away; most im- Mai O Le Kovana Sili o le malo o Amerika much beloved and respected Senator Daniel portantly, it should be decided by our own Samoa, le tofa i le to’oto’o ia Lolo Moliga ma K. Akaka. Eni told me Senator Akaka was his people at a time of own choosing. Our ap- le Masiofo ia Cynthia, le afio i le Lutena friend and his Senator. Eni proudly showed proaches to issues were different and that Kovana ma le kapeneta, le paia o maota e lua me his tattoos, made the traditional way. I was often put us at odds with one another, but it i le afio o le Peresetene ma le senate, le in awe of his strength and perseverance. Fofogafetalai ma le Maota o Sui, o le mamalu was always with the utmost respect and Most importantly, I will never forget the lava lea o le afio o le fa’amasino sili ma le grace, which allowed us to form the bond that friendship of Eni and his wonderful smile and vaega o fa’amasinoga tulou, tulou lava. we would come to share . . . One I am very big bear hug I was so fortunate to receive E le fa’agaloina le tapuaiga i uso i sisifo i le thankful for, and will never forget. Ours was a whenever I saw him. Upon my return to Con- afio i le ao o le malo tuto’atasi, le Palemia ma true friendship that demonstrated that, despite gress, my first questions were about Eni and le Palemene o Samoa, ma le usoga ia Tumua our differences in political party, we can all if anyone had seen him. come together for the good of those we serve. ma Pule. Partisan differences on national issues never Ua tu mai nei Lagi le laga’ali a Tamafaiga, I will miss you my friend. interfered with our relationship because we a ua tagita’amilo le Manuali’i ina ua ta’ape My condolences to his wife, Hinanui were very much of one mind when it came to papa, ae tafea le tau’ofe i le Afioga a Bambridge Cave, and their five children. federal policy and funding for American Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin sa tu i le tofi o lo’o Mahalo (Thank You) for sharing him with us Samoa. o’u tauaveina nei i Uosigitone. for all these years.

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY the extraordinary life of Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin I’m Congressman PAUL GOSAR and I rep- OF REP. ENI FALEOMAVAEGA OF Faleomavaega, Jr., who passed away last resent Arizona’s Fourth Congressional District. AMERICAN SAMOA month at the age of 73. Eni Faleomavaega I am also Chairman of the Congressional was not only my colleague, he was my friend. Western Caucus, Chairman of the House HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO Eni was the senior delegate and, therefore, Committee on Natural Resources Sub- OF GUAM the dean of the delegates. We became friends committee on Energy and Mineral Resources, from the time I was elected in 1990. Eni was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and Vice-Chairman of the House Committee as affable as he was serious and dedicated to on Oversight and Government Reform. Tuesday, March 21, 2017 his constituents in American Samoa. He was I would like to start by thanking Congress- Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to the first person of Asian-Pacific descent to woman AMATA for her great leadership in the honor the life and legacy of my good friend chair the House Subcommittee on Asia, the House of Representatives and for organizing and our former colleague from American Pacific, and the Global Environment, later this bipartisan special order today to pay trib- Samoa, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega, serving as ranking member. ute to our colleague Eni. who passed away on February 22, 2017. Eni was fully prepared for his leadership On February 22, 2017, a Member of the Throughout his 26 years here in the House of roles in the Congress. He served his country House who served the Congress and rep- Representatives, Eni was a tireless champion for three years during the Vietnam War. Eni resented the people of American Samoa for for the people of American Samoa, an advo- put his education at Brigham Young University 26 years, passed away out West while at his cate for the U.S. territories, and leader on and the University of Houston Law Center to home in Utah. issues affecting the Asian American and Pa- a lifetime of public service. He served the peo- Eni was a patriot who honorably served this cific Islander community. He was also a leader ple of American Samoa in critical positions. great nation in uniform in the U.S. Army. Un- Eni Faleomavaega was deputy attorney gen- on the House Foreign Affairs Committee on fortunately, he was exposed to Agent Orange eral and, later, lieutenant governor of Amer- issues important to the Asia-Pacific region. during one of his tours, something that nega- ican Samoa. Eni was the administrative assist- More importantly, he got leaders in Congress tively impacted his health for the rest of his ant to American Samoa Delegate A.U. and in administration after administration to life. Fuimaono before he was elected to that posi- Eni did not let this incident hold him back focus on the importance of the Pacific Islands. tion himself in 1988. We are often overlooked in grand Asia strat- Even though the District of Columbia pays though and went on to serve our great country egy but he got policymakers to understand our federal taxes (highest per capita in the U.S.), for nearly three decades as the Delegate for importance to the world community. the delegates have much in common and al- American Samoa. He also served the territory I am proud to have worked with Eni on a ways worked together. When I discovered that as its Lieutenant Governor. number of issues that impact the Asia-Pacific the D.C. flag was not carried by D.C. troops I got to know Eni through our work together region and the 4.5 million Americans living in as state troops do, further investigation on the House Committee on Natural Re- the territories. For much of my time here in showed that the troops of the territories also sources. Eni was a passionate and effective Congress, Eni was the longest serving rep- did not carry their flags. Yet, the territories and member on issues impacting the Pacific. resentative from a U.S. territory, so he was the District have served their country in nota- Eni was a devoted husband and father of the Dean of what we refer to as our Territorial bly-disproportionate numbers. All of us signed five children. Eni and his wife were active Caucus. I leaned on his advice and appre- a letter to House and Senate Armed Services members of their church. ciated his insightful perspectives that were committees. Working together, we got this fail- Family, friends and colleagues were sad- grounded in not only his almost three decades ure to acknowledge all our troops corrected by dened to learn of his passing last month. This as a Member of Congress, but also his work the Congress. demonstrates just how much he will be in public service as American Samoa’s Lieu- I was particularly appreciative of Eni’s initia- missed. I am confident there will be a large tenant Governor and Deputy Attorney General, tives. For example, he introduced the bill to turnout next Saturday the 25th at his memorial as a staffer here on Capitol Hill, and service cancel the trademark using the disparaging service and subsequent reception that follows in the U.S. Army. He, like many Members in word ‘‘Redskins,’’ the name of the District of to celebrate his life. this body, fought hard to secure much needed Columbia’s football team. That challenge has Again, I would like to thank Congresswoman federal funding for American Samoa. Eni had been vindicated, but is now on appeal. AMATA for organizing this most worthy tribute a broad vision but never forgot his constitu- Delegates have always supported one an- to our colleague Eni. Eni left big shoes to fill, ents. He never forgot the people that gave him other on issues unique to their districts. I ap- but Congresswoman AMATA has stepped up, the privilege to serve in this esteemed body. preciate that all the Democratic delegates are continued the excellent representation the His depth of knowledge and compassion for original cosponsors of my bill to make the Dis- people of American Samoa have come to ex- the less fortunate were evident to everyone he trict of Columbia the 51st state. In the same pect, and become an effective leader that is met, and I will look back fondly on the work way, we supported Eni’s work against nuclear respected throughout the country. that we did together in Congress. testing in the South Pacific. Eni led in the I know Eni would be proud of the Congress- Eni’s passing is a great loss for the people Congress on this critical issue, even boy- woman and the great work she has done for of American Samoa and all Americans, and cotting then-French president Jacques American Samoa. we are all better for having known him. I ex- Chirac’s address before a joint session of f tend my sincere condolences to his family, Congress. Only days before that speech, ENI FALEOMAVAEGA loved ones, and the people of American France was conducting a series of nuclear Samoa, and I join them in celebrating his tests in the South Pacific, despite protests. Eni led the Congress on issues important to memory. I thank my colleague from American HON. STEVE CHABOT American Samoa and to our country. He set a Samoa, Congresswoman RADEWAGEN for or- OF OHIO high standard for representation. Eni ganizing this Special Order, so that this body IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Faleomavaega was kind and generous, and can appropriately honor and pay tribute to he was intelligent, able, dedicated, and hard- Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Congressman Faleomavaega for his years of working. I miss my friend. So does the Con- dedicated service to his constituents and to Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor gress. our nation. He is deeply missed, but he will of serving on the Foreign Affairs Committee forever be remembered by all who he served. f with Congressman Eni Faleomavaega for 16 years. We got to know each other well in f HONORING THE LIFE AND MEM- ORY OF REPRESENTATIVE ENI 2001, when President Bush nominated the two ENI FA’AUA’A HUNKIN FALEOMAVAEGA of us to be the bipartisan Congressional Dele- FALEOMAVAEGA, JR. gates to the United Nations, and we would travel to New York together to meet with our HON. PAUL A. GOSAR Ambassador and his diplomatic team. HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON OF ARIZONA During Eni’s last term in Congress, I chaired OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Asia Pacific Subcommittee. Eni was the Tuesday, March 21, 2017 subcommittee’s Ranking Member. I can tell Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to you that during that period, we disagreed from Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of a true states- time to time on policy matters, but never were ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing man, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega. we disagreeable. Eni was the consummate

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In those many meetings, Eni was Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, today let’s an engaged participant who clearly had f honor the life and service of our dear col- earned the respect of our allies. There were league, my friend, the late Congressman Eni PERSONAL EXPLANATION two of us—one Democrat, one Republican. Fa’aua’a Hunkin Faleomavaega, Jr. But there was no partisanship on that trip. Eni My memories with Congressman came not as a Democrat but as a thoughtful Faleomavaega extend back to small-kid time, HON. BRIAN HIGGINS Member of Congress who understood the re- in Hawaii—he was elected to Congress as OF NEW YORK alities of the modem day Asia-Pacific region. American Samoa’s delegate when I was just 8 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I think you can tell a lot about an individual years old. On his way to and from American Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Member of Congress by what his colleagues Samoa, he would often stop in Hawaii, pay and staff think of him. In all the years I had visits to his alma mater Kahuku High School, Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, on the privilege of knowing Eni, I never heard a watch a Red Raider game or two, and visit March 17, 2017, I was unable to be present negative word from anybody about him. His with friends and family in Hawaii’s vibrant Sa- for the recorded votes on roll call no. 170, colleagues respected him—appreciating his moan and Polynesian community. I grew up 171, and 172. Had I been present, I would hard work, his dedication to this institution, his understanding and appreciating Fa’a Samoa— have voted as follows: AYE on Hanabusa service during the Vietnam War, and his love The Samoan Way—which like the aloha spirit, Amendment No. 11, YEA on the final passage for American Samoa. And his staff thought the refers to how we should respect and honor of H.R. 1367, and AYE on the journal vote. world of him—as did mine. one another, no matter where you’re from or Mr. Speaker, to his wife, Hina, and his chil- your stature in life. He shared this Fa’a Samoa f every day with his colleagues and others in dren, grandchildren, former staff and extended IN RECOGNITION OF THE HONOR- family—my sincere condolences. Eni was an Washington, seven thousand miles from his homeland. It was a very special thing to serve ABLE WILLIAM F. ADOLPH, JR. outstanding public servant, a proud Samoan, OF SPRINGFIELD, PA and a great American. He will be missed. Rest alongside him as a Member of Congress when in peace, Eni. I was elected in 2012. We served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and he HON. PATRICK MEEHAN often pulled me aside to talk story about his f OF PENNSYLVANIA experiences on this committee, the places IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONGRESSMAN ENI he’d been, and the people he’d met. FALEOMAVAEGA Eni was a warrior, a public servant, a de- Tuesday, March 21, 2017 voted Christian, and a family man. He was Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to born in Vailoatai Village in American Samoa. congratulate the Honorable William F. Adolph, It’s a beautiful and culturally rich island with HON. MIKE COFFMAN Jr. of Springfield, PA on his retirement and that small-town feel where everybody knows thank him for his decades of service to Dela- OF COLORADO everybody. Eni’s father served in the military, ware County families. Bill is retiring as Rep- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES so growing up, he moved around a bit. He lived in Guam and later moved to Hawaii and resentative from the 165th Legislative District Tuesday, March 21, 2017 attended Kahuku High School and Brigham in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, where Young University on Oahu’s northeast shore, he served as Chairman of the Appropriations Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to Committee. After more than thirty years of rise today to recognize the long career and eventually graduating from the main BYU campus in Utah. Eni was an active member of public service, Bill has earned a record as a dedication to public service of Congressman champion for the middle class, small and Eni Faleomavaega. Congressman The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints alongside his wife Hinanui and their growing businesses and fiscal responsibility in Faleomavaega passed away on February 22, Harrisburg. 2017. He served the people of American family. Eni was a soldier in the United States Army. Throughout his career in public service, first Samoa for over thirty years, first as Lieutenant as a township commissioner in Springfield, as Governor and later on as their Representative. He served honorably in Vietnam, earned the rank of Captain, joined the Reserves decades a lawmaker in Harrisburg and ultimately as the A true patriot, Congressman Faleomavaega later, and unfortunately suffered from com- Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, served his country in the Army and eventually plications associated with his exposure to Bill has always fought to ensure the taxpayer became an officer in the United States Army Agent Orange. Throughout his four decades of got the most out of every dollar government Reserve, having served during the Vietnam service in Congress (1989–2015), he worked spends. He’s fought to lessen the tax burden War as a captain. As a legislator, his achieve- hard for the people of American Samoa and on job creators and spur economic growth. ments for the people of our nation and Amer- for our veterans, caring for them deeply and He’s fought to ensure Pennsylvania’s most ican Samoa came through his important work fighting for them relentlessly. As a delegate, vulnerable have access to the services they with the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Congressman Faleomavaega was passionate need. And he’s fought to hold government ac- Committee on Natural Resources. He fought about representing his people and ensuring countable to the people it serves. tirelessly for the prosperity and wellbeing of the communities at home had the resources As important as his legislative achievements his people. I am proud to be able to say that they needed, especially health care and other have been to Pennsylvania, perhaps his great- I was able to serve alongside Congressman essential services. He stanchly opposed free est legacy is the role model he’s been to Faleomavaega in the House of Representa- trade deals so that the few but impactful in- countless young people as a coach and tives from 2009–2015. dustries of American Samoa would not be through his decades-long involvement with the It is my honor to commemorate Eni devastated. He always put the people first, Springfield Youth Club. He’s taught genera- Faleomavaega today, and I take pride in rec- and he served with all of his heart. tions of Springfield’s young people how to ognizing a great American and public servant. So as we honor the life and service of this conduct themselves with integrity and respon- Today, his commitment to public service lives great man, Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin sibility—both on and off the field. on through his great nephew, Andrew Tuitele, Faleomavaega, Jr., we send our deepest grati- I thank Bill for all he’s done for our state who is currently an intern in my district office tude to his ‘aiga (family) for their support and and our community, and I wish him the best in Aurora, Colorado. sacrifice over the years. in his retirement.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:48 Mar 22, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A21MR8.006 E21MRPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E356 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 21, 2017 NATIONAL ROSIE THE RIVETER IN HONOR OF ALABAMA STATE I honor all of the work Kitty accomplished in DAY: A TRIBUTE TO THE LONG UNIVERSITY’S WAR GARDENS our community and the trail she blazed for the BEACH ROSIE THE RIVETER women inspired by her achievements. PARK HON. MARTHA ROBY f OF ALABAMA PERSONAL EXPLANATION HON. ALAN S. LOWENTHAL IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, March 21, 2017 HON. LUIS V. GUTIE´RREZ OF CALIFORNIA Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to OF ILLINOIS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES honor Alabama State University upon its 100 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES year anniversary of planting war gardens to Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Tuesday, March 21, 2017 aid the United States efforts in World War I. Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ. Mr. Speaker, I was un- Mr. LOWENTHAL. Mr. Speaker, I am a One hundred years ago, students, staff, and avoidably absent in the House chamber for roll proud co-sponsor of House Resolution 162, faculty of the then State Normal School at call votes 173, 174, 175 on Monday, March which will designate March 21, 2017, as Na- Montgomery, subsequently Alabama State 20, 2017. Had I been present, I would have tional Rosie the Riveter Day. This honor has University, assisted and advised residents voted ‘‘Yea’’ on roll call votes 173, 174, and special significance for the City of Long near campus and in the City of Montgomery, 175. Beach, California which I represent. Alabama on how to plant war gardens. Thanks f to these efforts, it was reported that in March Long Beach is one of two locations in the 1918 over 1,400 black homes in Montgomery SPECIAL TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF nation that has a park dedicated to recog- had war gardens. JUDGE BENTLEY KASSAL’S 100TH nizing and preserving the history and legacy of These gardens were important acts of sac- BIRTHDAY the working women, including volunteer rifice and rationing as commercially grown women, of World War II. produce was shipped overseas to feed our HON. JERROLD NADLER The Long Beach Rosie the Riveter Park troops and food-insecure Allies during The OF NEW YORK was dedicated in March 2006. It is a 3.2 acre Great War or World War I. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES park that is just steps away from where tens Next month, the ASU Department of History Tuesday, March 21, 2017 and Political Science and university commu- of thousands of women worked at Douglas Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I hereby con- nity will plant a Memorial WWI War Garden in Aircraft Company during WWII, assembling gratulate Judge Bentley Kassal on the occa- commemoration and in honor of what was the planes and bombers that helped our brave sion of his 100th birthday. Judge Kassal has done on our campus a century ago. service members win the war. It is also lo- dedicated his life to public service, and we are The garden will represent the pride and cated near what was the Long Beach Airfield grateful for his contributions to the people of commitment of ASU’s campus to community (now the Long Beach Municipal Airport), New York. As a member of the New York where during WWII Women Airforce Service and to country. It was originally on March 21, 1918 that Ala- State Assembly from 1957 through 1962, Pilots (WASPs), commanded by 24-year-old bama Governor Charles Anderson declared Judge Kassal represented a significant portion Barbara Erickson, flew the finished warplanes ‘‘Garden Days’’ urging Alabamians to grow of Manhattan’s Upper West Side in the very to military bases around the world. war gardens, and this day on March 21, 2017 same Assembly district that I would later The Long Beach Rosie the Riveter Park I declare ‘‘Garden Days’’ in tribute to what was serve. During his time in Albany, Judge was inspired by former Long Beach City done in the Montgomery community. Kassal, among other accomplishments, au- Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, author of the Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Ala- thored a bill establishing the New York State book ‘‘Rosie the Riveter in Long Beach,’’ and bama State University for its legacy of civil Council on the Arts—the very first arts council designed by public artist, Terry Braunstein. It duty and service to both community and coun- to operate in the United States. Mr. Kassal was later elected to the New features a rose colored walk-way that winds try. through the park so that visitors can see pho- York City Civil Court in 1969 and then the f New York Supreme Court in 1975. In 1982, tographs depicting the work and efforts of Governor Hugh Carey appointed Judge Kassal these women. Visitors can access a narrated IN RECOGNITION OF KITTY to the Appellate Division of the New York Su- tour via cell phone and hear the song by the JURCIUKONIS preme Court. He continued in that capacity Four Vagabonds—‘‘Rosie the Riveter’’ that until 1993. Following his retirement from the gave these women their collective and affec- HON. PATRICK MEEHAN bench, Judge Kassal has served as counsel at tionate name. OF PENNSYLVANIA Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, and Flom, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES At both ends of the park are a ‘‘compass where he continues to provide assistance with rose’’ that have been etched and painted into Tuesday, March 21, 2017 litigation matters. concrete, marking the location of the park. Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Judge Kassal is also a decorated war vet- At the north end of the park are both a mili- honor Kitty Jurciukonis for her achievements eran, and was stationed abroad as an air tary memorial and wall with plaques com- as a volunteer, professional, and elected offi- combat intelligence officer for four years dur- memorating the lives of those who have cial in southeastern Pennsylvania. In recogni- ing World World II. In recognition of his distin- served our country in so many ways and out- tion of these accomplishments, Mrs. guished military service, Judge Kassal has re- lined with a rose garden in the shape of a ‘‘V’’ Jurciukonis was posthumously awarded the ceived the Bronze Star medal and the French for victory. The Long Beach Rosie the Riveter Women of Achievement Award from the Dela- Legion of Honor medal. I am incredibly proud to count Judge Kassal Park displays one of only two bas reliefs ware County Women’s Commission. as one of my constituents. The people of New sculpted by Raymond Kaskey, who designed Kitty worked as a tireless advocate for her York have been the fortunate beneficiaries of the same for the National World War II monu- community, serving as member of the Spring- Judge Kassal’s years of service. I wish him a ment, here in Washington, D.C. field Township Board of Commissioners for nineteen years, two of which were spent as warm congratulations on this special occasion, Last year, C–SPAN, in its ‘‘Cities Tour,’’ fea- President. She was also a leader in the Sub- and thank him for his contributions to our com- tured the Long Beach Rosie the Riveter Park urban West Realtors Association, the Spring- munity. because of its role in honoring the women field School District Home and School Asso- f who contributed on the home front during ciation, and Community Education Council. PERSONAL EXPLANATION WWII. She even volunteered her time and talents to As we celebrate ‘‘National Rosie the Riveter help open the Springfield School District’s Par- HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER Day,’’ let us continue our efforts to recognize ent Resource Center. OF NEW YORK and preserve the history and legacy of work- The current Springfield Township Commis- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing women, including volunteer women during sioner says of Kitty: ‘‘I was humbled and hon- World War II, as a way of promoting coopera- ored to follow in her footsteps. . .She worked Tuesday, March 21, 2017 tion and fellowship among all American tirelessly with integrity and enthusiasm for the Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I was un- women and their descendants. Township and the people she served.’’ avoidably detained and missed Roll Call vote

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:48 Mar 22, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K21MR8.003 E21MRPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with REMARKS March 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E357 numbers 173, 174, and 175. Had I been I thank the Silhouette Civic and Social Club made to the Modesto Fire Department by present, I would have voted Aye on all of for their efforts to improve our community and Chief Sean Slamon as we wish him continued these measures. have a positive impact on the world through success in his future endeavors. f their generosity. The ‘‘Ladies with the Big f Hearts’’ represent the compassion, selfless- IN RECOGNITION OF STEPHANIE IN RECOGNITION OF JUDGE ness, and community that is indicative of our (SAM) FLEETMAN CHRISTINE FIZZANO CANNON country’s southwest border and the people of El Paso that I have the distinct privilege to HON. PATRICK MEEHAN represent. HON. PATRICK MEEHAN OF PENNSYLVANIA OF PENNSYLVANIA f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PERSONAL EXPLANATION Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to HON. JAMES B. RENACCI Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Judge Christine Fizzano Cannon congratulate Stephanie (Sam) Fleetman for re- OF OHIO for receiving the Women of Achievement ceiving the Women of Achievement Award IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Award from the Delaware County Women’s from the Delaware County Women’s Commis- Commission. The Honorable Christine Fizzano Tuesday, March 21, 2017 sion. Sam is the CEO of Mustang Expedition, Cannon has been a leader in our community Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, had I been Inc.—a nationally recognized full-service deliv- both as a small business owner and a public present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call ery carrier. She has grown the company from servant. She ran her own law firm for over ten No. 173, YEA on Roll Call No. 174, and YEA one truck and a few employees to a multi-mil- years and has served as a Delaware County on Roll Call No. 175. lion dollar company employing over 50 individ- uals. Women’s Commissioner, member of the f Pennsylvania Supreme Court Disciplinary While reaching success in a male-oriented Board Hearing Committee, Ridley Hospital HONORING MODESTO FIRE DE- industry, Sam has also been a leader in her Foundation, and Delaware County Council. PARTMENT CHIEF SEAN SLAMON community. She has served as Chair of the In 2012, Judge Fizzano Cannon was elect- Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Motor ed to the Court of Common Pleas. In this role HON. JEFF DENHAM Truck Association—only the second woman to she handles civil and equity matters, personal OF CALIFORNIA do so in eighty-six years—and the Delaware injury and property damage cases, real estate, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES County Historical Society. And she previously held positions as the President of the Bridge- land use and zoning matters, and medical Tuesday, March 21, 2017 malpractice cases. She is also currently serv- water Park Association and the Sharon Alum- Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ing on the Judicial Conduct Board of Pennsyl- nae Association. acknowledge and honor Modesto Fire Depart- I thank Sam for all she’s done professionally vania, which reviews, investigates, and pros- ment Chief Sean Slamon, who announced his and philanthropically in our community and ecutes judicial misconduct. congratulate her on receiving this important I thank Judge Fizzano Cannon for all of her retirement after serving the community of Mo- award. work in our community, and I congratulate her desto for 29 years. In 1989, Sean began his successful career on receiving this award. f with the Modesto Fire Department. Throughout HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES f his many years of service, he has held various COTTON RECOGNIZING THE SILHOUETTE positions, including Firefighter, Engineer, Cap- CIVIC AND SOCIAL CLUB tain, Training Captain, Battalion Chief, Division Chief of Operations and Training, and Fire HON. STEVE COHEN Chief since August 2014. OF TENNESSEE HON. BETO O’ROURKE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF TEXAS In addition to his dedicated service, Chief Slamon previously served as President of the Tuesday, March 21, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Training Officers section of the California Fire Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Chiefs Association and remains on the team honor and commemorate the remarkable life Mr. O’ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored as an Area Director. Currently, Sean is a of James Cotton who passed away on March to rise today to recognize the Silhouette Civic member of the International Association of 16, 2017, at the age of 81. Mr. Cotton was a and Social Club, which holds a commendable Fire Chiefs and the California Fire Chiefs As- pioneering harmonica player who helped es- record of service to the El Paso community. sociation, in addition to being the former Presi- tablish his instrument as an integral part of This Saturday, March 25, 2017 the club will dent of the Stanislaus County Fire Chiefs. modern blues. recognize their 50th anniversary. Founded in Knowing that education is the key to suc- James Henry Cotton was born on July 1, 1967, the Silhouette Civic and Social Club has cess, Chief Slamon obtained a Bachelor’s de- 1935 in Tunica, MS, the youngest of eight served the El Paso community through events, gree in Occupational Studies from California brothers and sisters. His parents, Hattie and social activities, and scholarships. State University, Long Beach as well as an Mose were sharecroppers who worked on a The Club’s founders wanted to create an or- Associate of Science degree in Fire Science cotton plantation and his father was also the ganization with a unity of sisterhood dedicated from Modesto Junior College. He has preacher at the local Baptist church. Mr. Cot- to enriching and supporting the El Paso com- furthered his education and training by obtain- ton was inspired to take up the harmonica by munity. Three of its founders, Doris Gary, ing numerous certificates from the California his mother and by the time he was 7 years Baby Ruth Boswell, and Edna Black, still ac- State Fire Marshalls Office and FEMA, and is old, he was performing for small change on tively participate in the organization’s activities a state certified instructor in numerous com- the streets of nearby towns in the Mississippi to this day. mand and management courses. Delta. At age 9, he moved in with Sonny Boy The Silhouette Civic and Social Club, affec- Sean has been happily married to his wife, Williamson II to learn the instrument and tionately referred to as the ‘‘Ladies with the Shannon, for 23 years. Together, they have Sonny Boy remained his hero for the rest of Big Hearts,’’ has graciously supported church- two children: Zachary, a Cal Poly San Luis his life. es, shelters, and crisis centers through regular Obispo graduate who is currently serving as Around 1950, Mr. Cotton moved to West donations. They have supported El Paso’s an Airman 1st Class in the United States Air Memphis with Sonny Boy, which is where McCall Neighborhood Center, which preserves Force, and Courtney, a Senior in High School, Howlin’ Wolf heard him. Mr. Cotton played and advances the History of the African-Amer- who will be attending Cal Poly San Luis with Howlin’ Wolf appearing in some of the re- ican Community in El Paso, as well as the Obispo in the Fall. cordings he made with Sam Phillips at Sun Reynolds Home, a shelter for homeless moth- Chief Slamon’s 29 years of experience, Records, in Memphis, in the early 1950s. In ers and children. knowledge, and commitment are unparalelled. 1954, he also made four recordings under his They are most proud of providing college His expertise has led him on a new journey as own name for Sun. Mr. Cotton also played scholarships for deserving, honorable high the Fire Chief of the Carson City Fire Depart- with Muddy Waters in Chicago where he con- school graduates. Their grass roots initiatives ment. tributed to classics like ‘‘Got my Mojo Work- help young El Pasoans pursue the American Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and ing’’ and ‘‘Rock Me.’’ In 1966, Mr. Cotton em- Dream. commending the outstanding contributions barked on a solo career when he formed the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:48 Mar 22, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21MR8.011 E21MRPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E358 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 21, 2017 James Cotton Blues Band which performed because over 70% of my lungs have turned to Mnikesa and everyone like her across the with popular acts like Janis Joplin, the Grateful hardened, stony, scar tissue. The feeling of country to protect their health care—and to re- Dead, Led Zeppelin, B.B. King, Santana, and not even remembering what it is like to take a ject this repeal bill. many others. In 1977, Mr. Cotton reunited with deep breath. f Muddy Waters for the album ‘‘Hard Again,’’ Because my particular disease is one that is which won a Grammy Award for best ethnic or categorized as autoimmune, it would be sev- THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NA- traditional recording. eral months before we got the correct diag- TIONAL GUARD HOME RULE ACT His work influenced several major blues- nosis; autoimmunity is notoriously difficult to rock groups of the era such as the Allman diagnose. HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON Brothers, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and And unless you are a specialized medical OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA the Electric Flag. He was much imitated but professional or happen to know someone who IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES never duplicated. Mr. Cotton continued to play is afflicted by rheumotoid disorders, you have Tuesday, March 21, 2017 in concerts and on records well into his 70s likely never heard of what I have: anti-synthe- and released some two dozen albums. Mr. tase syndrome. It is rare, progressive and ag- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today I intro- Cotton moved from Chicago to Memphis in the gressive. Often it is fatal, especially with the duce the District of Columbia National Guard 1990s, after the death of his first wife, Ceola amount of lung damage that I have incurred. Home Rule Act, a bill that would give the and he settled in Austin in 2010. In 1997, his When after over 2 years of chemotherapy, mayor of the District of Columbia authority to album ‘‘Deep in the Blues’’ won a Grammy for the progression of my pulmonary fibrosis and deploy the D.C. National Guard, after con- best traditional blues album and his 2013 overall disease process was not successfully sultation with the Commanding General of the album ‘‘Cotton Mouth Man’’ was nominated. remaining stable, I had to go on supplemental D.C. National Guard, with the President retain- Mr. Cotton also won several W.C. Handy oxygen. Within 6 months, I was getting so sick ing authority on federal matters. In local emer- International Blues Awards (known as the that I eventually had to medically retire at 36 gencies, including natural disasters and civil Blues Music Awards since 2006) long consid- years old; it was a heartbreaking decision. disturbances unrelated to national or home- ered among the highest accolades for musi- I loved my job, and I was very good at it. land security, the mayor of the District should cians working in Blues. Mr. Cotton was in- Without the protections afforded to me through have the same authority that governors exer- ducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2006. the Affordable Care Act, my oxygen, the cost cise over the National Guard in their states. Mr. Cotton is survived by his wife and man- of seeing my numerous specialists, paying for Each governor—including the governors of ager, Jacklyn Hairston Cotton; his two daugh- 14 medications, admissions to the hospital, three U.S. territories with Guards—has the au- ters, Teresa Hampton and Marshall Ann Cot- and life-threatening emergency trips to the ER thority to deploy the National Guard to protect ton; a son, James Patrick Cotton; and numer- would be nothing short of financially cata- his or her state or territory, just as local militia ous grandchildren and great grandchildren. strophic for my family. did historically. His was a life well lived. A rare disease like mine baffles many doc- The National Guards in the 50 states and territories operate under dual federal and local f tors. It has not been uncommon for my care- takers to have to spend hours on the phone jurisdiction. Yet only the President currently TESTIMONY OF MNIKESA with insurance companies fighting for a drug has the authority to deploy the D.C. National WHITAKER-HAAHEIM ON THE that is literally thousands of dollars but nec- Guard for both national and local purposes. POSITIVE IMPACT OF THE AF- essary for my treatment. Today, by far the most likely need for the D.C. FORDABLE CARE ACT When you have a rare illness, you often National Guard here would be for natural dis- have to try new things. Insurance companies asters, such as hurricanes and floods, and to HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO will unabashedly see you as a risk. Why? You restore order in the wake of civil disturbances. OF CONNECTICUT are expensive, rare and dying. That is an un- The mayor, who knows the city better than IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES holy trinity. any federal official and who works closely with But since the Affordable Care Act, my medi- federal security officials, should be able to call Tuesday, March 21, 2017 cations have been affordable. Access to care on the D.C. National Guard for local natural Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to is NOT accessible if you cannot afford it, and disasters and civil disturbances, after consulta- share the testimony of one of my constitu- what the ACA has done is create a safeguard tion with the Commanding General of the D.C. ents—Mnikesa Whitaker-Haaheim. She is an so that the care that my doctors have pre- National Guard. The President should be fo- English teacher who has won teacher of the scribed for one of their sickest patients is truly cused on national matters, including homeland year twice. She is also living with and dying accessible to that patient because I can afford security, not local D.C. matters. Homeland se- from a debilitating disease. These are her it. curity authority, with respect to the D.C. Na- words: I come from a family who has, for genera- tional Guard, would remain the sole province ‘‘The debate about healthcare has turned tions, always worked and always paid into of the President, along with the power to fed- into something of a spectacle—as if it exists ‘‘the system.’’ There are next to no services eralize the D.C. National Guard for federal apart from the flesh and bones that are experi- available for a relatively young woman like me matters at will. It does no harm to give the encing the consequences of the decisions at Social Services; I know. I’ve checked. I am mayor authority to deploy the Guard for civil being made. I think it is exceedingly important not old enough for a full teacher’s pension, but disturbances and natural disasters. However, to talk about the felt experience of illness. do receive a small disability allowance. it could do significant harm to leave the mayor The feeling like an elephant’s sitting on my I need you to understand that people like powerless to act quickly. If it makes sense that chest—daily—because I have pulmonary fibro- me are not asking for anything for free. I am governors would have control over the deploy- sis. No, I have never smoked. Not cigarettes. willing to continue to pay for the quality ment of their National Guards, it makes equal Not anything. Ever. I am simply sick. The feel- healthcare that I have had. I am willing for sense for the mayor of the District, with a pop- ing of my leg bones splintering, waking me up there to be changes made to it. ulation the size of a small state, to have the with the pain, several times a night, several I find it unconscionable, however, that deci- same authority. times a week. Each leg is splayed beneath me sions can be made regarding life and death The mayor of the District, as chief execu- as if I’d fallen from a window. Of course that’s without actual regard for the felt lives and ac- tive, should have the authority to deploy the not what happened. This is just what joints tual deaths that you will be responsible for if D.C. National Guard in instances that do not and muscles feel like as a part of my rare dis- you repeal the ACA. rise to the level of federal homeland security ease. I do not know the course that my disease activities. My bill permits the mayor to only de- The feeling of having a widespread flu-like, will take. But I have the blood of some power- ploy the D.C. National Guard after consultation bone-crushing ache that does not end. I don’t ful ancestors flowing in me, and their fight for with the Commanding General of the D.C. Na- have the flu. I have a rare, autoimmune dis- life continues in me as well. I am honored to tional Guard. The bill is another important step ease. This is what my entire body feels like do so in their memory and on behalf of the toward completing the transfer of full self-gov- 90% of the time. The feeling of choking with- millions of Americans who do not have the ernment powers to the District. Congress out warning, regularly on coffee. On water. On words or the ability to speak for themselves began with the passage of the Home Rule Act my own spit. This is what my disease feels yet are terrified of losing their affordable, solid of 1973, when it delegated most of its author- like. coverage under the ACA.’’ ity over District matters to an elected mayor The feelings I’m talking about are what it is Those were her words—and she is not and Council. The bill follows that model. like to not be able to take a deep breath, ever, alone in her fear of repeal. We owe it to I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:48 Mar 22, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K21MR8.008 E21MRPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with REMARKS March 21, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E359 PERSONAL EXPLANATION Pinellas County is a peninsula, on the pe- CINCO RANCH STUDENTS WIN 3RD ninsula of Florida. As such, we are fortunate IN C–SPAN’S VIDEO COMPETITION HON. DAVID G. VALADAO to have three major Coast Guard Commands, OF CALIFORNIA Sector St. Petersburg, Station Sand Key, and HON. PETE OLSON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Air Station Clearwater, that patrol our waters OF TEXAS Tuesday, March 21, 2017 every day. The work they do is indispensable, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and to those seven people pulled from the Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, water last week, it was the difference between March 20, 2017, I missed votes due to un- life and death. I salute the Coast Guard for Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to avoidable flight delays. Had I been present, I their service, protecting our people, property, congratulate Jayden Fitts and Keaton Urioste would have voted YEA on roll call votes no. and national security along our coastline. And of Katy, TX, for winning third place in C– 173, 174 and 175. I will fight for them, providing the resources SPAN’s national 2017 StudentCam competi- f needed to carry out their critical mission. Their tion. Since 2006, C–SPAN has invited middle SAN JACINTO COLLEGE NAMED budget should be strengthened, not depleted or diminished. and high school students to produce short 5TH BEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE documentaries on an issue of national impor- IN THE NATION Sadly, last week we were also reminded of the importance of the U.S. Coast Guard tance. This year students were asked to an- through tragedy. One of my constituents, An- swer, ‘‘Your message to Washington: What is HON. PETE OLSON drew Dillman, a brave young man and crew- the most urgent issue for the new president OF TEXAS man for a local boat charter company, per- and Congress to address in 2017?’’ Jayden IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ished in the turbulent waters off Shell Key at- and Keaton’s documentary, ‘‘Putting Unem- Tuesday, March 21, 2017 tempting to rescue a college student under his ployment Out of Business,’’ focused on Amer- ica’s unemployment problem and what can be Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to care. A powerful rip current overtook Andrew and Chinese student Jie Luo. I offer my deep- done to fix it. Jayden and Keaton were award- congratulate San Jacinto College of Houston, ed $750 for their hard work. The two students TX, for being named the fifth best community est condolences to their families, and our prayers are with their loved ones during this are freshmen at Cinco Ranch High School. college in the country by the Aspen Institute On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congres- most difficult time. College Excellence Program. sional District of Texas, congratulations again Mr. Speaker, putting service before self is a Ten top-notch community colleges were to Jayden and Keaton for winning third place hallmark of the U.S. Coast Guard, and Mr. nominated for the Aspen Prize for Community in the 2017 StudentCam competition. We are Dillman exhibited that same spirit with his ac- College Excellence Award for the schools’ stu- very proud of them and look forward to their tions. This willingness to sacrifice represents dent learning, certificate and degree comple- future successes. tion, employment and earnings for graduates the best of who we are as human beings. We and accessibility and success of minority and give thanks for their courage, may it inspire us f lower income students. San Jacinto was rec- to always be our brother’s keeper. VETERANS 2ND AMENDMENT ognized because of its extreme focus on sup- I am humbled to have this opportunity to PROTECTION ACT porting and working with students to ensure honor the service of our U.S. Coast Guard they are the most equipped to find a job and and the life of Mr. Andrew Dillman. May he SPEECH OF prepare for life after graduation. Between 2007 rest in eternal peace. HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY and 2015, the number of certificates and asso- OF CONNECTICUT ciate degrees San Jacinto College has award- f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ed has increased by an impressive 140 per- cent. San Jacinto College works closely with PERSONAL EXPLANATION Thursday, March 16, 2017 local workforce to develop degree programs Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, on March 16th, that match employment needs and their strong HON. JAMES COMER 2017, during debate on H.R. 1181, the Vet- leadership is paying off for their students and erans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, the offi- OF KENTUCKY our local money. cial positions of several veteran services orga- On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congres- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nizations were discussed. To clarify remarks I sional District of Texas, congratulations again Tuesday, March 21, 2017 made during that debate, the Iraq and Afghan- to San Jacinto College for being named the istan Veterans of America (IAVA) did not take Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, on March 20, fifth best community college in the country. an official position on H.R. 1181 prior to the 2017, I was unavoidably detained during Roll We are proud of their strong commitment to House’s consideration of the bill, nor has IAVA Call vote numbers 173, 174 and 175. Had I prepare students for life after graduation. Keep publicly discussed why they have not taken a been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll up the good work. position on this bill in the 115th Congress. I Call No. 173, YEA on Roll Call No. 174, and regret any confusion that may have been f YEA on Roll Call No. 175. caused by my remarks. RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF f THE U.S. COAST GUARD SECTOR f ST. PETERSBURG AND HONORING RECOGNIZING LISA COHEN, PERSONAL EXPLANATION THE LIFE OF ANDREW DILLMAN FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DI- RECTOR OF THE WASHINGTON HON. CHARLIE CRIST HON. PETER WELCH GLOBAL HEALTH ALLIANCE OF FLORIDA OF VERMONT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. ADAM SMITH OF WASHINGTON Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Tuesday, March 21, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, due to my partici- Tuesday, March 21, 2017 courageous men and women of the U.S. pation in a meeting with President Trump at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, located in the White House, I was unable to vote on Roll Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I Florida’s 13th District, and a brave St. Peters- Call 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, and 135. rise to recognize Lisa Cohen, the Founder and burg resident, Andrew Dillman. Had I been present, I would have voted: Executive Director of the Washington Global Last week, amid high winds and rough Health Alliance. As Lisa steps down from her Roll Call 129: ‘‘Nay’’ seas, the U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Peters- ten years of service to the organization, we burg, led by its Commander, Captain Holly Roll Call 130: ‘‘Nay’’ acknowledge the successes of the WGHA Najarian and Deputy Commander Randall Roll Call 131: ‘‘Nay’’ under her leadership, and we thank her for her Brown, responded to multiple search-and-res- Roll Call 132: ‘‘Aye’’ tireless service to the greater Puget Sound re- cue calls. Within a 12-hour timespan, they as- Roll Call 133: ‘‘Nay’’ gion. sisted 18 individuals in distress, seven of Roll Call 134: ‘‘Aye’’ WGHA was founded with the goal of facili- which were pulled from the water. Roll Call 135: ‘‘Aye’’ tating collaboration between various health

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:48 Mar 22, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A21MR8.017 E21MRPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E360 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 21, 2017 and globally-focused organizations—empow- ciety of Civil Engineers 2017 report card grad- SUGAR LAND SENIOR REGENERON ering them to more effectively face the most ed our wastewater infrastructure a D+, while STS FINALIST challenging global health issues. Under Lisa drinking water received a D. While our clean Cohen’s leadership, the WGHA has done ex- water needs are estimated to be nearly $11 actly that; it has channeled the resources of billion per year, appropriations for clean water HON. PETE OLSON Washington’s vibrant healthcare sector. infrastructure have averaged just $1.4 billion OF TEXAS In the time that I have represented Wash- per year over the past five years. Drinking IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ington’s 9th District, I have had the privilege of water infrastructure is in worse shape—the attending many WGHA forums and healthcare Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) esti- Tuesday, March 21, 2017 advocacy meetings. In the past ten years, Lisa mates that we need to invest over $19 billion Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Cohen has moderated more than 100 panels annually to ensure the provision of safe tap congratulate Bryon Xu of Sugar Land, TX, for and presented to over 50,000 people. WGHA water, while Congress appro riates less than being named a Regeneron Science Talent now has over 70 members who, because of $1 billion. Though most of our water and Search (STS) 2017 finalist. her commitment to collaboration, are now bet- wastewater systems are 75 to 100 years old, ter able to serve the communities they touch. these growing challenges are not due to age Bryon was awarded $100,000 for winning It has been an honor to watch WGHA as it alone: federal investment has fallen more than fourth place out of 1,749 high school seniors has built an international network that 85 percent since 1977. for his project, Direct Determination of Ocean achieves more in a more efficient manner. Temperature Profiles from Seismic Oceanog- Lisa Cohen has not only helped to set Our failure to maintain and improve our raphy. He developed a method of measuring WGHA on a path to success, she has tire- water infrastructure doesn’t only result in a ocean temperature that can fill in the gaps ex- lessly served the greater Puget Sound com- poor grade on paper, it has real and dan- isting with current techniques, such as sat- munity. Her list of accomplishments include gerous outcomes, like the ongoing lead crisis ellites and probes. The Regeneron STS award channeling resources to many of those who in Flint, MI or lead-tainted water in Portland is based on students’ originality and creative are most at-risk in our community, mapping Public Schools. Water infrastructure-related thinking, as well as their achievement and the state’s global health community, co- problems are not confined to attention-grab- leadership. In his spare time, Bryon is a mem- founding Global to Local, and leading the bing headlines. Last year alone, American ber of the Mu Alpha Theta club for mathe- Washington Global Health Fund and Global communities suffered more than 250,000 matics, coaches a local Mathcounts team and Health Nexus. As a huge proponent of col- water main breaks and saw overflowing com- tutors science. He has also developed a web laboration, Lisa has helped to form Washing- bined sewer systems—causing contamination, app to help with Science Olympiad event. ton’s organizations into a community, so that property damage, disruptions in the water sup- they can collectively tackle the world’s most ply, and massive traffic jams. These problems On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congres- pressing issues. will only increase. It is time to establish a dedi- sional District of Texas, congratulations again Lisa Cohen’s unique ability to bring people cated trust fund for water infrastructure similar to Bryon Xu for winning fourth place in this es- together has left our community better to the Highway Trust Fund. teemed competition. We are confident he will equipped to handle future health challenges. have a successful future. As she takes her next steps, I know she will In honor of Water Week, today, I’m intro- continue to make a positive impact and help to ducing the Water Infrastructure Trust Fund f make our world a better place. Act. This bipartisan bill will provide a small, Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I deficit-neutral source of revenue to help states PERSONAL EXPLANATION recognize the global health work that Lisa replace, repair, and rehabilitate critical clean Cohen has done in our community and wish and drinking water facilities. Half of the trust her well in her future endeavors. fund revenue will be distributed to local gov- HON. PETER WELCH f ernments as grants and loans through the ex- OF VERMONT isting Clean Water State Revolving Fund IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES INTRODUCTION OF THE WATER IN- (CWSRF) for wastewater treatment construc- FRASTRUCTURE TRUST FUND tion, while the other 50 percent will be distrib- Tuesday, March 21, 2017 ACT uted through the existing Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to finance projects Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, because of flight HON. EARL BLUMENAUER to meet federal drinking water standards. cancellations due to inclement weather, I was OF OREGON unable to vote on Roll Call 159, 160, and 161. The Water Infrastructure Trust Fund Act is a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Had I been present, I would have voted: step in the right direction to addressing our Roll Call 159: ‘‘Aye’’ Tuesday, March 21, 2017 growing water challenges, keeping our kids Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, America’s and families healthy and our communities Roll Call 160: ‘‘Aye’’ water systems are in crisis. The American So- safe, livable, and economically secure. Roll Call 161: ‘‘Nay’’

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