Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the important mark that Ioannis Ioannopoulos had on American society, as the original founder of one of the oldest known wooden school houses in the country. In order to fully understand the cultural motivation to establish this historic treasure, one must examine Ioannopoulos's early life. A carpenter by trade, Ioannis Ioannopoulos was the son of George and Maria-Canelas and hailed from the Petalidi area in Messinia that was then known as ``Koroni'' (the village of Skoutari, Mani). He was known by the Spanish as Juan Genopoly. Ioannopoulos--at the age of 13--was one of a group of indentured laborers brought to the New World by Andrew Turnbull to work an indigo plantation at New Smyrna. This group of 1,403 Minorcans, Greeks and Italians suffered mistreatment, starvation and overextended servitudes at Turnbull's plantation. The people were reduced to slavery, and treated with great cruelty by Trumbull, whose partner in the enterprise was the English Governor of the territory, who kept the colonists in subjection with English troops. This slavery lasted nine years, during which time nearly two- thirds of these colonists perished; but large crops of indigo were raised for the company--one year 30,000 lbs. it is stated. In 1776, a new Governor having arrived, the petitions of these people for relief were listened to, and they were released from the tyranny of their master. One year later six hundred refugees, led by Ioannis Ioannopoulos, Francisco Pellicer and Antonio Llambias, walked to St Augustine and were granted asylum by Governor Tonyn. They became the largest group of immigrants to settle in America in one group at one time. Collectively called ``Minorcans'', they were an important part of the fabric of St. Augustine history. It was on Saint George Street where the survivors of the New Smyrna Colony first settled after their escape. Since that time, this area of Old St. Augustine has been called ``the Greek Quarter'' and alternately ``the Minorcan Quarter.'' Ioannis Giannopoulos built a little house out of red cedar and cypress and put it together with wooden pegs and handmade nails, sometime around 1800. This building was a home first but, as early as 1811, members of the Genopoly family taught the children of other Minorcan families in the first floor ``schoolroom'' of this building. As the story goes, Genopoly, in typical Greek fashion, was worried his children would grow up without an education. Genopoly and his daughter Maria Manuela Barbara ``Mary'' Genopoly Darling were the first teachers. Then Genopoly hired a school teacher, and generations of children from St. Augustine went to school in this building. Juan Genopoly died in 1820. Today, this preserved building is recognized as one of the oldest schoolhouses in North America. It has become the symbol of their hard work and perseverance. It's now the main attraction of the historical precinct in St. George Street, Saint Augustine, Florida. John Giannopoulos left a deep imprint in the educational history of St. Augustine by establishing a school in his house. Now restored, it stands as one of the oldest school buildings in the United States.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the extensive and unique contributions that my friend, Nick Larigakis, has made in strengthening the strategic alliance between the United States and Greece throughout his impressive 30-year tenure at the American Hellenic Institute. The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) is a non- profit Greek American public policy center which Mr. Larigakis has led with his renowned passion for justice and the rule of law. He manages the day-to-day operations of AHI and its affiliated organizations. He is directly responsible for strategic planning, policy analysis, public affairs, government relations, financial development and communications--essentially a one man show. During his many years of distinguished service, Mr. Larigakis has hosted 70 successful legislative conferences and two trade conferences. He has also hosted multiple Congressional fact-finding trips to Greece and Cyprus, and led nine summits on the Future of Hellenism in America. Through his tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment to Hellenic causes he has molded AHI into a premier organization that regularly makes meaningful contributions in the public policy arena. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Affairs, as well as Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Israel Alliance, I, along with my colleagues have especially benefitted from Nick's counsel and from the support of AHI in fostering mutually beneficial relations between the United States, Cyprus and Greece. His effective and respected political advocacy work has educated and informed the U.S. Congress about the protection and promotion of Hellenic-American interests. Furthermore, his efforts have helped form a strong bond within the Hellenic community and served as an invaluable resource for Philhellenes throughout our great nation. I congratulate Mr. Larigakis on reaching this important milestone in his career and thank him for his outstanding service, which has benefited our country, Greece, Cyprus and Hellenes worldwide while helping to preserve our rich cultural heritage. I look forward to working with him for many years to come. In the astute words of Pericles, ``What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.'' Throughout his remarkable career, Mr. Larigakis has left behind a passion for perpetuating the cornerstones of Hellenism: justice and democracy. Axios.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it was great to participate in this morning's board of delegation meeting, during which we discussed the impact of recent hurricanes on our State and unmet needs to require further attention. With the onslaught of natural disasters that have plagued our country in recent months, we must provide appropriate levels of Federal support to all who are suffering. However, we must also ensure that Florida's ongoing needs are not overlooked as we seek to fully recover. Our two largest industries, tourism and agriculture, have sustained significant losses, which will have a long-term impact on our economy, unfortunately. We also learned valuable lessons during the hurricane as it relates to the care for our most vulnerable citizens, our seniors and the disabled. These lessons need to translate to action in order to prevent future tragedies. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we evaluate the proposed natural disaster funding bill that will be voted on later this week and determine its impact on Florida.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, this Friday we celebrate National Manufacturing Day. The economist, Peter Navarro, recently said that manufacturing is the seed for all other jobs in the United States. I couldn't agree more. Manufacturers are the pioneers, the innovators, and the people who bring ideas to life. With over 20 percent of Florida's manufacturers located in the Tampa Bay area, I am proud of the fact that there are more than 2,500 manufacturers in and around my district. Their work couldn't be more essential to our community and our country. It is our job to support manufacturing and to create a business environment in which they can thrive. This means passing meaningful tax reform, eliminating regulations that stifle the industry, and encouraging STEM education, which is needed for workforce development. I look forward to continuing to work on these important issues as we embrace the full potential of what it means to make it in America: Made in America.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, all these children are asking for is an opportunity to succeed. I had difficulty hearing in the classroom. I don't know how I got through, but I did. I had a hard time seeing the blackboard. I don't know how I got through my math, but I did. Again, this is why we are here: to make a difference.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program. If this law were around when I was a newborn, we might have caught my hearing loss at a younger age. I don't want kids to go through what I have gone through. Representative Guthrie said it about his child. I had vision problems, too. We want to give these children an opportunity to succeed. That is why we are here in this Congress. That is why it makes it worthwhile to make a difference in a person's life. All they are asking for is an opportunity to succeed. So now as a user of hearing aids myself, I was proud to cosponsor the bipartisan bill, the House version introduced by my colleagues, Mr. Guthrie and Ms. Matsui. Studies have shown that important language development skills are learned prior to a child's third birthday, as hearing and language are closely linked. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 33 children are born every day with hearing impairment, making it the most common congenital condition in the United States. If left undiagnosed, a child can risk developmental challenges and setbacks. Since its inception in 1999, the Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Program has improved the lives of numerous children. Over its first 15 years, the percentage of newborn babies screened every year increased from 40 percent in 2000 to approximately 96 percent of infants in 2015. The bill builds on this legacy of success, allowing for vital screenings and monitoring to continue, while improving timely follow-up for infants to receive the care they need--key to healthy development.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish both the people of Taiwan and Americans celebrating Taiwan's National Day this October 10th a Happy Double Ten Day. Our two countries' partnership has flourished thanks to a mutual commitment to democratic values and constitutional government Taiwan has created a strong democracy, as evidenced by the six direct presidential elections the country has held since 1996 and the three peaceful passages of power from one political party to another in the wake of these elections, most recently in 2016. Taiwan now serves as a strong example of democracy for not only the Asia Pacific region, but also the world. The strength of this bond has also been demonstrated most recently by a series of common initiatives. In August, onr two nations collaborated on the launch of Taiwan's first domestically built satellite, the Formosat-5, and Taiwan signed letters of intent to purchase approximately 365 million bushels of U.S. grains in 2018 and 2019 worth almost $3 billion. Additionally, Taipei pledged $800,000 to relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. I applaud Taiwan's commitment to deepening ties with the United States, and the people of Taiwan should rest assured that Americans and this Congress share it. This is a day to celebrate, and to be optimistic. I ask my colleagues to join me in recommitting ourselves to the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, and in wishing Taiwan a Happy Double Ten Day.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the first responders and utility workers, the linemen who have been vital in helping prepare for and recover from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The road to full recovery will be a long one for many of us, our neighbors as well, who experienced catastrophic losses, and we must continue to support those in need. I encourage my constituents to visit my Facebook page to learn more about FEMA resources. I also believe now is the time to encourage all Americans to be properly prepared for future natural disasters. I have introduced the SHELTER Act, which would provide individuals and businesses with a tax credit for 25 percent of qualified hurricane and tornado mitigation property expenditures. It is $5,000 a year. So again, this tax credit, this bill will incentivize Americans to take action now in preparation for future disasters. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast), a true American hero and a combat veteran.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3819) to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring provisions of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3819, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017. H.R. 3819 would extend a number of authorities impacting veterans' benefits, health, and homeless programs. Swift passage of this legislation today would ensure that many programs that veterans, their caregivers, dependents, and survivors rely on continue. We must continue these programs. Mr. Speaker, the programs include nursing home care, support services for caregivers, transportation, child care assistance, adaptive sports programs, and housing and home loan services, to name just a few. So important. Again, these are not new programs, but they are so very important to our true heroes. The costs associated with them have been assumed in the House-passed appropriations bill for fiscal year 2018 and 2019 advance appropriation. One program that has been extended for just 5 additional months, until January 6, 2018, is the assisted living pilot program for veterans with traumatic brain injury. That short extension would allow extra time for the VA to fully transition the veterans currently participating in that program into other existing programs more suitable for their ongoing support and rehabilitation. H.R. 3819 would also make a number of technical corrections to the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017. This bill was drafted by and has full bipartisan support of both the majority and the minority Veterans' Affairs Committee members of the House and the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3819 today, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins), who is also a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Minnesota for his leadership and working in a bipartisan fashion always, and we always put our veterans first, so I appreciate that very much. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, as the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Parkinson's Disease and a member of the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus, I'm proud of the collective work of the 114th Congress in enacting 21st Century Cures--a bipartisan undertaking to help our healthcare innovation infrastructure thrive and deliver more hope for all patients. Personally, I have family members who have suffered with Parkinson's--I witness this debilitating disease through them. It's hard to watch. Few things in America are truly universal--diseases, sadly, are one of those things. Currently, we do not have accurate information about how many people are living with neurological diseases like Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis, geographic location, or even basic attributes like gender, ethnicity, etc. Lack of accurate information slows critical research while erecting new and reinforcing existing barriers to health care services that these vulnerable patients need. 21st Century Cures addressed this issue by statutorily developing the necessary infrastructure to collect data on neurological diseases so key health stakeholders could better understand the patient population, facilitate research, and proactively plan for health care needs--saving lives while controlling costs. This infrastructure is the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System. Information provided by the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System will provide a foundation for understanding factors, such as clusters of diagnoses in certain geographic regions, variances in the number of men and women diagnosed with neurological diseases, and differences in health care practices among patients. Unfortunately, funds were not appropriated to formally establish this database at CDC. Mr. Chair, I understand that we must practice fiscal discipline and exercise fiscal constraint. I understand difficult decisions must be made in this appropriation bill. I understand the fiscal environment in which we now find ourselves due to our low budget caps here in the House. However, as the budget caps are higher in the Senate, I ask that should the measure we are considering be put before a conference committee, that funding be made available for the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System so that we can realize the mission of 21st Century Cures--to accelerate medical product development and bring new innovations and advances to patients who need them faster and more efficiently. I hope you will work with me to find funding for this critical system for patients.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment to add $5 million to expand the Visa Security Program which will fund two more high-risk visa security posts in the most volatile parts of the world. The global threat of radical Islamic extremism is very real and requires a robust vetting system to ensure those seeking to do us harm do not enter our borders. Despite success in our efforts to destroy ISIS, we know hot spots around the world serve as a breeding ground for radical ideology. That is why expanding our visa security program is paramount. In 2010, I questioned then-Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano about why the Visa Security Program hadn't been accelerated and emphasized the need to take prompt action to bolster screening capabilities overseas. It remains a priority today. The Visa Security Program is a vital part of our antiterrorism efforts, and its success is essential because if we are not safe, nothing else matters. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc amendment and the underlying bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the SELF DRIVE Act, which will improve transportation safety, stimulate economic growth, and ensure we are embracing the full potential of technological advances in the automotive industry with respect to autonomous vehicles. I am especially proud that my bill, the ACCESS Act, has been included in this important legislative package, which ensures that self-driving cars are developed with seniors and the underserved in mind. Approximately 20 percent of Floridians are over the age of 65, and many struggle with simple tasks most of us take for granted, such as getting to work, going to the doctor, taking a trip to the grocery store or across town to visit family. Self-driving cars hold the power to safely put seniors and our constituents back in the driver's seat of their lives, providing them with greater independence and mobility. I urge all my colleagues to support the passage of this very important bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the eight inventors who have been recognized as the 2017 Inductees of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. In order to be named as an Inductee, these inventors were nominated by their peers nationwide and have undergone the scrutiny of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame Selection Committee. As a result, their innovations have been identified as significantly impacting the quality of life, economic development, and welfare of their communities, the citizens of Florida, and the United States. The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame was founded in 2013 by Paul R. Sanberg, Senior Vice President for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Enterprise, and Judy Genshaft, President, at the University of South Florida. It was recognized by the Florida Senate with Senate Resolution 1756, adopted on April 30, 2014. Its mission is to encourage individuals of all backgrounds to strive toward the betterment of Florida and society through continuous, groundbreaking innovation by celebrating the incredible scientific work that has been or is being accomplished in Florida and by its citizens. Nomination to the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame is open to all Florida inventors (living or dead) who are or have been residents of Florida. The nominee must be a named inventor on a patent issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The impact of the inventor and his or her invention should be significant to society as a whole, and the invention should have been commercialized, utilized, or led to important innovations. The 2017 Inductees of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame are: Issa Batarseh, director of the Florida Power Electronics Center at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, for inventing low cost, high efficiency micro-inverters for photovoltaic (PV) applications that led to the creation of the first compact single solar PV panel; Michael J. DeLuca, electrical engineer and intellectual property counsel for NextEra Energy, Florida Power & Light, in Juno Beach, for his groundbreaking technology known today as ``voltage scaling,'' which significantly increased the battery life of portable communication devices; Kenneth M. Ford, co-founder and CEO of the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, in Pensacola and Ocala, for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence and human-centered computing, and for his significant contributions to the United States and Florida's technology and research communities; Phillip Frost, physician, inventor, and current CEO of OPKO Health in Miami, who invented a revolutionary disposable punch biopsy tool, as well as various therapeutic methods for treating psoriasis, heart and respiratory diseases; Richard D. Gitlin, State of Florida 21st Century World Class Scholar and Distinguished University Professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa, for development of the original digital subscriber line (DSL) and his subsequent inventive research and development in digital communications, broadband networking, and wireless systems that transformed communication technology; Thomas H. Maren, (1918-1999), physician, Graduate Research Professor at the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, and charter member of the UF College of Medicine faculty, who made underlying discoveries that resulted in the invention and commercialization of Trusopt', the first topical treatment for glaucoma; and T. Dwayne McCay and Mary Helen McCay. Dwayne McCay, President of the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in Melbourne, and Mary Helen McCay, whose novel approaches in the area of metallurgical engineering, specific to laser-induced surface improvement (LISI), have greatly contributed to increased patient safety and improved medical outcomes in facilities nationwide. Innovation and invention are the building blocks of our nation. I applaud these highly accomplished individuals and the organizations that support them in their quest to change the world in ways that truly benefit humanity. Furthermore, it is because of the perseverance of these inventors that future generations are encouraged to reach beyond their limits and push the boundaries of innovation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman. I think he outdid himself on this one. This is outstanding stuff. There is no other word. It is huge. It really is. He is helping our true American heroes with this, and I am so proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation. The challenges our Nation's heroes face do not end on the battlefield. Education and career training programs offer veterans the opportunity to enter a new chapter of their lives when they return home from their service. I recently visited AmSkills, a manufacturing apprenticeship center in New Port Richey, Florida, to learn more about the good work they are doing locally to help veterans transition to civilian careers. The Forever GI Bill helps ensure that veterans nationwide have the resources to access career education programs such as AmSkills, of course, going to a university maybe, a community college, vocational training, whatever they want to do. Importantly, this bill allows future eligible GI Bill recipients to use their benefits at any point in their lives. That is incredible. It is long overdue, as opposed to the current 15-year time limit, which is so unfair. It also includes my provision, the VETERAN Act, which authorizes $30 million to help the VA invest in modernizing their information technology systems for claims processing. Congress and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee would have oversight of the VA's proposed changes and monitor its progress. The provision would be a major step in helping veterans receive their benefits in a more timely and efficient manner. Overall, the legislation before us today will improve, expand, and modernize the GI Bill program for veterans and their surviving spouses and dependents. That is so very important. Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this great bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to shed light on the issue of fraud and abuse in the Medicare program. Medicare is absolutely critical for seniors in my district and across the country. Not only is Medicare fraud an affront to hardworking taxpayers, it hurts the millions of seniors who rely on the program. Last week, the HHS inspector general announced the largest healthcare fraud takedown in history: 412 defendants were charged nationwide, including more than 80 cases in Florida, for Medicare fraud totaling about $1.3 billion in losses. That is why I introduced much-needed legislation to strengthen penalties against those who commit fraud in the Medicare program. The Medicare Civil and Criminal Penalties Update Act, H.R. 3245, cracks down on Medicare fraud and abuse by increasing civil and criminal fines. We must ensure the Medicare program is strong and sustainable for today's and tomorrow's beneficiaries.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, because of a funeral of a family member, I was not present on Friday, July 14, for votes during National Defense Authorization Act of 2017. Had I been here I would have voted in the following manner. Rollcall Vote 372--``Yea'' Rollcall Vote 373--``Yea'' Rollcall Vote 374--``Yea'' Rollcall Vote 375--``Yea'' Rollcall Vote 376--``Yea'' Rollcall Vote 377--MTR--``Nay'' Rollcall Vote 378--Final Passage--``Yea'' Announcement by Committee on Rules Regarding Amendment Process on H.R. 218, H.R. 2910, and H.R. 2883

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, in light of the important anti-human trafficking legislation passed by the House, I want to recognize efforts in the Tampa Bay area to combat human trafficking. I am especially proud of the joint task force formed by Pasco County Sheriff's Office Corporal Alan Wilkett, BayCare's Liana Dean, and many others. Their work brings us closer to a community that is safer for our most vulnerable citizens. Human trafficking is not a distant problem for other countries. It is a human rights crisis happening right here at home. Last year, Florida reported 550 human trafficking cases. That is the third largest number of cases in the country. It is unacceptable. We passed three bipartisan bills to strengthen detection systems, improve education efforts, and protect victims. We have got to pass them in the Senate as well and have it become law. The fight against human trafficking is a fight for the safety and security of our communities.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the passage of the FDA Reauthorization Act. With this legislation, we can modernize the FDA and reduce the barriers to innovation and competition. If America is going to lead the world in biomedical innovation, we need an FDA that can efficiently review and approve new drugs. The FDA must act with the same urgency that patients feel waiting for cures. Importantly, this bill includes a bipartisan provision that I authored with my colleague Kurt Schrader. The provision uses free market policies to help spur the development of new generic drugs, increase competition, and combat high drug prices. I am also pleased we are including in the RACE for Children Act an important provision to advance pediatric cancer research and development. With today's bill, we have an opportunity to truly make a difference for our families, our friends, our neighbors, and the millions of Americans living with a deadly disease. Let's get this done.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of June as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month. Millions of our Nation's heroes experience post-traumatic stress upon returning home from their service. Invisible wounds like PTS are just as important and worthy of treatment as physical injuries. Seeking help for PTS is not a sign of weakness or defeat, but a show of strength and commitment to a full and healthy life. Treating PTS is not a one-size-fits-all process either. Our veterans need options to find the treatments that work best for their unique needs. That is why I am proud my legislation, the COVER Act, has been signed into law and will help increase access to evidence-based alternative therapies at the VA. For National PTS Awareness Month, I stand committed to serving our Nation's heroes and improving their treatment options.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome my great friend, Rabbi Gary Klein, who has led the Temple Ahavat Shalom of Palm Harbor, Florida, for the past 30 years. Temple Ahavat Shalom is a congregation that serves nearly 500 households in my district. Since coming to Pinellas County in 1987, he served on the board of the St. Leo University Center for Catholic- Jewish studies and currently serves on the National Council of AIPAC. Rabbi Klein is a long-time advocate on behalf of the U.S.-Israel alliance. As co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic Israeli Alliance, I welcome his continued advice and counsel, especially as it relates to security in the Eastern Mediterranean. For several years now, I have joined Rabbi Klein and the congregation for Passover Seder, and I very much look forward to continuing this tradition. I am thankful for his friendship, and I wish him many more years of blessed leadership.