Troy Balderson

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Chair, the administration has demonstrated that one of its top priorities is the research and necessary regulation of PFAS. Its ongoing commitment to public safety is responsible. Congress should allow the EPA to complete its work before casting such a wide net on labeling 5,000-plus PFAS as hazardous. This is an opportunity for Congress to be proactive rather than reactive. I invite Members to join me in supporting thoughtful action to ensure the safety of the American public and our environment. Madam Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote on my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Jeff Tilton, for his dedication to Zanesville, Ohio and the surrounding area. Mayor Tilton's career, now spanning more than four decades, exemplifies a selfless commitment to public service. After dedicating 39 years to Burnham Foundry, Jeff served three plus terms as Zanesville Councilman. Jeff was then sworn in as Mayor in 2011. Jeff's service stretches far past his duties as Mayor as he is also a member of multiple local organizations, such as the Genesis Advisory Board, the Advisory Board of the Oaks at Bethesda and Northpoint, the Zanesville Sertoma Club, and the Salvation Army Board, just to name a few. As a holder of public office, Mayor Tilton has continually gone above and beyond his call of duty. Jeff can be credited for improving broadband access, infrastructure, and downtown development in Zanesville. Outside of local government, Jeff's dedication has manifested itself in countless ways over the years, including in his volunteer work around Zanesville. Jeff is an active volunteer with Miracle on Main Street, Souper Bowl Sunday and the Y-Bridge Arts Festival. Many different groups and organizations throughout Muskingum County have benefited from Jeff's time and assistance. Admired and respected by the people that have had the chance to work alongside Jeff, it is evident he has left a positive impact on Zanesville and the individuals that make up the community. As family, friends, and Zanesville gather to recognize Jeff's outstanding career, I salute him for his ongoing commitment to service above self. Mayor Tilton can take great pride in all he has accomplished and in the positive impact that his work has--and will continue to--have. I thank Jeff for his devotion to bettering Zanesville, Ohio and in turn, I honor him for his incredible record of achievement.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Brady for yielding. I rise this afternoon with enthusiasm for a bipartisan agreement, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. This trade deal between our country and our top two trading partners will be a major win for the Buckeye State. Ohio farmers and manufacturers already export nearly $28 billion worth of goods to Canada and Mexico every year. The USMCA opens up Canada's market to American poultry and dairy so that Ohio farmers can now trade these products across international lines. In this digital era, many people's shopping is increasingly done online. People can shop small businesses and larger companies alike, especially during the holiday gifting season. USMCA brings an outdated trade agreement into the 21st century with a previously nonexistent section on digital trade. USMCA is what our country needs now, and I am thrilled to support this bipartisan agreement's passage. I thank Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Eugene Parkison, for the forty years he has dedicated to Lexington, Ohio and the surrounding area. Mayor Parkison's career, now spanning more than four decades, exemplifies a selfless commitment to public service. After being appointed to a Lexington City Council seat in 1978, Gene was sworn in as Mayor in 1983. Today, with more than 35 years in this role, he is now the longest-tenured mayor in Richland County history. As a holder of public office, Mayor Parkison has continually gone above and beyond his call of duty. His dedication has manifested itself in countless ways over the years, including in his recent effort to collect and donate several boxes of clothing, shoes, and blankets to victims of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. For his remarkable service, Gene has been honored with several awards, including the proclamation of Eugene R. Parkison Day--which has been celebrated in Lexington on July 1st of every year since 2013. Admired and respected by all, many current and former Lexington City councilman have cited Gene as an important mentor in their lives--both professionally and personally. However, beyond his work in local government, Gene has served the Lexington community in a number of other capacities as well, including as a member of the Catholic Charities Board. As family, friends, and Lexington gather to recognize Gene's outstanding career, I salute him for his ongoing commitment to service above self. Mayor Parkison can take great pride in all he has accomplished and in the positive impact that his work has--and will continue to--have. I thank Gene for his devotion to bettering Lexington, Ohio and in turn, I honor him for his incredible record of achievement.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my disappointment that, once again, Congress is kicking the can down the road and putting off properly funding the government by another month. I urge my colleagues to recognize government funding affects the lives of millions of Americans: USDA officials inspect our Thanksgiving turkeys; postal workers deliver our holiday cards and packages; TSA agents and air traffic controllers keep us safe to fly home for the holidays. Not to mention, millions of Federal employees rely on a steady income, especially during the expensive holiday season. This is unfair to Americans. Clearly, all Americans are affected by Congress' inability to pass a budget. That is why I introduced the End Government Shutdowns Act, which safeguards against the damaging consequences of shutdowns. It lifts the shutdown burden from the shoulders of Americans and incentivizes lawmakers to reach across the aisle and do our jobs. Americans want to see us come together and find bipartisan solutions to our Nation's most challenging funding problems. My bill does just that.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Duncan Falls Fire Department's 1st Assistant Chief, Steve Farus, for the forty years he has dedicated to Wayne Township and the surrounding area. Assistant Chief Farus's career, now spanning more than four decades, exemplifies a selfless commitment to public service. After graduating from Philo High School in 1971, Steve joined the U.S. Navy, where he served honorably for four years. Upon his return to civilian life, Assistant Chief Farus graduated from college and joined the Duncan Falls Volunteer Fire Department. In this role, Steve has continually gone above and beyond his call of duty. His dedication has manifested itself in numerous ways, including in his co-founding of Duncan Falls Safety Town--an educational program through which he has delivered countless safety demonstrations to school, church, and other civic groups across the Wayne community. In addition, Steve is a long-serving member of the Muskingum County Firefighters Association, where he was instrumental in acquiring a Fire Safety Trailer for the Duncan Falls Fire Department. Today, the trailer is used for children's safety demonstrations and is a favorite stop on the many station tours that Steve coordinates for members of the community. For his remarkable service, Assistant Chief Farus has been honored with several awards, including the Zanesville Sertoma Service to Mankind Award and the Gardner Insurance Community Protector Award. Beyond his work with the Fire Department, Steve has further served Wayne Township as the owner and operator of the Clyde Thompson Funeral home since 1985. He and his wife, DuAnne, are the proud parents of Scott, Matthew, and Stacey, and now have 6 grandchildren. As family, friends, and Wayne Township gather to recognize Steve's outstanding career, I salute him for his commitment to advocating for safety and for his ongoing service above self. Assistant Chief Farus can take great pride in all he has accomplished and the positive impact that his work has had and will continue to have. I thank Steve for his devotion to bettering Wayne Township, Ohio, and in turn, I honor him for his incredible record of achievement.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of a bill I cosponsored, H.R. 3537, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act. This bill would authorize the Boots to Business Program, which helps our Nation's veterans who are transitioning back into the workforce launch and grow their small businesses. Our Nation just celebrated Veterans Day, and while it is a wonderful way for us to show our appreciation for those who have served the United States honorably, it is also important we honor those veterans year-round. We must never forget our highest commitment, which is to support our servicemembers, veterans, and their families. The Boots to Business Program is one such way we can do that for our veterans, by providing them with the tools and resources they need to be successful entrepreneurs in our modern world. The Boots to Business Program is an important way for our country to support two fundamentally American values: small business and military service. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 3537.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Betty Wiechert, a resident of Muskingum County, who is celebrating her 100th birthday this Saturday, October 19, 2019. Betty has lived a life characterized by devotion and an unyielding selflessness, making her a pillar of this congregation. A woman of family, community, and faith, Betty was a Sunday School teacher and taught my very first Sunday School class. Her devotion and unwavering loyalty for the Coburn Church community is still evident today as she attends each and every Sunday service, even if that requires taking a taxi to mass. Betty is an incredible inspiration and role model to us all and I am sure turning 100 will not slow Betty down in the slightest. I join Betty's friends and family in extending my best and warmest wishes to her on this special day, and in celebrating her life and contributions to our congregation and community. Happy 100th Birthday to Betty; it is an honor celebrating with her.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Delaware, Ohio as they are recognized by the American Planning Association as one of America's ``Great Neighborhoods.'' The American Planning Association introduced the first of its annual ``Great Places'' list in 2007 as a way to acknowledge the ingenuity and precision of city planners, city members, and local organizations around the country. The American Planning Association strives to expose the importance of city planners and their impact on communities. Chosen from a pool of 200 nominees, Downtown Delaware became one of four neighborhoods around the country to receive this prestigious title. Throughout the nomination process, Downtown Delaware stood out for its outstanding revitalization and attention to the city's history. This impressive balance between historical preservation and innovative expansion can be credited to the city planners, business owners, workers, and community members of Historic Downtown Delaware that dedicated their time to improving their city. The historic downtown area remains as one of Delaware's defining elements. Rooted in 200 years of history, Downtown Delaware's charm and antiquity have withstood the test of time. This achievement showcases both the beauty of this historic community as well as the thorough planning that went into the creation of Downtown Delaware. Downtown Delaware's revival has been decades in the making and Delaware's nomination as one of America's Great Neighborhoods is the honor this city and its dedicated citizens deserve. Downtown Delaware's established history, set alongside up-and-coming innovations and improvements, creates for a one-of-a-kind city found in the heart of Ohio. The efforts of Downtown Delaware's city planners and the community as a whole set high standards for cities all over America. As the city of Delaware celebrates its new title with the community on Thursday, October 17th, I cannot express how honored I am to serve the committed people of Delaware as their efforts resulted in this national recognition.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and achievements of John J. Day, Jr., in honor of his nomination and confirmation of France's highest distinction of military and civil merits, the French Legion of Honor. In October of 1942, during the height of World War II, John answered his nation's call and joined the United States Army as a member of the 90th Infantry Division, a regiment that later earned the title of ``Tough Hombres.'' Deployed to Europe two years later, the Tough Hombres arrived on English soil on Easter Sunday, 1944. Soon after their arrival, John, along with his regiment, boarded a ship for Normandy. At the young age of 21, John courageously defended his country two days after D-Day in the Battle of the Seves River. Taken off the front line on July 22, 1944, John completed his assignment at a Postal Unit in Avon, France. John was finally discharged from the Army in November 1945, six months after World War II ended. John returned to civilian life and to his work with the Pennsylvania Central Railroad system in New York. Following his retirement, John and his late wife, Mary Ann, enjoyed traveling across the country, visiting children and grandchildren. John currently resides in Galena, Ohio, where he is an active member of the Westerville Chapter of the VFW. A decorated veteran, John has been awarded numerous awards such as the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge, just to name a few. The French Legion of Honor adds to the extensive list of awards and recognitions John received throughout his distinguished career, though it does not scratch the surface of the number of reasons we owe a debt of gratitude to John for his service to our country. Consul General of France will officially present John with his medal on October 8 in Westerville, Ohio. I am confident that John's impact will be an enduring one, and that this ceremony will be cherished by his family and friends. I thank John for his service, and I am proud to join in recognizing John J. Day, Jr., as he receives this distinguished and well-deserved honor.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the unwavering dedication of retired Marine Staff Sergeant, Tim Chambers. First spotted in 2002, Tim Chambers--better known as ``The Saluting Marine''--stood at attention for hours as thousands of motorcyclists rode past during the Rolling Thunder ``Ride for Freedom'' event in Washington, D.C. Since then, Tim has not missed a Rolling Thunder event. His single salute in 2002 set an example that has since rippled throughout the nation, raising awareness for missing-in-action servicemembers and prisoners of war. Year after year, Tim continues to give veterans the welcome home they deserve yet did not receive upon returning home from war. Standing for hours on end in, Tim overcomes physical conditions that would otherwise render him immobile, purely to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. A modern-day hero, Tim selflessly rushed into the Pentagon after the crash of American Airlines Flight 77 during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, without knowing what lay ahead for him, the victims, and our country. Tim stayed three days in the attacks' aftermath to continue rescue operations of his fellow Americans. Even in the most harrowing of times, Tim's love of and dedication to country, along with his profound bravery, has always overcome the most colossal challenges. A former Marine, Tim now acts as a veterans' rights advocate, ensuring that the men and women who serve our country receive the respect, honor, remembrance, and thanks they deserve. As I attend the Rolling Thunder event this coming weekend in Columbus, I will think of Tim's honorable dedication to his country and fellow veterans, and all the American servicemembers who may never get their due welcome home. Tim Chamber's devotion to our Armed Forces is felt throughout our nation, and I am humbled to honor him, returning to him the recognition and glory he has shown for his fellow American heroes.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 464, a bill originally introduced by Representative Walter Jones of North Carolina, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge this body's consideration of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or the USMCA, which has the support of both of our neighboring nations; the majority of our Nation's Governors, including Ohio's Governor Mike DeWine; more than 600 trade group organizations across the Nation; our current administration; a significant number of my colleagues both in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate; and myself. The USMCA will support tens of millions of jobs across the United States. In my home State of Ohio, more than 428,000 jobs are supported by trade with Canada and Mexico. The livelihood of my constituents is directly impacted by the success of trade with our neighboring nations. Last year, nearly $28 billion worth of goods and services were exported from my home State of Ohio to Canada and Mexico. These exports consist of iron, steel, motor vehicle parts, and machinery, much of which come from my district in central Ohio. Ohio is also the 12th largest agricultural exporting State. USMCA will make important improvements to secure greater market access for our farmers and will ensure the fair treatment of Ohio's agriculture products in the marketplace. With $28 billion in economic value and 428,000 Ohio jobs on the line, we simply cannot afford for the USMCA to fail. It is time to pass USMCA now.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the time- honored work of Muskingum Iron and Metal Company, located in my hometown of Zanesville, Ohio. Ten days from now, on September 19th, the fourth-generation, family-operated scrap recycling facility will celebrate ninety years of serving Zanesville and the surrounding community. For nine decades, Muskingum Iron and Metal has delivered on its promise to provide the highest level of quality, service, and integrity for its customers. The company's devotion to high standards and values is evident to everyone throughout our community. Family owned-and-operated businesses like Muskingum Iron and Metal are foundational to the small communities that make up Ohio. Our state's vibrant economy could not survive without these family-run engines of innovation and job creation. Muskingum Iron and Metal represents the pinnacle of Ohio's small businesses, spurring growth and driving our economy forward. Muskingum Iron and Metal can confidently attribute its nine successful decades in operation to the dedication and determination of its employees. I thank them for the company's longstanding influence within Zanesville, and for their part in propelling Ohio's economy and job market. Today, Muskingum Iron and Metal can reflect on its honorable legacy and look forward to a prosperous future. I am confident its impact will continue to last for generations to come.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3153, the Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment, or EFFORT Act. This bill is of particular importance to me, as I represent an area that has been devastated by the opioid crisis over the past decade, and I am privileged to speak today on the important of this bill. In my home state of Ohio, the rate of opioid-related deaths is more than double the national average. In this regard, Ohio ranks as one of the top-five states with the highest rates of opioid-related deaths. What's more alarming, however, is the rate at which the number of opioid overdoses have increased: twenty-eight percent from July 2016 through September 2017. That's barely more than a year during which opioid overdoses grew by nearly thirty percent. These statistics should terrify every parent, sibling, teacher, caregiver, and friend, because opioid addiction is not confined to any one geographic, socioeconomic, or other type of demographic. Rather, this epidemic is ravaging communities all around our country. How did this epidemic start? Let's go back to 2012, when there were more opioid prescriptions in my home state of Ohio than there were people. Prescriptions to opioids were handed out like candy, and there was little-to-no regulation on these highly-addictive drugs. Someone could sustain a simple injury--say, to their knee or their back-- perhaps even have surgery, and be prescribed highly-addictive opioids for their pain. With no oversight, Americans everywhere were slowly becoming addicted to these substances, with their tolerance levels increasing, therefore requiring them to take higher doses to experience the same level of pain relief. Of course, these drugs are not cheap. Often times, when the drugs become too costly or a prescription ran out, these now-addicted opioid users would turn to street drugs, such as heroin, to feed their addiction. In Ohio, four out of five heroin addicts began their drug use with prescription painkillers. Often times, once an addiction starts, it's near impossible to break the cycle. Truly, the best way to treat addiction is to stop it before it even starts. Of course, we know now that opioid addiction is completely preventable, and fighting this growing epidemic will take the work of many committed groups. This multifaceted crisis needs the support of police departments, communities, families and schools, government at all levels, and the medical and science communities. That's where the EFFORT Act comes in. This critical piece of legislation will direct the National Science Foundation to study the effects of the opioid epidemic and will require this body to consult with the National Institute of Health--and vice versa--in their research of opioid addiction. I'm a firm believer that research is one of the most important tools in fighting illnesses like addiction. Of course, this is just one of many pieces in the vast puzzle of putting an end to the opioid epidemic. This bill is a step in the right direction, and we need to continue our efforts to fight this epidemic. I am proud to cosponsor the EFFORT Act, and I thank my colleague from Virginia, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton for introducing this critical legislation. I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 3153 so our country can better prevent opioid addiction.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I am a proud original cosponsor of Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairwoman Haley Stevens' bill, the American Manufacturing Leadership Act because our nation's economy relies on the manufacturing industry and must prioritize policies that strengthen it. In my home state of Ohio, the manufacturing industry accounts for 16.6 percent of total output, and employs 12.5 percent of our workforce, or 690,200 employees. All told, the manufacturing produced $107.95 billion worth of output in Ohio in 2017 and continues to grow each day. H.R. 2397 would strengthen our nation's largest investment in advanced manufacturing--the Manufacturing USA Program--which has thrived in the past seven years since its creation and build on that success to strengthen our manufacturing workforce. This bill would reauthorize the successful Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation of 2014 and extend it to all agencies sponsoring centers for manufacturing innovation, allowing more of those that invest in manufacturing to benefit from this program. It would further strengthen the institutes' role in advanced manufacturing workforce development-- something I'm deeply passionate about--along with outreach to and inclusion of small- and medium-sized businesses, which are vital to a prosperous American economy. H.R. 2397 also puts important checks, balances, and oversight into place by encouraging the program office to develop pilot programs for the institutes, as well as identify for and disseminate to them best education and workforce training practices. It would also expand Manufacturing USA's authorities to collaborate with other agencies, including to develop network-wide performance goals. In addition, while this bill would authorize agencies to renew institutes for an additional period of funding, allowing those institutes to meet their ultimate goals, this would only be allowed following a rigorous review of the institute's progress toward meeting measurable goals. The manufacturing industry is a pillar of the American economy and drives many of the other industries that make up our country's annual GDP. Without the manufacturing industry, the American economy would cease to exist. H.R. 2397 would expand on manufacturing programs with proven success and accelerate our nation's progress in advanced manufacturing. Ultimately, this legislation leverages existing programs across the federal government to help Manufacturing USA Institutes achieve its goals. Finally, as an advocate for small business and workforce development, I'm excited that this bill expands to include more small- and medium-sized manufacturers, since they are the lifeblood of our nation's economy. Once again, I thank my colleague from Michigan for her leadership on this legislation, and I urge the committee's support of H.R. 2397.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of spaceflight Apollo 11 that first landed humankind on the Moon. As we all know, aboard this mission were American heroes: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Jr., and Michael Collins. When Neil Armstrong first set foot on the Moon on July 20, 1969, he secured a place in a long, proud line of Ohioans who have performed aviation firsts. Beginning with the Wright brothers and continuing today with the fine scientists at NASA's Glenn Research Center, generations of Ohioans have consistently led and driven innovation in our country. For centuries, Ohio has been on the forefront of new technologies and always pushed the boundaries of mankind in the name of exploration. I would be remiss if I did not personally thank those brave astronauts who led the Apollo 11 mission 50 years ago for putting their lives on the line in service to their country. When Commander Armstrong took his first steps onto the Moon, surely, he couldn't have known that a 7-year-old boy from his home State of Ohio was watching in amazement with his whole life ahead of him. May our country always remember how profound the Apollo 11 Moon landings were, and still are. May we always honor the crew members, backup crew, support crew, capsule communications, and flight directors who made this mission a success and may the United States of America forever remain not only the first, but the principal nation of space exploration.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2331, the SBA Cyber Awareness Act of 2019. This bill has had my full support since its introduction and I am happy to support its passage today. I want to first thank my good friend, the gentleman from Colorado, for his leadership on this effort. It is nice to see Congress attempt to solve problems not only in a bipartisan manner, but also proactively before problems occur, rather than waiting until something goes wrong. This bill addresses a potential weakness within the Small Business Administration's cybersecurity infrastructure. By passing this bill, we will proactively guard against harmful and widespread cyberattacks by bringing the Small Business Administration's cybersecurity defenses into the 21st Century. This bill will protect the sensitive business and personal information of millions of small business owners across the country. In a rapidly-developing digital age, strong cybersecurity protections and reinforcements are of the utmost importance. Many small businesses don't have the defensive infrastructure to deal with cyberattacks, A threat to cybersecurity is a threat to small businesses' vitality. that's why this bill is so important. We, as Congress, must lift up the small businesses of America and ensure they have the support they need to address this ever-changing online environment. And this bill is a bipartisan example of that. Once again, I thank my colleague from Colorado for his proactive leadership, and I urge the passage of H.R. 2331.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the professional achievements of a fellow Zanesville High School graduate, Vice Admiral Albert (Bert) Calland, III. Vice Admiral Calland is being commemorated in our hometown for his tremendous career, which has spanned many decades, and forms the model life of a selfless calling to public service in defense of this country. From the United States Navy to SEAL Team ONE, from the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Counterterrorism Center to CACI International, Inc., Admiral Calland has always displayed the dedication of a consummate man of service. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1974, Admiral Calland distinguished himself in the ranks of the U.S. Navy and Special Operations Command, gaining the respect of juniors, peers, and superior officers alike. His impressive qualities of hard work and strategic problem-solving helped Admiral Calland advance in his field. By the time of the terrorist attacks that devastated our nation on September 11, 2001, Admiral Calland was a key guiding force in the United States' fight against those who seek to do us harm. As our hometown gathers to recognize this ardent patriot, I salute him for his ongoing service above self. Admiral Calland can take great pride in all he has accomplished and in the impact his legacy will leave. I thank Vice Admiral Calland for bringing honor to Zanesville, Ohio, and in turn, I honor him for his incredible record of achievement.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of David Blom, who is retiring from his service as president and CEO of OhioHealth this July. Under David's watch, OhioHealth has grown leaps and bounds into central Ohio's largest healthcare system. In 17 years at the helm, Dave built OhioHealth into a top employer and economic driver in Ohio. When his tenure began, OhioHealth employed 14,000 associates and caregivers. That number has more than doubled to more than 30,000 OhioHealth associates and caregivers today. What is more, OhioHealth was just named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2019 for the 19th straight year, fostered by Dave's leadership. Moreover, when Dave took the reins in 2002, not a single OhioHealth hospital existed in what is now my congressional district. Today, OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital, Dublin Methodist Hospital, and Westerville Medical Campus all lie in the 12th Congressional District. Throughout this rapid development, Dave has kept an unwavering commitment to keeping care local for patients across Ohio's communities. Keeping care local isn't merely a slogan for Dave. Rather, it represents a cultural focus on serving each community, creating access to care, and establishing standard practices and procedures around medicine and patient care, all so Ohioans can receive the healthcare services they need close to home. Dave has been gracious in sharing his leadership with the central Ohio region. During his tenure as chairman of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the chamber elevated its mission and made a profound impact on regional growth. Dave also serves on the Columbus Partnership executive committee, a nonprofit organization of more than 70 CEOs of Columbus' leading businesses and institutions. Dave has positively impacted so many lives by making care accessible for Ohioans--for urban, suburban, and rural areas alike--and by growing OhioHealth into a robust employer in the region I call home. I thank him very much for his service.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear friend Gary Walters. On May 18, 2019, Coach Walters will be inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame in recognition of his tremendous career as the head basketball coach at Newark High School in Licking County, Ohio. Over the course of his twenty-seven years coaching the Newark Wildcats, Gary and his athletes racked up a 477-199 record, winning twelve league championships, 17 sectional championships, seven district championships and 1 regional championship. As a result of his efforts, Gary was elected Ohio Coach of the year in both 1992 and 1999. Gary's results on the court were only possible through his dedication to his players off the court. He set high standards and helped generations of young men achieve them. Having grown up as a multi-sport athlete himself, Gary knew all too well the special impact a good coach can have on those under his charge. By investing in their character, studies, and personal wellbeing, Gary set himself apart as a model coach and mentor. Over the years I've known Coach, he has reflected the highest virtues we admire in public service. In addition to his years as an educator and coach, Gary continues to serve his community--now in his fifth elected term as the Clerk of Courts for his home county. His dedication and perseverance can serve as an inspiration to us all. I'm proud to join in recognizing Coach Walters as he receives this fitting tribute to his legacy of achievement and service. Congratulations to my friend on being inducted into the 2019 class of the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and achievements of James ``Jim'' Gorman, in honor of his retirement from the Gorman-Rupp Company in Mansfield, Ohio. Since its founding in 1933, the Gorman-Rupp Company has been known worldwide for its quality pumps and pump systems. When Jim first joined the board of directors in 1946, he began a journey spanning more than seven decades. For 73 years, Jim has worked tirelessly to uphold the renowned Gorman-Rupp Company reputation and build its global success. Jim's service didn't begin in the private sector, however. In 1942, amidst the height of World War II, Jim answered his nation's call and joined the United States Army as a C-47 cargo plane pilot, where he risked life and limb to defend the principle of freedom. His lifelong dedication to service for his country and community didn't end there. After World War II, Jim served in the Air Force Reserves until the Guard unit was opened in June 1948, where he served until 1956. After his time in the military, Jim returned home to Mansfield, Ohio to devote himself to the eponymous company his father co-founded. As a salesman, Jim traveled the country selling the pumps and pump systems the Gorman-Rupp Company designs and manufactures. It didn't take long for Jim's staunch work ethic to earn him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. As far back as 1948, Jim has repeatedly been quoted as saying he believes in treating his employees as he would like to be treated. This unwavering commitment to his employees remains through this very day and sets an example for job creators everywhere. Jim's life and career are marked by decades of profound, yet humbly- and dutifully-carried-out service to others. I'm confident that's Jim's impact will be an enduring one, and that his work will be cherished by generations to come. I thank James ``Jim'' Gorman for bringing honor to Mansfield, Ohio, and in turn I honor him for his incredible record of achievements.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an incredible feat by a remarkable young athlete from Licking County, Ohio. Garrett Ford, of Pataskala, began lifting weights just a few years ago, and it didn't take long for his family and friends to notice his affinity for the sport. As time went on, Garrett continued to work at the sport, lifting heavier and heavier weights, all the while bulking up and fine-tuning his skills. His passion for lifting took him outside the CrossFit gym last July, when he competed in the Ohio Special Olympics 2018 Summer Games, then was flown to Seattle to compete in the Special Olympics 2018 USA Games. After accumulating medals and victories along the way, Garrett flew halfway around the world last month to represent Licking County in the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi. There, he won four gold medals for his performance, sweeping in his weight class in four powerlifting categories: deadlift, squat, bench, and combined. With his victories, Garrett, who was diagnosed with autism as a child, has achieved something extraordinary. I know I speak for everyone in Licking County when I say we are honored that he represented us in the World Summer Games--the first person to ever represent our county in such. Garrett's story sets an example for all of us--one of courage, determination, and believing in oneself. You see, he'll be the first person to tell you exactly how he wants to improve his performance. He constantly pushes himself to be better, never settling for less-than. At the same time, he doesn't get nervous. He doesn't take pity for what others may perceive as a disability. His steady perseverance and internal drive have pushed Garrett to extraordinary, global heights, and I'm confident that this won't be the last we're hearing of him. I thank Garrett Ford for bringing honor to Licking County, Ohio, and in turn I honor him for his incredible record of achievements.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a matter that is very near and dear to my heart--the marriage of my son, William Joshua Balderson to Chelsea Alise Gallaugher this coming Saturday, April 6, 2019. As a parent, I know that one of life's greatest joys is witnessing the marriage of one of your children, and the blending of two families into one. As parents, we can only try to raise our children with honor, teach them well, and send them out into the world as respectable adults who are prepared to face life's challenges. Everything else--successful careers, love, marriage, and building families of their own--those are bonuses. What a blessing it is for Joshua and Chelsea to have found each other, and to share such love for one another. I know I don't speak for only myself when I say how excited and honored we are to welcome Chelsea into the Balderson family this weekend. I thank Chelsea's parents, Bill and Karen Gallaugher, for sharing their beautiful daughter with our family. I feel blessed to have Chelsea as my soon-to- be daughter-in-law. I wish my wonderful son, Joshua, and his bride a lifetime of health and happiness with one another. May this be the first of many blessings to come.