Joe Courtney

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the career of Lisa Trolan, who retired from her work with General Dynamics Electric Boat, on December 23, 2021. Madam Speaker, Ms. Trolan retires from a long, dedicated career that spans 35 years with Electric Boat. As a senior member of Electric Boat's Public Affairs team, Lisa welcomed thousands of visitors to the company's locations in Connecticut and Rhode Island and helped to highlight the skilled workforce of technological marvels produced by Electric Boat. In doing so, Lisa has acted as a staunch advocate for our community, representing a major employer within the region to attract businesses, suppliers, and employees alike. A Groton, Connecticut native and a graduate of the University of Connecticut, Lisa has lived out a destiny of nurturing the growth of the very community that raised her. These foundational values trace all the way back to her upbringing under her parents, Julio and Frances, who also served the town of Groton well through their longstanding, respective roles with Groton Utilities and the public school system. It is no coincidence that Electric Boat's Connecticut headquarters is in Groton. It is also no surprise that even in retirement, Lisa remains an active supporter of local civic organizations as well as the University of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, Lisa's legacy with Electric Boat--one of excellence and commitment to its employees, the Navy and the Nation--is unrivaled. She has always prioritized giving back to her foundational roots and has played a direct part in adding oil to the economic engine that is Electric Boat. To that end, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating Lisa Trolan on her well-earned retirement.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of United States Naval Captain James H. Patton, Jr. Captain Patton passed away last year on September 27, 2021, at his home in North Stonington, Connecticut. I have had the distinct pleasure of connecting with Captain Patton over the years and can personally attest to his distinguished character, major contributions to policy conversations on our nation's submarine force, and participation and care for his local community. Born on January 6, 1939, to James H. Sr. and Suzanne Patton in Norwood, Massachusetts, James had the spirit of a New Englander through and through. Due to his shrewd and strong character, it was no surprise that James went on to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1960. Upon graduation, James immediately set sail on his military career, dedicating the next 25 years of his life toward faithful leadership within our nation's Navy. It was during these years that he became an incredible bank of knowledge with respect to our nation's submarine force, serving on five nuclear-powered attack submarines, two ballistic-missile submarines, and commanding the USS Pargo. By the time of his retirement from the Navy, his merited service had earned him the rank of Captain as well as several accolades, including the Legion of Merit and the National Defense Service Medal. Captain Patton's dedication to the strength of our nation's Navy was never intended to end with his retirement from the military. Upon his departure in 1985, our region became lucky enough for Captain Patton to discover North Stonington as a place to call his permanent home. As a newfound resident, Captain Patton would go on to leverage his extensive experience with the Navy and found his own advocacy firm, Submarine Tactics & Technology, Inc. It was through this medium and his several published materials that Captain Patton championed advancing the narrative on investing in our ``Silent Service,'' directly contributing to our region's existence as a manufacturing powerhouse as well as the position of naval strength which we continue to benefit from to this day. As a resident of North Stonington, Captain Patton made sure his outgoing personality also enriched his local community. For instance, he was not only a member of but a valuable contributor to the Naval Submarine League, North Stonington Lions Club and the Education Foundation. Truly, it was always in his nature to lend a helping hand. Madam Speaker, as the representative of eastern Connecticut, I cannot think of a citizen more outstanding than Captain James H. Patton, Jr. The quarter of a century dedicated to serving our nation is commendable by itself, but James continued to demonstrate exceptional civic duty even upon his initial retirement. Our entire southeastern Connecticut community continues to mourn his loss to this day. I find gratitude in the fact that his surviving family has stood strong in bearing the standard of his memory, namely, his wife Mary Patton, three children Terry Rhoads, John Patton and James Patton III, sister Mary Cobbett, and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In particular, I have had the opportunity to get to know James III, who has followed the example of his fathers informed idealism to serve overseas to promote peaceful sustainable international development all over the globe. The invaluable contributions of Captain Patton's life and legacy will continue to impact our nation's security and his local community for generations to come. To these ends, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Captain James Patton, Jr.'s incredible life of service.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the career of Lisa Trolan, who retired from her work with General Dynamics Electric Boat, on December 23, 2021. Madam Speaker, Ms. Trolan retires from a long, dedicated career that spans 35 years with Electric Boat. As a senior member of Electric Boat's Public Affairs team, Lisa welcomed thousands of visitors to the company's locations in Connecticut and Rhode Island and helped to highlight the skilled workforce of technological marvels produced by Electric Boat. In doing so, Lisa has acted as a staunch advocate for our community, representing a major employer within the region to attract businesses, suppliers, and employees alike. A Groton, Connecticut native and a graduate of the University of Connecticut, Lisa has lived out a destiny of nurturing the growth of the very community that raised her. These foundational values trace all the way back to her upbringing under her parents, Julio and Frances, who also served the Town of Groton well through their longstanding, respective roles with Groton Utilities and the Public School system. It is no coincidence that Electric Boat's Connecticut headquarters is in Groton. It is also no surprise that even in retirement, Lisa remains an active supporter of local civic organizations as well as the University of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, Lisa's legacy with Electric Boat--one of excellence and commitment to its employees, the Navy and the nation--is unrivaled. She has always prioritized giving back to her foundations and has played a direct part in adding oil to the economic engine that is Electric Boat. With his departure, our region and Electric Boat can find comfort in the sound supply chain infrastructure that he directly brought about. To that end, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating Lisa Trolan on her well-earned retirement.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I rise today to honor the life of the late Joseph ``Joey'' Bosco, a lifelong Enfield, Connecticut resident who passed on April 1st, 2022, at the age of 60. Born to Angelo Bosco and Mary Diana Bosco in 1962 in Springfield, Massachusetts, just across the Connecticut border, Joey was destined to be an irreplaceable member of the Enfield community. Upon graduating from Enfield High School in 1980, Joey remained in Enfield where he became the co-owner of Bosco Automotive Inc. Joey was memorable for his dedication to his town and family. Having lived all his life in Enfield, his love for his town was reflected through the many hours of dedicated public service to the Town of Enfield. Joey served as a member of the Enfield Town Council for more than 14 years and on several other community boards throughout the years. He was especially notable as a member of the Board of Directors for the Four Town Fair. He spent many hours planning leading up to the fair, the main event of which for him was always meant to be an opportunity to connect with family and friends. Apart from his constant service to his town, Joey spent his free time on the beach, at car shows, and on his farm. Friday nights Joey was known to be at the Country Diner with his family and friends talking for hours. The most rewarding title to Joey is being a ``Papa'' to his four loving grandchildren, Charlotte, Waylon Joseph, Oliver, and Reagan. Madam Speaker, it is an incredible honor to represent constituents as loyal to the future of their community as Joey Bosco. Though Joey's legacy and character will continue to have a ripple effect as a force of altruism, particularly for those who knew him in the Enfield community, his loss and what it means for the region cannot be understated. I had the opportunity to get to know him at community events-parades and veteran's ceremonies. Walking beside him, I saw firsthand how revered he was by neighbors, customers, first responders and fellow public officials. We were different parties, but on a personal level he was very cordial and down to earth. I really enjoyed spending time with him. As difficult as it is for us to process his passing, it is worth finding solace in the impact that his life will have upon the local community as well as his surviving family and loved ones, namely his devoted wife Jackie, and daughters, Jacquelyn M. Siekiera and her husband Zachary, Jessica M. Bosco, Jamie Jo Bosco and her spouse, Isaac Velazquez, and considered son in law, Ben Hebert, and his four cherished grandchildren. Joey also leaves behind brothers, John and Angelo, and sister, Rori, as well as numerous extended family members and friends. To that end, I ask that the entire House join me in setting Joseph Bosco's name further into stone, and to recognize his life of incredible service to the Enfield community.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise today in recognition of the loss of a champion of his community--Fire Police Lieutenant Peter Blume, Jr., of Vernon, Connecticut. Pete, as he was known, tragically left this world, still active in his service as a first responder, on March 2, 2022, at the age of 53. A guardian to his fellow service members, Lieutenant Pete Blume has served with the Fire Police company for the last six years. He was known for his particularly infectious degree of optimism and was eating to all. Born to Carolyn Bolk Blume and Peter Blume on December 24, 1968, in South Windsor, Pete was destined to live out his life as a source of energy within eastern Connecticut's communities. Upon graduating from South Windsor High, Pete went on to Eastern Connecticut State University where he achieved a degree in physical education in 1991. A true steward of the community, he devoted the next nearly 20 years of his life to teaching as an elementary school physical education teacher for Ashford and Union, Connecticut. He was deeply passionate toward the growth of our region's youngest generation, engaging with students as a youth program leader, the coach for the Ashford boys' basketball team and even by taking on the title of Chef Blume as a cook for Union's annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Amidst his earlier days in teaching, Pete fostered a relationship with the love of his life, Wendy, who he married in 1996. It was through their relationship that Pete's love for raising children transformed him into quite the family man, with the birth of their two children Allison and Timothy. Together, the family moved to Vernon, Connecticut where the children became an inspiration to Pete, catalyzing an entirely new era of community involvement. It was throughout this new era that Pete grew in his already known love for youth sports, coaching and volunteering for his kids' teams in Vernon Little League, Vernon Soccer and Vernon Basketball. Pete's involvement with the Town of Vernon did not stop with his coaching the next generation. As we all know, he took an interest in and joined the Vernon Fire Department as a fire police officer, becoming the man responsible for the safety of fellow first responders at the scene of an incident. Pete was the perfect man for the job--he was the kind of person who would give you the shut off his back if you needed it. As such, he was known for bringing an unmatched sense of diligence and care to the role, which he took incredibly seriously. For Pete, the safety of those who displayed similar care toward his own neighbors was paramount. He was most recently recognized for his diligence, becoming a lst Lieutenant with the Vernon Fire Police company which he again served with for more than six years. Madam Speaker, we ask firefighters and their families to do an enormously important job across our community, our state, and our nation. Standing by every day of the year at all hours, Pete, Vernon's ``gentle giant,'' has given true example to the dedication that first responders arm themselves with while serving their respective communities. In Pete's case, he was also armed with a heart the size of Vernon. These brave men and women unquestionably deserve the very best we can offer as a small form of gratitude for their sacrifice. While we mourn the void left by Pete's loss, we find consolation in the memory he leaves behind. He is survived by his loving family, namely, his wife Wendy, who is also a teacher in Manchester. his two children Timothy and Allison Blume, his mother Carolyn Blume, his brother, David Blume, and his sister Kristin McCauley. While his family will undoubtedly carry the legwork in extending the reach of his memory, I ask that my colleagues join me in supporting this effort, thanking Pete for a life of service and setting his name and character further into stone.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of a true, diligent public servant, Patricia Ann Pinney, of Somers, Connecticut. Pat passed at the age of 70 on February 20, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Born to Mary and Stanley Paduch on June 13, 1951, in the neighboring State of Massachusetts, Pat lived out her life as a dedicated, northern Connecticut native. Destined to nurture the same community that raised her, Pat moved with her family to Suffield from the next-door town of Enfield at the age of 10. After graduating from Our Lady of The Angels Academy, Patricia remained in Eastern Connecticut where she went on to achieve her bachelor's degree from University of Connecticut. It was during her time at the University of Connecticut where she also met and then married the love of her life, David Pinney. Upon achieving her bachelors in 1973, Pat immediately picked up a career teaching in Enfield. A true reflection of her character, however, Pat eventually placed her passion for teaching on pause and departed the Enfield school system so that she could raise their four children: Leigh, Rob, Matthew and Nora. Having built out her family's roots, Pat recommenced her legacy as a renowned teacher at Hall Memorial School in Willington, Connecticut. Providing students with a sense of the world in which they live, it was Patricia's mission to provide the next generation with the tools they needed to succeed within their respective community. Patricia was a truly natural educator, armed with a keen ability to keep her students engaged. She acted as the regional coordinator for History Day, encouraging students to represent Northeast Connecticut on the national stage during the History Day Competition in Washington, D.C. A strong finalist for the Connecticut Teacher of the Year and recipient of the University of Connecticut's NEAG School of Education Outstanding School Educator Award, Pat's career as an educator was defined by excellence. Madam Speaker, Patricia was known for her generous spirit. Whether in the classroom, at home, or out in the community, she invested tremendously in everyone who she met. As a mother and educator, she truly had the growth of the next generation at heart. Her absence will be felt sorely in the Eastern Connecticut community. Though we mourn this terrible loss, we find gratitude in the ripple effect caused by the strength of her character. There is literally an army of people out there to operate as the standard bearers of her memory, namely, her husband, David, and family-in-law of over 50 years, their four children and families, and her five siblings. To that end, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring Patricia Ann Pinney.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the distinguished career of Jane Baird, of Haddam, Connecticut. As the Senior Director of External Affairs, Jane celebrated a major milestone on January 14th, 2022, when she officially reached 20 years of dedicated employment and leadership with Connecticut Children's Medical Center. By coordinating relationships between the CCMC and its partners, Jane has truly proved her devotion to the health and welfare of Connecticut's children, ensuring a bright and healthy future for countless youth throughout the state. Before the outset of her career with Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Jane began with her studies at Grinnell College, graduating in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in biology. Upon graduating, Jane went on to study at Indiana University, graduating with a master's in public administration in 1993. Equipped with this robust education, Jane initially moved to and worked in Vermont as the Managed Care Administrator of the Office of Vermont Health Access for over 4 years. Jane then moved to the Vermont Division of Health Care Administration to be the Director of Quality Assurance and Consumer Protection, keeping to her tireless life-mission of ensuring those around her receive proper medical care. In 2002, the Second District of Connecticut was lucky when Jane and her family discovered the area for their new home. Upon moving to the small town of Haddam, Jane launched her impactful career with CCMC as the Director of Government Relations. In this role, Jane was responsible for the maintenance of legislative relationships on behalf of the medical center, acting as a conduit between the medical staff at CCMC and the world of public policy. Jane approached this role with great passion, leading advocacy efforts with a wide variety of partners to promote healthcare policies that advance the growth and health of families and their children. Throughout her tenure, Jane has been an extraordinary force in the realm of Medicaid, injury prevention, and national health reform. Without Jane's leadership, I am sure that CCMC would not have had such an influential impact on the well-being of children in Connecticut and across the country. In recognition of her hard-earned successes, Jane was promoted in 2016 to her current title of Senior Director of External Relations. Under this expanded leadership position, Jane has been instilled with a deeper connection to the promotion of healthy families and communities, taking up even greater, more creative efforts of advocacy. In doing so, she has successfully and dutifully managed communications with the medical center's many affiliates, including Hartford Public Schools and local YMCAs. Since 2004, Jane has also been an active member of the Board of Directors at Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance in Hartford. A medium of cooperation between CCMC, Hartford Hospital, and Trinity College, the Alliance continues to serve a devoted mission toward improving the lives of people in South Central Hartford. In 2011, Jane was appointed Chairwoman to the Alliance as a result of her commitment to and advancement of the organization's core mission. Madam Speaker, Jane's advocacy for children--characterized by understanding, patience, and perseverance--is a practice that I am grateful to represent in Connecticut's Second District. Throughout her 20 years of advocacy with Connecticut Children's Medical Center, and the years of work before that in Vermont, Jane has displayed how providing care to others involves more than what we often think of. Even after 20-plus years in the field, Jane's devotion to the children is as tireless as ever, a mark of true devotion for helping others in the world. For her unparalleled altruistic nature, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring Jane Baird, an unrelenting advocate and inspiring leader, setting her name, character and continued work further into stone.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the distinguished accomplishments of Cadet Chief Petty Officer Jonah Krepps of Uncasville, Connecticut. As a young resident of Eastern Connecticut, Cadet Krepps's committed service to the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) was recognized on February 4, 2022, in his promotion to the rank of Cadet Chief Petty Officer. Chartered in 1962 by an act of Congress, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a non-profit youth group that helps provide young Americans aged 10 through 18 with key maritime, leadership and teamwork skills. Supporting 9,000 cadets in 380 units in 47 states including Connecticut, the program also provides young Americans with valuable experience that they can use if they go on to join the Armed Services. For Cadet Chief Petty Officer Jonah Krepps, this has meant their longtime membership in the Nautilus Division, which is stationed at the home of our nation's undersea force, SUBASE New London. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Armed Service Committee, which has made sure that Congress follows through on its commitments to this program, I know firsthand the valuable work that the cadets and their leaders do each and every day. This year the Nautilus Division recognizes the dedication and work ethic of Jonah, and it is conferring the honor of being promoted to the position of Cadet Chief Petty Officer during the Corps' 60th anniversary of preparing our nation's next generation of leaders. To that end, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in thanking Cadet Chief Petty Officer Krepps for his initiative and wishing him well in his future endeavors. Bravo Zulu.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the distinguished accomplishments of Cadet Chief Petty Officer Joe Whiteside of Killingworth, Connecticut. As a young resident of Eastern Connecticut, Cadet Whiteside's committed service to the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) was recognized on February 1, 2022, in his promotion to the rank of Cadet Chief Petty Officer. Chartered in 1962 by an act of Congress. the Naval Sea Cadet Corps is a non-profit youth group that helps provide young Americans aged 10 through 18 with key maritime, leadership and teamwork skills. Supporting 9,000 cadets in 380 units in 47 states including Connecticut, the program also provides young Americans with valuable experience that they can use if they go on to join the Armed Services. For Cadet Chief Petty Officer Whiteside, this has meant their longtime membership in the Nautilus Division, which is stationed at the home of our nation's undersea force, SUBASE New London. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Armed Service Committee, which has made sure that Congress follows through on its commitments to this program, I know firsthand the valuable work that the cadets and their leaders do each and every day. This year the Nautilus Division recognizes the dedication and work ethic of Joe, and it is conferring the honor of being promoted to the position of Cadet Chief Petty Officer during the Corps' 60th anniversary of preparing our nation's next generation of leaders. To that end, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in thanking Cadet Chief Petty Officer Whiteside for his initiative and wishing him well in his future endeavor. Bravo Zulu.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask the House to observe the passing of a true gentleman and public-spirited citizen of the State of Connecticut, Mr. Anthony ``Tony'' DiPace. After a courageous battle with cancer, Tony unfortunately passed on from this earth on January 22, 2022, at the age of 62. Born in Hartford in 1960 to Concetta and Angela DiPace, Tony was ingrained with the Connecticut spirit since birth. It was not long after his entry into this world, however, that tragedy was forced upon him with the loss of his mother, resulting in an early transition into the loving Wee and Rose Crowley household based in Enfield, Connecticut. Both out of this loss and his fostering under the Crowley's, Tony gained an early understanding to the importance of discovering one's own roots and connecting with those who surround us in our daily lives. It was therefore without question that upon graduating Fermi High School in 1978, Tony saw the value in keeping close to the town that raised him and went on to graduate at the top of his class from United Technical School in Springfield, Massachusetts just a stone's throw away from Enfield. Armed with his certification as a master mechanic, Tony quickly became an integral part of his hometown, opening his own automotive business, ``Hazard Motors.'' Though he kept up with the success of his one-stop-shop for more than 34 years in order to build a foundation for his family, he also always put the customer-in-need before himself. Beyond the success of his business, Tony lived a life in constant search for new connections with his neighbors so that, together, they could work to create a more prosperous town for the next generation, including his son, Anthony. It is with no surprise that a caring man like Tony found time to wear just about every hat in town. Included within his tenured service was 40 years with the Enfield Democratic Town Committee, where he constantly discussed and put forward municipal priorities. His dedication earned him a several stints in both elected and membership positions, including his advocacy as the former Chairman of the Enfield Planning & Zoning Commission as well as his service as the Chair of the Democratic Town Committee. Throughout all of these efforts, his clear and present passion and candid character made him a capable unifying voice in Enfield, which he was most recently recognized for with the William ``Red'' Edger, Jr. ``Democrat of the Year'' Award in 2021. Tony was also sought to establish a positive impact with the town's youth. Whether it was through the local concession stand, as coach for youth teams, or his sponsorship of the youth basketball and baseball programs, it was always Tony's goal to set up the next generation for success, affording them the same appreciation for the Town which he found while growing up. Madam Speaker, Tony was purely altruistic, always thinking of those around him and how he could help them. I had the distinct pleasure and honor to know Tony for over 20 years and often had a front-row seat to his fine work in the auto repair business. He always had his sleeves folded up, ready to get into the grease and get the job done in order to excel beyond the needs of the customer. I also know that he was diligent and passionate with his involvement in town affairs and that he poured his heart and soul into any activity laid before him. Through everything he accomplished, whether it was his contributions to the town's economy, through municipal government, or investing in youth activities, it is worth emphasizing that it was always about leaving behind a stronger community for whom Tony considered family. Though this perspective was Tony's guiding North Star throughout his entire life, everything he did, was in some small way tied to leaving Enfield and our State a better place for Anthony. Madam Speaker, though the Enfield community lost a force for good with the passing of Tony DiPace, we will always find the space to honor his legacy which now thrives through just about every member of the Enfield community. It is also through the roots of the Crowley family that we can entrust Tony's many surviving brothers and sisters-- wherever they may reside--to carry his memory forward. To that end, it is with great respect and admiration that I ask my colleagues in the House join me, in addition to all those that will remember Tony DiPace, in honoring his life and impact on his community.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the tenure of a distinguished public servant in my district, Cathy Iino, of Killingworth, Connecticut. As First Selectwoman for the Town of Killingworth, Cathy chose to not seek re-election in 2021, marking a capstone to almost 20 years in service to her local community. Leading a tight-knit community of more than 6,300 residents, Cathy has consistently gone above and beyond in working with her constituency to promote the advancement of Killingworth while preserving its small-town charm. Her approach to leadership--a prime representation of eastern Connecticut values--stressed the importance of cooperation, respect, and humility. Cathy studied Humanities at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1973. After having already moved to the nearby city of New Haven, Cathy and her husband, Paul, were in search of a place to call home, moving to Killingworth in 1996. While working as both a writer and editor, Cathy continually came across new opportunities for her community to grow, prompting her to depart from her line of work and enter the world of politics. First serving on the Board of Finance, then she found success in 2007 winning her bid to serve on the Board of Selectman--the first woman since 1993 to sit on the Board. In 2009, she elevated her leadership in the town when she was elected First Selectwoman. During her tenure as First Selectwoman, Cathy prioritized being present and available for her residents. In 2015, for example, Cathy implemented ``Coffee with the First Selectwoman,'' to increase transparency and citizen participation in their town government. She would make herself routinely available for residents to talk to, whether it was outside town hall or at a local business. Though there are countless examples that demonstrate Cathy's guiding philosophy of bottom-up governing, perhaps the most successful was her ability to seek out and nurture volunteers to push forward the issues that mattered to them. Cathy truly appreciated the difference that volunteers make in small- town communities, embodying the spirit of volunteerism through her unwavering support of resident leaders. Being a smaller town, Killingworth has always had to put its resources to good use and has been best suited to rely on the voices of many rather than one. Frequently, Cathy encouraged residents to advocate for projects that they were passionate about, at which point she would lend her support and experience. This style of leadership is one of many traits that defined her time as First Selectwoman, and it reaped great rewards. One notable result of her support of volunteers is the restoration of Parmelee Farm, a historical site in Killingworth which had long been in a state of disrepair. Purely through volunteer efforts aided by Cathy's guiding hand, the farm has since become a vibrant area that connects the community together by way of recreation, education, preservation, and the arts. During her time in office, Cathy was paramount to addressing the quality of Killingworth's capital assets--most notably of which would be the town's surface infrastructure. Under her leadership, a two-year study was conducted on Killingworth's roads, and the most deficient in town have since been rehabilitated. Madam Speaker, as the congressman who represents Killingworth, I had a chance to observe up close Cathy's fine work, whether it was dealing with natural disasters, such as Hurricane Sandy or the Covid pandemic and she always performed superbly. She was extremely knowledgeable about the interaction of local, state, and federal programs which was invaluable to her town. Madam Speaker, it is an incredible honor to represent and work with constituents as industrious and progress-oriented as Cathy Iino. Throughout her 12 years in service, Cathy has capably understood that leadership is about visualizing the connections that may exist within one's own community and then uplifting those connections in order to amplify the heartbeat of the town. Cathy is dedicating her well- deserved retirement to her family--her husband, two daughters, and one granddaughter. Even upon entering retirement, Cathy has remained civically minded, thinking about those issues which both our nation and the State of Connecticut face. Her diligent professionalism, caring nature, and honest, down-to-earth style of leadership will be impossible to replace, so we must find gratitude in that her impact on Killingworth will certainly last for generations to come. To these ends, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring Cathy Iino, a steward to her community and model citizen.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a man who lived selflessly and embodied the true definition of a patriot. John ``Jack'' Casey, of Groton, Connecticut, who passed January 4th after a lifetime of service to his community, his state, and his nation. Jack Casey was born on September 30, 1946, to Catherine Agnes Keane McDonald and John George Casey, Jr. in Allston, Massachusetts. He attended high school in Brighton, Massachusetts, and graduated in 1964. Immediately following his graduation, Jack heeded the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy. During his time in the Navy, he completed Disbursing Clerk Class A School in Newport, Rhode Island; and soon advanced to the rank Disbursing Clerk Third Class while stationed in New London, Connecticut. Jack chose to extend his enlistment by thirteen months, volunteering to serve his nation in Vietnam. He attended Counter Insurgency Training in Little Creek, Virginia; and served at National Security Activity in Da Nang, Vietnam RVN from July 1967 to July 1968. His time in the Navy earned him the Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic Navy Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following his discharge from the Navy, Jack returned to Groton and found employment at the Navy Exchange. In November 1968, Jack began his 33-year career at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, working as a chemical operator. Jack worked for Pfizer until his retirement in November 2001. Soon after his retirement, he started volunteering for numerous groups. Jack epitomized the spirit of volunteerism; his tireless dedication to fellow veterans and to his community would define his life. While Jack volunteered for Meals on Wheels, he would frequently go above and beyond for the seniors on his route--buying them items from the store without accepting reimbursement. In 2001, Jack began volunteering as a Registrar for the World War II memorial, inducting more than 100,000 people into the World War II Registry. He also volunteered as a Registrar for the U.S. Navy Memorial and U.S. Army Memorial, registering over 75,000 heroes as Sea Service Personnel and over 75,000 heroes for the U.S. Army Memorial. I had the honor to witness first-hand Jack's deep compassion for his country and fellow veterans when he joined my Veterans Advisory Board in 2007. His participation and input as a member of the Board was invaluable as he identified real life problems within the Veterans Administration that impacted our veterans. However, the most remarkable quality about Jack was that for each issue he raised, he also brought forth constructive ideas to address the problem. Veterans in eastern Connecticut and all across the country benefited from his passionate well-informed advocacy. Jack continued to be a champion of veterans, becoming a member of the Patriot Guard Riders in 2008. During his time as a member of the Patriot Guard, his role would encompass that of a general member, a Ride Captain, and Assistant State Captain. He completed 5,000 missions from Vermont to New York. Jack also went on to serve as a board member for the Connecticut Patriot Guard from April 2008 to June 2019. In the midst of his work with the Patriot Guard, from 2009 to 2015, Jack volunteered as Logistic Support Manager and Guardian for American Warrior. He escorted World War II veterans to the World War II Memorial, something that he found deeply gratifying. Jack's selflessness did not go unrecognized. In 2011, he was awarded the Outstanding Citizenship Award by the National Society of the Son of the American Revolution. A year later, he was awarded the Norwich Area Council Veteran of the Year Award for his support and dedication to Norwich area Veterans organizations. And, on November 1, 2013, Jack was inducted into the 9th class of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame--a well-deserved nomination that I enthusiastically supported. Not one to rest, in 2015, Jack helped establish a series of veteran coffeehouses across Southeastern Connecticut. These coffeehouses offered and continue to offer veterans a network of support, resources and comradery. Jack stayed active in the veteran community until the end, participating in the Vietnam Veterans of American, Chapter 20, and Easter Seals veterans Rally Point. Jack was a lifetime member of the VVA, VFW, DAV, and Submarine Veterans Association. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege and an honor to represent constituents as selfless and humble as John ``Jack'' Casey, Jr. Though the gap he leaves in the fabric of Eastern Connecticut's veterans' community is one that won't be soon filled, we can find solace in the reality that Jack's hard work has touched thousands. Jack undoubtedly left those he interacted with better and achieved his goal of leaving things better for those who come after him. I ask that my colleagues please join me in honoring Jack Casey, a man to whom we can all look as a model of leadership and service.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Hayes amendment in the en bloc and the underlying bill.

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Takano and Ranking Member Bost for supporting the en bloc. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to speak on behalf of the Hayes amendment offered by my friend and neighbor from Connecticut, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, who unfortunately could not be here today because she is quarantining. Her amendment is a commonsense proposal to improve an already outstanding bill that will connect more veterans to benefits they have earned by volunteering to wear the uniform of this country. Mr. Speaker, last year, at the outset of the VA's highly successful COVID vaccination program, Congresswoman Hayes and I both toured the VA hospital in West Haven, Connecticut, which is the flagship of our VA healthcare system. I had a chance to personally observe her authentic, well-informed advocacy for veteran patients and their family members, asking questions about ways Congress can improve the system, particularly about communicating the full extent of their benefits. She described casework from the veterans seeking care, about the burdens they faced when navigating a complicated system where not only veterans, but family members struggle to stay current with changing rules and programs. It is particularly troublesome to hear cases of veterans who lose eligibility for help because of late claims caused by poor communication, oftentimes at the time of discharge from military service. Mr. Speaker, that is why it is so important for the House to pass the EVEST Act which will provide automatic enrollment in the VA system for all transitioning servicemembers. Mrs. Hayes' friendly amendment wisely requires the VA to go the extra mile and inform veterans who opt out of automatic enrollment through multiple methods, including not only email but also paper mail, that they can reenroll as they transition out of the military. Her measure is a commonsense insurance that veterans are informed of the EVEST so that they know from day one all of the options and rights that they have to get help. Mr. Speaker, I want to again thank Chair Takano and Ranking Member Bost. And I will close by simply noting that my district in eastern Connecticut is home to the largest military installation in New England, with 9,000 sailors and officers who work every day to protect our Nation. The transition from military to civilian life happens on a rolling, nonstop basis. Too often we work with veterans who experience gaps in benefits caused by a failure to enroll or late enrollment, which this excellent bill will fix.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to shine a bright light on the ultimate example of leadership set by a resident of eastern Connecticut's second district, Debbie MacCoy. For more than six years, Debbie has been on the front lines of the crumbling foundations crisis affecting the State of Connecticut, and now we know, the State of Massachusetts as well. Throughout this crisis, Debbie has acted as a leading figure on the issue, dedicating countless hours in advocacy, education, and communication with local, state, and federal leaders, leading researchers, and international communities impacted by similar crises. Debbie has operated as a volunteer throughout this entire period and will soon retire from her role as one of the preeminent community advocates on this issue. In part due to Debbie's leadership, hundreds of families have now been able to remain in their home with a remodeled foundation, with thousands more in the pipeline. Organizing purely from a grassroots level, Debbie left her career of more than 30 years to allow the time necessary to focus on the issue of crumbling foundations. Each week, she has poured through correspondence from homeowners writing to her under duress seeking guidance or assistance. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to represent constituents as dedicated as Debbie. I have had the privilege of knowing her personally for many years and can attest to her compassion for others and her high ethical standards in the way she conducts herself in the community. If it were not for advocates like her, there would be far fewer solutions available to those affected by this crisis. I am grateful for Debbie's fierce example of altruism and her decades-long friendship. To that end, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in memorializing Deborah MacCoy's efforts, setting them further into stone and thanking her for all those who have benefitted from those efforts. Debbie will forever be a ``concrete queen'' for Connecticut residents. I thank her.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, on November 12, Medicare announced the largest part B premium increase in the history of the Medicare program, 14 percent. This could not come at a worse time in terms of, again, the cost of living that many seniors are facing. Looking closely at that decision, one of the driving factors was the projected cost of the drug Aduhelm, which was priced at $56,000 per year for Alzheimer's patients who were, again, very excited about the possibility of getting the benefit of that drug. But the cost of that drug was one of the big driving forces for a 14 percent rate increase. On December 20, Biogen, the manufacturer, cut the cost of that drug from $56,000 to $28,000. About 2 weeks ago, Secretary Becerra correctly instructed the actuaries of Medicare to go back and try and recalculate the Medicare part B premium to see if there was a way to get some relief for seniors from that 14 percent rate increase. Today, 31 Members of the House Democratic Caucus are sending a letter to Secretary Becerra again applauding his decision and strongly advocating that Medicare go back in and recalculate that rate increase, which will provide tremendous assistance for seniors at exactly the time that they need it.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, just a few days before Christmas, on December 21, President Joe Biden issued a Presidential determination with little fanfare under the Defense Production Act of 1950. The Defense Production Act of 1950 is a Korean war-era law that allows the government to accelerate production of critical materials and technology. It is the same law that Presidents Trump and Biden used to stimulate production of COVID-related ventilators and PPE during the pandemic. In his memorandum to the Secretary of Defense, Biden noted that: ``Ensuring a robust, resilient, and competitive domestic defense industrial base that has the . . . workforce to meet the Virginia-class submarine undersea warfighting mission is essential to our national security.'' To accomplish that mission, the President invoked DPA authorities to expand the domestic production capability for ``large-scale fabrication, shipbuilding industrial base expansion for resilience and robustness, and maritime workforce training pipelines.'' As chair of the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, which oversees the Virginia-class program, I strongly support the President's decision because it is based on both strategic national defense considerations and industrial base demand. Indeed, just a few days after Christmas, the President signed into law the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, which contained provisions my subcommittee authored that are completely aligned with the President's DPA order. Specifically, the new 2022 NDAA added funding for new facility construction for submarine production, as well as a boost for workforce training and supply chain development. All of these provisions were plus-ups from the Navy's initial budget request last February and based on our own analysis of strained shipyard capacity. The more consequential issue contained in the DPA, I believe, is its finding that the Virginia program ``is essential to our national security.'' That finding is a blaring signal to the Congress and the entire country that we need to bolster our undersea deterrent capability to counter aggressive, coercive actions in the maritime domain--specifically, the behavior of both the Chinese and Russian navies that has been overwhelmingly repudiated by the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention, the former in the South China Sea in 2016 and the latter in the Black Sea in 2019. In both cases, despite the International Court's scathing rejection of both countries' intrusions on protected waters, there is no sign that lawlessness has abated. China's encroachment on territorial waters in the Philippines and Vietnam continues, as does its illegal island building and militarization of artificial landmasses that the court condemned. In the Black Sea and the North Atlantic, Russian claims to sea control and its seizure of Ukrainian naval ships are blatantly in violation of the international rule of law. Madam Speaker, today, China has the world's largest navy, and Putin is aggressively increasing the size of his submarine fleet. For the U.S. Navy, what is particularly concerning is the development of sophisticated missile technology by both countries that increases the vulnerability of our surface fleet that has been working in conjunction with allies like France, Japan, and Australia to reassert post-World War II principles of freedom of navigation visibly and peacefully. The joint sea patrols in the international waters of the Indo-Pacific and Black Sea are a reassertion of principles that, since the end of World War II, have successfully reduced the risk of conflict while enhancing trade and prosperity. To counter ongoing threats to rule of law, the Biden administration has been diplomatically reconnecting, all throughout 2021, with U.S. allies in both regions, as well as reevaluating the highest and best use of limited defense spending. The DPA issued on December 21 is a logical extension of that process. Given the new challenge posed by missile technology to our surface ships, stepping up production of the Virginia-class program makes perfect sense since those submarines are not at risk from even the most sophisticated airborne missiles, and the Chinese and Russian navies know that. Madam Speaker, in addition, last September, the new AUKUS security alliance between the U.S., Australia, and the U.K., whose centerpiece is the sharing of nuclear propulsion technology for a new class of Australian submarines, is another powerful, tangible statement about the importance of strengthening our joint allied undersea capability. As David Ignatius, a longtime observer of U.S. foreign policy, recently wrote in The Washington Post: ``The AUKUS alliance with Australia and Britain to build nuclear submarines and share other military technology might be the most important strategic move'' by the U.S. ``in decades.'' The Biden DPA order last month and the AUKUS agreement last September are a powerful, tangible signal by the U.S. to our allies and friends who support a collaborative action to uphold international rule of law, which is critical to maintaining a peaceful coexistence among the world's nations.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan Impact Aid Flexibility Act, S. 2959, which is a companion bill to H. 6126, which I introduced on December 2, 2021. I thank Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Foxx, and her representative this evening, Mr. Owens, of the Education and Labor Committee, and the committee staff for accelerating consideration of this important measure which provides Federal support to 11 million K-12 schoolchildren across America, and whose passage is very time sensitive, which I will explain in a minute. Mr. Speaker, Federal Impact Aid is our Nation's oldest K-12 Federal education program. Impact Aid has its origins in 1821 when Congress first authorized support for schools to educate military dependent children. In 1934, Congress passed the Johnson-O'Malley Act, which extended help to school districts located at federally recognized Tribal lands. Congress recognized that, like military school districts, kids residing on Native American Tribal lands, which were not subject to State or local taxation to fund schools, deserved assistance. In 1950, President Harry Truman signed into law the statutory framework for Impact Aid which still stands today. Impact Aid is an important statement to communities that host children who reside in and are connected to Federal property and facilities, namely, that the Nation will not force them to bear an unfair disproportionate cost to public education. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent a district with two of those host communities, Groton and Ledyard, Connecticut. Groton is the home to our Nation's oldest Navy submarine base with approximately 9,000 sailors and officers who work every day to protect our Nation. Ledyard is the town next door where many personnel live. Groton has over 1,000 Navy kids, and Ledyard has 850. Ledyard is also the site of the Mashantucket Tribal Nation, many of whose children attend Ledyard schools. Impact Aid is critical to these towns' school budgets. The bill before us addresses an urgent logistical problem with Impact Aid, that, unless we act, will harm military and Tribal districts all across the country, namely, the obstacle created by COVID, to get an accurate headcount of eligible students that must be filed with the U.S. Department of Education by January 31, 12 days from now. And that, again, is the time-sensitive urgency this evening. Military and Tribal districts across the country have reported that COVID restrictions have slowed down the paperwork process, and this hindrance will result in an undercount, and thus, an artificially low Federal reimbursement. The Impact Aid Flexibility Act will solve this problem in an elegant way by simply carrying over last year's student census, thus ensuring no Impact Aid district will be harmed financially. This is a 1-year fix, the same as the fix the last Congress passed in December 2020, the Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act, which I sponsored with my Republican colleague, Dusty Johnson of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, this vote is being watched nervously by school officials and military staff all across the Nation, such as Groton school superintendent, Susan Austin, Ledyard superintendent, Jason Hartling, and Miranda Chapman, the Navy School liaison officer at the Groton SUBASE, New London, who have worked with the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, and I salute them and all their colleagues across the country for their work raising this issue before Congress. The bill before us has already passed the U.S. Senate unanimously and has the support of the Biden administration. It is a bill that keeps the promise to host communities that a high-quality education will not be denied because of military service or Tribal recognition. I urge the House to pass this bill tonight with an overwhelming vote of confidence and thanks for those who wear the uniform of this country and our Tribal nations and their families.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of dedicated public servant, Captain Jerry Desmond, of Stonington, Connecticut. Mr. Desmond tragically passed at the all too young age of 63 on Friday, December 24, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in 1958 to James and Phillis Desmond in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Jerry attributed his strong work ethic to the model of his parents. From an early age, Jerry was instilled with the value of giving whatever task or challenge laid before him a full ``100 percent.'' This principle guided him through life to the very end, even during his arduous battle with cancer which he did so with an infectious sense of optimism and the can-do attitude that defined his life. At the age of 5, Jerry moved with his family to Stonington, putting him on a destined path to become an integral part of the local community. The Stonington Public Schools had such an immense impact on him that upon graduating he went on to serve as a substitute teacher and tutor beginning in 1976. This role existed as a further point of inspiration for Jerry, who attended Southern Connecticut State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts of Education. Though upon graduating he was unable to immediately bridge to a career in teaching, Jerry remained undeterred in his ultimate mission to give back to the community that helped raise him. As someone who was able to appreciate the larger picture, Jerry used the athletic prowess he formed in high school and joined the local police force while simultaneously taking up the role of assistant coach for Stonington High School's football and track and field teams. In addition to football and track and field, Jerry coached the local woman's gymnastics team through to his final moments. A fierce optimist who believed in the value of hard work, Jerry was a perfect fit for the Stonington Public School's athletic programs. He appreciated working with the town's youth--passing onto them the same values taught by Jerry's parents before him--and viewed that work as one of the most rewarding parts of his career--especially enjoying his time as Stonington Police Department's Youth Officer. Jerry would eventually return back to school and advance his background in education, graduating from the FBI Training Academy in Quantico. He also received a Masters in Homeland Security Leadership from the University of Connecticut. Aimed with a revitalized education, Jerry went on to teach as an adjunct professor at the nearby Mitchell College, in New London, Connecticut. Of course, the pinnacle of Jerry's career was his remarkable 35 years of service to the Stonington Police Department, 17 of those years as Captain of the Department. During that time, he helped oversee the department's marine unit and was involved with the dive team and acted as a boating instructor. He was instrumental in the awarding of a $375,000 federal grant to the Department for a new police boat which went into service in 2014. That same year, Jerry retired from the department. Not content to accept a sedentary retirement, however, Jerry used his spare time to begin a new career with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as its Boating Safety and Education Representative, maintaining the role of teacher to the very end. Madam Speaker, it is an incredible honor to represent constituents as loyal to the future of their community as Jerry. I had the privilege to interact with him as congressman and can attest to his diligent professionalism and down to earth personality which was so engaging. Jerry's life was defined by his love for teaching and giving to his community. His actions touched thousands of people, and he served as an excellent role model for Stonington's next generation. Though the gap left by his generous and caring nature could not hope to be filled in the Stonington community, we can find relief in the reality that those whose lives were enriched by Jerry's presence will not soon forget his example. To that end, I ask that my colleagues and this chamber join me in observing the loss of Jerry Desmond.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of an eastern Connecticut legend, and my friend, Edith Prague. Edith's life was marked by service to others, as teacher, a social worker, a state legislator, a state commissioner. I met Edith in our days working together in the Connecticut General Assembly, where she served first a State Representative from 1982 to 1990 and then a State Senator from 1995 to 2013, and her example and guidance on how to conduct yourself as a public official influenced so many new legislators, myself included. She was a fierce and tenacious legislator--never one to back down from a tough debate or miss a chance to advocate for those she served. Edith was especially passionate about her work for seniors--from lowering drug costs, to expanding access to long-term care and home- based care. In 1987 the State of Connecticut permanently established the ``CONNPACE'' program which was one of the few public programs that provided direct help to seniors for prescription drugs. That program was a protype for the federal Medicare Part D prescription drug program enacted by Congress two decades later. I remember well as a new state representative from Vernon, Connecticut watching Edith's inspirational passionate speeches on the floor of the general assembly the day CONNPACE was enacted. That passion led to her confirmation to serve as the first ever head of the CT Department of Aging, another Prague initiative, which gave her an even bigger platform to advocate for the needs and priorities of those in need in the later stages of life. That was always a hallmark of Edith's service--looking out for others and fighting on behalf of those who needed a champion. Edith called herself ``a social worker with power,'' and she worked every day to use her platform to make a difference in the lives of those she served and crossed paths with over her lifetime. The proof of that is in the countless people across eastern Connecticut who can say that Edith helped them in ways big and small. Above all, though, family was the most important part of Edith's life. Being a mother and grandmother was always top priority for Edith, and I know daughters Shelley, Benay and Joanne and grandchildren Nathan, Matthew, Sam, Josh, Chris, Brian, Katie, Tim and Michael, will remember her love and passion for her and for others in need. I will always be grateful to call Edith my colleague and my friend. She was truly one of a kind, a wonderful person we just won't see replicated. Our region, our state and our country are better for her lifetime of service and dedication to others. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Edith's life and legacy as eastern Connecticut mourns her passing.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the members of the House to join me in mourning the passing of Richard Banbury, a highly respected attorney, dedicated public servant, loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a cornerstone of the Marlborough community for decades. Richard sadly passed away on December 2, 2021, at the age of 83. He represented the pinnacle of civic and community engagement, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to others. His service in the legal and political spheres will be held in high regard by all those he impacted. A son of Connecticut, Richard was born in Hartford in 1938. He excelled academically, attending Yale University where he graduated with his Bachelor's in Economics in 1960. Upon graduation, Richard remained at Yale to pursue his passion in law, later graduating from Yale Law School in 1963. Immediately, Richard began making an impact within the legal field, serving as the Chair of the Jerome Frank Legal Aid Society in 1963 where he guided the organization in providing legal assistance to those who could not afford private attorneys. He continued this passion into his budding career, serving as a Law Clerk to Associate Justice John P. Cotter, of the Connecticut Supreme Court. As a result of his unwavering dedication to helping others through the law, Richard became a State's Attorney and later Chief Assistant Attorney for Hartford County, where he served for nearly a decade. Richard's legal career evolved throughout the years, as he began to find new areas in which he could make an impact. Amidst this evolution, Richard was chosen in a highly selective process to become a Guggenheim Fellow at Yale Law School from 1976 through 1977. This respected fellowship allowed Richard to further delve into his legal passions and develop legal academia. Richard's next legal pursuit began with Rome McGuigan, P.C. in Hartford, where he worked as a civil litigator, an arbitrator, and defense counsel. As a defense counsel, Richard represented the Mohegan Tribe and the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority located here in Southeastern Connecticut. Throughout these years, Richard served an additional twenty-five years on the Connecticut Bar Examining Committee as well as thirty years as the Executive Director and Counsel to the Council on Probate Judicial Conduct in Connecticut. Throughout each and every one of his legal endeavors, Richard continuously held himself and the practice of law itself to higher standards of success, improving upon the quality of representation available throughout the region and beyond. On a personal note, I first met Richard at the Hartford Superior Court at 95 Washington Street when I was an intern in the public defender's office in 1978 and had a chance to watch him argue cases before judges and juries. He stood out as a very effective advocate who conveyed a deep grasp of the law and a friendly but very strong persona that connected with his audience. Later, after I passed the bar and encountered him as a young lawyer, he always had an encouraging word in the hallways of the courthouse that I will never forget and still deeply appreciate. Years later, in 2006 he was a staunch supporter of my race for Congress which succeeded by only 83 votes out of 241,000. He was a tireless campaigner and once again, I will be forever grateful to him for his friendship and good counsel. Richard lived a life of service, actively participating on various town committees in Marlborough and the town's Democratic Town Committee. He used his voice to advocate for the well-being of his community members and for the issues he was passionate about, including through his published editorials in the Hartford Courant. His active engagement transcended politics, and he spent substantial time fostering a community with his graduating class of Yale. He found enjoyment through service and the many pastimes he enjoyed, including swimming in the beautiful Lake Terramuggus. His passion for life was admirable and showcased the wealth and joys of community. All those who had the pleasure of knowing Richard saw firsthand his tireless work ethic and love of life. He is survived by his wife of twenty-seven years, Nicolette Banbury, six children--Michael, Anthony, Andrea, Jennifer, Samantha, Thomas, and twelve grandchildren. He has left an immeasurable impact on his beloved Marlborough community and the entirety of Eastern Connecticut. I am honored to have known Richard and have felt the impact of his life's work. As a chamber, please join me in sending our deepest condolences to the Banbury family and expressing our greatest respect for Richard's work. Madam Speaker, to that end, I ask that we immortalize the life and legacy of Richard Banbury.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn and observe the passing of a passionate family man and faithful community servant, Dr. Joe Zeppieri of Groton, Connecticut. A dedicated member involved in local politics, Joe passed away on December 4, 2021 after 77 full and loving years. His loss is significant for the Town of Groton. Born to Paul Zeppieri and Ella Buonanno Zeppieri in 1943, Joe was destined to live an accomplished life with a strong sense of duty. He was a lifelong learner who graduated from Groton's own Fitch High School and went on to attend several institutions of higher education including Providence College, Tufts University School of Medicine, and the University of Connecticut School of Medicine before immersing himself with a career in the medical field. Within those years of schooling, Joe was able to reconnect with his childhood sweetheart, Paula, who would shortly thereafter become Mrs. Zeppieri in 1967. Grounded by these roots, Joe went on to serve our country in the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander as both a doctor on the USS John Marshall and then chief medical officer on the USS Fulton. Upon completing his stint in the Navy, Dr. Zeppieri settled back down in the Town of Groton. He used his penchant for knowledge to help other people with their own health and well-being, working in the field of orthopedic surgery all the way into the new millennium. Of course, simply one field of expertise would never have been sufficient for someone such as Joe. Upon his retirement from the medical field, Dr. Zeppieri reinvigorated his passion for education. He completely shifted gears, working hard to obtain yet another degree from Western New England--this time, in the field of law. Paula and the family remained his rock during this period, and he was sure to gravitate back home every week while working to achieve his new merits. After obtaining a JD from Western New England, Joe worked at the local law firm of Stephen M. Reck and Scott D. Camassar before opening his own firm. He operated in the incredibly complicated field of medical malpractice, adding another notch to his belt of service by advocating on behalf of those who received improper healthcare in the courtroom. As a retired doctor himself, Zeppieri had a perspective that enabled him to become a natural success in this new line of work and hold his former industry to fair standards. Outside of the courtroom, Joe Zeppieri's care for his fellow community members really began to shine through into his latest years. He always had his finger on the pulse of Groton, leading him to municipal service on the City of Groton's Board of Zoning Appeals. In 2017, he was elected town councilor--a form of service that he would keep up with until his final days. Fellow Groton residents and stakeholders that were lucky enough to have known or collaborated with Joe can attest to his loving character, his integrity, dependable expertise, fairness, and ability to keep the discussion level-headed. At the end of the day, Joe was someone who could be relied upon to advocate for and focus the discussion on the community services that held the greatest impact on the health and vibrance of the Groton community. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to know of constituents as dedicated as Dr. Joe Zeppieri. Joe's service to his community has taken several forms--whether it was through the Navy, medical field, courtroom, or municipal government. His greatest contributions, however, originated from his honed expertise, which enabled him to change the lives of countless individuals forever. Though we mourn the void left in his wake, we ought to remember Joe's lifelong contributions and the value he placed in the things that truly have an impact on people's lives for the better. In that sense, we should also find gratitude in the strength of Joe's family ties and trust that his surviving family--his wife Paula, children Christopher, Michael, and Laura and their respective partners, and nine grandchildren--and his fellow community members will reverberate the memory and legacy of Joseph Zeppieri for generations to come. To assist in this endeavor, I ask that my colleagues and the House join me in setting Joseph Zeppieri's memory further into stone, and thank him for his life full of love and service.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of hardworking public servant, Steve Richardson. After serving nearly 40 years with the Social Security Administration spanning three different field offices, Steve will head onto the next chapter of his life this on December 31st, 2021. Steve has dedicated his life to serving and informing the public, and his loss is a notable one for the Social Security Administration and the Boston region as a whole. As a fellow native New Englander, Steve graduated from Northeastern in 1984 with a Bachelor's in Political Science. As someone who place strong value in an education, he also went on to obtain a Master's in Public Affairs from Boston's Emerson College in 1999. Equipped with an impressive Massachusetts education, Steve was destined to serve the public of Connecticut's neighboring state. Before even completing his Bachelor's, he began with the Roxbury Social Security Administration's Field Office in 1982 as a claims representative, working to prove his professionalism and wealth of knowledge from the get-go. It was because of his experience and dedication to the public that he was able to expand his career with the Administration to the Roslindale and Chelsea field offices while wearing numerous hats including the additional roles of supervisor and regional public affairs specialist. He most recently transitioned to the role of regional communications director for the Boston regional office in 2018, where he has remained responsible for the coordination of the Administration's public activities in all six New England states. Madam Speaker, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Steve and know of his work on all things related to Social Security. He has been an invaluable resource for my office and longtime Social Security caseworker Karen Weseliza, and has acted as a strong leader, creative teacher, and an excellent administrator to those who have worked with and for him. Even with Karen's sharp expertise, he could always be relied on as the first person to call on the hardest cases and could always be relied upon to assist my casework team with any complications. To that end, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating Steve's life of hard work and congratulating him on a well- earned retirement.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn and observe the passing of a hardworking public servant, Lieutenant Josip Peperni, who departed from this earth on November 16, 2021. Josip was nearing 20 years of leadership with the police department of Norwich, Connecticut when he unfortunately passed at the all too young age of 57. Josip was an indescribable positive force in the Town of Norwich, and his loss is a particularly sensitive one to the communities of eastern Connecticut. Born across seas in Bradina, Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Balkans to Kazimir and Reljka Peperni, Josip immigrated to the United States at an early age, gaining the opportunity to establish roots of his own. In achieving that purpose, Josip transitioned to and lived as a longtime community member of southeastern Connecticut, gravitating toward a fulfilling career as a policeman. Though he held several essential roles during his loyal tenure as an officer with the Norwich Police Department--working as a school resource officer, within the department's crisis intervention team, and as a K-9 patrol officer-- Josip Peperni was most recently promoted to the role of Lieutenant in 2018, overseeing the day-to-day functions of the Department's patrol unit. Joe utilized his position as Lieutenant as a resource to connect with the Town's community members, ensuring that Norwich Police portrayed an accessible and communicable brand. His incredibly approachable nature and guiding principle of treating everyone with equal respect helped him succeed in this mission. It is for these prime reasons that his intimate presence will be so sorely missed. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to represent constituents like Josip, who has reflected the continued strength of the American story by making the hard choice to immigrate to our nation, not just for opportunity but to also become intertwined with our communities. Though his loss is great, we should find solace in his work to contribute to that story, ensuring that it lives on through his surviving family, many of whom are now thriving members of their own communities within the State of Connecticut--his wife, Katie, his children: Nikita, Dakota Peperni and his wife Stephanie, and Kayla, grandchild Mya, and siblings Olivera and Karolina. Josip's legacy and compassionate character will also be remembered by his colleagues at the Norwich Police Department and the countless community members whose lives have been touched by his example. To that end, I ask that my colleagues and this Chamber join me in appreciating Josip's story and successes, expressing our condolences to the Peperni family and extending the reach of Josip's memory by setting it into stone.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, which is before us this evening. As chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, this bill is proof that our panel upheld its duty under Article 1, Section 8 ``to provide and maintain a Navy.'' Our bill authorizes 13 new ships, continuing our tradition to independently scrub the budget and augment our Navy fleet responsibly. Within that total, we authorize three destroyers and two additional Fast Transport ships to support the rapid deployment of equipment and personnel. The agreement also reflects our panel's ongoing efforts to recapitalize our aging sealift. The bill fully authorizes the new sealift Tanker Security Program, an initiative our panel started last year to meet gaps in our at-sea refueling capabilities. It also authorizes the fifth National Security Multi-Mission Vessel, another initiative our subcommittee led to boost maritime training and sealift capacity. Later this week, the historic Philly Shipyard will lay keel for the first in a series of NSMVs, which is tangible proof that our Nation can rebuild its decrepit sealift fleet with our domestic shipbuilding industrial base. To that end, this agreement rejects a request to further our reliance on used foreign-built sealift ships. Madam Speaker, of particular note, is the mark on undersea capabilities, which at the end of the day is the most effective path to deter the pacing threat of China. For proof of this, look no further than AUKUS, the recent security agreement between the U.S., U.K., and Australia, whose centerpiece is building a new fleet of Aussie nuclear- powered submarines. This NDAA funds two per year Virginia-class subs and full production of the Columbia program. It also includes House provisions of $200 million for a new facility, $130 million for supplier development, and $20 million for workforce development. Altogether, this will increase production capacity to help both our allies and our Navy to maintain dominance in the undersea domain. Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Rob Wittman and all the members on the subcommittee for their great bipartisan work building the NDAA this year, as well as Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Rogers. I also thank Phil McNaughton, Dave Sienicki, and Kelly Goggin for their great staff work, and Lieutenant Commander Matt Harmon, my Navy fellow, who is sadly leaving us soon. His really solid contribution as a SWO really was instrumental in terms of the work that our subcommittee was able to produce.