Joe Courtney

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, almost exactly a year ago, on August 10, 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the Honoring our PACT Act, which has been correctly described as the largest healthcare and benefits expansion in the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs. This was the result of a 5-year effort by veterans service organizations, from The American Legion to the Iraq and Afghan Veterans of America, and many others, to bring external pressure on Congress to pass a measure which will knock down barriers so that people who are suffering the ill effects of toxic exposure will actually have the care they earned by wearing the uniform of this country and serving in some of the most difficult parts of the world. After that measure was signed and had to overcome a last-minute filibuster by Senate Republicans, which resulted in a 5-day sleep-in on the steps of the Capitol when they finally relented and allowed a bipartisan vote to move forward and the bill to the President's desk, there was a lot of concern as to whether or not the VA would actually move quickly to enact and implement these measures. A year into the law, I am happy to report that over 300,000 PACT Act claims have been approved; over 100,000 new veterans have been enrolled in VA healthcare from the PACT Act planning population; and over 4 million toxic exposure screenings have been provided. The toxic exposure screening is a quick 10- to 15-minute review to find people who may be eligible for PACT Act benefits. It is open to all veterans, if anyone is listening, not just veterans who are enrolled in the VA. All veterans are entitled to have a toxic exposure screening. The questions asked are whether or not you were exposed to open burn pits in the Middle East, Gulf war-related exposures, Agent Orange during the Vietnam war, radiation, contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, or other exposures. In my district, the Second Congressional District, over 1,000 veterans have filed PACT Act claims, and many have been successful in terms of getting their claims approved. One gentleman who served during the Vietnam war was in Thailand and had Agent Orange illnesses, but because the law prior to the Honoring our PACT Act only covered people who were actually in-country in Vietnam, he was denied coverage. He was successful in getting a 100 percent disability approved. Another gentleman who served in Guam, another new country that was added to the law because of the Honoring our PACT Act, was also able to get a 100 percent disability with a backpay award. This is real. It is happening in real time. Ten days ago, we held a PACT Act claims clinic where staff from the local veterans department showed up to screen and also present claims. It was supposed to be only 3 hours. It went way over time. Two hundred veterans were screened, and 75 claims were submitted right there on the spot. I will end, Mr. Speaker, by saying people should be aware of the fact that, on August 9, which is just days away, if someone files an intent for a claim or a claim, you are going to be entitled to a backpay award to the date that President Biden signed this measure into law. Any claims filed after August 9 will not be entitled to that backpay award. Claims will still be open and can be approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but in terms of getting that backpay award from the date of enactment, it is critical that people file either an intent to file a claim or a claim itself to be eligible for those benefits. If people have questions, they can go to VA.gov/PACT to answer any of those questions. This was a great effort that was the result of a grassroots push by veterans all across our country. We must make sure that every single veteran gets the benefits that the law opened the door to.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Chair, looking at this amendment, if you just boil it down, what it is doing is degrading the scope of coverage for military servicemembers covered by TRICARE for themselves and their dependents. What we are doing is we are basically saying if you wear the uniform of this country, your level of insurance is going to be less than Americans in the civilian sector or in other forms of employment-based insurance. We have been fighting on the Armed Services Committee to raise the level of coverage and to create parity with the civilian sector as a way of recruiting people in the military. This goes backward. This will be a first for the NDAA to degrade the TRICARE health insurance coverage for military members, people who wear the uniform of this country. Oppose this amendment.

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to this amendment.

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Chair, again, really quickly, I would just note that this builds on an amendment which was adopted in last year's NDAA to establish a partnership between the DOD and Ukraine. Again, that is still sort of working its way through the system. Again, this is really about trying to explore the value of the Center of Excellence for TBI, which, again, I think, is something that all of us should support just for simple decency reasons. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Chair, I will begin by injecting some facts into this discussion. We debated this measure in the Armed Services Committee. The amendment was adopted to extend the feasibility study from the U.S. Center of Excellence at Walter Reed Hospital, which was created by the NDAA in 2009, to help maybe advise the Ukrainians in terms of setting up their own center of excellence within their own country to treat victims of traumatic brain injury and also other horrible injuries that are happening in real time. There were drone attacks on Kyiv last night where four Ukrainians were injured severely, and when committee members had a chance to actually vote on this, the amendment was adopted 49-10, which was actually the largest bipartisan vote of the entire markup for this year's NDAA. I want to be clear: This does not establish a center of excellence in Ukraine. It basically talks about the feasibility of advising healthcare officials within Ukraine in terms of best practices from the over decade of experience that we have at Walter Reed, which has helped thousands of U.S. veterans who suffered TBI in the Middle East. I applaud the gentlewoman's constituent, who is doing great work. Some of those individuals do it on their own, in terms of setting up their own services, but there is no question that this center has provided great direct healthcare for people suffering from this wound of war. It has also helped create best practices as we have learned more about this type of injury because of the hard experience that took place in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are probably, as calculated now, well over 100,000 Ukrainians who are wounded and suffering injuries, civilians in most cases, from indiscriminate bombing by Russia, who is conducting an illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. This is the ultimate, in terms of humanitarian assistance to victims of war, to victims of aggression, using, again, the well-honed skills and healthcare expertise of our country to help an ally who is fighting the fight in terms of protecting their democratic self-rule from an invasion by Russia. We had very strong bipartisan support to support this effort. I hope that we will vote in a resounding fashion for political reasons, for military reasons, and for just simple decency to help people who have suffered injuries. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Kamlager-Dove).

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Chair, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the bipartisan efforts of Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith to pass this year's NDAA. The base bill before us today represents a strong bipartisan accomplishment that was crafted and passed out of committee with a 58-1 vote. I commend Mr. Rogers and Mr. Smith for their skillful, balanced approach, ensuring a bipartisan outcome from committee markup. Today, that is the clear path forward for this bill, and I urge my colleagues to focus on germane amendments that expand our national defense capabilities and readiness, not divisive, partisan poison pills that distract from the mission of the NDAA, which is to provide a common defense. Mr. Chairman, Article I Section 8 of the Constitution mandates that Congress shall provide and maintain a Navy. The Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee's work clearly meets that mandate. Our mark makes clear that our maritime nation will maintain its role as the most formidable sea power in the world. It authorizes procurement of 10 battle force ships, building on the steady investment in shipbuilding that this subcommittee has consistently authorized in prior years and places a strong emphasis on maintaining superiority of our undersea fleet. Specifically, our mark authorizes $16.5 billion for submarine procurement, fully funding the Columbia- and Virginia-class submarine programs, with an additional $743 million investment in the workforce and supply chain of our national submarine industrial base which, by the way, is growing day by day, picking up the pace of production since the depths of COVID. We also included multiyear procurement authority for the next block of Virginia-class submarines, totaling 13 submarines in the next 5-year contract. This sends a clear signal to U.S. industry to increase our production cadence above two submarines per year to bolster our Navy's inventory, as well as supporting the trilateral AUKUS agreement. That historic centerpiece calls for the U.S. to assist the recapitalization of Australia's undersea fleet with conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, including the sale of three Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s. Adopting this measure is a healthy, serious signal of commitment to AUKUS as other committees in Congress begin their work to act on the legislative framework necessary to execute that program. This bill also requires the Navy to complete the design for a new- build sealift vessel program of 10 ships which will be modeled after a cost-effective commercial practice now happening in real time at the Philly Shipyard to boost domestic shipbuilding right here in the United States. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues on the subcommittee, particularly Chairman Trent Kelly, who has been an outstanding leader of this panel and a great friend. I commend him for his bipartisan approach in his first year as chair that all members have appreciated. I also thank the outstanding staff--Phil MacNaughton, Ian Bennitt, Kyle Noyes, Kelly Goggin, and Ethan Pelissier--who have all worked so hard on this bill and getting us here today. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in working to keep this bill true to the bipartisan spirit that the House Armed Services Committee showed in passing a strong defense authorization bill and reject extreme amendments that will threaten its passage.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Frank G. Taylor of Stafford, Connecticut, known affectionately as Doc. Doc passed away on May 28, 2023, at the peaceful age of 88. He was a giant in the neighboring community of Enfield, touching countless lives through more than a half-century of service as an educator. Born in Concord, New Hampshire on July 4, 1934, to Hazel and Frank Taylor Sr., Doc's birthdate would prove prophetic as he would quickly dedicate his life to advancing the story of a nation as a prolific social studies teacher. After a brief stint in the Army as a company clerk, Doc graduated from Keene Teachers College in 1958 and commenced a career path which would positively change the trajectory of thousands. While at Keene, Doc met the love of his life, Eveline Binmore, whom he married in the same year as his graduation. Together, they would go on to have two sons, Andrew and Jeffrey, who meant the world to them. In 1976, the family settled permanently in Suffield, Connecticut. Doc dutifully cared for Eveline until her passing in 2009 due to complications from Alzheimer's. Turning the page back to 1958, the origin of Doc's long education career, Doc first set out from college with a brief stint of teaching in the Stafford school district. From there, he and Eveline travelled to Germany so that he could serve in the military yet again, this time as a teacher for the children of personnel stationed abroad. In 1963, the Taylor family returned to Connecticut where Doc began his legendary career at Enfield High School. Teaching at Enfield until his retirement in 2012, Doc made it his mission to engage students, reinforce and promote those who were gifted and challenge those who may have otherwise seemed disinterested to another educator. Through frequent field trips to historic locations and landmarks, he developed in his students a keen awareness of how history is a living narrative around us, setting examples and guiding decisions. Through it all, his kindness and dedication never wavered, and to this day countless students, many who are now teachers themselves, regard him as the best teacher they ever had. Doc Taylor was such a stalwart in the education industry because he, himself, was a sponge for knowledge. In the 1970s, Taylor received his Doctorate in Education from the University of Connecticut, an accomplishment from which his nickname of ``Doc'' was derived. His thesis was focused on Shaker Education. Completing such a feat involved him interviewing every living descendent of the ``shaking Quaker,'' better known as Shaker, community. This experience quenched an intense thirst of local history, and he would mission onto new Enfield archeological projects for much of his remaining life. Doc was an invaluable curator of all aspects of north-central Connecticut's heritage, particularly through his famous, self-made courses on Enfield and Connecticut history. Were it not for his life's work, this region comprised of smaller communities could have seen their knowledge of stories like the Shakers--who had Enfield roots dating back to the 18th century--otherwise forgotten. In one anecdote that typifies the value of his work, Doc recalled preparing to take a picture of a Shaker building before it was demolished only to look up and see a wrecking ball smash through the home. For years, Doc went above and beyond not just to preserve, but also craft a more self-sustaining community eco-system. He helped coach the ``As Schools Match Wits'' team, an experience which helped cause some participants to go onto become teachers themselves. In 1970, he and his student coordinated the clean-up for the Scantic River, which had once been heavily polluted. So inspirational were their efforts that the Scantic River Park was developed as a result. He continued with his global travels after serving in the Army, posting photographs from his trips around the school as a small yet impactful opportunity to broaden any students' perspectives. In recognition of his excellence, he was honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution as the Connecticut Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 1982, and as Enfield's Teacher of the Year in 1985. The students were always his primary motivation, though; one of his greatest delights was teaching the children (and even grandchildren) of past students. Mr. Speaker, Doc Taylor's life was an institution in itself. He had this industrious, infectious love for history. He guided a town with a soft yet impactful touch, sewing seeds along the way, for three generations. He was a recruiter of several decades' worth of public servants--literally mentoring some from student to teacher and colleague. No one could ever hope to duplicate the impact of Doc's generous spirit. However, there are thousands out there, both in Enfield and beyond, who are unknowingly working as a collective to fill his shoes and extend that same spirit. His mission to education saw no horizon and will therefore see no end. He is also survived by his sons, Andrew at Jeffrey Taylor, his sisters Donna and Frances, his stepmother Lillian and all their respective partners. I humbly request that my colleagues join me in honoring Doc's storied service, as he joins his wife Eveline in this next chapter.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the sudden loss of a true champion for those in need, Bryan Flint, of Ellington, Connecticut. Bryan departed this world at the age of 64, as a result of a car accident this past May. Born in 1959 to Wayne and Emily Flint, Bryan was quickly instilled with the values of selfless service and community care. Early in his life, Bryan attained the rank of Eagle Scout, starting a lifelong journey of lending kindness and a helping hand unto others. Bryan's infectiously kind demeanor served him well in his first major life's endeavor--family entertainment. In 1986, Bryan founded Showtime Productions, setting a stage for his earned status as a lynchpin of Connecticut's children's entertainment industry. His career as a business owner, where he missioned to put smiles on the faces of children and their parents, spanned 30 years. Motivated in a manner which perfectly exemplifies his caring nature, Bryan felt continuously inspired in this career through Showtime Productions' impact upon local youth. A favorite anecdote of Bryan's was from one day in 1991, when he happened by children playing on garbage cans in the Town of Rockville. He was discouraged by the lack of opportunity reflected by the scene but encouraged by the children's enthusiasm. He took action and organized a music and magic show to provide a safe, joyful recreational space in the town. Moments like these were just the beginning of his truly special kind of advocacy which defined Bryan's life. In the early 2010's, Bryan sought a life-path that would be of even greater service to others. He became actively involved in the School- Family-Community Partnership as the program coordinator. Through the Partnership, Bryan had boundless opportunities to support the youth who were the most in need, launching a Maple Street Community School and the Bookmobile program, the latter of which supported student literacy during summertime periods. In 2013, Bryan transitioned careers again, becoming the Deputy Director of the Cornerstone Foundation, a local, faith-based nonprofit which provides food and shelter for the homeless and impoverished. Bryan truly put the lives of others before his own. He would frequently give out his personal phone number, get up late at night to open the shelter, or even head to the store to buy medicine from his own personal pocket--all for those in need. The day before his untimely passing, Bryan was seen at the Rockville Walgreens buying medicine for residents at Cornerstone--a testament to his compassion for others. As amazing as his work with the foundation was, it was far from the capstone to his life's work. He was also a member of the Rockville Community Association, the Vernon Community Network, the Rockville Development Association, and the Greater Rockville Clergy Council. Bryan's generous spirit was known to all in town, whether from his work in the community, magic shows, or his portrayal of Uncle Sam on stilts during Vernon's annual Independence Day celebration. Through it all, he was motivated by an unwavering faith. The breadth of his impact can be seen by the tens of hundreds mourning his loss. Mr. Speaker, over the years, as Bryan's neighbor in Vernon, I had a chance to see up close the profound positive impact he had on our community. It was always apparent to me his activism was motivated by a sincere, authentic desire to help people in need. His infectious smile came right from a generous heart and soul. His premature passing leaves a massive tear in our northeastern Connecticut community fabric, particularly for his wife of 27 years, Kim, and their children including Melissa, Alexis, Mystica, Jesse, Alex, Cassi, their respective partners, and his 13 grandchildren. In the wake of his loss, we can only hope to find solace in committing his servant's heart to our collective memory. The lives he has touched throughout these past several decades will no doubt go on to further Bryan's ideals and memory, leaving an unsought but completely earned legacy of a community caretaker. I ask that my colleagues join me and the citizens of Vernon in honoring Bryan's life and work.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give special recognition to Dhruv Suryadevara of Ellington, Connecticut on his receiving The Congressional Award Gold Medal. This is a truly remarkable, once-in-a- lifetime achievement, and one that he worked incredibly hard for. Those who receive Congressional Award Gold Medals have undertaken a rigorous course of community service and self-improvement. This involves four components: 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 hours of Personal Development, 200 hours of Physical Fitness, and a five-day, four-night Expedition/Exploration. By completing this process, participants learn new skills which they will utilize to make the world a better place. I would like to outline Dhruv's activities to show my colleagues the remarkable kind of young man he is. For his public service, Dhruv worked with the New Hartford Voluntary Ambulance, where he took vitals, managed medical equipment, and documented calls. He exhibited personal development by enrolling in Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development's Psychology course, which he passed with flying colors, as well as obtaining his EMT certification. Dhruv's physical fitness was demonstrated through his membership of the Founders League's JV baseball team, as well as being wide receiver and cornerback on the Kingswood Oxford varsity football team. Lastly, he backpacked through Olympic National Park in Washington state for his expedition, inspired by his family's tradition of visiting different national parks across the Nation. Clearly, Dhruv has shown himself to be exceptional, as well as fully deserving of The Congressional Award Gold Medal. I urge my colleagues to pay tribute to his accomplishments.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, 4 months ago, the news came from Plains, Georgia, that former President Jimmy Carter, along with his family, had made the decision to enter hospice care as he approaches the end of his amazing 90-year-old life. Interestingly, in the wake of that announcement, accolades came from all over the world, again reminding us all of the work that President Carter did during his time in the White House. He led the way to the Camp David peace accords, which demilitarized the Sinai Peninsula. He was a prophet and leader, a visionary in terms of renewable energy. Under President Carter's leadership, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory was founded, which to this day still operates in Colorado, utilizing cutting-edge technology and innovation in terms of development of renewable energy. After President Carter left the White House, he founded The Carter Center in Georgia, which has done amazing work in terms of eradicating disease in different parts of the world, such as river blindness, amongst many others. Mr. Speaker, I represent eastern Connecticut, which, again, has a special and unique appreciation for former President Jimmy Carter. After he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1946 and following two tours as an ensign on surface ships, President Carter volunteered for the submarine force and was stationed at Naval Submarine Base New London located in Groton, Connecticut. There, President Carter received officer training from Groton's Submarine School and was promoted to lieutenant. This picture shows President Carter onboard one of those submarines. In 1952, Carter became part of the legendary Hyman Rickover's new Office of Naval Reactors, an elite unit which introduced nuclear propulsion to America's submarine force and revolutionized the reach and stealth of our fleet. At that point of his career, Carter was assured a virtually guaranteed path of promotion and success. However, in October 1953, Carter's 58-year-old father succumbed to pancreatic cancer. Jimmy Carter left Active Duty with an honorable discharge after 7 years and 4 months of service, returning to his childhood home in Plains, Georgia, to run the family farm. Mr. Speaker, President Carter left Connecticut in 1953, but he never forgot our State. He proved that in 2005, when the Navy, as part of the BRAC process, sought to close the Groton Naval Submarine Base and transfer its fleet of submarines to Kings Bay, Georgia. Despite the fact that this would help his native State of Georgia, he shocked his home State and the Navy by publicly opposing this plan. As Anthony Principi, the Chairman of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, stated at the time: Carter's letter citing the value of SUBASE New London's ``proud submarine heritage'' was a ``key factor'' when he and the Commission voted 7-1 to reject the Navy's plan. Eighteen years later, with 16 attack submarines in Groton that are in active heel-to-toe deployments, the wisdom of that position that he took certainly has paid off in terms of blindingly obvious facts. Also, eastern Connecticut is the place where the USS Jimmy Carter, which was one of the Seawolf-class submarines, was built. Today, it still operates, doing amazing work as part of that unique three- submarine class that has farther stealth, is able to operate at deeper depths, travels at higher speeds, and does great work. Recently, the executive officer of the USS Jimmy Carter, Lieutenant Commander Jacob Cates, stated: ``As our sailors walk through the ship, they are met by images representing the Carters' service to our submarine force, our Navy, and to our country. President Carter has always been an advocate for those in need. By helping to eliminate disease, feed the hungry, teach Sunday school, and prevent war, President Carter has positively impacted countless lives. . . . We are honored by the fact that we are on the USS Jimmy Carter, and we strive to prepare for and execute our mission in a manner worthy of President Carter's legacy.'' Well said, Lieutenant Commander Cates. Again, as we pass the 4-month mark of President Carter's hospice, I want him and his family to know that certainly, in eastern Connecticut, our prayers are with him, as well as our deepest admiration and feelings, just like Lieutenant Cates whose words were reported just a few days ago. Again, we honor his record of service in terms of our Navy, our country, and his service after the time he spent in the White House where he did not monetize his service but, again, continued to do great things to help people in need around the world.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay further tribute to James ``Jim'' Connolly of Ellington, Connecticut. A permanent fund bearing his name is being set up by the Ellington Community Scholarship Association, of which he was president for nearly 20 years. We recognize Jim as the Ellington Community Scholarship Association prepares to award the scholarship in his name to a prestigious student for the first time on June 6, 2023. Born in Queens, New York, Jim early on learned the value of a high- quality education as a graduate of Fairfield University. In November of 1983, he married Carol, the love of his life, and they settled in Ellington. There, they raised 3 beautiful children together, who have since gone on to provide them with an additional 3 grandchildren. He has long felt welcomed at home in the Ellington community, which clearly prompted him to search for greater opportunities to give back. About 20 years ago, Jim Connolly joined on as president of Ellington Community Scholarship Association. Founded in 1959, the Ellington Community Scholarship Association was established to help connect youth from the area to college careers. Every year, the Association commits thousands of dollars in scholarships for students to continue their education and kickstart the next stage of their lives. Under Jim's leadership, the Association innovated new ways to raise money, including wine tastings and Phone-a-thons. Having grown out a network of volunteers to facilitate these events, the Association's assets grew from $80,000 to $900,000, and the amount of permanent funds they managed grew from 10 to 15 under his tenure. Altogether, they have handed out $1,400,000 to over a thousand students. Jim's service through the Association is far from his only contribution to Ellington's youth. He has served as a coach, umpire, and board member for the Ellington Little League. He also was a long- time employee at Northeast Utilities, where he served as a Senior Labor Consultant. His primary focus, though, has always been in support of students. It is no surprise that, in 2014, he was presented with the Friends of Ellington Education Award. Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations to the Connolly family for this well-deserved honor. Countless students have been able to better access a path to college because of his efforts. It is both fitting and proper that a permanent fund has been created in his name, however, we ought to do more to commit his service to the Second District of Connecticut to memory. To that end, I ask that my colleagues join me in further memorializing his name and legacy.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, we stand here today, 7 days away from the X-date, the date that our Nation will default on the full faith and credit of our Nation's financial debt for the first time since the War of 1812. Madam Speaker, it is not too late for us to stop such a catastrophe by passing a clean debt limit bill just as Congress has done 78 times since 1960. Interestingly, the President who signed the most debt limit extension bills was Speaker McCarthy's hero, Ronald Reagan; 18 times in 8 years. I ask Speaker McCarthy to heed Reagan's words that he said in 1987 when he signed one of those bills at the height of the Cold War. He said, ``The United States has a special responsibility to itself and the world to meet its obligations. It means we have a well-earned reputation for reliability and credibility--two things that set us apart from much of the world.'' In 2023, we have adversaries, China and Russia, who are watching with glee as we as a Nation are about to, for no good reason, not maintain our financial debt. They are waiting and want to pounce in terms of de-dollarizing world currencies that rely on international trade. Pass a clean debt limit bill for the sake of our Nation and free democracies.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a national leader in the global effort to protect the world's oceans, Mystic Aquarium. Mystic Aquarium celebrates a major milestone this year--its 50th anniversary, and it is fitting that this chamber recognizes the institution for its service to and advocacy on behalf of our natural world. Since its opening in 1973, Mystic Aquarium's mission and capabilities have evolved impressively over the decades. From education, exhibition, conservation, to research, the team at the Aquarium has grown yet remained ever so dedicated toward advancing our respect for and understanding of marine wildlife. As we celebrate what Mystic Aquarium has become after all these years, it would be impossible to recap all of the nonprofit's achievements. It has expanded interactive educational opportunities to accommodate roughly 800,000 visitors annually, a number which will only grow as it opens a new exhibit this year. The Aquarium is also engaging the local community through other means, including strengthening a volunteer conservationist network under its newer Ocean Ambassadors Program. Through its Animal Rescue Program and multiple freshly constructed veterinary facilities, Mystic Aquarium has also directly supported the rehabilitation of Long Island Sound area populations. The Aquarium even takes on cases from other rescue facilities, reducing pressure on our nation's veterinary system for marine wildlife The Mystic Aquarium has taken on greater efforts to become an advocate of conservation on the national stage. The organization actively studies opportunities to protect endangered species such as the African Penguins, Coral Reefs, Sea Turtles, Sharks and Rays. Its expert researchers have also notably been central in laying the groundwork for the establishment of the first federally protected monument in US Atlantic waters, the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. This monument is a hotbed of biodiversity that is now better protected from human activity because of the Aquarium's advocacy apparatus. Over the years, Mystic Aquarium has grown into a major employer which significantly contributes to the Second District of Connecticut's economy and culture. I know countless success stories of youth who have taken up summertime, annual employment or internships, and have forged those early formative experiences into full-on careers. Mr. Speaker, the work Mystic Aquarium takes on is community driven, compassionate, and highly technical. They have been tremendously valuable to both our region and nation which is why they continue to earn federal support. To that end, as Mystic Aquarium celebrates a half-century of outstanding service, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the legacy of their mission and its future relevance, and wishing them many more milestones to come.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of United States Treasurer and Mohegan Chief Marilynn ''Lynn;'' Malerba. Lynn has been honored this year with the distinction as the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, for her model behavior for those in Eastern Connecticut as well as the entire country. Born 1953. to Loretta and Albert Roberge. Lynn was raised by her parents to value hard work for the benefit of a community. She derives from a resilient line of Mohegan Tribe change makers and has lived a life defined by change and advocacy performed at all levels of government. As a matter of fact. Lynn's mother holds the title of Nonner, a unique honor given for her role in gaining the tribe its federal recognition, preserving its sacred sites. and ensuring the continuance of Mohegan culture. Lynn's value for purposeful, hard work carried over into her first career as a registered nurse at Hartford Hospital and Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London. Connecticut. Lynn's dedication to patients from the community ultimately earned her the position of director of Cardiology and Pulmonary Services. After her time as director, Lynn joined the tribal government of the Mohegan as the Executive Director of Health and Human Services. Lynn's penchant for progress soon saw her elected to the Tribal Council wherein she became chairwoman. During her time as chairwoman, Lynn returned to school in the pursuit of a master's in public administration from the University of Connecticut, feeding her eternal hunger for learning. Her full list of educational accomplishments to date include studying nursing at Hartford Hospital's College of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science from then St. Joseph's College--now University of Saint Joseph, a Master of Public Administration from UConn and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Yale University. Lynn's MPA provided her the skills necessary to elevate her administrative abilities, a background which suited her as the then- chairwoman of the Mohegan Tribal Council. Five years after her entry onto the Tribal Council. in 2010, Lynn was appointed as the first female Chief of the Mohegans in modern history. It is no wonder why Chief Malerba was considered and chosen to serve as our nation's 45th treasurer in September 2022. In her new position. Chief Malerba has the same opportunity for advocacy and bettering native communities through her supervision of the Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, an office which acts as a hub for Tribal policy. Chief Malerba also has additional responsibilities in relation to setting our nation's fiscal policy, including oversight of the U.S. Mint, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and Fort Knox, advising the Treasury Secretary on community development and public engagement, and acting as a liaison between the US Federal Reserve. Mr. Speaker. I consider it a tremendous privilege and honor to represent constituents and leaders as passionate and accomplished as Chief Malerba. The Office of the Treasurer has already been elevated by her leadership, and I know she will tackle her duties with the same vigor and dedication that has defined her professional life to date. As someone who has had the pleasure of knowing her and collaborating with her in the community. I can attest to the fact that despite her high office she is a down to earth, caring person. As the Irish say, she does not ``Put on airs''. The proud history of our district's diverse, native roots lives through her representation in the federal government. With her recognition as Eastern Connecticut's citizen of the year, I ask that my colleagues join me in benchmarking her continuing legacy.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 55th anniversary of the tragic loss of the USS Scorpion and its crew of 99. On this solemn occasion, we remember the valiant submariners who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our great Nation. The USS Scorpion, a distinguished vessel within the Skipjack-class of nuclear-powered submarines, disappeared on May 22, 1968, during a deployment in the Atlantic Ocean. It took several months to locate its remains, and despite multiple investigations from the Department of Defense, we may never know what truly resulted in this steep loss to our Nation's fighting force. This somber event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks and sacrifices associated with submarine operations, and the bravery of Americans who step up to serve underseas in the Silent Service. The USS Scorpion was a vessel that symbolized American strength, technological prowess, and the courageous spirit of our servicemen. It was manned by a highly skilled and dedicated crew who embarked on perilous missions in defense of our Nation. As we honor the 55th anniversary of the USS Scorpion's disappearance, let us reaffirm our commitment to the safety, readiness, and well-being of our submariners. We must ensure that those who choose to serve are equipped with the resources, training, and support necessary to carry out their vital missions. Mr. Speaker, the USS Scorpion crew's unwavering dedication to duty and defending our Nation overseas deserves our eternal gratitude. We must continue to remember their legacy. To that end, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring the 55th anniversary of the loss of the USS Scorpion and etching the sacrifice of its 99 servicemembers into our collective memory.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor three exceptional residents of Connecticut's Second Congressional District: Brandon Bylo of Groton, off duty Police Lieutenant Cornelius Rodgers of the New London police department, and a third, an anonymous Good Samaritan. Each of these individuals acted swiftly and decisively to save the lives of two strangers in dire distress. On the morning of April 21, 2023, a horrific collision occurred when an oil tanker collided with a stranded car, causing both to be engulfed in flames on the southbound lane of the State of Connecticut's largest bridge, the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. This bridge, which was built in the 1940's spans the Thames River between the City of New London and the City of Groton and accommodates thousands of trucks and cars every day. In the moments following the collision, three commuters traveling from behind the impacted vehicles, Mr. Brandon Bylo, Lt. Cornelius Rodgers, and the anonymous individual saw an inferno unfolding before their eyes and instinctually sprang into action. They sprinted over to the collapsed car, supported one passenger fleeing the scene before dragging and carrying the driver out from their seat--all as the flames from the tanker careened toward the car. Moments after the extraction, the car in question was overtaken by the flames of the crash. This was a shocking incident in the region that received national news coverage. The selfless behavior displayed by these three individuals reduced the sense of tragedy Connecticut residents continue to feel. These three constituents truly embody the spirit of heroism, risking life and limb in perilous circumstances to save another life without hesitation. It was Mr. Bylo's unwavering conviction to live out his life as ``your brother's keeper'' which prompted his actions that fateful day. Lt. Rodgers similarly went above and beyond, rushing into action despite being off-duty at the time of the collision. Each had their own reasons to put themselves first that day--Mr. Bylo was on an errand with his two-year-old daughter--and yet, clearly, their unyielding sense of compassion and duty took over. Mr. Speaker, we must also observe the tragic loss of Mr. Wallace ``Wally'' Fauquet III, the oil tanker driver, who lost his life in the crash. He leaves behind a loving family and many friends and coworkers who viewed him as a hardworking, friendly person who was diligently doing his job on the day of this tragic conflagration. We mourn the void that is left in his wake. We also find solace through the selfless actions of those in the eastern Connecticut community. These three individuals, who have sought no praise in their lifesaving response, are a continuing example of the good-natured people that uplift the Second District of Connecticut. They were honored by the New London Police Department on May 8 at a well-attended community event at the New London Garde Theater, and it is most appropriate that we extend this recognition. To that end, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Brandon Bylo, Lt. Cornelius Rodgers, and their Good Samaritan cohort, committing their deeds into our national memory.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished business community leader and true Titan of central Connecticut, Larry McHugh. For nearly 40 years, Larry has been a catalyst of economic partnership and growth in our region. On May 10, 2023, the region will gather to celebrate him and his retirement as President of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce. Born and raised in Connecticut, Larry attended Notre Dame High School and Southern Connecticut State University, respectively out of West Haven and New Haven. During high school and college Larry was a star athlete particularly on the football gridiron. After earning his Bachelor of Science, Larry did a brief stint with the New York Titans- the original AFL team from New York City that later was renamed the New York Jets. Side-lined by injury, Larry returned to Connecticut with a new purpose. Energized and on a new path forward, Larry focused on a career in Connecticut's education system--first as a teacher with Durham High School. In 1963, he transferred over to Xavier High--a school based in Middletown, Connecticut, coveted for its athletic programs--as football coach. For 21 years, as made evident by Xavier's 160-38-7 football record under Larry's helm and his unprecedented designation as the two- time Connecticut Football Coach of the Year and 1973 National Coach of the Year, Larry inspired generations of athletes to grow as both individuals and teammates. It is worth noting, however, that Larry was quite the jack-of-trades during his tenure at Xavier, having also acted as a certified teacher across five different courses and the Executive Director of Xavier's fundraising branch. In 1983, Larry departed from his career in education to serve his community in a significantly different manner, setting off as the President of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership, the Chamber grew from 260 members to over 2,100 members and has received many state and national awards, including recognition from the White House and the U.S. Department of Labor. Behind these impressive data points, however, sits a powerful narrative as to why the organization has been so successful. Mr. Speaker, Larry brought the spirit of coaching to his role as principal of the business community. He was a mentor to business owners-fostering a culture and community structured by positive relationships. This was all purposed towards thinking of businesses--the Chamber's members--as a team purposed toward advocating for economic growth in the region. The relationships and strength of the Middlesex County business community became a self- nurturing force, attracting national employers and investments alike to direct their resources to the region. He has literally helped build the Main Streets of cities like Middletown from the ground up. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of speaking at a number of Middlesex Chamber breakfasts and can attest to the large enthusiastic membership he fostered during his time at the helm. As one of the central conduits within Connecticut, he has served on countless boards and commissions, including President of the CT Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Goodspeed Opera House Board of Trustees, Director of Liberty Bank, Lyman Orchards board member, Corporator of Middlesex Hospital and Vice Chairman of the CT Tourism Council. By way of his appointment by five governors to various positions on both the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University Boards of Trustees, Larry also remained connected to the state's education system throughout his tenure as President. Mr. Speaker, Larry is a coach for all time. For the entirety of his career, he has led by example and given a powerful drive to various forms of community development. Larry is the embodiment of what it means to build out a team for the effective pursuit of a mission. Though we, unfortunately, say goodbye to his competent leadership with his retirement, we have faith in the history of legwork he has put in for the development of the Middlesex County economy and business community. There are already numerous fields, buildings and halls of fame in which his name is imprinted upon. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Larry McHugh, thanking him for his life's work, and wishing him well on his continued retirement with his wife, Patty, and family, as they celebrate this May.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, as the Congressman from eastern Connecticut, it is a proud moment for me to congratulate the UConn men's basketball team for winning this year's NCAA national championship on April 4, just a couple weeks ago. Mr. Speaker, the UConn men starting out in this season back in November were not even ranked in any of the leading polls. Yet, despite that negativity, they tuned it out and really came together as a team led by a great coach, Danny Hurley. By the time they got to the NCAA playoffs, their average margin of victory was over 15 points per game. It is a record in terms of NCAA championships in the past, and a great testament to a group of young men who are now going to go on and do greater things, whether it is in the NBA or next year's college basketball season. It is a great program. This is their fifth title since 1999. The women's team has won 11 titles. It is truly easy, I think without exaggeration, to say that I represent the basketball capital of the world for college basketball: Storrs, Connecticut.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the impactful life and legacy of Mr. Kevin Hesch of Groton, Connecticut. Kevin tragically passed away at the heartbreaking young age of 39 on April 4, 2023, as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Mr. Speaker, as someone who knows his family, I can attest that they are good people, who are beloved by friends and coworkers. His passing is a tremendous loss for all who came into contact with the Hesch clan. Kevin was a true blue southern New England success story. Born to loving parents Lori and Kurt Hesch of Groton, Kevin grew up in southeastern Connecticut. He attended Groton schools and graduated from Fitch High School in town before attending the UConn School of Business. After getting his degree, he followed his father's footsteps and began his stellar career at General Dynamics Electric Boat's Finance Department based in Groton, joining the ranks of our state's elite submarine shipyard and largest private employer. His contribution to Electric Boat's mission, to protect our Nation with unmatched undersea based deterrence, was unrivaled. The quality of his work was recognized with promotion after promotion, most recently with his designation as Manager of Finance. It is worth sharing, Mr. Speaker, that Kevin had an even greater degree of loyalty to the roots he and his family had sewn together in their local community. Kevin met the love of his life, Heather, who he married in 2012. Together, they had brought into this world five children--Alexander, Mackenzie, William, Emilia and Abigail. Kevin's ability to be his own unique and loving character has already passed onto each of them. Though this is an arduous battle for the surviving family, we can find solace in his strength and dedication, which will ultimately pass the test of time through each and every one of them. Mr. Speaker, Kevin was an outstanding individual. These tragedies are so harsh on a community, particularly considering all those that knew him from Fitch, UConn, Electric Boat, and his local community. We cannot hope to fill the void that is left in Kevin's place, which is why we are all the more thankful of how purposeful he was with his time and presence. His story and good-natured personality will surely live on through others. To further reflect the source of strength that he was before the local community, I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing our deepest condolences to his parents Lori and Kurt, his wife Heather, and his beautiful children at this time of sorrow.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Mr. John Mordasky of Stafford, Connecticut. The Town of Stafford, State of Connecticut and our nation lost a giant whose example of public service citizenship will leave a gigantic footprint with his passing at age 97 on April 1, 2023. John's amazing life could be the script of a Hollywood movie, given his courageous service as a decorated World War II combat veteran, Connecticut state representative, his lifelong vocation as an iconic New England dairy farmer, and his deep devotion to his beautiful family. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor to know John as a friend for 36 years and to serve with him in the Connecticut General Assembly for eight years. He will always stand out to me as the quintessential model of public servant who always put the public interest and the public good above petty, political or personal gain. Born 1925 to Francis and Sophia Mordasky in Stafford, John, like many who have woven themselves into the American story, formed the strongest of roots out of his identity as a first generation American and eastern Connecticut native. The loyalty he discovered through this identity and from his parents' upbringing formed a ferocity within John not to be matched by many. He was tough as nails. At age 17, following the United States entry into World War II, John did not hesitate to enlist in the war effort and was at the forefront of the Allied effort to defend democracy. He was assigned to the US Army Air Corps and became a B29 tail gunner--one the most dangerous, high-risk duties in the bomber fleet. John experienced intense combat defending his aircraft and crew in more than 22 frontline missions from direct enemy fire. John's planes crash landed twice during individual missions, fortunately on the reclaimed island of Iwo Jima in the final months of the Pacific campaign. Upon the conclusion of the War, John returned home to eastern Connecticut from half a world away. His devotion to serving his community did not end however when he hung up his uniform for the last time. In his immediate post-war life, he went back to school on the GI Bill and attained a bachelor's in animal sciences from the University of Connecticut's flagship College of Agriculture, where he also met the love of his life, Louise Rosemary ``Rosie'' Rossiter. Equipped with an education, John and Rosie found property back in Stafford and started Pinerise Dairy Farm. Together, their life in agriculture existed as a platform to launch broader involvement in the community. For John, he became an active member in the Connecticut agricultural community: from 4H, to the Connecticut Milk Producers Association, to his honorary membership in Future Farmers for America. John also notably served on Stafford's Board of Selectman and Zoning Board of Appeals. Each of these involvements were pursued as the two raised six children: Rose, Frances, David, Bill, John, and Maureen; and housed, at one point, more than 600 dairy cows. As if his impressive family-owned farm, an economic driver within the region, and local involvement were not enough, John still felt a higher calling to serving the public. In 1979, John successfully ran for a bid to represent the 52nd District in the Connecticut General Assembly as state representative. Maintaining his permanent job as the head of a full-scale dairy operation, John's pulse reflected that of the area. He performed this additional role with a herculean level of energy, literally commuting to and from Connecticut's State Capitol to make sure the farm's animals were attended to, for 22 years. During his tenure in the Capitol, he came to be a bipartisan leader on several committees including the Assembly's Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, as well as a well-respected colleague as the House chamber's Assistant Majority Leader. In 1996, John was recognized by the Connecticut Council of Small Towns as Legislator of the Year. Mr. Speaker, as a fellow recipient of this award in a separate year, who also had the privilege of working with State Representative Mordasky, I can attest that this recognition was not only well-placed, but also well deserved. Mr. Speaker, John was simply an amazing person and the brightest reflection of what eastern Connecticut has to offer to our country. A child of immigrants, John lived the American Dream and worked hard to serve the land from which he was born and raised. He will be remembered and missed dearly by his wife of 74 years, Rose, six children, the entire sprawling Mordasky Clan, as well as the entire northeastern Connecticut region. He should also be remembered by the nation. To that end, Mr. Speaker, now that this one farmer's worries are over, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring John Mordasky and thank him for his honorable and distinguished life and contribution to his Nation.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a Connecticut hero, Ms. Debbie Kievits of Norwich. As the founder of Norwich Bully Busters, Debbie has been relentless in her leadership behind a local anti-bullying campaign for more than two decades. Debbie will be honored this weekend in Norwich following her recognition in USA Today as Connecticut's 2023 Woman of the Year. Debbie Kievits has long stood firm in her faith of youth empowerment. In 2000, following a string of unfortunate bullying incidents that also impacted her own family, Debbie envisioned an opportunity to improve her community. She took charge and began to engage with fellow parents. In doing so, Debbie came to understand that reducing bullying amongst youth is a constant battle that requires town-wide buy-in. She obviously continues to courageously pursue this fight today. Following the incidents in 2000, Debbie felt inspired to implement her own vision after engaging with parents and groups like Youth Against Bullying. She created Norwich Bully Busters, a volunteer-based organization missioned toward sharing a simple message: ``Kindness is magical.'' At the time this group might have been viewed as benign but peripheral to school development. In 2023, we now understand how the problems Debbie identified are the central challenge to public education today, mainly fostering safe and healthy learning environments. The push to strengthen the behavioral health services in 2023 is honestly a follow-on to Debbie's visionary leadership. Over the years, Norwich Bully Busters has perfected utilizing cost- effective strategies to engineer the spread of positivity within a community. When she became inspired with the idea of ``Buddy Benches,'' as a platform for students to meet new friends on the playground, Debbie activated her network of volunteers to help construct and then paint welcoming backdrops on benches. By way of her positive, purposeful engagement, there are now more than 80 Buddy Benches placed throughout Norwich schools. By way of another example, Debbie has remained a constant presence in the Norwich school system, hosting conversations with students and teachers in the classroom. There are countless more cases of Debbie acting as a source of light for Norwich youth. Norwich Bully Busters eventually evolved to establish summer programming, led by Debbie, which combines community service, activities, and ideas for future careers. As a matter of fact, Norwich's newly elected State Representative Derell Wilson grew up participating in this summer program. When another student felt their passion to pursue arts over summer vacation was turned down, Debbie's response was, ``What do you need?'' And so, she provided that student with a space to develop and ultimately lead an arts program amongst other peers. Their production was performed at Norwich's local theatre, and that student now has a history of working on Broadway. Clearly, Debbie and her organization have had a lasting impact upon those who have grown up in Norwich. Debbie has also used her position through Norwich Bully Busters to stir anti-bullying conversations well outside Norwich. She again activated her network to push the envelope at the Connecticut legislature, which has since enacted laws including An Act Concerning School Learning Environments and An Act Concerning Behavior in Schools. The latter of those two laws specifically requires boards of education to develop policies on bullying, and I can assure you Debbie played a part in the establishment of Norwich public schools' policy for bullying behavior. Mr. Speaker, Debbie continues to build upon the altruistic energy that stands behind Norwich Bully Busters. She has created a self- nurturing support system, comprised of individuals who have been socialized to understand that actions matter, the infectious power that exists through positive engagement, and are now pursuing their own visions of community development. Debbie is the definition of what it means to be a first generation American. We are forever indebted to her service. To that end, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Debbie's legacy of leadership.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to enthusiastically support H.R. 1093, a bill that will identify key parts of our Nation's system of export controls that should be amended and expedited to achieve the goals of the new Australia-U.K.-U.S. trilateral security agreement which, as the bill states, will ``contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.'' Mr. Speaker, I salute and thank Chairman McCaul, Ranking Member Meeks, and the members and staff of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for moving swiftly in the wake of last week's extraordinary joint appearance of President Biden, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, publicly revealing our three nations' commitment to a specific, executable pathway to bolster much-needed deterrence in support of an international rules-based order, which today is increasingly under stress. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor to join these leaders on March 13 at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego for this historic announcement. As was noted repeatedly, it marked the first time since 1958 that the U.S. and the U.K. pledged to share critical technologies with another country. In addition to sharing nuclear propulsion technology to recapitalize Australia's submarine fleet, the three governments also committed to sharing other security capabilities, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and hypersonics. Pooling these advanced capabilities will enhance our three nations' capability to protect maritime freedom of navigation and aviation, which have been the pillars of peaceful coexistence in the commons of the seas and the skies since the end of World War II. To achieve the goals of the AUKUS plan, it will require all three countries to use laser-like focus to remove any barriers that might occur from our system of export controls that are not aligned with this new enhanced alliance. Admiral Harry Harris, former commander of Indo-Pacific Command and former Ambassador to South Korea, said it best at a recent House Armed Services Committee hearing on the contested environment in the Indo- Pacific: ``I can't emphasize enough how important it is to get through this export control issue with Australia. We could have every good intention in the world, but it will falter if we become bound up by our own regulation and our own regulatory policy.''

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, this bill heeds that call by directing the State Department to inventory any and all administrative and statutory barriers to AUKUS implementation and report that back to Congress within 60 days. This is exactly what Congress needs to do. Mr. Speaker, I will end by foot stomping the extraordinary bipartisan support that AUKUS enjoys in all three governments and was on full display last week in San Diego. Both the majority and opposition parties in the U.K. and Australia are rock solid in support of this agreement, and tonight's bill is a strong signal of bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress. Indeed, in the last Congress, we overwhelmingly passed the first-ever congressional action related to AUKUS by authorizing Australian submariners to begin joint training at the moored training ship facility in Charleston, South Carolina, and those sailors are here today. Building on that effort, it is of utmost importance that we continue our efforts in Congress and identify opportunities to smoothly implement AUKUS.

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, as the Australian Prime Minister very well described a week ago last Monday: A new chapter in the relationship between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom is about to begin; a friendship built on our shared values, our commitment to democracy, and our common vision for a peaceful and prosperous future. Mr. Speaker, that is a vision worth pursuing, and that is why I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.