Matt Cartwright

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, the amendment is opposed, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chair, this amendment is opposed, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. It is an amendment that would block the SEC's rule to require companies to disclose material cybersecurity incidents to their investors. As SEC Chair Gary Gensler puts it: Whether a company loses a factory in a fire--or millions of files in a cybersecurity incident--it may be material to investors. Mr. Chair, many public companies already provide their investors with cybersecurity incident disclosures. These rules merely make such disclosures more consistent and comparable in a way that can be useful for those making investment decisions. Why in the world would you want to invest in a company that hides its cybersecurity incidents? Efforts like this amendment would undermine transparency and provide investors with less useful information regarding material cybersecurity events. I strongly oppose this amendment, and I urge a ``no'' vote. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chair, for the reasons previously stated, this amendment is opposed, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment, as well. Contrary to the misrepresentations made by environmental, social, and governance opponents, the SEC's disclosure rule on ESG investments takes no position on the merits of these approaches. The rule does not define ESG or stipulate any particular approach to it. Instead, this is a rule that requires, for those who make such investments, the disclosure of information about how ESG is defined and implemented in applicable investment portfolios. The rule will offer increased transparency for investors and protect them from exaggerated or unfounded claims related to ESG investments being made. Now, if it passes, my friend from South Carolina's amendment would leave investors in the dark and leave them vulnerable to getting misled or bamboozled about ESG claims. I strongly oppose this amendment, and I urge a ``no'' vote. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chair, this amendment is opposed, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this particular amendment, which would block a rule that promotes meaningful shareholder engagement by requiring a higher level of shareholder support for resubmitted proposals. This rule helps streamline the shareholder proposal process by discouraging the repetitive submission of proposals that have failed to gain substantial support in the past. By requiring shareholders to demonstrate substantial support for their proposals, the rule encourages responsible activism and discourages the use of the shareholder proposal process for purely symbolic or nuisance proposals. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is opposed, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. The inclusion of the social cost of greenhouse gases in regulatory analyses ensures that the full spectrum of costs associated with greenhouse gas emissions is considered. This is about full, open, and honest accounting. It includes not only economic costs but also health, environmental, and societal costs, providing a more accurate and comprehensive assessment. The social costs of greenhouse gases account for the health-related impacts of climate change, such as heat-related illnesses, air pollution, and the spread of diseases from mosquitos, ticks, and fleas. Inclusion in regulatory analysis leads to decisions that prioritize the protection of public health, reducing the burden on healthcare systems. This leads to a more comprehensive cost evaluation, encourages emissions reduction, preserves the environment, and promotes sustainable economic growth. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this particular amendment. Again, it is about protecting investors. The SEC's rule addressing conflicts of interest in the use of this so-called predictive data analytics by broker-dealers and investment advisers places a strong emphasis on protecting investor interests. This rule promotes unbiased decisionmaking by requiring firms to proactively manage and disclose conflicts associated with predictive data analytics. By addressing conflicts of interest, the SEC's rule contributes to market integrity and fairness, and that is what we need for the constant flow of capital to where it needs to go in this country. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chair, I oppose the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. It is an admirable thing, what the gentleman from West Virginia is proposing, protecting investors, making sure investment money is secure and well protected, but this is attacking the SEC's private fund adviser rule, and that is something that protects investors. It has been designed with the intent to enhance regulatory oversight and transparency within the private fund industry. The private fund adviser rule increases investor protection by subjecting private fund advisers to registration and regulatory scrutiny by the SEC. When you hear the word ``regulation,'' think protection. The rule promotes market integrity and stability by minimizing the risk associated with private fund operations. Private funds can significantly impact financial markets due to their size and the extent of their investments. The SEC's private fund adviser rule aims to enhance investor protection. It improves market integrity, and it establishes a consistent regulatory framework for private fund advisers. This is exactly the kind of protection we need to instill confidence by investors in the market and keep capital flowing in this country. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.'' I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, the amendment is opposed, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the bravery and valor of U.S. Army Veteran Sergeant Joseph Drake, recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and one of only 12 remaining WWII Army Rangers. Born on October 24, 1924, Sgt. Drake recently celebrated his 99th birthday with family and friends at his home in Hawley, PA, where he currently resides. As the member of the U.S. House representing Hawley, in Wayne County, I am grateful to have this opportunity to recognize the courage, dedication and selfless service that Sgt. Drake offered in support of our Nation during WWII in April of 1943 at just 19 years old. Sgt. Drake honorably served with Company A of the U.S. Army Ranger Battalion and after training in Mississippi, Louisiana and England he fought in five battles in the European Theater, including the Battle of the Bulge and Central Europe. His outfit spearheaded the invasion of Europe by climbing the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc on D-Day on June 6, 1944. Sgt. Drake proudly recalls Company A moving to relieve a Battalion from the PA National Guard's 28th Infantry Division in Ardennes, France, during the initial German attack that led to the Battle of the Bulge. Sgt. Drake and his Company fought through Luxenberg, Belgium, Germany and Czechoslovakia until the end of WWII in 1945. Sgt. Drake's distinguished service has earned him many medals, including this institution's highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions--the Congressional Gold Medal. Upon returning to the United States in October of 1945, Sgt. Drake was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in December and started a family with his late wife, the former Lydora LaTournous, in Hawley. They were married on September 23, 1950, and raised two daughters and one son. Life gifted them with many grand and great-grandchildren. Shortly after arriving back home, Sgt. Drake joined the U.S. Postal Service and worked there for 34 years, 15 of which he was the Hawley postmaster. He's proud to be the first person from Hawley, and without a political appointment, to have served in this position. Sgt. Drake was active in his community, serving as Quartermaster and Treasurer with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5823 in Hawley, founded by his late brother Robert J. Drake. He worked with the Mayor of Hawley and others to plan parades and carnivals. After the post disbanded in 2008, he made arrangements to have the post headquarters on Park Place turned over to the County of Wayne, for the Hawley Senior Center. Sgt. Drake's devotion to our Nation is evident in his exemplary military career, and I thank him for his service while wearing, and after hanging up his uniform. He truly embodies what it means to be one of the few remaining members of the ``Greatest Generation.'' Sgt. Drake is a true American hero whose commitment to duty and service distinguishes him as an individual whose character represents the very best of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, and I am proud to be his Representative in Washington.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize the important work and legacy of the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania on its 100th anniversary. For a century, this organization has been an integral part of the region, dedicated to supporting and empowering low-income families, seniors, youth and immigrants through a wide range of community-based programs. The United Neighborhood Centers was chartered in 1923, and since then its members have worked to provide services and create opportunities that empower individuals and build strong, interdependent communities. The organization is known for its ``wraparound approach,'' a strategy of ensuring that their care is so thorough that every emerging need of the community is met. This is achieved through the offering of a comprehensive set of community programs, such as emergency assistance programs, work programs and more, all to guide those in need from their lowest to their highest. The United Neighborhood Service Development Company creates properties to be used for affordable housing, as well as providing no- cost housing counseling. The organization provides free childcare services, free summer camp opportunities and manages several programs for youth and teens throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. The organization also has undertaken a revitalization project for the town of Pine Brook, dedicating itself to improving the neighborhood through many physical, social and economic projects. Additionally, it provides aid to seniors throughout the region, offering services such as in-person fitness activities as well as grab-and-go meals. Some of the most significant contributions of the organization to the community are its community education programs. These programs, which include the Citizenship Education program, the Readiness in Skilled Employment Program and the Leaders in Training program, provide youth and adults with the skills needed to help them meet their own goals, secure their independence and transform their communities. For 100 years, the United Neighborhood Centers has been steadfast in its support for all in the community. Its commitment to the development of Northeast Pennsylvania is an inspiration to all. I am honored to recognize this organization's many achievements and congratulate its members on this momentous milestone.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague, Rep. Gregory Murphy, to speak on behalf of all those Americans who were exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. When writing the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, we understood that the only way the veterans, their families and others could get fair and just compensation was through a jury trial. Let there be no ambiguity. Let this be understood to be our unequivocal expression our intent, from the inception of the bill through final passage and into enactment: the claimants who have suffered so intensely as a result of the toxic water at Camp Lejeune have the right to a trial by jury. We were aware of how the Federal Tort Claims Act worked, through a bench trial, and we specifically rejected that model when we wrote the Act. Indeed, it has always been our intent for the Act to stand separate and apart from the Federal Tort Claims Act in all respects. For these reasons, we expressly included a provision in subsection (d) of the Act confirming every plaintiffs right to a jury trial. The Department of Justice is inexplicably reading this provision out of the statute. Specifically, the United States Department of Justice has recently filed a Motion in the Camp Lejeune Water Litigation proceeding pending before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina in which the Department asserts that those harmed by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 are not entitled to a jury trial. This argument is inexplicable. We fundamentally disagree with the Department's position. When we drafted the Act, it was our clear, unambiguous, and unequivocal express intent to provide all those covered by the Act with the right to a trial by jury against the United States of America for the harm they suffered at Camp Lejeune. We thought it was critically important that people who had been betrayed and misled by the government for decades would have a right to have their claims decided by a jury of their peers. We want to cite the law as written in ``Public Law 177-168 Section 804. Federal Cause of Action Relating to Water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina subsection (d) Exclusive Jurisdiction and Venue--The United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any action filed under subsection (b), and shall be the exclusive venue for such action. Nothing in this subsection shall impair the right of any party to a trial by jury.'' We want to take this opportunity to again restate what we have always intended and what is clearly written in Public Law 177-168. We are dismayed that the Department of Justice has taken this wrongheaded position, which flies in the face of everything Congress intended for those harmed by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Those who have steadfastly defended our country rate no less than the rights they deserve as American citizens.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today I recognize the distinguished career of Retired U.S. Army Colonel and President Emeritus of Lackawanna College Mark Volk, a true hero of Northeast Pennsylvania, who has dedicated over four decades of his life to selfless service. While Colonel Volk's military career is marked with honor and valor, it is his profound contributions to Lackawanna College that I wish to recognize upon his well-deserved retirement. Colonel Volk's military journey spans 26 years, a testament to his unwavering commitment to duty and service. His military career included 13 years in Field Artillery and an additional 13 years in Military Intelligence. During this time, Colonel Volk held various staff and command positions, both in the United States and Germany, gaining expertise and honing his leadership skills. While serving as the Chief of the Strategic Leadership Division in the Army Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate (G3) at the Pentagon, his office was in the wing impacted by the plane during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. For his heroic efforts and life-saving actions immediately following the attack on the Pentagon, he was awarded the Soldier's Medal, the Army's highest non-combat award for heroism. Additional military awards earned by Colonel Volk include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal and the NATO Medal. Upon his retirement from the military on January 1, 2004, Colonel Volk returned to NEPA and embarked on another chapter of service, this time in the field of education at Lackawanna College. Over the course of 16 remarkable years his tenure was distinguished by remarkable achievements, serving as the executive vice president from 2006 to 2012 and vice president for operations and plans from 2005 to 2006 prior to taking over as president in July 2012 until his retirement in 2020. Under his leadership, the college introduced online courses and degrees, offered baccalaureate degrees, established a nursing program and expanded with new extension centers. It is a testament to his dedication and leadership that the college was ranked as the fastest- growing private college or university, with enrollments of 500 or more students during his presidency. Perhaps his most enduring legacy is his belief in the potential of individuals from all walks of life. In his eyes, greatness is not reserved for the few: He firmly believes that everyone has the capacity to be a force for positive change in a world that yearns for it. His optimism is contagious, and his unwavering faith in the region, families, and students of NEPA hag left an indelible mark. Colonel Mark Volk, and his wife Lynn, continue to be active and generous members of our community, giving their time and energy to numerous organizations. Their dedication to service has set a shining example for us all. I commend Colonel Volk for his unwavering commitment to our community and our Nation; he truly represents the very best of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.

Mr. CARTWRIGHT

Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Midshipman Second Class Madison O'Donnell who decisively acted with the valor while saving a gentleman in peril when attending the United States Naval Academy in June 2023. While driving near Santee Basin Dock, Maryland, Midshipman O'Donnell heard cries for help and halted her vehicle. Upon locating the distressed individual, she quickly ran towards the dock to rescue a gentleman who appeared to be drowning. Midshipman Madison O'Donnell aptly assessed the situation and proficiently deduced that a severe laceration was impeding the gentleman from pulling himself to safety. Without hesitation, she rescued the drowning man by pulling him out of the basin. Reprieved from the danger of drowning, Midshipman O'Donnell calmed the gentleman and administered first aid treatment. She then drove him home to his family who expressed immense gratitude for her meritorious and selfless assistance. In recognition of this act of valor, Colonel James P. McDonough, USMC, 89th Commandant of Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy, awarded Midshipman Second Class Madison O'Donnell the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement in the superior performance of her duties as a midshipman on September 8, 2023. As the member of the U.S. House representing Midshipman O'Donnell's hometown of Greenfield Township, Pennsylvania, and the Member responsible for nominating her to the United States Naval Academy's Class of 2025, I am proud to celebrate Midshipman O'Donnell's admirable act of heroism. Midshipman Second Class O'Donnell's actions, dedication to duty and the preservation of life reflect great credit upon herself, our community in Northeast Pennsylvania, the United States Navy, and the nation. I am confident that she will have an exemplary career in service to our Nation, and I look forward to sharing in her successes in the future.