Chris Deluzio

Mr. DeLUZIO

Mr. DeLUZIO. Mr. Speaker, every single American who ever raised their right hand, as I did, to serve in uniform signed a blank check to this country, to lay it all on the line, if asked; to put this country before their lives and their families. America has a sacred obligation to all of us. And let me be clear: The Republican plan to slash billions of dollars from veterans and the VA is an absolute betrayal. It is a disgrace. They are threatening to blow up our economy, to push us into default unless we agree to cuts to the VA and resources for veterans, and so much else. There is not a single protection, not one for veterans in their bill. It will mean massive cuts for veterans. Millions of veterans are going to be screwed over by this plan. They won't get the care they have earned. They are going to have to wait longer for their claims, and so much else will happen. My fellow veterans should know we are going to fight hard to protect our healthcare, our VA, and the benefits they have earned. Mr. Speaker, it is a BS plan.

Mr. DELUZIO

Mr. DELUZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss how defense industry consolidation is hurting the American people and our national security. A 2022 Defense Department report shows the intense constriction of the defense industrial base. In 1990, there were 51 prime defense contractors but since then, small and mid-sized contractors have been gobbled up. Now there are just five--a 90 percent reduction. At the same time, suppliers have disappeared. Tactical missile suppliers dwindled down from 13 to 3. Satellite suppliers fell from eight to four. This deprives the American people of competition for key elements of our defense, and military leaders have complained that current contractors often deliver behind schedule, poor quality products, at too high a cost. This lack of competition is leaving us ill-prepared and risks our national security and readiness. The way I see it, a weak or, frankly, nonexistent antitrust enforcement allowed this to happen. We have got to step in to promote competition, to give smaller contractors a chance to grow, and to stave off further consolidation.

Mr. DELUZIO

Mr. DELUZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the fact that when Norfolk Southern's train derailed next to my district-- leaking chemicals, evacuating constituents, and distressing thousands-- the people of western Pennsylvania were mad, and so was I. That is why my first bill in Congress is to take on the railroads. Today, the gentleman from California (Mr. Khanna) and I introduced the DERAIL Act, which ensures trains carrying hazardous materials are properly classified and have increased safety requirements. It is long overdue, but rail industry lobbyists have fought against it. This derailment included hazardous materials, but since the train wasn't classified properly, it didn't have stricter safety rules. That is why we need the DERAIL Act. This bill is for everyone in Beaver County, East Palestine. It is for everyone who has heard about this derailment and thought: ``Could this happen here?'' The terrible reality is yes, it could, but if colleagues from both parties join together, it doesn't have to. Let's tell the railroads we won't let them recklessly pursue profit and endanger our communities and workers. I will keep fighting to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for every penny of pain they have caused.

Mr. DELUZIO

Mr. DELUZIO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the striking workers of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette who are more than 100 days into their unfair labor practice strike. CWA and Teamsters members went on strike this fall. They were joined in solidarity by members of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh. Striking workers continue to keep the community informed through their strike publication, the Pittsburgh Union Progress. A healthy democracy requires a free press, and Western PA is no exception. We need strong, independent journalism. The destruction of small news outlets and consolidation in the industry are big problems for the freedom of the press in our country, including in Western Pennsylvania. Owners at Block Communications recently acquired the Pittsburgh City Paper, a weekly focused on local issues. The News Guild-CWA has raised concerns about this acquisition and its impact on competition, workers, and journalistic independence. I share those concerns. While I am glad that a judge found Block Communications broke the law in the Guild's NLRB case, the fight isn't over. I stand in solidarity with the striking workers in Western Pennsylvania and with workers across the country fighting for the dignity that we all deserve.

Mr. DELUZIO

Mr. DELUZIO. Madam Speaker, I rise today with the solemn duty to honor the life of Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire, who was gunned down in the line of duty last week. His family and my community mourn Chief McIntire today at his funeral, as does this House and this country. Chief McIntire was a hometown hero in Brackenridge and a life-long resident of the area. He gave his neighborhoods 22 years of selfless service as a police officer. Day in and day out, like so many who wear a badge or a uniform, Chief McIntire put himself in harm's way to keep others safe, ultimately giving the last full measure of devotion. He represents the very best of western Pennsylvania, the very best of America. So, too, does Tarentum Police Officer Jordan Schrecengost, who was shot and wounded in the line of duty that fateful day, and is recovering. Although Chief McIntire's watch has ended, we will never forget his sacrifice.