Daniel Donovan

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Staten Island Foundation on its 20th anniversary. Seeking to better their community, the Board of Directors of the former Staten Island Savings Bank, led by Harry P. Doherty, created the Staten Island Foundation in December 1997. Their goal was to improve Staten Island for all its inhabitants by providing grants to local projects. Specifically, the Foundation's mission aims to better Staten Island's education, health, community services, and arts and culture. Its impact on our community over the past 20 years has been nothing short of incredible. The Foundation's countless grants have made a tremendous impact on Staten Island. One project in which the Staten Island Foundation participates is the Tackling Youth Substance Abuse Initiative. Through partnerships with other organizations, the Foundation's involvement in the Initiative is crucial to fighting alcohol and prescription drug abuse by Staten Island's children and teens. Furthermore, with the opioid epidemic ravaging our community, I commend the Foundation for stepping up to combat this tragic problem. It is up to all of us to do what we can to prevent and combat addiction, and the Staten Island Foundation is doing its part to rid this scourge from our community. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Staten Island Foundation on its 20th anniversary. It has helped numerous Staten Islanders over the years, and I wish to thank everyone involved for their tireless efforts in making the Foundation successful.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable career of Justice Philip G. Minardo. Justice Philip Minardo was born and raised in Brooklyn where he later attended St. Michael's Diocesan High School. In 1963, he graduated from Manhattan College with a B.A. in Economics, and later received his J.D. from St. John's University of Law in 1967. In December 1968, John M. Braisted, Jr. appointed Philip as an Assistant District Attorney for Richmond County. He served in this position for over seven years and played a role in the successful prosecution of countless felony cases in Staten Island. After leaving the Richmond County District Attorney's office, he started his own law firm in September 1976 focusing on civil and criminal cases. After Philip's election to the Richmond County Bar Association's (RCBA) Board of Directors, he became President in 1987, and as such represented then-Supreme Court Justice Frank Ponterio on behalf of the RCBA in the U.S. Supreme Court case Board of Estimate of City of New York v. Morris. In 1995, he was elected as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, 2nd Judicial District, which serves Brooklyn and Staten Island. After serving on the Supreme Court, Justice Minardo returned to Staten Island where he was appointed as the first Administrative Judge of Richmond County and thereafter, the first Administrative Judge of the newly created 13th Judicial District. Justice Minardo has also been the recipient of prestigious honors throughout his successful career. In 2010, he received the Rapallo Award by the Colombian Lawyers of the First Department. In addition, he was a recipient of the Good Scout Award for outstanding service while serving on the Board of Directors of the Staten Island Council of the Boy Scouts of America. While his accomplishments are impressive, Justice Philip Minardo places an immense amount of pride and joy in his family. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Justice Philip G. Minardo on his retirement and on his exceptional career. He has been an outstanding jurist, and I laud him for his lifetime of dedication and success.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from Colorado for yielding to me on such an important issue not only to my district, not only to my city, not only to my State, but to our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to discuss a vital program within the Department of Homeland Security, the Securing the Cities program. The Domestic Nuclear Detection Office's Securing the Cities program enhances the ability of States and localities to detect and prevent terrorist attacks and other high-consequence events using nuclear and radiological materials in high-risk urban areas through the provisions of training, equipment, and other resources. Securing the Cities began as a pilot program in 2006 in the New York City region, including surrounding jurisdictions of New Jersey and Connecticut. Since that time, it has expanded to Los Angeles; Chicago; Washington, D.C.; and Houston. Once the program is fully implemented, it is estimated that it will protect nearly 100 million people nationwide, Americans. Hailing from New York City and representing Staten Island and Brooklyn, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of the Securing the Cities program. Since 2007, our region has purchased more than 13,000 radiation detectors and trained nearly 20,000 personnel. I had the opportunity to observe an exercise in Brooklyn last year and witnessed New York City Police Department personnel using Securing the Cities-procured equipment to locate and identify hidden radiological sources in a baseball stadium. During the exercise, I spoke with the participating officers and received a demonstration of the different types of equipment they deployed. This program is making a difference in New York City, and I support its continued expansion. That is why I introduced H.R. 655, the Securing the Cities Act of 2017. This bill authorizes the Securing the Cities program, underscoring our commitment to protecting our major cities from catastrophic terrorist attacks. As we, unfortunately, saw earlier this week, our major cities, including my hometown of New York City, in particular, remain targets for terrorist groups. We have to do everything we can to ensure the Department of Homeland Security and our State and local partners have the tools they need to address the threats that we face. The Securing the Cities program is one of those tools. I am pleased that the House quickly passed my legislation earlier this year on January 31. It is now time for the Senate to act. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Senate to move swiftly to approve H.R. 655 to authorize the Securing the Cities program and ensure its continued expansion. In April 2010, President Obama stated: ``The single biggest threat to U.S. security, both short term, medium term, and long term, would be the possibility of a terrorist organization obtaining a nuclear weapon.'' Since that time, the FBI has disrupted attempts by smugglers in Eastern Europe to sell nuclear materials to extremist groups and criminal organizations. The threat has not abated. I am thankful for the work of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to provide support and guidance to New York City and other urban areas to meet the threats we face. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Senate to quickly take action to pass the Securing the Cities Act of 2017. Again, I thank my colleague for organizing this Special Order.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mourn those lost and injured in yesterday's terror attack in New York City. The New York City Police Department is truly the greatest police force in the world, and they showed us why yesterday. It is this body's obligation to pursue policies that help prevent and recover from terrorist attacks. It is a responsibility I am privileged to share as chairman of the Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications. The alleged perpetrator came to our country legally using the Diversity Immigrant Visa program. As a matter of security and commonsense, an immigration system that selects winners like a game of bingo should end. I also ask that Congress consider the bipartisan STOP Act, legislation I proposed with Mr. Espaillat from New York to help local jurisdictions install protective bollards in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Vehicle attacks are tough to prevent, but the STOP Act will protect Americans and make them safer. Mr. Speaker, I send prayers for the injured and the families of the lost.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Veterans of Foreign Wars' SSG Michael Ollis Post 9587 on the 70th anniversary of its founding. On November 29, 1947, 40 veterans from the Staten Island community founded VFW Post 9587. After serving veterans and the community for years, they decided to move to their current location on Mill Road in 1960. In 2014, the members decided to rename the Post after a fellow veteran and friend, SSG Michael Ollis. Serving his country in Afghanistan, SSG Ollis nobly sacrificed himself to save the life of Polish soldier Lt. Karol Cierpica. To honor their lifetime member, VFW Post 9587 was renamed to ``SSG Michael Ollis Post 9587'' in 2014. Since its creation, the Post has focused on serving and assisting their community on Staten Island in accordance with the VFW's national goals. Today, members who have contributed to the Post's ability to reach this milestone include both the Ladies Auxiliary and the Men's Auxiliary. These groups, which make up the VFW Auxiliary, have played a major role in the Post's success. I thank all of the members for their continued dedication to their community. I would like to commend SSG Michael Ollis Post 9587 for consistently helping veterans and their families, assisting in times of community crisis and promoting community civic interests. The great work the Post's members performed in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy is altruism in its purest form. Although their building experienced water damage, they focused on the needs of the community around it by serving as a disaster relief center for anyone who needed help. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the VFW's SSG Michael Ollis Post 9587 on its 70th Anniversary. Its long success has benefited not just veterans and their families, but the surrounding community as well and for that, I am deeply thankful.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 504, legislation to permanently authorize the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card Program. Mr. Speaker, this is a common-sense measure to make permanent a program that has been successful since its inception in 2011. More than 30,000 Americans currently hold fast-track cards that expedite business travel to Pacific Rim countries. The world economy is fast-paced and constantly evolving, and it's important to reduce bureaucratic obstacles for America to remain competitive. The APEC Business Travel Card helps Americans travel faster and more efficiently throughout the Asia-Pacific region, allowing them to spend more time on business, and less time in airport lines. We must ensure that our business leaders have the resources they need to compete in an increasingly globalized economy, which is why I'm proud to support the permanent extension of this program.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and thank my outgoing Deputy Chief of Staff, Blaire Bartlett. Raised in the small town of Westerville, Ohio, Blaire Marie Bartlett grew up with a desire for enriching the lives of others. After graduating from Westerville North High School, Blaire enrolled in Spring Hill College on a golf scholarship where she later obtained a B.A. in Hispanic Studies and a B.S. in International Studies. Subsequently, former Congressman Jim Walsh hired Blaire as his Executive Assistant. After working in various offices, both on- and off-Hill, Blaire joined my staff in 2015 within weeks of my swearing- in. I have seen first-hand just how vital an asset Blaire Bartlett is. She is the glue that holds an office together. She brings strength, intelligence, poise, and humor to a job in which those qualities are in high demand, but low supply. Her incredible work ethic has made my office function better than a well-oiled machine. Furthermore, Blaire's selfless passion for animal welfare and human rights is refreshing to see in a town where many think only of themselves. Mr. Speaker, after spending almost 12 years working in Congress, Blaire is ready for a new chapter in her life. I will miss having her and her dog, Monkey, in my office each day. Nonetheless, I am profoundly grateful for everything she has done for me, my staff, and the citizens of New York's 11th Congressional District.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. Peter's Boys High School on the 100th anniversary of its founding. While founded in 1917, St. Peter's Boys High School can trace its roots back to 1839 when the parish was originally dedicated. Operated by the Christian Brothers of St. John Baptist de La Salle, St. Peter's has a proud history of providing boys in the community with a quality education. After the Christian Brothers were temporarily recalled due to the First World War, local clergy ran the school until 1930. In 1943, St. Peter's officially moved to its location on Clinton Avenue where it has been educating Staten Island's youth ever since. St. Peter's Boys High School is an unwavering commitment to turning students into intelligent, mature young men. Moreover, under the guidance of John Fodera for the past 50 years, St. Peter's has had an outstanding impact in the Staten Island community. The school's dedication to instilling proper morals, ethics, and civic responsibilities is nothing short of commendable. Furthermore, St. Peter's top priority to helping every student achieve his fullest potential proves what a blessing the school has been to Staten Island. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate St. Peter's Boys High School on its 100th anniversary. Its long success in education has benefitted not just students, but parents and faculty as well.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of the passing of Father Vincent Capodanno. Fr. Capodanno was born on February 13, 1929, in Mariners Harbor on Staten Island. Growing up, he attended P.S. 44 and Curtis High School, after which he attended Fordham University for one year. A proud lifelong Staten Islander, he loved volunteering in the Staten Island community. Perhaps this dedication to serving others led him to find his true calling from God. Vincent Capodanno made a decision to devote his life to God and joined the Maryknoll Missionary Seminary in Ossining, New York. He was ordained as a priest in June 1957 and spent the rest of his life serving all of God's children. After his ordination, Fr. Capodanno traveled to Taiwan as a missionary and then ventured to Hong Kong to teach disadvantaged children. As America's involvement in Vietnam increased, he decided to join the Army as a chaplain. It was in the jungles of Vietnam where Fr. Capodanno sacrificed his life protecting others. On September 4, 1967, as American troops were taking fire, Fr. Capodanno moved from soldier to soldier administering Last Rites. By then, the enemy had shot him over 20 times. Despite it all, he carried on and with his dying breath, he used his body to protect his fellow Americans from the gunfire. At just 38 years old, Fr. Vincent Capodanno died as a man of peace during a war of destruction. His heroic actions earned him the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, and the Medal of Honor. Mr. Speaker, Fr. Vincent Capodanno embodied the virtues of courage, altruism, and piety. While many know him as the namesake of one of Staten Island's thoroughfares, we must never forget the sacrifices he made. He was a true American hero, and with the recent anniversary of his death, I rise to salute him and everything he did for his community, country, and faith.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, September is National Preparedness Month, and I rise today to offer prayers, condolences, and encouragement for those impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Also, I rise to thank the thousands of first responders, neighbors, and volunteers who have come out in droves to respond to these disasters. I stand with those residents now recovering from storm and flood devastation. This Nation stands behind you ready to make you stronger and more resilient in the face of disaster. As a resident of a city that faced many disasters, I can attest to the fact that Americans across this Nation are resilient and only grow in strength in the face of a challenge. In the wake of these disasters and as we remember the 16th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks and prepare to mark the fifth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy next month, we are reminded of the critical importance of preparing for the disasters that our communities may face. We cannot always control whether a disaster will strike our communities, but we can take every opportunity to prepare ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. We are a resilient nation in the face of disasters. As a resident of Staten Island and chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I urge all Americans to take time this month to make a plan, sign up for alerts and warnings in your area, check your insurance coverage, and make sure that you have an evacuation plan. We cannot plan on disasters ahead of time, but we can certainly prepare ourselves for when they come.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Delaney-Donovan amendment to restore funding for three vital laboratories operated by the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate: the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, the Chemical Security Analysis Center, and the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory. These laboratories work to counter biological and chemical threats and support our Nation's first responders. I have had the opportunity, Mr. Chairman, to visit NUSTL, located in New York City, which, since 2009, has been serving as the testing and evaluation laboratory for the first responder community. Additionally, NUSTL acts as a technical adviser and performs research and development. I have seen the remarkable resources NUSTL provides to our first responders and how closing it would greatly impact first responders' capabilities. Given the current threat environment, now is not the time to be cutting Federal resources to counter chemical and biological threats and support of our first responders. I appreciate the very difficult job Chairman Carter and members of the Appropriations Committee had in crafting the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. I appreciate their working with me and Mr. Delaney to ensure these vital labs receive funding. As the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, which has oversight of the Science and Technology Directorate, I urge all Members to support this amendment.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Chairman, first, I would like to thank Subcommittee Chairman Carter and Ranking Member Roybal-Allard, along with the House Homeland Security Committee and all their staff for the hard work on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to rise in support of the amendment offered by my colleague and friend, Mr. Fitzpatrick. The amendment restores critical funding to the DHS Office of Inspector General so it could meet its statutory mission. As a subcommittee chairman who oversees components of DHS, my duty is to first get the Department the resources it needs, and secondly, ensure these resources are used honestly and efficiently. DHS Office of Inspection General helps protect our resources by rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse by investigating and prosecuting misfeasance and by exposing process inefficiencies. I respectfully request that my colleagues support Mr. Fitzpatrick's good government amendment.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in memory of Staten Island's Joseph Calabria, who passed away on July 28, 2017, at the age of 86. A lifelong New Yorker, Joseph grew up in Brooklyn where he met his childhood sweetheart Josephine at a dance hall on Coney Island, whom he married in 1957. He nobly fought for his country during the Korean War. After joining the Army in October 1951, Joseph was responsible for delivering supplies and munitions to his fellow soldiers. When the war ended, he served his country further by tirelessly advocating for veterans. As the former Commander of the local Korean War Veterans chapter, Joseph never stopped fighting for his brothers who wore the uniform. He was instrumental in changing the name of the Richmond Parkway to the Korean War Veterans Parkway. Moreover, he was influential in renaming P.S. 6 after Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan. These were no small feats, but Joseph never grew tired of fighting for those who put their life on the line for their country. Joseph was also proud of his blue-collar roots. Working as a longshoreman for over forty years, he showed his compassion for the fellow working man by supporting them as a delegate for Local 856. Furthermore, Joseph was also a loving father to four wonderful children and a devoted grandfather to two. Mr. Speaker, Joseph Calabria has spent his life in service to veterans, community, and country. I am saddened that he is no longer with us, but I know his compassion and patriotism will live on. He led a selfless life and for that, I salute him.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2182, the Plum Island Preservation Act, sponsored by my colleague from New York (Mr. Zeldin). This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to review the alternatives for the final disposition of the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate's Plum Island Animal Disease Center, commonly known as Plum Island. Since 1954, Plum Island, located in Suffolk County, New York, has served the Nation in defending against accidental or intentional introduction of foreign animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease. However, Plum Island's facilities are aging and nearing the end of their life cycle. That is why in 2005, DHS announced that the work being conducted on Plum Island would be moved to a new Federal facility in Kansas. Plum Island will continue to operate until the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility is fully operational and a complete transition has been made in 2022 or 2023. This raises the question of what will happen to Plum Island once its activities are fully transferred over to the new facility. The Department looked at this issue and, in June of 2016, released a report that reviewed several options for the final disposition of Plum Island. This bill simply requires GAO to review and analyze these alternatives to ensure all necessary information was taken into account before the Department decides how to move forward with the final disposition of Plum Island. Specifically, GAO is to analyze the effects, possible implications and issues, and potential costs and revenue for each disposition. Finally, H.R. 2182 suspends the sale of Plum Island until GAO completes this thorough review and analysis of alternatives. My friend, Representative Zeldin, introduced H.R. 2182 with strong bipartisan support. H.R. 2182 is very similar to a bill that passed the House by voice vote last May. In conclusion, this bill ensures that there is adequate consideration of all the options for the disposition of the island. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC, July 25, 2017. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman McCaul: I write concerning H.R. 2182, the Plum Island Preservation Act. This legislation includes matters that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. In order to expedite floor consideration of H.R. 2182, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will forgo action on this bill. However, this is conditional on our mutual understanding that forgoing consideration of the bill would not prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or similar legislation that fall within the Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. I request you urge the Speaker to name members of the Committee to any conference committee named to consider such provisions. Please place a copy of this letter and your response acknowledging our jurisdictional interest in the Congressional Record during House Floor consideration of the bill. I look forward to working with the Committee on Homeland Security as the bill moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Bill Shuster, Chairman.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2182) to require the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to Congress on the alternatives for the final disposition of Plum Island, including preservation of the island for conservation, education, and research, and for other purposes.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Zeldin), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I, once again, urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2182. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2825, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act of 2017, which will reauthorize the Department for the very first time. As the chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I am particularly proud of title VI of division A, which includes provisions of my legislation, the PREPARE Act. The bill reauthorizes critical grant programs responsible for helping first responders while measuring the returns on these investments. It ensures first responders in fusion centers receive information on cybersecurity threats. It requires FEMA to assess how homeland security grant funding has closed capability gaps and provides grant recipients with best practices to ensure fiscally responsible use of taxpayer dollars. It requires the Department to consider the impact of emerging technology while supporting efforts to achieve national interoperable emergency communications. The grant's authorization provisions have received the support of the Police Commissioner of the City of New York, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Fusion Center Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, and the Conference of Mayors. I include these letters of support in the Record. The Police Commissioner, City of New York, New York, NY, June 12, 2017. Chairman Michael McCaul, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington DC. Dear Chairman McCaul: New York City remains the nation's top terror target because of its large population, historic landmarks, iconic tourist destinations, and unique international status. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is steadfast in fulfilling our mission to protect millions of New York City residents, as well as the millions of people who work in and visit our city each year. The NYPD supports the new funding levels proposed in the PREPARE Act. These levels reflect a willingness to ensure that Law Enforcement is equipped with the tools to keep our communities safe. The bill demonstrates an understanding that we are safest when federal resources are focused where the threats are. The PREPARE Act would provide a crucial investment in homeland security preparedness, both for the safety of New York City and the entire nation. This investment is particularly important in light of the recent events in Europe and the expressed goals of a variety of groups seeking to recruit individuals from within our borders to carry out mass casualty attacks. Federal funding is essential to allow law enforcement to adapt to the new challenges by developing innovative technology and enhanced preparedness programs, like the NYPD's Counterterrorism Bureau Training Unit. I strongly support passage of the PREPARE Act and urge you to continue to place the highest priority on protecting New York and other high-threat urban areas. Increasing funding for these key programs is critical to further ensuring our nation's security and preparedness. Thank you for your continued support of the New York City Police Department. All the best, James P. O'Neill, Police Commissioner.

Mr. DONOVAN. I am also pleased a number of the provisions provided by the Committee on Homeland Security are included in division F of this bill. These provisions authorize FEMA's senior law enforcement adviser, ensure an appropriate focus on good management practices at FEMA, support vital training programs for first responders, and codify the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination to ensure individuals with disabilities are integrated into disaster preparedness and response efforts. I look forward to continuing to work with Subcommittee Chairman Barletta of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as this bill progresses through the process. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Chairman McCaul for his leadership in getting this bill through the committee and onto the floor, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Principal Janine Kieran for her lifelong passion for education. Born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Janine always knew that she wanted to be an educator. After graduating from high school and college, she met the love of her life, Brian, to whom she has been married for over 28 years. At the same time, she started her 33-year long career in education as a Special Education teacher at Brooklyn's George Westinghouse High School, where she has worked ever since. She then went on to serve as a Guidance Counselor, Assistant Principal, and Principal. It is obvious that her students over the years loved having her as a teacher and principal, especially because she made learning fun and exciting. After all, it is hard to imagine a teacher who used to sing and play guitar boring her students. I cannot say enough about Janine's compassion. Throughout her many years at George Westinghouse High School, she always had an open door if her students ever needed help with their schoolwork or just wanted advice. Her selflessness truly showed in her work. Putting aside the fact that she had a husband and two children at home, Janine was always able to devote equal energy to students and fellow staff members. Furthermore, her kindness and altruism certainly goes without saying. Nevertheless, I am certain that even though she is retiring, she will always treasure her many years as an educator. Mr. Speaker, after 33 years of nonstop commitment to George Westinghouse High School, Janine Kiernan will soon start her well- deserved retirement. I am sure she will travel a lot more, which she always enjoys. Most importantly, however, she will get to spend more time with her husband and her two sons, Connor and Ryan. I thank her for her decades-long devotion to educating the next generation of leaders, and I wish her a very happy retirement.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, on May 31, 2017, the North Central Kiwanis Club will host a dinner honoring Staten Island's World War II veterans. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, with immense gratitude for the patriotic sacrifice our WWII veterans gave to our country in its triumph over evil. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941--the ``date which will live in infamy,'' as President Roosevelt so eloquently stated--the United States declared war on the Axis Powers, joining the United Kingdom, Soviet Union, Free French Forces, and China in their fight against brutality, barbarity, and oppression. We owe our lives to the servicemen who, without a moment's hesitation, leapt to defend their country and the world from Nazism and fascism. Moreover, many even lied about their age just so they could join the fight. The world will never forget their valor and courage. Life. Democracy. Freedom. Many take these for granted. If not for the veterans of the Second World War, those values would simply be an impossible dream. In a speech to the House of Commons on August 20, 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared, ``Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.'' I cannot think of a better statement to describe what this nation owes to its WWII veterans. It is simply not possible to repay the insurmountable debt we owe to them. Mr. Speaker, I wish to provide my everlasting thanks to the men who answered their country's call in the moment when they were needed most. They are the saviors of our nation and for that, I salute them.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th Birthday of Brooklyn's Joseph Geoghan. Born on May 26, 1937, Joe Geoghan is a man devoted to his family, faith and career. In 1961, he married the love of his life, Kay, with whom he has five children and nine grandchildren. After graduating from St. John's University in 1959 and Fordham Law School in 1964, he volunteered his time to the Brooklyn Diocese starting in 1975. Having attended a Catholic school for his undergraduate studies, Joe knew the great work that the Catholic faith has done in providing students with a quality education. Nevertheless, his volunteer work did not stop there. He served on the Diocesan Education Commission, and he was a founding member of the Diocesan Finance Council, on which he still serves. Additionally, he also served as the first director of the Alive in Hope Foundation. To top it off, Joe is a Eucharistic Minister at St. Rosalie Parish. For all he has done for the Brooklyn Diocese, the Vatican made Joe a Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great in 2003. Aside from championing numerous charitable causes, Joseph Geoghan also had a successful business career. While still in college, Joe got his first job at Union Carbide, for which he would end up working decades. After graduating law school, the company immediately made him one of their attorneys. From there, he served as Chief International Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and Vice President and General Counsel. Moreover, Joe sat on Union Carbide's Board of Directors from 1990 through 1998. Mr. Speaker, I wish Joseph Geoghan a very happy 80th birthday. His lifelong devotion to his faith, as well as his tremendous work ethic are simply astounding. I thank him for his service to the Brooklyn community and wish him all the best.

Mr. DONOVAN

Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fort Hamilton High School Marching Band on their 25th Anniversary. Founded during the 1990 to 1991 school year, the Fort Hamilton High School Marching Band has been a mainstay for students, staff, and parents alike. During its inaugural year, the Marching Band was busy purchasing instruments, uniforms, and sheet music. Under the guidance of Laurence Laurenzano, the Assistant Principal of Music at the time, 75 students participated in their first competition at Festival Disney in Disney World and Universal Studios. For the past 15 years, Thomas P. Oberle, the Assistant Principal for Performing Arts, has led the Fort Hamilton High School Marching Band. Under his leadership, students have performed in Canada, Atlanta, Williamsburg, and Boston. Furthermore, they have also marched in the Labor Day, St. Patrick's Day, Norwegian Day, Veterans Memorial Day, and Greek Independence Day parades. Not to be outdone, the Marching Band has also performed at the Gridiron Gala for the National Football League and United Way. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Fort Hamilton High School Marching Band on their 25th Anniversary. Their success is proof of their commitment, energy, and greatness.