Elizabeth Esty

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Madam Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill which will not stop the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, this bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. I rise today as a mother, as a woman, and as a Representative to offer this straightforward amendment to protect women's access to vital health care. Contrary to what many Americans have been led to believe, the bill before us today is not about abortion. This bill would, however, restrict women's access to health care all across the country by entirely eliminating all Federal funding for Planned Parenthood. Let's be very clear. No Federal tax dollars go towards abortions, and none have since 1976. That is not what this bill is about. We all know a woman who has been diagnosed with cancer--cervical cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer. It may be your mother, your neighbor, or your wife who sought preventive care or cancer screening from a doctor of her choice. Yes, we all know a woman who has received quality medical care at Planned Parenthood. In fact, one in five American women have sought medical care from Planned Parenthood. It may be your daughter. It may be your boss. It may be your colleague. My amendment will ensure that any qualified organization that provides women's health services can receive funding. It is simple, and it is fair. We need more access to quality health care, not less. We need to stop trying to restrict access to lifesaving cancer screenings, birth control, and well-woman exams. We need to stop fighting 40-year-old battles on women's rights. Defunding Planned Parenthood would have a devastating impact on women, especially low-income women, women in rural communities, and women of color. It is not only women who receive health care at Planned Parenthood. Men receive health care at Planned Parenthood, too. Here are some facts about Planned Parenthood's critical role in providing health services to Americans every year. Planned Parenthood provides family planning counseling and contraceptive care to 2.1 million Americans, more than 1.1 million pregnancy tests, nearly 400,000 Pap smear tests, and nearly 500,000 lifesaving breast exams. Let's remember that, in many areas, Planned Parenthood is the only source of family planning services. That is why, in 1976, as a college freshman, I volunteered for Planned Parenthood because I had seen the impact on young women in my rural high school who had no access to family planning services. Too many got pregnant, dropped out of school, and never pursued their dreams. Today, with only 5 legislative days left, we should be focusing on avoiding a reckless and unnecessary government shutdown. Do you remember the last government shutdown, the one that cost us $24 billion? No wonder some don't think America is great right now. Dysfunction in this Congress is undermining the American people's faith in democracy. We, in Congress, have the power to act. We have the opportunity, and we have the duty to set aside ideological battles and, instead, take up the urgent business of the American people. We should reauthorize the Export-Import Bank and pass a long-term, well-funded highway trust fund bill, investing in America's infrastructure, to ensure that America will continue to be great throughout the 21st century. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment to ensure that American women have access to vital health care, no matter where they live and no matter how much they earn. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ESTY. Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. ESTY. I am, in its current form.

Ms. ESTY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, we have only 6 legislative days left to avoid a reckless and unnecessary government shutdown. I come to the floor to, once again, urge the leadership of this House to focus on jobs. We need to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, and we need to pass a long-term highway bill and to invest in America's infrastructure, but this House is busy attacking women's health care instead of defending America's economy. Instead of creating jobs with a highway bill to rebuild America, the majority is fixated on misguided attempts to defund Planned Parenthood. Instead of creating jobs by supporting manufacturers who export to the world, this House is pushing companies to export American jobs. It is time for this House to focus on rebuilding America and to support American businesses by getting back to the business of the American people.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action not as a perfect agreement, but as the only viable path forward to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. I do not come to this decision lightly or easily. Iran is a deadly state sponsor of terrorism, and the Iranian regime has repeatedly threatened America and our close ally, Israel. Despite decades of sanctions by the United States, Iran has come within months of succeeding in its effort to acquire sufficient material for a nuclear bomb. Mr. Speaker, the question before us today is not, Is this a perfect agreement that addresses all of Iran's dangerous behavior? The truth is there are no perfect options in dealing with this regime. Instead, we must ask: ``Will this agreement verifiably prevent a nuclear armed Iran? Will this agreement advance American national security interests in the region? Will this agreement advance the national security of our ally, Israel?'' Through a very long and deliberate process, I have reached the conclusion that the answer to these three questions is yes. I believe that it is better to have this imperfect international agreement that we can aggressively enforce than to have no agreement at all. During August I spent a week in Israel meeting with political and military leaders and hearing from ordinary citizens who are deeply concerned about Iran's intentions. As I stood on the Golan Heights, I could see the smoke rising from shelling in Syria. That smoke is a visible sign of the chaos and danger in the region for both the United States and for the entire Middle East. I am keenly aware of the very real threats Iran poses to Israel's security and to our national security. I share the deep concerns of many of my constituents, of many Jewish leaders, who distrust Iran. That is why, Mr. Speaker, I believe that, after this week's vote, we have another critical choice to make. It is an important choice to make for our children, our grandchildren, and our men and women in uniform. Our choice is this: Will we come together as Americans to enforce the Iranian nuclear agreement in the years to come? As the Iran nuclear agreement goes into effect, we must work together--no matter our vote this week--to enforce Iran's commitments and to stand prepared to act decisively when Iran tests our resolve. We cannot afford to cast a vote and walk away. Mr. Speaker, we have the greatest opportunity to achieve stability in the region when we lead our allies and work with other international partners, as we did when we created the international sanctions that have brought Iran to the negotiating table. The Iranian nuclear agreement is the beginning of a long-term, multinational commitment. We must stand strong with our allies. We must commit to ensuring that the inspectors have the access and resources to carry out the agreement. We must stand ready to act, to lead the world to respond to signs of cheating or other Iranian efforts to undermine its obligations.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, Connecticut. The history of St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington dates to before the Revolutionary War when missionaries celebrated Anglican rites with local residents. A handful of families bound by the mission of faithful service founded St. John's Episcopal Church and built their first wood frame church in Davies Hollow in 1794. In 1815, the wooden structure was moved by wagon to the parish's current home on the Green. As the church's membership continued to grow, the congregation raised funds to build a new church. In 1915, renowned architect Ehrick Rossiter designed the stone structure that is still in use today. Over the decades, the church flourished. The ministries expanded to include a choir, Sunday school, and many community outreach activities. In 2012, Rev. Susan McCone was installed as the thirteenth Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, the congregation's first female head. Over the past 200 years, the Town of Washington grew around the church. Today, St. John's stands as an architectural landmark and spiritual beacon on Green Hill welcoming 200 families in fellowship. St. John's inclusive hospitality and dedication to promoting interfaith dialogue through educational programs and spiritual events builds the sense of community for parishioners and neighbors alike. The congregation supports the town through programs like the St. John's Emergency Fund, which helps Washington residents who experience urgent and unforeseen hardship with monetary assistance for food, medicine, and other necessities. On August 29, 2015, St. John's Episcopal Church celebrated its 200th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the historic stone church. Congratulations to Rev. McCone and all the parishioners of St. John's Episcopal Church. I wish you many more successful years ahead.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday Congresswoman DeLauro and I held a Make It In America field hearing in Connecticut. We heard from manufacturers from across the State, including leaders from Click Bond in Watertown, Connecticut, who are committed to growing their businesses right here in the United States. But they need our support. Congress needs to be a more effective partner for American manufacturing. We must continue to foster an innovation economy that creates manufacturing careers, not jobs, but careers that are at the heart of the middle class. We must reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, a critical financial tool for our companies to remain competitive in the global marketplace. We must work together to create a predictable Tax Code that encourages companies to return to the United States and levels the playing field for our small businesses, particularly our family-owned companies. We must inspire our students in science, technology, engineering, and math so that the United States remains the leader in global innovation for generations to come. By engaging our students in the STEM fields, we can prepare them to be the scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators of the future. These students could become NASA astronauts like Waterbury's own Rick Mastracchio, who circled the planet on the International Space Station, or machinists or Teamsters, who assemble the aircraft that our military flies proudly all around the world, or computer programmers, who make our world more accessible and connected. Many of my colleagues share my passion for STEM education and bolstering our skilled workforce. With Minority Whip Steny Hoyer's leadership, Congress has advanced the Make It In America agenda and passed important legislation to cut taxes, provide small business loans, train skilled workers, and support American manufacturing. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who are dedicated to creating and growing American jobs. By rising above partisan politics and focusing on commonsense practical policies, our bipartisan efforts can stimulate real economic growth. We should seize the opportunity to work together to support high-paying careers in American manufacturing.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 275th anniversary of Cornwall, Connecticut. This weekend, Cornwall will begin its celebration of this historic milestone. Over the past 275 years, Cornwall has stayed true to its roots as a small agricultural New England town. Its rich history has endured and remains evident in its rolling farmlands and colonial era architecture. Though small in size, the town of Cornwall has been making a big impact since it was incorporated in 1740. During the 1800s, Cornwall's rich natural resources made it an ideal location for iron production. Two of Cornwall's iron firms formed part of the nationally recognized Salisbury Iron District. Cornwall is also home to the historic Covered Bridge. Built in 1864, this is one of the last standing covered bridges in Connecticut, and is still functional today. The bridge serves as an enduring symbol of Cornwall's rural New England legacy. Cornwall exemplifies the type of small agricultural community on which our country was built. As we have grown as a nation, this community has continued to demonstrate its ability to adapt and prosper. I am honored to represent Cornwall in Congress. Congratulations to Cornwall on its 275th anniversary.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the upcoming 25th anniversary of the POW/MIA flag. In May of 1970, the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia was founded in Washington, D.C. One year after the first official meeting, Mary Hoff, the wife of a service member designated as missing in action during the Vietnam War, introduced the idea of creating a flag to remember and honor military men and woman like her husband. Twenty-five years ago, on August 25, 1990, Congress designated the POW/MIA flag as ``the symbol of our Nation's concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia.'' Now, the POW/MIA flag flies for every man and woman who has given his or her life for our great country and remains captured or missing. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the recognition of this flag, Wheeler-Young VFW Post 201 from Waterbury, Connecticut will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on August 10, 2015. VFW Post 201 is a vibrant post involved in numerous activities in the Waterbury community. They recently celebrated the grand opening of their new location. Wheeler-Young VFW Post 201 exemplifies the promise of leaving no man behind and the mission to educate and promote veterans' issues. Post 201 is a pillar of our community. Thank you to Post 201 for recognizing and honoring our nation's Prisoners of War and personnel Missing in Action. I stand with you to ensure that they are not forgotten.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, in Connecticut, we know all too well the devastation caused by gun violence. We will never stop mourning the lives of the 26 people who were ripped from us by the horrific shootings in Newtown, but just as tragic are the deaths that don't make national headlines. Mr. Speaker, we have a serious problem with gun violence in this country from which no person, no community is protected. This year alone, in the capital city of Hartford, gun violence has claimed 19 lives. Yet, today, this House is scheduled to adjourn for the next 5 weeks, refusing to bring this urgent public health matter to the House floor, refusing to address gun violence, which is hurting America. I have joined with colleagues from across the aisle to propose a bipartisan bill to expand background checks to all commercial gun sales--legislation that, if enacted, would have prevented several of the most recent mass shootings. I urge the leadership of this House to spend August thinking about the 30,000 Americans we lose each year to gun violence and to bring this urgent matter to the full House for a vote when we reconvene in September.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I want to state that on Wednesday, July 22, I unfortunately missed three roll call votes as I was attending a classified briefing at the White House Situation Room on the recently announced Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran. Had I been present I would have voted: 1. NO--Ordering the Previous Question (Roll #450). I would have voted no in order to allow a vote on H.R. 3064, the GROW AMERICA Act. I am a proud cosponsor of this robust six-year expansion of funding for our America's transportation and infrastructure, which would provide much needed certainty for those projects and the jobs that rely on them. 2. NO--Approving H. Res. 369 (Roll #451). I would have voted no on H. Res. 369, which prevented the House from considering either H.R. 1599 or H.R. 1734 with the appropriate deliberation and open debate such important matters deserve. 3. AYE--Approving the Journal (Roll #452). I would have voted AYE on approving the Journal.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pratt & Whitney on their 90th anniversary. Since 1925, Pratt & Whitney has been a cornerstone of Connecticut's and the Nation's economy. In the last 90 years, men and women from across the country and in my State have designed and produced the most technologically advanced and dependable engines on the market. Their F-135 engine powers Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and their new geared turbofan engine is setting the standard for performance in commercial aviation. Pratt & Whitney's engineers, manufacturers, designers, and technicians have fostered Connecticut's innovation ecosystem for almost a century. We could not be more proud that they call Connecticut home. Congratulations, Pratt & Whitney. We look forward to another 90 years of aviation leadership.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, exactly 2 months ago, I came to the floor to speak out against this House's reckless inaction on the highway trust fund, needlessly endangering hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs. Yet here we are again, with only 10 legislative days left before the highway trust fund runs out of money. Mr. Speaker, this is harmful and it is wrong. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, 73 percent of Connecticut's roads are in poor or mediocre condition. These poor road conditions cost the average Connecticut driver $628 in otherwise unnecessary repairs and expenses every year. Thirty-five percent of Connecticut's bridges are structurally deficient, functionally obsolete, or both. A great nation does not respond to crises with duct tape. A great nation leads with bold action. I urge the leadership of the House to work with us to pass a long-term highway bill and invest in America's infrastructure.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage as amended. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with serious concerns. Today, we are voting on a bill that guts education funding; fails to provide adequate support for our hard-working teachers; and turns our back on our schools, our communities, and our children. Mr. Speaker, today, we are not fixing No Child Left Behind, which has long needed to be fixed, but instead, we are moving in the wrong direction. As a room parent, as a PTA mom, I strongly believe that every child deserves the opportunity for a quality education, and every child deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. The amendment I am offering today provides us the opportunity to live up to those goals. My amendment would guarantee continued funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, known as IDEA. Just today, I met with school superintendents from Connecticut who emphasize the critical role of Federal funding for IDEA, which provides important support for students with autism and cognitive disabilities, and my amendment would protect children with disabilities from abusive seclusion and restraint practices. Last year, I met with a group of students from the FOCUS Center for Autism in Canton, Connecticut, in my district. They were incredible students, who bravely advocated for themselves and bluntly talked about the challenges they face in the classroom. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 68 American children is now on the autism spectrum, a tenfold increase in the last 40 years. In Connecticut, too many students, particularly students who are on the autism spectrum, face unnecessary and dangerous seclusion and restraint. According to the Connecticut State Department of Education and the Office of the Child Advocate, there were 35,000 incidents of children being restrained or placed in seclusion last school year. Over 80 percent of these children were boys; the majority of them children of color, many of them were in elementary school--even as young as preschool--and many of them were on the autism spectrum. Earlier this year, the Office of the Child Advocate in Connecticut released a report showing that, in the last 3 years, more than 1,300 Connecticut schoolchildren were injured during such restraint or seclusion. Nationwide, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office found hundreds of cases of alleged child abuse, including at least 20, that is 20 deaths of children related to the use of these harmful methods during the last two decades. These stories are truly horrific: a 7-year-old dying after being held face down for hours by school staff, 5-year-olds with broken arms and bloody noses after being tied to chairs with bungee cords and duct tape by their teacher, and a 13-year-old who hung himself in the seclusion room after prolonged confinement. This is absolutely unacceptable. While Congress surely should not micromanage discipline in local schools, we should--we should--step up to set standards to ensure that all our children are safe, and we should fully fund IDEA to ensure support for all children with disabilities. Now, let me be clear. Many teachers do an outstanding job in what can often be a challenging classroom environment. Having children with disabilities in the classroom can be a rewarding experience for the child and for their classmates. Children with learning disabilities will learn and excel with the right support. It is just not acceptable to say that we don't have enough time or enough money to provide that support. Today, let's fully fund IDEA, support special education and services for all children with disabilities, and restrict the dangerous practices of seclusion and restraint. We can do better; we must do better for our children. I ask all House Members to join me to vote for this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. ESTY. I am in its current form.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Major Stephen Reich and to recognize the compassionate work of the Home of the Brave Quilt Project. Today, we recognize the history and importance of quilting in our society as a symbol of Americana. Quilting can tell stories through fabric and stitches when words fail. For hundreds of years, quilting has been used not only as a means of communication, but also as a sign of respect for fellow community members. In keeping with this tradition, the Home of the Brave Quilt Project has taken on the task of honoring our brave men, women, and families touched by war through the gift of a quilt. Susan and Raymond Reich from Washington Depot, Connecticut, lost their son, Stephen, on June 28, 2005. Stephen graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1993. While studying at the Academy, he pitched for the baseball team. Two years into his military career, the Baltimore Orioles drafted the southpaw, and he played for their minor league affiliate team before the Army recalled him to finish his term. Choosing to answer the call of military service and relinquishing his pro baseball career, he returned to fight for our great country. Stephen was killed along with seven other Night Stalkers during a rescue operation to save a Navy SEAL team in Afghanistan; he was on his fourth tour of duty. Shortly after Stephen died, his mother and father received a quilt in his honor. As a quilter by profession, Susan understood the significance of this act. Receiving the quilt helped her family heal and it provided them with comfort, knowing that others were thinking of them during their difficult time. When Don Beld founded the Home of the Brave Quilt Project in July of 2004, his goal was to give families comfort in the best way he knew how. Since Don did not serve during the Vietnam War like many of his peers, he knew in his heart that he needed to serve America's families in some way. With this idea in mind, Don embarked on a project that would expand to 59 states and territories, honoring those who have died from injuries while on active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan. Each quilt is based on patterns originally designed by the United States Sanitary Commission during the Civil War era. To date, the Home of the Brave Quilt Project has delivered over 6,000 quilts to more than 5,000 families. They serve as a reminder that bravery will always be revered. On Sunday, June 28, the Reich family marked the tenth anniversary of Stephen's death. I hope that the quilt they received continues to provide comfort and reminds their family that we, as a nation, hold them in our hearts.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Monsignor John Bevins of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, Connecticut. This Sunday, Monsignor Bevins will celebrate the completion of 24 years of distinguished service to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the entire Waterbury community. Prior to his appointment as pastor of the basilica, Monsignor Bevins was a Navy Chaplain for 23 years, faithfully serving his fellow servicemembers wherever he was stationed including Vietnam. Monsignor Bevins has dedicated his life to his church, city, and country. During his time as pastor, Monsignor Bevins has built a legacy of innovation and compassion for the basilica and its members. He was instrumental in having the parish named a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 and has been involved in the creation and restoration of numerous parish programs. From feeding the homeless every morning, to providing workshops for adult education, to leading a massive renovation project, Monsignor Bevins' spiritual guidance and good work has positively impacted countless lives. Monsignor Bevins illustrates the power of altruistic generosity and determination to bringing people together and strengthening communities. I would like to thank him for his exceptional contributions to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Waterbury community. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of service at Immaculate Conception will continue for years to come. Congratulations to Monsignor Bevins on his retirement.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my frustration with the latest attempt to undermine the Affordable Care Act. I strongly support expanding access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Now, the Affordable Care Act isn't perfect, but where problems arise in the law, we should work together to find solutions and fix them. But crippling the law by cutting billions of dollars or robbing the Prevention and Public Health Fund is not a real solution. I've consistently opposed bills that would undermine or repeal the Affordable Care Act, and that's why I cannot support either H.R. 160 or H.R. 1190. I do not support the creation of the Independent Payment Advisory Board and believe that the medical device tax needs to be changed. I am committed to working with my colleagues to responsibly fund the vital programs under the ACA without stifling innovation or slowing research and development. Medical device manufacturers in Connecticut develop essential and lifesaving products that are critical to treating every patient whether in a physician's office, a hospital, a nursing home, or in the field by emergency responders. They provide well-paying jobs throughout my district making products that are sold throughout our country and exported around the world. I will continue to call for the medical device tax to be responsibly replaced.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of Ramadan, which begins tonight at sundown for Muslims in Connecticut and around the world. I offer my support for those marking the holiday. For Muslims worldwide, this month of fasting is a time for prayer, reflection, and charitable work. With the constant cycle of violence plaguing our country and the world, let us all take this time to recommit ourselves to work together for equality and peace on earth. Ramadan Mubarak to all observing the holiday.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, June is national LGBT Pride Month, and so I rise today to honor and recognize the determination, advocacy, contributions, and talents of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans. I was 15 years old, a high school student in a small town, when I gave my first gay rights speech. I did not know in 1975 that I would one day have the opportunity to be here on the floor of the House of Representatives to support equal rights, but I did know that it is wrong to discriminate against fellow Americans because of who they love. And I think I knew on some level that my brother Jamie was gay. I was, and still remain, committed to stand with those who fight bigotry, discrimination, and violence against those who love another. And looking back, I am so deeply thankful to stand here today and to celebrate the remarkable progress we have made in recent years. That progress is due to the tireless determination and enduring struggle of LGBT Americans and allies, like my brother Jamie and my mother, Mitzi Henderson. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a thing of the past, and it no longer forces our men and women in uniform to choose between serving this Nation and being open about who they are and who they love. Marriage equality is now a reality in 37 States and in Washington, D.C. That covers 70 percent of all Americans. During LGBT Pride Month, we celebrate the progress we have made, but we also recommit to the continued fight for full equality. Congress needs to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, ENDA, to ensure that no one is fired because of one's gender identity or sexual orientation. Congress needs to pass the SAME Act, which I had the honor of helping to introduce, to ensure that all couples can receive the Social Security benefits that they have earned. Congress needs to pass the Respect for Marriage Act so that all couples are treated with equality and fairness no matter where they live or who they love. At this very moment, the pursuit of national marriage equality continues. The Supreme Court is currently considering a case that affords the Court a rare opportunity, the opportunity to make history while advancing justice. The Court may and--I hope--will rule that the Constitution's guarantee of the right to marry extends to same-sex couples throughout the United States. No matter how the Court rules in the days ahead, I know we still have a long road ahead to advance equal rights for all Americans, but I also know we will prevail. We will prevail because we will continue to have those courageous conversations one at a time. We will prevail because we advocate for something far more powerful than politics; we advocate for love. I am honored to join with Americans across this great country to celebrate national LGBT Pride Month and to stand with those who stand up every day to defend the right of all Americans to be proud of who they are, to be proud of who they love, and to proudly work together for the ongoing cause of true equality under the law.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Richard Miller, a resident of Cheshire, Connecticut, who passed away recently at the age of 100. Mr. Miller dedicated his life to serving others and was a leader in the community. He served on various municipal boards including the town's Board of Education, Cheshire Hospice, and Senior Center. He also volunteered with countless civic organizations and societies and served three elected terms as the town of Cheshire's Police Commissioner. Mr. Miller was a long time member of the First Congregational Church in my hometown of Cheshire, and was a very active member of the Rotary. He also established the Cheshire Food Drive, and raised funds for countless charitable organizations. Mr. Miller was a civil engineer who worked with The American Brass Company and Anaconda Copper before completing his career with Platt Brothers & Company in Waterbury, CT in 1981. He served our country in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for four and a half years, mainly concerned with the training of Special Engineer service and combat units at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was honorably discharged in April 1946 with the rank of Major CE. Mr. Miller was an inspiration, and I know he is greatly missed by many, especially those in Connecticut's 5th Congressional District.

Ms. ESTY

Ms. ESTY. Madam Chair, I urge passage of this commonsense amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.