Elizabeth Esty

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the last time as a Member of Congress. For the past 6 years, it has been an extraordinary honor to serve the residents of central and northwest Connecticut as their Representative in the House. The title for this job is a humble one: Representative--not emperor, not knower of all things, but Representative. Congress was not my dream, but making a difference was. In 2005, my then 15-year-old daughter challenged me to either run for the local town council or stop complaining. I ran. I found that I could get things done, first on the town council and then as a State representative. I came to Congress with a desire to make a difference for people, to help solve their problems, fight for affordable quality healthcare, ensure education that addresses the needs of every child, work across the aisle for better jobs and better pay for Americans, and keep us all safe and free Yet I arrived in Congress in the aftermath of the terrible shootings of 20 6- and 7-year-old children and six educators in the town of Newtown in my district, 6 years ago this coming Friday. My task immediately became how to truly care for and represent those families and be an effective voice for taking action to prevent gun violence. At the time, I did not even know how to find the elevator to get to my attic office in the Cannon House Office Building. John Dingell, the longest serving Member of Congress, took me under his wing and helped me navigate these Halls. He gave me invaluable advice. He said: Elizabeth, always remember this: What you do is very important. But you are not important. He also told me: It is your job to know your district and vote your district. How right he was. I learned my district. My team and I worked with others to get lots of legislation passed to help veterans and their families, to support STEM education for women, girls, and children of color; to modernize and upgrade our infrastructure; and to fight the scourge of opioid addiction. We helped thousands of individuals at home cut through red tape and get much-needed support. By working with people, we were able to help government work for people. Here are some things that I have learned: The American people are good, great, and eager to see our democracy work better; Sharing credit is not only the right thing to do, but it works; If you listen to others, if you look for and build on common ground, you can get things done even with people with whom you disagree on many issues. The first step is often the hardest. In politics, Mr. Speaker, you need to earn support. You are not entitled to it. You will fail sometimes. You will not meet your own high expectations. You will disappoint people. You will lose an election, but you get up the next day and you try harder. If there is nothing you would be willing to lose an election over, you shouldn't run for office. Democracy needs people who are prepared to lose their job to make a difference. Democracy is not about perfection. Democracy is about doing your best every day and bringing out the best in others; and when we fail--which we will--we should not give up. We should get right back to work. Mr. Speaker, you shouldn't run because you know you will win; you should run because there are things worth fighting for. If we remember our common values rather than call into question each other's integrity, there is much we can do together. Democracy is something we do; it is not something we tweet about. Democracy is hard. It is not a spectator sport. You don't need permission in this great country. Democracy gives us--each and every one of us--the opportunity and the right to run, to serve, and to make a difference. American democracy is a great thing, but it requires us to pitch in and to do our part. We have the opportunity--and in these challenging times for our Nation and the world, I believe we have an obligation--to get involved. I want to thank my amazing family for their love, their support, and their sacrifices over more than a dozen years of elected office. I thank the voters who entrusted me to work on their behalf. I thank my excellent staff who have worked so hard and ably. I thank the many colleagues who generously guided me and worked with me on issues of common concern for the American people. In closing, John Dingell's words return to me: If you ever look up at the Capitol Dome at night and it doesn't send shivers down your spine, you don't deserve to be here because you aren't sufficiently in awe of American democracy. I can say without hesitation that the white of the Capitol Dome gleaming in the night still sends shivers down my spine. It always will, for we are fortunate enough to live in this amazing country where we have the right to choose our leaders, to raise our voices, and, together, to forge a better nation and a better future for all our children.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 418.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate the life of one of Waterbury's finest sons, Samuel K. Beamon, Sr., who died this past Sunday, October 28, 2018. With Sam's passing, we lost a great American, a proud Marine, and I lost a very dear friend. A graduate of W.F. Kaynor Technical High School in Waterbury, Sam enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965 and was deployed to South Vietnam. He became a helicopter mechanic, crew chief, and aerial gunner, flying more than 320 combat missions. Sam earned numerous awards while in the Marine Corps including 16 Air Medals and Combat Air Crew Wings, the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Presidential Unit Citations, and the Good Conduct Medal. He wrote about his time in the Marine Corps in his book, Flying Death: The Vietnam Experience, which was published in 2007. After returning home, Sam worked at Pratt & Whitney before answering the call to service again--but this time, as a police officer. In 1970, he joined the Waterbury Police Department. He was the first African American Accident Investigator, radar operator and instructor, and member of the SWAT Team. As the first African American promoted to Lieutenant in the Waterbury Police Department, Sam paved the way for others. He mentored many in the department, including Vernon Riddick, who later became the first African American Police Chief of Waterbury and now West Hartford, and Patrick Riddenhour, now the first African American Police Chief of Danbury--both of whom credit Sam Beamon with teaching them how to be an effective leader. Sam's legacy includes his work to improve the lives of the youth of Waterbury. He served many years as the Commander of the Juvenile Division and was active in the Waterbury Department of Children and Families Extended Team and ``Project Hometown Support.'' He served on both Governor Rowland's and Mayor O'Neill's juvenile task forces to identify the issues pertaining to the youth of Connecticut, implement policies to protect young people, engage in practices that promote character building opportunities for at-risk students, and work with law enforcement officials to encourage dialog in the community to identify issues that negatively impact at-risk students. Sam was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame in 2011. He was extremely active in the veterans' community serving as the Commandant of both Department of Connecticut and the Brass City Detachment of the Marine Corps League. He was a life member of VFW Post 201 and a member of American Legion Post 135. In 2014, he was named Chairman of the City of Waterbury's Veterans Memorial Committee. Sam also served for six years on my Veterans Advisory Board, helping me better serve veterans in Connecticut and across the nation. As a founding member of the ``Forever Wave Program'' that visits local schools to teach proper flag etiquette, he enjoyed passing on the love of his country, the military, veterans and Gold Star families. He was 19 years old when his Kaynor Tech classmate, Michael Kight, was killed in Vietnam. Upon Sam's return to Connecticut, he honored his friend Michael and his Gold Star Family by visiting the local schools during Memorial Day and Veterans Day to share his stories of service to inspire the students to serve others as well. Sam's commitment to improving the lives and welfare of others extended well-beyond his involvement in veterans' organizations. A man who lived through some of the most divisive times in our country's history, Sam sought to inspire and unite today's youth. As a boy himself, he was a member of the country's first Young Marines Detachment, founded at VFW Post 201 in Waterbury. He knew the importance of community service, inspiring self-confidence, healthy living, and being true to one's moral compass. He understood the adversity some of our youth face in overcoming social, political, and economic barriers, but knew it can be done with hard work, a positive attitude, and moral grounding to overcoming all challenges. He mentored countless students, teaching them about the value of education, and what it means to believe in one's country, and answer the call to service. For Sam, his call to service and leadership may have begun but did not end with his time in the military. It meant giving back to Waterbury, the city that gave him so much. A leader in every sense of the word, Sam was honored at our Black History Month Congressional ceremony in Waterbury in February 2016. His remarks were touching; a perfect blend of self-reflection, humility, and his ironic sense of humor. In July 2016, he became the first Waterburian and African-American to receive UNICO National's John Basilone Freedom Award. Even though UNICO was founded in Waterbury, CT in 1922, it had yet to bestow this prestigious award on one of its native sons. While Sam may be the first non-Italian to receive the John Basilone Freedom Award, I wonder if UNICO heard the story about how he found a way to visit his good Italian friend Colonel Chiarella in the hospital. When hospital staff told Sam that only immediate family was allowed to visit the Colonel, Sam didn't miss a beat. He told them that he was the Colonel's brother. This story perfectly encapsulates just who Sam was: he was the man who would stand by your side, offering his unwavering support when you needed him. To veterans across the State of Connecticut and his family and friends in the City of Waterbury, Sam was a man of conviction, honor, and leadership. Although cancer took his life far too soon, it did not take his spirit. His infectious positive energy brought joy to the people around him. When I brought him apple cider donuts just a week before he died, he was full of plans about everything we had to do to set the country straight. He was and will always be my favorite Marine. Sam Beamon helped teach me how to care for those who have worn the uniform, how to fight with everything you've got, and how to cherish every day we are blessed to be on this earth. He never gave up. He never gave in. Nor should we. God speed, Sam Beamon. Our prayers, our thanks, and our love go with him.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Eunice Laverty, Honorary Grand Marshal of the 57th Annual Newtown Labor Day Parade in Newtown, Connecticut. Since 1962, this annual celebration has brought together the people of Newtown and western Connecticut, and this year's organizers invited Eunice to head the parade in recognition of her many years of exceptional service to her community. Eunice Laverty's generosity is legend in Newtown. She is a mother of two and a grandmother of five. A retired social worker, she opened a Bagelman franchise in 1996, and became the independent business owner of Bagel Delight ten years later. Newtown residents know Eunice for her dedication to her customers and commitment to her community. Ever friendly, Eunice greets her loyal customers by name, and with inquiries about their friends, families, and even school projects. The Labor Day Parade's theme, Serving Newtown, is particularly apt for honoring Ms. Laverty's years of service. Not only does she serve up her delicious bagels to those who patronize her business, but community members regularly note their appreciation of her charitable donations to their events. She has been known for her support for the Knights of Columbus civic organization, and support for local students. Eunice is so widely appreciated that community members even independently organized ``We Love Eunice Day'' in 2013. Mr. Speaker, Eunice Laverty is a role model of kindness, service, and dedication for all of western Connecticut. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor her here today, and thank her for inspiring others to Serve Newtown.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Mr. William ``Bill'' Gordon and recognize his contributions to the State of Connecticut and our shared hometown of Cheshire, Connecticut. Bill passed away on July 9, 2018 at the age of 85, after a long life of dedicated service to our community. Bill was born and raised in Delmar, New York. It was here, at Bethlehem Central High School, where Bill fell in love with athletics. Bill would go on to be a star running back and track athlete in high school before receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Wesleyan University. After college, Bill was drafted into the Army where he served in post-war Korea. Bill continued to excel in athletics as a member of the Army football and track teams, and even returned to the U.S. early to participate in the All Army Meet. Bill returned to Connecticut in 1958 and began his career at Traveler's Insurance in Hartford. He then went back to school, this time at the University of Connecticut, where he earned his Master of Business Administration degree and became a devoted Huskies fan. Bill went on to work at Colonial Bank before subsequently joining and leading Eastern Management Services. Even with his busy professional career, Bill was an active member of our Cheshire community, serving on various civic and town boards, with particular devotion over the decades to both the Cheshire Rotary Club and First Congregational Church on the Green in Cheshire. In every one of these organizations Bill sought to make a difference in the lives of his friends and neighbors. As someone who has known and worked with Bill for nearly 25 years at First Church, I am enormously grateful for his friendship, wisdom, humor and judgement. Bill was one of those rare people who was admired by all who knew him and I count myself fortunate to have had the benefit of his guidance and good heart. I will miss him greatly. Mr. Speaker, Bill Gordon led a remarkable career and enthusiastically lent his talents to improve the Town of Cheshire and State of Connecticut. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor his life and memory here today. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Marilyn Gordon, and all of his family. We mourn Bill's loss, but celebrate his extraordinary legacy.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of my friend, Mr. William ``Bill'' Battle and to recognize his contributions to the State of Connecticut, especially to his community of Torrington, Connecticut. Bill passed away on July 20, 2018 at the age of 82, after a long life of dedicated service to his community. Bill was born in New York, New York and was raised in New Haven, Connecticut. Bill attended New Haven public schools before enrolling at Howard University in Washington, D.C. After college, Bill joined the Army where he worked on computers. Bill continued in computers when he left the Army, traveling the world for IBM. Bill eventually returned to Connecticut to be near his ailing mother. It was here where he met his wife Darlene, who was working as a nurse's aide. The two married in 1994, and after their son was born they moved to Torrington. After moving to Torrington, Bill fell in love with the small city. Serving as the economic development commissioner for a brief time, Bill worked to celebrate Torrington's educational excellence and attract young families while reviving the city's downtown through a focus on the arts and small business. In addition to working closely with town leaders to improve the city's economy, Bill also advocated for children and education in Torrington. Serving on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Academy of the Arts in Torrington, Bill helped bring the arts back to the Torrington community and is credited for helping start the international film forum. Ultimately, Bill loved anything intellectual and enjoyed discussing ideas with his fellow community members. While working as the campaign coordinator for former Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman, Bill would frequently have dinner at the Republican campaign headquarters because he just wanted to engage in political discourse. His Republican colleagues stated that all Bill ever wanted was to see Torrington do better. Those who knew Bill knew that nothing gave him more pride than seeing his children succeed. Bill could often be seen wearing a Yale hat to show his immense delight when his son, Darnell, was accepted to the University. I met Bill seven years ago and was immediately impressed by his passion, his knowledge, his energy, and his fearlessness in taking on tough issues and those in power. His commitment to democracy and his belief that we all could--and should--do better inspired me and everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Mr. Speaker, Bill Battle led a life as an engaged community member and community activist. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor his life and memory here today. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife, Darlene and his children, Carla, Darnell, Violetta, and William and to all of his family. Those of us who knew Bill will cherish his memory, and his legacy will live on in our community.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5649, the Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William ``Bill'' Mulder Transition Improvement Act of 2018, a bill that will improve the transition process for servicemembers returning to civilian life to a life of purpose and meaning. I want to thank my colleagues, the gentlemen from Texas, Mr. Arrington and Mr. O'Rourke, for introducing this important bill; and for including my own bill, the Job TOOLS for Veterans Act, as a provision within this larger legislation. The Job TOOLS Act for veterans would ensure that veterans of all eras have access to transition assistance classes. The Transition Assistance Program, commonly known as TAP, was established to help current servicemembers transition to civilian life with job search and training information. Prior to the establishment of TAP, very few servicemembers received any job training assistance during their transition at all. We know that access to job training is essential to our mission of ensuring that all our servicemembers land on their feet when they return home from protecting our freedom. And given the transitions that veterans face over the years, especially in a changing economy, these job training programs are especially valuable throughout life; and that is why our bill would allow veterans, no matter when they served, to get access to this crucial assistance. Additionally, it will allow veterans from any service era access to all TAP programs and will expand the TAP program to at least 50 locations across the United States. The men and women who have admirably served our great Nation must know that we stand behind them when transitioning from military to civilian life, and that we stand behind them for life. I want to thank Chairman Roe, Ranking Member Walz, and Vice Ranking Member Takano for their work in getting this important bill to the floor today, for the outstanding bipartisan work of this committee, which I am so proud to serve on, and for our excellent staff. I fully support H.R. 5649, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and to stand behind the veterans who will be assisted by this across the Nation.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I thank my colleague, the gentleman from West Virginia; and I want to thank the 409 Members who joined in urging support for this program which has proven to be one of the most effective in the Federal Government. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my colleague, Congressman McKinley, for working with me on this amendment. Our amendment increases funding for State grants to assess or clean up brownfield sites by $7 million in fiscal year 2019. Too many cities and towns across America with proud manufacturing legacies are now struggling with vacant brownfield properties. In my home State of Connecticut, the city of Meriden alone has at least $10 million worth of brownfield projects for which they have been unable to secure funding--and that is just one city in one State. Every single congressional district across this country is home to at least one brownfield site. In fact, some have hundreds. The benefits of funding brownfield cleanups are enormous. For every $1 invested in brownfield redevelopment, 18 additional dollars are leveraged in outside investment. That is one of the highest leveraging of outside money of any Federal program. Despite the clear, demonstrated value of Federal brownfield investments, the EPA has been forced to turn down very worthy projects due to lack of funding. In fact, the EPA has only been able to fund about one-quarter to one-third of the applications it receives. Between 2012 and 2017, over 1,600 applications for viable projects were turned down because of inadequate Federal funding. The base bill before us today provides just $153 million for brownfields in fiscal year 2019--the very same amount that was enacted for 2018. For such an effective program that is in high demand all across the country, maintaining status quo funding for brownfield redevelopment is unwise and, frankly, unacceptable. If the EPA had been able to fully fund the qualified brownfield projects from 2012 to 2017, an additional 54,000 jobs would have been created along with $10.3 billion in leveraged outside money. Mr. Chairman, last November, 409 Members of this House voted to increase funding levels for the EPA's brownfields programs to $200 million plus an additional $50 million for the State response program. That is a total of $250 million authorized by this House as compared with $153 million we have before us tonight. Mr. Chairman, 409 Members heeded calls from their cities and towns, mayors, county and regional officials and constituents who urgently want to restore their downtowns and communities putting former industrial sites back on to the tax rolls and creating jobs. Dilapidated warehouses, abandoned factories, and former gas stations littered across our cities and towns are untapped economic opportunities just waiting to be redeveloped into productive uses like startup incubators, affordable housing, tech centers, and public green space. Increased funding will return brownfields to productive uses, generate additional tax revenue, clean up the environment, grow jobs, and revitalize communities all across our country. Investing in our civic infrastructure is essential to moving this country forward. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. McKinley).

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I want to thank the gentlewoman for her support and the support of the committee as well as the Rules Committee in moving forward this important amendment. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment which would increase funding for the Department of Defense's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs. The men and women of our Armed Forces sacrifice a great deal to serve our country. When they enlist, they do so knowing that they may be sent into violent and dangerous situations to confront an adversary. What they do not sign up for is the violence of being sexually assaulted by one of their own fellow servicemembers. We need to do better by all those who wear the uniform. I am encouraged that the Department of Defense has established Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program to prevent these crimes from occurring, and to ensure that victims have the resources they need to recover should an incident occur. But the number of servicewomen and -men who experience sexual assault in the military remains staggering. Last year alone, the Department of Defense received over 6,750 reports of sexual assault involving servicemembers. Meanwhile, DOD estimates that only one in three servicemembers who experience a sexual assault file a report. Clearly, sexual assault remains a serious issue in the Armed Forces. With over 1 million Active-Duty troops, and over 800,000 serving in the Guard and Reserves at installations all over the world, sexual assault prevention and response programs require our full support and funding. We must provide the best possible care and resources for our servicemembers who are dutifully and honorably serving and defending the United States. That is why my amendment would increase funding for these worthwhile and vital programs, to ensure that they are there when servicemembers need them. I urge all of my colleagues to support this important amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Sal Luciano of Watertown, Connecticut, for his lifelong commitment to improving the lives of working women and men. For decades, Mr. Luciano has been a passionate advocate for state, county, and municipal employees across Connecticut. On this, the occasion of his retirement, I would like to take the opportunity to thank and recognize him for his tireless and effective efforts that have helped so many, especially those who might not be able to speak up for themselves. Mr. Luciano began his career as a social worker for the State of Connecticut's Department of Children and Youth Services in 1980, investigating cases of abuse and neglect of children. Mr. Luciano was elected president of Local 2663, a Connecticut chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in 1989 based on his record of proven leadership. In 2001, Mr. Luciano was appointed Executive Director of Council 4 in 2001 and was subsequently elected to this position four times. In every one of these posts, Mr. Luciano has fought to ensure that dedicated public servants in Connecticut are treated with dignity and respect. In addition to representing working families in Connecticut, Mr. Luciano also served on my Congressional Labor Advisory Board. In this capacity, Mr. Luciano worked with other community leaders to advise me on issues important to working people across Connecticut's Fifth District. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Luciano has spent the last 38 years being a powerful voice for children and working men and women. Sal is passionate, knowledgeable, and effective--A worthy opponent and a devoted friend. I thank him for his decades of hard work ensuring the protection and success of others, as well as his friendship and wise counsel to me. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Mr. Luciano here today.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Mr. Joseph Harper, Jr. and recognize his contributions to the State of Connecticut and the Town of New Britain. Joe passed away on May 20, 2018 at the age of 70 after a long life of dedicated service to his community. Joe was born and raised in New Britain, Connecticut and was a lifelong public servant to our state. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, Joe obtained a Master's Degree in Public Administration and later earned another Master's Degree in International Studies from Central Connecticut State University. Joe began his long public service career as an Alderman and mayoral aide for New Britain, before serving an impressive 16 years in the Connecticut General Assembly. Joe was first elected to the State House of Representatives, serving 2 terms before being elected to the State Senate, where he served a further 6 terms. In the Senate, Joe was an essential member of the Appropriations Committee, where he served as co-chair and a key advocate for New Britain and the communities of Central Connecticut. After his retirement from the General Assembly, Joe continued to serve Connecticut by working as a Deputy State Treasurer, as a Vice President of Central Connecticut State University, and as the Vice President of Government Relations at The Hospital for Special Care. Just as he worked with a dogged determination throughout his distinguished career, Joe committed the latter years of his life to leading a healthy lifestyle. Through his years of hard work, Joe lost more than 450 pounds after leaving elected office. Mr. Speaker, Joe Harper led a remarkable career and enthusiastically lent his talents to improve New Britain and Connecticut. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor his life and memory here today. My condolences go out to his sister, Mary Ellen, and his family. Those of us who knew Joe will cherish his memory, and his legacy will live on in our community.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4635, the Peer-2-Peer Counseling Act. I want to thank my friend and colleague, Mr. Coffman, for his leadership on this very important issue. The bill we are considering today will help ensure that our women veterans are fully equipped to transition back to civilian life. Women veterans are the single fastest growing group of veterans in America. They face many challenges unique to our women warriors. Women veterans need access to peer counselors who are trained in recovery from military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress, and mental health conditions that they may be struggling with. I think it is also worth noting that women veterans are disproportionately juggling childcare, which complicates their ability to seek treatment elsewhere. They have special needs and experiences. Our women veterans should have the opportunity to receive the advice and counseling from someone who knows what they have been and are still going through as women warriors. We need to help ensure that they have the resources to succeed. The VA must also do more to help ensure that every veteran is able to benefit from peer support and has awareness and access to those services. That is why I am so pleased that this bill today requires the VA to conduct outreach to ensure that our women veterans know how to get access to this important and valuable assistance. Too often, I hear from veterans in my home State of Connecticut that they are simply unaware that these services are available. We may offer them through the VA, but if our veterans don't know they are there, they aren't going to get the benefits they deserve. In many cases, programs exist to help our women veterans, but the veterans don't know they are there. Peer support counselors have been through a transition before. They understand what it takes, and they can be particularly effective in meeting the needs of our women warriors. With the fastest growing number of women in this country who are veterans, now nearly 2 million veterans in America--think about that, 2 million--we need to do better by them through the VA. This is an important peer-to-peer counseling support program. I am delighted that we came together as a committee with bipartisan support to support this bill. We are also urging other legislation named in honor of Deborah Sampson, the first woman to serve this country, to serve America in the Revolutionary War, who dressed as a man. It is important that we reassure today's women in Active Duty and those transitioning out that we will take care of them and their families as they make that important transition to civilian life. They have earned our support in the military. We need to provide it to them as they transition out. Again, I want to thank my colleagues on the committee, the chairman and the ranking member, and Mr. Coffman for their important work. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Again, they do heroic work, and they do important work. There aren't enough of them. I am hopeful for the support. I thank the gentleman for his support. I think this is a very important amendment for us to adopt to demonstrate our commitment to do better for all of our staff and to be leaders, not followers, in this effort for a supportive and inclusive workplace. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment, which would allocate an additional $500,000 to the Office of Employee Assistance under the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives. The Office of Employee Assistance provides valuable services for Members of Congress and their staff. Unfortunately, this office is grossly understaffed. Currently, there are 6 staff in the Office of Employee Assistance to serve the 435 Members of Congress and their staff, a total of over 9,000 House employees. How could a staff of 6 possibly meet the needs of over 9,000 employees? No company, no State or Federal agency would have an employee assistance staff of 6 to serve 9,000 employees. Neither should the House of Representatives. Managing a team of people and creating a positive workforce culture is a unique skill and challenging work. Managing people requires many skills, such as leadership, good communication, interpersonal skills, humility, and a good sense of humor. Members of Congress and office supervisors such as chiefs of staff and legislative directors need additional resources to help them develop the skills to successfully lead their teams, establish a strong office culture, and make this House of Representatives a better place to work. Members of Congress have diverse backgrounds, levels of education, and work experience, as well as varying levels of comfort managing employees. We are elected to be great leaders, but in order to be effective and to be role models, we must also be great bosses. New and tenured Members of Congress would greatly benefit from more knowledge and support when it comes to successfully organizing their teams, hiring new employees, disciplining and evaluating staff, and handling employment complaints, including sexual harassment. The Office of Employee Assistance can and should be empowered to provide this support to every Member of Congress and all their staff. Chiefs of staff and legislative directors need the resources necessary to help them develop their supervisory skills and to succeed as managers. Chiefs of Staff and legislative directors are key to creating and maintaining a positive workplace culture and a professional office setting. The quality of their training shapes the culture of our offices. I don't claim to be an expert in this area. In fact, before I became a Member of Congress, I had very little experience as an employer, much less as a manager of 20 employees in two separate offices in two different parts of the country. Like all new Members, I was focused on doing what I was elected to do: helping the people of my district and working on issues important to them. I know now that I would have benefited as a new Member from more training and awareness of resources to assist me and my senior staff with running an effective and supportive office. At a time when this Congress rightly is being called upon to seriously address longstanding issues of sexual harassment in our workplace, we have an obligation to provide better resources to our colleagues and to our staff. Making more funds available to the Office of Employee Assistance is an important step for us to take in that effort. Our dedicated staff deserves better.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to increase funding to the Office of Fossil Energy's program to support solid oxide fuel cell research technology for power generation, and I want to thank my colleague from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) for working on this amendment with me. Countries around the world--China, Korea, Germany, and Japan--are already prioritizing the development of their fuel cell industries. In order for the United States to remain competitive in this global economy, we must support the research and development of new and innovative energy technologies, including fuel cells. Robust Federal funding of technologies that are not yet commercially viable, like solid oxide fuel cells, allow the United States to remain in the forefront of cleaner energy technologies and will help grow jobs across the country to meet the entire world's demand for cleaner, cheaper energy. In my home State of Connecticut, FuelCell Energy, a Danbury- and Torrington-based company, has become one of the world's leaders in delivering clean, efficient, and affordable fuel cell solutions. Researchers at FuelCell are developing new applications for solid oxide fuel cell technology and are making great advances in the field of stationary fuel cells. The Department of Energy program that our amendment increases funding for supports jobs in Connecticut at FuelCell Energy, FuelCell Energy's Connecticut vendors, the University of Connecticut, which receives SECA funding through the FuelCell subcontractors, and at innovative companies and institutions across this country. Mr. Chair, this amendment is a win-win for our economy. New innovation in fuel cell technology promotes cleaner, more sustainable energy and creates American jobs. I urge my colleagues to support funding for the Office of Fossil Energy's program to support solid oxide fuel cell research technology. I thank the Members for their support, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment, which would protect millions of good-paying manufacturing jobs across the country, including in my home State of Connecticut. My amendment would restore $15 million to the Advanced Manufacturing Office in fiscal year 2019. The Department of Energy's Advanced Manufacturing Office is the only technology development office in the Federal Government that is dedicated to enhancing American manufacturing competitiveness. Unfortunately, the appropriations bill before us here today cuts funding to the Advanced Manufacturing Office by $45 million from the FY18 enacted levels. That is a mistake. One of the vital programs funded through the Advanced Manufacturing Office is the Industrial Assessment Centers program. Industrial Assessment Centers are located across the United States and provide companies with the tools they need to promote energy efficiency. A couple of years ago, I visited Forum Plastics, a plastic molding company in Waterbury, Connecticut. Forum Plastics had recently partnered with our regional Industrial Assessment Center at the University of Massachusetts to carry out an audit of Forum Plastics' energy costs and energy efficiency. That audit showed the small company ways they could save energy, reduce waste, and see cost savings. In fact, the audit helped Forum Plastics develop more energy-efficient processes, which resulted in a cost savings of nearly $25,000 the very next year. For small and medium-size companies like Forum Plastics, savings like this are real. They free up budgets to hire more employees, carry out systems and equipment upgrades, and expand their facilities. We know that much of America's innovation comes from exactly these sort of small and medium-size companies that the Advanced Manufacturing Office is designed to help. These companies are not able to afford high-priced consultants or systems analysts but benefit greatly from the analyses that the Industrial Assessment Centers offer. This helps create jobs in our communities, helps support American competitiveness, and ensures that taxpayer dollars support smaller manufacturers that are the backbone of so many of our communities. Mr. Chair, I urge support of my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate Chairman Simpson's and Ranking Member Kaptur's support for the Advanced Manufacturing Office, and I look forward to working with both of them in the future to increase funding for these important programs for fiscal year 2019. Therefore, I will withdraw my amendment to restore $15 million to the Advanced Manufacturing Office in fiscal year 2019. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. Chair, I withdraw my amendment.