Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Bloomfield College located in the Township of Bloomfield, New Jersey, on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary. For 150 years, Bloomfield College has been helping students write their own stories. With its beginnings as the German Theological School founded by the Presbytery of Newark in 1868, the College has evolved to become one of New Jersey's best private colleges, serving a diverse population and preparing students for success in a multicultural and global society. Originally located on the grounds of First German Presbyterian Church in Newark, New Jersey, the school moved to the former Bloomfield Academy on Franklin Street in Bloomfield in 1872, which was renamed Seibert Hall in honor of the school's first president, Reverend George Seibert. The hall served as a dormitory, classrooms, faculty housing, and library. In 1909, the New Jersey Legislature authorized the school to grant the Bachelor of Arts degree in addition to a Bachelor of Divinity. In 1913, the German Theological Seminary changed its name to Bloomfield Theological Seminary. Over the years, as the local population began to reflect greater diversity, students came to the college not only to study theology, but to gain a solid liberal arts education. In post-World War I years, the college received approval for a four-year program and the school's name was again changed to Bloomfield College and Seminary. In 1961, the school simply became known as Bloomfield College. Today, Bloomfield College is on the cutting edge of innovation in higher education, offering over 60 majors and concentrations in seven academic divisions. Bloomfield is an institution where over 2,000 bold and courageous students from all corners of the globe can come to find themselves. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in congratulating Bloomfield College, on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad located in the Township of Wayne, New Jersey, on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary. Born out of necessity, the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad has grown over the past seven decades to become an efficient, well- operated organization that responds to over five thousand calls each year. Back in 1942, Wayne suffered the loss of eight lives during the bitterly cold week of February 8-14. At that time, there was no local first aid squad, and ambulance services were provided by neighboring units in Pompton Lakes, Little Falls, and Cedar Grove, as well as by Paterson hospitals. Seeing the need to have a squad within the township, a group of concerned citizens took it upon themselves to establish a local ambulance corps, which became a reality one year later. In 1943, the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad was officially formed, and the first call was responded to on September 1, 1944. The original headquarters was located on Oak Street on the property of Captain William Taylor, the first president of the squad. During the early years, Wayne also responded to calls in half of Totowa and all of Lincoln Park, until these communities developed squads of their own. The headquarters moved in 1950 to Boonton Road, now Mountainview Boulevard, on a site currently occupied by American Legion Post No. 174 before eventually moving to the Mountain View building on Taylor Drive. As Wayne Township continued to expand, a second building was added on Hamburg Turnpike, giving the township two facilities at opposite ends of town. An addition of bay areas to the Hamburg Turnpike facility took place in 1992, and proved to be of great value, especially after fire destroyed the Mountain View building and all equipment had to be moved and stored. The first ambulance for the Wayne squad was a 1942 recycled Buick hearse, which was obtained from Chicago. In 1954, a 1952 Cadillac became the second ambulance for the corps, and the original Buick was replaced by another Cadillac. The first two rescue vehicles were a Jeep wagon and a Chevrolet truck, which could transport personnel and equipment but could not carry patients from an accident site. This problem was solved with the addition of a Multi-Carry Rescue (MCR) vehicle in the early 1970's, and later by a rescue truck with a custom- designed box on a Ford diesel chassis obtained in 1987. The organization that started out with only a handful of people has now grown to over 80 trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). All members receive this type of training, and may also complete courses with the State Police in heavy rescue work. The establishing of the Youth Squad in 1973 allowed youngsters 16 to 18 years of age to serve in an auxiliary capacity, and many went on to become members of the squad. Now known as the Cadet Corps, active members are still being sought. The Squad has come a long way in the more than sixty-five years since the original ``hearse'' responded to its first call. Modern equipment, consisting of five modular ambulances and a state of the art rescue truck, highly-trained volunteers, and efficient communication systems, provide Wayne and surrounding municipalities and the County of Passaic, with the finest service by men and women who give much time and effort to serve others. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in congratulating the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad, on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bethel Church of Morristown located in the Town of Morristown, New Jersey, on the occasion of its 175th Anniversary. In 1841, several families left the Presbyterian Church of Morristown to form the Bethel Mite Society, which was later incorporated as Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Morristown in 1843. Bethel's first Pastor was Bishop Willis Nazery, who was born a slave in 1803 in Isle of Wight County in Virginia. For eight years the congregation met in each other's homes until funds were raised to construct the Carpenter Gothic church on Spring Street in 1849. Bethel's first building was dedicated with Bishop Paul Quinn officiating, assisted by Pastor Thomas Oliver. Bethel served as the only school for Colored and Native American children in Morris County and needed to expand its facilities. In 1874, a new lot on Spring Street was purchased from John R. and Cornelia Piper for the sum of $2,000. A new church was constructed at an estimated cost of $3,000. Gifts from Mrs. Mary Anne Cobb of pews, doors and windows from the old Methodist Church, on the Morristown Green, helped in this great work. The existing house on the lot was moved next door and used as a parsonage. The church remained in that building for nearly 100 years. Under the leadership of Pastor A. Lewis Williams, a ground breaking ceremony was held for a new church on August 12, 1967. The congregation worshipped in the Lafayette School auditorium for two and one half years until the construction of the church was completed. After numerous setbacks and financial difficulties, the present church was completed and dedicated November 8, 1970. Rev. A. Lewis Williams subsequently served as the Editor of the Christian Recorder from 1973 to 1976. In 2010, Pastor Sidney Williams became the 51st pastor in the church's history. Prior to that, he served as a missionary with his family in Cape Town, South Africa. The church was not having the impact on the community that its members desired. To increase the impact on the community, Pastor Sidney Williams, with his wife Teresa, and the leadership team of Bethel discerned a new vision for community outreach, spiritual growth and evangelism. The church became more ``community oriented'' to serve both believers and unbelievers. Bethel Church was also working to transition from a small family church to a growing church with decentralized ministries, focusing on newcomers, small groups, and discipleship. The goal was to give people biblical truths that helped them Live the Mission. In 2014, Bethel Church introduced a set of core values: prayer, love, and respect. These ideals serve to inspire Bethel Members to make its congregation the most loving and spirit filled congregation in the world. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in congratulating the Bethel Church of Morristown, on the occasion of its 175th Anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department located in the Borough of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. The Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department (MLJFD) was first established in 1941 to supplement manpower during World War II. It was disbanded in 1945 and reestablished in 1968 and has been a strong force in the community ever since. The department is made up of high school students ranging from 16-18 years in age. Currently there are 22 members serving in the junior department, with an active waiting list. The juniors receive much of the same training as the senior members. The juniors drill two to three Sundays a month and they also attend monthly senior drills and meetings. The junior department currently has four officers: chief, deputy chief, and two captains. The officers are appointed by the senior advisors for a one year term. The junior officers are responsible for the supervision of the other junior members at drills, fires and other emergencies. The department presents an annual service award to three graduating seniors who have served in the junior fire department. The award is named in memory of two long time Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department members, James Bott Sr. and his son, Robert. The criterion for the award is based on attendance at drills, fire calls and other department activities. The awards are presented annually at the Mountain Lakes High School moving up day ceremony. The department also voted to name a special award in memory of Firefighter Thomas Taylor. Tom was a long time resident of Mountain Lakes and served in the department for 53 years. The recipient of the award will be a member of the junior department and selected by the junior board of officers. On March 25, 2003, a ceremony was held for the Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department for placing first in the 2002 Junior Emergency Service Excellence Award sponsored by Volunteer Fire Insurance Service. Hundreds of applications were received from junior fire departments and junior ambulance squads from across the country. The juniors received a $1,000 check, a plaque and were listed as the recipient of the award in national fire publications. The Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department serves as a model for other departments. The department has been integral in establishing other junior fire departments in Morris, Passaic, Essex, and Sussex counties. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in congratulating the Mountain Lakes Junior Fire Department, on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 47) directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 6157, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the remainder of my time. Mr. Speaker, I just want to correct the record. I introduced Judge Carter as the chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee. I want to acknowledge his former chairmanship of that committee and his able leadership of the Military Construction Subcommittee. And also I forgot to recognize my personal staff, Katie Hazlett, and the wonderful people in my office--which is I think true of all of our offices--that make us look as good as they possibly can. And lastly, as we gather here this afternoon, we recognize that so many young men and women are serving around the world, leaving their families on multiple deployments. We honor their service and sacrifice. They are truly doing the work of freedom. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter), the chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from California.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), the chairman of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), chairman of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, my predecessor.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I yield the gentleman from Oklahoma an additional 15 seconds.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield the gentleman from Oklahoma an additional 1 minute.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Granger), the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Defense.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor this afternoon to present the conference report for H.R. 6157. This conference report provides full-year funding for the Department of Defense and for the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. It also includes a continuing resolution through December 7, 2018, for Federal Government programs and agencies not covered by the enacted appropriations legislation. Congress has no greater duty than to provide for our common defense. This legislation fulfills this constitutional responsibility. The Department of Defense is now set to receive its full funding on time for the first time in over 10 years. Providing this stability and predictability to our military leaders is a necessary and welcome step as we rebuild our Armed Forces. For far too long, their dedication to duty has been weakened by declining and uncertain budgets. Congress has turned that around, beginning with significant investments in last year's omnibus and continuing this year with an additional $17 billion in base funding for the Department of Defense. In total, the conference report provides $674.4 billion for our Armed Forces, consistent with levels that are authorized. This funding ensures our troops have the resources they need to defend our Nation and succeed in their global missions. This includes funding to sustain ongoing overseas contingency operations and to support increased troop levels. It also ensures our warfighters have the training, readiness, and other resources needed to prepare for their missions, and a pay raise of 2.6 percent. This conference report also replenishes our military might, investing $148 billion in new and modernized equipment and weapons platforms and $96.1 billion for research and development to improve the lethality, effectiveness, and safety of our defense systems. In addition to this critical funding for our national defense, this legislation also includes funding for vital domestic programs. The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill provides $178 billion for programs that protect the health, education, and labor standards that all Americans deserve. Funding is directed to programs that have wide national benefit, in particular, the National Institutes of Health, which receives a $2 billion increase to bolster its lifesaving research. Notably, funding to fight the opioid abuse epidemic receives historic funding levels, totalling $6.6 billion. This will support treatment, prevention, research, and other efforts to end this national crisis. Another top priority is increased funding to keep our children safe in schools. This includes funding for mental health and other protective measures. Lastly, the Labor-HHS bill invests in our future, creating economic opportunity and helping students get ahead and be part of a well- trained 21st century workforce. In addition to these two appropriations bills I mentioned earlier, the conference report includes a continuing resolution through the remaining areas of the Federal Government not covered by this or previous bills that have already been signed into law. This will ensure that the government, indeed, stays open for business. Upon enactment of this legislation, Congress will have provided full- year funding for three-quarters of the Federal Government, but there is more work to be done on the remaining appropriations bills. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is yet another step forward to our goal of returning to what we call regular order and fully funding the Federal Government for the fiscal year. It is a product of months of hard work on the part of our conference committee, led by Chairwoman Kay Granger and Chairman Tom Cole, along with Ranking Member Peter Visclosky and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro. I thank them, of course, and I especially thank my counterpart, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), my ranking member, who has worked with me through this process as well as earlier bills. We have had a friendship for well over 20 years of service jointly on the Appropriations Committee. And, yes, I thank our Senate counterparts for helping us complete this work as well. This conference report would not be on the floor today without the Appropriations Committee's dedicated professional and associate staff. I extend to all of them my deepest gratitude for their dedication, service, and hard work. In the front office, as we call it, Nancy Fox, my staff director; Maureen Holohan; Shannon O'Keefe; Jason Gray; Tammy Hughes; Rachel Kahler; Jennifer Hing; Marta Hernandez; Parker Van de Water; and Tom Doelp; and in working closely with us in the minority, Shalanda Young and Chris Bigelow, and others. I am grateful to all these men and women for their professionalism and dedication. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the conference report, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1077, I call up the conference report on the bill (H.R. 6157) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 302. Hurricane Florence struck North and South Carolina last week, leading to the loss of many lives and incredible hardship for thousands of families. This Chamber's thoughts are with those devastated by the storm, particularly those who lost their homes, their livelihoods, and their loved ones. My thanks to the House Appropriations Committee's chairs, especially their dedicated appropriations staff for their quick action to provide this initial supplemental appropriation of $1.68 billion included in this legislative package. They did the same good job on behalf of the residents of the Carolinas as they did for the victims of Harvey, Irene, and Maria, whose issues and crises we addressed last year. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the bill in all aspects.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Borough of Wanaque located in the County of Passaic, New Jersey, on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary. The original occupants of Passaic County were the Lenape Indians, who were attracted to the land for its diverse natural resources and abundance of freshwater sources, which they utilized for fishing, hunting, and navigation. Wanaque is the name given to the valley by the Lenape and has been translated as ``valley of sassafras.'' In 1697, Dutch settlers began to settle within the region and included such families as the Beams, Sloats, Van Dines, Vreelands, Van Wagoners, Ryersons, and many others. Like the Native Americans, they were drawn to the region for its natural resources, and they established settlements along the Passaic River, which was navigable to Manhattan and was used as a trade route until the incorporation of the Erie Railroad in 1836. The growth of industry in Passaic County was directly connected to the presence of its rich natural resources. The activities of the early Dutch settlers centered on farming. Sheep were also raised and their wool was spun and woven into cloth. Timber was cut from the surrounding forest and hauled to newly constructed sawmills and gristmills to be made into lumber for houses. The Boroughs of Wanaque and Ringwood were originally part of Pompton Township, a since defunct township. Pompton Township was originally formed in 1797, from portions of Saddle River Township and Franklin Township in Bergen County, and incorporated on February 21, 1798. When Passaic County was formed in 1837 it included Pompton Township. The borough of Pompton Lakes was formed in 1895 and was the first municipality to split from the township. The township was divided on February 23, 1918, into the three boroughs of Bloomingdale, Ringwood, and Wanaque, with the remaining portion passing to Pompton Lakes. This ultimately ended the existence of Pompton Township. The early settlements in the Wanaque Valley were induced by the presence of rich mines of iron ore discovered in the early part of the 18th Century. For this reason, Ringwood has been referred to as the birthplace of the American iron industry. Cornelius Board, a Welsh miner who entered the Wanaque Valley in 1737, may have been the first to mine ore in the area. In 1740, he built a forge along the Ringwood River (the present-day Wanaque River), which marked the beginning of the Ringwood Iron Works. Later that year the Ogden family bought property from Board, built their first iron furnace, and established the Ringwood Company. The forests provided wood for the manufacture of charcoal, which was in turn sold to the iron mines. After 1763, a dozen highly productive mines were opened in the area, and many forges and furnaces were located throughout the Wanaque Valley. Peter Hasenclever acquired the property for the London Company and made improvements to enlarge the ironworks. He added needed acreage around Ringwood and Long Pond and constructed a dam on Tuxedo Pond to provide waterpower. Hasenclever established Ringwood Manor as an iron plantation and imported over 500 mine workers from Germany and Britain. After a series of changing property owners, the iron mines were expanded during the mid-19th Century. However, the iron industry in Ringwood did not continue for very long; by 1880, the iron ore from the region was being replaced by ores from the Mesabi Range in Minnesota. The growing railroad network across the country enabled the transport of ores from elsewhere in the country, and the market for locally available ores diminished. By 1893 iron production at Ringwood ceased, and the facility closed its doors. In the late 1800s, the Wanaque Valley had turned further toward industrialization, and before the century's close, four blacksmith shops, a feed mill, a grist mill, a tannery, and a bobbin factory were located there. A paper industry was established in Borough of Wanaque, and the grist mill, which stood near the present location of the Wanaque Dam, became the Wanaque River Paper Company in 1892. The paper mill was owned by local resident Robert D. Carter who employed many of the area's residents. In the 1920s the Wanaque River Paper Company was lost to the impending construction of the Wanaque Reservoir. Another major industry in the Wanaque Valley prior to the reservoir's construction was the production of gunpowder. The American Smokeless Powder Works was established in the Borough of Wanaque in 1894 through 1895 with Laflin and Rand Powder taking over the company several years later. The DuPont Company soon acquired the explosives plant and became a major employer in the community. During World War I, over 7,500 were employed at the explosives plant, and a section of the community, known as Haskell, became a company town, housing DuPont employees and their families. Although the DuPont Company was a major employer of Wanaque and Ringwood prior to and during World War I, by 1926 the company ceased operations because of the impending reservoir construction project, and a major employer was lost from the community. The first railroad into the Wanaque Valley area was begun in 1865, and the first station was established at the Ringwood Avenue crossing. In 1872, Midvale was listed as a stop on the Montclair Railroad, and by the time the railroad was operated by the New York and Greenwood Lake Railway, there were two stations in Wanaque--one in Midvale and one in Haskell. The New York and Greenwood Lake Railroad was responsible for bringing many new settlers to the Wanaque area, and excursion trails carried passengers to Greenwood Lake from Jersey City. The construction of the Wanaque Reservoir had a profound impact on the Boroughs of Wanaque and Ringwood and its residents. To provide the necessary space needed to create such a massive structure, many homes and businesses were demolished. The loss of the DuPont plant and the paper mill in Wanaque, which provided major sources of employment for residents in the area, left hundreds of residents unemployed through the Depression years of 1929 through 1939. However, the onset of World War II brought an improved economy, and after the war, Wanaque and Ringwood experienced a construction boom of housing and public buildings. Today, the Borough includes neighborhoods known as Wanaque and Haskell, each of which has their own ZIP code and is served by their own separate post office. As of the United States 2013 Census, the borough population was 11,208. Wanaque is a close knit family community, with an outstanding school system, library, many recreation programs, and a beautiful, new municipal building. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in congratulating the Borough of Wanaque, on the occasion of its Centennial Anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 46) directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 5895, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.