Frank Guinta

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. I rise in support of the gentlewoman from Utah's bill that would allow more small bank holding companies to raise the necessary capital to better serve not only their customers, but their communities. H.R. 3791 would raise the consolidated asset threshold from the Federal Reserve small banking holding company policy statement from $1 billion to $5 billion. By simply raising this asset threshold, more institutions would be able to qualify for coverage under the policy statement and be exempt from the ongoing burdensome regulatory guidelines. My home State of New Hampshire is chock-full of community banks and community-based financial institutions, and having a higher threshold would help more community banks in my State and others across the country meet their higher capital requirements under Basel III. I appreciate this commonsense approach that the gentlewoman from Utah is taking, and I appreciate her leadership because just in my State, we have had a 20 percent reduction of community banks. That means the average individual who is looking for an additional loan, whether it is personal or to start a new business, they can't get access to that capital. That is hurting the very people that the other side tries to claim to support. Just last week I heard about a woman who recently was divorced, had two kids, and is a nurse. She was looking for a mortgage to start her new life again. She was denied because of these burdensome regulations. That should not be the intent in this country. We should be able to help those individuals who are trying to succeed, create a better life, give their children opportunity. H.R. 3791 does just that. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the bill. I, again, thank the gentlewoman from Utah for her leadership.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations to Mr. Andy Crews for being named Citizen of the Year by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Andy's impact on the Queen City is immeasurable. During his time with the AutoFair Automotive Group he has personally lent public and financial support to numerous organizations such as New Horizons, the Manchester Boys & Girls Club, the Manchester Animal Shelter, Veterans Count and of course the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. This involvement, in addition to the time he spends working with both high school and college students teaching valuable life lessons, exemplifies his commitment to education and generous spirit. Andy's input has always been greatly valued. His service to his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps and his service to his community serves as a great example for others to get involved and stay engaged in assisting those in need of a helping hand. It is with great pleasure that I recognize Andy for all that he's done to improve the lives of people throughout the Granite State, and wish him the best on all of his future endeavors.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the connection between drug and human trafficking at the southwest border, where Mexican cartels control both. Last week I traveled to Texas and New Mexico to learn more about this connection. The President's disregard of our immigration laws is encouraging people to risk their lives to enter the United States, enriching the same cartels that smuggle deadly heroin. Last year in New Hampshire, my home State, more than 400 Granite Staters died of a heroin or opiate overdose. There were nearly 50,000 in the United States last year. That number is, unfortunately, trending upward, despite the best efforts of law enforcement. Border Patrol agents report that cartels are forcing illegal immigrants to carry heroin in exchange for protection. Sanctuary cities serve as way stations in this drug trade. A secure border is a humane border. The Southwest Border Security Threat Assessment Act would compel Homeland Security to develop a better plan. Border agents need more support, as do police, across New Hampshire and this country, working to keep drugs off of our streets. Enforcing interior immigration laws would be an excellent first step.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire. I am pleased to join previous volunteers, mentors, program participants and supporters of the program to recognize the commitment and hard work the ``Bigs'' have made in the lives of the ``Littles'' they have impacted in the Granite State over the past 50 years. The belief of Big Brothers Big Sisters is very simple. They believe that every child has the ability to succeed in life, and for some it takes the extra guidance of a mentor to help them on their way to success. Their mission is more difficult as we sadly know that many children come from difficult situations, single parent households, or have challenges in learning and socializing unlike other kids their age. The ``Bigs,'' or adult mentors, become a consistent presence in the lives of their ``Littles'' and help lend structure, support and confidence to these kids in their everyday lives. Many kids who have come up through Big Brothers Big Sisters have given testimony over the years that they wouldn't be where they are today were it not for the help and support of their Big Brother or Big Sister, and I thank these men and women for taking time out of their lives to help support the children of our great state. I am proud to join with my fellow Granite Staters in recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire, and wish them all the best in their future years.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a New Hampshire hero. Conway's Steven Steiner, an emergency medical technician, has devoted his life to helping others. Off duty in Manchester one day, he noticed a commotion. A car had stopped in traffic. Steven saw that the man behind the wheel had lost consciousness. He pulled the man from his car and successfully administered CPR, not once, but twice, after the man lost consciousness a second time. He had overdosed, unfortunately, on heroin. Steven, who lost his own son to an OxyContin overdose, saved that man's life. ABC News happened to be there to document New Hampshire's fight against opiates and heroin, capturing the life-or-death moment. Steven is a credit to the Granite State. He started Dads and Moms Against Drug Dealers to stop the spread of opiates and heroin in our great State of New Hampshire. Most heroin enters our country across the southern border, where I will visit this April to investigate. As Steven knows from experience, we must stop deadly drugs like heroin from entering our country, just as we must help those who are struggling with this addiction.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Merrimack High School graduate Ashley Guindon, a police officer who lost her life in the line of duty on February 27, 2016. Ashley grew up in New Hampshire in the First Congressional District. Following in her father's footsteps, she joined the Marine Corps Reserve, winning the National Defense Service Medal and Marine Corps Reserve Medal. Her love of public service brought her back to the nation's capital, where she gained a forensic science degree. She graduated from the Prince William County, Virginia, police academy last year and served her first day on the job on February 27th. That same night, her compassion for others drew her into a deadly situation, which cost Ashley her young life. A suspect shot two more officers and fatally wounded another victim. Merrimack, New Hampshire, where Ashley's family still lives, mourns her loss. It takes a remarkable individual like Ashley Guindon to risk their life daily to keep us safe and protect us from harm. So let us take a moment today and pause, reflect, and celebrate the life and valor of Officer Guindon. She died trying to protect her fellow citizens and we will all miss her contributions.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences and sympathy to the family of Jim Watson of Bedford, New Hampshire. Mr. Watson served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He later started his own business in 1981, Watson Insurance Agency, and remained a well-known and respected businessman in New Hampshire until his retirement in 2011. Jim continued to stay engaged in causes in the community after his retirement, such as the Boy Scouts of America, and was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and active in local party politics. I know that Jim will be best remembered for his kindness and willingness to help others in the community. New Hampshire lost a true friend to the community and we will forever be grateful for his hard work and many contributions over the years.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences and sympathy to the family of Keith Bryar of Moultonborough, New Hampshire. Mr. Bryar was an active member of the Lakes Region community where he was born and raised. After spending time in Alaska to gain experience in the construction industry, he returned to New Hampshire to start his own business, Bryar Enterprises, which he owned and operated for thirty years. During this time he was an active member of the community and became known for his professionalism and strong work ethic. Keith's other passion in life, following his great love for his family, was his involvement in racing sled dogs, a tradition he carried on from his parents. His love of sled dogs and racing them pushed him to compete across the U.S. and Canada, earning him many titles along the way and the respect of many involved in the sport. New Hampshire and the Lakes Region lost a true friend, and we will forever be grateful for his hard work and commitment to the community he held so dear.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my congratulations to Reverend Francis Crandall in celebration of his reaching his 100th birthday. As he reflects on the great memories and milestones that have highlighted the past hundred years, I know he will think fondly on all that he's accomplished and the positive impact he's had on his family and the communities he's served in New Hampshire. In addition to his fine work in ministry, Reverend Crandall has been a staunch advocate for feeding homeless and needy children around the world, and created the International Concern for Children Foundation (ICCF) to help raise awareness and much needed funds for children at orphanages in thirteen countries. Rev. Crandall's care for others and focus on helping those most in need has created a strong legacy that will not soon be forgotten. It is with great admiration that I congratulate him on achieving this wonderful milestone, and wish him the best in all future endeavors.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Granite State hero and fallen state police officer Lt. James Geraghty of Bedford, New Hampshire. On February 27, 2016, the State of New Hampshire lost a true Granite State hero when Lt. Geraghty succumbed to cancer. During this time of great sadness, we remember and celebrate the life of not only a tremendous police officer, but also a father, husband and friend. Geraghty devoted his life to protecting our families and our communities through his military service with the U.S. Army, and his time as a police officer in the Town of Hudson before joining the New Hampshire State Police. As his family, friends, neighbors and fellow police officers knew, Geraghty was really one of a kind. The dedication and compassion he demonstrated during his years of service are not--and will not--be forgotten. It takes a remarkable individual like James Geraghty to risk their life daily to keep us safe and protect us from harm. So let us take a moment today and pause, reflect, and celebrate the life and valor of Lt. Geraghty. He put his life on the line to protect the Granite State, and we are forever grateful.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor New Hampshire State Representative Robert Luther of Laconia, New Hampshire. On February 20, 2016, the State of New Hampshire lost a true public servant with Robert's passing. During this time of great sadness, we remember and celebrate the life of not only a dedicated law enforcement officer and legislator, but also a father, husband and friend. Representative Luther devoted his life to serving our communities and protecting our families, first as a member of the U.S. Navy from 1965-1968, then as a police officer and security officer in the Laconia area from 1973-2009. A devoted public servant, he stayed engaged in local and state issues, serving as a member of the Laconia City Council and most recently as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. As his family, friends, neighbors and all who knew Robert would say, he was really one of a kind. The dedication and compassion he demonstrated during his years of service are not--and will not--be forgotten. So let us take a moment today and pause, reflect, and celebrate the life of Representative Robert Luther.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will begin charging New England fishermen new fees--$710 per fishing trip, to be exact--that could destroy an historic industry. Granite State fishermen--just 10 remaining boat operators--are already struggling under regulations that severely limit their catch. Now fishermen like David Goethel will also be responsible for the cost of Federal contractors who monitor them at sea. NOAA has always paid these associated costs. The agency has delayed implementation of new fees several times over the years, but somehow NOAA has always found the extra money in its $6 billion budget. In my letter to the chief administrator, I asked where the money is going, and the agency can't account for much of it, nor can they appreciate nor understand the economic impact of its regulations. The gentleman from Maine (Mr. Poliquin) and I introduced legislation to stop NOAA's new fees. An historic way of life and good jobs up and down the New England coast are at stake. I ask for your help.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my congratulations to Lt. Bob Irish on his retirement after 38 years with the Exeter Fire Department, and 36 years as a fire instructor at the NH Fire Academy. Lt. Irish's continuous progression within the Exeter Fire Department and the NH Fire Academy during his time exemplifies his intelligence, positive attitude, and commitment to protecting and serving his community with the utmost professionalism. Although Lt. Irish will now shift his focus from serving his community to spending more time with his five grandchildren, it's clear he leaves an example of strong leadership and compassion for others to emulate in his wake. It is with great admiration that I congratulate Lt. Irish on his retirement, and wish him the best on all future endeavors.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the Laconia, New Hampshire, Police Department helping combat our State's growing heroin epidemic. Even in picturesque communities like Laconia, New Hampshire's Lakes Region, heroin abuse is afflicting everyone from kids to adults. Laconia is taking a new approach to the problem, however. In addition to locking up drug dealers, the Laconia Police Department named former undercover officer Eric Adams as a prevention and treatment coordinator. In his new job, Officer Adams builds relationships with heroin users, often at their most vulnerable moments, convincing them to seek treatment. Sometimes his cell phone rings in the middle of the night. A desperate caller pleads with Eric for help. He arrives with compassion and information. Just last year, he helped 78 Granite Staters seek treatment. In Congress, members of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic are working to direct more resources to innovative programs like Laconia's. The Laconia Police Department is providing a model for others and saving lives.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my congratulations to Charles Woollett in celebration of his upcoming 100th birthday on March 12, 2016. As he reflects on the great memories that have highlighted the past hundred years, and his life with his wife Lucille and daughters Ruth and Mary, I know he will think fondly on all that he's accomplished. As a resident of the Town of Alton, and a member of the United States Army during World War II, he has had a positive impact on both New Hampshire and the United States of America, and I thank him for his service to his community and our great country. It is with great admiration that I congratulate Mr. Woollett on achieving this wonderful milestone, and wish him the best on all future endeavors.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences and sympathy to the family of Captain Bill McDonough. Captain McDonough was a former commander of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, having served as its commander from 1974-1979 when he retired from the U.S. Navy. In the Granite State, Bill was most commonly known as the Washington representative to the Seacoast Shipyard Association (SSA), a post he assumed in 1991. During many attempts by the Department of Defense to close the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Process, in his role with the SSA Bill led the charge in support of keeping this important base open. He worked with current and former shipyard employees to highlight the important work done on the shipyard in support of the Navy's fleet of submarines. His expertise was sought after by many Members of Congress over the years who looked to Bill for his on the ground knowledge of the shipyard and its workers, and through these joint efforts and under Bill's strong leadership we were able to save our beloved shipyard from closure. New Hampshire and the shipyard lost a true friend to the community and we will forever be grateful for his hard work and love of the community he held so dear.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of National Court Reporting and Captioning Week, which is taking place next week. Court reporters and captioners are highly specialized professionals who record our most important public events and provide vital closed- captioning services to nearly 48 million Americans. My own parents met in court reporting school and went on to start a small, successful business. The training is rigorous. Certification requires one's ability to type at a rate of 225 words per minutes. A court reporter is transcribing this very moment in Congress. The New Hampshire Court Reporters Association recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, but the profession's history in the United States extends much further. Because of court reporters, we have an accurate record of the first days of our country as our Founding Fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. I would like to thank court reporters and captioners for their service, enabling public participation in our democracy--a cornerstone of representative government in the United States.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my congratulations to Douglas Heuser on his retirement from the SEE Science Center after 32 years, and thank him for the outstanding work he did during his career. Mr. Heuser's commitment to promoting and instilling a love of science in people across the Granite state has been a critical aspect of his dedication to education. Under Mr. Heuser's leadership, the SEE Science Center has grown from a staff of one to a staff of 23 and the center has grown from 4,500 square feet to 45,000. This expansion exemplifies Mr. Heuser's outstanding management abilities and successful marketing techniques. The creativity, knowledge and experience Mr. Heuser brought to New Hampshire during his time at the SEE Science Center has been invaluable, and it's clear he leaves an example of strong leadership for others to emulate in his wake. It is with great admiration that I congratulate Mr. Heuser on his retirement, and wish him the best on all future endeavors.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Buchenauer of Manchester, New Hampshire for recently celebrating their 65th anniversary. After 65 years of marriage, I applaud their dedication and commitment to one another. It's clear they have both been exemplary members of our community, and I wish them the best in all future endeavors.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Granite State hero and fallen police officer Matthew Moore of Hampstead, New Hampshire. On January 23, 2016, the State of New Hampshire lost a true Granite State hero. During this time of great sadness, we remember and celebrate the life of not only a tremendous police officer, but also a father, husband and friend. Moore devoted his life to protecting our families and our communities through his military service as a Marine, and his time as a police officer in the towns of Pelham, Sandown and Hampstead. As his family, friends, neighbors and fellow police officers knew, Moore was really one of a kind. The dedication and compassion he demonstrated during his years of service are not--and will not--be forgotten. It takes a remarkable individual like Matthew Moore to risk their life daily to keep us safe and protect us from harm. So let us take a moment today and pause, reflect, and celebrate the life and valor of Officer Moore. He put his life on the line to protect the Granite State, and we are forever grateful.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my congratulations to Sgt. Steven Henderson on his retirement after 30 years of service with the Hampton Police Department, and thank him for the outstanding work he did during his career. Sgt. Henderson's continuous progression within the law enforcement ranks during his time exemplifies his intelligence, positive attitude, and commitment to protecting and serving his community with the utmost professionalism. It's clear that Sgt. Henderson leaves an example of strong leadership and compassion for others to emulate in his wake. It is with great admiration that I congratulate Sgt. Henderson on his retirement, and wish him the best on all future endeavors.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. I thank the chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3762 and in support of overriding the President's veto of this very important bill. The Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act repeals some of the most egregious and harmful aspects of ObamaCare: the individual mandate, the employer mandate, the medical device tax, and especially the Cadillac tax--a 40 percent excise tax on certain employer health benefits. In the coming years, the Cadillac tax will be responsible for employees from local governments, small businesses and large, nonprofits, and colleges-universities losing their access to high- quality, affordable health care. This is unacceptable for my home State of New Hampshire--people who want patient-centered health care and options for themselves, their families, not higher premiums, higher deductibles, and fewer doctors. That is why it is so important to override this veto today. The House and Senate have worked hard in giving American families and small- business owners better care, better options, and greater affordability. We need to continue that approach and ensure that patient-centered health care is at the center of what America stands for. As a new member of the Budget Committee, I thank my chairman for giving me the opportunity to speak today, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to speak in support of H.R. 3700, the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act, sponsored by Representatives Luetkemeyer and Cleaver. This extremely bipartisan bill makes a number of critical reforms to our Federal housing programs. These programs will streamline processes and create much-needed efficiencies for government and, most importantly, our consumers. I am happy to see the bill moving so quickly because it will solve a number of problems low-income Americans continue to face in acquiring safe and affordable housing. This legislation would make commonsense changes to the Department of Housing and Urban Development in order to lighten administrative burdens for housing agencies and owners to assist low-income individuals and families to live in greater dignity. It is very encouraging to see the bipartisan work that has been done on this bill. I commend both Chairman Luetkemeyer and Ranking Member Cleaver of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee. I thank Chairman Luetkemeyer for allowing me to speak on this bill. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 3700.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize selfless Granite Staters, helping our State cope with the deadly heroin epidemic. Last month, in Rochester, I visited Hope on Haven Hill. Kerry Norton and Colene Arnold founded the charity to help pregnant New Hampshire mothers recover from heroin addiction and improve the health of their newborns. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome--newborn babies addicted to drugs--is growing at a fast rate as heroin abuse spreads across our country. There were over 27,000 NAS cases in 2014, up from 5,000 just a decade earlier. Babies with NAS suffer from painful withdrawal. Treatment centers like Hope on Haven Hill are helping to prevent the worst kind. Another place in Manchester, New Hampshire, Hope for New Hampshire Recovery, will also open. Melissa Crews and Dick Anagnost, cofounders of Hope for New Hampshire Recovery, are donating their time and energy to supply our State with more treatment options as Federal, State, and local governments develop better solutions. In Congress we created the bipartisan task force to combat the heroin epidemic to help develop these types of solutions, and I praise these individuals for their selflessness.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join bipartisan Members, Republicans and Democrats from around the country, to talk about heroin use, an increasingly deadly public health crisis. I welcome Kriss and Mark from New Hampshire, who are here today to honor the life of Mark's daughter. A special thank-you to Congresswoman Ann Kuster, my fellow Granite Stater and partner on our Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic. We formed this task force last year to bring attention to opiate addiction and overdose spreading nationwide. Now over 40 House Members have joined our task force and this cause. We aim to inform not just members of the public, but the Nation about the tragedies and the challenges that face our families, our communities, our States, our loved ones, and our friends. We are here not just to combat this epidemic, but bring solutions not just to this body, but to every area of the Nation. Congresswoman Kuster and I have held a roundtable with addiction and law enforcement experts in Concord, New Hampshire, our home State. We held a subsequent policy briefing in Washington, D.C., featuring officials from the Drug Enforcement Agency, Centers for Disease Control, and other Federal agencies. They are providing a fuller picture of the scope of the problem, which in New Hampshire has claimed 400 lives in 2015. To put that figure in perspective, 1 out of every 3,000 people have died of a heroin overdose just last year. The CDC reports that, nationally, overdose deaths have tripled over the last 10 years. These numbers, unfortunately, are likely to rise. But numbers don't tell the whole story. To truly illustrate the dangers of heroin use, we need to hear from fathers like Doug Griffin of Newton in New Hampshire's First Congressional District. At a forum yesterday in Manchester, New Hampshire, where I proudly served as mayor, he told the audience about his daughter Courtney, who fell victim to heroin at just 20 years young. Doug remembers his daughter as an exuberant young girl who had a great sense of humor and a passion for life until a mix of prescription pills, fentanyl, and street heroin ensnared Courtney--like millions of other Americans--in a fatal web of addiction. Before the drugs overcame her, she played music and she loved s'mores. She wanted to be a marine and trained for it. But just 3 years later, Courtney was lost on the streets, in and out of rehab facilities. She no longer had the will to live. Because Courtney's situation was so dire, because it seemed like they had so few options, Doug said he and his family hid the truth from the outside world. Bravely, Doug is now telling everyone he knows about the warning signs of heroin addiction and deficiencies in our public response. Tonight is about telling the truth in order to build momentum towards better solutions. It is about putting political disagreements aside, because the heroin epidemic crosses party lines. It crosses every congressional district in the United States. The truth is addiction strikes every demographic and every geographic region. There are too many stories like Courtney's. However, we also have a wealth of ideas to combat this problem. Congresswoman Kuster and I formed the Bipartisan Task Force to gather those stories and ideas and assemble them into effective legislation. We introduced the STOP ABUSE Act as the first order of business to coordinate law enforcement and public health agencies at the Federal, State, and local levels. The bill targets high-intensity drug trafficking areas for special attention. Newton, New Hampshire, where Doug Griffin's daughter died of an overdose, lies on such a route just north of the Massachusetts border. The STOP ABUSE Act creates a stronger prescription pill monitoring program. In fact, it was overprescribed legal opiates that hooked Courtney in the first place. Personally, I have introduced legislation to increase access to lifesaving overdose medication. The STOP ABUSE Act includes treatment and prevention grants to localities overwhelmed by the scale of addiction, as my colleagues gathered here tonight will continue to tell you. They have their own stories and their own ideas to share. I am grateful for their partnership and leadership as we work together to combat heroin abuse in the United States.