Frank Guinta

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the public service of Chief Randy M. Sobel of the Middleton Police Department. Chief Sobel retired on October 31, 2016 after twenty-seven years of law enforcement service to the people of Strafford County in New Hampshire. Chief Sobel began his law enforcement career in 1989 with the Milton Police Department and followed that with four years' service with the Farmington Police Department. However, it is his twenty-two-year career in Middleton that is most noteworthy, having served as Chief of the Middleton Police Department since 2002. Throughout his career, he performed his duties without great public recognition yet he was always a well-respected and admired member of the communities he represented. On behalf of the people of the First Congressional District, I thank him for his career dedicated to public safety and wish him a long and happy retirement.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate my constituents Stephanie Corts and her husband, Alexander Corts, on the birth of their son. Noah Alexander Corts was born at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia, New Hampshire. Noah weighed seven pounds and five ounces and measured 19 inches. He is the first child for the happy couple and I look forward to watching him grow as he is raised by talented parents who will be dedicated to his well-being and bright future. I would also like to congratulate Noah's grandparents, Adam and Michelle Downs of Meredith, New Hampshire, and Irene and Jochen Corts of Remschied, Germany. Congratulations to the entire Downs and Corts families as they welcome their newest addition of pure pride and joy.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my congratulations to Lionel Leblanc in celebration of reaching his 91st birthday. As he reflects on the great memories that have highlighted the past ninety-one years, I know he will think fondly on all that he's accomplished and the positive impact he's had on New Hampshire. Mr. Leblanc is an ardent patriot who proudly served his country with the Army Air Corps during World War II. As a member of the greatest generation he continued to serve his country for 38 years in what would later become the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant and specialist in Weapons Systems Maintenance. Once separated from the Air Force, Lionel continued to serve his fellow veterans as a Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and remains to this day a strong supporter of numerous veterans groups and charities in the state. His dedication to his fellow veterans has not been forgotten and I know they all join with me in wishing him a very happy birthday. It is with great admiration that I congratulate Mr. Leblanc on achieving this wonderful milestone, and wish him the best on all future endeavors.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the New England Honor Flight organization from Hooksett, New Hampshire. This great organization is our local branch of the National Honor Flight organization that provides our most senior veterans with an expense paid trip to Washington, DC to visit our national war monuments. The work done by this organization is truly outstanding. So many of our nation's veterans have not had the opportunity to visit Washington, DC to visit the monuments erected to pay honor to their service, and the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to protect the freedoms and liberties of our great country. Many veterans serve their country and do so humbly and quietly. They seek nothing more than the benefits promised to them by our forefathers, and many do not even pursue that which is entitled to them. To date, the New England Honor Flight has led 42 flights to Washington, DC, serving 1,474 veterans. Those veterans served include 37 Prisoners of War, 61 women, 21 sets of brothers, and 7 husband and wife couples. Their next flight is scheduled for September 18th and their remaining flights for the year are currently booked with veterans that they will share this emotional experience with. I am proud to join with my fellow Granite Staters in recognizing the outstanding work the New England Honor Flight is doing to help support and recognize our veterans, and wish them all the best on future endeavors.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call Vote Number 492-504, I am not recorded because I was absent from the U.S. House of Representatives. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner. On Roll Call Number 505 had I been present, I would have voted YES. On Roll Call Number 506 had I been present, I would have voted YES.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call Vote Number 492 through 504, I am not recorded because I was absent from the U.S. House of Representatives. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner. On Roll Call Number 492 had I been present, I would have voted NO. On Roll Call Number 493 had I been present, I would have voted YES. On Roll Call Number 494 had I been present, I would have voted NO. On Roll Call Number 495 had I been present, I would have voted YES. On Roll Call Number 496 had I been present, I would have voted YES. On Roll Call Number 497 had I been present, I would have voted YES. On Roll Call Number 498 had I been present, I would have voted YES. On Roll Call Number 499 had I been present, I would have voted YES. On Roll Call Number 500 had I been present, I would have voted YES. On Roll Call Number 501 had I been present, I would have voted YES. On Roll Call Number 502 had I been present, I would have voted YES. On Roll Call Number 503 had I been present, I would have voted YES. On Roll Call Number 504 had I been present, I would have voted YES.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my congratulations to Susan Strickler on her retirement after 20 years with the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire, and thank her for the outstanding work she did during her career. Ms. Strickler's commitment to expanding access to great art to the residents of New Hampshire and building on the strong reputation the Currier has had in New England and beyond has been outstanding. Her efforts to bring in new modern exhibits, while also highlighting the timeless beauty of more historical and revered works has helped to broaden the appeal of the museum to new generations. She has not only helped to promote and expand access to the arts in New Hampshire, but also to solidify the Currier as an important landmark in the City of Manchester, with the expansion of its grounds and buildings. It is with great admiration that I congratulate Ms. Strickler on her retirement and all that she's accomplished in her career, and wish her the best on all future endeavors.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my congratulations to Albert ``Barney'' LaRoche in celebration of reaching his 100th birthday. As he reflects on the great memories that have highlighted the past one hundred years, I know he will think fondly on all that he's accomplished and the positive impact he's had on New Hampshire. Mr. LaRoche was inducted into the New Hampshire Legends of Hockey Hall of Fame on February 17, 2002 for all of his contributions to hockey in the Granite State. As a player for twenty two years, most notably with the Berlin Maroons, and as a coach for Notre Dame High School and later his beloved Maroons, Barney helped achieve impressive records for all the teams he worked with. His dedication to the sport of hockey and skill as a competitor and mentor have not been forgotten to enthusiasts in the Granite State and I know they all join with me in wishing him a happy birthday. It is with great admiration that I congratulate Mr. LaRoche on achieving this wonderful milestone, and wish him the best on all future endeavors.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my congratulations to Mary Dubois in celebration of her reaching the milestone 90th birthday. As she reflects on the great memories and milestones that have highlighted the past ninety years, I know she will think fondly on all that she's accomplished and the positive impact she's had on New Hampshire. It is with great admiration that I congratulate Ms. Dubois on achieving this wonderful milestone, and wish her the best on all future endeavors.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Chairman, I agree with the gentleman that there is no place for discrimination. Based on information from the CFPB, CBO expects that the agency would not prepare a replacement bulletin if H.R. 1737 were enacted. That is because the bill would not affect the underlying statute or regulations to implement it. The Bureau can continue to enforce the Equal Credit Opportunity Act without the bulletin. I also remind the gentleman that the minority report also stated that this would not negatively impact the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GUINTA. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, in March of 2013, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued flawed and inaccurate guidance that would threaten to eliminate auto dealers' flexibility to discount the interest rate offered to consumers financing vehicle purchases. Whether a person seeks to buy an automobile, an RV, or a motorcycle, consumers rely heavily on their neighborhood auto dealer to provide them the best possible rate. However, this faulty and unstudied guidance could increase the cost for consumers, ultimately making it more difficult to obtain an automobile. Roughly 6 months ago, my good friend across the aisle, Mr. Perlmutter, and I, introduced H.R. 1737, which passed the House with an overwhelming bipartisan and veto-proof vote, 332-96. My bill, along with 13 bipartisan letters sent by Congress over the last 3 years, gave the CFPB a chance to fix the faulty guidance and reissue it, but, unfortunately, they still insist on an anticonsumer policy and chose to keep their faulty bulletin in place. In fact, the CFPB has refused to change course even with a solution modeled on the Department of Justice consent order that is supported by auto dealers and lenders and do not resort to eliminating dealer discounts. Congress has given the CFPB an opportunity to correct and reissue their guidance, and that would take into account consumers and bring clarity to the market. Mr. Chairman, my amendment will leave no doubt that either the CFPB will fix this problem they created or Congress will, and if we do it, we will do it in a bipartisan way. I would like to thank Chairman Crenshaw and Chairman Hensarling of the Committee on Financial Services for their support. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw).

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Chairman, the Bureau's guidance was issued without public notice or comment and without any study of its impact on consumers or small businesses. I want to thank the ranking member for authoring the minority report that states: ``H.R. 1737 does not alter regulated entities' obligations under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act or the CFPB's examination or enforcement activity pursuant to ECOA.'' This is nothing more than a continuation of H.R. 1737. I also want to repeat my thanks to my colleague on the other side of the aisle, Mr. Perlmutter, for helping me with a successful 332-96 vote in favor of that bill. This amendment is almost identical to it, and I would appreciate the ongoing support on behalf of consumers not just in New Hampshire, but all across the country. Mr. Chairman, I would again thank the chair, Mr. Crenshaw, as well as Mr. Hensarling, those Members who voted in favor, 332-96, on H.R. 1737. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge passage of the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which Congressman Tim Murphy introduced into Congress. I am a proud cosponsor. Federal mental health programs are a patchwork of antiquated programs across many agencies. Jails have become de facto mental health facilities. As a caregiver to a family member with a mental health diagnosis, I know how difficult finding proper treatment can be. The country is also experiencing an epidemic of drug use, closely related to mental health disorders. It is time we recognize these problems for what they are: diseases creating a public health emergency. Mr. Murphy's bill creates a leadership post at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Among other provisions, it removes legal barriers to families trying to help loved ones and provides incentives for more mental health professionals to join the field. It authorizes State grants and requires better data analysis. Last year, for the first time in a decade, the U.S. death rate rose due to increased drug abuse and suicide. To turn the tide, I urge my colleagues to vote for the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 300th anniversary of the Town of Stratham, New Hampshire. Though formally incorporated as a town in New Hampshire on March 20, 1716, Stratham saw settlers on its lands formally known as Squamscott Patent going back to the 1600's. I know that these early settlers must have felt the way its current residents feel today, that it is a beautiful part of our historic state, with a great deal to offer families and businesses starting out there. Stratham has been the home to many influential leaders for the State of New Hampshire including former Members of the U.S. House of Representatives David Barker Jr. and Josiah Bartlett Jr., former Members of the U.S. Senate Daniel Clark and Maurice Murphy Jr., and Paine Wingate who served in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. Thomas Wiggin also hailed from Stratham and served as the first governor of what was then called the Upper Plantations of New Hampshire. Many of these influential figures from Stratham went on to make great contributions to the Granite State, and their family names still remain strong in the residents here today who proudly carry on in the name of their forefathers. For the past 300 years, this town has been a landmark of independence and success, and the residents of Stratham should be proud of all that they've accomplished throughout its storied history. I am pleased to join with the citizens of Stratham as they mark this great milestone for their town and community, and it is truly an honor to represent them in Congress.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my congratulations to Mary Dubois in celebration of her reaching the milestone 90th birthday. As she reflects on the great memories and milestones that have highlighted the past ninety years, I know she will think fondly on all that she's accomplished and the positive impact she's had on New Hampshire. It is with great admiration that I congratulate Ms. Dubois on achieving this wonderful milestone, and wish her 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 Rocco Chiavuzzo of Bayville, New Jersey. Rocco was a dear member of my extended family in New Jersey and a true patriot, who loved the United States and all the opportunities it provided to both him and his family over the years. Originally from Italy, Rocco moved to America following his required military service with the Italian government to join the love of his life, his wife of more than fifty years, Michelina. After immigrating to the U.S., Rocco found a suitable home and earned enough money to bring his parents and four siblings to America. Before retiring to the beach in Bayville, Rocco worked as a butcher in Elizabeth, New Jersey and raised his two children with Michelina, Vito and Maria. He is survived by his wife, two children and two grandchildren, Michelle and Julian, who I know will think back on their time with Rocco and cherish the wonderful memories they created together. Rocco will always be remembered as a loving and caring man, whose greatest accomplishment was his family and the joys they shared together. To his immediate and extended family, especially to Michelina, Vito, Maria, Michelle and Julian, as well as Rocco's siblings Sal, Carmine, Renato, Ugo and Geraldina, I offer my sincerest condolences for your loss. On behalf of Rocco's entire family, I am proud to share his story with my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives and to pay tribute to the life of such a great man.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, and I want to thank the chairman for including it in the en bloc package. My amendment increases funding for U.S. NORTHCOM's Joint Task Force North by $3 million to assist with its counternarcotics operations. As part of my work as the chair of the Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, I traveled to the Mexican border earlier this spring to investigate sources of illegal fentanyl and heroin coming into the country. There I learned and had the opportunity to meet with the commanding officers at the Joint Task Force North, the joint service command that supports Federal law enforcement agencies with resources to identify and interdict criminal activities conducted within the United States and its borders. My goal is to ensure that Joint Task Force North receives the funding necessary to continue their counternarcotics efforts. Again, I want to thank the chairman and the Armed Services Committee for their work on the underlying bill, and I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on August 17th, 2015 Tammy Banfield was on her way out the door with her 2 year old daughter when she heard a knock on the door that would change their lives forever. Brien, her partner and father to their daughter Kendal, was in the ICU. On August 23, 2015 he was pronounced dead at 38 years old. Brien was a hard worker, a brother, a friend, a partner, and most importantly the father to three amazing girls. He was someone who put others before himself and lent a helping hand whenever possible. Brien struggled with depression, anxiety and an addiction that started at the age of 8. Despite his problems, he always made time for his family. From singing the ABC's to their daughter to cooking her dinner and changing her diapers, Brien always put his family first. Kendal, to this day, still speaks lovingly of her father. Tammy wants no one else to go through her family's trouble and she has seen firsthand that it is possible to recover from addiction. Tammy has two brothers who were able to recover from the treatment and an ongoing, consistent support team. Each individual's support team looks different; for some it is groups like AA, NA and the up-and-coming HA, while others rely on family and friends who have recovered. None of these options are possible without the ability to first seek and receive comprehensive, quality treatment.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, Angels of Addiction is an organization created by Anne Marie Farley Zanfagna about a year after the death of her youngest daughter, Jacqueline Zanfagna. Jacqueline died of a heroin overdose on October 18, 2014. At the time of Jackie's death, her parents, Anne and Jim Zanfagna made the decision to be open with her cause of death, in hopes of raising awareness of heroin addiction. After Jacqueline passed away, Anne Marie, an artist who works with oil paints, found she could not paint. When she finally began to paint again, she painted a vibrant, joyful portrait of Jackie which she worked on over the period of a couple of months. Anne felt that the time spent working on her painting of Jacqueline was time spent with her daughter. Anne brought her painting of Jackie to the heroin addiction support group that she and her husband attend every third Sunday of the month in Plaistow, NH. Everyone at the meeting loved her painting and she offered to paint a portrait for another family who also lost their daughter to a heroin overdose. Anne Marie Zanfagna's portrait art raises awareness of the danger of heroin addiction. As heroin addiction has reached epidemic proportions in America, many families have lost children or loved ones to the addiction. Ultimately, Anne Marie plans to create a traveling art show of portraits of those who have succumbed to heroin addiction which she hopes to bring to the State House in New Hampshire and then across the nation, to the U.S. Capitol. Long term goals for Angels of Addictions include raising money for a yearly scholarship in Jacqueline Zanfagna's name for an outstanding student who plans to work in addiction recovery and art therapy. Angels of Addictions also plans to support other local addiction resources including a sober house for heroin addictions.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, Courtney Griffin was an energetic child who always did well in her classes. Once she reached high school, her parents were amazed at her maturity and work ethic when she got her first job. In order to continue working her job, Courtney's parents allowed her to get a car to drive to and from work. Courtney's job required her to work late hours and she began hanging around the wrong people. She started coming home later and later, her grades fell and pills started going missing in their house. The older she got, the more times money and pills would go missing. Courtney was eventually accepted into the University of Hawaii, but her parents made her stay an extra year at home to prove she would not continue her behavior in college. Courtney began working for her father, handling all inventory duties for his business. She gradually saved up enough money to buy another car and got a boyfriend. But then Courtney's story took a turn for the worst and she began abusing heroin. She began disappearing for long periods of time and began stealing money from her father's company. Her parents tried to find her treatment, but all of the options were too expensive and their insurance company would not cover the bills. So they took Courtney to emergency rooms, hoping to get her admitted and treated. At every hospital she was released within an hour without any form of treatment. The local authorities told them that the only way to get Courtney help was to kick her out and cut her insurance so she could receive homeless benefits. Once her parents cut her off, Courtney moved in with her boyfriend's grandparents. Eventually, her boyfriend was arrested for violating parole and she was all on her own in a strange home with people she did not know. One night, she bought and used a dose of fentanyl that was 80 times stronger than she thought. That night, she drifted away and never woke up. In one day, Courtney's parents lost their child to an addiction that went untreated. Courtney's boyfriend overdosed in the same house, in the same room, in the same bed just a short while later.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the brave men and women who protect New Hampshire. Last week in Manchester, our State's largest city, a robbery suspect shot and wounded two police officers. Thankfully, Manchester Police Department caught the suspect. Officers Ryan Hardy and Matthew O'Connor are healing. Other police officers who risk their lives every day haven't been as lucky. Merrimack native, Ashley Guindon, an officer in Virginia, died in the line of duty earlier this year, a day after being sworn in. Ashley's name will join those on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. During National Police Week, officers from around the country are here to pay their respects. Today, I had the pleasure of meeting Hooksett Police Chief Peter Bartlett and Jordan Wells of the Portsmouth PD. My friends are on the front lines of New Hampshire's heroin epidemic. My bill to increase their access to lifesaving antioverdose medication passed the House, and I am a proud partner in a number of efforts to make their jobs easier and safer. A police officer's job will always be dangerous. This week is an opportunity for us to thank them, particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Goodlatte for his leadership and work in this area. Prevention and recovery is incredibly important as we try to help those who deal with substance abuse challenges and addiction challenges, not just in New Hampshire, but around the country. I would urge again support of the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to rise in support of H.R. 5046, the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Reduction Act, which will provide more effective cooperation between our law enforcement and treatment agencies, grow our treatment capabilities, and strengthen programs for training and veterans. This bill is an important step in combating the growing costs of the terrible opioid epidemic. Just last year, in my home State of New Hampshire, deadly overdoses following the abuse of heroin killed over 430 people. That staggering figure marks the rising toll of this epidemic. I commend my colleagues for offering this legislation as part of the response to the epidemic and as part of a wider plan moving through the House this week. This bill aims to bring sorely needed resources to different groups and agencies working to help families and individuals in need, sometimes in desperate need. For too long, too many of those helping our sons and daughters and our veterans have been underfunded in their efforts. This week we have heard and shared stories of people suffering from this epidemic all over the country. These stories help us draft and pass effective response to the needs of our communities. We know that no one bill or amendment on its own is equal to the massive scale of this epidemic, but together they can begin to address some of its worst effects and harshest consequences. We need to incorporate the best practices that have emerged across disciplines and different agencies, and we need to ensure cooperation between actors on the ground. As part of the House response to the Senate-passed Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, this bill represents our commitment to restoring hope in shattered communities. I have been a proud sponsor of many of the bills coming forward this week, and I am pleased that so many have passed and many more are expected to pass today. We provide a cohesive, unified, and far-reaching legislative package to meet the enormity of this epidemic, and I believe we have begun to move in that direction. I thank my colleagues for their dedication and tireless work to support this effort. I particularly want to commend Chairman Goodlatte on his leadership and his efforts as we continue to help and provide hope for people not just in New Hampshire, but all across the country.

Mr. GUINTA. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.