Frank Guinta

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Granite State hero and fallen police officer Stephen Arkell of Brentwood New Hampshire. This time last year, 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, brother, master carpenter, coach, and friend. Arkell devoted his life to protecting our families and our communities, and ultimately died in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence dispute. As his family, friends, neighbors, and fellow police officers knew, Arkell was really one of a kind. The bravery and compassion he demonstrated during his 15 years of service are not--and will not--be forgotten. It takes a remarkable individual like Stephen Arkell 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 Arkell. 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 on behalf of New Hampshire's most historically important enterprise: our fishing industry. For nearly 400 years, our fishermen have provided the Granite State with a steady source of jobs and revenue. Their passion and livelihood is woven into the fabric of New England's rich heritage. Today our fishermen face a host of challenges, most of which are due to the heavy hand of government intervention and regulation. Our government must help--not hinder--our State's fishermen. That is why this week I join my colleague, Congressman Bill Keating, from Cape Cod, to introduce H.R. 2106, a bipartisan bill to redirect more than $100 million in existing funds to programs of crucial importance to our fisheries, our fishermen, and the region at large. Granite State fishermen deserve the resources and tools necessary to assist with their jobs, cope with government mandates, and increase their ability to put food on the table for millions of Americans around the United States. This bipartisan legislation represents one step we can take to ensure this industry that is so important to the history of our State and our region and our country can last for another 400 years.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and give thanks to all New Hampshire's educators as we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Day. Oftentimes our teachers don't get the thanks or credit that they deserve. Granite State teachers devote their lives to providing our children with the tools, the resources, and the attention necessary to be the very best that they can be. It is our teachers who listen to our children, challenge them, and inspire them to dream the impossible. They spend countless hours devoted to preparing our kids for the next challenge, whether that be passing a test or navigating conflict. They don't simply prepare them for the grammar quiz on Friday; they prepare them for the events that will test them throughout their lives. So to all those who teach our kids that anything is possible with hard work and dedication, thank you. To all those who encourage our students to shoot for the stars, I say, thank you. It is because of you that our Nation remains the world leader of innovation, ideas, and excellence.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeff Ingalls, a Granite Stater, American hero, and former prisoner of war. This week he is being rightfully recognized during the Prisoner of War Medal ceremony this Friday. Master Chief Jeff Ingalls grew up in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, and enlisted in the United States Navy in July of 1978, where he served as a member of an elite unit of highly technical divers. Ingalls served in missions that were not only incredibly complex and challenging, but also extremely dangerous. In June of 1985, Ingalls was aboard TWA flight 847 when it was hijacked by terrorists. The six-man detachment, including five U.S. Navy divers, was held in captivity by terrorists, during which time one bravely lost his life. These six men showed bravery, courage, and dedication in the face of an enemy. We will never forget your sacrifices, your fight in the name of freedom and democracy. American heroes like Jeff Ingalls are the reason our country remains the ``land of the free and the home of the brave.'' For that we are forever grateful.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. I would like to thank Chairman Neugebauer for yielding me this time. Madam Chair, it is an honor to stand alongside my fellow Granite State colleague in support of her amendment. Our State of New Hampshire has one of the highest populations of veterans per capita in the United States. Because of this, both the gentlelady from New Hampshire and myself understand the importance of working together to support our Nation's veterans and veteran-owned businesses. There are hundreds of veteran-owned businesses just in New Hampshire alone, and we need to ensure that our commitment does not end with their term of commitment to our military. I thank the gentlelady from New Hampshire for her amendment. I urge my colleagues both on the committee and in the full House to support this amendment. I would encourage them to support H.R. 1195, despite the objections of the 0.0015 percent in the pay-for that was earlier discussed.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, for the last 35 years both Peter & Maureen Janelle have been staunch advocates and compassionate caregivers to the citizens of the Granite State living with mental illness. Working as counselors with The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, they have provided care to many individuals struggling with a variety of afflictions. After 20 years with the center Peter Janelle took the helm as President and CEO, helping to launch a number of programs focused on not only treatment, but vocational services, supportive living techniques, and illness management. These programs aim to promote wellness and independence for the center's patients, to empower them to manage their mental illness and be productive, contributing members of the community. Peter has also worked tirelessly with other providers and organizations from across New Hampshire to offer care to those most in need and support the community of mental health professionals in the state. Whether working with patients and staff at NH Hospital, local law enforcement or with local schools he has helped to expand and develop the reach of the services offered by the center to give care to people of all ages from children to seniors, and addressing the need for treatment and care for small behavioral problems and mild depression, to treatment for Alzheimer's, psychosis and schizophrenia. The result of these efforts has enabled the center to provide care to almost 11,000 patients a year. The work that both Peter and Maureen have done in the field of mental illness is not an easy job, and the success and accomplishments they have been able to achieve in their service to The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester is truly remarkable. I applaud and thank them for devoting their life's work to this worthy and much needed field, and for all they have contributed to New Hampshire and especially the City of Manchester.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an incredible young Granite Stater who had the distinct honor of being chosen to represent New Hampshire in the Cherry Blossom Princess Program. Rachael Bevill, a senior at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and a resident of Merrimack, New Hampshire, embodies all the qualities of a great leader. As a student at Merrimack High School, Rachael served as class secretary and a member of her student council. Rachael also excels and competes at a State and nationwide level for public speaking and writing, placing third in both the VFW's Americanism essay contest and the Voice of Democracy speech competition. Currently, Rachael is studying biomedical engineering. Inspired by two of her siblings who have autism, Rachael aims to design nanotechnology and regenerative medicine to make the lives of future generations with similar challenges much easier. It is ambitious, bright, and altruistic young people like Rachael that provide such great hope for our Nation's future. I congratulate her.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of one of New Hampshire's most vital industries--the fishing industry. For nearly 400 years, our fishing industry has helped sustain and build our local economy in the seacoast region of New Hampshire, providing thousands of steady jobs and millions of dollars in economic opportunity for the Granite State annually. Unfortunately, increasing and constantly evolving government mandates are threatening to put an end to this very historic industry. At a time when our Nation's job creators are already struggling to add jobs, increase revenue, and compete with cheaper international companies, the last thing that we should require of them is to spend their already limited time and resources on adhering to pages and pages of costly Federal regulations. It is my charge to fight for regulatory relief and to strengthen New Hampshire's commercial fishing industry, which for so long has been an essential part of the New England tradition. This remains one of my top priorities, and I will continue to work tirelessly in a bipartisan fashion with the New England region to preserve this industry, which is so essential to our Granite State.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of New Hampshire's own, Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts, an American hero and recipient of the Medal of Honor. As one of only nine living soldiers to be awarded this distinct honor, his is a shining example of this generation's sacrifice on our behalf. Staff Sergeant Pitts demonstrated an incredible amount of courage, bravery, and honor as he fought to hold off a Taliban ambush during one of the bloodiest battles of the war in Afghanistan. Despite being attacked by more than 200 Taliban militants and sustaining injuries of his own, Pitts singlehandedly defended his platoon's observation post-- his fight unwavering. Every day our servicemembers like Staff Sergeant Pitts put themselves in harm's way to defend our liberties, our Nation, and our freedom, and for that we are forever grateful. Mr. Speaker, during that very ambush, nine of his comrades made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We shall not and we will not forget their bravery and sacrifice. Since 1861, the Congressional Medal of Honor has been awarded to just over 3,400 of our Nation's bravest soldiers. It is my honor to recognize Staff Sergeant Pitts today.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of four high-tech fields that are dominating the digital age. The fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, commonly referred to as STEM, are driving our Nation's innovation and competition, generating new ideas, industries, and companies. Just last week, I had the opportunity to tour the University of New Hampshire's InterOperability Laboratory to see just how important the STEM field is to the Granite State. The InterOperability Lab is the only full-service, nonprofit test lab in the world that provides both industry expertise and real-world training for our Nation's future STEM workers. Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that Congress continues to advocate on behalf of the STEM fields because the demand for individuals with these backgrounds and education only continue to grow. In fact, the Office of Science and Technology Policy estimates that STEM jobs will grow almost two times faster than non-STEM jobs from 2008 to 2018. We must ensure R&D continues in these fields.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage and sacrifice demonstrated by our marines, specifically Corporal Rene Gagnon, a Granite Stater, during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Gagnon was selected and participated in what is arguably the most celebrated American flag raising in our Nation's history. Immortalized by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal, six U.S. Marines, including Corporal Gagnon, raised the colors above Mount Suribachi on the fifth day of the month-long battle for Iwo Jima. Born to immigrants from Quebec, Gagnon grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, and left in 1943 after being drafted. He elected to join the United States Marine Corps. As part of Operation Detachment, a total of 92,000 men, 70,000 Americans, and 22,000 Japanese, fought to secure Iwo Jima, a tiny island controlled by the Japanese that was no larger than one-third the size of Manhattan. As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of Iwo Jima, let us take a moment to honor Corporal Gagnon and the rest of our Nation's Greatest Generation who fought bravely to secure and preserve our Nation's democracy during World War II.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the estimated 12 million Americans in the middle class who are paying more than $1,000 extra per year because of the excise tax on health care plans included in the ObamaCare legislation called the Cadillac tax. This legislation is set to take effect in 2018; however, employers, labor unions, and municipalities all back home are already preparing for this devastating tax. In order to comply with this 40 percent penalty on health care plans, Mr. Speaker, employers and municipalities are looking at increasing deductibles, reducing benefits, and shifting costs to consumers as well as property taxpayers. In fact, in Manchester, our State's largest city, an anticipated cost of 5 to $6 million alone will impact the property taxpayers. This will undoubtedly result in an increase in our local property taxes, which, as every Granite Stater knows, are already sky high. Mr. Speaker, Americans simply can't afford this tax, which is why I introduced a repeal bill. I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats to get this bill passed.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the hundreds of court reporters and captioners in the Granite State and around the country as we prepare to celebrate National Court Reporting and Captioning Week next week. Since the beginning of our Nation's history, beginning with the scribes during the Continental Congress and the drafting of our Declaration of Independence and Constitution, the act of transcribing events and important documents has always been a pillar of our democracy. In fact, after their high school graduations, my own parents met at court reporting school and later went on to start their own court reporting business. Fifty years later, my mother still is in the business. Court reporters are ever present right now in this very Chamber, in committee hearings, in capturing the spoken word and debate between Members of Congress, including Michele York, formerly of Candia, New Hampshire. The court reporting and captioning industry continues to grow, estimating 5,000 new jobs over the next several years. To the hundreds of court reporters and captioners in New Hampshire and around the country, thank you for all you do. And to the future reporters and captioners, thank you for continuing a legacy so paramount to our democracy and our country.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent and friend who was recently named the 2015 Time Magazine Dealer of the Year. Andy Crews, president and CEO of AutoFair, is one of the Nation's most successful auto dealers, with seven stores and 600 employees in the Granite State and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Not only is Andy a natural business leader, he is also an outstanding public servant. He has served in the United States Marine Corps and constantly gives back to the future leaders of our communities. In addition to donating proceeds of auto sales to help feed the needy around Thanksgivingtime, Andy has spearheaded a program to motivate high school seniors in Manchester, New Hampshire, to excel in their classes for a chance to win a car. Andy also works closely with the New Hampshire community technical colleges to ensure students are receiving the best education and training to become the next generation of trained auto technicians. It is people like Andy Crews who make me beyond proud to call myself a Granite Stater. His commitment and passion to the auto industry and our communities are beyond deserving of the 2015 Time Magazine Dealer of the Year award, and I wish him continued success.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 53 I was unable to vote because my flight was cancelled due to inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 52 I was unable to vote because my flight was cancelled due to inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 51 I was unable to vote because my flight to Washington was cancelled due to inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Madam Speaker, Granite Staters are fed up with Washington's wasteful ways. The government's irresponsible spending has led to billions of your dollars being wasted to fund projects that already exist. Instead of ensuring that the most truly in need receive a hand up, your taxpayer dollars are instead being handed out to increase Washington's bureaucracy. That is why I have launched Operation TAXPAYER, an ongoing initiative designed to eliminate the wasteful plaguing of our government, running up our debt, and crowding out funding for worthwhile programs. As part of this initiative, I have introduced H. Res. 45, a bipartisan bill to fundamentally alter the way legislation is brought to the House floor. Under H. Res. 45, every piece of legislation awaiting consideration by Congress would receive a duplication score by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, with the goal of providing Members the necessary knowledge to identify whether or not a new bill creates a new program or project that already exists within our government. This is a commonsense, bipartisan step that will allow our government to finally take sizable bites out of our debt and deficit while ensuring the protection of safety nets for all Americans.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Chip Kennett from Conway, New Hampshire, who passed away this weekend at the age of 34 after a heroic 2-year battle with lung cancer. Chip was a dedicated public servant on Capitol Hill, devoted friend, father, husband, and inspiration to us all. Upon his diagnosis, Chip used his Capitol Hill experience to advocate on behalf of lung cancer research, testifying before a Senate Aging Committee hearing in 2014 to increase the awareness of the disease. He worked to erase the stigma associated with lung cancer and, in doing so, left a legacy that will continue touching countless lives. To those who mourn with us today, we rest easier knowing that we could not help but profit from his friendship, his optimism, and his sense of humor. He loved life completely and lived it for others. We are all immeasurably better for having known him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time, especially his wife, Sheila; their two children, Joe Kennett and Crosby Reynolds; as well as his parents, Bayard and Theresa Kennett.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the President's continued use of executive action to bypass Congress and the American people in order to move forward with his own agenda. In the Granite State, we believe deeply in the rule of law and separation of powers, and the President's abuse of executive authority runs counter to these principles. The United States is a very generous country to those who come here seeking a better life for themselves and their family. Every year, countless seek solace on our shores in search of economic and political freedom. Unfortunately, our laws have not kept up with our needs. Our current economic system is broken. Instead of encouraging legal immigration, streamlining the process, and reforming our visa system, the President has intentionally refused to enforce the laws already on the books. The President's DACA order has encouraged thousands of children to take a perilous journey, ripping them from their families and placing their well-being with those who seek to exploit them. Mr. Speaker, our Nation cannot send a signal that we won't enforce our laws or hold those responsible for breaking them. Our immigration system can be better. Compassion for people and care to faithfully execute our laws are not mutually exclusive.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to rise today in support of, and as a cosponsor of, H.R. 37. Mr. Speaker, back in April 2012, President Obama signed into law the JOBS Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation which makes it easier for small companies, small businesses, to access capital markets by easing the burden of certain securities regulations. Despite its sweeping scope, the Dodd-Frank Act does little to spur the type of capital formation that is essential for any real and lasting economic recovery to take hold in our Nation. Without access to capital, business slows, and without regulatory certainty, capital disappears. A small company should not be subject to the same regulatory demands and requirements that a Fortune 500 company is required to meet. That is why H.R. 37 follows on the success of the bipartisan JOBS Act and continues the Financial Services Committee's extensive examination of finding bipartisan solutions. This package includes 10 pieces of legislation that my friend from California, the ranking member, supported and endorsed and voted for in the past. We need to make it easier for small companies to access public and private markets so that they can grow, hire, and provide greater economic opportunities for our citizens. Contrary to this rhetoric we hear this evening, H.R. 37 is not a massive repeal of Dodd-Frank. It is a bill that recognizes Dodd-Frank is not perfect. It is a bill that recognizes market disruptions are not a smart result.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment of the New Hampshire Army National Guard. This week, they deploy to the Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Spartan Shield. To the 370-some Granite Staters who are deploying, and also your families who are constantly supporting you, thank you for your service, your commitment, and your sacrifice. As the first Army National Guard unit to support this artillery mission, you carry forward the National Guard's mantra, ``Always Ready, Always There.'' As my two children, Colby and Jack, join me on the House floor, I am reminded of how grateful I am to you--and the rest of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines--for protecting our country, our safety, and our liberties. You are the very best our Nation has to offer. The Granite State and our Nation are forever indebted to you.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 26, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015. As the recent tragic events in Boston have shown, terrorism is still alive, and we must be ever vigilant in the fight against it. This overwhelmingly bipartisan piece of legislation will ensure market stability for Main Street, businesses, construction projects, public events, and more by maintaining their ability to access terrorism insurance to keep job-creating businesses and projects moving forward with certainty. TRIA is an important piece of legislation for protecting taxpayers by requiring insurers to step up and manage more of their own risk. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I ask that the Senate bring up this bill immediately.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on October 30, 2012 Mr. Kenneth Cargill will receive the White Mountains Treasure Award from the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. I am pleased to congratulate him on this fine achievement and thank him for all of his service to the communities and people of the Mt. Washington Valley. Mr. Cargill has been an influential lawyer and businessman in the North Country for the last twenty-five years. During that time he has set himself apart as a trusted business leader in the community. Through his practice he has served as a counselor and advisor to more than fifty non-profit Boards in the region, including The Ham Arena, Perni Fish and Game, Friends of Tuckerman's Ravine, the Millen Foundation, the Mount Washington Valley Economic Council, Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Upper Saco Valley Land Trust, and Mount Washington Valley's Children's Museum. In addition to Mr. Cargill's legal experience, he has also served in many public service positions including as the Town Moderator for the Town of Conway and School Board Moderator for the Town of Tamworth. These impressive accomplishments highlight Kenneth's dedication to his community and his tireless efforts to celebrate everything great about New Hampshire's beautiful North Country. I congratulate Mr. Cargill for receiving this award and for his outstanding service to the Mt. Washington Valley. I wish him the very best for the future.

Mr. GUINTA

Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, on October 30, 2012 Mr. Bayard Kennett will receive the White Mountains Treasure Award from the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce. I am pleased to congratulate him on this fine achievement and thank him for all of his service to the communities and people of the Mt. Washington Valley. Mr. Kennett has been an influential businessman in the North Country since returning to the region in 1977 to take over his family's real estate and land holding companies. During that time he has set himself apart as a trusted business leader in the community. In addition to Mr. Kennett's business experience, he has also served in many positions for the town of Conway including as a member of the Board of Selectmen, Conway School Board, Conway Fire Department, and Conway Precinct Commissioner. His public service also includes works with business and community organizations, serving on Memorial Hospitals Board of Trustees and the Tech Village Realty Board of Directors. He has also helped with local school and sport organizations serving on the Ham Arena Board and as a Little League and Flag Football Coach, and with the Kennett High Boosters. These impressive accomplishments highlight Bayard's dedication to his community and his tireless efforts to celebrate everything great about New Hampshire's beautiful North Country. I congratulate Mr. Kennett for receiving this award and for his outstanding service to the Mt. Washington Valley. I wish him the very best for the future.