Josh Gottheimer

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Raskin for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the rule which adopts bipartisan language which I introduced with my good friends, Congressman Tom Reed and Congressman Ted Deutch, reaffirming the United States' ironclad commitment to providing security assistance to our historic ally, Israel, which, as ever, is key to America's national security in the region, especially in our fight against terror. This vote officially puts to rest the splinter view of adding new conditions on aid to Israel and reinforces our historic commitment to restoring a two-state solution. I want to thank my good friend, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, for his leadership on this issue and for including our language in his manager's amendment. Madam Speaker, as we have seen in recent weeks, Israel, the democracy in the region, faces threats like no other country of missile and rocket attacks from terrorist organizations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as well as the ongoing threat of Iranian-backed forces in Syria. Vital security assistance to Israel, including missile defense funding for Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3, helps our ally to defend itself and preserve its qualitative military edge in the region. That is why in 2016 under the Obama administration, the U.S. and Israel signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding which constituted the single largest pledge of security assistance to Israel in America history. The MOU also increased the amount of defense dollars that go to U.S. businesses here at home, with as much as $1.2 billion a year invested in the United States. We know that this aid helps save countless lives, and we know that the United States is better off when Israel is fully equipped to defend itself. That is why I led a bipartisan amendment with my colleagues, Congressman Reed and Congressman Deutch, which reaffirms our commitment to providing this assistance without additional conditions or exceptions. Our amendment was cosponsored by a total of 36 Members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats, who know that this assistance should not be subject to politics. I deeply appreciate all of our colleagues' support for our amendment, for this vital, lifesaving assistance, and for the bipartisan U.S.-Israel relationship. This language is absolutely necessary because of the extreme and misguided views of some, especially several currently running for our Nation's highest office, who seemingly believe that assistance to Israel should be held hostage until Israel makes concessions according to their beliefs, including how Israel treats Gaza, which is controlled by the foreign terrorist organization Hamas. We must stand together in rejecting that harmful view--as one Senator called it, the view of having leverage against Israel, our ally.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, when our ally, Israel, faces more than 450 rockets fired by Palestinian and Jihad terrorists in Gaza, it must have the ability to defend itself, no matter what. That is why with this vote we commit ourselves to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship by ensuring that we fulfill our guarantee to provide vital security assistance to the key democracy in the region.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, as a proud member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I rise in recognition of yesterday's historic passage of H. Res. 296 to affirm the United States' recognition of the Armenian genocide. Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent many people of Armenian descent who live in northern New Jersey. In Bergen County, we hold an annual ceremony on April 24 to remember the day in 1915 when hundreds of Armenian intellectuals were rounded up and ultimately murdered at the beginning of the Armenian genocide. The massacre of 1.5 million Armenians, as well as Greeks, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Syriacs, Arameans, Maronities, and other Christians, by the Ottoman Empire constituted the 20th century's first genocide. As a Jewish American, the need to recognize genocide is deeply personal for me. My relatives lost their entire family during the Nazi attempt to exterminate European Jewry. I know that it is never the wrong time to bear witness and tell the truth. The United States should never be complicit in denying genocide. As a proud member of the bipartisan Armenian Caucus, co-chaired by my friend, Chairman Frank Pallone, I will continue working hard in Congress for justice on behalf of New Jersey and the Fifth Congressional District's great Armenian American community.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of my good friend, and true leader of labor, Mike Schneider of Rochelle Park, New Jersey. After thirty- five years with the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local No. 32, Mike leaves his indelible legacy. Born and raised in New Jersey, Mike is a third generation Insulator, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, uncle and brother, and he is rightly proud of this legacy. Since joining as an apprentice member in 1984, Mike worked his way up to foreman, earning leadership positions as Vice President, President, and Fund Trustee. Mike's story is emblematic of the great American story, and he has always pushed himself and those around him to be the best they could be. It is precisely these values that make me proud to call Mike a dear friend. I would especially like to commend Mike for his work to help New Jersey workers succeed in the 21st Century economy. As President of the Bergen County Central Trades and Labor Council and President of the United Labor Agency of Northern NJ, Mike worked tirelessly to secure his members the benefits they deserve. The hard-working brothers and sisters of labor, including Local No. 32, helped build our great country, and our towering economy, and have continued to contribute to the most competitive workforce in the world. As dedicated as Mike has been to his craft and his career, his commitment to his family and community has been even stronger. Mike is a devoted husband to Josette and dedicated father to Brian and Kelly. Despite working long days, he never missed a wrestling match or cheerleading competition. The same drive that makes Mike such a community and labor leader has also made him a successful wrestling coach for the Hackensack Junior Wrestling Program and for the workers he trains every day. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mike for his tireless efforts on behalf of working men and women in North Jersey. As Mike departs Local No. 32, I hope he can enjoy more time with his loving family and pursue his passions of cycling and golf. I am elated he is keeping a leadership role on the Council, so we can continue to work together. I thank Mike, a true public servant, and wish him all the best.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of my good friend, and a great leader in New Jersey, Pastor Greg Jackson. For the last thirty-five years, after growing up in South Carolina, Reverend Jackson has shared his warmth, integrity, and compassion with our blessed community in Hackensack, New Jersey. Reverend Jackson is the longest-serving pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in the congregation's remarkable 130 years. Under the Pastor's leadership, Mount Olive has continued to flourish; it serves not only as a vibrant spiritual center, but also as a community dedicated to serving others, especially for those in need. Among other accomplishments, during his tenure, Mount Olive Church built the Logan Family Life Center, providing emergency assistance, social services and educational programs, and advancing the church's goal of serving humanity. Without question Mount Olive's success is reflective of the compassion and selflessness of its spiritual leader. We are truly lucky to have Reverend Jackson in North Jersey, and I am especially lucky to call him a friend. He has, more than once, invited me to speak from his pulpit. I have often joked that I spent more time praying with Pastor Jackson than my own Rabbi. Reverend Jackson's efforts to improve the lives of others extends beyond his work as pastor at Mount Olive. He founded the Interfaith Brotherhood and Sisterhood breakfast, has served on Hackensack City committees, and the Bergen County Council of Churches. Even in retirement, Reverend Jackson's service will endure as President of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Missions Convention. Over the course of his incredible career, Reverend Jackson has traveled across the world to preach, including in South Africa, China, India, Brazil, Cuba, and right here on the floor of the House of Representatives, where he offered the opening prayer as the Guest Chaplain. He has also welcomed transformational leaders to his church, including John Lewis and so many other civil rights leaders. I only wish my colleagues had the opportunity to experience the passion, smarts, warmth, wisdom, and conviction of Reverend Jackson for themselves. I am proud to recognize Reverend Jackson on his remarkable career and wish him many years of happiness alongside his wife Barbara and their children, Michael, Monique and Aashon, and their grandchildren Jorden, Kennedy and Madison. In the years to come, I know he will remain a pillar of our community.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to welcome my dear friend and a true leader, Reverend Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris, and thank her for delivering today's invocation. Dr. Harris is the fifth pastor and the first female pastor of the First Baptist Church of Teaneck, Teaneck, New Jersey, and she is a beacon of leadership for north Jersey and our Nation. She is joined today by her niece, Amma, and fellow pastors, colleagues, and friends from the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention. Pastor Harris is a lifelong civil servant; the founder of the Christian Women's Alliance, allowing clergywomen to grow together; a founder of the Foundation Building Christian Institute; and a recipient of New Jersey's NAACP Award for Pastoral Leadership and Excellence. She has preached across the globe, from Spain to South Africa. Reverend Harris also supports our first responders back home, serving as the first female African American chaplain of the Teaneck Fire Department, and she currently serves as the first female president of the United Missionary Baptist Convention of New Jersey. Dr. Harris brings integrity and excellence to everything she does. With so much in our country dividing us, Reverend Harris' words can bring us together so that we can better serve our great country, the greatest country in the world. I thank Reverend Harris for praying with us today. May God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Garretson Forge and Farm, a national historical landmark in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. This year marks the 300th anniversary of the settlement of Garretson in 1719. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the volunteers of Garretson Forge and Farm Restoration, Inc., this special property has been preserved and kept open to the community. In recognition of Garretson's anniversary, I would like to include in the Record the poem `A Heritage to Keep,' by William F. Haywood which captures the long history of Garretson Forge and Farm, a Bergen County treasure: The traffic moves in swifter pace Around the bend that holds this place In gentle curves where time has flown And countless passers it has known. The silent step of moccasin, The echoing of forge's din; A gangling pine saw all of these, New homes replacing other trees. The continental soldier came, Lone hunter seeking wary game, A farmer tilling fertile soil Where the river turns its coil. So generations came and went Through seasons ill and fairly spent. The Garretsons had built to last, While time has added to the past A heritage for here and now-- To keep it whole should be our vow. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Garretson Forge and Farm's 300th anniversary. I know that we will continue to enjoy Garretson for many generations to come.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

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

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is straightforward. It simply requires the SEC to specifically consider the unique challenges senior investors face as part of its overall investor testing. Since I took office, I have been committed to helping seniors save their hard-earned money for retirement so they can afford to stay in New Jersey and enjoy their lives with their kids and grandkids. Unfortunately, there are millions of senior investors across the country who have been the victims of financial scammers, hucksters, and snake oil salesmen who have cheated them out of their rightful retirement. That is why, earlier this year, I introduced the Senior Security Act, bipartisan legislation that overwhelmingly passed out of the House to help the SEC protect vulnerable seniors from predatory scams and financial abuse. This amendment is another critical step in making sure that the SEC continues to do right by our seniors, by making sure there is explicit consideration of senior investors as they proceed with investor testing. New Jersey seniors have given us so much. I will always have their backs to ensure they have the help they need to stay in Jersey and to protect them from those who would seek to take advantage of them. I thank my colleague and friend, Mr. Casten, for introducing this bill and for his commitment to protecting seniors. I thank the chairwoman also for her excellent leadership. And I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Chairman, I would like to add one thing. Given the gravity of the situation with seniors in this country getting scammed out of billions of dollars or more every year, I don't think we can do enough. The only thing I would urge my friend here is, anything we can do to actually protect our seniors, we should be doing because what we are doing now is not working. When I go anywhere, I hear from seniors about these awful instances and stories of what is happening to them on these calls and getting defrauded. I think anything that we can do to help protect our seniors and go the extra mile to help them is critically important. This is a way to do it that I think is effective, efficient, and will get the backs of our seniors, which, to me, is the least we can do for our seniors who have given so much to us. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Casten), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Chairman, I would like to add, just one more time, to the critical importance, please. There is a reason why I think Mr. Casten and so many others have been driving this bipartisan legislation, and why the Senior Security Act was bipartisan is for a pretty simple reason. We all recognize that we have to do whatever possible to keep these fraudsters, these hucksters, these snake oil salesmen from scamming our seniors. It is beyond upsetting when you hear these stories of what has happened to our moms, our dads, and so many people in our community who have been, frankly, ripped off by these scam artists. This legislation--not just this amendment, but the legislation--will help protect our seniors; will help protect investors; and with my amendment, will make sure that when people are ready to retire, they have the nest egg they need to not just take care of themselves and have the medicine they need but, of course, buy a gift for their grandkid and make sure they are able to have those resources that they spent their whole lives saving for. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Garretson Forge and Farm, a national historical landmark in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. This year marks the 300th anniversary of the settlement of Garretson in 1719, Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the volunteers of Garretson Forge and Farm Restoration, Inc., this special property has been preserved and kept open to the community. In recognition of Garretson's anniversary, I would like to include in the Record the poem ``A Heritage to Keep,'' by William F. Haywood which captures the long history of Garretson Forge and Farm, a Bergen County treasure. The traffic moves in swifter pace Around the bend that holds this place In gentle curves where time has flown And countless passers it has known, The silent step of moccasin, The echoing of forge's din; A gangling pine saw all of these, New homes replacing other trees. The continental soldier came, Lone hunter seeking wary game, A farmer tilling fertile soil Where the river turns its coil. So generations came and went Through seasons ill and fairly spent. The Garretsons had built to last, While time has added to the past A heritage for here and now-- To keep it whole should be our vow. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Garretson Forge and Farm's 300th anniversary, I know that we will continue to enjoy Garretson for many generations to come.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great American company with a steadfast commitment to American manufacturing and job creation headquartered in my District, the Fifth Congressional District of New Jersey. Benjamin Moore currently employs approximately 1,000 individuals and is headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey. Since its founding in 1883, in Brooklyn, Benjamin Moore has maintained an unwavering commitment to selling only through authorized, independent, locally-owned and operated paint and decorating retailers. From Benjamin's Moore's humble beginnings in 1883 with one product-- Moore's Prepared Calsom Finish--to now, one of America's leading manufacturers of paints, stains and finishes, is truly a great American story. In the Fifth District of New Jersey, Benjamin Moore has maintained a commitment to creating jobs and manufacturing their paints and stains in America. Benjamin Moore has also made sustainable manufacturing practices a major component of their company practice, leading to receiving the ``Green'' Good Housekeeping Seal and the Edison ``Best New Product Award for Sustainability.'' In 2015, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America announced that Benjamin Moore's most environmentally friendly paint, Natura, has been certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly. As the Representative for the Fifth Congressional District of New Jersey, I am proud to recognize Benjamin Moore for their commitment to American jobs and manufacturing, sustainability, and all that the company has accomplished. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Benjamin Moore for the company's commitment to the Fifth Congressional District of New Jersey and to the country and look forward to many great years ahead.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the 250th anniversary of Hope Township, New Jersey. Hope Township is a community with rich history, located in my District, the Fifth Congressional District of New Jersey. Hope Township is one of the earliest planned communities in our nation. In 1769, German Moravians settled in what is now Hope Township. Prior to 1769, several families farmed on Jenny Jump Mountain and on John Samuel Green, Jr.'s farm in the center of what is now the Village in Hope Township. The first industrial building in Hope was the Grist Mill and its Mill Race which diverted a channel of water to the Mill to grind flour. This was built in one year and began immediate production, which continued into the 1950s. A tragic fire in 1918 destroyed several blocks in the town, but Hope bounced back, even stronger than before. Major development often bypassed Hope, which has allowed the Township to maintain the original town structure for so many decades. In 1973, Hope Township was named a Historic Place in both the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places, and the Township has maintained its commitment to preserving history. Under the leadership of Mayor Tim McDonough and the Township Committee, Hope Township has continued to flourish. I encourage my colleagues to come enjoy the natural beauty of Hope Township and visit great attractions including the Land of Make Believe, the Hope Historical Museum, and the Inn at Millrace Pond. As the Representative for the Fifth Congressional District of New Jersey, I am proud to recognize Hope Township on their 250th anniversary. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Hope Township for reaching this amazing milestone and look forward to many great years ahead.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Maloney and Chairman Nadler for hosting this bipartisan Special Order hour this evening to remember the attacks on September 11, 2001. I thank the gentlewoman so much for all she does for our first responders and for our country. We are all very grateful. More than 700 New Jersey residents were among the nearly 3,000 Americans killed at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on the four planes that morning. The attacks were not only a declaration of war on the American people, but also on our fundamental ideals of freedom and liberty. On 9/11, we lost more than 400 firefighters, police, EMTs, and other first responders who all ran in to help, true patriots putting others ahead of themselves. And since that tragic morning, 2,000 first responders who were there at the pile in the days, weeks, and months following have died from illnesses from their exposure to toxic dust and debris. Earlier this year, I was proud to stand right here on the House floor alongside my colleagues in the New York and New Jersey delegations, led by Mrs. Maloney and Mr. King and Chairman Nadler, calling for the permanent authorization of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, which, through the tireless advocacy efforts of their fellow first responders and survivors will provide our sick and dying 9/11 first responders and their families with the support they need and deserve. Just as we stood together then--not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans--after those attacks 18 years ago, we must continue to do so today and come together as a country for our children, for our first responders, for our brave men and women in Active Duty, and for our veterans. I think our country has had enough of the fighting. I think people want us to come together as one. They want us to work together, govern together, and solve problems together under the flag. Today, we are able to step back, to think and reflect and pray for all the lives we lost that day and all those we have lost since. We honor their legacies by coming together as a nation here in the greatest country in the world and continuing to work to build a more perfect Union. As we remember those we lost and our veterans and our active servicemembers and all of our first responders who continue to protect us, may God bless all those we lost that day as well as their families, those we have lost since, and may God bless those who bravely protect us here at home and abroad every day. And may God to continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bipartisan solution opposing the boycott of Israel and supporting a two-state solution. I want to thank Chairman Engel for his excellent leadership on this important issue and Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer for bringing this resolution to the floor. With this bill and 349 cosponsors, it is very clear that Members of both parties support our vital ally, Israel, the leading democracy in the Middle East, because our countries share common interests and fundamental values, and Israel's security is key to America's security--to fighting Hezbollah, Hamas, PIJ, and global terror. However, the Global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, BDS, Movement seeks to delegitimize Israel and deny its right to exist as a Jewish state. As Mr. Suozzi, my colleague, just so aptly read, the founder of BDS, Omar Barghouti, said it very clearly: ``Definitely, most definitely, we oppose a Jewish state in any part of Palestine. No Palestinian, rational Palestinian, not a sell-out Palestinian, will ever accept a Jewish state.'' That exactly captures what we are fighting here today. There are few clearer examples of bias and double standards than the BDS movement. No other democratic country faces a global boycott. But BDS is also fundamentally incompatible with a two-state solution, which I strongly support. BDS seeks to punish only Israel, and it rejects direct negotiations in favor of unilateral strategy. That is why it is so important that Congress goes on record opposing BDS and other harmful efforts to single out and delegitimize Israel. Standing up for the U.S.-Israel relationship should not be a partisan issue. That is why the members of the Problem Solvers Caucus are proud to support this resolution.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. This resolution was introduced by our colleague Congressman Brad Schneider, along with Congressman Lee Zeldin, Chairman Jerry Nadler, and Congresswoman Ann Wagner. They have all done an excellent job. Nothing in this resolution would prevent anyone, in any way, from being able to engage in free speech. That is not what this is about, and we must not allow false attacks on Israel. Mr. Speaker, today, we must continue to make sure that confronting biased anti-Semitism and supporting a two-state solution remain bipartisan priorities.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1850, the Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act, bipartisan legislation that I was proud to introduce with my good friend and Republican colleague, Congressman Brian Mast from Florida. I also thank my good friend, Mr. Smith from New Jersey, for his leadership. I want to thank House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel and Ranking Member Mike McCaul, who were original cosponsors of our legislation, for their support and leadership. Mr. Speaker, Hamas is a heinous terrorist group responsible for the murders of innocent American and Israeli citizens, which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department since 1997. It is well known for firing rockets and digging terror tunnels into Israel and using Gazans, including women and children, as human shields. In fact, in May, terrorist groups like Hamas and PIJ in Gaza fired more than 600 rockets at Israel in just 36 hours. It is critical that the United States and our allies continue to isolate Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad by cutting them off at the source, including Iran. As the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, the Iranian regime provides more than $70 million annually to the terrorist group Hamas in Gaza. Just yesterday, Iran's supreme leader met with the political deputy chief of Hamas and renewed Iran's commitment to supporting this terrorist organization in its armed struggle against Israel. Iran is also a principal funder of PIJ, helping the group amass a stockpile of more than 8,000 rockets aimed at Israel, an arsenal even larger than that of Hamas. PIJ has also claimed credit for multiple terrorist attacks in Israel, including a gruesome suicide bus bombing in April 1995 that killed New Jersey student Alisa Flatow, a graduate of the Frisch School in my district in Paramus. And I will say forever that her memory should never be forgotten. H.R. 1850 would require the President to submit to Congress an annual report for the next 3 years identifying foreign entities who assist Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or an affiliate or successor, and impose at least two or more crippling sanctions. This bill would also crack down on foreign terrorist governments that support these groups, by suspending U.S. foreign aid, making it harder for them to receive loans or technical assistance, and tying up their credit. This bipartisan bill will strengthen existing sanctions to weaken these terrorist groups that threaten our ally Israel, undermine peace, and further destabilize the Middle East. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this critical legislation and in the fight against terror.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, we are here today to have the backs of our first responders, especially those who stood up to terrorists that morning and ran directly into the burning buildings on 9/11 and stayed for the weeks and months that followed. They are our heroes, and they need our help. Hundreds of New Jersey and New York law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and others answered the call and rushed toward the pile as others ran out. If you ask how they were able to summon the courage, they will tell you they were simply doing their job that day. And Congress now has the opportunity to do ours. Too many first responders are still suffering from illnesses and cancers from 9/11 exposure to toxins, smoke, debris, including too many people who are still suffering in my district. Congress set up the Victim Compensation Fund to help cover 9/11 injuries and medical expenses. Those who were exposed back in 2011 are, sadly, first developing symptoms now. More than 47,000 claims have been filed with the fund, and more than 11,000 district claims are expected by 2020, when the fund is set to expire. We must act today. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the bipartisan H.R. 1327, Never Forget the Heroes. I thank Chairman Nadler, Representative Carolyn Maloney, and Representative Peter King for their leadership and the Problem Solvers Caucus for strongly supporting it. We have an obligation to do everything we can to stand by our first responders and survivors of those horrific attacks.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Thornberry, and all the Armed Services Committee members for all their hard work on this bill. I rise in support of the en bloc package, which contains four amendments I have introduced. Mr. Chair, Iran has engaged in reckless conduct, destabilizing the region, with their attacks on allied tankers near the Strait of Hormuz and with the support of terrorist organizations, including Hezbollah and Hamas. We must remain vigilant with Iran. My amendment ensures that the Defense Department reports on threats to freedom of navigation on all international waterways. My second amendment directs the Defense and State Departments to send recommendations to Congress to improve the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program. This will help eliminate nuclear material and prevent proliferation. My third amendment prohibits funds and support from going to foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, al-Shabaab, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, by adding these to the prohibited list in section 1224 of this bill. We must stop terrorism in its tracks. Finally, brave Americans of every background have served in our Armed Forces, including Jewish American veterans who fought Nazis in World War II. My fourth amendment requires the Defense Department to question whether our Active Duty servicemembers have experienced anti-Semitism while bravely serving our country. Mr. Chair, I urge support for this bipartisan en bloc package of amendments.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Chairwoman, I thank Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz and Ranking Member Carter for their work on this legislation. Madam Chair, I rise in support of en bloc package 1, which includes my amendment to H.R. 3055 to help address critical staffing shortages at the VA. Madam Chair, we in Congress have no higher obligation than to care for our veterans who had our backs, and that starts with making sure they have the resources they need when they come home. The number of unfilled positions at the VA has grown steadily, and currently it is nearly at 49,000 across the entire VA system. Madam Chair, 49,000 vacancies is a huge problem that we must tackle. One constituent in my district, an 89-year-old, has been waiting on the adjudication of his appeal to the VA for more than a year. That is absurd. When we called the VA to inquire, we were told: ``This is just how long it takes.'' Madam Chair, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies looked closely at this issue and stated that the committee is concerned that the significant number of vacancies will lead to longer waits for veterans going without service. I agree. We must address this problem and address it quickly. Our veterans don't have time for longer waits for doctor appointments, mental health crises, housing assistance, and so much more. Our veterans deserve better, and I am proud to offer this amendment.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Chair, I thank Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz and Ranking Member Carter for their work on this legislation and leadership. Madam Chair, I rise in support of amendments en bloc No. 6, which includes my amendment to H.R. 3055 to increase our investment in the Veterans Health Administration for the purpose of hiring more mental health professionals. Madam Chair, we in Congress have no higher obligation than to care for our veterans. According to the inspector general for the VA, mental health professionals are the most needed occupation at the VA. Many of those in the veterans community are suffering from mental health conditions with so many of them, unfortunately, suffering in silence. Less than half of all returning veterans in need receive the mental health treatment that they deserve and need, and that is unacceptable. We have seen an increased incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and depression from our veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan. My office has worked with a number of veterans who are suffering from PTSD to make sure they get access to the care they have earned. An average of 20 veterans die by suicide every day. In New Jersey, my home State, the rate of suicide in the veterans community is almost double that of the rest of the population. This is shameful. Madam Chairwoman, surely we can all come together as a body to support this most pressing and urgent need. My amendment will help do that, and I am proud to offer it.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the centennial celebration of the American Legion. On March 15, 1919, the American Legion was founded in Paris, France by U.S. military personnel in the aftermath of World War I. Today, 100 years later, The American Legion is the world's largest veterans' organization and has been at the forefront of efforts to improve the lives of veterans including the development of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the creation of the U.S. Flag Code, and passage of the G.I. Bill. The irreplaceable impact of the American Legion continues 100 years later. Every year, The American Legion provides assistance on more than 181,000 VA claims and cases, awards more than $4 million in scholarships, and is the nation's single largest donor of blood. Specifically, I would like to recognize the Joseph M. Lane American Legion Post 136 in my District in Lodi, New Jersey. The inaugural meeting of what would today become the Joseph M. Lane American Legion Post 136 was held on September 9, 1919, at the Liberty Street Fire House in Lodi. The Post's namesake was Lodi resident, United States Army Private Joseph M. Lane, who died in the service in France. As the Representative for the Fifth Congressional District of New Jersey, I am proud to recognize the Joseph M. Lane American Legion Post 136 of Lodi for its countless contributions to the Lodi community and its veterans. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the American Legion for reaching this amazing milestone and look forward to many great years ahead.

Mr. GOTTHEIMER

Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I was unavoidably detained from the floor on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. I missed roll call votes No. 245 and No. 246. Had I been present to vote on roll call No. 245, I would have voted ``YEA''. Had I been present to vote on roll call No. 246, I would have voted ``YEA''.