Chris Jacobs

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the State University of New York College at Geneseo on its 150th anniversary. Founded in 1871, SUNY Geneseo is a liberal arts college located in the historic Village of Geneseo, New York. SUNY Geneseo has a rich history, and I am honored to represent it in Congress. On September 13, 1871, the Geneseo Normal and Training School opened its doors with 71 certificate-seeking students. The following year, the first commencement was held with a graduating class of ten students. Later renamed SUNY Geneseo, today the school has more than 4,000 students, fifty undergraduate degree programs, and twenty-six interdisciplinary minors. SUNY Geneseo has grown exponentially over its 150-year history, while maintaining its strong commitment to quality education. Despite the challenges of the past year, SUNY Geneseo has continued to deliver a high-quality education. This success is demonstrated by SUNY Geneseo' s designation as a ``Top Producer of U.S. Student Fulbright Awards,'' as well as the university's U.S. News and World Report ranking of third for ``Top Public Regional Universities'' in the Northern United States. Each of these designations reflect the hard work of the students and faculty at SUNY Geneseo, who have grown the school into an outstanding institution over the past 150 years. SUNY Geneseo is known not only for its academics, but also for its history and traditions. An iconic feature of Geneseo is the Seuss Spruce found in the Sturges Quad. The tree's shape resembles a Dr. Seuss illustration, likely developing its shape from an ice storm. The Sturges Quad also holds the ``Greek tree,'' a tree painted by students from different Greek organizations during the night. This tradition began in the 1960s, yet thousands of layers of paint later, the tree grows taller each year. Geneseo is also known for its remarkable sunsets, especially those that can be seen from the campus Gazebo overlooking the Genesee Valley. I thank SUNY Geneseo for its commitment to preserving and promoting 150 years of education, and I again congratulate Geneseo on its 150th anniversary.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the County of Orleans Sheriff's Week designated this year between September 19th through September 25th. The Orleans County Sheriff's Department, led by Sheriff Christopher Bourke, has an extensive history of honorably serving the people of Orleans County. The Department conducts itself with the utmost professionalism and demonstrates integrity, honor, and courage daily. Just in the past year, we have seen countless examples of heroism. Last November Sheriff's investigator Kevin Colonna went above and beyond the call of duty and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to revive an elderly man who had become non-responsive. Similarly, Undersheriff Mike Mele took incredible action last December when a driver lost control of their vehicle on slick roads and crossed into his lane. Undersheriff Mele quickly turned to avoid the car and careened off the road seriously injuring himself in the process. His selfless actions undoubtedly saved the life of the other driver. These are just two of the countless examples where members of the Orleans County Sheriff's Department have gone above and beyond the call of duty and acted selflessly to protect the people of Orleans County. They patrol the streets, operate a safe and secure jail, patrol the waterways, and provide resources to local schools--among many other duties. Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent such a distinguished department and the fine men and women who oversee its operations. Our Orleans County Sheriff's Department and all our brave law enforcement officers deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for their service.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act. Our Nation faces many challenges in the coming years, from the growing threat of terrorism brought on by our reckless withdrawal from Afghanistan to Chinese aggression. This bill reverses defense cuts proposed by the Biden administration to fund our military and ensure our Nation can counter any threat. It also addresses President Biden's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan by prohibiting financial support to the Taliban and allocating resources for counterterrorism operations. In addition, it provides our troops a pay raise and supports the procurement of essential equipment. Finally, the bill includes a bill I introduced to improve retention and readiness for providing opportunities for reservists, and the rule makes in order my amendment that will get more small and innovative companies access to DOD contracts. Mr. Speaker, we face numerous challenges both today and in the future. This legislation prioritizes resources for our military at a critical time, and I urge its passage.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the 100th birthday of Mr. Paul Catalano. Mr. Catalano is a proud lifelong Western New York resident. He was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where he resided for most of his life. Mr. Catalano is a member of the Greatest Generation and fought for our country in World War II, serving in the U.S. Army from 1942 until 1944 when he was honorably discharged as a Private First Class. After the war, he continued his service to our country as a Lieutenant in the National Guard. He also had a long and productive career in the Buffalo banking and retail industries and retired in 1991 from Riverside Credit Union. Mr. Catalano and his late wife, Theresa, were happily married for 66 years. Mr. Catalano is the proud patriarch of his large family consisting of 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Mr. Catalano is proud of his Italian heritage, as demonstrated by his membership in the Federation of Italian American Societies of Western New York. He served as treasurer for the Federation for several decades, until retiring at the age of 98. Mr. Catalano is also a lifelong New York Yankees fan and was privileged to see them play in his hometown of Buffalo at the age of 99. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Mr. Paul Catalano for his service to our country and in celebration of his 100th birthday.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation on its 50th anniversary. On Friday September 6, 1901, President William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz during a trip to the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. Closely monitoring the situation from a family vacation in the Adirondack Mountains, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt traveled to Buffalo to pay his respects when it became apparent that President McKinley would not survive his injuries. President McKinley died the day of Roosevelt's arrival, on Saturday, September 14, 1901. It was only a matter of hours before the Vice President assumed the Office of the President of the United States. That same day, Vice President Roosevelt was sworn in as president at the residence of his close friend, and an esteemed lawyer, Mr. Ansley Wilcox, located at 641 Delaware Avenue. In taking his Oath of Office, Roosevelt declared, ``In this hour of deep and terrible national bereavement, I wish to state that it shall be my aim to continue, absolutely without variance, the policy of President McKinley, for the peace and honor of our beloved country.'' In conjunction with the National Park Service, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation has maintained the residence on Delaware Avenue since 1971, with several missions in mind. First and foremost, the foundation strives to uphold educational dialogues around the Roosevelt Presidency, ranging from the inauguration itself to his life, policy choices, and legacy. The foundation also highlights the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, which introduced Buffalo to the world as the first electrified city of light, powered by nearby Niagara Falls. More generally, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation highlights a period in Western New York's history when it served the country as an industrial powerhouse filled with driven, creative individuals seeking to build a new and better future. Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation offers a variety of programs and experiences that aim to preserve the legacy of President Roosevelt. The foundation displays a variety of exhibits and showcases within the home that examine Roosevelt's inauguration and time in office. Tours are offered at the nearby museum, as well as at sites of importance across the City of Buffalo. The foundation also hosts a ``Speaker Nite'' series of events, inviting esteemed individuals to explore issues of significance from President Roosevelt's tenure and share how these issues remain relevant today. I thank the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation for its commitment to preserving the unique history of the Western New York region, and I again congratulate the foundation on its 50th anniversary.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Lt. Col. Matt Urban VFW and AMVETS Post 7275 on the 75th anniversary of its founding. The VFW and AMVETS Post, located in the Town of Lancaster, NY, is named after Matt Louis Urban, one of the most decorated American soldiers from WWII and a native of Buffalo, NY. Lieutenant Colonel Urban served in the United States Army from 1941-1946 and during his time in the military, saw combat in North Africa, Sicily, France, and Belgium. After being wounded in France, Urban and his battalion carried on into Belgium where he was severely wounded by machine gun fire in Philippeville. Urban eventually made his way to Germany without the ability to speak from his previous injuries and medically retired from the Army in 1946. Returning to the United States, Lieutenant Colonel Urban settled down in Michigan, received the Medal of Honor in 1979, and passed away in 1995. Some of Urban's other honors include 2 Silver Stars, 7 Purple Hearts, the Legion of Merit, and the Croix de Guerre from France. Post 7275 adopted Lt. Col. Matt Urban's name in 2011 and today, it looks to keep its namesake's legacy of selfless service alive through community involvement and outreach. Chicken and steak dinners, classic car shows, and holiday parties all populate the Post's calendar and fundraise for various causes and services. Additionally, the Post organizes several veteran-related services and memorials for its members. During the Thanksgiving holiday, a food drive is put on by and for veterans. For Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, the Post organizes ceremonies to remember the fallen and honor its members' sacrifices. Flag Day is especially significant for both the VFW and AMVETS as flags are placed at the graves of veterans and those killed in action at local cemeteries. The Post has also remained very active during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping members stay in contact with the local VA hospital for medical services and keeping veterans informed about vaccination information. I thank the Lt. Col. Matt Urban VFW and AMVETS Post 7275 for its tireless commitments to serving our local veterans and greater community, and I again congratulate the Post on its 75th anniversary.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Batavia Business and Professional Women's Club on its centennial anniversary. The Batavia Business and Professional Women's Club was founded in 1921, at a time when all other local clubs were exclusive to men. Its mission was clear from the start: for women to meet and contribute meaningfully to the greater community. Under the leadership of its first president, Miss Lilliam Bender, the club garnered notoriety remarkably fast. Miss Bender received telegrams from countless esteemed individuals--President Harding, Vice President Coolidge, General Pershing, and Marshal Ferdinand Foch--all extending their congratulations for her work to establish such a progressive organization. By the end of 1921, the club had attracted more than one- hundred new members. The Batavia Business and Professional Women's Club has been a key resource for local communities throughout its one-hundred-year history, including in recent years. More recently, the club has provided meals and snacks to Habitat for Humanity volunteers, donated baskets to the Holland Land Office's annual Christmas fundraiser, and sponsored a family for the Thanksgiving holiday. Members of the organization have also routinely volunteered with the Salvation Army, the United Way, and the Batavia Public School System. Sponsoring fundraisers for local women owned businesses is another way the club supports its community. The organization holds fundraising events for several other purposes each year, such as events to raise money for college scholarships and service organizations. The Batavia Business and Professional Women's Club is proud to attract a diverse membership. Since its inception, the club has brought together small business owners, schoolteachers, local government officials, self-made entrepreneurs, medical professionals, and countless other women from an array of fields and occupations. Among the members today, I would particularly like to recognize the teachers and employees of the Batavia City School District, the professionals at Genesee Cancer Assistance, and the small business owners from local favorites, such as Foxprowl Collectables and Jeanne's Table, both located in Batavia. I thank all the women of the Batavia Business and Professional Women's Club for their unwavering commitment to local growth through community service and their many impressive professions, and I again congratulate the club on its centennial anniversary.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3985, the ALLIES Act. For almost two decades, American troops have fought the war on terror in Afghanistan. Over the course of the war, thousands of native Afghans put their lives on the line to support our American servicemembers. They served as translators, guides, contractors, and more. Their support was critical to the safety of our servicemembers and the success of our operations. They showed true bravery and risked their lives in pursuit of an end to the Taliban's regime and a free nation. Now, their decision to help Americans is seen as traitorous by the Taliban, and many of these Afghans and their families have been marked for death. This danger has only been compounded by the Biden administration's hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan. No plans were originally put in place to help these individuals evacuate, and now, many face dire consequences. We have a moral imperative to support those who served alongside our men and women in uniform and cannot leave them behind. While the administration has announced plans to evacuate some of our Afghan allies, they should not have been an afterthought. I call on the administration to expeditiously process SIV applicants and expand their efforts to get these individuals and their families out of harm's way immediately. In addition to those efforts, I am pleased the House is considering this critical legislation today. It expands and amends the Special Immigrant Visa program to better support our Afghan allies and their families. These combined actions are the least we can do to help them for their service to us. Anyone who puts their life on the line to stand alongside American servicemembers deserves not only our gratitude, but they deserve our protection. That is why I am proud to vote in favor of the ALLIES Act of 2021, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Mr. Speaker, the Biden administration announced that it would once again extend the U.S.-Canada border closure for nonessential travel until August 21. This is yet another example of the President's failure on this issue. His second day in office, he signed an executive order calling for a plan. That never happened. We have sent multiple letters from my office calling for answers. They have gone unanswered. Reporters have asked for clarity. The White House has dodged. Families and small businesses have pleaded for action so they can reunite and recoup lost revenue. They have been ignored. Canada has announced that they will allow fully vaccinated Americans in the country starting in August. This is long overdue but still light years ahead of our President. This extension is unacceptable, ignores the science, and extends the suffering of families and small businesses in my region. Reopening the border for nonessential travel can be done safely. The time for stalling and silence has long passed. The Biden administration needs to act immediately and reopen our shared border.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion Act. This bill would make the Hyde amendment permanent and government-wide. Mr. Speaker, Hyde saves lives. For more than 40 years, this amendment has protected vulnerable, unborn life by preventing taxpayer dollars from funding abortions. Named after Illinois Congressman Henry Hyde, the Hyde amendment has enjoyed decades of broad, bipartisan support. During this time the Charlotte Lozier Institute estimates the Hyde amendment has saved over 2 million lives. I am proud to stand up for vulnerable life. As the father of a beautiful two-year-old girl, I have come to appreciate the sanctity of newborn life in a profound way. We owe it to them, and to each other, to protect their lives in every way possible. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, and I ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Town of Evans, New York on its bicentennial anniversary. The Town of Evans, New York was founded on March 31, 1821, when the Legislature of New York State proposed and passed an Act for the purpose of establishing the Town of Evans. The Town of Evans has a rich history, and I am honored to represent it in Congress. The Town of Evans was named after David Ellicott Evans who served as an agent for the Holland Land Company. He worked dutifully for the Holland Land Company, emphasizing the importance of respecting the pioneers that settled the lands. Mr. Evans' unwavering kindness towards the pioneers and everyone he encountered prompted the State Legislature to name the town in his honor. Many great businesses and businesspeople have hailed from the Town of Evans, including Willis Haviland Carrier, the inventor of modern air conditioning. From Evans' Village of Angola, Carrier crafted a temperature-controlled future that countless people around the world continue to rely on today. Today, the Town of Evans is a robust, generational farming community with livestock, maple syrup, horticulture, and commercial crop farms that provide essential goods to local residents and surrounding communities. Located on Lake Erie and south of the City of Buffalo, the town also offers 12 miles of scenic coastline. Residents enjoy the town's numerous parks and beaches, as well as Sturgeon Point Marina which serves as a key launch for boaters and fisherman on the lake. Nature trails and picturesque sunsets over Lake Erie attract visitors from all over the country. I thank the Town of Evans for its commitment to preserving 200 years of history, and I again congratulate the town on its bicentennial anniversary.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, the Help Wanted Act, which would reinstate work search requirements for unemployment benefits and end disincentives to work. We have now gotten two job reports that fell short of projections. Meanwhile, it was reported that there were a record 9.3 million job openings in the United States. In my home of western New York, there are reports that restaurants are turning customers away when they need them most because they are short-staffed. In February, the Congressional Budget Office published a report stating our economy would return to pre-pandemic strength without additional government spending. Yet, the President and Democrats forced through a highly partisan and unrelated $2 trillion package. The result is it has now become more lucrative to stay at home than to seek employment, a detriment to our overall economic recovery. Vaccines are rolling out; the CDC has updated their guidance; and positivity rates are dropping. It is time to get back to work.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support and gratitude for the members of law enforcement bravely serving my home in western New York and around the Nation. This National Police Week gives us all a chance to pause and appreciate the dangerous, selfless, and, unfortunately, sometimes thankless job our police officers do. But we should not only honor them 1 week every year, we must continually show our support by resisting any and all attempts to defund our police. Every day, our police officers wake up, put on a uniform, and go out into the communities that they serve to protect us not knowing if they will return home to their families that evening. They continually put their lives on the line. I recently was humbled to honor numerous officers in my home of Orchard Park, New York, and Lancaster, New York, who rescued residents from burning buildings and brush fires while they were off duty. We need police, and we need more young people to seek out a career serving their communities in law enforcement. Unfortunately, the recent stereotyping of police over the last year has been a severe deterrent to new members joining and also caused massive retirements of existing law enforcement, making all our communities less safe. The assault from the left on our police must come to an end. It is imperative that we properly fund, equip, and support law enforcement on the local, State, and Federal level. To conclude, our police are heroes and deserve to be honored as such. I join my colleagues in thanking them this week for their bravery and their service.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of an extraordinary man and hero, Private Second Class Robert Harold Sudbrink of Youngstown, New York. Robert was born and raised in Astoria, New York, the son of William Sudbrink, an electrician who worked on the World Trade Center, and Mary Normoyle Sudbrink, a homemaker. He is the sixth of seven children. Two of his older brothers, William and Thomas, worked as New York City firefighters. Robert was named after his uncle, Robert J. Sudbrink, who also had a decorated military career--he received the Silver Star from General John ``Blackjack'' Pershing for his service in World War I. Continuing his family's history of decorated military service, Robert enlisted in the Army after graduating from Valley Stream South High School in 1968 at age seventeen. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He went on to complete his Airborne infantry training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Special Forces training at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina. On July 4, 1969, Robert was deployed to the Central Highlands of Vietnam as part of the 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade. There, he worked closely with the South Vietnamese Army. On March 13, 1970, Robert distinguished himself in the village of Loc Thai. There, he encountered a home in flames and acted on his instincts to assist the family inside. Instead of waiting for help, he entered the home multiple times to save a child's life, the family's food supply, and their personal belongings. He also helped the village extinguish the fire before it could spread to the rest of the village. For his heroic efforts, Robert was awarded the Soldier's Medal two months later. After the war, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and returned home to New York City. In 1982, he met his wife, Bonnie Sudbrink. Together, they moved to Western New York and eventually built a home in Alden, New York. In Alden, Robert worked as a mail handler for the United States Postal Service for twenty-two years. Now retired, Robert enjoys traveling, playing the banjo, and creating artwork in his free time. He and his wife Bonnie have two daughters, both residing in New York: Courtney Lennon, an author and historian; and Maggie Matullo, an artisan. He also has two granddaughters: Gia and Olivia. Our country could not be prouder of Private Second Class Robert Harold Sudbrink, a fellow New Yorker and true American hero. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Robert for his heroism, in thanking him for service, and recognizing him as the New York 27th Congressional District's Veteran of the Month of May 2021.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize a recent event that generously contributed to and positively impacted the welfare of our community and citizenry here in the 27th Congressional District of New York. I gladly welcomed the Department of New York of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. to my hometown of Buffalo, New York for their 84th Convention on April 9-10, 2021. I recognize the American Gold Star Mothers, women that share the tragedy of having children that died in connection to military service or are missing in action. These Gold Star Mothers strive to keep the memory of their sons and daughters alive by working to help veterans, those currently serving in the military, their families, and their communities. I am grateful for their efforts to come together to respect and honor our fallen service members, especially considering the immense hardship they have experienced themselves. There are many instances in the Congressional Record of service flags being adopted-that precede the creation of the American Gold Star Mothers organization--and I would like to highlight two in particular. In 1917 Ohio veteran and businessman Robert L. Queisser created the Blue Star Service Flag to honor his two sons serving in the First World War and other service members of the U.S. military. The Congressional Record of September 24, 1917 reflects the adoption of this service flag. This flag recognizes those who give so much for liberty and acknowledges that the dearest thing to a father and mother are their children. Later, in 1918, President Woodrow Wilson approved a suggestion by the Women's Committee of the Council of National Defense that mothers who lost a child in World War I wear a gold star on a traditional black mourning armband. This led to creation of the Gold Star Service Flag, where a gold star was placed inside the flag's blue star, signifying a service member has died. The Gold Star Service flag adoption was, of course, followed by the creation of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc, an organization that offered its 65 original charter members the opportunity to find strength in fellowship. In 1928, twenty five mothers of American service members lost in World War I met in Washington, D.C. under the leadership of Grace Darling Seibold, the mother of U.S. Army First Lieutenant George V. Seibold killed in action, to establish the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. The organization was officially incorporated on January 5, 1929. That same year, Congress provided funding for these mothers and widows to travel to cemeteries in Europe to visit their loved ones. In 1930, a group of 231 Gold Star women sailed from Hoboken, New Jersey aboard the passenger liner SS America on the inaugural pilgrimage to the European graves of their sons and husbands who died in World War I. When this program ended three years later, nearly 6,700 Gold Star women had journeyed across the Atlantic to bid a final farewell to loved ones laid to rest in war cemeteries in France, Belgium, and Great Britain. Congress later granted a federal charter to the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. and designated the last Sunday in September as ``Gold Star Mother's Day.'' Congress also authorized and requested President Franklin D. Roosevelt issue a proclamation in observance of this occasion. Each year on this day, we express the love, sorrow, and reverence of the people of the United States for American Gold Star Mothers. We especially recognize our American Gold Star Mothers and their fallen soldiers in New York's 27th District. At the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park resides the U.S. Navy destroyer USS The Sullivans (DD-537). This National Historic Landmark has been a public memorial and museum ship since 1979, and is sponsored by Alleta Sullivan, a Gold Star Mother whose five sons were killed in action. George, Francis, Joseph, Madison, and Albert Sullivan-brothers from Waterloo, IA--died when their cruiser was sunk at the First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. I am glad the Gold Star Mothers recently had the opportunity to gather in Buffalo, New York for the 2021 Convention of the Department of New York of the American Gold Star Mothers. I remain incredibly grateful for and humbled by the Gold Star Mothers' commitment to honoring and reflecting on the legacies of their sons and daughters lost in service to our Nation; finding strength in the fellowship of each other; and helping veterans, current military servicemembers and their families, and our communities.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, on March 17, 2021 I missed the vote on H.R. 1652, the VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 89.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind the screens and back in the classroom.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, the Dairy H-2A Eligibility Act. As I have traveled around my district and met with dairy farmers, their number one need has consistently been a reliable workforce. Currently, dairy farms do not have access to the H-2A visa program because their work is not considered seasonal. My very simple one-page piece of legislation would simply make dairy workers eligible for these temporary work visas. Farming is the largest economic driver in my district, and dairy farming is a critical part of the American economy and food supply. We need to ensure that farmers have the resources and workforce they need while enforcing our immigration laws and preventing illegal immigration. This change would put dairy farmers on equal footing with other H-2A employers and adhere to the same rules and regulations in force today. As larger reforms to the agriculture workforce are debated, I ask for the consideration of this urgent fix to ensure American dairy farmers can continue to provide for the American families and thrive for generations to come.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the budget resolution put forth by the majority. Rather than seek bipartisan consensus, Democrats are effectively shutting out Republicans through this reconciliation process. The Democrats are proposing to spend $1.9 trillion, one of the largest single expenditures in U.S. history. They will be funding this historic expenditure by dramatically increasing our national debt, and these unprecedented and historic obligations are being undertaken without engaging in the Budget Committee at all. Just because the Democrats have control of both Houses and the Presidency does not mean they should be abusing this power, bypassing the important and deliberative role of the legislative process instead of working in earnest with the Republican Members. In the 116th Congress, we were able to find bipartisan consensus on COVID relief, and I believe we can do the same here now. This go-it-alone approach is very unfortunate because there are many provisions in President Biden's proposal that I could support. I have been calling for additional aid to local governments since I arrived here in Congress this summer. Further, we most definitely need more resources to ensure a more robust deployment of vaccines throughout the Nation. This partisan approach to relief legislation is damaging and unproductive. I hope the majority will reconsider this process. I want to believe President Biden's calls for unity, bipartisanship, and cooperation. I was encouraged to see the talks between the White House and the Senate Republicans. This is exactly how we should be working to address the needs of the American people. During these very challenging times, I stand ready and willing to work with the Biden administration and any of my colleagues across the aisle to help the American people.

Mr. JACOBS of New York

Mr. JACOBS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the waiver allowing General Lloyd Austin to serve as Secretary of Defense. Civilian leadership at the top of the Pentagon is desirable and necessary. I believe this should only be reserved for unique circumstances. Regularly nominated candidates who require waivers is not a precedent we should set. However, examining General Austin's credentials and the circumstances facing our Nation lead me to believe the approval of this specific waiver is warranted. The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing. China is growing bolder and more aggressive, using espionage, cyber warfare, and manipulation to undermine U.S. and global security. Iran remains an ever-present threat to the Middle East and the world. North Korea continues to pursue an ambitious nuclear weapons development program. These issues and others require the steady hand of an experienced and qualified Secretary of Defense. General Austin meets these requirements and is more than qualified to oversee our Nation's military. Mr. Speaker, I urge the support of this waiver. I look forward to working with Secretary Austin to confront these very real threats to our national security.

Mr. JACOBS

Mr. JACOBS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Water Resources Development Act, which is critical to districts with significant shorelines, like mine. I am especially pleased to see the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study included in this bill. High water levels on Lake Erie, and especially on Lake Ontario, are a major concern to communities in our region. Homeowners and business owners along Lake Ontario have suffered significant flooding and devastating property damage over the last few years. This study will inform those projects and policies that will mitigate high water levels and, hopefully, prevent future flooding of the kind suffered recently. I would also like to thank our leaders in the House, Ranking Member Sam Graves and Chairman Peter DeFazio, for the bipartisan work they have done on this legislation. The bipartisan work in the committee on WRDA is always welcome and a strong example of the way business can be conducted here. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 1811.

Mr. JACOBS

Mr. JACOBS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of extending the successful and bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program by making $138 billion in already appropriated funds available to help more businesses that are experiencing dire and desperate need. This week, it was reported that almost 30 percent of small businesses in New York have closed for good due to the COVID-19 epidemic, and many more will face the same fate without further aid. $138 billion appropriated to the PPP is just sitting here in Washington, D.C., instead of helping our Nation's small businesses. For months, we have asked the Speaker to allow a vote on H.R. 8265, which simply enables the SBA to do another round of grant awards, getting this $138 billion out on the street before it is too late for many of these hard-hit businesses. This legislation is targeted, addresses a dire need across the Nation, and requires no additional Federal funds. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Speaker and her leadership to reconsider this tactic and allow this legislation to come to the floor for a vote. I am confident it will receive bipartisan support.

Mr. JACOBS

Mr. JACOBS. Mr. Speaker, of the many excellent provisions in the CARES Act, which was passed by this body, undoubtedly one of the most successful was the PPP, the Paycheck Protection Program, which literally helped thousands of small businesses and over 50 million jobs be saved during the COVID pandemic. The PPP was also successful because it partnered with the private sector, utilizing local banks to disburse the PPP loans. Often these banks already had existing relationships with the small businesses in their communities. These existing relationships between banks and small businesses were invaluable in getting these funds out onto the street in record speed--again, saving thousands of businesses and millions of jobs. In my district alone, PPP saved over 50,000 jobs. It is due to the success of the PPP and the significant need for additional PPP funds for small businesses around the Nation that I rise in support of H.R. 8265, sponsored by Representative Chabot. This is a very commonsense piece of legislation. You see, Mr. Speaker, there are approximately $130 billion in unspent PPP funds. This bill simply enables the Small Business Administration to do another round of PPP awards. There is still incredible demand and need for this program. So this is not an allocation of additional money. As both sides debate a much larger and more complicated new stimulus package, I think this bill is a great first step. It is a program that has shown itself to be incredibly effective in saving jobs and small businesses. There is most definitely more demand for PPP funds for the small businesses and local nonprofits. The model of awarding the funds has shown itself to be excellent. Finally, it doesn't require an additional appropriation. Mr. Speaker, our small businesses are fighting for their survival, and millions of jobs hang in the balance. We can do this. This money is there, and the program works.

Mr. JACOBS

Mr. JACOBS. Madam Speaker, I want to first acknowledge an individual from my district, Dr. Sean Roberts. I grew up with Sean Roberts in Buffalo, New York. Sean is a professor now at George Washington University. He has studied the Uyghur people for over 30 years and recently released a book, entitled, ``The War on the Uyghurs: China's Internal Campaign Against a Muslim Minority.'' It is a book that has a depth of research about the atrocities against these people for a long, long time, and I want to commend him for his leadership. Madam Speaker, long before China endangered the global community with their lies and failures in response to the coronavirus, we knew of the threats they posed, but many ignored them. We can no longer allow them a free pass. Today, we are here to condemn yet another of China's Communist regime's crimes, the atrocious record on human rights, specifically, the persecution and forced labor of the Uyghur people. The actions of the Chinese Communist regime are appalling, a threat to freedom everywhere, and must be condemned in unwavering terms. It is our duty as the strongest beacon of freedom in the world to shine a light upon these atrocities, sanction those who condone it, and eradicate such evil. Freedom is not based on just the ideals you hold; rather, it is based on your ability to hold those ideals without fear. I urge every one of my colleagues to support these measures and send a resolute and strong message to the Chinese Communist Party that we will not tolerate their human rights violations. No more should they be able to act as a rogue nation, a bully, and a manipulator that disregards their own citizens' lives and puts the entire global community in danger. Until China changes its ways, ends the torture of the Uyghur people, and acts as a responsible global citizen, we will not weaken our pressure. With one voice, let's condemn the atrocities committed against the Uyghur people.

Mr. JACOBS. Madam Speaker, let's work towards ending our foreign dependence on the Communist regime and hold them accountable for the lives of every individual their lies have killed. I look forward to working with the Senate to refine and improve this bill and endorse the strong measures it will take to hold the Chinese regime accountable.