John Joyce

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Kenneth Cook, one of the recipients of this year's Encompass Health Personal Achievement Award. Last October, Kenneth first came to Encompass Health with the diagnosis of Guillain Barre. He had very little movement in his lower extremities and little strength in his upper extremities. On his first day, he needed the help of two therapists to get out of bed. Kenneth knew that he had a long road to recovery ahead of him, but he was determined to emerge victorious. He never missed a day of therapy and always showed up with a positive attitude and willingness to work. In four short weeks, Kenneth was able to walk under his own power with a walker. He eventually regained his ability to walk without a walker and return to work. It is thrilling to hear that Kenneth was able to accomplish this with hard work and determination. Congratulations once again to Kenneth on this recognition.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Cameron Yingling, one of the recipients of this year's Encompass Health Personal Achievement Award. This past summer, Cameron and his brother were diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia. This disease affects balance, coordination, mobility, and the heart. There is no treatment or cure, but that has not deterred the boys. Following their diagnosis, they started selling blue ``Fight Ataxia'' bracelets and donated all to research. Since coming to Encompass Health, he and his brother have always showed up with a fighting spirit and a positive attitude each session as they participate in aqua and land therapy to maintain muscle strength and mobility. It is thrilling to hear that Cameron was also able to help others in his program to push a little harder once they saw his work ethic. Congratulations once again to Cameron on this recognition.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Breenen Yingling, one of the recipients of this year's Encompass Health Personal Achievement Award. This past summer, Breenen and his brother were diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia. This disease affects balance, coordination, mobility, and the heart. There is no treatment or cure, but that has not deterred the boys. Following their diagnosis, they started selling blue ``Fight Ataxia'' bracelets and donated all proceeds to research. Since coming to Encompass Health, Breenen and his brother have always showed up with a fighting spirit and a positive attitude each session as they participate in aqua and land therapy to maintain muscle strength and mobility. It is thrilling to hear that Breenen was also able to help others in his program to push a little harder once they saw his work ethic. Congratulations once again to Breenen on the recognition.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Adam Gee, one of the recipients of this year's Encompass Health Personal Achievement Award. Adam first came to Encompass Health in December of 2018 after falling off a ladder at work and sustaining a spinal cord injury. He arrived on his first day in a wheelchair. Adam knew that he had a long road to recovery ahead of him, but he was determined to emerge victorious. Adam set goals and strived to meet them each session. He struggled to take his first few steps after the injury, barely walking three feet, but that did not deter him. During his rehabilitation, Adam continued to work and live his life. He chose to modify his everyday tasks, rather than sit and wait for things to get better. It is thrilling to hear all that Adam was able to accomplish with hard work and determination. Congratulations once again to Adam on this recognition.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Tim Hoyer, this year's recipient of the Encompass Health Advocate Award. Tim has been active with brain injury support groups since his own injury in 2012. In January 2016, Tim assumed leadership of the Blair County Brain Injury Support Group. He has also founded an Asperger's support group. Tim has taken special interest in each group member and encourages them to reach whatever goals they have set. Tim is a tireless advocate in our community, and his work is truly deserving of this recognition. Congratulations once again to Tim on this recognitio

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Rod Baronner, one of the recipients of this year's Encompass Health Personal Achievement Award. Rod came to Encompass Health for rehabilitation following brain surgery. When he first arrived, he required a hoyer lift to get him out of bed due to his weakness. Rod had to focus on the basic fundamentals from the beginning, including to lift his head. As his rehabilitation continued, his wife Rose began to attend more therapy sessions and helped Rod in his recovery. In 43 days in rehabilitation, he progressed from limited mobility, to requiring only steadying assistance to walk with a walker and was able to care for himself. He continues to make progress each and every day and has been able to return to things he loves like camping with his family. It is thrilling to hear what Rod was able to accomplish with hard work and determination. Congratulations once again to Rod on this recognition.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Penn State Quarterback Michael Shuster, who was highlighted by Head Coach James Franklin in a post-game interview. A reporter asked, ``Coach, you mentioned the reaction when Nick Eury scored the touchdown. Can you talk about the quarterback that engineered the final drive and what you said to him and set up for him?'' Coach Franklin responded by saying, ``He's another guy. Michael Shuster has been phenomenal. I'm not sure if this is the right decision or not, but he has started leaning into coaching. He already got a job offer in the real world. He just does a great job for us. He's like having another coach. He takes a lot of pride in it. He's been a fantastic student, a fantastic teammate. I'm a huge Shuster fan. He brings a lot of value to our organization.'' Congratulations to Michael Shuster on a great drive in week one of the Penn State football season.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to honor The Realtor Active in Politics of the Year Award, Cheryl Rawlings. This award recognizes an individual who has significantly advanced the legislative agenda of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors through political involvement Cheryl has worked tirelessly to advance realtor interests for more than 15 years. Throughout her time as a member of the association, Rawlings personally advocated for realtor issues on the federal, state and local level, developing key relationships with elected officials in the Allegheny Highlands area and across the Commonwealth. Since 2002, she has served as key a contact for her Member of Congress through the National Association of Realtors Federal Political Coordinator program. Beginning with retired Congressman Bill Shuster and continuing with myself, Rawlings has served as the key liaison to her local representatives on behalf of NAR. Since 2017, Rawlings has served on the NAR committee guiding and serving Federal Political Coordinators across the country. At the state level, Rawlings has served as the key contact to many members of the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives, educating her elected officials about issues of importance to realtors and property owners She also has been an active participant at her local realtor association, the Allegheny-Highland Association of Realtors. For more than 15 years, Rawlings has quietly served as a Realtor political and grassroots activist and campaign volunteer for a host of legislators and candidates, and she is a deserving recipient of this year's RAP Award for her many years of service. It is a privilege to congratulate Cheryl Rawlings on this incredible honor.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, in 1873 a group of Navy and Marine Corps officers founded The United States Naval Institute on the grounds of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Since that time, the Institute has played a vital role in transforming the Sea Services from vocations to tried and true professions. The Naval Institute's mission is to provide an open, independent, and nonpartisan forum for those who read, think, speak, and write to advance the knowledge and understanding of sea power and other issues critical to global security. Constantly growing and improving, the United States Naval Institute will reach a milestone in its esteemed history by breaking ground for the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center, which will adjoin the Naval Institute's headquarters. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, Jack C. Taylor joined the United States Navy. During his years of military service (1942 to 1947), Taylor became an F6F Hellcat fighter pilot and saw combat duty in the Pacific Theater from the decks of the aircraft carriers USS Essex (CV-9) and USS Enterprise (CV-6). He was a member of Carrier Air Group 15, led by the top Navy ace of all time, Commander David McCampbell. Group 15, which sustained more than 50 percent casualties during its World War II service, was one of the most decorated combat units in the history of U.S. naval aviation. Taylor, who served as McCampbell's wingman on several combat missions, was twice decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, and also received the Navy Air Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation. Mr. Taylor served his country with distinction in World War II, returned home, raised a talented family and built a world-class organization, `Enterprise Rent-A-Car,' named after the famous aircraft carrier on which he flew. The late Mr. Jack C. Taylor and his family reinvested resources for the good of the community and his family continues to remain committed to the United States Navy, Navy values and Naval causes that include the Naval War College, Naval Historical Foundation, U.S. Naval Aviation Museum, Friends of the National World War II Memorial and Navy SEAL Foundation to name a few. The Taylor Family now honors their patriarch's service to the Nation as a naval aviator, an exemplary citizen, and a civic leader with the naming of the Conference Center. In heartfelt appreciation of its many contributions to the men and women of the United States Sea Services, it is my honor and privilege before the 116th Congress to recognize the United States Naval Institute on the occasion of its groundbreaking for the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center, 18 September 2019.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Greenville Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, native Harry Beal, who was the first U.S. Navy SEAL. Mr. Beal enlisted in the Navy in 1948 when he was just 17 years old. The Korean War began shortly after Beal joined the Navy, however, he never saw Korea. In the early 1960s, Beal was sent to Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek to learn underwater demolition. There is where he signed up for the Navy SEALs in 1962. President John F. Kennedy was looking for a group of men that could go anywhere in the world at a moment's notice. Beal was a member of SEAL Team Two, which was based out of Little Creek. His service was exemplary. Harry Beal served in the Navy for 20 years. His service took him to South America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean Sea. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Harry Beal for his lifetime of service to our nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 2019 Citizen of the Year, Timothy Weaverling. Mr. Weaverling of Bedford Borough, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, will receive this honor on August 19th from the Rotary Clubs of Bedford and the Bedford Elks Lodge. Mr. Weaverling has served on the Bedford County Chamber Foundation Board of Trustees, the Chamber Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He is currently serving in the second year of his term as Chair of the Chamber Board. In addition to the Chamber, Mr. Weaverling serves on the Bedford Borough Council as well as leadership of the Bedford Sunrise Rotary. Mr. Weaverling is a community leader that exemplifies Bedford in commitment, growth, and development. Mr. Weaverling is a role model of citizenship and pride that allows others to engage and empower. I take great pleasure in congratulating Timothy Weaverling for this outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Altoona native Tom Wiley on his 75th Birthday. Tom has spent more than 15 years in public service protecting America's most influential leaders working for the United States Secret Service. During his time in the Secret Service, Mr. Wiley protected Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. He also was Supervisor of Detail for Vice President Dan Quayle. Wiley was in charge of hospital security after the assassination attempt on President Reagan in 1981. During his time in Altoona at Bishop Guilfoyle, Wiley was an outstanding student athlete, playing both football and basketball. He also met his wife, Kathy Urban, while they were both high school students and they have been together since. After college at Purdue University, Wiley returned home to Bishop Guilfoyle from 1968 to 1971 to teach and coach. Wiley has dedicated his life of service to his country. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Tom Wiley a happy 75th birthday and thank him for his incredible service to our country.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2142. H.R. 2142 is a commonsense bill to ease the burden that Federal regulations place on small businesses. As a small business owner myself, I can personally attest to the daunting feelings that are associated with new regulations. Navigating the bureaucracy of the Federal Government can be incredibly intimidating, and I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Delgado, for his leadership on this issue. Small businesses account for 99.6 percent of the businesses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These businesses are truly the backbone of the American economy, which is why I was proud to introduce this legislation with my colleague from New York. This legislation takes a simple, yet important, step to reduce the strain that the Federal regulations place on small businesses and provide much-needed transparency. Any time a Federal agency is required to produce a final regulatory flexibility analysis on a rule, the agency is also required by section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act to publish one or more guides to assist small entities in complying with the rule. This legislation makes already available information more easily accessible to small businesses by requiring the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman to create a public website to publish these compliance guides and list contact information for persons who can help small entities comply with these rules. Making this information publicly available on a centralized website is a commonsense way to ease the regulatory burden on small firms that are looking for assistance to comply with the Federal regulations. I again would like to thank Mr. Delgado for bringing this issue to my attention and the chairwoman and Ranking Member Chabot from Ohio for their commitment to advancing this bipartisan solution. I ask each of my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding and further thank him for his leadership on border security matters and for opposing this harmful and extremist amendment. Madam Chair, I rise in the strongest possible opposition to the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York. This amendment is dangerous, and it is disrespectful to the hardworking men and women of our Border Patrol. To make matters worse, my same colleague who is pushing this amendment also wants to eliminate the Department of Homeland Security. Madam Chair, if you want to get rid of DHS and you want to take away DOD's ability to help secure the border, who is going to be left to stop the drug traffickers and the cartel members who continue to infiltrate our country in record numbers? Madam Chair, this amendment is just another step in the ongoing effort by my colleagues across the aisle to make us a country of open borders. I urge all Members of the House to stand up for the rule of law and reject this amendment.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ron Fiochetta, who will be posthumously inducted into the All-American Amateur Baseball Association Hall of Fame later this summer. Baseball was not his only love. He also coached football where I had the opportunity to play for him. As a former player, student, and someone who looked up to Coach Fio, I realize this award is truly deserved. His late wife, Joy, and his children continue to exemplify his commitment to community, coaching, and leadership. Sadly, Ron passed away in 1997 at the age of 51, but his legacy lives on. He brought national recognition to Altoona in the AAABA Tournament. He was the manager of Altoona's L.S. Fiore from 1984 through 1997. During his tenure, L.S. Fiore won 10 Altoona AAABA League championships, four AAABA Regional championships, as well as a second place finish in the AAABA National Tournament in 1994. I take great pleasure in congratulating the Fiochetta family on this great honor for Coach Fio.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Congress has exactly 3 weeks to pass the USMCA before we break for our August work period, and we owe it to our constituents to get the job done. The USMCA will benefit every district in America, as it will lead to 176,000 new jobs and grow the U.S. economy by an additional $68 billion. This agreement will also be a huge benefit to my constituents. Pennsylvania's 13th District is made up of so many hardworking dairy farmers who have struggled in recent years. This deal will unleash new markets and bring our industry back to life. Instead of hauling Robert Mueller before a committee to rehash a case that is already closed, Congress should be putting all of our efforts into making the USMCA agreement law. During July, my focus will be on passing the USMCA and growing our economy for years to come. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in this mission.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Mount Union High School baseball team who recently won the PIAA Class 3A state championship with a 9-1 victory over Notre Dame-Green Pond. The Trojans took an 8-0 lead through the first two innings and held that lead for the rest of the game. Ethan Carbaugh went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Seth Smith, Kobe Hand, and Quinton Posey added six combined RBIs. This is Mount Union's fourth title and their first since 1995. The Trojans had a strong regular season, winning the District 6 championship with a record of 25-3. The team was led by Coaches Tim Hicks, Ryan McGanigle, Nick Imperioli, George Goodling, Ron Blair, Jeff Brown, and Kyle Atherton. The team was comprised of seniors Steve Brumbaugh, Quinnten Fultz, Dylan Gearhart, Matt Harshbarger, Quinton Posey, Seth Smith, and Bryce Stinson. Juniors Ethan Carbaugh, Kobe Hand, and Grayson McClain. Sophomores Clayton Arnold, Colten Benson, Ian Brodbeck, Vince Lear, Tyler Renniger, Casel Walter, Klayton Willaughby, Blake Woodward, and Brock Woodward. As well as freshman Dauvon Wilson and Equipment Managers Braylan Knable and Blaine Hunsinger. High school athletics is a great way for students to build character and form a lasting bond with teammates. Please join me in congratulating the Trojans baseball team.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to advocate for the brave men and women who defend our country. Recently, I visited Normandy, France, for the 75th anniversary of D- day. While overseas, I met numerous men and women who were critical in the defeat of fascism during World War II, and they all gave me a very simple and direct message: Go home and take care of those who have served our Nation proudly. The conversations that I had with the heroes from Normandy have inspired me this week to cosponsor numerous legislative events. These will positively affect our veterans. Congress needs to pass the Agricultural Apprenticeship Act, to allow veterans to receive the training that they need to enhance their employment opportunities. We need to pass the Get Veterans a Doctor Now Act, which allows the VA to hire top talent so that our veterans can get the best quality of healthcare. And we need to pass the Veterans Right to Expediency Act, so that the veterans who have sustained injuries in the field of battle cannot be boxed out of filing disability claims. Madam Speaker, it is time that we take up these measures. Our veterans have given everything for us.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to salute the service of Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey J. Ignatowski, who has served his nation and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania admirably as Commander of the Letterkenny Munitions Center (LEMC) in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania over the last two years. During Lieutenant Colonel Ignatowski's command, LEMC executed six worldwide ammunition rehearsal of concept drills, implemented a tier meeting process that accelerated work flow and communication, and multiplied employee suggestion implementation program participation. His leadership has strengthened LEMC's reputation as the Army's premier munitions center, orchestrating the distribution, maintenance, and demilitarization of munitions from around the globe. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th District, I want to thank Lieutenant Colonel Ignatowski and his family for his selfless service, and moreover highlight the sense of purpose with which he has handled every project managed in his time at Letterkenny Munitions Center. His leadership and the progressive changes he made will live on, and it is with the utmost appreciation with which I wish him the best as he continues to serve his nation in new capacities. I take great pleasure in congratulating Lieutenant Colonel Ignatowski on his prodigious accomplishments and thank him for his tireless devotion to duty and continued service to the state and to the nation.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chair, I apologize for my absence this morning as I was attending the funeral service of my Godmother, Jane Davidson of Altoona, PA. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on rollcall No. 295; NAY on rollcall No. 296; YEA on rollcall No. 297; NAY on rollcall No. 298; YEA on rollcall No. 299; NAY on rollcall No. 300; YEA on rollcall No. 301; YEA on rollcall No. 302; NAY on rollcall No. 303; NAY on rollcall No. 304; YEA on rollcall No. 305; YEA on rollcall No. 306; YEA on rollcall No. 307; YEA on rollcall No. 308; YEA on rollcall No. 309; YEA on rollcall No. 310; YEA on rollcall No. 311; YEA on rollcall No. 312; NAY on rollcall No. 313; NAY on rollcall No. 314; NAY on rollcall No. 315; YEA on rollcall No. 316; YEA on rollcall No. 317; YEA on rollcall No. 318; YEA on rollcall No. 319; and YEA on rollcall No. 320.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, over the years, the Navy League of the United States has compiled an impressive record of accomplishments and is widely respected by both the private and public sector. Navy League programs are welcomed in communities throughout the nation and its members are recognized for their integrity and patriotism. In the words of President Theodore Roosevelt, ``It seems to me that all good Americans interested in the growth of their country and sensitive to its honor should give hearty support to the policies which the Navy League is founded. For the building and maintaining in proper shape of the American Navy, we must rely on nothing but the broad and farsighted patriotism of our people as a whole.'' In keeping with the wisdom and principles of President Theodore Roosevelt, it is my honor and privilege before the 116th Congress to recognize the 50,000 members and over 250 Councils of the Navy League of the United States at its National Convention June 19 to 22, 2019.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to address the latest action my colleagues from across the aisle have taken to blow up what was a perfectly good piece of legislation for the sake of scoring political points. The SECURE Act was a great piece of legislation that would have allowed Americans to expand the benefits of 529 education savings plans. It would have also allowed students with disabilities to be able to use their 529 savings accounts to pay for critical therapy options outside of the traditional classroom. But Democrats struck this commonsense provision down before bringing the bill to the floor today. How can my colleagues across the aisle justify limiting the resources that children with disabilities have at their disposal to grow and to thrive? As a father of a child with disabilities, I know how difficult it is to allow disabled children to receive the services that they deserve and that they need. Having flexible payment mechanisms to enhance these opportunities to access therapies opens doors that are otherwise closed. Mr. Speaker, I condemn my colleagues across the aisle for their attack on children with disabilities.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1594, the First Responder Access to Innovative Technologies Act. With threats to our communities constantly evolving, it is reassuring to see the emergence of new technologies ready to meet the new challenges. However, emerging technology is frequently developed faster than voluntary consensus standards can be implemented. Recipients of grants under FEMA's State Homeland Security Grant Program and Urban Area Security Initiative must procure equipment that meets these standards. This can be problematic when first responders seek to use grant funds to acquire new and innovative technology that does not meet or exceed any applicable national voluntary consensus standard. Unfortunately, if a grant recipient would like to use grant funds to purchase such equipment, FEMA does not maintain a uniform process for reviewing these applications. H.R. 1594 requires FEMA to develop such a process for reviewing these requests. This legislation also directs FEMA to implement a uniform process for reviewing applications to purchase equipment not included on the authorized equipment list maintained by FEMA. It is imperative that we listen to those in the emergency services sector and help enable them to acquire the tools that they need to save American lives and keep us safe. We must empower them to acquire the equipment they need for their jobs and provide them with a uniform process to do so. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill and I support our first responders. These brave men and women run into danger as everyone else runs away from it. We owe it to them to create processes that make their jobs and their lives easier. They have our backs on our worst days. We should have their backs on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania

Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1313, the Transit Security Grant Program Flexibility Act. The Transit Security Grant Program directly supports transportation infrastructure security activities by providing funds to owners and operators of transit systems. Whether they be bus systems, ferries, or passenger rail, this grant program aims to protect and increase the resilience of critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism. H.R. 1313 codifies the performance period for use of grant funds and allows additional time for large-scale capital security projects. This bill also allows grant recipients to use their awards to pay for the cost of backfilling personnel attending necessary security training. This important legislation, introduced by my colleague on the Homeland Security Committee, Congressman Pete King, will further assist in keeping our communities safe against the threat of terrorism. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to join me in doing so. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.