Marcy Kaptur

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, the 2025 Federal fiscal year is supposed to begin October 1, 2024, 20 days from today. Responsible Republicans and responsible Democrats are trying hard to complete the necessary 12 fiscal year 2025 appropriations bills on time as the deadline looms. Our Nation needs regular order, not more delays, chaos, and goofy legislative tricks. Without reasonable action, uncertainty will prevail at the highest level of institutions on which our Nation depends for security and progress: Defense, Energy, Agriculture, Treasury, Transportation, infrastructure, healthcare, housing, Homeland Security, the Social Security Administration, and so many more, all jeopardized. Delay jeopardizes funding America's promises to our veterans, our farmers, our first responders, and our teachers as basic functions of our government. All will be crippled across the board. What hangs in the lurch is support for the American people, from kids in Head Start to wounded veterans trying to make appointments for their orthopedic exams. Delay here in Congress cripples our economy. More needless shenanigans in Congress throw a monkey wrench into every Federal instrumentality created to serve the people of our Nation. Mr. Speaker, let us ask certain Members of Congress who cannot compromise in this Nation that leads the free world: Why do you choose to be obstructionists? Follow the simple rules of orderly government, and get the appropriations bills done on time. Do your job. Post-COVID, our economy has been improving consistently. Interest rates dropped again today. Jobs are increasing. Wall Street is doing well. Inflation is being reduced. Debt as a share of GDP--hello--is shrinking. So why would a handful of discontented Members choose harm when a vast majority of people in this Chamber want to make progress for the country? We need steady hands on the wheel. Let us do what our constituents sent us here to do: Govern. The ramifications of a poisoned, partisan appropriations bill will halt hiring of Border Patrol officers, prevent contracting for Army Corps of Engineers' dredging, close our parks, and stall emergency relief to communities devastated by recent natural disasters. Mr. Speaker, I say to some of my friends who can't seem to reach compromise: Do you really realize what you are doing? Here we are, on the brink of another lapse in funding caused by political brinkmanship and shortsighted partisan antics unworthy of this institution's responsibilities. This is a time for leadership, not mischief. This is a time for succeeding, not retreating. This is a time for unity, not division. Let us do our work. Let us pass our appropriations bills on time and with dispatch. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, this year the United States Mint began sales of the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin to support the National World War II Memorial. This initiative was created through legislation I first introduced in 2019, and the President signed into law in 2022. There are three unique coin designs available, all emblematic of the service and sacrifice of brave American soldiers and civilians during World War II. These commemorative coins are sought out by World War II veterans, their families, collectors, and millions of our ordinary citizens. They serve as an important keepsake to honor those who fought valiantly and defended liberty against the forces of tyranny around the globe. They bequeathed liberty to us if we can sustain it. Although the National World War II Memorial is only 20 years old, the passage of time has left its indelible marks. Lighting and water systems need to be replaced, discoloration along its fountains has appeared, and cracks have formed. The National Park Service that oversees the maintenance of the memorial does yeoman's work. The memorial is among the most visited sites in our Nation's Capital, however, approaching over 90 million visitors to date. Yet, the Park Service has an over $20 billion backlog of other projects, too. The time is now to support this memorial for those still living today and for future generations to come. As authorized by Public Law 117-162, the sales price of each coin will include a surcharge payable to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service to maintain and repair the memorial and for important educational and commemorative programs. These commemorative coins are on sale now until the end of 2024. The three unique coins available all have methodically designed interpretations. The $5 gold coin features a section of the Wall of Stars with an olive branch. Each star on the wall represents 100 Americans who lost their lives in that war. The olive branch represents the peace that followed, thanks to their noble sacrifice. The reverse tail design shows the folded American flag, such as one that would be presented at the funeral of a fallen servicemember. The $1 silver coin features six figures working together to support the Earth, illustrating the cooperation of each of our military branches as well as the Merchant Marine. The reverse design features a view from Victory Pavilion in the World War II Memorial. The sculpture depicts four eagles holding a laurel wreath, within which is a globe centered on the Pacific Ocean. Finally, the half dollar clad coin depicts the memorial from the point of view of a person walking up a ramp leading to one of the towers. The head side re-imagines the Victory Medal that was awarded to all who served in the Armed Forces during World War II. The figure of Liberation stands with open arms holding two halves of a broken sword, symbolizing the war's conclusion. All surcharges obtained for these commemorative coins will go to the upkeep of this memorial and education about our 20th century's greatest achievement: the victory of liberty over tyranny. I thank my Senate colleague, Senator Mike Rounds, and the over 300 bipartisan cosponsors in the House for supporting this legislation. If citizens wish to purchase coins, people may visit www.usmint.gov. In conclusion, we owe our freedom to the heroes and heroines of World War II. We know clearly tyranny has not left our Earth. The new generations of Americans must understand what life outside America's borders is like. People call the World War II generation the Greatest Generation. I call them the most unselfish generation. When they came home, they carried forward the spirit of freedom that drove them to victory over the worst tyrants the world has ever known or confronted. Those spirits triumphed because they understood what it took to preserve liberty. Thus far, our world has achieved the longest peacetime era among great powers in world history because of them.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life of Margaret ``Peggy'' Ann Murray who passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024. Peggy's life was a testament to dedication, service, love. Born and raised on a farm in Huron, Ohio, she embodied the values of hard work, learning, and compassion that imbues an ethic that makes life worth living. A proud graduate of Marquette University, Peggy's journey was marked by a profound commitment to her faith and her community. She taught CCD for 15 years and was a founding member of Habitat for Humanity's Firelands affiliate and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Second Harvest Food Bank of northeast Ohio. She supported education through the Charles and Margaret Nickels scholarship, named in honor of her late parents. A lifelong member of the Democratic Women of Erie County, Peggy served on the Erie County Democratic Central Committee. Peggy's legacy is carried on by her loving husband Dennis, Sr., 5 children, and 11 grandchildren. Her life was a beacon of service, love, and unwavering commitment to bettering her community and world around her and us.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday, I joined the community of Bryan, Ohio, and people from across our region to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Spangler Candy Company's famous Dum Dums. These lollipops and Spangler itself are true Williams County institutions that have made northwest Ohio proud for generations. It was great to see so many friendly faces, both young and old, including local officials, community members, families, children, and members of the namesake Spangler family themselves. Dum Dums are so synonymous with Bryan, Ohio, their town water tower is made to look like a bundle of these famous suckers. I don't miss an opportunity to share these homegrown gems. Earlier this month, I brought a bunch of lollipops to each of my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to keep them sweet and kind. I invite all my colleagues to stop by my office to grab a Dum Dum or come out to Bryan to tour Spangler's magnificent facility. Cheers to many more years of these sweet treats and delightful people of all ages across the globe. Onward, Dum Dums. Onward, Spangler. Onward, Bryan, Ohio. We are so proud of you.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I yield 6 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), the distinguished and extremely hardworking ranking member of the Appropriations Committee.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, this amendment raises serious constitutional issues and may amount to an unconstitutional bill of attainder. This is not the way to handle policy disputes with Jigar Shah, director of the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office. The amendment prioritizes legislative theater again over the American people, and it has no chance of becoming law. Mr. Chair, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote against this harmful amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, please let me begin by thanking our diligent committee staff for all of their hard work on this bill, including on both the majority and minority sides. They are a great group of Americans. I thank Scott McKee and Adam Wilson and, on my personal staff, Mayely Boyce and Margaret McInnis. I also thank Representative Derek Kilmer for his diligent and honorable public service as we present what will be his last bill. Derek has been a stalwart, serious, and exemplary member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies for many years. His sincere dedication and constant commitment have improved our Nation for today and the tomorrows to come. We will miss him greatly. We all know he will find a way to keep fighting for a more perfect and greater Union, and we thank him for his public service and his meritorious efforts to meet the needs of the American people. Energy and water undergird America's way of life. They are not optional. They are essential to sustaining life itself. Our Nation is projected to grow to 400 million people by 2050, three times more people than following World War II. Our bill must catch up to the future, not backpedal. Sadly, this Republican Energy-Water Development appropriations bill does not meet our Nation's imperative for the future. America must become energy independent in perpetuity. Their bill slow-walks our Nation's obligation to ensure modern, dependable, affordable energy and clean water for millions of our citizens. Thus, it fails to embrace a modern and more secure future. We cannot behave as though it is 1950. This Energy-Water Development appropriations bill cuts $1.5 billion, or 43 percent, from the Department of Energy's energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. They are essential to meeting our Nation's new challenges due to weather-related disasters, as we witness home and commercial business insurance rates rising all across our country. This bill revokes $8 billion from the Department of Energy's loan programs. A cut of this size would immediately constrict the Department of Energy's ability to spur American manufacturing and innovation in this new climate age. The bill also slashes the Weatherization Assistance Program, resulting in approximately 54,000 fewer low-income homes receiving weatherization services across our country. Let me be clear. The cuts in this bill will absolutely jeopardize innovation to achieve American energy independence and security. These cuts will hurt. These cuts will increase energy costs for millions of our fellow citizens, including families and seniors struggling to make ends meet. This bill pushes our Nation backward. While our Nation has made great strides toward energy independence after half a century of effort, we have not reached home plate and scored on U.S. energy independence in perpetuity. For example, the United States is fulfilling more of its crude oil needs with domestic supplies than ever before. Thankfully, U.S. net crude oil imports are at the lowest they have been since 1972. Let Russia keep its own oil. While decreased reliance on imports should give the U.S. more control over prices, consumers are not seeing the full benefits in the price they pay at the pump. With an adversarial Russia weaponizing energy to destabilize global markets, it is clear that America needs more energy innovation and diversification to reduce our dependence on any form of imported, foreign energy supplies. Further, we must not cede our solar and chip future to China. We know that China is more than willing to dump products and components to wipe out our domestic industries. We have witnessed this. We know this because it is happening in steel, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and automotive. It simply cannot happen in anything related to energy. In this new century marked by extreme weather events and increased natural disasters, this bill endangers efforts to address the climate crisis. During 2023, there were 28 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in this country. In 2024, we are already witnessing an escalation of events like heat waves across America. It is 115 degrees in Phoenix today as I talk. There is major flooding throughout the Midwest. Wildfires are burning in the West, earlier than ever. We had the most intense hurricane to form in the Atlantic so early in the year. We have States hitting rainfall records. June was the 13th month in a row to set a monthly temperature record. The Wall Street Journal reported property insurance premiums are rising significantly or being completely cut off across our Nation. The total cost from the billion-dollar disasters in 2023 was a record-setting $92.9 billion, almost $100 billion. We can either continue to pay more for disaster response, or we can invest now in climate mitigation and adaptation that will also lower costs for consumers, create jobs, and increase our global competitiveness. The pathway seems crystal clear to me. Thus, I oppose the Republicans' cuts to vital energy and climate programs. Shortchanging these advances pushes our Nation backward by slow-walking energy innovation, failing to modernize our Nation's electric grids, failing to advance innovation relative to our global competitors in materials and manufacturing, and failing to build domestic end-to-end supply chains for jobs in the new energy economy, American jobs. In other areas of this bill, while I support many of the bill's efforts to maintain a safe, secure, and credible nuclear deterrent and robust naval nuclear propulsion program--God bless them--I am concerned how this bill cuts nuclear nonproliferation programs that reduce nuclear risks and counter the global challenge of nuclear proliferation. Finally, the bill includes numerous controversial poison pill policy riders that sadly show extremist Republicans are not interested in bills that can gain bipartisan support and become law. I truly do appreciate working with Chairman Fleischmann, a very, very hardworking Member, and our colleagues to develop and pass bipartisan bills, as has long been this committee's practice, including last year. I am saddened that this vital subcommittee is being steered to return to a partisan process for this fiscal year 2025 House bill. Americans all witnessed how chaos and extremism played out last year, and we all fully should know a bipartisan compromise is the only avenue to finalize these bills. Americans expect us to negotiate our differences, work together across the aisle, and do our jobs to find the big middle. America's future relies on the new age frontiers of energy and water. America can and must do better, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. McClellan).

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to close. As I said before, Mr. Chairman, America's future relies on our new age frontiers of energy and water. This bill does not meet the mark. America can and must excel. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment. This en bloc contains noncontroversial amendments from Members of both parties, and I have no objection. Mr. Chair, I urge support of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, as the designee of Ms. DeLauro, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes).

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Amendment No. 9 Offered by Mr. Flood

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment. The amendment purports to prohibit funding for what is termed ``lab- grown meat'' at the Department of Energy. One would normally think of the Department of Agriculture as the place for that to occur. However, the actual amendment text prohibits funds to be ``used for or to advance the research, development, demonstration, processing, or promotion of alternative proteins.'' The term ``alternative proteins,'' without getting too deep into the scientific weeds, is very broad, and this would likely have an impact largely beyond the purported intent related to lab-grown meat. Members probably have seen some of the scientific and medical work being done across our country, for example, in kidney transplantation. There is great crossover between some of the pure sciences and some of the applied sciences in trying to heal and trying to help people live longer and to replace damaged organs and so forth, so we need this science to progress. This amendment would restrict the work of the Department of Energy, which is a basic science department, and its Office of Science, which is the Nation's largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences. This amendment would impact work both for the Basic Energy Sciences division and the Biological and Environmental Sciences division. Sometimes these sciences cross over as we become smarter and more able to heal. With supercomputing, we are now going to be moving into an age way beyond where the 20th century was, and we don't want to harm that research. The Basic Energy Sciences division supports fundamental research to understand, predict, and ultimately control matter and energy at the electronic, atomic, and molecular levels in order to provide the foundations of new energy technologies, which, of course, we are all balls of energy in one way or another. With supercomputing, we are now going so far beyond where science in the last century went in terms of understanding how we function and how our world functions. For example, within the basic energy sciences, they conduct biosciences and photosynthetic system studies to modify a protein to better understand its function. This work is deep into high science. This is not producing cattle for market. This is something very different. The mission of the Biological and Environmental Sciences Research division is to support transformative science to achieve a predictive understanding of complex biological, Earth, and environmental systems, even trying to understand the reaction inside the human body of the biochemical reactions of a nerve sheath, which requires the help of supercomputers. Understanding proteins, which is a subdivision of understanding how all matter functions, is fundamental to understanding biology. The unintended consequences of this amendment are widespread and could cripple our Nation's ability to make breakthroughs in biology, bioenergy, decarbonization of the food industry, and human health. Mr. Chair, I strongly urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment. I would love to work with the gentleman on trying to meet the challenge my colleague is trying to solve, but this is not the way to do it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chairman, I would be more than happy to come to those farmers' farms. I serve on the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee. I have farmers in my district that raise cattle. I want to find ways to reuse manure for soil complements and energy. We have other farmers here in this Chamber who care about this very much. The gentleman should know that he has an ally on this side of the aisle. I just don't want to diminish the high science in the study of proteins that is so valuable to us as a country. Please know, at least this Member doesn't want to do anything to hurt your industry; we only want to help you. We don't want imported meat. I am very unhappy China owns Smithfield's at this point. I want American producers to succeed, so just know you found a friend, not with this amendment, but with your desire to promote American agriculture in the animal industry. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, first, let me say that I rise in strong opposition to this amendment, but I understand the gentlewoman's desire to protect the jobs of people in the State that she is sworn to represent. I respect that very much. Southern Ohio has had a lot of transition in the energy industry, and we understand what it means when you lose jobs. We have a fossil fuel energy research lab in the State of Pennsylvania that actually is looking at products like coal and seeing if, in fact, there aren't rare earths in there that are worth more per ton than traditional mining. I just mention that. I sadly have to rise in opposition to her amendment because it would essentially prohibit funds to implement the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap published by the Department of Energy in fiscal year 2022. The purpose of the roadmap is to develop a strategic approach to decarbonizing the Nation's industrial sector. I come from a major industrial area. I can't tell you how many funerals I have been to, including my own brother's, of people who worked in industry. His situation was as a mechanic on heavy duty equipment, garbage trucks, fire trucks, and police cars, working in garages where the people ingested the fumes. George Tucker, who was the head of our Local 7 unit in that garage, had a double cancer. He suffered for almost two decades. Believe me, these are horrendous illnesses that come from working in unsafe conditions. The purpose of the roadmap is to develop a strategic approach to decarbonizing the Nation's industrial sector, which we need, while simultaneously creating good-paying jobs for American workers, spurring economic growth, developing U.S. leadership in new technologies, and creating a cleaner, more equitable future for all Americans. For a number of our mechanics, whether they are repairing airplanes or whether they are working in extractive industries, the conditions that they work under are really tragic. One of the interesting things to look at is, in the different States that we live in, if you look at the occupational safety and health bills that come in the form of healthcare, the money that it costs to take care of sick people who have had to work in these industries, that is not our job in this account, but I can guarantee you, we hemorrhage money because of the illnesses of people across this country. This roadmap focused on proven steps for energy technology innovation, advancing early stage research and development, investing in multiple industrial process strategies, scaling through demonstrations, and integrating solutions from that. Particularly with what is happening to air quality because of the climate crisis, our efforts are even more needed to make the industrial sector more efficient, to position it to be a global leader in innovation as well as clean air and clean circumstances that people work in and to be competitive in the future global clean energy economy. We really are transitioning to a different world. It will be a healthier one. I really don't want to go back to the 20th century and what these individuals and their families have had to live through. It is really ugly. While it is clear that we need an all-of-the-above energy strategy that taps domestic oil and gas and invests in clean energy, we must also continue to promote energy innovation in all sectors of our economy. It is just intelligent. It is just a wise thing to do for the country. The transition will be difficult, and we know that, because people lose jobs and technologies go out of date, but some that come on are just ingenious. America is a country of invention, and I believe that we will work our way forward in this new challenge to decarbonize our Nation's industrial sector, create good-paying jobs, spur economic growth, create a cleaner future for all Americans, and lead the world in these new technologies. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment because it would prohibit the National Nuclear Security Administration from halting construction on the HE Synthesis, Formulation and Production facility at the Pantex plant in Texas. The FY25 bill does provide $20 million to proceed with activities, so there is funding in the bill. I would ask the gentleman to go back and look and see if that doesn't at least move the project forward. I have long been a champion of ensuring that our country maintains a safe, secure, and credible nuclear deterrent while also addressing the threat of nuclear proliferation and terrorism. We have to do both. However, as I have said, I continue to be troubled by the unsustainable spending in the Department of Energy's weapons program. The National Nuclear Security Administration needs to improve its program and project management given that more than half of its projects are over cost or behind schedule. I am going to repeat that. Over half of its projects are over cost or behind schedule. There is a problem there. Pantex isn't a complete victim because there is money in the bill for the facility. However, they have a problem over there, and they need to figure out what can be done to move these programs forward more quickly. Importantly, we must also face the realities of defense funding gaps. I am on the Defense Subcommittee, as well. We have to begin making important decisions to prioritize within these programs. As one step in the prioritization process, the National Nuclear Security Administration proposed pausing construction of this facility to focus resources on higher priority items, which we have asked them to do, necessary for nuclear weapons modernization efforts. I would say to the gentleman, one of the things he might want to consider is to talk to some of the folks here who promote these weapons systems, but then the NNSA can't build them fast enough, so we have to be disciplined in the guidance that we give them. Only through strategic prioritization can the programs achieve success in meeting the needs of stockpile requirements and maintaining our Nation's nuclear deterrent. We should not prohibit the NNSA from pausing certain activities, especially since those issues will be resolved through conferencing funding levels. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment, and I have some sense of what is happening in Florida. I live along the Great Lakes, and I see what is happening with our shorelines and the changing climate conditions that are impacting life. This amendment would prohibit funds for the Army Corps of Engineers to implement or enforce guidance from 1996 called approval of perpetual beach storm damage reduction easement, underline the word ``easement,'' as a standard estate. What that means is if the government is going to be involved, a private owner has to give them permission to have this easement, to go in and do work. That has to be really hard in Florida because of what is happening along all of your coasts. While this might sound like a lot of jargon, it is actually an attempt to have some areas of the country treated differently than other areas. Beach renourishment is an important function. The Army Corps of Engineers plays a major role in that, and it includes the adding of sediment onto or directly adjacent to an eroding beach. The Army Corps of Engineers generally requires that real estate easements are granted when performing work, which makes sense because taxpayers are footing the bill for these improvements that the Corps installs. Further, it seems particularly of interest to taxpayers that if our taxpayer dollars are improving private property, then there should be an easement provided. In this case, that wasn't required in the past, but the Army Corps of Engineers realized it wasn't following standard procedures and decided to implement that going forward. I also realize that a sudden change in policy can have impacts on local communities. I support efforts to ensure that there is adequate time to plan for and adjust to changes in policy. I expect that the final Water Resources Development Act, which is not our job, will address this issue in a way that reduces the negative impacts on local communities while ensuring consistency in implementing the laws and regulations of this country, especially when it comes to projects funded with taxpayer dollars. However, this amendment is not that balanced approach. This matter should be addressed by the appropriate authorizing committee. For these reasons, I cannot support this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to vote against it, though I can certainly share the gentlewoman's concern about what is happening on all Florida coasts. The ecosystem is changing greatly, and we are going to have to, as a country, figure out how to handle our coasts. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Zookeeper Week, which is celebrated from July 21st to July 27th, as we honor the dedicated men and women who care for our Nation's diverse and magnificent wildlife while educating the public. As a proud representative of Northwest Ohio, home to the renowned Toledo Zoo, I have seen firsthand the passion and commitment zookeepers bring to their vital work. These unsung heroes play a crucial role in wildlife conservation, education, and the preservation of endangered species. Zookeepers work tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that animals receive the highest standard of care, from nutrition and enrichment to veterinary support. Their efforts not only enhance the well-being of the animals but also foster a greater understanding and appreciation of wildlife among the public. No one exemplifies this more than Laurie Dixon, Lead Zookeeper in the Aquarium at the Toledo Zoo who has dedicated her life to this work for the past 41 years. She shared with me that ``Zookeepers are passionate about their animals. So, we provide the best care that our animals need to thrive.'' I have loved my Toledo Zoo since I was a little kid. The Toledo Zoo is a great place to make memories with family and friends.'' Their work is essential to preserving biodiversity and educating future generations about the importance of protecting our planet's natural treasures. Let us take this week to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of zookeepers across our country. They truly are the guardians of our wildlife and stewards of our natural heritage.