Marcy Kaptur

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise this evening to call attention to the needs of our Great Lakes region, including communities I represent like Lorain, Ohio, which my colleagues on the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth visited yesterday afternoon on a bipartisan basis. During the hearing, we heard from union members, the business community, community leaders, and local officials about how decades of underinvestment and outsourcing have devastated our region; 10,000 steel jobs gone just in that industry. As we advance our Build Back Better agenda, it is vital we deliver robust resources and support to these communities, ones that too often have been left behind. These historic investments in infrastructure and good-paying jobs must reach every corner of our Nation, especially those where middle- class workers and their families have been denied full participation in the American Dream. Let's make sure that these communities and those in the Great Lakes receive their fair share and are set upon a path for a more prosperous tomorrow.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. As this special time of the year winds down, I want to offer my sincerest appreciation to all our Hispanic brothers and sisters across Ohio, and our great country. Lorain, Ohio is home to the largest Puerto Rican population west of New York City.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I join Liberty lovers around the globe in congratulating Ukraine on its 30 years of restored independence. Since my first trip to Ukraine in 1973, it has been an honor to watch Ukraine's inspirational path to Liberty. In the dark days of Soviet- Russian occupied Ukraine, there were very few cars on the street, the buildings were gray, and people lived their lives in the shadow of secret police oppression. Yet, while Ukraine's progress has at times been jagged, even then, I personally witnessed her people's thirst for Liberty, and their desire to live in an open society. Today's Ukraine is religiously and ethnically diverse, vibrant, and yes, a democracy. Her people have decided to cast off the yoke of Russian oppression. They wish to join the community of democracies, the Euro-Atlantic nations, and importantly NATO. The U.S. Congress on a bipartisan basis has been the backbone over generations to support these aspirations. Ukraine's success is critical for U.S. national security. Indeed, she is on the scrimmage line for Liberty on the European continent. The Congressional Ukraine Caucus strongly condemns Russia's ongoing illegal war and occupation of Ukrainian territories. The U.S. House of Representatives voted to increase security assistance by $25 million for fiscal year 2021. To counter Russia's weaponization of energy against our allies and partners, the House unanimously adopted our bipartisan amendment in the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act to fully sanction the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The Congress also strongly supports the U.S. pledge for $1 billion in the Three Seas Fund to strengthen the region's energy resilience. While our Caucus celebrates Ukraine's 30 years of restored independence, we also commemorate the 80th anniversary and honor the lives lost at the Babyn Yar massacre. We shall never forget the precious lives lost in this atrocity and in the Holocaust. We must work together to uncover historical truth to allow for historical reconciliation and to ensure acts like these never happen again. In conclusion, our Caucus looks forward to working with freedom defenders around the world to ensure a Ukraine that is democratic, secure, prosperous, and at peace. Onward Liberty, Onward Ukraine, Slava Ukrayna.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise in solidarity with the American people who want our government to work by passage of this continuing resolution. When I talk to hardworking families, seniors, and veterans that I represent, not once did I hear a single person say they want their parks shut down, their Social Security offices closed and employees furloughed, or their VA benefits and healthcare services delayed. So not to allow the government to function would be outrageous. The continuing resolution we have before us today will ensure the Federal Government remains operational, that people are taken care of, and we must deliver the emergency relief to communities which have been devastated by recent natural disasters, as the Speaker referenced. As the chair of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee, it is important to highlight that this continuing resolution will ensure that the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Department of Energy have the resources necessary to continue their vital work to families and communities across our Nation, including those that are running short of water and where fires are raging. As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implore our colleagues to work in the best interest of the people we represent, not throw up roadblocks that harm our Nation that is crawling its way out of a pandemic. The American people deserve the best we have to offer. Let's pass this continuing resolution and continue our work to build back better for all of America.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the work Congress is undertaking to make historic investments in our Nation's infrastructure and create millions of good-paying jobs in communities across our country, coast to coast, communities just like mine. Cities like Toledo, Sandusky, Lorain, Lakewood, Cleveland, Parma, for too long have received far fewer resources than are needed to keep pace with life in this 21st century. As we look around our country right now, we bear witness to historic water shortages in Lake Mead. On the other hand, in my region of the country, we have historic high water levels in the Great Lakes. Meanwhile, we have raging wildfires in California. We have watched power blackouts in Texas; torrential rains and flooding in New York City, in Dearborn, Michigan, and rural farmlands outside Nashville; as well as hurricanes that have been ravaging States throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Truly, in this new century, we must set a firmer course to sustain life in our country and, yes, sustain life on Mother Earth herself. As a Representative from the Great Lakes, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Lake Erie and the economies and people who truly rely on it face growing environmental challenges unlike any we have seen before. The Great Lakes are the largest source of freshwater on Earth, and surely on this continent. They are responsible for transporting our Nation's heavy manufacturing materials from ports to factories, support our commercial and defense capabilities, and serve as the lifeblood for our industrial heartland. But the changing climate is impacting these majestic waters, requiring sizable investments to correct and overcome. Recently, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee included $350 million for a new state-of-the-art--get ready--Great Lakes heavy icebreaker for our region. Some Members of Congress said, ``Oh, you have ice?'' Let me tell you, in the winter, yes, we do. This investment will ensure that for decades to come the thousands of miles of shipping lanes of the Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway, our Nation's longest coastline, are navigable, and that the materials that make our country run are able to be delivered and that our freshwater bounty is preserved for the future. I want to especially thank Chairman Peter DeFazio of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for taking up this request from our bipartisan House Great Lakes Task Force. As co-chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, our members delivered the funding bill necessary to turbocharge investments in coastal resiliency across our country; in home weatherization programs, as climate changes from coast to coast; to modernize the Soo Locks, essential for industry as well as the defense of this Nation; and to focus on next-generation energy, solar energy technology, and technologies we are inventing. In hydrogen, in various types of thermal water technologies there is so much where America will lead the world in inventions for the future. To succeed, we have to make sure these investments make it through this Congress and that infrastructure investment makes it to President Biden's desk. Old infrastructure is crumbling, as our climate is changing, and we are running out of time. We know that a functioning Soo Locks system between Lake Superior and the rest of the Great Lakes, for example, supports more than 11 million jobs. That is a ``wow'' by any measure. And we know that clean energy technologies, like solar and wind, are vital to powering our Nation and producing clean and affordable energy, and building our future right here, right now at home. In northern Ohio, we have brilliant workers at innovative companies like Toledo Solar and First Solar that are developing the revolutionary solar panels that will power homes, businesses, and factories in every corner of our Nation. We are literally building the change forward right now, providing for our domestic energy security and independence. But companies like these need workers, and workers need training, and that is what the infrastructure and jobs bill will allow us to do, build back better for America's tomorrow, as President Biden knows we must. We are talking about good-paying, middle-class jobs. We are talking about investing in climate resilience and environmental conservation that restores communities, puts people to work, and ensures our families have wages that meet their needs and allow them to buy the vitals they need for life.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to U.S. Navy Corpsman Maxton ``Max'' Soviak of Berlin Heights, Ohio. Max, always faithful, became one of the 13 heroes from the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps who gave their lives on August 26, 2021 at Kabul Airport in service to our country. Corpsman Soviak was 22 years old, not even old enough to remember the terror attacks of 9/11 that spurred the war in which he would later be deployed. And yet, at just 18, Max took it upon himself to answer the Nation's call to preserve and protect the blessings of liberty. Reflecting upon his life, we bear witness to a young man who was beloved by friends and neighbors in his close-knit hometown of Berlin Heights, Ohio. He excelled in school, was named to the honor roll, and earned a two- year certificate in electrical technology from the EHOVE Career Center. He thrived in wrestling, football, Boy Scouts, and the school band. And he was adored beyond measure by his parents and 12 siblings. Max embodied the best of our Nation, a man of many passions, who was lively, strong, independent, and fiercely loyal. Max's talents could have taken him in whatever direction he desired, and he did just that by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. After graduating from Recruit Training in Illinois, Max was assigned to the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division out of Camp Pendleton, California. He would go on to work in the immunization department at the Navy Hospital Guam, where he endeared himself to the locals by becoming a part of the local wrestling and martial arts community. Max arrived in Afghanistan carrying with him his devotion to serving others, as well as extensive training in emergency medical techniques. As a Corpsman and leader, Max was known as a ``Doc, a specially trained Corpsman who provides both medical care to Marines in the unit, and is also ready and able to engage in combat right alongside them. Docs are widely respected and possess an unbreakable bond with the Marines alongside whom they serve, owing to their responsibility of keeping the unit alive. Max's duties extended beyond providing care and comfort to his unit. During his final days at Kabul airport, Max worked around the clock to help evacuate Americans as well as Afghan citizens, including very young children, who faced a dangerous and uncertain future if they remained. Just before the terrorist attack on the airport, one of Max's final duties was to provide comfort to the children in need. One young boy in particular was brought through Abbey Gate and handed into the arms of Corpsman Soviak to be looked after. This final act of Corpsman Soviak, providing aid to those going through unprecedented chaos, was a result of his extensive military training. But more than that, it came from who Max Soviak was at his core. A strong, smart, loving, decent person who made a decision, regardless of the uncertainty or danger he faced, to join the armed forces and serve his nation in her hour of need. The immensity of Max's loss to his family, friends, community, and our country, is as incalculable as it is heartbreaking. That a future as bright as his would never come to pass causes a pain that will never truly fade. But in the face of this unspeakable tragedy, where only darkness and sadness seem to reside, we hope that those who knew him and loved him most may take comfort and pride in the fact that their Max--their brother, son, and friend--did not die in vain. Max's courage and dedication touched the lives of countless Americans and Afghans, including a young boy who had lost everything. By standing up and answering the call to protect and defend innocent civilians, Max's actions, and his life helped to ensure that more than 120,000 people were able to reach safety after making their way through the gates where Max was stationed. The men, women, and children whose names he will never know, but whose lives were assured by his selflessness--will serve as a symbol of his commitment until their final days. It will never be possible to repay the debt America owes Corpsman Max Soviak or his family. He made the ultimate sacrifice, and his family and a grateful nation will forever mourn his loss. We will honor his memory, and express our deep, unending gratitude for his willingness to serve America, and provide safety and comfort to strangers in need. Max demonstrated an uncommon heroism. For those who knew him at home in Berlin Heights, his patriotism and valor are exactly what they expected of him. God bless and hold closely Navy Corpsman Max Soviak.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair DeLauro for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is with mixed feelings that I rise in support of today's short-term continuing resolution. Once again, we need the means to keep the Federal Government's lights on, make certain Social Security offices function, and ensure national parks remain open to all. The American people deserve better performance from their elected leaders. We are in the middle of a global pandemic, and too many people are unsure of whether they can keep their own lights on. One bright spot in this bill is the inclusion of critical funding to respond to Hurricane Ida and other devastations wrought by climate change. This legislation will provide $6 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Department of Energy to respond to these human and environmental disasters. The energy and water portion also contains commonsense, necessary extensions to keep essential programs operating for the next several weeks, and I support key provisions to responsibly lift the debt ceiling. Our Nation is still reeling from the GOP tax scam that blew up the deficit while giving away billions of dollars to the top 1 percent. The lack of action from our Senate Republican colleagues for the third year in a row is deeply concerning. Nine bills still await committee consideration, but Senate Republicans would rather block efforts to help America build back better than do their jobs. I commend Chairwoman DeLauro's leadership and Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer for their prioritization and passage in the House of 9 of our 12 appropriations spending bills, with all bills passed through committee. Gosh, Senate, come on. Catch up. I urge all of my colleagues to support this continuing resolution.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight in support of the Biden administration's new guidance regarding the Packers and Stockyards Act, and heartened that the administration took swift and decisive action to protect small farmers and local producers. Too often, local farmers suffer economically at the expense of large integrators that practice oppressive tactics in the marketplace and thwart the ability of small producers to flourish. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed great frailties in our food supply chains. And while Americans are paying higher prices, 14 percent on beef, 12 percent on pork, and 6.6 percent on poultry, the country's top four largest meat processors have increasingly gained the lion's share of the market since the 1970s. They control the entire market, the largest producers. Meanwhile, poultry giants Tysons and Purdue recently settled a $35 million lawsuit in which local contract growers cited the combination of low wages and the financial demands of compliance with the companies' barn standards that unjustly pushed them into a debtor's prison. The action taken by the administration will help smaller farmers stand strong, achieve fair contracts, and come forward to speak their truth, without the fear and threat of retaliation. Congratulations to the Biden administration for doing something that is fair and just.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a fine gentleman who was not just a former colleague, but also a fellow Buckeye, and a dear friend. Congressman Doug Applegate of Steubenville, Ohio, served nine terms in the House from 1977 until 1994. Sadly, Doug passed away on August 7 at the age of 93. For nearly two decades, Representative Applegate ably and honorably represented eastern Ohio's 18th Congressional District. He and his beloved wife Betty were indefatigable in their fierce advocacy for their constituents. Doug was particularly gifted in his representation of his industrial and mining region and his advocacy for the steelworkers, coal miners, and veterans who called their shared Appalachian region ``home.'' I can recall travelling to Steubenville and viewing the industry that propelled its economy atop the Ohio river 33 miles from Pittsburgh. Doug served as a Member and then chair of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Compensation, Veterans, and Insurance. He never stopped championing their cause. Representative Applegate was responsible for passing a $150 a month benefit increase for World War I pensioners and their spouses. He also fought for raises in disability and other allowances and benefits that improved the quality of life for our heroic members in uniform. When I was first elected to Congress and achieved appointment to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I remember the poignant debate about Agent Orange and why Vietnam veterans should receive medical eligibility at the Department of Veterans Affairs for diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, including soft tissue cancers, they were developing due to exposure to Agent Orange. Long debate occurred in the Committee at that time as to who then this was possibly afflicting because irrefutable scientific studies had not been completed at that point in time. Doug Applegate turned the debate to positive support of Vietnam veterans self-examining themselves to determine their medical conditions by saying ``There is a difference between what is scientifically provable and morally right.'' From that point onward, the VA covered Agent Orange diagnostic tests and treatments for Agent Orange. Doug Applegate never yielded when it came to America's veterans and he stood his ground. Toward the end of his career, he was instrumental in ensuring Veterans Affairs became a department-level agency--allowing our heroes to receive the attention and care they deserve. I also vividly remember his scorching denunciation of unfair trade policies, such as when he introduced legislation in 1986 to punish countries skirting steel import rules and harming American workers. He was a fighter for the working pension and the middle class. I miss his passion in these chambers. As his tenure drew to a close, Representative Applegate was praised by his colleagues and constituents for his work to secure hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds for Ohio, and the diligence he displayed in serving the residents of the 18th District. While many today did not have the privilege of working alongside Representative Doug Applegate, he provides a model for us all to follow on behalf of the people of Ohio. I thank him for his honorable and faithful service, and offer my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the constituents to whom he dedicated his best years. May the angels carry him close to his beloved Betty.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life and accomplishments of Melvin Borton. Mel passed from this life on July 16 at the age of 94, having dedicated six decades to the betterment of farmers in Ohio and across this Nation through his skilled leadership with the Ohio Farmers Union and National Farmers Union. Mel's passion for agriculture began at an early age. He grew up on a family farm, where he helped his brother cultivate everything from tomatoes to wheat. In 1948, four years after his graduation from Chesterfield High School, Mel began a fanning operation of his own and joined the Farmers Union. By the end of the 1960's, Mel pursued a new endeavor: lifting up the voices of his fellow farmers as a National Farmers Union leader. He served as both a regional director and the national director of organization and field services for the National Farmers Union before returning to Ohio to serve as the Ohio Farm Union's director of marketing. After nearly two decades of service to the Ohio Farm Union, Mel Borton served as the state committee Chairman of the United States Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency. In this role, he advocated for farmers enrolled in federal farm programs. Without his efforts, the National Farmers Union and Ohio Farm Union wouldn't be what they are today. In 2013, Mr. Borton's tremendous efforts were recognized by the National Farmers Union as they awarded him its Meritorious Service Award--the top award bestowed by the organization--for his contributions to agriculture, humanity, and the union. Despite his numerous accolades and accomplishments, Mel Borton was a humble and soft-spoken gentleman. Ungregarious by nature, he cared most about looking out for the most vulnerable among us, recognizing that our communities are only as strong as their weakest link. His vigilance, perseverance, and compassion were palpable during our frequent visits. Everyone who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Mel Borton knew that he, above all else, was utterly passionate about agriculture and the plight of small farmers. He made sure others were taken care of before himself and lived a life a true service. Melvin Borton's legacy will live on forever through those that he touched throughout his life. The great state of Ohio and our Nation are better because of his contributions. To his wife, Linda, his family and friends, we offer our deepest condolences as they mourn the loss of this treasure of a man.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that in the engrossment of H.R. 4502, the Clerk be authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, spelling, and cross-references, and to make such other technical and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the actions of the House.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to speak on the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19, particularly the delta variant, which is highly contagious and is rapidly spreading throughout our country. After 18 months of this pandemic we are all yearning for a return to normalcy, but we must get vaccinated to prevent further spread of this virus. Recent data show that 99 percent of deaths due to COVID-19 are among those who are unvaccinated. In Ohio, fewer that 50 percent of residents have received their first dose of the vaccine. We have the tools to emerge from this crisis, but we must use them. These vaccines are safe. They are effective. And we must all do our part to get our loved ones, our friends, and ourselves vaccinated as quickly as possible. Finally, I want to thank our healthcare sheroes and heroes in Cuyahoga, Erie, Lorain, Lucas, and Ottowa Counties. They are doing courageous work saving lives every day. Get vaccinated.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I thank Chair DeLauro for yielding, and I thank her for her leadership of this really great and historic committee. The Energy and Water division makes significant investments to secure the imperative of U.S. energy independence in perpetuity to foster world-class scientific innovation and address the crisis of climate change. Not only does our bill meet the needs of the current moment, it provides a firmer foundation to build back better. Headlines tell a clear story. NBC News reported: ``The West catches fire while the East goes underwater as climate change fuels both extremes.'' As these extreme conditions spread across our country, our goal must be to provide the necessary energy and water assets to help sustain life on our corner of Mother Earth. Our bill invests over $53 billion to provide strategic resources to address these challenges while creating good-paying, middle-class jobs in communities across this country, with a greater commitment to those too often left behind. Let me walk through key investments in this bill. Madam Speaker, $45.1 billion is for the Department of Energy, $3.2 billion above enacted. Within the Department of Energy, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy--so much a part of our future-- receives record funding of $3.7 billion, $906 million above enacted. In the weatherization programs, they received $398 million, $83 million above enacted. That means thousands more homes retrofitted. ARPA-E receives $600 million, $173 million above enacted. The Office of Science--world-class science--receives $7.32 billion, $294 million above enacted. We responsibly fund our nuclear deterrent and increase funding for nonproliferation programs. The Army Corps receives $8.6 billion, $1.9 billion above the budget request, to support our Nation's water infrastructure and dredge ports and harbors. The Bureau of Reclamation receives $1.9 billion, $413 million above the budget request, including $191 million to address the western drought. Our bill increases funding for regional commissions which promote economic development in distressed communities. In short, this bill meets our responsibility to sustain life on Earth by providing critical funding for water infrastructure, clean energy, the highest level of scientific innovation, and a credible nuclear deterrent while supporting the creation of good paying jobs in every region of our country. I also wish to, in closing, thank my dear staff for their very hard work beginning with Jaime Shimek, our chief clerk; Angie Giancarlo, serving the ranking member and the Republican side of the aisle; Mike Brain; Scott McKee; Brian Smith; Will Ostertag; Lauren Leuck; and, finally, Matt Kaplan of my own staff who will be going on to work with the National Resources Defense Council, and we will miss him so very much.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on the tragic events of January 6. The lawlessness of the mob that invaded the U.S. Capitol was not solely directed against America's temple of democracy, it was also a frontal assault that threatened the lives of hundreds upon hundreds of heroic police officers, Capitol staff, and Members of Congress. The rioters, some wearing paramilitary equipment, sought to block the peaceful transition of executive power, which has been a hallmark of our Republic for more than two centuries. The January 6 attack was no vacation. Members of Congress are sworn to protect and defend our Constitution. Those who encouraged and white-washed political violence must be called to full account. As one Member who was among the last to be evacuated, I applaud Chair Bennie Thompson and the members for their work investigating fully to uncover the full truth of the savage brutality to which our Nation and Constitution were subjected, and those who are sworn to uphold the law. Let the facts lead our country to a judgment brought about through justice, not mob rule.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise this evening to thank Chairwoman Maxine Waters for including the Restoring Communities Left Behind Act in her Housing is Infrastructure bill. This legislation, led by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and myself, would direct $5 billion toward programs for homeowner rehabilitation assistance, weatherization, improved accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities, refinancing, and property tax relief. It will restore quality housing in the cities I represent, such as Toledo, Lorain, Sandusky, and Cleveland, which have suffered from decades of job losses, recessions, the foreclosure crisis of 2008, and chronic housing underinvestment. Congress must serve as a partner to our on-the-ground organizations and local leaders who know what resources are needed where and how best to deploy them to revive their neighborhoods. These investments will repair homes, stimulate economic growth, and revitalize communities. I urge all of my colleagues to support its passage, and I send my thanks to all who have helped us along this really vital road.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Pam Howell-Beach in my District. Pam has been a longtime leader of our community, leading efforts and leaving her imprimatur on Northwest Ohio community organizations, and has come to retirement as the CEO of the Stranahan Foundation in Toledo, Ohio. Pam Howell-Beach grew up in the Northwest Ohio rural community of Archbold, Ohio. Upon her high school graduation, the family was required to relocate due to her father's work. However, Pam chose to stay and supported herself, enrolling in evening and weekend classes at the University of Toledo and working full time to cover the cost of tuition and expenses. The first in her family to obtain a higher degree, Pam achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and Psychology. She later went on to Case Western Reserve University where she obtained her Master's Degree in Social Work Administration, specializing in non- profit planning and management. Pam achieved this advanced degree earning a 4.0 while leading the Toledo Community Foundation as its director. Under the leadership of Pam Howell-Beach, she grew the assets of the Toledo Community Foundation from $20 million to nearly $100 million. As a result, the Toledo Community Foundation's reach extended into every facet of Toledo life including social services, the arts and education. After sixteen years at the helm of the Toledo Community Foundation, Pam was asked to become the first full-time executive director of the Stranahan Foundation. Thus, she oversaw the organization's services while bringing forth many new initiatives. Among these efforts was an early childhood education enterprise that brought national recognition to the Stranahan Foundation. In the seventeen years of Pam Howell- Beach's tenure at the Stranahan Foundation, more than $70.5 million in funding has been disbursed to nonprofit organizations in our region and nationwide. Pam Howell-Beach's strengths in the non-profit world and community at large brought her recognition as well. She was inducted into the inaugural class of 20 Under 40 in 1996 and was named a YWCA Milestone Honoree in 2010. Accolades are well-deserved, but Pam has devoted her energies toward mentorship in the philanthropic world. She has particularly focused on raising up women. Pam has dedicated countless volunteer hours toward these efforts, as well as serving as past president of the Zonta Club of Toledo, past chair of Philanthropy Ohio, former chair of the Ability Center of Greater Toledo, trustee for Mercy Health Partners, advisor for the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative, and grant reviewer for Susan G. Komen Foundation. In spite of Pam's accomplishments in the philanthropic world, the role she most treasures is the one in her family. Her biographer notes that she is a ``devoted wife to her husband, Bob. Together they have travelled the world, trekked thousands of miles on their bikes, and spent cherished time with a wide community of friends and associates. Pam has also served as a source of support and strength for her step- children and her nephews. Beyond any doubt, Pam has led an exemplary life, both personally and professionally.'' Singer/songwriter Dolly Parton noted, ``If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.'' Truly, Pam Howell-Beach has embodied this message throughout her journey. We wish her Godspeed.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the contributions of Pam Howell-Beach to the greater Toledo community. During her tenure with the Toledo Community Foundation, Pam guided the organization to a strong financial future, increasing its assets by over $80 million. Later, as executive director of the Stranahan Foundation, Pam oversaw grant distributions of more than $71 million to organizations working in education, health, and the arts. Pam's leadership in the nonprofit world was as wide as it was appreciated and as big as her heart. From working with the Zonta Club of Toledo, Philanthropy Ohio, Ability Center of Greater Toledo, and Mercy Health Partners, to the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative, and Susan G. Komen Foundation, her impassioned service touched the lives of thousands upon thousands of Toledoans. As Pam confronts a challenging health situation, I want to convey, on behalf of all Toledoans, how grateful we are for her work, her life, her dedication and her love for community. We are all the better as a result of her lifelong commitment to others. Madam Speaker, I thank Pam, and may God bless her today and always.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, as cochair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, I rise to express my deep concern on the issue of transatlantic energy security. The Kremlin and complicit European nations are seeking to complete the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline. This Russian malign influence project will increase Vladimir Putin's leverage in Europe and disrupt the NATO alliance. Current news reports indicate that a deal between the Biden administration and Germany is imminent. According to these reports, there is little in the deal that will prevent Russia's capacity to coerce our allies. Congress understands history's key lesson: When Germany and Russia collude, the people of Central and Eastern Europe pay the price. Congress has now voted twice on an overwhelming bipartisan basis to sanction the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline. These sanctions are mandatory, not discretionary. Given the administration's abuse of the sanctions waiver, I was pleased the Committee on Appropriations unanimously adopted my bipartisan amendment to repeal the waivers moving forward. While I look forward to reviewing the deal, the Congress--as Article I of the Constitution mandates--must reject any deal that fails to prioritize energy security in the transatlantic alliance.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize our fine men and women from the Ohio National Guard who have risen to a challenge on the home front as our communities wrestle with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. When our local foodbanks began to see increases in people needing food to feed themselves and their families, even as the pandemic imposed restrictions on staff and volunteers to help, we were able to work with the Ohio National Guard to send units to help distribute food to our neighbors. This food has been a lifeline to those served, who through no fault of their own were left jobless, without funds, unsure of the future, and hungry. Truly, the Ohio National Guard lives up to its motto, ``Always ready! Always there!'', and we cannot thank them enough for their compassionate and brave service. Lorain Ohio's Second Harvest Foodbank coordinated with the Ohio National Guard's SSgt. Danijel Vujicic and SSG Jacob Zieber, to serve the foodbank and its neighbors. They assisted in the coordination of the drive through mobile pantries and partnered with community organizations and law enforcement personnel in an effort to ensure that people were received food. The Ohio National Guard and its team helped the Second Harvest Foodbank of Lorain deliver 18.6 million pounds of food serving 172,000 unique individuals.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Beach House Family Shelter's 100th anniversary. Founded in Toledo in 1921 as Beach House Family Shelter, the organization is now under the auspices of Leading Families Home. It provides families with resources to effectively transition from homelessness to permanent housing. In 1921, Mrs. Helen (Beach) Jones, the wife of former Toledo mayor Samuel Jones, began working with several local women's organizations to establish a shelter for homeless single women and women with children. Progressive and nationally known, Mayor Samuel ``Golden Rule'' Jones lived by the teaching to ``Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'' This guiding principle directed Mrs. Jones' efforts and leadership as well. Beach House offered structure and stability to struggling women, teaching them the skills needed to move forward. So many families were given new life and a chance for success through Beach House. In the early 1980s, Beach House began to include homeless intact families and single fathers with children in an effort to keep families together. This initiative has helped families achieve success. Beach House combined with FOCUS in 2016 to become Leading Families Home. FOCUS was founded in 1982 by pastors in the Old West End neighborhood of Toledo in response to growing community needs to help people regain independence and economic stability through education and employment. The work of Leading Families Home has helped hundreds of families in the Greater Toledo Metropolitan area and throughout Lucas County. Its efforts provide refuge to those who have nowhere else to go. Its mission to provide a safe haven has been a lifeline to so many. Residents are offered clean beds, meals, showers, washers and dryers, and personal hygiene items. Further, residents receive access to programs dedicated to vocational training, education, work referrals, and other resources to help people gain and maintain employment. This one-on-one attention is exactly what individuals need to regain stability in their life. Given the circumstances of the past year, physical and mental health have become at the forefront of all our lives. Leading Families Home recognizes the importance of health and has made it a mission to serve residents with a team of trained mental health counselors and behavioral specialists to assist. From 1921 to 2021 Leading Families Home has helped improve the Toledo Metropolitan area as well as Lucas County by their continuous efforts to assist people in need. I hereby recognize and congratulate the Leading Families Home organization for one hundred years of dedicated service to the Toledo community.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, the assault that took place on January 6th was not just against the Capitol building, or on Members of Congress, Congressional staff, or Capitol Police--the actions of that day were also an attack on the very foundation of our democracy. The violence--and the tragic death it yielded demand that we lay aside our partisan agendas and begin the difficult but necessary work to unravel what happened. I am pleased that the Select Committee is charged with a broad mandate to investigate the various factors that played a role in the assault, including extremism on online platforms, involvement of domestic terrorist groups, the influence of foreign actors, and the financial support that made it all possible. I look forward to the final product of this committee's work, and to implementing its recommendations to ensure the events of January 6th are never repeated.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to bring attention to the workforce development challenges brought about by our nation's transition to electric vehicles in our public fleets. I urge support for my amendment to the surface transportation bill, amendment No. 51 as designated in the House Resolution and considered in en bloc democratic amendment No. 1. The electric vehicles of tomorrow present an important opportunity for our nation. But this transition must be fair for the workers who have long labored to maintain our fleet of diesel-powered vehicles. The federal government must take a leadership role in helping our transit agencies prepare their workers to maintain an entirely new system of hardware. To that end, I have introduced an amendment that expresses a sense of Congress that the Department of Transportation should create a workforce development strategy that prepares for an electric, hydrogen, advanced biofuel, and hybrid vehicle future. I urge support for its inclusion in the INVEST Act. It is critical that while we invest in a greener future, we also provide opportunities for our mechanics and other transit and public fleet maintenance employees who work hard to keep American strong and moving forward.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize our fine men and women from the Ohio National Guard who have risen to a challenge on the home front as our communities wrestle with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. When our local foodbanks began to see increases in people needing food to feed themselves and their families, even as the pandemic imposed restrictions on staff and volunteers to help, we were able to work with the Ohio National Guard to send units to help distribute food to our neighbors. This food has been a lifeline to those served, who through no fault of their own were left jobless, without funds, unsure of the future, and hungry. Truly, the Ohio National Guard lives up to its motto, ``Always ready! Always there!'', and we cannot thank them enough for their compassionate and brave service. Lorain Ohio's Second Harvest Foodbank coordinated with the Ohio National Guard's CPT Stephanie Duarte and SFC Monique Bryant, who commanded a team of thirty soldiers from different units in a mission to serve the foodbank and its neighbors. They developed food drives through mobile pantries and partnered with community organizations and law enforcement personnel, in an effort to ensure that people received food. The Ohio National Guard and its team helped the Second Harvest Foodbank of Lorain deliver 18.6 million pounds of food serving 172,000 unique individuals.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize our fine men and women from the Ohio National Guard who have risen to a challenge on the home front as our communities wrestle with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. When our local foodbanks began to see increases in people needing food to feed themselves and their families, even as the pandemic imposed restrictions on staff and volunteers to help, we were able to work with the Ohio National Guard to send units to help distribute food to our neighbors. This food has been a lifeline to those served, who through no fault of their own were left jobless, without funds, unsure of the future, and hungry. Truly, the Ohio National Guard lives up to its motto, ``Always ready! Always there!'', and we cannot thank them enough for their compassionate and brave service. Those serving the Cleveland area include: CAPT Keffer, SGT Fowler, SGT Jarkewicz, SGT Buzi, SGT Wooden, SGT Billingsley, Jared Kaczur, Aaron Kaczur, Tonya Sypolt, Bobby Shepherd. The Greater Cleveland Foodbank has recognized these individuals for going ``above and beyond to help'' at its weekly drive-through distribution and deliveries of groceries to older adults.

Ms. KAPTUR

Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize our fine men and women from the Ohio National Guard who have risen to a challenge on the home front as our communities wrestle with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. When our local foodbanks began to see increases in people needing food to feed themselves and their families, even as the pandemic imposed restrictions on staff and volunteers to help, we were able to work with the Ohio National Guard to send units to help distribute food to our neighbors. This food has been a lifeline to those served, who through no fault of their own, were left jobless, without funds, unsure of the future, and hungry. Truly, the Ohio National Guard lives up to its motto, ``Always ready! Always there!'' and we cannot thank them enough for their compassionate and brave service. Those serving the Toledo area include: CPT Erica Anderson, MSGT Timothy Bellville, MAJ Sallee Brandon, TSGT Darrell Brandenberg, SGT Holly Brown, 1SGT Daniel Cahill, SSGT Alexander Camacho, SFC Dywane Corbin, 1LT Amanda Davis, CPT Andrew Deavers, TSGT William Edwards, SPC Jacque Elama, SPC Meliha Eldek, SRA Brianna Espinio, CPL Michael Flipse, SPC Daniel Francis, PFC Jacob Frison, AIC Hannah Haviland, TSGT John Jackson, SGT Stephen Kall, SPC Maxwell Kazmirski, 2LT Steven King, SSG Brianna Klocinski, PFC Lucas LaCourse, SGT Brandon Lee, SSGT Alexa Long, MSGT Christian Mc-Vicker, SSG Matthew Merzke, PFC Brent Miller, SGT Matthew Miller, SPC Kyle Moeves, PFC Branden Moore, PFC Michael Moran, SPC Mutakbbir Muhammad, SRA Emma Niese, CPL Salif Nikiema, SGT Iesha Norwood, AIC Skyler Pachell, SRA Colin Pawlowski, SPC Shawn Phelps, SSG Jacob Pirolli, CPT Michael Porter, SPC Dallas Powell, SPC Michael Powell, SPC Noah Prossen, SSG Daniel Rasik, SPC James Rathfelder, SSG Christopher Reighard, SGT Jason Ross, SGT Neil Sampson, SMSGT Marcus Sautter, 1LT Maverick Shaffer, PFC Dejontay Shakespeare, SGT Cody Smith, SRA Ashley Snyder, MSG William Sommers, PFC Mya Suarez, PFC Mark Voils, 1LT David Walsh, CPL Tod Whisler, SPC Tristan Wiederhold, 1SG Donnale Williams, SPC Vernon Young, SPC Robert Zarnick.