William Keating

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Immigrants' Assistance Center (IAC) in New Bedford, Massachusetts on their 45th anniversary, and to thank the Center for its continued service to the community. Since its establishment in 1971 by members of the local Portuguese community, the IAC has helped immigrants throughout southeastern Massachusetts adjust to their new lives. The IAC is committed to empowering immigrants by providing them with the opportunity to successfully transition into new routines in the United States, while also preserving and maintaining the heritage of their home countries. Through their tireless work, the dedicated staff at the IAC has helped countless individuals overcome the language, economic, and cultural barriers that many immigrants and non-English speakers face upon arriving in their new communities. Throughout its history, the IAC has also encouraged immigrants to pursue active roles in our communities. By connecting immigrants with civic advocacy groups, religious and charitable organizations, and other community service opportunities, the IAC has inspired numerous immigrants to become passionately involved in helping those who need it most. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Immigrants' Assistance Center as it celebrates its 45th anniversary. The support provided by the IAC has greatly improved the quality of life for many residents of southeastern Massachusetts. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing the Immigrants' Assistance Center well in its continued endeavors and I look forward to hearing more about its accomplishments in the years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), my colleague and fellow New Englander.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers and just will briefly close. Again, I want to thank my colleague from Texas. In a Congress that is often divided, we speak as one. In a country that is sometimes divided, today we speak as one. With the citizens of the world who value freedom and abhor violence and value human life, we speak as one. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I thank again the ranking member of our full committee as well as the chair of the full committee for joining with us. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), the ranking member of the full committee.

Mr. KEATING. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 658, a resolution condemning yesterday's tragic attack in Brussels, Belgium. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague from Texas, Judge Ted Poe, chairman of the Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittee, on which I serve as the ranking member, in expressing my deepest condolences to the victims, families, and loved ones of those affected by yesterday's brutal attacks. The resolution before us today strongly condemns the terrorist attacks perpetrated in Brussels yesterday and expresses the sympathy of the House of Representatives for the people of Belgium. With the strength of the U.S. intelligence community, we pledge our support for the Belgian Government in its efforts to investigate and to bring to justice all those involved with the planning and execution of these deadly plans. Belgium remains one of our strongest allies, a nation with which we have worked closely in bilateral and multilateral arenas. Belgium was on our side as an active participant in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, as a leader in the European Union mission in Mali, and as an ally in the 2010-2011 NATO operations in Libya. As host of the European Union and NATO headquarters, Belgium-- Brussels, in particular--represents both a symbolic and a concrete role in promoting transatlantic cooperation between our two countries and our allies. It is not by accident that the Maelbeek metro station and the Brussels Airport were selected as the site for such heinous violence. Nearby, a mere stone's throw from the Maelbeek station, sits the headquarters of the European Union and numerous government offices, including the U.S. Embassy, which is less than a mile away. Daily, hundreds, if not thousands of civil servants and public interest sector workers cross through the station on the way back and forth to work. And at Brussels Airport, dozens of innocent travelers and family members were drawn into a bloodshed that has spread from Iraq and Syria to the surrounding region and beyond. I visited both while in Europe last year on a security codel, and I saw, firsthand, the strong police presence providing a sense of security for Brussels residents and visitors. Due to the bravery, courage, and preparedness of Belgian law enforcement authorities and emergency response teams, many families were spared the pain of losing a loved one. And we honor, today, their quick action and their bravery. These terrorist attacks are misguided attempts to divide the global coalition that has come together to degrade and defeat ISIS and their affiliates. From Ankara, to Istanbul, to Beirut, to Baga, we recognize that the prominent sentiment across the Middle East identifies ISIS rhetoric and actions as contrary to the tolerance and teachings of Islam. While this remains an open investigation, the nature of yesterday's attacks hit close to home. Whether it is New York City, San Bernardino, or whether it is Boston--where I saw, firsthand, the resilience in spirit come forward that any physical attack can never conquer--we see that same spirit and resolve in the people of Brussels and Belgium today. The flow of foreign fighters, the traveling that they do, and the extenuating threat that they pose have been our top security-related concerns here in Congress. Congress and the administration have taken actions to address these issues and prevent the risk of such an attack here at home. We have tightened security restrictions for travelers from visa waiver countries who are known to have traveled to Iraq and Syria. We have sealed intelligence-sharing gaps between Federal, State, and local law enforcement, as well as our international partners in the intelligence community. And we are in the process of an unprecedented top-to-bottom review of airport security threats that will ensure our airports are safer than ever. The international community, including governments and prominent organizations throughout the Middle East and Muslim-majority nations, have spoken out against these heinous attacks. With passage of this resolution, the U.S. Congress joins these communities around the world in its condemnation of the terrorist attacks yesterday in Brussels. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Domenic Lalli, principal for the Xaverian Brothers High School, on the day of his retirement. Mr. Lalli began his illustrious forty year career at Xaverian Brothers High School as a Physical Education teacher after attending Boston University where he was captain of the football team. During his tenure, he also coached the track and football teams at the high school. His talents for working with students did not go unnoticed. In 1984, he was appointed the Administrator of Students where he excelled at directing student life at the school. After spending 7 years in this role, Mr. Lalli became the Principal of Xaverian where he worked alongside the current Headmaster, Brother Daniel Skala. Together they have had a significant positive impact on the lives and education of the thousands of students that have passed through the halls of Xaverian Brothers High School. Mr. Lalli's influence on education and athletics is not limited to Xaverian. He is also a former member of the Board of Trustees at Malden Catholic High School in Malden, Massachusetts, Mount St. Joseph High School in Baltimore, Maryland, and St. Bernard School in Uncasville, Connecticut. Additionally, he has served as a member of the Sportsmanship Committee, the Tournament Management Committee, and District H Chair of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association while also coaching football at Watertown High School. For his contributions to high school athletics, Mr. Lalli was inducted into the Watertown High School Athletics Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Domenic Lalli for his lifetime of dedication to shaping young minds and promoting athleticism. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating him on his retirement and wishing him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2016 State Representative David Flynn Scholarship Fund and to honor the man for whom it was named: David Flynn, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, neighbor, and former Dean of the Massachusetts State House. The 2016 State Representative David Flynn Scholarship Fund, awarded to one student from the Plymouth campus at Quincy College this year, will make higher education more accessible to the most deserving student. This Scholarship Fund was established to honor David's dedication to Plymouth County residents and his lifelong passion for education. Still a student at Bridgewater State College, David Flynn began his first political step as Bridgewater Parks Commissioner in 1957. He would go on to never lose a campaign in his political career, which included serving as the Representative of the 8th Plymouth District in the Massachusetts State House. In addition to his tenure in the State House and as an advisor in the Dukakis and King Administrations, David is remembered for his instrumental work in the expansion and success of Bridgewater State University in the decades after his graduation. He was crucial in securing funding for every campus building built since 1965 and played a decisive role in changing the name of the institution. After retiring from political life in 2010, David returned to his home in Bridgewater to spend time with his wife Barbara, nine children, thirty grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. On December 10, 2015 at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family and friends, David peacefully left this world--but his memory and legacy will live on in the lives of the thousands of Massachusetts students and residents who directly benefited from his commitment and dedication to public service. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life of an extraordinary public servant. David Flynn epitomized the meaning of civic responsibility, and I celebrate the great work that the scholarship fund in his name will continue to do.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of H.R. 4401, the Amplifying Local Efforts to Root Out Terror Act, or the ALERT Act, of 2016. Mr. Speaker, this is the latest in a series of efforts by this Congress and, in particular, the Homeland Security Committee in a bipartisan manner to work to thwart terrorist threats in our country. Mr. Speaker, we work continuously to look back at the 9/11 Commission recommendations to make sure that we are fulfilling all of the areas of trouble that were identified by that commission where we can make ourselves more secure from terrorist threats. We also worked very hard as a committee looking at the Boston Marathon bombing. We worked on that and found out that information sharing was not as great as it should have been. In fact, it was one of the things that could have prevented that from occurring. The police commissioner of Boston testified in front of the committee and was asked: Did you know the information that the Federal law enforcement officials had? His answer was: No. Then he was asked: Would it have been helpful for you to know that? And he said: Of course. Yet, that information wasn't available. We have worked in the committee to make sure that information is shared at the local, regional, county, and State levels as well as the Federal law enforcement agency communities. We have worked together successfully with groups like the Joint Terrorism Task Force to make sure that information is shared on a daily basis, on a weekly basis, and, in a policy sense, even on a monthly basis, looking back and making sure that we have a seamless system. Mr. Speaker, we had an initiative that I joined with my colleague from Georgia on as well as four other Members of this House where we traveled to look at the issue of foreign terrorist fighters and the threat to our country resulting from their actions. Sadly, in the United States, there are over 200 people who have been identified as leaving this country to fight for ISIL in Syria and Iraq. Yet, we went through not only the Middle East, but through Europe with our allies there, to see what threats were there in terms of using those countries as portals into the United States, making sure that not only the 200-plus people from the U.S., if they came back, would be able to deal with their threats, but also the threats imposed by other countries coming back to the U.S. We found out that in Istanbul, for instance, at the airport there, there are 61 million flights in that airport alone. That is probably 11 times, roughly, the whole population of my State of Massachusetts. Think of that. We found out that there wasn't security measures in place there that we take for granted in our own country. We also worked hard with our allies in Europe so that they would do the basics and have passenger name records there so that we could trade information to find out who is boarding these planes. We are glad to report that the European Union has acted on that and that has been closed. They are working on areas with the exterior borders that we talked to them about in our trip. We also have been successful as a Congress to work on the visa waiver country issue to make sure that those areas where people are coming back and have traveled to Syria and Iraq are vetted the way they should be vetted. We also realize that not only do we have to fight this war on multiple fronts, but we know that back home the threat of domestic violent extremists remains the number one threat, according to every expert. We know from the work that we have done collectively that we could do more on that front in preventing it. We were told about fusion centers, which are tremendous assets to our security at the local, State, or Federal level, where we worked together gathering and compiling information on a realtime basis. Yet, those fusion centers and the employees there wanted to do more. They were telling us how they could do more if they were given more training, more coordination, and more information to deal with at the local and State level. It would create a great multiplier effect with the frontline law enforcement people that would make our country safer. Along those lines, the gentleman from Georgia put in legislation that I am proud to be a lead sponsor on to make sure that the Department of Homeland Security is there authorizing and providing these resources through the fusion centers to our State and local counterparts. And I think that translating that not only as information to stop and coordinate activities reacting to terrorist acts, but working at the root cause of sharing information that they can use and apply at the root level to prevent that kind of activity, puts those people closer to the community in a position where they can do more. To me, that is one of the most important things we can do as a Congress, to make sure that that work is being done. This is a very important bill. It is a bill that I think, once again, we are seeing the role of Congress in making sure that things don't fall between the cracks in terms of our national security, make sure that the resource is there for our local and State counterparts. I favor this bill because I think it is one of those areas that we found most in need of amplification. I hope this bill is passed. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for his leadership on this. With regard to the gentleman from Washington State (Mr. Reichert), I was a district attorney for 12 years and had my own attached State police force. I worked with local law enforcement, and I understand just what he was talking about in terms of the need to communicate, to work together cohesively, and to share information. We are all safer when that occurs. Mr. Speaker, I started my day this morning in Boston. We met at the Federal Reserve. The ``we'' that met was something that, perhaps, you wouldn't have seen a few years ago but that we see today because of the efforts by Congress, the Homeland Security Committee, the gentleman from Georgia, and me in working together across the aisle and in making sure these things happen. It was a meeting on surface transportation threats and terrorist threats. We had our staff and the head of the FBI in our region there. We had the head of the ATF. We had our regional head of the TSA there. We had State officials, local officials, local police, regional police. We had authorities, like the transportation authorities, all present in the room--filling up the room--working together, sharing information. Yet we know we have to do a better job of making sure that occurs going forward. With regard to many of the things we worked on in the committee, some of those agencies made procedural changes. They adopted new priorities that they had not had before. There is the reporting to Congress on the information of foreign terrorist fighters from our European allies, as well as making sure that the Joint Terrorism Task Force is sharing information. With this legislation, we are making sure, going forward, that that is going to continue to be done because oftentimes, unfortunately, we react to a major crisis, respond, and provide the resources. Then, after a period of time, our attention wanes, and we are not constantly making sure that it is being done. This legislation will make sure that it is being done going forward, and it will make sure that these groups are reporting back to Congress on a regular basis so that we are in a position to know that it continues to go forward all the time because, as our attention and our resources and our defensiveness might wane, the threats by terrorists will always be there, unfortunately, in the world we share. This will make sure that the reporting back to Congress occurs as well. I am pleased to say that Congress has an integral role in this. We have crossed a very divided line, unfortunately, that we live with today from a partisan standpoint, and we will work together time and time again, because if we can't work together on issues of our national security, what can we work together on? I thank my colleague from Georgia (Mr. Loudermilk). I thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. McCaul; the ranking member, Mr. Thompson; and all of the committee members for their efforts going forward. This ALERT Act will keep us safer, not just tomorrow, but in the decades ahead. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Samuel and Judith Lorusso on being honored by the Falmouth Education Foundation. This well-deserved recognition comes as no surprise to those closest to the Lorusso family as they have been nothing but a source of positivity and strength in the community for decades. Mr. Lorusso followed in his father's footsteps in the family business when he and his brothers bought his company Hyannis Sand and Gravel, renaming it Cape Cod Aggregates Corporation, in 1981. Today, Cape Cod Aggregates has six locations across Massachusetts and frequently makes generous contributions to local events and organizations, such as helping to fund a 4th of July fireworks display. The Lorussos have been active members of the Falmouth, Massachusetts community, giving back to the education system in the community since 1980. Mrs. Lorusso discovered her passion for supporting our schools and teachers when she began volunteering at Teaticket Elementary School. She eventually went on to serve on the Falmouth School Committee for one term and as the president of the Teaticket Parent Teacher Organization for many years. The Lorussos were also integral to the creation of a walking track at Teaticket Elementary as well as a greenhouse at Falmouth High School. But the Lorussos' dedication of time and resources does not just stop with our educators. Mrs. Lorusso serves as a Falmouth Town Hall member--sitting on the board of the Falmouth Service Center, as well as the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce. And, three years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Lorusso cofounded the Falmouth Veterans Day Breakfast to honor the service of local veterans through a complimentary reception. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor Mr. and Mrs. Lorusso for their many years of extraordinary service to their fellow citizens and for the sterling example they have set for their friends and family. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating them for being recognized by the Falmouth Education Foundation.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Fisher of Marshfield, MA on his 600th career win as a high school basketball coach and for the incredible work he has done to educate and inspire so many young people. With over 35 years of experience as head coach, Coach Fisher has earned respect as one of the greatest coaches in Massachusetts history. As of this season, only three other boys' basketball coaches in the Commonwealth have reached the lofty heights of over 600 wins. Coach Fisher's talents as a business teacher at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in Massachusetts and his efforts to cofound the basketball program at Bentley College where he had attended brought him to the attention of then-varsity basketball coach and athletic director of Rockland High, A. Scott MacKinlay. In 1966, Coach Fisher started off as assistant coach and by the start of the 1969-70 season was named as the new head coach by Principal MacKinlay. Coach Fisher, or ``Fish'' as he was known to his friends, went on to coach for 23 years off and on at Rockland High before moving to his alma mater in Quincy, MA for four years. He has since been successfully coaching in Marshfield, MA for 8 seasons. Coach Fisher's success does not only show in his teams' wins. Perhaps his most incredible feat is that for 35 years his boys have been going to the state tournament and even won 2 titles in 1974 and 2004. For his tremendous efforts and passion of the sport, Coach Fisher has been enshrined in three different Halls of Fame--Rockland High, New England Basketball and Bentley College. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in honor of Coach Fisher, who exemplifies what it means to be a coach and role model for so many young men over the decades. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this distinguished educator and in wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Matt Vanderslice of the United States Coast Guard for his extraordinary actions on February 15, 2015. Lieutenant Vanderslice, a native of Stonington, Connecticut, was accepted into the prestigious U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research and Computer Analysis. While at the Academy, he was known to be an avid member of the rowing team and served as the team captain his senior year. Following commissioning, Lieutenant Vanderslice served as a Deck Watch Officer aboard the USCGC Hollyhock, a 225-foot ice breaking buoy tender home ported near Detroit, Michigan. During his two year tenure, he sailed all five Great Lakes before being accepted to the flight training program. Upon completion of helicopter pilot training, Lieutenant Vanderslice was stationed at Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod Massachusetts for three years as a duty standing helicopter pilot. It was during this time, assigned as the co-pilot of the helicopter CGNR 6033, that Lieutenant Vanderslice, along with three other crewmembers, were tasked with responding to a distress signal picked up by the Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center in Boston from the fishing vessel Sedona. The Sedona was stranded 200 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Cod. Lieutenant Vanderslice and the aircraft commander, Lieutenant Hess, exhibited exceptional skill as they safely navigated through near-zero visibility, 55 knot winds, and unrelenting snow and sleet. Even when extreme weather conditions caused equipment to malfunction and act erratically, Lieutenant Vanderslice was able to locate the vessel by manipulating the aircraft's avionics system and by making precise fuel calculations. His calm professionalism inspired the rest of the crew to remain confident and focused, which was essential to successful mission completion. In addition to his calm yet quick thinking, he managed to keep the operational commander apprised of mission progress, keep the aircraft clear of the Sedona as it was tossed about in the violent seas, and carefully manage fuel burn rates--giving Lieutenant Hess the ability to focus all of his attention on keeping the aircraft in a safe hoisting position. As CGNR 6033 returned to base, Lieutenant Vanderslice communicated with air traffic control and the operational commander to coordinate arrival procedures and initiate medical treatment for the survivors. Lieutenant Vanderslice maintained exceptional composure for the entirety of the mission. Lieutenant Vanderslice has since received orders to Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, Alaska, where he continues to fly the MH-60T on various Coast Guard missions. Lieutenant Vanderslice is married to Stephanie, his wife of 3 years. In his spare time, he is a passionate guitar player and roasts the best coffee in Sitka. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in honor of Lieutenant Matthew Vanderslice, who perfectly exemplifies the highest standards of the United States Coast Guard. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this distinguished member of our Armed Services and wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Lieutenant John D. Hess of the United States Coast Guard and his extraordinary actions on February 15, 2015. Lieutenant Hess, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard after completing Coast Guard basic training in 1997. He went on to prove himself extremely capable on assignments aboard the USCGC Victorious and at Coast Guard Stations Ashtabula and Chatham. Upon receiving his commission in 2004, Lieutenant Hess attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) in New London, Connecticut, and went on to receive his wings of gold in 2006. As an aviator, Lieutenant Hess's first assignment was as an MH-60 Jayhawk pilot at Air Station Clearwater, Florida. There, he served as an Instructor Pilot and subsequently a Flight Examiner. He transferred to Air Station Cape Cod in Massachusetts where he served in the same role as well as Aircraft Commander aboard CGNR 6033. It was during this time, on February 15, 2015, that Lieutenant Hess--along with the other three crewmembers aboard CGNR 6033-- responded to a distress signal picked up by the Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center in Boston from the fishing vessel Sedona, which was floundering two hundred nautical miles off the coast of Cape Cod. Lieutenant Hess and his copilot, Lieutenant Matthew Vanderslice, showed exemplary aeronautical skill as they navigated through extreme conditions, facing no overhead cover through ice, lightning, and unrelenting snow squalls, all of which resulted in very little visibility. After finding the Sedona, he directed the survivors to abandon ship and swim toward the awaiting rescue swimmer, Petty Officer Staph. Upon failure of the primary hoist system, he expertly maneuvered the aircraft to coordinate with Petty Officer Suba, the onboard flight mechanic, to successfully lift Petty Officer Staph and the survivors out of the frigid, stormy seas. He then safely brought everyone back to the airfield, landing the aircraft despite whiteout conditions and extremely low visibility. Lieutenant Hess' extraordinary skill and quick thinking under desperate conditions were instrumental in saving lives. Today, Lieutenant Hess continues to serve in the Coast Guard at Air Station Kodiak, Alaska as a MH-60 Jayhawk Aircraft Commander. His wife, Kimberly, is also a Coast Guard pilot, and they have four children. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in honor of Lieutenant John Hess, who perfectly exemplifies the highest standards of the United States Coast Guard. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this distinguished member of our Armed Services and wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Petty Officer Derrick Suba, who will receive the Air Medal from the United States Coast Guard for his lifesaving actions on February 15, 2015. A native of Attleboro, Massachusetts, Petty Officer Derrick Suba is a proud alumnus of Bourne High School. After enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard in 2002 and graduating from Basic Training in March 2003, Petty Officer Suba began his career in the Coast Guard aboard the Coast Guard cutter, USCGC Spencer. After a brief tour, he attended Aviation Maintenance Technician School and received orders to report to Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina. A devoted husband and father of two boys, Petty Officer Suba has also been stationed at Air Station Kodiak in Alaska and Air Station Cape Cod in my district in Massachusetts. In addition to his designation as a MH-60 helicopter Flight Mechanic, Petty Officer Suba also has received advanced qualifications as a Flight Mechanic Examiner and is qualified in Vertical Surface, External Load and Advance Rescue Swimmer Operations. On the morning of February 15, 2015, the Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center in Boston was alerted to a distress signal from the sailboat Sedona. Facing dangerous weather conditions, the onset of a severe winter storm, and no available escort aircraft for helicopter missions, the four-man crew of CGNR 6033 left Air Station Cape Cod to aid the Sedona. The pilot and copilot of CGNR 6033, Lieutenant John D. Hess and Lieutenant Matthew Vanderslice, expertly navigated despite deteriorating visibility, battling heavy snow, high winds, 25 to 35 foot seas, and severe thunderstorms to fly the over 300 nautical mile journey to and from the Sedona. Hovering above the Sedona, Petty Officer Suba remained calm and professional in the face of life-threatening conditions and high-stake circumstances. Successfully, he hoisted his fellow crewman, Petty Officer Staph, seven times to rescue the two victims from the Sedona. His helmet visor became covered in snow and ice during the first hoist, so Petty Officer Suba continued to perform his duty without protective gear around his face despite gale force rotor wash and driving snow, sleet, and seawater. During the third hoist, the hoisting system failed to function, forcing Petty Officer Suba to execute an emergency procedure. This complicated and dangerous maneuver forced Petty Officer Suba and Lieutenant Hess to carefully coordinate a constant change in aircraft altitude in order to successfully retrieve Petty Officer Staph and the two survivors from the crest of passing swells. This extraordinary communication and concentration ensured that neither survivor spent more than three minutes in the frigid waters--saving their lives. Further, Petty Officer Suba administered first aid to his crewman, Petty Officer Staph, and the two survivors following injuries from the rescue and risk of hypothermia. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Petty Officer Derrick Suba as he is awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Air Medal. I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in recognizing this distinguished member of our Armed Services and wishing him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Petty Officer Evan Staph--the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic actions on February 15, 2015. It came as no surprise to those who know him, when Petty Officer Staph enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in the fall of 2007. A native of Dana Point, California, Petty Officer Staph was drawn to the water at a young age. Trained by his older brother, Brad, to swim in the ocean and surf before he could walk, he went on to excel on land--cross country and track and field--in high school and throughout his college career. The commitment and discipline he exhibited toward his athletic achievements strongly foreshadowed the determination Petty Officer Staph embodied when he joined the Coast Guard. Petty Officer Staph transitioned to the U.S. Coast Guard airman program after a year aboard the Coast Guard cutter, USCGC Maple, where he graduated in 2010 with orders to report to Air Station Savannah, Georgia. Over the course of his four year tour, Petty Officer Staph flew more than 800 hours in the MH65 helicopter--saving numerous lives as an expert Rescue Swimmer. It was also during these four years that he met his wife, Kayla, whom he married on November 15, 2014. Soon thereafter, Petty Officer Staph was relocated to Air Station Cape Cod. While stationed in Massachusetts, Petty Officer Staph has devoted much of his free time to spiritual pursuits and organizes frequent Bible study sessions. He also finds time to give back to his community as an active member of the Big Brother Big Sister program and mentors his ``little brother,'' Jamie. It is this strength of spirit and resolve that served Petty Officer Staph well nearly one year ago. On the morning of February 15, 2015, the Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center in Boston was alerted to a distress signal from the sailboat Sedona. Facing dangerous weather conditions, the onset of a severe winter storm, and no available escort aircraft for helicopter missions, the four-man crew of CGNR 6033 left Air Station Cape Cod to aid the Sedona. The pilot and copilot of CGNR 6033, Lieutenant John D. Hess and Lieutenant Matthew Vanderslice, expertly navigated the deteriorating visibility, battling heavy snow, high winds, 25 to 35 foot seas, and severe thunderstorms to fly the over 300 nautical mile journey to and from the Sedona. Hovering above the Sedona, Petty Officer Staph was lowered into the water to retrieve the survivors when the primary hoist unit failed-- forcing the crew to use a backup hoist and dangerously complicating the rescue mission. During this extended process, static electricity on the rescue basket from the helicopter, weather, and lightning reached life- threatening levels. Before the basket was lowered to retrieve the remaining men, the crew struggled to discharge it against the water. Yet the buffeting winds blew the basket toward the second survivor. Heroically, Petty Officer Staph held himself between the victim and charged basket--and was struck by the static electricity with such intensity that he was knocked unconscious. Throughout the ordeal, Petty Officer Staph never let go of the survivor and completed his duty in rescuing the two mariners. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Petty Officer Staph for his exemplary dedication to his duty. I ask that my colleagues rise and join me in thanking him for his selfless actions and for his service in keeping our nation's citizens safe at sea.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, on December 16, 2015, I missed two recorded votes due to a previously scheduled meeting. I would like to reflect how I would have voted if I were present: On Roll Call Number 700, I would have voted YEA in support of H.R. 4239, the Tracking Foreign Fighters in Terrorist Safe Havens Act. On Roll Call Number 699, I would have voted YEA in support of H.R. 3750, the First Responders Passport Act of 2015. These two pieces of legislation will strengthen our national security and deservedly recognize first responders who aid a foreign country following a natural disaster.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Julia Marie Donovan on the occasion of her ninetieth birthday this month. Mrs. Donovan, or June, as she is referred to by her many friends, was born on December 30, 1925, the oldest child of the O'Brien family of North Cambridge. The daughter of Irish immigrants, June recounts that as children she, her two younger siblings, Cornelius and Rita, and her parents were a very close knit family. After losing her father at the age of thirteen, at the height of the Great Depression, June became even more involved with helping her mother. However, her mother insisted that she still finish her studies and just as the United States was entering the Second World War, June graduated from St. Mary's in Cambridge. Upon her graduation, June entered the workforce. She began working in Boston for the New Haven Railroad. As so many other young women were doing at the time, she took over the desk of a young man who had gone to war. She remained there for the duration of the war, knowing all the while that she would be expected to leave upon the return of the American servicemen. After three years, the soldier whose desk she had occupied finally did return. Upon their meeting, he immediately asked if he could call her. His name was William Donovan, and they were married for over sixty years. Bill and June raised their sons Francis, William, James, Dennis, and Kevin in Hingham, Massachusetts, and their happy home was always open to the many friends who dropped by constantly. After moving to Cape Cod, they still had visitors often--including their ten grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who have continued to enjoy their many beach days at Nana and Poppy's. It is surrounded by this large, loving family that June will celebrate her birthday at the end of this month. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Julia Marie Donovan on this joyous occasion. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of Judy Walden Scarafile on the occasion of her retirement as President of the Cape Cod Baseball League. Judy has served this organization honorably for 45 years, including the last 24 as President. The Cape Cod Baseball League has been an integral and historic component of Massachusetts culture--having been embraced by Cape Cod residents, visitors, and baseball fans alike as a favorite summer pastime since its establishment in 1885. The continued success of the League and that of its individual players--through both collegiate, minor and major league careers--is testament to the dedication and comradery of its leadership. Judy Scarafile embodies the best of the League and the best of the game of baseball; she is a savvy businesswoman, a respected leader, and a pioneer for women working in sports administration. Judy's tenure would not have been achieved without her tireless commitment to CCBL, its players, and its fans. She first joined the League in 1970, when longtime head of Public Relations for the Red Sox, Dick Bresciani, her mentor, hired her as an official scorer. For over four decades, Judy's love for baseball and dedication to the League led her to rise through the ranks--from publicity assistant to, since 1991, CCBL's first female president. As President, Judy Scarafile elevated the Cape Cod Baseball League to unprecedented heights. According to the CCBL Commissioner, her leadership helped the League grow ``from little backyard local teams to an international power in terms of collegiate summer baseball.'' Well over one thousand players trained, coached, and supported by the League have gone on to lasting careers in baseball. In 2003, the Cape Cod Baseball League honored Judy's achievements by inducting her into the League's Hall of Fame. She is also celebrated among other pioneering females in the game of baseball by the National Baseball Hall of Fame's ``Diamond Dreams'' exhibit. Among her many other honors and accolades, Judy has also been named the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, presented with the Clara Barton Award by the American Red Cross, and received USA Baseball's Woman of the Year Award. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to recognize the retirement of Judy Walden Scarafile from her position as President of the Cape Cod Baseball League. Judy has served the many players who pass through the Cape League--and the game of baseball. Though she will be sorely missed, I thank her for her devotion and wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Charles W. Marsh, who celebrates his 100th birthday on December 6th in Hanson, Massachusetts. Mr. Marsh embodies the quintessential American story. Born in Massachusetts in 1915 to a mother who came to the United States from Ireland with his older sister, Olive, Mr. Marsh lived in the town of Weymouth with his family until he joined the U.S. Army. After serving overseas in Germany, he returned to the United States and continued to support his country through the critical work of the Quincy Shipyard. Following this time, Mr. Marsh remained in Quincy and began his long and dedicated career as an auto body worker. A gifted marksman with rifle and bow, Mr. Marsh was an outdoorsman at heart. He was so renowned for his knowledge of New England's beaches and coastline that, during the blizzard of 1978, he was called upon by the U.S. Coast Guard to assist in search and rescue operations. During his time working in Quincy, Mr. Marsh and his wife, Miriam, built a house on Gurnet Point in Plymouth, Massachusetts. For 16 years, they were the first year-round residents on this small historic peninsula, named by the Pilgrims in the 1600s for its resemblance to headlands in the English Channel where gurnett fish were plentiful. Deciding that a change of scenery was in order, the Marshes then moved north to the picturesque shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in Alton, New Hampshire. Mr. Marsh will be celebrating his centennial birthday surrounded by four generations of loving family, which has grown to include three children, eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Charles W. Marsh on his 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing him many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with Representative Kennedy to recognize the distinguished career of Police Sergeant Michael Fox on the occasion of his retirement. Sergeant Fox has served in law enforcement for 42 years--35 years of which were spent with the Easton Police Department in Massachusetts. It was while attending Massasoit Community College and interning at the Brockton Police department that Sergeant Fox first began working at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution--Cedar Junction in Walpole, Massachusetts as the youngest corrections officer in the prison. During his seven years of service there, he interacted with and bore witness to life within prison walls. These experiences imparted on him a desire to serve on the front lines of community protection, and directly assist and mentor the men and women he had met serving in correctional institutions. In 1974, Sergeant Fox and his wife, Liz, returned to Easton--a picturesque farm town. He became a special police officer in 1978 and, within two years, a full time patrolman. Among his many proud achievements, Sergeant Fox speaks most passionately about his role as one of the first officers in Massachusetts to be part of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. For decades, he has educated students and the youth in his community about the reality and dangers of drug abuse, encouraging them to make responsible and informed decisions. As testament to this dedication, Sergeant Fox became part of the team that trained new D.A.R.E officers across more than 10 states, and served as the president of Massachusetts' D.A.R.E. Officers Association. Over the years, Sergeant Fox's hard work, commitment, and positive demeanor earned him the title of Detective. Through it all, despite the tenuous and at times saddening cases that crossed his desk, Sergeant Fox remained a dedicated officer who is revered and respected by all in the Easton Police Department and the Town. Mr. Speaker, it brings us great pride to recognize the retirement of Sergeant Michael Fox. While we are sure that his colleagues at the Easton Police Department will miss him dearly, we wish him nothing but the very best in his future plans. We ask that our colleagues join us in thanking Sergeant Fox for over four decades of service and the tremendous ways in which he has benefited and served our community.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of November as National Family Caregivers Month, and to honor family caregivers in the Ninth Congressional District of Massachusetts and across the country. Every day, millions of Americans dedicate their time, energy, and resources to care for their loved ones. In the last year, it is estimated that over 43 million adults--parents, children, siblings, spouses, friends, and neighbors--have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in need. The tireless and selfless devotion of caregivers allows millions of Americans to live a full--and fulfilling--life. Many caregivers balance full-time careers and the many daily demands of modern life. Family caregivers provide an estimated $450 billion in care and immeasurable support every year. Studies show that this not only provides health benefits and increases the life expectancy of those cared for, but can also increase the life expectancy for the caregivers by an average of nine months. As the number of older Americans rises, so too, will the number of caregivers. It is critical that legislators, regulators, and the general public unite to provide them with the resources--and respect--they deserve. As we take time this month to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of caregivers, I would like to make special note of the many organizations that advocate, develop best practice programs, and provide resources for millions of caregivers around the nation, including many in Massachusetts. The ARC of Greater Plymouth County, Friends Or Relatives With Autism and Related Disabilities (FORWARD), Alzheimer's Family Support Center of Cape Cod, Coastline Elderly, and Old Colony Elder Services are but a few of the instrumental organizations assisting caregivers in the Commonwealth. Mr. Speaker, during National Family Caregivers Month, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the dedication of caregivers and to pledge our continued support for their selfless efforts.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Diabetes Month, during which we reflect on the importance of understanding, treating, and caring for this serious condition. The diabetes endemic is a present and growing threat in today's society. Close to 30 million Americans have diabetes, while another 86 million are pre-diabetic. According to the Centers for Disease Control, if current trends continue, 1 in 3 Americans will have diabetes by 2050. The economic burden of diabetes, pre-diabetes and the largely preventable chronic diseases resulting from diabetes costs the United States approximately $245 billion. Many of these costs are associated with diabetes-related complications, including kidney failure, blindness, and amputations. Diabetes is also a major cause of heart disease and stroke. To address this problem, it is critical that we make investments in diabetes prevention, care, and treatment. In my district and throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, citizens are benefiting from the exceptional efforts of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the New England Office of the American Diabetes Association. These organizations are dedicated to raising awareness, providing support to patients and families, and funding promising diabetes research. Both of these organizations are also extraordinary advocates on behalf of families and individuals living with diabetes. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring November as National Diabetes Month and in supporting diabetes research and care.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, since its designation in 1990, this month seeks to honor the influence of Native Americans in shaping American history, acknowledging the injustices wrought upon the many tribes, and looking forward so we can strive to forge a better future together for all. As we prepare to celebrate the 394th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts, so too should we pay tribute to the significant contributions of the original Americans. As some of the earliest inhabitants of this beautiful land, the Native Americans paved the way for future settlements by mastering skilled ways of farming, discovering natural medicines, and hunting. Their contributions to our shared history continued through the centuries; they have served in the Armed Forces during times of war and peace. Most notably, we celebrate the service of the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II, who ensured that our vital communications could not be decrypted by the enemy. Native Americans are woven into the nation's fabric, having taught us new sports and craft such as lacrosse, canoeing, kayaking and snowshoeing, as well as provided our shared culture with celebrated athletes, musicians, dancers, politicians, and many more. Mr. Speaker, Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to reflect on the significant accomplishments of our proud Native American tribes--including the Wampanoag and Aquinnah tribes in my district. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing all Native American tribes across the nation for their indomitable spirit and remarkable achievements.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of November as Military Family Month. Established in 1993 to honor the sacrifices made every day by the families of the men and women serving in our Armed Forces, the President of the United States signs a proclamation every year to mark this month long recognition. Since the birth of our nation, members of the Armed Forces have answered the call of duty, unselfishly leaving everything they know and their loved ones at home to protect our freedom. This is a sacrifice and responsibility shared among an entire family. It is the dedication and bravery of our military families that we salute this month. It is said that the strength of a nation is only as strong as the bonds of family. This could not be truer than of our military families. Time and time again, they demonstrate their commitment, spending much of their lives relocating every few years--spouses must put their careers on hold during deployments and children have to make new friends at every new school. Our military families not only spend extended periods of time away from their loved ones deployed, they are also there for our returning heroes--supporting their recovery and transition back to civilian life. Every day I am inspired by the resilience and patriotism of our military families both at home and abroad. I am proud of the programs in my district that help our heroes on the home front--including, but not limited to, Falmouth Military Support Group, Pembroke Military Support Group, Military Friends Foundation and Otis Civilian Advisory Council. Their dedication to providing family services, counseling, educational assistance, and financial support is a testament to our strength when we come together as a community. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in highlighting this important issue. We have an obligation to care for our servicemembers and their families. Together we can make a difference.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Daniel Bullis, a Vietnam veteran who is not only being honored by the Korean War Veterans Association but also Cape Cod Veterans, Inc. for his outstanding military service and dedication to military medicine. Sergeant Major Bullis is a respected veteran of the war in Vietnam and served for 31 years on active duty in the United States Army Medical Department. During his illustrious career, he assumed numerous leadership responsibilities--the culmination of which led to his selection as the first Sergeant Major, Army Medical Department/Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army. He was also appointed as the first Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army Medical Department Regiment, a position in which he provided leadership and guidance concerning the health, welfare, and training of 90,000 enlisted medical personnel. After Sergeant Major Bullis retired from the Army, he joined the Department of Defense Deployment Health Clinical Center as the Chief of Staff and also serves as Vice President for Patient and Family Services with the Walter Reed Society--a non-profit charitable organization that helps wounded veterans with the unanticipated and often burdensome financial needs. The Society provides these veterans with specially identified equipment and services related to their care when other resources are not available. Originally chartered in 1996 for the benefit of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Society now serves its successor organization, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Maryland. Sergeant Major Bullis serves proudly and voluntarily on the Board of the Society. His efforts on behalf of the Walter Reed Society have helped hundreds of service members and their families receive the assistance they deserve. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Sergeant Major Bullis for his many years of service and outstanding dedication to the care of our nation's service members. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating him and in extending our gratitude for all that he has done.