William Keating

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Francis Smith, a patrolman from Lynn, Massachusetts who died, as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty, on August 19, 1934. Today being Peace Officers Memorial Day, I can think of no more fitting occasion to honor his commitment to his community and family. Patrolman Smith was a sixteen year veteran of the Lynn Police Department at the time of his fateful incident. Though his initial violent confrontation did not prove fatal, the wounds sustained that day did prove to be grievous. Patrolman Smith was rushed into emergency surgery, which would prolong his life by an additional two years. Despite his life threatening wounds, John F. Smith eventually returned to active patrol duty, serving his community to the best of his ability. Sadly, the wounds suffered in 1932, eventually took his life on August 19th, 1934. In addition to his dedicated service as a patrolman in the Lynn Police Department, John F. Smith was a loving husband, and father to nine children. His family has continued to grow and flourish in the eight decades since his untimely passing. In the five generations since his watch ended, public service has remained a very important component of the Smith family. Several of the descendants went on to serve in the Lynn Police Department, and others still got involved in municipal government. But, we can all be thankful for the precedent set by John Francis Smith's service to his community. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor John Francis Smith on this day dedicated to the men and women who have fallen in the line of duty. I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating his sacrifice in the pursuit of a more perfect community.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. I thank the gentleman from Rhode Island for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, most of us in this Chamber have had the honor to meet and to get to know Gold Star families, those families who have lost loved ones in the service in defense of our country. Most of us on those occasions also told those families, if there is anything we can ever do to help you in any way going forward, please let us know. Gold Star families in my district came to me on an issue that really was something that was quite difficult for them at times and bothersome, and that is the issue that the access they had while their loved ones were alive was no longer there for military installations. The military installations would often have memorials to those that served. They would have survivor workshops, and things that could help them. They would have military exercises and ceremonies that they would want to participate in that had greater meaning to them than perhaps any other group of people. They told me how, gaining access many times, they had to relive the story by again explaining who they were and why they wanted to come. I investigated this and found that the Army had a pilot program that provided an access card for these institutions, these military institutions, and that that made the process so much easier for them. This amendment simply expands the pilot program and demonstrates Congress' support for expanding these programs beyond the pilot stage and to all services. I hope we can move forward and actually see the implementation of this occur. I want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their support of this amendment en bloc, and I want to express, I think, the sentiment of our entire body to really be there in something that is a modest request, but an important one for our Gold Star families.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ray Miller, a thirty year veteran of the Coast Guard Reserves and the Commander of the American Legion post in Hanover, Massachusetts. Mr. Miller's career in the Coast Guard Reserves led him to serve this great nation in her darkest moments. In the days immediately following the September eleventh terrorist attacks, Mr. Miller was called into active duty to help secure our shores against those who sought to sow continued chaos. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Miller once again answered the call of duty by deploying to Mobile, Alabama to help restore normalcy to the lives of those residents of the Gulf. And when that normalcy was disrupted once more in the Deep Water Horizon crisis, Ray Miller did not hesitate to once again help the residents of the Gulf of Mexico. Closer to his home, Mr. Miller helped keep Boston safe during the Democratic National Convention in the summer of 2004. And then again in 2012, he served the people of this region by aiding the recovery efforts in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The veterans and members of the American Legion community in Hanover have been well served because of his work as Legion Post Commander. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Ray Miller on this remarkable occasion. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing him a wonderful retirement and many years of happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Maureen Marinelli, a thirty-two year veteran letter carrier for the United States Postal Service and the former president of the Massachusetts State Letter Carriers Association. As someone who served as a letter carrier in the past, I applaud her dedicated service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Ms. Marinelli's career as a letter carrier began in 1983. Almost immediately, it was clear Maureen Marinelli was an exemplary leader among the Massachusetts Letter Carriers, and her peers took notice. Maureen worked tirelessly to help letter carriers across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She spent her career working at the grassroots level, representing and advocating for her fellow letter carriers at the state and local level. She did this while remaining a loyal letter carrier. Because of her day to day drive to listen to local letter carriers, she understood the fundamental needs of the men and women we rely on to get our mail. After twenty years of distinguished service as a letter carrier, her peers elected her the president of the Massachusetts State Letter Carriers Association in 2004 and then again in 2011. During both terms in office, Maureen worked with labor groups across Massachusetts in order to better serve her letter carriers. Because of her hard work, she improved the lives of men and women across the Commonwealth by ensuring that our mail was delivered on time and with a smile. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Maureen Marinelli on this remarkable occasion. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her a wonderful retirement and many years of happiness, as well as in thanking her for working tirelessly as an advocate for letter carriers across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and offer my personal congratulations to Jacob Miller, the first UMass Dartmouth student to be named as a Truman Scholar. Founded by Congress in 1975, the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation provides scholarships to college juniors who demonstrate outstanding potential and who plan to pursue a career in public service. A Fairhaven resident and a dual political science and English major, he will receive $30,000 towards graduate school and the opportunity to prepare for a career in public service. It comes as no surprise that Jacob has earned this distinction considering he has chosen to spend his time giving back--from helping create a cultural district in downtown New Bedford to effectively advocating for lower health care costs for students. Known for his civic engagement and service at UMass Dartmouth, he has worked on small business creation, workforce development programs, and registering hundreds to vote. He also serves as a student representative to the UMass Board of Trustees. As someone who got his start in the Massachusetts State House at a young age, Jacob embodies what our country needs in its future leaders. On behalf of Massachusetts' 9th Congressional District, I congratulate Jacob Miller. I look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes and I wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Cape Cod Children's Museum on its twenty-fifth anniversary. For the past two and a half decades, the Cape Cod Children's Museum has been providing children from Cape Cod and the South Cape's younger visitors with entertaining memories that will last a lifetime. Founded in 1990 by a group of three women from Falmouth, the Cape Cod Children's Museum has since been a staple of the community. Guests of the museum immediately notice the high, vaulted ceilings that have a distinct Cape Cod charm. Under that same roof, children are greeted by wall-to-wall educational and entertaining displays. Be it the pirate ship in the main hall, with exhibits of nautical flags and terminology, or the planetarium, exposing the youth of Cape Cod to the wonders of the stars, the children's museum is an invaluable component of the community. Since the museum moved into its present location fifteen years ago, parents have eagerly brought their children, confident that they will enjoy everything the facilities have to offer. The museum has always been a must-see for any family. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Cape Cod Children's Museum on its twenty-fifth anniversary. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Museum for its many years of success, and in applauding their efforts educating and entertaining Cape Cod's children.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Anne Theroux, a resident of Harwich, who today celebrates her 104th birthday. Anne was born on March 4, 1911. Anne is a mother of seven successful children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Anne, a dedicated and caring mother of strong faith, also helped support her family by working as a school teacher for many years in Massachusetts. Anne, a woman of many talents, is an avid reader, daily solver of crossword puzzles and finds time to pursue her artistic talents in painting, stained glasswork and woodcarving. She has an unfailing positive outlook and is a wonderful example to her family and friends. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Anne Theroux on this joyous occasion of her 104th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, on February 27, 2015 Mr. Speaker, had I been present for the vote on the Motion to go to Conference on H.R. 240, I would have voted ``no.'' I would like the record to reflect how I would have voted if I were present: On rollcall No. 102, I would have voted ``no.'' I remain strongly disappointed that Republican leadership has not brought a clean, long- term bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security to the floor. It is time to adequately fund DHS operations and personnel and stop playing games with our national security.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, let's not lose focus here. We are talking about our country's security. We heard what would happen if the homeland function were to be eliminated immediately over a shutdown even with the emergency provisions that are existing. I want to address an important issue, and that is the issue of our security being jeopardized because of these stopgap budgets. Now, what does that mean? That means we continue to work within the constraints of last year's priorities, that we can't move beyond the funding that is there for those functions that we said were important for our security last year. The trouble with that is the terrorist threats are changing every single day. The landscape is changing under our feet, yet we are in a straightjacket in dealing with it. We cannot continue going forward. It has already jeopardized our ability to look at nuclear detection in this country because of these stopgap budgets. My State suffered a terrible tragedy with the Boston Marathon bombing, but I think all of us agree and all of us saw the way they organized, the way they coordinated all the functions--the State, the local, and the Federal Government, the medical functions, the emergency service. We all concluded--rightfully so--that countless lives were saved because of that. Do you know why? Because there was training and preparation for what could come. We cannot deal successfully in this country with the threats that are confronting us here today and tomorrow--terrorist attacks--with last year's priorities and without being able to shift and meet those priorities. Let's stop the stopgap budgeting. It is hurting our country. It is hurting our security. Let's do what we are supposed to do under the Constitution--make these decisions to fund it.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I missed recorded vote No. 92 due to a hearing of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. I would have voted ``no'' (Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for further consideration of H.R. 5, the Student Success Act). Had this motion failed, House Democrats would have had the opportunity to offer an amendment making H.R. 861 in order.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, on February 2, 2015, I missed recorded votes #51-53 due to weather-related travel delays. I would like to reflect how I would have voted if I were present: On Roll Call #51, I would have voted YEA (Passage of H.R. 361, the Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act). On Roll Call #52, I would have voted YEA (Passage of H.R. 615, the Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act). On Roll Call #53, I would have voted YEA (Passage of H.R. 623, the Social Media Working Group Act of 2015).

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Police Chief Mike Whalen upon his retirement after ten years of dedicated service to the town of Dennis, Massachusetts. Chief Whalen began his distinguished career as a patrolman in Farmington, Connecticut. Over the next thirty years, he tirelessly worked his way up the ranks of the greater Hartford police department, rising from patrolman to Chief of Police in the Connecticut State Capitol. In 2004, the Cape Cod community was particularly fortunate when Chief Whalen came to Dennis. During his ten years with the Dennis Police Department, Chief Whalen has been a remarkable leader and has built on his strong reputation for modernizing local police work. Every community that Chief Whalen has touched has benefited as a result of his work, and his guidance and leadership will surely be missed in the town of Dennis. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I commend Chief Mike Whalen. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing him a long and happy retirement and in thanking him for his service.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Falmouth in celebrating its 60th Veterans' Day Parade. Since 1954, when President Eisenhower proclaimed November 11th as Veterans' Day, Falmouth has honored its veterans in a procession from the Town Green to Memorial Lane on Library Lawn. Police escorts, the parade marshal, selectmen, the Coast Guard, and others come together on this day to recognize those who have been invaluable to our country's strength and security. A rifle salute, including sirens in memory of Armistice Day in 1918, followed by a memorial address and an open house for the public conclude the celebrations. Between 1927 and 1953 the town's celebration entailed a moment of silence, a placing of a wreath at the World War I Memorial, and a procession beginning at the American Legion. Following the procession, the American Legion attended services at various local churches and participated in parades in Hyannis and Plymouth, and sometimes the celebration came to an end with a display of fireworks. In the early 1950s, the placing of a wreath, a moment of silence, and the playing of the Star Spangled Banner have been added to honor the fallen servicemen of the Second World War. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to congratulate Falmouth for hosting its 60th Veterans Day Parade. I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the importance of this day, and to recognize the honorable service that veterans provide to our country.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Inter- Church Council of Greater New Bedford as this organization celebrates its 75th anniversary this month. For three quarters of a century, the Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford has united religious organizations throughout our community in service to the surrounding area. Comprised of 47 member congregations stretching from Westport to Wareham, and supported by a volunteer force of more than 150 leaders, the Council has since its founding served as a strong faith collaborative committed to social justice and spiritual renewal for all its members. The Council serves our community in many important ways. Its housing programs serve more than 400 low-income elderly and disabled residents, its chaplains assist patients in St. Luke's Hospital, and its members participate in various community service initiatives, such as Peace Marches, gun exchanges for food, and hands-on ministries in the local neighborhoods. Clergy and lay members alike tackle the tough issues faced in our region each and every day, and for this reason our community is a better place as a result of their service. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford upon its 75th anniversary. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking this organization for everything it has given to our community, and in wishing it well for many years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro as it celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. The First Unitarian Universalist Society has long been a central fixture in the Middleboro community. On June 29, 1889, after the new church first sought formal recognition, its members hired Unitarian minister Rev. William Ramsey of Salem to lead the church for its first year. Not long after, local member Enoch Pratt donated a lot on Pearl Street, where the group's first church was opened on October 26, 1890. While this was the original site of the modern-day building, it is not where the church can be found today, as in the early 1900s a more central and visible plot of land was gifted to the church by member David Pratt. The building was then cut into three pieces, led through the streets, and remounted in its current location. While society changed drastically over the course of the next century, the First Unitarian Universalist Church remained a central part of the local community. An early advocate of equality, the Society called its first woman minister, Clara Cook-Helve, in 1929, and she became a prominent voice in the town throughout the Great Depression. Today, the Society remains a vibrant presence in Middleboro and continues its strong focus on community service and equality for all. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Middleboro as it celebrates its 125th anniversary and in wishing the Society well in the years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Dedication of Cpl. Vincent Mannion-Brodeur Patient Room at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. This newly-dedicated patient room, located in one of the leading rehabilitation hospitals in the country, recognizes Cpl. Mannion- Brodeur and his valiant service in the United States Army. While serving in Iraq in 2007 with the 82nd Airborne, Cpl. Mannion-Brodeur was critically injured by an insurgent trap. After surviving forty operations and a year-long coma, Cpl. Mannion-Brodeur became an inspiration for people throughout the country and an example of what it means to serve one's country. His noble actions and enduring strength have deemed him a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Recipient and have earned him the gratitude of an entire nation. With the assistance of his parents, Cpl. Mannion-Brodeur is now at the point in his recovery where he is able to motivate and speak to Walter Reed patients as well as work with other injured soldiers throughout their own recovery process. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to honor and thank Cpl. Vincent Mannion-Brodeur for his invaluable service in the United States Army and to recognize the dedication of the Cpl. Vincent Mannion-Brodeur Patient Room at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognition of Cpl. Mannion-Brodeur and his distinguished service in our Armed Services.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the deep-sea research submersible Alvin and in celebration of the critical role the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has played in supporting ocean exploration for generations. Commissioned on June 5, 1964, Alvin epitomizes American innovation and has allowed our nation to secure its position as a global leader in oceanography and marine sciences. Throughout over 4,760 dives, Alvin has shed light on countless discoveries, including the first observation of the deep-sea mid-ocean ridge during the French-American Mid-Ocean Undersea Survey known as Project FAMOUS, exploration of wreck of the RMS Titanic, and emergency recovery of a hydrogen bomb from the Mediterranean Sea in 1966. Recently, Alvin served at the front lines of the response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster and investigated impacts to the deep-sea habitats in the Gulf of Mexico. Today, Alvin continues to inspire scientists and engineers in developing a new generation of deep-submergence technology, which is vital to our national security and United States Naval operations, as well as marine commerce and maritime industries. Further, Alvin is a working example of the critical need for continued federal investments in research and development that will ensure that our understanding of this remaining frontier for discovery continues on trend. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemoration of Alvin and the irreplaceable advances in scientific research that it has helped to achieve. I am proud to represent Massachusetts, where Alvin and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution call home.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, the largest Portuguese feast in the world and one of the largest festivals in New England. Founded in 1915, the Feast recreates the traditional religious festivals of Portugal and celebrates the safe passage onto American shores. The Feast is often referred to as ``the Madeira Feast'' because its roots lie in the tiny mountain and shoreside villages of the island of Madeira, the ``Pearl of the Atlantic.'' For the last 100 years, New Bedford has hosted the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, featuring authentic Portuguese food, wine, and music, along with lessons on Portuguese history and folklore. Today, this historic feast continues to maintain its cultural significance to those who wish to honor the Medeira customs. Additionally, it is known to provide endless entertainment to the entire New Bedford community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the town of New Bedford and the Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, Inc., who sponsor the feast, for the celebration of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament's 100th anniversary. May this magnificent cultural event continue to flourish for many years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate eight young Americans for their outstanding performance in the German Bundestag this summer as fellows in the prestigious International Parliamentary Scholarship. Nathan Crist, Gaelen Strnat, Sheila Casserly, Cristina Burack, Betsy Crowder, Josef Nothmann, Joe Verbovszky, and Ian van Son have been fantastic representatives of the United States during their last five months working with a member of the Bundestag. They have learned about the German system of government and contributed to our strong bilateral ties. This experience promises to turbo-charge their future. IPS participants have gone on to serve as leaders in the public and private sectors around the world while maintaining close ties to Germany. This prestigious program is a demonstration of the deep friendship the United States enjoys with the German people. I thank the Bundestag for hosting the fellows and I hope to see exchanges between our two countries, such as this one or the equally prestigious Congress- Bundestag Youth Exchange, continue for many years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Craig Conway for his service to the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats as a Pearson Fellow. The Pearson Fellowship was established as a way for Foreign Service officers to encounter and take part in the legislative process. This highly selective and prestigious position is reserved for those who would secure the strong and enduring relationship between the State Department and Congress. Over the past year Mr. Conway has exemplified these attributes during a particularly active period in transatlantic relations and went above and beyond in his role as a Pearson Fellow. His service to Congress will no doubt be missed by his many friends and colleagues in the House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Craig Conway prepares to head back to the State Department at the end of this month, it brings me great pleasure to honor him for his service, knowledge, and invaluable experience. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Mr. Conway for his work.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Robert McCarthy upon his retirement as the Register of Probate of Plymouth, Massachusetts after over four decades of public service. During his long and noteworthy career, Mr. McCarthy served in a number of positions in Massachusetts, including East Bridgewater Selectman, Chairman on Taxation, State Representative, and State Senator. In the 1970s, Mr. McCarthy worked alongside Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, quickly becoming a widely beloved and trusted leader in the community. Mr. McCarthy became the Plymouth County Register of Probate in 2000, where his many accomplishments have been invaluable to the people he has served. His colleagues and friends who have worked with him throughout the years agree that he will be sorely missed as he steps down from this position. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to honor Mr. Robert McCarthy upon his retirement. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Mr. McCarthy for his many years of public service.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our friends in Germany on an incredible victory in the World Cup final on Sunday. As Co-Chair of the German-American Caucus, I watched the game with great interest. It was a truly deserved victory for the Germany team in what has been an excellent tournament. I am certain that many Americans were as thrilled as I was by Germany's outstanding performance in Brazil. Our two countries share important political, economic, and cultural links, with roughly 50 million Americans reporting some level of German ancestry. Hundreds of Americans have worked in the German Bundestag through the International Parliamentary Scholarship, and thousands of Germans and Americans have forged closer relationships through the Congress-Bundestag exchange program. No matter what challenges we have in the transatlantic relationship, important connections such as these will ensure that our great relationship continues for years to come. So, congratulations Germany! (``herzlichen Gluckwunsch Deutschland!''). And I look forward to the day when the United States and Germany meet in the World Cup finals.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Catherine Christopher, a resident of Middleborough, Massachusetts, who today celebrates her 100th birthday. Catherine was born on July 11, 1914 to Mary and Michael Vergos in Lowell, Massachusetts. The second oldest of her six siblings, Catherine, or Kay as her family and friends know her, left her junior high school to work at Giant Store to help support her family. Kay later married Harry Christopher at the Holy Trinity Church in Lowell on October 22, 1939, and they went on to raise three children together: Sandra, William, and Chris. In the early 1950's, the Christopher family opened a grocery store on Locust Street in the early 1950's, which they operated for thirty years. Kay has been an active member of the local Greek Orthodox Church and she, along with her husband, belonged to a number of clubs and organizations within their community for many years. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Catherine Christopher on this joyous occasion of her 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her continued health and happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the two hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of the Town of Wareham. Wareham was first settled in 1678 by a group of brave men and women who embodied the true American spirit that is still celebrated today. Wareham was officially incorporated in 1739 and became known for its local expertise in shipbuilding and other industries supporting the shipping trade. The town's beauty was quickly realized as it soon became a place where many came to enjoy its scenic beaches on Buzzard's Bay and other waterways, including Buttermilk Bay. The people of Wareham were emblematic of the American spirit and resolve during the War of 1812. At that time, Wareham was an enticing target for the British due to its shipbuilding expertise and ironworking abilities. In 1814, when the British warship HMS Nimrod was anchored in Buzzard's Bay off the coast of Wareham, the townspeople refused to pay tribute to the British in exchange for the cessation of gunfire from the mighty eighteen-gun ship. However, the residents of Wareham fought courageously and succeeded in repelling the British despite the large amount of damage done to the town. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the 275th anniversary of Wareham. May this beautiful Massachusetts town flourish for many years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Estonia who from July 4 to 6 completed their remarkable Song and Dance Festival in the capital of Tallinn. The festival, which takes place once every five years and attracts roughly 100,000 visitors and participants, is a cornerstone of Estonian cultural tradition and has been named one of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage events. It is something the Estonian people, and indeed the entire Baltic region, should be rightly proud of. Such celebrations of independence are particularly important during this time. We continue to support our friends in Estonia, and indeed our friends and allies in all of Europe, as they face the threat of increased Russian aggression. Now is as important a time as any for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitment to Estonia and the Baltic states. Mr. Speaker, the American people have a long and proud history of supporting Estonians as they rejected authoritarianism, gained their independence and built the vibrant, modern country they have today. Estonia has likewise been a great friend to the United States. I am certain that this relationship will continue far into the future. Once more, congratulations to all of Estonia on such a successful festival.