William Keating

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Poyant Signs of New Bedford, Massachusetts, as the company celebrates seventy-five years of business this month. Founder Maurice J. Poyant first began his signmaking company in 1938, originally operating under the name Artcraft Sign Company. His small business would see great expansion and many changes over the course of the following decades, such as moving into its well-known Acushnet Avenue storefront, the purchase of its first 45-foot crane, and incorporation of the business under the new name Poyant Signs in the 1950s. Several members of the Poyant family would go on to lead the company over the years following Maurice's retirement, including Maurice's son Leonard Poyant and grandson Richard Poyant. As sales continued to increase, Poyant Signs maintained its growth and success, and over the years the company was even able to acquire several competing signage companies. Although it has since outgrown its Acushnet Avenue location, Poyant Signs still calls New Bedford home, and is headquartered today in a modern 45,000 square foot facility located in New Bedford Business Park. The success of Poyant Signs has continued into the twenty-first century, and today the company stands as the largest sign manufacturer in New England. It serves both well-known local businesses and clients that operate on a national level, and the company has been the recipient of numerous awards within the industry. In 2009, Poyant Signs was honored as a finalist in the Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Awards, as well as by the New Hampshire Sign Association Awards for the company's excellence in signmaking. Since its founding in 1938, Poyant Signs has played a central role in the development of New Bedford's local economy. The company is emblematic of the type of business that makes New Bedford the great city that it is today, and it is certainly fitting to celebrate this company's many years of success. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Poyant Signs upon the company's seventy-fifth anniversary. I ask that my colleagues join me in this recognition and in congratulating Poyant Signs for its many decades of prosperity.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and to celebrate the upcoming launch of the new CapeFlyer train route between Boston and Cape Cod. The CapeFlyer train will make its first scheduled trip between Boston's South Station and Cape Cod on May 24, 2013. Created under a partnership between the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), the CapeFlyer will be the first scheduled passenger rail service to reach the Cape since 1996, as well as the first to connect Cape Cod to Boston since the last train departed Boston's South Station at 5:34 p.m. on June 30, 1959. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day this summer, the train will run between Boston and the Cape every weekend, and will offer amenities to its passengers such as free Wi-Fi service, concessions, and bicycle storage. Customers will have their choice of disembarking at either the historic Buzzards Bay Train Station or Hyannis Transportation Center, with further options to connect to numerous other destinations throughout the Cape. The introduction of the CapeFlyer train will enable even more Massachusetts residents and visitors to make the most of all that Cape Cod has to offer, from its idyllic beaches and outdoor activities to its fine dining and shopping centers. The availability of rail service as an alternate mode of transportation will allow summer tourism on Cape Cod to remain high while reducing traffic congestion, making travel throughout the Cape easier and lowering local carbon emissions. The benefits that the CapeFlyer will bring to the region are numerous and diverse, and I have no doubt that it will prove to be a popular method of reaching the Cape. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to recognize the CapeFlyer rail service upon its initial trip between Boston and Cape Cod, and I ask that my colleagues join me in welcoming this new rail line to the Massachusetts region.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lillian Kafka as she celebrates her ninetieth birthday this month. Ms. Kafka, or ``Libby'' as she is referred to by her many friends, was born on May 18, 1923, to Louis and Mae Dubinsky of Sharon, Massachusetts. The Dubinsky family owned Sunset Lodge, a popular summer resort hotel on the idyllic shore of Lake Massapoag in Sharon. Ms. Kafka, along with her siblings Aaron and Edith, would often help their parents with the daily tasks of the family business. Upon the passing of Louis, the Dubinsky children helped their mother even more with running the hotel until it was sold to the Archdiocese of Boston several years later. On June 18, 1944, Ms. Kafka celebrated her wedding to husband Milton Kafka at the Sunset Lodge, and the two remained happily married until Milton's passing in 2006. The Kafkas welcomed five children into their family: Louis, Millie, Benjamin, Kenneth, and Hirsh. Ms. Kafka has seen her family grow exponentially over the years, and is now the proud grandmother of twelve and great-grandmother of seventeen. Today, Ms. Kafka stays quite active with her large family, and spends much time in particular with her great-grandchildren, who lovingly refer to her as ``G.G.'' When she is not busy with family, music and theater take up most of her free time. Ms. Kafka is an active volunteer at the Sharon Community Theater and the Actors Collaborative. She has performed onstage at the Mansfield Music and Arts Society, and she now fills the role of the organization's official backstage hostess. Her love of volunteering and positive outlook are representative of the extraordinary person that Ms. Kafka is, and the entire community has benefited from her many accomplishments. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Lillian Kafka on this joyous occasion of her ninetieth birthday. She is an outstanding member of our community, and I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Elizabeth Sherman, a resident of Sandwich, Massachusetts, who celebrates her 100th birthday today. Elizabeth, or Betty as her family and friends know her, was born on May 3, 1913, to the Burns family. She later married Alvin Sherman of Brookline, Massachusetts. Betty and Alvin would go on to raise their five children together: Ann, Bud, Mary, Jeanie, and Elaine. The Sherman family later settled in Arlington, outside Boston. Betty, a dedicated and caring mother, also helped support her family by working as a secretary at Harvard University and the Chase Brass & Copper Company. The Shermans enjoyed many summers at their vacation home on the Cape, and Betty and Alvin would later retire to Sagamore Beach. Though Alvin passed away in 1995, Betty's loving family has grown to include six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Elizabeth Sherman on this joyous occasion of her 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. I'd like to thank my colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank so many of our colleagues that we work with day in and day out. When we came here back into session, so many of them gave their heartfelt feelings for all those that were hurt during the terrible marathon bombing that occurred in Boston on April 15. We first remember those that lost their lives during this terrible, terrible tragedy. And there's never words that are adequate to deal with these issues. That type of loss to family, to friends, to loved ones can't really be put into words. I can only convey my own, as well as our colleagues', sympathy for those families. Four young people's lives were taken too quickly from us all--four people who had so much to give. They were four people who we had a glimpse of with the accounts of their lives as the public mourned and joined with their families at their loss. It was just a glimpse. But what a glimpse: A young boy, Martin Richard, had a profound message, as his poster revealed to all: ``No more hurting people. Peace.'' Lu Lingzi, who came here from another country to study and to better herself; an accomplished student, pianist, a young woman who had developed tremendous friendships in the short time she was here, who came to this country to learn more, to become more, and to offer more. Sean Collier, a young police officer who dedicated himself to helping people. To protect and to serve, that was his goal. He gave his life doing just that. Krystle Campbell, a young, vibrant woman; a person who, despite a busy life, busy schedule, put much of her life on hold--over a year--to help her grandmother when she was ill. There were the first responders and the people that were injured, over 280, including Richard Donohue, an MBT police officer who participated with Watertown police in slowing down these perpetrators before they could harm more people. He was seriously injured. We pray for him in the process. There were first responders on the scene, including civilians who just risked everything they had to provide emergency aid and help to those runners and those bystanders who were there. They were first responders that had been trained for years for terrible moments like this, who sacrificed their safety moving forward--EMTs, police officers, firefighters. The incredible medical community in the Boston area, some of whom ran to work knowing what happened and were there, ready, emergency room doors opened, everything in place, saving lives. We honor the citizens in our area who all gave up a small part of their freedom listening to their leaders who displayed good judgment, common sense, and moving forward to put their safety first. Those lives of those four young people that aren't with us now, as well as the lives of those people that are recovering from the injuries and those first responders that helped us, will not be defined by a depraved act of violence of two individuals. These people are the definers themselves: givers, people that care. That's who we are. They define the best in us, the selfless side in us. They define the best of what's Boston. They define the best of what's in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They define the best of us as Americans. And they are all to be remembered today. It's a time to put politics aside and remember what a great country we have because of individuals like this.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, and to honor the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces during this tumultuous period in history. Our nation will never be able to fully express the heartfelt gratitude we have for our veterans. The debt that we owe them is immeasurable. Time and again, our service members have stepped forward to defend the freedoms we enjoy today. Without the selfless actions of the soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and coast guardsmen in the Korean Peninsula, the nation of South Korea would never have blossomed into the model democracy and vital partner it is today. I sincerely thank every veteran of the Korean War for the essential role they played in ensuring democracy could take root in East Asia and for safeguarding America's allies. American veterans are a cornerstone of society. Past generations helped build up this great country and did not hesitate to come to its aid when asked. As we remember their brave actions, it is my hope that citizens everywhere take time to speak with the veterans in their family and community. Thank them for their service, and ask them about their role defending our country. Helping veterans pass on their priceless wisdom and memories to future generations is one of the best ways we can honor them today. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commemorating this 60th anniversary of the Korean War. I ask that my colleagues rise and join me in thanking our veterans, past and present, for the sacrifices they've made in service to the United States of America.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Tommy Leonard on receiving the esteemed Heritage Award from the Falmouth Historical Society. The award commemorates Mr. Leonard's 40 years as a community leader through his athletic and charitable endeavors. Falmouth's famous Great American Road Race was born from Mr. Leonard's love of running and community. The original idea for Falmouth's marquee event came to Mr. Leonard in 1972 when he was working as a bartender. As a long-time runner and unabashed fan of the sport, Mr. Leonard was enthralled by the efforts of Frank Shorter, the first American to win the Olympic Marathon in over 60 years. On that day in 1972, Mr. Shorter's historic effort in the Munich Olympics inspired Mr. Leonard to create a new tradition on Cape Cod. With assistance from Falmouth's track coach, John Carroll, and its recreation director, Rich Sherman, Mr. Leonard organized the town's first summer road race in 1973. Interest in the race grew, attracting such stars as ``Boston'' Billy Rodgers in 1974 and Frank Shorter himself in 1975. Today, Falmouth is considered one of the top races in the country and featured over 10,000 runners in 2011. Mr. Leonard continued to organize Falmouth's annual race, while shepherding kindred events in Nantucket, Holyoke, and Westfield, Massachusetts. The 20-time Boston Marathon participant is renowned for his generous spirit, tirelessly working to bring joy or aid to others. As a bartender at the beloved Eliot Lounge in Boston, Mr. Leonard maintained an emergency fund to assist members of the community in need. In 1991, he co-founded the annual Falmouth Walk, which raised $28,000 for local charities in 2011 alone. Each November, Mr. Leonard has sought to honor his fellow veterans by commemorating the Marine Corps' birthday with a reception at his restaurant. Over the years, Mr. Leonard has dedicated himself to countless charitable causes. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Tommy Leonard for his outstanding contributions to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. His passion has made a lasting impact on the Falmouth community, forging bonds between residents and attracting visitors from across the globe. I ask that you join me in thanking Mr. Leonard for a lifetime of service and advocacy.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in my capacity as the Ranking Member of the Europe, Eurasia and Emerging Threats subcommittee to recognize the decision of Ukrainian President Yanukovych to pardon former Interior Minister Lutsenko and former Environment Minister Filipchuk. This is a notable step toward bringing Ukraine closer to a path that espouses the democratic values that the Ukrainian people have fought so long and hard to receive and maintain. The path toward democracy is not an easy one, and my hope is that we will be hearing more bright news from Ukraine in the near future. Of particular concern is the continued imprisonment of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. I hope that Ukraine will fulfill its commitment to a democratic future for its people and secure her release, as well.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Divina Grossman on her appointment as the Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Dr. Grossman grew up in a family of teachers and has proudly carried that legacy to the pinnacle of her profession. Her dual career in nursing and education provides a window into her character: compassionate, dedicated, and eager to apply her skills to the benefit of others. After earning her degree in Nursing from the University of Santo Tomas, Dr. Grossman departed her home country of the Philippines to continue to hone her academic prowess. She would go on to earn her Masters in Nursing at the University of Miami and a Doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. An outstanding tenure at Florida International University led to her appointment as Director of the School of Nursing, followed by promotion to Dean. She subsequently served as Dean for the University's College of Nursing and Health Sciences. As Dean, Dr. Grossman further developed the nursing program, strengthened partnerships with public and private institutions, raised funds for scholarships and lab facilities, and greatly expanded the College's endowment. She also oversaw the opening of Florida International's College of Medicine and pioneered a program to deploy medical students into local neighborhoods. As the founding Vice President of Engagement at Florida International, Dr. Grossman worked tirelessly to better connect the University to local communities and global issues. She is an ideal fit for UMass Dartmouth, and I am certain that the University's many years of academic excellence will only continue under her guidance and leadership. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to recognize Dr. Divina Grossman as the seventh Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. I have no doubt that her decades of experience and robust record of leadership will make a positive, lasting impact on the UMass Dartmouth community. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Dr. Grossman and thank her for her outstanding contributions to both medicine and academia.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Nam Vets Association upon its thirtieth anniversary. Nam Vets has been providing vital assistance to veterans since the association was founded in 1983. Originally serving veterans of the Vietnam War exclusively, Nam Vets has since expanded and now serves veterans from all eras. Over the years, it has become known as a local gateway to veterans' services for Cape Cod and the Islands, assisting veterans with important tasks such as finding employment and housing, receiving medical care, and obtaining employment. Coinciding with the thirtieth anniversary of Nam Vets is the opening of its new Veterans' Outreach Grace Center (VOCG) in New Seabury. The VOCG will be a general wellness center through which veterans will receive a variety of services. Such support will include physical, psychological, educational, financial, or vocational assistance aimed at helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life. This Center will play a vital role on Cape Cod once it opens its doors to our local veterans, and I commend Nam Vets for working to achieve this important goal. I am certain that the organization's next thirty years will be bright. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pleasure to recognize Nam Vets upon its thirtieth anniversary. The many years of service that the organization has provided have been invaluable to the veterans and families that have been affected by its work. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Nam Vets for all that the association has given to its community.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of Fire Chief Daniel R. Silverman on the occasion of his retirement. Chief Silverman dedicated his professional life to the Town of Wellfleet and its fire department. He will retire after thirty years and three months of honorable service, including nearly seven years as a full-time Fire Chief. Chief Silverman's outstanding achievements as a first responder are evident in his rise through the ranks. After beginning his career as a Call Firefighter and EMT, he was subsequently awarded the role of Call Lieutenant, Call Deputy Chief, and Fire Chief. Firefighters are a pillar of strength in our society, and they routinely risk their lives to protect our neighborhoods, safeguard our families, and provide urgent aid to those who need it most. Over the course of his impressive career, Chief Silverman has demonstrated an unwavering devotion to those ideals. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Fire Chief Daniel R. Silverman for over three decades of distinguished public service. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring all that Chief Silverman has given to his community.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tenth anniversary since the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to remember the men and women of our armed services who have defended the United States in the war on terror. Starting on March 20, 2003, and for nearly nine years thereafter, members of our Armed Forces fought to protect both their loved ones back home and Iraqi citizens from the many threats that lingered in the region. It was a long and difficult journey for us as a nation but none more so than the journey traveled and sacrifices made by our service men and women and their families. The United States lost 4,475 members of our armed services by the time we left Iraq in December 2011, and an additional 32,220 were wounded. I know that I speak for many when I say that these men and women, who gave so much for their country, are true American heroes whose names will be forever honored. Our involvement in Iraq may be officially over, but we still face many threats as a nation, and there is much work ahead of us in the war on terror. We still have many members of our Armed Forces who continue this fight, both at home and abroad. On this important anniversary in the war on terror, I ask that we take a moment to honor and recognize the many troops we have lost, the sacrifices made by those who stayed at home, and the men and women of our Armed Forces who remain on the front lines in the name of freedom. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the tenth anniversary of the war in Iraq. I thank my colleagues for joining me in honoring of the service men and women who have defended the United States.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Donald Hussey upon his retirement from the Rockland Fire Department. Lieutenant Hussey has given four decades of dedicated service to the people of Rockland, and I know I speak for many when I say that his many accomplishments have been invaluable to the town. The Department recognized his skill early on when they appointed Lieutenant Hussey to the position of Permanent Firefighter just one year after he first entered the Rockland Fire Call Department. Lieutenant Hussey was again promoted to Permanent Lieutenant in October 1995, the same month in which he was bestowed with a Medal of Valor for saving an elderly person from a burning home. He officially retired from the Rockland Fire Department this past January, and I know that his service will be sorely missed in his community. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Lieutenant Donald Hussey upon his retirement from the Rockland Fire Department after forty years of invaluable service. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating him on this important occasion and in thanking him for all that he has done for the Town of Rockland.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize WHTB Radio. For the past twenty five years, WHTB has provided a vibrant forum for the Portuguese-speaking community in Southeastern Massachusetts. WHTB has its roots in a weekend radio program on Portuguese topics, and has been broadcast from sister station WSAR in Fall River. Mr. Frank Baptista was at the microphone for that first broadcast on March 17, 1988. Mr. Baptista's program allowed residents of Portuguese heritage to connect with one another and discuss politics, culture, and neighborhood matters. He has guided the station through the years and still provides a lively voice as WHTB works to expand its programming. One of WHTB's programs, Radio Voz Do Emigrante (or ``Voice of the Immigrant'') is widely recognized as a premier ambassador of Portuguese culture in the region. WHTB's efforts truly enrich the lives of its listeners and provide a link home for Fall River's latest residents hailing from Brazil, the Azores, Cape Verde, Madeira, and beyond. Mr. Speaker, it brings me great pride to congratulate WHTB's dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and gracious community supporters for a quarter century of broadcasting excellence. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this greatly admired radio station.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I was a DA for 12 years. I solicited and actually used these funds. We talk about issues. As people see issues, I see faces. I see the faces of innocent women who are victims, and I see the faces of the perpetrators, themselves--the rapists, the batterers, the abusers--who sought to isolate these victims, to strip them away from their friends, their families, social service agencies, law enforcement. I used these funds to create a lifeline for these victims, breaking down walls that exist in terms of people who spoke a different language, had a different culture, had a different nationality. This amendment creates walls, creates these barriers, that make the victims more vulnerable, and it strengthens the hands of the perpetrators. Please, all of you, join me in voting against this amendment, and then let's all join together with a piece of legislation that does not punish the victim but that puts perpetrators where they belong--behind bars.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Alba Thompson, who passed away on January 2, 2013. Alba experienced a great deal throughout her ninety-four years. Born in Plymouth, August 13, 1918, Alba was a truly distinguished woman, graduating from college at a time when higher education was not an option for many women. In her lifetime, Alba went on to receive five advanced degrees. Education was not Alba's only pursuit, and she embarked on a distinguished military career at the onset of World War II. In 1942, Alba was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. By the time she separated from active duty, she had achieved the rank of Major and had been awarded seven ribbons for her dedicated service. Alba's studies and military service brought her to countless places throughout the world, but she returned home to serve her local community, being elected to the Plymouth Board of Selectmen. She was the beloved wife of Loren Thompson, and together they raised two sons. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Alba Thompson for her many years of service to her country.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeffrey LeFleur as he retires from the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association. The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association, known as the CCCGA to its members, is one of the oldest farmer associations in the United States. Since 1888, this organization has been working diligently to enhance the economic viability of local Massachusetts cranberry farmers. Jeffrey has been this organization's Executive Director for the past twenty years, and he has led the association through many years of growth and prosperity. In particular, Jeffrey has spearheaded CCCGA's popular ``Be the Grower'' program, which gives interested people the opportunity to wade into Plympton's cranberry bogs and to assist with the yearly harvest. This program attracts visitors from around the world, and it has been extremely beneficial to the local Massachusetts tourism industry. Its popularity was recently highlighted in The Boston Globe as a unique activity that all can enjoy. Mr. Speaker, as the cofounder of the Congressional Cranberry Caucus, it brings me great pride to recognize Jeffrey LeFleur upon his retirement from the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association. His many years of work and dedication to the association were crucial in leading it to become the successful organization that it is today. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Jeffrey for all that he has given to his community.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Ranking Member Smith and Chairman McKeon in reaching an agreement on the proposed Air Force structure changes for FY13 in the conference report on H.R. 4310. Since the Air Force's original proposal in February, I, along with a number of my colleagues in the Massachusetts delegation, have been concerned over the future of the 102nd Air Operation Group within my district. The work of these Guardsmen at the historic Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod is critical in supporting active duty Air Force members in a joint 24/7/365 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission. The work that is completed at Otis has the direct impact of saving the lives of Americans overseas, and it is all done locally, in a cost-effective manner. Not many Guard bases have the training or infrastructure to support such concentrated day to day activities, but the men and women of Otis greatly contribute to Massachusetts' widely understood reputation as the ``brain state'' through their education and specialized training. Their work is further supported by an extensive network of communications infrastructure and technology. Otis is also a part of the larger Massachusetts Military Reservation, which employs an efficient State and Federal base model to share responsibilities, labor, and costs associated with the base among the Air Force, Air Guard, Army Guard, Coast Guard, and the Department of Homeland Security. It would have been a sad turn of events and complete waste of national resources and defense assets if this unit were to be eliminated. For this reason, I was pleased to learn that after numerous letters and meetings with both Air Force and Air National Guard officials, the Air Force came to the same conclusion in regard to the loss of these men and women. Following a careful review of its original proposal, the Air Force updated its recommendations in November and included the restoration of 141 positions within the 102nd Air Operations Group. This conference report will now bring this recommendation to life and grant not only the heroes at Otis with the job security that they deserve, but our Nation with the adequate defense that it has been promised. I would also like to take a moment to thank the conferees for their work in regard to a small provision that will have a big impact on the descendants of the over 5,000 African-American patriots who fought for independence and freedom during the Revolutionary War. This provision will authorize the National Mall Liberty Fund to establish a memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor the service and sacrifice of these brave men and their families. Massachusetts alone was home to 31 percent of the 5,000 known African American soldiers. Only 1,174 of the 1,550 are connected by birth, enlistment, or residence to a municipality, including 60 patriots from 10 towns in Barnstable County in my district. Sandwich (17), Falmouth (12), Barnstable (9), and Harwich (6) had the highest numbers. Many more could be unaccounted for and are awaiting discovery. I am confident that through the establishment of this fully-funded memorial many more heroic tales surrounding the African-American Revolutionary War heroes honored will come to light and further contribute to our Nation's history and legacy. Finally, the conference report includes the reauthorization of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program, which is composed of the FIRE and SAFER grant programs. As the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Comittee's Oversight, Investigations and Management subcommittee I have witnessed firsthand the impact of these grants in improving the equipment and training of career, volunteer, and combination fire departments. Many fire departments throughout the Commonwealth, particularly in Fall River and New Bedford, where aging, industrial infrastructure remains particularly prone to fires, rely on these funds. Just this summer, I was able to work with my delegation to help secure a SAFER grant for Fall River Fire Department, which reinstated the jobs of 79 firefighters. A number of fire houses across the country are now waiting for a new round of funding to keep their doors open to the communities that they protect. This reauthorization is the first step in helping to do this, but I urge this body to act swiftly in setting aside the appropriate funding for the AFG program to keep the firefighters who risk their lives each day, employed and ready to assist.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. I thank my colleague for yielding. I had the privilege of serving with these two gentlemen, not only in Congress but in the Massachusetts Legislature. I remember being elected and serving at the age of 24, and my seat was right in front of Barney Frank's seat in the legislature at the time. Now, at that time, we had 240 legislators. Very few people had legislative aides. Truly, you were on your own: you were your own speechwriter; you were your own researcher; you did your own negotiations. So to have Barney Frank behind me in the give and take of everything when there were issues on the floor and when we were talking was amazing. I can't even tell you what I learned about being a lawmaker and a legislator, of putting deals together and negotiating. We also worked in the legislative study group at the time, and I learned an important lesson that is, sadly, not utilized at the State or Federal level these days, that of how to work in coalitions effectively, because a lot of us were real progressives, and the legislature at the time wasn't particularly noted for that. I learned from people like Barney that, if you work together, they're going to need your vote sometime, and we could work together as a group and be effective. I learned at that stage that you can be effective at any level of the legislature if you become skilled and if you become tenacious. He inherited this. I had the good fortune of also getting to know his mother, Elsie. Now, she was very active with the Mass Association of Older Americans, and she was terrific. She was passionate, knowledgeable, effective, and I can see where he got a lot of his skills. But one of the things that impressed me also was the fact that in his time working as the chief executive for the late mayor Kevin White in Boston, he had the opportunity to really be there at the executive level. And I could see that reflect in his legislating, and I could see it today because he knew from the legislative side how important it was to do things to empower people on the executive side and how they could work in tandem. I know he took from that experience the fact that there are no sacred cows. When you're in that position in a big city and you're doing things you have to do, you're not always taking the most popular stands, but you're taking tough stands against different groups. And he had no sacred cows and he was willing to speak up when necessary. I think people in this Chamber know as well that when he took the floor then, just like when he takes the floor now, you don't want to be the other person on the other side of that debating. But even in the din of a noisy House, something that's similar to both branches, when he would get up, everyone would get quiet. They wanted to listen. They were really interested in the intellectual and the humorous sides of the debate that they were about to see. During that time as well, we would have our votes up on the board. I can tell you this: at a time when you were in the distinct minority on the issue of gender rights, discrimination, discrimination against some sexual orientation, on issues of basic fairness and progressive, those lights were always on the right side, whether in the majority, the winning side or the losing side. Times have changed things. Decades have changed how the public feels about many of these positions, and now they're popular. But at that time they weren't, but he was resolute. You know, I also look back at some of the differences during that period of time. Back then Barney would have no time to shine his shoes. Or he would have holes in his shoes, and maybe his suit looked like it hadn't seen the cleaners--ever. But I remember his campaign slogans at the time. They said: Neatness isn't everything, vote for Barney Frank. And I've seen an amazing transformation now that I'm going to have the privilege, as he has had, to represent the city of New Bedford, of Barney around in Joseph Abboud suits, tailor-made, American-made, by the way, and I've seen that transformation as well. But I've got some big shoes to fill down there. He is beloved in that area. As much as he is dealing with the intricacies of something like Dodd-Frank, many of the other things he's done representing city issues, he is by far the most popular elected official that the fishermen in the New Bedford area in the southeastern Massachusetts area have ever seen. His loyalty to them is probably only eclipsed by their loyalty to him. He knows so much about fish that I don't know if I'll ever catch up or ever have the opportunity, but it's amazing how complex that issue is as well. But I will say this. Of all of the actions he's taken during his time in public life, I might dare to say what I think one of his most proudest actions would be, not just what people would think, working with fishing or Dodd-Frank, but I think it was really his marriage to Jim. He has told me how important that was to do while he was a Member of Congress, again showing leadership by action on an issue. And I was just so happy to be at that wedding and to see that union, that marriage, and I was very pleased to see the happiness and the love that was there at that time. My only regret is that his mother wasn't there to see it as well because she would have been so proud. One thing you'll never say about Barney Frank or John Olver, I don't think there was ever a TV ad, an attack ad, that had one of those weather vane issues. You know, where you changed your position on this and you changed your position on something else, on an important issue. They were both resolute. And I had the opportunity to serve with John briefly in the Senate in Massachusetts. Interestingly enough, when he was chairman of taxation in the Senate, I was his successor as chairman of taxation in the Massachusetts Senate. When I had that position, I started going through the reports and the research documents, and I knew that they just weren't done by researchers, that they had his thumb prints and his intellectual abilities all over them. I must tell you, if I started going back through those things a few decades ago, I probably wouldn't be through them now. I remember on the floor of the House when John would be carrying a bill to the floor, how people didn't really question anything he had to say. But it's interesting enough, when you go for questions, I seldom saw people go up to John with questions on that legislation because all of us didn't want to know that much about whatever he was talking about. But John had that same sense, strong sense of fairness, a protector of civil rights, a protector of equality, and one of the leaders of our time in understanding about the importance of the environment and the way we treat it. He was a champion for western Massachusetts, not just with the infrastructure that's there, but when you thought of our colleges out there and the kind of infrastructure that gives people the opportunity for a good life and to advance in life, John Olver's fingerprints were all over that. He took that same attention to detail he had in the Massachusetts legislature and used it in Appropriations to great effect. So with John and Barney, I wish them both well. They deserve it, and they will continue to be productive, helping our State and helping the people in our State in other capacities.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marine Corps Master Sergeant Brian J. Nelson as he is presented with the Purple Heart on December 19, 2012 in Falmouth, Massachusetts. The Purple Heart, a military decoration awarded by the President, is reserved for members of the Armed Forces who have been injured by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy. It is one of the highest honors that our servicemen and women may receive. Sergeant Nelson was wounded by an improvised explosive device in Anbar Province, Iraq, on September 30, 2006. He was in the middle of serving his second tour of duty in Iraq at that time. However, this did not stop Sergeant Nelson from returning to active duty, as he deployed a third time to Afghanistan following his recovery. Sergeant Nelson's heroism and commitment to serving our country is truly remarkable, and throughout his military career he has served as an embodiment of real patriotism. Sergeant Nelson is a native of Cape Cod, having grown up in Falmouth. Before graduating from Falmouth High School, he was selected to be captain of the both the school's cross country and track teams. He then received a bachelor's degree from the University of New Hampshire in chemical engineering, an accomplishment that would later assist him during his tenure in the Armed Forces. For nearly a decade, Sergeant Nelson spent his summers as a lifeguard on the beaches of Falmouth and Dennis before enlisting in the Marine Corps in November of 2003. Two years later, he deployed from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for combat operations in Anbar Province, Iraq, and returned to that region the following year. After recovering from the injuries he sustained in 2006 and his promotion to Sergeant, he deployed for a third time from Camp Pendleton, California, to Helmand Province in Afghanistan. Here, Sergeant Nelson worked as a civil affairs development officer and as the coordinator in the experimental Poppyseed Biofuel Program. Since his return to the United States, Sergeant Nelson has been serving in the Marine Corps Combat Water Survival Instructor Course in Quantico, Virginia. Sergeant Nelson has earned much recognition for his service to his country. In addition to the Purple Heart, Sergeant Nelson has also received three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and the Combat Action Ribbon, and he has been selected to attend the Assessment and Selection Indoctrination Course for the Marine Corps Special Operations Command this January. Such accolades are truly fitting for a member of our Armed Services who has always shown the highest level of dedication to his country. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Marine Corps Master Sergeant Brian J. Nelson as he is awarded the Purple Heart. I thank my colleagues for joining me in recognition of this distinguished member of our Armed Services.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cape Cod Community College and Turning Mill Energy, Inc., as they enter into a unique partnership furthering green energy initiatives on Cape Cod. Turning Mill Energy is a locally-owned small business that focuses on research and development in the renewable energy field. Having expanded from its roots as a telecommunications company, Turning Mill Energy has become an exemplar of a successful Cape Cod small business, employing only local Massachusetts citizens. After taking notice of Turning Mill Energy's success, Dr. John Cox, president of Cape Cod Community College, proposed a unique collaboration into which, he believed, the College and the company should enter. Under this proposal, Turning Mill Energy would be given space to continue their research and development with students, as well as the opportunity to design, install, and test new solar carports on the Cape Cod campus. In return, the College would see approximately a 20% reduction in its electricity expenses following the completion of these solar carports. The College and Turning Mill Energy will be officially unveiling these new solar carports together this December. It is truly inspiring to see an educational institution collaborate with a private enterprise in order to advance the cause of renewable energy. Finding cleaner sources of energy should be a national priority, and I am proud that such important strides are being made on Cape Cod. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Cape Cod Community College and Turning Mill Energy, Inc., as they work together to support research and development of alternative sources of energy. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking the College and the company for supporting such an important research initiative, and in congratulating them upon the official unveiling of their hard work this December.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Plymouth Council on Aging as the organization opens its new Senior Center. The Plymouth Council on Aging first opened its doors in July 1973 following the passage of the Older Americans Act, a landmark piece of legislation which allowed local communities to fund supportive services for their senior citizens. The Plymouth Senior Center was an instant success, and before long the organization began to see over 2,500 residents each month. The Center provided such vital services as health and wellness programs, legal assistance, community meals, and assistance with Social Security and Medicare benefits, to name a few. While the Council's board members were thrilled with this success, they realized that the organization was quickly outgrowing its facility on Court Street. After several decades of use, it became clear to both the Council's directors and its patrons that it was time to start planning a new facility that could better serve the needs of the town. Following more than a dozen years of working toward this goal, the Plymouth Council on Aging is proud to officially open its new facility this December. This new Plymouth Senior Center will be better equipped to handle the needs of a large and diverse population of senior citizens. As Plymouth is home to more than 12,000 individuals over the age of sixty, this is certainly no easy task. The new building is conveniently situated next to Plymouth North High School, and students are excited to be able to more easily volunteer at the Senior Center. The Council on Aging will continue to provide many necessary services to Plymouth senior citizens, and all who are connected with this organization are excited to see its continued growth in the future. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking the Plymouth Council on Aging for its many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Plymouth. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing this accomplishment, and in congratulating the organization upon the opening of its new Senior Center.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Loraine Plumb as she celebrates her 100th birthday. Loraine was born on December 4, 1912 in St. Paul, Minnesota to a proud family of Norwegian industrialists. She developed a love of teaching, and after graduating from the University of Minnesota and the graduate teaching program at Eastern Michigan University, she applied her training for 35 years teaching physical education and art in both Michigan and Minnesota. In addition to countless children who passed through her classroom, Loraine has given her love to her two children, son Tracy Plumb and daughter Jeri Gardner Thompson. Her family and friends have referred to Loraine as a ``happy little bluebird flitting from fence post to fence post''--an apt description for a woman who has touched so many lives over the years. Today Loraine enjoys her daily afternoon coffee with friends, and all of the laughter they have given her over the years. She does not attribute her longevity to any one thing except her overall happiness and joy. The Town of Plympton has recently recognized her as the oldest resident of the town, and she is proud to call it her home. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Loraine Plumb on this joyous occasion. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of happiness and health.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Thank you, Ranking Member Thompson, for yielding your time and for your leadership on the Homeland Security Committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5913, the Department of Homeland Security Accountability Act of 2012. As the ranking member for the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigation, and Management, I was pleased to work with Chairman McCaul and serve as the original cosponsor of this measure. I appreciate the bipartisan discussions that led to the introduction of the amended version we adopted at the subcommittee level, which is the version being considered today. This bill goes to the heart of the subcommittee's mandate, which is to ensure the effective management of the Department of Homeland Security. Ensuring the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security is not a partisan matter, and it should serve as a priority as it is essential to our security and safety in this country. Since its inception, the Department of Homeland Security has faced significant management challenges, many of which stem from the very nature of its creation, which was transforming 22 legacy agencies into one cohesive, unified department. To its credit, the Department has come a long way since its inception, but more work remains to be done. The consideration of this bill comes at a time when Congress is examining cost-saving and revenue-generating measures to reduce our deficit while ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens. There is no doubt that the Department is making positive strides and has clear plans in place to reduce duplicative efforts in the management area. For example, the Department's Efficiency Review Initiative, which was highlighted by Vice President Biden as a model for all Federal agencies, has resulted in more than $1 billion in DHS cost avoidances, including $180 million saved by consolidating duplicative software licensing agreements. I am also pleased that the Secretary has advanced internal measures aimed at eliminating waste and fraud. Unfortunately, this does not change the fact that a number of DHS activities are still shared by other Federal agencies. In March of 2011 and in February of 2012, the GAO identified six areas across DHS where overlap or potential unnecessary duplication exists. For example, when it comes to personnel background investigations, cybersecurity trainings, and the identification of fraudulent travel documents, the lines between multiple agencies remain blurred. Furthermore, despite its management strides, the Department has yet to fully address deficiencies in component operations that result in the wasting of funds. The Department's Federal Protective Service has received over $230 million from Federal agencies for risk assessments and security services, yet these agencies have not found the FPS's services adequate or satisfactory, so they perform their own assessments as well. This bill will determine instances of waste and abuse through an independent advisory panel that will be charged with two main responsibilities: to comprehensively assess the management structure and capabilities related to the Department and to make recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of the Department. The legislation instructs the panel to examine five broad categories: the efficiency and effectiveness of management structure and capabilities; whether unnecessary duplication exists; the extent to which management of key homeland security missions is centralized; waste and duplication. Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan effort will comprise this panel's work through the course of this session, which has been extensive. I want to thank Chairman McCaul for his efforts in dealing with these issues. I want to thank him for the bipartisan cooperation that has been there on important issues of national security. I also want to thank the ranking member for yielding his time and for his leadership on the committee.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce as the organization celebrates its 126th Annual Meeting this year. Founded in 1885, the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce today serves ten communities situated along the South Coast of Massachusetts. Those ten communities, in addition to the city of New Bedford, include Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Mattapoisett, Marion, Rochester, Wareham, and Westport. Over 210,000 Massachusetts residents are served by this Chamber as the organization guides local economic development, and encourages professional development among its members. The positive impact that the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce has had on Massachusetts' South Coast region over the course of its 126- year lifetime cannot be overstated, and I look forward to seeing the Chamber's continued success in the future. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce upon its 126th Annual Meeting and in thanking this organization for its years of service to the South Coast community. I am certain that the Chamber's and its member organizations' future will be bright.