William Keating

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, my friend, Gregory Meeks of New York, for yielding and for his leadership on this issue. I also thank the ranking member, my friend and colleague, Michael McCaul of Texas, for his support and leadership. I also thank the longtime leader of this cause, Representative Chris Smith, for his support. I thank them both for their bipartisan support. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 124. Today marks just over 8 months since an openly fraudulent presidential election took place in Belarus. In that time, Belarusians have made it clear by marching in the street en masse, with a pronounced leadership of brave women, that they want and need democracy in Belarus. Despite the peaceful nature of these events, protestors have been beaten and arrested, and opposition leaders have either been forced out of the country, like Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya; or jailed, like Maria Kalesnikava. This resolution, inspired by the courage of those taking to the streets to defend democracy, makes it clear to the people of Belarus and to the international community that the United States House of Representatives has reviewed the facts and determined that the 2020 Belarus presidential election was neither free nor fair, and that Alyaksandr Lukashenka cannot and must not be recognized as Belarus's legitimate president. The resolution also strongly condemns the heinous human rights violations that have been committed by Belarusian authorities and underlines that Belarus is a sovereign nation, whose people have the right to self-determination. As chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment and Cyber, I held a hearing in March, where we heard firsthand from presidential candidate Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya about the unprecedented violence and verbal, physical, emotional, and sexual assault of peaceful protestors. In their fight for democracy, the Belarusian people have endured unprecedented repression and many protestors have been left severely wounded, and at least eight have been murdered by this reprehensible regime. Madam Speaker, this resolution is a vital signal of support for the democratic movement in Belarus, that their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and their calls for recognition will not go unanswered. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this resolution and send a clear message that the United States is paying close attention to the human rights situation in Belarus and will continue to support the people of Belarus in their fight for a new, free, and fair election.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Last year, the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law. Our landmark legislation will bring millions of dollars that will be used to rebuild and protect the national seashore in the coming years. The advisory commission's role is greater than ever. The Cape Cod National Seashore, the vision of then-Senator John F. Kennedy, continues to be a success. Working together, making sure that this model of cooperation between the Federal Government and local governments in this time of necessary cooperation with governmental interaction, is more important than ever as well. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for including this in our bill.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 803, Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act, which will reauthorize the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission until the year 2028. The park that would eventually become the Cape Cod National Seashore was first conceived as a way to protect one of the last truly unspoiled barrier beaches in New England. From Chatham in the south to Provincetown in the north, the seashore resides within the six towns that form the outer Cape Cod area. And since the creation of the seashore, the fate of that outer cape community has been uniquely intertwined with the success of the national seashore. Today, more than 4 million visitors from around the world come every year to experience the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that the seashore provides. In this way, the seashore is a crucial, pivotal point to local businesses that depend on the cape's tourism industry for their own livelihoods and those that reside there. Last year, the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law. Our landmark conservation legislation will bring millions of dollars to rebuild and protect the national seashore in the coming years.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, opponents of this resolution cite the need for unity as a basis of their opposition to impeach the President. The key question, though, is what are we united around. Is it to support a President who summoned, assembled, and lit the flame of this attack--in the words of the Republican Minority Whip--or is it to unite around free and fair elections, a constitutional transfer of power, and our core democratic beliefs. Those members on the other side of the aisle joining us in supporting this resolution are true uniters. The way to unite--and ultimately protect--our country is to hold responsible the person who incited this insurrection.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of Dr. Generoso ``Heni'' Gutierrez Gascon, who led a life committed to serving others. Heni was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1936 to Filipino parents who had emigrated to work on the islands' sugarcane and pineapple plantations. Raised in rural Kahuku, Heni attended the Punahou school in Honolulu and, after graduation, moved to New York to attend Columbia University, followed by medical school at Boston University. He had a lifelong passion for education, believing that his life's course was made possible by the opportunity afforded him through academic scholarships and teachers who inspired him. Heni would serve as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Vietnam War before pursuing an illustrious career in academic medicine that spanned from Boston to North Dakota to Saudi Arabia, and, at last, to his cherished home on beautiful Cape Cod. He was a renowned pediatric neurologist and researcher, founding the Learning Disabilities Clinic at Boston Children's Hospital and pioneering new treatments and pediatric neurology programs. Throughout his life, Heni never tired of exploration, bringing his family to Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Kenya and Germany, among other locations. He was also an active sports enthusiast, establishing youth sports programs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and was often found playing golf and tennis with family and friends. Dr. Gascon left us on December 8th, 2020, at the age of 84. His commitment to his work and to the people around him will long be remembered and cherished by his family, friends, colleagues, and greater community. He is survived by his beloved friend, partner and wife Susan, four children, seven grandchildren, and countless others across the nation. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Dr. Generoso ``Heni'' Gutierrez Gascon. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his life's commitment to serving and caring for others within his community.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the extraordinary life of Jesse James Jackson, a Congressional Gold Medal recipient, a United States Marine veteran, and successful entrepreneur. Jesse was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1921. As soon as he was able, Jesse enlisted with the United States Marine Corps at the age of 21. Jesse served prior to World War II training Black volunteers at Montford Point, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. After the outbreak of war, Jackson earned the rank of sergeant fighting valiantly in the Pacific Theater and was honorably discharged from service in 1946. His service, and that of his fellow Marines at Montford Point, was recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal. I was proud to present the nation's highest civilian honor for distinguished achievement to Jesse personally. During World War Two, African American Marines served with courage and distinction, and they were instrumental in the integration of the United States armed forces. Their service extended to the greater civil rights movement, with many becoming mayors, lawyers, educators, doctors and in Jesse's case, successful entrepreneurs. Shortly after serving in the Marines, Jesse moved to Boston, Massachusetts. There, he ran a myriad of successful businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, including; Jesse's Fish and Chips, Jesse's Taxi and Slades Nightclub. After a successful career, Jesse retired to Plymouth, Massachusetts. However, he by no means slowed down. Jesse was quite the jetsetter and was constantly on the move, continuing to live life to the fullest. Jesse James Jackson passed away on December 13th, 2020, at the age of 99. His commitment to breaking racial barriers in order to fight for our country will not be forgotten. Jackson's legacy will continue to be honored and cherished by our nation and the many people he touched throughout his life. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Jesse James Jackson. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his life's commitment to our country.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, for several years, I was a letter carrier, working my way through college and grad school, working overtime as mail volume necessitated--and, yes, necessitated. It was understood then that it was a necessity. I worked with dedicated postal workers, many of whom were veterans who persevered through emergencies--hurricane, blizzards, floods. As the motto says, ``gloom of night.'' Now, our country faces new emergencies, a pandemic that threatens lives and encumbers our basic rights, like the right to vote safely and in an economic crisis, where 600,000 Postal Service workers battle back, providing economic stimulus and $1.6 trillion in sales revenues. The Postal Service is an economic and healthcare lifeline, a lifeline that Donald Trump is trying to sever, all to sabotage mail-in voting he thinks will dampen his chances to cling to power. He is the gloom of night, and it is our job, our duty, to throw some sunlight his way and to stop him.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted AYE in favor of the EN BLOC No. 2 Amendment for H.R. 7608.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I speak in favor of this amendment. On March 27, 2 weeks after the U.S. Government had declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 virus, leaders of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the Tribe that helped the Pilgrim forefathers survive the devastation of illness and starvation in their first winter, received a phone call from the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's office. Now, you would think that maybe they were going to see how the Tribe was doing, a Tribe that is disproportionately affected by the virus. Maybe they were calling to see if they needed any help. Regrettably, that wasn't the case. In an act with discretionary timing, and one of the most reprehensible acts I have witnessed since I have been here in this Congress, they were informing them that, on behalf the U.S. Government, they were taking away their land, their buildings, their medical center, and leaving them in financial ruins. Now, fortunately, the D.C. Circuit judge rebuffed this unconscionable act, calling it arbitrary, capricious, contrary to law, and unusually so, calling it an abuse of power. Now, due to the close relationship between the White House and the lobbying group that is dealing with this, this could rear its ugly head again. This amendment is different than the three that we passed before, in terms of legislation. It is much more narrow. All it does is make sure the Tribe, the Tribe which helped the Pilgrims survive their first year, is allowed to do so themselves in the coming year.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of our nation's law enforcement. This year, May 10th marks the start of national police week. This is a time to honor the men and women that serve in local, state and federal law enforcement across our country. National Police Week is an occasion to celebrate the heroes among us and also to reflect on those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice and fallen in the line of duty. I wish to pay a special tribute to the fallen officers whose names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial this year from my home state of Massachusetts. Thomas F. Dylan, James B. DeShazo, and Harold J. Collins have made their final commitment to their community and will be justly honored at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in our nation's capital. Typically, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers head to Washington, D.C. to partake in the events of National Police Week. This year, however, the service of these brave men and women has been made more evident than ever. Instead of celebrating with their families and friends, they continue to serve on the front lines during the Covid-19 pandemic. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the incredible service of our nation's law enforcement. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing their sacrifice and service to our country.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic we face today has made it abundantly clear how truly connected to one another we all are and how widely our connections span the globe. This pandemic is the greatest global challenge we have faced since World War II and cooperation has never been more important. As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Europe, Eurasia, Energy and the Environment, it has been one of my top priorities to strengthen and support our transatlantic alliance. Together, the United States and our friends and allies in Europe have worked side by side to tackle challenges while advancing democratic values. Through our NATO alliance and as members of multilateral institutions like the United Nations and the World Health Organization, we have consistently worked together to maximize our resources to address shared security threats. Now as we face the COVID-19 pandemic, our cooperation today is more important than ever. Although it has caused many to look inward and focus on those in our own communities, it is critical to remember that the threat from COVID-19 will not end once we have flattened the curve here at home. If we fail to rally support and resources for countries struggling with COVID-19 abroad, especially developing countries and countries marred by conflict, we risk this disease once again finding its way to our shores. Beyond the disease itself, we will face threats from the security and economic conditions COVID-19 is already leaving in its wake including famine, a global recession, and heightened instability and the extremism that often follows it. However, we must also remember that we don't have to go it alone and that in fact we are stronger in meeting our shared challenges when we work together. We can learn from each other to better understand the pathology of COVID-19 and how we may ultimately begin safely reopening our economies. We can share resources to ensure all of our medical and health personnel have access to personal protective equipment, ventilators and other medical devices, and eventually to vaccines as well. We can work together to debunk myths and combat disinformation so our communities are not misled by malign actors. Our NATO alliance is already working to coordinate these kinds of assistance and we must build on these successes to be most effective in ending this pandemic for good. We are capable of meeting this challenge if we do so together, and for that, American leadership is crucial. We have seen American leadership raise critical resources to fight pandemics in the past and improve the effectiveness of multilateral institutions like the World Health Organization. If we cede this leadership role, we relinquish our ability to shape a safer, more secure future for all Americans, their families and friends overseas, and the myriad business and educational opportunities they have created together to grow the global economy and connect so many communities all around the world. Only together with our friends and partners, can we rise to meet this unprecedented challenge so that we may soon reunite with our loved ones, safely reopen our economies, and return to the lives we once knew.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition Chief Ed Kulhawik as he retires after 39 years of service as a law enforcement officer. Ed began his career with the Wilton, Connecticut Police Department in 1981 as a patrol officer until he chose to take a leave of absence to pursue a master's degree in Social Work from Boston College. After returning to the Wilton Police Department he went on to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Administrative Captain, and in 2004, Chief of Police. After serving the Wilton community for 27 years, he accepted a position with the Eastham, Massachusetts Police Department on August 31, 2009. In doing so, Chief Kulhawik fulfilled a long-time dream of working on Cape Cod. During his tenure as Chief in Eastham, he developed new recruitment strategies that focused on education. Chief Kulhawik improved training techniques and built significant relationships with both residents and local legislators. In both departments, he repeatedly exemplified the highest ideals of his profession and worked to greatly improve both communities. Additionally, Chief Kulhawik led many of Massachusetts' most prodigious non-departmental policing bodies, such as the FBI National Academy Associates for Connecticut and the Cape Cod Regional Law Enforcement Council. Chief Ed Kulhawik has dedicated his career to serving Eastham, and I wish him many years of well-deserved happiness and more with his family in retirement. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Edward V. Kulhawik, Chief of the Eastham Police Department, and I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his years of dedication to his community.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Pilgrim's Progress Clothing, a family run business in Plymouth, Massachusetts as they close their doors after 42 years. Founded by Laura Brigida and her children in 1977, the story of Pilgrim's Progress is the story of determination and family. The tragic passing of Laura's husband, Peter, in 1962 placed the family in precarious situation. Laura went to work for the postal service and was forced to raise their children on her own. Years later, a family meeting was called, and it was decided that together the family would purchase a local clothing store that was for sale in downtown Plymouth. Laura took out a second mortgage on her home and launched a new business. Over the decades the family run business would evolve and expand to include men's clothing, women's shoes and accessories. Weathering economic turns and an ever-shifting retail landscape, Pilgrim's Progress continued to thrive. Customers came to know their store not only for the fashionable clothing they offer but also for the one-on- one service and advice they received once there. In 2018, the Brigida family's beloved matriarch, Laura, passed away at the age of 94. Upon her passing, her five children, Jayne, Marie, Joyce, Carol and Peter, took it upon themselves to continue the store that they had created with their mother. The five siblings have continued to strengthen their incredible bond by working together in their family business for so many years. Recently, however, it was decided that it was time to close the family owned store and enjoy a much-deserved retirement. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Pilgrim's Progress Clothing and the dedication of the entire Brigida family as a Plymouth landmark closes.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the retirement of Captain William Sprague, Fire Captain of the Eastham Fire Department. Captain Sprague began his career with the Eastham Fire Department in September of 1979 as a call firefighter. In a few short years, he would be appointed an EMT and later a full-time firefighter. Always putting the needs of the community before his own, Captain Sprague played an incredibly crucial role in keeping the citizens of Eastham safe during Hurricane Bob in 1991. He received his degree in fire science in 1997, and by 2001, after spending 20 years with the department, he was officially promoted to Fire Captain. Continuing to put his expertise to practice, Captain Sprague joined the Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team in 2004, where he joined regional partners to ensure the larger community was prepared during emergencies. Captain Sprague brought considerable positive change and advanced the importance of teamwork both within his department and throughout Cape Cod. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Captain William Sprague and his commitment to ensuring the safety of our community. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his hard work and dedication as he celebrates his retirement.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of Conrad ``Connie'' Bletzer, who served as the Chief Justice of the Newton District Court in Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Born and raised in Brighton, Mr. Bletzer attended Saint Columbkille's high school and later enrolled at Boston College. During the outbreak of the Korean War, he left his studies to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. Upon returning, Connie utilized the GI Bill to continue his studies at Boston College Law School. Graduating at the top of his class, he went on to establish his own law firm, Bletzer & Bletzer, in 1959. In the 1980's two of his sons joined his law firm and it was there that he would develop a reputation for being a hardworking, fair, and honorable man. In 1990, he moved out of his private practice, and was appointed by then Governor Michael S. Dukakis, to serve as the Presiding Justice of the Newton District Court. While becoming an extremely successful lawyer, Mr. Bletzer not only excelled in his work but also in his personal relationships with family and friends. A true family man, he was constantly playing hockey or baseball with his children and later his grandchildren. He greatly believed in the positive impact of competitive sports in his community, and served as president of the Brighton Central Little League and even founded the Brighton youth hockey association. Those who knew Connie knew him as a good man, full of kindness and the desire to help others through the legal system. Mr. Bletzer passed away on the 29th of December, in the comfort of his family and friends, yet his legacy in the Newton community lives on. He is survived by his loving wife, Paula, six children, fifteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his commitment to his local community and the people of Massachusetts.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, today we debate much more than the words on parchment that define our congressional responsibility. Long before I knew this legal responsibility, I learned the moral responsibility inherent to what must be the most sober and deliberate decision we can humanly muster. As a young boy, indelibly etched in my mind is the conversation with my grandmother the day she pulled a box out from underneath her bed, reverently handing me the medals and final belongings of my uncle who was killed in action and telling me about her lost son. I wondered then what was so important to justify such a loss and what my uncle must have been thinking about. That day carried with me as I traveled to Iraq as a newly elected Congressman to visit our troops during a time of war. I remember having a conversation with a young marine. I asked him his personal thoughts about the goals of the war, what he thought, did he think it was justified. He told me: ``With all due respect, sir, that is your job. My job is to serve.'' He was right. It is our job. That is why we are debating this, and that is why I am supporting this resolution.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, the United States is based on a principle that our second President, John Adams of Massachusetts, so eloquently summed up long ago: we are a `government of laws, not of men.' No one, absolutely no one, stands above the law. Over a century after President Adams uttered those words, another Massachusetts statesman, John F. Kennedy, delivered his famous ``City on a Hill'' speech before the General Court of Massachusetts prior to the start of his administration in 1961. President Kennedy powerfully proclaimed that `we must always consider that we shall be a city upon a hill [and that] the eyes of all people are upon us.' He continued, explaining that: For of those to whom much is given, much is required. And when at some future date the high court of history sits in judgment on each one of us--recording whether in our brief span of service we fulfilled our responsibilities to the state--our success or failure, in whatever office we may hold, will be measured by the answers to four questions: First, were we truly men of courage--with the courage to stand up to one's enemies--and the courage to stand up, when necessary, to one's associates--the courage to resist public pressure, as well as private greed? Secondly, were we truly men of judgment--with perceptive judgment of the future as well as the past--of our own mistakes as well as the mistakes of others--with enough wisdom to know that we did not know, and enough candor to admit it? Third, were we truly men of integrity--men who never ran out on either the principles in which they believed or the people who believed in them--men who believed in us--men whom neither financial gain nor political ambition could ever divert from the fulfillment of our sacred trust? Finally, were we truly men of dedication--with an honor mortgaged to no single individual or group, and compromised by no private obligation or aim, but devoted solely to serving the public good and the national interest. Courage--judgment--integrity--dedication--these are the historic qualities of the Bay Colony and the Bay State--the qualities which this state has consistently sent to this chamber on Beacon Hill here in Boston and to Capitol Hill back in Washington. Madam Speaker, we are called to serve in this great country with courage, judgement, integrity, and dedication. And when those among us--those in the highest positions of public trust--willingly corrupt those values for personal benefit, it is incumbent upon us to act, however reluctantly. I believe that it has become undeniably clear that the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, has engaged in a pattern of behavior designed to extract personal and political benefit from the Office of the President. In doing so, President Trump irreparably violated his oath to preserve--to protect--and to defend--the Constitution of the United States of America. It is with a heavy heart, and a deep reverence to that same oath that I refuse to abandon mine.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, today I reflect on the imperatives of two sons of Massachusetts: John Adams, who, in one sentence, captured the very foundation of our country, saying, we are a government of laws, not men--translation: no one is above the law; and John F. Kennedy, who, in his iconic City Upon a Hill address, cautioned that any one of us holding public office would be judged by the high court of history on whether we were truly men and women of courage, with the courage to stand up to one's enemies and the courage to stand up, as well, to one's associates, the courage to resist public pressure as well as private greed, and on whether we are truly men and women of integrity who never run out of the principles in which we believe and for whom neither financial gain nor political ambition could ever divert from the fulfillment of our sacred trust. President Donald Trump, indifferent and disdainful of this sacred trust, conspired to extract personal benefit from his office. He dishonored his oath. I refuse to abandon mine.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of the William ``Bill'' Ryan, a veteran and public servant of thirty- six years. Born in Brighton, Massachusetts in 1938, Bill graduated from Brighton High School and Quincy College. After graduating, Bill began his long career with the United States Postal Service in 1956. During this time, he served as both letter carrier and as an Army National Guard Reservist working as a heavy equipment operator. Continuing his career with the U.S. Postal Service, he would eventually be named U.S. Post Master in 1981. Bill served multiple communities in his role as Post Master including; Bedford, Waltham and Abington, where he would retire in 1992. Bill was a dedicated family man and a devout follower of the Catholic faith. After his retirement, Bill most enjoyed spending time with his family and rooting for his beloved Boston Red Sox. Surrounded by family, Bill passed away on November 30, 2019, at the age of eighty-one. His dedication to serving both his country and his community will long be remembered by his growing family and all those who had the great privilege of knowing Bill. In addition to his wife Mary Sue, Bill is survived by his six children Billy, John, Patrick, James, Mary Sue, and Peggy, his twelve grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of the William ``Bill'' Ryan. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his commitment to his local community and the people of Massachusetts.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, due to flight delays, I was unable to participate during Monday vote series, which included two critical pieces of legislation addressing opioid prevention, detection, and resilience. With my extensive background addressing the opioid epidemic and as a member of the House Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse, I believe H.R. 4761 and H.R. 4739 contain crucial mechanisms to further support the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's effort in analyzing synthetic opioids in a safe, effective, and efficient manner. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 656, and YEA on Roll Call No. 655

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 182, to reauthorize the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission. Madam Speaker, I thank the chair from the Committee on Natural Resources for yielding, and I thank both of my colleagues from California for supporting this bill. The Cape Cod National Seashore was created by President Kennedy in 1961. His vision was to preserve the unique landscape of the outer cape for recreation and enjoyment for all Americans forever. Today, more than 4 million people, both Americans and those from around the world, travel to Cape Cod every year to experience the natural beauty and recreation that the Cape Cod National Seashore provides. However, when the Cape Cod National Seashore was proposed, it presented challenges to residents of Cape Cod unique to locating a national park on a peninsula with a limited area and with very small communities within that area. In many of the communities in the outer cape, the national seashore was designed to occupy as much as 80 percent of the available land, effectively foreclosing other economic development options after the park was established. While the promise of President Kennedy's vision for the outer cape was realized, with the national seashore drawing millions of people from around the world to the cape, the importance of the advisory commission to the national seashore and its host communities is still important today, as important as it was almost 60 years ago. The advisory commission was at the heart of President Kennedy's vision for the national seashore, as he recognized that the host communities would need a voice in the national seashore affairs after the park was formed. To this end, it was important that the host communities retained a formal structure to advise seashore leadership and the Park Service about how actions taken within the park would affect them and their communities. The reasons for the powers granted to the advisory commission in its enabling legislation are just as persuasive today as they were in 1961. Since what happens on the seashore directly affects the lives of thousands of my constituents in the host communities, those decisions should be made with the input of those communities. Some have suggested that the authority regarding the commercial activity granted to the National Seashore Advisory Commission in its enabling legislation is no longer necessary. This is simply not the case. Suggestions that the value of having regulatory unity among the national parklands and the various advisory commissions are unpersuasive when one considers the unique nature of Cape Cod. That such a bureaucratic consideration could possibly outweigh the important benefits that the National Seashore Advisory Commission provides to my constituents is just laughable. Today, just as in the 1960s, the unique nature of the outer cape presents the same challenges to those who live there with respect to the national seashore. The most effective way to address the concerns of the outer cape community is to ensure that a functioning advisory commission is sitting and can continue to play its important role in the community. Long ago, President Kennedy envisioned what responsible self- governance looks like on the outer cape, a balance between the seashore, the towns, and a place where all parties could come together, again, in the spirit of sustaining the community as a whole. That is the vision of the advisory commission. Over the past few years, the outer cape region has faced some of its toughest challenges. With climate change, coastal erosion, ocean acidification, and new concerns about sharks in the waters off Cape Cod, Cape Codders are grappling with some of the most difficult issues that the communities have seen in years. Under these circumstances, the commission's absence is felt every day. Madam Speaker, that is why I ask my colleagues to support this straightforward piece of legislation, a bill that has been passed by this House in the last Congress that will reactivate an effective tool that has provided an important role for the Cape Cod community, my community, for nearly 60 years.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the retirement of Mr. Wayne Oliveira, a veteran of the Fairhaven Fire Department with forty-two years of service. In 1977 Wayne Oliveira started his career as a call firefighter. Years later, Wayne would be appointed a full-time firefighter and EMT by Fire Chief Donald Bernard. Shortly after his appointment, Wayne began taking on numerous responsibilities. Wayne was elected secretary of the firefighter's union, a position he would hold for the next twenty years. He became a Public Fire Educator in 1989, prioritizing informing children and seniors about the importance of fire safety. Developing the SAFE program, Wayne taught classes in child car seat installation as well as CPR. Continuing his outreach efforts. Wayne organized Public Safety Open Houses for the public long before prevention programs became standard practice. Wayne was named Standard Times Man of the Year in 2012 for his wide array of volunteer work. From cleaning the traffic island outside of the local high school to fundraising for a new memorial sign which he personally maintains. Wayne sets an incredible example of selflessness in the work he takes on. He has engaged with the town at large as Co- Chairman of Fairhaven Outdoor Movie Night, Captain of Artillery for the Fairhaven Village Militia, as well as Chairman of the Bicentennial and Beautification Committees. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the retirement of Wayne Oliveira and offer my gratitude for his years of service and care for the town Fairhaven. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing him for his retirement and wishing him nothing but the best in the years to come

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Donald A. Cox of West Barnstable as he steps down from the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Cape Cod Military Support Foundation. A former executive of Sheraton Hotels, Don has not slowed down in his retirement but has been fueled by his passion for serving veterans and active military personnel and their families. This commitment led him to establish the Cape Cod Military Support Foundation in 2014. In his work, Don has recognized that children of deployed military personnel often feel their absence most dearly during the holidays and at other milestone moments. Therefore, he started Operation Backpack, to supply military children with back-to-school supplies, a holiday gift-giving program, and other holiday-themed events. In addition, the Foundation offers emergency and food assistance to military families, as well as nursery supplies for babies and toddlers. The families of Joint Base Cape Cod benefit from these programs through the Family Empowerment Center located on the base, Don's labor of love that opened in 2018. His work through the foundation was especially vital to Coast Guard families during the recent government shutdown. In 20l7, Don was recognized as a Difference Maker of the Year by the New England Patriots. He has been honored by the United States Coast Guard, the Massachusetts National Guard, and the American Red Cross for his work on behalf of military families. As he steps down from his role as Executive Director of the Cape Cod Military Support Foundation, the legacy of his work will continue as it extends to serve military families across Massachusetts and indeed the nation. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Donald A. Cox for his dedication to serving our military and veterans' families. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking him for all of his incredible work and wishing him all the best as he continues to support our service members and their families.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the career and advocacy of Stephen Marcus as he is named 2019 Man of the Year by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. At a young age Stephen was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Years later, he would also be diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Rather than live quietly with these invisible diseases, Stephen chose to advocate for those who share his diagnosis. In 2010, Stephen, along with his son Jake, formed Team Intestinal Fortitude. Since its inception, Team Intestinal Fortitude has raised more than 1.2 million dollars for those who suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases. Later in 2012, Stephen became President of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's New England Chapter. While President he spearheaded the campaign to pass Massachusetts' Restroom Access Act. This law requires public establishments to grant a customer with eligible medical conditions access to the facilities on premise regardless of store policy. This important legislation helped raise awareness and give dignity to those who suffer from IBD. More recently, he has become head of the chapter's advocacy committee, where he is committed to working to combat unnecessary and reductive barriers between patients and their insurance companies. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the necessary work of Stephen Marcus and offer my sincere gratitude for his dedication to improving the lives of those suffering from IBD. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking him for his service and wishing him all the best in the years to come.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the life of Lionel ``Lee'' Godbout, an active member of the Weymouth, Massachusetts community, consummate volunteer in local and state politics, and dedicated friend to all who knew him. Lee's passion for service began after high school, when he joined the Navy. It was there, while stationed in Newport, Rhode Island, that Lee met his future wife Kathy. A proud union carpenter by trade, Lee worked tirelessly to support Iris family for many years before retiring in 2002. After retirement, Lee continued to serve his community by volunteering with the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Margaret's Hospital and at Murphy Primary School where he helped children practice their reading. Lee would continue to work tirelessly to promote progressive values for the rest of his life. Utilizing his carpentry skills, Lee created signs for numerous campaigns and advocated for causes close to his heart. His work with MassEquality helped Massachusetts become the first state in the nation to see marriage equality folly implemented. Those who knew Lee knew him as a good man, full of kindness and the desire to help others. His memory and spirit will live on through his loving wife Kathleen, his three sons Kevin, Keith, and Wayne, and his grandsons Ryan and Rylan. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Lee Godbout. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his many years of dedication and service to his community.