Derek Kilmer

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Tsongas).

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Chair, I have no other speakers, so I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today in supporting equality and dignity for every American regardless of whom one loves. Very soon, the Supreme Court will make an historic decision about the rights of LGBT couples and families, and it is my hope they will respect that each of us deserves as an American citizen the ability to have a family and to love whom one loves. The economic downturn illustrated how important it is for all families to access the protections of civil marriage so they can live with more certainty and dignity even in challenging times. No matter what the Court decides, we will keep pushing so people in loving, committed relationships throughout this Nation can say two simple words with extraordinary meaning: ``I do.'' We will keep fighting to ensure that people don't face discrimination based on whom they love. Let me close with the words of President Kennedy, who said: ``In giving rights to others which belong to them, we give rights to ourselves and to our country.''

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Chairman, I want to begin by thanking the subcommittee chairman, my friend from California, and the ranking member, my friend from Minnesota, for the hard work that they have put into today's bill. As a new member of the committee, I have gotten to see firsthand the enormous amount of work that went into the product that we have before us today, and it is, frankly, a testament to the hard work of the Appropriations Committee staff that we have been able to get to this point. I want to begin by expressing support for a number of really important provisions in the bill that I think are critical points of progress. In a very tough budget environment, this bill boosts funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service, increasing the Federal commitment to addressing the needs of Indian Country. Coming from timber country, I can say that there is also a very strong effort here to ensure that the Forest Service can responsibly increase harvest levels on our national forests, as well as supporting new tools, such as collaboratives, that have the potential to bring folks together in a way that reduces the litigation risk surrounding these projects. Of course, I would love for us to be able include in this bill Mr. Simpson's legislation addressing wildfire disaster funding. I have heard from so many people in my neck of the woods just how important it is that we get this taken care of it. The bill also provides essential resources to support recovery efforts in the Puget Sound. As both the chairman and ranking member of the subcommittee know, this is big deal, both for our natural environment and for our economy; and I will continue working with them to make sure we are dedicating the needed resources for this critical effort. Unfortunately, I will have to oppose the bill before us today. This bill comes in at $2 billion below the President's budget request. It would cut funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It fails to make needed investments in the National Park System and takes a meat axe to the Environmental Protection Agency and the programs that protect clean water. Mr. Chairman, to conclude, let me just say we need to come together in a bipartisan way to end sequestration, to remove these budget caps, and to work on bipartisan bills that make the investments our Nation needs to boost economic development and protect our natural resources for future generations. I hope we do that, and I am eager to be a partner in doing that.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Elson Floyd, the president of Washington State University, who passed away this past weekend. Let me start with a little bit of background. Every member of my family went to the University of Washington, so I was actually raised to root for the UW Huskies and to root against the Washington State University Cougars. Now, before Dr. Floyd passed, I admitted to him that, having worked with him over the years and having admired his leadership, I suddenly found myself rooting for Washington State University, too. You will be glad to know that eventually my family started talking to me again. I was proud to call Elson Floyd a friend and a partner. He led the university during incredibly difficult times in our economy, and he never hesitated to make tough decisions that he believed would be best for his university and best for his students. That even included cutting his own salary during the Great Recession. He fought for opportunities for his students, and in fact, the number of students of color at WSU doubled during his tenure. I think it is worth pointing out, he wasn't just a leader for Washington State University, he was a leader and a visionary for all of higher education in Washington State. It wasn't just about what was good for Washington State University, it was what was good for higher education. How do we make sure we have an ethic where we are advocating for more people to have more opportunities to get more education to higher levels? He understood that. He understood that because he understood that education is the door of economic opportunity because he had lived it himself. He did all he could to ensure that opportunity was felt, not just in Pullman, Washington, and not just at the University of Washington in Seattle, but all throughout our State. We saw in my neck of the woods at Olympic College in Bremerton where, because of Dr. Floyd's leadership, WSU set up a 4-year program in engineering. That sounds kind of wonky, but here is the reality of it. What he did changed lives. It meant that young people in Bremerton could see the opportunity to actually learn at home, study for 4 years, get a degree in engineering, and then go work in private industry or go work at our shipyard. There are now young people who have opportunities that they would have never had before if it hadn't been for Elson Floyd's leadership. What he did changed lives. He was such a good man. He was ethical, and he was wise, and he had that extraordinary combination of big heart and big brain and courage. His life has been celebrated in the days since he passed, and I just want to be one of the people to celebrate him. I am going to miss him, and I want to extend to the entire WSU community my condolences. Most importantly, I want his family to know that we lost a very special person and that our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, Tom Brokaw once said: It's easy to make a buck. It's much harder to make a difference. Today I rise to honor someone who made a difference as a schoolteacher for 50 years. He began his career a half century ago at Roosevelt Junior High School in Port Angeles, Washington, where he taught seventh grade homeroom and coached football. I have met so many people who had him as a teacher; I think he may have taught my entire hometown. But the common themes from his former students that I have met have been these: He was a great teacher. He cared about me as a student. He didn't just teach me English and geography; he taught me to be a better student and a better person. Earlier this week, he finished out his career at the Chrysalis School in Woodinville, Washington, and yesterday he had his first well- deserved day of retirement. Mr. Speaker, the teacher that I rise to honor today is named J.C. Kilmer, and he is my dad. Mark Twain remarked that the two most important days in a person's life are the day he is born and the day he figures out why. My father was born to teach. And like so many fantastic educators, he has affected so many lives in so many ways. So today I hope you will join me in thanking a teacher. I want to congratulate him for being a great educator, a difference maker, and a terrific dad. Happy retirement, Dad.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the end of Capitol Hill Ocean Week. In my region, the Pacific Ocean was and is central to Native American communities. It also gave rise to a proud maritime tradition along our coast. Entire industries sprang up and, for generations, folks have made a good living as fishermen, boat builders, dock workers, and servicemembers. The Pacific is a place teaming with a diverse life that we ought to protect for future generations. If we want to protect our natural resources for our children, it is time to cherish our past and protect our future. With that in mind, I will soon introduce the Maritime National Heritage Act. This legislation would designate the first and only heritage area in the country focused on maritime heritage. It would give Washington State greater access to resources to protect lighthouses, vessels, and other landmarks that contribute to the history and who we are in Washington State. This bill is a good way to remind folks what our oceans mean to us and why they are so vital.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important milestone in maritime history. On June 5, 1920, the landmark Merchant Marine Act became law, establishing the importance of maintaining a strong domestic maritime fleet. That law, known as the Jones Act, was the anchor that allowed the United States to launch a highly trained and skilled group of mariners who can serve to protect our nation in times of national emergency. It supports our shipyard industrial base and preserves our capacity to defend our homeland, patrol the seas, and promote American jobs. Ninety-five years later, it's clear that the Jones Act has stood the test of time. General Paul J. Selva, the Commander of U.S. Transportation Command, recently said, ``I can stand before any group as a military leader and say without the contribution that the Jones Act brings to the support of our industry there is a direct threat to national defense, and I will not be bashful about saying it and I will not be silent.'' I couldn't agree more. General Selva doesn't stand alone in defending the Jones Act from its critics. In fact, Congress passed one of the strongest statements of support for the Jones Act last year as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, recognizing that it promotes ``a strong domestic trade maritime industry, which supports the national security and economic vitality of the United States and the efficient operation of the United States transportation system.'' Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues to maintain the Jones Act for a new century, fight for our domestic maritime industry, and make sure that high quality, American-made vessels are being piloted by American mariners.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Bishop Curtis Montgomery of Tacoma, Washington. He was a key leader who shepherded Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood through civil rights struggles and troubled times. His steadfast leadership and staunch belief in the power of community involvement will be remembered in the revitalization of this historically significant neighborhood. His contributions to the Hilltop include the establishment of Christ Temple Church, which later became Greater Christ Temple Church, and the Oasis of Hope Center, a faith-based community outreach center that was the culmination of Bishop Montgomery's longstanding vision to provide a safe and stable place for the community. Scripture tells us that God loves a cheerful giver, and it is safe to say that God loves Curtis Montgomery and his parishioners, who have given so much to so many. On behalf of his congregation and the people of the Hilltop neighborhood in Tacoma, Washington, I honor the lifetime achievements of Bishop Curtis Montgomery of Greater Christ Temple Church in the Congress of the United States.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Bishop Curtis Montgomery of Tacoma, WA. Curtis epitomized the role that long-standing faith leaders play in their community. He was a tireless advocate for the members of his congregation and the greater Tacoma community. Bishop Montgomery was a key leader who shepherded Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood through the civil rights struggles of the 1960s and the gang and drug violence of the 1980s. His steadfast leadership and staunch belief in the power of community involvement will be remembered in the revitalization of this historically significant neighborhood. His contributions to the Hilltop include the establishment of Christ Temple Church in 1959, which later became Greater Christ Temple Church in 1977. Under his leadership, Greater Christ Temple Church has become much more than a place for worship. Parishioners are community leaders, volunteers, and advocates for the work that Curtis has espoused his entire life. One of his most esteemed accomplishments was the realization of the Oasis of Hope Center. This faith-based community outreach center was the culmination of Bishop Montgomery's efforts and long-standing vision to provide a safe and stable place for the community to serve their neighbors. Opened in 2004, the Oasis of Hope Center has operated feeding programs, a clothing bank, counseling services, youth programs, and donation drives. Mr. Speaker, last year there were over 500 Hilltop community members served at the Center's annual Share the Harvest Thanksgiving Meal. I have been told there were more volunteers than they could possibly need for that dinner. This simple fact is just one piece of evidence representing his legacy and his vision. Scripture tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. It's safe to say God loves Curtis Montgomery and his parishioners--who have given so much, to so many, for so long. Bishop Curtis Montgomery was born in Selma, AL, which was central in the civil rights struggles of the 1950s and 1960s. He was raised to stamp out discrimination and racism. He built his church and developed a powerful message of tolerance and peace. Bishop Montgomery served his community in the steps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who he admired and followed from an early age. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of visiting Selma on the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday and had the privilege to join leaders like Rep. John Lewis in commemoration of the struggle for equal rights. I am proud to have walked in the hometown of Bishop Curtis Montgomery with the knowledge that his contribution to a safer and more equitable society would not be forgotten--that his legacy was etched with his brothers and sisters in Selma, 50 years later. On behalf of his congregation and the people of the Hilltop Neighborhood in Tacoma, WA, I stand today, proudly, to honor the lifetime achievements of Bishop Curtis Montgomery of Greater Christ Temple Church in the Congress of the United States.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the good gentleman from Colorado for yielding. Mr. Speaker, prior to coming to Congress, I worked at the Economic Development Board for Tacoma, and in my office, I had a sign that said: ``We are competing with everyone, everywhere, every day, forever.'' That sentiment was echoed in a report by the National Academies last decade called, ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm,'' which was the main influence behind the bipartisan America COMPETES Act. The report provided us with a pathway on how to increase American competitiveness so that we don't fall behind our global competitors. Its finding were stark. The report told us that, if we are going to compete as a nation, if we want innovation to happen here in America, if we want jobs to be created here in America, we need to make significant investments in basic research and double the funding dedicated toward research and development. That is from that report. That is not what we are doing here today. In fact, funding for basic research in the bill that we are currently debating fails to keep up with the rate of inflation. It fails to live up to the standards set forth in that bipartisan report. When this bill was first considered in the Science, Space, and Technology Committee last Congress, a group of my fellow members of the New Democratic Coalition developed a set of principles we thought should guide a reauthorization of America COMPETES legislation. These principles included increasing funding for basic research, stabilizing funding for research and development, and supporting policies that spark innovation. We were disappointed when the FIRST Act strayed away from these policies and are disappointed this America COMPETES legislation fails to make investments needed for America to remain competitive in the 21st century. The amendment I introduced, along with my colleagues, does not call for doubling the funding for research and development in the underlying bill or put funding on pace with what was outlined in ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm.'' The amendment we put forward was a compromise. Unfortunately, this amendment was made out of order and not brought to the floor for consideration. Mr. Speaker, if we fail to make critical investments in research and innovation, America will fall behind. Let's take up a bill that lives up to the spirit of bipartisanship and the goals laid out in ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm.'' Let's compete everywhere, every day, forever.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment. While I respect the sponsor's intent on reducing spending, shrinking our carrier fleet is not the way to do it. Our fleet of aircraft carriers is the envy of the world because of the power and capability that they bring to bear. A fleet of 11 carriers allows the United States to be a powerful force of stability around the globe, that keeps sea lanes open and protects our merchant fleet against hostile governments and piracy. They allow our troops to respond quickly to natural disasters and humanitarian crises all over the world. Reducing the number of aircraft carriers would have bad consequences. It would reduce our ability to protect ourselves and our interests abroad. It would have a dramatic impact on the morale of men and women who serve on them as longer deployments place an unfair burden on these sailors; and it would result in longer and more expensive maintenance to be conducted, reducing the time the vessels are able to react when needed. For these reasons and others, I must urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Sure. Well, one, I thank you, Mr. Swalwell, for your leadership in the Future Forum and your focus on these veterans issues. I actually represent more veterans than any Democrat in the United States Congress. Actually, I think my region is a whole lot stronger as a result of that because we have men and women who have served our country who choose to make the Olympic Peninsula or the Tacoma area their home.

Mr. KILMER. I don't know the exact number, but we have got a slew of them. Between Naval Base Kitsap and our joint base, people serve in our area, and it is a glorious place to live. So after their service, they choose to make it their home. Frankly, my background was working in economic development. When you talk to employers in our region, by and large they get it that the veterans bring a lot to the table, that they bring a skill set, a unique skill set from their prior experience, they bring a work ethic, they bring a sense of patriotism, and so our workforce is a stronger workforce because of the service of those men and women who want to attach into the civilian workforce. Certainly, there are some challenges in that regard. That means we ought to be focused on that. For example, embracing programs like Helmets to Hardhats, which you heard the reference earlier to trying to deploy our veterans to build up America's infrastructure. It means ensuring that our veterans don't face discrimination when they pursue employment. In fact, in my State we added military and veteran status to our State's nondiscrimination statute to ensure that when someone was seeking employment that their military status wasn't used against them either for the reasons that Mr. Moulton suggested around concerns about PTSD or something like that, but also our Guard members and Reservists who, when we had hearings on that legislation at the State level, we were told, Well, I am concerned about hiring you because what happens if you get called up again? That is not right. People who choose to serve our country, people who fight for our country overseas shouldn't have to fight for a job when they come home. I think that should be a focus of this Congress as well. It also means applauding those firms large and small who make it a priority to hire our veterans. We have plenty in my neck of the woods that have really made a strong effort to hire veterans. Legislatively there are also things that we could and should do to make sure that those who have served overseas and who have served in the military, period, are able to translate the experiences and the skills they have learned into a civilian job.

Mr. KILMER. Absolutely. A few years back when I served in the State legislature, I visited Clover Park Technical College, which is in the 10th District of Washington, Denny Heck's district. When I was in the legislature, I visited that college, and I was meeting with a group of students. One said, ``I was a battlefield medic, and I wanted to enter the nursing program. My prior experience didn't count towards the pursuit of that college credential.'' So we actually changed our State law requiring our State colleges and universities to acknowledge that prior military experience, whether that be in the medical profession or you talk to folks who drove a truck as part of the logistics efforts through the battlefields of Afghanistan and want to get a commercial driver's license. We also passed a law that directs our State Department of Licensing to acknowledge that prior military experience and have it count towards some of their requirements for pursuing either a college degree or a professional license or certification. That is something that I think we really have to rededicate ourselves to, to ensure, again, that that transition is a smooth one. I did want to share with you that some veterans in our area are doing some pretty cool stuff. I was at the University of Washington-Tacoma. They stood up a veterans incubator for veterans who are looking to start a business. One of the businesses that was started was from a young veteran, a guy named Steve Buchanan from my district. And I actually invited him to the State of the Union because Steve had a cool idea for a company, and he made it happen. He worked with his CFO, who is also a veteran, Chris Shepherd. They hit upon a simple way to connect veterans with flexible jobs. Their idea was to create an online marketplace for veterans who had skills on one side of the equation to people who had something that needed to get done, sort of an online marketplace for anything from remodeling their landscaping to IT work. Anyone can visit their Web site, and you can plug in your task of what you are looking to get done, and you can find a veteran with those skills and a desire to work. It is a great way to give veterans a chance to get some flexible work directly from folks who need their help, and it is a great platform from the community to show their support for our Nation's heroes.

Mr. KILMER. Sure. I think it is always good to look at that, whether that be through our SBA programs and the availability of access to capital. One of the things that we are looking at doing is focused on businesses who hire our veterans; already through things like our procurement process, there are some advantages for veteran-owned businesses, but one of the things we are looking at is could you create an incentive for those who hire a whole lot of veterans so that they have some incentive to do that hiring as well.

Mr. KILMER. We are lucky to have them. Thanks so much.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th Anniversary of the Pierce County Labor Council and the celebration of labor standing in solidarity and fighting for workers' rights throughout our region. The men and women who make up our labor force serve as the backbone of our communities. They are our folks at the port who handle the goods and products that keep Washington state's economy moving and make us a strong national and global trade partner; they are the men and women who make the best airplanes in the world; they are our government employees who help manage our cities, keep our service members safe, provide social services, and deliver our mail; they are the educators who prepare our kids for success in school and in life; they are our grocery store workers who make sure we have fresh food every day and in times of emergency; they are the folks who deliver goods to our homes and businesses; they are the fire fighters and police officers who keep our communities safe; and they are the people in the trades who build the roads and bridges and buildings that strengthen our economy. For 125 years, the Pierce County Labor Council has fought to protect the rights of our labor force. They are on the frontlines fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions and quality health care benefits. And they are pushing to make sure our current and future retirees can spend their senior years in dignity, by receiving their hard-earned benefits. Mr. Speaker, leaders like Patty Rose and Vance Lelli have made labor a force in the South Sound region and throughout the state of Washington. In Pierce County, the Council has grown from eight labor groups to 90 affiliates representing 37,000 hard working families. I am proud to recognize the 125th Anniversary of the Pierce County Central Labor Council here today and am honored to represent the hard working men and women throughout our region who will continue to fight for a strong workforce.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring to the House's attention the recognition of World Hemophilia Day, which occurred on April 17. Hemophilia is a rare disorder in which an individual's blood does not have enough clotting factor, causing them to potentially bleed longer than someone not affected by the disorder. As I have heard from my constituents, the health problems endured by those living with hemophilia can be debilitating. These problems can lead to seizures, paralysis and in some cases death. Sadly, there is no known cure for the disorder but treatment options can reduce symptoms and save lives. In recognition of World Hemophilia Day, I ask that we remain aware of the burden of blood disorders and their impact on American citizens. In addition, on this day we should commit ourselves both to ensuring our country has the best treatment options available and also to working for a cure.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Olympic College for being named a top 10 finalist for the Aspen Institute Prize for Community College Excellence. Olympic College has earned a reputation as a place that opens doors to opportunity. Whether creating opportunities for future healthcare practitioners, leading a world-class apprenticeship program with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, or the multitude of other great programs it provides, OC prepares folks for success in school and in life. This recognition from the Aspen Institute is a testament to OC's president, David Mitchell; to the college's talented faculty and staff; and, importantly, to the students. It is also evidence of the incredible partnerships OC has developed with local employers, with 4- year universities, and with the community. The record of success is astonishing. Get this: OC has the highest graduation rate of any community college in the State of Washington as 90 percent of students who enter a trades program at OC complete it, and 100 percent are placed in jobs. I am proud to represent some amazing community colleges, including OC, that have been proven successful in getting people ready to take that next step, whether that is starting a 4-year degree or finding a quality job. I extend to them my congratulations.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. It is certainly a huge concern. In nearly every town hall meeting I have, concerns around student loan debt and access to affordable, quality education come up. But even outside of parents, there are folks in my community who have, unfortunately, lost their jobs and want to go back to school. I was at Olympic College in my district in Bremerton, Washington, and their foundation had a luncheon that was to support students and their ability to pay for college. We heard from one of the students who was a more mature student who had started her college career either sleeping in her car or sleeping in the student center. And that, for too many people, is a reality these days. We need to make sure that education is affordable, that education is quality, and that the key that financial aid represents to that door of opportunity is available for everybody.

Mr. KILMER. Thank you.

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I grew up in a small town in Washington State that I now have the opportunity and the honor of representing. My folks were schoolteachers. My father, actually, this year, is in his 50th year as a teacher in the classroom. The reality is I couldn't have gone to college if it hadn't been for the support of my community and the assistance of financial aid. I got grants and I got loans that made the dream of college a reality, and I had a community that had my back, that literally passed the hat by providing me with scholarships to help me fulfill my own dreams of a college education. I believe that education is the door to opportunity, and for a lot of families, including mine, financial aid is the key to that door; but the reality is, for too many families today, that door is locked. We have got work to do. In 2013, Democrats and Republicans came together to pass legislation to protect student borrowers so that they can obtain low interest rates, but our work isn't done. We need to continue to have a commitment to quality and affordable education. That is why I am proud to be a cosponsor of a bill that would allow those with outstanding student loan debt to be able to refinance at the same low rate as new borrowers. Two and a half centuries ago, Benjamin Franklin wrote: ``An investment in knowledge pays the greatest interest.'' I think that was true when he wrote it, and I think it remains true today. We know this. Not every student is going to go to college, but we know that college is a door-opener. We know that. And we know that America's competitiveness depends on our ability to have a good, skilled, qualified workforce, to have quality educational opportunities for our workforce. We know that as educational attainment rises, so do wages and so do employment levels. We know that it is wiser to invest in education on the front end than it is to pay for prisons and unemployment on the back end; and that, to a large degree, is a decision that we make as a country and as a society. But that only works if we provide opportunities for students, if we ensure that they don't drown in debt. In our Nation, student loan debt now surpasses credit card debt. We need to make sure that when young people graduate college, they have an opportunity to join the workforce, to start a business, or to teach the next generation, not simply to be bogged down with debt. One of the coolest parts of this job is the opportunity to get to meet with young people, to get to meet with college students and high school students, people who have a long way ahead of them. And I think about what I want for those students. I think about what I want for my own kids. I want them to be able to look at the future not with fear of debt and fear of astronomical financial obligations but with hope for their future. I know that the college education that I was afforded and the financial aid that I received that paid for that college opportunity enabled me to live a lifetime that was filled with hope. So we have got work to do. And I, for one, am committed to working with the good gentleman from California and others in this Congress--hopefully from both sides of the aisle--to address this opportunity and make sure that all young people and, frankly, all who want to pursue educational opportunity see that door open to them.

Mr. KILMER. I appreciate the question. It is the main concern that we hear. I was in a high school classroom just last month and heard concerns from students who said: I want to go to college. I want to pursue that opportunity, but I am fearful that I won't be able to afford it. We have seen in my State and in States all throughout this country that as States faced difficult budget times, two things happened. One, State support for our educational institutions got cut, and tuition rose. Oftentimes, financial aid--either from the institutions or from other sources--didn't keep up with those increases in tuition. So young people are concerned about that. They recognize that further education is going to be really important for their chances of getting a good job. Again, not every job requires higher education, but as we look at those fastest-growing jobs in our economy, more and more of those jobs require at least some postsecondary education.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, 105 years ago, in a small town in Germany, Bertel Van Eek was born. Her 105 years on this Earth have been a testament to the greatness of the United States. She has seen so much. Living in Holland during World War II, she saw the capability and bravery of our military and its members. She personally lived our Nation's immigrant story, coming to America after the war with $20 and the clothes on her back and eventually becoming an American citizen. As someone whose spouse died 34 years ago, she has been able to live with dignity because of two of the greatest public policies in the history of this country, Medicare and Social Security. She has seen the power of the American education system, watching her daughter and son-in-law become teachers and seeing three grandsons, who love her very much, also pursue educational opportunities so they could follow their dreams. Mr. Speaker, she even saw her youngest grandson get the honor of serving his community in Congress. Mr. Speaker, let me close by saying to Bertel Van Eek, my grandma, happy 105th birthday, Oma. We love you very much.